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E EDITION 2 September 10, 2021
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Model lockdown for Bernie They say every cloud has a silver lining and retired Warkworth builder Bernie McClean has found one amid the restrictions of Level 4 lockdown. Prior to lockdown, Bernie, 75, was commissioned to build a large-scale model of Matakana’s historic St Andrews Church, now sited at Matakana Country Park. Today, the church is largely used as a wedding venue, and the model was to be used to promote the church facility at a wedding expo due to be held at Warkworth Town Hall last month. Although Bernie had never built such a model before, his strong associations with the church, which was built in 1895, quickly turned the project into a labour of love. Nevertheless, with the expo rapidly approaching and with the need to look after his ailing wife, Bernie was rapidly running out of time to complete the model to his satisfaction. Thankfully, lockdown intervened, the expo was postponed and Bernie suddenly found he had all the time in the world to make the model, which is about one metre long – one-sixteenth the size of the original church. There were still a few challenges though. Bernie managed to buy a big sheet of nine millimetre plywood and some popsicle sticks for use as weatherboards prior to lockdown, but once Level 4 kicked in he had to scrounge most of the other required materials from odds and ends lying around his shed and garage. Tearing the backs off old cardboard boxes served to make “corrugated iron”, an offcut of Perspex was used to create windows, and the back of an old TV cabinet was used to make “kauri” furnishings for the interior. Other nice touches include hand-carved finials (decorative architectural devices) and lace material from the $2 shop, glued
St Andrews holds many fond memories for Bernie McClean.
to the back of balsa wood, was used to replicate the intricate work seen on the barge boards of the original church. “It’s turned into something far more than originally intended, simply because I’ve had the time to put into it,” Bernie says. St Andrews holds many fond memories for Bernie. He preached from the pulpit there when the church was originally sited on Matakana Valley Road, and in recent times his granddaughter was married there. At one point, the church was relocated to Snells Beach where it served as a chapel at a Salvation Army campsite. More than a decade ago, Bernie helped organise its
St Andrews was barged down the Matakana River to a Salvation Army camp at Snells Beach in 1992, only to return up river in 2007 when the camp closed.
return to Matakana via barge. He says a big crowd gathered at the wharf in Matakana to see the church return and there was a lot of excited chatter before the church came into view after clearing a bend in the river. It stirred a lot of emotions in people who had perhaps been married
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Penguins threatened by lockdown walkers An image recently captured in a Leigh Penguin Project nesting box.
The Leigh Penguin Project is asking walkers around Cape Rodney to ensure their dogs are secure on a leash to help protect little blue penguins. August and September is nesting season and blue penguins are currently either brooding over eggs or building a nest to lay them in. Project coordinator Jenny Enderby is asking walkers on the Leigh Coastal Path and Ti Point Coastal Walkway, in particular, to keep their dogs on a leash. Because the birds eat fish, they are especially smelly and attractive to dogs. “People think their dog couldn’t possibly kill a penguin, but it only takes a second,” Jenny says. She says the penguins like to nest underneath houses and sometimes catch new residents or holiday home owners by surprise. In a recent example from before the
lockdown, a household on Barrier View Road, away from the shore, thought they had rats. However, members of the Leigh Penguin Project put a camera underneath their house and confirmed suspicions it was penguins. Jenny says some view it as a privilege to host penguins, but others don’t like the noise or smell made by the nesting birds. She advises anyone who doesn’t want penguins to wait until nesting season is over, block off potential entrances underneath their house and then seek out a nesting box. The Leigh Penguin Project is in its second year of a three-year funded trapping programme from the Department of Conservation. The project also has 75 nesting boxes set up along the Cape Rodney coast. Jenny says anecdotally, there seem to be higher numbers of penguins as a result of
the project, but surveillance equipment is needed to get an accurate population recording. The project has received a small number of cameras from Auckland Council and is seeking funding for more. “We have the people willing to volunteer the time, but we need the equipment,” she says. Little Blue Penguins are the world’s smallest penguin, standing at around 40cm – about the size of a rugby ball. They can live for up to 20 years and often mate for life. Their global population is around 500,000 breeding pairs, but they are considered to be in decline due to human impact. Their eggs usually hatch between September and December. A breeding couple will work together to feed newborns with fish for eight weeks.
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Setting new event dates A number of events have been postponed due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Level 4 restrictions can make a bad situation worse in abusive relationships.
Wellsford Plus’ Blue September Breakfast
in support of men living with prostate cancer has been postponed to Friday, November 12, 7am-9am. It will be held at the Wellsford Community Centre. Entry for the buffet breakfast is a monetary note donation. Tickets will be available from Hammer Hardware Wellsford or by emailing events.wfdplus@ gmail.com
The Glass Ceiling Arts Collective
Women’s refuge facing extra pressure in lockdown Lockdown is causing a sharp decline in revenue but no let up in demand for Hestia, the women’s refuge that covers the entire Mahurangi and Hibiscus Coast region. Level 4 restrictions mean that its Kowhai Tree secondhand shop in Silverdale is closed, shutting off its key source of income, as well as removing a valuable source of clothes and belongings for women escaping abusive relationships. A Hestia spokeswoman said Level 4 was proving a logistical nightmare for the charity, but stressed that its services, including a 24-hour free crisis line, remained available for women in need at any time. She said people generally seemed to be struggling more with lockdown this time. “I think mental health is a lot harder this year. Last year, everyone wanted to help all the organisations with food and funds, but the reality is now that a lot of people have lost their jobs, and people are finding it a lot harder,” she said. “It happened so fast this time.” Hestia is hoping that more people will donate to its Givealittle page now The Kowhai Tree is closed, not least since demand for its services continues to increase and lockdown will only exacerbate abusive situations for many women. The refuge is posting daily facts and data on its Facebook page, with a link to the fundraising site. “Since the beginning of this year we have supported 1400 women and children in the Rodney area,” the spokeswoman said. “Referrals
received from the Police are also on the increase – in 2019, there were 778, then 938 in 2020, and in 2021 there have been more than 1000 and we still have four months to go.” Hestia has also provided 1600 ‘bed nights’ in Rodney this year – the number of nights an individual person has had a safe place to sleep organised for them by Women’s Refuge. The organisation says domestic abuse – which it defines as controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour, including sexual violence – remains common, and happens in every type of household, regardless of people’s age, income or background. Hestia can be contacted on its free crisis line, which is always answered in person all day, every day, on 0800 321 361. Messages can also be sent to https://www. facebook.com/hestiarodneywomensrefuge, https://www.facebook.com/KowhaiTreeNZ or hestiarodneywomensrefuge on Instagram. To donate to Hestia Rodney Women’s Refuge, visit https://givealittle.co.nz/org/hestia or visit The Kowhai Tree at 29F Silverdale Street in Silverdale village from Level 2. Untraceable help via online chat can also be obtained via Women’s Refuge Shielded Sites, which leave no browser history – look for this symbol at the bottom of leading national retail sites, including New World, Countdown, Trade Me and The Warehouse.
LIVERING DELIVERING
production of Beauty in the Beast, due to be hosted in the Warkworth Town Hall this month, has been postponed until February 2022. Org aniser Charlotte Pring says rehearsals will continue online and then in person once restriction levels are eased. She says in the meantime, the thespians have been holding weekly dance parties on Zoom each Saturday at 4.30pm. Charlotte says anyone is welcome to join by emailing charlotte@ glassceilingartscollective.com. The collective organises events for people with disabilities and their families.
2021 World of Wearable Arts
The 2021 World of Wearable Arts Awards have been cancelled. Chief Executive David Tingey says it was a “tough decision” but rescheduling the event was proving to be too complex. Instead, it is hoped that the competition can be completed in another format. Three Warkworth artists were set to exhibit in the show.
Auckland Council
has postponed the release of updated property values that will define rates bills. It says restrictions have prevented the Valuer General from making site visits. The updated values will be released in December instead of next month. “Given updated property values do not affect rates until July 1 next year, there will be no flow-on impacts,” Council says.
The Whangarei Fringe Festival
due to be held next month, has been postponed but organisers hope to hold it before the end of the year. If you are an event organiser and would like to let Mahurangi Matters readers know about your changed arrangements, email the information to Jonathan at news@loccalmatters.co.nz.
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Mischievous Mr Penk
In his recent column where he supports the actions of the rural and farming community to oppose the Government’s actions to deal with climate change (MM August 2), local National Party MP Chris Penk berates what he labels as “self-styled greenies” for daring to suggest that the farming community should actually do something to help itself. He contends that, in fact, they should do more of the same. Dismissing science-based evidence of the effects of climate change (and the evidence all of us can see with our own eyes) as just the rantings of some “greenies” is mischievous. Actually, the group that Mr Penk defends are the ones most at risk from the ill-effects of climate change. Already the farming community is hard hit economically by excessive droughts, by extreme weather events that inundate their farms with floods, and with climate change adversely affecting their ability to deliver their agricultural products. To fix climate change all of us have to stop saying it is just someone else’s problem. All of society has to bite the bullet and accept there is a cost. Neil Anderson, Algies Bay
Tabloid gossip
I have lived in Warkworth for over 30 years, and since Mahurangi Matters has become the main local rag I have enjoyed reading this paper and have developed a high loyalty and respect for what it brings to the district. However, with your August 2 issue I was very dismayed and deeply disappointed to see that Mahurangi Matters has stooped to a quality of editorial news that is a family matter – that has been so blatantly advertised as front page what I call gossip. This is a classic example of washing dirty linen in public. To put the headline: Brothers’ dispute threatens boatyard highly illustrates my belief. This is a personal family matter that needs to be resolved within the family and not broadcast to the world. We as the public don’t know the full story of this issue and if it was to become a Mahurangi Matters item, it could have been done in a far more diplomatic and honest way that did not make it a family issue. If Mahurangi Matters continues down this line of editorials, it is fast joining the ranks of papers like the English tabloid who feed on nothing but family gossip, and I believe you will lose the support and respect of the local residents. Let us together raise the bar for Mahurangi Matters back to where is has been in the past. Grant Reddell, Warkworth
Editor’s response: While we respect opposing views on the newsworthiness of our stories, we stand by the fact that the possible loss of an important marine business and significant employer in Warkworth is a story worth covering. The brothers’ dispute was reported purely to provide the context for this possible loss.
Freedom camping
I agree with the Rodney Local Board that more reserves should allow freedom camping (MM Aug 27). Carparks that are serviced by public toilets, showers and covered seating areas provide all the amenities that non-selfcontained vehicles lack. Sunburst Avenue Reserve, in Snells Beach, ticks all the boxes. Grant McLachlan, Snells Beach
Moaners resurface
Keen complainers on social media were quick to notice the demise of the famed Bitch and Moan Warkworth page this month. Former moderator Jason Hall tells us the page was banned by Facebook because of posts about Covid-19 that Facebook viewed as misinformation. Hall had warned recidivist posters, but they continued to take their liberties and the one local page on Facebook where complainers were free to post (almost) anything is now gone. But, as is often the case, a lurker in waiting was quick to take advantage of the chaos. They set up a new Bitch and Moan page within 12 hours, complete with the iconic road sign that once read “don’t annoy the locals”, but now reads “stay home”. The group already has 400 members. The original had more than 4500. All we can say is “good luck”.
Perverse priorities So they spent likely hundreds of thousands widening and resealing parts of Sandspit Road to little benefit to motorists. Meanwhile, further along, entering the notorious Hill Street intersection, a fraction of the cost could have created an inner lane for traffic to progress into Warkworth. Warkworth Rotary has on a number of occasions deposited trailer loads of metal to obvious benefit to users, yet the authorities are blind to the obvious sense of minimal expenditure to make a substantial contribution to easing the congestion. And where is our Local Board? Some common sense please. I attach photo of the evidence of desperate use by motorists. Joe Koppens, Snells Beach
Tolls and landfill
The great news of the Government’s decision to not toll on the new section of motorway to Warkworth is certainly a bit of good news that our district truly needs (MM Aug 16). It does make me wonder why and how they came to this decision so late in the final stages of its construction. Could it have been that our Government was facing two major decisions concerning north Rodney? These being: 1. This possible tolling of this new section of motorway. 2. The Chinese/Auckland Council landfill in the Dome Valley. I’m not too smart, but I’m picking that rather than reject the Chinese/Auckland Council landfill (and thereby upset a major financier of NZ), they found it far easier to appease the local populace by not tolling the new motorway (which is actually giving us our own cash back from the fuel surcharge we’ve been paying for two years). If they think we will accept the go-ahead of this landfill, then I believe they have another think coming – we’re already seeing signage in our district talking of civil disobedience and one can understand why as this projected landfill, if it were given the green light by our Environment Court, breaks every NZ environmental law and Auckland Council’s own laws concerning the setting up of one of these prehistoric monsters – to put it mildly. M Purdy, Warkworth
A family that jabs together, stays together
As any parent of teenagers will tell you, lockdown isn’t always easy when cooped-up offspring are struggling, missing their freedom and their friends. However, sometimes it throws an unexpected bonus that would rarely, if ever, have happened in Level 1. Before Covid, for example, the chances of our bubble of four, complete with 14 and 18-year-old young men, embarking happily on a long family drive in the same car would be, at best, remote. However, this week we did just that and even enjoyed the experience of all being together and going somewhere different in lockdown – ah, the unexpected benefits of a multi-jab appointment at the Wellsford vaccination clinic!
Trolley traps
The queue to the checkouts at one of our local supermarkets snakes through the bakery section. This might explain why when one shopper got to the checkout she found she had two packets of donuts, a pumpkin seed loaf of bread, four cheese rolls and four chocolate filled croissants in her trolley that weren’t on her shopping list.
No more of that legs nonsense, please
An evening walk down to Sandspit Wharf to escape the house was enlivened for one resident by brightly painted rocks spread randomly on footpaths and atop fence posts – a nice gesture to cheer the soul during lockdown. The resident’s smile broadened yet further when one of the rocks repeated Covid-19 response Minister Chris Hipkins’ legendary advice to “spread your legs”. The next day the resident returned with a camera to make a record of the rock. Alas, heavy rain had washed the paint away. We can only think a higher power was not amused.
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Vaccine hesitancy By Dr Jason Gurney Mahurangi epidemiologist A month or so ago, I was driving my family through the Hill Street intersection on the way to the beach. Protesters had gathered on the Kowhai Park corner of the intersection and were vocalising their opposition to the Covid-19 vaccine rollout. They were waving signs at passing cars that read things like “Covid Scam” or “No Vaccine”. The rest of the car ride to the beach was spent trying to explain – in as positive and non-judgemental tones as possible – the motivations and mindset of the gathered crowd to our children. This column isn’t for the small minority who share the views of the Kowhai Park crowd. Rather, this column is directed to those of us who know someone – or some people – who are feeling uncertain about the safety of the vaccine and have been putting off getting their jab out of fear. Perhaps that someone is you. Let me start by saying that I completely understand and empathise. When I had the opportunity to receive my first Covid-19 jab, even I – a public health researcher – had a smidge of hesitancy as I pulled into the carpark at the vaccination centre. That pang of worry – that fear of the unknown as the needle hits your skin – is not the same thing as denying the existence of Covid-19, nor the importance of the vaccine as a means of controlling it. Just because someone has delayed having their jab out of hesitancy doesn’t make them part of the Kowhai Park crowd. It just makes them, or you, human. To those who are vaccine-hesitant: Please know that the fear of vaccine safety can irrationally spook us into believing that the vaccine poses a greater threat to us than the disease it is trying to prevent. Multiple clinical trials and millions of
real-world doses have shown us that the vaccine works and is safe. That doesn’t mean that adverse reactions don’t happen, but the chance of them happening pales into insignificance when compared to the very real chance of becoming ill or dying from Covid-19. Also, please know that the pathway back to anything resembling normality will be paved with empty syringes. There is simply no way around it: we cannot lockdown forever and New Zealanders will not tolerate avoidable deaths. Vaccination is our only hope to protect ourselves, and the most vulnerable members of our community, against the worst impacts of this disease in the long term.
… the pathway back to anything resembling normality will be paved with empty syringes. To those with friends or family members who are unsure about getting the vaccine, the best thing that we can do is support them through their decision-making process. Blaming and shaming will only lead to further entrenchment of negative views toward the vaccine. We must be prepared to listen to their concerns – only then will we have an opportunity to offer a kind word that might curb their hesitancy. Encouragement, rather than judgement; respect, rather than contempt. And just like Richie McCaw, the best leaders often lead by example. In other words, getting your own shots as soon as possible will show hesitant loved ones that they have little to fear.
AT surveys Mahurangi bus users
Auckland Transport (AT) last month surveyed more than 2000 users of public transport in and around Warkworth to determine possible bus route changes. The survey was conducted before completion of two major infrastructure changes in the area – the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway and the Warkworth Community Transport Hub (park and ride) located near the Warkworth Showgrounds. Both projects are due to be completed next year. AT spokesperson Mark Hannan says AT wanted to get a feel for how current bus users plan to use the park and ride and their
preference for bus route 995 (Warkworth to Hibiscus Coast Station). Should the 995 stick to its existing route or make use of the new motorway? The results of the survey are being analysed and are expected to be available in a few weeks. The survey will influence any changes to bus routes, which will be introduced next year. It was sent out to AT customers who have used an AT HOP card to travel on routes 995 (Warkworth to Hibiscus Coast Station), 996 (Warkworth to Algies Bay) and 997 (Warkworth to Omaha) in the past three months.
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Drains blocked by bureaucracy
Stormwater management is a contentious issue in the north, where Auckland Council plans to introduce a controversial new targeted rate in drainage districts at Tapora and Tomarata. Rural landholders say there is a vast discrepancy between what Healthy Waters says it has spent on keeping drains clean and any evidence of the work being done. Rodney Local Board member COLIN SMITH, who represents the Wellsford division, has been one of the loudest critics of the targeted rate and the way Council is managing drainage issues. He says there are lessons to be learned from last week’s disastrous floods in Kumeū …
According to Niwa, 201mm or rain fell in the Kumeū area in just 14 hours last week and 149 per cent of the August monthly normal rainfall fell in a single day. This photo was taken in Pinotage Place on August 31.
The ancient Romans invented aqueducts from 312 BC as a method of transporting water from reservoirs to their cities. The purpose was to transport drinking water and to aid in removing sewage. They understood the basic principle that gravity can assist the flow of water from the reservoirs at a higher altitude to the cities at a lower altitude. The same principle was used to remove sewage and flooding from the cities. They understood that if you didn’t keep the aqueducts and waste channels clear, you would be swimming in excrement. For this reason, the flooding in Kumeū was entirely predictable. Instead of keeping the drainage paths clear, Auckland Council has decided to impose rules which dictate those landowners must fence these drains,
and plant them with plants and trees. Where is the logic and leadership within this institution? Summarising this incident, it amounts to putting the plug in the bath, turning the taps on full bore and going shopping. How about some more facts? Kumeū is built on a flood plain. Council has elected to develop this area into a satellite city and given consent for hard surface infrastructure (roofs, roads, carparks, etc) capable of catching water. This means greater amounts of water travelling down drainage channels at unnatural volumes. Then factor in the fact that drainage paths are blocked and the Kumeū River is full of silt, vegetation and riparian planting. The original Drainage Act 1908 clearly
outlined the requirements by the incumbent authority to keep the drainage paths clear. The Government introduced the RMA in 1991, prohibiting landowners from cleaning drains and requiring consent for drainage paths over 25 metres in length. Clearing drains in accordance with this Act is cost prohibitive (bureaucratic compliance costs) so, consequently, drainage is ignored. Council is responsible for maintenance of the overland flow path. Council can direct the landowner, through Court, to clear the drains. Council is responsible to make sure all outlets up to 1.7km from the high-water mark are open and clear of all obstruction. For this to happen, Council must get resource consent. How stupid is that? Council, the Government and the Greens
have decided that they know better than the ancient Romans; introducing a law that requires landowners to fence all drains and use riparian planting to stop silt getting into our harbours. This leaves the landowner unable to comply with the original Land Drainage Act. Council is using ratepayer money to block the drainage with riparian planting. Will they use ratepayer money to unblock the drains? Will Council introduce another targeted rate to fix this mess? This is clearly not an insurance problem. We are now about to see the Government make the biggest mistake of them all by introducing the Three Waters Policy. Over regulation and more micromanagement will come at a cost.
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Anti-Covid gun keeps laundromat open John Fredrickson says the bright blue lights on the gun are merely a gimmick but otherwise, it works well at dispersing mist.
While most laundromats are closed in Level 4, Mangawhai Laundry has remained open thanks, in part, to an innovative anti-Covid gun that disperses disinfectant. Owner John Fredrickson sought out the disinfecting device after seeing it on television, where it was being used by Air New Zealand staff for “deep cleans” of aircraft. He found that to buy one in New Zealand would cost more than $1000 so he imported 10 and sold the remainder on the Wellsford Buy & Sell page for $380. He says the gun creates a fog of disinfectant in a room, which eventually settles onto surfaces. It has a jar attachment, which he fills with high strength disinfectant and water at a ratio of 20:1. John did his research and found the devices were originally marketed as “hair moisturisers” but have found a new life amid the global pandemic. Mangawhai Laundry staff use the gun in the store each day and it has made the task
of disinfecting significantly more efficient. John is a “laundromat consultant” and has had a hand in setting up a lot laundromats in the north. Laundromats were not originally classed as essential in the first Level 4 lockdown, but John and his clients lobbied the Government to allow them to open if they had a self-service operation. The Mangawhai Laundry has a high-tech system that allows people to load money onto cards, similar to Hop Cards used on Auckland buses, which can be swiped to pay for a load of laundry. Although laundromats are an essential service, most in north Rodney have either chosen to close or do not meet self-service requirements. There are no laundromats open in the Warkworth area. Bright Laundry in Wellsford is open with a full self-service operation. It has coin operated machines and soap dispenser as well as a machine that exchanges notes for coins.
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August 27, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |
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Me & my dad pics celebrate Father’s Day Thank you to everyone who entered the Mahurangi Matters Father’s Day photo competition. New dad Jake Johnston won a personal training package, thanks to Warkworth Fitness Centre and a Ridgeline jacket, thanks to Tyrepower Warkworth. Chris Walsh won the Warkworth Menswear prize pack and a Milwaukee Cooler from Placemakers Warkworth. Caleb Wylie won services from Aqua Works Rodney and a Chocolate Brown voucher. Based on the number of entries we received, it is clear there are some much loved dads in the Mahurangi region. Thankfully, Mahurangi Matters did not have to judge each photo entry on its merits, as it would have been impossible to choose a winner. Instead, the winners were randomly selected. Mahurangi Matters thanks the businesses who supported the competition and all the entrants. Here’s a look at just some of the entries – the three winning entries will be published in our first post-lockdown paper, due out on September 27.
Phil, Mel and baby Kobe.
Jono & Archer.
Dan and Tahlia Ward.
Andrew Walker and Kaveh Walker.
Emilie and Ava Young with their dad Aaron.
Sophie and Brad Grimmer.
Fathers Day
PHOTO
Oliver Adams with his dad Dave.
COMPETITION
Shaylah and Wade Bowmast.
This competition couldn’t happen without our generous sponsors:
Diana Reid & dad Jim. Support the businesses that support our community.
Plume Restaurant is the jewel in Matakana’s crown, just 5 minutes from Warkworth and 20 minutes north of Orewa. This is the perfect destination venue for small or large celebrations for your business, family and friends. Ideally situated in beautiful Matakana, Plume Restaurant is an oasis for gourmet travellers in a coastal country setting. It’s recognised for its superb cuisine, attentive service and is also the cellar door for Runner Duck Estate Vineyard’s fine wines. Plume Restaurant offers the ultimate venue for special family occasions such as weddings, family reunions, anniversaries or Christmas parties. We can host private lunch or dinner events for up to 80 people, with drinks and finger food on the patio. Should you decide to extend your stay, 12 new, 1-3 bedroom, luxurious Plume Villas, all sharing a swimming pool, are a relaxed stroll from Plume Restaurant. Plume offers a fantastic proposition, with everything you need in one beautiful place. Your colleagues, clients, friends and family will talk about your amazing event for many years to come.
www.theplumecollection.co.nz
SCL/PLU2019/03
8
| Mahurangimatters | September 10, 2021
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Best ever gift for Dad
As Father’s Day loomed last Sunday, no doubt many struggled to find the perfect gift to show their appreciation for their Dad. While ties, belts, socks and slippers remain perennial favourites, and perhaps are appreciated, they do seem short on imagination. In a bid freshen ideas up for next year, Mahurangi Matters asked a few well-known locals what was the best gift they ever gave their father.
Murray Chapman
Manager, One Mahurangi Business Association
My father was old school. He was brought up not to show any emotion and as a man with six children and a plumbing business to run, he possibly didn’t have the time or the energy to show us that he cared. I had been living in Australia for a couple of years and came home without telling either him or Mum and surprised him on Father’s Day. To see the look and the tears in his eyes reminded me that while he may not have showed affection to his family, he certainly felt it and it was possibly the best present I could have given him – that and the bottle of Black Label Whisky that was his favourite.
Peter Henderson Warkworth Lions
My father passed away in 1983, and a year or so before his passing I gave him a photo taken with our two boys that he always loved. It is a family favourite still. He loved the outdoors and his family, and to me it captures him and who he was.
www.localmatters.co.nz
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Pastor, Mahurangi Presbyterian Church
I’m not particularly renowned as a great gift giver in our family, but I would have to say the best gift I ever gave Dad was two beautiful granddaughters, as well as a spectacular daughter-in-law. I have struggled to top that since. Dad was always extremely proud of the girls, but unfortunately since he came down with early onset dementia a few years ago, communication with him has become pretty challenging. However, when the grandchildren come around to see him, the way he lights up and starts engaging with them is really noticeable. Director, Bayleys in the North
I definitely know which present was the most significant. It was a heritage rose plant called Crimson Glory – crimson in colour and deeply fragrant. My father had been looking for it for years because one used to be outside his grandmother’s window, and he remembered its strong fragrance. I found it by asking a rose grower who was, by chance, at a Christchurch market I went to only once years ago. I had to order it as they needed
35 Queen Street, Warkworth 09 425 9574 thecamerashop.co.nz
Nick McLennan
Mark Macky
Michelle Carmichael
Fight the Tip campaigner
to grow some from stock. At the time, they were the only growers of it in New Zealand. He was incredibly surprised when it arrived from Christchurch as he had given up looking for one. He planted it and when it eventually bloomed I know smelling it brought back a few memories for him.
One of the best gifts I’ve given my father was a ticket to attend a Bledisloe Cup match with my son and I. It was significant as rugby has always been something that we have both cherished. Some of my first memories were of watching him play at the local rugby club. He also coached me for a number of years as a kid, and continued to support my rugby as I played through the grades. He now supports my son when he can when he plays. We had a great afternoon together, an early dinner, walked to the ground and then watched a great All Black performance at Eden Park. Special memories for us both, and creating them hopefully for my son.
Trust our passion for photos
Taranaki Garden Festival 1st to 5th November 2021
8 beautiful gardens & more!!
Last opportunity for tickets
Phone today to book your place! And get a copy of the itinerary
09 423 7416 www.leabourn.co.nz
August 27, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |
9
For all
• Resource Consent Applications Pete Sinton Director • Land Use Managing and Subdivision Designs • Council Hearings and Submissions
PERSONAL FOR OVER YEARS 49 Beach SERVICE Street, RD 2, Sandspit, Auckland40 0982 Contact Pete Sinton 49 Beach Street, Sandspit, Warkworth
09 412 2016 • 021 637 772 petesinton@townplanner.co.nz
We offer a complete range of pharmacy services and solutions to help enhance the health and wellbeing of you and your family. + Prescription Services + Medicine Management + Smoking Cessation + Weight Management + Natural Health + Cosmetics + Gifts + Blister Packs (FREE) + Morning after pill + Erectile dysfunction + Blood pressure tests + Blood glucose tests
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Unit 1, 347 Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach Next to Snells Beach Medical Centre Fax: 09 425 7173 Email: unichemsnells@xtra.co.nz
Your local health professional
The first godwits arrive at Omaha Shorebird Sanctuary but a spate of dog and cat incursions threatens their survival. Photo, Alan France.
Godwits threatened by upsurge in invading pets The arrival of the first bar-tailed godwits at the Omaha Shorebird Sanctuary this week has led to renewed calls for residents to keep their pets under control. Around 40 birds were spotted on Tuesday (Sept 7) at the sanctuary on Omaha Beach after flying 11,000km from Alaska. Their arrival coincides with an upsurge in dog and cat invasions of the sanctuary, which threatens the lives of the godwits, along with endangered dotterels and oystercatchers. Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust chair Marie Ward says it appears a number of people have moved into Omaha to wait out lockdown and are allowing their dogs to run freely. Trust volunteer Denis O’Callahan says the trust has ample evidence from its trail cameras and paw-print tracking that dogs are running loose in the sanctuary, and cats are hunting at night. One recent video posted on Facebook shows a “beagle type” dog scrambling up a sandbank within the sanctuary. Denis says cats must be kept inside at night and dogs are not allowed within the sanctuary nor on the main beach north of Walkway 2, nor on the estuary beach north of the car park steps. He adds that it is critical that residents are especially vigilant during lockdown as trust volunteers are unable to continue normal conservation efforts and could be sanctioned
A camera captures a dog on the loose within the Shorebird Sanctuary.
by Auckland Council for doing so. Denis says the sanctuary is protected by an animal-proof fence. However, on its western side the fence only reaches as far as the high-tide mark and can be circumvented by cats and dogs at low tide. Denis says people must also take care in the sanctuary as birds are extremely vulnerable to any disturbance – this means no running around on that part of the beach, and no games, picnicking or camping. He says dotterels and oystercatchers don’t feed their chicks, but instead lead them to the water’s edge where the chicks start catching small bugs to feed themselves. “If people are running around on the beach, the parent birds won’t take their chicks to the water’s edge and they will starve to death,” he says. Marie says last year the dotterels fledged only four dotterel chicks from 25 breeding pairs. •“This Egyptian Cotton Bedeach Linen is shocking, considering bird three eggs per nest• and may nest up •lays Duvet Covers Turkish Towels to four times in a season if their eggs are •lost,” Table Linen • Gifts and Vouchers she says.
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10
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| Mahurangimatters | September 10, 2021
Now at
8A Mill Lane, Warkworth | 09 422 9286 sales@rivernilelinens.co.nz | www.rivernilelinens.co.nz Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters
Chris Penk
Gardening
MP for Kaipara ki Mahurangi
Andrew Steens
Here to help 365 Main Road, Huapai • chrispenk chris.penkmp@parliament.govt.nz • 09 412 2496 Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Chris Penk, 365 Main Road, Huapai.
A couple of hours each day in the garden helps calm the soul and reconnect with the natural environment.
Beating the lockdown blues It can be hard for many people to cope with life during lockdown. In my opinion (slightly biased of course) one of the best activities one can do to cope with uncertainty, anxiety, financial pressure, boredom, lethargy and all the other side effects of lockdown is to garden. Each day I start by looking at the longterm weather forecast. This helps me plan out the coming days, giving me a sense of purpose and certainty. Vigorous outdoor jobs such as hedge trimming, mowing, digging, heavy pruning and spreading mulch are ideal for cold or overcast days. Sunny weather with little wind is perfect for weed spraying and planting. I find weeding is best done a few days after rain when the weeds are growing strongly but seem to be easier to pull. Fruit harvesting is carried out on any dry day. Rainy days are also welcomed, as this gives me the chance to rest or catch up on inside jobs, which might include tending my greenhouse and indoor plants or researching new plants or growing techniques on the internet or from books. A couple of hours each day in the garden helps calm the soul and reconnect with the natural environment. As I weed, I become aware of bird song, the hum of bees working nearby flowers, the scent of bruised herbs. I start to notice the unfurling of new spring growth, the emergence of spring blossom and the richness of the soil – alive with worms and beneficial microorganisms. And finally, once the work is done, the pleasure of sitting with a cup of freshly made coffee looking out at the lush bounty I’ve helped create.
One of the best things about gardening is that it is one of the cheapest hobbies one can indulge in. Basic tools can often be purchased cheaply at garage sales or op shops. Fertilisers don’t cost the earth (excuse the pun), indeed some of them can be harvested for free, such as seaweed, seagrass and animal manures. If you garden organically or close to organically, then very little needs to be spent on sprays as the ecosystem you create does most of the heavy lifting, and again, some sprays can be made at home from common household products and plants. Above all though, you will experience the sensory delights of harvesting and eating your own fresh produce. Nothing compares to newly harvested asparagus spears, fresh sweetcorn and just-dug potatoes, as each of these vegetables lose taste for every day that passes from harvesting to eating. Likewise, the explosion of fragrant juice from a sun-warmed plum or tomato is incomparable to those purchased from a supermarket. And how to put a price on that sense of self-satisfaction when you walk past broccoli for sale at $5.99 per head, knowing that you’ve got freshly picked vegetables waiting for you when you get home. If all that doesn’t convince you to start gardening, then creating your own little Garden of Eden with lush foliage, soothing water features, fragrant flowers, shady restful spaces and a habitat for birds and insects will do more for your state of mind than just about anything I can think of. And that, in these turbulent and worrying times, is worth its weight in gold.
GULL MATAKANA
GULL SNELLS BEACH
Caring for the locals who support us
Rotary
and Lions
sponsors of
Warkworth Food Rescue • Rotary/Lions Food Rescue is proud to announce its 5 year anniversary with 81.5 tonnes of food produce distributed to families in need. • Special thanks to the supermarket support from New World, Countdown and Four Square. • Special thanks to orchardist John Maltey with his donation of fresh citrus… extremely generous • Special thanks to all those wonderful folk who are donating Family to Family food parcels • Special thanks to all our volunteers … without you many more people would go hungry. If you are interested in donating food: Call 027 4776 519 or email warkworthfoodrescue@gmail.com Thanks to our locals supporting us, we are able to support our local community
GULL MATAKANA 09 422 7105
GULL SNELLS BEACH 09 425 4092
Architecture for the places we live, work, learn & play. 09 425 9200 | info@penzl.co.nz https://pacificenvironments.co.nz
NZ Ltd
www.localmatters.co.nz
August 27, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |
11
Working in the heart of the Mahurangi community to support local businesses.
Support Local Shop Local Eat Local Enjoy Local Love Local @onemahurangi
The wharf is usually a popular fishing spot in summer.
Ti Point wharf repair delayed
www.onemahurangi.co.nz
Auckland Council has had to delay a planned replacement of the Ti Point wharf due to difficulty in securing necessary materials. It says if delivery of material is further delayed due to Covid-19, the wharf will remain open over the summer and works will likely start next February. A Council spokesperson said the intention had been to have the works completed before Christmas. Council investigations showed “excessive
decay” to wharf poles and it was a determined a full replacement was needed. In the meantime, the wharf has been operating at reduced capacity. Council says that the project including design and rebuild will be completed for around $620,000. The new design closely matches the wharf ’s current layout, but will see the wharf at a slightly higher elevation to account for future sea level rises.
Warkworth Walks bookings delayed
Warkworth Walks has pushed out the date for bookings to Sunday, October 3. Bookings were due to open this month but have been delayed to allow organisers a chance to assess the status of Covid-19 alert levels and decide on their ongoing strategy. It’s unlikely walks will go ahead at Alert Level 2 but could go ahead at Level 1. Assuming walks can proceed as planned, there will be 11 walks to choose from, including three new walks. They will take place from November 12 to 14. The Warkworth Walks event is now in its 13th year.
Snells Beach | Warkworth | Mangawhai
Hire Works is opening its third hire centre in Mangawhai.
Formerly called Mangawhai Hire, this new branch joins Hire Works Warkworth and Snells Beach. No matter where you’re working in Rodney or Kaipara, you can now hire from any of our three locations with ease. We have an extensive range of access and earth-moving equipment and tools for all your DIY jobs. Our portable sanitation units range from site toilets to luxury event loos. We have a dedicated team who is there to help you get the most out of your hire. Visit www.hireworks.co.nz or call us on 0800 425 0425
Snells Beach
250 Mahurangi East Rd Ph 0800 425 0425
Warkworth
14 Hudson Road Ph 0800 425 0425
Mangawhai
196 Molesworth Drive Ph 0800 425 0425
Mon-Sat 7.15am to 5.15pm | Sun 8am to 4pm | (Closed Public Holidays)
www.hireworks.co.nz
www.facebook.com/warkworthsnellsbeach/
12
| Mahurangimatters | September 10, 2021
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Family owned & Operated Kevin O'Malley | 021 2200 198 | www.omalleycontracting.com
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Cyril Joseph Bogue
A
founding member of the Warkworth Lions Club, stalwart of the Warkworth Athletic Club, founding member of the Kowhai Festival Committee, Boys Brigade leader and member of the Sandspit Yacht Club was farewelled at a celebration of his life in the Warkworth Town Hall on August 17. More than 250 people attended the service for Cyril Bogue, who died at home in Sandspit on August 8, aged 98. Cyril was born in Thames and lived with his grandparents during his early years. He returned to his parents at age nine but was made unwelcome by his mother. He got on better with his father, who returned home every second weekend from working on coastal freighters. When Cyril turned 15, his mother instructed him to leave school and take up a job making butter boxes. Undeterred, Cyril
28 October 1922 - 8 August 2021
enrolled in night school and took up a cabinet-making apprenticeship. Meanwhile, abuse continued at home and Cyril left. In later years he would recall those times asking, “How could a mother treat her own child in such a way?” During World War II, Cyril hoped to join the Air Force but failed a medical exam. Instead, he built anti-aircraft gun emplacements and ammunition dumps in Auckland and other military installations on Great Barrier Island. Years later, Cyril often returned to Great Barrier on fishing trips, visiting the remains of bunkers he had constructed. After the war, Cyril had a milk round in Freemans Bay and rekindled an interest in running. He joined the Technical Harriers and Athletic Club and represented Auckland at national level. Legendary coach Arthur Lydiard was among those he competed against. Arthur believed Cyril’s milk round greatly contributed to his fitness and recommended a milk run to those he coached. Cyril married wife Audrey in 1951 and set up a gardening shop in Mt Roskill, adopting the name Will Growell, of the Forget-Me-Not Plant and Seeds Shop. The venture came to an end when Audrey, who was six months pregnant, was jokingly referred to by the local butcher as Mrs Growell. Audrey was not amused, urging Cyril to drop the name and hastening the sale of the business. The family moved to Snells Beach in 1960 and Cyril took up various jobs before setting up as a builder, laying the groundwork for his later venture into real estate. He registered his four sons with the
Warkworth Athletic Club and served as its president for seven years. Other community activities included opposing a Rodney County Council cost-cutting plan to pump wastewater off Snells Beach. Cyril and a friend went out in a boat and poured dye in the water to demonstrate the adverse effects on Kawau Bay and the dye subsequently showed up on the shoreline. The evidence helped persuade Council chair Gordon Mason, later Sir Gordon, to redirect the wastewater into deeper waters with stronger tidal flows. Eventually, Cyril found building too hard on his joints and opened his own real estate office in Warkworth. He was ultimately joined in the business by his sons Ken and Trevor. The business expanded to six offices and then nine as part of the Ray White Group. In 1989, Cyril and Audrey moved to Sandspit to live closer to Ken and help him with his solo parenting duties. Cyril continued working until the age of 81 when he retired to look after his wife, whose health was failing. Cyril’s son Ken said he enjoyed a wonderful relationship with his father and, in particular, a shared love of boats, whisky and athletics. He recalls their visits to Mt Smart and watching the one mile and 1500 metre battles between John Walker, Rod Dixon and Dick Quax. “Cyril was a people person and seemed to make time for anyone,” Ken said. Cyril is survived by his four children, 14 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Doctors • Kate Baddock • Stephen Barker • Bruce Sutherland • Amy Mcbeth • Clinton Anderson • Andrew Duffin • Jing He • Minja Bojic • Dekshna Poneswari • Simon Tricker
Warkworth
Medical Centre 11 Alnwick Street Warkworth Phone: 09 425 1199
Snells Beach Medical Centre Dalton Road Snells Beach Phone: 09 425 5055
WARKWORTH
Our Surgery at 11 Alnwick Street, Warkworth
SNELLS BEACH
Our new clinic at Dalton Road, Snells Beach
WE PROVIDE
• Wide range of doctor and nurse led services including accident and medical services, immunisation, minor surgery, vasectomies, immigration, dive and insurance medicals.
Covid Vaccine phone to make an appointment
• Wide range of visiting specialists. • Warkworth is open 8am-7pm Mon, Wed, Thurs, 8am-5pm Tues, Fri and 8am-12 noon Sat. • Snells Beach is open 8am-5pm Monday - Friday. • Low Cost access for enrolled patients under 14 free, young people $13, adults $19.50 (ACC costs differ).
PHONE 24HRS Warkworth 09 425 1199 or Snells Beach 09 425 5055
for direct connection to the surgery or our after hours service.
• Pharmacy, Labtest, Physio on site. • Free Covid-19 testing available.
Contact us • a dmi n@ k awa u b ay he a lth. co.n z • w w w.k awa ubayh ea l th .co.n z www.localmatters.co.nz
August 27, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |
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RAINCLOUD TRUSTED WATER DELIVERY EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. FAST RELIABLE DELIVERY
WE’RE THE FIRST TO BRING YOU
+ Rainfall figures for August 136mm Mangawhai
131mm
Leigh
133mm
127mm
Topuni
Wellsford
126mm
Dome Valley
Matakana
198.5mm
Takatu
122.4mm
Warkworth Kaipara Flats
Whangateau
127.7mm
126mm
110.5mm
Sandspit
Snells Beach
154.9mm
97mm
Algies Bay
Spotlight on Warkworth Highest rainfall day August 30 (18mm)
Year to date: 848.5mm
Fact: The August total for 2021 is within a millimetre of last year’s August total of 849.5mm. However, it is still behind the 20-year average of 1022mm. * All figures collected by Mahurangi Matters. Do not reproduce without the permission of Local Matters Inc.
www.Raincloud.co.nz 0800 50 44 50
RODNEY SEPTIC TANK CLEANING
PHONE 09 422 7166 OR 027 494 6370
Snells Beach, by North Homes.
Building mastery recognised Five local building firms have been recognised by the Master Builders Association’s House of the Year awards and one is in the running for a national title. A house built by Mangawhai firm Smith Construction, at Mangawhai Heads, has been named in the top 100 in New Zealand and received a gold award. It rose to the top from a pool of 347 entries. The design of the 312 square metre newbuild was inspired by a puriri tree on the site, replicating its “gnarled rangy limbs”. The house is comprised of a main wing, with the master bedroom and bathroom, and a second guest wing with two bedrooms and a further bathroom. The two wings are connected by a glazed glass hallway. The outdoor entertaining area has an inbuilt fireplace surrounded by nikau palms. A 265 square metre house in Leigh, built by The House Company, also received a gold award and was a category winner for the $1 million to $1.5 million section. The three-bedroom home’s exterior is clad with black shiplap cedar and aluminium. The interior features include custom-made cedar shutters and “clerestory” windows
near the ceiling. A 184 square metre house in Point Wells, built by Sentinel Homes Rodney, won a silver award. The kitchen features a long island bench, while appliances are housed away in a large butler’s pantry. The siting of the garage at the rear of the house creates an internal courtyard that expands from the living and dining areas. A 337 square metre holiday home in Omaha, built by Silverdale builders Byrne Homes, won a gold award. It has covered and uncovered decks with a wooden hot tub. The main bedroom features a generously sized dressing room and wardrobe with a makeup table and mirror. A white brick house in Snells Beach, by Silverdale builders North Homes, also won a silver award. The living room has a glass fireplace and two sliding doors with flushed sills embedded in the floor. In addition to timber floors, the angled ceilings are fitted with plywood veneer imported from Finland. In the kitchen, a soft blue tiled splashback accents the white cabinetry. Master Builders will announce winners of the national awards in November.
GREENWOOD GROUNDSPREAD LIMITED 09 423 8871 • TIPPERS
LIMESTONE, HARD METAL AND POST PEELINGS
• TRACTORS
MULCHING, CULTIVATION, LOADER WORK, SCOOPWORK
DOES MY SEPTIC TANK NEED CLEANING? Yes, every 2-3 years. Why? Because septic tanks are a filter. You clean your car filter and your water filters regularly and yet one of the most important filtersgets forgotten - your septic tank. Keep your environment clean and green.
14
| Mahurangimatters | September 10, 2021
LOOK OUT FOR US AROUND TOWN!
• Fertilizer SPREADERS
• DIGGERS DRAINAGE, EARTHWORKS
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Omaha, by Byrne Homes.
Mangawhai Heads, by Smith Construction.
Point Wells, Sentinel Homes Rodney.
Leigh, by The House Company.
Want Your D L House O S
Area Sea Watch
Wed
ep 8
Thu
Wed Fri
Sep 9
0.6 3.2 0.4 3.3
2:31am 0.5 8:54am 3.3 2:48pm 0.4 Tide 9:12pm 3.4 Times
6:32am 6:06pm
6:31am 6:07pm Sun
6am 0am 4pm 7pm
Best At
12:50am 1:14pm
Sep Aug10 4
1:38am Fishing Guide 2:03pm
Sun Fri
Sep Aug11 5
Sep Aug12 6
Mon Sat
Sep Aug13 7
RayWhite Ray White SeaSea Watch Auckland Area Auckland Watch Area Sea Watch ®
Tue Sun
Sep Aug14 8
12:45am 3.2 1.0 5:39am 0.5 1.1 12:28am 5:28am 0.4 2.7 12:01am 4:35am 0.4 2.7 4:49am 3:16am 3:41am 0.4 2.7 4:02am 7:06am 0.6 2.9 6:18am 3.2 2.8 6:32am 11:35am 3.3 0.9 12:06pm 10:45am 3.4 1.0 11:14am 9:39am 9:51am 3.4 1.0 10:26am 3.1 1:05pm 0.7 6:05pm 0.6 0.8 1:03pm 6:03pm 0.5 2.9 12:21pm 5:14pm 0.4 2.8 5:11pm 3:33pm 4:21pm 0.4 2.7 4:20pm Tide 0.8 7:29pm 3.1 11:14pm 3.4 1.1 11:35pm 3.3 6:47pm 3.0 7:06pm 9:58pm 3.4 10:24pm 1.2 10:46pm Times 6:29am 7:16am 6:08pm 5:39pm
Best At
B
Thu Sat
6:28am 7:15am 6:09pm 5:40pm
Best Best At At
BB
2:27am 8:36am 2:52pm 9:01pm
6:26am 7:14am 6:10pm 5:40pm
Best Best At At
BB
3:17am 9:26am 3:43pm 9:52pm
6:25am 7:13am 6:10pm 5:41pm
Best Best At At
BF
10:18am 4:10am 10:45pm 4:37pm
Don’t Delay call Mick Fay today! 021 544 769
11:11am 5:05am 11:38pm 5:34pm
Sep Aug15 9
1:29am 3.0 0.9 1:25am 7:51am 0.7 3.0 7:31am 1:47pm 3.0 0.6 2:06pm 8:11pm 0.8 3.2 8:10pm
6:23am 7:12am 6:11pm 5:42pm Sun
Best Best At At
GF
Wed Mon
12:04pm 6:04am Fishing Guide 6:34pm First Quarter
Sep Aug 16 10
12:29am 7:04am 12:55pm 7:35pm New Moon
Sep Aug 17 11
6:20am 7:10am 6:13pm 5:44pm
Best Best At At
GG
Wed Fri
Thu Sat
Sep Aug 18 12
3:40am 2:56am 2.9 0.7 4:38am 2:12am 2.9 0.8 3:32am 2:27am 10:02am 9:18am 0.8 3.2 10:50am 8:35am 0.8 3.1 9:45am 8:36am 3:54pm 3:11pm 3.0 0.5 5:17pm 2:29pm 3.0 0.6 4:18pm 3:13pm 10:21pm 9:36pm 0.8 3.3 11:19pm 8:53pm 0.9 3.3 10:20pm 9:17pm
6:22am 7:11am 6:12pm 5:43pm
Best Best At At
GF
Thu Tue
6:19am 7:09am 6:13pm 5:44pm
Best Best At At
GG
8:05am 1:20am 8:34pm 1:44pm
9:03am 2:09am 9:31pm 2:32pm
Sep Aug 19 13
4:26am 0.6 5:40am 2.9 10:47am 3.2 11:47am 0.8 4:40pm 0.5 6:11pm 3.1 3.3 11:07pm 0.8
6:17am 7:08am 6:14pm 5:45pm
Best Best At At
GG
Sun Fri
9:58am 2:56am 10:24pm 3:20pm
Sep Aug 20 14
5:12am 0.6 12:13am 3.0 3.2 11:34am 6:36am 0.7 5:29pm 0.5 12:38pm 3.2 3.3 11:56pm 7:01pm
6:16am 7:07am 6:15pm 5:46pm
Best Best At At
GG
Mon Sat
10:49am 3:43am 11:14pm 4:07pm
Sep Aug 21 15
6:01am 0.6 1:02am 0.7 3.2 12:24pm 7:26am 3.0 6:22pm 0.6 1:25pm 0.6 3.3 7:47pm 3.2
6:14am 7:05am 6:16pm 5:47pm
Best Best At At
GG
Tue Sun
11:37am 4:31am 4:56pm
Sep Aug 22 16
0.6 12:47am 1:48am 0.6 6:53am 3.1 8:11am 3.1 1:20pm 0.7 2:07pm 0.6 7:21pm 3.3 8:31pm
6:13am 7:04am 6:17pm 5:48pm
Best Best At At
GG
Wed Mon
12:00am 5:21am 12:22pm 5:47pm Full Moon
Sep Aug 23 17
1:42am 2:31am 7:50am 8:53am 2:22pm 2:47pm 8:25pm 9:12pm
6:11am 7:03am 6:17pm 5:48pm
Best Best At At
GG
3.2 0.5 0.6 3.2 3.1 0.5 0.8 3.3
Thu Tue
12:44am 6:14am 1:05pm 6:41pm First Quarter
Sep Aug 24 18
2:41am 3:11am 8:53am 9:33am 3:28pm 3:26pm 9:30pm 9:52pm
6:10am 7:02am 6:18pm 5:49pm
Best Best At At
GG
3.1 0.5 0.7 3.2 3.0 0.6 0.8 3.2
Wed Fri
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3:45am 3.0 3:50am 0.5 9:58am 0.7 10:10am 3.2 4:33pm 3.0 4:05pm 0.6 10:33pm 0.9 10:31pm 3.1
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Thu Sat
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Best Best At At
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Sun Fri
2:51am 9:11am 3:13pm 9:42pm
Sep 27
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7:05am 6:58am 7:21pm 5:52pm
Best Best At At
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Mon
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Best Best At At
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Mick Fay
Licensee Agent Snells Beach 021 544 769 E. mick.fay@raywhite.com W. https://mickfay.raywhite.com/
www.localmatters.co.nz
August 27, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |
15
Lockdown read: True Tales of New Zealand Fisheries Officers
53 rounds of cannon fire, turning the sea around the Kin Nan into a boiling cauldron. The skipper got the message and the arrest was made. Duncan says Kawau Island was a hot spot for poachers as the waters were known to be plentiful with juvenile fish in spring. In an incident in 1980, he and his crew tried to intercept a Danish seine fishing vessel in rough conditions near Kawau. It was nearly dark when officers Ian Walker and Roger Mita attempted to board the vessel while it pitched and rolled in the swell. Ian stood on the bow of a six-foot fibre glass patrol boat while Roger attempted to hold it steady alongside the much larger steel trawler. Ian timed a jump with a wave and caught the rail of the fishing boat. Dangling off the side, he clambered his way on board while Roger slammed into reverse, narrowly avoiding crushing his partner. Ian promptly entered the skipper’s cabin and used the vessel’s own radar and chart to determine it was fishing 1.2 miles within the restricted zone. “Boardings such as this had an important role in our dealings with amateur and commercial fishermen. They gave us enormous credibility that our seamanship was up to the mark – we weren’t office boys,” Duncan recalls. Several of the stories in the book involve dalliances with danger. On one occasion, the patrol boat Tokatea was on its way to catch a vessel off Waiheke that had taken hundreds of scallops. Officer Steve Whitehouse went ahead of the Tokatea in a tin boat and boarded the offending vessel. He announced his intention to conduct a search but was violently attacked by the fishermen, who attempted to throw him overboard. As Steve clung to the rails for his life, the skipper throttled the engines to make an escape. However, the vessel caught on her anchor and lurched, sending the assailants flying across the deck. The Tokatea then came into the bay and by then the fisherman knew the game was up. The newly published book includes more than 100 stories from locations across the Hauraki Gulf and Kaipara Harbour. Duncan hopes to have it retailed in Warkworth, but during lockdown a copy can be purchased for $40 by emailing Duncan at dunkmale@gmail.com.
Covertly stalking poachers under cover of night and high speed vehicle chases across farmland were all part of the job for former fisheries officer Duncan Chisholm, of Mangawhai. Duncan has collaborated with Whangarei author Don Armitage to compile a book of real life accounts from the 1970s to present day in True Tales of New Zealand Fisheries Officers. He says it was quite a job tracking down officers he hadn’t spoken to since the 80s to contribute their tales. Back then, the job was like something out of a fiction novel. “We had patrol boats, specialised vehicles to get to remote locations, worked with the Air Force and Navy, and we chased down real life characters. It was a lot of responsibility but it was exciting,” Duncan says. One of his favourite stories is about a Taiwanese commercial vessel, the Kin Nan, caught illegally fishing off New Plymouth in 1976. It was found two nautical miles within New Zealand’s fishing zone. The HMNZS Taupo instructed the Kim Nan’s skipper over loud hailer that he was under arrest, but the vessel made a run for international waters. The Taupo fired its guns off the bow of the Kin Nan but the warning went unheeded. An intention to fire on the vessel was sent by radio to Wellington. This was met by a response by Prime Minister Robert Muldoon himself – “NO. REPEAT. NO.” Then, two RNZAF Skyhawk fighter planes flew in and shot
A checkpoint at Baylys Beach near Dargaville.
The Kin Nan, left, and HMNZS Taupo.
A stash of poached mussels hidden near a wreck in Kawakawa Bay.
Right, Mangawhai’s Duncan Chisholm.
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