Mahurangi Matters_Issue 489_30 September 2024

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Centre closed for another five months

Rotten roof timbers, break-ins and burglaries have combined to push back the reopening of Mahurangi East Community Centre and Library to early next year –double the length of time its $1.7 million refurbishment was scheduled to take.

The 40-year-old hall and library complex closed in mid-April for five months, temporarily displacing 60 clubs and groups that use the hall and forcing the library into a portable building in the tennis club carpark next door.

Both facilities were due to reopen by the

end of September, but in an update last week, Auckland Council staff said that wouldn’t now happen until January or February next year.

Rodney’s area manager for parks and community facilities, Geoff Pitman, said wet and decaying timber was discovered when the building’s vast tin roof was first removed, meaning designs and consents had to be changed, causing delays.

These issues were then compounded by recent break-ins and theft from both the worksite and temporary library building.

Thousands of dollars’ worth of roofing and construction materials, tools and tech equipment were stolen during the week beginning September 16, though swift action by Warkworth Police resulted in an arrest and the return of many of the items later that week, according to Senior Constable Hamish Buick.

“Warkworth Police executed a search warrant on Wednesday, September 18, and recovered some of the stolen property, including building fixtures, skylights, roofing insulation, building paper, screws,

fixings and first aid kits,” he said.

A 32-year-old Snells Beach man had been arrested and charged with burglary and receiving stolen goods, he added.

“It’s bad that the building site was accessed and many thousands of dollars’ worth of stuff stolen, but good that we managed to get on to it and recover a substantial amount,” Buick said. “We’re really pleased – not that it happened, but that we managed to catch the person.”

Contractors and staff have had to contend with break-ins as well as construction delays.

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Centre closed for another five months

The break-in at the temporary library led to it being closed to customers for two days, which manager Pip Stocking says was an added frustration to existing delays.

“It’s been a long, drawn-out process,” she said. “While we’ve been working hard to implement security and safety measures, it’s disheartening to see them disregarded, causing strain not only on the project, but also on those working to complete it.

“We know that with construction there are always delays – we expected there would have to be some leeway – but it is frustrating.”

However, she remains optimistic that the long wait will be worth it in the end.

“It will be great when it’s done, great for the community and for staff,” she said.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Pitman said the discovery of decay and moisture issues when the roof was removed had led to significant unforeseen changes to the project, and it was unknown at this stage what impact the subsequent delays would have on the $1.7 million budget.

“During the deconstruction process, problems with the building were discovered, which led to redesign and building consent amendments. This has added to the amount of work required and pushed out the programme timeframe,” he said.

“Work is ongoing on an updated set of construction plans, with considerable alterations being undertaken on the roof structure and a number of internal structural elements. We estimate that works will be completed in the early part of 2025.

Matakana pub up for sale

New owners are being sought for Matakana’s historic village pub, which went on the market last week.

The freehold sale includes 1718 square metres of land, the 245 square metre building, plus bar and restaurant business, which according to selling agent Bayleys, has a turnover of more than $3 million a year.

The pub has been a local landmark and social hub since it was established more than 120 years ago, though Bayleys points out to potential investors in marketing material that there could be scope to change the property’s use.

“The zoning allows for flexible use, including retail, hospitality and residential development … it represents a rare investment opportunity in one of Auckland’s most popular destinations.”

The pub last changed hands in 2016, when a five-person partnership including Leigh local Greg Lawrence purchased the venue from Duncan and Hannah Anderson, who had given the quaint and quirky former

“We are still working out the impact of these changes on the budget.”

boarding

The two-storey wooden pub was built in 1903 by the then village postmaster, reportedly using timber from a single kauri tree, and its long and colourful history includes a spell with a Michelin-starred

French chef in the kitchen in the 1980s.

The Matakana village pub is for sale by private treaty, the deadline for which is November 6, unless sold prior.

Info: https://www.bayleys.co.nz/listings/ commercial/auckland/rodney/11matakana-valley-road-1271068

The two-storey kauri pub last changed hands eight years ago. Photo, Bayleys

house a major makeover and modernisation in 2012.

Pump track gets landowner approval

Rodney Local Board members voted to approve an application to build a pump track at Matakana’s Diamond Jubilee Park at its September meeting, despite lastminute protests from the local pony club.

Matakana Community Group (MCG) wants to fund and install an asphalt track full of bumps and curves for bikes, scooters and skaters on 1600 square metres of land in the northwest corner of the park, behind the tennis club.

However, Matakana Pony Club, which has a non-exclusive licence to occupy the bulk of the 3.8 hectare park, says this would take away space it needs for parking when it holds major events several times a year. During the public forum at the board’s Kumeu offices, club representative Naomi Marshall said they were concerned there had been a lack of consultation and said communication with the community group had been “very poor”.

“We’re not saying it’s wrong, it might be what the people of Matakana want, but we’re saying the timing is wrong,” she said. “We’re not here to be inflammatory, we just want everything to be fair and the right result. They [MCG] are not reflecting the whole community.”

Local resident and “pony club dad” Brett Howlett claimed board members had been misled by the community group, saying that a perimeter path approved and funded before the pump track had not yet been completed.

He added that with no toilets at Jubilee Park, there would be “urination, defecation and rubbish” on land behind the track.

MCG member Nik Payne said the pump track would be on currently redundant land that didn’t encroach on other users, and the group accepted that managing its use might mean closing it off for “carnival days or tennis tournaments”.

“We’re looking forward to sharing the space with the tennis club and pony club,” he said. “There are plenty of opportunities to co-exist and we’re looking forward to working with them.”

Auckland Council staff were initially confident that a compromise could be reached, parks and places specialist Matt Woodside told members, but relations between the two groups had recently soured.

“I’ve been trying to find a workable solution between Matakana Pony Club and the MCG for pretty much the last year,” he said. “We had some good conversations there, and I was actually sent through a plan which showed that parking could be incorporated in their leased area.”

However, following an acrimonious meeting between the two groups last month, that was now off the table.

“I feel like I’ve taken this as far as I can,” Woodside said. “I’ve been speaking to both

The proposed 800-metre tarmac track has become a bone of contention for Matakana Pony Club.

parties and there’s some greater friction within this community that I’m not really equipped to deal with.”

When two members suggested further consultation, Woodside said the project had already been consulted enough, it was something that was needed in the area and would be a no-cost asset.

“I believe it’s been publicised adequately in the community. I don’t know why some groups think they haven’t been consulted,” he said. “There’s an underlying conflict here that just needs a decision made.”

He added that noise would not be a major issue, as it would involve rubber wheels on tarmac, and some kind of plant screening could be considered.

Wellsford member Colin Smith said the increasing need for community recreation space was putting pressure on many pony clubs and other rural, animal-based activities.

He suggested one centralised area, such as a large block of land around Hoteo Hall, for pony clubs, dog trials, rodeos and suchlike.

Chair Brent Bailey urged members to make a decision.

“Less hui, more do-ey is what all of the public are saying to us, all of the time and sometimes you’re going to break some hearts,” he said. “But if we come up with some mitigations, as Colin suggests, they may forgive us. Staff are saying we need a decision, let’s get one.”

Members voted to approve the pump track application, which will now need to obtain necessary resource and building consents.

Master Tradesmen

Homebuilders pares down services

Family support services will continue to be offered at Homebuilders in Warkworth, at least in the short term.

Coordinator Quentin Jukes says the level of assistance Homebuilders will be able to provide clients will be drastically reduced, but the service will maintain a presence in the town.

This follows the coalition government’s budget in May, which cut Oranga Tamariki’s commissioning budget for contracting services by $30 million a year. Homebuilders was one of nearly 200 providers to bear the brunt of this decision, losing a contract that provided 70 per cent of its operating budget.

Since learning the news, Homebuilders has been working on a way to survive.

“We will offer shorter blocks of time to support as many people as possible,” Jukes says.

“This will mean people will no longer get the depth of advice previously offered, but we will try to get them supported elsewhere.”

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However, he admits this won’t be easy, with community-based support services disappearing nationwide.

Jukes says sadly, four of Homebuilders seven staff will likely lose their jobs.

“These will be really good people who will no longer be available to help in our community.

“And this is happening at a time when demand keeps increasing, as our population grows and social housing and poverty issues continue to complicate what is going on in families and young people’s lives.”

Jukes says Homebuilders has received many messages of support, but there are also a lot of people who are upset and worried about what it will mean.

“Finding replacement funding won’t be easy. It’s going to take a combination of income streams to remain viable. If we can’t make it work, we will have to revisit closing sometime next year.”

If anyone would like to help the service, donations can be made to Homebuilders Family Services at 12-3095-0167279-00

Smith resorts to rate money after AT rejects replacing pavers

Wellsford’s unpopular clay paver footpaths could end up being replaced with concrete using funding from Rodney Local Board’s transport targeted rate.

After hearing that Auckland Transport (AT) didn’t think the path tiles needed replacing and had no funds to do it anyway, Wellsford member Colin Smith suggested using what was left in the town’s targeted rate fund – $1.3 million.

At the monthly board meeting on September 18, Smith asked members to support his request that funding to be used towards the replacement of the yellow clay pavers along Rodney Street with concrete and that AT cover any shortfall, if required. Members had earlier received a detailed assessment of the footpaths from AT, which concluded that the footpaths were in acceptable condition, with only 9 per cent of the surface area needing repairs, and that their ‘slip resistance’ was also acceptable and typical for pavers of that type.

“The recent condition assessment of the Wellsford town centre footpaths show that the footpaths are in acceptable condition,” the report said.

“Out of the 15 town centres tested, the Wellsford footpath pavers had one of the highest slip resistance test results for town centres with clay pavers.”

AT also queried a cost estimate obtained by Smith from a local contractor to resurface the footpaths with concrete, which was less than half the amount quoted by AT’s contractor.

“The estimate did not provide a breakdown of the quantities allowed for and, as such, it is difficult to validate the quantity of work,” AT said.

Instead of replacing the pavement with concrete, AT instead proposed spending $50,000 on repairs.

However, Smith maintained they still needed replacing and instead suggested using the targeted transport rate money to

do the job, which members supported.

Smith, together with local residents and businesses, has been campaigning for several years to have the pavers replaced due to regular falls and slips by pedestrians, especially in wet weather.

He said after the meeting there was no point AT spending $50,000 on repairs when Wellsford still wanted the pavers replaced, regardless of AT’s view that it wasn’t necessary.

“AT seems to have gone outside our remit,” he said. “Why spend that amount of money fixing something we’re only going to pull out?”

The controversial herringbone bricks were laid down in 1999-2000 by Rodney District Council, having been pulled out of footpaths in Orewa.

“AT talks about this being a capital project – it’s not,” Smith said. “The capital project was in Orewa, then Wellsford, more than 20 years ago.”

He added that people were still slipping over on the paths, with the latest incident happening just last week, on Wednesday, September 25.

“A lot of these incidents go unreported. Do we have to wait for a death before something gets done?” Smith said. “Those pavers need pulling out, no matter what AT thinks.”

New role for Rodney councillor

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

Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers says he wants to get back to basics following his appointment as chair of Auckland Council’s Budget Committee.

Late last month, Mayor Wayne Brown shook up his committee structure, introducing two new committees and shuffling councillors into new roles.

Sayers was one of several councillors to receive added responsibility.

Brown was the former chair, and Sayers said he appreciated the mayor’s confidence in him to take the lead on a powerful committee.

“I will be maximising the financial transparency and accountability of council’s financial performance for the ratepayer,”

Sayers said.

He said it was important to get back to the basics and that spending decisions of elected members, including that of local boards, would be consistently challenged.

“Why are elected members voting to spend ratepayers’ money on non-council leisure centre group yoga classes, or giving away free haircuts ahead of keeping public rubbish bins in place?”

He noted the council was under extreme financial pressure to cut costs and questioned whether “using public money to fund disc jockeys” was the right thing to do.

He said the Budget Committee would ask chief executive officer Phil Wilson to make cost savings of $78 million to get greater value for money, which would be the largest cumulative savings since the creation of the Supercity.

The committee’s responsibilities include assisting the mayor to develop the 10-year budget and annual budget.

Les Miller & Jackie Woolerton - Webster Malcolm Law

Greg Sayers

Rodney subdivision change passes to next phase

An opportunity for appeals and objections on subdivision boundary changes in the Rodney Local Board area will open on October 3, following a decision by Auckland Council to accept the recommendations of its Joint Governance Working Party last week.

In a somewhat convoluted process that started in July, council is looking to implement a fairer representation across Rodney by expanding the number of subdivisions from four to five.

Instead of Wellsford (one elected representative), Warkworth (three reps), Kumeū (four reps) and Dairy Flat (one rep), the proposed new subdivisions are Northern Rodney, which is an expanded area based on Wellsford with two representatives, a smaller Warkworth subdivision with two reps, Dairy Flat (one rep), Kumeū (two reps) and Southern Kaipara (two reps). The names Northern Rodney and Southern Kaipara replace North and South Rural, following public feedback.

The appeals period will close on November 3 when council’s final decision will be forwarded to the Local Government Commission for a hearing in February, with a final decision due by April 11. Any new boundaries will be in place for the local government elections in October next year.

Council’s Governing Body was told that the new subdivision arrangement

Trains running north again

would enhance rural representation and spread representation more evenly on a population/member ratio.

Rodney Ward councillor Greg Sayers said he was getting a lot of lobbying from different sectors regarding the 76 per cent of Rodney submitters who didn’t support the changes.

In response, governance principal advisor Warwick McNaughton said there had been 221 individual responses.

“When you look at the submissions opposed, the majority fall into two camps – one was about the Kaukakapapa area, which has been addressed in part,” he said. “The other camp was to do with Warkworth.

“The nature of the opposition was that they didn’t want to lose representation with a reduction in members from three to two.

“We were getting the message that they thought that the more representatives they had on the board, the more they would be likely to get decisions in their favour.

“I was at pains to point out that the electoral boundaries, wards and subdivisions are a way of spreading representation around. Once elected, members make a declaration to act in the interests of, in this case, the whole of Rodney. The number of members on the local board should not affect whether they get resources or not.”

The North Auckland rail line reopened last week, after being closed for 20 months following significant damage during last year’s extreme weather events. A Kiwirail spokesperson says that with trains running on the line to help consolidate the rebuilt track, and freight services to resume in due course, residents are urged to be cautious around level crossings. “Trains cannot stop quickly, so to ensure safety we urge everyone to be extremely vigilant every time they approach a level crossing. Always stop and look both ways for trains before crossing the tracks and only ever cross the tracks at an official level crossing. Never cross the tracks if a train is approaching, as they are usually travelling faster than they appear.”

Two great reasons to come to the Kaipara…

YouSay

Homebuilders case put

I write in response to Neil McGarvey’s letter (MM, Sep 16).

After learning of Oranga Tamariki’s (OT) decision to end its contract with Homebuilders Family Services, several constituents shared with me their very personal and heartfelt stories of how their lives and relationships had been helped (or

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

in some cases saved) by Homebuilders. In response, I recently spent some time at Homebuilders to learn more about the services they provide and the impact that OT’s decision will have.

I also met with key community stakeholders who impressed on me the importance of the work being carried out by Homebuilders.

I was left in no doubt that Homebuilders are providing an essential service to the community that would unlikely be matched by alternative service providers. I have put this in writing to the chief executive of OT, together with my concerns around aspects of the decisionmaking process, and strongly urged OT to reconsider its decision.

Chris Penk, MP for Kaipara ki Mahurangi

Pipeline options workshopped with Watercare

While Warkworth businesses await Watercare’s final decision on the proposed sewer main through town, One Mahurangi Business Association has put forward alternative pipeline routes and construction options to the councilcontrolled organisation (CCO).

In the latest development, the business association had an engineers’ workshop with Watercare on August 14 and it was more positive than expected, co-chair Bevan Morrison said during its annual general meeting at the Bridgehouse last week.

“We workshopped a multitude of various pathways from the bridge down to the wastewater pump station at Lucy Moore Park,” Morrison said.

“A couple [of routes] down the main street, but it was a tunnel instead of open

trenches so you didn’t have the same disruption. Then another one around the waterfront, which had some challenges, but surprisingly it was technically feasible and could have some amenity value.

“We felt that the technical challenges of going under the bowling club and around that way with the depth and some of the unknown geotechnical challenges would have been far too different from what they [Watercare] had already got themselves comfortable on.”

Morrison said if Watercare wanted to follow its original route down the main street and avoid all those services, it could safely drill under them because was enough clearance.

“Because you’re aiming at a deeper point that would work. Yes, there would be a couple of pits along the main street as

One Mahurangi representatives elected

There are plenty of familiar faces on the One Mahurangi Business Association committee for 2024/25 with the appointment of elected members at its annual general meeting, which was held on September 25.

Nominations and elections for chairperson, treasurer and secretary will be done at the first committee meeting subsequent to the AGM.

The new 2024/25 One Mahurangi Business Association committee is:

Bevan Morrison, project manager, Morrison Heritage Orchards; David Stott, retired project manager and civil engineer; Burnette O’Connor, director, The Planning Collective; Colin Barlow, owner, Hunting & Fishing Warkworth; Danny Frost, owner, Frost Fitness; Fiona Frost,

you change angle but it would be a pit as opposed to just continuous trenches.

“They’re engaging drillers to evaluate the feasibility of trench-less methods. They won’t be able to formally confirm the trench-less method feasibility before the next meeting [between Watercare and the business association] as a geotechnical investigation report will not be completed by then.”

Morrison said feedback from Watercare was expected late September, with a followup meeting between the CCO and the business association scheduled for October.

“When we get that feedback on those various options, it’s going to give us some guidance on what we have to do, on how we approach it and how we’re going to have to prepare our next stage of attack,” Morrison said.

owner, Frost Fitness; John Wyllie, owner, Composite Joinery; Louise Riddle, owner, Matakana Coast App; Mallory Higgins, owner, Good Good Cafe and Gourmet Burger Warkworth; Patrick Steuart, director, WRMK Lawyers; Sally Peters, owner, Mr Grind Espresso; Steve Reynolds, owner, Aqua Works; Wayne Scurrah, sales manager, Bayleys In the North.

Tsunami risk assessments continue

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter.

Auckland Council’s civil defence and emergency management committee was given an update on council’s tsunami works programme at its meeting on September 10. The current stage of the programme focuses on ensuring the region has an effective tsunami warning and alerting network, raising tsunami risk understanding and resilience, and delivering the associated capital and operational works and programming. The programme has looked at issues such new tsunami siren technology, revised tsunami inundation modelling and revised evacuation zones.

Council’s principal science advisor, Angela Doherty, said a vulnerability assessment of coastal communities found that the northeastern coastline and Aotea Great Barrier were some of the most vulnerable areas.

“In the past, council has looked at exposure and population, but this recent assessment went further,” Doherty said.

“We know that there’s more to a community than just the number of people who live there so we tried to be deliberate and understand both the direct exposure on people and the indirect exposure including things like infrastructure.”

Houkura member Glenn Wilcox questioned how the measure of risk was calculated.

“There are two tsunami events that happened on the West Coast – how was this factored into the West Coast likelihood of tsunami?” Wilcox asked.

Doherty said the modelling was based on the current understanding of what could be generated by a large earthquake in the Pacific. Engagement with local boards and communities is planned and feedback will be combined with information on tsunami exposure and vulnerability.

Staff will report findings to the committee for decision-making on future investment into tsunami warning, alerting and resilience building programmes around the middle of next year.

Book donations

The Point Wells Community Library is accepting books for its annual book sale, which will be held in the Point Wells Hall on Saturday November 30. Donations of all genres of books in good condition are welcome. The books can be left at the library during opening hours Monday (5pm-6pm), Wednesday (10am-midday), Friday (3pm-5pm) and Saturday (10am-midday).

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.

Viewpoint

Chris Penk, MP for Kaipara ki Mahurangi chris.penkmp@parliament.govt.nz

Spring has sprung!

While it’s true that this season of new beginnings sometimes feels like a bit of sunshine between downpours, there is some cause for optimism in Auckland’s rural north. In this column, however, I would like to touch on a couple of issues on which I feel a bit less sunny. Partly this is so that you know these are on my radar and I’m working on them, along with some very good local people, and partly as an update on what’s happening.

The first could be summed up by the phrase “wastewater issues”, which actually encapsulates three separate but related challenges.

The big picture shows that we need greater wastewater capacity to service the growing population in and around Warkworth, as well as further afield. Housing requires supporting infrastructure, so we need to invest in these systems. Whereas local government funding has been tight for a few years now, some developers have made it clear that they are willing and able to undertake the building of the necessary infrastructure, etc. on their own dime. This seems to me an excellent compromise solution, provided that they can do the job consistent with Watercare’s requirements, which should surely not be too difficult. Another wastewater-related issue is that semi-regular discharges of sewage into local water bodies – and ultimately into the Mahurangi – pose a major risk to public health. From the perspective of oyster farmers, whose businesses rely on the certainty of clean water in the harbour,

this is a massive burden. And, of course, jeopardising such an important sector as aquaculture, and its export and tourism potential, is deeply problematic. I’ve been working with some of these shellfish growers and Watercare to try to ensure proper warning is given in the short term … and, of course, that the issue is resolved in the medium to long term.

Third, the issue dear to the hearts of Warkworth’s retail streets is the placement of new pipeline infrastructure. With local businesses having faced very difficult conditions in the past few years (covid-era government policies, recession, cost-ofliving crisis), it will be crucial to ensure that there isn’t disruption to a level that could see more shut up shop. I’m in touch with Watercare, others in Auckland Council and One Mahurangi on the issue, exploring whether any options are available to minimise the impact. We need the longterm gain of the investment, but with as little short-term pain as possible.

Finally, I should highlight that the excellent local community organisation that is Homebuilders has been doing great things for the people of this area, as many readers of Mahurangi Matters will know.

I have contacted the relevant government minister to seek explanation – and am lobbying for reversal – of a recent decision that would see the current level of funding not sustained. I will continue to advocate on this issue, as I know how much their services mean to the area.

Fire and emergency invitation

The Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board is looking for members to join its new Auckland Local Advisory Committee (LAC). LACs ensure communities’ voices and interests are heard and considered in national and local planning. LACs also provide local advice to help better support their community to reduce risk, prepare for and respond to emergencies, and recover quickly when they happen.

Fire and Emergency Te Hiku Region manager Ron Devlin says the committees are made up of well-connected local people who are passionate about supporting their

communities both now and into the future.

“It is vital to the success of our LAC that we have the right blend of people to give voice to the varied ethnic and cultural communities, businesses, commercial, industrial and social sectors,” Devlin says. “We are looking for members with governance and leadership experience, and emerging leaders, in these various communities and sectors.”

Applications for membership close on October 23.

Info: www.fireandemergency.nz/LACs

Yogi Singh Les Chan Kim Denston

Eye-catching cars stranded in Waiwera

Motorists travelling on the old State Highway 1 through Waiwera have probably noticed a couple of unusual cars sitting beside each other in the roadside parking bay. They don’t belong to freedom campers nor have they been abandoned, rather the red Mini Cooper and yellow Honda Logo are both owned by Billy Leigh, 38, a former Warkworth local and Mahurangi College student. Both vehicles are filled to the brim with everything from vintage TVs and toys to electronics and empty drink cans. Nearly every inch of space is accounted for, both inside and out.

Two tyres are strapped down to a wooden pallet on the roof of the Honda, while a fishing rod is attached to the grille of the Mini, which runs a hose into the radiator to keep the engine cool and “it works pretty well”.

The only room Leigh has for himself is the driver’s seat, where he sleeps sitting up.

“I kind of like sleeping weird. I just lean my head on the junk and fall asleep. It’s kind of like a pillow,” he says.

A self-described mechanic, welder and electronics whizz, Leigh spends much of his time tinkering with the many things he’s acquired over the years.

Unfortunately, “$3000 worth of gear” was recently stolen from the Honda including solar panels, tools and other valuable items.

The theft happened after he left both cars unattended on the hill above Wenderholm Regional Park.

“The door to the Honda was shut but the cops have taken my key so I can’t lock it. But the idiot didn’t know that (it was unlocked) so he bent the top half of my door and must have reached in,” he says.

After the break-in, Leigh drove the cars down to Waiwera one at a time and is now stranded there.

In the past he’s used the Honda to tow the Mini, which is no mean feat considering Leigh does this by himself using a makeshift towing connection.

“It’s the complete opposite to what you would normally do because the Mini’s actually more powerful. I’ve towed over hills and on gravel roads.”

Ideally, Leigh would like to find a house with some land where he could settle and “have heaps of cars, whiteware and scrap” but “everything is too expensive”.

Right, Billy Leigh with his prized Mini Cooper and Honda Logo.

Two and three bedroom villas available

Makeover for Matakana Hall

Matakana Hall is looking decidedly spruce and sprightly these days, after a series of renovations and revamps carried out by the current hall committee.

New toilets, a new kitchen and a fresh coat of paint inside and out have given the 55-year-old community hall a new lease of life, and there are hopes to install solar panels next to enhance its usefulness during emergencies or natural disasters.

Committee member Trish Allen said they had applied for a grant from Meridian Energy’s decarbonisation fund.

“We’ve applied for funding to install solar panels on the roof and batteries, so when we have a power outage, we can use water, toilets, heat pumps and the oven, so we can open up as an emergency hub, though we’ll use it every day if we get it,” she said.

Unlike many community halls, the Matakana facility is not owned by Auckland Council, but by the community, via the Matakana Hall Incorporated Society. While this means the committee can keep hire fees affordable, it does mean they need to find the money for maintenance an improvements.

However, hall chairman Neville Johnson said generous support from sponsors, supporters and volunteers made their job a lot easier.

“We’ve had some wonderful sponsors, including Gay Smith from Gull, who gave us $10,000, David Ryan of Aalto Paints who’s provided all the paint for our

upgrades, Beachcomber Lawns, who keep our grassed areas tidy, and the Matakana Community Garden group, which put in a second water tank,” he said.

“We’ll be having a sponsors dinner on October 4 to thank them all.”

The one major expense that requires hard cash is the annual $12,000 insurance bill, for which the committee has to fundraise every year.

“We do need to raise money for that, and we could use a few more members on the hall committee, if anyone would like to help,” Johnson said. “We meet on the first Monday of each month at 6pm, and everyone is welcome.”

As well as the main hall, which includes a stage, a fully equipped kitchen, toilets and storage, there is a smaller hall at the rear, which can seat around 40, and a secure outdoor area.

Current activities include dance classes, drama, floral art, table tennis, tai chi, pilates and creative writing, with a wide range of groups hiring the hall, from beekeepers to choirs.

The original Matakana Hall was built in 1876, though that burnt down 10 years later, as did its replacement in the 1950s, before the current hall was built by the community in 1959.

Info and bookings: visit https://www. matakanacommunitygroup.org/matakanahall.html or email lizjsharek@gmail.com

How is your business doing? We want to hear from you. Answer our 2 min survey. Link on our website or through the QR Code. Help us help you!

Hall committee members in the revamped kitchen, from left, Trish Allen, Neville Johnson, Steve Elliston and Liz Sharek.

SHEEPWORLD

Summer Season

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.

Your visit to Sheepworld empowers young people to attain qualifications, secure employment and work through challenges they face.

New principal keen to increase roll at Tapora

There will be something of a scale adjustment needed for Tapora School’s new principal when she starts in the role at the start of Term 4 next month.

Until September 27, Bex Thompson was team leader of 90 Year 5 students and three staff at Warkworth School, but where she is going, the total roll is just 17 children and two part-time teachers.

Book online now at

She says while it will certainly be different to what she’s used to, she can’t wait to get started.

“I’ve always wanted to lead a small school, so I can still teach as well as lead,” Thompson says. “This seemed the right time and a great opportunity.”

She is keen to attract more families to the school, which forms the hub of the tiny Kaipara Harbour community on the Okahukura Peninsula, more than 30km west of Wellsford.

Looking for the perfect day out these school holidays? Come and enjoy our farm park where you can hand feed our friendly sheep, alpacas, piglets, goats, bunnies and lambs. Or watch our world famous shearing show where kids can learn about wool and enjoy a live demonstration. For a limited time, all kids visiting during the school holidays will receive a FREE FEEDBAG.

And don’t forget our café is open seven days from 9am to 3pm, offering delicious cabinet treats and all-day-breakfast

menu. The kids can burn off energy at the playground while you relax with a coffee and take in the countryside or check-out our well stocked retail shop, featuring unique New Zealand made products including possum Merino clothing, sheepskins, and Kiwiana gifts – perfect for souvenirs or early stocking fillers.

With plenty of free parking and located just 4 km North of Warkworth, Sheepworld is your local spot for a family day out this spring!

324 State Highway 1 | 09 425 7444 | Visit www.sheepworldfarm.co.nz to see attractions and show times.

“There’s a new subdivision going in over the road from the school and there are quite a few workers coming in to work on the avocado fields. Although there’s not a huge population, students can still funnel in from Wellsford and the surrounding areas,” she says.

“I really want to grow the school and grow the technology side so they’re a bit more connected with the world, and want to get Tapora known out there.”

Thompson says the locals have been very welcoming and she’s looking forward to making the school even more of a focal point for families.

“There is a lovely Board of Trustees, they’ve been very open and welcoming. They’re very family based and really involved with the school,” she says.

“I’m excited to get the community and local iwi involved in the school and really make it the hub of the community.” Thompson hails from Te Atatu, West

Auckland and started her working life as a hairdresser, but once she moved into training future stylists realised that teaching was her first love.

“Then, just after having my second son, realised I loved learning with kids, so I became a teacher – it’s been an amazing change,” she says. “I love kids in all their many shapes, behaviours and needs.”

She taught at Hobsonville for 10 years before moving to Warkworth four and a half years ago.

Thompson says while sad at leaving her Warkworth classes, she is excited to get to know her new Tapora students and the challenges ahead.

“Though I think staff meetings might be a bit quiet – there were 32 teachers at Warkworth!” she says.

A powhiri to welcome Thompson and new part-time teacher Linda Hardman will be held at the start of next term on October 14.

Thompson replaces Keryl Lee, who retired in June after nearly nine years as principal.

Bex Thompson is moving to Tapora School from Warkworth Primary.

Spreading farming sustainability messages in the Pacific

By Caitlan Johnston

Mahurangi local Andrew Finlay recently returned from a field trip in Vanuatu, where he worked alongside an organisation to protect and restore forests from the impacts of climate change and disasters.

Finlay is Tearfund New Zealand’s grant manager and he spent two weeks in the South Pacific island nation with Tearfund’s farming and enterprise partner, Nasituan, to assist with a new programme focused on protecting the landscape.

There are two big problems facing rural communities in Vanuatu – it is the most disaster-exposed country in the world and, along with high levels of unemployment, this pushes families below the poverty line.

Nasituan was established in 2011 to train and mentor farmers in rural communities on how to be resilient in the face of disasters, teaching sustainable farming techniques, and the viability of diversifying crops such as growing coffee beans.

Finlay helped to set up Nasituan and has seen it grow from a small communityled organisation focused on agriculture

development to a social enterprise. It has given thousands of farmers the opportunity to be able to afford the basics for their families, such as schooling, food, medical care and housing.

“Nasituan builds on their existing agricultural knowledge and equips growers with additional skills and resources to succeed,” Finlay says.

The organisation has trained more than 2000 farmers in coffee growing and other agricultural techniques.

“Vanuatu’s tropical climate and rich volcanic soil make it the perfect environment for farming quality coffee. Nasituan is also developing better ways of growing coffee to ensure it is climate resilient.

“Secondly, coffee has great market potential. Nasituan trains local growers on how to get the best out of their crops to sell to market, so they can generate extra income for necessities.”

A success story which left a lasting impression on Finlay was of a farmer who, after training with Nasituan, went on to become one of the largest producers of coffee in the local area. This led to

him starting a second business in food transportation after his coffee earnings enabled him to buy a four-wheel drive.

“It was through coffee farming that he was able to improve his livelihood, income and standard of living, and this has benefited his family. These sort of success stories are always encouraging.”

With its training and mentoring facilities firmly rooted, the organisation has turned its focus to protecting and restoring the landscape that local farmers in order to continue protecting and improving their livelihoods.

“If you want to have good crops and good livelihoods, you’ve also got to look after your environment and look after your ecosystems,” Finlay says.

To achieve this, Nasituan, with support from Tearfund, has started the Life and Land Programme.

Finlay says he is excited about the programme getting underway and seeing the organisation progress even more.

The programme’s purpose is to develop and implement strategies that restore the environment and protect crops from

natural disasters.

“If you’ve got trees around your coffee plots then they are less prone to wind damage or flooding. This kind of forest enhancement will improve local ecosystems, protect food security and livelihoods.”

Finlay’s trip to Vanuatu included evaluating existing work, strategy planning and consulting with the community to understand the work that was required. Over the next few years, in partnership with Tearfund, Nasituan hopes to continue to enhance the sustainability of farming in the area, generate more income for local farmers through carbon credits and improve the livelihoods of a further 600 farmers.

This project in Vanuatu is part of a bigger programme called SAFE (Safe, Aware, Free, Empowered) funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Kiwi donations. The SAFE programme operates in five countries – Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. This multimillion dollar programme aims to prevent vulnerable communities from being trafficked and improve rural livelihoods in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Design | Manufacture | Installation

Mahurangi local Andrew Finlay spent two weeks in Vanuatu helping farmers create sustainable livelihoods.

The programme is helping farmers to afford the basics for their families.

Young Warkworth painter impresses at debut exhibition

A young Warkworth artist recently had her first solo show, which was a resounding success and hosted by the Foundation Gallery & Arts Hub in Leigh.

At just 15 years old, Ekaterina Korchagina, or Katya for short, wowed friends, family and fellow artists with a collection of paintings that revealed a maturity beyond her years.

Foundation curator and co-founder Hillary Austin Calder says this type of achievement is almost unheard of, given Katya is “not yet 16 so even more credit to her”.

“It was a very special night for all, in particular our artist who despite the rigours of upcoming exams, continued her classes [at the hub] and art tuition and ended up with this stellar body of work that is credible no matter her age,” Austin says.

Katya admits she had some pre-show nerves but these were soon replaced by a growing sense of confidence, as not only was the response to her work overwhelmingly positive, she also sold several pieces.

“I definitely felt nervous before the show but lots of people turned up,” Katya says.

“Sometimes you’re not sure if your work is good, and you can doubt yourself, so it was very validating to get such great feedback from family and friends, and especially from other artists.”

Many of the paintings Katya chose to display depicted horses, an animal that’s close to her heart.

“I paint other subjects but they don’t have as much meaning to me as horses. I’ve grown up around horses and they’ve been a big part of my family. I stopped riding when I was eight, so painting was a way to still feel connected to them,” she says.

Katya says organising the exhibition wouldn’t have been possible without the help of her tutor and mentor.

“Hillary’s advice and contacts were invaluable.”

Not to mention the ongoing support from her Mum.

“She’s my biggest fan and one of the main

reasons I’m motivated to keep painting,” Katya says.

Katya’s exhibition at the Foundation Gallery in Leigh runs until October 16 with viewings by appointment only. Phone Hillary on 021 0891 6855, who can also provide information on children’s art classes. Gallery hours are 10am-5pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Dazzling Roaring 20s displays from floral artists

Members of the Warkworth Floral Art Club revived the Roaring 20s in some style earlier this month, when they came home with a swag of prizes from the Auckland area Designer of the Year competition held at Orewa.

Puttin’ on the Ritz was the theme of the annual Floral Art Society of NZ event, and the Warkworth club won two trophies –the Liz Konig Award for the most entries from one club, for the second year in a row, and the Colleen Fernie Award for best interpretation of the theme, which went to Doris Ranfurly.

Club president Delwyn Lawrence said the club also achieved eight placings from 14 entries, had two members on the judging panel and another who gave demonstrations to the region-wide gathering.

“Our club is characterised by a positive attitude, great supporters of each other and age being no barrier to participation and success,” she said.

Info: Contact Delwyn Lawrence on 021 257

or delwynburrlawrence@gmail.com

Delwyn Lawrence was 2nd in the Opulence section.

Doris Ranfurly’s trophywinning headpiece.

Deirdra Anderson’s peacock placed third in Extravagance.

The group meets at the Matakana Community Hall on the third Friday of each month.

2202

Leigh author Madeleine Roberts was first in the queue to buy one of artist Katya Korchagina’s signature horse paintings.

Sporting history does the rounds

Following a flying visit to Warkworth on September 18, the oldest trophy in international sport is now winging its way to Barcelona in time for the 37th America’s Cup, which starts on October 12.

Warkworth Primary students were the first to welcome the Auld Mug to town, when they learned about its history, as well as hearing first-hand about winning it from former Team New Zealand bowman Joey Allen, who was in the triumphant team twice, in1995 and 2000.

The students also signed the Sail of Support, which will be presented to Emirates Team New Zealand ahead of this year’s event, and Year 6 kapa haka students honoured the cup with the school haka.

The America’s Cup was next taken to Warkworth Toyota, where hundreds of members of the public took the opportunity to see it up close and take photos.

The final stop of the day was Sandspit Yacht Club (SYC), where some 250 club members and locals passed through the

NOWOPEN

clubrooms to stand proud beside the iconic trophy. A welcoming speech by Vice Commodore Robert Jones set the scene, followed by 15-year-old Chris Gilpin, who spoke about the sailing pathway he had taken, from grassroots at SYC and college teams to now sailing in this week’s inaugural Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) Kiwi Cup Regatta.

Images and video from the Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour have been sent to Barcelona and shared with Emirates Team New Zealand at their morning briefings by RNZYS general manager Sarah Wiblin, who said the support shown was really appreciated.

“The entire team is working around the clock to get ready for the first race,” she said. “The support from Warkworth, as well as the rest of New Zealand, is exactly the kind of motivation that spurs them on to bring the cup home”.

During the tour, the cup travelled 4500km, with 68 stops and more than 20,000 photographs taken.

FOOD RESCUE

Food waste worldwide draws appalling statistics –132kg per person in a year, almost one-fifth of all food available to consumers. According to recent data, food loss and waste generate almost 10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions.

New Zealand is culturally very aware of the moral, environmental and economic impact of food waste, and has several organisations dedicated to minimising this waste. This food saved and distributed to those in need evokes tearful gratitude from recipients – the benefits are immense.

Warkworth Rotary Lions Food Rescue makes a meaningful contribution thanks to the unfailing support of our providers. In particular, NEW WORLD and PAK N SAVE supermarkets. They apply resources to ensure the food comes to us for distribution rather than, no doubt, the cheaper option of just dumping it.

We now record having “saved” and distributed over 140 tonne of food. We continue to have food donated from many sources. We are often donated animals, which butchers process at reduced rates.

Please consider ways you might help by identifying possible sources of food for us. For instance, if your fruit trees have a bumper crop, consider donating the surplus. We are grateful for donations, big and small, and we can collect the food.

Also we need more volunteers. The time required is light indeed, perhaps three to five hours every three months. The more volunteers we have, the lighter the burden. Financial donations are also most welcome because they enable us to target particular needs.

us to supply meat for the food bank

Join us in supporting our community by donating your surplus produce, and/or through volunteering. Find out more by phoning Frank

The highlight of the visit was the chance to have photos taken with the cup, the oldest sporting trophy in international sport.

Former Team New Zealand bowman Joey Allen shared some tales from his racing days.

Chainsaws & Mowers

AWarkworth small engine specialist is expanding its horizons, with a new workshop and yard, new heavy machinery division and a machinery recycling scheme to benefit the community.

Chainsaws & Mowers Services was previously in a shop on Morrison Drive for more than 10 years, but has now moved to a much larger site, up a driveway behind industrial units at the end of nearby Gumfield Drive.

Owner Daniel Cleaver, head mechanic Glen Hodson and the team are still selling, servicing and providing parts for a wide range of lawnmowers, chainsaws and other small engines, but they are also now servicing trucks, diggers and heavy machinery through the company’s Fleet Maintenance division.

Cleaver says that while the new yard is

not as visible as Chainsaws & Mowers’ previous home, its size means his team has more than enough space to work on any number of machines, as well as provide ample parking for customers.

It also means he has the room to store old unwanted machinery for a new recycling project. Concerned about the waste and environmental damage caused by abandoned machinery, Cleaver is recovering old wrecks either to repair or, if they are beyond hope, dispose of them responsibly.

“I can recover and recycle anything from a chainsaw to a big digger,” he says. “If we can bring a dumped mower back to life, we could give it to someone who’s struggling. We’ll only cover our costs – if it starts turning a profit, we’ll give that to a local charity. The community has helped me in the past and we want to help the community in return.”

Professional women in the hospitality industry have been invited to attend a networking evening in Matakana next month.

The event will be hosted by Cuisine magazine editor Kelli Brett and is aimed at women who work in all aspects of food and drink in the district. She says it is an opportunity to celebrate and network.

Brett created the initiative Women in Food And Drink (WIFD) as a platform to inspire, advance and support women who work within the diverse layers of food, drink and hospitality, who are inspirational across NZ.

She says the Matakana event will be an opportunity to connect with like-minded women as well as those with different perspectives, to share experiences and

celebrate the contributions women make to the food and drink industries.

“Whether you’re a business owner, a farmer, work in hospitality, a food artisan, a grower or are involved in redistributing food, you will be welcome,” she says.

WIFD advisory board member and Mahurangi Matters food columnist Lauraine Jacobs will join Kelli for this evening.

The event will be held at the Sawmill Brewery + Smoko Room on Tuesday, October 22, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Tickets are $50 with catering by Source Kitchen and a glass of Brick Bay rosé on arrival. Cash bar.

Info: https://www.cuisine.co.nz/women-infood-and-drink-aotearoa-new-zealand/ or email Kate Arbuthnot at markets@matakanavillage.co.nz

Glen Hodson and Daniel Cleaver.

Below, Kelli Brett speaking at an International Women’s Day event earlier this year.

From left, Hall of Fame recipient Fleur Sullivan, Lauraine Jacobs and advisory board member Sarah Meikle.

Sweetappreciation with chocolate brown

“ Congratulations to Helen Cook, from the Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary, who is this week’s recipient of a gift box from Chocolate Brown. Helen was nominated by Chris Hunter, who wrote:

Helen and her partner Gavin have rescued 800 dogs over the years, but the stress has finally taken its toll on her health and wellbeing. I think a lot of people in the community would appreciate seeing her receive a token of appreciation for all her hard work. ”

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.

Chocolaterie, Baking supplies, Rubs & Sauces Ph 415 8777 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth

Pet of the Month

The Elusive Catfish

One Sunday morning, Chilli was found with a long piece of nylon hanging out of his mouth. After only a few minutes of exhilarating hand line action the owner broke off and was left defeated. This is impressive considering it looked like 40 lb nylon and only a 5 kg cat!

Luckily, Chilli is a domesticated mammal (cat), making live transport to Warkworth Vets much easier than his fishy counterparts. Upon arrival it looked as though nothing had happened. However, upon radiographs Chilli had been hooked deep in the stomach. After an hour long surgery we were able to retrieve said hook. As a fellow fisherman, I think this is a good reminder to properly dispose of your hooks after they are used and to be gentle with your by-catch. This only happened on Sunday the 15th of September so we wish Chilli a speedy recovery.

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WARKWORTH VETS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL COAST 2 COAST VETS

Vets: Jon Makin BVSc, Danny Cash BVSc and Associates

What’s happening Travelling in time

Any parents feeling like it’s only a couple of weeks since the start of Term 3 may be able to relate to Auckland Libraries’ latest school holiday activities theme, Time Warp.

Time travel, time capsules, revisiting the past and looking into the future will all be explored via a range of games, activities, crafts and competitions at Warkworth, Wellsford and Mahurangi East Libraries.

One of the highlights will be a live theatre performance by Hand Pulled Collective at Warkworth and Wellsford.

Friends Exploring Epic Tales features a rambunctious and dysfunctional travelling trio, telling fairy tales from different cultures.

Specific activities looking back in time include going back to the prehistoric era, with dinosaur storytime at Warkworth, dinosaur puzzles and craft in Wellsford and hunting dinosaur eggs at Snells Beach.

All three libraries will also feature a look at traditional games and pastimes, from making catapults and cup and ball toys to playing parlour games and learning French or finger knitting.

Warkworth Library will have an interactive display from Warkworth Museum called People, Places and Possessions of Warkworth’s Past, while Wellsford is teaming up with the Albertland Museum to look at local heritage.

At the other end of the spectrum, futurefocused fun includes a team time race, making a time capsule and the chance to play with Sphero Robots and Makey Makey electronics kits.

There is a wide range of other activities as well, including LEGO sessions, puzzles, scavenger hunts and a draw to win movie vouchers from Matakana Cinemas.

and where ...

WARKWORTH

Monday, September 30, 10.30am

Dinosaur Storytime Travel back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth with stories, songs and craft. Ages 3-7.

Tuesday, October 1, 10.30am

LEGO Time Time Warp building session with challenges, piles of LEGO and heaps of fun.

Wednesday, October 2, 10.30am

Classic Toy Making Making a traditional cup-and-ball toy, then a challenge to see who is fastest at ball catching.

Thursday, October 3, 10.30am

Amazing Race Through Time Race for teams of two or three and a time machine. Ages 8+. Booking essential: Email warklib@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Monday, October 7, 10.30am

Catapults in the Library Design and build session to make a catapult and try to hit targets with pom-poms.

Tuesday, October 8, 10.30am

Line Dancing Fun line dancing session for children aged 5+. Dressing in country and western wear encouraged.

Wednesday, October 9, 10.30am

Technology Tinker Hour Technofun with Sphero Robots and Makey Makey electronics kits. Ages 7+.

Booking essential: Email warklib@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Thursday, October 10, 10.30am

Friends Exploring Epic Tales – a live performance. Fun, whānau-friendly performance presented by Hand Pulled Collective.

Friday, October 11, 10.30am

French Knitting Learn to French knit using a Knitting Nancy. Ages 7+. Booking essential: Email warklib@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Info: www.aucklandlibraries.govt. nz/Pages/school-holidays.aspx

WELLSFORD

Monday, September 30, 2pm

Albertland Heritage Museum –

Wellsford Heritage Discovery. A short stroll with museum experts for a local history treasure hunt, plus free entry to the museum.

Tuesday, October 1, 2pm

Vintage Games Learn to play a selection of parlour games from olden days.

Wednesday, October 2, 2pm

Dino Fun An ‘everything dino’ adventure, with dinosaur facts hidden around the library, dinosaur puzzles and the chance to make a dinosaur.

Thursday, October 3, 10.30am

DIY Flip Book Learn how to make and draw a flip book, and then watch the story come to life.

Friday, October 4, 10.30am, 12 noon

Games Unplugged Drop-in games session for children, friends and whānau, or challenge a librarian to a game.

Friday, October 4, 2-4.30pm

LEGO Club – Fast Forward! Drop-in session to create something amazing from the future.

Monday, October 7, 2pm

French Knitting Chance to make a DIY knitting loom from recycled materials, then knit a wool snake or funky jewellery.

Tuesday, October 8, 10.30am

Pōtaka Spinning Tops A modern twist on an ancient toy, with a session to make a spinning top from recycled materials.

Wednesday, October 9, 2pm

DIY Cup-and-Ball Game Making a traditional cup-and-ball toy from recycled materials, then a challenge to see who is fastest at ball catching.

Thursday, October 10, 1pm

Friends Exploring Epic Tales – a live performance. Fun, whānau-friendly performance presented by Hand Pulled Collective.

Friday, October 11, 2-4.30pm

LEGO Club – Leap Back In Time! Drop in session to make something amazing from the past.

John has been a local solicitor and identity for nearly 40 years. He has overseen the legal aspects of many land developments within every council district north of Auckland. He has had many dealings with all of the councils and continues to do so.

He values relationships with clients which can require a special insight into the future needs of growing families. Out of all these relationships comes vital information that he utilises to assist clients on their way.

Dominique is a qualified legal executive and has worked off and on with John for many years and she is now full time in the Warkworth office, except Tuesdays. Dominique can be contacted by calling my Warkworth office, 09 973 3665.

Monday, September 30, 10.30-11.30am

Games in the Park Old-fashioned family games out in the fresh air.

Tuesday, October 1, 10.30-11.30am

Make Your Own Time Capsule Write a letter to yourself to be opened in 2034, bottle it and bury it. Booking required: Email evangeline.williams@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Wednesday, October 2, 10.30-11.30am

Dino Egg Hunt in the Park Dinosaurs are back, roaming the park – can they be found? Plus cooking Dragon Eggs. Ages 5+. Booking required: Email evangeline. williams@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Thursday, October 3, 10.30-11.30am

Craft Session Have-a-go session at making galaxy bookmarks, straw panes and a ‘walking water’ science experiment.

Friday, October 4, 1-3pm

Brick By Brick Mega-play session with LEGO and board games.

Saturday, October 5

Drop-in Table Activities Puzzles, colouring, word searches and more at the library.

Monday, October 7, 10.30-11.30am

Storytime in the Park Weather permitting, outdoors storytime session in the reserve.

Tuesday, October 8, 10.30-11.30am

Tic-Tac-Toe Time Making the ancient game also known as Noughts & Crosses. Booking required: Email: evangeline. wiliiams@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Thursday, October 10, 10.30-11.30am

Craft Session Have-a-go session at learning finger knitting, making a robodog and a sand timer.

Friday, October 11, 1-3pm

Brick By Brick Mega-play session with LEGO and board games.

Saturday, October 5

Drop-in Table Activities Puzzles, colouring, word searches and more at the library.

New Horizons for principal

Horizon School in Snells Beach has a new principal, Daniel Bennett, who will start on November 4.

Bennett brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously taught at ACG Parnell College, Kristin College, an international school in Asia and, most recently, at KingsWay School in Red Beach, where he was the head of the senior school for six years.

The position was recommended to him by his new colleagues, who thought he would be “a good fit”, as Horizon School has a faith-based perspective, which Bennett says can make for a great school culture.

“There are a lot of exciting initiatives at Horizon I would like to continue to see flourish, including the integrated learning approach, environmental focus and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiatives,” he says.

“We also have a unique opportunity to coach students to think contextually using a biblical worldview framework.

“I want to make the most of our small community by continuing to invest in students as individuals through mentoring and growing leadership opportunities.”

Outside of work, Bennett is a keen hiker and has been ticking off New Zealand’s Great Walks with his two daughters, son,

He says his family has an affinity with Mahurangi and that they plan to move to the area.

“We holiday here every chance we get.

Visiting Charlies Gelato in Matakana is a tradition for us and we love Tāwharanui and Tamahunga for kiwi spotting and as hiking destinations.”

Bennett says as a family they have enjoyed being a part of smaller communities in the past.

He replaces Tina Utting-Johnson.

Speed limit increase splits board

Plans to raise the speed limit to 110km/h on the Northern Motorway from Orewa to Warkworth were not universally welcomed by Rodney Local Board members at their September meeting.

Concerns were raised in proposed feedback put forward by deputy chair Louise Johnston over additional risks of death and serious injury that could arise from the change, and the fact it would make little difference to travel time.

“Such an increase will bring an improvement of average journey times of only one minute

and 36 seconds and, given heavy transport vehicles will still be limited to 90km/h, the productivity benefit often spoken of by ministers and others seems negligible.”

However, Geoff Upson, who campaigned on maintaining or increasing speed limits, countered with an amendment to support the increase “noting that the road was built to high safety standards”, which passed with support from Michelle Carmichael, Tim Holdgate, Colin Smith and Ivan Wagstaff. Johnston, Brent Bailey, Mark Dennis and Guy Wishart voted against.

Flooring

Mahurangi Land Restoration Programme

Attention rural landowners and groups in the Mahurangi catchment. Time is running out to apply for funding that will cover 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.

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.

New Horizon School principal Daniel Bennett and wife Nicole.

and wife Nicole, who is also an educator.

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

Brilliance and fearlessness shine in these impassioned and powerful works. Starting with Fanny Mendelssohn’s magnificent ‘Trio in D minor,’ we then move to the contemporary power of Joan Tower’s ‘Trio Cavany’, followed by a new commission from Kiwi composer Eva Bedggood. We conclude the musical odyssey with Ethel Smyth’s impassioned piano trio.

Sun 20 October, 4pm Warkworth Town Hall

Whether it’s muscular strain, sore joints, hip, back or neck pain or headaches, pop into see Tim at Mahurangi Health Collective and get your first session ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Fundraiser remembers

Brenda Rawlings

A memorial fundraising concert for Warkworth counsellor Brenda Rawlings will be held at the Warkworth Town Hall on Saturday, October 19.

is a

BOOK ONLINE NOW at timjudd-osteopath.co.nz

Mahurangi Health Collective, 18 Neville Street Warkworth. FIRST TREATMENT FREE!

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Brenda, who died in early 2022, was a Warkworth resident for 35 years and cofounder of the Warkworth Counselling Centre. She supported many Mahurangi initiatives including the Women’s Resource Centre, Stopping Violence Services and Homebuilder., She also served on the boards of Kaipara Flats School and Mahurangi College across nine years.

The concert is being organised by Brenda’s husband, Peter McMillan, to fundraise for the Brenda Rawlings Memorial Fund, administered by the Imago Aotearoa Charitable Trust.

“The fund will be to support financially under-resourced couples to get relationship help when they need it and to train tangata whenua in Imago Relationship Therapy,” Peter says.

The programme will feature Imperfect Offering: A Leonard Cohen Experience. This is a show that has toured New Zealand to critical acclaim and standing ovations, from 2016 to 2022, with a full band of nine musicians, including four vocalists.

The concert will feature many of Leonard Cohen’s most loved songs including Suzanne, First We Take Manhattan, Bird on the Wire, Hallelujah and If It Be Your Will.

The couple’s singer/songwriter son Michael Llewellyn, a former Mahurangi College student, will perform a set in the first half. The concert will also be live-streamed for free. To register for the live stream, buy concert tickets or make a donation to the Brenda Rawlings Memorial Fund go to humanitix.com

The concert will also be free on demand after the event.

Doors will open at 6pm for a 7pm concert start.

There

big line-up for the Leonard Cohen experience concert in Warkworth next month.

Brenda Rawlings

Friends of Awa Matakanakana

Jackie Russell www.awamatakanakana.home.blog

Going with the flow

Taking time to relax in the wilderness to truly appreciate the wonder of nature is not always easy when there is so much to do to look after our environment. So, when Friends of Awa Matakanakana (FOAM) discovered there was such a thing as World Rivers Day, our first thought was a big event with lots of organising and encouraging other community groups to join in. After a busy winter of planting and planning we opted for a different approach – fun on the water. Something to recharge the batteries and chill out on the awa that we all work so hard to protect.

Sunday, September 22 dawned with a stunning blue sky, sunshine and a light northerly – perfect for a flotilla of 36 boats to meander from Sandspit to the Matakana waterfall and back again. People came with kayaks, paddleboards and inflatables from as far away as Kaipara, Leigh and Snells Beach. Some just paddled around the bay from Sandspit Marina, Rainbows End and Buckleton Beach.

Once everyone was signed in and safety briefed, it was time to travel along the historic waterway where many had gone before us. The awa was an important inland route for Ngāti Manuhiri to kāinga and cultivations located on the fertile country at the navigable head of the river. It also provided Ngāti Manuhiri with mahinga kai in both the fresh and saltwater sections of the river.

In the 1800s, pākehā used Matakana River as the main transport route to the village and farms that were being developed, and as we paddled, we saw the jetties used by the newest locals to access the river from their stunning lifestyle blocks.

In the canopy of ancient pōhutukawa, more than 15 kōtuku ngutupapa (royal spoonbills) perched above nesting kawau

(shags). As we peacefully paddled upriver with the help of the incoming tide we were captivated by the intriguing white birds with enormous spoon-shaped beaks. They look as though they should be in a Dr Seuss story book.

Baxter, our youngest intrepid adventurer, said he had seen a baby stingray, an adult stingray and some flounder. Pretty good observation skills for a seven-year-old.

I think many adults might have missed them.

Before long, open farmland was replaced by thicker bush and stands of kahikatea –a sign that Matakana wharf was nearby. A surprise latecomer to the flotilla was Elotri, a solar-powered electric boat, designed by Sandspit yachtie Tim Clissold. It was so quiet it didn’t break the calm.

At Matakana, a group headed off to see the famous tuna (eels) at the village wharf, including some of the rarer long fin eels. FOAM’s freshwater fauna guru, Lyn Hamilton-Hunter, chatted about the challenges the eels face with poor water quality and people unwittingly feeding them with harmful food.

Cups of tea and coffee done, it was time to navigate back down the awa to Sandspit.

Just as we were about to depart another surprise vessel, a “tiki bar”, arrived to prove it really is possible to travel from the ocean to the Matakana waterfall in almost anything that floats.

People came because they had never taken a boat along Matakana River and celebrating the awa in the company of others was a spectacular way to spend the morning. Given how much fun and enjoyment people had, FOAM will look at organising another journey, maybe up Glen Eden River next time.

Cuisine

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

In praise of the sandwich

Whether it’s a cocktail party, morning tea, finger luncheon or just a simple gathering of friends over a cuppa, you can’t go wrong with a sandwich. If the call goes out for the good old Kiwi ‘bring a plate’, it’s a sure bet that freshly made sandwiches will go down a treat and be the first platter to be cleaned up. Everybody loves a really good sandwich – something I wish cafés would cotton on to. How often do you go to a café and are daunted by the humongous size of the food in the cabinet, when all you want is just a small bite to go with your morning coffee?

Perhaps of all the things I ever prepared for my mother, to tempt her to eat in her final years, asparagus rolls were her favourite. When new season’s asparagus arrived in the stores, I would prepare about eight dainty little rolls and take them to her and her friend in the next room at the care home, and they would adore them. Easy to eat in the fingers and always delicious.

A classic New Zealand treat, asparagus rolls are usually made with tinned asparagus, but are superb when made with the abundant fresh asparagus currently in season. If you’re making asparagus rolls ahead, cover them with plastic wrap and then put a very damp clean tea towel round them. They will stay moist for up to six hours.

The other sure-to-please is a good old ham and egg club sandwich. This may be the best ham and egg sandwich you have ever had; white or wholemeal bread, layered with good ham and mustard, and the other half, a delicious savoury egg mixture. You can cut them as shown into a dainty size, or into more chunky rectangles. But if making any sandwiches ahead, be sure to keep them moist with damp paper towels and tightly covered cling film wrap.

Note: There are 21 slices of bread (excluding crusts) in a sandwich cut loaf. If you can find it, the Oatilicious bread is my favourite as it has more body and flavour than the standard white sliced loaf.

1 loaf thin-cut white sandwich bread

½ cup mayonnaise (I like to use

Best Foods brand)

6 free range eggs

1 tsp mustard powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

300g shaved or sliced free range ham

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Make the egg filling by plunging the eggs into rapidly boiling water to cook for 8 minutes. Immediately remove and plunge into icy cold water to cool rapidly.

Peel the eggs and place in a bowl.

Use a potato masher to crush the eggs and add the mustard powder, salt and pepper, 4-5 tablespoons of mayonnaise and the parsley. Mix well so the eggs are well mashed and

Fresh asparagus rolls

20 thick spears fresh asparagus

20 slices of white or wholemeal ‘sandwich cut’ bread

½ cup mayonnaise (home-made or Best brand)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 lemon, finely grated zest only

Set a large pan of salted water on the heat and bring to the boil. Trim and peel the stalky ends of asparagus, and plunge the spears into the boiling water. Allow to simmer for three minutes, then remove from the heat and drain under gently running cold water so the asparagus cools rapidly

not too chunky.

Divide the egg in to seven portions and spread over seven pieces of the bread. Top each with a second slice. Lightly spread the upper side of these pieces of bread with Dijon mustard and then divide the ham into seven portions and place them on the mustard spread bread.

Finally spread the remaining seven slices of bread with mayonnaise and press lightly onto the ham.

Take a very sharp knife and cut the crusts off each side of each sandwich. Cut each sandwich into three fingers or four squares and line them up on a sandwich plate. Cover with cling film wrap and then with a wet tea towel until ready to serve. Makes 21 sandwiches.

and retains the bright green colour.

Cut the crusts from each slice of bread with a very sharp knife so you get a clean edge. Spread each slice generously with the mayonnaise. Sprinkle plenty of salt and pepper over the mayonnaise. Grate the lemon zest on top and place a spear of asparagus in the centre of the bread slices. Roll up each slice around the asparagus.

To finish you can either lay these asparagus rolls on a sandwich plate, or if you’d like them to be a bit more delicate and bite-sized, you can cut each roll into half. Makes 20 or 40 rolls.

Sawmill hosts drag queen show

Stunning sequins, magnificent make-up and extravagant feather headdresses will be on show on Friday, October 4, when some of Auckland’s best drag acts visit Leigh’s Sawmill Café.

The Queens of Drag Revue Show stars Kita Mean, winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under, together with two of her campest sidekicks, Rita and Tess, to host a night of over-the-top glamour, humour and music.

They promise a night of dazzling entertainment for all, from seasoned drag fans to those who are new to the scene.

The R18 show is also a fundraiser for a young up and coming basketball player, Keidis Watts, who has been selected for the Elite Under 18 Kaipara squad, which

means regular early morning training trips all the way to Otamatea High School in Maungaturoto.

Mum Penny Watts says the drag show is the latest in a series of fundraising events for Keidis and his 3x3 team, Happy Feet.

“They’re doing really well, but it’s definitely taken a village to get them there,” she says.

“We couldn’t do it if we didn’t fundraise. We’ve held a few events for them and there are a lot of generous locals who are either sick of me asking or just very happy to support them – they’ve been great.”

The Queens of Drag Revue Show runs from 8pm to midnight and tickets cost $50.

Info and tickets: https://www.eventfinda. co.nz/2024/drag-show-revue/auckland/ leigh

2024 TERM 4

Welcome to Term 4! It’s been a challenging year, so let’s navigate this final term together, celebrate our resilience, and recharge our skills. Stay connected on Facebook (womenscentrerodney) and Instagram (womenscentre_rodney). Can’t wait to see you!

UNLESS ADVISED, ALL COURSE/WORKSHOPS ARE AT HELD THE WOMEN’S CENTRE

Counselling – by appointment

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

Drop In

Mon-Fri 9.30am - 2.30pm

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

Journaling through Art

Mon 21 Oct - 2 Dec, 10am - 12.00pm $70

Creative Ways to process life’s challenges. Discover tools to de-stress, reflect & bring clarity. Start your week with a few hours of mindfulness, fun & creativity in a supportive environment. Payment options available. Facilitator: Heidi Downey

Teen Art Therapy

Thurs 31 Oct - 25 Nov, 3.45 - 5pm, OWL Hub, Wellsford, $50

Explore identity, ways to self-regulate & build confidence by walking step by step through a creative layering process, ending with your own unique piece of art. Have fun, get creative and create your own unique art. Paint & Materials provided. Payment options available

Facilitators: Heidi Downey & Desiree Alexandre Young Mum’s Group

Every Thurs from 17 Oct, 10am - 12.30pm FREE For mothers up to 24 yrs. Make friends and explore strategies for raising healthy, happy children. Some childminding & morning tea provided.

Facilitator: Sarah Woolford

Peaceful Parenting

Mon 14 Oct - 20 Nov, 1-2pm, $5 per session Learn step-by-step strategies to cultivate inner calm and resilience, manage stress, and enhance your emotional well-being. Create deeper connections and a harmonious family environment. Facilitator: Kim Campbell, The Matakana Naturopath.

Mini WOW Workshops

Tues 22 Oct, 10am-12pm FREE Growing your resilient mindset Learn the key characteristics of a resilient mindset and their impact on overall wellbeing Facilitator: Bridget Farmiloe Tuesday 19 Nov 10am-12pm FREE Strengths based CV’s Explore your strengths and prepare a targeted transferrable CV that you feel connected to Facilitator: Jo Nicholson Tues 26 Nov 10am-12pm FREE Developing your strengths toolbox for navigating Christmas Let’s explore our strengths and discuss strategies that help us navigating Christmas chaos, be it time, expectations and relationships. Facilitators: Bridget Farmiloe and Jo Nicholson

Mentoring Info and Volunteers Mentor Sessions

Wednesday 16 Oct and 18 Nov, 1.30pm2.30pm FREE

Our volunteer mentors lead and host events that renew energy and purpose, offering opportunities to learn new skills along the way. Ongoing training and support ensure our mentors thrive. Whether you’re interested in joining as a new mentor or participating in our activities, there’s something for everyone. Coordinator Michelle Kemp

Events 10am - 12pm FREE (Child friendly) with guest facilitators

COOK AND CHAT Cook, Chat and Eat!

Wed 23 Oct Halloween Treats with Jay & Isabelle

Wed 6 Nov – Platters

Wed 20 Nov – Xmas treats NURTURE & THRIVE

Nurturing wellbeing and sustainable living.

Wed 16 Oct – Wellbeing – Meditation with Ann Finlay

Wed 30 Oct– The role of a health navigator with Jemma Walken

Wed 13 Nov – #OneMillionSmallActsofKindness with Jamie Wise Wed 27 Nov – Financial Wellbeing with Leanne PERSONAL GROWTH SEMINARS

Mon 25 Nov

Crafty Conversations

Fridays from 18 OCT, 10am - 12pm FREE

Discover your creative spark and dive into engaging sessions with guest facilitators, where you can unleash your imagination in a nurturing and safe space. Boost your wellbeing through creativity and connection.

18 Oct – Make your resilience box with Leish 24 Oct – Mandala Art with Desiree

8 Nov - Progressive Art Fun in the Garden with Desiree

15 Nov – Beading with Sue

22 Nov – Christmas Cards with Leish

6 Dec – Upcycled Christmas Decorations with Shelly

Slip Play Clay Workshop TBC 10am - 2.30pm at Kowhai Arts Centre $70

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

Screen Printing Workshop Sat, 9 Nov 10am - 3pm $85

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

Holistic Pulsing Massage

Every Monday from 14 Oct. $65 per hour. Bookings essential Practitioner: Heidi Downey

FREE Legal Clinic

9.30 – 10.30am Monthly on a Friday, 11 Oct,

8 Nov, 6 & 13 Dec Bookings essential. Phone and in person appointments are available.

FREE Cervical Screening

Monday 25 Nov Part of the national cervical screening programme and run in conjunction with the Well Women and Family Trust.

THRIVING THROUGH ART & CREATIVITY

Glitz and glamour is coming to Leigh.

New Patients Welcome

· Urgent same-day/ next-day care.

· Short waiting times for bookings.

· Low-cost appointments for Community Services Card holders.

· Continuity of care.

· Acute Accident care.

· Travel consultations including Yellow Fever vaccines.

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

· Women’s health.

Dr Elspeth Dickson

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

Dr Steve Maric

MBChB, MRCGP(UK), Dip Obst, FRNZCGP

Dr Susanne Krueger

MBChB, FRNZCGP

Dr Nicolas Thorburn BSC Hons, MBChB, DCH

Dr Daniela Fernandes MBChB

Dr Sophie Lines MBChB, DCH, FRNZCGP, FARGP MPHTM

Building Maungaturoto School

When the first European settlers arrived in Maungaturoto in 1863, there were no schools. Living conditions were primitive and settler families lived in tents and rough shelters while they cleared land for farming or established themselves in business.

William Mousley Flower was one of these new residents and he was also a parent. He began giving lessons to both his own and neighbouring children, and in the evenings he also held classes for adults.

In 1868, the community arranged with Josiah Martin to run a weekday school for children. When he left in 1869, their informal school committee began agitating for more government assistance. However, as there were not the required number of school-aged children in the district, they could not make a strong enough case to the Education Department for a school building. In addition, their application to merge with Paparoa School was declined. It was not until three years later, in 1872, when John Hurndall became secretary of the school committee that they began to make some headway. The committee asked the government for a “grant-in-aid” of £80 and this was approved. They purchased two acres for a school site on Gorge Road and cleared the land.

The building was to be 20 feet by 30 feet (6.1m by 9.1m). Tenders were called for its construction and Joseph Mason, of Maungaturoto, won with a price of “£80 without shingles”. Mason was required

to complete the structure within three months. A penalty of five cents per week was to be charged if the deadline was not met.

Unfortunately, at this stage, the Education Department threw a spanner in the works – they declined to advance any funds. The ever-adaptive school committee secured the use of a local church for 12 months, where they held classes. They also asked the board to appoint a teacher without delay. William Flower was selected for the role at a public meeting and recommended to the board for confirmation. The Education Department approved Flower’s appointment and he became Maungaturoto’s first official schoolteacher. He was paid £5 per month. Flower then spent three months at Paparoa School, training under T.W. Wilson. Mason also went to Paparoa to view the school’s furniture. He was asked to build a library table, four desks and four forms, two blackboards, and to have them ready for the school’s opening on Monday, October 6, 1873.

The sustained efforts by this early Maungaturoto community laid the foundations for a school, which is still operating today. On Saturday, October 19, the Maungaturoto School will celebrate its 150th Jubilee. In support of this event, the Kauri Museum is hosting a grassroots exhibition to present some experiences of past students and staff, alongside projects by current students.

Maungaturoto School pupils, circa 1873, enjoy the sunshine outside their newly built, and hard-won, schoolhouse on Gorge Rd, Maungaturoto.

Rheumatic fever tale has wider implications

On the final page of The Twisted Chain, author Dr Jason Gurney (Ngapuhi) makes one last acknowledgement ... to those who will be diagnosed tomorrow with a disease that could have been eradicated yesterday. Although the book is a moving account of the Gurney family’s first-hand experience of rheumatic fever, it is also a strong call for social change to eliminate a disease that disproportionately affects Māori and Pacific peoples.

It is both an easy and a hard read. Gurney is a Warkworth-based medical researcher whose father Keg contracted rheumatic fever after a footy trip, aged 14. What started as ‘strep throat’ was finally diagnosed as an autoimmune illness affecting multiple sites and body systems. It was a diagnosis that led to lifelong heart issues, many frantic journeys from Whangarei to hospitals in Auckland, and many panicky hours waiting for medical help.

Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the highest rates of rheumatic fever in the world and more than 90 per cent of cases occur in Māori and Pasifika communities. And it is most prevalent among children and young adults aged four to19.

Gurney says that, as a consequence, heart disease is three to five times higher among Māori and Pacific peoples compared to NZ Europeans, and this disparity has grown by around 25 per cent over the last two decades.

Crowded housing conditions and socioeconomic deprivation, barriers to primary healthcare access and the subsequent higher burden of untreated strep throat infections are all contributing factors to these higher rates of the disease among affected communities.

Gurney says his experiences at his father’s bedside sparked some of the questions that led him to a career in public health. He has worked in the public health sector

Book giveaway

Mahurangi Matters has one copy of The Twisted Chain to give away. To enter, email your name and contact details to editor@localmatters.co.nz with Twisted Chain in the subject line. Competition will be drawn at midday on October 11.

in epidemiology for the past 15 years and is currently director of the Cancer and Chronic Conditions (C3) Research Group, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago (Wellington campus). He was awarded the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) Māori Emerging Leader Fellowship in 2018, and last year he was part of a team awarded the HRC Liley Medal for research into the causes of rheumatic fever.

The Twisted Chain is his first book, but

probably won’t be his last. He was recently awarded an emerging writers residency at the Michael King Writers Centre, which he will take up early next year.

Pink appeal

Indefatigable fundraiser Shona Pickup and a posse of Pink Ribbon volunteers will again be pounding the streets of Warkworth and Matakana this coming month for the annual breast cancer street collection

No doubt dressed head-to-toe in the brightest of pinks, the collecting crew will be rattling buckets at New World, Woolworths and The Warehouse in Warkworth on Friday, October 18. The following day, on Saturday, October 19, they will be at Morris & James Pottery and the markets in Matakana.

Pickup said she had been away for the Pink Ribbon street collection for a couple of years and was looking forward to being back this year.

“We’re hoping to beat the $6500 we made last year,” she says. “The money is still out there. And if you don’t have cash on you, you can text PINK to 2447 to donate $3.” She says people are always happy to donate to the cause, as almost everyone has been affected by cancer.

Other Breast Cancer Foundation fundraising events in October include the Pink Ribbon walk at Auckland Domain on Sunday, October 13, a 5km or 10km sponsored walk with freebies, prizes and a live DJ. There is also a range of ‘pink products’, from coffee and keyrings to face cream and cologne, that will donate part of their proceeds to Pink Ribbon during October. Info: https://www.breastcancerfoundation. org.nz/bcam

Live your life in motion. Live it in the comfort of the perfect pair of tights & sports bras from your favourite brands.

Aim’n & Lorna Jane.

Come & see us to find your perfect fit!

Live your life in motion,

of the perfect pair of tights & sports bras from Aim’n & Lorna Jane.

Come & see us to find your perfect fit!

WARKWORTH 09 425 7077

Warkworth based epidemiologist Dr Jason Gurney, author of The Twisted Chain.

Wellsford walkathon to boost breast cancer coffers

A local gym owner is combining fitness with fundraising this month by organising a Pink Ribbon walkathon in Wellsford for breast cancer awareness.

Mel Colthurst, who runs the Mad Mel Movement fitness centres in Wellsford and Warkworth, is staging a 5km walk around Wellsford Rugby Football Club fields on the morning of Sunday, October 20, followed by lunch afterwards.

There will also be guest speakers – clients of Mel’s with first-hand experience of going through breast cancer, who will talk about what they have been through.

“They have bravely put their hand up to share their experiences, as it makes it more relatable and engaging to hear vulnerable stories like theirs,” she says.

Colthurst says it is through knowing women personally and professionally who’ve had to deal with a cancer diagnosis that has made her keen to organise an event to raise funds and awareness of the widespread disease. Every year 3,500 Kiwis are diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 650 will die.

“I have been super-keen to get alongside the breast cancer awareness programme for a long time and do what we can as an organisation to support theirs,” she says.

“Over the last year, I have come into contact personally with loved ones, members and friends of family that have had first-hand experiences of breast cancer or are breast cancer survivors.

“As a female gym owner where the majority of members are women, it is superimportant to me to ensure all women are aware of how common this awful cancer is and anything preventative we can be doing to get ahead of it.”

She chose a walkathon as it was something that most people could get involved with at some level.

“It’s super-inclusive and is very much something the majority can get on board with and participate in – it will be at your own pace and removes the daunting

element that sometimes comes with a fitness fundraiser – and it will be more fun with friends and family.”

Participants will pay a $20 entry fee, or $2 for children, all of which will go to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

Colthurst says everyone is welcome, regardless of fitness level, and dressing up in pink is actively encouraged.

She’s hoping a local caterer or food supplier will come on board to help sponsor or donate something towards the postwalk lunch but, failing that, says she will organise it all herself.

“I’m reaching out to local vendors to support our cause – if anyone is keen to support, please send me an email!”

Linda and Lyn are the face of Luxe and each boast 35 years experience in this wonderful and ever changing industry - both abroad and in New Zealand. Whether it’s colour or styling you are after rest assured with either stylist you will be well looked after. Linda and Lyn’s expertise and longevity in the hair industry is a force to be reckoned with. Luxe welcomes you to come and enjoy the experience. Book for a no-obligation-free consultation today!

Phone: 09 422 2250 | www.luxematakana.com

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Linda

Lyn www.facebook.com/luxematakana www.instagram.com/luxematakana

As well as raising funds and awareness, Colthurst says the walkathon is also a reminder that staying healthy and keeping fit is important at any stage of a cancer journey.

A number of Mad Mel clients are breast cancer survivors, while others are still going through treatment. She said being fit and strong had helped several of them through the process and to feel better about themselves.

“Client survivors are so much stronger now and it feels almost surreal to them where they are at physically today, versus at the time they were told there was so much that would be stripped away from them,” she says.

“There were things they didn’t think they would be able to do when it came to exercising, but they have now completely

taken control over their bodies back.”

Mindset was also important too, she added.

“Being active and strong physically builds resilience of the mind – physically and mentally and emotionally, it’s all so interconnected,” she said. “I’m superproud of the wahine toa I know. How grateful we are to have them!”

Mad Mel Movement’s F- -k Breast Cancer Walkathon is at 9am on Sunday, October 20 at Centennial Park, Wellsford, come rain or shine.

Info and donations: email madmelsmovement@gmail.com or visit https://fundraise.bcf.org.nz/fundraiser/ melcolthurst/mad-mel-movement-x-f--kbreast-cancer-walk

Friendly, personalised, specialist eye care with Dr Mark Donaldson at the Rodney Surgical Centre. Eye consultations, glaucoma management and cataract surgery in Warkworth. Call Eye Doctors on 09 520 9689 to make an appointment or visit www.eyedoctors.co.nz

Putting her best foot forward – Mad Mel wants to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

Science

Emeritus Professor Ralph Cooney ONZM, FRSNZ r.cooney@auckland.ac.nz

Enjoy summer, but take care of your skin

As a teenager growing up in sub-tropical Australia, my lifestyle was dominated by sports activities like surfing, cricket and tennis. It was not considered “cool” back then to wear a hat or cap and solar blockout creams were largely unknown. It was even believed that spreading coconut oil on the skin helped fair-skinned people like me to develop a tanned skin! The consequence? I am recovering this week from surgical excisions of various forms of skin cancers that are the legacy of my earlier unprotected sporting activities. My message this summer, enjoy yourself, but take care of your skin!

As we enter the sunnier months of the year when solar ultraviolet radiation intensities increase, there is one health threat that everyone in NZ needs to consider and that is skin cancer. The most dangerous common type is melanoma. It is even more threatening to human health than the other common forms – squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) or basal cell carcinomas (BCC), which constitute 95 per cent of all skin cancers. Melanoma, the most dangerous form, causes 75 per cent of all skin cancer deaths. Melanoma cancers consist of abnormal skin pigment cells called melanocytes. Another type of lesion, actinic keratosis, is precancerous. Melanomas exist in a variety of forms some of which are more dangerous than others. In scientific terms, according to a US National Institutes of Health review, ultra-violet radiation in sunlight is the most prominent and ubiquitous physical carcinogen in our natural environment.

There are three types of ultraviolet radiation that differ from each other in terms of their energy (or wavelength): UVA which causes your skin to wrinkle, tan or burn and too much of which causes skin cancer; UVB which can damage the outmost layers of your skin and can cause sunspots, tanning, sunburn and blistering, which can lead to skin cancer; and UVC is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere so is not a factor under most circumstances.

How does UV radiation lead to skin cancer? Our bodies need some UV radiation to form Vitamin D, which is important for human survival. Too much UV damages your cells and so also damages the cellular DNA, which causes a loss of cellular function. As a result, the cells divide and replicate too quickly, and the cells clump together and may form tumours, which can be cancerous. Skin cancers caused by UV radiation usually affect skin that is more exposed to solar radiation, but they can form anywhere on your body. If you are concerned and wish to avoid health problems associated with skin cancer, and especially melanoma, you will need to consult your general practitioner and then probably a medical skin specialist. Above all, if you have any suspicion that you have a skin cancer, consult medical experts immediately. The earlier a melanoma or any skin cancer is detected and treated, the better the prospects are of successful treatment. Primary information source: my.clevelandclinic.org

KAROLA

Look Well. Feel Well. Be Well

KAROLA Beauty & Wellness 027 433 1999 | karola.beautysalon@gmail.com www.karola.co.nz | 9 Wech Drive, Warkworth Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm | Sat & Sun 10am - 4pm | By Appointment only

JOIN US AND GET ACTIVE!

If you’re looking to improve your fitness, enhance your mental wellbeing, or make new friends, the Warkworth Rackets Club has something for everyone. We invite you to join our vibrant community and experience the many benefits of being part of a local sports club. Whether on the tennis or squash courts, there’s no better place to stay active and connected. Shoesmith Domain, Warkworth | https://warkworthrackets.co.nz/join-us/

Health

of

6.30pm

do at

Rachael Wilson, The Food Tree rachael@thefoodtree.co

Eating disorders: What parents need to know

Sadly, eating disorders in New Zealand teenagers have increased significantly.

Recent studies show that hospitalisations for eating disorders among young people have nearly doubled since 2020. Experts link this rise to the stress, isolation and disruption to routine caused by the covid pandemic. For parents, recognising the risk factors and supporting teens early can make a crucial difference.

Understanding the risk factors

Several factors increase the likelihood of a teenager developing an eating disorder.

Mental health struggles: Teens with anxiety, depression, or obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD) are more prone to eating disorders. The pressures of the pandemic have amplified these issues, leading to more teens developing disordered eating behaviours.

Cultural pressures: Social media’s promotion of unrealistic body images has fuelled body dissatisfaction, leading some teens to develop unhealthy relationships with food and their bodies.

Family history: Teens with a family history of eating disorders or mental health issues are at higher risk.

Dieting and weight focus: Dieting, particularly in young people, can quickly spiral into disordered eating. A strong focus on weight or appearance can trigger unhealthy behaviours.

Life changes: Transitions, like moving schools or family disruptions, can be major stressors that lead to disordered eating. Parents should stay alert to signs that their teen may be struggling:

Changes in eating habits: Skipping meals, eating very little, or avoiding entire food groups.

Weight fluctuations: Rapid weight loss or gain is a significant red flag.

Preoccupation with food and weight: Constantly thinking about food, calories

Regatta gets grant

or body image.

Physical symptoms: Dizziness, fatigue, or feeling cold are common physical signs of malnutrition.

Behavioural changes: Secretive eating, avoiding meals with others, or excessive exercise.

Not just teens

It’s important to note that eating disorders can affect teens at any weight. Restrictive eating disorders such as anorexia can also occur in people who are in larger bodies. Sudden, drastic weight loss, even in those who may be considered in a larger body, is dangerous and carries the same risks of malnutrition such as heart issues, bone loss, and immune system weakening.

Binge eating disorder is another common issue among teens. Unlike anorexia, it involves episodes of eating to excess, often in secret, followed by feelings of guilt or shame. Binge eating can lead to physical health problems.

On the other end, teens with anorexia or other restrictive disorders may experience dangerous weight loss and severe malnutrition. Risks include heart failure, issues with fertility, weakened bones, and long-term damage to organs. Whether a teen is binge eating or severely restricting their food intake, both conditions carry life-threatening risks if left untreated.

If you’re worried about your teen’s eating habits or notice any warning signs, it’s important to act early. Start by having open, compassionate conversations about their feelings and relationship with food. Seek professional help through a GP or an eating disorder specialist. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.

The Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand (EDANZ) also offers valuable resources for parents and families.

Eating disorders are serious but treatable. With the right support, recovery is possible.

The annual Mahurangi Regatta for classic boats has been given a $6000 boost in Auckland Council’s latest round of regional event grant programme funding. The fund supports a broad range of arts, sports and cultural events throughout the Auckland region, including the International Buskers Festival, Waiheke Jazz Festival, Takapuna Winter Lights, , Iwi of Origin, NZ Eid Day and the Auckland Pride March. A second round of funding is expected to be allocated in March.

Zen Shiatsu Taka

Jacqui Kraft Nutrition

Good health is about a lot more than just what you eat, but diet is a good place to start, according to Mangawhai-based nutritionist Jacqui Kraft.

“Achieving optimal health at any age involves not only eating the right food, but also regular movement, connecting with people and finding ways to reduce stress levels,” Jacqui says. “My role is to teach people how to achieve their health goals using evidence-based nutrition science.”

Jacqui has had a lifelong interest in health and before qualifying as a certified holistic nutritionist and health coach, she worked in hospitals in Auckland as a laboratory technologist specialising in biochemistry.

“My mother had breast cancer when she was 37 and although I was only 11, I remember that after her surgery, she

decided to take the nutrition route. This had an empowering impact on her health and confidence, and the memory has stuck with me. I’m happy to say, Mum is now 86 and still very much alive and kicking.”

Jacqui is particularly keen to help women with sustainable weight loss in the pre and post-menopausal years. She says addressing gut health is a critically important part of this process as it can help balance hormones and improve immunity, sleep, moods and digestion. It can also give a person more vitality.

She offers her courses both online and in person, and it normally takes four to six weeks to complete a course.

“My passion is seeing people get results, feeling good about themselves and creating lifestyles they love.”

Taoist Tai Chi™

Cultivating Stillness

Take control of your health and build resilience physically, mentally and emotionally with Taoist Tai Chi™ practice. ®

Introductory Sessions in Warkworth and Wellsford

Shoesmith Hall, Shoesmith Street, Warkworth Tuesdays, 5.30pm to 7.00pm

The Scout Hall, Shoesmith Street, Warkworth Wednesdays, 10.00am to 11.30am Saturdays, 9.00am to 10.00am

St Mary’s Catholic Church, Matheson Rd, Wellsford Wednesdays, 5.00pm to 6.00pm

For more information contact Jan on 021 146 2811

www.taoisttaichi.org

Tai Chi Society of New Zealand

NutritIONIST and Health Coach

Feeling stuck and fed up with weight loss diets?

Learn simple and practical steps for long-term weight reduction. Using the latest evidence-based science, I create a personalised program for you that fits your lifestyle. It will be packed with easy-to-prepare, delicious meal ideas that set you up for lasting success. Feel lighter and happier as you discover how to eat for sustainable weight loss, reduced cholesterol, increased energy, and better mood. If you’re ready to make a real difference about how you feel ... contact me for a free 15 min chat today. Online and in-person consultations.

Beauty for your Skin

Sculpting for your Body

Brows, Tans & Nails

Matakana Country Park, 1151 Leigh Road, Matakana | 021 709 704

Instagtam @lovebeauty_matakana | Facebook LOVEbeauty LOVEbrows HOURS Tues to Sat 9am to 6pm, late night Thursday

Jacqui Kraft

Lions on the catwalk

with clothes from the Museum Op Shop modelled by club members and reluctant but obliging husbands. Club member Olwyn Hill says there was much hilarity and great entertainment for the audience. “We even had a mock wedding with a barefoot and pregnant bride being led towards her reluctant groom by her father with a stock whip in hand,” she says. Bride Brian, bridesmaid Clive, father Merv and groom Ivan did a great job with Lion Terry officiating.” A total of $1400 was raised on the day, with the club making the total up to $2000.

Banging out some island support

Four more drums are being freighted to the Cook Islands to complement previous gifts of two bass drums from the Warkworth/ Wellsford Pipe Band. The drums will be handed over to various bands of the Cook Island Boy’s Brigade. Over the past 50 years, Warkworth resident Dave Parker has gathered up thousands of dollars’ worth of band instruments from around the country, including the former Warkworth Brass Band, and shipped them to Rarotonga. Many of the instruments are also sent to the outer islands where the bands perform for civic occasions, as well as festivals and community events. Pictured with the drums destined for the island are Warkworth/Wellsford Pipe Band drummer Barrie Wood (left) and Dave Parker.

Mahurangi teenager Liam Walle is one step closer to becoming New Zealand’s first master bladesmith after securing the title of journeyman bladesmith at a recent event in the United States.

Liam grew up on Hauturu Little Barrier, where his parents are Department of Conservation rangers, and he started experimenting with the ancient art of forged knife making when he was 13.

A big fan of fantasy novels, he says he noticed that all the protagonists had a sword so he set about making himself one.

Using a homemade brick barbecue and minimal tools, he slowly progressed to producing Damascus steel by hand.

At an Auckland Blade Show in 2022, he won an award for the Best Details and earlier this year, he won best Forged Knife and Best Hunting Knife titles at the Sydney Knife Show.

He says that although he makes most types of knife, he especially enjoys fighters, hunters and daggers for the extra challenges they pose and the opportunities they present for embellishment.

Now aged 19, his ambition is to become an American Bladesmith Society (ABS) master bladesmith, of which there are fewer than 200 in the world.

He recently qualified as an ABS journeyman bladesmith after proving he was capable of producing knives of outstanding quality, which could pass extreme tests of performance. His work was assessed by a panel of trained master bladesmith judges.

“It took months to make the knives and was pretty terrifying getting them judged,” he says.

Liam uses plain high carbon steel (1080 and 15n20) Damascus to make his blades, which are beautifully etched, or feathered.

The handles are made from a range of materials including pōhutukawa and maple, and since returning from the US he has been experimenting with fossilised mammoth ivory.

With so much time and craftsmanship involved, it is not surprising that Liam’s ornate and historically inspired knives don’t come cheap, ranging from around $800 to $5000 each.

Liam’s dream is to be able to make a profession of knife making and build a properly fitted, out workshop on family land in Fox Glacier.

He hopes to test for master bladesmith in 2026, but says there will be a lot of training to be done before then.

To see a gallery of Liam’s knives, go to: liamvallaknives.com

Liam Walle became NZ’s first American Bladesmith Society Journeyman Smith in June.

Wellsford CLINIC VET

We cover the Wellsford and Warkworth areas, a drop off point is available.

Animals

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•

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Gastric torsion needs fast action

If your dog suddenly develops a large gassy abdomen and difficult breathing, get them to the vet immediately as this is an emergency where minutes matter. And make sure the vet knows you are on your way.

When dogs play or roll shortly after a meal and drinking water, the stomach may become like a pendulum, spinning around itself on its long axis and closing off its entrance and exit. The food inside ferments, gas is released and the stomach expands. The stomach wall is stretched, flattening blood vessels and blocking off nutrient supply to the cells causing death of the stomach wall. Toxins are released into the circulation and the animal goes into shock, with blood pressure falling within hours.

Wide-chested dogs like rottweilers, mastiffs and German shepherds are more prone to this condition, especially if they gorge themselves on rubbish, afterbirth or dead animals. After gorging, they vomit and this twists the stomach, but it can happen in any dog.

Treatment at the vet involves intravenous fluids to stabilise the blood pressure, giving an anaesthetic and opening up the abdomen, relieving the pressure from the stomach and untwisting it. If the stomach looks good, we attach a small section of it to the abdominal wall to prevent a recurrence. If only a small section of the stomach is unviable, it can be cut out, reducing the stomach size, but if a large area is unviable

or other organs like the spleen or small intestine are also involved in the twist, it may be kinder to euthanise the animal, as it is unlikely to survive.

As an emergency procedure, if the animal is struggling to breathe with this condition, you can insert a needle for injections into the gassy area in the abdomen to relieve some pressure. However, this may cause further damage, so check with the vet first when you call them.

Some of the things that can go wrong include puncturing the spleen resulting in bleeding into the abdomen. If the intestine is punctured and its contents leak out it will result in infection and delay healing. The same may happen when the pressure of the stomach is released and it collapses away from the body wall, so it is best to have surgical treatment at the vet clinic as soon as possible.

The most recent animal admitted to Wellsford Vets with a gastric torsion was a huntaway who had been fed normally and then kennelled as per usual. Unfortunately, by the time she got here first thing the next morning, most of the stomach wall was dead, parts of the intestine and spleen were looking bad, and it was unlikely that she would recover. We sadly humanely euthanised her.

So, please just check the dogs an hour or two after feeding and kennelling to make sure they are okay. It may just save their lives.

Batteries

ABSOLUTE CONCRETE

&

MAINTENANCE Grading, rolling & metalling for rural Driveways. No job too BIG or small. Contact Trevor tlc.trev@hotmail.com Phone 0800 14 15 30 • 09 426 9150 35 Forge Road,

CARPET ADVICE

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

DRIVEWAYS

www.localmatters.co.nz/business-directory/

Classifieds

GROUND CARE SERVICE

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

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

SECTION SERVICES

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

WANT A SWIMMING POOL THIS SUMMER?

to

drive. Phone or txt

COLLINS ELECTRONICS

HAVE YOU LOST CHANNELS? Or need your Freeview box tuned for the new channels? Freeview installations & new Freeview boxes for sale. TV repairs & installation, microwave oven repairs. Ph Paul 027 29 222 04

Free consultation on costs and feasibility.

Call: Stephen 021 672 436

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

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

WW RODEO CLUB INC

Wednesday, 2nd October 2024 7pm, Warkworth Bridgehouse, Backbar. All Welcome

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVICE DESKS

Warkworth, at the Library Monday 10am – 2pm Matakana, Cinema Complex Tuesday 11am-1pm Snells Beach Community Church 325 Mahurangi East Road Friday 10am – noon Warkworth RSA Fridays 3.30pm to 5pm No appointment is needed. There is no cost.

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

Mahurangi Matters can be picked up from the following businesses: WARKWORTH: Mahurangi Matters, Paper Plus, Warkworth Information Centre, Woolworths, New World, Z, Barfoot & Thompson , Pak’nSave • PUHOI: Puhoi Pub, Puhoi Store • SNELLS BEACH: Snells Beach Dairy, The Food Market, Gull, Snells Beach Library, Snells Beach Superette • MATAKANA: Matakana 4 Square, Gull, Matakana Information Centre • Matakana Dairy • Point Wells Store • OMAHA: Omaha Superette, Omaha Golf Club • LEIGH General Store • WELLSFORD: Top Shop 4 Square, Middle 4 Square, Port Albert Store • KAIWAKA: 4 Square • MANGAWHAI: Mangawhai New World, Mangawhai Club.

BAR

STAFF

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

CLEANER

Cleaner required for family home in Pakiri. Job includes vacuuming/ washing/ ironing and other household duties. Flexible hours a couple of days per week. Ideal for a parent wanting work during school hours. Ph Lisa 021 803 999

DIVE INSTRUCTOR

New Zealand Diving is looking for a scuba diving instructor to join us for the coming summer season. This is a great opportunity for working in the Hauraki Gulf teaching students to dive or guiding experienced divers. You will need to be prepared work long days and often teaching evenings and weekends. Minimum of 40 hours per week at $26/hr. Fit, healthy and nonsmoker. You will be required to have the following certifications: SSI OW Instructor • SDI OW Instructor • First Aid Instructor • Air Filler certification Various instructor specialities including: Deep, Navigation, Wreck, Performance Buoyancy plus more. Minimum of 3 years’ experience working professionally in the dive industry. Driving licence required. Technical dive certifications required - Sidemount, Decompression Procedures, Freediving Level 1. Would suit somebody within easy travel distance to our dive centre. Please send your cv to dive@nzdiving.co.nz

URGENTLY NEEDED TO DELIVER THE MAHURANGI MATTERS NEWSPAPERS in Warkworth and Wellsford Contact Tanya Milford 021 066 0838

Warkworth School OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR, FIXED TERM, PART-TIME Vacancy for an experienced receptionist / office administrator for Term 4 2024, working 13-19.5hrs per week. Remuneration based on skills and experience as per Support Staff in Schools CA. Visit https://www.warkworth. school.nz/vacancies for more info and an application form. Applications Close: 3pm Tuesday 15 October 2024.

More vacancies online www.localmatters.co.nz/jobs

Scottishdancing The Silver Oaks Scottish Country Dancing Club meets every Friday, from 10am until midday at Shoesmith Hall in Warkworth. For the young-at-heart to keep bodies and brains working safely. The club is registered with the Live Longer, Live Stronger programme endorsed by ACC, so you can join via a green prescription. You do not need a partner. Please wear soft-soled shoes, bring your water bottle and your smile.

Touchupdate Due to field conditions, the start of the summer touch season at Mahurangi Rugby Club has been delayed and will now start on Thursday, October 31.

Netballumpires Netball Rodney Centre will host an Introduction to Umpiring course on Wednesday, October 2 from 9am until about 2pm at Centennial Park, Wellsford. The course is for beginner umpires or those needing a refresher. Coaches, and players needing an update on the rules are also welcome. $20pp or free for those only attending for rule updates. BYO pen, paper, running shoes, training gear, water bottle & food. Registration is essential. Email your name, address and phone number to netballrodneycenter@xtra.co.nz before Tuesday, October 1.

Riderswithouthorses Love horses but don’t have one of your own? Matakana Pony Club is running a Riders Without Horses course over eight weeks, beginning Wednesday, October 16. The course will focus on horse management and care. It is a non-riding course, but there will be the occasional opportunity for small rides and working with horses. Sessions will be held at the Matakana Pony Club grounds at Diamond Jubilee Park, Matakana, from 5.30-7pm on Wednesday evenings. Suitable for ages 6+. $120pp. Spaces are limited, email matakanaponyclub@gmail.com

Hockeyumpires North Harbour Hockey needs umpires for its upcoming summer hockey season. Seven-a-side and nine-a-side leagues are played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 6pm and 9pm at the North Harbour Hockey Centre in Rosedale. Each game is 30 minutes long. Seven-a-side games begin on Tuesday, October 15 and nine-a-side games begin on Thursday, October 17. Games run for eight weeks, then break for Christmas and begin again on January 14 and 16 for a further four weeks. Info & register: https://www.harbourhockey.co.nz/adult-summer

Marine Fishing bans won’t fix root causes

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

The days are getting longer, the jandals are coming out of hibernation and a cold beer feels that little bit more rewarding. All signs that a Kiwi summer is on its way. For most of us, this means more time on the water, sharing laughs and kai moana with family and friends. But as we get closer to our favourite time of the year, a dreadful reality sets in as some of your favourite spots – Hauturu Little Barrier, Kawau Bay and the Noises will be locked up from fishing, as well as the Mokohinau and Aldermen Islands.

The impression is that these small protected areas will contribute towards restoring the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. But it’s hard to believe that when the closures don’t address destructive fishing methods, excessive catch limits, land runoff and sedimentation – all factors contributing to the long-term decline in fish abundance and their habitats.

LegaSea and the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council raised these concerns to the Environment Select Committee earlier this year. Despite this, the committee has given the go-ahead to the government to implement the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill that includes 12 high protection areas (HPAs), five seafloor protection areas and extensions to two existing marine reserves. It’s encouraging that the new bill promotes the restoration of the precious habitats and fish populations in the gulf. However, the government cannot expect it to reverse decades of damage from overfishing, trawling, dredging, run-off

and sedimentation just by closing some small areas to fishing.

Our oceans are complex and require complex solutions if we want restored abundance. The Hauraki Gulf needs a combination of both marine protection and effective fisheries management tools to bring it back to life. Small closures do not change the total amount of fish harvested, it simply shifts the fishing pressure elsewhere. This is why the government needs to implement fisheries management controls.

Making the Hauraki Gulf a separate fisheries management area alongside the HPAs means catch limits can be adjusted to reflect fish abundance in the gulf.

A combination of area and fisheries controls was initially agreed as the best course of action to revitalise the gulf by environmental, recreational, Māori customary and commercial fishing interests involved in the 2017 Sea Change plan process.

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill does not reflect the agreed plan. It’s a fraction of the original deal – a bunch of closures and to top it off, bottom trawling will still be permitted in the majority of the marine park. A rip-off if you ask me.

The health of the Hauraki Gulf is not improving, and establishing more HPAs is not the complete answer. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So, let’s try something new and fix the root causes – inadequate fisheries controls and too much land run-off.

September

30 Mollymawks Concert as part of the Whangateau Folk Club night, Whangateau Hall, 7pm. Entry $15

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

2 Warkworth Area Liaison Group Meeting, Warkworth RSA downstairs meeting room, 7.30pm. All welcome.

2 Retired Men’s Coffee Morning, Coffee Club The Grange Warkworth, 10.30am. Camaraderie and chat with Men’s REBUS. All welcome, you don’t have to be a member. Info: Ron 422 3111.

3  Back Bar Jazz, The Bridgehouse, Warkworth, 6-9pm. Free, all welcome 4-6 Creative Fibre Northland “Transformations” Exhibition & Education Event, Matakana School, 9am-4pm (10am-3pm Sunday). Displays, demos, traders and raffles, plus workshops on weaving, spinning, felting and knitting.  Info: Linda McDonald on 027 482 9725 or creativefibrenorthland@gmail.com

5 Whangateau Harbour Community Hui, Whangateau Hall, 11am-2pm

6 Felicity Goodyear-Smith Talk, Mahurangi West Hall, 4.30pm. Talk on Captain Ranulph Dacre and Gordon Browne’s establishment of Auckland’s first European settlement in Mahurangi Harbour in 1832. All welcome, BYO refreshments.

11&12 Marsden Lions Book Fair, One Tree Point School, 10am-3pm.

12 The Great Comedy Debate, Warkworth Town Hall, doors open 6pm, show begins 7pm. Two moots – Experience is better than enthusiasm, and, Men are the superior beings. Celebrity guests. Fundraiser for Harbour Hospice. Tickets $35 from Harts Pharmacy, Warkworth Information Centre, Mahurangi Matters office, or Hospice’s Tui House. Info: murray@onemahurangi.co.nz

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

13 Northern Trappers BBQ, Tomarata Public Hall, 11am-1pm. Catch up with fellow trappers, improve trapping techniques, record your successes, explore funding opportunities and more. All welcome. Info: The Forest Bridge Trust

15 Warkworth Quilt Club Meeting, Shoesmith Hall, 10am-2pm. Guest speakers, demonstrations, and help with quilting. Meets on the third Tuesday of every month. New members and guests welcome. Info: Jenny Warren 09 422 4046

16 New Zealand Diving Club Night, Unit 2/23 Morrison Drive, Warkworth, 5pm. All welcome, sausage sizzle included. Special guest Paul Caiger will talk about his recent natural history book, Fishes of Aotearoa

17-19 Captured: A Photographic Time Capsule of Warkworth, Southgate Room at The Oaks

18 Tomarata School Show Day, 9am. Lamb & calf judging, student-created gardens, guest speaker, Pony Poo Bingo, art exhibition, shared lunch, activities & more.

18-19 Pink Ribbon Street Collection, Warkworth and Matakana. Breast cancer fundraiser. (see story p23)

19 Wellsford School Ag Day, 9am-12.30pm. Activities, games, food and drink, calves and lambs on show, plant sale and more.

19 Kowhai Festival, Queen Street and Wharf Street, Warkworth, 9am onwards.

19 Brenda Rawlings Memorial Fundraising Concert, Warkworth Town Hall, 7pm. A Leonard Cohen Experience performed by nine-piece band Imperfect Offering. Tickets & info: http://www.imperfectoffering.co.nz (see story p18)

20 Mad Mel Movement Breast Cancer Walkathon, Wellsford Rugby Club fields, Centennial Park, 9am. 5km walk for Pink Ribbon, lunch and speakers. $20 donation to enter, $2 for children. Info: email madmelsmovement@gmail.com (see story p24)

20 Wetlands Workshop, Whangaripo Hall, 10am-3pm. Free workshop to discover the vital role wetlands play in our environment and how you can contribute to their preservation and restoration. BYO lunch. RSVP: https://www.eventbrite. co.nz/e/wetlands-workshop-tickets-998087726257

20 NZTrio, Warkworth Town Hall, 4pm; presented by Warkworth Music. Members $30, non-members $40. Info: www.warkworthmusic.org.nz

21 Warkworth Men’s REBUS Monthly Meeting, Shoesmith Hall, 10am. Guest speakers. Retired and missing your mates or feeling isolated? This could be for you. Visitors welcome. Info: Ron 422 3111

23 Paint & Sip, Bridgehouse Warkworth, 7-9pm. No experience necessary. Includes use of art materials and your own canvas to take home. $39pp (ticket does not include drink). Tickets: https://www.creativemoments.co.nz/

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

Mahu boys head south for national surf champs

Three senior Mahurangi students will be heading to Dunedin next month to compete in what is widely regarded as the country’s top junior surfing competition, the National Scholastic Surfing Championships.

Ari O’Malley, Ziggy Neely and Taj Robinson are the first Mahu students to qualify for the five-day event, which features mixed teams from 12 regions. They faced stiff competition to win their places in the 12-strong Auckland squad, taking part in three trials at Piha and Omaha against schools and colleges all over the region. Only one other school, Takapuna Grammar, had as many students picked for the team.

Mahu’s director of education outside the classroom and school surf coach, Mike Burton, said it was a great achievement to qualify for the Auckland team and came on top of strong results at the NZ School Championships in Raglan and the NZ School Surfing Festival in Muriwai, where they had all placed strongly.

“Ari did particularly well as he had the school ball the night before the qualifying comp,” he said. “He wasn’t going to go, but woke up, put his game face on and won it.”

The boys have all been surfing since they were at primary school and have been trying to get into the Auckland Scholastics squad for several years, and said they were stoked to all be picked this year.

“We’ve been trying for five years,” O’Malley said. “I guess we got in this year because we’re a bit older and we’ve got better.”

Burton said their achievement was even more notable, given that they didn’t have the same amount of training opportunities as some students.

“We’ve been doing surfing at the school for the past three years, but it can be difficult, because there aren’t always waves on the east coast and the competitions are all on the west coast,” he said.

“That means unless we take time off school, they’re not getting training that’s meaningful for their development. You really need a minimum of three days a week, but we get more like once a month.”

As well as the competition itself, the Mahu boys will have to brace themselves for chilly conditions – the average water temperature in Dunedin in October is just 9 degrees, six degrees colder than what they’re used to at Omaha or Mangawhai Heads.

“We expect it will be freezing cold, but it’ll

be fun,” Neely said.

Scholastics regional teams have to have at least one surfer in each of four divisions –Under 18, Under 16, Under 14 and Under 18 longboard. O’Malley, from Point Wells, and Neely, of Matakana, will compete in the Under 18s, while Robinson, who lives at Mangawhai, will take part in the Under 18 longboard comp.

They have been fundraising to find the $1500 they each need to get to the champs, which take place at Dunedin’s St Clair Beach from October 7 to 11, with raffles and a movie night at Matakana Cinemas.

From left, Ari O’Malley, Ziggy Neely and Taj Robinson are off to Dunedin next month.

Ari O’Malley

Taj Robinson Ziggy Neely