Mahurangi Matters_Issue 418_22 November 2021

Schools tight-lipped over vax page 4

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Even the donkeys got a close shave when Snells Beach’s Jenny Bartlett embarked on yet another madcap fundraiser – Jennies Don’t Give a Donkey’s Ass. See story p 23

Restaurants ready to bar unvaccinated Unvaccinated Mahurangi residents will likely be prevented from getting a beer in a bar when the Government’s Covid traffic light system is introduced, but may be able to go to church to pray about it.

The system will start once 90 per cent of eligible residents are double vaccinated.

Hospitality businesses and churches will be able to remain open during each of the traffic light phases, but will face severe limitations on operating legally, unless they

are willing to check those coming through the door are double vaccinated.

Bars, cafes and restaurants contacted by Mahurangi Matters have embraced the system and say they will insist patrons are double vaccinated or they will not be served.

But one Mahurangi church says it will refrain from requiring attendees to be vaccinated, while others say their policy on the issue is still being developed.

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Tahi Bar owners Rachel Cooney and Gareth Hedges say once vaccines became available, it was inevitable that a proofof-vaccination system would emerge especially in high-risk places such as bars where people can linger for hours without wearing masks.

“People naturally feel much safer in an environment where everybody is doublevaccinated. If these mandates were not happening, people would be very hesitant

to come to a bar, but the mandates mean they will feel safe and want to come,” Mr Hedges says.

Ms Cooney agrees.

“The whole point of hospitality is about giving somebody somewhere where they can have a good time, where they can relax.

None of that works if everybody is scared,” she says.

continued on page 2

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Contact us November 22, 2021 – Issue 418 17 Neville Street, Warkworth, 0941 PO Box 701, Warkworth 0941 ph 09 425 9068 mahurangimatters

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Restaurants ready to bar unvaccinated The couple remains resolute in their views even though it will mean having someone on the door checking patrons’ vaccination status and could lead to confrontations with those hostile to the policy.

“But it does not matter how much of a scene they make, they are not coming in,” Mr Hedges says.

Their views are echoed by owners of Aldo’s Restaurant, Fresh Café and Chocolate Brown. Aldo’s co-owner Susan Franckin says the freedom to come to a restaurant comes with obligations and responsibilities.

“We have to take responsibility for keeping everybody safe as well as ourselves and our staff,” she says.

Ms Franckin says if someone chooses to make a scene, they will be gently reminded what the mandate is, but suspects such confrontations will be rare.

“If we get to 90 per cent double-vaccinated I think that speaks for itself – it leaves only 10 per cent who have concerns,” she says.

Chocolate Brown and Bayside Bistro coowner Susan Vize will also be implementing a “no vax, no service” policy and says the issue is not about personal rights but collective responsibility.

She says this is especially true given the Warkworth and Snells Beach areas have a high proportion of elderly people who

from page 1

Rachel Cooney and Gareth Hedges – the unvaccinated will be unwelcome at the Tahi Bar.

need protection.

“All the customers I have been talking to want vaccination – they want to know the cafes are safe,” she says.

Ms Vize says without the mandate Chocolate Brown and Bayside would have to close for good, meaning the loss of 50 jobs for those employed over the busy summer period.

Fresh Café owner Gaye Rowland is also

on board with the vaccination mandate though she says enforcing it is likely to be a logistical nightmare.

She says she will stand her ground if anyone wants to get stroppy about it.

“We have got to do what we have got to do to stay in business,” she says.

The Government is due to announce its decision on the traffic light system on November 29.

Churches wrestle with vaccine policy Most churches failed to respond to Mahurangi Matters inquiries about their Covid vaccination policy and others either refused to say what their policy was or else said it was still being developed.

But Snells Beach Baptist pastor John DiCicco says his church has decided to refrain from requiring vaccination certificates.

“We have come to the conclusion that we must remain as available as possible in order to care for our Christian community, as well as to be a place of refuge for any from the wider community who may want to seek help in the midst of difficulties,” he says.

Meanwhile, Pastor Kris Baines, of the Community Bible Church in Wellsford, says the church’s policies and practices are

not something they would be looking to air in a community publication.

“Each church has its own unique situation which can be easily misunderstood when not considered in context,” he says.

Elsewhere, Pastor Baines has been more outspoken. He is part of a Free To Be Church movement – sharply critical of Government regulation as it has applied to churches during Covid. On the Free To Be Church Facebook page he hosts a webinar entitled, “Why the Church Should Stay Open to the Vaccinated And The Unvaccinated” – arguing the unvaccinated should not be turned away from church.

Pastor Nick McLennan, of Mahurangi Presbyterian Church, says the Presbyterian

Church of Aotearoa is still working through its response to the Government regulations.

“On the one hand, we value freedom of worship without discrimination, yet at the same time we also have a responsibility to take care of those within our church family who are concerned for their health or the health of their family members,” he says.

Warkworth Anglican Parish vicar Peter Jenkins says his diocese is still looking at the question and is not expected to provide any guidance until next month.

“More broadly, the Anglican Church has been supportive of the vaccine roll-outs and we have been encouraging people to get vaccinated,” he says.

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“

... beat the Christmas rush and purchase gifts in local stores now.

” Shops feel

Prashant Darji of Paper Plus.

Environment Court dates set for Dome tip proposal

bite of slow spending Warkworth retailers hope the Christmas season will help to make up for a long lockdown and a slow start to trading this month.

Retailers said, unlike the end of the last lockdown, they have not seen a surge in shopping, despite being allowed to open for the first time in months.

It has been especially difficult for clothing stores, which went into lockdown in winter and have had to purchase all new stock for the summer season.

Matt Henderson, of Warkworth Menswear, is selling his winter stock at half price in an effort to make room for summer stock.

Penny Garrick, of Coconut Gallery, believes that some people are still uncertain whether New Zealand will be able to celebrate Christmas, and haven’t rushed to buy gifts or new outfits.

She suspects that once the Government makes clear its plans for Aucklanders to be able to travel, her customers will “flock to buy their Christmas frock”.

Briony Batten, of Briar Rose flowers, says orders have been steady, but people don’t appear to be spending as much.

Max Lau, of Fishers Jewellers, agrees that the wage subsidy has left households with less for discretionary spending.

“I think it will still take a while for things to get back to normal,” he says.

Prashant Darji, of Paper Plus, says it was a “difficult call” whether to reopen because although sales are low, they will still likely be enough to tip him over the threshold for wage subsidy eligibility. Moreover, being open means he is paying full rent to his landlord again.

Prashant is encouraging Warkworth shoppers to beat the Christmas rush and purchase some of their gifts in local stores now.

He says it would make a “big difference” to retailers who have brought in new stock for Christmas and need the cashflow to bridge the gap between lockdown and the shopping season.

The Environment Court has set dates for the hearing of appeals against a proposed landfill in the Dome Valley.

The hearings concerning Waste Management’s proposal for a new Auckland Regional Landfill will start on June 20, next year. It will take nine weeks with sequential breaks and run over five months.

Appeals to the Environment Court were triggered when commissioners voted four to one to grant a resource consent for the landfill back in June.

Among those appealing are anti-landfill group Fight the Tip, the Director-General of Conservation, Forest and Bird and several iwi groups.

Fight the Tip campaigner Sue Crockett says now the court dates have been confirmed, Fight the Tip’s lawyer Andrew Braggins can begin confirming witnesses and preparing a programme to fight the case.

“We are all in good heart and just have to keep ourselves in there,” she says.

Ms Crockett says Fight the Tip has applied to the Ministry of the Environment for a $50,000 grant to help with legal expenses and hopes to hear if the application has been successful before Christmas.

She says in the meantime, generous community donations have ensured Fight the Tip has enough funding to cover its costs for at least the early stages of legal proceedings.

Edelyn Dalaguit of Sterling Sports.

Max Lau of Fishers Jewellers.

Briony Batten of Briar Rose Flowers.

Donations to Fight the Tip can be made at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ fightthetip or direct into Fight the Tip Tiaki Te Whenua Inc’s bank, account number – 12 3094 0274048 00

Penny Garrick of Coconut Gallery.

Meanwhile, Waste Management says that in addition to preparing evidence for the hearings, it is continuing its efforts to engage with iwi and community groups.

“One of our ongoing goals is to help people understand the realities of modern, engineered landfills, and how they are nothing like the legacy “dumps” of the past,” Waste Management said in a statement.

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3

Students from Horizon School made use of good weather and had outdoor lessons in their masks last week.

Schools tight-lipped over teacher stand-downs Northern schools and the Ministry of Education have been reluctant to say just how many teachers have been put on leave since schools reopened with the requirement for all staff to be vaccinated last week.

Mahurangi Matters surveyed 16 local schools about the vaccination status of their staff and only two responded. Some flat out refused to share information.

Horizon School principal Helen Pearson would not say whether any of her teachers had been put on leave, saying it was “confidential”. Tomarata School and Matakana School also refused to comment.

In a letter to parents, Tauhoa School principal Vivienne Goldsmith said it was with a “heavy heart” that she had had to enforce the vaccine mandate.

She wrote that one of her teachers had been placed on leave, while another had resigned due to the stress of maintaining a “bubble school” and online learning.

Mangawhai Beach School made a public statement saying some of its “incredible staff ” would not be returning to school, and that parents would be notified if their child’s teacher was among them.

“Without getting political, this situation is devastating for these people and their colleagues who have to carry on and fill the void,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Snells Beach School has struggled with parents who do not want their children to be taught about the

“

Why are people anti-vax?

I have no idea.

” Vaccine mandate prompts

vaccine. Principal Kathryn Ramel sent a letter to parents saying that a “large number” of students had not returned to school last week and that she hoped to ameliorate parents’ concerns.

“I can absolutely confirm that there will be no discussion with students about vaccinations. This is a discussion for parents and families, not staff.

“Teachers will actually not answer a child’s direct question about vaccinations, but distract or redirect.”

For some rural schools, the biggest challenge was getting a negative test result for teachers who had to cross the regional border.

All of Tapora School’s staff were double vaccinated, but three of its teachers were required to return a negative result within the space of a week in order for the school to open. Wellsford School remained closed for three extra days while it waited for test results.

Meanwhile many schools, including Matakana, Leigh, Snells Beach and Horizon schools, have only returned part time, with school starting at 9am and finishing at 1pm.

This is to remove the need for a lunch break and prevent gatherings of students.

Students are given exercise breaks with each class having an allotted time. The schools have informed parents they must wear a mask when picking up or dropping off children, and must remain outside of school grounds.

loss of volunteer firefighters Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) anticipates it could lose between five and ten volunteer firefighters in the Mahurangi area following a mandate that they be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Originally, firefighters were required to be vaccinated by November 15, but the deadline was pushed back to November 29 to allow FENZ more time to prepare for the ramifications of the policy.

FENZ group manager Jeremy Gibbons, who is responsible for eight brigades between Puhoi and Wellsford, said last week that all firefighters had been asked if they were vaccinated, but not all have responded.

That meant it was impossible to tell at this stage precisely how many firefighters would have to be stood down should they refuse to be vaccinated or fail to disclose their vaccination status.

Mr Gibbons said despite potential staff losses, FENZ was satisfied fire trucks would

still be able to respond to emergencies in Mahurangi.

Local fire chiefs were generally reluctant to talk about attitudes to vaccination in their individual brigades, instead referring enquiries to Mr Gibbons.

However, Leigh Fire Chief Kevin Lawton said he anticipated the vaccination issue would not pose a problem at Leigh – with firefighters there generally being comfortable with the vaccine mandate.

But he said this was not true at other local brigades where anti-vax sentiments ran high.

He said he found these attitudes irritating.

Most anti-vax firefighters he had spoken to said the big issue for them was that they did not like being told what to do.

“Really? After all the stuff we do as firefighters that require following rules and regulations. Why are people anti-vax? I have no idea,” he said.

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Working safely under Alert Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions still have a grip on the country, but under Alert Level 3 we have been able to resume some construction works. We have been following strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols including restricted access to the construction site, Dave Stott

New chairs for One Mahurangi Business Association Bevan Morrison and Dave Stott have been elected as co-chairs of One Mahurangi Business Association.

Mr Morrison is part of the Morrison family that owns extensive industrial land in Warkworth and the Morrison Heritage Orchard.

He is an engineer who worked for more than 20 years in the oil and gas industry overseas, before returning to New Zealand to look after his family’s interests and take up property development and project management.

He says businesses face a challenging time dealing with Covid and the association’s job is to help local businesses to get specialist advice and help in interpreting Government rules and regulations related to the disease.

He says there are also massive challenges around infrastructure and it’s critical that the association remain engaged on roading projects like the Hill Street intersection upgrade, the Sandspit link road and the Western Collector.

“If we don’t have a cohesive approach, Auckland Council will do whatever it wants – whether good or bad for us,” he says.

Mr Morrison says his strengths include the ability to build relationships, but at the same time the ability to “cut through the fluffy stuff ” and reach a decision.

Mr Stott steps into the co-chair role after serving as deputy chair last year. He is now retired but formerly was director of Strategix

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Consulting – a project management company that oversaw construction of the Oaks Retirement Village and the restoration of the Warkworth Hotel.

Mr Stott says one issue Warkworth business will soon face is that traffic travelling on SH1 will tend to bypass Warkworth once the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway is finished.

He says Orewa faced the same challenge following completion of Johnstones Hill tunnels and was faced with reinventing itself to attract people to the town, which included further development of its foreshore.

“We will be talking to retailers about innovative ways we can encourage more people to come here,” he says.

Mr Stott says the association will also be fighting hard to retain commercial and industrial land, saying that plan changes have diminished the amount available, reducing opportunities for local employment.

“We want to be as self-sufficient as possible, rather than just a commuter suburb of Auckland,” he says.

Mr Stott says his main strength is the ability to listen to people and be as inclusive as possible.

“We have got quite a diverse group of people here – with a diverse range of interests and political views. The association needs someone who can guide the organisation through these differences,” he says.

Many of our team have continued to work from home under Alert Level 3.

We have also been revisiting our plans for work that was disrupted by the Alert Level 4 lockdown and the ongoing disruption caused by the Alert Level 3 restrictions. Some of you may remember we had planned major road layout changes for October at the southern end of the project, which involved moving traffic onto part of the new motorway. We will keep you informed of new dates for this traffic switch. Road layout changes which were planned at the northern end of the project, where we are building the new Pukerito roundabout will also need to be rescheduled.

Many of you will no doubt have questions about what impact the latest lockdowns will have on the opening of the new motorway. The project team is working through this with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency as the situation continues to develop, and will ensure we keep our community informed of developments.

We’d also like to remind everyone that we are a working construction site and it’s hugely important for people’s safety that they do not come onto our site. We have received a few reports of people accessing site recently, which puts both those who are trespassing and our team at risk. We will be keeping a close eye on the site to ensure everyone’s safety. If you have any questions or concerns please get in touch via our stakeholder and communications team at info@nx2group.com or phone 0508 7295 4636.

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

5

The project needs more cameras.

Mahurangi penguin project reaches award finals

One local cat in particular has regularly been filmed in the sanctuary at night.

Help us stop the cat kills, trust pleads Local bird lovers are becoming increasingly frustrated that Auckland Council won’t allow them to trap cats killing endangered shorebirds during the nesting season.

Omaha Shorebirds Protection Trust volunteers last week appealed to Rodney Local Board to help them deal with the issue at the fenced-off sanctuary, at the northern tip of the beach.

Trust president Marie Ward told Board members that cats out at night were attacking endangered dotterels and oystercatchers, and one in particular had regularly been caught on camera.

“They kill the male sitting on the nest overnight,” she said. “These birds are very stoic and when a cat comes in, the bird won’t leave the nest until the last minute, so we tend to find males with their heads chewed off or with wounds to the back of their necks.”

She said there would be no breeding dotterel pairs left if the cat continued to keep entering the sanctuary this season.

“We’re not happy that we can’t control

this ourselves. Council policy is to use contractors,” she added. “We think we’d be better off doing it ourselves, because we know where the nests are and we know where we should put traps.”

She showed board members an email from Council saying it was policy to only have cat control on Council land carried out by contractors, and not volunteers.

“This is due to the need to manage sensitivities around owned cats and keeps our volunteers safe, and protects our ability to do cat control in the future,” it said.

The email went on to say that the Omaha reserve was in Council’s “second tier tranche of sites, which means it’s likely it’ll get control from next financial year”.

“We’re being told we must wait,” Ms Ward said. “We simply can’t wait for that.”

Trust volunteer Colin Binsted asked local board members to pass a resolution asking Council to change its operational position, so volunteers experienced in trapping could carry out live cat capture with all appropriate procedures.

“Cats have a free-for-all on that reserve.

Volunteers are not allowed to trap and we don’t know when a professional trapper can come or even if there’s money for him to come,” he said.

Mr Binsted said allowing volunteers to trap would be a “win-win-win” situation – for the environment, for Council and for groups like the Omaha trust.

“This will save Council money, as they don’t have to employ a professional contractor or find any funds whatsoever,” he said.

“What we have is a big council telling a little group ‘you can’t do it’. That’s totally inappropriate for our reserve.”

Board members thanked Ms Ward and Mr Binsted for their presentation.

Chair Phelan Pirrie said after the meeting that while it was outside the Board’s remit to get Council to change its policy, members were on-board and sympathetic, and he hoped the trust could participate with staff on its cat control plan in the coming year.

A Mahurangi penguin conservation project has reached the finals of the Auckland Mayoral Conservation Awards.

Warkworth Forest & Bird Little Blue Penguin/Kororā project seeks to protect the little blue penguins that come ashore between Ti Point and Leigh.

The conservation effort includes the trapping of predators, such as rats, stoats and possums, and the provision of penguin nesting boxes, where penguins can lay their eggs and rear their young.

The penguins have a reputation for being noisy and smelly and homeowners will often block access to underneath their houses where the penguins like to nest.

Winners at the Conservation Awards take home a prize of $2000.

Penguin project coordinator Jenny Enderby says the money would come in handy to purchase more motion cameras to monitor the penguins’ movements at night.

Winners will be announced at an online ceremony on November 25

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People before parking Auckland Council recently considered a parking strategy proposed by Auckland Transport. It was about public good, aimed at addressing mode shift – promoting more walking, cycling and public transport by making it easier to remove on-street car parking, for cycle and busways. The proposal reflects aspirations towards transport justice and equity, and addressing emissions and climate change. But in proposing the removal of some carparking, it struck at the heart of attitudes towards car ownership and entitlements to road space for driving and storing vehicles.

Sixty per cent of Auckland households own two or more cars and about 70 per cent of vehicle trips in Auckland are by private car, even for short journeys. So how dare they suggest the removal of carparks. “Who rides a bike anyway?” “Cyclists don’t pay fuel taxes!” “They should be on the footpath.” “I need to park on the road – there isn’t enough space on people’s properties.” “It will destroy local businesses.” These were the immediate complaints.

If I were to store a shipping container on the roadside outside my house, there would be an outrage. But carparking is just the same – storing an empty box in public open space. Some people park on the road because their garages are full of toys – boats, jet skis and other recreational accoutrements. Bike riders do contribute to road costs, through rates and taxes.

And because we’re not in a user-pays system, that’s irrelevant anyway. Whether you pay taxes or rates doesn’t determine your right to safe, sustainable transport.

Children, for example, don’t pay taxes but are still entitled to safe passage. There’s international evidence that shows people

who ride their bikes contribute as much to local economies as car drivers. It’s illegal to ride a bike on the footpath, and not safe for pedestrians. Car drivers don’t actually own the road, and homeowners certainly don’t own, or have an automatic entitlement, to the space on the road outside.

The proposal wasn’t forcing people to ride or walk everywhere, but it was about giving people choices. Parking is Auckland’s dominant land use, but we will never be able to provide enough space for every

If I were to store a shipping container on the roadside outside my house, there would be an outrage.

But carparking is just the same – storing an empty box in public open space. car driver outside every house or shop.

Bike riding and bike parking is far more efficient. There’s evidence that where bike lanes are provided, cycling increases dramatically, so it’s a virtuous circle.

On the other hand, because on-street car parking is dangerous for cycling, impedes public transport and privatises a commons – precluding other uses and creating negative amenity effects – it creates a vicious cycle. It is, however, the prevailing norm.

It’s a cultural attitude that is aggressively defended. Next year is election year, and parking and anti-cycling attitudes are easy populist fodder. It will be brave leaders who puts people, not parking first.

Dredging amnesty Warkworth’s New Zealand Diving shop has started an amnesty scheme to encourage recreational fishers to give up dredging for scallops.

Conservationists oppose dredging because in addition to scallops, dredges scoop up vital marine life – much of it food for larger fish. The net result is a barren sea bed and a dearth of fish.

Anyone who hands in a dredge to New Zealand Diving can receive $150 off any

dive course worth $350 or more.

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

7

WeSay

Churches, wake up

When Mahurangi Matters contacted local hospitality businesses over their vaccination policies, it was expecting a howl of protest of the soon to be introduced “traffic light system”, which will require them to check whether their patrons are vaccinated against Covid-19.

Wasn’t this just adding an additional burden to businesses who have endured only a limited ability to trade for months? And in addition to the logistical challenges, who would fancy dealing with the odd stroppy character who wants to make a scene over it.

But far from complaining, businesses have showed a firm grasp of their responsibility for the safety of their customers, their staff and the wider community.

It’s disappointing, then, to see churches appearing to drag their heels. This is especially true given churches are known to have been super-spreaders of Covid in the past. Back in September, half the Delta cases in Auckland could be linked to one church group in Mangere. Despite this, Snells Beach Baptist says it will not be checking vaccine certificates and others are still figuring out their policy.

Now it’s true that churches’ responsibilities go beyond the provision of food and drink – they are there to nourish the soul, and this includes the unvaccinated as well as the vaccinated. But one suspects no church would tolerate having a crazy person carelessly waving around a loaded gun during a service.

Yes, the crazy person surely needs spiritual help, but you do not help them by allowing them to continue to wave the gun. You help them by disarming them and preventing them from being a threat to others.

Similarly, you don’t provide real help to the person who obstinately remains unvaccinated by allowing them to come to church and posing a higher risk of spreading a dangerous and often fatal disease. Come on, churches.

When the traffic light system comes in, insist eligible congregants are fully vaccinated.

See story page 1

YouSay

Contributions to Your opinion and Off the record are welcome, to submit email: editor@localmatters.co.nz

Humiliating experience

recognise that some patients may not be able to wear a face-covering and for those patients we provide alternative options such as home delivery and phone consultations with one of our pharmacists, to ensure the same level of care is given.

I’ve been forced to ponder what happens when a local business refuses to support certain members of their local community.

My local pharmacy (Wellsford Pharmacy) is not acknowledging Ministry of Health issued mask exemptions. I am unable to wear a mask and applied and was accepted to have a mask exemption.

When I entered Wellsford Pharmacy to, ironically, pick up a prescription for the very thing that prevents me from wearing a mask, I was told that I was not allowed in their store and would have to wait outside. The way that this was communicated was not subtle and was in front of my young child. They were not interested in my mask exemption, and I was left feeling humiliated.

Now I am in a privileged position, and I am able to take my business elsewhere, but I did contact Wellsford Pharmacy on behalf of others in my community who are unable to wear masks. What will happen to them if the weather is extreme and they do not have a vehicle to wait in? Do they just stand outside in the rain or heat as a punishment for their health condition or disability? Well, according to Wellsford Pharmacy the answer is “yes”. And it’s not their fault because they “don’t control the weather”. I’ve been wondering about this situation as this is an unfortunate example of how current events are negatively impacting us rather than bringing us together, as we have seen countless times locally, and I believe that it’s so important to pull together and support one another.

Caitlin Cartwright, Wellsford

Racist disinformation

The printing of the Viewpoint by Rodney Local Board member Steve Garner (MM Nov 8), gives me a clear picture of who not to vote for at the next local body elections. I certainly cannot support a peddler of racist disinformation. In his Viewpoint article, Mr Garner says that “Three Waters appears to be an opportunity for Government to grab an asset that can be given to Maori”. Nothing could be further from the truth. If Mr Garner had bothered to access the Government’s information published by the Department of Internal Affairs, he would see that the assets remain with the local communities. And I quote from the DIA website on Three Waters: “Councils will collectively own the water services entities providing services for their district on behalf of their communities”.

It is shameful that an elected representative should peddle such racist disinformation. Hopefully, Mahurangi Matters will see the harm in printing such disinformation and put the record straight.

Neil Anderson, Algies Bay

Treemendous change

Due to Covid restrictions, the Lions Club of Kowhai Coast has cancelled their Treemendous Christmas tree fundraiser this year.

But to bring back some Christmas cheer to Warkworth, they are going to have a Christmas table of goodies, gifts and raffles outside the Museum Op Shop, 28 Baxter Street, Warkworth, from December 6 onwards. 10am-3pm daily, except Sundays.

Matt Cross and Jacqui Rogers of Wellsford Pharmacy respond: While we will not be commenting on any individual situation, speaking generally, we, as the only pharmacy in Wellsford, must balance the needs of individual patients against the risk of virus transmission that could affect the safety of our community and our pharmacy team. We

Please leave a gift and wear a mask!

Door open for generous giving Mahurangi Matters opens its office door to the public for the first time in months this week – perfect timing for the newspaper’s annual Christmas appeal.

Now anybody can pop in and put a gift under the Christmas tree to help out a family in need.

Once again, Mahurangi Matters will be collecting gifts on behalf of Homebuilders Family Services and Women’s Centre Rodney.

This year, we are especially encouraging

the giving of gift vouchers from local businesses. This will give local business a much needed boost and also give families more flexibility in choosing their gifts.

Apart from that, Homebuilders coordinator Quentin Jukes says ideal gifts include anything that encourages outside play, such as balls, sports equipment and things for the beach, and anything that encourages creativity such as art supplies and books.

Women’s Centre counsellor Bridget

Farmiloe says in addition to gifts for young children, also think of ones appropriate for older children, teenagers and Mum. She says a giving a voucher that will create an “experience”, such as a visit to favourite ice cream parlour, can be as rewarding as a physical gift.

Both Quentin and Bridget say Covid has made life especially tough for families this year. Quentin points to high levels of anxiety among children and Bridget says it’s been hard on single mothers, who have

been obliged to continuing working while looking after their children at home.

So give a much-needed boost to a stressed out family this year, and pop a gift under the Mahurangi Matters Christmas tree. Please just remember to wear a mask.

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Call Steve today 021 278 7427 Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

Viewpoint Phil Goff, Mayor of Auckland phil.goff@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Get vaccinated Until the Delta variant of Covid-19 came along, New Zealand was the most successful country in the world at keeping our people safe and having a close to normal life.

Ireland, for example, a country of similar size to New Zealand, has suffered more than 5000 deaths and experienced long periods of lockdown. Sadly, despite largely closed borders we weren’t able to keep Delta out.

Now it’s a case of living with it while trying to minimise the harm that it does.

The key to this is vaccination, and the Government has set the target for us of opening once 90 per cent of our population is double vaccinated. Auckland has done well. Over 92 per cent of our eligible population have already had their first dose and 84 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Lockdown has been hard this time. It has gone on much longer without the reward we got on earlier occasions of eliminating the virus. It has put pressure on our wellbeing and on our livelihoods. We’re over it.

Yet we know that lifting restrictions too early risks overwhelming our hospital system and many thousands of people suffering from the virus, often with long-term side effects, as well as many people dying. Vaccination is now the best way of limiting the impact of the pandemic. But time is running out.

By early next month, further restrictions on openings and movement will be lifted and with this will come the spread of the virus, particularly among those without the protection of the vaccine.

With retail now open and institutions like schools, libraries and museums opening very

soon, next we can look forward to restaurants, cafes, bars and – thank goodness – hairdressers and other personal services opening. In December, Aucklanders will be able to travel beyond the region. We all desperately want these things to happen, but they will also allow the virus to spread more freely.

In December, Aucklanders will be able to travel beyond the region. We all desperately want these things to happen, but they will also allow the virus to spread more freely.

If you are not vaccinated, this virus will seek you out and you risk getting seriously ill. You are also at a greater risk of spreading the virus. That’s why, under the new “traffic light” system, you will be restricted in the places and events you’re able to attend. Get vaccinated now to protect yourself, your family and the wider community.

Finally, to all those – the overwhelming majority – who have been vaccinated, a big thank you for doing the right thing.

And a huge thanks to all our medical staff and those assisting with testing and vaccinations. You are heroes.

Let’s look forward to a summer of greater freedom, but also one where we can keep as many people as possible safe from this pandemic.

and Northwood Developments Ltd contributed an incredible $125,000 and we are beyond grateful.

Thanks to the incredible support that YOU- our amazing community has shown, we have not only reached our funding goal but exceeded it raising $277,512.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to all who donated and responded to the Springboard story. Our amazing partners Kennards Hire

This will enable us to expand the width and breadth of opportunities that our young people can experience in this new season of Springboard’s growth.

With the Sheepworld property and your amazing support, we are excited to support young people into their “Brighter Futures”.

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Mahurangi vaccination rates

Ministry of Health data showing percentage of eligible population double vaccinated for Covid-19 in the Mahurangi area last week.

Warkworth 91%

Algies Bay-Scotts Landing 78.1%

Tawharanui/Omaha 87.7%

Okahukura Peninsula 78.1%

Sandspit 81.2%

Mangawhai 77.3%

Snells Beach 81.1%

Waipu 77.3%

Dome Valley-Matakana 80.3%

Cape Rodney 75.9%

Puhoi 80.2%

Wellsford 72.1%

Mangawhai Heads 78.2%

Kaiwaka 64.3%

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

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“

I wanted to entertain people and give them a good time.

”

localfolk Cathie Dunsford These days, you will likely see Cathie Dunsford, 67, performing with the Jade River Ukes Band at venues all over Mahurangi.

But her novels, poetry and theatrical performances have also struck a chord with audiences around the world.

She spoke to James Addis ...

M

y whole family is an incredible mix. My great grandfather, George Hyatt, was a full-blooded “negro” – as he would have called himself – something the family has been able to confirm through DNA tests. He arrived at the Otago goldfields via ship and set up a Turkish bath house for the miners there.

One of his sons, Oscar Hyatt, my Dad’s uncle, travelled to Honolulu and became one of the first music publishers there.

He wrote a famed hula song, For You a Lei, which I now play with the Jade River Ukes.

I grew up in Milford, where Mum and Dad built our house. It was an area full of housing corporation homes with lots of people of different races. It was poor, but nobody knew we were poor because everyone was the same. We all had our own veggie gardens and we would swap stuff. My Dad worked three jobs – during the week at NZI insurance, Friday night at Keans in Takapuna and pumping gas on Saturday. Meanwhile, Mum worked at a wool store. I went to Westlake Girls High School and found I loved learning. I won the senior prize in English and was chosen as head prefect.

Nevertheless, I ended up going to see the headmistress and saying I didn’t believe in this privileged prefect system – let’s have a School Council. So, we did. It only then dawned on me that if I wanted to be president of the council, I faced the daunting task of getting myself elected. I was up against one of the Henares – she was from a family of brilliant lawyers.

God knows how I won that one, but I did. There was always a slightly rebellious streak in me. I remember taking a whole lot of Westlake Girls on the bus into town to demonstrate against the Vietnam War. The headmistress berated me over that, relaying the school board’s unfavourable views on the subject in no uncertain terms. “But just privately,” she said. “I’m really glad you did it.”

www.localmatters.co.nz

When I was 14, the head of music took us to see a fabulous concert by the Dorian Singers. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I decided there and then that I wanted to devote my life to music, art and literature. But in those days, I could not see many other women in those fields unless they were supported by their husbands. That same year, I said to my Mum, “I want to live in a tree house by the sea.” And she said, “You will have to marry someone rich,” and I said, “No I’m not getting married. I just want a tree house by the sea.” I saw very early on that to have choices in life you had to be financially independent. That’s still true today. Despite feminism, I know women in abusive relationships who find it financially very difficult to escape.

After school, I went on to Auckland University and studied English, music, education, Latin and French. I directed a couple of summer Shakespeares and had a ball. I ended up lecturing in English and graduated with PhD in English literature. Along the way, I edited the first anthology of women’s fiction for New Women’s Press. In those days, few women were published. Anthologies comprised the same old people. You could have an anthology with 30 authors with only two or three women in it. I knew we were never going to get any new voices if we carried on like this. So, I threw it open to any woman who wanted to submit. I spoke at places like maraes and ended up with a lot of Maori and Pacific contributors. Over the next few years, I edited five anthologies, featuring perspectives that had seldom been seen in New Zealand literature before.

I won a Fulbright scholarship and spent time doing post-doctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, and I lectured there in women’s studies and lesbian and gay literature. I’ve always been completely open about being gay, but it was incredibly tough back in the seventies because there were not a lot of books on

the subject, and there was not a strong, healthy gay culture. It was very much about finding your own path. Though by the eighties, I was surrounded by brilliant, creative gays like the Topp Twins.

When I returned to New Zealand, some of my family were farming in Omaha Flats, and I found this plot of land at Baddeleys Beach and loved it. I had $2000 and it was just enough for a deposit. At first, I lived in a shack and the possums and rats and wetas would come in. Next, I found a cheap kitset house and a local builder, Bernie McClean, myself and a couple of street kids to put it together.

We put it on poles up in the trees, so I had my tree house surrounded by native bush after all. We had lots of fun in the process. At one point, I remember it was pouring with rain and the tractor that we used to put the poles in just slid away into a stream. Bernie was a scream. I had this giant pink flamingo that I had brought back from San Francisco, and one day Bernie screwed it on to my beaten-up Toyota and I couldn’t get it off. I had to drive up to Whangarei for a job interview for the director at Forum North with the flamingo on the bonnet. Afterwards, some of the board who interviewed me saw me with the car outside. I thought, “Oh my God, my chances have gone.” Though as it turned out, I got the job.

Later, I set up my own publishing business Dunsford Publishing Consultants. The first book I edited was Beryl Fletcher’s The Word Burners, which went on to win the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize for best first book. That same year, I assessed Albert Wendt’s Ola, which won the best book from South East Asia/Pacific in the same competition. So, it was headlines all over the show. I was also being encouraged to write my own fiction, and I started researching my family background and Oscar Hyatt’s life in Hawaii. That led to the book Cowrie, which Keri Hulme introduced at an international feminist book fair in Melbourne in 1994. During

her speech, she said that she hoped that Cowrie would be the first of a series, which up until that point had not occurred to me. Nevertheless, the idea was exciting, and I began to write more.

I was published by Spinifex Press in Australia, and they took my books to the Frankfurt Book Fair – the biggest in the world – which led to me being published in Germany and also Turkey, which was a first for a New Zealand novelist.

For the next 21 years I toured around Europe, Canada, the US and Turkey performing my works at book fairs and literary festivals. A highlight was appearing at the Berlin International Literary Festival and a month later at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2012 – alongside writers like C.K. Stead, Witi Ihimaera, Alan Duff and Eleanor Catton. The settings for both were spectacular. At the festival the theme was “as you are sleeping” and on stage the moon rose behind me as I blew on my conch to begin my performance. At the fair, New Zealand was guest of honour, and we had an entire pavilion filled with caves and islands surrounded by water – made to appear as though they were being seen at night. It was mind-blowing.

What is the international appeal of my work? Well, when I started few novelists set their books in the Pacific, there was not much Kiwi gay writing and there were few strong Maori female characters in fiction. I wanted to write about my experience of the world. I didn’t care whether people liked my novels or not – again, it was all about giving people a voice who were not being heard. They are also eco-novels – they deal with ecological issues. I don’t see this just in terms of trees and plants, but how we look at the whole world. How can we live in tune with the planet rather than trying to dominate it?

And I wanted to entertain people and give them a good time. You can’t just lecture them, you have got to have some humour in there as well. I love humour.

November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

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| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

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Graham Buchs

Rachel Cash

Driving Miss Daisy Warkworth

R

achel Cash got her first taste of companion driving after driving her elderly parents to their various social activities.

“They were active until very late in life – attending church and things like book and floral art clubs,” Rachel says.

Soon, members of her parents’ church, who no longer drove, proved equally keen to secure Rachel’s services. Far from finding the requests a chore, Rachel enjoyed the experience.

At the time, she had a desk-bound job working in logistics for a rental car company and missed having personal contact with people. When the opportunity arose to purchase Driving Miss Daisy Warkworth, Rachel leapt at the chance.

She transports clients anywhere from Mangawhai and Kaiwaka in the north, to Puhoi in the south. She has two vehicles including a VW Caddy, which is fully

wheelchair accessible.

Many clients Rachel drives for are seniors needing to get to medical appointments, which may be as far away as Manukau or Whangarei. Some clients are working age on ACC, others are children from rural areas needing a lift to school.

“I take anybody, anywhere they need to go,” Rachel says.

She has found that during lockdown, many clients have been starved of social contact and want to talk, something Rachel loves to do.

Rachel says to be a good companion driver you need to be flexible, proactive and to think on your feet.

“But most of all you need to be compassionate,” she says.

Driving Miss Daisy Warkworth accepts the Total Mobility Scheme card and is an ACC contracted supplier.

A

drive to emphasise its key values prompted MS Engineering to rebrand itself ITSS Engineering earlier this year.

ITSS stands for Innovation, Technology, Service and Satisfaction, and general manager Graham Buchs says it’s impressed on every employee that these key drivers are to be reflected in every piece of work the firm produces – no matter how big or small the job.

“The catchphrase, ‘If It’s Engineering – ITSS Engineering’ really encapsulates the fact that we do everything engineering now,” Graham says.

ITSS Engineering is involved in numerous different aspects of engineering work.

Graham says as well as ITSS being a supplier to essential customers through Level 4 restrictions, it’s experiencing heavy post-lockdown demand for its services.

Notable growth areas are in structural

engineering to feed a vibrant local construction sector and in the manufacture of CNC machined parts, as well as light aluminum and stainless fabrication for automated machinery suppliers nationwide.

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He says that demand means ITSS is eager to take on new staff and is especially interested to hear from fitters, welders, machinists, sheet-metal workers, painters and heavy vehicle drivers.

Graham is also keen to hear from school leavers and those seeking an apprenticeship.

“There is a lot of opportunity in this industry and it can be lucrative to those who are willing to work hard.”

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

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However, more than one centre in the district is facing the reality that it has teachers and relief teachers who won’t get vaccinated.

Early childhood centres face staff losses There has been a mixed reaction from early childhood centres and kindergartens in the Mahurangi district to the mandatory requirement for teachers and staff to be vaccinated.

Education workers were required to have their first dose by November 15 and will need to have had their second dose

by January 1.

Last Monday, most centres were operating on reduced hours with reduced staff numbers, but were feeling confident they had the staff to manage.

None of the centre managers/operators wanted to be identified due to concerns around privacy. As one manager put it, “We are still a small community, and if I identify my centre, people will know who I am talking about.”

A common theme in the responses to questions from Mahurangi Matters was that it had been an emotional ride meeting Government requirements.

“I’m lucky that my staff have been open and honest about how they feel about the vaccinations and although we are all double dosed, it has still been a touchy subject to discuss. I know one centre has lost five staff,” said one.

Another centre owner believed that the majority of staff and teachers at early childhood centres would get their vaccinations to keep their children safe.

“That has certainly been a driving force behind vaccinations in my own centre,” she said.

This is borne out by figures from the Auckland Kindergarten Association, which has more than 160 centres across Tamaki Makaurau.

Figures for the northern region show that 96 per cent of its teaching staff have had their first vaccination and 91 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Association general manager for education and innovation Bram Kukler says since the Public Health Orders came

in, the association has followed processes for maintaining vaccination registers and testing of staff.

“We want to make it as safe as possible for tamariki, their whanau and our staff,” he says.

Mr Kukler says along with vaccinations, the association has evolved its practices to ensure a consistent bubble of children and staff, and that parents wear a masks to pick up and drop off their children at the gate.

In addition, the association promotes good ventilation, outdoor play, good hygiene practices and a proactive response to a changing virus.

Nevertheless, more than one centre in the district is facing the reality that it has teachers and relief teachers who won’t get vaccinated.

“We were already down a couple of teachers before the lockdown so we are going to struggle when numbers at the centre return to normal. I’m not sure what the answer is, but we will just have to try to manage the best we can,” the centre manager says.

Another head teacher, who was also losing staff over the mandatory vaccinations, was critical of the way the Education Ministry had communicated the new rules and regulations.

“It’s been confusing, and it feels like schools and early education centres have been thrown under the bus,” she says.

“They have announced mandates, school openings and new rules, but with no follow-up guidance. As a result, schools are scrambling, and it’s been very hard to plan and prepare when things seem to change on a week-to-week basis.”

She was particularly concerned about the impact it would have on children.

“After three months at home, many of our students will be returning to unfamiliar faces at their centres. This will have a huge effect on their feelings of wellbeing and security.”

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

15

The Sand Debate

McCallum Bros wants to continue extracting sand from the seabed off the Pakiri coast. It’s applied for a resource consent to extract up to 76,000 cubic metres of sand each year for the next 35 years – a move that has angered community groups. Callum McCallum, of McCallum Bros, and Ken Rayward of Save our Sands, make the case for and against sand extraction …

FOR

Callum McCallum: Sustainable extraction that protects the environment

This month, submissions opened as Auckland Council considers our applications to continue extracting sand off the coast of Pakiri. We know that many of you will have questions about what we are doing and why we are doing it. You love your coastline and want to protect it.

My family has a long association with the area. My father and grandfather both worked on the Hauraki Gulf, we started extracting sand from Pakiri more than 75 years ago. I am proud to continue their legacy, and to do so in a way that minimises any environmental impact so that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural beauty and resources of Pakiri.

Why Pakiri sand?

Pakiri sand is unique. It is some of the highest quality sand available in New Zealand, making it ideal to produce highstrength concrete for use in Auckland’s major infrastructure projects. That is why Pakiri sand supplies about half of Auckland’s concrete sand requirements.

It has been used in some of the country’s

Make a public submission Public submissions on McCallum Bros consent close on December 10.

Submissions can be made on the Auckland Council website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt. nz/have-your-say/have-your-saynotified-resource-consent/Pages/ resource-consent-public-notice. aspx?itemId=182&src=Search Callum McCallum

A McCallum dredge in action

most important infrastructure projects – including the Sky Tower, the Newmarket viaduct, Puhoi and Waterview tunnels, central interceptor, and the city rail link.

Better still, there is an enormous amount of sand available off Pakiri with experts estimating the system may contain more than three billion cubic metres. The amount of sand we have extracted from Pakiri over the years is infinitesimal – about 0.15 per cent of the total potential sand volume over the last 55 years – and new sand is entering the system all the time.

What we are extracting is being replenished by natural coastal processes moving sand in and around the whole embayment.

users’ sense of isolation at Pakiri, which is part of the appeal of this pristine beach.

In fact, Pakiri Beach is one of the most monitored beaches in the world, and our experts have not found any impacts on the shoreline that can be attributed to sand extraction. Instead, they have concluded that with continued careful management and appropriate monitoring, sand can be extracted while minimising the environmental impact into the future.

Environmental impact

Like most Aucklanders, we love the Hauraki Gulf and take our obligation to minimise any environmental impact seriously. That is why we commissioned independent research from some of New Zealand’s leading scientific institutions to help us understand our impact. This research concluded that sand extraction is having a less than minor environmental and ecological impact.

And because our extraction occurs at night, we try not to interfere with beach

Learn more

We know that many of you will have questions. That is why we have launched www.thenittygritty.co.nz that provides all our research and aims to answer many of the questions you might have about sand extraction. My commitment to you is that if we are granted consent, we will extract sand sustainably and in balance with the environment. I encourage you to look at the website and to have your say.

AGAINST Ken Rayward: A major threat to our coastal communities

For over 70 years McCallum Bros has taken sand from Mangawhai and Pakiri, making

their own rules while ignoring others. Their financial gain has been at the community’s cost. They have been mining sand without respect for this spectacular environment, concern for beach destruction, appreciation of the effects of climate change on sea levels and threats to bird and marine life, or recognition of iwi mana. There has been an arrogant dismissal of viable alternative supply options. It has created a major threat to our coastal communities.

Everyone who loves New Zealand should make submissions opposing the two new sand mining resource consents, for these reasons: Endangered bird life

The fairy tern is recognised as the most atrisk endangered seabird in New Zealand.

Sand mining is the biggest single threat to their future existence, destroying both their feeding locations and breeding habitats.

On this point alone, the consents should not be granted.

Trust and good conduct

Issuing resource consent to any company for a 35-year term should demand the highest level of proven operational integrity continued next page

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But Don’t Take Our Word For It! Ken Rayward urges everyone to oppose resource consents for more sand extraction.

by the applicant. But, in its current consent, McCallum has been found wanting.

Respected marine scientists conducted their own underwater survey and discovered a trench over four kilometres long and five metres deep. A trench of this magnitude will disrupt the whole seabed ecosystem. During a recent eightday hearing, McCallum went from total denial of the trench’s existence to finally acknowledging its long term knowledge of it. They acknowledged it had been caused by repetitive mining in one location, which was unlawful under their current consent.

Giving away the keys to our coastline to a company whose operational integrity is under serious challenge is something that Auckland Council should not do.

Alternative supply options

There are recognised commercially viable and environmentally sustainable alternative supply options. The Kaipara Harbour is one of these, with Atlas operating as a responsible miner and achieving the same market share as McCallum. This refutes McCallum’s claims that the construction sector only wants Mangawhai-Pakiri sand. The quality of Kaipara Harbour sand is proven to be highly acceptable to

www.localmatters.co.nz

the Auckland construction industry. There is also an over-abundance of sand in the Kaipara Harbour.

Climate change

McCallum is seemingly unaware that its persistent mining in an area that is closed off from receiving replenishing sand supplies will result in beach erosion, coupled with heightened ocean levels, causing irreversible coastal damage.

Maori mana and values

The granting of these mining consents would fail to recognise the relationship between Maori and the coastline. The damage to the marine environment will impact their customary activities and way of life.

National recognition of environmental impact

There is growing public opposition to this consent with a national petition against it.

Greenpeace Aotearoa has committed its full resources to prevent the irreversible environmental destruction that would occur if the consents are granted.

The petition can be signed at https:// community.greenpeace.org.nz/petitions/ mangawhai-pakiri-sos

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17

Henoch Kloosterboer, right, confronts Act leader David Seymour and deputy leader Brooke van Velden at a #Defend NZ expo in Parliament in 2019.

The Hestia shop in Silverdale can accept new, unwrapped gifts, non-perishable food and vouchers during opening hours.

Snells Beach anti-euthanasia Covid hinders Hestia appeal campaigner continues fight A Snells Beach anti-euthanasia activist who fronts the national #Defend NZ campaign says the debate on the End of Life Choice Act (EOLCA) is far from over.

Henoch Kloosterboer says since the passing of the Act, advocacy for the vulnerable has become more critical than ever.

“Some New Zealanders now wield the state-sanctioned legal power to deliberately end the lives of others, or to assist in their suicides,” he says.

Mr Kloosterboer made the remarks following the relaunch of #Defend NZ on November 7, timed to coincide with the EOLCA coming into force. #Defend NZ is now asking the public to sign a petition seeking six amendments to the EOLCA to provide greater protection to those it perceives as at risk from the legislation.

The six amendments are: 1. Requirement there be detailed annual reporting on the impact of the EOLCA 2.

Screening for mental health issues before a person can be eligible for assisted dying 3. Requirement that a person is assessed for mental competency on the day of their death 4.

Requirement for an independent witness

5. Requirement for a coercion assessment 6. Requirement for a mandatory cooling off period Mr Kloosterboer says the amendment seeking a dramatic improvement in reporting standards is especially urgent.

“The Act is currently cloaked in a dangerous and unnecessary cloud of secrecy that needs to be lifted as soon as possible to ensure proper standards of accountability and transparency,” he says.

Mr Kloosterboer says there are sympathetic MPs who would be willing to champion the amendments, but declined to identify them “at this time”.

But Act Party health spokesperson Brooke van Velden, who helped shepherd EOLCA through Parliament, says the Act was heavily scrutinised in Parliament for two years before it was put to a nationwide referendum.

“These ideas proposed by #DefendNZ were canvassed at the time and rejected by Parliament. The End of Life Choice Act is a safe law that clearly sets out a robust regime of stringent safeguards and reporting,” she says.

“It’s legislation that will allow real choice, control and compassion to those who are suffering at the end of their life.”

The #DefendNZ petition can be found here: www.defendnz.co.nz

A local domestic violence charity fears its annual Christmas appeal will be hard hit

by Covid-19 this year, with many people who usually donate to them experiencing hardship or unable to shop normally.

Hestia Women’s Refuge traditionally provides gifts, toys and food for women and children in need, thanks to donations from community group and individuals, but this year it faces a raft of financial and logistical restraints.

A spokeswoman said a key example was that of a church group that usually provided “amazing” food hampers for them, but were unable to do so this year.

“We’re really struggling,” she said.

“The whole Covid thing is just making everything so much harder for everyone.”

However, staff have devised a strategy to make it as easy as possible for people to support Hestia either online or remotely.

“For example, we’re doing a toy drive, where we’ll ask people to email us and

we’ll arrange delivery or collection options.

Vouchers and non-perishable food are also great,” she said. “We also have a Givealittle page, where people can donate money that we can use to buy gifts if people don’t want to go shopping.”

She said while a bank transfer might not seem like the most demonstrative way of sharing Christmas cheer, it would mean Hestia could target funds where they were needed most.

Brand new unwrapped gifts, nonperishable food and vouchers can also be left at The Kowhai Tree, Hestia’s shop in Silverdale village, which reopened on November 10 (but donations for the shop itself still cannot be accepted at this stage).

“We are also always short of presents for 12 to 18-year-olds,” the spokeswoman added.

“Every little bit helps, and we really appreciate everyone’s support.”

Info: Hestia Rodney Women’s Refuge on Facebook or call 021 660 362 during office hours.

Here’s how you can help Hestia:

New, unwrapped toys for all ages, women’s gifts, store vouchers and non-perishable food can be collected by Hestia until December 15 – For pick-ups in Rodney, north of Puhoi and up to Mangawhai and Kaiwaka, email claudia@hestia.org.nz For Hibiscus Coast and Rodney, south of Puhoi, email robyn@hestia.org.nz Monetary donations – https://givealittle.co.nz/org/hestia New, unwrapped toys for all ages; women’s gifts; store vouchers and non-perishable food can be left during opening hours at The Kowhai Tree, 29F Silverdale Street, Silverdale.

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

19

Donations sought for foodbank

Credit schemes sting Mahurangi shoppers Cash-strapped Christmas shoppers thinking of taking advantage of attractivelooking Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) services should take care, according to Mahurangi-based debt resolution service Debtfix.

Debtfix director Christine Liggins says it is had to help a number of people entering into too many BNPL contracts and getting into trouble.

She says BNPL looks attractive because you can go around shops and use this method of payment in nearly every one of them.

“BNPL companies give you the convenience and buzz of immediately taking ownership of the goods when you can’t pay for them,” Ms Liggins says.

But she says BNPL companies may require an establishment fee to open an account and there can be ongoing

administration fees.

“In New Zealand, you have from five to nine weeks to pay off your debt, and if you are late making payments, you will be charged penalties,” she says.

A Consumer NZ survey conducted earlier this year found BNPL services are costing shoppers more than $10 million a year in late fees.

Consumer says close to four out of 10 Kiwi consumers use BNPL services such as Afterpay, Laybuy and Zip. Mrs Liggins says the relaxed lending approach might appeal, but adding to your mounting debt could be worse for you than “not being able to buy a new outfit or the latest smartphone”.

Debtfix’s comments come after the Government asked New Zealanders to

share their experiences of BNPL earlier this month.

Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark says the Government is exploring if more needs to be done to mitigate the risk of consumer harm.

Unlike credit cards and other forms of consumer credit contracts, BNPL providers are not required to comply with the rules under current consumer credit contract legislation.

“I have heard from financial mentoring organisations that BNPL is creating financial hardship for some people. It is important to understand the extent of those harms and the actions that might best address them,” Dr Clark says.

To make a submission on BNPL, visit https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/ bnpl/. Feedback closes on December 16.

Wellsford Foodbank is appealing for donations so that it can put together at least 100 Christmas food parcels for local families in need.

The appeal is being coordinated by Wellsford Plus events manager Tania Hamilton, who says this year the need is greater than ever.

“We understand things are tough at the moment and some may not be able to donate, but whatever people can spare will go to locals in need – our neighbours, our local kids, our struggling families where Christmas is the toughest time of all,” she said.

The foodbank is looking for non-perishable staples and treats, such as dried spaghetti, tinned fruit and vegetables, red or green jellies, small chocolate Santas and six-packs of mince pies or tarts.

Drop-off points are at Hammer Hardware in Station Road or Clever Endeavours at 1 Worker Road and the deadline is Tuesday, November 30.

Alternatively, money can be donated via the Wellsford Plus ASB account 123094-0015177-00, with the reference: FOODBANK Info: Email Tania at events.wfdplus@gmail. com

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Nutrition Nicole Wilson, Registered nutritionist www.nutritionkitchen.co.nz

Feeling bloated Chances are you’ve probably experienced it. That feeling like your stomach is like a balloon full of air. Sometimes you can even see it straining against your clothes.

You are not alone feeling this. Bloating is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms, with 10 to 30 per cent of people experiencing it. Often bloating is felt straight after eating, so people think that something they have just eaten has caused it, leading to people cutting out foods they think are the culprits. They may feel better for a while, but then it happens again, so they cut out more foods. The same thing happens again, and suddenly they are restricting lots of foods, but it still happens. What’s going on?

Often it’s not what you just ate, but possibly something you ate earlier. Food can take a few hours, up to a day or so, to leave the stomach and reach the lower intestine.

Once foods high in fibre reaches the lower intestine, bloating can begin for two reasons.

1. The fibre draws water into the lower into the lower intestine. 2. Your gut bacteria starts fermenting the fibre and forming gas.

If you experience some gas-related symptoms that are tolerable, this could be a good sign that you are providing fuel that encourages good bacteria in your gut. Everyone experiences some bloating and flatulence, and it is important not to immediately consider these as symptoms of a problem. If you do experience symptoms, it is important that you tune into the severity, because pain and significant discomfort are not okay. You should have a chat with your doctor first, and then with a registered nutritionist to make any dietary adjustments to manage severe symptoms.

There might be some foods that need to be removed from your diet, or they may just need to be reduced in quantity or

frequency. On the other hand, it may not be what you are eating that is causing the bloating, but how you are eating.

Things to think about include …

• How quickly are you eating?

• How distracted are you while you are eating?

• How stressed are you?

• How big are your meals?

• How often are you eating?

If you experience some gas-related symptoms that are tolerable, this could be a good sign that you are providing fuel that encourages good bacteria in your gut.

Also, it may not have anything at all to do with food and eating. Ladies, you will likely have experienced bloating thanks to your hormones. At different times during the menstrual cycle, hormones can cause water retention and make you feel bloaty.

As you can see, there are lots of different reasons as to what might be causing bloating. The initial thought is that there has been a reaction and food should be removed from the diet, but maybe there is something else going on. Before you go cutting out foods, some things that may help relieve symptoms include: • Gentle exercise • A cup of peppermint or ginger tea • A heat pack on your belly • An abdominal massage • Better out than in – if you do have gas, then it is okay to let it out!

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Cuisine Lauraine Jacobs

www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/blog/

Very traditional Christmas Cake Our family has many Christmas food traditions, as you would expect when you come from a long line of food-loving cooks.

My maternal grandmother raised her family in her native Tonga and was known as one of the best hostesses and cooks in that kingdom in her time. My mother, who came to Auckland for secondary schooling, along with her six brothers and sisters, brought all the family recipes. They were copied by hand into recipe books for her kitchen when she married, and they have long since been handed on to me.

Desserts and baking are the mainstay of our family Christmas; we have lots of desserts and with fresh strawberries, ice cream and wonderful homemade custard, the day is almost over the top with sweet delights. Nana’s steamed pudding is a must, although we no longer add the shiny threepences and sixpences that I would seek when a kid, and there is always a lightas-air pavlova covered in strawberries and a splendid chocolate log – oozing with cream – that my nieces and nephews, with young families of their own, are always asking for the recipe to make themselves.

The mainstay of the Christmas season is our family Rich Christmas Cake, and it’s one thing that can be prepared ahead and ticked off the list several weeks before the festive season becomes too busy. This is the first Christmas without my mother, so I approached baking the cake this year with a fair dose of sentiment. I have her 27cm cake tin and made the cake exactly as she did. It’s large and requires one of those very large bowls to mix everything together once the eggs and sugar are beaten and fluffy. If you don’t have a large tin, you

could bake the cake in two smaller 20cm tins, but you should reduce the cooking time by about an hour.

Once your cake is baked, add the brandy or rum if you wish. You can also add more spirits to keep it moist after about two or three weeks. Cover it well and keep in an airtight tin. It will be a joy to have it around as we hopefully move back into a more social mood as we get into December.

There’s nothing quite like a festive cake and a cuppa tea or a glass of bubbles.

Rich Christmas Cake 1.5kg mixed dried fruit, including sultanas, raisins and currants 500g butter 385g brown sugar 8 eggs 1 tablespoon golden syrup 4 tablespoons blackcurrant jam 500g flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt mix 1 teaspoon mixed spice 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 packet (150g) glacé cherries 100g blanched almonds ¼ cup brandy Optional: Apricot jam for glazing

Line a 27cm cake tin with several layers of greaseproof or brown paper. Set the oven to 160C. Place all the dried fruit in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain well, cool and let stand

overnight. In a large electric beater, place the softened butter and beat well together with the sugar until light and creamy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition, so they are well incorporated. Add golden syrup and blackcurrant jam and beat that in well too. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and spice ingredients three or four times. Add the sifted ingredients and the fruit in small alternate batches to the creamed butter, sugar and egg mixture.

Welcome back!

22

| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

Finally, fold in the cherries.

Tip the mixture into the prepared tin and lay the almonds on the surface. Bake the cake at 160C for 4 hours. When cooked, pour ¼ cup of brandy over the surface while the cake is still warm. Cool and place in an airtight tin to mature for 2 to 4 weeks. Immediately before cutting the cake, glaze the top with melted apricot jam for a professional looking finish.

Makes one large 27cm cake.

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Funding kick from donkey shave A gathering of Jennies at Highfield Reserve last month helped to raise funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ. Snells Beach’s Jenny Bartlett put out a call online to anyone named “Jenny” to join her “shave for a cure” fundraiser.

A “jenny” is also a term for a female donkey, making the donkey park at Highfield Garden Reserve a fitting outside location for the group shave.

Jennie Rountree agreed to join, and cut off her pony tails for the first time, while other women named Jenny came to support. Jennie also brought her clients from Adults in Motion (AIM) to witness the event so that they wouldn’t be shocked to see her without hair.

Jenny and Jennie’s team fundraiser, named “Jennies Don’t Give a Donkey’s Ass” has raised $3500 so far.

It is Jenny Bartlett’s 10th time shaving for a fundraiser. This time, in order to meet Covid-19 restrictions, which do not allow haircuts from professionals, she had her partner Dave do the honours.

Dave says his only previous experience is shaving the dog.

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ chief executive, and Snells Beach resident, Peter Ferguson says team shaving events have been important for fundraising amid the pandemic.

Last month was blood cancer awareness month. Peter says people have been hesitant to visit the doctor during lockdown, but it is important that people with symptoms get checked out.

He says symptoms of blood cancer include lethargy and a sore throat, which makes it tricky to diagnose, but most GPs will order a blood test if an adult presents symptoms.

Peter says that blood cancer is most prevalent among older people, but New Zealand has the highest number of children with blood cancer per capita in the world, and no one knows why.

“Fortunately, we also have a great record of treatment, with 85 per cent of kids going into remission, thanks to good

Springboard took possession of Sheepworld last month.

Springboard fundraiser breaks previous records Jennie Rountree played pin the tail on the donkey with her own ponytail.

access to medicine,” he says.

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ supports 5000 patients a year with food and transport to treatment. Peter says that requests for help are up 40 per cent due to the Covid pandemic.

Donations to Jenny and Jennie’s shave fundraiser are welcomed at https://shaveforacure.co.nz/t/ jenniesdontgiveadonkeysass

Rodney student heads to Parliament

Marja Lubeck, right, meets Will Heron via Zoom.

Mahurangi-based Labour MP Marja Lubeck has announced her Youth Member of Parliament for 2022. Rodney College student Will Heron will represent Ms Lubeck at the 10th New Zealand Youth Parliament. The Youth Parliament gives young people an opportunity to learn about politics through debating legislation, sitting on select committees and asking questions of ministers. Ms Lubeck says Will has been keen on politics from a young age. Earlier this year, Will organised a protest against the Dome Valley landfill and has been coordinating queer spaces and LGBTQ+ resources at Rodney College. “Will is an impressive young person who will be a great representative for our community, and a voice for young people across New Zealand,” Ms Lubeck says.

A Springboard online fundraising campaign that ended earlier this month has broken all previous records.

Springboard’s Fund a Brighter Future campaign for vulnerable youth raised $276,812, comfortably eclipsing last year’s total of $256,000.

The big amount came as a surprise to Springboard director Gary Diprose, who felt last year’s total would be tough to beat due to the difficulties imposed by a Covid lockdown.

Gary was able to bolster last year’s online campaign with face-to-face meetings with businesses and supporters, something that proved impossible this year.

But he says Springboard’s taking over of iconic tourist attraction Sheepworld has generated even more enthusiasm for the work of the organisation.

Sheepworld will enable young people to learn skills such as horticulture, sheep shearing, retailing and hospitality.

In addition, Gary says people have been able to see the impact of previous fundraising efforts, which has boosted community confidence.

These include funding of a car to help young people secure their driver’s licence, a methamphetamine education programme and a boxing academy.

This year’s fundraising effort was further boosted by Kennards Hire and Northwood Developments, who contributed $125,000 to the final total.

Plume Restaurant is the jewel in Matakana’s crown, just 5 minutes from Warkworth and 20 minutes north of Orewa. This is the perfect destination venue for small or large celebrations for your business, family and friends.

Ideally situated in beautiful Matakana, Plume Restaurant is an oasis for gourmet travellers in a coastal country setting. It’s recognised for its superb cuisine, attentive service and is also the cellar door for Runner Duck Estate Vineyard’s fine wines.

Plume Restaurant offers the ultimate venue for special family occasions such as weddings, family reunions, anniversaries or Christmas parties. We can host private lunch or dinner events for up to 80 people, with drinks and finger food on the patio.

Should you decide to extend your stay, 12 new, 1-3 bedroom, luxurious Plume Villas, all sharing a swimming pool, are a relaxed stroll from Plume Restaurant.

Plume offers a fantastic proposition, with everything you need in one beautiful place. Your colleagues, clients, friends and family will talk about your amazing event for many years to come.

www.theplumecollection.co.nz

SCL/PLU2019/03

www.localmatters.co.nz

November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

23

Scope to permit camping at reserves left out of bylaw

Existing freedom camping sites could be retained via a new council parks plan.

Concerns that a new bylaw will see freedom campers forced out from current permitted sites and onto surrounding streets may not be realised if those sites are included in a new management plan for parks currently being developed

by Auckland Council.

At the moment, freedom camping is allowed at five reserves in Mahurangi – Port Albert Domain; Matheson Bay; Warkworth’s Parry Kauri Park; and Sunburst Reserve and Sunrise Boulevard in Snells Beach.

However, a new draft freedom camping bylaw excludes all reserves, meaning that a default prohibition under the Reserves Act 1977 will apply if and when the new bylaw comes into force in October next year.

Rodney Local Board deputy chair Beth Houlbrooke said the Board would have preferred to see some reserves kept as places for freedom camping where they were not causing any major issues.

“The Local Board is very concerned about the knock-on effect this will have to neighbouring roadsides, which are not prohibited,” she said.

However, the Council policy team said camping on some reserves could be included as part of a new local parks management plan currently being developed, which was welcomed by Ms Houlbrooke.

“Work is underway to come up with a list of suitable sites for freedom camping, which will be consulted on with the community when the local parks management plan consultation takes place next year,” she said.

Rodney Local Board is funding two full-time wardens to encourage compliance with freedom camping rules, as well as increasing public awareness and enforcement around other issues such as illegal littering and dumping, dogs on beaches, shorebird protection and sediment run-off.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association is objecting to Council’s proposed new freedom camping bylaw, with national property and policy manager James Imlach saying the proposal denied Kiwi families the opportunity to enjoy the region’s most desirable areas, and it could open campers up to higher fines under the Reserves Act. “The management regime will make it harder for Kiwis to understand where they can and cannot freedom camp.

Most people won’t know whether a parcel of land falls under the new bylaw or Reserves Act,” he said.

Public feedback can be made on the proposed bylaw until December 5 at https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/freedom-camping-bylaw or by calling 09 301 0101

From left, Whangarei Mayor and EV user Sheryl Mai with Northland Councillors Amy Macdonald and Rick Stolwerk check out the new Waipu fast charger.

New EV station fills fast-charging gap in northern network Electric vehicle (EV) drivers have a new option for rapid charging in Northland, thanks to a new fast charge station in Waipu.

The new facility outside Waipu Museum is the only fast charge station between Kaiwaka and Whangarei, making it a useful addition for anyone using State Highway 1 or living in the wider area.

The $68,000 project was jointly funded by the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority and EV charging network Charge.net, with support from Northpower and Northland Regional (NRC) and Whangarei District Councils.

Councillor Amy Macdonald, chair of the Northland’s climate change working party, says NRC is keen to support improvements to the region’s electric vehicle charging stations as a practical part of its commitment to climate action.

The new charging station can increase a vehicle’s charge by 30 per cent in 11 minutes at a cost of around $3.50.

works Design Manufacture Install Kitchens Wardrobes Laundries Cabinetry SHOWROOM & FACTORY

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24

| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

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November/December 2021 – Your essential property guide from Dairy Flat to Waipu

WelcomeHome Welcome Home

Barfoot & Thompson | Bayleys | Greycat Properties Ltd | MEYER | Mike Pero | Quest & Co | Ray White | RE/MAX Realty Group | Ryman Healthcare | Warkworth Oaks

Warkworth Oaks, still the place to be.

Right in the heart of delightful Warkworth village, Warkworth Oaks is the ultimate in convenience, comfort & security.

A retirement complex made up of luxury apartments that literally step out into the convenience of this charming town and all the amenities it offers.

And right now you can get a brand new 2 bedroom apartment, featuring floor to ceiling windows, high studs, quality appliances, with secure parking available from just $765,000.

With wonderful facilities and events, Warkworth Oaks is a place you can truly belong.

Call Sylvie on 027 314 5767 or (09) 425 8766 now and find out what Real Living is all about.

realliving.co.nz | Mahurangimatters www.localmatters.co.nz November A Local Matters publication. Distribution - 39,750 copies. Advertising enquiries: Mahurangi 09 425 906822, or2021 Hibiscus 09 427 8188 | 25

NEW LISTING

Boundary lines are indicative only

Warkworth 1098 Woodcocks Road

Galloping to the good life!

4

Set in a picturesque countryside location just north of Auckland and around 10 minutes' drive west from Warkworth town and motorway access, this tidy rural property covers undulating hills, and presents 5.6944 ha (more or less) of land divided into seven fenced paddocks and offering a variety of family lifestyle options.

Set Sale Date (unless sold prior) 4pm, Wed 1 Dec 2021 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View by appointment Avalon Sanders 021 230 9515 avalon.sanders@bayleys.co.nz James Sanders 021 135 0740 james.sanders@bayleys.co.nz

Enjoying resplendent 360-degree views, the cedar homestead sits in an elevated position, featuring stunning outdoor spaces.

Flexible living/working from home options, and additional barn with sleepout or rumpus located next to the house. Casual riding arena set up, hardstand and stalls accommodating 7 ponies. Abundant water is supplied by a gravity fed bore onsite. Vendors committed to next move.

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MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/1202759

NEW LISTING

Warkworth 15 Oliver Street

Golden family jackpot!

4

After 5 years of loving their immaculate 4-bedroom single level brick and tile home, our fastidious vendors are making this ideal family or investment property available to the market for the first time.

Auction (unless sold prior) 10am, Thu 2 Dec 2021 41 Queen Street, Warkworth View by appointment Avalon Sanders 021 230 9515 avalon.sanders@bayleys.co.nz James Sanders 021 135 0740 james.sanders@bayleys.co.nz

Built with the assurance of a name we know, this 192.7sqm Golden Home is situated in one of Warkworth's favourite neighbourhoods, close to town and schools. With a touch of glamour, the entertainer's kitchen has a stunning north facing outlook. With open plan, light-filled living spaces throughout, leading to private outdoor patio perfect for those summer bbq's and outdoor entertainment.

Low maintenance property, with box vege gardens, established gardens, private and quiet; this is a move in and enjoy property!

bayleys.co.nz/1202748

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MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

26 | Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021 26 WelcomeHome

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Artist's impression

Artist's impression

Artist's impression

Warkworth 110 Pulham Road

Villas on Pulham

4

Do you want to future proof yourself by buying new and need time to sell your existing property? Then Villas on Pulham in the flourishing town of Warkworth may be the perfect solution for you! Timeless, with heritage inspired elements and styled for today, Villas on Pulham are truly unique. Conveniently located within an easy stroll of Warkworth's Riverside Shopping precinct, and just minutes drive to the Matakana Coasts numerous restaurants, wineries, beaches and attractions. All less than an hour north of Auckland City. These Villas are perfect for a variety of lifestyles, offering easy care landscapes ensuring a low cost of ownership into the future. Once completed, these freehold title homes will give you peace of mind with the 10-year Master Builders guarantee and include full landscaping, quality appliances and the ability to choose your own interior colour schemes. Stage One only 3 remaining so act quickly. Flexible deposit terms available and settlement on issue of CCC.

For Sale $1,450,000 View by appointment Anthony Shaw 021 234 9797 anthony.shaw@bayleys.co.nz

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MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz/1202557

A BIG shout out to a few local businesses Anthony Shaw Real Estate Specialist Warkworth and Surrounds Tel: 021 234 9797

MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

www.localmatters.co.nz November/December

| 27 November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters 27 WelcomeHome

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

snells beach 17 rawhiti place

legal home and income!

Renovated home with great views and stunning polished bamboo floors throughout the main house which boasts 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, modern kitchen, and spacious living areas that open onto the deck overlooking Kawau Bay. The self-contained flat features two bedrooms, a tidy bathroom and full kitchen facilities, ideal for teens, tenants or extended family. A sunny deck and a single garage. In a great location with family-friendly swimming beaches, this is the perfect base for life’s comings and goings.

6

3

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625sqm

3

online auction (unless sold prior) 11am weds 08th dec 2021 viewing strictly by appointment

steffan meyer | 0800 877 653 steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

algies bay 57 athol place

idyllic family living!

4+ 2+ 1 816sqm 2 4 bedrooms plus study allows for ample accommodation and versatile living spaces cater for every occasion. The deck is the perfect spot to appreciate the setting, with the flat section online auction (unless sold prior) providing plenty of space for families of all shapes and sizes. For peace of mind, this is a 11am weds 01st dec 2021 mixture of brick and plaster with the plaster on a cavity system, with heat pump, neutral décor, beachy kitchen and double garaging. This vibrant suburb is incredibly popular - and viewing strictly by appointment for good reason! If you’re drawn by the lure of the beach, act now!

steffan meyer | 0800 877 653 steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz

28 | Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021 28 WelcomeHome

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algies bay 21 gordon craig place

“

Meyer Real Estate came highly recommended and was on point from

the f irst day we met. Steffan and his team were professional, attentive

and brought a fresh approach, fully utilising available online platforms

and state of the art technology. The Market Buy online auction platform

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

“

was great, enabling easy participation for the bidders and providing

an environment to optimise the result. Steffan asked our opinions, gave good advice and worked hard to produce a very pleasing outcome.

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz

snells beach 265 mahurangi east road

snells beach 33 dawson road

“

Real Estate made selling an

result with Steffan in selling

absolute breeze, from start to

our home. He was very much on

f inish our expectations were

the mark with potential buyers

blown out of the water!

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

This is our second positive

/ bidders. Thanks again team Meyer for a great result!

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

“

Steffan and the team at Meyer

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz

www.localmatters.co.nz November/December

| 29 November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters 29 WelcomeHome

30 | Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021 30 WelcomeHome

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Realty Group

www.remax.nz

|

Northern Properties Ltd

www.localmatters.co.nz November/December

Each office independently owned and operated |

Licensed REAA 2008

ADDRESS 1/231 Dairy Flat Highway, Albany, AUCKLAND 0632 OFFICE 09 425 0261

| 31 November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters 31 WelcomeHome

32 | Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021 32 WelcomeHome

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AUCTION

8 Morpeth Street, Warkworth

RARE CENTRAL WARKWORTH DEVELOPMENT

VACANT SITE

Business - Mixed Use Zoning

Boundaries approximate

RIPE FOR DEVELOPMENT Multi-unit Flats?

2 or 3 Townhouses?

Home and Business?

View on www.trademe.co.nz/3340298177 College, primary school, 2 supermarkets, banks, healthcare, RSA, bowling club, restaurants, cafes, bars, library ... All within easy walking distance.

Warkworth, the charming village coming of age. Gateway to the north, Matakana and Kowhai Coasts. 57kms to Downtown Auckland. New motorway and Matakana link roads opening in 6 months. Warkworth is a designated satellite township with stellar forecast growth. Get on the back of this wave now!

AUCTION ON SITE 6pm, Thursday 16th December 2021 UNLESS SOLD PRIOR Email greycatpty@gmail.com for documents www.localmatters.co.nz November/December

| 33 November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters 33 WelcomeHome

SUPERB FAMILY FAMILY LOCATION LOCATION SUPERB

34 | Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021 34 WelcomeHome

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a n a k ta a M to d n a l ck u A FFroromm Auckland to Matakana New New Listings Listings New Listings

2/1A 2/1A Clifton Clifton Road, Road, Takapuna Takapuna 2/1A Clifton Road, Takapuna

23 Croydon Road, Mt Eden 23 Croydon Road, Mt Eden 23 Croydon Road, Mt Eden

Setting Setting New New Standards Standards Setting New Standards Near and Far Near and Far Near and Far

Family owned and led since 1902, Ray White has become the trusted Family owned since 1902, Ray White has become go-to brand in and Newled Zealand, Australasia and now globally.the trusted go-to brand in New Zealand, Australasia and now globally.

Family owned and led since 1902, Ray White has become the trusted Also family operated, the local team Ray White go-to brand owned in Newand Zealand, Australasia and nowat Also family owned and operated, the is local atglobally.

Ray White Matakana Omaha Point Wells, which ledteam by award-winning Matakana Omaha Point Wells, which is led by award-winning salesperson Heather Walton carrythe this important with plenty Also family owned and operated, local team attorch Ray White salesperson Heather Walton carry this important torch with plenty of pride and quality of customer service at the forefront.

Matakana Omaha Wells, which is led by award-winning of pride and qualityPoint of customer service at the forefront. salesperson Heather Walton carry this important torch with plenty “The results we are getting for our homeowners speak for of pride and quality of customer service at the forefront.

“The results are getting for our homeowners speak for how themselves, ”we says Heather.

The team know and understand themselves, ” says Heather.

Thepreserving team knowprices and understand how is precious their is and for homeowners “The results welocal are area getting for our homeowners for precious their local area is and preserving prices speak for homeowners is what we do best. themselves, says Heather. The team know and understand how what we do ”best. precious their local area is and preserving prices for homeowners is The team will move to their beautiful new home at 897 Matakana what we do best.

The will move their and beautiful new home at 897 Matakana Roadteam (previously thetoBoard Batten store) from November 2021 Road (previously the Board and Batten store) from November 2021 and invite you to call in any time for a coffee and get to know them.

The team will beautiful home Matakana and invite youmove to calltointheir any time for a new coffee and at get897 to know them.

Road (previously the Board and Batten store) from November 2021 If you wantyou theto best service, marketing and sales and invite callpossible in any time for a quality coffee and get to know them.

If you want theno best possible quality marketing sales outcome, look further, thisservice, exceptional team will haveand your back outcome, look no further, this exceptional team will have your back and you can relax knowing you and your property are in the best If you want the best possible service, quality marketing and sales and you can relax knowing you and your property are in the best possible hands. outcome, look no further, this exceptional team will have your back possible hands. and you can relax knowing you and your property are in the best possible hands.

15 Laly Haddon Place, Matakana 15 Laly Haddon Place, Matakana 15 Laly Haddon Place, Matakana

Heather Walton Heather Walton 021 432 167 021 432 167 Heather Walton 021 432 167

Rod Cheeseman Rod 021Cheeseman 875 331 021 875 331 Rod Cheeseman 021 875 331

www.localmatters.co.nz November/December

Annie Mellor Annie Mellor 027 929 7767 027 929 7767 Annie Mellor 027 929 7767

Sue Hatton Sue279 Hatton 027 9696 027 279 9696 Sue Hatton 027 279 9696

Ryan Teece Ryan Teece 021 156 2672 021 156 2672 Ryan Teece 021 156 2672

Ray White Matakana & Ohama Ray White Matakana & Ohama 09 283 3656 09 283 3656 Rayenquiries.br@raywhite.com White Matakana & Ohama enquiries.br@raywhite.com 09 283 3656 enquiries.br@raywhite.com

| 35 November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters 35 WelcomeHome

RICK LAW • MIKE PERO REAL ESTATE Specialists in selling houses in Warkworth & Surrounds LD SO

Lynn Ward - 021 312 387 lynn.ward@mikepero.com

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Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd. Licensed REAA (2008)

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Mike Pero Puhoi is proud to be supporting the Puhoi Woodchopping Competition.

We can’t chop wood but we can sell houses so if you are thinking of selling, call Ian and Lynn for a no obligation FREE appraisal.

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Competition. to attain the very best results for our clients customers...AND the cheapest Weand can’t chop woodwith butone we Weofcan can’t chop wood but We we can can’t chop wood but we can commission rates around! sell houses so if you are thinking sell houses of so if you are sell thinking houses of so if you are thinking of CALL Rick now for a FREE appraisal of your property! selling, call Ian and Lynnselling, for a nocall Ian and Lynnselling, for a nocall Ian and Lynn for a no obligation FREE appraisal. obligation FREE appraisal. obligation FREE appraisal.

Rick Law - 021 865 321 Ian Bateman - 027 599 9077 Ian Lynn Bateman Ward - 021 - 027 312599 387907 ian.bateman@mikepero.com

rick.law@mikepero.com

Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd. Licensed REAA (2008)

36 | Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021 36 WelcomeHome

Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd. Licensed REAA (2008)

Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd. Licensed REAA (2008)

ian.bateman@mikepero.com lynn.ward@mikepero.com

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Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters November/December

IN CHALLENGING TIMES, YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS When you move into a Ryman village, you’ll never feel disconnected from your friends and neighbours.

Every Ryman retirement village is a supportive community where residents can thrive – even in difficult times. While we observe strict safety protocols, we’ve found ways to make sure our residents can stay connected, including online events, as well as check-ins with our friendly team.

Supporting people is what we do best – it’s one of the reasons why we have been voted Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand in the aged care and retirement category for seven years. Whether you live independently but want to become part of a closer community, or if you’d like the extra helping hand that comes with an assisted living apartment, we’ve got options to suit. We also have a range of care options should you ever need them, including resthome, hospital and dementia care.

“If you need help, people are there for you.”

Julie, Ryman resident

ocals

m

EVELYN PAGE RETIREMENT VILLAGE

ian.bateman@mikepero.com lynn.ward@mikepero.com

lynn.ward@mikepero.com

rymanhealthcare.co.nz

www.mikepero.com www.localmatters.co.nz November/December

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30 Ambassador Glade, Lynn Orewa, 421 1815 Ian Lynn Bateman Ward - 021 - 027 312599 3879077 Ward - 021 312 387

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Whatever you’re looking for in a community, you’ll find a warm welcome at Ryman.

d Ca ill a re & tV R e t i re m e n

www.mikepero.com | 37 November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters 37 WelcomeHome

Science Emeritus Professor Ralph Cooney r.cooney@auckland.ac.nz

Get ready for a boost Vaccination is the only method that can lead to containment and eradication of the Covid-19 virus. However, an important new question now arises as the percentage of the New Zealand population who are fully vaccinated approaches 90 per cent.

How long does immunity persist after the final jab? There have been a couple of recent scientific studies reporting the rate of decline – one four months and another six months after the second jab. A rough average of data from these two reports, one of which is in the top journal Nature, is that immunity from Pfizer vaccinations declines at a rate of about 5 per cent per month following the second jab.

This medium-term decline indicates that a third jab or booster is likely to be necessary within a year. It is even possible that an annual jab may prove necessary in the longer term. There is a strong drive for wealthy countries such as those in the EU and USA to expand the supply of boosters.

But doing so is controversial, considering that some poorer countries have not yet received a single shot. The World Health Organisation appealed to the wealthy countries to hold off on boosters until a significant proportion of every country’s population has been vaccinated.

The term “jab” or “injection” may not be appropriate in future years, as both oral and nasal delivery methods of the vaccine are likely to become available in due course.

The advantage of an oral vaccine is clear: it can be administered by the patient without the need to involve health professionals.

This makes the administration of the vaccine much more accessible in poorer communities. An additional advantage of a nasal vaccine is that the virus population is highly concentrated in the upper

respiratory system and so this direct delivery may have higher clinical efficacy than existing injection methods.

A supplementary line of development is also now appearing: the development of new antiviral drugs. These new pharmaceuticals are expected to play a valuable but limited role by reducing morbidity (serious illness and hospitalisation) and mortality (deaths) associated with Covid infection. These

It is even possible that an annual jab may prove necessary in the longer term. antivirals are being developed by Merck, Pfizer and Roche/Atea. Each operates differently. The Pfizer antiviral interferes with an enzyme that the virus needs to reproduce, and the Merck antiviral introduces errors into the genetic code of the virus.

Preliminary data suggests that the Pfizer antiviral may be somewhat more potent, but both are effective. An inherent risk in the global deployment of antivirals could be the development of resistance, as has happened with antibiotics. Antivirals are not a replacement for vaccination, but they will be a valuable supplementary agent. The New Zealand Government has signed up to receive 730,000 doses of one of the antivirals.

Optimistically, New Zealand is now approaching a final phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the completion of this phase, the pandemic is expected to become endemic, which means the community will learn how to co-exist with the coronavirus, just as we did many years ago with influenza.

Volunteers wanted for Big Omaha Wharf Volunteers are wanted to prepare and paint the Big Omaha Wharf. The work is being organised by The Big Omaha Wharf Restoration Society and the Whangateau Resident and Ratepayers Association. The preparation weekend starts on Friday, November 26, and runs until November 28. Work will include water blasting, sanding and priming.

Painting of the topcoat starts on Friday, December 3 and continues until December 5.

There will be a barbecue on December 4 for volunteers. The barbecue is being funded

by Auckland Council, Matakana Butcher and Four Square Matakana. To volunteer, call Audrey Sharp on 021 058 1289 or Hugh McKergow on 422 6219. Volunteers need to be coordinated to meet health and safety requirements.

BRAKES • COOLING SYSTEMS • WOF • SERVICING • ALL REPAIRS - ALL MODELS • CAMBELTS • BIKE WOF

CAMERON AUTO SERVICES We will be operating reduced days & hours over the Christmas/New Year period.

Closing Noon 23rd Dec Open 8am - 3pm: 29th Dec, 30th Dec, 31st Dec, 5th Jan, 6th Jan & fully reopen 8-5 from 10th Jan.

PHONE: 09 425 7575 • 6/14 Glenmore Drive, Warkwor th • PHONE: 09 425 7575 38

| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

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feature northland waste

Recovering resources on a grand scale It has taken the best part of four years, but Northland Waste’s $5 million indoor resource recovery facility is now up, running and open to the public.

Warkworth Re:Sort has been developed on the former Wyatt’s Landscaping site at 183 Sandspit Road to accept a wide range of commercial and household waste for diversion and disposal.

Northland Waste managing director Ray Lambert says the huge sorting shed and yard has been designed to service Warkworth and the surrounding district for years to come, as the region rapidly develops.

The process was not without its problems, as neighbours objected to the plans and appealed against the resource consent, but extensive consultation and negotiation resulted in a mutually agreed settlement.

Northland Waste has put in a fully sealed access road and built a significant buffer zone around the site, and says that as the facility is indoors, a large proportion of any noise and dust is contained. The site

Northland Waste managing director Ray Lambert outside the new 750 square metre Warkworth Re:Sort facility off Sandspit Road.

also incorporates number plate recognition technology, so account customers can drive straight in, and thermal image detection to minimise the risk of fire from illegally disposed of lithium-ion batteries.

“It has been a bit of a long road to get here,” Ray says. “However, we knew the Warkworth population was expanding significantly and in business development, especially in the commercial building market, it was one of the fastest-growing areas in New Zealand.”

He says since the Auckland Council-owned community refuse and recycling centre at nearby Lawrie Road does not take fill, fibre cement board or trucks over four tonnes, so there was a gap in provision.

“We’ve heard from several businesses that have found it challenging in the last two years, with no local facility capable of taking large volumes,” he says. “The local community needed a purpose-built facility with the capacity to process and handle construction, commercial and demolition waste, and recycling – this was our key

“

The local community needed a purpose-built facility with the capacity to process and handle construction, commercial and demolition waste, and recycling – this was our key driver for development.

”

driver for development.

“And being indoors also opens up the opportunity for more waste recovery, as our teams are no longer exposed to the elements. This has really allowed us to pull apart builders’ skips and divert a huge amount from landfill.”

Re:Sort is open daily to the general public as well as commercial customers, with general and green waste charged by weight using the yard’s new automatic weighbridge. Ray says Northland Waste prefers to charge by

weight rather than volume because it is less subjective when it comes to oddly shaped objects. However, there is no charge for dropping off 1, 2 and 5 plastics, domestic and restaurant glass (though it has to be separated by colour), cardboard, steel, tin, aluminum and whiteware.

There is also a bonus for boaties: Re:Sort will weigh your boat for you, for a small charge.

Any items brought in that are still in usable condition are being donated to Hospice, building on Northland Waste’s established relationship with the organisation, whereby it donates 10 cents to hospice for each orange rubbish bag sold.

“Instead of setting up a shop on site and competing with local charities who are already established, we wanted to help them out by donating all the reusable items we receive to the hospice shop in town, so they can sell them through the shop and retain the revenue.”

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

39

Your new locally owned Waste and Recycling centre is now open!

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40

| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

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feature northland waste Northland Waste has diversified its business over the past 10 years to include increased resource recovery, recycling and technical innovation.

Adapting to meet ever-changing needs Northland Waste has only been operating for just over a decade, but it has expanded rapidly to become New Zealand’s thirdlargest recycling and waste operator, behind Envirowaste and Waste Management, both of which are Chinese-owned.

Northland now has eight branches, from Cape Reinga to Wellington, with more than 350 employees and 100 trucks.

Managing director Ray Lambert is very much a Mahurangi local, however, and lives in Sandspit with his family. He believes being 100 per cent Kiwi-owned and keeping close ties with the local community are key to the company’s success.

“We’re proud to be fortunate enough to sponsor several local events and charities and believe that sustainable business practices start with locals supporting locals,” he says.

“There are not many Kiwi-owned operators left now, so we have had to

think smart about how we do things and put our customers at the centre of all of the decisions we make, as our competitors are large multinationals with very deep pockets.”

Northland Waste began providing the weekly kerbside refuse collection locally in 2012 when it bought Mason Bins. It now provides a range of options for customers from bin bags and wheelie bins through to worm farms and skip bins, and more.

“Over the years, we have diversified our business to include extensive resource recovery and recycling operations, biofuel and composting initiatives, and focused on tech innovation,” Ray says.

He says this flexibility is ideal for Rodney, where residents can choose the service that suits their needs and property best, and pay only when they put their rubbish out. Not surprisingly, he is against a recent apparent about-turn by Auckland Council, which after years of promoting pay-as-youthrow (PAYT) to reduce rubbish, is now

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looking at adding refuse collection on to general rates. He says paying a waste levy through rates instead of buying bags is like sanctioning “all you can eat rubbish”.

“It doesn’t incentivise reducing your rubbish,” he says. “For the last two years we’ve been developing a PAYT solution which, prior to the announcement from Council, we were planning to launch for Rodney residents.”

The new Ecopay system involves a “smart bin” with a Radio Frequency identification (RFID) chip inside that works much like a Hop card or Uber account – that is, it only charges the owner when the bin is put out for collection and scanned by a refuse truck.

“It’s a fair system for all, incentivising waste reduction and rewarding those who don’t generate much waste,” Ray says. “We’re really proud of Ecopay, and really hope that we’re able to offer this solution to our community in future.”

Turning wood waste into biofuel One of the priorities for Warkworth Re:Sort has not only been to re-establish somewhere local to dispose of commercial and building waste, but to keep as much of that material out of landfill.

Construction and demolition waste is now thoroughly sorted, with all scrap metal recycled and, in a new initiative, wood waste turned into biofuel.

Ray Lambert says its Re:Fuel Your Wood scheme diverts waste wood from landfill throughout Northland and uses it as an alternative fuel source to coal in concrete production.

“We’re really excited to introduce our ‘refuel your woodwaste’ scheme to the district, as treated and non-treated wood makes up a significant portion of waste to landfill,” he said. “We’ve had a number of builders come on board already to divert wood from landfill at their construction sites.”

Recovered wood from Warkworth is taken to Northland Waste’s processing facility at its Puwera landfill, just south of Whangarei.

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

41

CONCRETE PLACERS

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Right team for the right place Northland Waste manages around 20,000 tonnes of waste in Rodney each week. Chief executive Ray Lambert sees the new Re:Sort station as a commitment to Warkworth and says the success of the project was thanks to making sure all contractors were local. “The advantage of having local subbies is that they know each other and work well together as a team,” he says.

Proud to design and build the Northland Waste Re:Sort Stations using DonoBeam at Warkworth and Silverdale 09 425 7088 www.coresteel.co.nz www.donovangroup.com/donobeam/ 35 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth

Good neighbours

Concreting under pressure

Ray credits the Warkworth office of engineering firm LDE with preventing the new site from being the subject of a legal battle in the Environment Court.

LDE redesigned the site in response to mediation with neighbours. It now features “bunds” or small hills planted with native trees by McNaught Nurseries, which will effectively hide the transfer station within bush.

In response to feedback, the shed was also moved to the back of the site to minimise noise disruption, and a new fence was built for an immediate neighbour.

Another one of LDE’s design innovations is a “green water treatment” feature. Two 70-metre grassed swales divert run-off water from the open yard and effectively filter any contaminants before they reach a subsoil drain.

LDE’s Aaron Holland says the swales can accommodate up to 500mm of heavy rainfall before water will begin to overflow into a drain. There is also a “rain garden” near the weighbridge which filters stormwater from the access way through four different layers of soil.

With these innovations, and a newly sealed road and concreted site, Ray Lambert believes the community is better off.

“We respected the neighbours’ desire for a better outcome, and I think the whole project is better for it. I believe there are now fewer impacts on the community here than before we built a transfer station,” he says.

For Atlas Concrete’s Warkworth branch, the new transfer station is the largest project it has done since it established a local depot three years ago.

The Atlas team poured 150 cubic metres of concrete in a day, twice a week. For each section, the team had to prepare with aggregate, mesh and boxing, as it went along.

At 15 centimetres thick, the concrete surface had to be sturdy enough to withstand the constant pressure of truck and trailers moving about each day.

It is now rated to 30 megapascals, which is the equivalent of 300 kilograms of pressure per square centimetre.

All told, Atlas poured 1750 cubic metres of concrete for the project, used 3700 tonnes of aggregate and 1200 sheets of hightensile mesh.

Manager Troy Rolfe-Vyson says it was just one job among many, with all five of his trucks “flat out” since lockdown restrictions eased for construction.

He says it helped that there were well organised tradies working on the project.

One was Jamie Hardwick, of Prime Earthworks, who was in charge of preparing the final touches on 8000 square metres of surface, before the critical moment of the concrete pour.

A master of the trade, Jamie says his precision skills simply come down to having a “good eye”. He reckons laser instruments are prone to mistakes and haven’t yet caught up to the “bucket and continued next page

Warkworth Surveyors congratulates Northland Waste on their new premises Rupert Mather 021 425 837 Graeme Smith 021 422 983 • Rural & Urban Subdivision • Boundary Locations • Site Contour Plans • Construction Set-out

09 425 7393 admin@wwsurveyors.co.nz 23 Bertram Street, Warkworth

42

| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

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feature northland waste

Congratulations Northland Waste, on the successful completion of your project LDE were pleased to provide engineering services in support of the local transfer station.

from previous page

string” method. A concrete surface might need a subtle gradient across hundreds of metres to facilitate drainage, with a difference of only 80 millimetres at either end. This requires precision. Jamie says all of his work is “word-of-mouth” and this project was no different. He was working for another company on the concrete slab inside the sorting station when Northland Waste needed someone for the outdoor surface, and Jamie “put his hand up”.

No time or resource wasted Andrew Boyd, of Coresteel Rodney, is confident that the large waste sorting station was itself “99 per cent” waste free, with all offcuts being recycled into reusable material.

“The remaining one per cent would be the tradesmen’s lunch wraps generated during installation,” he jokes.

Coresteel did a bespoke design for the transfer station, with the height of cranes and trucks in mind.

The building is around 750 square metres with a height of 12.5 metres. But, most importantly, it also has 7.5 metre high doors.

Andrew says this is so that large rubbish trucks won’t hit the top if they accidentally

forget to lower their tipper bucket.

The concrete floor has reinforcing steel fibres and was done in a single pour so that there are no joins or cracks where a grader bucket might catch and damage it. The floor has been designed with a slope so that liquid run off is caught into a sewer drain to be treated and not accidentally flushed into stormwater drains.

With an evolving design, Northland Waste benefited from local electrician John Lepper, of Mahurangi Electrical, being on call. John was responsible for the design and installation of power for the sorting station, weighbridge and water treatment facilities. He worked with Vector to replace power lines with underground cabling and the building of a new transformer.

John says he was particularly proud to be a part of the project because Northland Waste has been helping him to reduce his construction waste by sorting it into streams.

“It’s good to be part of something that helps us out environmentally. That’s something we value highly,” he says.

Northland Waste estimates that, thanks to the new facility, it will be able to divert around half of the construction waste it receives.

CRAIG McNAUGHT - Nurseryman congratulates Northland Waste on their new site!

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For more information or to join our team Please contact us 09 425 0137 | www.lde.co.nz November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

43

Bill Foster

NAG slams Three Waters

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff at the Warkworth water treatment plant in 2019.

Mayors charged with ensuring accountability on Three Waters reform Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Kaipara District Mayor Jason Smith have been appointed to a panel tasked with ensuring that a new legally mandated northern water entity will still be accountable to ratepayers.

The pair are two of just nine mayors tasked with “developing solutions” on behalf of New Zealand’s 67 councils.

The panel will be chaired by Doug Martin, who was also a member of the council-controlled organisations’ independent review.

The Government has formed the Three Waters panel in response to near universal condemnation of the reform programme by New Zealand councils.

It follows a recent announcement by the Government that it will legally mandate the formation of four centralised water entities, taking the decision-making power out of

local councils’ hands.

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta admitted that feedback from councils had “raised a number of concerns” about proposed representation and accountability.

“It’s a bottom line for the Government that water service entities continue to be publicly owned, have operational and financial autonomy to make much needed investment, and have oversight from local authorities and mana whenua,” she said.

The Three Waters panel is scheduled to report back in March next year. According to the Government’s own timeline, the Water Services Entities Bill, which will legislate the formation of the new entities, will be before select committees in Parliament by the end of the year.

Northern Action Group (NAG) has joined the chorus of opposition to the Government’s Three Waters Reforms, saying the Government has employed classic “PR propaganda tactics” to further its agenda.

In a newsletter released earlier this month, NAG chair Bill Foster says the propaganda tactics have included manufacturing a crisis to scare people into supporting the proposed action, paying experts to support “the narrative” and talking about results from “modelling”, but without providing any details that can be questioned.

Mr Foster says there is no “national crisis” with respect to water.

“This is just using apocalyptic language to scare people into thinking that the only solution is for the ‘benevolent’ Government to take it over for us,” he says.

Mr Foster says the governance structure of the entities, which would replace councils’ management of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater, is “just a political construct”.

“Does anyone seriously believe that the proposed appointed, unrepresentative bureaucracy will actually prioritise small rural projects over politically impressive, iconic and big urban ones?” he says.

“Just look at the Auckland amalgamation experience if you think that.”

Despite the opposition, the Government remains committed to the Three Waters reforms.

In a statement last month, Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta said it was clear that without the establishment of the proposed publically owned entities, New Zealand would continue to see frail networks and contaminated water in many communities.

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| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

My journey is not one I take on my own but it is a journey of the many whānau who walk with me.

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

History Judith Williams, Puhoi historian bohemia1863@gmail.com

Challenging times Over the 158 years of its history, the people of Puhoi – the settlement first founded by Bohemians from the Austrian Empire in 1863 – have coped with the traumas of leaving a Europe settled for thousands of years to travel to the other side of the earth.

They tamed a wilderness, faced starvation, struggled to adapt as citizens of a foreignlanguage speaking colony, shared the ups and downs of the colony’s warfare with Maori, two world wars, the Spanish flu pandemic, several waves of polio, a flood which swamped the heart of the settlement and adapted to a new society, whose descendants now know little of the old ways of life and of the original settlers.

However, would they ever in their wildest dreams, have anticipated climate change, plus the arrival of a true pandemic, which would threaten the whole planet, its environment and the people of every nation?

Have the skills of survival learned over early pioneering years been of any use to this generation of Puhoians, who now struggle, along with the rest of New Zealand, to keep their heads above water in these present times? Times which have seen the spread of disease, drought, bushfire threat, loss of plant and animal species, job loss, economic failure, scarcity of essential materials, and the polarisation of opinions and antiGovernment regulation antagonism.

Well, Puhoi has come off lightly. We still share the same trends as the rest of New Zealand, but are lucky enough to have the basics – land, fresh air and a village lifestyle, with comfortable, warm homes on the whole, and space for children to play, to garden and keep stock. Also, neighbours to care for and converse with.

But a once-lively social life centering on

Have the skills of survival learned over early pioneering years been of any use to this generation of Puhoians, who now struggle to keep their heads above water in these present times? community meeting places – shop, post office, church, hall, library, cheese factory, hotel and sports club, are no longer all to be taken for granted. Some have adapted to the new regulations and some have closed.

Our proximity to shopping centres and services has been helpful to Puhoi, but at the time of writing the library is shut, ditto the cheese factory and the pub. Gatherings we looked forward to – such as the January axemen’s carnival – have been given the chop.

The monthly village market is long gone.

Central’s Tips December 2021 In the Edible Garden • Autumn fruiting plants such as feijoas, passionfruit and tamarillos all need fertilising now, then add a layer of mulch • Place bird netting over strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries before they ripen, or else the birds will demolish the crop!

• Leeks can be planted now. Separate them out, trim half the green part off and drop them into holes about 5cm deep. Don’t fill in with soil because they need to thicken outwards - gradually the soil will surround them • Lettuces and herbs that have ‘bolted’ and gone to seed may be doing a service in the vegetable patch – their flowers will attract bees and other beneficial insects, so leave a few in place • Last chance to throw some sunflower seeds in • Control pests organically by making your own deterrent sprays – there are plenty of recipes available on-line – just remember to spray at the end of the day out of direct sunlight, as the bees are less likely to be on the plants

The rest of the Garden • Install a birdbath or large bowl as a decorative yet functional garden feature: keep it topped with water to help thirsty birds get through the summer heat • Permanent Christmas tree: The NZ pohutukawa makes an excellent alternative to the exotic varieties that are sold at roadside stalls this month. It will live in a pot for many years • Get the more rapacious weeds under control: dig out onion weed by the bulb, untangle and spray or pull out convolvulus, trim ivy off trunks of prized trees, spray or weed patio areas, so they look neat for the summer days outdoors

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Phone 425 9068 email advertising@localmatters.co.nz or local@localmatters.co.nz

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Central Landscape Supplies Warkworth 09 425 9780 • warkworth@centrallandscapes.co.nz Open 7 Days • 25-31 Morrison Drive, Warkworth www.centrallandscapes.co.nz November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

45

The works aim to end “haphazard parking”.

Clearing up carpark confusion in Snells Warkworth’s water treatment plant on Sanderson Road.

Fluoridation on cards for Rodney water The passing of a new bill will likely result in northern public water sources being dosed with fluoride next year.

Currently, Rodney is the only former district in the Auckland region not to fluoridate its water supply and none of the 17 public water sources in the Northland region are fluoridated.

This month, the Fluoridation of Drinking Water Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament and became law.

It puts the decision-making power to fluoridate a water source in the hands of the Director-General of Health rather than individual councils.

The Ministry of Health expects that Director-General Ashley Bloomfield will start issuing directions to fluoridate to suppliers from the “middle of next year”.

The new bill says councils will be given a date “considered reasonably practicable” for them to comply. Councils could be fined up to $10,000 per day for noncompliance.

The new bill requires the Director-General to consider the effectiveness of fluoride in reducing tooth decay, as well as

the cost of fluoridating, versus the current cost of dental treatment when deciding whether to fluoridate.

The Ministry of Health has prepared documentation to inform the Director General’s decisions.

In 2016, it commissioned a research consultancy to produce a cost-benefit analysis for each District Health Board.

In the Auckland region, including the Waitemata District Health Board, fluoridation stands to save the Government up to $836 million a year. In Northland, it would save up to $54 million.

In Rodney, there are eligible treatment plants in Warkworth, Wellsford and Snells Beach. In the Kaipara District there are plants in Dargaville, Ruawai and Maungaturoto.

Private water supplies, such as households with water tanks, will not be required to fluoridate.

The Ministry of Health says that an oral health survey in 2009 showed that children and adolescents living in areas with fluoridated water had 40 per cent less tooth decay than those without.

Work is underway to change the layout of the carpark at the bottom of Snells Beach Road, near Sunrise Boulevard in a bid to make parking safer and better organised, Auckland Council says.

Up to now, there have been no marked spaces in the carpark next to the playground and vehicles have been free to park on both sides of the space. However, community facilities head of area operations Oliver Kunzendorff says marked spaces are now being painted on the beach side for up to 17 vehicles.

“The existing space is not wide enough for two lines of vehicles to park safely back-to-back,” he says.

While no written complaints have been received about the former parking free-for-all, he says on-site observations by council staff and discussions with car park users have “clarified the parking limitations”.

“These include haphazard parking, poor sight-lines and narrow separation between vehicles. Park visitors also walk through the car park and new marked parking spaces will make it safer for them,” he says.

The work includes adjusting the car park entrance, replacing posts and rails with bollards, marking out parking bays, painting yellow lines for no parking areas, and replacing parts of the concrete footpath. The work is expected to be finished in early December.

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| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

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OneMahurangi Murray Chapman, Manager https://onemahurangi.co.nz

A cautionary tale Once upon a time in Warkworth, there was a business owner and each week people from all sorts of local clubs and organisations would pop into his business to see if he could supply a prize or a donation for their worthy cause.

This went on for years and years and often the business owner never saw these people from year to year until they came back in asking for his help again. Sometimes after donating, he wouldn’t even get an email or a letter thanking him for his generosity.

The local businessman, however, was happy to help as he believed in being a good community citizen. But then he realised one day that often those same people who came in year after year didn’t even buy anything from his business, and, as far as he knew, they never referred anyone to him either.

“What shall I do?” he thought. “If I don’t donate the children might miss out.” He spoke to the people next time they came in and they said, “Of course we will support you”, but they didn’t. They still did their shopping online or in the big city, and the local business missed out again. Once more he spoke to them, and they replied, “We would like to support you but it’s more convenient to do it online and sometimes cheaper in the city.”

Then the pandemic came and all the businesses were closed, and people had to stay in their homes. The clubs and the organisations struggled to operate, but some thought an online auction might help, so they phoned the businessman to see what he would like to contribute. The businessman thought long and hard as to what he should

say. Eventually he said, “My business is closed. I have no income but still have bills to pay, and I have staff who I want to keep employed. While I would love to help, this isn’t a good time for me. But when I reopen, if you will promise to support my business then perhaps we can talk again.”

After a while the businesses were allowed to reopen, and the message went out to

And once the people started to support all their local businesses, they were surprised to find that they were the same price or sometimes cheaper than buying in the city.

Church organises “Walk to Bethlehem”

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everyone in the town, “If you want our local businesses to survive then you need to buy local.” And once the people started to support all their local businesses, they were surprised to find that they were the same price or sometimes cheaper than buying in the city. The service was so much better, and they got to speak to the actual owners – who were the real people they saw around town and at the rugby club.

The next time the people came to see the businessman to ask for a donation, he was happy to be involved because now he knew he was dealing with a customer of his, not a stranger who only came in when he needed a donation. And the town and the businesspeople all lived happily ever after.

Walkers will continue – rain, hail or shine

Mahurangi Presbyterian Church has organised a Mahu “Walk to Bethlehem” as part of this year’s Christmas celebrations.

During Advent (November 24-December 24), participants will recreate the experience of Mary and Joseph by travelling 145km.

This is the distance from Nazareth to the stable at Bethlehem.

Participants will cover the distance by walking, biking, running or swimming on a daily basis.

rural ROUNDUP

Biblical texts will be provided to participants so they can meditate on them as they complete their Advent journey.

Participants are encouraged to keep going through rain, hail or shine and to focus on the reason for Christmas.

Pastor Nick McLennan says churches throughout the North Island have been in contact with Mahurangi Presbyterian to say they will be joining in, and he encourages others to do so.

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

47

Wine Christine Didsbury, director Brick Bay Wines christine@brickbay.co.nz

Currently seeking staff for a variety of roles in Warkworth.

Hard times Covid-19 and the interminable Auckland lockdown continues to bring challenges to us all. For local winegrowers, the situation presents a number of difficulties, in particular labour shortages and the disruption to cellar door operations.

Many vineyards depend on seasonal staff to support their core employees through labour-intensive times such as pruning, shoot selection and, naturally, harvest. Young people from all over the world, often with experience in having worked in European vineyards, are shut out because of our closed borders. Those who sheltered in New Zealand during the early stages of the pandemic, have now returned home due to a more stable situation in their home countries. Sadly, very few young New Zealanders are stepping up to fill this vacuum.

In addition, many tasks in the vineyard are time-critical; winter pruning needs to be completed before spring budburst and burgeoning shoots need to be tucked behind supporting wires to prevent breakage in the equinoxial winds. In small vineyards, such as those in Matakana, these are all manual operations – unlike the mechanisation of large-scale vineyards – so labour shortages are concerning.

The disruption to cellar door operations is devastating for local growers as

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Sudoku the numbers game

3

MEDIUM

4

3

6 1

5 2 2 8

6 2 If it’s local,4 7 let us know!

9

Lockdown art on show at Leigh

8 1

5 www.puzzles.ca

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4 8 9 4

2

nothing can replace the person-to-person connection made at the cellar door.

Experiencing the unique characteristics of our wines, tasting and talking to passionate producers, cannot be replicated by choosing by the click of a button. The ease of buying wine, and indeed everything through the supermarket duopoly, has meant that small wine producers, who are not represented there, are disadvantaged. In much the same way, our small fruit and vegetable growers have lost their outlets through a closed farmers’ market. Artisan producers in all fields are doing it tough in this pandemic, as their ability to connect with their customers is severely limited.

Wineries that export are experiencing good global demand coupled with a restricted supply from a reduced 2021 harvest, but few in the Matakana area are exporters.

Our small-scale producers depend on domestic demand and the business that flows from wine tourism.

Meanwhile, you can make a virtual visit to your local vineyards through our website www.matakanawine.co.nz, where you’ll learn about the passionate local growers, the diversity of their offering and let them feel the love, by purchasing directly through the links to their websites. A few cellar doors are now open again and hopefully soon you’ll be able to visiti us all in person.

SOLUTION page 50

Mahurangi 425 9068 FILL IN THISMatters GRID SO THAT EVERY COLUMN, EVERY ROW AND EVERY 3X3 BOX CONTAINS THE DIGITS 1 TO 9.

Art classes might not yet be back, but Leigh’s Foundation Gallery & Arts Hub is still determined to show off new work by local artists, especially younger ones.

Owner Hillary Austin Calder says it has been a real wrench not being able to see the gallery’s young creators, known as the Barefoot Artists, so she is asking them to bring along their favourite recent artwork for a special lockdown display.

“We can’t really open a show at the moment, but thought it would be lovely to show the work for people passing by,” she said. “The idea is to celebrate survival and creativity as a panacea – something a bit jolly and hopeful after such a long period.”

During lockdown, Hillary has kept busy with her own painting, producing pieces for Auckland galleries and her own solo show, which is planned to coincide with the Mahurangi Artists Trail, itself postponed to next Waitangi weekend.

She has also repainted the gallery and is

there most days to receive artworks and generally brighten the place up.

However, as for so many businesses, it hasn’t been easy to keep going without regular income. Hillary said it had only been possible thanks to funding assistance from Creative Communities and Auckland Council, as well as support from locals Dame Trelise and Jack Cooper, which had made a huge difference.

Hillary will be resuming children’s and adult art classes on Saturdays and after school just as soon as levels allow, as well as Wednesday evening knitting sessions for phase two of Foundation’s Snugleigh community scarf project. Hillary is also hoping to run A Bird & A Box Christmas show in association with Pest Free Leigh, and has an extensive programme focusing on the elements planned for next year, starting with water.

Info: Call Hillary on 0210 891 6855, email foundationleighnz@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/foundationartsnz/

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On the farm

Send your prayer requests to our prayer team prayer@mahu.org.nz

Bev Trowbridge

Farming 2040 So, it’s mustering day today. I leap out of bed and pull on my farm clothes. There’s still a soft mist hanging in the valleys and over the trees, and it’s pleasantly cool before the sun pops up over the hill. A heavy dew coats the grasses causing them to droop their seed heads, reflecting multiple hues of reds and mauves. It’s been noticeable how much the increase in vegetation over the years has retained the moisture despite rising temperatures.

Today we’re bringing in a mob of yearling wethers to select some for culling on-farm for our farm shop. The mobile abattoir is expected early this morning. As well as the hogget lamb, we’ve also got a few steers and a batch of well-rounded porkers to be butchered today. Much of the meat will be sold through our on-farm shop, which has soared in popularity over the years as folk from Auckland can come out and see exactly how their food is produced. And we also supply other local food retailers in nearby towns, which have gone from strength to strength with the demand for sustainably farmed produce.

In the old days, you had to be licensed to grow the top-quality produce in a system called “organic”, which was a bit arse-aboutface, if you’ll excuse an old farming saying.

Nowadays, we all have farm optimisation plans that are monitored annually with our farm extension rep, and which require everyone to farm while also improving the environment and building topsoil. The biodiversity on farm is measured as well as the net carbon, and credits are given for each.

Those who are farming with poor scores are the ones who are penalised and find it harder to market their wares. There are international tariffs for “high-carbon” goods these days.

As I drive quietly out on the electric quadbike to muster the sheep, I weave around our multiple restored wetlands and marvel at how they hold precious water on our land like a sponge, and keep our water table high even in severe dry spells. We have numerous scattered trees throughout

More money for rural hubs

our paddocks to provide shade and shelter.

They have become essential as the climate has heated up and become either extremely wet or extremely dry. We have encouraged the steeper hill parts of the farm to return to native bush, which also benefits the water storage and generating capabilities of the farm, as well as it’s biodiversity. We’ve been able to diversify into offering on-farm

In the old days, you had to be licensed to grow the top-quality produce in a system called “organic”, which was a bit arse-aboutface, if you’ll excuse an old farming saying. educational and recreational activities that are as important to our bottom line as the food production.

Now that farmers are able to easily market their own produce, with their own labels if they want to, and join regional export cooperatives, there has been a mini-revolution in how our food is produced across wider Aotearoa. As a country, we’ve signed up to “climate-positive” export deals with countries that demand food grown with the planet and our future wellbeing first and foremost in mind. This was brought about by decoupling our farmers from the monopoly stranglehold of the industrialised processing chains. This was achieved by providing independent processing facilities with access to all in each region. The duopoly of the big supermarkets was also broken open to allow farmers to retain a greater share of their sales price and be rewarded financially for nutritionally superior produce.

Farmers like myself can now hold our heads high, knowing we’re doing right by the land as well as by the consumer. It’s all good, down on the farm in 2040 ...

The Government says it’s backing rural communities across New Zealand by investing in a growing number of rural community hubs, including one in Kaipara. Hubs are set up by local people responding to local needs. These could be anything from a mothers’ group to education programmes for young farm employees. The rural community hubs programme is part of the Government’s Fit for a Better World roadmap, which aims to support strong, sustainable rural communities and grow the food and fibre sector workforce by 10 per cent by 2030.

& Pets&Vets Corner

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www.mahu.org.nz (09) 425 8861

Pet of the Month Bolt, the boxer cross Bolts arrived at Warkworth Vets one evening after a close shave with death.

His frolicking with stingrays in the Leigh Harbour went awry when he sustained a nasty barb injury to his flank.

On arrival to the clinic he jumped out of the ute with a neat spear wound which did not suggest the true severity of the injury. Neither did Bolts demeanour, he was still able to walk, lick and wag his tail.

He was anaesthetised and the wound investigated. It immediately became apparent the stingray had caused much more damage than just the hole in his flank. A gloved finger probing the wound immediately felt Bolts kidney. There was also a sucking noise with each breath which told us that his diaphragm had been punctured too.

Bolts underwent an immediate exploratory laparotomy to check for further damage. The surgeon’s decision to do this was definitely the difference between him living and dying. It was discovered that the barb had sliced his small intestine almost clean in half. The bowel was repaired, the diaphragm plugged, and his abdomen thoroughly flushed before closing up.

We are all so pleased to see that he is well on the road to recovery now.

Hopefully he’s learnt to keep a healthy distance from stingrays next time he ventures into the Leigh Harbour!

Vets: Roger Dunn BVSc, Jon Makin BVSc, Danny Cash BVSc, Justine Miller BVSc, Chelsea Gill BVSc, Sam Eaton BVSc, Jackie Nicholls BVSc, Neil Warnock BVM&S

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

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November started with some good fishing.

Snapper have been caught in the shallows – as can be seen from this nice specimen (pictured) caught on a softbait and released.

Snapper have also been caught in deeper waters, from 30 metres to 50 metres or more down. With the spawning of the snapper season, the focus has been to fish deeper.

It’s good to see that most fishers reporting catches have released the bigger fish, as well as any females carrying roe. This is vital for the protection of any species.

While looking for a photo for this month’s column, I came across a Facebook page called “Nature’s Kai” which belongs Joel Hodgson, who landed the snapper in the photo. The page was set up with young Kiwis in mind. Nature’s Kai is a page dedicated to encouraging people to take the kids out and away from their screens, and teaching them to fish, hunt, camp and cook.

While looking around I noticed that there were lots of fishing photos as well as recipes to prepare the captured fish and game species. The latest article is about kahawai, which have been all over the waters during

Smoked Kahawai Pie

In a large pot on a medium-high heat, start by frying a mix of diced onion, garlic, celery and carrot. In the chef world this is known as a mirepoix. When your mirepoix has softened and the onions are translucent, deglaze with white wine. Cook that off and add flour. Mix it well and very shortly after add equal amounts of chicken (or fish) stock and milk in stages. From here, add your flavour – smoked fish, peas, corn, herbs … basically whatever you want.

Cater to your palate. Season.

Sudoku

Solution

Joel Hodgson wants to teach kids to fish, hunt, camp and cook.

November in the many workups that are popping up. In the article, he discusses a recipe for smoked kahawai pie. What sets Joel apart is that he is a qualified chef and not only does he encourage kids to get out into the outdoors, he can also cook and fish. Here is the recipe. Simple and delicious. Thanks Joel.

Turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer for two hours with the lid on.

Remove the lid and continue to simmer with no lid until it’s pie mix consistency.

Taste and season if needed. Pour into your roasting dish. Spread evenly and add little blobs of cream cheese – this is a game changer. Cover in mashed potato. Grate some cheese and lemon rind over the top and bake in a preheated oven at 220C until golden brown.

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| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

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She is passionate about improving breeding cattle, and her greatest ambition is to be a mentor and have an impact on the beef industry and wider agricultural community.

Watercare warns of extra truck movements as construction continues.

Pump station progresses despite lockdown hold-ups

Cara celebrating her graduation with her Ceejay herd earlier this year.

Shorthorn farmer makes the shortlist A Wellsford cattle breeder has made it through to the finals of the first Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards.

Cara Doggett owns and runs the Ceejay shorthorn stud, just south of town, and she has been showing cattle since she was 8 years old, winning countless ribbons and trophies from across the country.

Cara has also travelled extensively to learn more about raising and breeding cattle with spells on Canadian and Australian farms.

She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Animal Science, and she intends taking a Masters in

Livestock Production, specialising in cattle.

Cara says she is passionate about improving breeding cattle and her greatest ambition is to be a mentor and have an impact on the beef industry and wider agricultural community.

She will find out if she’s won the Emerging Achiever category at the Beef + Lamb NZ Awards dinner in Napier in February.

The awards aim to showcase the people, farming practices, knowledge and skills that underpin New Zealand’s red meat industry and to celebrate their achievements.

Watercare say contractors are making good progress on building a major $26 million wastewater pump station in Warkworth’s Lucy Moore Memorial Park.

Two walkways leading past the construction site have been closed off to ensure public safety while the work takes place.

Site preparation has concluded and construction is now focusing on building a “caisson shoe”, or box-like structure, to create the 11.2 metre deep wet and dry chambers in the pump station. The first major concrete pour is planned for February next year.

Watercare project manager Dirk du Plessis is asking the public to be aware of increased traffic as contractor McConnell Dowell ramps up construction activity.

“We’re aware the warm weather is bringing people outside and we’d like to remind them to stay alert and take notice of extra truck movements in coming months,” he says.

The new pump station is the first in a series of projects that will cater for growth and improve water quality in the Mahurangi River.

It will be followed by a new 5km transfer pipeline and a new wastewater treatment plant in Snells Beach/Algies Bay, which are both starting next year.

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

51

Fletcher selected for Blues squad Mahurangi’s Tenaija Fletcher has been selected for the Blues Super Rugby squad to play in the newly established Aupiki women’s competition.

She joins a strong line-up with 12 Black Ferns players, including Mahurangi’s Ruahei Demant.

It is the second time Fletcher has been selected for the provincial team, having been made part of the inaugural women’s squad last season when the Blues played the Chiefs.

This season brings a lot more promise for time on the field for Fletcher. Four women’s teams will play a round robin for the provincial competition.

This season’s teams include the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes and a combined South Island team named Matatu.

Fletcher expects she will start training with the rest of the squad as soon as Covid-19 restrictions allow. It is expected the season will start in late February.

“In the meantime, I’ve just been trying to keep fit in lockdown and training with the Harbour Rugby team,” she says.

Fletcher is hoping that the provincial competition will be used as a selection ground for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which is being jointly hosted in New Zealand by Auckland and Whangarei.

Fletcher started as a junior at Mahurangi Rugby Club.

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| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

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Sport in brief College honours Mahurangi College has announced its sports awards for 2021. The college was unable to hold a ceremony due to Covid-19 restrictions but has put together a dedicated page online. Sportswoman of the Year went to Briana Paea for having made the national under-20 women’s touch rugby team, the North Harbour under-18 girls and open women’s teams, and the Northern Strikes women’s team. Paea also played netball for North Harbour. The Sportsman of the Year is Seb Smith having won his grade at the national gym sport competition, placing first in the synchronised trampoline event.

The Sports Team of the Year award went to the 2020 senior mixed touch team, which placed second at nationals, losing the top spot by just two points. See all the awards

at www.mahurangi.school.nz.

Puhoi SC eyes pre-season Northern Regional Football has announced a provisional pre-season start date of February 5. The Puhoi Sports Club’s first football team will begin training on Tuesday, January 18.

The latest draws have scheduled home games for the Puhoi club on the following Saturdays ­– February 12, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26.

Those interested in playing should contact coach Luke McIntyre on 021 209 5494.

Well-known sheepdog trialist dies The Mangawhai and Kaiwaka communities are mourning the passing of Robert Hastie.

Robert was a long-time farmer in Mangawhai, a member of the Mangawhai Rural Fire Service and a renowned sheepdog trialist at the Molesworth Sheepdog Trial Club.

Fishing kayak winner Kawau Bay Fishing Club has drawn its raffle for a Phoenix fishing kayak and two fishing rods, and the winner is Charlie Hall of Scotts Landing. Charlie bought a ticket to the raffle despite not being a member of the club and is “extremely grateful” to have won. His two children will “no doubt” be seen out on the water in it. To join the club, contact kbfc@kawaubayfishingclub.nz.

Coaching development Harbour Sport is offering a basic “values-based” coach development programme for coaches at clubs, schools or other sports organisations. The programme looks at leadership, effective coaching and self-awareness. Questions and registrations of interest to coach Shaun Matthews at coach@harboursport.co.nz.

$15 million for sports clubs Auckland Council has opened a $15.3 million fund, which is available for applications from sports clubs and other recreational facilities. Applications should address sport or recreation infrastructure shortfalls, respond to changing participation preferences, deliver value for money by leveraging third party investment and get Aucklanders more active. Expressions of interest are due by December 12. Council will invite strong applicants to proceed in more detail in February. Apply at: www.aucklandcouncil.govt. nz/grants-community-support-housing/grants/regional-grants/

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A roundupof of sports activities and eventsin in THe the district a Roundup spoRTs acTiviTies disTRicT Warkworth needs a goalie The Warkworth Football Club men’s team is calling for players to register their interest in playing in the upcoming season in January. The club has a well-established team that plays in the Northern Region Football competition. In particular the club is seeking to fill the position of goalie. All interested players contact Jacob at 027 335 3157.

Tennis resumes Warkworth Tennis Club has reopened for play to members and those in their immediate bubble. It is looking forward to hosting its Wednesday night social evenings as restrictions continue to ease. To get involved contact tennis@wwts.org.nz.

Parking passes needed at Sandspit The Sandspit Yacht Club is reminding members to display their current parking card or permit received as part of their membership renewal or from the office. Over the summer, the boat ramp car park is only available to members and will be monitored.

Kaiwaka Touch The Kaiwaka Touch Module is scheduled to take place in January 2022. Those keen are encouraged to sign up to the “Kaiwaka Touch Module 2022” page on Facebook for upcoming instructions on how to register.

Keep registering for tag Registrations are open for the 2021/2022 tag season at the Tomarata Rugby Club. The club is assuring the community that it is making preparations for when Covid-19 restrictions ease. “Our season may look different but we are still hopeful we will at least get some games in this season.” Register at www.sporty.co.nz/tomaratatag.

Touch looks to 2022 Mahurangi Rugby Club is looking to hold its touch rugby module next year. Players and teams can register their interest at mahutouch@gmail.com.

Junior cricket Registrations are open for junior hard ball cricket at Kaipara Flats Cricket Club. Register at www.hibiscuscricket.co.nz. A six week “have a go” programme will also be held at Mangawhai and Kaipara Flats, on Monday and Friday nights respectively. See www.ndcricket.co.nz/ play. Enquiries to liamj@northcricket.co.nz.

Mahurangi College volleyball Mahurangi College is calling for teams of six to eight players ToTalspan Rodney to register for its in-house volleyball competition, which will be held over six weeks. Single players 229 sTaTe HigHway can register to be assigned to a1team. Questions to sport@mahurangi.school.nz.

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Applications and or inquiries should be addressed to the Director of Rugby. email: dor@mahurangirugbyclub.co.nz phone: Haden Kose 021 045 1186 www.localmatters.co.nz

November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

53

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ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE & INSTALLATION Architectural Designer Thomas F. Erringto PO Box 83 CON TRAC TORS We cover: all aspects of electrical work Warkworth Desig for farm, housing and industry.

Farm & Lifestyle Centre PhArchitectural 09 425 0512 We cover: Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, PO Box 83 2-4 Morrison Drive Fax 09 425 0514 Mangawhai, Wellsford, Port 495 Albert, Mob 0274 532 Warkworth W arkworth and Warkworth areas.

Footings

Ph 09 425 0512 Fax 09 425 0514 TTE DESIGNS Mob 0274 532 495 Thomas F. Errington Dip. Arch

09 425 7754 offer: 24 hr cover, seven days.

Hole Boring 3.5T DiggerUnits We Housing, & Landscaping New structures, Restorations, Alteration Landscaping 5T Truck 09 423 7003 | 021 423 735 www.farmandlifestyle.co.nz

Bob Waata Mobile 021 634 484

Alwyn Inger - Registered Electrician | alwyninger@hotmail.com

info@farmandlifestyle.co.nz

Architectural Designer PO Box 83 ARE YOUR WINDOWS BICYCLE MECHANIC New structures, Restora Warkworth approved Ph 09 425 0512 FullyShimano CHILD SAFE? Trellis - Panels - Fencing equipped workshop Fax 09 425 0514 Installations - all shapes and sizes Road Bikes MobSpecialities: 0274 532 495 Framed Archways – Mountain Bikes we fix windows and doors

RODNEY TRELLIS Superior Trellis Pedestrian Gate

Full Suspension

Trellis spray painting / oiling Gazebo's ~ dove cotes ~ pergolas

Parts & Accessories

BMX Bikes Frames (mortised) New structures, Restorations, Alteration

115

872 Kaipara Flats Road Ph: 425 7627 • Fax 425-7625

Matakana Bikes | 09 423 0076 Now located at Matakana Country Park, 1151 Leigh Road, Matakana info@matakanabicyclehire.co.nz

WG

Domestic and Commercial Glazing Glass Showers Splash Backs Mirrors • Cat Doors Windscreen Replacement and Chip Repair

arkworth lass & lazing

www.MatakanaGlass.nz

FOR ALL YOUR GLASS, GLAZING, AND ALUMINIUM NEEDS

021 276 7949

mralljobs123@gmail.com @Mr All jobs ltd

www.localmatters.co.nz

Local and Reliable

for head to toe pampering

Alison Wech

46 McKinney Road, Warkworth Mob 021 051 3661 • Ph 09 425 7776 tlcbeautytherapynails@yahoo.co.nz

1 STOP SHOP FOR HANDYMAN SERVICES Peter 021 912 805 tickidiboo@orcon.net.nz

Beauty Therapy & Nail Creations C.I.D.E.S.C.O, C.I.B.T.A.C, dip Beauty Therapy, dip Electrolysis, dip Body Therapy, dip Nail Technician

53 Station Road, Wellsford • Phone (09) 423 7358 Email: wellsfordglass@xtra.co.nz

Phone Ryan du Bois

Call free anytime 0800 37 37 10 www.exceed.co.nz

20 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth 09 425 8678 • 021 952 077 wwglassandglazing@xtra.co.nz

ALUMINIUM & GLASS GLASS & ALUMINIUM

Property maintenance Digger works Fencing Decking repairs Gardening services Waterblasting

Local family business servicing Rodney & Hibiscus Coast

We will match or better any competitors quotes!

Wellsford • • • • • •

• Window handles, seals, hinges & stays • Security locks for windows & doors • Sliding and bi-fold door rollers, locks & handles • Retractable insect screens

Building Maintenance Repairs Cleaning

• Facials • Waxing • Tinting • Gel Nails • Acrylic Nails • Manicures • Pedicures • Electrolysis • Make-up • Body Wraps • Massage • Spray Tans

1 STOP SHOP FOR RURAL MOWING Peter 021 912 805 tickidiboo@orcon.net.nz

Mowing for you!

Ride-on Mowing Large Lawns Lifestyle Blocks Orchards & Vineyards

November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

55

HANDYMAN | HOUSE MOVERS | JOINERY | LANDSCAPING & SUPPLIES | LAWN MOWING | LAWYERS | LOCKSMITH | MARINE | MOVING & STORAGE | PAINTERS & PLASTERERS | PLUMBING

We specialise in: • Vantage Aluminium Joinery • Bi Folds, Sliders, Entrance Doors • Thermally Efficient options Our services: • Cedar - protecting oil or stain • Decks and timber beautifying oil, stain or paint • House washes • Window Cleans • Concrete and paving cleans

Say No to Leaky Homes

THE ULTIMATE ALUMINIUM

WINDOW AND DOOR FLASHING SYSTEM

• Robust, Good Looking and Durable • Specify Best Practice, Specify Flashman • The only Flashing System Guaranteed

09 425 7510

Northland 0800 55 66 00

7 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

Quality work, attention to detail with beautiful results

sales@compositejoinery.co.nz • www.compositejoinery.co.nz

www.TKRevive.co.nz | 027 677 0747

www.flashman.co.nz

Beautiful lawns & gardens by your local Jim FULLY INSURED AND SECURITY CHECKED ALL WORK GUARANTEED

0800 638 254 www.wyatts.net.nz

WE CAN

DELIVER!

•Sand•Metal•Shell•Pebble•Scoria •Mulch•Garden Mix•Topsoil•Compost •Tirau Gold•Pine Chip•Cambian Bark

371 Woodcocks Road, WARKWORTH • OPEN 7 DAYS! Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm Sat: 8am-4pm Sun: 9am-3pm

Providing legal advice and services to local families and businesses in the Rodney district.

0800 334 122 info@locksmart.co.nz www.locksmart.co.nz

MASON CONTAINERS LIMITED CONTAINER SALES SELF-STORAGE

Wynyard Wood MM Trades & Services 70.5x88.4.indd 1

CALL FREE 0800 454 654 or book online: www.jimsmowing.co.nz

The re-tube specialists New boats from 2.1 to 5.5m Full repair service on any inflatable brand. 100% NZ Made

1487A State Highway 17, Dairy Flat Ph: 021 570 505 • em: info@seafarerinflatables.co.nz

www.seafarerinflatables.co.nz

WARKWORTH

• Owner Operator • Local and Long Distance • Packing Service • Packing Materials

0800Visit833 323 us at Unit 1, 12 Gumfield Drive, Warkworth www.masoncontainers.co.nz

Franchise enquiries welcome

REMOVALS

CONTAINER HIRE

Ph. 09 969 0126

FREE QUOTES

James Taylor admin@masoncontainers.co.nz

0275 489 104

Warkworthremovals@me.com Warkworthremovals.co.nz

09 425 9679

CraigthePainter

24/11/20 4:26 PM

Since 1997

• Residential Specialists • Interior | Exterior • Plus Stopping & Skim Plastering

021-858 524 | 09-423 After 8521 Hours Email: craigthepainter@xtra.co.nz

Exterior/Interior/Roofs/Staining • Repaints & Restoration • Interior Lockwood home painting • Villa and Bungalow • Cedar restoration • Re-staining • Re-oiling • Roof Painting & Coatings • Deck & Fence • Plastering repairs • House wash and more ...

Husband & Wife team • harley.mcvay@xtra.co.nz

Harley 021 0220 8727 56

| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

A quality touch Painting and Decorating. Interior 8' Exterior House Washing

11

luke.raphaella@gmail.com Ph: Luke 021 507 463

TRUE BLUE

We offer the following services:

Plumbing drainage septic systems water tanks pumps & water filters jetting machine drain camera

GAS & PLUMBING LTD

Certified Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers

www.trueblueplumber.co.nz

021 102 4561

tttplumber@gmail.com

021 446 064 Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

PLUMBING | PRINTING | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT | ROOFING | SCAFFOLDING | SECURITY | SEPTIC TANKS | SURVEYORS | WATER

www.positiveimage.co.nz P: 0272 761 761 E: info@wellsfordgas.co.nz

A great team you can trust

For any queries, please contact diane@positiveimage.co.nz

For a fresh approach in Property Management, with proven results.

Serving Puhoi to Ruakaka.

Sam 021 1966 391 / Shona 021 539 391 rentalsitn@bayleys.co.nz

16A Flexman Place, Silverdale

• New Roofs • Roof Repairs • Re-roofs • Roof Inspections Specialists in long-run roofing

Roofing NZ Ltd

ROOF AND CLADDING SPECIALISTS NEW LONG-RUN IRON For your safety we have: • Experienced Qualified Scaffolders • Full range of Equipment • Including Alloy Mobile & Builder’s Props

Rob Campbell Northern Contracts Manager

0800 649 324 | 021 425 117 rob@rightnowroofing.co.nz www. rightnowroofing.co.nz

Servicing Auckland - Rodney - Kaipara

Metroscaff Limited

RNZ

Matt Tickle 021 356 965 iron.man@xtra.co.nz

PHONE 0800 622 7929

MacJimray Septic Cleaning Services-are the OMAHA - SNELLS BEACH - WARKWORTH MANGAWHAI septic tank specialists in your district.

Member of cleaning Scaffolding and Rigging New Zealand Residential to commercial, fast, reliable, professional service at competitive rates.

Serving and Protecting our Community for over 15 Years

.

Septic Tank/Grease Trap Cleaning Septic & Sewerage Treatment Systems

- Residential & Light Commercial - Quick Stage - OSH Standards - Tube & Clip - Qualified Scaffolders - Reliable Service P 09 425 0300 M 021 774 653 F 09 423 0017 admin@metroscaff.co.nz www.metroscaff.co.nz

• Rural & Urban Subdivision • Boundary Locations • Site Contour Plans • Construction Set-out

Rupert Mather 021 425 837 Graeme Smith 021 422 983 23 Bertram Street, Warkworth

09 425 7393 admin@wwsurveyors.co.nz

Don’t let your septic tank become costly - service it now!

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL • New Alarms - Design, Install & Service • CCTV - Design, Install & Service • Panic Alarms • Fire Alarm Systems • Access Control Systems • Alarm Monitoring • Rapid Response 24/7 • Premise Patrols • Lockup Checks

FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS!

Your LOCAL Community Newspaper

w o H do your customers find you?

Contact Insite for your

FREE SECURITY appraisal.

0800 66 24 24

Enhance your online profile at

www.insitesecurity.co.nz

127

Pump & Filtration Services

ABSOLUTE CONCRETE

(2007) Ltd

• Water treatment & Filtration • Pumps • Pool & Spas • Waterblasters 7days / 24hours Paul Harris

Moosome Concrete Troughs!

09 431 2211 sales@absoluteconcrete.co.nz

Household Water Deliveries 0800 747 928 mobile: 027 556 6111

www.localmatters.co.nz

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

Call Steve today 021 278 7427 We Service All Leading Brands! www.aquaworks.co.nz

M: 021 425 887 T: 09 425 0075 E: pumps4u@live.com

Pumps & Filters Water Treatment Spa & Pool Shop Water Testing Valet Service Water Blasters Tanks & Sprayers 24 Hour Mobile & Workshop Service 31 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth 09 425 9100 splashwater@xtra.co.nz

Shop hours Mon - Fri 8am-5pm Sat 9am-12pm

November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

57

Classifieds AERIALS

HOME & MAINTENANCE

REDDING ELECTRONICS

WATER FILTERS - Underbench, Whole house, UV & water spotting, Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 021 278 7427 healthy@ aquaworks.co.nz

Freeview Installs, Satellite Dish, UHF Aerial. Installation & Repairs. Ph Dave 09 422 7227 or 027 458 5457

HOME WORKSHOP TOOLS WANTED HOME WORKSHOP TOOLS WANTED What have you? Phone 09 422 6075 PUBLIC NOTICES

WATER PUMPS - No water? Old cast iron pump? Sales Service & Installation. Work Guaranteed.

Ph Steve 021 278 7427 healthy@aquaworks.co.nz

APPLIANCE REPAIRS A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/ Simpson dryers. Prompt service 021 168 7349.

MAINTENANCE Grading, rolling & metalling for rural Driveways.

No job too BIG or small. Ph Trevor 021 0225 5606

Driller's Assistant Required

WARKWORTH SCOUTING TRUST 2021 AGM 4pm, Sunday 5th December.

Outdoors next to the Warkworth Scout Den, Shoesmith Domain. All users of the Scout Den and interested parties welcome to attend.

Enquiries David Hay (Secretary).

Phone 027 425 0234

WINDOW CLEANING/ HOUSEWASH/GUTTER CLEANING Local professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849.

DRIVEWAYS

SITUATIONS VACANT

www.localmatters.co.nz

Temporary and Permanent positions available Kiwi Welldrillers NZ Ltd based in Warkworth, covers the Far North to Bombay are looking for staff. No experience is required, training will be provided. These positions are based on a 5 day week. When required must be prepared to work longer hours and may be required to stay away from home during the week. Pay negotiable.

The successful candidate will: Be Physically fit and healthy, Reliable with a good work ethic and positive attitude • Honest and punctual and have the ability to think outside the box • A Class 2 or 4HT License is preferred but not a deal breaker • Mechanically minded an advantage • Welding skills an advantage.

Contact Sam Korewha 027 533 7689, sam@kiwiwelldrillers.co.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

DVDS & VIDEOS

DVD

V I D E O S TRANSFERRED to DVD/hard drive. Phone or txt Tetotara Video 021 777 385.

Carpenter Leading Hand

FOR SALE

Vineyard Manager

TOP QUALITY HAY

Runner Duck Estate ltd located at Matakana, North of Auckland is looking for a Vineyard Manager for its 4ha vineyard. Tractor and associated operations of spraying, trimming, mulching a must.

Complete details available on www.winejobsonline.com/job?job_id=7041 Offering top compensation, a company maintained ute, ensuite office and the best equipment to use.

Apply contact@plumerestaurant.co.nz or phone 021 654 555.

Suitable for Horses.

Conventional Bale Sizes. Shed Stored. $15.00 +GST per bale.

Ph 021 658 826.

HOME & MAINTENANCE

Blue Skies Cleaning Window Cleaning, Soft Bio House Wash, Gutter Clean, All Exterior Cleaning, Water Blasting, Roof Treatment, Local Professional service.

Ph Pat 022-646-5849

Our 61 year old sister has an intellectual disability and lives in her own house in Warkworth. The family is looking for a kind, caring and patient woman to provide live-in care including companionship, home safety and general supervision, Monday-Friday plus one weekend each month. We can provide free accommodation (plus shared costs), you own sunny double bedroom in a unit close to shops, medical facilities, library and transport. We would prefer a mature lady. For further details, please phone Ken Lee 021 653 097.

Or need your Freeview box tuned for the new channels? TV repairs, microwave oven repairs, Freeview installations.

Ph Paul 09 422 0500 or 027 29 222 04

Want Your D L House O Nov 24

5:05am 11:30am 5:31pm 11:52pm

Nov 25

Nov Aug26 4

Sat Thu

Sun Fri

Nov Aug27 5

Nov Aug28 6

Mon Sat

Nov Aug29 7

RayWhite Ray White SeaSea Watch Auckland Area Auckland Watch Area Sea Watch ®

Tue Sun

Nov Aug30 8

Wed Mon

Dec Aug 19

Thu Tue

Aug Dec 10 2

Wed Fri

Aug Dec 11 3

Thu Sat

Aug Dec 12 4

3:40am 0.7 5:44am 0.8 12:33am 2:56am 0.5 0.7 1:25am 2:12am 3.0 0.8 12:31am 1:29am 2.9 0.9 6:04am 1.0 5:03am 1.1 12:45am 4:01am 2.8 5:28am 2.7 2.7 12:01am 3:01am 2.7 4:35am 2.7 2.7 2:06am 3:41am 2.8 2.7 1:17am 3.0 12:10pm 2.9 6:25am 9:18am 3.2 3.2 10:02am 8:35am 0.7 3.1 7:01am 7:51am 0.8 3.0 12:03pm 7:06am 0.9 2.9 11:06am 6:18am 1.0 2.8 10:05am 0.9 9:03am 7:56am 1.0 11:35am 8:04am 1.0 9:51am 0.8 1.0 10:45am 7:12am 0.9 1.0 12:54pm 3:54pm 0.9 6:15pm 3:11pm 0.6 0.5 1:51pm 2:29pm 3.1 0.6 12:58pm 1:47pm 3.0 0.6 6:18pm 1:05pm 0.7 5:21pm 0.8 4:25pm 3.0 6:03pm 2.9 2.9 12:21pm 3:28pm 2.9 5:14pm 2.9 2.8 2:34pm 4:21pm 2.9 2.7 1:42pm Tide Tide 2.8 9:36pm 3.2 3.3 10:21pm 8:11pm 0.7 3.2 8:53pm 3.3 7:14pm 7:29pm 3.1 11:35pm 6:47pm 0.9 3.0 10:37pm 0.8 8:10pm 1.1 8:44pm 1.0 9:40pm 1.2 11:14pm 7:51pm 1.0 7:01pm 1.0 Times 10:24pm Times

5:59am 8:17pm

5:58am 8:18pm Sun

Best At

G

Wed Fri

4:29am 4:54pm

5:58am 7:16am 8:19pm 5:39pm

Best At

F

5:19am Fishing Guide 5:44pm

5:58am 7:15am 8:20pm 5:40pm

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6:08am 8:36am 6:32pm 9:01pm

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FB

6:56am 9:26am 7:20pm 9:52pm

5:57am 7:13am 8:22pm 5:41pm

Best BestAt At

FF

10:18am 7:43am 10:45pm 8:06pm Last Quarter

5:57am 7:12am 8:23pm 5:42pm Sun

Best BestAt At

FF

11:11am 8:29am 11:38pm 8:52pm

Please contact: Sonjia Puppyn, 09 427 9231 or email sonjia.puppyn@gjgardner.co.nz

Don’t Delay call Mick Fay today!

021 544 769

S

Area Sea Watch Thu

Carpenter We are looking for a Carpenter to join our wages team for G.J. Gardner Homes Rodney East. This would be a wages position including holiday and sick pay.

You would be responsible for getting to the sites and providing your own tools.

The work would be predominantly standing the frames, cladding, wrap up and decks on the East side of Rodney. Min of two years experience required.

G.J. Gardner Homes Rodney East is an established company (24 years in operation), so for the right person other options within the company may come up over time. $42hr wages

COMPANION LIVE-IN CARER

COLLINS ELECTRONICS HAVE YOU LOST PRIME?

Wed

We are looking for a Leading Hand Carpenter to run a framing and cladding gang. If you are looking for the security and comfort of a regular weekly pay packet, all the benefits of holiday and sick pay while still running a small gang of 1-3 this could be for you. As Rodney’s leading home builder (in operation for 24 years), we will make OHS requirements easy, provide steady work and provide insights into efficient quality building.

Typically the work will be in East Rodney involving frames, trusses, wrap/ windows, and cladding. As Leading Hand you will be expected to keep production and quality standards high, while overseeing your crew and training any apprentices we may have.

You will lead the crew and work on the tools yourself without the hassles of wages, company tax, dealing with customers, and the risk of not getting paid.

Rock up, do your job and go home! You will need your own vehicle, tools and LBP site 2 (however would consider if this was still to come in the short term). $50hr wages

5:57am 7:11am 8:24pm 5:43pm

Best BestAt At

GF

12:04pm 9:16am Fishing Guide 9:39pm

5:56am 7:10am 8:25pm 5:44pm

Best Best BestAt At At

FFG

10:04am 12:29am 10:29pm 12:55pm New Moon

5:56am 7:09am 8:26pm 5:44pm

Best Best BestAt At At

GGG

10:55am 1:20am 11:22pm 1:44pm

11:50am 2:09am 2:32pm

Aug Dec 13 5

4:26am 0.6 2:18am 0.4 3.2 10:47am 8:48am 3.4 4:40pm 0.5 2:44pm 0.5 3.3 11:07pm 9:05pm 3.3

5:56am 7:08am 8:27pm 5:45pm

Best Best BestAt At At

GGG

Sun Fri

12:20am 2:56am 12:50pm 3:20pm New Moon

Aug Dec 14 6

5:12am 0.6 3:10am 0.3 3.2 11:34am 9:40am 3.5 5:29pm 0.5 3:37pm 0.4 3.3 11:56pm 9:59pm 3.4

5:56am 7:07am 8:28pm 5:46pm

Best Best At At

BG

Mon Sat

1:22am 3:43am 1:55pm 4:07pm

Aug Dec 15 7

6:01am 0.6 4:02am 0.2 12:24pm 3.2 10:32am 3.6 6:22pm 0.6 4:31pm 0.4 3.3 10:53pm 3.4

5:56am 7:05am 8:28pm 5:47pm

Best Best At At

BG

Tue Sun

2:28am 4:31am 3:01pm 4:56pm

Aug Dec 16 8

0.6 12:47am 4:52am 0.2 6:53am 3.1 11:24am 3.6 1:20pm 0.7 5:26pm 0.4 7:21pm 3.3 11:46pm

5:56am 7:04am 8:29pm 5:48pm

Best Best At At

BG

Wed Mon

3:34am 5:21am 4:06pm 5:47pm

Aug Dec 17 9

1:42am 3.2 5:44am 0.3 7:50am 0.6 12:17pm 3.5 2:22pm 3.1 6:21pm 0.5 0.8 8:25pm 3.3

5:56am 7:03am 8:30pm 5:48pm

Best Best At At

BG

Thu Tue

4:37am 6:14am 5:07pm 6:41pm First Quarter

Dec Aug 10 18

2:41am 3.1 12:40am 0.4 8:53am 0.7 6:37am 3.4 3:28pm 3.0 1:12pm 0.5 9:30pm 0.8 7:18pm

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Best Best At At

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Wed Fri

5:35am 7:10am 6:02pm 7:39pm

Dec Aug 11 19

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Thu Sat

6:28am 8:09am 6:52pm 8:40pm

Dec Aug 12 20

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Sun Fri

7:16am 9:11am 7:38pm 9:42pm

First Quarter

Dec 13

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5:56am 6:58am 8:33pm 5:52pm

Best Best At At

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Mon

5:57am 8:34pm

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10:12am 8:00am 10:42pm 8:21pm

D

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by OceanFun purposes.

Not Publishing So GoodLtd. G Good Fishingwww.tidewiz.com Fair Fishing www.tidespy.com Notwww.ofu.co.nz So Good Graphic www.tidewiz.com supplied by OceanFun www.tidespy.com Publishing Ltd. www.ofu.co.nz

Set

Mick Fay 58

Licensee Agent Snells Beach 021 544 769 E. mick.fay@raywhite.com W. https://mickfay.raywhite.com/

| Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

What’s on See www.localmatters.co.nz/whats-on/ for a full list of upcoming events Note: Events subject to appropriate Covid Alert Levels

November

24-Dec 24 Mahu Walk to Bethlehem. A recreation of the journey of Mary and Joseph.

Info: Mahu Walk to Bethlehem on Facebook (see story p) 27

POSTPONED: Kowhai Festival “Great Debate”, Warkworth Town Hall, 6pm.

Re-scheduled for February 26.

26-28, Dec 4&5 Working bees, Big Omaha Wharf (see brief p38) 30

Wellsford Foodbank, Christmas collection deadline (see story p20)

2

Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society Incorporated AGM, 1181 Takatu Road, 7pm. Info: secretary@tossi.org.nz

December

THANK YOU for helping us to raise funds in 2021

6 onwards Lions Club of Kowhai Coast, Christmas stall, Museum Op Shop, 28 Baxter St, Warkworth. 10am-3pm daily excluding Sundays (see brief p8) 8

Rodney Local Board meeting, Te Whare o Oranga Parakai, 5 Rere Place, Parakai, 3pm. Info: search for Rodney Local Board at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

10

Twilight Market, St John Hall, Kaiwaka, 5pm. Stallholders welcome, $15 per site. Please sign in and wear a mask. Info: Sandy on 020 4130 3026

11

Point Wells Library book sale, Point Wells Hall, 9am-12.30pm. All proceeds go to buy new library books.

11

Art Exhibition, Cafe Sandspit featuring artists Blair Fraser and Maureen Roke, and supporting Kawau Coastguard, 10am-5pm

19

Kaukapakapa Village Market, 947 Kaipara Coast Highway SH16, 8.30am-1pm.

Craft stalls, coffee, food, local produce, live music, free face painting or hair plaiting for kids. Info: Sarah 0274 831542, sarah1@maxnet.co.nz or www.facebook.com/kaukapakapavillagemarket

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

Heart doctors urge vaccination

Northland District Health Board cardiologists have urged all patients with heart problems to get vaccinated against Covid-19 as soon as possible. The call comes after cardiologists learned that some patients with heart problems have declined vaccination because they are concerned about the potential risk of myopericarditis (inflammation of the heart). But cardiologists Dr Marcus Lee, Dr Raewyn Fisher and Dr Kat Sree Raman say myocarditis from the vaccine is rare. But patients with underlying cardiac issues who get infected with Covid have a substantially increased risk of requiring an admission to an intensive care unit or dying from Covid.

A U T O M O T I V E

The Power of the Sausage will continue in 2022 to support       

Snells Beach Fire Dept - January The Animal Sanctuary - February The NZ Coastguard - March Adults in Motion - April St Johns Ambulance - May Jane Gifford Society - June The Rotary Foundation - July

Mehran Zareian Branch Manager

Brian Tuck

President

Suspension WOF Brakes Servicing Coast & Country Brakes Servicing Suspension Servicing Suspension WOF 09 425 5956 | 021 721 113

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November 22, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

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President Matt Vyle and club captain Mark Leaver.

Bright future for Matakana Tennis Club

Matakana Tennis Club anticipates having new floodlights built and operational before Christmas, thanks to a grant from Pub Charity.

President Matt Vyle says the lights will be a big boost for the club, with twilight hours providing more opportunity for members to play and coaches to work with juniors.

Although the funding grant has given the club the confidence to go ahead with the project, it is still a little short of the cash to meet the total cost.

Vyle is inviting members to renew their membership now if it has lapsed, to help with cashflow.

Vyle took up the role of president this year after winning the 2021 men’s championship.

He says the club has big plans for the future and is looking towards fundraising for a clubhouse and a fourth court.

The club board and the Matakana Community Group are intending to apply for a grant from a $15 million recreation fund administered by Auckland Council to realise the projects.

The club is also creating sponsorship opportunities for local businesses, which would allow them to have their livery displayed on the new clubhouse.

Meanwhile, tennis clubs are awaiting advice from the Government about what type of play can resume under current Covid restrictions. Vyle says bubbles of up to 25 in an outdoor environment would seem to permit club use.

Matakana Tennis Club was unable to hold its social tournament last month, but is looking forward to its open championship early next year and its club championship in May.

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www.rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz • 09 425 1190 60 | Mahurangimatters | November 22, 2021

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