Mahurangi Matters_Issue 285_2 December 2015 by Localmatters

December 2, 2015

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Warkworth baker beats the best

Warkworth baker Ainsley Cole has out-baked the best to clinch the coveted Foodstuffs NZ Baker of the Year title. Ainsley received her award at a glittering event held at the ASB Showgrounds last month, attended by around 650 people and hosted by Jeremy Corbett. She admits she may have her Gran to thank for her prize. “There are three parts to the competition,” she says. “In the first round, all contestants have to bake a chocolate mud cake, ciabatta loaf and two mini baguettes. continued page 2 New World Warkworth owner Anna Carmichael (left) with Baker of the Year Ainsley Cole.

Warkworth Town Hall costs escalate The cost of restoring the Warkworth Town Hall is continuing to climb. The Rodney Local Board was told during a workshop meeting last week that a number of expensive and unexpected obstacles had arisen during the restoration project, which started in June. The issues could add another $500,000 to $800,000 to the project costs, but

the full impact of this additional work is still being assessed. Council senior publicity specialist Liz Kirschberg says contractors have found asbestos, the remains of a tree and a stream under the floor of the hall, and issues with the structural design of the building. “As with any project, a thorough inspection and assessment was carried

out on site ahead of construction but despite this preparatory work, old asbestos sheeting was found buried on site as well as cavities and pockets of soft ground previously undetected, all contributing to unexpected ground conditions,” Ms Kirschberg says. “The asbestos posed no health risk to the public. “It’s not uncommon to discover new

information once works begins on buildings of this age and until the project has been fully reassessed it is not possible to estimate additional costs that might eventuate.” Board member Beth Houlbrooke says the Board will not fund any cost overruns. The extra money will likely be picked

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Warkworth hall costs rise

Issue 285

General enquiries: Call 425 9068 PO Box 701, Warkworth 0941 17 Neville St, Warkworth 0941 Editor: Jannette Thompson 021 263 4423 editor@localmatters.co.nz Reporter: George Driver 425 9068 news@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Cathy Busbridge 022 029 1899 advertising@localmatters.co.nz Ariana Billington 022 029 1897 local@localmatters.co.nz Graphic Design: Martin Tomars localmatters@xtra.co.nz Accounts: Angela Thomas 425 9068 admin@localmatters.co.nz

Mahurangi Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated twice a month to more than 13,000 homes and businesses.

UN DE R

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from page 1

A large digger drilling holes for new piles to strengthen the 104-year-old hall.

Winning baker “Then the top 20 bakers have to use the same recipe and products to produce a chocolate cake, cardamom braid, cup cakes, cheesecake and shortbread. “The final round involves tasting a mystery product and recreating it. Luckily for me, it tasted just like a loaf my Gran used to make and I was the only contestant who nailed it!” Ainsley, who is the daughter of Barry and Dianne Cole of Sandspit, has been a baker at New World Warkworth

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since 2003. She normally works a 10hour day, starting at 4am. “I love everything about baking – the creativity, the challenge of learning new things, and of producing a smile on the faces of our customers.” New World owner Anna Carmichael says the whole store has celebrated Ainsley’s win. “We are very proud of Ainsley’s achievement and it’s a great accolade for New World Warkworth,” Anna says.

up by Council’s central risk fund, which acts as a kind of insurance scheme for large projects, she says. “A portion of every Council project is put into the fund as a contingency for these kinds of situations. We have been told that, hypothetically, because the hall is a heritage building, it will meet the criteria and will be covered by the fund.” She says the fundraising committee will not be expected to cover the extra costs. “That would be unfair on them.” Savings could also be made by making changes to the design of stage two of the project, which includes the new gallery/foyer area. A full update on the project, including the cost of the extra work and how it will be funded, will be presented at the Board’s next business meeting on December 14. The cost of the hall restoration increased by $1 million in March after tenders for the work were far higher than anticipated. The Board committed a further $1.275 million to cover the shortfall in June, with $675,000 of that to be repaid by the restoration trust. The hall was closed four years ago this month due to safety concerns and is due to re-open sometime around the middle of next year.

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Meeting heats up Warkworth BID debate The cost of supporting a Business Improvement District (BID) in Warkworth was outlined to a meeting at the Bridgehouse on Novermber 24, organised by the Warkworth Area Business Association. About 65 people attended. Association chair Dean Sampson said that under the hybrid targeted rate favoured by the association there would be a flat fee of $250 plus a proportion based on the property’s capital value plus GST (see table). Based on the estimation that there are 239 eligible properties within the Warkworth BID boundary, this would raise around $180,000 annually. Dean said that if businesses were charged only the flat rate, the revenue would amount to just $59,700, which “would not be enough to achieve the desired outcomes”. It was likely that property owners would pass on a percentage of the rate to their business tenants, which would be apportioned in a similar way to general rates and other charges. The compulsory levy would only apply to commercial properties within the designated BID boundary, which incorporated the whole of the retail area, as well as the Woodcocks Road and Hudson Road industrial estates. The boundary has been a bone of contention since the idea of a BID was first mooted. At the meeting, there was strong opposition to the inclusion of the industrial sector. Challenged on what benefits they would get from the BID, BID coordinator Rachel Callender said a properly funded body could provide a professional and cohesive approach on a wide range of issues, from compliance and employment,

What’s a BID? A Business Improvement District (BID) is funded by a targeted rate collected annually by Auckland Council via the rates bill. All funds collected (100 per cent) are transferred to the BID organisation to use on activities and initiatives, which are prioritised by the membership and approved in business plans. There are 46 BIDs throughout Auckland, representing about 25,000 businesses. The BIDs are run by democratically-elected boards.

Examples of applying BID formula Property Capital Value

Hybrid Rate = Flat + Proportional (per property) $250 + CV*0.000425

% of properties in CV range

$250k

$356

$0 - $250k - 9%

$500k

$463

$250k - $500k - 23%

$750k

$590

$500k - $750k - 23%

$1m

$675

$750k - $1m - 14%

$2m

$1,100

$1m - $2m - 16%

$5m

$2,375

$2m - $5m - 14%

Note: above calculations are annual costs based on a BID budget of $180k, 239 properties and excl GST. * Subject to change: Indicative figures only – based on information provided to date - Council to confirm number of commercially rated properties within BID boundary to marketing, training and crime prevention. It was about stimulating economic growth across Warkworth, not just for the retail sector. A key role was advocacy, particularly within Auckland Council, on issues such as planning, roading, parking, investment and broadband. There was a lot of concern from business owners at the meeting over eligibility and who would and wouldn’t be able to vote, whether the hybrid rating model was the best of the three options available and how the rate would be shared when there were multiple tenancies. In response to calls for the list of eligible

voters to be made public, North West District Business Association manager Gary Holmes said that the business information had been collected for a specific purpose as part of the BID process and under the Privacy Act, the association was not legally able to release the names. Every registered business within the boundary area that pays commercial rates is eligible to register and registrations close on January 15. A postal vote will be conducted from late March to mid-April and will be run by the independent body, Election Services. Info: warkworthbusiness.co.nz

$100,000 allocated to playground equipment Leigh, Te Hana and Helensville will share $100,000 from the Rodney Local Board to upgrade playgrounds. In September, the Board announced $40,000 for a new playground in Leigh, which is likely to sited alongside the skatepark. A public meeting was held to get feedback on what equipment children wanted. In Te Hana, the money will be used to add to the existing playground in Whakapirau Road. The final funding split will be finalised by the Board’s Parks, Culture and Community Development Committee.

Briefs Silence on Araparera There is still no sign of the proceeds from the Araparera Forest joint venture sealing roads in north Rodney anytime soon. Questions from Mahurangi Matters about the allocation of the $2.44 million in the fund, plus interest, continue to be batted around Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and Panuku Development Auckland without being answered. It is understood that an independent audit, requested by Rodney Councillor Penny Webster, has been completed but Council has been unable to confirm this. Nor would it say whether the audit would be made public. The 30-year forestry joint venture between Council and Ngati Whatua O Kaipara wound up officially on May 2.

Mitchell bill drawn Legislation to support Corrections in ensuring offenders comply with their community sentences is the aim of a Member’s Bill promoted by Rodney MP Mark Mitchell and drawn from the ballot last month. The Social Security (Stopping Benefit Payment for Offenders who Repeatedly Fail to Comply with Community Sentences) Amendment Bill proposes to withhold benefit payments from offenders who repeatedly breach the conditions of their community sentences, once all other options for gaining their compliance short of prosecution, have been exhausted. “This bill is another tool to support Corrections to do their job, to ensure compliance of recalcitrant offenders in breach of their community sentences,” Mr Mitchell says. “The proposed changes will offer both an additional deterrent and means of enforcement. “It builds on National’s welfare reforms, which ensured an offender with an outstanding warrant for arrest has their benefit suspended until they clear the warrant.” Around 35,000 offenders commence community sentences every year.

4 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

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Briefs Grange units auctioned Three retail units at The Grange development in Warkworth were due to be auctioned in Auckland on Tuesday December 2. The units range in size from 142sqm to 210spm, with net rentals of between $48,000 and $82,300. Confirmed tenants for the three sites are a retail liquor store Bottle-O, an Indian restaurant and The Coffee Club. The units, which are positioned near the BP Service Station and the soon-to-open McDonalds, are being marketed by Bayleys Real Estate. The Grange, which is being built in stages, is due for completion next year. The 7000sqm site is expected to cater for 20 new small businesses including a gym, childcare centre and a number of food outlets including a Dominos Pizza.

BPW auction raises funds Guests and members of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Warkworth recently helped raised money for AIM (Adults in Motion), the Spirit of Adventure and a club initiative to send delegates to the BPW AsiaPacific Conference next April. A total of 21 items, donated by local businesses, organisations and individuals, were sold in a silent auction, raising over $1000. One woman will have fun learning how to drive a digger and another shouted her husband a day’s fishing trip, while four people will enjoy a formal dinner at a home in Sandspit. The most expensive item sold was a king-sized quilt crafted by Sally Smith.

Leigh court upgrade Leigh Tennis Club has received $15,000 to upgrade its courts. The funding was originally granted to the Leigh and Districts Ex-services and Community Club last year, as part of the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee grants. However, the Tennis Club was granted the lease for the courts last month and will now undertake the work. Club president Geoff Alexander says the club has raised about $25,000 for the $45,000 project. Mr Alexander hopes the work will be completed by next summer.

See story page 3

YO U S AY

We welcome your feedback but letters under 300 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge them as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read at localmatters.co.nz/opinion. Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or PO Box 701, Warkworth

Council interest

Tough questions

I refer to Greg Sayers’ column (MM Nov 18). Greg asserts that Auckland Council’s interest repayments now amount to $422 million and that Council’s books are extremely vulnerable as interest rates will inevitably rise, meaning this figure could easily jump to $600 million without Council borrowing another cent. To correct Greg’s claims, current annual interest costs for the Council group are around $422 million for the financial year ended 30 June 2015. However, Council has locked in (or hedged, in technical terms) the vast majority of its interest rate exposure over the next few years to protect against rising interest rates. This is common practice and consistent with prudent financial management. Therefore, interest repayments will not “jump to $600 million without Council borrowing another cent.” Over time, as Council invests further in much needed infrastructure, interest repayments will rise. This is because Council borrows to fund new assets. We do this to effectively spread the cost of these new assets across the multiple generations of Auckland ratepayers who will benefit from the increased infrastructure spend.

I would like to congratulate Mr Greg Sayers for his informative column about Council’s finances (MM Nov 18). Commonsense tells us that Council’s term borrowings will eventually mature and interest rates are increasing. Continuing to borrow billions of dollars does worry me. Of particular concern is Council’s wage bill being $112 million higher than it was the previous year. There is the need for internal cost savings so Auckland can actually pay off its debt. It was refreshing to see the tough questions being asked of the Mayor and Council.

Suzanne Tindal, Group chief financial officer, Auckland Council

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December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

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Awnings It’s about this time of year that most of us will start rummaging through our cupboards, sheds and in the basement for all that extra “stuff” we’ll need to accommodate the annual influx of summer visitors. Tents and outdoor furniture, extra sheets and bedding, water toys, fishing rods and so on will be dragged out for the guests who make a beeline for the Mahurangi area when the sun starts shining. Entertaining them all can be a challenge sometimes, but the job will be a lot easier if you keep the annual Destination holiday guide, included in this issue, handy. We’re distributing 20,000 copies far and wide so please share them with your guests so they know just how much there is to see and do in our wonderful little part of the world. If any accommodation houses would like extra copies, they are welcome to collect them from the Mahurangi Matters office at 17 Neville Street Warkworth.

YO U S AY

Email letters to editor@localmatters.co.nz

from previous page

My informant was adamant that this was the case ... because the web site said so. Auckland Transport could offer no suggestions as to how a pensioner with a dodgy hip was going to make the two-kilometre walk to the bus stop, and to use the pun, up hill, both ways. Having sought further clarification, I left Auckland Transport in very little doubt as to my feelings on their improved bus service and their logistical prowess. I heard no more, until I found my answer on page 47. It is worthy of note that not only are these autocratic genii the ones empowered to solve Hill Street’s problems, they now control our waterways, and moorings. I wonder if I can catch the bus to my boat?

Shop at home On behalf of the Ahuroa School PTFA, I would like to say a massive thank you to all the individuals and businesses in the wider Warkworth community for your support of our little school – we appreciate every bit of your generosity. With Christmas just around the corner, it would be great to keep in mind that local businesses are asked daily to contribute to our local schools, clubs and fundraising events. Without their support, many amazing projects would not be possible. As you do your Christmas shopping, keep the generosity flowing by spending your hard earned cash with these businesses, not heading down to the malls in the big smoke. Check those ‘Thank you to our

Doug Browning, Snells Beach

continued page 6

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YOU SAY

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sponsors’ lists on your fridge – they deserve our support. Nicky Berger Ahuroa School PTFA (Parent, Teacher and Friend Association)

More about doggy-do It is with sadness that I read the Doggy-do letter (MM Nov 18) as it shows the writer has a total lack of “sense of community”. This offender is obviously someone who lives in your area. Would you rather it was left on your lawn for you to pick up and put in ‘your’ bin that ‘you’ pay for? The bin that is out on the curb waiting to be picked up by the rubbish truck? So this offence is possibly once a week and you only notice if you have an extra bag of rubbish to put in it before the truck comes? Yes you are a Grinch! Sometimes it’s not always about the money; sometimes it’s about sharing. The cost to you for this person doing this is 0.34c per week. Perhaps they would like to come forward and pay. I would happily do so as they at least take the time to pick their dog ‘doo’ up. Janice McCraith, Warkworth

Let it go To the writer of the doggy-do letter (MM Nov 18), at least the dog walkers are picking up their dogs excrement. The nearest rubbish bin to Pulham Road is in Lucy Moore Park or the

Cement Works. Presumably the offending object is in a plastic bag and they didn’t scoop it up with bare hands. Don’t look at it. Or, you could request the council to put a rubbish bin in Pulham Road. Have a “what can I do for my country” moment and let it go. Mary Gail Morrison, Warkworth

Campervans supported I certainly have to agree with Warren Agnew regarding freedom for travellers to be welcome to stay in Snells Beach (MM Nov 4). The NIMBY busy bodies that are against this are certainly painting a very negative picture of not only Snells Beach residents but NZers, in general, for our foreign travelling friends. The world is to be seen and enjoyed. International people travelling abroad or our own retirees seeing the country should be welcomed and encouraged. We live in a picturesque area of the country and travellers should feel safe to come to the area without harassment from irate locals. To bitterly complain about what I consider to be a very picky, snobby and petty issue is indeed mean spirited. Chad Benest’s fear-mongering talk of children being run down and lack of access to beach, playground and picnic area is misguided, reprehensible and really is grasping at straws. There

is plenty of room along the whole beach for kids and families to play and picnic safely. My wife and I travelled extensively in our van around Europe a few years back and we only ever had good chats and feedback from people we met. It meant we felt relaxed and felt open to exploring more and as a result we noted these places as ‘Good Places’ that would warrant revisiting. This can only be positive for relations between people and countries, and to have a bitter few whining the constant negatives is a little embarrassing. Ian Moir, Warkworth Editor: Correspondence on this issue is now closed.

Market clarification

I would like to complain about a mistake printed on your front page (MM Oct 14). It may seem like a small thing but in the write up about Michael Kessell you refer to him as the coordinator of Matakana Market, which he is not.

He is the coordinator of the Matakana Village Farmers Market. My family own the old Dairy factory and have been running markets here since 1982 and have been trading under Matakana Market Ltd for over 30 years. I understand that Matakana is now a full market town but it should be acknowledged that this is not owned or run by one organisation. Our family’s history of involvement in the development of Matakana as a market town is something we take pride in and has always been about the community as a whole. Keria Fenton, Matakana Market

Departure welcomed As a person who believed that Mayor Brown should have resigned over his immoral behaviour, I am pleased that the public response has finally made him realise that he is not wanted. What is so amazing is that some, if not all, of the Councillors who publicly supported the incumbent are now trying to reposition themselves as critics of him. His immorality was out there for all to see, but the immorality of those who are now racing to the lifeboats is more subtle and in full swing – women and children won’t get a look in. So, at the next Local Body elections, it will be very prudent to reflect on the type of person that we will want to represent us. Choose wisely. Lance Taylor, Dome Valley

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December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Viewpoint Penny Webster, Rodney Councillor, Auckland Council penny.webster@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Not doing ‘stuff’ not an option

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Councillors, not staff, asked for the two independent reports on our assets from Ernst and Young and Cameron Partners. Although Auckland has a Moodys double A rating and we have achieved efficiency savings of $500 million since amalgamation we are very conscious of the infrastructure build that is needed in Auckland as we face a city the size of Hamilton coming at us every five years. One well-known talk back host sneeringly said that we should stop doing stuff. Sounds easy, but tell that to the many people in Rodney that live on unsealed and unsafe roads. Tell that to the many people who sit in traffic on our congested roads. Tell that to the many children who can’t play sport because of waterlogged sports parks and the communities like Warkworth that want a swimming pool complex that rivals their central Auckland communities. We have a budget that is balanced for the next 10 years and we are doing “stuff” but we need and want to do better. We need to keep rates as low as possible and debt levels at a managed level, too. So what can we do to enable that infrastructure to be built faster? As in any debate of this nature, some people immediately jump to the ‘sale’ option and depending which side of the political spectrum you are on, we are either selling the family jewels, having a fire sale, or being lauded for doing the right thing and divesting Council of unnecessary things and getting back to core business. By having independents doing these reports, they are able to take a measured look at everything we do and own. These reports suggest a better way of levying off some assets and suggest ways of doing things differently. For example, internally we have a fleet of cars. With GPS we are able to see what is used, when and why. Obviously building inspectors and animal control officers and such like need vehicles, but do we need as many? We have already made efficiency gains but are there more such as in shared services and IT. In February we will run workshops with Councillors to explore all the aspects in the reports. Reactions will be mixed and some things may be put into the ‘too hard basket’ but the debate will be had and decisions made before we go to the public for comment. On a lighter note, I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year, and look forward to working for you in the year to come.

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The long-awaited sealing of Takatu Road to Tawharanui Regional Park is set to start in February. An Auckland Transport spokesperson says work sealing the 4.5km stretch will be done in two sections – 1km of seal between February and May, with the remainder being completed between August and December next year. Work will usually only be carried out between 7am and 7pm on weekdays to avoid traffic disruptions on weekends. The project is expected to cost about $3.8 million. Meanwhile, the sealing of Matakana Valley Road is expected to be completed in February.

Illegal fishing charge A commercial fisherman employed by a Leigh-based company has appeared in court following allegations he was illegally fishing at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve in April. Kaitaia resident Ty McQuarrie, 26, appeared in Whangarei District Court on October 19 on one charge of taking fish by longline within one nautical mile of the Poor Knights Islands. He has pleaded not guilty. The case is likely to be heard by a jury next year.

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Mad Millie Your Next Batch

908483

908487

Strawberry and Pear.

9 Litre.

3990

Mad Millie Italian Cheese Kit Gift Box 241071

6950

Mitre 10 MEGA Warkworth

Mad Millie Fresh Cheese Kit Gift Box 241066

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS $

SANTA'S TOY DRIVE Help us put a smile this Christmas to the faces of kids in need. Donate a new, unwrapped toy for a child this Holiday Season (newborn to 17 age range).

2498

Bestway Cottage Playhouse

Tyre Swing 269483

2999

Wooden Pirate Ship 269490

Easy snap-together PVC construction. No tool needed. 1 retractable door. Ages 3+. 311606

1998

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Black + Decker My First Toy Workbench with Drill Set

Age 3+ H : 78 cm, W: 43cm, D: 33cm.

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Weber Kids Plastic Kettle BBQ Set

Child safe functions. Makes light and sound. Ages 3+. 269810

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Octopus Water Sprinkler 269480

New Lynn, Albany & Warkworth 260 Oteha Valley Road, Albany, 09 442 6130 5 Astley Avenue, New Lynn, 09 826 1420 70-80 Woodcocks Road, Warkworth, 09 425 8119

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Pool Basket Ball 269791

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Available from Tuesday, 01st - Friday, 25th December 2015, while stocks last.

localmatters.co.nz

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

localfolk

Megan Fairley, Paramedic

After 16 years as an Intensive Care Paramedic with St John, Megan Fairley says she has seen “every bizarre accident possible”, as well as dealing with a number of dangerous situations. However, she admits to still taking a deep breath sometimes before stepping in to do her job. She spoke with Hibiscus Matters editor Terry Moore about the satisfaction and challenges of managing Rodney’s four ambulance stations, while maintaining her life saving skills and caring for her family.

here’s no doubt that the job of an ambulance officer is getting more dangerous. Especially with drugs involved, which can cause some bizarre, irrational, violent behaviours. Drug use has spread throughout the community a lot more – it used to be heroin and cocaine, which were largely an urban problem but now the P labs have moved into rural communities. Access to weapons has also increased. Sometimes the scenario that people call in, and what’s actually happening, can be two completely different things. Unexpectedly you’re faced with someone who has been shot or stabbed or there’s a person wielding a machete. That information may have slipped through the cracks and before you know it you are in a scene that’s potentially unsafe for the crews. We’ve had to retreat a few times and seek urgent Police help. You have to use your street sense – say if the house lights are not on, or you hear yelling. It takes good people skills to diffuse a situation – something the Police are highly trained in. In Rodney, we have 13 brigades that can be first responders: we work closely with the Fire Service as well as Police and Coastguard. joined St John in 1999, relieving all around Auckland. It’s an amazing job and never boring. I worked my way up to Intensive Care Paramedic, which is the biggest skill base in the service. You can intubate and give a wide range of drugs in all kinds of emergency situations. For the last two years I’ve been Territory Manager for Rodney overseeing 38 paid staff and 120 volunteers. It’s a 2000 square km territory, with four ambulance stations. Although it’s a management job there’s still a lot of hands on work – and I’m often a backstop. A crew gets there first and does basic life support and I respond clinically if needed, which I do five or six times a week. Plus one day a month I’m on an ambulance to be with the staff and make sure I am keeping up my skills. You have the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Sometimes you are the last person they talk to, which is a privilege. Every job is a challenge in some way and the possibilities for medical complications are vast. hen I left school I went nursing and liked the people contact, but not being inside all the time. I went to the US to do summer camp and travelled for a couple of years with an Australian friend. We ended up as

rouseabouts in a sheep shearing gang in Colorado – I’d never worked with sheep before but we were down to our last $2 and needed a job. We travelled around in a truck with a gang of shearers for four months and after that, for a complete change, I went to Alaska and ended up on a salmon trolling vessel for about five months. I always loved the sea and surfing and after the salmon fishing I thought I’d like to work on the sea, but not just killing things – I’m more interested in conservation. I did a Diploma in Marine Studies at Mt Maunganui, which included dive instructor certification, and while I was there we sailed a Tall Ship. The owner asked whether we’d like to sail his ship to Indonesia so he could take part in a race. I was planning to teach diving in the tropics so that was perfect. I ended up in a tiny island off Lombok, near Bali, teaching tourists to dive. Life was easy and fun, and I did that for three years. When the Indonesian economy collapsed in 1998 and the riots started it was getting unsafe. Besides, I was 30 and my friends were all settling down, so I came back home and wondered what to do next. I saw an ambulance one day and thought maybe I could use my registered nurse qualification – but in a way that would not be boring after living a bohemian tropical lifestyle. y family’s from Te Atatu but had a beach house at Snells Beach, so I always had strong ties with the Rodney area. I have two kids – a daughter who is 14 and a boy of 11. I’m a single mum, but their dad and I share the family responsibilities. I spend a week at Herald Island and a week at one of the beaches out of Warkworth. I have the best area in Auckland to manage – no doubt about it – but it’s very busy. We don’t have very good boundaries on our hours, so my phone can start at 7am and I can still be getting texts at 9pm. We often end up working at weekends to cover events such as concerts and marathons. Volunteer recruitment is also done in the weekends and there are a lot of evening meetings. It can be hard to juggle with the kids, but I have got better at it over the years. I do a lot of SUP and kiteboarding. Those sports used to be a huge part of my life and since I started in this role two years ago, time for recreation has been hard to find. You sure notice your arm muscles when you haven’t done it for a while. Ambulance work is physically demanding and SUP is good for core and back strength. It

seems like every patient lives down a right of way or on the third storey and you are often carrying people out of houses down steep access ways. Patients can be big and they seem to be getting bigger! What’s nice about Rodney is that it’s different to working in the city. The majority of people appreciate us and are happy to see us arrive. find grieving families one of the hardest things to witness and be part of. Any premature death is hard to deal with, no matter how long you’ve been in the job. It tears at the heartstrings – especially when you have kids of your own. Once you have your own family, awareness of your personal safety also increases and you might be a lot more cautious because you have family to think about. We teach our staff that their safety comes first. There’s no point in a rescuer being injured as well. When I go home I have got better at switching off. I never watch anything that involves Police or ambulance such as Motorway Patrol on TV. The only time it’s hard to make that mental break is when you think you could have done something better. That plays on your mind, but self-reflecting is an important part of the job because it helps you maintain good practice. I think I’m realistic when it comes to my own children – they need to be able to take risks and learn from them, but because I’ve seen every bizarre accident possible, I sometimes give them quite unusual warnings such as – “be careful that brake handle doesn’t end up through your cheek!” he challenge in Rodney is the distances involved and trying to retain volunteers, as well as the nature of the incidents themselves,

which can often be on the farm with tractors, or high-speed collisions. I do 1000km a week travelling between stations so I can catch up with staff regularly. They think I’m a jinx, because whenever I pull up in Wellsford they get called out on a job! Headquarters is in Mt Wellington, so I have to go there for meetings. I have a lot of autonomy and it’s never boring – in 16 years I have never had two days the same. or the first couple of years as an ambulance officer you feel quite scared all the time because there is the fear of what you are going to and whether you’ll be able to cope. As time goes on you realise that the worst that can happen is that they might need CPR, and you know what you need to do. But there are still scenes where I take a deep breath before I get out of the car. Even though you see some sad things, you also get to share wonderful moments such as babies being born and there’s that sense of making a difference. People turn up with cakes, cards and chocolates to say thanks. It can be an exhausting role because you are constantly taking care of someone else’s needs, so it’s nice when people give something back.

10 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

Santa’s Little Helpers! Thank you residents of Northern Rodney for believing in us, you’ve given us the ability to grow into the leading Real Estate Agency in the area. Of course we give back when we get a gift like this, here’s some of the organisations and causes we’ve supported this year with your help; Mahurangi College Scholarship, Matakana Primary School, Mike Pero Foundation, Point Wells Christmas Letterbox Competition, Point Wells Community Centre, Point Wells Croquet Club, Point Wells Fete, Point Wells Library, Omaha Golf Club, Rodney Rams League Club, Warkworth Netball Club, Warkworth Town Hall Restoration, Wellsford Christmas Letterbox Competition, Wellsford Bowls Club, Wellsford Golf Club, Wellsford Primary School

Jeff Montrose Ruth Perkin Warkworth Sandspit/Snells Beach 027 621 3765 021 425 109

Sarah Wells Wellsford 021 243 0333

Denise Pearson Wellsford 027 303 6001

0800 000 525

Avalon Sanders Warkworth 021 230 9515

Andrew Steens & Angela Wain Pt Wells/Leigh 0274 936 800

Jodene Mildon Matakana 027 647 7775

Ross Bell Wellsford 021 022 07579

Valerie Hunter Snells Beach/Algies Bay 027 289 9532

www.mikepero.com Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA (2008)

localmatters.co.nz

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Soul-searching time for Council as NAG process edges forward NAG’s application to split from the supercity has been labeled a wake-up call by several Auckland Councillors. The Governing Body met last week to debate a report which summarised how the Northern Action Group’s proposal would impact Auckland Council. The report said there would be significant costs to Auckland ratepayers if the proposal was approved, but much of the debate was concerned with the wider political issues raised by NAG’s application. Albany Cr John Watson said many people felt power had been taken out of the hands of local communities and it was time for a review of the supercity structure. “There is a wider issue is at stake here,” Cr Watson said. “People’s notion of governance isn’t confined to financial balance sheets. It can be more intangible than that. People like to have a feeling of control over their own destiny and make the decisions which are important to them ... we are five years into the Supercity and communities can now make educated assessments of how things are working for them. I would like to see a wider review to get a sense of people’s views on the supercity because I think you will be surprised.” Waitemata and Gulf Cr Mike Lee said Council needed to devolve power back to local boards. “The best way to deal with this problem is for Council and the Governing Body to consider how to go forward,” Cr Lee said. “Real power

The proposed North Rodney Unitary Council.

should be given to local boards and the Governing Body should transition to focus on regional issues.” Mayor Len Brown said Council needed to be proactive in engaging with the public to prevent other areas lodging applications to secede from the supercity. “There are other communities feeling unloved, like Waiheke, and we need to involve them in an ad hoc process rather than wait for them to make an application,” Mayor Brown said. Cr George Wood said a North Rodney council would be too small to be financially viable and would be unable to fund the infrastructure required

for the growing region. Waitakere Cr Linda Cooper said small councils around the country could no longer afford to meet infrastructure needs. “The Rodney Local Board does a lot of work in Rodney. I don’t imagine the Rodney District Council would have been able to fund these kinds of things,” Cr Cooper said. The Council unanimously voted to endorse the report, which was produced following a request from the Local Government Commission, which is assessing NAG’s application. The Commission is determining what constitutes the ‘affected area’ – just the northern area defined by NAG, the whole of Rodney, or the

whole of Auckland. Earlier last month, the Rodney Local Board voted to endorse the report. Board member Greg Sayers asked Council governance director Phil Wilson why the report said NAG would be unable to secure contracts as cheaply as Auckland Council. Mr Wilson said it was due to economies of scale. “Since 2010, we have driven significant costs out of operations through bundling contracts and taking regional procurement perspective,” Mr Wilson said. He then asked Council finance general manager Kevin Ramsay whether a break-down of Council’s operational expenditure in Rodney would be available as part of investigations. Mr Ramsay said a further breakdown of costs would be developed in the future. Board member James Colville asked whether the NAG proposal would affect Council investment in Rodney. “While this is being resolved we might not have too much commitment into the north. The sooner we can get a clear answer, the sooner we can move on,” Mr Colville said. Mr Ramsay said Council investment would not change. Once the Local Government Commission has determined the affected area, it will determine whether there is support for the proposal within the affected area. The Commission is expected to make this decision this month.

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12 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

environment

thinkglobal

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters



AC T LO C A L

Leigh-based seabird champion recognised nationally An advocate of seabird smart fishing practices in the fishing industry, Tom Searle, of Leigh, has received national recognition. At an event in Parliament last month, Tom was presented with one of the main Seabird Smart Awards from the Southern Seabird Solutions Trust. Trust chair Bill Mansfield described the four main winners as “environmental champions”. “New Zealand is known as the seabird capital of the world. As the breeding grounds for one-third of the world’s seabirds species, we have an international responsibility to ensure their long-term survival,” Mr Mansfield said. “The recipients of these awards are leading the way in reinforcing the importance of seabird smart fishing practices. Their passion and actions have positively affected the attitudes and behaviour of others in their fleets, and their leadership has made a significant contribution to seabird conservation.” Tom is the operations manager for Leigh Fisheries where he has helped to ensure that almost every longline skipper they do business with has attended a Seabird Smart Training workshop. He has also helped the Ministry for Primary Industries/Department of Conservation jointlyfunded liaison officers prepare Seabird Risk Management Plans for each vessel and has helped coordinate trips for fishermen to the black petrel colony on Great Barrier Island/Aotea. He is actively working to ensure fishing takes place in a way that, “ensures these majestic birds are protected for the few months they are in the Gulf

ITALIAN LAKES & Cinque Terre

For 14 Travellers : accommodation in high quality palaces, villas & convents. Regional cuisine, picturesque walks, villas & gardens, art & history, festivals & markets. Be immersed – travel with locals. With Marco we visit some of the villages on the Cinque Terre Marco’s home! His knowledge of the flora and forna and the history of this unique terraced terrain is fascinating! Manarola - a fishing village with a small 14th century church set in a landscape of terraced vineyards. Riomaggiore - walk down lovers lane to the medieval village built in a narrow valley. This tiny fishing harbour backs against the strange black rock strata, typical of the region. Franco will serve us lunch at his quaint fish restaurant specialising in local cuisine . . . is lobster on the menu today? He will serve wine from the surrounding hills, all included in the cost of the itinerary, of course! At a leisurely pace we return to our hotel, of 4 nights, with a beautiful garden slopping down to the Mediterranean Sea, for a swim and a ‘siesta’ as the Italian do! The scenery is breathtaking! Then 3 nights on Lake d’Orta; 3 nights on Lake Como; 2 nights on Lake Garda exploring the lakes by private water taxi to view the splendid villas and gardens built by the rich and famous of the past and present.

Tom Searle received his award from Conservation Minister Maggie Barry.

raising their chicks”. Tom embarked on a career in the fishing industry after graduating from Otago University with a Masters in Marine Biology. Initially, he worked on an oyster farm before travelling through Europe, Africa and South-East Asia for a couple of years. On returning to NZ, he worked as the manager of the Sanford wholesale auction at the Auckland Fish Market for about a year, then managed the market Our regular clients choose to travel with us when “quality is better than quantity”! They thank us for immersing them in the real culture that the average traveller would never see. The age group of our ‘discerning’ travellers is generally 40’s to late 70’s, professional and like minded people all wanting to experience something new have fun, relax and travel hassle free and at a gentle pace!

for three years. He joined Leigh Fisheries four years ago, a company that has a strong ethos of sustainability. About 85 per cent of their product is caught by longline – mostly day boats going out catching premium-quality fish, mainly snapper, which is chilled and exported around the world. “Leigh Fisheries has a strong sense of social responsibility, with a record of doing things before they are required to do so by law,” Tom says. If you are interested in walking there are daily opportunities for walking at different levels during all our itineraries, if you wish! And of course there are daily opportunities to sit, relax and ‘people watch’ and do your own exploring - we will recommend the ‘special’ places! We have 44 years of accumulated knowledge, expertise and language skills enabling your travel experience to be memorable, travelling hassle free with no rush. Susan Williamson and John Percy (Italian Citizen)formed Etruscan Pleasures (Italia) Ltd 25 years ago. Etruscan Pleasures journeys to Italy, including Sicily, are designed for 8 to 14 travellers.

Accommodation in 4 and 5 star quality small family run hotels for 3 and 4 nights, with sea and lake views in the historic centres so you can be immersed in the daily lives of the locals! We will introduce you to our Italian friends, who accompany us during parts of our daily program!! Daily ‘a la carte’ dining in local restaurants including wine and beverages. Entry fees and all tipping included. You will NOT be coach bound - we only travel short distances, refreshments en route included!!

P. O. BOX 556, WAIHEKE ISLAND, AUCKLAND 1840, NEW ZEALAND. Tel: 0800 387 872 Fax: (09) 372 6699 or Email: susan@etruscan.co.nz www.travelitalyinstyle.com Directors: Susan Williamson and John Percy

environment

14 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

Auckland pest management review raises weed alert Invasive weeds dominated discussion at a public meeting on pest management in Warkworth last month, as attention moves from possums to pampas. Auckland Council is reviewing its pest management strategy and has held public meetings across the region. At the Warkworth meeting, Council biosecurity principle advisor Dr Nick Waipara said Auckland is probably the weediest city in the world, with a subtropical environment that allows plants to thrive, a range of ecosystems which accommodate a broad variety of plants, and flora which have evolved in isolation and are vulnerable to more virulent introduced species. “Weeds are insidious killers, changing ecosystems and having impacts which are as damaging as stoats or possums,” Dr Waipara said. While animal pests have been in the spotlight that is changing and weeds have been the top discussion point at consultation meetings around the region, he said. “About 70 per cent of the feedback from the public and the local boards has been regarding the spread of pest plants. It is a top management issue across Auckland.” But members of local pest control groups at the meeting said the current pest management policy was too weak and Council needed greater power to force private landowners to remove pest plants. Several attendees had been in stand-

Dr Nick Waipara investigates a kauri tree infected with kauri dieback disease.

offs with neighbours who refused to remove invasive weeds or let weed control groups onto their property. Currently, biosecurity officers can force landowners to remove the most destructive species, which are classified as “containment” weeds. This includes ragwort and wild kiwifruit. Council is also required to remove weeds that are classified as “total control”, even if they are on private land. This includes asparagus species and balloon vine. But many common invasive weeds are

scheduled as “surveillance”, meaning it’s illegal to sell or cultivate them, but there is no legal requirement for landowners to remove or control the weed. This class includes privet, pampas, wild ginger and many weeds at the top of the hit list of local pest control groups. Ignorance was also a big issue – a lot people didn’t realise they had plants which were scheduled as invasive weeds. Dr Waipara described the frustration of watching a scene in Lord of the

Warkworth War on Weeds volunteer working in Lucy Moore Memorial Park in Warkworth.

Rings which had a backdrop of transcendentia – a surveillance weed. “The silent stranglehold these weeds have on our ecosystem still hasn’t entered the national psyche,” Dr Waipara said. “Three-quarters of the issue is increasing awareness.” The first round of consultation on the pest management plan ended last month. Council will now produce a proposal which will go to consultation about the middle of next year. The final policy will be implemented in 2017.

Cruise Corner Alaskan Dream Cruises are not your everyday cruise Line. They are Alaskan through and through from their casual jeans and sweaters atmosphere to warm frontier hospitality. It’s all about shared adventure, intellectual stimulation, interesting people and different cultures. The cruises strike a balance between outdoor adventures, port tours, wildlife sightings, and passengers are encouraged to unplug; none of the ships have TV or Wi-Fi onboard.

naturalists and cultural heritage guides. Visit Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Wrangell and Misty Fjords National Monument, plus rare out of the way places like Haida village of Kasaan, Hobart Bay, Orca Point Lodge, Kake & Petersburg where the large cruise ships can’t or won’t go.

Explore the Alaska less travelled on 8, 9 & 11 day cruises which allow you to linger in the midst of a pod of breaching whales, get up close to thundering glaciers and see stunning wilderness alongside

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Warkworth Going further, staying in touch 42 Queen Street, Warkworth T: 09 425 8009 E: info@warkworthtravel.co.nz W: www.warkworthtravel.co.nz

environment

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Environment Christine Rose

Warkworth Toyota

christine.rose25@gmail.com

Eco-socialism offers hope Karl Marx is most widely known for his critique of capitalism and proposal for an alternative economic system, but his theories also offer valuable environmental responses to modern problems. The limits to the Earth’s resources and our afflictions on it are becoming more apparent. Inequality is increasing. No wonder many of us are looking for a viable alternative to the unsustainable exploitative present. Marx writes beautifully about humanity’s role in the natural world, and his environmental views can be grafted onto principles of deep ecology. The eco-socialist movement following this tradition, identifies some issues and ideas hopeful for today. Marx’s ecology recognises that we are part of nature, but influenced by it. We’re organic beings in an inorganic world, in a dialectic and metabolic relationship. Humankind and nature are separate but united and interrelated. Humans are sensory beings in a web of the living and not living. Marx was influenced by the enclosure of forests restricting public access to free firewood for cooking and heating; by air pollution in cities too foul to breathe; and by sewage and wastes flowing into the Thames and the sea that should be returned to the soil where it was produced. He saw that urbanisation, industrialisation and alienation of people from the land and the products of their labour, created a ‘metabolic rift’. Natural processes became disrupted, and peoples’ place in them. He recognised that soil depletion through the exportation of nutrients and goodness in produce to far away markets led to dependency on artificial fertilisers just to maintain production. The environmental and subsequent social problems identified by Marx in the 1800s are further evident today. Rivers, lakes and oceans are polluted by excess nutrient loading while masses of fertiliser is imported from further afield, damaging ecosystems in both locations. People are alienated from the nature they should feel part of because so much of it is modified or inaccessible through various forms of enclosure. Working lives consign people to cities so they lose connection with the land. ‘All creatures are made into property’. Destruction has extended to global commons like the oceans and atmosphere through the externalised effects of production, consumption and waste. Eco-socialism is a radical proposition that supports ‘system change, not climate change’. But it takes the logical view that you can’t have infinite growth on a finite planet. Given the extinction of half Earth’s species in the last 40 years, most of the old forests and wetlands are lost, and 95 per cent of the world is still poor, it’s clear something’s got to change. Eco-socialists argue for a transition to a fairer, more modest and sustainable world. They say it’s both possible and imperative, using green energy technology and connected, public transport-friendly cities to avert the eco-apocalypse now. But they also argue for equality of rights of workers and citizens along the way. They don’t sound like radical requests at all.

The cost of using the Northern Gateway Toll Road has increased by 10 cents for cars, motorcycles and light vehicles to $2.30, and by 30 cents to $4.70 for heavy vehicles. The increases are the second increase since the toll road opened in January 2009. An NZTA spokesperson says occasional adjustments are necessary to ensure the toll road remains viable and the $158m debt is repaid by 2045. When the costs are repaid the toll will be removed.

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realestate

16 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

Council explores rates policy changes Warkworth liaison A rates cut for farmers and higher transport levy for businesses are among the changes being considered by Auckland Council as part of its rating policy review. Last month, Council’s Finance and Performance Committee resolved to consult on three changes to the policy ahead of next year’s annual plan. A policy to reduce the rates of large rural properties by 25 per cent, put forward by Franklin Councillor Bill Cashmore, is likely be part of the consultation process. Mr Cashmore says farmers pay some of the highest rates in the region but have poor access to Council services. But the policy has been tweaked after a strong backlash from lifestyle block owners. The original policy proposed paying for the rates cut by increasing rates for lifestyle block owners by an average of $73 a year. During initial consultation in September, more than 90 per cent of submissions opposed the proposal, with the majority of feedback coming from lifestyle block owners, who make up three-quarters of those affected. The proposal has been amended, moving the burden of the change to all ratepayers, resulting in an average rates increase of $3 a year across the whole of Auckland. The changes have been supported by the Rodney Local Board. Council is also considering reducing the transport levy paid by residential ratepayers at the expense of businesses. The levy is currently $114 for residential and farm/lifestyle ratepayers, and $183 for businesses. The proposal would increase the levy for businesses by $224 and cut the residential and lifestyle levy by $24 to make the share paid by businesses consistent with the differential for general rates. This would see the total share of the levy paid by businesses rise from 14.7 per cent to 32.7 per cent. Changes to the fixed portion of rates, the Uniform

group seeks chair

Farm rates are being reviewed.

Annual General Charge or UAGC, are also being floated. The UAGC is currently set at $385. The public will be able to give feedback on changing the rate from between $350 to $650. A Council report on the proposal said a higher UAGC would lower the rates burden on higher value property and increase rates on lower value properties. The average UAGC for large NZ centres is $217, ranging from no UAGC in Wellington, Dunedin and Hamilton, to $800 in Tauranga. The Local Board supports increasing the UAGC to between $450 and $500. A report on the proposals warned that changing the rates policy would again result in wide variations in rate rises which have occurred every year under the Super city – if no changes are made, 2016/17 would be the first year all ratepayers would face the same rates increase. The Governing Body will make the final decision on what will go to public consultation at its December 17 meeting. Consultation on the annual plan will be in February and March next year, with the plan adopted in June.

The Warkworth Area Liaison Group (WALG) is in the market for a new chair following the resignation of co-chair Warwick Massey. Long-serving secretary Steve Haycock has also announced he will resign from his role next year. Mr Massey says it is time for the group to take a fresh direction. “Former co-chair Bruce Manson decided there comes a time when any organisation needs to change some of the old guard and my resignation is just another part of that process,” Mr Massey says. Mr Massey has been involved with WALG since it formed. He says it started as the Warkworth Community Liaison Group in 2000 when commissioners, who replaced the dysfunctional Rodney District Council, wanted to establish a link with the Warkworth community. Sir Gordon Mason was the founding chair and it morphed into a forum for a range of groups and a platform for presentations. The group has been the centre of campaigns to get work on the Hill Street intersection and holds regular meetings with the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport. “The popularity of the group has brought forward a wide range of information and exposure to some fairly major issues about roading, water services, planning, internet providers, civil defence and annual and long term plans,” Mr Massey says. The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month and acts as a forum for the community to discuss plans and issues, attracting about 20 to 30 people a month. The next meeting is at the Warkworth RSA downstairs meeting room on Wednesday February 3, starting at 7.30pm. Info: Steve Haycock shcl@vodafone.co.nz

Beneath…

WHAT LIES

Beneath…

Whichever way you look at it, there’s something very special about waterfront property. Bayleys 21st edition of Waterfront magazine is available now, showcasing over 90 of the most stunning waterfront properties for sale.

2015/2016

Beachfront, Lakeside and Riverfront Collection

Dip into it and discover what lies beneath… Orewa Beach 09 426 5911

Whangaparaoa 09 428 0600

Warkworth 09 425 7640

Omaha Beach 09 422 7441

Mahurangi East 09 425 4128

Mangawhai 09 431 5415

Mackys Real Estate Ltd, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

The Way We Were

Water World

For Sale

The waterfront property market grows up 

Three Kiwi stars in, on and under the water 

Over 90 waterfront property opportunities 

realestate

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Let’s getDigital with Cathy Aronson, Online Editor localmattersnz@gmail.com

Silly season While I bemoan the rise of selfie sticks instead of self-reflection, mass media “churnalism”, and click bait like Lorde instead of substance…’tis the season to be silly. ‘Tis the season to remember why we got digital in the first place. To capture what we are doing and share it, to yarn around the digital BBQ, or just watch what everyone else is doing. To make our lives easier and have fun!

Here are a few of my favourite things to get digital with over summer • Connect - You are never too old, or too young, to learn a new trick at SeniorNetWarkworth.org.nz • Capture - Even if you own a camera, you’re more likely have your phone when dolphins visit. Check out apps to improve your photos. Pro tools for iphone include Snapseed, VSCO Cam and FiLMiC Pro. • Curate - Make looping videos with Vine.co, pull together your summer stories with Storify.com, and scrapbook your ideas on Pinterest. • Share - Give it a go if you are not already on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Medium, YouTube, Vimeo. Check your privacy settings or be prepared to be public. • Stay safe - Learn about scams, Ashley Madison email hacks, and keeping your kids safe on netsafe.org.nz What the # was trending in 2015 Here are some topics we covered this year. See this column at localmatters.co.nz for links. See what others are saying on twitter.com/search via these hashtags #Hyperlocal - Small communities are so hot (or is that cool?) right now! #Placemaking - A buzzword for locals doing things for themselves #Open - As big deals like #TPPA go on behind closed doors, the focus on an #OpenGov is growing. #GovHack - It’s hacking but not as you know it. Thousands of people around the world take open government data and make it useful. See what NZ did at #GovHackNZ #IOT - Do you realise how many of your things are connected to the internet? The Internet of Things should make our lives easier but are we protecting our privacy?

Civil

Have you got your ducks in a row? Are you worried about choosing the right tenant? Is your bond collected, lodged and on time? Are you keeping accurate rent records? Trembling at the thought of Tribunal? Paperwork getting on top of you? Tired of the on-going worry? Is it time for “Peace of Mind? Call us now to discuss our professional property management services. Ray White Bogue Property Management 09 425 1611 rentalsadmin.warkworth@raywhite.com Nicole Banks 09 425 1611 Melissa Cox 09 425 1619 Brittany Garner 09 425 1616

I Structural

I Geotechnical

I Coastal

I Environmental

Future-proof Engineering

Winscombe Mall Warkworth

ph 09 425 0137

www.lde.co.nz

Thinking of selling? Borders Real Estate Warkworth

2% Commission + GST Adrienne Steffener

021 740 806

(Minimum Fee $9,000 plus GST)

Phone 425 5394

Jim Steffener

Super Low Fees / Super Savings / Super Service & achieving premium prices

021 939 034

Real Estate Licensees WANTED

Licensed REAA 2008

realestate

18 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

Wellsford library confounds Council

Members of the Mahurangi Senior Citizens’ Group have donated $50,000 to Warkworth Wellsford Hospice’s building project.

Warkworth seniors support hospice

The Mahurangi Senior Citizens group has given $50,000 towards a new community day hospice in Warkworth. Warkworth Wellsford Hospice has a fundraising goal of $4 million and the group’s gift takes the total raised to $3.15 million. Betty Paxton says the members wanted to make a contribution that would serve the community for many years. The hospice and the seniors’ group will agree on a suitable dedication in the building to acknowledge the gift. Architects Chow Hill have completed plans for the new hospice and tenders for the construction contract closed on November 30. Warkworth Wellsford Hospice will appoint a builder in the next few weeks and construction will begin on the

Glenmore Drive site early next year. The building will expand the care options that hospice can offer to people with a life-shortening illness. Services will include nurse-led clinics, daytime respite care, day programmes, support groups and complementary therapies. A large, multi-purpose room will be made available to community and private groups for meetings and functions when the hospice is not using it for education and day programmes. The hospice’s popular garage sale will be based in the lower level of the new building and accessed from Morrison Drive, a few hundred metres up the road from the existing hospice offices.

For more information call 425 9535 or visit warkworthwellsfordhospice.co.nz

Finding a tenant for the former Wellsford Library is proving a challenge for Auckland Council. Only two applications were received during a sevenweek submissions period this year and Council says both proposals are unacceptable. Council is holding a community workshop at the Wellsford Community Centre on December 16, from 5pm to 7pm, to try and re-engage the community. Council community development, arts and culture senior project leader Sue Dodds says the two applications didn’t fit with what the community said they wanted at earlier meetings. One of the applications was from business group Wellsford Promotions, which wants to open an information centre. The other application was understood to have been from a social service provider. Ms Dodds says that during a public workshop in the old library two years ago, the community made it clear it wanted a “community hub” in the building. “We want to make sure that the building is used in a way that meets community needs and reflects what the community wants,” Ms Dodds says. “None of the applications we’ve received embodied what we’ve heard from the community. The two applications received are still on the table and will be reconsidered after the December 16 meeting.” In the meantime, Mahurangi Technical Institute (MTI) has been running a skills course for youth in the building to make it easier for students from Wellsford and Te Hana to attend. Council was considering selling the old library on Rodney Road after the new library opened in June 2013. However, the building was spared from sale in February this year after Council staff made a case for the building to be retained for community use. Info: sue.dodds@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Maximise Your Investment with Ignite Property Management The Local Experts Call us today to find out how you can experience the independent property management difference. The way. Now located at 3 Elizabeth Street, Warkworth, next to Bin Inn

0800 171 161 info@igniteproperty.co.nz

Julie Beaumont

If you are wondering if your Home Loan interest rate is the best it can be, it is probably time to have a confidential chat with a professional. We deal with most of the major banks and lenders. For more information on home finance, pre-approvals and to find the home loan that’s best suited to your circumstances, at no cost to you, give us a call.

Christine Legge 027 423 8380

Phone 09 423 8380 Web financewise.co.nz

Nicola Shirley 027 527 2093

realestate

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

DigitalWorld

CONSERVATION SHAREHOLDING FOR SALE

with Pauline Stockhausen

Brynderwyns near Mangawhai Heads

pauline@thesocialcollective.co.nz

Keep the memories How do you finish off a year of columns? There are so many things I want to share about social media or even about switching off this summer. This made me think about how we have all our memories on devices – our photos, videos and a lot of conversations. Our things are becoming lost. I remember the days where I would take photos on my film camera and would have to wait days to see the end results. Everything now is fast paced but we have lost patience and expect things to be instantaneous. I know I am the worst at this. I can now take a photo with my SLR camera and wifi it to my phone to email it or throw it up onto social media. Instant. One thing I am terrible at is getting those photos in hard copy. If I lost my phone or my drive for my computer corrupted I could lose years of precious memories. While I have learned this lesson more times than I like to admit – I still forget to back up. Which brings me to the holiday season and the point of this column. Take photos and videos this summer. Capture the end of 2015 and then print the photos. Make a collage or put them in a photo album, make the great photos into canvases, capture moments on video and make a 2015 holiday video. It’s funny how I say this and it reminds me of my grandad telling me I should walk more – I remember telling him I don’t have to walk because we have cars now. You know how they start a conversation, “In my day …” I feel like I’m saying the same thing. Have I become that old person reminiscing over the old ways! Maybe. We have had the biggest shift in technology in this generation and while some things are for the better, I still feel there is a place for printing out our precious memories. So on a cheery note, make a summer holiday video. Capture your loved ones. Ask them to share their favourite memories, snap happy moments and make a video you can enjoy for many years to come. Take photos, capture moments and make a 2015 album. I know I will be. Have a safe and happy summer and see you in 2016. Visit us on Facebook for daily notices - MahurangiMatters

Chance to share in unique 423ha bush property, QEII covenanted, 10 mins to Mangawhai Heads. Sunny building site with views to DOC Reserve. Enjoy joint ownership of whole property, privacy and friendship of others. Beautiful natural environment – forest, clean streams and walking tracks. Kiwi live here so no dogs or cats allowed. Buyer should be prepared to be actively involved in conservation. Marunui is a special place for special people.

Details & POA. Ph: 09 376 4069 Email: marunui.share@gmail.com

Business Sales

Iconic Warkworth business : Farm and Lifestyle Centre • Business with longevity and a proven track record over many years • Boutique style store with charm, character and great location • Strong client base and support • Servicing lifestyle property owners, farmers and home owners • Sells national & international branded products • Trades 5 &1/2 days per week • Great growth area with expanding business opportunity • Priced to sell @$295,000 +SAV (plus GST if any)

Phone Gary Caldwell: 027 459 2850 And Duncan Napier: 027 283 8021

The Informant Snells Beach

Algies Bay

Average days on market 33 Average sale price $600,000 59 sales in the last 6 months

Average days on market 44 Average sale price $652,500 17 sales in the last 6 months

Staisic's sourced from REINZ & RPNZ

Steffan Meyer

Mahurangi East Specialist

0800 U R SOLD 0800 877 653

Mackys Real Estate Ltd (REAA 2008)

localbusiness

20 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

MoneyMatters

Say it to

Sayers

Grant Clifton, Countrywise Financial www.countrywise.co.nz

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I remember in the 80’s when credit cards were a relatively new thing in New Zealand and getting one was a real novelty. If you got one it meant a whole new sense of freedom and the envy of your friends! You could dine out at a restaurant and the bill would magically get paid with a simple zip zap of the plastic card. Who remembers that catchy TV advert, Zip Zap National Bank Visa, where the guy was virtually dancing down the main street of Parnell with arm loads of shopping purchased on the plastic. There is no doubt that the credit card is convenient, you can pay it off over time, you get a statement that lists all your purchases and they are great when travelling overseas or buying goods online. However, in the wrong hands they can set you on a course of financial disaster. I have seen people with four and five credit cards all at their limits trying to juggle payments and barely being able to afford to pay the interest, let alone pay off the core debt. In fact, a quick look at the Reserve Bank website shows that Kiwis owe, as at October 2015, $6.459 billion on credit card debt. This is up from $6.284 billion in 2014 and $5.945 billion in 2013. The average interest rate on this debt is a whopping 18.1% pa. A quick calculation shows me that Kiwis are now paying $1.137 billion a year in interest costs (mainly to overseas banks) on our credit card debt. This is money lost out of our pockets each year for a simple zip zap (or Paywave now). In fact, for a more eye watering figure as at September 2015, Kiwis owed $222.8 billion on all consumer debt (mortgage and consumer debt). Why am I quoting these figures? It’s not to scare you, but simply to point out that there may be a better way for you to pay this Christmas, than via the plastic. There may be a better and cheaper way to borrow than using a credit card. For instance, as a rule of thumb, mortgages are cheaper (4.3% at present) maybe you could get a top up? Secondly, personal loans from the bank are cheaper than credit cards, peer to peer lenders are a cheaper way to borrow personal loans than credit cards (there are a number of new entrants in this market). Can you consolidate your debts onto a mortgage and reduce the interest rate? And, finally, if you need to use the plastic, do you have the best credit card for your needs as there is a lot of competition in the credit card space. Are you able to do a balance transfer at 0% interest and make some inroads into paying off the core debt? There are so many options when it comes to credit cards, low interest-high fee, high fee-low interest, interest free terms, rewards options and air point options. There are sometimes up to five or six different credit card options from each provider. My suggestion is to have a look at the independent website Canstar which reviews and rates most financial products. Check it out at canstar.co.nz and click on the credit card section. Have a wonderful Christmas and a plastic free New Year!

Locally

Sat:

A D I V I S I O N O F W YAT T L A N D S C A P E S U P P L I E S

( just after the Muriwai turn off )

Mon-Fri:

Drop in, or pre-book ph 09 301 0101 948 State Highway 16 • Waimauku

DAYS!

LOCAL BOARD Call: 09 411 9604

1 Baxter St, Warkworth (next to Library)

Meet monthly with Greg Sayers Every third Thursday, 2pm–4pm.

Plastic free Christmas

OPEN

Lifejacket upgrade opportunity

183 Sandspit Road, WARKWORTH

Locally owned and operated

948 State Highway 16, WAIMAUKU

www.landscapesupplies.net.nz

Kitchens. Bathrooms. Entertainment Units. Laundries. Wardrobes. Offices

Boaties have the chance to upgrade their old lifejackets for the latest models at discount prices, thanks to a Coastguard initiative this summer. Simply bring along any old lifejacket to the Old 4 New Lifejacket Upgrade van to qualify for price reductions of up to $40 per jacket on a full range of new Hutchwilco models for adults and children. The Coastguard Old 4 New vehicle will be at Omaha boat ramp from 2.30-6.30pm on Wednesday December 30. However, if anyone can’t make that date and venue, the initiative is also being honoured at all Burnsco marine supply stores during the campaign, which runs from Saturday December 5 until Monday February 1.

Contact Neil: 09 425 7017 or 021 070 0643 Unit A, 16 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

neiltcabinetmaker@xtra.co.nz cabinetmakeranddesign.co.nz

localbusiness

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

INTR ODUCING n

One Agency As house prices in Mahurangi reach new records, a new business has been established to combat rising commission fees. Warkworth real estate agent Rob Hall says the industry needs a shake up and started One Agency Hall Property Group with his children Martin and Teresa after becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the hikes in fees. The One Agency model started in Australia and has gained a following as a non-franchised real estate company, enabling agencies to establish their own fee structure. “Most real estate companies in New Zealand charge a commission based on a percentage of the sale price,” Rob says. “But since I’ve been working, the average price at Omaha has gone from $230,000 to $1.1 million and commission fees have gone through the roof. We have started a fixed fee structure, which establishes exactly what the seller has to pay at the time the property is listed, which is much fairer.” The Halls have decades of experience in the industry. “We live and breathe real estate,” Martin says. “It’s all we talk about.” Rob worked for Shell and ran a service station in Kamo for a decade, before relocating to Omaha 16 years ago and

Rob, Teresa and Martin Hall

becoming a real estate agent. “I absolutely love it,” Rob says. “It can be stressful, but it’s a happy business. The vendors are happy to sell and the buyers are happy starting a new chapter in their lives. I try and take the stress out of it by being upfront and honest.” Martin started working in property finance and project management before getting into real estate. “I like the contact with people,” Martin says. “It’s important to have a feel for emotions to understand what people want.” Teresa has been working in real estate on and off for well over 20 years, working in Auckland before relocating to Mahurangi recently. The company started in August and opened its headquarters on Queen Street in the former Warkworth Family Footwear shop last month.

Tickled Pink volunteers outside the new hospice shop in Argyll Angle, Warkworth.

Hospice expansion in pink Tickled Pink is the name of a new hospice shop opening in Warkworth on December 10, and tickled pink is what customers can expect to feel when they shop there. Hospice’s new store, in the former cycle and music shop in Argyll Angle, will specialise in retro, quirky and collectible items ranging from jewellery to furniture. It will open with a special preview event for invited guests on Thursday December 10, and regular opening hours will be from

10am to 4pm Wednesday to Friday, and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. Shop manager Christine Hannah says the shop will expand hospice’s fundraising base by taking advantage of the current interest in nostalgia and vintage goods. Tickled Pink will be stocked with unusual and interesting items that are donated to the hospice garage sale and shops. Visit warkworthwellsfordhospice.co.nz to find out more.

localbusiness

22 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015 INTR ODUCING n

INTR ODUCING n

DJL Builders

Warkworth Whiteware

After 22 years building high-end homes in Australia, Daniel Lethbridge has returned home to New Zealand and has started his own company, DJL Builders. Daniel grew up on Waiheke Island and did his building apprenticeship in Auckland before heading to Australia aged 20, following in the footsteps of his father and younger brother. “People think there’s a lot more opportunity over there, but I think life’s what you make of it, no matter where you are.” He has run his own building company on the Gold Coast for the past decade, employing 10 other NZ builders, working on large homes and swimming pools. “Building is my passion. It’s always a challenge and every job is different. “When you build someone’s house you develop a strong relationship. You are helping to create their dreams and you end up being their builder for life.” But after 20 years away, Daniel says it was time to come home to a more relaxed pace of life and spend time with family. His mother owns the Sheepworld Caravan Park and his brother owns A&J Lethbridge Painting and Decorating in Warkworth. “It’s great to be back. It’s a beautiful area here and I’m loving the fishing. The first thing I did when I came back was buy a boat.”

One of the secrets of getting the best out of a home appliance is to ensure that it is installed correctly. Troy Hudson, who has more than 13 years local experience in servicing, repairing and maintaining domestic whiteware, says leaks and other wear and tear issues are often linked to poor installation. “It would have to be one of the most common problems I see,” he says. Troy has recently opened his home-based business Warkworth Whiteware. He is the warranty agent for Classique, Smeg, Baumatic and Insinkerator, but is qualified to tackle all makes and models. “I hate the way we’ve become a throwaway society, but there’s not much you can do about it when it comes to the cheap brands. On the other hand, if people have spent money on buying good appliances, then it is usually well worth paying the relatively small repair costs if something goes wrong.” Troy grew up in the Mahurangi, likes to play golf when he can and he and his wife Kerrie are the proud parents of a 15-month-old son. He is also a volunteer firefighter at Warkworth. “Being self-employed means I’m in a better position to be able to turn out

Daniel Lethbridge

His first apprentices will be his two sons, Cullen, 15, and Ethan, 19. “I’ve been a solo parent for the past 10 years and they’ve spent a lot of time on building sites from an early age.” Since returning to NZ, Daniel has found there have been a lot changes to building regulations, which has resulted in safer building sites and better homes. “The building code now ensures that homes are built in a way that reduces leaking and a lot has been done to ensure the job is safer. There are also a lot more building inspections than there used to be, which is a good thing for the industry. We all want to build the best home for our clients.” Daniel is a registered builder, working from Orewa to Mangawhai.

Builders of Quality Homes and Extensions

Troy Hudson

to calls, but if you have a job booked, then sometimes it’s just not possible. The number of callouts we get in a week can vary from none to six or seven.” Troy says one of the more unusual repair jobs he’s done was on a washing machine that had a blocked drain pump. “It involved pulling out 45 bobby pins from the pump,” he says. “The lady owner said that at least it solved the mystery of where all her daughters hairpins went.”

Warkworth Whiteware Ltd Servicing, Repairs and Maintenance

Builders

Daniel Lethbridge

021 025 94334 | djlbuilders@bigpond.com LBP: BP129532

Dryers, Fridges, Freezers, Ovens, Cooktops, Rangehoods, Dishwashers, Waste Disposals, Boiling and Chilled Water Units.

I Service Puhoi to Mangawhai Heads Coast to Coast

Troy Hudson Owner Operator 021720906 Troy@warkworthwhiteware.co.nz

Www.Warkworthwhiteware.co.nz

localbusiness

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

CHANGING PLACES n

INTR ODUCING n

United Autos

Forbidden Brewing Co.

Martin and Nicole Dunn

Confidence in Warkworth’s future has been one of the main drivers behind Martin and Nicole Dunn’s decision to relocate and expand United Autos. The couple set up their business 18 months ago in Glenmore Drive, but this week moved into purpose-built premises in Morrison Drive. “We can see a future here in Warkworth,” Nicole says. “Perhaps we would be busier if we went to somewhere like Albany, but we like our lifestyle here and want to be part of the community where we live.” United Autos specialises in selling European and Japanese used cars that are five to 10 years old, in the $10,000 to $20,000 price range. While about half their customers come from the local area, the rest are from around NZ, who are buying the cars online. “We price the cars competitively plus

they come with a full year’s warranty and are fully serviced before they leave the yard,” Martin says. “We plan to expand the range once we settle in at the new premises.” The other change will be the opening of a secure self-storage complex behind the yard. It will include 28 units, made up of two sizes – 6m x 3m and 4.5m x 3m. “They will be ideal for people who are moving and need somewhere to store their goods and furniture for short periods of time,” Nicole says. Martin hopes that once the shift is done, he will have more time to spend racing his fully modified Honda Integra. He has been involved in motor-sport since he was a teenager, racing mainly in Europe. After leaving the British Army, he worked in the export department of the Austin Rover Group in Germany, where he met Nicole.

Ph 09 425 7474

In just two-and-a-half years, father and son Alan and Jordan Spinks have gone from brewing cider in their garage to producing tens of thousands of litres a year as the award winning Forbidden Brewing Company. They have relocated operations from Long Bay to The Cider Shed, an orchard and restaurant on SH1, just north of Warkworth. Forbidden Brewing started after Alan and Jordan both found themselves at a crossroads: Alan was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and was unable to continue his career as a clinical adviser to hospitals, while Jordan was made redundant from his job at a cider company in Silverdale. “We started to make cider in the garage in a 10-litre tub, carbonating the batch with a soda stream,” Alan says. “We never set out to start an international cider company but it’s just taken off. Now we’ve won 10 medals and trophies, including the Champion Cider award at this year’s NZ Brewers Guild awards, and we’ve been recognised as one of the best new businesses in the country.” The family emigrated from Cornwall nine years ago after holidaying in NZ in 2001. Jordan soon became frustrated with the lack of quality cider in NZ and started learning traditional cider-making techniques. “It’s completely different in the UK,” Jordan says. “Here, 90 per cent of the

Jordan and Alan Spinks

cider is made from concentrate and sugar and flavours are added. Whereas we only make cider from freshly pressed apples.” Forbidden produces over 55,000 litres of cider a year, exporting about 15 per cent, but their plan is to double production. The apple orchard at their new Warkworth headquarters has 500 trees which will supply the majority of the fruit for the cidery. “We didn’t just want to be a cider making factory,” Alan says. “We wanted to control things from seed to bottle.” They have also been working to turn The Cider Shed cafe into New Zealand’s first cider centric bar. “There will be 10 different ciders on tap and no beer,” Alan says. “We want to hold a range of events this summer, like movies in the orchard and live music, with a harvest festival in autumn.”

N� T� w O e C �n �d� �r r S � o� �e �

NEW LOCATION 37 MORRISON DRIVE Whatever your needs, United Autos are here to help. We pride ourselves in providing the best possible deal at the best possible price.

ALL OUR NEW IMPORTED VEHICLES ARE SOLD WITH: • New WOF • Professionally groomed • 6 months Dealer Warranty

• Odometers certified • Fully serviced by authorised workshop • Accident free vehicles

• A�l o�r c�d�r� a�e h�n� c�a�t�d a� o�r c�d�r� a�j�c�n� t� t�e C�d�r S�e� B�r� R�s�a�r�n� • F�l� r�n�e o� o�r c�d�r� a�a�l�b�e a� t�e C�d�r S�e� - c�l�a� d�o� c�m�n� s�o� • A�l c�d�r� m�t�h�d t� o�r n�w m�n� • F�e� t�s�i�g� o� o�r f�l� r�n�e o� c�d�r� a�a�l�b�e

We offer professional & personal service, Marac Finance at competitive rates & Autosure (Vero) insurance packages.

SPECIALISING IN LATE & LOW MILEAGE EUROPEAN & JAPANESE CARS Ph Martin 021 425 488 www.unitedautos.co.nz Monday-Friday 9.30 am – 5 pm, Saturday 9.30 am – 1 pm Or by appointment

T� b�o� y�u� C�r�s�m�s f�n�t�o� i� N�w Z�a�a�d�s ﬁ�s� C�d�r b�r c�l� u� o� 0� 4�2 2�7� o� v�s�t u� a� f�r�i�d�n�c�.�z

localbusiness

24 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015 CHANGING FACES n

CHANGING PLACES n

Black Dog Café

Love Nails

More than 20 years in the hospitality industry has reinforced in Mark Seton’s mind the importance of providing customers with consistently good food, coffee and service. Mark and his partner Billie are the new owner/operators of Black Dog Café in Matakana. “Matakana is obviously growing, but it is still quite a tight-knit community in many ways,” Mark says. “We can see that the locals are going to be the backbone of our business and we’re going to do our best to look after them.” The couple’s dedication to the job includes setting the alarm clock for 2am or 3am seven days a week and then heading for the café to be ready to start the day’s baking. Billie insists on everything being baked fresh daily, starting with the brioche and then moving onto the scones, scrolls and muffins. “We take a lot of pride in what we do and there’s nothing better than getting great customer feedback,” she says. “It makes the early mornings all worthwhile.” While Mark started his working life in the filtration and pumping industry, he soon gravitated to hospitality and opened the first two Muffin Breaks in NZ – one in the Downtown shopping centre and the other in Milford. At one stage, he was running three cafes

Love Nails is an established nail salon in the Mahurangi area, which is set to expand its services in Matakana this month. Owner/operator Angela Munro, who has been a qualified nail technician for more than 10 years, is moving from the Matakana Cinema complex to the villa in the new Mortimer complex, along Matakana Valley Road. “We are really excited to relocate to larger premises that will offer us individual consulting rooms,” Angela says. “We’ll continue to do all nail-related treatments, but will also offer a Billion Dollar Brow bar, spray tans and Pharo manuka sugaring gel waxing treatments. The gel contains skin enhancers such as manuka honey, kiwifruit and aloe vera, and is free of solvents and harsh additives. The result is significantly less discomfort and a smoother finish. Once we settle in, we will look at perhaps botox and fillers. “Our main priority as NZ qualified and council regulated nail technicians is the care of the natural nail.” Angela says she loves the way a manicure can make a woman feel better. “It doesn’t take long and it doesn’t cost a fortune, but the results can really make a difference to how a person feels,” she says. While women make up 99 per cent of

Mark and Billie Seton

in Auckland, employing 100 staff. More recently, he has been living and working in Papamoa where Billie comes from. “We decided to move north at the suggestion of friends,” Mark says. “Billie’s new to the area, but I remember coming up for the mullet boat races at Leigh and I did a bit of holiday work for Roger Clark, planting nashi pear trees at Omaha years ago.” The couple say they have plans to make some changes to the outside dining area and have already updated the inside décor, but otherwise the focus will remain on the food and coffee.

23 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana Phone 09 422 9130

Angela Munro

her clientele, men are also welcome. “It’s a growing trend in Europe and some of the major companies are bringing out colours specifically for men.” But it’s not all just about beauty. Angela also works with chronic nail biters, using new products that can promise improvements within a month. “There’s a lot more to being a technician than people might think. We’re taught about anatomy and the chemistry behind the products we use to ensure there is no risk of infection or allergic reaction.” Joining Angela in the salon will be her sister Jessica Wakelin, who is also a fully qualified technician.

localbusiness

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Annual raffle raises Lion’s share

INTR ODUCING n

Goat Island Dive and Snorkel Two young adventurers have taken on Goat Island Dive and Snorkel, at Leigh, to help more people start their own journey on the Mahurangi coast. Stone Meharry says he “basically grew up at Goat Island” during weekly excursions with his family while living in Leigh and Matakana. Diving soon became his fixation and he took a diving course at Goat Island Dive when he was 15. “I’ve always loved the ocean,” Stone says. “Just being underwater is such a great feeling.” After qualifying as a diving tutor in Albany and working at Goat Island, Stone went to Fiji to work as a dive instructor at a resort, where he met Tine Flokken. Tine grew up in Norway, but says her formative years were spent travelling the world while studying at the United Nations Academy. “I went to the Middle East, throughout Europe and ended up in Africa for my final project, filming a documentary on child soldiers in Uganda and South Sudan. I was only 18 and we were basically in a war zone, getting smuggled through borders and trying to interview people at rehabilitation camps.” After studying international politics, Tine travelled to Fiji to work on an aid project where she met Stone while diving.

Tine Flokken and Stone Meharry

The couple spent six months as crew on a 100-year-old, 30-metre “pirate ship”, crashing through storms and becoming stalled in windless seas for a month while sailing to Australia. They have been based in Mahurangi since January and bought the dive shop in October. Goat Island Dive and Snorkel runs guided snorkel tours, taking over 30 schools to the reserve each year, and PADI dive courses up to the level of Dive Master. “Working with children is a thrill. You can see their faces light up when they first look under the water,” Tine says. “It’s the perfect way to teach them about the environment and inspire a new generation.” They also want to start night dive and snorkel tours and underwater photography and videography courses.

After a six-week fundraising campaign, the Warkworth Lions Club has raised about $10,000 for the Kowhai Coast Youth Trust and Warkworth Wellsford Hospice. Lions members sold more than 3000 raffle tickets. Shiva Goundar, of Glenfield, won the top prize of a $2000 travel voucher, Cherye Clarke, Matakana, won a night at Sky City Hotel and J Kimber, Orewa, won a $100 fuel voucher. Warkworth Mobil owners Bev and Wilbert Vissers donated $1000 after pledging to match the club’s fundraising on their final day. Pictured, Bev Vissers presenting Lions president Peter Henderson with a cheque.

Hospice starts hunt for art installation Warkworth Wellsford Hospice is looking for an artist to create an installation that will not only enhance its new building, but will also help with the fundraising. Construction of the proposed community day hospice is expected to start early next year in Glenmore Drive, Warkworth, and the hospice has raised $3.15 million of its $4 million target. To help raise the rest, the fundraising team will offer donors a chance to sponsor a piece of a composite artwork and have their name recorded beside it. Hospice general manger Kathryn Ashworth says the idea is similar to the traditional ‘buy a brick’ campaign, with fine art instead of bricks. But first it needs an artwork, or at

least a concept – and local artists are being invited to put their hands up. The chosen installation could be indoors or out and may be attached to a wall or free-standing. It should comprise 250 to 300 individual pieces so that each one can be sponsored. It needs to be appropriate to the hospice environment, but that does not mean the artists have to ‘play it safe’. “We want something that looks good, but we think it’s also good for art to make the viewer think,” Mrs Ashworth says. The art installation will be unveiled at the opening of the new building, in 2017. Artists interested in receiving a brief should contact campaign manager Lesley Ingham on 425 9535 or email lesley.ingham@hospicehouse.org.nz.

26 Mahurangimatters July 16, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

We Restore Weathered Decks You will be shocked at the difference we can make and the $$$ we might save you.

Thirteen students raised over $100 each during the walkathon.

Walkathon helps school rebuild

We specialise in the restoration and staining of all decks.

www.deckandfencepro.co.nz

Call NOW 021 050 2744

McDonald’s Crew Warkworth Our crew are pivotal to ensure that we deliver on quality, service and cleanliness to our customers. We are opening a new restaurant in Warkworth which is due to open its doors to customers in December. As such, we are looking for motivated and friendly individuals to work as crew, who are available to be rostered on a permanent part time basis (up to 35 hours) for various shifts 24/7 Monday-Sunday. So if this sounds like you, then we want to hear from you! We are looking for people who: • Will provide each customer with a memorable experience by being friendly, polite and professional • Have a ‘can do’ attitude • Are reliable and turn up on time • Are team players • Enjoy working in a high energy environment • Show initiative and are hard working We have an ‘earn while we learn’ philosophy which means that the more qualifications you gain the more your pay goes up. You can also gain NZQA credits while you work as well as valuable on the job skills. The opportunities are endless. You can rise up through the restaurants, become a manager or a franchisee, or even progress locally or internationally within the wider business. Only applicants who have the legal right to work in New Zealand will be considered.

If this sounds like you then please submit a covering letter, along with a copy of your CV and your right to work documentation to the Restaurant Manager, 0417@nz.stores.mcd.com

Students at Warkworth School raised $16,260 during this year’s walkathon which will go towards rebuilding the PE sheds damaged by fire in April. Over 600 children walked 5km through Warkworth in October, asking local businesses for sponsorship. Organiser and PTA member Nicky Illingworth says it is their most successful walkathon yet. “We’ve run it for four years and we’ve nearly doubled the amount we raised last year.”

Junior student Keidis Watts and senior student Haydn Roscoe won iPads which were donated by two local business as an incentive for the students – every student who raised over $30 went into the draw. The school is fundraising to rebuild the PE sheds, changing rooms and build an additional music suite. The school needs to raise about $45,000 for the work, which is expected to start next year. Proceeds from the school’s fiesta fundraiser, on March 18 next year, will also go towards the building.

Puhoi genes under microscope A group of Puhoi people are part of a nationwide study tracing New Zealand’s heritage through DNA testing. Professor Lisa Matisoo-Smith has collected 2000 samples throughout the country as part of the Africa to Aotearoa project, which uses genetic tests to chart the migration of human’s out of Africa. “New Zealand was the last country settled by humans, but we’ve found it has one of the most diverse populations,” Ms Matisoo-Smith says. The project included testing residents in communities associated with particular migrations to NZ, like the Bohemian settlers in Puhoi, French and German settlers in Akaroa and Dalmatian settlers in Auckland. Lisa tested 37 people in Puhoi last September, however, disappointingly, only three of those claimed to be descendants of Bohemian settlers. “The tests showed these people are from a very European subset. About half of



the group had the H marker, which is common to most Europeans, while noone tested had Pacific ancestry.” The nationwide sampling has now been completed and the results are being analysed. Lisa hopes to write a book on the findings and is planning a travelling exhibition about the study in 2017. “The main reason for the research is to engage the public on human history and think about what it means to be a New Zealander. It also gives us a snapshot of the genetic makeup of the country.” The research is also being used to determine the migration of Pasifika people to NZ. Earlier research has suggested the population was established from a population of a few hundred females. However preliminary results from Lisa’s research is finding quite a lot of genetic diversity in the population, which suggests a larger settler population.

Pole Retaining Walls  Foundations  Inground Walls  Excavations  Concrete & Timber Structures

Phone: 027 616 2728 polesmithltd@gmail.com www.polesmith.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz

July 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Boler Contractors round hay, silage & small bales

Mike Boler

Mikeboler246@gmail.com 131 Wharehine Road rd3 Wellsford 021 186 7069

MORTGAGEE SALE RESCUE Kerry Claydon Adventurer Kevin Biggar is an enthusiastic visitor to the Mahurangi area.

Adventurer visits Matakana The challenges of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean and trekking to the South Pole will be shared when Kevin Biggar visits Matakana on December 6. Kevin and his rowing partner Jamie Fitzgerald competed in one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges – the trans-Atlantic Rowing race – in 2003. Not only did they win, but they set a new world record. “Entering the race was a particularly unusual choice for someone who hadn’t rowed before and was prone to sea-sickness,” he says. The pair teamed up again in 2007 to undertake the first ever unsupported trek from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back. These days he is more widely known as the host of the television series First Crossings, now Intrepid NZ, recreating historic adventures in NZ. He has also written three books on his adventures. Kevin has a physics degree from Auckland University and a Masters

degree in environment and development from the University of Cambridge. He has worked as a policy analyst at the Ministry of Commerce and The Treasury, a strategy consultant with The Boston Consulting Group and Telecom, and most recently worked as the chief executive of a software start-up. He says he continues to be fascinated with performance, personal transformation and the psychology of teams. “My next adventure is another TV show. I’ll be carrying on the torch of First Crossings and Intrepid NZ, but it will be more about recreating some awesome Kiwi stories including possibly war stories.” At Kevin’s talk in Matakana he will share what he has learned from taking on daunting challenges. He will speak at the Matakana Cinemas as a guest of the Lydia Group, which is part of the Warkworth Anglican Parish. Tickets are $20, available from the cinema or contact Annie Mellor mellorannie@gmail.com Gina Wishart

021 08852479 wishgina@gmail.com

Matakana

Business / Bookkeeping Services

M 027 290 2997 Office 09 422 2223 Email k.g.claydon@xtra.co.nz

Citizens Advice Bureau Wellsford & Warkworth Satellite Service

We wish you a Merry Christmas 2015 and a Happy New Year 2016 Wellsford

Wellsford Community Centre 1 Matheson Rd, Wellsford 0900 | Mon-Fri 10am-3pm

Warkworth Satellite Service

Auckland Council Building Board Room Queen Street, Warkworth |Wed 10am-1pm

09 423 7333 or 0800 367 222 | Cab.wells@xtra.co.nz | cab.org.nz

28 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

Photographs like these of World War II servicemen from the US, relaxing during their leave in Warkworth, now form part of the Auckland Museum collection.

Auckland Museum mines Warkworth WWII memories The Auckland Museum is hoping long-time Mahurangi locals may be able to help it expand its knowledge of a set of photographs recently donated to the museum. The museum recently digitised a large tranche of the photography collections of Warkworth photographer Tudor Collins, which came to it via a bequest to his nephew. It is a large image bank of photos

of American servicemen, based in Auckland in World War II, prior to being despatched to the Pacific. Pictorial curator Shaun Higgins says the photos are a wonderful trove of individual and group portraits together with action shots of the men having fun while taking advantage of the relaxed lifestyle in Warkworth, including sea fishing, hunting pukeko and relaxing in front of local homes.

Merry Christmas

to all my customers!

“Many of these servicemen are unidentified and we would love to know more about them and their experiences in Auckland,” he says. “We are working on a project to attract US citizens to these photographs online.” The project was specifically promoted during recent Thanksgiving celebrations. “We hope to gather more information

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

CARPET CLEANING Emergency Flood Service 12 Years Technical Experience Fully Qualiﬁed & Certiﬁed

Happy Holidays!

Call FREE: 0800 022 101 M: 021 456 429 E: sbrocks@vodafone.co.nz

Info: aucklandmuseum.com/collectionsresearch/collections/explore-highlights/ american-soldiers-in-new-zealand-wwii Mer

ry C

hris

CON TRAC TORS

tmas

Footings

Hole Boring

Phone to discuss YOUR requirements 021 423 860 or 423 8619 a/h Email: handyman@bruno.co.nz Web: www.bruno.co.nz

and ‘back stories’ on these men to enhance these collections online by highlighting the images to friends and families overseas.” A page has been created with easy instructions on how to browse the online gallery and how to contribute using an enquiry form.

Landscaping

3.5T Digger 5T Truck

Bob Waata | Mobile 021 634 484

TV AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES PICTURE PERFECT TV Freeview Sales & Installation TV & FM Aerials

Thank you to all of our wonderful customers for your support in 2015. Best wishes and a safe holiday season. Gavin & Jocelyn GAVIN BROUGH: Ph 09 425 5495 Mob 0274 766 115

Your handy pull-out guide

Mahurangi Matters - December 2, 2015

• Breed specific grooms • Easy care pet trims • Bath and dry • Quiet calm studio • Fully trained groomer • By appt. only

Louise Cole

09 425 8958 021 067 6343 93 Pulham Road, Warkworth

www.thedoggroomer.co.nz louise@thedoggroomer.co.nz Member of National Dog Groomers Assn NDGANZ

Callaghan Appliance Servicing Ltd Now servicing Warkworth and Snells Beach Areas Most makes and models 35 yrs experience

Parker Tree Care.com Tree and Hedge Work Pruning and Thinning Removals Free Quotations Fully Insured 26 Years Experience Call Roland 021 102 2594 • 09 422 5109 parkertreecare@yahoo.co.nz

Housin Unit

TTE TT Thomas F.

Phone: 09 425 0563 • Mobile: 021 987 616Housing, Housing, Units & Landscaping

UnitsUnits, & Landscaping NewHousing, Houses, Light Commercial

TTE DESIGNS TTE DESIGNS BRATTY UTES TTE DEsigns Architectur Thom Errington Dip. Arch. ARIBA Thomas F.Thomas Errington Dip. Arch. ARIBA PO Box 83 Thomas F.F.Errington Architectural Designer Warkworth Architectural Designer Archi Architectural Designer PO Box 83 Ph 09 425 PO Box 83 PO B Warkworth P 09 425 0512 Fax 09 425 Warkworth Ph 09 425 0512 Mob 0274 M 0274 532 495 Wark Ph 09 425Fax 0512 09 425 0514 WE SPECIALISE IN UTES UP TO $25,000

Dip. Arch. ARIBA

E ttedesigns@xtra.co.nz

Housing, Unit NewPeterstructure & Wendy Bratty

New structures, Restorations, Alterations, Surveys etc...

Architectur

Ian

BRIDGESTONE WARKWORTH

Wayne

www.bridgestone.co.nz

Snells Beach

MOTORS – 2008 LIMITED –

 425 5355

1 Hamatana Road - Snells Beach

Private & All Insurance Work

Ph 425 8723 • Fax 425 9526

New structure

Email: autoglassww@xtra.co.nz

Snells Beach Panel and Paint all insurance work, crash repair, rust repair • courtesy cars available

ph 09 425 6755

snellspanelandpaint@vodafone.co.nz

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

CARpET

AUTO WRECKERS FOR ALL NEW & USED PARTS 2 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth Ph (09) 425 7835 or (09) 425 7730

Fax 09 425 Mob 0274

Wayne 021 765 706 or Ian 021 977 729 47 Woodcocks Road, Warkworth

WARKWORTH

WE NEED CARS FORID WRECKING – $$$ PA

ph: 09 425 6467 / mob: 027 499 8168 / email: bratty@xnet.co.nz

PO Box 83 EDMONDS & MASON New st Warkworth PANEL & PAINT Ph 09 425

40 Whitaker Road, Warkworth 0910

P 09 425 7823 A/H 021 151 9895 E firewarkworth@orcon.net.nz

Ph 09 Fax 0 TTE Mob Thomas F.

Mob 0274 532 495 Fax 09 425 0514 W www.ttedesigns.co.nz Mob 0274 532 495 New structures,Supervision, Restorations, Alterations, Surveys etc... Renovations, Landscaping

CLEAnIng Call FREE

0800 022 101

Emergency Flood Service 12 Years Technical Experience Fully Qualified & Certified

M: 021 456 429 E: sbrocks@vodafone.co.nz

Independent WoF, CoF, Vehicle Condition Assessments & Maintenance Check-Ups. No bookings required. Visit the team at VTNZ Warkworth: 6-14 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth Ph: (09) 425 7441 Mon to Fri: 8:00am–5:00pm Sat: 8:00am –12noon

Your handy pull-out guide

Mahurangi Matters - December 2, 2015

NEW HOMES

CARPENTER-JOINER • Terraces • Alterations • New Housing

• Renovations • Maintenance • Small jobs a specialty

NEIL KOSE

builder ard Winning MOB 021 117 3033

Adding value to homes since 1980

For an obligation free quote Ph 021 085 12024 or mcc_enquiries@xtra.co.nz

AM:ww027ard4771Win583ning builder

Tiling & Waterprooﬁng

www.rwbuilder.co.nz www.rwbuilder.co.nz email: rwb@xtra.co.nz

Phone Alan Berthelsen 021 780 170 • A/hrs 425 8252

RICHARD

WILCOCK

Bricks • Blocks • Paving

WARKWORTH BRICKLAYING SERVICES LTD

AM: 027 4771 583

Phone 09 425 5491 • Mobile 027 275 1172 neilkose@live.com

• New Houses and Alterations • Exterior/Garden Lighting • Fault finding/Repairs • TV Phone and Data • Registered electrician • Domestic and commercial • Free quotes

3.5T Digger 5T Truck

Call Carl today on 022 071 0245 Or email carl@cge.co.nz

Bob Waata Mobile 021 634 484

TE HANA TRACTORS GOOD OLD FASHIONED SERVICE • • • • •

New/Used Tractors & Machinery In-house Engineer Mobile Servicing Repairs Comprehensive Parts Range

Specialists in: • Electrical work • Commercial & residential • Gate automation & repairs • Electrical fencing • Garage door automation & repairs

CONTRACTORS Footings Hole Boring Landscaping

SERVICING: OMAHA, LEIGH, MATAKANA & WARKWORTH

Terms & Conditions apply

Foundations • Floors • Drives • Paths • Digger & Truck Hire Concrete Specialists backed by over 30 years experience Established since 1984

HERON BUILDERS RICHARD WILCOCK LTD

dens@xtra.co.nz PO Box 193, Warkworth

CARPENTRY CO

Small Jobs • Renovations • Bathroom Makeovers Decks • Pergolas • Plastering

LTD

Denis 021 945 498 Joel 021 422 592

THE MATAKANA

10% ! oFF

No job too Small 24 hr operation

Electrical practicing licence for NZ

Ph 022 352 7405 • dudleysimeon@gmail.com dudleyselectrical • www.dudleys.co.nz

MATAKANA

Trellis & Fencing Fences - Gates - Screens - Pergola Phone Bob Moir 422 9550 or 0274 820 336 Email: hurstmere@ihug.co.nz

Authorised Agents for Kioti and TYM tractors 308 SH1, Te Hana, Wellsford • PH 09 423 8558

RODNEY TRELLIS Trellis - Panels - Fencing Installations - all shapes and sizes Specialities: Framed Archways – Superior Trellis Pedestrian Gate Frames (mortised) Trellis spray painting / oiling Gazebo's ~ dove cotes ~ pergolas

115

872 Kaipara Flats Road Ph: 425 7627 • Fax 422 4976

FLOOR SANDING - FLOOR PREPARATION FLOOR SANDING - FLOOR PREPARATION Polyurethaning:- Wooden Floors, Particle Board &PER CorkCOLOUR INSERTION Cork Tiles:- Natural & Coloured Enviro Friendly Products available

KAE JAE CONTRACTORS (LTD) PHONE KEN (0274) 866-923 A/Hrs (09) 422-7328 • Fax (09) 422-7329

The

Trellis Guy Snells Beach • Warkworth • Orewa

• Custom made • Quality material • Quality workmanship

Also see Lance for your supply of Native and Landscaping plants

Ph 09 422 5737 • 027 272 7561 Fax 09 422 5800

Carpet, Vinyl, Cork, Ceramic Tiles, Wood & Laminate

09 422 2275 21 Glenmore Drive www.flooringxtra.co.nz 146M

Selco Enterprises

Carpet Overlocking Services

OUTDOOR FURNITURE Tables to order Chairs • Swingseats Benches • Umbrellas NZ made – quality built to last

email: selcoenterprises@vodafone.co.nz

25 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Silverdale (next to BP) Ph: 09 426 9660 • em: clipper.furniture@xtra.co.nz www.clipperfurniture.co.nz

39 Worker Road • Wellsford Ph 09 423 8322 / 021 403 072

Your handy pull-out guide

Mahurangi Matters - December 2, 2015

FURNITURE 2008

Timber Furniture Specialists with quality workmanship guaranteed Specialising in antique, new furniture & all other timber surfaces.

Rodney Garage Doors

Furniture Restoration • Re-spraying • Special Finishing • Colour Matching Insurance quotes • Furniture repairs • Custom made – Recycled or new timber • Modifications • Upholstery

(1998 LTD)

repair • supply • automate

Phone Grant or Lesley 23b Foundry Rd, Silverdale | 09 426 2979 www.silverdalefurniturerestorations.co.nz 09 426 8412 | www.countrycharm.co.nz

WINDSCREEN REPAIR OR REPLACE GLAZING SERVICES MIRRORS • SPLASH BACKS • SHOWERS

0800 70 40 10

info@northglass.co.nz • www.northglass.co.nz

29 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth 09 425 0258 • 0274 425 025 rodneygaragedoors@vodafone.co.nz

Domestic and

Glazing arkworth Commercial Glass Showers Splash Backs lass & Mirrors • Cat Doors lazing WindscreenandReplacement Chip Repair

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

Wellsford

ALUMINIUM & GLASS GLASS & ALUMINIUM

FOR ALL YOUR GLASS, GLAZING, AND ALUMINIUM NEEDS

53 Station Road, Wellsford • Phone (09) 423 7358 Email: wellsfordglass@xtra.co.nz For all your property maintenance and small building projects Phone to discuss YOUR requirements 021 423 860 - 423 8619 a/h handyman@bruno.co.nz • www.bruno.co.nz

COMPOSITE JOINERY Ltd Composite Joinery Ltd 7 Glenmore Drive Warkworth 0941

Phone: 09 425 7510

We specialise in: • Vantage Aluminium Joinery • APL | Architectural Series • Metro Series

Fax: 09 422 2011

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

Bradwood Kitchens @ FROG POOL FARM

Tractor Mowing • Mulching • Rotary Slashing • Topping Sections, Lifestyle Blocks & Farm Paddocks

Don 425 8501 - 021 527 017

for head to toe pampering

Alison Wech

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

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

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

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

Northland 0800 55 66 00

www.flashman.co.nz

and Wood Finishes

FROM RECYCLED & NEW TIMBERS

GROUNDCARE LTD

Beauty Therapy & Nail Creations

Kitchen Colours

HANDCRAFTED BESPOKE SOLID WOOD KITCHENS

728 STATE HIGHWAY ONE, DOME VALLEY PHONE 425 9030 • WWW.BRADWOOD.CO.NZ

Michelle Boler

417 Old Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth

www.craftsmaninteriors.co.nz 021 189 8807 • 09 422 5709

JB's No 1 LANDSCAPING SERVICES

• PLANTING • FENCES

• PAVING • DECKS

• RETAINING WALLS • GARDEN MAKEOVERS

SERVICING HIBISCUS COAST TO MANGAWHAI JOHN BETTRIDGE (JB) Phone: 09 425 4086 Mobile: 021 665 558 E-mail: john.bettridge@jbsno1.co.nz

Spraypainters of quality kitchens Lacquers, enamels, urethanes, 2 pacs, clearcoats Resprays and Recolours

Phone / Fax Gary 425 7669 Unit 21/30 Hudson Road, Warkworth

LANDSCAPING • 4 x 4 Truck & Digger Hire • Excavation • Earthmoving • Driveways • Trenching • Foundations & Piles • Paths & Shaping • Garden Design

09 422 9514 • 021 831 938 www.junglefix.co.nz

Your handy pull-out guide

Mahurangi Matters - December 2, 2015

• Lawns - contouring & seeding • Top soil • Retaining Walls • Driveways • Paths • Digger • Truck • Tractor Phone Bruce 425 7766 a/h 021 055 4226 I take the hard work out of Landscaping

www.centrallandscapes.co.nz

• Screened Topsoil • Living Earth Compost & Garden Mix • Lawn Mix • Mulch • Bark • Pebbles • Stones • Sand • Drainage • Metal • Sleepers • Pongas • Grass Seed • Fertiliser • Weedmat bagged & bulk plus much more

FREE LOAN TRAILERS HOME DELIVERIES 7 DAYS A WEEK email: warkworth@centrallandscapes.co.nz 25-31 Morrison Dr WARKWORTH 09 425 9780

0800 TOPSOIL

WE CAN •Sand•Metal•Shell•Pebble•Scoria •Mulch•Garden Mix•Topsoil•Compost

DELIVER! •Tirau Gold•Pine Chip•Cambian Bark

183 SANDSPIT RD, WARKWORTH • OPEN 7 DAYS! Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm Sat: 7am-4pm Sun: 9am-3pm

WARKWORTH FURNITURE REMOVALS

SNELLS BEACH

PHONE 09 425 5597 Your Painter/Decorator with over 30 years experience serving all surrounding areas.

Leigh Decorators PaintingPainting Paperhanging Paperhanging Roofs Roofs Airless Spraying Airless Spraying StoppingStopping (small jobs) RepaintsRepaints New Homes New Homes

For your Free Quote and/or Consultation, Phone Gary Home: 09-422-6695 Mobile: 021-024-44941 Email: leighdecorators@clear.net.nz

Welch Painting & Decorating Mark Welch

• Painting • Spray Painting • Paper Hanging • Water Blasting Mob: 027 240 8330 A/h : 422 2678 mawpaintin@gmail.com

• Specialist Furniture Trucks • Packing & Storage • Caring Owner/Operator • Carriers Liability Insurance • Local & Long Distance

Phone 0274 889 216 | Ah 09 422 7495

A BRUSH WITH ART

EXPERT PAINTING AND DECORATING

Interior/Exterior n Waterblasting n Roof Painting Airless Spraying n Plastering n Wallpapering Colour Consulting n Decorative Effects Qualified Tradesmen - Honest/Reliable

Exterior/Interior/Roofs/Staining Husband & Wife team • harley.mcvay@xtra.co.nz

Harley 021 0220 8727 or 09 423 9012 Painting | Plastering | Maintenance

Spice it up 027 217 2765

Michelle de Rijk, Warkworth petraderijk@yahoo.com

Ph Mandy 09 423 0005 or 021 507 463

WARKWORTH PICTURE FRAMERS COMPLETE CUSTOM FRAMING SERVICE David and Pat Little P. 09 425 8143 E. the_littles@xtra.co.nz 15 Coquette Street,Warkworth 0910 DAVID LITTLE GCF

& DRAINLAYING

Helping you with plumbing, drainlaying, jet machine & drain camera tplumber@xtra.co.nz

021 102 4561

TRIED – TESTED – TRUSTED Rodney’s Independent Property Management company

0800 171161 info@igniteproperty.co.nz

Julie Beaumont

WE BUY HOUSES

BEN CLEAL Contracts Manager • New Roofs • Roof Repairs • Re-Roofs • Roof Inspections

House moves, call John on 021 284 3778 House sales, call Ian on 021 639 562 www.janrharkin.co.nz

We relocate houses, we buy houses, we sell houses.

Specialists in long-run roofing M:021 220 5404 P:09 422 2131 Free Phone:0800 649 324

E: ben@rightnowroofing.co.nz

www.rightnowroofing.co.nz

Your handy pull-out guide

Mahurangi Matters - December 2, 2015

ROOFING NZ

Servicing Auckland - Rodney - Kaipara

Metroscaff Limited

New • ReRoofs • Cladding Specialists Covering Rodney in Long-Run Iron Local Quality Guaranteed

Matt Tickle Licensed LBP Mobile: 021356965 Home: 09 425 6311 Email: iron.man@xtra.co.nz

LOCAL SECURITY COMPANY

0800 66 24 24 www.insitesecurity.co.nz

• Alarm & CCTV Installation and Servicing • Alarm Monitoring • Patrols/alarm Response • Free Design and Quotation

PO Box 487 Warkworth

Subdivision • Boundary Pegs Site Surveys • Council Consents Building Setout & Checks Contact us for a free consultation

www.boundary.co.nz Email: survey@boundary.co.nz Ph 09 426 7109 or 021 838 365

For your safety we have: • Experienced Qualiﬁed Scaffolders • Full range of Equipment • Including Alloy Mobile & Builder’s Props

PHONE 0800 622 7929

OMAHA - SNELLS BEACH - WARKWORTH - MANGAWHAI Member of Scaffolding and Rigging New Zealand

AL A RM R E PA IRS Specialists Rodney Wide

Approved Security Licensed Operator

0800 25 27 61

25 Years in Security

• 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

Freeview Sales & Installation TV & FM Aerials GAVIN BROUGH Ph 09 425 5495 Mob 0274 766 115

PICTURE PERFECT TV

ABSOLUTE CONCRETE

WATER TANKS 09 4312211

sales@absoluteconcrete.co.nz

New Pump Sales Service Installation

Phone/Fax 425-5619 Mobile 0800 733 765

021 771 878 • 09 425 6002 E. h2opumps@xtra.co.nz MOBILE EFTPOS AVAILABLE

K & R PUMP SERVICES LTD

Pump & Filtration Services (2007) Ltd

www.mobi-kair.co.nz

TV AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES

WATER PUMPS

Water Treatment • Pumping Systems • Filtration • UV Sterilizers HOURS • Softeners & Neutralizers • Iron Removal Owen Ward

Mangawhai: Phil Lathrope 431 4608 | 021 642 668

Don’t let your septic tank become costly - service it now!

Servicing Rodney

H2O PUMPS

Warkworth: Phone John or Annette Carr

Septic Tank/Grease Trap Cleaning Septic & Sewerage Treatment Systems

Email: Alarm2repair@gmail.com

TV • FM Aerials • Tuning Additional TV Outlets Phone David Redding 09 422 7227 or 0274 585 457

p: 09 425 7477 | m: 027 240 7791 | f: 09 425 7483 email: mobikair@xtra.co.nz

service at competitive rates.

Alarm Servicing • Maintenance • Battery Service • Monitoring • New Alarms • Parts • Replacement Keypads

Installation & Repairs

clean. care. repair.

admin@metroscaff.co.nz Residential to commercial, fast,www.metroscaff.co.nz reliable, professional

Digital Security Specialists Ltd

Digital Freeview Satellite

WATER TANK & WATER APPLICATION CLEANING AGENCY

- Residential & Light Commercial - Quick Stage - OSH Standards - Tube & Clip - Qualified Scaffolders - Reliable Service MacJimray Septic Cleaning Services are the P 09 425 0300 M 021 774 653 F 09 423 0017 septic tank cleaning specialists in your district.

• Water treatment & Filtration • Pumps • Pool & Spas • Waterblasters 7days / 24hours Paul Harris M: 021 425 887 T: 09 425 0075 E: pumps4u@live.com

Your handy pull-out guide

Mahurangi Matters - December 2, 2015 WATER | WOOD CHOPPING

Household Water Deliveries

LIST NOW COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Keeping locals in touch with locals

0800 747 928

*FREE for not-for-profit service clubs, groups and organisations

mobile: 027 556 6111

localmatters.co.nz/communitydirectory

water

Authorised Agent

MOBILE & WORKSHOP SERVICE 31 WOODCOCKS RD WARKWORTH - 425 9100 splashwater@xtra.co.nz

Hiab Truck and Portable Sawmilling

IAN & SOLW TE S AY R fILTEREd A

WATER

0800 638 254 OR 09 422 3700

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING APPLIANCE REPAIRS

DIGITAL SERVICES PHOTO RESTORATION & PHOTOSHOP Dave - Call 022 015 4032 or email davesmithdigital@gmail.com

DRIVEWAYS MAINTENANCE Grading, rolling and metalling for rural driveways. No job too BIG or small. Ph Bruce 425 7766

ENTERTAINMENT MAGICIAN

for children’s parties, prize givings etc. Suit ages 3-90 years. George 09 423 0249

FLIGHTS

Advertise your classifieds and church notices here for only

$4.40 per line or $11.20 per/cm inc GST for boxed adverts.

MODERN OFFICE PREMISES AVAILABLE 32m2 Central Warkworth Air Con 1 carpark included $10,500 plus GST and outgoings per annum Enquiries to lucy@dysonsmythe.co.nz

FOR RENT CARAVANS FOR RENT $50 per week. Phone or txt John 022 634 9708

FOR SALE RAWLEIGH Products. Ph Pat 423 8851

SUPER COMPOST

Untreated wood shavings & duck poo. Per Bag $10, Bulk $75/m3. Enquire about delivery. Ph 422 5042

BEE HIVES Surplus to requirements. $400 each. Phone - 09 422 2044 CALF GRAIN & HAY FEEDER Green plastic w/ skids. $400ono. Ph 09 422 2044 FOUND READING GLASSES Dark rimmed -

SCENIC FLIGHTS 30 mins $65; 20 mins $55; Min. 3 passengers. Trial flights $85. Gift vouchers available.

Seraphin. Found Nov 14 at Old Masonic Hall. Phone 09 425 5800

Sudoku

solution

MARKETS MUSEUM SUMMER MARKETS 1st Saturday of the month, 8am, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, Warkworth. Enquiries Warkworth 425 8391 CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR book sale, Christmas shopping weekend at the Point Wells Hall, Fri 5th December 5-7, Sat 6th December 8-3, Sun 7th December 8-3. Bargains for all. Phone Charleyne 09 422 7438. Stalls available

NORTH CAPE FLIGHTS $450 each. Min 3 passengers.

Rodney Aero Club 425 8735 or Rod Miller 425 5612

HOME MAINTENANCE HANDYMAN Small jobs, gardening, rubbish removal etc. All jobs considered. Phone or txt Dave - 022 015 4032 PLUMBER Semi retired for small jobs. Point Wells 09 423 0193 or 027 490 2054 PLUMBER Maintenance work. New tap to new house. Matakana based. Ph Steve 027 494 5499 WATER FILTERS Underbench filters & whole house Ultra violet filters – Kill and remove ecoli/bacteria. FREE site visits. Ph Steve 09 945 2282 or visit www.aquafilter.co.nz WATER PUMPS Low water pressure? Get it sorted. Sales, service and installation. Work guaranteed. Steve 09 945 2282 ww.aquafilter.co.nz. LAWN MOWING rubbish removal, hedges, small tree removal. WW & beach areas. Ph Jeff Hatfull 027 425 7357, 425 7357

HORSE RIDING

Horse riding WarkWortH

Family Fun Scenic farm & forest rides Quiet horses & ponies • Birthday rides Lessons • Suit beginners & experienced riders & people with Disabilities Social, Language & School Groups

Book Now 1hr $50 • 2hrs $90 Phone 09 425 8517



GREAT BARRIER FLIGHTS. Special stopover up to 4 hours. Return $120. Min. 3 passengers. One way flights $120 each. Min 2 passengers.

GARAGE SALES MAUNGATUROTO 2ND HAND SHOP may be interested in buying your garage sale goods. Buying tools and furniture now. Phone 09 431 8440 or 021 125 1576

FOR LEASE



A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/Simpson dryers. Same day service 09 423 9660 or 021 168 7349.

Grant torkington 021 138 7206

42 Kaipara Flats Road, Warkworth Google: Horse Riding Warkworth

Email localmatters@xtra.co.nz to book your classified advertising

MUSIC STRUGGLE TO SING IN TUNE? Liberate & celebrate your lack of pitch and harmony with us! We are looking for like-minded ladies to join our ‘off key’ choir. Text 021 423 662 for more info. Warning: The consumption of cocktails may be involved.

PUBLIC NOTICES U3A AGM ETC. Monday 14 December 2015 at Totara Park Hall 10am Assemble & AGM 10.15 - 11am Speaker John Clark “Household Cavalry” 11am Xmas bites and wine while the U3A Jazz band plays Non members welcome please contact Vivienne 902 9207

2016 RODNEY HEALTH CHARITABLE TRUST CALENDARS $10 EACH

Available from Mahurangi Matters, 17 Neville Street, Warkworth.

Your handy pull-out guide

Mahurangi Matters - December 2, 2015

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Advertise your classifieds and church notices here for only

$4.40 per line or $11.20 per/cm inc GST for boxed adverts.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Auckland Council service centre, Baxter St, Warkworth. Every Monday, 10am to 2pm. Saturday 10-12 noon. No appointment necessary. Service includes signing, witnessing, declarations, certified copies & immigration. Sponsored by Mahurangi Matters

The New Zealand Fire Service officially acknowledges the following Employers of Volunteer Firefighters:

Through the invaluable support of employers, Leigh Volunteer Fire Brigade and other volunteer fire brigades throughout New Zealand can continue to protect our communities.

Thank you

email localmatters@xtra.co.nz to book a classified ad.

Sudoku 6

Due to an increased work load we are looking to expand our team. Applicants must be: • Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) or currently in the process of obtaining • Top quality carpenters who have good broad knowledge and have very high standards Brackenridge Builders has high site safety standards, and encourages a supportive team environment Further information about the company’s award winning homes can be found at www. brackenridgebuilders.co.nz If this sounds like you please contact Tony on 021 931 889 or email your CV to tony@ brackenridgebuilders.co.nz

4 2 9

URL

Closing date checked:

20154

revisions:

$25 $50 $75

4PLEASE NOTE:

your contact:

Esther

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES 2015

WANTED TO BUY

Thursday 24th Dec – Christmas Eve Warkworth 7pm – Puhoi 9pm

CASH PAID TOOLS & MACHINERY Shed & Garage Clearouts. Call / txt 021 161 5139

Friday 25th Dec Christmas Day Warkworth 9.30am

How are your customers looking for you?

that we have prepared this advertisement proof based on our understanding of the instructions received. In approving the run date position sort cost advertisement, it is client’s responsibility With 2/12/15 Public notices na See est to check the accuracy of both the these... or with these? advertisement, the media and the position nominated. Enhance the online profile of SOLUTION LIFTOUT PAGE 6 with HARD Cancellation of adverts booked your business at FILL IN THIS GRID SO THAT EVERY COLUMN, media will incur a media cancellation localmatters.co.nz/businessdirectory fee ofDIGITS $50. EVERY ROW AND EVERY 3X3 BOX CONTAINS THE 1 TO 9.

mm)format: Full colour

Holy Name Catholic Church 6 Alnwick Street, Warkworth Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Puhoi 425 8545 • www.holyname.org.nz

TV SERVICES Aerials, Dishes, Freeview sales, installation and service. Extra outlets. Serving the area for 18 years. Phone Gavin 027 476 6115.

My Services Include: • Livestock purchase and/or management • Grazing stock • Machinery maintenance • Building Maintenance • Property Maintenance, i.e pasture control, tree work, fencing etc. • Pool cleaning • Sub-contractor management and quality control during building or landscaping projects. Or anything else that you need managed on your property. Casual or permanent. Rates negotiable depending on your needs. CV available on request You may only want some of these services, or perhaps there is something I can help you with that is not listed. My history includes being raised on a farm, project management, owning my own contracting business for 10 years and I own my own lifestyle block. If this sounds like what you need for your property contact Rex Ingham on: Ph - 09 422 3008 Mob - 021 255 3672 email - rex.ingham@xtra.co.nz

CATHOLIC CHURCH

CHRISTMAS CAROLS 2015

DO YOU OWN A LIFESTYLE BLOCK AND NEED IT MANAGED? THEN I’M YOUR MAN

Sunday Services 9am & 10.30am

Thursday 24th Dec – Christmas Eve Warkworth 6.30pm – Puhoi 8.30pm

WORK WANTED

the numbers game

5 Pulham Road, Warkworth Phone 425 8861 www.mahu.org.nz

TV SERVICES & SALES

Thank you

Kate 11/11/15 _____________ With: _______________________________ Date:_______________________________ tested:

g proof

DRUM LESSONS Professional Drummer $35 - half hour $50 - per hour No experience necessary, all equipment Provided. Age no Barrier! Phone: 021 02786771 facebook.com/danclaydonmusic email: dandan000888@gmail.com

FOREMAN & CARPENTERS REQUIRED

2 3

Quality full-time local courses for nanny & childcare careers Call Amanda now for free info! 424 3055 nannyacademy.ac.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

Auckland University Marine Laboratory Borich Builders Ltd Discover Goat Island Good Odds Grant Bonner Ltd Leigh Builders Newton Holdings Reptile Park Shortyz Short Cutz Simmonds Ltd SP & FW Holdings WRB Builders Ltd

CHURCH NOTICES

Nanny & More!

Warkworth Town Hall Restoration Trust Community Fundraising Team raffle winners Raffle sponsored by Liberty Park Native Tree Nursery Margaret Landsey, Matheson Bay Raffle sponsored by Morris & James June Johnston, Omaha Women’s clothing raffle sponsored by Imeldas Shoe Boutique, Gaby’s, Not Just Hats, Intimate Apparel Carole Ferguson, Glenfield Sponsored by Mahurangi Matters

www.sudokupuzz.com

• • • • • • • • • • • •

TUITION

RAFFLE WINNERS

FREE JP SERVICE

There is NO MASS at Puhoi on Christmas Day

Saturday 26th Vigil Mass – Warkworth 6pm Sunday 27th Dec – Puhoi 8.30am Warkworth – 10.30am

Monday 28th Dec Warkworth 9am Tuesday 29th Dec – Warkworth 5.15pm Wednesday 30th Dec – Puhoi. 9am Thursday 31st Dec – Warkworth 9am Friday 1st Jan – Warkworth 11am Saturday 2nd Jan – Warkworth 9am Saturday 2nd Jan Vigil Mass – Warkworth 6pm Sunday 3rd Jan – Puhoi 8.30am – Warkworth 10.30am

Warkworth Anglican Parish Church Services Christ Church, Church Hill, Warkworth

Every Sunday 8am and 9.30am St. Leonard's, Matakana

Every Sunday at 9.30am

Snells Beach Community Church

2nd Sunday at 9am

St.Alban's, Kaipara Flats

1st Sunday at 11.15am

St.Michael and All Angels, Leigh

3rd Sunday at 11.00am

Phone 425 8054 or www.anglican-warkworth.org

Mahurangi Methodist Parish Warkworth Methodist

1 Hexham Street, Warkworth Parish Office: Ph 425 8660 Sunday Service 10.30am Hall Bookings PH 425 8053

snells Beach Community Church 325 Mahurangi East Rd Sunday Service 9am Hall Bookings PH 425 5707

Phone 425 8660 for information

Your handy pull-out guide

Mahurangi Matters - December 2, 2015

Briefs Projects funded Five Mahurangi projects have received a total of $7755 from the Rodney Local Board’s latest round of community grants. The Board received 14 applications for $22,850 and allocated $9360 to seven successful applicants in Rodney. The following Mahurangi projects received funding: • Mahurangi Community Sport and Recreation Collective – $855 for insurance for portacoms at Warkworth Showgrounds. • Warkworth and District Museum – $1570 to hire a container and buy calico and plastic wrap to treat items affected by borer. • Leigh and Districts Ex Services and Community Club – $2000 to upgrade the Leigh gateway sign. • Whangateau Hall – $2000 for a new gate at the hall. • Hoteo North School Society – $1330 for a new sign for the Hoteo North Hall.

Coast Christmas Appeal

The 25th annual Coast to Coast Health Care Christmas Appeal has been launched at the group’s six medical centres throughout the region. Coast to Coast works closely with a wide range of local organisations including Citizens Advice Bureau, Women’s Refuge, Homebuilders and Loaves and Fishes Foodbank. People can donate toys, food, clothing and other items at Coast to Coast clinics in Wellsford, Matakana, Snells Beach, Mangawhai, Maungaturoto and Paparoa from now until Christmas.

History

Judy Waters, Warkworth & District Museum www.warkworthmuseum.co.nz

Settlement’s ‘father’ According to family papers, a Pulham arrived in England with William the Conqueror and, as a loyal follower, was given land on which the town of Pulham, Dorset was built. Generations later, in 1830, Henry Pulham, an early Mahurangi settler, was born near Yeovil Somerset. He was the only son of Captain William Pulham, a veteran skipper with the East India Trading Company. In 1837, Captain Pulham’s diary records details of the purchase of the brigantine Union and the comment, “Hope her coppers will stand a voyage.” His plan was to move his family to Tasmania. They arrived in the new country on Christmas Day 1840. Their eldest daughter Frances had an admirer named William C. Daldy who followed them in his boat Shamrock and the couple were married in 1841. The Union was sold to buy land but even with the use of convict labour, the developed farm was disappointing. By 1846, the Pulhams and Daldys had moved to Auckland, New Zealand. The Pulham residence was near the Waitemata Harbour and Captain Pulham recorded the weather every day, and noted ship movements arriving and departing. The first Mahurangi land sales took place in 1853 with Henry Pulham and his brothers-in-law all purchasers. Since

Warkworth & District Museum In our modern museum buildings we are proud of the constantly developing and changing displays which give you an insight into the lives and pursuits of the pioneering families of the district. From the past to the present, you will enjoy your time with us. We look forward to your visit.

Campervan stop over site - Self contained POP campervans are now able to stop over at the Museum P STO Adult $7 • Child $3 (6-16 years) • Child under 6 FREE Family $15 (2 adults + all Children) Eftpos sales accepted • No credit card sales

The Union which brought the Pulham family to Tasmania.

Henry Pulham

Henry had been at sea since he was 10 years old, it was not surprising that he was soon the owner of a small cutter, which he named Frances. As more settlers arrived, he transported them up the Mahurangi River to Southgate’s hotel, which was located below what became the cement works. He then helped them move their goods and chattels as close to their land as possible with his bullock team. In 1854, Henry married Nicholas Darroch, daughter of ship builder George Darroch, and as theirs was the first wedding to take place at Mahurangi, the location was called Marriage Bay, near what is today called Scotts Landing. They had nine

children. Henry farmed 400 acres at Warkworth and Hoteo, and his home was near the road that still bears his name. As time went on, he was revered by later settlers as one of the ‘fathers’ of the settlement and he loved to relate stories of his adventurous youth. A favourite concerned a voyage from Sydney to the goldfields in California on the Vulcan in 1849. After the death of the navigator, the ship was lost in the Pacific and food and water were running low. A passing whaler helped them get a bearing and they made a stop at Guam to replenish supplies. When they finally reached their destination, they found the place in an uproar. The Captain went ashore and came to a grisly end when a card game went wrong. Wild times indeed! It was a relief for young Henry to find passage on another boat and leave the mayhem behind.

BUY local GIVE local Support local businesses & help local families

Donate a voucher or a present to help a struggling local family this Christmas Voucher collection boxes at: • New World Warkworth • Jaques 4 Square Kaiwaka • Mahurangi Matters Together we can make a difference – thank you All items collected will be given to Homebuilders Family Support Services and Otamatea Community Services for distribution to families in need.

Open 7 Days, Monday to Sunday 10am – 4pm Parry Kauri Park, Tudor Collins Drive (Off Wilson Road, Warkworth) Ph: 09 425 7093 | Email: warkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz | www.warkworthmuseum.co.nz

Your LOCAL Community Newspaper

www.localmatters.co.nz

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December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters



FE AT U R E

Carolling kids sing in Christmas at Lucy Moore Park There will be no silent night at Lucy Moore Memorial Park on December 4, when about 150 children will be in full song for the Carols by Candlelight concert. Students from Warkworth, Snells Beach and Horizon schools have been rehearsing Christmas classics for the event, which is organised by Warkworth Rotary. Warkworth singer-songwriter Jennifer Eirena will again compere the event alongside Rodney MP Mark Mitchell. Snells Beach musician Lou Lou will conduct the massed choir with backing from the Warkworth Brass Band. Warkworth teacher Heather Manning has taken the reins from former choir leader Linda Gribble, who was instrumental in starting the event 17 years ago. Mrs Gribble moved to Hamilton in September. Ms Manning has been helping Linda for the past five years and says it is a great event that brings the community together. Rotary member Joy Paxton says the free event is always well supported. “It’s a great family atmosphere. Come along, sit on a blanket on the bank and enjoy the music.” The evening starts at 7.30pm and winds-up around 9.30pm. If wet, the carols will held at the Warkworth School senior hall on Hill Street.

About 120 students from Warkworth School will be singing in the massed choir.

Seasonal soiree at Snells Beach Contemporary Christmas floral art will be on show and you can make your own decoration at a special seasonal fundraiser for the Warkworth Town Hall Restoration Project at Snells Beach on Saturday December 12. The Maria’s Florist Christmas Soiree by the Sea will be held at 21 Hampton Mews, Whisper Cove from 4.30-6.30pm. Tickets cost $35 dollars and include sparkling wine and Christmas delights, plus raffles. Info and tickets: Warkworth Town Hall Restoration Project on Facebook, or contact Cunitia 425 5800 or Glennys 09 945 0512

Celebrating the

Christmas Season with

%purchases off all

All season - Dec 1st to Jan 31st Lots of new stock.

Must see to believe

18 Neville St, Warkworth (opp Mahurangi Matters) • 09 425 7404

n w o t e v a e l Don’t ted the i s i v e ’v u o y l i t n u

Best Little

d n u o r a p o h S Menswear as Merry Christm en & Kathy from K W A R K W O R T H

18 Queen Street • Phone 425 8408

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30 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

Loved ones remembered with hospice donations

retro and vintage store Open 6 days 10 - 4ish corner matakana and anderson rds www rummage nz

021 442 071

Shadze Sizes 10-22 or made to measure

UNIQUE STYLES FROM CASUAL TO SPECIAL OCCASION. ALSO TOPS WITH LONGER SLEEVES AND HIGHER NECKLINES. 6 Neville Street, Warkworth Phone: 09 425 0515 Open: Mon-Fri 9.30-5.15, Sat 9.30-3, Sun 10.30-2.30

www.shadze.co.nz

Instead of giving each other presents this Christmas, the Horne family will be making a donation to hospice. The extended family began their Christmas tradition last year as a way of giving back to Warkworth Wellsford Hospice. The hospice nurses helped care for the six Horne siblings’ parents – their mother, Mary, in 2002-03 and their father, Peter, before his death in February last year. Christy Horne says the family would be delighted if others were inspired to pick up the tradition. Peter and Christy married in 2004 after the pair met through hospice’s bereavement support programme and fell in love. Christy says money is only ‘a token’ of the appreciation that she and Peter’s extended family have for hospice. “They are a large and very close family. From the oldest to the youngest, they were here and could witness on so many levels the help that hospice gave us,” she says. “I can’t imagine many families going through life without being touched by the loving care of hospice in times of need.” Christy’s first husband, Max, suffered for years with motor neurone disease and died in 2002. He also received care from the Warkworth Wellsford Hospice team and Christy believes she can never do enough to express her thanks. “I appreciate the medical care – we all need that – but the compassion

For the extended Horne family, Christmas is a time to say thank you to hospice.

that is shown with it is what puts hospice treatments above the rest. It heals the spirit.” Christy says she also valued the personal companionship of the family support volunteers, which gave her time out to rest or run errands. “And I am still getting support from hospice through the coffee groups.” Warkworth Wellsford Hospice supports patients and families in a variety of ways, such as managing symptoms, providing equipment, individual and family counselling, and help with applying for benefits and carer support. Government funding provides around 25 per cent of the hospice’s costs, and the rest – about $700,000 a year – is raised through the hospice shops and garage sales, catering team, donations and events.

Peter and Christy on their wedding day in 2004.

Contact fundraising coordinator Lesley Ingham on 425 9535 or lesley.ingham@hospicehouse.org.nz for more information.

A gift for you from

Imelda's Shoe Boutique Buy any pair of Rieker™ or Ziera™ shoes or sandals and receive a $25 Imelda's gift voucher*

Jewellery & Watch Repairs Gold & Silver Jewellery

Imelda's Shoe Boutique 58 Queen Street, Warkworth Phone 425 9466

*Offer Valid until 24-12-2015

5 Queen Street , Warkworth Phone/Fax: (09) 425 8342 Email: rgyates@xtra.co.nz

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December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Paula Jaques, at Jaques Four Square in Kaiwaka, hopes she will have lots of vouchers from shops in Kaiwaka and Mangawhai to hand over to Otamatea Community Services this month.

Give a voucher this Christmas It’s not always obvious, but there are a lot of families in our local community who, after paying the mortgage or rent, struggle to find enough to pay the bills and buy food. Otamatea Community Services volunteer Elizabeth Bourne says families run into trouble for a wide range of reasons, from lost employment to domestic violence. Women and children are often the ones who are most affected. She says the donations and vouchers given in the Buy Local-Give Local Christmas campaign, organised by Mahurangi Matters and More FM Rodney, mean a lot to the people who might not otherwise celebrate Christmas. “We try to organise presents and food ourselves, and the vouchers are a wonderful addition,” she says.

“We go through our books and find the families who are most in need and make sure that they receive something.” Shoppers are encouraged to purchase a voucher at ANY local shop and drop it into one of the Buy Local – Give Local collection boxes at the Mahurangi Matters office in Neville Street, New World Warkworth or Jaques Four Square Kaiwaka; or vouchers can be posted to Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth. Vouchers and presents will be given to Homebuilders and Otamatea Community Services for distribution. Presents and vouchers must be received by 5pm on December 11. Help spread the Christmas cheer by supporting the Buy Local – Give Local appeal.

Buy the gift of handcrafted, New Zealand made art glass this Christmas. • Blown, fused, cast and flame work glass sculpture & object art from renowned artists. • Artisan glass beads and art jewellery made on the premises. • Glass & jewellery making workshops, gift cards available. • Live, hot glass demonstrations throughout the summer holidays.

Mob: 029 562 2511 • inge@kleurglass.com 17-19 Elizabeth Street, Warkworth (open mon-fri 10am - 4pm) 339 Ahuroa Road, Puhoi (open by appointment)

www.kleurglass.com

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32 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

WARKWORTH

MOTORHOMES Motorhome and Caravan repairs and maintenance Phone Graeme 422 9339 or 027 358 0167 Matakantata, which formed in 2009, sings in three and four part harmony, and sings all the styles from classical to contemporary, pop, blues and gospel.

Matakana choir ends year with Christmas bang

Xmas

Fresh Cut

Trees

Available from 5th Dec

Parsley Pot Cafe 786 Sandspit Road and

‘Green with Envy’

Cnr Sharp & Matakana Rds Supplied by

Apex Pines

It’s time to dust off your silver bells and party dresses and get along to “A Christmas Cracker” performed by the entertaining Matakantata Choir. Joining the choir on stage will be a number of talented accompanists including Colin Jarvis, Vaughan Morgan, Lyn Dasher, Fiona LonguettHiggins and Sara Jones. Choir director Susan Hayday has selected a wide variety of music ranging from American folk

ballads to Tchaikovsky and the chillingly beautiful O Magnum Mysterium. This year Matakantata is raising funds for the Matakana Village Hall electrical upgrade. This will enable the hall to host more exciting events like the recent Matakana Variety Performance and the Black Grace dance troupe. The concerts will be at the Matakana Village Hall on Friday December 11, starting at 7.30pm, and at the

Mahurangi Presbyterian Church in Warkworth on Sunday December 13, starting at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from the Gull Service Station in Matakana and Lee & Hart Pharmacy in Warkworth (adults $15/children gold coin), or phone Jenni Francis on 423 0094. The choir practises on Wednesday evenings at the Matakana School Hall, from 7pm.

Market moves at Leigh Ready-to-go food and fresh produce will be the focus of a new summer market in Leigh, which starts on Sunday January 10. The market will be held in and around the Leigh Hall on the second Sunday of the month, from January until April, starting at 9.30am. Organisers are keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in a stall, which will cost $15 in January. Those with only a small amount of product or produce will be able to participate in a community-operated stall., from

which the proceeds will be donated to the Community Club. Local organisations are invited to have fundraising stalls such as sausage sizzles. One of the organisers, Lucy Harris, says the market is mainly focused on being a community event involving both locals and visitors. Expressions of interest or to find out more, contact Chris Cruickshank on 422 6445, Lucy Harris 021 202 8932, Bernie Middleton 021 396 194 or Steve Mantle mancon@ actrix.co.nz; or forms are available at Leigh General Store.

D FOR E T R O S GET AS

CHRISTM

Candles & Gifts

Trio Soy Candles are made from 100% natural soy wax, deliciously fragrant in a wide range of scents & styles.

304 Matakana Road. Ph 021 028 43938

Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday 10am – 4pm At Matakana Vintage Markets every Sunday 10am - 2:30pm

www.triosoycandles.co.nz

Professional Advice Chair Massage on Saturdays Exclusive handmade products Can’t find it - ask us!!

Homeopathic Consultations Minerals & Vitamins We post anywhere!!

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Come in and see our range of luxury Italian Nesti Dante Soaps. Nesti Dante was founded in 1947 in the city where soap-making became a recognised craft with a soap-makers’ guild set up on Via dei Saponai (Soapmakers St) during the Renaissance. This is our most popular selling Christmas present!

Phone 422 9083 • Fax 422 9084 Email: villagehealthshop@xtra.co.nz

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December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Opening Hours Tues, Wed & Thur -10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 1pm

NOW LOCATED AT 858 KAIPARA FLATS ROAD RD1, WARKWORTH www.pukekopatch.co.nz 09 425 9440pukekopatch@gmail.com

Ken Bogue (centre) and staff are getting right behind the Little Ray of Giving appeal again this year.

Ray of Giving appeal launched The annual Little Ray of Giving appeal, run by Ray White real estate in Warkworth and Orewa, is now accepting presents. Ray White has partnered with Homebuilders in Warkworth to collect gifts for families in need this festive season. Warkworth principal Ken Bogue says the appeal was run for the first time in 2012, with the idea of supporting and putting smiles on the faces local children and their parents. “Through our day-to-day dealings with families in the community, we

know that the need is out there,” he says. “This is our way of giving something back to our community. We’ve been absolutely amazed by the support we’ve received from ordinary people donating gifts. It’s been really heart-warming.” Ken says the office has received numerous letters of appreciation from the recipients of the gifts so they know the gestures are appreciated. Gifts and food can be left under the tree at the Ray White office in Queen Street during normal business hours. The appeal will close on December 21.

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34 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

Remembrance HOSPICE TREE OF

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The Lions Christmas display in the Old Masonic Hall is sure to put people in a festive mood.

Tree decorations inspire Anyone looking for some inspiration to decorate their Christmas Tree this year should head to the Old Masonic Hall in Warkworth. The Lions Club of Kowhai Coast is organising its annual ‘Treemendous’ display from December 8 to 12. Money raised from the project will support Kawau Coastguard and organisers are hoping to better last year’s total of $6000, which was donated to the Westpac Rescue helicopter.

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More than 35 Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes, all decorated differently, will be on display. There will also be a trading table and raffles. Santa will be in attendance from Tuesday to Friday, from 3pm to 5pm, and on Saturday from 10am until 12 noon, then 1pm until 4pm. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children. Opening hours are from 9am until 6pm daily.

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December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

HRISTMAS!

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Offering some tasty Christmas treats are, from left, Marie Luyt, Helena Ujdur and Angela Corinaldi.

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Lucy Searle (left) and Ruby Atkin tune their ukuleles ahead of their performance at the Christmas show.

Matakana rings in Christmas

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There was no shortage of green and red costuming at the Matakana Christmas in the Quad event, held at the primary school, on November 26. Santa’s glittery grotto was as popular as ever with a range of requests to keep Santa’s sack full to over-flowing. Parents provided a colourful display of homemade Christmas treats and the crowd enjoyed a programme of entertainment which featured the school kapa haka group and the school ukulele band.

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36 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

Sweetappreciation with Chocolate Brown Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Merry Christmas to all Outdoor & Marine customers We will be open most weekdays during Christmas, but will be closed for the statutory holidays.

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Congratulations to Casey Van Reemst, a library assistant at Snells Beach, who is the recipient of a gift basket from Chocolate Brown. Casey was nominated Richard Duhs, of Snells Beach, who wrote:

I would like to nominate Casey from the Mahurangi East Library for helping me out in my time of need. At the end of the recent pop-up art exhibition Rua, I needed help to shift two large sculptures home. When I explained to Casey that I was without a car with a tow-ball, without pause, she handed me her keys. With that pact of trust I was able to tow both artworks from Warkworth to Snells Beach without incident. It made packing up the show so much easier and let the exhibition end on a high note. Know someone who deserves a big “thank you” for their community spirit? Tell us and they will receive acknowledgement in Mahurangi Matters and an amazing hamper from Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz (subject line: Sweet Appreciation) or post to: Sweet Appreciation, Mahurangi Matters, PO Box 701, Warkworth. Kindly refrain from nominating members of your own family.

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December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

CHRISTMAS PAMPERING DAY

FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER, 10AM – 2PM Children’s librarians, Emily Flaws (left) and Fleur Coleman, with some of the holiday programme characters at the Matakana School.

Daring days at local libraries Mysteries and hidden messages will be in the spotlight during the annual Auckland Libraries summer reading programme this year. Dare to Explore is a free reading, learning and discovery programme for children aged from five to 13 years. This year’s theme is ‘Dare to Unlock the Secret’ and is designed to help children maintain or improve their reading over the summer break, increase their love of reading, have fun and enjoy an adventurous summer holiday. It also includes Kia Māia te Whai content in te reo to support and encourage the children’s knowledge of the Maori language. Warkworth senior librarian Emily Flaws says children receive a booklet and are set a reading goal for the

summer. Booklets include a range of activities based on themes such as Top Secret, Cultures and Traditions, and the Mysteries of the Arts. Challenges range from breaking codes, making music and posting online book reviews, to sharing family recipes and learning about the natural environment. Activities at Wellsford, Warkworth and Mahurangi East libraries include meeting the Young Ocean Explorers, computer coding, spy school, Minecraft sessions and tai chi lessons. Activities can be completed at home, on holiday, at the library or online. The programme will end with a party at the Matakana Country Park. Children can sign up on the Auckland Libraries website aucklandlibraries. govt.nz or pop into their local library.

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38 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

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AIM participant Logan takes the helm with skipper Martin Howson.

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Barry Cole gives safety and life jacket instruction.

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The young adults of AIM (Adults in Motion), along with their carers and the staff, were recently treated to a trip down the Mahurangi River on the Jane Gifford organised by the new Provisional Rotary Club of Mahurangi Sunrise. The beautiful weather showed off the river environs at their best for the passengers, many of whom had never previously enjoyed a trip on the Jane. A barbecue was held on board before disembarking at the wharf. The trip was the first community project undertaken by Mahurangi Sunrise and brought together three local groups – Rotary, AIM and The Jane Gifford Trust, which donated the trip. Mahurangi Sunrise is organised by a group of Rotarians and former

Rotarians. Glenna Tuck was recently elected the inaugural president. She says the new club offers an alternative style of Rotary with the intention of attracting people who, for one reason or another, are unable to join the existing club, but who want be part of a friendship group working in the community. The club meets weekly for breakfast at Mitre 10 Café. Twice a month a speaker is invited to talk about some aspect of the local or international community. The club is actively looking for new members to join them in their activities and enjoy the benefits of Rotary. Info: Martin Howson on 027 472 3494 or Brian Tuck BrianT9910@xtra.co.nz

Happy Holidays Everyone. Please take care while on the roads. Dates: Closing the 24th of December reopening on the 5th of Jan. www.quikauto.co.nz quikauto@xtra.co.nz

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December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Women’s Centre collects gifts The Women’s Centre Rodney has launched its annual appeal to local families and businesses to help families facing hardship over the Christmas period. The appeal targets families who do not have the means to purchase toys or other Christmas treats. The centre says the support families receive over this period is often the difference between families celebrating Christmas or not. “Gifts for children under age 16 years are much appreciated and we also welcome gifts for adults who would otherwise miss out.” Suitable gifts would include board games, sports equipment, art

supplies, educational toys, beach gear and sunscreen, books, nonperishable food, toiletries and vouchers. If possible, they would like to avoid passing on gifts that are second-hand or toys that require batteries. Donated items can be left at the Warkworth Westpac Bank in Baxter Street and at the Women’s Centre, 10 Morpeth Street, Warkworth, between 9am and 2.30pm. The aim is to distribute the gifts to families by December 16. The Centre supported 28 families last year with very generous donations from the Mahurangi community and wider Auckland area.

Cryer contributes to restoration Over 60 people attended the Max Cryer concert in Warkworth last month, raising $1800 for the Warkworth Town Hall restoration. Trust member Glennys Oliver says the performance included snippets of information about New Zealand history, including lyrics from songs entered into a national anthem writing competition last century. “The audience felt only delight that these songs, with their over embellished landscapes and descriptive words, failed to be chosen. One little known, or even remembered, historic All Black song was also performed, which is played only on the black keys of the piano.” Koru Knitwear sponsored the event. Director Jan Kell presented Max with a knitted jacket made of merino

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localmatters.co.nz

Students explore world on virtual field trip Letterboxes Virtual reality became a reality at Matakana School last month, when Google staff visited with new technology that allows students to travel the world from the confines of the classroom. Three classrooms participated in the free Google Expeditions pilot, which was run at dozens of selected schools across the country. The project uses 360-degree images from Google’s street view and Google Maps to take students on virtual field trips to over 100 different sites around the world, including Shackleton’s hut in Antarctica, Gallipoli, coral reefs, art galleries and museums, and even the moon. To leap into this virtual world, all you need is a $10 cardboard cutout and a smartphone. The cardboard structure holds the phone, cuts out light and contains two lenses that allow you to focus within a few centimetres of the screen. But the real magic is how the ‘goggles’ respond to movement, giving the feeling of actually being in the location on screen. Whichever direction you move your head, the image moves as if you are really there. Parent Amanda Stewart applied on behalf of the school to be a part of the trial earlier this year. She says that for a few hundred dollars, the school could make regular use of the technology. “We already have a number of devices which could be used,” Amanda says.

set for festive treatment

Though you wouldn’t know it by looking at them, these students are exploring Ernest Shackleton’s hut in Antarctica.

“It wouldn’t cost much to buy enough cardboard goggles and devices for an entire classroom.” Google plans to make the Expeditions programme free next year. Auckland Museum digital manager Jenny Marshall came to the school to see the trial and says it is an incredible tool to get children engaged. “A lot of learning is happening,” Jenny says. “The experience is very controlled by the teacher. They can pause every device at any time and you can take a huge classroom on an experience. It’s the immersive quality that gets them really engaged.”

The teacher is able to see where each student is looking in each expedition by using an iPad app and can also highlight certain objects or areas for the students to look at. Each expedition also has a fact sheet for teachers. Google employee Michael Mack has been running the pilot at schools around Auckland and says they have had a phenomenal response. “Everyone loves it. There’s a lot of excitement.” But does that excitement translate into learning? “Like any technology, it all depends on how the teachers use it.”

While most people are starting to think about Christmas trees, Point Wells villagers will be more concerned with decorating their letterboxes this month. What started as one or two locals putting tinsel on their mailboxes has grown in recent years to an extravaganza of festive one-upmanship that the whole town takes part in. Virtually every letterbox in town will be smothered with baubles, bells, Santas, stockings, tinsel, lights and more in the run-up to Christmas, and there are prizes for the best efforts. There are five categories this year – Kiwiana, Point Wells-themed, Santa’s Favourite, Most Outrageous, and Night Lights for illuminated boxes. There will also be a People’s Choice award, where residents can post a vote for their festive favourite in a special decorated letterbox outside the Point Wells office of competition sponsor Mike Pero Real Estate. Weighing up the winning entries will be Angela Wain of Mike Pero, local postie Eugene Colman and artist Virginia Leonard. Judging takes place on Monday December 21 and the prize-giving will be at 5pm on Christmas Eve, complete with a visit from Santa and balloons and a lolly scramble for the children.

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December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

localmatters.co.nz

Queen of the racquets Squash and tennis supremo Kaye Jackson has been made a Life Member of Squash Auckland in recognition of her huge contribution to the sport. For more than 40 years, Kaye has been involved in squash in various capacities, from player and referee to coach, national selector and club official. She is currently the Warkworth Tennis and Squash president in her 13th consecutive year on the executive team and was closely involved in the building of a third court in Warkworth in 2013. Kaye joined Squash Auckland as a statistician in 1970s and was a development officer in the 1990s, as well as the Auckland regional coach for many years. She also served on the committee. She was the first professional coach of the Royal Oak Racquets Club, working with many players who went on to represent NZ. Later, she owned the St Lukes Squash Club which was named Auckland Club of the Year in 1996. For many years, she has also performed the role of Squash Auckland district statistician, casting her experienced eye over interclub and tournament results, and ably managing disputes. She is also a formidable player on court, winning numerous national age

Kaye Jackson

group titles and has represented NZ on many occasions. She is one of the few Kiwi players to be recognised on the World Squash Roll of Honour. Kaye still plays masters interclub and won her 13th national title at the NZ Masters event in Hawkes Bay in October, where she was presented with the Rob Roche Award for Meritorious Service to NZ Masters Squash.

Summer fun and water safety Four weeks of fun for kids is being promised by Omaha Beach Surf Lifesaving Club in January with its new, extensive summer holiday programmes. The month kicks off with City Nippers, Surf Lifesaving NZâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water safety programme for 5 to 11 year olds, which runs from 9 to 11am daily from January 4 to 8, and costs $10 a child. That will be followed by a full, fiveday Beach Kids holiday programme for 7 to 13 year olds, which will run weekly through the rest of January. Participants in each Big Fun Week can take part in surf lifesaving, surfing, body-surfing, body boarding, beach games and races, surf safety,

snorkelling, beachcombing and more, from 9am to 5pm. Start dates are Monday January 11, 18 and 22, and the cost is $200 per child for the full week, with a 50 per cent discount for a second child, with all proceeds going to the surf club. All programmes and activities will be run by qualified, active surf lifeguards. Omaha SLSC president Julian Ostling said the emphasis would be on fun, but there would be comprehensive water safety training, too. Info: Nikki 021 703112, email fun@ omahasurf.co.nz or Omaha Beach Surf Lifesaving Club on Facebook.

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localmatters.co.nz/whatson

42 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

94-hour Star Wars marathon in Matakana Local Star Wars fans eagerly awaiting the new seventh episode, The Force Awakens, have no excuse for missing the launch in Matakana next month, as the village cinema is staging a nonstop 94-hour screening marathon. From midnight on the evening of Wednesday December 16 through to 10pm on Sunday December 20, Matakana’s biggest Tivoli Cinema will show Star Wars: The Force Awakens constantly, every three hours, without a break. Michael Putlack, the cinema’s marketing and special events coordinator, says the new Star Wars is likely to be one of the most anticipated film releases for many years, so he and manager Dan Paine want to do something special to allow hardcore fans to see the film “again and again”. “Only France has the movie before us, and no-one else is doing this,” he says. “We would expect pretty much everything from noon to 9pm to sell out for the opening weekend. I don’t expect too many to show up at 3am, but it’s a fun thing to do.” He says the cinema’s modern projection equipment is well set up to handle the back-to-back screenings. “It’s very durable machinery. It needs to be on all day anyway, so if you add a few hours, it’s not a big deal. We’ll make sure everything is working at peak efficiency before the event.” Moviegoers will need to buy a separate ticket for each screening, but there is

Sue Robertson, aka Suekulele, has been teaching ukulele at Summerset.

Ukulele sessions coming to town

May the force – and stamina – be with them: Michael Putlack and Dan Paine getting ready for 32 consecutive screenings.

a special offer for any international Stars Wars fans who are in Matakana for the launch. “If anyone wants to come from overseas and can show their flight ticket and prove they’re staying in local accommodation, we’ll give them free tickets for the whole weekend,” he says. The 94-hour Star Wars marathon is the latest in a series of special events

promoted by Michael, an American who worked extensively at cinemas and film festivals in the United States before he moved here eight months ago. Future events include retrospectives based around the release of new Quentin Tarantino and Coen Brothers films in January and February. Info: www.matakanacinemas.co.nz

Sue Robertson has four strings and a dream of starting a monthly ukulele jam session on the Warkworth waterfront, starting on January 15 at 5pm. The Warkworth health worker has been playing ukulele for three years and has been running a weekly ukulele group at Summerset Falls Retirement Village in Warkworth for over a year. “It’s a joyful instrument that makes people smile,” Sue says. Sue says there are a number of small ukulele groups that meet throughout Mahurangi and the event will be a great chance to bring them all together. “I’m expecting over 50 people from across the region.” She is currently compiling a songbook and hopes to get funding to print them. Ukulelists interested can meet at the Warkworth Old Masonic Hall at 5pm before heading to the Warkworth wharf to play. A second meet up will be held on February 12. Info: Sue 027 200 3414 or 422 3023 sue@respitecareauckland.co.nz

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localmatters.co.nz/whatson

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Cuisine

TWELVE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS

Andrea Hinchco, Taste The Kitchen Shop www.tastethekitchenshop.co.nz

Retro Christmas I would like to take this opportunity in my last column for the year of thanking those of you who read this regularly and who give me so much positive feedback and encouragement. I hope the festive season treats you well and that you and your families get to spend part of it all together around the table, whether it be dining, kitchen or outdoors. Early December is the time when we suddenly realise that Christmas is nearly upon us and planning needs to be done for the family dinner on the big day. My grown up children have informed us that they are really not too keen on turkey and I was telling them that when I was growing up, we always had a roast hogget plus the much anticipated treat of a roast chicken. So we have decided that retro Christmas is what we will do this year even though chicken is not the rarity it was back then. There will, however, be a Mediterranean twist on the roasted hogget to accommodate more modern taste buds. The recipe below is one of my husband’s signature dishes for his charcoal barbecue and it will work nearly as well on a good gas barbecue. It is my favourite way of serving lamb over the summer.

Moroccan Spiced Lamb

Serves 6-8

• 1 boned leg lamb, about 1 ½ kilo, butterflied and trimmed of any excess fat and sinew • 1- 2 tsps chilli flakes Marinade • 1 tsp ground coriander • ½ cup chopped brown onion • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tblsp grated lemon zest • 1 tsp paprika • ¼ cup lemon juice • 1 tsp ground ginger • 3 tblsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 tsp kosher salt • 2 garlic cloves 1. In a food processor combine all the marinade ingredients into a smooth paste. 2. Place the lamb in a large, resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Turn the bag to distribute the marinade and refrigerate for 1 hour. Allow the lamb to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling. 3. Remove lamb from the bag, letting the marinade cling to the meat. Discard the marinade left in the bag. 4. Grill the lamb over direct high heat, with the lid closed, until nicely browned on both sides, turning once. This will take about 6 minutes. Then place the lamb over indirect heat and cook, with lid closed, to your desired doneness; 15 to 20 minutes for medium rare. This is a time when a meat thermometer is invaluable. 5. Remove the lamb from the grill to rest for about 5 minutes before carving. Cut across the grain into thin diagonal slices and serve warm. If there is any left, the cold slices make a great sandwich filling.

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Mon to Fri 10am to 5pm. Sat & Sun 10am to 3pm.

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

44 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

BOOKREVIEWS

By Unicorn Bookshop, Warkworth

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School Jeff Kinney The world’s most put-upon child, Greg Heffley, returns in this 10th Diary of a Wimpy Kid and children (also some adults, myself included) are rejoicing. The stories are, without exaggeration, laugh out loud. Quirky line drawings perfectly illustrate the torment of Greg’s life and the somewhat exaggerated trials with which most children will identify. Especially as this time Greg’s home and then town go ‘old school’ and technology-free. A horror which I am sure many couldn’t dare contemplate. Can Greg survive without modern devices? What cunning ways can he conjure up to make it bearable? The Wimpy Kid diaries appeal to both girls and boys, and probably from around eight years onwards, depending on reading ability. A definite winner if you’re looking to buy for a small person this Christmas or encouraging a reluctant reader. Other similar books which are equally entertaining and popular are the Tom Gates books by Liz Pichon (Top of the Class is the latest title), James Patterson and the Middle School tales and for young girls the Ella Diaries by Meredith Costain.

Scene of the crime Steve Braunias

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It’s an old adage that truth is stranger than fiction and the 12 tales collected here certainly bear that out. Award-winning New Zealand journalist and author Steve Braunias admits to being fascinated, somewhat morbidly, even obsessively, by life in the courtroom and the power of criminal trials. Amidst the drama and tragedy of high-profile cases, it’s easy to focus on the sensational aspects, but with Braunias’s laidback and engaging style of writing and eye for detail, it’s the ordinariness that shines. He describes it as ‘not looking at the dark underbelly but the dark surface – what is there all along’. The arrogance and entitlement of the perpetrators, the loss of innocent lives and the bewilderment of family left behind. Scene of the Crime centres around the Mark Lundy trials for the murder of his wife and daughter (the first, middle and final chapters), but also covers those of Antonie Dixon for the samurai sword attack on two women, Guy Hallwright, Clint Rickards, and in a departure from New Zealand cases, the London trial of entertainer Rolf Harris and several others. This is an utterly compelling book.

Quality Used & New Children & Teen Books and Gift Ideas for all the Family Calendars, Bookmarks, Advent Calendars, Gift Vouchers 15 Neville St, Warkworth • Phone 09 425 8521 admin@unicornbooks.co.nz • Find & like us on Facebook

Text PARADISE your receipt number and email address to 244 to be in to win NON TEXT ENTRIES ARE AVAILABLE BY CALLING 09 426 2638 TO REGISTER. RECEIPT MUST BE RETAINED AS PROOF OF PURCHASE. TXTS COST 20c EACH. For full Terms and Conditions go to www.orewabeach.co.nz *Voucher valid at House of Travel Orewa, Manly or Browns Bay Outlets only. Valid 12 months to 30 November 2016, totally transferable, valid for worldwide travel, no refund on unused amount and no other restrictions!

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health&family

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Mouthguard targets concussion risk Athletes suffering concussion on the sports field may be diagnosed sooner if a device created by former Mahurangi College student Spencer Buchanan becomes commercially viable. Spencer has just completed a Bachelor of Design (Hons), majoring in industrial design, at Massey University. For his final year project, he designed a mouthguard that can calculate concussion risk in rugby players, by measuring the impact of a tackle on the player’s brain. His prototype mouthguard Nerve features microelectronics, including motion sensors, within the middle layer of the design. The data received from the mouth guard is linked to a sideline iPad which accumulates the player’s percentage of concussion risk based on an algorithm. It identifies where on the head a player has sustained an impact injury while also providing previous concussion history and pre-season baseline tests. Spencer, who suffered several concussions playing rugby and snowboarding, says his design allows medical sideline staff to make more accurate informed decisions as to whether a player should continue playing on after suffering a head knock. “My design picks up impacts missed by the human eye and transfers the data to a side line doctor,” he says. “With the benefit of accurate real time data, they can decide if a player needs to come off the field for rehabilitation to minimise LIST NOW COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Keeping locals in touch with locals

The components that make up the prototype, which fits within a custom dental-made mouthguard.

Playing rugby at Mahurangi College gave Spencer Buchanan some idea of the issues around concussion.

Counting the costs of concussion There are an estimated 35,000 head injuries in New Zealand every year and 21 per cent are sustained through sport. The ACC only receive claims for about 85 per cent of the sports-related concussion injuries suggesting that 1100 currently go untreated. Between 2009 and 2013, sports-related concussion claims cost ACC $76 million. Injuries are most frequently sustained during rugby, cycling and equestrian activities, and 11 per cent of sports-related concussion claimants had multiple concussions within a two-year period. With repeat concussion, people may experience a decline in general health and quality of life for up to 10 years following the injury.

the possibility of a second impact syndrome [multiple injuries in a game].” Spencer says while the technology he’s used has been around for a while, his design focused on functionality. “There’s been a lot of interest in the mouthguard and I’d be surprised if this technology isn’t being used in the next Rugby World Cup. It’s not cheap

L S AL ICE EE RV FR SE RE A

and requires a clinical diagnosis, so the target market would be professional, high performance athletes, but over time, it would be great if this could filter down to schools and clubs because amateur athletes are the ones who are most at risk.” Spencer, who is currently holidaying with family at Kaipara Flats, hopes to pursue a career as a product designer.

Social media twist for appeal Alzheimers Auckland is calling on local communities and keen photographers to re-enact old photographs and share them on social media, in a bid to raise awareness and funds for the more than 17,000 people in greater Auckland living with dementia. Remember December is the Alzheimers Auckland Charitable Trust’s annual appeal that raises money to cover its dementia support services. This year the appeal will include a social media competition, with a camera worth over $1000 up for grabs. “We’re asking Aucklanders to take a moment to think about their grandparents, aunties and uncles, mothers and fathers, to help raise awareness of dementia and its very real presence in Auckland,” operations manager Barbara Fox says. Friends and family are being encouraged to re-enact an old photograph, such as an old school ball photo or a childhood dress-up photo, upload it to social media along with the #RememberDecember, and nominate someone to do the same. One lucky person who shares a reenacted photo will win the latest Panasonic Lumix FZ300 camera from Photo Warehouse. All money raised through Remember December will go towards Alzheimers Auckland’s support services. Info: everydayhero.co.nz/event/ rememberdecember

Warkworth Birth Centre

quality maternity care

Breast Feeding Support Group *FREE for not-for-profit service clubs, groups and organisations

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First Wednesday of each month @ 10am

ALL MOTHERS WELCOME

FREE pregnancy tests Prenatal classes, birth venue & post-natal stay Own room in peaceful rural surroundings Excellent equipment and atmosphere Water birth a speciality Midwives on call at all times, and as backup for your caregiver (LMC)  Full post-natal hospital stay  24 hour Registered Midwives/Nurses to care for you and your baby  You can transfer from your birth hospital within 12 hours of normal birth or 24 hours following a Caesarian      

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For further information talk to your LMC/Midwife or Warkworth Birth Centre

Phone 09 425 8201 56 View Road, Warkworth www.warkworthbirthcentre.co.nz

health&family

46 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

COURSES FOR TERM ONE 2016 – WARKWORTH & WELLSFORD Mum’s Post-Natal Support Group

Weds 20 January 10.30am-12.30pm 13 wks

FREE

Come along for a cuppa and a chat with this friendly group. Meet other mums, make friends and gain strength every week. Facilitated by Maria Collins Young Mum’s Educational Programme

Thurs 21 January 10am-12.30pm 13 wks

FREE

For mothers up to 25 years to encourage positive parenting, behaviour management skills & strategies for raising happy & healthy children. Runs weekly at the Plunket Rooms, Wellsford. Facilitated by Maria Collins Personal Development

Tues 9 February 10am-12.30pm 10 wks

FREE

A weekly support group for women that encourages learning, sharing, mindfulness and inner-growth in a confidential and caring environment. Facilitated by Heidi Downey Career Development & Job search

Sat 5 March 10.00am-3.30pm

FREE

A workshop for women returning to work or changing career, including creating a career plan and a CV, job search, interviews, assistance with clothing and more. Tutor: Fiona Brading, People Architects

Computer Training: Intermediate Word

Fri 19 Feb, 8 weeks 9.15am to 11.15am

FREE

Increase your basic computer skills with this intermediate level word-processing course on Windows 10. Tutored by Senior Net, Warkworth Clay Sculpture

Sat March TBC 9.30am to 3.30pm

Cost $35

Sat April TBC 9.30am to 3.30pm

Cost $35

An introductory workshop. Create an indoor or outdoor clay ornament. It will be fired so you can paint it at a later date. Supported by Creative Communities Tutor: Vivienne Paterson Flax-Weaving/Harakeke If you have basic flax-weaving skills, come along to this workshop and make a waikawa/basket. You will also make and hand-dye flax embellishments to add to your work. Supported by Creative Communities. Tutor: Kathy Stevenson Counselling: Low Cost Sessions Safe, supportive, low cost sessions available by appointment. Conditions apply. Please contact the Women’s Centre Massage for Women: $55 for 1 hour Available on Tuesday afternoons by appointment. Please contact the Women’s Centre.

Christmas Donations: We will be collecting for our annual Christmas drive until mid-December. If you wish to support local families in hardship over this period, please drop off your gifts at our Centre. Most courses run in Warkworth. Please check details when booking. Bookings essential: Contact us on 09 425 7261 or 0800 2DROPIN (0800 237674) Email: info@womenscentrerodney.org.nz • www.womenscentrerodney.org.nz Follow us on Facebook at Women’s Centre Rodney 10 Morpeth Street, Warkworth • 9.30am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday

Starts Dec 1st - 12th

Thank you to our below sponsors Wellsford Pharmacy Kriscraft Warkworth Butchery Matakana Skincare Leigh Sawmill Café Trio Soy Candles

Unicorn Book Shop Bridgehouse Lodge Intimate Apparel Kleurglass Rush Coﬀee Local Osteo

a y p r iz e s w a g in iv g e r We a book page e c a F r u o n o Y EVERYDA www.facebook.com/Mahurangimatters

From left, midwife Kerri Jury, Coast to Coast Health Care manager Nancy Malloy, post-natal nurse Pam Hollis and midwife manager Kate Rankin accept the Birthing Unit accreditation certificate from Julie Stufkens (centre).

Birthing unit recognised

The Wellsford Birthing Unit is now officially ‘Baby Friendly’, having received official accreditation in a World Health Organisation and UNICEF best practice programme that aims to make all maternity services ‘centres of breastfeeding support’. Following an audit by the NZ Breastfeeding Association (NZBA), the Coast to Coast Health Care maternity centre was granted accreditation as a Baby-Friendly Hospital and an official certificate was presented to staff by the NZBA executive officer Julie Stufkens at the unit last week. Coast to Coast manager Nancy Malloy says the Wellsford Birthing Unit supports thousands of women through breastfeeding already, but the official certification and care strategy, which is endorsed by the Ministry of Health, will help to push the message home that breastfeeding is best and provide a formal framework for staff to follow. “We’ve gone through the process over the last year, developing leaflets and information and all nurses have completed 20 hours-plus of education. The accreditation process has cost around $5000 to implement and lasts for three years, after which reaccreditation is required. According to the NZBA, several studies have shown that having the Baby Friendly strategy and accreditation can

LET U

S DO Y O

UR W

increase breastfeeding rates, reduce the incidence of illness for babies and mothers, and help families to feel supported throughout the birthing process and beyond. The WHO and UNICEF’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are: • Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff. • Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy. • Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding. • Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within a half-hour of birth. • Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation, even if separated from their infants. • Give newborn infants of breastfeeding mothers no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated. • Practise rooming-in – allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day. • Encourage breastfeeding on demand. • Give no artificial pacifiers or dummies to breastfeeding infants. • Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from hospital.

ON R I & G N A SHI

ING

Leave your washing while you shop

Kowhai Laundry

• Linen • Sports Kits • Duvets • Sleeping bags • Picnic blankets Dry Cleaning Agents

Hours - Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Sat 9am-1pm 13 Neville St St, Warkworth Phone 09 425 9775

health&family

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Health

skin @

Eugene Sims, Warkworth Natural Therapies www.wnt.co.nz

The art of breathing ... properly How hard can breathing be? Actually, there is a bit more to it than just ‘breathe in and breathe out’. Certainly, if you are not breathing correctly, it can lead to many other problems such as weakness, fainting, dizziness, confusion, agitation, pins and needles, cramps of the hands and feet, muscle twitching, chest pains or tenderness, shortness of breath, headaches, and even fainting. The chronic effects include tiredness, lack of concentration, sleep disturbances, chest palpitations, irritable cough and breathing discomfort with frequent sighs and yawns, erratic blood pressure, upset gut, bloated feelings, nausea, sexual problems, achy muscles, tension and panicky feelings, depression and anxiety. I wrote a column earlier on Hyperventilation Syndrome. However, while I outlined the problems, I didn’t address any solutions. So consider this column part two! Stress is often an underlying feature of HVS and the lead up to Christmas can be a very stressful time. So try the one minute tension breaker (below) when the stress levels escalate! Common mistakes with breathing are: • breathing too fast • using the wrong muscles • breathing too shallow The normal breathing rate (at rest) for an adult is 10-14 breathes per minute (BPM). As the BPM rate gets higher (over long periods of time) it will often cause problems. The other muscles that can help with breathing under laboured circumstances are called ‘accessory breathing muscles’. Primarily, these are in the chest and neck. When the accessory muscles are overused this will often lead to neck problems and exacerbations of HVS. Ideal breathing Our main breathing muscle is the diaphragm, a flat thin muscle at the bottom of the rib cage that attaches to the lungs. It pulls the lungs down as we breathe in. It is an efficient muscle that requires little effort to use. As the lungs are inflated and the diaphragm moves downward the abdomen moves forward. So it really looks like you are pushing your belly out! The rib cage expands to allow for the lungs to inflate and the rest of the body should be rather relaxed. If you are unsure then watch a healthy baby sleeping on their back, watch the stomach move as they breathe.

Milford Eye Clinic Warkworth Branch

Affiliated Southern Cross Healthcare provider

• Dr Michael Fisk • Dr Brian Sloan • Dr Jo Koppens • Dr David Squirrell • Dr Rasha Altaie • Dr Nadeem Ahmad

Serving the eye needs of North Shore and Rodney for over 35 years Purpose-built eye consulting rooms in Warkworth. Surgery available at Rodney Surgical Centre or Shore Surgery, Milford, as appropriate. For your convenience consultations available at Milford, Red Beach and Warkworth.

• Milford Eye Clinic, 181 Shakespeare Road, Milford • Coastcare, Red Beach Shopping Centre, Red Beach • Warkworth, Unit 3, Warkworth Health Centre, Cnr Alnwick & Percy Streets, Warkworth

For all appointments phone 09 422 6871

Concerned about a mole? Suffer from skin cancer? Skin Cancer Clinics at RSC. No referral necessary. World class care without the need to go to Auckland.

Mr David Crabb

Mr Richard Hart

Dr Andrew MacGill

Mr Richard Martin

Reconstructive plastic and cosmetic surgeon

Oculoplastic surgeon and cataract surgeon

Skin cancer doctor Tuesday clinics in tandem with MoleMap

Melanoma, head and neck, and general surgeon

info@rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz 09 425 1190 or 0800 425 007 77 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

Molemap now at RSC

www.rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz

Hearing Health Your questions answered Carmela Davies

Audiologist, MNZAS Bay Audiology Whangaparaoa & Warkworth

Why do I have trouble hearing in noisy situations? Loud cafés, restaurants and social get-togethers present a real challenge for people in terms of how easily they can understand speech. Much of this is due to how the pitches of different speech sounds interact with background noise. Many consonants that we use when we speak are high pitched soft sounds such as ‘t’, ‘s’ and ‘th’. By contrast, vowels and other consonants like ‘m’ and ‘n’ are not only louder, but are lower pitched and carry across a room much easier than the high pitched ones. Our ears are tuned in such a way that low pitched sounds will usually cover the higher pitched ones, meaning that we can miss the beginning and ending of words. If someone has a hearing loss, their ears and brain are less able to filter out sounds as easily, so even more listening effort is required. A number of strategies can be used to help.Move away from the source of noise and seek out a place with less hard reflective surfaces that cause echo. Position yourself so the noise is behind you and the person you want to hear ahead of you. If you suspect that you are having more difficulty hearing than you have in the past, call any of our Bay Audiology clinics below for a FREE hearing check.

Bay Audiology Whangaparaoa 737 Whangaparaoa Rd, Manly, Whangaparaoa 0930 Phone 09 424 6004 Bay Audiology Orewa Shop 4, The Nautilus, 9-13 Tamariki Avenue, Orewa 0931 Phone 09 426 6196 Bay Audiology Warkworth 27- 35 Queen Street, Warkworth 0910 Phone 09 551 2810

48 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

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Robyn Lee, and Liz and Geoff Bayes

Heather and Roger MacKenzie, of Warkworth Horesriding, with ATEED Maori tourism development officer Koro Carman.

Tourism body celebrates A busy year of promoting the Matakana Coast regionally and nationally was summarised at an endof-year function at Ascension Wine Estate last month. Guest speakers were Rodney MP Mark Mitchell and Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) manager Tourism Jason Hill. Matakana Coast Tourism (MCT) chair Warren Kitchin said MCT was fulfilling an advocacy role for business groups on key regional planning and operational issues. Agreement had been reached with nine business associations to provide

regional tourism promotion and coordination, and the MCT website had been upgraded. One of the highlights of the year was the success in securing a three-year $215,000 grant funding programme, in partnership with ATEED, to operate the Warkworth i-SITE, appoint a fulltime regional tourism coordinator and part-time visitor consultants. Mr Hill reinforced the fact that domestic tourism was worth $5 billion a year in Auckland and while tourism from Australia, China and the US was important, it was still just the icing on the cake.

Heather and Alan Seelye, and Colin Christophersen.

John and Jillian Taylor, of Omaha River Retreat with Kawau beekeeper Ed Bee.

Making old stuff

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December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Hospice inspires Rural Expo

Full Mobile Dog Grooming Service - Puppy Training Foundation Training for Older Dogs Obedience Training - Behavioural Modification Specific Task Training - Boredom Buster Home Visits Horse Clipping - Horsemanship Lessons Float Loading and Training Servicing Rodney, Whangarei and Far North

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RODNEY SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

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nutrition, farm machinery and yarding, as well as household appliances. Representatives from community organisations such as Rural Women, Dairy Women’s Network and Northern Young Farmers will also be on-site to add to the rural flavour. Wellsford was chosen as the venue because of its good mix of dairy, beef, horticulture and lifestyle sectors, as well as its ease of access for neighbouring communities and townships within an hour or so drive. “We will have something for everyone, even a petting zoo and Mr Whippy for the kids,” Vanessa says. “Community organisations will be helping out and exhibitors are donating prizes for raffles and auctions. The funds raised from raffles and auctions, along with the gold coin entry, will go to the hospice building project. “Most of us at some stage will have a family member, friend or work colleague who will need hospice and we never know when we will benefit from them ourselves.” The expo will from 9am to 3pm.

FAR

Animal health will be one of the topics covered at the Rural Expo.

Mobile Dog Grooming & Training

A Rural Expo in support of the Warkworth Wellsford Hospice building project will be held at Wellsford’s Centennial Park on December 12. The expo is being organised by Farmlands Co-operative and FMG Insurance, which are both 100 per cent New Zealand owned. FMG area manager Nicole Sorenson, Farmlands regional manager Lew Duggan, Farmlands card account manager Suzanne Parpinello and Farmlands Wellsford business manager Vanessa Corry came up with the Rural Expo concept as a fundraiser. “Our concept is not to compete directly with A&P shows or other rural field days, but to bring together rural and urban members of the wider community to support a worthwhile community project, and to obtain information and deals from a wide range of rural service and product providers,” Lew says. “We decided to hold it after the local Wellsford Summer Show so as not to detract from their event.” Lew, who is also Northland Field Days president, says the event is a mixture of everything – almost a mini field day – which is why they decided to call it a Rural Expo. Suzanne says exhibitors involved will include professionals from fencing, animal health, horticulture, bee keeping, aerial contractors, agrichemical, pasture seed, animal

Join us at our Rural Expo for demonstrations and advice on everything rural – bring the family along for a fun and informative day out! When

Saturday 12th December 2015 Where

Centennial Park grounds, Wellsford

All proceeds go towards the Rodney Hospice building project! DOES MY SEPTIC TANK NEED CLEANING? Yes, every 2-3 years. Why? Because septic tanks are a filter. You clean your car filter and your water filters regularly and yet one of the most important filtersgets forgotten - your septic tank. Keep your environment clean and green.

LOOK OUT FOR US AROUND TOWN!

Be in to W IN a weeken d away at S kyCity Auckland ! *Terms and Conditions apply

50 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

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Larry Paterson receives his award for most dedicated and most active member from Matakana station officer John Badham.

A gold star and trophy were presented to Lance Stephens at the Matakana Volunteer Fire Brigade honours night.

Senior fire officer Ray Holden was awarded the Dennis Whitaker Trophy for the best and fairest member.

The ‘faux pas’ award was presented to station officer and driver John Badham (right) and his backer David Poolman who parked their appliance ‘inappropriately’ in a ditch, front wheels off the ground like a 747 aeroplane taking off. They had to lighten their load to get out of the ditch but their 1400 litres of water created a swimming pool around the stuck appliance.

Chief Fire Officer Barry Clarke was recognised for his 43 years’ service to the New Zealand Fire Service and his wife Cheryl received an award for her 52 years as a supporter of the service. Photos: Carolyn Howden

Matakana firefighters celebrate Gold Star at honours night Matakana Volunteer Fire Brigade held its first honours night on Saturday, November 21, under the umbrella of the New Zealand Fire Service. Seventeen members received recognition for their achievements and length of service, with a coveted Gold Star award being presented to Lance Stephens for 25 years’ service to the brigade. Only about five per cent of New Zealand’s fire fighters have

received this honour. Lance’s actual service totals 32 years, joining the Papakura Station as a professional fire fighter in 1975. He also served at Howick and Ellerslie stations before leaving the Fire Service in 1979 to travel overseas. Lance rejoined two years later at Otahuhu and moved to the central station in 1984. He rode the snorkel and emergency tender appliances for

four years – both these appliances are now at the Motat Transport Museum. After serving 17 years at the Parnell Station, Lance left the service in 2004 and five years later joined the recently formed Matakana Volunteer Brigade where he now holds the rank of station officer. Father of three children, Lance has owned several boats and is a

blue water sailor. He now teaches in Warkworth, ship firefighting, survival at sea and other subjects relating to the marine environment. Senior fire officer Ray Holden was awarded the Dennis Whitaker Trophy for the best and fairest member and Barry Clarke was recognised for his 43 years to the fire service. Barry’s wife Cheryl received an award for 52 years supporting the Fire Service.

HOMEBUILDERS FAMILY SERVICES 5 Hexham Street, Warkworth • Phone 425 7048

COURSE STARTING SOON

Call JOEL HEMUS 021 959 341 FOR...

Festive Christmas Menu

Festive ways to cater for family at your home this Christmas. This course is designed with consideration to financial pressures of this time of year. Friday 4th of December 9.30 - 12-30 Homebuilders Family Services Homebuilders wishes all Rodney Families and Friends a Merry Christmas. Thank you to all those in our community that support Homebuilders Family Services and make it possible to continue to offer Free help for those who use our service.

23 Glenmore Drive Warkworth

To enroll or join our email list contact us on Homebuilders.courses@hotmail.com, or ph 09 4257048, or text 0276226809.

[Behind Flooring Xtra]

All courses free of charge, free childminding is available if you request it when you enrol. For more information or to enrol call Homebuilders 425 7048 or email homebuilders.courses@hotmail.com

localmatters.co.nz

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

New pathway tests riders A regional downhill mountain biking competition will be held on Warkworth’s doorstep on December 6 with the aim of involving more young people. The inaugural Auckland Secondary Schools Downhill competition will be held on an intermediate track in the Dome Valley. Event organiser Lukas Svoboda says there aren’t a lot of opportunities for people to start racing in downhill and the event was created to change that. “The national competitions are held on extreme tracks which require a lot of experience,” Lukas says. “We wanted to start a competition on an intermediate course so people without a lot of experience can give it a go.” The Dome Valley is renowned for having one of the most extreme downhill tracks in the region. But, about two years ago, the Auckland Downhill Club got funding to build an intermediate track to make the sport more accessible. “You don’t have to be completely nuts to do this. It can be a progression from crosscountry riding.”

Mahurangi riders looking to get into the sport now have one of the best downhill tracks in the region on their doorstep where they can progress from intermediate through to expert riders at the same location, Lukas says. The tracks run through a forestry block on Kraack Road which are managed and maintained by the club. The intermediate course is about three of four minutes long, with a variety of terrain and jumps. Competitors can have unlimited practices and two timed runs. Lukas hopes more than 50 riders will compete and it will become an annual event.

Shuttles to the track will run throughout the day. Riders must have a downhill bike or a sturdy trial bike, a full-face helmet, a neck brace, knee pads, elbow pads and gloves. The event will run from 8am to 5pm. Info: Enter at akdh.co.nz or facebook.com/ akdh.co.nz

TOTALSPAN RODNEY PROUD SPONSORS OF

ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

SCOREBOARD THE scorEBoArD A roundup of sports activities and events in the district

Tennis art exhibition a Roundup of spoRTs acTiviTies in THe disTRicT Mahurangi East Tennis Club Great Summer Art Exhibition, Mahurangi East Community Centre, Hamatana Rd, Snells Beach, December 31 to January 3, 9.30am-4.30pm. Fundraiser to upgrade clubhouse Touch tournament Whanaunga Touch Tournament, Kaiwaka sports grounds, January 9, 9am-5pm. Teams of 10, $100 entry fee. Register by emailing cherylanderson051@gmail.com. Fundraiser for Otamatea Marae. Cash prizes Info: Cheryl 09 4312 051 or Tara 021 2645 701 Top of the Rock race The annual Kaiwaka Top of the Rock is on Sunday February 14. 5km and 10km run or walk and 10km cross country run or 30km mountain bike and 10km run/15km MTB event. Info: kaiwakasports.co.nz/topoftherock Badminton - Rodney College Gym, Tuesdays, 7-8.30pm. 13yrs+. Students $2, adults $4. All levels welcome, racquets available. Info: John or Kaylene 423 8768 - Mahurangi Community hall, Mondays, 7.30pm. Juniors from 6.30pm. Info: Sue 4227021 - Kaiwaka Sports Complex ,Tuesdays 7.30pm. All ages welcome. $3 per night Run/walk/multisport Wild Kiwi event, Whangarei Heads, April 16. 8km, 15km, 21km run/walk, 3km kids dash. Multisport (individual or teams) 3km run, 12km sea kayak, 25km mountain bike, 14km run. Info: thewildkiwi.co.nz Cricket Social cricket, Mangawhai Domain. Info: Andy 0273 410 417 or Lindsay 021 323 587

ToTalspan Rodney List sports news FREE by emailing 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 news@localmatters.co.nz waRkwoRTH TOTALSPAN RODNEY pHone 09 422 3149 229 STATE HIGHWAY 1, WARKWORTH PHONE 09 422 3149

0800 TOTALSPAN (0800 868 257) TOTALSPAN.CO.NZ

BARFOOT & THOMPSON

09 425 8742 7 Queen Street, Warkworth

09 422 3209

warkworth@barfoot.co.nz

52 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015 | Mahurangimatters

localmatters.co.nz

NEWSLETTER

MAHURANGI COLLEGE ISSUE 08: December 2015

from the

Principal David Macleod

Dear Parents and Guardians Tena Koutou Katoa Thank you for your support again this year in what has been a very enjoyable and successful year for the College.

Our Head Prefects, Ella Hauser and Daniel Vaughan, spoke of the privilege it has been for them to lead the student body this year and then passed on the Mantle of Leadership to next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head Prefects, Nathan Dick and Sarah Wilson. Twenty seven major Tertiary Scholarships and/ or monetary awards were presented, then Rory McKay was awarded Proxime Accessit and Jack Vasey was announced as Dux for 2015. Jack also gained an AUT Vice-Chancellorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scholarship worth over $15,000. At the end of this year we are sad to farewell two long-serving staff members, Mr Basevi who has been here 14 years, 13 of these as Head of Mathematics, and Mrs Hollyer who has been here 20 years, 16 of those as Head of our Junior Faculty.

Members of the Jazz Band performing at Senior Prizegiving

Local accountant Dan Smith presented his scholarship to Kris Middleton

We have been able to celebrate some of these successes recently at a series of Prizegivings and Blues evenings. These culminated in our Senior School Academic Prizegiving on Wednesday 4 November at which we presented prizes and awards, generously donated by local businesses and service clubs, to the top student in each subject.

Academic Awards: Dux, Jack Vasey & Proxime Accessit, Rory McKay

The 2016 school year will start for our Year 13 students with their outdoor education camp to Great Barrier Island from 31 January to 4 February 2016, during which time they do their Peer Support training. For students in Years 7, 11 and 12 school will start on Tuesday 2 February, and for all other students on Wednesday 3rd February. We wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas season and a refreshing summer holiday.

Mrs Rose Sheat awarding the David Sheat Memorial Award to Amy Foote

David Macleod, Principal

Some of the special award winners at Senior Prizegiving

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters 53| Mahurangimatters

localmatters.co.nz

NEWSLETTER

Celebrating Student Successes... Sports Blues Awards At the 2015 Sporting Blues evening we awarded 82 Blues to students who had gained Regional representation in sport and 18 High Achiever Awards to students who had gained National recognition. The Sportsman of the Year was Forrest Axford who was a member of the NZ U19 Under-Water Hockey (UWH) team which won the World Championships in Spain. The Sportswoman of the Year was Tonya Botherway who was selected for national representative teams in both hockey and touch. The Team of the Year was the Senior Mixed UWH Team which won the National Secondary Schools’ Open UWH Championships, defeating an all boys team from Wellington College 3-2 in a very tense and exciting final.

The guest speaker was Liz Perry who was a member of the Black Sticks, NZ women’s hockey team, and is currently a member of the White Ferns, the NZ women’s cricket team. She spoke of the challenges she has needed to overcome along the way, mistakes she has made and the support she has received as she has pursued her sporting and academic dreams. She has just completed her Masters degree in the UK where she played both hockey and cricket at a county level.

Forrest Axford, Guest Speaker Liz Perry, Mr Macleod and Tonya Botherway at the Sports Blues evening

Cultural Blues Awards At the Cultural Blues, which were held the night after our Sports Blues, we had 10 different groups perform for us, including the Kapa Haka, the Pasifika Group, the Performing Arts Academy, Senior Drama students, two Dance groups, and several different musical groups. Between these items the various Blues and other awards were presented. A very special thank you was made to Alex Hill, who has not only been one of our cultural prefects this year, but has also led the sound and light team who have been brilliant at all school performances, shows and events this year, with many innovative and creative ideas. The evening culminated in the presentation of the Cultural Person of the Year Award to Sean Dugdale-Martin, a Senior Drama Student, member of the Performing Arts Academy and one of the lead actors in this year’s very successful Senior Production of “Forever After”.

Cultural Blues Awards: Pasifika Group Performance

Achiever of the Month: Thomas Patton Presented by Jeanie Sutherland, Retail Manager. at Mega Mitre 10 Warkworth

Proudly Supporting Mahurangi College

• Academic Blue for Excellence in Level 2 NCEA • Deputy Head Boy • House Leader • Peer Support Leader • Member of the Under 19 Boys’ Basketball team • Member of the Senior Boys’ A Volleyball team

WARKWORTH

Corner Woodcocks Road & Mansel Drive, Phone 425 8119

54 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

Kudos for tackling rugby sideline antics The Mahurangi Junior Rugby Club won the inaugural Club of the Year trophy at the North Harbour Rugby prizegiving last month for its tough stance on sideline bullying. Mahurangi beat 10 other clubs to win the award. North Harbour clubs and schools liaison officer Denis Henderson says Mahurangi strives to foster a positive atmosphere and has successfully stamped out abusive behaviour from parents on the sideline. “Unfortunately, most clubs have a few issues, but Mahurangi has had no incidents this year,” Mr Henderson says. The club introduced the ‘Mahu Way’ this season – a code which emphasises the values and behaviour expected of members. “No other club has it and it’s worked,” Mr Henderson says. “It’s by far the best club this year. They are very well-organised and are already planning for next season. They are also great hosts and always feed visiting teams and the other clubs reciprocate.” Club captain Lyndon Connolly says they have consciously tried to build a supportive and inclusive culture, “without people yelling at our kids and referees”. “We have a preseason club day at Pakiri to play games and put on food to get the teams together and we try and do a lot of work through coaching development programmes,” Mr Connolly says. As a result, the club is also well-supported, which helps things run smoothly. “We have a strong committee and great support from coaches, referees, parents and players.” The club has grown to 200 players. Mahurangi College Year 10 student Sam Mason also won Under 14 Player of the Year at the North Harbour awards. College PE teacher Hamish Cooper says Sam has had a brilliant season and was also awarded Most Valuable Player for the college’s Grade 6 team and played for the North Harbour Under 14 rep team.

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Members of the Mahurangi Junior Rugby Club and Mahurangi College at the North Harbour prizegiving last month. A bird’s eye view of the greens at Leigh.

Summer bowls starts Leigh Bowling Club held a successful season opening day, which was quickly followed by the mens leads and two singles. The field was whittled down until only Trevor Belsten and Dave Johnson were still standing. The date for the final is yet to be set. The men’s champ pairs saw Stu MacDonald and Rossco Edwards playing off against Keith Greenwood and Biscuit McLean, with Stu and Rossco coming out on top to take the title. In the first men’s tournament, the Lion Red men’s open triples was won by the Wintle team from Mangawhai. In the Club Champ 4s, MacDonald, Edwards, Gizz Penney and Ivan Pivac came up against Wiki Waru, Robin Booth, Belsten and Tony Wyatt. It was a closely fought match, with MacDonald’s team clinching the win with the last few balls. Twilight bowls has started on Friday evenings from 5pm onwards and Saturday roll ups are on as well. This is a great opportunity for new, old and social bowlers to come along and have some fun. All welcome.

Mahurangi chairman Lyndon Connolly with North Harbour committee chairman Paul Evans (right).

ITM Cup captain Bryn Hall presented Sam Mason with the Under 14 Player of the Year trophy.

Auckland Area Sea Watch Matakana Marine Seawatch Sun

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12:44am 3.0 1:32am 2.9 2:23am 2.8 3:16am 2.7 4:11am 2.7 5:07am 2.7 6:01am 2.8 12:20am 0.8 1:05am 0.8 1:48am 0.7 2:30am 0.6 3:11am 0.5 3:53am 0.5 4:35am 0.5 5:19am 0.5 12:10am 3.1 1:00am 3.1 6:35am 0.6 7:24am 0.8 8:17am 0.9 9:13am 1.0 10:11am 1.0 11:06am 1.0 11:56am 1.0 6:50am 2.8 7:35am 2.9 8:18am 3.0 8:59am 3.1 9:40am 3.2 10:22am 3.3 11:06am 3.3 11:51am 3.3 6:06am 0.5 6:57am 0.6

Tide 1:06pm 3.1 1:55pm 3.0 2:46pm 2.9 3:37pm 2.8 4:29pm 2.8 5:20pm 2.8 6:09pm 2.8 12:42pm 0.9 1:26pm 0.8 2:09pm 0.8 2:51pm 0.7 3:34pm 0.6 4:18pm 0.6 5:04pm 0.6 5:52pm 0.6 12:40pm 3.3 1:31pm 3.2 6:42pm 0.6 7:35pm 0.6 6:56pm 2.8 7:42pm 2.9 8:26pm 3.0 9:10pm 3.0 9:54pm 3.1 10:38pm 3.1 11:23pm 3.1 Times 7:13pm 0.7 8:04pm 0.8 8:56pm 0.9 9:49pm 0.9 10:41pm 0.9 11:32pm 0.9 5:56am 8:24pm

Sun Fishing Guide Moon

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Last New Quarter Moon Rise 12:38am Rise 1:13am Rise 1:46am Rise 2:17am Rise 2:47am Rise 3:18am Rise 3:51am Rise 4:26am Rise 5:04am Rise 5:47am Rise 6:34am Rise 7:27am Rise 8:23am Rise 9:24am Rise 10:26am Set 12:02am Set 12:41am Set 11:48am Set 12:44pm Set 1:39pm Set 2:33pm Set 3:27pm Set 4:21pm Set 5:16pm Set 6:12pm Set 7:08pm Set 8:03pm Set 8:57pm Set 9:48pm Set 10:36pm Set 11:21pm Rise 11:30am Rise 12:35pm *Not for navigational purposes.

Good Fishing

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www.tidewiz.com

www.tidespy.com

www.ofu.co.nz

Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd.

For the latest wind and swell information for the Auckland area, go to: www.tidespy.com/?place=3005

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localmatters.co.nz

December 2, 2015 Mahurangimatters

what’s on

December

See What’s On at localmatters.co.nz for a full list of upcoming events

Kowhai Singers Christmas concert, On the Road to Bethlehem, Puhoi, Church of Saints Peter and Paul, 7.30pm 4 Carols by Candlelight, Lucy Moore Memorial Park, 7.30pm to 9.30pm (see story p29) 4&11 Santa at Summer Sessions in Warkworth, 5pm-8pm 4-6 Christmas Fair & Book Sale, Point Wells Hall, bargains galore. Stall sites available. Info: Charleyne 422 7438 5 Warkworth Santa Parade, 1pm. Alnwick Street, Neville Street, Queen Street and Mill Lane. Info: Nicola Jones 021 645 129, info@warkworthbusiness.org.nz 5 Kowhai Singers Christmas concert, On the Road to Bethlehem, Warkworth, Mahurangi Presbyterian Church, 7.30pm 5 Art & Craft Sale, Matakana Community Hall, 9am-2pm. Gifts for Christmas, paintings, cards, pottery, glass art, jewellery, felting, spinning, knitting, outdoor art, porcelain, woven flax, quilting, decorations and more. Free, all welcome. 5 Jackman Classic, 12km ocean race for qualified lifeguards, Waipu Cove to Mangawhai. Info: mangawhaisurfclub@xtra.co.nz 5 Waipu Country Market, Presbyterian Church Hall, 9am-1pm. Info Sue Martin toriamartin@hotmail.com 5, 12 & 19 Santa at Matakana Village Farmers Market 6 Tossi workday. Meet at the Woolshed at 9am. BBQ lunch provided. Last workday of the year 6 Auckland Secondary Schools Downhill competition, Dome Valley, Kraack Road, 7am-5pm. Info: Enter at akssdh.co.nz or facebook.com/akdh.co.nz 6 Atlantic rower, South Pole trekker and adventurer Kevin Biggar, Matakana Cinemas, 4.30pm. $20 Info: Annie Mellor mellorannie@gmail.com 021 929 776 (see story p27) 6 Mangawhai Beach & Country Market, Mangawhai Domain, 9am-1pm. Info Sue Martin toriamartin@hotmail.com 6 Settlers Day Out on Wheels, The Kauri Museum – Church Road, Matakohe, 9am-4pm. Info Colleen Glasskaurimuseum.com admin@kaurimuseum.com 8-12 Treemendous Christmas Tree display, Old Masonic Hall, Warkworth, open daily from 9am-6pm (see story p34) 11&13 Matakantata Choir concerts (see story p32) 12 Rural Expo, Centennial Park (see story p49) 12 Christmas Soiree by the Sea, floral art fundraiser for Warkworth Town Hall Restoration Project, 21 Hampton Mews, Whisper Cove, Snells Beach, 4.30-6.30pm. Tickets $35. Info Cunitia 425 5800 or Glennys 09 945 0512 (see story p29) 13 Mangawhai Beach & Country Market, Mangawhai Domain, 9am-1pm. Info Sue Martin toriamartin@hotmail.com 14 U3A annual general meeting, Totara Park Hall, starts 10am, followed by humorous talk about the Household Cavalry. Christmas nibbles & entertainment. Visitors welcome, but please advise Vivienne 902 9207. 16 Workshop on the future of the old Wellsford library, Wellsford Community Centre, 5-7pm (see story p18) 30 Coastguard old 4 new lifejacket upgrade van, Omaha boat ramp, 2.30-6.30pm. Info: coastguard.org.nz (see story p20) 31-Jan 3 Mahurangi East Tennis Club, Great Summer Art Exhibition, Community Centre Hall, Hamatana Rd, Snells Beach, 9.30 4.30pm each day. Free entry, cafe & art for sale. Further Info: Convenor 425 5617

List your event directly on our What’s On calendar at localmatters.co.nz/whatson or email to editor@localmatters.co.nz

th At What’s On This Mon

RSA THE WARKWORTH FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER

Gerry Lee

SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER

Roaring 20’s show $20pp FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER

The Kavalliers

FRIDAY 18TH DECEMBER

Gary Pallett & Monster meat raffles

THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER

THUSDAY 24TH DECEMBER

Gunners Xmas Luncheon with all the trimmings THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER New Years eve with Gary Harvey Band $10pp

Anyone can join the Warkworth RSA, 28 Neville Street just roll up after 11am or ph 425 8568

WARKWORTH

56 Mahurangimatters December 2, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

Show jumping class competes in Matakana Former NZ World Cup Series winner, Katie Laurie, of Hamilton, proved too strong for the field when she competed in the Matakana Magic Show Jumping event at the Matakana Country Park on Sunday November 22. Laurie (nee McVean) took out both first and second place in the Matakana Magic Equissage and Bayleys Lifestyle Horse Grand Prix ahead of upand-coming rider Emily HaywoodMorgan who was third. Vicki Wilson finished fourth, Jaime Campbell fifth and Natasha Brookes sixth. The riders were competing for a total prize pool of $3000. The event, run by JT Sporthorses, featured two days of show jumping with a number of other classes including a pony grand prix, amateur rider and junior rider. Organiser Jamie Campbell says the weather produced some testing ground conditions, which may have also had an impact on the lower than expected spectator turnout. “But overall it was a successful event with good feedback from the riders,”

she says. “This is the second year it’s been held at the Country Park and it’s our intention to just keep improving it every year. It’s about getting showjumping into the community here.” The day went hand-in-hand with fundraising for the Well Foundation, the official fundraising body for Waitemata District Health Board. A total of $4548 was raised, mainly through a charity auction, and Jamie is already planning a bigger fundraising push for next year’s event. Matakana Magic was also the first event in a new accumulator prize, which has been introduced by iSpyHorses. The combination gaining the highest points over all three JT Sporthorses shows this season – Matakana, Albany and Karaka – will be the iSpyHorse Grand Slam Title winner and will receive $1000 in prize money. Currently leading the field is Vicki Wilson on Showtym Highlight, followed by 12-year-old Olivia Dalton, daughter of yachtsman Grant Dalton, on Just Nuts.

View more photos online localmatters.co.nz

Above, top NZ equestrian rider Katie Laurie shows her winning style at the Matakana Country Park. Left, Vicki Wilson is currently leading the iSpyHorse Grand Slam, which is being calculated over three shows.

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