Mahurangi Matters_Issue 487_2 September 2024

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Pest-free groups face funding collapse

Local conservation groups and pest-free projects are at risk of severe cutbacks and even closure as a result of council funding cuts.

Auckland Council’s Community Coordination & Facilitation (CCF) grant provides funding for part-time coordinators to deliver community-led conservation projects such as predator trapping and stream restoration.

However, of the 16 Rodney groups applying for funding this year, nine received only a fraction of what they had requested and five received nothing at all – something that has come as a huge blow to the conservation community.

Umbrella support group Restore Rodney East (RRE), itself a victim of a 25 per cent grant shortfall, said as well as the CCF funding pool being reduced by well

over $70,000, the number of applications had risen substantially, as the number of community groups and projects grew.

Chair Tim Armitage told last month’s Rodney Local Board’s meeting that of the almost $611,000 applied for in the region, just over $266,200 was awarded.

“The issue is the number of groups with zero funding – there are five of those that

include Pest Free Warkworth, Pest Free Leigh, Puhoi Landcare and others,” he said.

“CCF is the sole funding source for a lot of groups, because while RRE can make support applications for groups that want materials or costs towards projects, the number of organisations that will actually fund people is very, very small, and they’re all getting hammered at the moment.”

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He added that the situation would only get worse next year, when the government’s Jobs for Nature funding ceased.

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Budget cuts put pest-free groups at risk Conservation funding A NATIONAL ISSUE

“Several groups will have to lay off their part-time paid coordinators, others will scale back their scope and personnel. Some will maintain minimum activity with volunteers only, others will not launch or will shut down.”

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Armitage pointed out that a lot of the work done by the coordinators, such as pest trapping data monitoring and liaising with landowners, was done for or on behalf of council itself.

“There are going to be a number of these groups that are winding down, taking their foot off the gas or generally not being able to maintain a lot of this work. There’s quite a big gap when these coordinators are not present.”

There was a real risk that good work could be undone, such as the return of pests and predators, if groups could not afford to keep going.

“This is not a conversation about blaming council,” Armitage added, acknowledging the local board’s ongoing generosity to such groups. “We just want to highlight the scale of the cutbacks that are occurring as we speak, or are about to occur, and what that means to RRE’s members and Rodney.”

Deputy chair Louise Johnston suggested RRE made a similar deputation to council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee.

“We can advocate on your behalf, but it would be good for them to hear from you,” she said.

Colin Smith suggested a specific targeted rate could help, while Ivan Wagstaff pointed out that Rodney was due for a fiscal boost from council’s fairer funding policy in the new Long-term Plan. Michelle Carmichael wondered if cost efficiencies could be achieved by role-sharing between groups.

Armitage said afterwards the board had exceeded his expectations in terms of the constructive suggestions made.

“However, we do face the wider problem of overwhelmed funding agencies and a deteriorating outlook for funding access, all of which will be challenging problems to navigate and solve,” he said.

Community conservation funding is a national issue and “a ticking time bomb”, according to independent charitable trust Predator Free NZ. The group says government agencies are overwhelmed and underfunded and cannot handle protecting the environment alone.

“Thousands of community conservation groups and volunteers fill the gaps – but are plagued by a lack of money and support,” a spokesperson says.

“Relying on volunteers’ grit and goodwill alone isn’t sustainable. The current funding and support systems for community conservation groups don’t work. It’s a ticking time bomb unless we start investing in and supporting them properly.”

The trust recently published a new report by Dr Marie Doole on the current conservation funding landscape. ‘Empowering Action: Improving funding and support for community conservation in Aotearoa’ reveals a critical need for more sustainable funding to support the growing number of environmental efforts.

It says that while the community conservation landscape is diverse, growing and committed, it is being impacted by a funding and support crisis and, as a result, faces an uncertain future.

“Improvements to the funding system are crucial. But at the end of the day, funds are outstripped by demand.”

The report recommends a number of key measures to improve matters, including:

• Better cooperation between agencies, landowners and groups

• More efficient funding models tailored to sector needs

• Measuring outcomes and “telling the story” of what community conservation is achieving

• Increasing the amount and range of resources available to fund and support community-based conservation work, from traditional funding to novel sources

Info: https://predatorfreenz.org/research/show-me-the-money-a-closerlook-at-community-conservation/

Board members push boundaries in representation review saga

Proposals to change the Rodney Local Board boundaries to create two new rural subdivisions came close to being rejected by members last week as a result of community feedback.

During a convoluted two-hour meeting, Warkworth member Ivan Wagstaff urged the board to acknowledge the 76 per cent of respondents who said they did not support Auckland Council’s proposal – already approved by board members – to add two new rural subdivisions.

Wagstaff had lobbied aggressively on social media against the proposed changes, which would result in the same number of elected members for North Rodney, but instead of one for Wellsford and three for Warkworth, would mean two for a new North Rural subdivision and two for Warkworth.

Council’s principal governance advisor, Warwick McNaughton, said there were more than 2000 submissions, with objections coming from two areas – Kaukapakapa, which did not want to be included in North Rural, and Warkworth, which he said was to be expected, due to a perceived loss of representation.

However, he said the proposed changes were more about spreading representation fairly throughout the district.

“I picked up a sense that people feel that the more representatives they have in their subdivision, the more likely they are to get stuff done – that concerned me a little bit,” he said. “Subdivisions are to do with spreading representation out. Competition between members – that shouldn’t be there. You all make a declaration to act in the best interests of the whole of Rodney.”

He also said the main reason for the changes, as well as providing better representation for rural residents, was to correct a statutory anomaly that needed fixing. The Local Electoral Act requires that the population each board member represents must not vary from the average across the whole of Auckland by more than 10 per cent.

However, Wellsford currently has a variance of nearly 23 per cent – something the new boundaries would correct.

Wagstaff claimed the premise that rural people were currently under-represented was incorrect and the process was a waste of money, adding that the opposition feedback spoke volumes.

“We have not had a clear message from our communities of the desire to change,” he said. “It will divide communities of interest and cause unnatural splits. What right do we have to tell our communities what they need?”

He also maintained that it was unfair that a proposal put forward by “a small group of people” – Northern Action Group, Rodney Community Voices and the Landowners and Contractors Association – had been accepted by council staff and supported by the board. He said there were far more groups than just rural residents that were under-represented, such as youth and iwi.

“It’s a lack of natural justice when other community groups were not submitting – they were effectively excluded,” he said. “We didn’t give people the opportunity to put forward their views.”

However, another Warkworth member, Michelle Carmichael, voiced concerns over the message Wagstaff had put across during the consultation period.

“As members, we should be unbiased when we are putting stuff on social media and asking people to give feedback,” she said. “I’ve got a big concern over the tone that was used in some of your posts, Ivan, and I think you scared people into misunderstanding the role of the board, misunderstanding the context of this whole process.”

She added that some board members were only looking at the representation review through a subdivision lens, rather than at how it would affect the whole of Rodney.

“Some may be concerned with re-election and some may just be concerned about the people in their specific area,

and I’m not very pleased to see that.”

During a sometimes heated discussion, Wagstaff’s bid to maintain the status quo was at first approved, though only with chair Brent Bailey’s casting vote. However, that result was later superseded by a further amendment from Carmichael to proceed with the proposed changes, though with some minor changes.

In the end, members voted to support a proposed amendment by council staff to boundary changes that would leave Kaukapakapa in South Rural (see map). They also expressed their concern “at the limited range of participation in this process, and request that future consultation includes improvements to gain a wider demographic of responses”, and requested face-to-face consultation with representatives from all marae in future. A bid by Carmichael to request that future consultation material was unbiased and members were under clear guidelines “on how to impartially promote consultation participation” was lost, however.

Members Brent Bailey, Geoff Upson and Ivan Wagstaff abstained.

The board will now make a submission outlining these latest views to council’s Joint Governance Working Party hearing on Friday, September 6. The governing body will decide on its final proposal later this month, which will then be publicly notified. Objections or appeals can be lodged in writing from October 3 to November 4. Council will pass these and its final proposal to the Local Government Commission for the final ruling.

Following the vote, Wagstaff took to social media to decry the decision. “A sad day for Warkworth and our Wellsford neighbours,” he wrote. “I proposed that we listen to your voices and the overwhelming level of feedback opposing the proposed reduction of our subdivision boundaries.”

He added that the fight was not over.

Proposed Rodney boundaries before, above, and after public consultation and local board debate.

The current boundaries.

Kaipara green lights mammoth Mangawhai development

Kaipara District Council (KDC) has approved the rezoning of 218.3 hectares of rural land west of Mangawhai village for a development comprising some 600 largelot residential sites amid wetlands, native bush and walking and bike trails.

Mangawhai Hills is the biggest development to get council’s green light since Mangawhai Central, the 116-hectare property off Molesworth Drive, which has the capacity for up to 1200 residential units.

The consortium is headed by property developer Patrick Fontein. The site is bounded by Tara Road, Cove Road, Old Waipu Road and Moir Street. KDC district planner Paul Waanders told a meeting in Mangawhai last week that 106 ha would be devoted to housing and 112 ha to ecological restoration.

Private plan change 84, seeking to rezone the site from rural zoning to the Mangawhai Hills Development Area, was notified last summer. A hearing in May comprised

Waanders said the two main areas of concern raised by submitters dealt with wastewater and roading provisions.

The applicants had now received Northland Regional Council resource consent for private wastewater works, and roading engineers had “adjusted the roading plan to alleviate those particular issues”, he said.

Mayor Craig Jepson left the chamber during the agenda item due to a conflict

of interest.

Ash Nayyar complained that the process had moved at “rocket speed”, but Mark Vincent, who moved the motion, applauded the applicants for their efforts to engage the community, both those supporting and opposing the project. The motion was passed by five votes to three, with Ihapera Paniora and Rachael Williams joining Nayyar in voting no. Mangawhai Hills project website: https:// www.mangawhaihills.co.nz/project

Les Miller & Jackie Woolerton - Webster Malcolm Law

chair Greg Hill, with Barry Moseley and Cr Gordon Lambeth.

The proposed development site dwarfs the existing village.

The decision was made at a meeting in Mangawhai on August 28.

Kaipara councillor considers resignation over Maori ward

A Kaipara councillor mulled over resigning over the vote to disestablish Māori wards but decided instead to serve out his term to highlight “anti-democratic abuses”.

Mark Vincent told a Kaipara District Council (KDC) meeting last week that he had intended to resign and immediately seek a new mandate, but after discussion with family and friends realised that doing so “would likely confuse the ordinary person in the street”.

He had been encouraged by the support received from several quarters after the extraordinary meeting at which council voted against keeping its Māori ward.

“I am resolved to continue for the rest of this term to highlight any other antidemocratic abuses of process that come to light, and do my best to act in the best interests of the Kaipara District Council overall,” he said.

Vincent took aim at Mayor Craig Jepson, under whose leadership he said council was divided.

He concluded his statement by quoting Jepson as having said four years ago that polling was about ratepayers having their say – rather than councillors making decisions on Māori wards without consultation.

“It’s a democratic thing,” Jepson said at the time. “We need to have a say as ratepayers, particularly in Kaipara where we’re often bulldozed without that chance to have a say.”

“Now that is a statement made by Craig Jepson in 2020 I can agree with,” Vincent said.

Invited to respond to the remarks, Jepson told Mahurangi Matters that all councils are divided on some issues, and that “no-one could name a council where all decisions are made with a unanimous vote”.

Vincent enjoys every opportunity to voice his opinion publicly and at KDC meetings and is not reticent to do so or test the water by amendment to motions,” Jepson said.

“Being unhappy that one is in the minority for a voting decision is not abuse or a failing of democracy.”

In the August 7 vote, Vincent was joined by Ihapera Paniora, Ash Nayyar and Eryn Wilson-Collins voting against the motion. Rachael Williams abstained.

Ngāti Whātua has applied for a judicial review of the vote, arguing that representatives of local Māori had been given insufficient warning of the extraordinary meeting. An urgent hearing has been set down in the Auckland High Court on September 11.

KDC was the first local authority in the country to vote down Māori wards. Votes by the Northland and Hawke’s Bay Regional Councils last week went the other way.

“Local government politics is little different to central government politics. Decisions are made via a majority. Councillor

Councils have until September 6 to either retain or disestablish Māori wards. They must hold binding polls at the 2025 local government elections, and the outcome of those votes will apply to the 2028 and 2031 elections.

Mark Vincent

YouSay

Devastating loss

This is totally unbelievable (MM Sept 16). Homebuilders and their amazing staff have been an essential part of Warkworth community support for years.

Any decision to reduce the work they do will put huge pressure on the already underresourced and hard to find support groups for children, teenagers, parents and families. Under the radar, Homebuilders also offers invaluable advice, expert knowledge and advocacy to other support groups trying to navigate the increasingly limited resources available privately and through government. The potential loss of Homebuilders in Warkworth will be devastating to the community and have a long term negative impact on the wider area for years to come.

Ann Cook, Warkworth

Changing attitudes

Mid-morning Thursday, August 15, I saw a small elderly man cross Warkworth’s Queen Street towards the ANZ bank.

He passed in front of a station wagon, the driver giving a long blast on the horn, angrily waving his hands and shouting abuse at the pedestrian. The driver then stopped his vehicle in the centre of the road, getting out to confront the man with his vehicle, blocking traffic. The driver was considerably younger and bigger than the elderly pedestrian.

Concerned for the safety of the pedestrian, I tried to intervene. The driver aggressively pushed me away, clenching his fists. Threateningly, he stood over the elderly pedestrian abusing him. I pushed between the two, guiding the pedestrian away from the situation. The driver immediately turned his hostility towards me, his face just a few inches from mine, making threats to fight me. It ended with the driver returning to his vehicle and departing.

The point of this letter is that for generations

Warkworth has been a sleepy ‘slow town’, where people were friendly and took the time to talk and help. It is likely one of the reasons that we all choose to live here, including the driver, as he told me through gritted teeth that he was a resident.

We frequently hear of events in other places, but we feel safe and secure here.

The Warkworth area is growing fast and becoming busier, but it will be a great shame if we lose that friendliness and charm. It appears the catalyst was the driver’s frustration at a delay of three or four seconds to his journey.

What comes next – punch-ups for carparks, arm-wrestles for shopping trolleys or jostling for service?

I truly hope that in years to come that Warkworth is able to retain its slow town charm, but for that to happen, it will require tolerance, patience and, dare I say it, kindness!

Chris Jensen, Warkworth

Dismal future

The recent statement by Sir Jonathon Porritt, former chair of Air New Zealand’s Sustainability Panel, that Christopher Luxon is a hypocrite, should alert every New Zealander to the follies of this government in placing its version of an economy ahead of the protection of our environment. Luxon, as Prime Minister, reversed his assessment of the dangers of a warming climate that he had strongly advocated as the former CEO of Air New Zealand. This reversal strikes at the heart of his, and his government’s, integrity and is a warning that the current government’s denial of the consequences of ecological degradation is leading New Zealand to a future of severe weather events rapidly increasing in frequency and intensity.

The floods we had last year are a small indicator of what our future will be like.

The state of Earth’s ecological integrity and wellbeing is not just one more concern to

Significant Natural Areas reviewed

An upcoming review of Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) will examine how they are identified, assessed and managed.

In May, the government introduced a Bill that proposes to suspend requirements for councils to identify new SNAs to provide time for a review of SNA provisions in the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB).

Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard says the coalition government campaigned on the importance of individual property rights and it intends to deliver.

“In their current form, SNAs identified on private property limit new activities

and development, and in my view, will likely undermine voluntary conservation efforts,” Hoggard says. “I want to make sure that the most unique environments are sensibly protected, without putting undue restrictions on land use change.”

The scope of the review was decided in discussions with the Ministers for the Environment, Conservation and Māori Crown Relations. Hoggard says officials will develop policy options and seek input from groups and individuals with in-depth technical knowledge, including ecologists, local government, Māori and landowners.

Any changes to the NPS-IB will be

be added (or ignored) to an already long list of concerns about humanity’s future. The ecological situation is not a concern in the usual sense of the word, nor is it a special interest. It is the foundation of all concerns, and the most general and comprehensive interest possible. Unless we develop a deep relationship of respect and reciprocity with the natural world, which is reflected in our economics and our agriculture and manufacturing and service industries, we are headed for a dismal future. The health of the climate, land, water and living systems comes first, and when nature thrives so do our families, communities and businesses.

Coupled with the hypocrisy of Luxon is the news that James Hansen, one of the world’s foremost climate scientists, and colleagues have stated, “Under the present geopolitical approach to greenhouse gas emissions, global warming will exceed 1.5°C in the 2020s and 2°C before 2050.”

The world’s top scientists no longer believe that heating can be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius but is heading for 2.5. The UN Secretary General said over a year ago, we are sleepwalking to climate catastrophe. It is time to wake up.

Dr Robert Howell, Warkworth Police thanked

As a resident of Mason Heights, I would like to publicly thank the local police for their response to an incident involving fireworks and disorderly behaviour recently. Police get a lot of criticism at times, but I would like to reassure the public that when you need them, they are there. They showed me nothing but understanding and kindness, and I can’t thank them enough. I and my animals were extremely frightened by what went on – and I don’t scare easily – so I was very grateful for the reassurance the police provided.

(Name withheld)

progressed as part of the government’s resource management reforms. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback early next year, with a final decision expected around mid-2025.

“We want to give certainty as soon as possible,” Hoggard says.

SNAs are areas containing significant indigenous vegetation or significant habitat for indigenous fauna that must be protected to ensure the ongoing biodiversity in the district. Rodney has thousands of hectares of SNAs, which are classified as outstanding, high, moderate-high and moderate by Auckland Council.

In brief

Forest site frustration

Frustration over the future of the Ti Point forest site was voiced at Rodney Local Board’s monthly meeting on August 21. During an item to adopt a new engagement plan with council’s property arm Eke Panuku, Warkworth members Ivan Wagstaff and Tim Holdgate both asked whether proposed six-monthly updates were enough. “Ti Point forest is something our community is constantly asking us about – what’s happening, what’s the plan – and we don’t feel engaged in whatever’s going on there,” Wagstaff said. Principal governance and engagement advisor Carlos Rahman said Panuku had a limited role managing the pest control programme and would be in a long-term conversation about its future with council. “I’m not aware of any new information regarding the future of this site,” he added. Members voted to receive six-monthly updates and directed Panuku to engage with them about any sale or disposal of public land or assets in Rodney.

Bird stocktake

Auckland Council recently released its first stocktake of the region’s bird population. It says the study provides crucial insight into the conservation needs of birds and challenges they face. The report identifies 230 bird species in Tāmaki Makaurau, with 34 native species classified as “regionally critical” and another 20 “at risk”. A total of 123 species are non-resident native and a further 28 are “introduced and naturalised”. Twenty-four species are currently “not threatened”. “This report is a wake-up call to protect the incredible avian diversity that graces our region,” planning, environment and parks committee chair Richard Hills said. “This regional assessment is a crucial step in understanding and mitigating the impacts of environmental changes and human activities on bird populations. The findings will guide Auckland Council in achieving its biodiversity management objectives, ensuring our native bird species continue to thrive.”

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Viewpoint

Craig Jepson, Mayor of Kaipara mayor@kaipara.govt.nz

Condescending to Māori

In 2020/21 I helped organise a petition to challenge council’s decision to establish a Māori ward. It received tremendous support and we easily passed the threshold needed to force council to hold a binding referendum on the matter.

Then, former Labour minister Nanaia Mahuta introduced retrospective legislation in February 2021, deliberately pre-dating our petition and invalidating it. This prevented our community from exercising its lawful and democratic right.

No doubt the people of Kaipara would have resoundingly rejected the introduction of Māori wards had they not been muzzled from doing so. Mahuta’s actions suggest she, too, knew what the outcome would be.

Māori do not need racially designated wards to ensure council representation. Māori had better representation in the 2019-22 council (two councillors out of nine, or 22%) than they do now. That was achieved without a Māori ward.

My critics say that by removing the Māori ward we are not fulfilling Treaty obligations to Māori. That is incorrect.

Māori are fully able to engage in the processes of local government and have an absolutely equal chance of capturing votes in council elections. Democracy is more genuinely enacted when Māori and all our community unite to elect the best person, regardless of race, to represent the interests of all ratepayers fairly and equally.

It is condescending to Māori to claim that somehow, they are not good enough to be elected on their own merits in a general ward.

All members of our community should have an opportunity to stand for office on

Historic hall for hire

equal footing. If you are the best candidate, you will be elected – something that has been demonstrated by (Māori) mayors Tapsell (Rotorua), Whanau (Wellington) and Tepania (Far North), and by a great many elected members who identify as Māori in councils up and down the country.

The call for Māori wards relies on the false narrative that Māori have no voice and are unfairly disadvantaged and oppressed.

Most Kiwis, and indeed most Māori, know that this narrative is false. Which is why few vote in the Māori ward or for the likes of Te Pati Māori. I maintain that most Māori in our district do not see themselves as oppressed. They know they will succeed if they work, send their kids to school, take up free dental care and can take their kids to the doctor.

This country needs to respect and celebrate all cultures. We need to maintain our wonderful democracy and not slide down the path to becoming just another failed ethno-state.

If I yearn for anything associated with the past, I yearn for the strengthening of the goodwill that has always existed. That which I have experienced during my working life in the North. I want Māori and all members of the Kaipara community to excel and do well. Our communities have always worked together, played together, and loved one another.

We do not want to be divided by race.

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

(See story p5)

Anyone looking for a picturesque indoor or outdoor events venue is being urged to consider a historic community hall just south of Wellsford. The previously neglected Hoteo North hall and reserve have been the subject of major improvements inside and out over the past year, and now its enthusiastic committee want to share their asset with others. Vice president Natalie Croul told Rodney Local Board last month that the 142-year-old hall and its 17 hectares of grounds would be ideal for weddings, celebrations, markets, dog walking, festivals, mud runs and many other activities. “It’s an amazing resource on our doorstep that most people have forgotten about. It needs to be used,” she said. Info and bookings: Email hoteonorthreserveandhall@gmail.com or visit Hoteo North Reserve and Hall Agricultural Society Inc on Facebook.

Mahurangi textile students on catwalk

By Sandie Foster Mahurangi College Gateway student

Textile students at Mahurangi College outdid themselves at the Hokonui Fashion Awards in Gore recently.

The awards are described as a competitive platform for all amateur fashion designers to showcase their designs in front of wellregarded industry leaders. Over the previous years the judging panel has included Karen Walker, Nic Blanchet, Francis Hooper, Trelise Cooper and Doris Du Pont.

Young designers from around NZ submit garments in the hope that they might appear on the catwalk and win a prize.

This is the first year that Mahurangi College students have participated, and four out of the five students who entered were awarded a place.

Mahurangi cleaned up in the Collective Design School Streetwear category – Akira Manwaring won first place and $700, Lauren Batley was second winning $300 and Zariah Welch was highly commended.

Year 13 Tara Williams was highly commended in the School Macca Lodge Upcycled section.

School textiles teacher Abbie Thalari said the students did “amazingly well”.

“Students enter themselves – they sail the boat and I just help by giving them feedback on their designs and how to construct them,” she said.

She said that as long as there were keen students, then the school would continue to participate in the awards, and there were some talented designers coming up.  Williams said that the Hokonui Fashion Awards were a really good place for young people to show their work, and it was cheap and accessible to apply.

“It was a really good experience,” she said. She got her inspiration from the 90s runway and thought that she had learned lessons about time management, planning and experimenting. In the future, she hoped

to enter in WOW (the World of Wearable Art) and work in the fashion industry with an emphasis on sustainability.

Runner up Lauren Batley said that it was a good learning experience and participating was a lot of fun.

Like Tara, she thought she could have done better with her time management because she got “a bit rushed” in the end.

She said her design was inspired by photos based on streetwear.

Lauren said it was hard to make her garment because she had to alter patterns to fit her vision of the design, and she had to do a lot of draping and sewing.

Lauren plans to follow a business career path, but is thinking of incorporating fashion with her business degree.

Design | Manufacture | Installation

The winning design by Akira Manwaring.

Lauren Batley

Tara Williams

Healthy brains hit high note

Matakantata Choir and students at Mahurangi College are participating in a research project about how singing and listening to music can keep the brain healthy. The choir was approached by a PhD student from Auckland University, Lisa Burton-Harris.

Musical Director Jenny Eirena, who also teaches music at Mahurangi and Rodney Colleges, leapt at the opportunity.

“The benefits of singing have been obvious to me throughout my life,” she says.

“Social, spiritual, physical and cognitive benefits are clear to anyone who is in a choir. To be able to learn more from an expert about the benefits of choral singing to our brain health will be fascinating.”

The study involves measuring the effect of singing and listening to music on brain health using new mobile technology, which can be used at home.

Through this study, it is hoped that health technology developers will have more information to support decisions around how new health technology is made available, and potential barriers to access.

Measuring the impact singing and music has on brain health will support decision making on funding music programmes in schools, businesses and health facilities, as well as spotlight whether singing and music is a useful brain activity to keep brains healthy as people age.

Matakantata founding member Jenni Francis said there was something special that happened in the Matakana Hall on Thursday nights.

“We come together to discover new music and to create beautiful harmonies,” she said.

“Singers talk about the positive endorphins they get from our time together. It is hard to have a bad Thursday when you come to choir.”

Study results are expected to be available around March next year.

Matakantata Choir is currently rehearsing for its Christmas Concert and members are learning new musical arrangements, harmonies, rhythms and lyrics.

The choir meets every Thursday in the Matakana Hall and new members are welcome.

Savings fund debt, not rate relief

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.

Auckland Council may have saved $60.2 million in the last financial year, but ratepayers won’t be seeing any relief on their rates bill anytime soon.

A report to council’s Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee on August 20 said council savings were $10 million above forecast and had come from moves such as the removal of rubbish bins and less garden maintenance.

Cr Greg Sayers asked if the savings could mean a reduction in rates for Aucklanders.

“Next year our projected rating increase is an average of 5.8 per cent,” Sayers said. “If we are ahead of the budget by $10 million, and a one per cent rate increase equals

about $20 million, can that be passed on as a lower rate increase because we are ahead of target?” Sayers asked.

Financial advisory general manager Nicola Mills said rates were already set for the year so it would not have any immediate relief for Aucklanders.

“What it does mean is that council debt will be a bit lower,” Mills said.

She said a one per cent rate increase was now closer to $25 million.

Council’s group chief financial officer Ross Tucker said it would be possible to see rates reduce in future if council continued to exceed its savings targets, but it might be

“This financial year we have to find a $28 million increase in savings, but next year that grows to $48 million,” Tucker said.

The idea that singing is good for mental health will be put to the test with the cooperation of members of the Matakantata Choir, seen here in rehearsal.

September 2024 Update

One Mahurangi Business Association AGM 25th September 2024

OMBA Co-Chairs’ Report – Dave Stott and Bevan Morrison

As we approach the 2024 AGM, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on the past year and the challenges and progress we’ve seen in our local business community. The economic environment has continued to test businesses in our region, yet we have also seen notable developments and advocacy efforts that have made a difference.

Economic Overview

This past year has been marked by ongoing economic challenges. Businesses within our BID have faced difficulties, with the broader economic uncertainty impacting various sectors differently. While the latest Marketview reports suggest some regional growth, it’s important to recognise that this growth comes from a low base. Overall, expenditure within our BID area increased by 19.7% from July 2023 to June 2024. However, this increase has not been felt equally across all sectors. Accommodation and general retail have faced significant challenges, while grocery and liquor spending has remained stable. Looking ahead, the forecasted lower interest rates by the end of 2024 may provide some relief, but we remain cautious about the economic outlook.

Advocacy and Infrastructure Challenges

A major focus for the association this year has been addressing the proposed installation of a new wastewater line through the town centre. Watercare’s plan to use open trenching along Elizabeth and Queen Streets has raised concerns about the potential impact on local businesses. In response, One Mahurangi led a campaign to oppose the plan, including a petition that gathered over 3,500 signatures. This petition was presented at a Watercare Board meeting, where we expressed the community’s concerns. Following these efforts, Watercare has agreed to further engage with our community. We have assembled a design team to develop alternative solutions, which have been presented to Watercare’s engineers in midAugust. Further discussion with Watercare is planned to finalise an acceptable solution. While some disruption is inevitable, our goal is to minimise the impact on businesses as much as possible.

Events and Community Engagement

Despite the economic challenges, the association has continued to support the local business community through various events. The Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights and The Santa Parade were both successful in attracting visitors to the town, providing an important boost to local businesses. These events play a key role in supporting the community and driving economic activity on those days.

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of our team. General Manager Murray Chapman has continued to provide strong leadership, supported by Communications and Marketing Manager Lauren Kumerich and ClaireMarie Blair. Warkworth Information Centre Manager Alison Hitchcock and our dedicated volunteers have also played crucial roles in our operations and events.

We are grateful for the ongoing support from our BID members, associate members, and sponsors. In particular, we would like to thank the Templeton Group for becoming our first Platinum member and for their technical support in developing alternative designs for the Watercare project. The support of our sponsors enables us to continue our work, especially given the limitations of BID member contributions.

Advocacy

and Future Planning

Advocacy remains a core part of our work. With the significant growth Warkworth is experiencing, our role in balancing business development with the preservation of the town’s character is more important than ever. This year, we have been involved in several key advocacy projects:

• Watercare Wastewater Line: Continued engagement with Watercare and the development of alternative designs to mitigate disruption to the town centre.

• Hill Street Intersection: Finalised a concept design with Auckland Transport. We are now awaiting government funding to proceed with the project.

• NOR’s: Despite our efforts, community submissions were largely disregarded by the Environment Court, with minimal changes to the NOR’s.

• Parking Strategy: Successfully opposed Auckland Transport’s proposal for paid parking in the CBD.

• Industrial Area: Worked with Auckland Transport to address issues in the Woodcocks Industrial Area, leading to planned improvements in footpaths and parking regulations.

Looking forward, we are collaborating with the Warkworth Area Liaison Group to develop a more coordinated planning strategy for the town. The current disconnect between various Council plans and Private Plan Changes has led to gaps in infrastructure, a situation we aim to address to avoid similar challenges in the future.

Conclusion

This year has underscored the importance of the relationships we’ve built with local MPs, council representatives, and community organisations. These partnerships have been key to our advocacy efforts and will continue to be vital as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

We appreciate the ongoing support from our members and look forward to continuing our work in the coming year.

Dave Stott and

Co-Chairs, One Mahurangi Business Association onemahurangi.co.nz | @onemahurangi

Bevan Morrison

Transport rate rolls into 7th year

There is an estimated $8.5 million still unallocated in the Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate fund, according to the most recent information from Auckland Transport (AT).

Of that total, $1.3 million remains in the Wellsford subdivision budget and $1.17 million in the Warkworth subdivision budget.

The targeted rate, which costs Rodney ratepayers $150 per annum, is in the seventh year of its planned 10-year term. It has primarily been spent on footpaths, bus services and some unsealed road improvements. The Warkworth park & ride by the showgrounds and the new 999 bus service in Warkworth have both been funded by the rate.

The targeted rate is expected to generate $47.62 million over the 10-year period, with just over $39 million already spent or committed.

The rate has funded unsealed road improvements in Krippner Road, Hepburn Creek Road, Upper Waiwera Road, Anderson Road, Tauhoa Road and Omaha Valley Road. Jones Road has been deferred until later in 2025, due to winter weather conditions.

AT programme manager Graeme Gunthorp said most of Warkworth’s remaining funds would be spent on the proposed McKinney Road footpath.

“We were instructed to construct [the path] in the middle of 2022 with an approved

budget of $1.19 million,” Gunthorp said.

“We now want to make certain that the [Warkworth] subdivision has the funds available as construction inflation may make the small surplus insufficient to complete the project, so that will be one where we’ll come back to you with more information, especially as we move to complete Mason Heights. Plus, while Goodall Road is finished, at the time of writing there was a small remainder on that project to pay.”

AT plans further discussions with the board to determine how the surplus in the Wellsford subdivision will be spent.

Michelle Carmichael said that if there were any left-over funds, there was a lot of interest in extending the 999 bus loop to include ‘hospitality’ hours on Friday and Saturday evenings.

“Does that need to be part of the report that comes through – if it’s possible and what the cost would be?” she asked.

Elected member relationship partner (North) Beth Houlbrooke said AT needed to get the board a bit more detail on McKinney Road and then it would be in a better position to make a decision.

“There’ll be some trade-offs possibly that need to be made and that will be purely over to you,” Houlbrooke said.

Carmichael said the corresponding information about the bus would assist in determining the priorities.

Ratepayers fund cycling promotion

An Official Information Request by the Auckland Ratepayers Alliance reveals that in the year ended June 2024, Auckland Transport spent just over $220,000 on ‘back to basics’ bicycle safety training. Over the past two years, it has spent more than $450,000. A total of 2799 people attended the free courses last year, which AT said were designed to remove barriers for children and adults to use cycling as a mode of travel more reliably and safely. Attendees learned safe bike handling, maintenance and road skills, and children were given lessons on how to ride.

Visit us on Facebook for daily notices at www.facebook.com/Mahurangimatters/

Expenses Remaining (Committed + Forecast)

Coatesville Riverhead Hwy, Coatesville

Koraha Road, Kumeū

Kaukapakapa village, Kaukapakapa

Mason Heights, Warkworth

Wech Drive, Warkworth

Puhoi Road, Puhoi

Goodall Road, Snells Beach

Kaipara Flats Road, Kaipara Flats

Old Woodcocks Road, Kaipara Flats

School Road, Kaipara Flats

McKinney Road, Warkworth TBC

Rodney Street, Wellsford

Footpaths subtotal

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Kowhai Laundry

The new owner of the Kowhai Laundry in Warkworth has traded a corporate life for a business of his own, which means he doesn’t have to sit in an office all day or commute to Auckland.

Tim O’Brien took over the laundry in Neville Street in May and is enjoying meeting new customers every day.

“It’s nice to have the time to chat and start getting to know people,” he says.

“I’ve always had a hankering to move north and Warkworth offers the best of both worlds – still small enough to be a community, but the city is just a short drive south if you need it.”

Kowhai offers a full laundry service, for both domestic and commercial customers. This includes washing, drying, folding, pressing and ironing, as well as off-site dry

cleaning and curtain cleaning.

Seamstress Tracy Walker works part-time doing repairs and alterations, as well as expertly ironing and pressing clothes and linens.

“Our largest washing machine is 28kgs so there isn’t much we can’t handle,” Tim says.

Besides clothes, linen, duvets and blankets, the laundry can also wash less standard items such as outdoor bean bags and backpacks.

“If someone has something they would like cleaned, but is unsure how to approach it, then the best thing is to come in for a chat.

“We strive to offer exceptional results and top-notch customer service.

“We pay attention to detail – all garments are treated with care, following the instructions for delicate fabrics or special treatments.”

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Trinity Chiropractic and Wellness

Basing several health professionals under one roof is a formula that works well for both practitioners and clients, according to Trinity Chiropractic and Wellness owner Dr Lindsay Best (chiropractor).

Trinity recently took over Boost Chiropractic, including its premises in Alnwick Street, when previous owner Tom Vaughan moved to Australia.

Lindsay says the expansion has enabled her to diversify the range of services offered at the centre. As well as chiropractors, physiotherapist, massage therapists, naturopath, medical herbalist and nutritionist, the team will soon offer reflexology and animal homeopathic services.

WHAI LAUNDRY rth

“Health is something that really can’t be compartmentalised, so having a range of practitioners working together means better opportunities to identify exactly what treatment and care a client needs,”

she says. “If they are needing further care, then we can draw on the expertise and experience of others.

“It also means that if one of us needs a second opinion, it could be as easy as knocking on a door across the hall.”

Originally from Canada, Lindsay moved to New Zealand in 2008 to “learn from the best in the world”.

She loves what she does and says she is rewarded every day by reducing people’s pain and increasing their mobility and overall wellness.

While many of her clients come for specific injuries, there are others who visit every two to six weeks for a wellness check-up, “a bit like a warrant of fitness” for the body. “A nervous system that is in good shape makes a person at any age much more resilient.”

The centre is also ACC accredited, which means there is no need to get a doctor’s referral to make an appointment.

Our services now extend beyond chiropractic care to include physiotherapy, massage, nutrition, homeopathy, naturopathy and medical herbalism.

We’re delighted to welcome new clients into our care. If you’re an ACC client, you can start your journey with us directly—no need for a prior doctor’s visit. We’re here to support your health and well-being with a compassionate, personalised approach. Book your appointment today!

Dr Lindsay Best (chiropractor)

Tim O’Brien

Having a say on growth

By Pete Sinton Chair, Warkworth Area Liaison Group

Planned growth in Warkworth will be five times the current population, so the Warkworth Area Liaison Group (WALG) is asking the district if this is what they want for their town.

Auckland Council plans provide for a future population up to 30,000 over the next 30 years with higher density proposed around the centre and other outer areas. This will change the character of the town and surrounding areas significantly. There is already pressure for earlier development with developers promoting private plan changes to enable more housing in outlying areas well ahead of the planned release of those areas. The infrastructure (services and roading) is already under capacity and not ready to accommodate such growth at this time. This shows a real lack of coordination by council between the release of land and provision of vital infrastructure.

The type of development proposed in the Warkworth Structure Plan will be of a much higher density than is considered appropriate, ultimately changing the character significantly. Such development

will create demand for more roading and affect the physical character of the land. It will also create issues of erosion, water quality, landscape quality, as well as generating significantly more traffic. It will not just affect the town centre and immediate urban area, but also the outlying areas such as Snells Beach and Matakana.

The WALG, which is a group of highly experienced professionals and other organisations, is deeply concerned about the impact this will have on the community of the whole Warkworth district. Its message is simply this: Does the community realise what will happen to Warkworth and district if these proposals are not challenged by the community?

It needs to ensure that it gets the pattern and type of development for Warkworth that it wants and is appropriate for the district in the future.

A public meeting in the Warkworth Town Hall on September, starting at 7pm, is being held to provide background, and find out from the community how it sees the future of Warkworth. It is a real opportunity for us to be able to manage our own future rather than having it imposed on us by the authorities. Take this opportunity to voice your concerns.

More services and longer hours at Mangawhai Library

Mangawhai Library users now enjoy the same standard of services as those using the Dargaville Library. Since August 20, the library has provided digital support, programmes and events, te ao Māori integration, and connect up with the community via outreach and social media, according to Kaipara District Council. The library, first established by volunteers 130 years ago, has seen “exponential user growth” as the population has increased. “We are positioned to become an even more vital hub for the local community,” lead librarian Molly Molving-Lilo says. “Libraries are not just books – they offer a space for people of all ages to learn, explore, and connect. I look forward to collaborating with our terrific volunteers and staff to foster a welcoming space for everyone.” The library has extended its hours. It’s open from 10-5 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10-6 on Thursdays and 10-1 on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Matakana River exploration invite

Friends of Awa Matakanakana (FOAM) is organising a social tiki tour of the Matakana River to celebrate World Rivers Day on Sunday, September 22.

Participants are invited to kayak, stand up paddleboard, waka ama or travel in their motorised dinghy between Sandspit estuary and the Matakana Wharf.

FOAM chairperson John Collins says it will be a relaxed event for people to have fun, discovering the twists and turns along the tidal stretch of the river in the company of others.

“This is a wonderful part of the river that people often talk about paddling, but may not have done,” Collins says.

“Along the tranquil waterway people will get a different perspective of the bird life,

mangrove forests, remnants of native bush and farmland.”

The flotilla plans to leave Sandspit at 9.30am to catch the incoming tide. There will be a chance for morning tea at Matakana, returning downstream as the tide turns. Bring your own boat and join the fun. World Rivers Day celebrates the world’s waterways, highlighting the many values of rivers, increasing community awareness and encouraging the improved stewardship of rivers around the world.

Registration is essential for this free event so participants can be kept up-to-date with details and possible cancellation due to weather conditions.

Information and registration: www.awamatakanakana.home.blog

Grants to build climate resilience

Grants of up to $50,000 are available from Auckland Council for grassroots projects designed to tackle climate change and build community resilience to its impacts.

The Auckland Climate Grant programme has more than $500,000 available and two types of funding: response grants and strategic grants.

Response grants range from $1000 to $15,000 and are aimed at fostering community participation in climate action. Council says these are ideal for groups that are new to climate action or are rapidly building capacity in their response to climate change and disruption.

Strategic grants range from $15,000 to $50,000 and are designed for larger projects that align with one or more priority themes – transport, food, energy

or Māori-led initiatives.

Chair of council’s planning, environment and parks committee, Councillor Richard Hills, says the grant programme empowers local communities by providing financial support for initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate disruption.

“By supporting grassroots initiatives, we can foster innovation and resilience at a local level, ensuring every Aucklander can contribute to collective efforts against climate change,” he says. “I encourage groups that are taking climate action to apply for funding assistance to help with this important work.”

Grant applications for both funding categories are open until September 23. Info and applications: https://livelightly.nz/ auckland-climate-grant/

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The Forest Bridge Trust

Pet of the Month

& Jasper

Pets Vets Corner

Not for many years can I recall such a rollercoaster ride of emotions as Jasper and his owner have been through over the last few months. Jasper has always had a slight deformity of his “pinky” claw such that the nail grew at an odd angle and needed frequent trimming. Jasper, although an incredibly stoic little guy, can’t stand any handling of his feet and every visit for what should be a 2 minute job ended up being a wrestling contest between nurse and patient, with patient generally the victor. So it was sensibly elected to amputate both pinky claws to avoid these regular battles. At the time of surgery a small mass was found on the pad of a front foot which was biopsied. The biopsy revealed a nasty melanoma, and Jasper had another surgery to attempt removal. The surgery was successful only in the very short term as the melanoma reappeared higher up on the foot. After consultation with the pathologist it was determined that Jasper’s melanoma was too infiltrative to be removable by tissue resection alone.

Just 1 month after having his claws removed, Jasper underwent a full limb amputation. His owner was justifiably very concerned about how Jasper would cope with this, but she needn’t have been concerned. At his post op check 3 days after surgery he was the boss of the waiting room once again, up and down off the couch and in a very positive frame of mind, not missing his fourth leg in the slightest!

Vets: Jon Makin BVSc, Danny Cash BVSc and Associates

WARKWORTH VETS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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Phone 09 425 8244 (Warkworth) 09 423 7048 (Wellsford)

24 hour 7 day a week emergency cover

Now open 8 am until 2pm Saturdays

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

Protecting our native wildlife

The Forest Bridge Trust is proud that our predator control network now spans 47,543 hectares, bringing us significantly closer to our goal of creating a 54,000-hectare mustelid-controlled corridor from Kaipara on the west coast to Tāwharanui on the east coast. This ambitious target is set for June 2025, aligning with the planned winddown of Jobs for Nature funding, which has been a critical support in this effort.

Jobs for Nature funding has enabled the trust to make a profound impact on the environment, while connecting people and the land. Since 2014, we’ve collaborated with community groups, volunteers and around 900 local landowners and property managers. Together, we’ve established a “forest bridge” that not only links people and landscapes, but also enhances the mauri (life force) of our environment and communities.

Our achievements in predator control have had a direct and measurable impact on native wildlife. The three kiwi populations in our region have gone from strength to strength. During the recent annual kiwi call count, our ecologist, Dr Virginia Moreno, reported above-average kiwi calls per hour – an encouraging sign of population health. Yet it’s not only the kiwi benefiting from these efforts. Sightings of pāteke (brown teal ducks), kākā, korimako (bellbirds), Hochstetter’s frogs, and pekapeka-tou-roa (long-tailed bats) have increased across The Forest Bridge region, indicating a broader ecological impact.

This interconnected predator control network is essential for safeguarding our native wildlife and building a thriving ecosystem. Our vision is for future kiwi populations to move freely and establish

before

and the trust hopes locals will consider a donation to help finish the job. The map shows the area currently under mustelid control.

connections across key areas such as Mataia, Tāwharanui and Tamahunga. We owe immense gratitude to the volunteers, landowners, community conservation groups and partners whose dedication has been pivotal in making this vision a reality. To continue our vital conservation work, we are now actively exploring new funding streams and opportunities. One crucial way you can support The Forest Bridge Trust is by contributing to our Spring Appeal. The cost of maintaining protected biodiversity in these critical areas is about $36 per hectare each year. This enables us to carry out essential activities, including species monitoring, providing trapping advice, offering data support and hosting community workshops. Your donation can help cover the costs of trap maintenance in public spaces and shared areas, and for residents who can only partially contribute. By supporting us, you help fill these crucial gaps, ensuring continuous protection for our native taonga (treasures).

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference. Your support will help us maintain and expand our predator control efforts, ensuring that the progress we’ve made is not lost. Please consider scanning the QR code to donate and help us secure a safe habitat that protects our unique biodiversity for future generations. Together, we can create a legacy of flourishing indigenous wildlife, leaving behind an environment that is richer, healthier, and more vibrant for future generations to enjoy. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to preserving Aotearoa’s natural heritage.

To help The Forest Bridge Trust continue its work, just scan this QR code to donate. https://the-forestbridge-trust-springappeal.raiselysite.com/ There’s only a few more spans to

6th October 10am-2pm

wonderful Dads

Congratulations to Cindy Bakewell, of Wellsford, who is the winner of the Mahurangi Matters Fathers’ Day Photo Competition. Cindy’s photo captures her and her father Monty delivering groceries in Levin in the 1960s. “I would often go with him,” she says. Runner-up was Louise Blower’s photo of Blake and Finn Blower and their dad Tim. “We went on a family trip to Rotorua to support Tim, who was competing in a 52km ultra marathon, and celebrated with a trip to the Luges,” Louise said.

In third place was Stacey Taylor’s photo of Quinn, Joshua and Harper Marfleet on an evening scooter ride at Snells Beach.

Our thanks to the judges – Steve Reynolds from Warkworth Plumbing, Ro Bremner from Stihl Warkworth and Anthony Ord from Mahurangi Matters – who were given the tough job of choosing the three most captivating images from many funny and heartwarming entries. Well done everyone! The photo competition was generously sponsored by:

• Warkworth Plumbing

• Stihl Warkworth

• Pro Med

• Omaha Beach Golf Club

• Stirling Sports

• STR Automotive & Electrical

• Warkworth Menswear

• Sculptureum

1st 3rd

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Hunger or comfort?

Emotional eating is a common phenomenon where people turn to food for comfort rather than hunger. It’s a simple way to cope with emotions. While it may offer temporary relief, emotional eating often leads to overeating and guilt, exacerbating the initial emotional distress. Understanding the triggers of emotional eating and how to manage them can help break this cycle.

Common emotional eating triggers:

Stress – One of the most prevalent triggers, stress causes the body to produce high levels of cortisol, a hormone that increases appetite. Many people reach for high-sugar or high-fat comfort foods during stressful periods.

Boredom – When people lack stimulation or engagement, they might turn to food to fill the void. Eating becomes a way to pass the time and feel occupied.

Sadness and loneliness – Food may provide a sense of companionship or temporarily lift the mood, though it often leaves feelings of regret afterward.

Habitual associations – Certain emotions are linked to food through past experiences. For example, celebrating with cake or comforting oneself with ice cream after a bad day can become ingrained habits.

Fatigue – When tired, the body craves energy, and sugary or high-carb foods often seem like a quick fix. However, this can lead to overeating as the body misinterprets tiredness for hunger.

Strategies to manage emotional eating: Identify your triggers – The first step in managing emotional eating is recognising what triggers your cravings. Keeping a

Free Will

food diary to track what you eat and your emotions at the time can help to identify patterns and specific triggers.

Practice mindful eating – Mindful eating involves paying close attention to the eating experience without distractions. It helps you become more aware of hunger and fullness cues, reducing the likelihood of eating out of emotion rather than need. Also, try to eat at regular intervals to prevent extreme hunger, which can exacerbate emotional eating.

Find alternatives to eating – Once you identify your triggers you can find other ways to cope with them. If stress is a trigger, consider activities like yoga, deep breathing, or going for a walk. If boredom is a trigger, engage in a hobby or call a friend. Finding alternative activities can reduce the reliance on food for emotional comfort.

Seek support – Sometimes, emotional eating is deeply rooted in unresolved emotions. Seeking support from a counsellor or joining a support group can provide a safe space to explore and address any underlying issues.

Practice self-compassion – If you find yourself emotionally eating, avoid harsh self-criticism. Acknowledge that it happens and focus on what you can do differently next time. Self-compassion helps to break the cycle of guilt and emotional eating. Emotional eating is a common and normal response to various emotional triggers, and it can be managed with awareness and alternative coping strategies. By identifying triggers, practicing mindful eating, and finding other ways to cope with emotions, you can regain control over your eating habits.

Harbour Hospice is offering the public an opportunity to have a lawyer set up a simple Will, or amend an existing one, for free if a gift for hospice is left in the Will this month. A spokesperson says that as little as one per cent of an estate can make a huge difference to the lives of hospice patients and their families, while still leaving the remainder to loved ones. To find out which lawyers are offering a free Will in September, contact Suzie Smith on 021 226 2741 or email suzie.smith@harbourhospice.org.nz

Dementia awareness

World Alzheimers Month this month will be marked with a major event at the National Library in Wellington titled Repositioning Dementia: What’s next? The theme will address issues such as the stigma associated with dementia, as well as the future direction of the sector. It will be held on September 24.

Sweetappreciation with chocolate brown

Congratulations to Nicola Jones of Warkworth, who is this week’s recipient of a gift basket from Chocolate Brown. Nicola was nominated by Georgina McMillan, who wrote ….

Nicola is someone who is always volunteering and putting in hours of work behind the scenes for lots of different community things. She’s just pulled off an amazing quiz night fundraiser for the Mahu Premier netball team. She’s been working on the community sports facility projects at the showgrounds for years. She’s recently set up and managed a meal train for a family going through hard medical times. The list goes back for years. She is a very deserving recipient.

Know someone who deserves a big “thank you” for their community spirit? Tell us and they will receive acknowledgement in Mahurangi Matters and an amazing hamper from Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz (subject line: Sweet Appreciation) or post to: Sweet Appreciation, Mahurangi Matters, 17 Neville Street, Warkworth. Kindly refrain from nominating members of your own family.

“ www.chocolatebrown.co.nz

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•

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tamariki,

Council using AI as ‘virtual eyes’ for flood prevention

Increased use of technology such as trail cameras and artificial intelligence is being used by Auckland Council as it bids to improve its readiness for floods, storms and other natural disasters.

In the wake of last year’s devastating Anniversary Weekend floods, Cyclone Gabrielle and other storms, council has already committed to a 10-year, $760 million Making Space for Water (MSFW) programme as part of its latest Long-term Plan.

Key initiatives in that include culvert and bridge upgrades, overland flow path management, increased maintenance, creating more efficient ‘blue-green’ stormwater networks in critical flood-risk areas, and “flood intelligence” – investment in planning and modelling tools to enhance decision-making.

Council’s head of planning for water, Nick Vigar, says using intelligent infrastructure and technology wherever possible is a vital part of the commitment to making Auckland safer and more resilient to flooding.

“This technology is a core component of the flood intelligence initiative under MSFW, focusing on upgrading existing tools and incorporating new technologies for better planning, monitoring and modelling of flood risks,” he said.

The initiative includes placing solarpowered trail cameras, or “virtual eyes”, at key stormwater sites, with artificial intelligence used to monitor and analyse images for changes in water levels, flow and potential debris blockages.

The analysed images are sent to council stormwater specialists for fact-checking, who then send alerts to contractors for investigation.

The cameras are designed to monitor critical stormwater infrastructure, such as inlets, concrete channels, culverts, pipes, grates and grilles, providing early detection and reduced response times, and therefore helping to minimise flood damage.

“These cameras help us detect potential blockages and manage flood risks where the rapid build-up of water can pose a significant risk,” Vigar says.

The chair of council’s planning, environment and parks committee, Councillor Richard Hills, says as AI technology advances, benefits will grow, providing more accurate data, faster response times and enhanced predictive capabilities.

“These AI-equipped cameras are a gamechanger, providing data that vastly improves our operational capabilities, enabling quicker interventions and more

proactive maintenance of our stormwater infrastructure,” he says.

Following a successful trial two years ago, 23 cameras have so far been installed, with another 27 due to be in place by the end of the year. However, at this stage, none are due to be sited in Rodney.

“The virtual eyes initiative is predominantly focused on blockage risk, which is more of an urban phenomenon, as is high flood risk, more generally,” Vigar claims. “While there are currently no plans to install these cameras north of Silverdale, we are actively working on other flood resilience projects in the Rodney area.”

These include:

• Clearing work, including removing debris and vegetation in key rural streams throughout Rodney.

• Extensive flood modelling to better understand catchment-level flood mitigation options.

• Workshops in Matakana and Kaukapakapa to share ideas with rural landowners about creating more floodresilient land and protecting streams and rivers.

• Running public education campaigns through libraries on preparing for floods and working with local organisations to

• Developing a specific approach to meet the water and access needs of rural communities, including marae, by improving water, wastewater systems and roads to better handle storms.

“This includes working closely with these communities to ensure they are prepared and can quickly recover from flooding,” Vigar says.

He adds that Aucklanders can look forward to enhanced flood management that is not only effective, but also sustainable, ensuring the entire region’s preparedness for adverse weather conditions in future.

One of council’s ‘virtual eyes’, though they won’t be seen in Rodney.

Photo, Blair Herbert deliver stream improvement projects.

Navigating ever-changing employment processes

For the 564,000 small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) businesses that employ 20 or less employees and represent 97 per cent of businesses in NZ, the implementation of the 90-day trial period can be a challenge.

Hasmate managing director Gordon Anderson says one issue that arises is that many SME businesses have little or no documented employment processes in place, nor do they have the time or the internal resources to manage this important aspect of business.

“This is one of the single major reasons why so many SME business end up in time wasting and costly employment disputes.” Anderson says.

An important part of this process is maintaining employment records in either hard copy or cloud-based media. Anderson says the following are some easy-to-follow steps of an employment process.

“It is not intended as a complete list, but should be the minimum requirements that any SME business has in place for a systematic progress to minimise the risk of getting the employment process wrong.”

Ideal person description

This should be developed for all positions within the business. If done correctly, it will also act as the checklist for when applicants are interviewed.

Job description

The job description is a document that requires a lot of thought as it is important for you and the applicant to know what they are going to be responsible for, who they are accountable to and how performance will be measured.

Application for employment

Concerning the Privacy Act, the questions must only be relevant to the position that is being applied for and information that should be known to the applicant. For example, if the position requires that products or services be selected by colour, then the candidate can be asked if they are colour-blind.

The interview and selection process

This should be undertaken in a formal and appropriate setting. Any outcomes from this meeting should be recorded and filed in the employee’s personal file.

The employment agreement

This a mandatory obligation of all businesses, with costly consequences if not completed prior to engaging an employee. If the employee is to have a probationary period as part of their engagement, then this must be stated in this agreement. If this is included, Anderson recommends that a copy of the probationary assessment form is also included that outlines the areas that the employee will be assessed against for the probationary reviews, then there are no surprises for both parties.

The employment agreement is legally binding, so it is open for negotiation between both parties and not a take-itor-leave-it discussion. Of the many stated inclusions, the statement about health and safety is paramount, as this can become the saving grace for any employer, considering the proposed changes to the 2015 H&S Act, regarding responsibility and accountability.

The induction process

This should be a structured process so that the new employee understands the company’s requirements.

The probationary review process

This is the area where so many get it wrong. Do not leave this review meeting till the end of the 90 days or when things go wrong. Set the performance assessment dates for an assessment every month for the 90 days and tell the employee of these dates and the procedure for the reviews. Use the probationary assessment checklist for this process and be prepared to listen, provide feedback, positive and constructive ideas for improvement, listen and to act on any ideas for the business. You might well be surprised what you learn about your business and identify areas for improvement.

WITHERS & CO LTD CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

We are Chartered Accountants operating from our premises at 21 Neville Street Warkworth. We have two Partners and a further seven in our client support team. Our clients are varied and we are very familiar with complex Companies, Trusts, Farming and Developers, Overseas Income and Investment Portfolios, and Rental Properties. Withers & Co Ltd has been operating in Warkworth since 1998 and with 3 Qualified CA’s we have the experience and knowledge to support you and your operations.

If you are looking for Chartered Accountants to take you and your business to the next level then contact Grant Dixon or Todd Wilkin for your free initial consultation.

Tax changes and updates

We have now passed year end for most of our clients. A reminder that our end of year forms are available on our website (www.withersco.co.nz).

These provide a list of the information that we require to complete your end of year accounts. The team are ready to assist with this.

There have been a few changes to tax rules and other items that you should be aware of:

• Changes to interest limitation on rental properties

• Brightline test changes for property sales

• Depreciation allowances on commercial buildings removed for 2024/25

• Changes to income tax thresholds and PAYE rates from 31 July 2024

If you need more information then please come and speak to us. Before taking advantage of any of these points you should get professional advice and the team here at Withers & Co are ready to help. We also offer 1hr of Xero education free of charge to our clients.

Give Withers & Co a call for help with all of your accounts, business advisory, and tax matters.

stephanie@ppetal.co.nz

Neville Street, Warkworth DDI: 09 425 0968 | Phone: 09 425 7701

Property and Commercial Lawyers specialising in sale and purchase of real estate and business, company law, trusts and estates, protection of assets, and separation and division of relationship property.

WARKWORTH

Office A, Level 3, Kowhai House (behind Snap Fitness)

Entrance off Alnwick Street or Warkworth Lane, Warkworth PO Box 732, Warkworth 0941

Ph: (09) 425 7701 | Fax: (09) 425 7706 AUCKLAND OFFICE

28 Anzac Ave, Auckland Central 1010 PO Box 5530, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141 Ph: (09) 912 8500 | Fax: (09) 912 8518

repair

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Mon-Fri 9am-6pm & Sun-Sat 9am-5pm

us today: 027 827 0002 8/9 Fairwater Road, Warkworth nztechrepairs@gmail.com nztechrepairs.com

Shareholders’ agreements good tool for dispute resolution

By Patrick Steuart WRMK Lawyers

Shareholders’ agreements are useful for companies with a relatively small number of shareholders, where the potential for deadlock and disagreement is greater.

A shareholders’ agreement is an optional document that creates a contractual obligation between the shareholders of a company. The benefits of having one include:

Confidentiality

A shareholders’ agreement does not have to be registered on the Companies Register, unlike a company constitution, which is viewable by the public. The shareholders’ agreement is only seen by the shareholders in the company.

Resolution

Provisions can be put in place to resolve any deadlock between shareholders. This will be particularly important where the shareholder arrangement in a company is 50/50 between two shareholders. The shareholders’ agreement can provide options for the shareholders in the event of a deadlock on a major company decision. One example is using put/call options, where one shareholder can purchase the other’s shares if the deadlock cannot be resolved.

Pre-incorporation

The shareholders’ agreement can be entered into before the incorporation of the company, allowing the shareholders to

In brief

Alcohol policy adopted

have a clearer idea of what they are entering into and the general direction and purpose of the company. This could also include how the shares will be issued and whether initial funding will come from shareholder loans or third-party loans.

Flexibility

The shareholders’ agreement can be tailored to suit each company’s needs. It may set out how the company is structured, the day-to-day operations of the company, how many directors there will be, and the remuneration for the directors. The agreement can be as simple or as detailed as the shareholders want.

Pre-emptive rights

A significant aspect of a shareholders’ agreement is pre-emptive rights. This is where the shares can be kept with the remaining shareholders when a shareholder decides to sell. With pre-emptive rights, the remaining shareholders are offered the shares to purchase before they are offered to a third party. This may be particularly important in smaller companies where the shareholders only want to deal with other shareholders they know on a personal basis. Shareholders agreements can be good tool to simply resolve future disputes and clarify your business arrangements. A lawyer specialising in business law can assist if you want to learn more about shareholders’ agreements and whether having one will benefit your company.

After nearly 10 years of legal battles, Auckland’s local alcohol policy was finally adopted by council’s governing body last week. The first changes will come in on September 16, when any application to open an off-licence in 23 suburbs, including Wellsford and Te Hana, is likely to be declined for at least two years. Then, from December 9, bottle shops and supermarkets throughout Auckland will no longer be able to sell alcohol after 9pm. Sports clubs and RSAs will be able to sell alcohol until 1am. The policy will not affect special licences for festivals and events, which will continue to be assessed individually by the District Licensing Committee.

EV charge hub planned for Te Hana

Te Hana could soon be a popular spot with EV drivers, after Rodney Local Board approved plans by its Community Development Charitable Trust to let Tesla New Zealand install six charging stations on land at Te Hana Reserve. Trust member Grant Eager told the August board meeting that the proposal for two generic and four Tesla charging stations would provide rental income, increase passing trade and could provide jobs. “Depending on the patronage, we’re contemplating reopening our café at Te Hana to perhaps cater for these people,” he said. “Council is upgrading the playground and we just see this as a win-win – it would provide safe access to playground, the parents could come to the café. We’re trying to make a little hub there.” Tesla would still need to apply to council for landowner approval, plus obtain any necessary consents and easements.

In the race for success, don’t let inefficiencies hold you back. Integrate Biz Services is your turbo

Mary remembered in Matakana

Local winemakers, grape growers, family and friends gathered outside the Matakana Hall on August 21 to unveil a matai wood bench to commemorate the life of the late Mary Evans, who died in 2022.

Together with husband David Hoskins, Mary was one of the first winegrowers in the district, where they established Heron’s Flight in Sharp Road in the late 1980s. She went on to become a champion of not only Matakana wines, but the region as a whole and was a tireless advocate for community issues.

Matakana Winegrowers member Karl Nola said the association commissioned the bench as they wanted to acknowledge Mary and David as founding members and for all the work they had done, especially in the early days.

“When we arrived here 10 years ago, Mary was very welcoming and helped me to become part of the wine group,” he added. Nola thanked the Matakana Hall committee for letting the winegrowers

site the bench on the edge of the hall carpark, especially Trish Allen, who was a close friend of Mary’s. He also thanked Warkworth Men’s Shed for designing and building the bench, saying they had done a fantastic job.

David Hoskins said the donation of a bench in Mary’s memory had come completely out of the blue and was greatly appreciated. He said there were only around half a dozen winegrowers in Matakana when he and Mary planted their vineyard, and the area was very different to today.

“Matakana didn’t really have much then,” he said. “We came here when it was just a little service centre with a timber yard and were you could get your tractor fixed.”

He said he knew Mary would like the

“I appreciate this and Mary appreciates this. Thank you very much. It’s been just over two years since she died and I miss her

David Hoskins speaking to guests as Belgian Shepherd dog Dionysus dozes under Mary Evans’ commemorative bench.

Cuisine

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

In season and delicious

Pumpkin is such a delicious and versatile vegetable, and while generally popular for soups or roasting, there are lots of interesting ways to cook this sweet, nutritious filling vegetable. There are several varieties of the squash family, including the most commonly sold butternuts and crown pumpkins, but also many heirloom and hybrid squash that come in all sizes. Peeling their skins is not only a waste of time, but is also a waste of good roughage. Make sure you wash the pumpkin or squash well before cutting it up. Roasting the butternut or buttercup with the skin on results in a lovely crisp texture and also holds the pieces of squash together rather than letting them collapse when cooked. The less water you use while cooking pumpkin, the better, as it quickly becomes mushy and watery. Roasting is the preferred way to cook, as the flavour develops lots of sweetness and the texture is maintained.

Pumpkin is also a perfect vegetable to pair with spices. In the recipe this week I have used ginger, but other spices that are equally great are cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, coriander, black pepper and nutmeg.

I love pomegranate syrup (found in speciality food stores) which pairs beautifully with the pumpkin, but if that’s a stretch too far, you can always substitute runny honey or a good quality balsamic. Those pretty fresh pomegranate arils have become very popular and certainly give the dish a great look, with their jewel-like appearance. But equally, some chopped nuts and seeds or a spice mix like dukkah would be a great alternative.

½ crown pumpkin

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

2 tsp ground ginger

For the dressing:

1 cup Greek yogurt

2 tbsp tahini

2 cloves garlic, crushed I lemon, finely grated rind and juice

Pinch salt

3 tbsp balsamic syrup or pomegranate syrup

To finish:

A handful fresh mint leaves

and yogurt dressing

Preheat the oven to 180C and line a baking pan with baking paper.

Cut the pumpkin into even wedges, about 6cm thick, with a sharp knife. Discard all the seeds but leave the skin on, as it helps to keep the shape of the pumpkin as it softens in the cooking process. Mix the oil with the salt and pepper and ginger and smear this over the wedges on all sides. Place into the baking dish and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the pumpkin is soft when pierced with a sharp knife. Let the pumpkin cool a little. Meanwhile, put the yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon rind and juice in a bowl and whip

and add a teaspoon or two of the syrup or some honey to make it slightly sweet.

To serve, pile the wedges onto a serving plate and spoon the yogurt mix over, then place the mint leaves around the pumpkin. Finally drizzle over the rest of the pomegranate syrup (or balsamic) with the pomegranate arils.

(If you can’t find fresh pomegranate arils, you could dice a little red pepper or firm tomato to decorate and add that lovely colour.)

Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Great to accompany lamb chops, chicken or steak, or simply served as a first course with crusty bread. Serves 4.

Roasted Pumpkin Wedges with tahini

Concert features top violinist

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Wellington’s Michael Joel and featuring violin soloist Lara Hall, returns to Warkworth to perform its Mozart Larks concert this month.

The concert includes two iconic works for violin and orchestra, Mozart’s Concerto No 4 and Vaughan Williams’ Lark Ascending, plus Mozart’s great G minor symphony. Hall has taught violin and viola at Waikato University since her return to New Zealand in 2006. After obtaining a B.Mus at the University of Auckland, her study included a Doctorate at the University of Michigan and a summer in the Juilliard School of Music Dorothy DeLay Studio.

Hall has toured internationally and given masterclasses all over the world. She is

currently the concertmaster of Opus Orchestra and a founding member of the New Zealand Chamber Soloists.

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is a nonprofit cooperative made up of musicians who all play for their love of music.

Although it is an amateur orchestra, it rehearses and performs like a professional one.

It engages a different guest conductor for each concert, which provides concertgoers with an exciting variety of orchestral music performed to a very high standard.

The concert will be held in the Warkworth Town Hall on Saturday, September 14, starting at 4pm. Tickets are $40 (nonmembers), $30 (members), $10 tertiary students and school students are free.

WHANGATEAU HOSTS

Aussie folk troubador

Aussie songwriter and folk singer Bruce Watson will perform at the Whangateau Hall on Monday ,September 9.

Based in Melbourne, Watson performs around Australia and internationally at festivals, clubs and other venues.

Whangateau Folk Club organiser Jenine Abarbanel says his performances are joyful and thoroughly engaging, with witty lyrics and energetic presentation, but also the power to move audiences to tears.

“He is a masterful craftsman of songs, be they evocative and heart wrenching, or side-splittingly funny,” she says.

In his career, Watson has won numerous songwriting awards and has had his songs covered by performers such as Eric Bogle, Joe Dolce and Greg Champion.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 show. Tickets $15 cash or bank transfer, supper included. Book at whangateaufolk@ gmail.com

Tickets

Members $30

Non-members $40

Tertiary students $10

School-age students Free

Purchase tickets online at warkworthmusic.org.nz

Door Sales Cash only, no EFTPOS

Bruce Watson will perform at Whangateau next week.

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is delighted to be returning to Warkworth to perform our “Mozart Larks” concert, featuring two iconic works for Violin and Orchestra - Mozart’s Concerto No 4 and Vaughan Williams Lark Ascending - with soloist Dr Lara Hall.

Sat 14 September, 4pm Warkworth Town Hall

JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Handmade award-winning chocolate products in the heart of Warkworth. Enjoy taste testing our decadent pralines and truffles crafted in house to perfection and take home a complimentary sprinkle pouch. We are dedicated to ensuring you leave our store with a smile, carrying sweet memories and a little piece of our world with you.

6 Mill Lane, Warkworth | Monday - Friday 10 - 3 pm WWW.CHOCOLATEBROWN.CO.NZ

Mahurangi Land Restoration Programme

FUNDING ALERT

Don’t miss out!

Limited-time funding available now

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

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

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

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

Please contact Holly Fleming as soon as possible to secure funding through our programme! Mob: 021 548 818 Email: hollyfleming@terrapura.co.nz

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

The St Matthew Chamber Orchestra is currently Auckland’s longest established chamber orchestra. Inset, Dr Lara Hall. Photo, Opus Orchestra.

NZs Takeaway Favourites

09 945 0238 | 021 0242 9902 58 Wharf Road, Port Albert

Get Ready for Summer Early!

Secure your Golf Membership for the remainder of the 2024 season and be automatically invoiced for the 2025 membership year when it comes around. Pro rata rates are available until the new season begins. Lessons also available through the GolfShop. Everyone is welcome at the Omaha Beach Golf Club and the Estuary Café—whether you’re a golfer or just stopping by socially.

Café Hours: Open every day until 3 pm Open later on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Friday Night Dinner: Available weekly – menu changes every few weeks Bookings recommended: Call us at 09 422 7551, Ext. 2 North West Anchorage, Omaha Beach | 422 7551 | support@omahagolf.co.nz | www.omahagolf.co.nz

Craving a Spring Break!

Gather the whanau and make memories this spring

After a chilly winter, there’s nothing quite like the promise of spring to reinvigorate the senses and bring the family together for a much-needed escape.

Just a 90-minute drive from Auckland, Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park offers a superb setting for a getaway. Nestled on the edge of the serene harbour, the park blends natural beauty, family-friendly amenities, and easy access to a vibrant community. As winter gives way to spring, Mangawhai Heads comes alive with colour. Positioned on the water’s edge, the holiday park has front-row views of the harbour and surrounding landscape. The fresh air of spring breathes new life into the area and mild temperatures make it the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors.

For families, the park’s location offers easy access to water-based activities – kayaking, paddleboarding or swimming on the estuary, fishing from the jetty, catching waves at the outstanding nearby surf beach, or simply enjoying a stroll along the water. The park offers accommodation to suit different needs, from powered campsites and cabins to fully self-contained units. And until October 13, kids stay free

(excluding cabins).

On-site amenities include a well-equipped playground, communal barbeque areas and easy access to walking and biking trails. Friendly staff are always happy to offer local knowledge and help to plan unforgettable activities.

Mangawhai is rich in natural beauty and charm. It’s famed for its stunning coastal walks, including the cliff walk, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot native bird life. The world-renowned skate park and playground will have kids entertained for hours. Spring is also an excellent time to visit the farmers’ market, where visitors can sample fresh produce and artisanal goods from the region. Cafés abound.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure or a bit of both, Mangawhai Heads is brimming with it.

So, pack your bags, gather the clan and make for Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park this spring. It’s time to make memories that will last a lifetime in one of New Zealand’s most picturesque holiday destinations. https://mangawhaiheadsholidaypark. co.nz/

Mangawhai Heads HOLIDAY PARK

Museum celebrates the ancientness of the kauri

Spring at the Kauri Museum is the brightest time to visit. A fantastic family day trip one hour’s drive north of Warkworth, the museum on the north shore of the Kaipara Harbour is a complete destination. The largest purpose-built visitor attraction north of Auckland, it boasts more than 4500 square metres of exhibition halls and galleries. An on-site café serves refreshments and meals in a setting offering expansive view down to the harbour.

Deep in the heart of a long-gone ancient forest, the museum celebrates one of the world’s greatest trees and honours Kiwis’ relationship with it. Stories of courage and determination, tragedy and triumph, boundless hope and unfathomable loss abound here.

Spring is the ideal time to visit the museum, before the busy tourist season begins. Children dan dress up in historical costume, and there are treasure hunt activities to entertain families, with easy, medium and hard options for the young – and the young at heart. Exhibits offer insight into technological change, the decorative arts and social history. Visitors shouldn’t miss the exquisite kauri gum collection, and finished gum and jewellery pieces are available at the museum shop.

In October, the museum’s Gumdigger’s Café is part of the Savour Northland promotion. Two dishes on the menu have been specially crafted to highlight local kai from within a 10km radius of the café – Kaipara oyster chowder and Ruawai sausage and kumara pie.

A new forest walkway is another adventure on offer this spring. Visitors are invited to take a leap into the imagination as the museum narrates the story of the kauri, commencing with the Māori creation legend Te Waonui o Tane. The ethereal journey echoes the essence of forests past and those yet to come, as the museum strives to capture a sense of wonder associated with the ancientness of kauri and their place in the story of Aotearoa.

The museum is also sharing in Maungaturoto Primary School’s 150th jubilee celebrations in October. A grassroots exhibition will showcase the experiences of past students and staff from our archives, alongside projects by current students.

A visit to the Pioneer School House will enable visitors to reflect further on social change and developments in school life.

The Kauri Museum is open from 9-5 daily. https://www.kaurimuseum.com/

WORLD Come and enjoy the Sheepworld Farm and Show, feed your favourite animals and take an Alpaca for a walk, or grab a coffee at our newly renovated café.

Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm our new management team gearing a

The farm park has been popular through winter with many tour groups visiting to enjoy our world famous sheep shearing show, walking the park and interacting and hand-feeding our farm animals including lambs, bunnies, piglets and our latest baby Alpaca - Biscoff.

In June, the cafe reopened serving a delightful selection of cabinet sweet and savoury items, scrumptious hot food options to the counter whilst receiving great reviews from locals and tourists alike. The cafe will extend its opening hours from 5 days (WedSun) to 7 days from September 28 (9am to 3pm) and is a great place to meet up and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while the kids have fun on the playground.

The retail shop is where you may find the perfect gift or souvenir and is well stocked with a range of wool products including New Zealandmade sheepskins, possum merino clothing, slippers, giftware, and Lanolin based skin care products.

With plenty of parking and just 4km north of Warkworth, Sheepworld remains a great location for families, community groups and tourists stopping off to enjoy time together in a relaxed farm park environment.

Purveyors of

Finely Crafted

Cheeses and

Wines

Over 50 varieties of cheese. · European grocer & delicatessen Organic provisions · Giftware & more

And don’t forget we are owned by Springboard Community Works, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing education, wellbeing and training programmes to at-risk youth in our community. All proceeds from Sheepworld go towards providing sustainable community outcomes for Mahurangi.

324 State Highway 1 | 09 425 7444 | We are proud to announce

manager Emma Bullock (left), cafe manager Alex Tucker (right)

manager Keanau Andrews

Is Kai Iwi camps manager the perfect job?

Love the coast, native bush, outdoor activities and people? Kaipara District

Council may have just the opportunity for you – but you have only until September 13, so move quickly.

KDC is inviting expressions of interest from parties keen to manage two of Northland’s most iconic campgrounds in 2025 – Pine Beach and Promenade Point at Kai Iwi Lakes, on Kaipara’s stunning West Coast.

Council says the sites are set alongside natural dune lakes, among native bush in the Taharoa Domain.

“They offer water, biking and walking activities and have been favourite holiday spots for generations of Kiwi campers.”

The campgrounds turn a handy profit for council coffers, but operating them also draws heavily on its resources, says general manager for strategic improvement Hayley Worthington.

Council is open to any operating model that contributes to local communities and helps the local economy to prosper.

“A strategic review of our campsites highlighted that someone else could be better positioned to provide campground

Return of Kaipara Art Awards

Calling keen artists – the Kaipara Art Awards are back for the first time since 2022, after missing a year due to the havoc wreaked across the region by floods and cyclones last year.

Entries are open until September 20 in five categories:

• Painting

• Other media – drawing, collage, fabric art, printing, photography, etc.

• Sculpture/3D media

• Emerging artist

• Youth (16 and under)

Two dimensional art, such as paintings and photographs, have to be no more than 1m x 1m and 3D entries must be no more than 1m x 1m x 1m and no heavier than 20kg.

Entrants do not have to live in the Kaipara region, but they do need to be current members of one of its art groups, such as Mangawhai Artists or White Rock Gallery Artists in Matakohe.

services than council.

“We want to hear from people who are passionate about the area and what it can offer,” Worthington says. “It goes without saying that they must like working with people, provide great customer service and be invested in taking care of such a special place.”

For more details, contact Mary Manuel on 09 439 1105 or at council@kaipara.govt.nz

Submit expressions of interest, by September 13, to: https://www.gets. govt.nz/KAIPDC/ExternalTenderDetails. htm?id=29905420

Judging will take place at the Mangawhai Artists gallery in Moir Street on Friday, October 18, before the gala opening night and awards ceremony at 6pm that evening in the atrium at Bennetts of Mangawhai, also in Moir Street.

The awards exhibition will open at the gallery the following day, Saturday, October 19, and run until Wednesday, October 30. Most works will be for sale. Info and entry forms: https://www.mangawhaiartists.co.nz/

Making waves in the Heads

TOAST, the newest spot in Mangawhai Heads, is shaking up the local coffee scene with a fresh and lively vibe. Tucked away on Wood Street, it grabs attention with a bright orange and green exterior, lush plants, and cosy interior filled with books, candles and coffee beans. Stepping inside, visitors inhale a rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee courtesy of Wellington’s Havana Coffee Works, with its trademark hint of caramel.

Of course it’s not just about the coffee; the toasties are the real stars here. TOAST serves up a range of options, among them ham & Swiss, Italian prosciutto, triple cheese, buffalo chicken, Korean corn and tuna melt. There are also a couple of kid-friendly choices. Each toastie is crafted with care, making for a quick yet satisfying breakfast or lunch. TOAST is already making waves nationally. In the recent Toastie of the Year competition its Northlander placed highly in the People’s Choice category.

A creative twist on the classic Southland Cheese Rolls, it has quickly become a local favourite. Given how packed the town gets in summer, TOAST has had the foresight to install a touch screen for fast ordering. Customers can be in and out quickly –although the inviting atmosphere does tend to make people want to stay and soak it all in. Follow TOAST on Instagram: toast.on.wood.street

Cheese, red onion and pickles – the Northlander is the perfect post-surf treat.

Creative crafts in Matakana

Students at Matakana School were busy being creative with wool last month, when members of Kowhai Art & Craft’s spinning, weaving and felting group visited Years 3 to 6 over two days.

Members of the group showed younger children how to weave using a grid of knitting wool on a cardboard square, while senior students took on the task of making pictures by felting wool.

This involved layering fluffed-out felting wool of different colours to form a picture, then soaking it and bashing it so the fibres all melded together, something that everyone seemed to enjoy.

Senior team leader and acting deputy principal Claire Allen said the weaving and felting have-a-go days were part of the school’s latest 10-week inquiry unit.

“This one is all to do with the arts, visual and performing, and this is part of our ‘spark week’, which kicks things off with fun, hands-on activities,” she said. Items made by the children will be on

public display during the next school holidays, when regional spinning, weaving and felting group Creative Fibre Northland stages its biennial exhibition at Matakana School from October 4 to 6.

As well as artistic displays, the three-day ‘Transformations’ exhibition will feature trading stalls, demonstrations, raffles and a series of workshops on various aspects of weaving, felting, spinning and knitting, such as making a 3D vessel from felt and Fair Isle knitting.

Warkworth member Rosemary Burnby said the group had worked with the school and exhibited there before, though when the school was much smaller than it is now.

“We did the same thing in 2009, but the number of children has grown considerably since then – there were more than 200 children this time and only 10 or 12 of us, but they all did really well,” she said.

Info and workshop enrolments: https://www.creativefibre.org.nz/calendar/ or contact Linda Macdonald on 027 482 9725 or j.l.macdonald@xtra.co.nz

Go local for a fun family break!

Family friendly accommodation and camping options, including waterfront camping available.

Holiday Park

Whangateau Holiday Park

Go local for a fun family break!

Family friendly accommodation and camping options, including waterfront camping available.

Whangateau Holiday

Safe swimming area, awesome snorkelling, and paddleboarding, fantastic walks, pedal children play area and picnic spots.

Go

Book now: whangateauholidaypark.co.nz

Absolute coastal paradise!

Go local for a fun family break!

Family friendly accommodation and camping options, including waterfront camping available.

Safe swimming area, awesome snorkelling, kayak and paddleboarding, fantastic walks, pedal bikes, children play area and picnic spots.

Safe swimming area, awesome snorkelling, kayak and paddleboarding, fantastic walks, pedal bikes, children play area and picnic spots.

Book now: whangateauholidaypark.co.nz

0800 9407 275 or 09 422 6305 whpark@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Book an Auckland Council holiday park today: whangateauholidaypark.co.nz

whangateauholidaypark.co.nz

0800 9407 275 or 09 422 6305 whpark@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

0800 947 275 or 09 427 3305 whpark@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

0800 9407 275 or 09 422 6305 whpark@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

MATAKANA VILLAGE PRESCHOOL

Felting involved squirting soapy water and bashing bubble wrap, which proved popular with Year 5 and 6 students.

Rosemary Burnby keeping an eye on some keen novice weavers from Years 3 and 4.

Restoration versus construction for Tapora Hall

Tapora Community Hall needs so many repairs that it would cost as much to fix it as it would to demolish it and start again, a Rodney Local Board workshop heard last month.

Independent engineers found the hall, which was built nearly 60 years ago, would cost up to $2 million to repair and refurbish – the same amount as knocking it down and building a new one.

Auckland Council’s senior project manager for parks and facilities, Aaron Pickering, told members that assessors had found significant structural failings coupled with a very high seismic risk rating.

“It’s in pretty poor condition,” he said. “To try to remediate would cost as much, if not more, than starting afresh on a comparable size. Engineers said we’d be spending the same amount of money for a lesser outcome.”

Pickering acknowledged community attachment to the existing hall, some of which had been built by local residents, and said people were keen to salvage reusable materials.

“I know there’s a desire to retain the flooring, it’s lovely,” he said. “The hall’s got a lot of history and means a lot to the community, but I think there’s awareness that it was poorly constructed at the time.”

Pickering added that while there were serious structural issues, and there was a seismic notice on the building, he didn’t think it was unsafe for people.

“I don’t think it’s at risk of falling down,” he said.

Board members heard that there were five options open to them – carry out aesthetic refurbishment and partial repairs; comprehensive refurbishment and repairs; demolish and rebuild the hall; demolish and re-design a similar sized and fit-forpurpose new hall; or simply do nothing.

Rodney area manager for parks and community facilities Geoff Pitman said the first two options did not make financial sense in the long run and they weren’t going to do nothing, so the preference was for a rebuild. However, more research was needed on what type of hall facility would be best.

“It’s not often we do a rebuild these days, we generally prefer to repair and refurbish. What’s a little unclear to us is what a modern, rural hall looks like,” he said.

“What we’re looking to do from here is to start more of a detailed design and work with the community on their needs and try to incorporate those as best we can.”

Wellsford member Colin Smith said there had been a land change use in Tapora from dairy farming to high production horticulture.

“More people are moving in and a subdivision is planned,” he said. “There’s only one way in and one way out of there, and if it gets cut off, they need to be totally resilient, so the necessity for that hall is 100 per cent.”

Pickering said council was conscious that resilience needed to be built into community halls wherever possible, and they would work with emergency management.

Chair Brent Bailey said the board would be keen to reuse materials from the old hall where possible.

“We think it would be important to preserve some of the existing building and incorporate it in the design in some way that doesn’t cost too much, because money is tight,” he said.

Pitman said staff would report back to the board with design options after more community and stakeholder engagement, which would take some time.

“We’re a year or two away from turning the soil,” he said.

In brief

Summer hockey

Warkworth Hockey is playing a four-week Mixed Open Night series, from Thursday September 5 to 26. No registration necessary – just turn up on the night to be placed in a team. Fee to play is $5 and the nine-a-side games start at 6.30pm. This will be followed by summer hockey starting next month, with Summer 7s on October 15 and Summer 9s on October 17. Registrations close Monday September 30.

Register teams here: http.//sites.google. com/site/warkworthsocialhockey/ Info: warkworthhockey@gmail.com or Kylie Hughes kvujcich04@gmail.com

Māori farming awards open

Calling all Māori livestock farmers –entries are open for the 2025 Ahuwhenua Trophy competition, which this year is for sheep and beef farmers. The annual contest is open to individual Māori farmers, as well as trusts and other entities, and alternates between dairy, horticulture and sheep and beef sectors. Organisers say the competition is an opportunity for Māori to showcase the excellence of their sheep and beef farms, which contribute more than 15 per cent of the total earnings of the sector. Info and entries:  www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz

Low-down on lambs

Expert advice on producing top quality lambs will be available at a Beef+Lamb NZ workshop in Makarau on Wednesday, September 11. Growing Great Lambs is being hosted by large animal vet and Wormwise programme manager Ginny Dodunski, who will offer tips on setting up better lamb growth, realistic performance levels, and feeding and management at all stages, from pregnancy to post-weaning. The workshop is free, runs from 10am to 2.30pm at Makarau Hall and lunch is included. Info and registration: https:// events.beeflambnz.com/home

While use of Tapora Hall is relatively low, council acknowledged that it is a vital community resource.

Authors share reading message

Students at Mahurangi College and Wellsford Primary School were given some first-hand advice on how to become a published author when the Storylines National Story Tour was in the district on August 19.

Children’s writers Philippa Werry and Angie Belcher visited the college, while Vasanti Unka and illustrator Swapna Haddow popped into the primary school. The annual tour sends four leading authors, illustrators and storytellers to visit schools, early childhood education centres, community groups and libraries all around NZ. This was Werry’s third tour.

While she said questions from students were similar wherever she went, Mahurangi students were focused on the business of writing, what the process was and how an

author made the choices they did in their stories.

“My goal is to reinforce to students how important reading is, how much fun it can be and how it enriches our lives,” she said.

College librarian Marie McLennan said the tour offered students “a fantastic” opportunity to interact with authors.

“Normally we would have to pay for this experience, but through Storylines, it’s free,” she said.

Out of Zone Enrolment 2025

Enrolment at the school is governed by an enrolment scheme, details of which are available from the school office or on the school website www.warkworth.school.nz. The Board has determined that Out of Zone Applications for the start of 2025 be invited in Year 0 and 1, Year 3 (4 spaces), Year 4 (4 spaces) and Year 6 (6 spaces) for enrolment in Term 1 and 2 only. The exact number of places will depend on the number of applications received from students who live within the school’s home zone. Applications are now invited for out of zone students. Application forms are available from the school website (www.warkworth.school. nz). The deadline for receipt of applications is 15

October 2024. Parents of students who live within the home zone and intend enrolling their child at any time during this year should notify the school by 15 October 2024 to assist the school to plan appropriately. Students who live in the home zone are entitled to enrol at the school. If the number of out of zone applications exceeds the number of places available, students will be selected by ballot. If a ballot is required, it will be held on 18 October 2024. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the ballot within three days of the ballot being held.

The college has a writing club run by English teacher and poet Layal Moore.

Marie said the sessions with the authors provided students with a wider view of what writing was all about and she hoped they would be inspired to pursue their own writing.

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tt@dynamicpipeworks.co.nz www.dynamicpipeworks.co.nz

www.localmatters.co.nz

Drainlaying + Earthworks

Scott a’Beckett 021 027 95745

Scott a’Beckett 021 027 95745

scott@dynamicpipeworks.co.nz www.dynamicpipeworks.co.nz

scott@dynamicpipeworks.co.nz www.dynamicpipeworks.co.nz

cott@dynamicpipeworks.co.nz www.dynamicpipeworks.co.nz Drainlaying + Earthworks

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Children’s author Angie Belcher (Pipi Dance, The Boys in the Waka Ama and The Farmyard Idol) shared her enthusiasm for writing with Year 11 to 13 students.

College librarian Marie McLennan (left) with visiting author Philippa Werry (The Telegram, Iris and Me and The Water Bottle).

History

www.albertland.co.nz

Paws of the past

For history enthusiasts, an old photograph is more than just a frozen moment in time – it’s a vivid portal into the past, revealing the lives, stories and even the dogs that shaped our heritage. In the Albertland district, it seems nearly every settler had a dog, whether a tireless farmhand, a bushman’s loyal companion or a cherished family pet. These dogs held a place of pride, often captured in the photographs of the era. If you are a pet owner today, you’ve likely just paid your dog registration fee – a necessary but often grumbled-about task. Yet, this seemingly mundane duty has deep roots in New Zealand’s history, where animals, especially dogs, played a vital role in the nation’s development.

When early explorers and settlers arrived in New Zealand, they brought with them an array of animals, including dogs and cats to control vermin, provide companionship,and offer comfort during the long sea voyages. Terriers, small and nimble hunters, were particularly valued on these journeys for their ability to rid ships of rat and mice that threatened the food supply. Once ashore, these dogs quickly became quite indispensable to the settlers, who appreciated their utility and charm. Early settlers, especially farmers, brought working dogs like the border collie, which arrived in the mid-1800s. These dogs were selectively bred into what is now known as the New Zealand heading dog. The huntaway, another uniquely New Zealand breed, was developed from a mix of border collies, Gordon setters, and bearded collies. However, as the dog population grew, so did the challenges they posed. By 1880, dogs were running free, breeding unchecked, and causing problems for both settlers

and livestock. To regain control, the Dog Registration Act of 1880 was introduced, requiring all owners to pay 10 shillings and receive a collar from local authorities. This law aimed to curb the dog population, protect livestock and identify owners if dogs were caught attacking animals or people.

For Māori, the dog tax was more than just an economic burden – it clashed with their cultural and spiritual views on the relationship between humans and animals. This lead to the Hokianga Dog Tax Rebellion, a significant protest against the regulations. An amendment to the Act in

1882 allowed local authorities to set varying registration fees, with lower fees for the working dogs essential to the rural economy. Unregistered dogs could be seized and sold, with proceeds going to the local authority. By 1887, the dog tax in Rodney County had become a contentious issue. Settlers could have one cattle or sheep dog at a reduced fee of two shillings and sixpence, while additional dogs were taxed at 10 shillings each. House dogs and sporting dogs also incurred the higher fee. Enforcement was strict and in October 1890, Frank Meyer was brought before the Port Albert R.M.

Court by Constable Inger, who was tasked with collecting dog registrations and enforcing the law across Rodney County. The history of dog registration in New Zealand is more than just a tale of bureaucracy – it’s a reflection of how crucial dogs were to the survival and success of early settlers. So, the next time you pay that registration fee, remember that you are participating in a tradition that helped shape the nation, a tradition that sparked protests, but also underscored the deep bond between humans and their four-legged companions.

Mr W. Oldfield, 1912.

Rose Reid, Albertland Museum

Teddy and Evelyn Thompson, 1906.

Young Tom Pook out shooting pheasants.

Pig hunters Blackburn, Roger brothers and Jack Riley.

Animals

Dogs can be wonderful mates for children, offering friendship, loyalty and joy. I was lucky to have wonderful doggo Daci, who was eight years older than my son, but as my infant became a hectic three-yearold, I researched how I could alleviate the risks associated with dog-kid interactions, because clearly ‘training’ a small human is not as straightforward as I thought it would be! In doing so, I became aware of some key points for child safety around dogs.

An educational app

I found an amazing interactive adventure app named A Dog’s Story created by Pedigree. The app offers an engaging way for even the very young to learn about dog behaviour and safety. Through interactive storytelling and games, within an animated magical ‘world’, the app teaches eight important lessons for interacting with dogs, and we found it very helpful, especially since my son would often meet other dogs through my vet work.

Understanding dog body language

One key to acting appropriately around dogs is teaching children about dog body language, such as recognising signs of discomfort like growling or a stiff body. How to first approach any dog is emphasised by the app, along with teaching that dogs have a personal space and how our actions impact the dog’s behaviour. This knowledge helps children to avoid actions that might upset a dog.

Supervise interactions

This helps you intervene quickly if a situation escalates, preventing potential incidents. Good old redirection works for both kids and dogs. Within the app there are resources for parents and educators, including tips on supervising interactions and strategies for teaching safe behaviour in various scenarios.

Lead by example

Children learn by observing adults, so show them how to interact appropriately. How to say “sit” is a great start. I also would say “thank you” when Daci sat, or did as she was asked, which taught good manners all round. Leash walking and showing a dog can “heel”, or yield to pressure on a leash to walk alongside, are also great practical lessons. Showing your child how to walk your dog on a leash (even around the back yard) provides a safe activity, and is a great bonding exercise.

Managing rough play

This can be difficult to avoid with boisterous kids, but the main thing I learnt with my “stick dog” was to make sure stick and ball play is highly supervised. Kids will often wave the stick in front of their own body or face, so encourage them to keep dog toys away from their face.

If families enhance their understanding of dog this helps ensure kids coexist safely with dogs. Emphasising education, with clear and even very basic dog training alongside this, helps create a happy environment where everyone can have fun.

Wellsford CLINIC VET

CARPET ADVICE

Free Quote for Steam Cleans, Carpet Repairs, 35 years experience https://carpetadvice.co.nz/ Dwyane 027 499 7929 CARPETS

DRIVEWAYS

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

& VIDEOS

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

FOR SALE

TABLE TENNIS TABLE Perfect condition, $300 cash and take away. 021 064 1446

HOME & MAINTENANCE

LOST

022-646-5849.

REID EQUESTRIAN ENGINEERING, Wellsford. Float rebuilds, horse truck conversions, etc. Dog kennels made to measure. Quality work. Ph Ron 423 9666

PEST CONTROL Eradication of rats & mice. Competitive Rates. Ph 426 2253 Ph 027 286 7321, www.noratsandmice.nz

CREATIVE MATAKANA (INC)

AGM

Monday October 14, 5pm, Matakana Hall, Matakana Valley Road. Contact: creativematakana@gmail.com www.creativematakana.nz

PUBLIC MEETING

Warkworth Town Hall, 16th September 7pm. All Welcome PROPOSED GROWTH FOR WARKWORTH DISTRICT WILL BE 5 TIMES CURRENT POPULATION – IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT FOR WARKWORTH?

Growth areas at high density with significant change of character.

Private pressure to get growth now. Infrastructure not available for such growth.

Warkworth Liaison Group (WALG) is working for the community.

AIR BNB CLEANER wanted for Matakana Retreat Lodge & Glamping. 8-10hrs per week available immediately, more hours leading into busy period Nov-Mar. Duties will include; training + weekly deep clean + occasional weekend turnover. Applicant needs to have flexibility with their time, available some weekends while in training & have reliable transport.

Phone Damon to enquire: 021 308 415

BAR STAFF

in Warkworth and Wellsford Contact Tanya Milford 021 066 0838

Come along to this meeting to learn and tell us your concerns. TAROT WITH

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVICE DESKS

Warkworth, at the Library

Monday 10am – 2pm

Needed for the touch rugby season at Mahurangi Rugby Club. Thursdays from 3pm onwards. Info: Tammy Morris 027 247 1736

NEW ZEALAND FAIRY TERN CHARITABLE TRUST

AGM

Senior Citizens’ Hall, Fagan Place, Mangawhai Heads, 2pm Sunday 15 September, 2024.

Presentation of the annual reports and election of the committee, will be followed by: Guest speaker, Ilse Corkery, who will speak about the FT captive breeding programme

All welcome info@fairytern.org.nz

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

Matakana, Cinema Complex

Tuesday 11am-1pm

Snells Beach Community Church

325 Mahurangi East Road

Friday 10am – noon

Warkworth RSA

Fridays 3.30pm to 5pm

No appointment is needed. There is no cost.

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

Check

TAROT

NZ squash legend Dame Susan Devoy turned up to encourage Brett Meyer during one of his matches.

Meyer masters world squash champs and places 7th

Senior Warkworth Rackets’ squash player

Brett Meyer has finished in the world’s top seven at the recent World Squash Federation’s World Masters Championships in Amsterdam.

Meyer, who lives in Matakana, was one of 1227 entrants in the 8-day mixed tournament for players aged from 35 to 80-plus, which ran from August 15 to 22. He was initially seeded 11th in his section.

“I was playing in the 60-plus age group category, which had 128 entrants from more than 40 different countries,” he said. Meyer sailed through the first four rounds, beating opponents from Germany, Canada, Australia and England, but was beaten by Brit and third seed, Eamonn Price, in the quarter finals.

He eventually finished seventh in the playoffs, after beating fellow Kiwi and 10th seed Tony Griffin, who has been coaching squash in Barcelona for the past 20 years.

“It was amazing – an incredible experience meeting fellow squashies from around the world,” he said. “Plus the chance to experience the vibrancy of Amsterdam was a real treat. And, of course, to have my wife Sami with me was extra special.”

This was not the first World Masters for

Meyer – he played in Christchurch in 2008, finishing in the top 16 – and he said, after his success in Amsterdam, it wouldn’t be his last.

“The next World Masters will be held in Melbourne in 2026. Now that I know who and what I am up against I will be better prepared,” he said. “Hopefully we can encourage many more Kiwis to take part in biggest squash masters event in the World Squash Federation calendar.”

His achievement in Amsterdam is just the latest in a string of successes for Meyer, who has been with Warkworth Rackets since moving to the area from Howick more than five years ago.

Last year, he scored the ‘three-peat’ of winning all three Trans-Tasman tests against his Australian age group opponent, helping Team NZ to win the series; winning the National NZ age group final in the 60-plus group; and going through unbeaten in the Masters Interprovincial teams event for Auckland, which then took the national title.

Meyer is taking it easy for a while after his efforts in Amsterdam, travelling north through Scandinavia until later this month.

Leigh prepares for summer season

The prizegiving for the 2023/24 season was held at the Leigh Bowling Club on Sunday, August 18. Unfortunately, there were a number of members who could not make it on the day, but those attending enjoyed the presentations and the drinks and afternoon tea that followed. The 60s social night on August 23 was a great night with some very interesting costumes appearing.

The opening of the new season was held on

Frisbeegolf

The inaugural Kaipara Flats Frisbee Golf Champs will be held at Kaipara Flats Sports Club on Sunday, September 15. There will be three divisions – men’s, women’s and under 16s. The best overall score of each division will be crowned club champs. Must be a frisbee golf member to play. RSVP by emailing kaiparaflatsfrisbeegolf@gmail.com

Seniortouch

The senior touch season at Mahurangi Rugby Club will kick off on Thursday, October 10. There are three grades – social, competitive and over 40s. Teams need 14 players per team. The social and competitive grades must have three women on the field at all times. For the Over 40s grade, only two women are required to be on the field. Info: Bernie at Bernie@bkdesign.co.nz or 021 118 3462

Surflifesaving

Surf Life Saving Northern Region has a job vacancy for a community education manager. The job involves leading the delivery of community education programmes across the northern region, from Raglan to the Far North. You will manage a team of 30 seasonal employees to deliver key safety messaging and education sessions through programmes and community events. Applications close Tuesday, September 10. Info:  https://www.seek.co.nz/community-educationmanager-jobs?jobId=78012920

LoveTennis

Love Tennis Open Days will take place at Warkworth Rackets and Mahurangi East Tennis Club on Sunday, September 8, from 10am-2pm. Both events are free and open to all. There will be prizes, games and much more. For more info, visit Mahurangi East Tennis Club or Warkworth Rackets on Facebook.

Juniorcricket

Registration is now open for Rodney Cricket’s junior hardball cricket teams. Junior cricket teams play in grades U10 to U13. Games are played in T20 format on Saturday mornings at grounds between Warkworth and the North Shore. Training details are still to be finalised, but usually held on a Tuesday or Wednesday at Mahurangi College. For more info, visit Rodney Cricket Association on Facebook or email rodneycric@gmail.com. Register here: https://hibiscuscricket. co.nz/register

Sunday, September 1 and was enjoyed by all. The bowling season will get underway with drawn pairs this Saturday, September 7. The first tournament of the season will be held on Saturday, September 28. It will be the Cameron/Penney Tournament, sponsored by Steve Cameron and Gis Penney. We are crossing our fingers that the weather will support us and allow these events to take place. Spectators welcome and the clubrooms and bar will be open. The club recently welcomed a new Life Member, Peter (Pedro) Manuall. Pedro has been a stalwart of the club for many years and is still active and contributing in his role of organising club events. Our Club Draws continue on Wednesday nights with Dick Penney winning $500 recently.

Business House Bowls will start next month and anyone wishing to enter a team in this social evening needs to contact Biscuit on 027 590 4829. The bar continues to open at 4pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. All welcome.

Contributed by Ian Bradnam.

2024/2025 Summer Hockey

4 Weeks Mixed Open Night

$5 on night to play | 9-aside

(turn up on the night and will place you into team) Thursday nights 6.30pm 5th Sept-26th Sept

Summer 7’s | 15th October

7 aside will be on Tuesday Evenings, 6.30-7.30pm. Half field games | Ages 12+ | No goalie

Summer 9’s | 17th October

9 aside will be on Thursday Evenings, 6.30-8.45pm. Full field games | Ages 14+

Cup sails into Mahurangi

Mahurangi will get a taste of America’s Cup history when the ‘Auld Mug’ visits three locations on Wednesday, September 18.

The cup, which is the world’s oldest international sporting trophy, will start its journey through the area at Warkworth Primary School, then will be on public display at Warkworth Toyota from 3pm to 5pm and Sandspit Yacht Club from 6pm to 8pm.

Sandspit is one of only 10 clubs chosen to host the trophy on it 4500km journey.

Yacht club spokesperson Glenys Milne says there will be plenty of opportunity for people to have their photo taken with the trophy, sign the Emirates Team New Zealand Supporters’ Sail and send a message of support to the team. After the road trip, known as the Toyota

Kiwi Cup Tour, the trophy will fly to Barcelona for the 37th America’s Cup, taking place from October 12 to 21.

The tour has been made possible with the support of Toyota New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

Toyota assistant vice president Susanne Hardy says being able to have the America’s Cup tour the country is an incredible way of sharing the spirit of the cup.

“It’s a great opportunity for Kiwis to see the cup in person and be inspired by all that it brings,” she says.

Milne added a thank you to everyone who bought tickets in the recent Kiwi Cup Raffle, enabling four Mahurangi College sailors from the club to compete in the Kiwi Cup Regatta on the Waitemata taking place from September 30 to October 4.

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

Marine Single species management not working

Kina seem to be everywhere, but where’s everything else? Where have the big, old grandaddy snapper gone, and the clusters of crayfish that used to hang around? With crayfish and snapper missing in action, kina have been left relatively unchecked in the natural environment, resulting in a population surge of the spiky creatures.

Kina have been painted as the bad guys, transforming luscious and productive kelp forests into kina barrens, inhospitable habitat for other sea life. However, the real issue is historic overfishing and the Quota Management System (QMS), which is based on single species management designed to maximise catches.

The kina barren problem hasn’t occurred overnight. Marine food chains are delicate and sensitive. When key predators such as large crayfish disappear, it has consequences further down the chain, ruining the natural balance between predators and prey. Decades of excessive crayfish catch limits have meant this delicious, ecologically important species is now functionally extinct in the Hauraki Gulf.

We are left with declining productivity and biodiversity across our coastal ecosystems, and crayfish caught and exported soon after reaching legal size. So how is Shane Jones, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, going to solve this problem?

In July, he approved an increase in the kina recreational daily bag limit, from 50 to 150 kina per person between Northland

and the Bay of Plenty. We’re not convinced this is the answer because it doesn’t address the issue of not enough crayfish or large snapper in the water. LegaSea, New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and environmental groups had earlier urged the Minister to focus efforts on restoring crayfish and key predator abundance, rather than targeting the symptom of mismanagement. All roads lead back to the broken and dysfunctional QMS. From the get-go in 1986, the QMS was set up to fail because the system is focused on managing each fish species separately. This means we have lost the natural connectivity in the food chain. We now have the science, knowledge and numerous kina barrens as evidence that single species management is not working. The real solution starts with taking a step back and looking at our fish stocks from a holistic view. Any decisions to increase catch limits need to factor in the impacts such an increase may have on all species within the marine ecosystem. This ecosystem-based approach is internationally recognised as a means to restore habitats and sustain abundant fish populations. If such an approach was applied when setting past crayfish catch limits, we may not be in the situation we are in now.

If we aspire to restore crayfish and snapper abundance, the amazing creatures that used to inhabit nooks and crannies throughout the Gulf, we need ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron vice commodore David Blakey with the prize the boats in Barcelona will be racing for. Photo, Suellen Hurling.

2 Kowhai Singers Christmas concert open rehearsal, Warkworth Methodist Church Hall, 7.15pm. All welcome, no obligation. Rehearsals every Monday, same place and time. We are a non-auditioned choir, although do expect that you can sing in tune and have basic music-reading ability. Info: https://www.kowhaisingers.org.nz/

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

4 Retired Men’s Coffee Morning, Sheepworld Cafe, 10.30am. Camaraderie and chat with Men’s Rebus. Visitors welcome. Info: Ron 422 3111

4 Warkworth Area Liaison Meeting, RSA Basement Meeting Room, 7.30pm. Open forum for local issues, all welcome.

5 Back Bar Jazz, The Bridgehouse, Warkworth, 6-9pm. Free, all welcome.

5 Forest & Bird Winter Talk, Warkworth RSA downstairs meeting room, 7.30pm. Research biologist Dr Edin Whitehead specialises in seabird responses to climate change. She is project coordinator for the Northern NZ Seabird Trust and works to support seabird research and conservation projects. All welcome.

6 Tea & Talk ‘Girls Mutual Improvement Society of Warkworth,’ Warkworth Museum, 10am. Speaker Dianne Morgan. $10. Booking essential. Email: warkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz

8 Love Tennis Open Day, Warkworth Rackets, Shoesmith Street, 10am-2pm. Prizes, games, BBQ lunch & more. Free. All welcome. Info: https://warkworthrackets.co.nz/events/

8 Wellsford Variety Music Club Day, Wellsford Community Centre, 1-4pm. Light afternoon tea. Bring a plate to share if you wish. $5pp or $15 for two adults and two children. Performers encouraged. Info: Andrew 422 3424.

8 Love Tennis Open Day, Mahurangi East Tennis Club, 10am-2pm. Free. All welcome.

9 Kowhai Singers Christmas concert open rehearsal, Warkworth Methodist Church Hall, 7.30pm. All welcome, no obligation. Rehearsals every Monday, same place and time. We are a non-auditioned choir, although do expect that you can sing in tune and have basic music-reading ability. Info: https://www.kowhaisingers.org.nz/

14 St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra, Warkworth Town Hall, 4pm. Presented by Warkworth Music. Members $30, non-members $40. Info: www.warkworthmusic.org.nz (see story p25)

14 Wellsford Wellness Morning, Wellsford Community Centre, 11am-2pm. Free sessions and information from local wellness practitioners. All welcome. Info: www.wellnesshub.nz

14 Matakana Region Trappers Afternoon Tea, Matakana Hall, 2-4pm. Open to all trappers and anyone keen to get involved in trapping and conservation efforts. Chat with backyard trappers, predator control experts and keen conservationists. Learn about the Trap NZ App,  Kiwi Aversion Training for dogs and more. Info: The Forest Bridge Trust on Facebook

16 Managing Warkworth’s Growth, Warkworth Town Hall, 7pm. Public meeting, all welcome.

16 Warkworth Men’s Rebus meeting, Shoesmith Hall, 10am. Guest speaker. Retired and missing your mates? This could be for you. New members welcome. Info: Ron 422 3111.

16 Matakana Hall AGM, Matakana Hall, 6pm. All welcome.

17 Warkworth Quilt Club, Shoesmith Hall, 10am-2pm. Guest speaker. Guests and new members welcome. Info: Jenny Warren 09 422 4046

18 America’s Cup Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour, Toyota Warkworth, 3-5pm, and Sandspit Yacht Club, 6-8pm. (see story p38)

20 Rotary on the Runway, Warkworth Town Hall, 5.30-7.30pm. Fundraiser for Rodney Women’s Centre. Tickets $30. Info: Cindy Bakewell 021 024 70005

21 Textile Repair Cafe, Mahurangi Wastebusters Learning Hub, Less Waste, 55 Lawrie Road, Snells Beach, 10am-1pm. Repair café to mend or alter clothes and other fabric items. Free entry, koha for repairs.

25 One Mahurangi annual general meeting, Bridgehouse back bar, 5.30pm (see ad p10)

3  Back Bar Jazz, The Bridgehouse, Warkworth, 6-9pm. Free, all welcome. October

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

Rams hosting season finale

More than 120 senior players from around Auckland will take to the fields at Whangateau Reserve this Saturday, September 7, when the Rodney Rams host the final regional Rugby League Masters tournament of the season.

Eight teams of players aged from 35 right up to 80-plus will be playing in four matches, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.

The Rodney Rams Masters team includes members who live as far north as Whangarei and as far south as Hamilton, as well as Mangawhai, Warkworth, Matakana, Snells Beach and Algies Bay more locally.

They are part of the Auckland Rugby League Masters social competition that has 29 teams split into four modules.

The Rams’ module has eight teams that play at least once every three weeks from April until September under Masters of Rugby League rules, which categorise players by using different colour shorts for each age bracket – those aged 35 to 39 wear white, 40 to 49 black, 50 to 59 red, and 60 years-plus gold with tags.

Rams team manager Sonny Teio said the final tournament was guaranteed to be great fun, with plenty of laughs on and off the field.

“It will be great day out with rugby league coming to our area for the biggest event of the year for this code,” he said.

“We have one player in our module in his eighties and he has played every game all year.”

Teio added that it would likely not just be male players on the field, as this season all modules had been encouraged to allow women aged 30-plus to take part.

The Rams put this into practice at their last game, when they fielded two women players at the annual Ray Inksersole Memorial Match against Hibiscus Coast Raiders at Stanmore Bay Park, on August 18.

The trophy match was devised following the death of Rams stalwart Inkersole, who died in 2017 at the age of 81. He had been co-founder of the Rodney Rams in 1993 and was chairman in 1995 when the club joined forces with the Raiders, as neither club had enough members at the time, and

played as the Ram Raiders for two years. Inkersole was also club president for several years, donated a new deck to the clubrooms when the old building burnt down in 2014, and ran regular fundraising raffles for the Rams.

The Raiders were the trophy holders last year, but the Rams were clinical in

punishing players’ errors on August 18 and took the trophy back to Whangateau with a decisive win.

As well as the Raiders, the Rams will be joined for the final tournament on Saturday by the East Coast Bay Barracudas, Glenfield Greyhounds, Glenora Bears, New Lynn Stags, Northcote Tigers and

Waitemata Seagulls.

Each game will have two 25-minute halves and be hotly contested, though the results don’t matter as much as the taking part, according to Teio.

“The final score always ends in a draw, because we are all winners to stay active in the greatest game of all – rugby league,” he said.

Rodney Rams’ Kyle Robinson, left, and Carla Crane stopping Hibiscus Coast Raiders’ Brett McInally in his tracks during the annual Inkersole Trophy game last month. Photo, Roger Reid