Mahurangi Matters_Issue 419_6 December 2021 by Localmatters

December 6, 2021

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Lockdown marathon ends The Paddison family of Kaipara Flats never thought they would spend more than 100 days in lockdown when they started their street-side counter. Dad, Mike Paddison, had to put an extra hook into the sign and the kids painted some more number panels to accommodate triple digits. Each morning for 107 days, the Paddison girls – Alyssa, 7, Holly, 12, and Hannah, 9 – would do a different pose for a photograph, which became a popular daily update on the Kaipara Flats community page. It got to be such a routine, even the cat would line up. The Paddison family hopes not to have to use the counter again, although is considering re-purposing it for a countdown to Christmas. The Auckland region entered the ‘red light’ phase of the traffic light Covid-19 response framework last week on Friday, December 3, officially ending New Zealand’s longest lockdown.

Bowlers ponder sale of prime Warkworth site Nearly 100 years after it was founded, Bowls Warkworth has unveiled ambitious proposals to sell its Mill Lane club and build a new $7.5million world-class facility on public land at the bottom of Shoesmith Domain. The concept includes a large social club, two fully covered greens, parking for 100 cars and a “sky bar” – a raised viewing platform with a bar area running between the two playing areas.

Club secretary Mike Newland said in a deputation to last week’s Rodney Local Board that the present site was no longer fit for purpose and selling the town centre land would provide enough money to build a new club capable of hosting national and even international tournaments. “The club has been in Mill Lane for 100 years next year,” he said. “The site is long past its use-by date. We’re sitting on around 4500 square metres of land that is a pretty

prime piece of real estate and a bowling club is not the best use for it.” Mr Newland said the idea was to move the club to the site of Shoesmith Hall and the former women’s bowling club, north to Hill Street – around 6000 or 7000 square metres, all of which is public land owned by Auckland Council. “We want to turn it into New Zealand’s premier bowling club and it will all be funded by the sale of the Mill Lane land,”

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he told board members. He said Shoesmith Hall could either be kept and renovated by Warkworth Bowls, or it could be demolished, with current clubs and activities incorporated into the new social club building. Warkworth Bowls president Francois Loubser said the new club would be revolutionary, attracting a raft of new casual continued on page 2 WWW.RDCONSTRUCTION.CO.NZ

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December 6, 2021 – Issue 419 17 Neville Street, Warkworth, 0941 PO Box 701, Warkworth 0941 ph 09 425 9068 mahurangimatters

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If the concept comes off, Warkworth Bowls would be moving west to Shoesmith.

A division of Local Matters. Mahurangi Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated to more than 14,750 homes and businesses two weekly from Puhoi to Waipu. Views expressed in Mahurangi Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction without editor’s permission is prohibited.

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Bowlers ponder sale of prime Warkworth site players keen to use the spacious social club space, which could also be available for community use. “It will be far larger than the 100 members we have at the moment. The number of people who use it will dramatically increase,” he said. Mike Newland said the club was looking for Local Board support for its idea, as it was the landowner Warkworth Bowls would be leasing the land from.

“We have to spend some money to kick this thing off, so would like an indication that you support us with this endeavour, so we can go to our members with confidence,” he said. Board deputy chair and Warkworth member Beth Houlbrooke said there would be quite a lengthy process to go through if the Board was to support the proposal. “It would have to go out to public consultation because you’d be removing public open space,” she pointed out.

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Fellow Warkworth member Steven Garner said the concept was unusual. “There are not many situations where councils are approached by community groups that are as well funded to provide a community facility, potentially, of the size, scope and quality of this one,” he said. And the Board’s third Warkworth member, Tim Holdgate, was also impressed. “This would really put Warkworth on the map. I really support it,” he said.

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Russell Green will no longer have cause to wear his chief fire officer helmet.

Fire chief burned over vax issue The chief fire officer and one of the founders of the Puhoi Volunteer Fire Brigade has been barred from operational duties after refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Russell Green will continue as chief fire officer at Puhoi, but his responsibilities will be strictly in a non-operational support role. Mr Green, who has served as a firefighter at Puhoi for 14 years, will no longer be allowed on a fire truck to attend call outs or be able to train with his crew.

The dramatic curtailment of his role came after Mr Green failed to comply with a government Covid-19 Public Health Response Order, which required more than 13,300 Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) personnel to have their first vaccination by November 29 and their second vaccination by January 14. “Clearly it is my choice. I suffer the consequences of my choice, and I understand that,” he says. “It’s probably not the way I wanted to go out. In fact, I’m not out yet – I’ve just

been sidelined.” Mr Green says his chief reason for refusing the vaccine was his belief that the Government was “holding a gun” to his head and that the vaccination demand was “just the tip of the iceberg”, with more demands inevitably to follow. “In my mind, the Government is holding people in a state of fear – making people scared – and controlling the population as it sees fit,” he says. Mr Green says one additional Puhoi

firefighter has been stood down over the vaccine issue but, despite this, the brigade is still in “good health”. But he thinks the future is more uncertain. He suspects the Government will keep shifting the goalposts and as time goes on there will be more and more demands placed on firefighters, such as a requirement to have repeated booster shots, which will generate ever more reluctance to comply. “If they keep following this line, they will whittle the brigades down to the last man standing,” he says. Mr Green helped establish the first Puhoi fire station in 2007, which originally comprised just a few shipping containers and some gates put together by volunteers over Waitangi weekend. He later drove a fundraising campaign and took on a project management role to establish the current modern Puhoi fire station, which opened in 2017. Mr Green’s deputy Jared Rehm will take charge of operational duties at the Puhoi Brigade. FENZ refused to discuss the number of firefighters who had been stood down in the Mahurangi area, but did issue a statement saying that nationally, 89 per cent of volunteers covered by the health response order had been fully or partially vaccinated. All brigades remained operational except for two smaller brigades – one on the South Island’s west coast and one in the Bay of Plenty. These were currently not functional because of insufficient vaccinated volunteers.

Swastika signs anger bistro owner Cardboard signs featuring a swastika and Star of David pinned to the door of a Snells Beach restaurant have left the owner, angry, upset and concerned for the safety of her staff. Bayside Bistro co-owner Susan Vize says she laid a complaint with police about the signs, which were discovered on Saturday morning (November 27). The signs featured the words “Discrimination in never OK.” Their appearance follows a Mahurangi Matters story “Restaurants ready to bar unvaccinated” (MM November 22) where Ms Vize said she would be implementing a “no vax, no service policy”. But Ms Vize says she is not choosing to discriminate; she is simply following the law. Under the Government’s “traffic light” Covid protection framework, during red and orange phases restaurants can operate only a contactless service, unless they are willing to ensure patrons have vaccination certificates. Ms Vize fears the signs are the beginning of a hate campaign based on misinformation and says restaurants are already struggling from months of lost business. She has CCTV footage of the offending signs being placed and has asked police to

serve a trespass notice on those responsible, which would make them guilty of an offence if they repeated the stunt. Senior Constable Jon Williams, of Warkworth Police, says the signs could be construed as “intimidation”, but if any offence had occurred so far it would be of a “very minor nature”. Nevertheless, police hoped to identify the culprits, serve the trespass notice on them and issue a verbal warning. “We would point out to these people that they should not be taking it out personally on local business owners who are just trying to comply with the law,” he says. “People are quite worked up about this on both sides and sometimes we have all got to take a breath.” Meanwhile, Ms Vize says several customers have told her she has got the vaccine issue all wrong and needs to change her views. Some have argued that the unvaccinated are no more likely to transmit Covid-19 than the vaccinated, making refusing entry to the unvaccinated pointless. However, the Ministry of Health, disagreed. Chief medical officer Andrew Connolly says the rate of transmission among

Barista Aimee Fletcher says she was shocked when she discovered the signs.

the unvaccinated is far greater than the vaccinated and adds that vaccination significantly slows transmission in households and communities. Referring to a recent study on households, he says a vaccinated person who catches

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Covid is 63 per cent less likely to transmit the disease to their household. “If you add in the fact that most vaccinated people don’t get the disease, the modelling suggests a more than 80 per cent reduction in household transmission,” he says.

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The current committee wants to host a large scale regatta modelled on that of Australia’s Hamilton Island.

Kawau Boating Club sails into troubled waters A struggle for control of the Kawau Boating Club is brewing as island residents fear that the club is being taken over by its Auckland-based membership. Former club secretary and island resident Lin Pardey is mounting a leadership coup and says she has the backing of at least 38 other members, who have given her the right to vote on their behalf. The issue came to a head when current president Mike Mahoney, who is a prominent Auckland developer, proposed holding the club annual general meeting via ZOOM in September. Mr Mahoney was advised by legal counsel that holding the AGM online would be unconstitutional, disadvantaging liveaboard boat owners and islanders with poor internet connections. He then resolved to hold the meeting at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) headquarters in Auckland, which was even more unpalatable to island residents. Ultimately, it was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. Ms Pardey says prior to the proposed annual meetings, Mr Mahoney did not circulate notices of motion or nominations for new committee leadership. She says this was undemocratic and financial information has also been withheld.

She says Mr Mahoney recently appointed three of his associates to the committee without confirming them at an AGM. They are all Auckland businessmen. Ms Pardey has assembled an alternative committee consisting of two island residents, two Auckland residents who own property on the island and a live-aboard boat owner. She says it would offer a better representation of the diversity of members, rather than being “an RNZYS outpost”. One of the nominees for the alternative committee is local politician and long-time club member, Beth Houlbrooke. Ms Houlbrooke says she has noticed a change of tone in the club’s official communications recently. She was alarmed when she saw a proposal for a members only lounge. “That was a massive red flag. The club needs to focus on keeping the water running, not flash extensions. “That kind of exclusivity is not the club I joined. I love that it’s the kind of place where multi-millionaires can share a table with old sea dogs.” Ms Houlbrooke is also concerned that the club has not actively sought membership renewals, which she says should be

“

The club needs to focus on keeping the water running, not flash extensions.

”

Beth Houlbrooke

Kawau resident Lin Pardey thinks the club has not been run for the benefit of the community since Mike Mahoney took over.

a priority. Ms Pardey says she understands that the club has just 250 paid-up members, compared to last year’s historic high of 780 members. President Mike Mahoney denies that he has mismanaged the club and says it is on track to exceed last year’s membership numbers. “The committee is comprised of business people who run a tight ship. We have

paid down debt and maintained healthy surpluses,” he says. He says in the past, the committee has organised community activities under his tenure, including a dinghy cruise to the Matakana Farmers Market and a Labour Weekend regatta. He would also like to organise a Hamilton Island-style regatta to match the annual Mahurangi regatta. “We recognise the importance of all our members, not just those who reside on Kawau or in Rodney. The majority of members are Auckland city residents,” he says. Mr Mahoney said he would honour constitutional requirements to open the books and hold an election at an AGM. He said this would be held in February and financial reporting and committee nominations would be distributed to members 14 days prior.

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Fairy tern group applauds court decision on mangroves The NZ Fairy Tern Charitable Trust has welcomed a High Court decision last month that has given greater protection for mangroves, which it says will improve conditions for New Zealand’s most endangered native bird. The High Court ruling quashed an earlier Environment Court decision, which prompted an appeal by Forest & Bird and the Minister of Conservation. At issue was whether National Environmental Standards for Freshwater included wetlands located in the coastal marine area where mangroves are found. Contrary to the Environment Court, the High Court found that they did, ensuring mangroves were now safeguarded by the national standards. Fairy Tern Charitable Trust convener Heather Rogan says while fairy terns don’t nest in mangroves, the mangroves help protect fish nurseries, which the fairy tern feed on when they forage close by. She says mangroves also prevent coastal erosion and are an excellent carbon sink, thereby mitigating climate change. Ms Rogan says with a total population of about 36 birds, fairy terns need every little bit of help they can get. Last season, five chicks were fledged, one

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Omaha petition prompts rock pool protection An Omaha Beach community petition to stop the plundering of sea creatures from rock pools has made further waves since its presentation to Parliament earlier this year. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has responded to petition organiser Mary Coupe’s request by proposing a two-year ban on the taking of a range of species from the shore. MPI is seeking public feedback on temporarily prohibiting hand-gathering all species of fish and aquatic life within 360 metres of the shoreline between Cape Rodney and Tawharanui. However, the ban would not include some shellfish species such as pāua, rock lobster, kina, cockles, pipis, dredge oysters, scallops and tuatua. Ms Coupe’s petition gained more than 3000 signatures and prompted the Petitions Committee in Parliament to request MPI for a response. In addition to a temporary ban, the petition sought a permanent solution from Parliament, asking it to reduce the legal take limits for various rock pool species. Currently, a single person is allowed a combined take of 50 crabs, limpets, starfish, periwinkles, cats eyes and sea cucumbers. In its response to the petition, MPI said it could look at reducing the limit if there was evidence to suggest the current rules pose a “sustainability risk”. It admitted it held little information on the numbers of rock pool species and said that it would undertake a survey within the

New flood hazard maps for Northland

Petition organiser Mary Coupe, pictured with Mahurangi ki Kaipara MP Chris Penk.

The maps and more information can be found at www.nrc.govt.nz/floodmaps

The proposed area where the ban would be enforced.

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park within the next two years. Changes to the legal take limits would require regulatory amendment, which MPI says is a “lengthy process”.

New online maps showing areas at risk from coastal and river flooding have been released by Northland Regional Council. The updated flood hazard maps identify more than 17,000 more at-risk properties than previous maps, including nearly 3000 in Kaipara district and 99 marae. Northland Regional Council developed the maps using computer models that took into account historic flood levels, topography, rainfall and river flows. Climate change working party chair Amy Macdonald said the new maps were one of the cornerstones of developing a more resilient community. “Climate change impacts likely mean we’ll see flooding events become more frequent and more intense,” she said. “The new maps are more comprehensive, accurate and cover the whole of the river catchments that were not displayed in the previous flood susceptible maps. “These new maps allow Council, hapū, iwi and community to better understand risk areas and the potential impact on Northland communities.” The different flood scenarios modelled and shown on the new maps include one in 10year, one in 50-year and one in 100-year events. Northland’s three district councils are also required to use the maps to manage where and how development is allowed.

However, it says streamlining the process is one of the focuses of an upcoming Fisheries Amendment Bill. Submissions on the ban should be sent to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz by January 31.

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Three Waters feedback sought

Consultation opened last Friday seeking Aucklanders’ views on how the Government might set up a new water entity for Auckland and the northern councils. Auckland Council is seeking feedback on how the entity tasked with managing water services and assets will be accountable to the people of the region. Feedback must be submitted by Sunday December 19. Information, including how to sign up for online webinars, a consultation document and an online submission form is available at www. akhaveyoursay.nz/3waters In October, the Government announced its proposal to reform New Zealand’s water sector. This included legislating for four publicly-owned water entities to provide drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services. This reform will be mandatory for all councils across New Zealand. Consultation and research feedback will be used to inform Council’s input. Council says it supports: • Lifting the quality of water supply and wastewater treatment across Aotearoa NZ • Providing more investment into water

infrastructure across the country • The need outside of Auckland to achieve greater scale and capability in the delivery of water • Improving water quality in our lakes, rivers and beaches. But has concerns with: • The complexity of the governance framework for water entities • Loss of direct control of water assets and services for Aucklanders • Limited representation for Auckland, in proportion to the assets and population served • Limited benefits, given existing scale and efficiency our current structure provides • Less integration with Auckland Council’s planning and development functions. Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers says ratepayers across Auckland should pressure their local councillors to seek a judicial review of the Government’s Three Waters reforms. The call comes after Mayor Phil Goff rejected the judicial review idea in favour of participating in the working group to try to persuade the Government to make changes to the reforms.

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Mahurangi vaccination rates

Ministry of Health data showing percentage of eligible population double vaccinated for Covid-19 in the Mahurangi area last week. Tawharanui/Omaha 93.8%

Sandspit 85%

Warkworth 91.5%

Puhoi 84.9%

Mangawhai Heads 88.7%

Algies Bay-Scotts Landing 83.4%

Snells Beach 87.7%

Cape Rodney 81.6%

Dome Valley-Matakana 87.6%

Okahukura Peninsula. 78.8%

Waipu 87.2%

Wellsford 77.2%

Mangawhai 87%

Kaiwaka 73.9%

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WeSay

Vaccination vitriol

Seldom has this newspaper received such a vitriolic reaction to its news coverage as was provoked by the last issue. Singly, and as ‘the media’ collectively, through emails and phone calls, our many faults apparently include unprecedented levels of bias and bigotry, creating a health apartheid system, inciting civil unrest and supporting a myth that vaccination is safe. But by far and away the most repeated accusation was that our coverage was creating dissension. “You may as well have come out and said anyone unvaxxed should wear a yellow star,” was how one correspondent put it. Somehow, the stories about how local bars and restaurants, churches, schools and early childhood centres will cope with the new Covid mandates hit a very raw nerve. By the tone of the phone calls and emails, you could have been forgiven for thinking that it was Mahurangi Matters that had mandated the Vaccination Certificates. It would be easy to write off this reaction as just the grumblings of a disgruntled minority. After all, first vaccination rates in Tamaki Makaurau are now well above 90 per cent. We could also suggest that the only people feeling alienated in the community is this small group who have chosen to put themselves in this position. The rest of us are just getting on with our lives as best we can. But these people remain members of our community and our families, and if we can avoid leaving them behind, then we should at least make the effort. Offering to print their emails was not an option, however, as none of our critics wanted their comments repeated in the paper. So how do we interact with this vaccine-hesitant group if they don’t trust doctors, scientists, government sources or the media? Identifying where the distrust comes from might be one place to start and it seems the internet has a lot to answer for in this regard. Saint James School of Medicine researchers in the US found that a Google search for the term “vaccination” yielded 71 per cent anti-vaccination pages and only 29 per cent pro-vaccination pages. A study along similar lines done here at Canterbury University found that the one defining difference between those who were vaccinated and those who were not wasn’t gender, education, social status or financial wellbeing, but where they sourced their news. For the vaccine hesitant, it was Facebook. For the vaccinated, it was bona fide media. And as we have learned from the Facebook Files, the Facebook algorithms are far from benign. In fact, they are designed to funnel specific information to users who show an interest in that information, no matter how misinformed or dangerous that information might be. Being mandated out of your job, your sport or your position on the local fire brigade, as well as being banned from your favourite bar, hair salon or entertainment venue is a tough pill to swallow. The rest of us have taken the jab to keep each other safe and avoid that pill – perhaps now it is time for the vaccine-hesitant to shut down Facebook and revisit the facts from more credible sources.

See story back page

YouSay

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

Great work MM

I am writing to applaud you for your banner article “Restaurants ready to bar unvaccinated” (MM Nov 22). It is brilliant to have you guys on board – informing the vast majority of us who have been vaccinated, where we can safely eat and maybe shop too. If would be great if you created a handy list of eateries and other retailers who support a no vax/no service rule. We all want to be safe, and hopefully it will encourage as many of the vaccine hold outs to step up and do the right thing as well. Congratulations and well done. Dennis Thompson, Te Arai Under the Covid-19 traffic light system all hospitality businesses must check patron’s vaccination certificates or else face severe limitations on their operations.

End of an era

It was with sadness today that I walked under the old pepper tree (Schinus molle) in front of the Warkworth Pub (Southgate’s Hotel) and noticed that the last few persistent leaves have fallen. My earliest memories of this tree go back to 1944/45, and the fascinating sight for a small child of an old man who used to sit out under the tree with a beer in one hand and a pipe in the other. He wore the grey working trousers of the day that I think were called “moleskins”, and a pink woollen singlet. These singlets had buttons from the chest up to the neck, and sleeves almost to the elbows. Pulled up over the singlet, and buttoned to his trouser top was a pair of braces. There were small burn marks all over the singlet front, where sparks had fallen from his pipe. His grey hair was lank and untidy, and I doubt he had ever been attended to by a barber, and his long grey beard was yellow with nicotine. My mother would pull me along and tell me not to stare, then she would explain that he lived down the river and came to town in his dinghy. My memory is a bit hazy, but I have an inkling he wasn’t the only such character to be seen there. What will happen to the venerable tree now? Its tortuous shape would make a wonderful sculpture to be left standing, but of course the branches will inevitably start to fall and the tree will need to be felled. No longer will locals be able to say, “ I’ll meet you under the pepper tree.” Maureen Young, Warkworth

Covid and camping

Regarding freedom camping (MM Nov 22). With the borders opening and a new strain of Covid coming, and hundreds of rental campervans waiting at the airport, what on earth could go wrong? The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) will get freedom camping on Auckland streets outside residents’ homes even in a Covid-19 pandemic. The NZMCA will get even more

freedom camping sites on reserves with the help of their cronies on the Auckland Council and Local Boards. We have in these bylaw decision-makers, a group of self-elected, self-interested, easilyled people. Of the most part, this group of decision-makers is of unparalleled incompetence, whose probity is in doubt, and whose lack of diligence will result in many Aucklanders dying of Covid-19 in their homes. Covid is at your door courtesy of the Auckland Council. It is obscene. You do not need modelling to see that. Chas Benest, Snells Beach

Opportunity to bring Christmas cheer

Berris Spicer found a good home for her Christmas presents.

Gifts from generous readers have started pouring into the Mahurangi Matters office to brighten Christmas for struggling local families. Among the givers was Berris Spicer, of Warkworth, who had hoped to visit family in the UK this Christmas but was prevented by Covid restrictions. Unable to hand deliver presents to her five-year-old grandson, she instead deposited them under the Mahurangi Matters Christmas tree. Mahurangi Matters is seeking gifts of toys that encourage outside play and creativity, and also vouchers that can be redeemed at local businesses. Gifts will be handed to Homebuilders and Women’s Centre Rodney for distribution to families needing some extra Christmas cheer. Readers can also deliver non-perishable food items to support Warkworth Christian Foodlink’s Christmas Treat Box appeal. In addition to regular food items, this year Foodlink is making up Christmas Treat Boxes to brighten things for families who have had an especially difficult year due to Covid. Items sought include biscuits, chocolate, candy canes, chips, mince pies, coffee, tea, Milo, and tinned fruit salad. The last day for donating gifts is December 16.

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| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

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Viewpoint Beth Houlbrooke, Rodney Local Board beth.houlbrooke@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Our brilliant volunteers The idea for my column this week was borne out of needing to update my community contacts list. It is remarkable how much it has grown over the past eight years, not that the number of organisations have increased markedly themselves – although one or two new ones do pop up each year. This expansion has occurred when in one way or another people have sought out my support for Council or Local Board matters, or something else completely unrelated. Whether it has been for local government support, or an introduction to our central government politicians who may be able to influence an outcome for them, I’ve usually been able to connect them with the right people to help them move their project or issue forward. In doing this, it astounds me how many community members are giving unselfishly of their time – sometimes at a significant financial cost to themselves. They keep our community thriving socially, economically, and environmentally, and what is also remarkable is that in many cases the same people are involved in multiple groups, totalling more than a full-time commitment. Yes, they are more often than not “retired”, but are the very personalities described in the saying: “If you want something done, ask a busy person”. They run some of our much-loved events and festivals, progress major sporting infrastructure investment requirements, trap and record pest animals, plant and weed on reserves, help with wetland or

riparian margin restoration, monitor water quality, develop and construct trails, fundraise for and then install assets such as play equipment, picnic shelters and bench seats in parks, run our museums, undertake waste minimisation initiatives, man volunteer libraries, serve social organisations looking after vulnerable communities, build neighbourhood capacity and resilience and more. We couldn’t function without them, so I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge each and every one of them for the work they have done, continue to do, and stepped up to do over two disrupted years through Covid-related challenges. They’ve done this willingly and without complaint. I’m pleased that Auckland Council and the Rodney Local Board have been able to support them through grants funding, community leases, and specialist staff assistance where needed. They are an incredibly talented and dedicated group of people and deserve all of our thanks. Please think of them this holiday season as you get to enjoy some of the fruits of their labour, even if you hadn’t realised it. If your group or organisation is not receiving regular communication from me on opportunities to feed into Council plans, policies, bylaws, and annual budgets, or to apply for funds, then please get in touch, and I will add you to my mailing list. I do not use my mailing lists for political or campaigning purposes.

off

the record

Rodeo reject finds new home Mahurangi Wastebusters stalwart Trish Allen was feeling very bullish at the opening of the new Rusty Station secondhand store in Wellsford last week, not least because she bagged herself this rustic bovine bargain that someone had obviously rejected as a bum steer and sent to the tip. “I’m going to take him home for my garden,” she said. As well as making a handy extra seat, the metal mooing mannequin also features handy storage space under a lid on his back – perfect for stashing a few cold ones at a backyard barbecue, although not, perhaps, for a steak.

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Vale Rob Hastie

June 1948 - November 2021

aiwaka and Mangawhai is mourning the loss of a great pillar of their communities with the passing of Robert Hastie. He was known for his sense of humour, community spirit, accomplishments in sheep dog trials and love of a single malt. Rob’s family has lived in Mangawhai since the days of the kauri loggers. Rob attended primary school there, in a building now located at the Mangawhai Museum, and went on to Northland College in Kaikohe. Upon returning to Mangawhai, he joined the shearing gangs. This would ultimately earn him enough money to take over the family farm on Cove Road. While on a float in the Waipu Christmas parade in 1974, Rob spotted Deborah Morton. His first attempts to impress were unsuccessful, but Rob made a few phone calls and managed to track her down and organise a date for Boxing Day. The following week, on New Year’s Eve, they were engaged and would marry in St Peter’s Church in Waipu. They had two children, Euan and Fiona. Rob served as secretary for the Molesworth Sheep Dog Trial Club from 1971 onwards. Despite being a renowned judge at local and national levels, it took Rob 45 years to win his first open. As his mate Tony Hargreaves put it, “You don’t have to be an All Black to be a good referee”. Rob finally won an open in the Far North in 2013 with a heading dog named Jack. Tony travelled around the competitive circuit with Rob for 30 years. “A nicer fella, you couldn’t meet,

and he didn’t just talk about dogs like some of the others,” Tony says. The Mangawhai Golf Club benefited from Rob’s tenure as president in its early days, opening its original 18-hole course under his watch. His mate Jim Wintle recalls an annual competition dubbed “the Hastie Shootout”. A group of 19 would start playing a hole and the worst scorer would get knocked out, and the best would have to have a drink. At the end of the competition, there would be a lot of jovial golfers riding on the back of Rob’s ute. Jim says that Rob would write articles for the club newsletter filled with details of the worst plays of the month. “You had to be careful what you told him.” He says Rob had nicknames for everyone, with at least 40 different names on the go at a time. Some of the community roles Rob took on included lifeguard at the surf club, volunteer firefighter at the rural brigade, rugby coach at Eastern JMB, community board member of the Otamatea County Council and Kaipara District Council, member of the board of trustees at Mangawhai Beach School – which was responsible for building the school pool – collator for the Kaiwaka Bugle, member of the committee that built the Mangawhai Domain, and member of the Kaiwaka Hall committee and the Kaiwaka Historical Society. Jim Wintle says Rob always did his bit for the community and asked for nothing in return. “People wonder why they call the place Magical Mangawhai. Well, the magic was that people rolled up their sleeves and made it into what it is, and that was Rob.”

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APPLY NOW

Rodney Healthy Harbours fund

Applications for funding are open from 4 October 2021 to 24 December 2021

The Rodney Healthy Harbours and Waterways fund is a community partnership fund, led by the Rodney Local Board to help landowners and community groups fence and plant waterways and wetlands. The long-term vision is to improve water quality and ecological systems within Rodney’s water-ways and harbours. The fund is a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement for activities such as waterway and wetland fencing, riparian planting and alternative water supplies for stock to protect riparian margins. The following catchments are identified as priority for 2021-2022: • Te Arai • Cape Rodney • Tawharanui • Upper and lower Matakana For more information, contact Rita Kpodonu on 027 210 2338 or email her at rodneyhealthyharbours@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Find out more: visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/grants

| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

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DOC investigates Omaha Beach shark death Government boost for Auckland summer fun The death of female juvenile great white shark at Omaha is being investigated by the Department of Conservation (DOC) after a necropsy revealed it was probably killed by a net. The 2.35 metre shark washed up on Omaha Beach on Thursday November 25 with visible wounds. A necropsy found that it was otherwise healthy with a “a belly full of snapper”. Great whites are protected under the Wildlife Act. Failing to report the accidental killing of one is an offence with a maximum penalty of $10,000. Set netting is also banned at Omaha between Labour Day and Easter Weekend in an area that extends 200 metres offshore. DOC is appealing to the public for any information on the shark’s death. Anyone with information should call 0800 362 468 or email wildlifecrime@doc.govt.nz. DOC declined to comment on how common infringement notices for shark deaths are or if there has ever been a successful conviction. The discovery of the shark intrigued residents, who came to take a look at the fearsome creature and its rows of teeth. Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust chair Mook Hohneck put up a cordon around the shark’s body to prevent it from being interfered with. He said all shark species are considered taonga to his people. “Sharks are considered a kaitiaki (guardian) and are a mauri (life force) species, playing an important role in the ecosystem.” Ngāti Manuhiri named the shark Mangatawhiri, which is the traditional name for Omaha beach. Mr Hohneck said it would be buried at an undisclosed urupa on the coast. Many on social media reacted to the shark’s presence in Omaha by saying they would avoid getting into the water there – fearing for their safety. But researchers say sharks are unlikely to be a threat to people. Previously, Leigh marine researcher Craig

www.localmatters.co.nz

Ngāti Manuhiri’s Mook Hohneck watched over the shark until DOC staff arrived.

Their teeth may look fearsome, but sharks are unlikely to threaten people unless provoked.

Radford said that an unprovoked shark was unlikely to be a threat to anyone, unless they were handling freshly caught fish.

“Sharks are more visible in summer, but they are always there. It isn’t a reason to panic,” he said.

The Government last week announced a new $37.5 million support package aimed at reviving economic, social and cultural activities in Auckland over summer. Under the Reactivating Tāmaki Makaurau package, 100,000 vouchers will be distributed to families and individuals allowing them to visit Auckland attractions, facilities and cultural venues. In addition, funding will be available through an Arts and Cultural Events Support Scheme, designed to give event organisers, artists and crew the confidence to proceed with their events. There is also a Local Activation Programme designed to fund community organisations and businesses to organise events that are free for the public. The idea is to bring neighbourhoods and town centres back to life. The package also includes extra money for foodbanks to ensure they are able to support households this Christmas and discounts on Auckland Council facilities. Minister of Social Development Carmel Sepuloni says alert level restrictions have been tough on families, but the onset of summer means more freedoms are on the horizon. “Families need a break, businesses need new customers, and those in the most hardship also need help with basics like food,” she says. “This package will help to spark the city’s arts and culture life again, reactivate economic activity and enhance people’s wellbeing over summer.” Info: https://aucklandunlimited.com

December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

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| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

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Peter Guild

Snells Beach Laundromat

option for the Matakana Coast than going here’s a new laundromat in Snells Beach and owner Peter Guild is to Warkworth. encouraging locals to give it a spin. There are 10kg, 20kg and 30kg washing Peter established the Gull petrol station machines, and the cost of a wash starts at in Snells Beach, which is upstairs from $5 for a cold wash. Dryers are $3 per 10 the laundromat, but has taken a step back minutes. from the station to pursue new projects. First time users purchase a card for $3 He says everyday Kiwis are waking up to from a self-service kiosk. The same kiosk is the fact that a laundromat is not necessarily used to load money onto the card using a a replacement for the home laundry, but credit card or eftpos. To pay for a wash or rather an option in its own right. a dry, users just place their card on to the machine. Larger machines make it easier to wash bulk loads of bedding and often save time The system means users don’t have to find on household laundry because they require coins or wait around for service. fewer loads. Cards can be registered online. If lost, Water tank owners can also reduce their money can be transferred from the lost water usage during dry periods by using a card to a new card. laundromat self-service. With smart nine washing machines and 12 dryers All our machines are activated by the latest card technology. The new laundromat at 230 Mahurangi there plenty of capacity, an online Purchase your reusable smart card from the iskiosk machine for $3 but and add East Road aims as torequired service the Mahurangi appeftpos for the card system can also be used ‘$’ value using the self service machine. Peninsula and provide a more convenient at home to check if machines are available.

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David Whyman

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ood shopping in Matakana is set to be given a major boost with the arrival of new Four Square owners David and Helen Whyman. The self-professed foodies have ambitious plans to double the size of the store, improve the range and quality of products on offer and create a modern supermarket experience. “There’s a big hole in the market to create not just a convenience store, but a beautiful environment where people can buy anything they want, from everyday to gourmet, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between,” David says. Once the summer rush is over, the big build will start, extending into what was the Black Dog café, as well as the shop’s current storage and office space. David says there will be polished concrete floors, a cool

and spacious interior, and five different pay points, including two self-checkouts. The plan is to start the expansion after Easter and have it all finished by Labour Weekend. In the meantime, the focus is on improving the shop’s range, from more local produce to genuine French breads and pastries. David and Helen are no strangers to creating a perfect Four Square experience, having come from Kerikeri, where they built the store at Waipapa from scratch and ran it for five years. They have long seen the potential to do something similar in Matakana, so leapt at the chance when the store came up for sale, and moved to Omaha with their two daughters. “This is our home now, we’re here for the long term,” David says.

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December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

Boaties and greens unite to fight bottom fishing in Gulf There are growing calls to ban all bottom fishing in the Hauraki Gulf, which stretches from Te Arai down to Waihi.

National conservation groups and recreational fishers have joined forces in an unlikely alliance to put pressure on the Government to ban destructive dredging and trawling in the Hauraki Gulf. They have sent a joint letter to Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker, asking him to end all mobile bottom fishing such as trawling, scallop dredging and Danish seining, which scrapes along the sea floor, destroying sea life and habitats. The call comes after a Hauraki Gulf Forum poll found that 84 per cent of people living around gulf waters did not want bottom fishing to continue, and is in response to the Government’s recent Revitalising The Gulf plan, which proposes allowing commercial fishing boats to continue such practices, albeit with some limitations. The alliance, which includes Forest & Bird, Greenpeace, the NZ Sports Fishing Council, the NZ Angling & Casting Association and the Environmental Defence Society (EDS) said it welcomed

the Government’s overall intent to reverse decades of degradation in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. “However, the Government’s proposals to create trawl corridors and to freeze the existing commercial scallop dredging footprint will do little to mitigate the environmental damage caused by scraping the seafloor, using indiscriminate fishing methods on these vitally important seabed habitats, nor does it allow for the potential recovery of these biogenic habitats and associated biodiversity to commence,” the letter said. EDS policy director Raewyn Peart said bottom trawling was an archaic method of catching fish and it was time to put to bed any commercial arguments in its favour. “Towing heavy nets and equipment repeatedly across the seabed crushes shellfish and other sedentary creatures, leaving rubble and a wasteland,” she said. “Instead of resisting change, the commercial fishing sector needs to put its efforts into developing alternatives which don’t destroy the Hauraki

Gulf’s precious habitats.” Forest & Bird’s regional conservation manager, Lissy Fehnker-Heather, said the Government needed to listen to the growing calls for change from so many different groups, organisations and individuals. “The Government needs to get on with it and take the health of the gulf seriously. All of the NGOs, as well as the majority of the population, are saying to end this destructive fishing practice, so we really hope the minister makes the right call,” she said. Signatories to the letter included Forest & Bird, Greenpeace Aotearoa, WWF-NZ, EDS, Environment and Conservation Organisations of New Zealand, the NZ Sports Fishing Council, LegaSea, the NZ Underwater Association and the NZ Angling & Casting Association, which together represent an estimated 1.2 million people. They hope to meet with Minister Parker in the New Year. Info: The Hauraki Gulf Forum poll can be found at https://gulfjournal.org.nz/

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| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

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Gardening Andrew Steens

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potassium are the keys to producing large bunches of tasty fruit. I fertilise every spring with a liberal dressing of sheep pellets, a decent sprinkling of sulphate of potash and some handfuls of general fertiliser. Stems that have already fruited are chopped down to give more room for new suckers to develop, and these are left on the ground along with more green material from other gardening operations. It’s almost impossible to overfeed them, and sometimes the mulch layer of various

Bananas are gross feeders, which means plenty of organic fertiliser, mulch and potassium are the keys to producing large bunches of tasty fruit. plant stems, leaves and compost can get nearly a metre high before it breaks down. Regular removal of excess suckers is essential to provide more space, nutrients and water for the remaining stems, ensuring maximum bunch size. For each fruiting stem, I aim to leave no more than one to two new stems. Aside from feeding, sucker removal and cutting off old leaves to keep the clump looking tidy, there is very little else that needs to be done. For the small amount of work they require, the vast amount of fruit they produce should make bananas a musthave for any garden in the north.

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I love the look of bananas. Their gloriously lush foliage transports me to more tropical climes where bananas flourish and the abundant fruit they produce is always welcome. In my garden, I have about a dozen different varieties of fruiting or ornamental varieties, some truly tropical and cosseted in my greenhouse, others hardy enough to grow outdoors. The Dwarf Cavendish variety (which despite the name still grows to about 3 metres high) is the main banana of commerce and is widely considered a tropical plant. However, they will grow and fruit well in our climate too, as evidenced by a magnificent clump of Dwarf Cavendish in a corner of our property, which produces six or more large bunches every year – each bunch carrying anything up to 150 bananas. These are about half the size of those in the shops, but with much better taste. Once you’ve tasted home-grown Cavendish, the commercial ones will seem a poor imitation. In another corner, we have a clump of the hardier Australian Lady Finger type, that bear bunches of chubby, very sweet fruit; the winter crop can be on the floury side as they don’t get enough heat and sun to change their starches into sugar. We often leave the winter bananas to the birds. Waxeyes love these energy-filled fruit. Among my ornamental banana collection, a valued plant is Musa zebrina, known as the “blood banana” for its dramatic dark green leaves, heavily variegated with deep blood red markings. It is a true tropical, so even up here in the north it needs to be grown in a greenhouse, but the leaves are well worth the effort. Two other gorgeous ornamental bananas make excellent subtropical hedges in the garden. These are Musa velutina, which produces pretty pink flowers followed by pink bananas, and Musa ornate, which produces large magenta coloured flower bracts also followed by pink bananas. The fruit of these three varieties are barely edible, but they look great in the garden. Bananas are gross feeders, which means plenty of organic fertiliser, mulch and

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December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

Rodney farming protesters rally in Orewa Horns blaring and hazard lights flashing made the Groundswell protest’s motorcade through Orewa on Sunday, November 21, hard to miss. Coordinator of the rally for Rodney Mick Smith estimates around 300 cars, and a handful of tractors, travelled from Rodney and Helensville, converging on Orewa around 1pm. It was part two of the rural protest. Part one was held on Orewa Reserve, and throughout the country, on July 16. Groundswell NZ is calling for a halt to all environmental regulations including those related to freshwater, indigenous biodiversity, climate change and the high country, legislation. Protesters also demanded that the ute tax be removed. This time around, the Government’s Three Waters policy was another key issue for the protest. It was a busy, sunny Sunday at the beach, but supporters were limited to a few small groups who waved and cheered as the protesters past did a few loops around Centreway Road and Hibiscus Coast Highway. With Covid-19 restrictions in mind, a

public gathering was not held this time and Smith says they also discouraged tractors – it’s a busy time on farm, and they didn’t want to clog the road too much. “We also wanted to keep ‘the tinfoil hat wearers’ out,” Mr Smith says, adding that there was a relatively small element of antivaccination protesters who joined in this time. There were a lot of New Zealand flags waved, making the rally feel more like those held in the US. Mr Smith says the protest is not in support of any political party. It aims to draw attention to what protesters consider to be the failings of the Labour Government. “We want to get NZ back to everyone pulling in the right direction,” he says. “It went exactly as we had hoped it would. Police told me it was organised and disciplined, and we looked after the spectators and everyone who took part.” He says the next protest is being discussed and it will probably be in February. The idea is to involve the whole country, from the top of the north to the bottom of the south – “it will be a biggie,” he says.

As well as utes and 4WDs, there were motorbikes (one with a sidecar) and even a couple of cyclists that passed through Orewa as part of the second Groundswell protest.

| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

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Peninsula pioneers In his book FitzGerald’s Run, Harold Marsh gives extensive background on the history, ownership, and development from scrubland to farmland of the Okahukura Peninsula. The peninsula (known for many years as “FitzGerald’s Run”) was bounded by the Oruawharo River in the north, by the gate across the road at the start of present day Atiu Park in the east, and by the Kaipara Harbour in the south and west. In 1876, Thomas FitzGerald, a bachelor, purchased 24,000 acres and set about clearing the land to develop his farming run. By1880, he had built a two-storey house at Awhiowhio (at the end of Fitzgerald’s Road today), constructed a jetty for steamers to call, and set up a gum store. The store purchased kauri gum and sold provisions to gum diggers, contractors, farmworkers, stockmen, cooks and housekeepers. Marsh himself worked on many projects and his book details much of life as it was back then. In 1895, FitzGerald retired and manager A H Walker leased the run until 1899. At this point the property was sold to the Williams family. Son Wyvern Williams took over management. In 1910, Wyvern accidentally killed himself while loading his rifle and Cecil Kemp became manager. In 1911, the property was sold to Bowron and Smith, and in 1912 half of the property was sold to the Harding family and became known as Seaview. The history of FitzGerald’s Run at Okahukura

would not be complete without some mention being made of the housekeepers employed at various times. First up was Mrs Nicholson, who always seemed part of the household, accompanying FitzGerald on visits. Nellie Egan was housekeeper during Walker’s occupancy. Mrs Palmer was housekeeper for Williams when he first came to Okahukura, she left very shortly afterwards, and Mrs. Egan returned taking up her duties as cook and housekeeper. Two years later she left, and her place was filled by Miss Jones, a rather delicate-looking woman. She was very conscientious as the following illustrates. Having occasion to have a meal at the homestead, Marsh noticed that she did not partake of any food. On asking the reason, she admitted she was fasting. Several days previously she had put a broody hen under a box and forgot all about it. That morning she found the hen had died and was, therefore, going without food or drink herself as a punishment. The next two housekeepers, Miss James and Miss Brennan were liked and respected among the station hands, WITHERS and &both CO LTD found their future husbands while there. Miss James became Mrs Sam Lloyd, her husband having been employed on the station for several years. Miss Brennan became Mrs Frank Smith in 1909. Another housekeeper, Mrs Simpson became known for her pet lambs and magpies. PO Box 113 Warkworth 0941 P 09 425 8599 E admin@withersco.co.nz W withersco.co.nz

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December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

Kaipara Council joins campaign against Three Waters reform Kaipara District Council has joined more than a dozen other councils in a campaign to mobilise public opinion against the Three Waters reforms, in a bid to force the Government to pull the plug on the proposal. However, councillors were split on the issue. A motion put before councillors to sign a memorandum of understanding to join the campaign was carried 5-3. Those opposing the motion – deputy mayor Anna Curnow, Cr Mark Vincent and Cr Eryn Wilson-Collins – said the district could lose out if the campaign was successful and no Government investment was made into water infrastructure. “Kaipara has a bad history in this area and [the reforms] would get us out of a pickle. Our water assets are not necessarily assets, they could be liabilities,” Ms Curnow said. She said Mayor Jason Smith had been selected for a panel to provide feedback to the Government on behalf of New Zealand councils, and the campaign could preclude that. But Dr Smith said that the Government had already breached “good faith” when it mandated forming a new entity which would control northern water assets, despite earlier saying councils would have a choice. “It’s a wretched hot mess,” he said.

Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith is one of many local government leaders opposing the Three Waters Reform Programme.

Dr Smith said the KDC was “still in the dark” about how the campaign would work because information had only been shared with current signatories. But he said ratepayers were so opposed to Three Waters reforms that he still supported joining the campaign. Councillors Peter Wethey, Victoria Del La Varis-Woodcock, Karen Joyce-Paki and

David Wills agreed. Cr Wills said he had “taken a bollocking” on social media for not showing a strong enough stance on the issue. The KDC was invited to join the campaign for a contribution of $15,000, but Dr Smith was able to bargain that down to $5000. The campaign is being organised by Manawatu District Council Mayor Helen

Worboys. So far, 19 councils have joined and several more are expected. Ms Worboys says it is a “myth-busting campaign to counter government spin”, with the aim of rallying the New Zealand public against a mandatory reform model. “The Government has conned the public into believing we have frogs and green slime coming out of the tap, and it hasn’t acknowledged councils which are doing well,” she says. The consortium of councils is working on a draft declaration which could form the basis of a petition. Meanwhile, Whangarei District Council, Timaru District Council and Waimakariri District Council, have applied to the High Court for a legal judgement on the definition of ownership. The ruling would address claims by Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta that ratepayers would still own their water assets, despite the assets being controlled by a combined water entity with no direct accountability to the public. Ms Worboys says Local Government New Zealand ought to be lobbying the Government on behalf of councils, but it is bound by an agreement not to criticise the reform. She says it signed the agreement in July when it was believed the reforms would be optional.

Rodney-based list MP Marja Lubeck asked school students in lockdown for a helping hand with her 500-plus Christmas cards and they certainly came up trumps. There were three winning designs – I Love Aotearoa, by Melody Robinson, age nine, from Tapora School; Sunset Beach Christmas, by Mia Eriksen, age 11, Warkworth Primary School; and Tractor Santa, by Scott Hamilton, age six, from Wellsford School. The cards are being signed and posted all over NZ. Winners received art supplies and chocolates as prizes.

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Santa scheduled for Sunday shopping experience Children may have missed out on a traditional Santa Parade this year but they will still get a chance to meet Santa during special Sunday celebrations in Warkworth. Shops in Warkworth will open on Sunday, December 12 and Sunday, December 19, to allow people to peruse possible Christmas gifts, grab a coffee or a bite to eat at a local café, and even get a haircut. Stores will be open from 9am to 1pm and there will be musicians, children’s rides and Santa contributing to the festive atmosphere. One Mahurangi Business Association manager and event organiser Murray Chapman says Mr Claus has been doubly vaccinated against Covid-19 in preparation for the event and will also wear a mask. Santa will stroll around town having his picture taken with children and handing out lollies. Murray says the hope is Mum and Dad will bring their children into town, and while one of them shops, the other can take their kids to the fun rides and to meet Santa. Shops in all of central Warkworth will take part including those in Queen Street, Elizabeth Street, Baxter Street, Neville Street and Mill Lane, and shoppers will be able to take advantage of special deals. Murray says the negative effects of lockdown and competition from online shopping has hit local retailers hard. “A lot of money has been sucked out of the local economy. We thought it would be really nice to do something to support local businesses,” he says. He says giving a gift voucher from a local business as a Christmas gift is also a good way to support retailers – ensuring money is “kept in town”. Murray says it’s nice to have a festive event in town at last. “Looking back over the year, the only thing we have been able to do is the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights and we were very lucky to get that,” he says. Right, Mr Claus took the precaution of getting double vaccinated at the Warkworth Medical Centre in preparation for appearing in Warkworth.

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| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

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It’s no surprise that local towns and communities are encouraging everyone to shop local even more than usual this year, after months of lockdown and so many shops and businesses unable to trade. In Wellsford, the local business association, Wellsford Plus, has organised a concerted campaign to encourage everyone to do their Christmas shopping in town, with a chance to win prizes if people spend $20 at any three of 25 local businesses (see story p29). But how well equipped is the town for festive buying? Can people find everything they want and need for Christmas? Mahurangi Matters asked a selection of locals whether they would be buying local and what they thought of Wellsford shops …

Caroline said Covid had prompted several local businesses to trade in a different way, and there was plenty of choice. “Quite a few businesses have been trying to do things a little differently such as people delivering things like produce, eggs and even cakes.” However, she said the biggest challenge in Wellsford was the lack of a supermarket because of the pricing.

Kath was another keen local shopper. “Yes, I am. Even with Covid, I’ve not been to Warkworth to shop. I shop at the Four Square.” She said the town was well served for gifts – “I love Hobbs!” – but was lacking in a few key areas. “We haven’t got childrenswear. It was a big blow when Postie closed, and the sports shop – I always bought my walking shoes from Sandy. But we shop here as much as we can.”

Jane and granddaughter Hazel said they would definitely be shopping local this Christmas. “We will. We’ve got quite a lot of choice here,” Jane said. “Another clothes shop would be good, since we lost Postie. But there are plenty of toys for my granddaughter.”

feature keep it local

Buying local: Wellsford shoppers air their views

Rosina said there was plenty of choice in Wellsford if you knew where to look. “Yes, I shop locally. You can get most of what you need here,” she said. “If you look around there are a lot of good ideas for gifts. People often just go to The Warehouse, but there’s great stuff here.” However, she thought the town did need a shoe shop.

Wendy, Stella and Nancy were enjoying a coffee outside the new Rusty Station reuse shop. Wendy said she hadn’t really started Christmas shopping yet, but would be buying local whenever she could. “I’ve already been to Tina’s for something for my grandson, whose birthday is on December 24,” she said. Stella said the local shops were great, but there were a few gaps in the market. “We need clothes and shoes, we haven’t got those. Especially cheaper clothes shops – we used to have Postie. We even used to have Farmers in Wellsford, way back.” Nancy said there were some great shops for gifts, such as Hobbs, Drummers, Tina’s and the health and wellness shop. “But we need a shoe shop and a sports shop. That would be great.”

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December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

Great readsthe for holiday period

Isaac Thackray says the writing was challenging, but he loved it.

Matakana ad man turns to children’s fiction Matakana advertising and TV writer Isaac Thackray has penned his first book for children. Isaac says he was inspired to write Queen of Muck after reading “about a million” children’s stories to his daughters, Alice and Lila. “I felt there was a gaping lack of chapter books with great adventures, lots of funny bits, characters that actually have character and girls in the thick of the action,” he says. To fill that need, Isaac would regularly sit down at a table at The Roastery Café and start typing. In Queen of Muck two sisters, Lucy and Lily, are desperate to find their missing granddad. That sets them on an extraordinary journey where they encounter brutes in nail polish, a mysterious bookshop, a child-eating beast, a terrible orchestra and flying chunks

of cupcake. The book is aimed at children aged seven to 12. Isaac says he took the approach that the book had to be lively all the way through, no matter where it was opened. That proved more challenging than writing advertising copy, where it’s only necessary to keep the reader entertained for 20 to 30 seconds. “It was so much more work, time and coffee than I ever imagined, but I loved every bit of it. I’m already thinking of the next one,” he says. Isaac says he has felt compelled to write for as long as he could remember. However, growing up in a small farming community “where men were men and rugby was God”, he felt obliged to keep that desire to himself. One day, he came across an advertisement that ran: “Sex, booze, fast cars. If you can write headlines like this, call us today.”

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| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

Book giveaway Mahurangi Matters has one copy of Queen of Muck to give away. To go in the draw, email editor@ localmatters.co.nz and put “Queen of Muck” in the subject line. Competition closes Dec 15.

The King’s Medal by Point Wells writer Maria Gill A children’s book recounting the true story of how an Anzac platoon rescued the Greek king, prime minister and other officials on Crete during World War II. The Other Side of the World by Matakana writer Jenni Francis A young man travels to Scotland to discover the truth about his past.

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Isaac responded and embarked on a successful career in advertising. He also wrote the jokes for the TV series Si And Gary’s Now That’s Funny, featuring Simon Barnett and Gary McCormick. Following the birth of his daughters, Isaac began reading children’s books out loud. He says he found himself “captured by the magic” of the great ones, and even more so by the idea of writing one himself.

Looking for a great Christmas gift or a good summer read? Local writers had a prolific year in 2021. Mahurangi Matters revisits some of these books and encourages readers to purchase from a local bookstore if possible …

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River Nile Linens Surrender to Luxury

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Grandpa versus Swing by Snells Beach writer Tania Sickling A highly competitive grandpa can’t resist trying out new swings at the local playground, but soon gets into trouble. It Takes a Village by Omaha writer Lauraine Jacobs A look at the food, wine, attractions and colourful personalities of Matakana. Auckland: Incidents, Accidents and Tragedies by Snells Beach writer Bryan Jackson Uncovering Auckland’s most dramatic events between 1840 and1989.

From Rags to Riches/Of Love and War by Sandspit writer Joanna Pearce The trials and triumphs of David and Simon Pearce as they sail the seas off the Cornish coast The Liminal Space by Te Arai writer Jacquie McRae An eccentric doctor no longer prescribes drugs, but prescribes books instead.

Book giveaway Mahurangi Matters has one copy of each book to give away. To go in the draw, email your contact details to editor@localmatters.co.nz with the title of the book in the subject line. Competition closes Dec 15.

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December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

Cassie O’Flaherty poses with one of the exhibited art works.

AIM launches social enterprise

Tumbling red-billed gulls, aka ‘Wingdings’, by Deborah Martin.

Exhibition takes flight Exquisite images of native New Zealand birds by Matakana photographers, Deborah Martin and Paul Mason, are on display at Orewa’s Estuary Arts Centre until Sunday, December 12. Beyond What Eyes Can See features stunning close-up shots of birds, often caught mid-flight or mid-song, with soft focus backgrounds making each bird very much centre-stage and “popping” with sharpness and clarity. Accompanying each photograph is a statement highlighting facts about each bird, and raising awareness of the threats they face. Deborah says she and Paul share a passion for bird photography, but they also want to tell the story of each species and what they need to survive and thrive. “We are so fortunate to live in this beautiful part of Auckland. Even during lockdown,

we have the ability to witness many remarkable birds including migratory shore birds at our local beaches,” she says. “All bar one of the birds in this exhibition need all the help they can get from humans in order to survive well into the future.” The photographs have been taken in a variety of settings, from backyards and beaches to the open ocean. As well as the shots on display, images are available to buy as cards, calendars and framed prints. Deborah says it’s great to be able to stage an exhibition after so long in lockdown, and she thinks Estuary Arts is well set up to keep people safe in the “new normal”. “When we visited, we were able to quietly wander around and absorb lots of positive energy from the stunning work that is on display there at present,” she says. “They do so much to support local artists and the

Disability support organisation Adults in Motion (AIM) held an art-in-thepark exhibition at its headquarters in Warkworth last week to soft launch a new social enterprise. Members of the community have been making gift items for sale including handmade cards, bath salts and soap. Dubbed Aroha Te Ao, it is a joint enterprise between AIM and Rodney Inclusive Communities Inc (RICI). RICI secretary Ursula Christel says she was hoping to hold the exhibition as a public event in the Warkworth Town Hall, but that idea was scuppered by Covid-19. Nevertheless, the exhibition went ahead on December 6 to coincide with

International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Ursula says AIM and RICI are celebrating some recent big wins including an announcement by the Government that a new ministry for disabled people will be established. She says families of disabled people have to apply to several different government agencies for various sources of funding, and often it is difficult to keep track of what is available. However, the new ministry will solve this by being a single point of contact for accessing funding. The Government has also said it would introduce legislation that will set standards for public places to ensure they are universally accessible.

venue is stunning.” Beyond What Eyes Can See is open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and from 10am to 3pm at the weekend. Info: www.estuaryarts.org/currentexhibitions.html Right, a magnificent white-capped mollymawk captured by Paul Mason.

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| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

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Sweetappreciation

with chocolatebrown Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz

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Congratulations to Kezia Burridge, of Mahurangi East Library, who is a recipient of a gift basket from Chocolate Brown. Kezia was nominated by Colleen Wenzlick, who phoned to say: I arrive “at When the library

Kezia has a trolley there waiting for me – so I can lean on it and have a bit more stability as I walk around. She picks out the best books for me, and looks after me as though I was special.

”

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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Hairdressers have encountered “a few curly ones” after being the first to implement the vaccine passport system last week. Lauren Hill, at Hush Hair, says it was initially difficult as several customers brought their vaccine appointment card rather than their passport. “We were showing quite a few people how to download it at the door, which takes a bit of extra time,” Lauren says. Terry Skipper, of Skipper’s Scissors, says the elderly in particular have had some trouble obtaining their passports. She says she has been “cutting them some slack” in the first week and prompting them to visit Snells Beach Pharmacy, where they can get help with a printout passport. Terry and co-worker Anouska say it has been a pleasure to see customers again with some even bringing them gifts of flowers and chocolates. All the hairdressers Mahurangi Matters spoke to were booked out right up until the New Year. Pauline Goodhue, at XS Cuts, says the phones have been going non-stop. When she came into the salon three days after the announcement, she already had 120 messages on her phone. “Three months has been a long time for people to wait, and now everybody wants to look pretty for Santa,” she says. Linda Crosswell, of Luxe Hair Matakana,

Hairdresser Lauren Hill.

has lost two stylists, leaving her by herself to pick up the backlog. She says it has been “daunting but doable”. She has been prioritising ladies needing their colours done and fitting in haircuts where possible. She has been sanitising between cuts and allowing just one client inside the salon at a time. “It has been made very clear what is expected of hairdressers. Thankfully everyone has been respectful of one another. If we all do our bit everything will be okay,” she says.

Santa speaks Maori

NZ Post says children have until Wednesday, Dec 22, to send an online message to Santa Claus and they will receive an emailed response before Christmas Day. NZ Post says it has been working closely this Christmas with Santa and his elves, to ensure Kiwi kids receive a response to their letters. This year, Santa has already replied to more letters in Te Reo Māori than he did in 2020. NZ Post says popular items on Kiwi kids’ wish lists are remote control cars, unicorns and books. Other requests include for loved ones to be home for Christmas, for confidence heading into a new school and for a baby brother or sister. To make and send a digital postcard to Santa, visit www.nzpost.co.nz/writetosanta

WE’RE WISHING YOU A MERRY

s a m t Chris

Warkworth: 09 425 7889 Matakana: 09 422 9444 Snells Beach: 09 425 4950 www.warkworth.harcourts.co.nz Harcourts Tandem Realty @harcourtstandemrealty

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| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

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The lights are up in Wellsford and there are plenty of other festive activities planned. Even though his usual parade had to be cancelled, Santa will still be paying a call to the Heritage Rest Home on December 16, as well as to one or two local schools and kindies in the run-up to Christmas. He will also be available for photos in the grotto at Hobbs Gifts & Homewares in Rodney Street from Monday, December 20 until Christmas Eve, from 3pm to 5pm. Santa does ask that masks are worn and bring your own phone or camera. Wellsford Plus is running a Shop Local, Eat Local, Support Local, Love Local campaign, where people who spend $20 or more with three of the 25 participating local businesses will go into a draw to win prizes – a $150 Hammer Hardware voucher, a $100 food hamper from Wellsford Four Square and a pair of Red Band gumboots from PGG Wrightson. Entry forms and receipts can be left in the wishing well in Hobbs Gifts & Homewares until 5pm on December 20. Wellsford Plus also has a children’s colouring competition running until December 20, with prizes of art supplies and Christmas treats in four age group categories – 0 to 2; 2 to 5; 6 to 9; and 10 to 12 years. Judging will be carried out by local artist Danique Bowmar and every entrant will receive a chocolate Santa. Entries can be left in the well at Hobbs. And, last but not least, there’s a new competition for residents to decorate their letterboxes for Christmas. Organised by Denise Pearson of Mike Pero Wellsford, the contest has Prezzy Cards worth $150, $100 and $50 for the best-dressed mail boxes. “Our letterboxes are a blank canvas just waiting for a clever makeover, and what

feature keep it local

Festive fun around the region Wellsford Plus has a children’s colouring competition with prizes of art supplies and Christmas treats.

Maungaturoto shops will be brightened up with decorated trees, which Kenny Finlayson has made from old doors.

better time than Christmas?” she says. “There are plenty of talented designers out there. Come on Wellsford, let’s get creative.” To enter, people should take a photo of their festive letterbox and either email it to denise.pearson@mikepero.com or drop it into the Mike Pero office at 195 Rodney Street by Wednesday, December 15. Winners will be decided by public vote on Facebook. There’s also a best dressed Christmas letterbox competition in Maungaturoto, with a prize to the value of $500 for the

winner and $250 and $100 for second and third places. Running in parallel with that is a best dressed window contest with the same prizes. Organisers say decorating a whole house with lights is a big ask, so that’s why they are asking local people to focus on just one window instead. Entries for both the letterbox and window contests should be emailed to Paul at thebestletterbox@gmail.com by Thursday, December 16. Town centre shops and businesses are also getting in on the act, with competitions for the best dressed shop window and

for shop “door trees”. These are stylised triangular Christmas trees made from old doors by Kenny Finlayson, which shops are decorating. Shoppers are being invited to vote for their favourite tree and there are prizes for the most popular tree and three lucky voters. Votes for best shop tree can be left in a special box at Fergus Electrical, while entrants for the best dressed shop window should email Terri Donaldson at kenny.terri@xtra.co.nz. Terri says huge thanks are owed to Fonterra Maungaturoto for sponsoring all the prizes and allowing everyone to shop local and support local businesses. Santa may not be able to go on parade in Mangawhai, but he will be available to take photographs with children at the Movie Theatre Hall at the Mangawhai Museum on Saturday, December 11 from 10am to 1pm. There will be a twilight Christmas market in the Kaiwaka St John Hall on Friday, December 10 at 5pm with local makers selling their crafty creations. Also in Kaiwaka, the Four Square will match any donation of a non-perishable food item to the Kaiwaka foodbank with a similar food item from its shelves. In Matakana the Village Farmers Market is open again on Saturday mornings, 8am to 1pm.

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December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

Countryliving Julie Cotton

admin@oceanique.co.nz

Fishing for my friends Please, won’t you come take a seat on my picnic blanket with me? I have prepared a memorable lunch for us on the beach, where the sun is shining, and the breeze is gentle enough to blow the sweet aromas of our food and visual perfume around. I have poured you a glass of my favorite wine. This will be perfect to accompany my freshly caught snapper served with a traditional Lebanese samkeh sauce and tabbouleh. A little culinary journey to help us mitigate the ravages of closed borders and share with friends in a place I love. However, before I cook your lunch I must regress. My childhood holidays were spent camping in remote deserted sand dunes, void of much vegetation, with parents that fished from dawn to dusk – one painfully long beersie at a time. When I could, I closed the cupboard door on that time of my life having never learned to fish. I did not close those doors because there were monsters in there, but because I wanted my hourglass to be much busier. So now, my unwillingness to learn how to fish was about to impede my ability to serve you all the items on my pre-prepared menu, and trust me that thought was something I would loathe to tolerate from myself. With no skills, I thought it best to organise a friend and highly skilled fisherman to accompany me and show me the ropes. Unfortunately, a Lemony Snicket’s and series of unfortunate events proceeded to reign and by the morning of the fish, I knew I was on my own. Strangely enough and like a slap in the face with a wet fish, my best friend, who lives in South Head, was sending me photos of the fish she was catching by 6.30am. Suddenly a waft of

The weight of the pack failed to become an inconvenient consideration.

I walked across sand and mud flats.

I couldn’t believe it. I had finally got it out there.

complete anxiety and fear came over me. My day was quickly turning to custard. Sh*t, sh*t, sh*t. How the hell was I going to pull this off on my own? I sprung out of bed and started racing around like a crazed maniac, getting myself tangled in a spiderweb of Google and YouTube fishing searches, which only proved to be confusing and rather unhelpful. Right, calm your farm, Jules. Be methodical about this, you need to get a fishing rod first. So, I screamed over to Warkworth and burst through the door of Tackle & Outdoor. In a noticeable state of hysteria that was accelerated by an incoming tide, zero knowledge of what I needed to purchase and a sense of urgency, I was greeted by the lovely store owner Anthony. In post

haste fashion I panted through my mask that I needed to catch a fish, needed all the junk to do it with, along with a crash course in how to do it. With a beautiful calming bedside manner, Anthony gently guided me around the store and selected me a rod and all the accessories that one such as me would need to catch a fish. A dizzying amount of information ensued. Tying knots, five times over loop and through, bait on hook, finger on line, flip metal thingy on reel over, throw out, catch fish, gut fish and scale fish. Sounds viable right, Jules? Oh my gawd, this is hectic and then what if my line comes back empty? I hatched out a back-up plan. So, I spun around the corner to New World

and raced to the fish counter. Fresh fish or bought fish, I had absolutely no intention of leaving you hungry on that picnic blanket. I purchased a whole fish just in case and had every intention of telling you the truth if I had to use it. I raced home, all the while fretting that this information overload was going to explode in my brain and seep out my ears, making me forget vital points. By the time I got home my fear of failure and the escaping tide had overcome me. My anxiety had now morphed itself into the worst headache I had had in over a decade and then I threw up. This wasn’t going to work for me today. I decided to re-set and go early in the morning. With low tide at

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6am, I got up at 3.30am and remade your sauce. My mortar and pestle grinding all those pine nuts and fresh herbs along with the romantic slow stir to reduce the sauce proved most cathartic for me. I was now ready to catch that fish. I retrieved my big pack from the shed and packed her with everything I needed for our picnic.

pretend I was a cowboy with a big stock whip. And then with an almighty heave of the rod, my bait and line flew out into the Kaipara. Eeek, I couldn’t believe. I had finally got it out there. I sat and waited, admiring that majestic body of water that provides for so many, but in all honesty those moments were mainly spent praying not to fail. Next thing, I felt a tug on the line and with little faith in my ability, I presumed it was seaweed. Oh my God, I felt another big tug and started reeling the line in. By this stage I was absolutely consumed with hysterical excitement. I got it to the shore and it was a snapper. You son of a gun. With beginners’ luck aside, I was elated that I had caught you all a fish for our picnic. The next part moved very fast. I drew out my razorsharp kitchen knife and removed its head. That bit could possibly have gone a lot smoother in hindsight, but nevertheless it was done. I switched to my little paring knife and removed the gizzards and scales as per instruction and washed it in the seawater. Wow! Honestly, there are just no words in my vocabulary A picnic to mitigate the ravages of closed borders. to describe that relief and happiness. Fish on ice, I continued to try my luck for another two hours and would you Actually, it was 31kg of gas cooker, food, believe it – not one single bite. ice, wine, bait, fishing and cooking paraphernalia. The destination I had So, now back on the picnic rug, I realise chosen to catch your fish and have our your glass of wine has long been empty picnic is one of my great loves, but vehicles while waiting for me to catch my first fish. are not permitted, so I strapped that pack So please allow me to pour you another to my back and walked the 4kms from the while I cook your lunch. Whoosh, my gate across sand and mud flats to get there. little gas cooker lights up and I softly The weight of the pack failed to become blow out the match. The fish sizzles away an inconvenient consideration. In fact, in the pan as the samkeh sauce bubbles that weight was one of the most beautiful alongside, pushing its aromatic scent into I have ever carried on my shoulders. A the air around us. I serve lunch. Our hands pack full of memories, soul searching and reach back and forth across the food and learning. Surrounded by the landscape I touch each other’s – like little intersecting adore, I could see my fruit in the distance, crossroads. Tender moments together of it was high in the tree and would take love, life, and laughter. effort to reach her. I advanced forward As we finish up, I choose my words with gusto to reach that new fruit, as I sincerely and respectfully, mindful of had every intention of consuming its sweet the months that have passed and the loveliness. I wanted to burst its newfound individual toll on our lives that they have lusciousness all over my mind and have its taken and may continue to do so. But memory run down my chest and deep into before you leave, let’s raise our glass to us my heart from this day forth. all, a salute to our impending happiness At my location, I unpacked meticulously for the holidays ahead. I use not balding and calmly, retracing the instructions and overly spun words to wish you well given by Anthony to set up the rod. this season, for I choose to leave you with With fingers crossed and beating heart, I the word “best”. Make the best out of the swung the rod, and then, splat! The bait situation you are in this summer, and more and sinker landed in front of me on the importantly be the best person you can be. shore. First fail! I had forgotten to release I wave you goodbye, but then I realise, I the reel – LOL. OK Jules, get it together have forgotten to give you dessert. Stop! I here. Numerous pathetic attempts later run to you. Remember that fruit that was and with the line continuously landing high in the tree? I reach out my hand and near the shoreline, I realised I needed to rethink my casting method. I decided to give it to you. All the best, Jules xx.

feature keep it local

from previous page

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Matakana honey tasting shed and education centre owner Grass Esposti got bored during the rainy days of lockdown and started to wonder what she might do with beeswax – other than making traditional candles. She eventually hit on the idea of making Christmas decorations using silicone moulds – normally used for making bars of soap or cookies. Grass, who owns Beetopia on Omaha Flats Road, says beeswax ornaments are more sustainable than plastic, smell lovely and will last a long time. However, she says making them is a finickity process. After collecting the wax from one of her beehives, Grass melts it by leaving it outside in the sun, then cleans it by straining through a muslin cloth. To get really clean wax, she melts and

strains the wax a second time. The wax is heated again in a saucepan, placed inside another saucepan filled with water, over a hot stove. It is then poured into the moulds and left to harden for 24 hours. Grass’s decorations include pinecones, Christmas trees, flowers, hearts and baubles and their prices range from $3 to $20. “I know kids like to buy little things like that so I made the smaller ones affordable,” she says. The decorations are also recyclable. Grass says once someone tires of them, they can be melted down again and made into furniture polish or shoe polish. Grass says the only downside to the venture is that she used some of her daughter’s moulds and they are no longer suitable for making cookies. She says her daughter was not entirely pleased.

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Pining for a real tree? Here’s where to buy one this Christmas … For many people, Christmas isn’t Christmas without the sight and smell of a freshly cut pine tree and this year there are plenty of opportunities to buy one locally while helping a good cause in the process. Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Sky Tower Stair Climb team are selling trees every day from now until Sunday, December 19, or until stocks run out. Due to Covid-19 protocols, the trees will not be inside the fire station itself this year, but in the carpark just above it on Church Hill. Opening times are noon to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends. Prices start at $35 and tree wrapping will be available. Anyone wanting a large tree is urged to contact the brigade as soon as possible, as only a limited number will be available. Money raised will go the brigade, Kiwis living with blood cancer and three local charities – Homebuilders, Women’s Refuge and Hospice. Details of the Sky Tower stair climb challenge can be found at https://firefighterschallenge.org.nz/t/ warkworthvolunteerfirebrigade Covid is also affecting where trees can be sold by St John ambulance this year, with protocols preventing sales from inside station buildings. However, crews throughout the region are not letting this stop them from supplying local families and a range of alternative sites has been found. In Wellsford, St John trees are available at Hammer Hardware at 29 Station Road, which is open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays, 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and 9am to 3pm on Sundays. Prices start at $35 for a table topper, with standard trees at $45, up to $90 for the largest.

Warkworth’s Sky Tower Stair Climb team is looking after fire brigade tree sales this year. From left, Dan Auber, Ariana Billington and Simon Manawaiti.

In Mangawhai, St John crews are selling Christmas trees from a shipping container supplied by Mangawhai Engineering, which has been placed next to the ambulance station. Opening times are 3pm to 6pm on weekdays and from 11am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Table toppers cost $35 and standard trees are $45. Anyone wanting a larger tree must

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preorder and pay the $95 cost at time of ordering. St John also has a limited number of tree stands on sale. Eftpos or bank transfer is preferred and orders can be texted to 021 299 2792. Customers need to follow Covid protocols and wear a mask when collecting trees. Maungaturoto St John Christmas trees are available at two venues this year –

Farmsource Maungaturoto in Hurndall Street and also in Kaiwaka, from the St John shop at 542 State Highway 1. Trees cost $40 each. Meanwhile, Warkworth St John is taking a year off selling trees since, as well as having to stick to Covid rules, the station is undergoing a renovation and there is no car park available. They will be back next year.

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December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

New weekly rummage spot for Wellsford Wellsford shoppers keen on a bargain now have a new source of secondhand goodies, thanks to the opening of the Rusty Station reuse shop at 47 Station Road. The large warehouse-type shed next to Hammer Hardware is open every Wednesday from 9am to 3pm, selling items that have been taken to Wellsford and Mahurangi Wastebusters two refuse and recycling centres for disposal. There is already a small reuse shop at Wastebusters’ Rustybrook Road site, but the decision to lease a town centre store was made when the closure of the Lawrie Road centre for redevelopment caused a backlog of items too good to be sent to landfill. Wastebusters board member Trish Allen said director Matthew Luxon found the Station Road venue and the Wastebusters team cleaned it up, made signs and

set up shop. “We had all this stuff from Lawrie Road that we couldn’t sell and thought what are we going to do?” she said. “We thought why not lease a warehouse in Wellsford and found this one. Staff have been absolutely magnificent – it looks amazing in here.” The new store was packed with all sorts of things on opening day, from tools and furniture through to curtains, clothing and household goods. There was also free coffee and muffins on offer, using Wastebusters’ stash of perfectly good mugs that people had thrown away. Customers could either just use the mug and return it, or take it home with them – an “Ugly Mug” scheme that Trish Allen is keen for local cafes to adopt.

Info: www.mahurangiwastebusters.nz or Wellsford Wastebusters on Facebook

Jerusha Tucker serving coffee in rejected but reusable mugs.

Wastebusters’ Anna Proctor outside the new reuse store in Station Road.

Plume Restaurant is the jewel in Matakana’s crown, just 5 minutes from Warkworth and 20 minutes north of Orewa. This is the perfect destination venue for small or large celebrations for your business, family and friends. Ideally situated in beautiful Matakana, Plume Restaurant is an oasis for gourmet travellers in a coastal country setting. It’s recognised for its superb cuisine, attentive service and is also the cellar door for Runner Duck Estate Vineyard’s fine wines. Plume Restaurant offers the ultimate venue for special family occasions such as weddings, family reunions, anniversaries or Christmas parties. We can host private lunch or dinner events for up to 80 people, with drinks and finger food on the patio. Should you decide to extend your stay, 12 new, 1-3 bedroom, luxurious Plume Villas, all sharing a swimming pool, are a relaxed stroll from Plume Restaurant. Plume offers a fantastic proposition, with everything you need in one beautiful place. Your colleagues, clients, friends and family will talk about your amazing event for many years to come.

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| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

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Books Tracey Lawton

Snow Country by Sebastian Faulks

This is the second book in the Austrian trilogy, but it’s not necessary to have read the first book, Human Traces, to enjoy Snow Country. The book starts in 1914 with Anton, who has left his rural family’s sausage business to pursue a career as a journalist. In Vienna, he meets Delphine, a French woman slightly older than himself, and he falls deeply in love. However, when Anton is away on business and Austria declares war on France, he arrives home to find Delphine gone without a trace. After the war, Anton is sent to the Schloss to write an article, and while there he finds some resolution regarding his war experience and Delphine’s disappearance. The other main character in this story is Lena, whom we meet in 1927. She lives alone with her alcoholic mother near the Schloss but encounters a young lawyer from Vienna who talks her into meeting him in the city. Lena is desperate to make a successful life for herself, but due to lack of education and circumstances, she struggles and ends up leaving Vienna and getting a job as a cleaner at Schloss Seeblick. Like Anton, Lena will find hope and a possible future while at the Schloss. Faulks writes beautifully. I loved this novel set in such a tumultuous time and place.

The Warkworth Wine Academy offers three courses How to enjoy wine with all your senses 90 minute wine show | $20pp, min 10 people

The Lincoln Highway

Laugh, learn and enjoy your journey of wine discovery • Learn to enjoy wine with your eyes, nose, taste and aftertaste • Learn to tell the age and style of wines • Learn the mystery of Champagne • and much more...

by Amor Towles

Set the in the mid 1950s, we meet Emmett as he is being driven home after spending time at a juvenile work farm. With his father recently-deceased and his mother long missing, Emmett intends to pick up his younger brother, Billy, and drive across country to start a new and, hopefully, prosperous life. Of course, life is never that simple and two stowaways from the detention centre wreak havoc on Emmett’s plans. Billy also has his own idea, and this is where the title originates. Billy is desperate to follow the Lincoln Highway, which starts in New York and ends in San Francisco where the boys believe their mother to be. We follow Emmett, Billy and their friends on this most unusual journey and that’s where the magic is in this beautifully written story about love, doing the right thing, and sometimes the wrong thing but for the right reasons, and finding friendship in the most unlikely places. Amor Towles’ previous novels are A Gentleman In Moscow and Rules Of Civility. Both are fabulous reads. Highly recommended.

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Auckland might be in Red but it’s still all go for Christmas! We are busy making plans for us to be able to celebrate Christmas safely and in line with the current restrictions. Check out our website for details of what services we will be offering:

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Call Daniel on 021 215 9256

Presented by Daniel Millaire (tutor/lecturer/wine writer NZ Wine Academy, AUT, MIT)

www.localmatters.co.nz

millaired@hotmail.com

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December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

A family run garden cafe serving fresh homemade food with a selection of vegetarian options. Using free range and organic meat and eggs sourced locally, we serve Organic Kokako Coffee and Kerikeri Tea. Our garden is dog friendly and we have a lawn area for children to play.

We are open Wednesday to Sunday 8am to 3pm and closed Monday and Tuesday. 786 Sandspit Road, Snells Beach 0274 258 486 | parsleypotcafe@gmail.com www.facebook.com/theparsleypotcafe/

Lynchpin role for conservation initiative Restore Rodney East – in a nutshell.

Community conservation and environmental groups are being given a boost to achieve their aims with the appointment of a regional facilitator to support and strengthen their efforts. Sarah Churchouse, of Puhoi, will be assisting and encouraging collaboration between more than 40 different community groups in the Restore Rodney East (RRE) area, which runs from Mangawhai in the north down to Waiwera in the south. RRE is an environmental initiative established earlier this year to help groups concerned with wildlife preservation, pest control and conservation, with funding from Rodney Local Board and Auckland Council. After an initial hui in June at Mahurangi College, convenors have been putting together a strategic plan, a key aspect of which was the appointment of a facilitator to support the diverse range of local groups and projects. Sarah said she was thrilled to take on the role and was looking forward to connecting with the groups and helping them reach their potential, whether their focus was on trapping, weed control, stream restoration or wildlife preservation. “As a long-term local to the area myself, I am passionate about my community, and finding pathways to how I can give back,” she said. “It gives me great pleasure to be

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Sarah Churchouse is keen to start helping grassroots groups achieve their aims.

able to now assist and support the groups within RRE, to reach their potential and achieve their goals.” She said she would be encouraging collaboration and effectiveness by making available a wide spectrum of skills, experience, leverage and resources, although first few months would be spent getting to know groups and their needs. Sarah Churchouse can be contacted by email at facilitator@rre.org.nz The draft RRE strategic plan can be read here: http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/Open/2021/11/RD_20211117_ ATT_10660_EXCLUDED.PDF

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Vaccine Pass help in Mangawhai

Warkworth dancer selected for elite programme

Mangawhai residents struggling with getting their Covid-19 Vaccination Pass organised can get free help from the Te Whai Community Trust until midDecember. The trust is running drop-in clinics on Tuesday mornings, from 10am to noon, and on Thursday afternoons, from 1pm to 2.45pm. The team can provide access to computers and printers, help people through the online process, print off passes or help to load it on phones, and set up an email address for anyone who doesn’t have one. Anyone requiring help needs to bring a form of identification, such as a drivers licence, birth certificate or passport, and their NHI number would also be useful (though not essential). The clinics are at Rose Masden Cottage, 73 Moir Street, which is down the driveway to Mangawhai Domain.

Warkworth ballet dancer Brooke McMahon, 10, is a step closer to her goal of training full-time at the New Zealand School of Dance, having landed a place in a scholar’s programme. She was among hundreds of dancers from around the country who auditioned for just 12 spots in the elite national coaching programme based in Wellington. The school selects only the most talented dancers, providing them with a pathway to a career as a full-time ballerina.

Info: Ph 09 973 3248

Car smoke ban with kids

Next year, McMahon will travel to Wellington at least twice a term for training. Her selection for the scholar programme follows a good showing in her Royal Academy of Dance exams. Typically, students take one exam in a year, but McMahon completed two and scored above 90 in both. She had a successful competitive season before lockdown, winning awards at 10 events, including first place in her grade at the Northern Schools Performing Arts Competition. McMahon has trained at the Talbot Dance Academy under Carla Talbot since the age of three.

Brooke McMahon performed in the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s production of Sleeping Beauty last year.

To be able to have that sort of professionalism right on my door step was a real relief.

A law banning smoking or vaping in cars while children are present came into force late last month. The Smoke-free Environments (Prohibiting Smoking in Motor Vehicles Carrying Children) Amendment Act makes it illegal to smoke or vape in cars carrying a child or young person under the age of 18. Chair of the National Smokefree Cars Working Group Bridget Rowse says the push for smokefree cars has been a grassroots movement led by New Zealanders with a collective desire to protect tamariki. “Opening the windows is not enough to prevent the harm caused by lingering secondhand smoke in cars, which is why it’s so important to drive smokefree,” she says.

Les Marsh Matakana resident

When I discovered my injury was actually a hernia, I was sent to a specialist in Silverdale. I was absolutely stoked to find out my surgeon operated several times a month up this way, in Warkworth in fact, and could do the operation in a relatively short time frame…about 2 weeks! Rodney Surgical was great and I’m well on the way to full recovery. My advice is to ask your GP if you can have it done locally. Or ring Rodney Surgical direct.

The best surgeons offering you day care surgeries right here in Warkworth. Ask your GP if your day care surgery can be done at Rodney Surgical.

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Colleges congratulate students for academic achievements Despite a severely disrupted year and exam period, Mahurangi schools had plenty of student achievements to honour at their prizegiving ceremonies held last month. Around $300,000 worth of scholarships were awarded to students at Rodney College, Mahurangi College and Otamatea High School.

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| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

Eleanor Hayward was named Dux, receiving $1000 and the PGG Wrightson’s Cup, as well as a choice of scholarships from Victoria University and Otago University. She also won the Hackett Media Trophy for her contribution to the school magazine, Granville Cup for services to the school and first prize in creative literacy. Proxime Accessit

Rodney College Proxime Accessit Rosa Ewing.

Rosa Ewing was named Proxime Accessit and received $500 and the Kevey Cup. She was also awarded the Hackett Media continued next page

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Trophy for contribution to the school magazine, won first prize in English, the Millennium Cup for all-round excellence, and a $20,000 scholarship from the University of Auckland. Scholarships

Lisa Preuss, Michelle Moir Art ($1000); Shalynne Jones, McDonald Adams

Optometrists ($500); Kaylee Cannell, Izard Trust ($1000); Mackenzee Warahi, Wharehine Contractors ($1500); Jarvis Denton, Poland Motors Vocational Pathway ($2000); Nikheel Chandra, Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence ($2000); Eleanor Hayward, Mary J Partington Music ($3000).

Mahurangi College

Wellington ($5000), Poppy Billington and Naumi Teinabo, Auckland University of Technology ($14,000); Patrick Mackinnon ($3500) Eva Sterling ($3500) Jessica McNaughten ($5000), Alice Williams ($5000) and Ava Berry ($15,000), University of Otago; Louise Daum and Saskia Wigman, University of Otago Leaders ($6000); Aniwa Heke, University of Otago Maori Entrance ($17,000); Zali Taylor ($13,000) and Michaela Pow ($15,000), University of Otago

150th Entrance; Patrick Mackinnon, University of Waikato ($5000); Ava Berry, University of Auckland Top Achiever ($20,000); Naumi Teinabo, University of Waikato Pacific Excellence ($10,000); Saskia Wigman, University of Waikato Outstanding Achievement ($25,000). A special mention to Zoe Knapp SpensBlack, who won the Mahurangi Matters Art Photography merit award, and Ava Bravenboer, who won the Mahurangi Matters Art Painting merit award.

Otamatea High School won $1500 from Withers & Co Chartered Accountants. Scholarships Mahurangi College Dux Saskia Wigman. Dux

Saskia Wigman was named Dux and received the most in scholarships this year, including $25,000 from the University of Waikato and $2000 from Bayleys Real Estate Warkworth. Other achievements included the Warkworth Vets prize for biology, The Buckton Consultants prize for geography and the Warkworth Surveyors prize for mathematics and statistics.

Mahurangi College Proxime Accessit Ava Berry. Proxime Accessit

Ava Berry was named Proxime Accessit, won the Alon & Audrey Shaw Trophy and

Matthew Elder and Brooklyn Waugh, Warkworth Driving Academy ($250 each); Jack Anderson, Steve Haycock Construction Future Apprenticeship ($300); Dylan Michel, Leggoe Electrical Future Apprenticeship Scholarship ($300); Zac Farmiloe, Ben McMurtrie, Lachlan Simpson, Logan Sykes and Lexie Van Stanten, Warkworth Community ($400ea); Kristel Davies, Binsted Family Cup ($400); Xarie Manwaring, Kowhai Physiotherapy Scholarship ($500); Guy van Egmond and Keya Prajapati, Academic Excellence from Gubb Motors and Argyle Manufacturing ($500ea); Jessica McNaughten, McDonald Adams Scholarship ($500); Eli Waterhouse, NZ School of Tourism ($500), Naumi Teinabo, Sourthern Paprika Pasifika Futures ($1000); Mariata Atanibwebwe, Sue Wynyard Maori Pasifikia Health Studies ($1000), Sakura Ludolph ($1000), Breila Straka ($1,000), Elena Hawes ($1500) Nathaniel Vernardakis ($1500), Dolly Wynyard Trust; Nathaniel Vernardakis, Bailey Earley Memorial ($2000); Kristel Davies, Prime Minister’s Vocational Pathway ($2000); Caspian Hardie, University of Canterbury ($5000); Ava Berry, Chloe Billington and Saskia Wigman, Victoria University of

From left, Otamatea High School Proxime Accessit Cory Browne, Principal Dirk Smythe and Dux Amy Lawrence. Dux

being an audio-visual technician.

Amy Lawrence was named Dux and won first prize in biology and mathematics as well as the Fonterra Cup for best aggregate marks in science. She received a $21,000 Vice Chancellor’s scholarship from Massey University and $1500 from the Paparoa County Depot Trust.

Scholarships

Proxime Accessit

Cory Browne was named Proxime Accessit and won first prize in physics, history and chemistry, as well as a service award for

Jaden Sheppard and Lola Smyth, Auckland University of Technology ($17,000); Brooke Hutton, Waka Moana ($16,000); Asher Tito, Auckland University of Technology for accommodation ($6500); Bethany Hudson, Victoria University ($5000); Renee Allen, Paparoa Country Depot Trust ($1500). Next year’s head boy and head girl will be Michael Ferguson and Billie Le MesurierCowbourne.

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December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

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Homebuilders Pavithra Ram, Strengthening Families Coordinator www.homebuildersfs.org

Feeling overwhelmed? Strengthening Families provides a way for families to get coordinated access to services. It is run in a way that meets the unique needs of each family/whānau. It builds on the strengths and dreams of families, with support from health, social service, education and other services working together. So, Strengthening Families is a process. It is a way of working with and supporting families and whanau to access and get help for several issues that may come up for any whanau at any time. Imagine for a second you have a collection of different issues or problems that all arrive at the same time. You have a sick child, who struggles in school and also wants to see a counsellor. At the same time, your tenancy is coming to an end, and you are stressed about where you will have to move. So many families face lots of trials at the same time through no fault of their own, and juggling these can be overwhelming. Even just contacting services can be daunting. This is where the process of Strengthening Families comes in and supports and helps anyone facing numerous challenges. In supporting you and coordinating all these different services, the Strengthening Families process begins to shine. In delivering support to families, all the support services work together to make sure families get the services they need. In addition, Strengthening Families helps you sort things out when life’s challenges weigh

you down by coordinating and advocating for you. So how does it work? Strengthening Families is a voluntary process. A family/ whanau can self-refer themselves, or a government or community agency can refer the family if they have the family’s permission. The Strengthening Families coordinator will assist in coordination/facilitation and planning for the first meeting by contacting all the family’s agencies. In the first meeting, goals are defined, roles are clarified, and the family/whanau and agencies work together to develop an action plan that reflects the family’s priorities and includes a timeframe for action. Then the process is followed by a meeting to review progress. The Strengthening Families process also benefits agencies because their services are likely to be more connected and organised and better able to meet the need of whanau/families. Families who used Strengthening Families report that the process was beneficial for them, especially in coordinating various services and identifying gaps in the support which may be helpful for them. So, if you and your family/whanau feel that strengthening family support might be useful, it’s as simple as picking up the phone and calling myself on 027 2443917 or 425 7048 for a chat about whether Strengthening Families is a good fit for you.

Scout group seeking keen seafarers in Puhoi The Puhoi Valley will ring with the sound of a bosun’s whistle next year with the formation of a new Sea Scouts group. Since scout leader Daniel Watson put the call out to Puhoi parents for registrations of interest, he has had 80 families respond. He hopes to have it up and running in the Puhoi Sports Club by February. “We have a beautiful river that goes out to sea, so I saw it as an opportunity to teach kids boating skills and generally create a community,” Daniel says. The new group will cover boating skills and kayaking around the coast, as well as activities such as rock climbing, hiking and abseiling. “It’s about finding the point where kids can challenge themselves and take risks but in a safe way.” Although it is early days, Daniel has ambitions to fundraise and convert an old run-down A&P shed into a scout den. “There are plenty of skills in the community we could make use of, if we can find the materials to convert it into a clubhouse. It doesn’t have to be the Taj Mahal.” Daniel was previously a scout leader in Greenhithe and believes that it creates well rounded kids with leadership and outdoor skills. He was also an engineer in the territorial forces in the New Zealand Army for 18

Scout leader Daniel Watson says there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.

years and is familiar with shooting guns and digging holes. His wife Sarah, who will also be involved with the new group, is a child psychologist and is opening a new practice in Warkworth. As well as keen kids, Daniel is looking for parents who would be interested in volunteering to be involved in the activities or to join the committee. Those interested can contact Daniel at Daniel@intrepid.kiwi.

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The 154ha addition includes prime coastal land.

Te Arai Point

Contact Linda at luxematakana@outlook.com www.facebook.com/luxematakana www.instagram.com/luxematakana

Outline of the vested parkland.

Slipper Lake

Spectacle Lake

Mangawhai Forest

We would like to thank everyone who supported us through this tough year.

Tomarata Lake

We will be taking a break for family time from 23rd December until 10th January, and we will be ready for a fantastic 2022.

Te Ārai secures more land Ngāti Manuhiri vested about 154 hectares of prime coastal land to Auckland Council last month to enlarge Te Ārai Regional Park. Mayor Phil Goff says the vesting of the land will make a fantastic addition to Auckland’s “world-class” parks network. “It will form part of a more extensive area of parkland and open space and provide for a range of recreational activities such as picnicking, walking, swimming and surfing,” he says. “It’s important that we protect public open space in our fast-growing region and this new addition to our parks network will be enjoyed by Aucklanders for generations to come.” Works on the land in preparation for vesting included removal of production pine trees, grading a carpark, forming pedestrian accessways and restoring dunes with extensive areas of native revegetation planting.

Rodeo cancelled

In addition to the recreational benefits, the land also contains high biodiversity, ecological and cultural heritage values. Council manager for parks, sport and recreation Mace Ward says in exchange for the parkland, the subdivision of 60 rural residential sites has been allowed. “The vesting of the regional parkland provides a significant opportunity for Ngāti Manuhiri to develop the balance of the site for housing, recreational activities, such as golf courses, and sand mining activity,” he says. Mr Ward says the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust will continue to be a partner with Council to contribute to how the park will be developed and protected. “The Te Ārai parkland is still a taonga and will remain a significant part of the rohe of Ngāti Manuhiri,” Mr Ward says.

Warkworth Rodeo has announced that it will cancel next year’s rodeo due to be held at the Warkworth Showgrounds on January 1. Club secretary Paul Manton says the announcement is made with “sad hearts”. The cancellation is due to the uncertainty of Covid rules around the holding of large events, coupled with border restrictions and the financial risk. “We would like to thank our sponsors, members and supporters and hope that we will all get together on Jan 1, 2023 with a lot more certainty.

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Light bulb moments As one of the organisers of the amazing Big Buzz Honey & Bee Festival held at the beginning of 2021, I gained front row insight into just how many people are unaware of our diverse New Zealand native honeys. There is also scarce understanding or knowledge of our native trees and plants that these scrumptious honeys are associated with. So, during a light bulb moment, I thought ‘Why don’t we plant some natives at Beetopia?’ Then, when schools, visitors and future beekeepers visit us, we can point out trees and plants like rewarewa, tāwari, kāmahi, horoeka, kōwhai, tōtara, puriri, wild hibiscus, mānuka and kanuka. Better still, guests will be able to taste the honey varietals associated with them and a wide variety of pollinators will have access to an area of varied and staggered planting. The great idea gained traction with a native plant expert, creating a planting guide for our specific terrain and environment conditions and the first 1000 trees and plants were delivered on Monday, August 16, ready for the planting team to begin transforming our paddocks. Well, we went into lockdown on Wednesday, August 18,

didn’t we? This left us with a rather large amount of planting to get done on our own. Our backs have yet to recover and all I can say is be careful with light bulb moments and what you wish for! We are now fighting weeds like everyone else this

I am not allowed to put into print here what my husband has said about my bright ideas and my pollinator vision. spring in a bid to help the younger plants outgrow the rampant weeds. I am not allowed to put into print here what my husband has said about my bright ideas and my pollinator vision. Moving on. Beeswax is so versatile and you can easily make your own balms or furniture polish as Christmas gifts. Here is a really easy kawakawa salve recipe that works well on bee stings, soothes a rash, revives chapped lips and dry feet and works wonders on gardeners’ hands.

Kawakawa Salve

the oil over the leaves and cover with an airtight lid. Infuse for at least eight hours and then remove the kawakawa leaves. Combine the infused oil and beeswax together over a double boiler. Stir until melted together and then stir in the essential oils. Then I immediately pour the mixture into tins or small jars, and allow the salve to set, about 20 to 30 minutes.

1 cup olive oil or jojoba or coconut oil (food grade) 15 fresh kawakawa leaves 3 tbsp grated pure beeswax 10 drops tea tree essential oil 15 drops of your favourite scented essential oil such as lemon, orange, rosemary or lavender

The Beetopia team wishes everyone reading this a Christmas with no TV, no social media, no phones, no traffic, no rush – just barefeet on the sand with the wind on your face, a smile in your heart and words of kindness on your lips.

Gently heat the oil of your choice in a saucepan over medium heat for about one minute. You do not want the oil to be boiling hot. Place the clean kawakawa leaves in a container (with a lid) and pour

Nominations open for environment scholarships

Nominations are open for Northland Regional Council scholarships designed to encourage future environmental leaders and champions. There are eight scholarships, each worth $3000. The annual scholarships support students to undertake study, research or training that relates to council’s environmental and regulatory functions. The scholarships have a specific aim to build Māori capacity with four of the eight scholarships earmarked for Māori. NRC chair Penny Smart says of the remaining four scholarships offered this year, one will be set aside for a student undertaking study, research or training related to council’s land or water functions. Full eligibility criteria and an application form are available from https://scholarships.nrc.govt.nz. All applications and supporting documentation must be submitted online by Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

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| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

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Submissions are public information Note, that any submission you make becomes public information. People can ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we have to make submissions available unless we have good reasons for withholding them. This is explained in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA. Tell us if you think there are grounds to withhold specific information in your submission. Reasons might include that it is personal information or commercially sensitive. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold information can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may tell us to release it. Blake Abernethy, Team Manager Spatial Planning and Allocations

Grass Esposti

Proposed Leigh – Tawharanui temporary closure The temporary closure includes all that area of New Zealand fisheries waters enclosed by a line: (a) starting at a point on the mean high-water mark on the eastern boundary of the Cape Rodney – Okakari Point Marine Reserve at 36°16.638’S and 174°49.296’E; then (b) proceeding in a straight line in a northerly direction to a point approximately 360 m offshore, on the eastern boundary of the Cape Rodney – Okakari Point Marine Reserve, at 36°16.443’S and 174°49.296’E; then (c) proceeding in a generally south-westerly then south-easterly direction along a line every point of which is approximately 360 m offshore from the mean high-water mark to a point offshore north of the western boundary of the Tawharanui Marine Reserve at 36°21.486’S and 174°49.256’E; then (d) proceeding in a straight line in a southerly direction to a point on the mean highwater mark on the western boundary of the Tawharanui Marine Reserve at 36°21.735’S and 174°49.259’E; then (e) proceeding along the mean high-water mark in a generally north-westerly direction to a point at approximately the middle groyne at Te Tamutu Point at the southern entrance of Whangateau Harbour at 36°19.312’S and 174°46.789’E; then (f) proceeding in a straight line to a point on the mean-high water mark on Ti Point at 36°19.184’S and 174°47.024’E; then (g) proceeding in a generally north-easterly direction along the mean high-water mark to the starting point. Fisheries New Zealand invites written submissions in response to the request from persons who have an interest in the species concerned or in the effects of fishing in the area concerned. Submissions must be made by 5pm, on Monday 31 January 2022. You can email your submission to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz. While we prefer email, you can post your submission to: Spatial Planning and Allocations Fisheries Management Fisheries New Zealand PO Box 2526 Wellington 6140. Further information about temporary closures, including a copy of the request and a map of the proposed area, is available on the Fisheries New Zealand website (www.fisheries.govt.nz), or by contacting Fisheries New Zealand at the above address.

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Request for a temporary fishing closure in the Leigh – Tawharanui area Pursuant to section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996, the Protect Rock Pools Committee has requested a temporary fishing closure of the fisheries waters along a coastal strip approximately 360 m wide, between the Cape Rodney – Okakari Point Marine Reserve (commonly known as the Leigh or Goat Island Marine Reserve) and the Tawharanui Marine Reserve, excluding Whangateau Harbour. The requested temporary closure will prohibit hand-gathering of all species of fish, aquatic life, or seaweed, except pāua, rock lobster, kina, cockles, pipis, dredge oysters, scallops, and tuatua. The requested temporary closure is for a two-year period. Temporary closures apply to recreational, commercial, and customary fishing.

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Map showing the Tamahunga kiwi buffer zone. Forest Bridge will seek to progressively extend the buffer to the +2100ha outer boundary.

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and Ngati Manuhiri have convinced environmentalists that it’s now safe for them to return. To ensure the continued protection of the translocated birds, the Forest Bridge Trust wants to create a 7000ha buffer zone around the mountain by encouraging landowners there to engage in trapping efforts themselves. Forest Bridge spokesperson Tris Bondsfield says strategically placed traplines to capture predators before they reach the kiwi safe zone will be “incredibly important lines

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population continues to decline, with less than 5 per cent of hatched chicks making it to adulthood. However, predator trapping efforts in buffer zones can see survival rates jump to as high as 95 per cent. Controlling predators for kiwi also has the knock-on effect of protecting other native species – increasing birdsong and biodiversity.

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A Forest Bridge Trust Community liaison team will visit landowners surrounding Mount Tamahunga early next year promoting predator control efforts to protect kiwi. The effort comes in the wake of a planned release of about 30 kiwi on the mountain next year. Kiwi disappeared from Tamahunga in the 1980s, but more than a decade of pest control work on the mountain by Tamahunga Trappers, Auckland Council, the Department of Conservation

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Wiping out worms To deworm or not to deworm animals under your care? That is the question. There are many medications that kill parasites on and within animals without harming them. Which product to use and how often animals should be treated is a large topic. There are different conclusions depending on what the reason is for treatment. The main reasons to consider are animal health, animal welfare, productivity and financial return. Health concerns are easiest to consider when dealing with young animals. Young animals’ immune systems are not as well developed as adults, and they are often at risk of high parasite burdens. A good example of this is round worms in newborn cats, dogs and pigs. These young animals are frequently infected from the milk supplied by their mothers. These infected animals are often in poor body condition with pot bellies. Owners frequently comment about the number and size of stomach worms which are passed out in feces after worming. We typically recommend worming kittens and puppies every two weeks until four months of age then monthly until six months of age. Welfare concerns are evident in pet cats and dogs who scratch when they are dealing with the irritation of biting fleas. Experiments suggest that cats and dogs can rid themselves of 90 per cent of the fleas than hop onboard by self-grooming. Owners frequently report that there are no fleas on their pets, which is often true. However, it is not the fleas themselves which cause the scratching, but the saliva they leave behind in the skin. The flea can be long gone before the irritation cycle sets in. Routinely applying flea products,

which I recommend with religious fervour every month on the month, will prevent flea infestation. It will also aid in the control of fleas in the environment where the animals live. Production issues are best monitored by regular weighing – noting the weight gain or lack of weight gain in animals with large worm burdens. Worm eggs in animal dung can be monitored for worm burdens. However, as the animal ages its immune

Young animals’ immune systems are not as well developed as adults, and they are often at risk of high parasite burdens. system also improves. An adult animal may have a significant worm burden, but its immune system prevents the worms from producing eggs. Hence, looking for eggs in animal dung is not a good reflection of the worm challenge. A financial return is often achieved after worming. Worm burdens often reduce appetite as well as using energy that could be utilised by the animal for growth. Financial considerations should also extend beyond the immediate returns but also the future returns. Whatever our reasons for worming, animals under our care are our responsibility, and we need to protect their future. Discuss worming with your local veterinarian. We can all benefit from the conversation.

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TOSSI chairperson Alison Stanes says cordons are the best way to protect chicks.

Think like a bird After months of restrictions, there are thousands of us who can’t wait to escape the confines of our neighbourhoods and head to the bush, beach or bach. Already, locked in Aucklanders have flocked to beaches where the birds and the bees normally get on with the business of breeding, but this season the crowds are taking their toll on native wildlife. Tūturiwhatu (northern New Zealand dotterel) is an endemic shorebird that also likes to hang out at the beach and sometimes breeding pairs are forced to share their nesting space with humans. I have dotterels nesting near my home, and to learn more about them I chatted with TOSSI chairperson and Tāwharanui citizen scientist, Alison Stanes. She has a lifetime of knowledge gained from monitoring, observing and informally researching tūturiwhatu, currently classified as “at risk (recovering)” by the Department of Conservation. For decades, Alison has been a champion of the often overlooked shorebird, particularly because there are only about 2500 of them left – less than many species of kiwi. Conservationists avoid anthropomorphising wildlife, but Alison admits she finds dotterels’ behaviour endearing, and she has even witnessed what appears to be grieving when mates or chicks die. Being camouflaged offers some protection from native predators, such as black-backed gulls, but unfortunately humans and our four-legged friends can inadvertently disturb nests and crush eggs. Alison suggests that to avoid this we need to think like a bird – in other words consider where a bird builds a safe nest and watch how it behaves when protecting it. To sustain their population each breeding pair of dotterels needs to successfully fledge about one chick biennially. From experience, Alison says introducing cordons is the best way to protect chicks. In 2001, Andrea Lord’s thesis Effects of human approaches to nests of northern

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A tūturiwhatu Sanctuary.

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New Zealand dotterels provided clear evidence that people and especially dogs do affect dotterels’ ability to breed. The study suggested disruption of incubation would be greatly minimised if dogs were banned within a 100-metre radius of dotterel nesting sites, and human access within a 50-metre radius on busy beaches, and 70 metres on remote beaches. When

… unfortunately humans and our four-legged friends can inadvertently disturb nests and crush eggs. people set up for a day near a fenced-off dotterel area or hang their towels on the ropes, protective adults get stressed. If a tūturiwhatu is faking an injured wing and making a song and dance – follow its lead away from its nest. The exhausting diversion tactics leave eggs exposed to the elements and predators, thus reducing the chances of them successfully hatching. Tāwharanui is a protected environment but tūturiwhatu still experience numerous challenges. Hopefully, during the anticipated busy summer, beachgoers everywhere will observe the signs and ropes to give a struggling native bird the space it needs to get on with breeding. December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

College celebrates double decade coaching career Mahurangi College is bidding farewell to Gwen Hawken after a 20-year stint in coaching netball and nine years coaching touch rugby. Gwen has had five children attend Mahurangi College, and they each played both sports. She began coaching at the college with her eldest daughter, Mary Jane Budd, who is now 32. Her youngest, Chrysanthe, finished last year, but Gwen stayed on until the end of this year, so she could finish coaching girls she had worked with since they were in Year 7. At a recent 21st birthday party, Gwen was proud to see five generations of students she had coached all together in one place. “I keep in touch with all of them. It’s not about the game for me as much as it is about building relationships with the players.” Even more satisfyingly, Gwen has been able to pass on the torch. Along with Karl Middleton, Gwen mentored Tama Hawken and Mariana Winiana, who have both now become coaches at Mahurangi College. Gwen is proud of how, as a relatively small rural school, Mahurangi’s netball team was able to make the premiere grade. Last year, it came in the top four in the North Harbour competition. The touch rugby team also made the final for the second year in the row, only losing by a single point. During her career, Gwen was a representative coach for North Harbour for netball and got level two qualifications for both netball and touch rugby. Gwen says although it has been a long time, it’s not the first coaching career at Mahurangi to span two decades. Her mentor and sister-in-law Sandra Hawken coached for longer. Although officially having stepped down, Gwen hints that she might like to coach Year 9 again in the future. “The top level and grades are quite stressful, but at the lower level they play for fun and passion and that’s what I love,” she says.

Gwen is proud of how, as a relatively small rural school, Mahurangi’s netball team was able to make the premiere grade. Gwen says she was supported by many other coaches including Karl Middleton, Ellen Cooper, Pixie Jones, Jimmy Moka, John Hawken, Michael Winiana, Sandra Hawken, Terrence Banks and Rachyl Collins.

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A roundup of sports activities and events in the district Hockey AGM Warkworth Hockey Turf Trust is having its AGM at the turf on Tuesday, December 14, at 7pm. All welcome. Cruising club yearbook out The 2022 edition of the Mahurangi Cruising Club Yearbook is hot off the press. It includes stories about great builds and cruising in far flung places. Although it is not as big as previous years, the club is proud to have kept up tradition and published it. Order a copy from Victor at ngairehopwood@gmail.com. Mahurangi basketball looks to next year Mahurangi Basketball Club has reluctantly made the decision not to return to the courts this year in favour of starting anew next year. “We are still trying to understand what the new framework means for us and how we can best manage our sessions.” It is hoping to resume by the start of Term One. Kaiwaka touch The Kaiwaka Touch Module is scheduled to take place in January 2022. Those keen are encouraged to sign up to the “Kaiwaka Touch Module 2022” page on Facebook for instructions on how to register. Warkworth needs a goalie The Warkworth Football Club men’s team is calling for players to register their interest in playing in the upcoming season in January. The club has a well-established team that plays in the social grades of Northern Region Football. In particular, the club is seeking to fill the position of goalie. All interested players contact Jacob at 027 335 3157. Puhoi SC eyes pre-season Northern Regional Football has announced a provisional pre-season start date of February 5. The Puhoi Sports Club’s first football team will begin training on Tuesday, January 18. The latest draws have scheduled home games for the Puhoi club on Saturdays February 12, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26. Those interested in playing should contact coach Luke McIntyre on 021 209 5494. $15 million for sports clubs Auckland Council has opened a $15.3 million fund for sports clubs and other recreational facilities. Expressions of interest are due by December 12. Council will invite strong applicants to proceed in more detail in February. Apply at: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/grants-community-support-housing/ grants/regional-grants/

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The Mahurangi Cruising Club has signalled that, despite uncertainties, it intends to host several regatta races over four days on Auckland Anniversary Day weekend, from Friday January 28 to Monday January 31. More details will be announced in the next edition of Mahurangi Matters. Questions to office@mahurangicruisingclub.org.

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College coaches wanted

Mahurangi College is looking for coaches and managers for the 2022 season. Those interested in any sport code should send through an expression of interest to sports coordinator Adele Ball at a.ball@mahurangi.school.nz. As per Ministry of Education guidelines, all schools require volunteers to be fully vaccinated.

Social tennis in Warkworth

The move to the traffic light system, and an increased capacity of 100 vaccinated players, means Warkworth Tennis Club can resume its social tennis evenings on Thursdays. All are welcome with a pay-as-you-go rate of $7 per evening, or pay for a season for a discounted rate. Club captain Jono Boundy says the club has an app which organises players by their ability and creates a draw which is displayed on a big screen. It means new players can get paired up with opponents of similar skill levels. “I call it speed dating for tennis.” See www.warkworthrackets.co.nz.

Next year for business golf

The Warkworth Golf Club is likely to pick up its business house golf competition again in the New Year. Organiser Aaron Masters says he is waiting to see how vaccine passes work in practicality before resuming the competition. It will be held on Wednesday evenings and is a nine-hole Ambrose format competition. To register a team, contact 425 8248 or thedivot@warkworthgolfclub.co.nz.

U18s rugby coach needed

Wellsford RFC is looking for coaches for the Kaipara Wolves under-18 boys’ rugby team which will play in the Northland Rugby competition. The team will be comprised of players from Rodney, Otamatea and Dargaville. “We are looking for someone who has some rugby coaching experience and would like to take up the challenge of developing young players.” For more detail, contact Mick Sweetman at msweetman@wharehine.co.nz.

Mangawhai Netball on the books

The Mangawhai Netball Club has advised members that due to “some financial discrepancies during the 2020 and 2021 season” it is offering receipts to anyone who donated to the club during the season or paid entry fees for its pre-season tournament. The club can be contacted via its Facebook page. It is also holding its AGM on Thursday, December 9.

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tttplumber@gmail.com

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

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

Serving and Protecting our Community for over 15 Years

Buyers of: Copper • Brass • Aluminium • Lead • Steel Stainless Steel • Batteries • Cable • Machinery • Electric Motors • Cars • Car Removal. Pick up or drop off bins available

A great team you can trust

For a fresh approach in Property Management, with proven results. Serving Puhoi to Ruakaka.

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

MATAKANA TANK CLEANING the tank cleaning specialists

Time for your water tank to get a clean? Phone Brett today, 021 169 4479

info@matakanatankcleaning.co.nz | www.matakanatankcleaning.co.nz

LIBERTY SHUTTLES TOURS NZ & AIRPORT DIRECT • Events - golf, fishing and more • Other options on request • Discount for group bookings Neale Stevens (owner operator) 0800 99 55 11 | 09 420 5366 or 021 447 455 libertyshuttles@gmail.com | libertyshuttles.co.nz

| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

Phone 0800 14 15 30 • 09 426 9150 35 Forge Road, Silverdale

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127

Phone Darcy 021 482 308

ABSOLUTE CONCRETE Moosome Concrete Troughs!

09 431 2211 sales@absoluteconcrete.co.nz

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WATER

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w o H do your customers find you?

Household Water Deliveries 0800 747 928

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mobile: 027 556 6111

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Pumps & Filters Water Treatment Spa & Pool Shop Water Testing Valet Service Water Blasters Tanks & Sprayers 24 Hour Mobile & Workshop Service 31 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth 09 425 9100 splashwater@xtra.co.nz

Shop hours Mon - Fri 8am-5pm Sat 9am-12pm

Classifieds ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LETCHER Alison Joyce 28.12.1940 - 6.10.2021 Jim, Peter, Derek, Karleen and the entire Letcher family extend our love and sincere thanks to family, friends, Alison's care team and the greater Warkworth community for the kind thoughts and warm expressions of love and support following the loss of our treasured Alison - Wife, Mum, Nana, Nana Kiwi, Sister. Your enduring support during this time has been a great comfort to us all and is much appreciated. If you wish to honour Alison further she had asked that friends and family plant something in her memory. "Always a smile, instead of a frown, always a hand, when one was down. Always true, thoughtful and kind, wonderful memories she left behind." AERIALS

SCHOLLUM Desmond William (Des) 14.2.1938 - 4.8.2021 Heather, Mary, John, Pip and their families thank all those who attended Des’ funeral. The love the family received, the flowers, cards, phone calls, food and everything else meant more than you’d ever imagine. Special thanks to the friends and colleagues who visited Des and cheered him up. To the people who helped make things easier so he could continue doing the things he loved - farming and stock work, thank you. Des would have been humbled at the number of those who attended the Mass and came to Bridge House for the afternoon. Bridge House, you organised a wonderful afternoon, thank you. Dean from besoul Funerals, Des chose you and would have been very happy with your professional, caring help provided to the family. To all those who donated to Kindney Health NZ, thank you. Monsignor David Tonks, you helped us to organise a Mass that Des would have appreciated, we could not have done it without you, thank you. God bless you all. The deadline for classified advertising for our December 20 paper is December 15. Send classified advertising enquiries to design@ localmatters.co.nz DRIVEWAYS

REDDING ELECTRONICS Freeview Installs, Satellite Dish, UHF Aerial. Installation & Repairs. Ph Dave 09 422 7227 or 027 458 5457

MAINTENANCE Grading, rolling & metalling for rural Driveways. No job too BIG or small. Ph Trevor 021 0225 5606

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

DVDS & VIDEOS

A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/ Simpson dryers. Prompt service 021 168 7349.

DVD

V I D E O S TRANSFERRED to DVD/hard drive. Phone or txt Tetotara Video 021 777 385.

CHRISTMAS SALE

World of Jolie

Luxurious fine quality Home Fragrances and Body Care products. Candles, Diffusers, Body scrub and Hand wash, Room Sprays etc. EDT House Christmas Sale — One Day Only 11th December 9am-1pm. 30% off min. Come along and bring a friend—you will be glad you did! 3 Gerontius Lane, Snells Beach 022 429 7556. Sale is also online—discounts taken at checkout. www.jolie.co.nz

www.localmatters.co.nz www.localmatters.co.nz

HAIRDRESSING

PUBLIC NOTICES

MOBILE HAIRDRESSER

SECTION 101 SALE & SUPPLY OF ALCOHOL ACT, 2012 Croc-A-Billys Boaties Bar Limited of Kawau Island (Licensed Premise Operator) has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Auckland for the renewal of an On and Off Licence in respect of the premises situated at Bon Accord Harbour, Kawau Island known as Kawau Boating Club. The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is a tavern with ancillary off-licence. The days on which, and the hours during which liquor is sold under the licenses are On-Licence: Monday to Sunday 8am to 12 midnight; Off-Licence: Monday to Sunday 8am to 11pm. This application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Auckland Council at Henderson, Manukau, Orewa, Papakura, Pukekohe, Takapuna or at 24 Wellesley Street, Auckland Central or by requesting a copy to alcohol_licensing_central@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the grant of the application may, not later than fifteen working days from 18th November 2021, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Private Bag 92-300, Auckland 1142 or to the email address above. This is the only publication of this notice. No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale & Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

Working around the greater Warkworth Region. Enjoy getting your haircut in the comfort of your home. Call Rebecca 021 0825 8242 HOME WORKSHOP TOOLS WANTED HOME WORKSHOP TOOLS WANTED What have you? Phone 09 422 6075 HOME & MAINTENANCE

Blue Skies Cleaning Window Cleaning, Soft Bio House Wash, Gutter Clean, All Exterior Cleaning, Water Blasting, Roof Treatment, Local Professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849

COLLINS ELECTRONICS HAVE YOU LOST PRIME?

IN MEMORIAM

Or need your Freeview box tuned for the new channels? TV repairs, microwave oven repairs, Freeview installations. Ph Paul 09 422 0500 or 027 29 222 04

KIWI ROOTS Palm & Tree Maintenance, Removal, Mulching, Stump Grinding and Hedge work. Free quotes. Phone 020 4027 6200. www.kiwiroots.co.nz WATER FILTERS - Underbench, Whole house, UV & water spotting, Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 021 278 7427 healthy@ aquaworks.co.nz WATER PUMPS - No water? Old cast iron pump? Sales Service & Installation. Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 021 278 7427 healthy@aquaworks.co.nz WINDOW CLEANING/ HOUSEWASH/GUTTER CLEANING Local professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849. HORSE TRUCKS & FLOATS REID EQUESTRIAN ENGINEERING, Wellsford. Float rebuilds, horse truck conversions, etc. Dog kennels made to measure. Quality work. Ph Ron 423 9666

SITUATIONS VACANT

REGISTERED NURSE

SHIRLEY POPHAM TOD Passed 06/12/19 Beloved Mother In Law, Nan & Great Nan Missing your Smiles Missing your presence Love Pam & Family WANTED TO BUY

OLD BARN WANTED Looking for a timber framed agricultural building eg. barn, wool shed in traditional style to relocate. All possibilities considered. Email Lauren laurendreschermail@gmail.com

Sudoku

Solution

Come and join us! Hours to suit, part or full-time. Lovely surroundings in the country near the sea and Matakana. Bethany Hill Dementia Care is looking for a third nurse to join our team. Suit someone thinking of retiring, as light work, or someone starting out, who would like to work in a good supportive environment. No night duty but some on-call occasionally. Contact: admin@bethanyhill.co.nz

SECURITY GUARDS AND ALARM/CCTV TECHNICIANS REQUIRED

Immediate start. Casual, parttime or fulltime options with Insite Security, a local company servicing Puhoi to Waipu. You will need to be reliable and good with people. A COA is preferable. Phone 09 425 7113 scott@insitesecurity.co.nz

“

Advertising is totally unnecessary ... unless you want to make money. Jef I. Richards

”

Rating values delayed

Updated rating valuations for the Auckland region have been delayed and are now expected to be available in March 2022. Auckland Council says the COVID-19 pandemic has added layers of complexity which have affected the council’s ability to complete the revaluation this year. An audit conducted by the Office of the Valuer General determined that the council and its valuation partner Quotable Value need to do more work on the values before they will be ready for release. December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

In Voyage Autour de mon Jardin (A Tour around my Garden) French author Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr writes “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.” Despite the challenges of this year,

when among the been easy, there’s still

We’ve developed new skills, learnt zoom etiquette (“you’re still on mute!”), and mastered working and learning from home. We’ve been adaptive and creative, finding ways to connect with friends and family, running quizzes and events, adapting and innovating. We’ve read more books, dusted off old board games, got out the cards and had much more quality family time.

has remained high while our work-life balance has improved. We’ve gone for more walks, and have connected much more with nature. We’ve discovered new parts of our neighbourhood, and connected more with our neighbours. We’ve wasted less money and been more discerning in our spending, consuming far less, growing far more and focussing much more on sustainability.

Here at Mahurangi College we’ve tried to be agile and responsive to the challenges thrown up by covid. We’ve introduced hybrid teaching, allowing students to continue learning regardless of their circumstances. Our prefects have run fun events to keep engagement and morale high. And with the support of our BOT we’ve run a mini creche for staff, allowing them the flexibility to continue working on site to support our students. The students have been fantastic, taking every twist and turn in their stride.

Issue 07 2021

Psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer says the pandemic lockdown has given families more quality time together. “Never before, in modern history, have so many parents spent so much time in one place with their children. The simple pleasures in life are being rediscovered too - a family walk has become a precious time of the day that everyone looks forward to, something many families may never have enjoyed before. These are all things that would not have happened in the usual hustle and bustle of pre-lockdown life.” Yes, we’ve learnt to slow down, take our time, potter about and contemplate. We’ve simplified many aspects of our lives, and in doing so rediscovered balance and the importance of perspective. Our commutes have lessened, and there’s been far less traffic around. The air seems cleaner. We’re no longer wasting hours sitting stressed in a car, and we feel better because of it. Our productivity

we step back and reflect we can find many roses thorns that have tested us. It certainly hasn’t and while we’ve all been scratched a few times, plenty of roses to pick if we look hard enough.

Holding on to these benefits post pandemic will be important. While we all look forward to an easing of restrictions, let’s strive to maintain some of those benefits we’ve all accrued. Film director Taika Waititi has said, “I love heroes that really go through ordeals and then come out the other end completely changed.” I ‘borrowed’ these words in acknowledging students who have achieved “through” the “ordeals”. All our Cultural, Maori and Pasifika, Sports and

MAHUHUKITERANGI CHALLENGING. EXCELLING. BELONGING. OUR PLACE

| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

Senior Academic award winners and Blues recipients can be viewed on our website. Of all years, these awards are testimony to hard work, dedication, talent and skill. As always, this success also recognises the support of community, family, friends and whānau. Our Prefects for 2022 have been selected. Welcome to Head Prefects, Amelia Burton and James Webb, and to Deputy Heads, Rachel McGuire and Finn Stevenson. Our thanks to this years Prefects for your enthusiasm, mindfulness and genuine care of your whānau. I wish all our leavers the very best for your next journey. Take care, enjoy the Christmas holidays, and always look on the bright side of life! A massive thank you for all your efforts to help us get there. Tony Giles - PRINCIPAL

WWW.MAHURANGI.SCHOOL.NZ

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Thank you! Mahurangi College Staff and Students would like to thank our Sponsors who donate the many prizes and Scholarships for our Annual Prize Giving. Please support the businesses that support the young people in our community.

MAHUHUKITERANGI CHALLENGING. EXCELLING. BELONGING. OUR PLACE

www.localmatters.co.nz

WWW.MAHURANGI.SCHOOL.NZ

December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

RAINCLOUD TRUSTED WATER DELIVERY EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. FAST RELIABLE DELIVERY

WE’RE THE FIRST TO BRING YOU

+ Rainfall figures for November 77mm

93mm

Wellsford

Leigh Whangateau

83.5mm

127mm Topuni

The new boat will service the northern half of the Kaipara Harbour, including around the Oruawharo and Otamatea rivers.

Matakana Dome Valley

114mm

70.7mm

Warkworth

73.7mm

Kaipara Flats

72.5mm

Coastguard secures America’s Cup chase boat

72.5mm

Takatu

Sandspit

North Kaipara Coastguard’s operations have got a substantial boost thanks to a new rescue boat, which it took possession of last week. The new boat was purchased brand new for use as a chase boat in the America’s Cup earlier this year, but has now been refitted as a rescue boat. It is the second of 26 boats being gifted to Coastguard as part of a partnership between Emirates Team New Zealand and Lotto NZ. The new rescue boat gives the North Kaipara unit the ability to perform rescues beyond the bar. It will be able to respond faster to incidents across the massive 950-square kilometre harbour, which it

Snells Beach

76.9mm

84mm

Algies Bay

Spotlight on Warkworth Highest rainfall day November 13 (30mm)

Year to date: 1332.5mm

Fact: The November total in Warkworth was just 2mm less the 20-year average. At 1332.5mm, the year so far is tracking ahead of the average of 1287mm thanks to a wet September and October. * All figures collected by Mahurangi Matters. Do not reproduce without the permission of Local Matters Inc.

www.Raincloud.co.nz | 0800 50 44 50

Want Your D L House O

Wed

Thu

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2am 4am 6pm 6pm

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Sat Thu

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Dec Aug12 6

Mon Sat

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Tue Sun

Dec Aug14 8

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Thu Sat

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10:18am 8:00am 10:45pm 8:21pm

5:57am 7:12am 8:35pm 5:42pm Sun

Best BestAt At

11:11am 8:42am 11:38pm 9:03pm

To volunteer for North Kaipara Coastguard, contact James at faj@xtra.co.nz.

Don’t Delay call Mick Fay today! 021 544 769

Area Sea Watch

patrols alongside a unit based in Helensville. It is the first time that North Kaipara Coastguard has owned a rescue boat outright, having previously had a smaller vessel on loan from Coastguard New Zealand. Crewman James Foster says that up until 2014, the unit was responding to distress calls in “vessels of opportunity” – in other words, volunteers’ own boats. In anticipation of the new boat, the wider Kaipara community has fundraised for a new tractor and to widen the shed door at North Kaipara Coastguard’s centre of operations in Tinopai.

5:57am 7:11am 8:35pm 5:43pm

Best BestAt At

12:04pm 9:24am Fishing Guide 9:44pm

5:57am 7:10am 8:36pm 5:44pm

Best Best BestAt At At

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Mon Sat

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Wed Mon

Dec Aug 22 16

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Mick Fay 54

Licensee Agent Snells Beach 021 544 769 E. mick.fay@raywhite.com W. https://mickfay.raywhite.com/

| Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

What’s on See www.localmatters.co.nz/whats-on/ for a full list of upcoming events

December February

THANK YOU for helping us to raise funds in 2021

til 12 Beyond What Eyes Can See exhibition, Orewa Estuary Arts (see story p26) 6-11

Lions Club of Kowhai Coast, Christmas stall, Museum Op Shop, 28 Baxter St, Warkworth. 10am-3pm daily, excluding Sundays.

Twilight Market, St John Hall, Kaiwaka, 5pm. Stallholders welcome, $15 per site. Please sign in and wear a mask. Info: Sandy on 020 4130 3026

Point Wells Library book sale, Point Wells Hall, 9am-12.30pm. All proceeds go to buy new library books.

11-19 Art exhibition at Cafe Sandspit, 10am-5pm. Ceramics and multimedia works, watercolour paintings, acrylic paintings, mounted and framed work, calendars and books. Supporting Kawau Coastguard. 12

Sunday Christmas Shopping, Warkworth, 9am-1pm. Meet Santa, enjoy the rides, grab a coffee and a bite to eat (see story p21)

Kaukapakapa Village Market, 947 Kaipara Coast Highway SH16, 8.30am-1pm. Info: www.facebook.com/kaukapakapavillagemarket

Sunday Christmas Shopping, Warkworth, 9am-1pm. Meet Santa, enjoy the rides, grab a coffee and a bite to eat (see story p21)

January

1 CANCELLED: Warkworth Rodeo, Warkworth Showgrounds (see brief p41) 2 Funday at Birds Beach, Journey’s End, Tapora. Games, races, raffles, sausage sizzle, sales of Tapora caps, stubby holders and more. Proceeds to Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

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

Summer is here - Book your instal this month l and receive our

10% OFF deal

The Power of the Sausage will continue in 2022 to support       

Snells Beach Fire Dept - January The Animal Sanctuary - February The NZ Coastguard - March Adults in Motion - April St Johns Ambulance - May Jane Gifford Society - June The Rotary Foundation - July

Mehran Zareian Branch Manager

Brian Tuck

President

Coast & Country

Awnings  Canopies  Carports  Outdoor Screens  Shade Sails  Contract Fabrication and Installation 

022 342 4082 | Unit 10, 30 Hudson Road, Warkworth www.shadedesign.co.nz | info@shadedesign.co.nz

www.localmatters.co.nz

December 6, 2021 | Mahurangimatters |

Plans for Sandspit Wharf transformation Auckland Council has proposed a radical shake-up of the Sandspit Wharf area in a bid to get maximum use out of limited space and create a hub where the community can come together and meet. Council’s concept plan would see the removal of the information centre/ferry ticket office, demolition of the Sandspit Café, relocation of the toilets, provision of extra green space and more car parking. The current carpark attendant’s house would be refitted to create a multi-use building that would accommodate the ticket office, café and information centre. Council head of area operations Oliver Kunzendorff says the multi-use centre would be a one-stop shop for visitors and would take advantage of the magnificent trees that are around the house for people to sit, relax and dine under. In addition, a single multi-use building, rather than three separate buildings would reduce maintenance costs. Moreover, the changes would free up space for additional carparks near the wharf entrance. Part of the concept plan calls for the creation of an overflow parking area at Sandspit Reserve – an area next to the Sandspit marina carpark, which would be available over summer only. “There is a parking capacity problem at Sandspit, which normally starts on Labour Day weekend and runs through until February. Often vehicles are unable to find any parking in the carpark or even along the roadside in the surrounding area,” Mr Kunzendorff says. Mr Kunzendorff says Council has consulted with several Sandspit and Kawau community groups over the proposed changes, and their feedback is being evaluated. Once this is done, the proposals will be considered by the Rodney Local Board. But the concept plan has received a chilly response from the Sandspit Residents and Ratepayers Association (SRRA). Chair Greg Doherty says the SRRA does not support demolition of the information centre and café, moving the toilets or the creation of the multi-use building. Reasons include poor use of the space to create

A Council map highlighting proposed major changes at Sandspit wharf.

The plan calls for the toilets to be moved.

only a few additional car parks, loss of iconic views from the café and the current car park attendant’s house not being big enough to accommodate the functions that are envisaged. The SRRA is especially opposed to the use of Sandspit Reserve to create a temporary carpark during the peak holiday season for cars with boat trailers. Mr Doherty says residents are ready to chain themselves to trees or pitch tents in the reserve area to block the move. In an SRRA newsletter, Mr Doherty writes that a rapidly increasing Auckland

The current information centre would be demolished, replaced by a multi-use building.

population will continue to put pressure on facilities at Sandspit. “We welcome visitors to our region, but not at the expense of the residents of Sandspit,” he says. Lin Pardey, chair of the Kawau Island advisory committee, which advises the

Rodney Local Board, says islanders also have several concerns about the concept plan. These include a lack of dedicated carparking spaces for Kawau islanders, a lack of a dedicated exit for Sandspit’s main carpark and a restricted ability for cars and buses to turn around in the wharf area.

For a full range of family medical care, including A&M services in an integrated system 24 hours a day, across our region, including public holidays For further information and new enrolments, please contact any of our clinics

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Call 09 423 8086 for 8pm to 8am URGENT DOCTOR SERVICE - WELLSFORD 56 | Mahurangimatters | December 6, 2021