Mahurangi Matters_Issue 286_16 December 2015

December 2015 September16, 2, 2015

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Merry Christmas

& thank you

Dozens of local families will have presents under the tree this Christmas thanks to the generosity of the Mahurangi community. The five-week Buy Local – Give Local appeal wrapped up last week, netting $645 in vouchers and a mountain of presents. Homebuilders in Warkworth and Otamatea Community Services will distribute the gifts to families who need a helping hand. Editor Jannette Thompson (left) handed over the donations to Liz Cole, from Homebuilders, and also thanked More FM Rodney for their help in promoting the appeal.

Building Matakana pages 24-26

Rural news

pages 30-33

Tempers flare over mangrove removal Emotions boiled over at two mangrove clearing days held in the Mahurangi area last month.

Police were called to an altercation at Point Wells on November 14, where a 57-year-old man received an injury to his mouth, which required medical attention.

A 58-year-old man was subsequently charged with assault and was

remanded at large when he appeared in the North Shore District Court.

A similar incident occurred at Sandspit.

A resident who raised concerns about the size of the mangroves being cleared, which he believed was in breach of the rules, was accosted. No charges were laid but the association was issued with a formal warning by Auckland Council.

Both altercations occurred during mangrove clearing days organised by local residents and ratepayers groups.

Point Wells association vice president Laurence Eyres says about 70 volunteers, including children, were involved in the Point Wells event, which is held twice a year.

“We held a briefing before the clearing started so that everyone understood

what they could legally clear,” Laurence says. “Unfortunately, the man involved in the incident, arrived late and missed the briefing.

“It seems that he was removing a more mature mangrove when a neighbour objected in a non-polite way. It was a very unfortunate incident which we don’t want to see happen again.”

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

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Mangroves cause a kerfuffle Dr Eyres says volunteers were working over a large area. In future, the work would be restricted to a more compact space so clearing can be monitored.

During the two-hour working bee, seven trailer loads of cuttings were removed and burned.

“We started removing mangroves three years ago and I believe it is having an impact. People don’t want to see the harbour and river choked up more than it is now.”

Historical perspective However, marine biologist Dr Roger Grace says there is a mistaken belief that the harbour was once free of mangroves.

He says that, in fact, old survey maps dating back to the 1880s show lots of mangroves in the northern inlets of the harbour.

“When cattle were allowed to graze on the sand flats large tracts of mangroves disappeared. Those images that people are relying on from the 1940s don’t give an accurate picture of the natural state of the harbour at all.”

Sandspit Residents and Ratepayers chair Ken Bogue says the behaviour of the anti-mangrove seedling removal group has been intimidating on two separate occasions.

“At last month’s event, members of their group sat on a rise on the road and watched through binoculars, taking photographs. One of their party came down to where a small group of volunteers was working and, from what I am told, stood over them in an intimidating manner as if to

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oversee the seedling pulling,” Ken says.

“Apparently, one of the volunteers took exception to the man’s behaviour, stood up and told the gentleman to ‘go away’ in Billy Connolly fashion.

“As an organisation, we have made it clear that we need to act within the rules and only remove what is allowed, otherwise we would need to withdraw our support for any further such days.

The level of community support shows that there is a strong group that does not want to just stand-by and watch Sandspit become a forest of mangroves.”

Misconceptions Plant ecologist and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) senior lecturer Sebastian Leuzinger, whose father-in-law has a bach at Point Wells, doesn’t think it matters much whether small patches of mangrove forest are removed or not.

“There are some widespread misconceptions that seem to persist even among members of Council and Crown Research Institute (CRI) scientists,” he says.

“For instance, the only NZ mangrove (Avicennia marina) is a native species that has lived here for the past 19 million years, long before humans even evolved. It is not a weed, it is not a pest, and it is certainly not an invasive species by any definition.”

Sebastian says humans are the most likely reason for mangrove expansion over the past decades, probably via agricultural effluent into waterways, but possibly also via global warming and

from page 1 higher levels of CO2 in our atmosphere.

“While it is true that our mangroves host less biodiversity than their tropical counterparts, they are probably just as important in filtering pollutants and protecting us from tsunami and sea level rise.”

He says the other point to acknowledge is that where mangroves are removed, mudflats return, not sandy beaches as some people suggest.

Sebastian leads a research group at the Institute for Applied Ecology NZ at AUT, studying mangroves for an entirely different reason than to inform policy makers.

“Just like brain development is studied using fruit flies as a model organism, we use mangrove trees to clarify basic yet unresolved questions in tree physiology. We probably know more about the surface of the moon than we know about water transport in trees!

“While doing our research and talking to locals, we have often wondered why mangroves are such an emotionally loaded topic. Taking into account the above facts, why can’t we agree to remove mangroves where access ways to boat ramps and jetties are blocked, and leave them in other areas?

“They rarely block sea views, and what exactly makes a mudflat prettier to look at than the greenness of a mangrove canopy?”

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

3

Briefs Araparera update

Repair of the groynes at Omaha had become urgent.

Omaha Beach groynes get major overhaul A major reconstruction project on the groynes at Omaha will be carried out next June/July.

The three groynes, which were built in the 1970s to counter severe erosion at the northern end of the spit, sustained serious damage in a storm in 2013.

Omaha Beach Community Inc president Peter Hooper says the delay in getting Auckland Council to recognise the urgency of the work has been frustrating, but he is pleased the project has finally been given the go-ahead.

“It is a major piece of infrastructure that is critical to Omaha Beach,” he says.

Council senior project manager Ian Murray says tenders for the work will be called in the New Year.

“We did a 40-metre section on the most vulnerable section of the main groyne last year, which went well,” Mr Murray says.

“Although the groynes are still doing their job, some of the big rocks on the outside of the walls have broken down. All you’d need is a really bad storm to cause a blowout in a critical part of the structure to undermine the system.”

Mr Murray says the project is an unusual one because of the delicate nature of the environment.

“We’ve planned the work to avoid the dotterel nesting season and the trucks will also need to work around the tides.

“Additionally, the basalt rock we need

is fairly specific to the point that it could mean identifying in the tender documents exactly what quarry it has to come from.”

It’s estimated that the work could involve 500 to 800 tonnes of rock and 200-plus truck movements along the beach.

Notices advising beachgoers to avoid the area will be posted when construction starts.

The Rodney Local Board has set aside $1.7 million over three years for the project.

The groynes act as a compartments which trap the sand in sufficient volume to recreate a natural barrier between the sea and the land.

An independent audit of the Araparera forestry project has raised questions around how the proceeds should be shared between the joint venture partners.

Panuku Development Auckland portfolio management director Ian Wheeler says the questions relate to what should be included in calculating the shares, based on the wording and intent within the original agreement.

“We are still going through a process to determine how exactly the shares from the milling of the trees at Araparera will be allocated between the Maori Trustees and Auckland Council,” he says. “This will not change the total proceeds, simply how the proceeds are allocated. This is expected to be completed before Christmas with all proceeds and interest earned having been paid out. Once this is finalised, the audit report will be made available.”

Mr Wheeler says that with regard to the roadworks that can be funded from the proceeds, Auckland Transport will support the Rodney Local Board in determining where the funds will be spent.

The audit was undertaken by Accru Chartered Accountants. The proceeds from the 30-year forestry venture amount to $2.44 million plus interest.

Grange sales Two of three retail units in the Grange development on SH1, at the southern entrance of Warkworth, were sold at auction on December 2. The Coffee Club went for $1.55 million and Bottle-O liquor shop for $1.16 m, with the Indian restaurant still unsold.

Bayleys Real Estate marketed the properties. Agent Matt Lee said there was a significant level of interest in the auction room, with a mix of parties bidding in the room and several via the phone. “Throughout the campaign we had a good level of inquiry and positive reaction to these new shops, especially with very few other similar investment properties currently available in this location,” he said.

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YOU S AY Email letters to editor@localmatters.co.nz

See story below

Omaha dotterel team mourns cat attack

The kauri tree opposite Sandspit that has its roots close to the saltwater (most unusual) has died along with the neighbouring pine trees, all at the same time.

Has anybody any ideas as to why this has happened?

My father, the late Frank Hudson, and Marcus Dill pointed out this unusual tree to me over 55 years ago.

Nigel Hudson

Signage sigh For years, every time I drove round Bangladeshi Corner on my way to Matakana, I was vexed by the sign, high up in the air, telling me to “Relax – your (sic) on Matakana time”.

That sign has gone, but Ascension Winery is at it now. Going in the opposite direction, I am now exhorted by their otherwise excellent signage to “Drive safe (sic)”.

Never mind.

Yours adverbally, Martin Lefley, Leigh We welcome your feedback but letters under 300 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge them as necessary.

Unabridged versions can be read at localmatters.co.nz/opinion. Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or PO Box 701, Warkworth

Night photos at the sanctuary, taken after the dotterel died, clearly show a cat on the prowl.

This photo was taken just days before a pet cat killed this dotterel. Photo, Marie Ward

behind the predator-proof fence, at low tide. Currently, the fence finishes at the high tide mark.

They have asked Council on numerous occasions to extend the fence, but have had no response.

Denis says the dotterel was banded as a chick in Mangawhai in 1997.

“It was well-known to the volunteers and was a successful breeder over many years. Its loss is very sad.”

The Shorebird Trust recommends that

cat owners feed their cats inside, keep their animals in at night and fit them with an identity collar and bell.

“We take every opportunity to lecture locals and we know there are a lot of responsible cat owners, but a lot of properties are used for short-term rentals and these are the people who may not be aware of the damage one cat can do.”

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Kauri murder mystery

A domestic cat is believed to have killed one of Omaha’s prime breeding dotterels.

The male bird was found on the foreshore near the boat ramp and a Department of Conservation autopsy revealed that it died of puncture wounds to the back and crush injuries, which are consistent with a cat attack.

The other telltale sign was that the bird was not eaten.

Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust volunteer Denis O’Callahan says that feral cats hunt for food, whereas pet cats hunt for sport.

Denis says that while the cat remains at large, it will continue to predate on the dotterels.

Trust chair Dr Marie Ward adds that if the cat is not caught, it could decimate the entire population of breeding dotterels in the sanctuary.

She says dotterel males sit on the nest at night, which makes them particularly vulnerable to predation by cats.

“Not only have we lost this dotterel, but the female would have abandoned the nest when the male did not return so the eggs have been lost, too.”

The trust has set traps in the hope of catching the cat. Since the attack, they have seen feline footprints and caught an image on camera.

“Any public assistance in identifying this cat would be appreciated,” Denis says.

The trust members believe the cat probably accessed the sanctuary,

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

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Short story winner Bob Sharp.

Teen section winner Lauren BrebnerFox, who is a Year 10 student at Mahurangi College.

Winning writers rewarded The story of a classroom competition and a young boy’s enthusiastic participation has won first prize in the 2015 Mahurangi Matters Short Story Competition.

The story titled A Question of Bias was written by Bob Sharp of Sandspit.

Judges Lisa Outwin and Lorraine Orman’s comments were as follows: “This is a well-written, gently humorous story with realistic characters and dialogue: it should appeal to all ages. Set in a country school classroom, the story has a satisfying shape, with a good balance between the various descriptive passages. We particularly liked the clever reveal of the class competition winner at the end.”

The runner-up in the open fiction section was Bo Blazey with his story A Coastal Wonderland.

The judges commented, “This powerful story stood out from the others because of the ominous theme and futuristic setting. Skilful building of tension and revealing of the characters’ back stories have been combined to create a totally believable scenario. We liked the contrast between the idyllic rural

setting and the suspense of the plot developments.”

Although the number of entries in the teen section was disappointing, the calibre of entries was high. The winner was Lauren Brebner-Fox for her story Exsanguination.

“The author uses dramatic figurative language to craft a chilling story about death. The reader is taken into the mind of the victim, vividly experiencing the sounds and feelings of a girl suffering the last few minutes of her life. This is a taut and gripping story.”

All three stories will be published in next month’s paper, out on January 13.

All entries will be published at localmatters.co.nz at the same time.

Mahurangi Matters editor Jannette Thompson thanked everyone who took the time and made the effort to enter.

“The high standard of entries shows that there is a great deal of talent in our community,” Jannette says. “If the competition helps encourage and foster local story telling, then it will definitely remain an annual event.”

Entries for next year’s competition will open in June.

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Mahurangi River restoration project inches forward While the wheels are turning slowly on setting up a targeted dredging and clearing programme in the Mahurangi River, there are signs that a resource consent application could be lodged in the first half of next year.

The Mahurangi River Restoration Trust is spearheading the dredging project and has received $20,000 from the Rodney Local Board to clarify the scope of the work needed and its viability.

Currently, navigation of the river for most vessels is limited to about 2.5 hours either side of high tide.

The proposal is to dredge about six kilometres of the worst affected sections of the river – between Dawson and Hepburn Creeks, and the Cement Works and the town basin – to create a 15-metre wide and at least 1.5 metre deep channel.

Trustee Peter Thompson says the need for the dredging is becoming more urgent in terms of keeping the restored scow Jane Gifford in Warkworth.

At present, the vessel is restricted to exiting and entering Warkworth an hour-and-a-half to two hours either side of high tide. This is severely limiting what she can be used for and the funds that can be raised for her upkeep.

“We recently had her out of the river for survey and found damage along the bottom where she’d been sitting on the mud,” Peter says. “It wasn’t serious, but it’s not what you want to see. She belongs to the people of NZ

A dredging barge, along with the tug Clearwater (pictured), will facilitate the restoration of a safe, navigable route up the Mahurangi River.

and we have a responsibility to ensure she is operated properly.”

Engineering reports suggest that the river system receives about 100,000 tonnes of sediment every year, from a catchment that covers roughly 113 square kilometres.

It’s anticipated that, initially, more than 87,000 cubic metres of spoil will need to be removed.

Peter says tests have shown that the content of the spoil is benign and the plan is to dispose of it on low-lying land, out of the Coastal Management Area.

“Rather than treating it as a waste product, it will be used as a resource,” he says.

“The river bed is littered with everything from fallen trees and logs to engine blocks and truck tyres so removing these will also form part of the project.”

Peter acknowledges that there are numerous Regional and District Plan consents required for any dredging and disposal works, which require a carefully planned approach. But he is eager to get the work started.

“The longer we leave it, the harder it will be. I’d like to think this project will become a template for other towns in NZ who want to restore and maintain their rivers.”

The trust also faces the fact large scale dredging and the related requirements for enduring maintenance are not currently considered to be a core function of Auckland Council and, therefore, is unlikely to attract significant funding.

Peter says it’s thanks to the generosity of companies such as Buckton Consulting Surveyors, Hutchinson Consulting Engineers and O’Connor Planning, the Rodney Local Board, Council staff and the ongoing support of members of the community, that the project has been able to progress.

“Once we have the consents we need, we will have to apply to funding agencies for grants to carry out the work.”

Meanwhile, Peter has recently returned from the Netherlands where he completed a six-day UNESCOendorsed seminar on dredging.

Participants attended from all over the world and were addressed on best practice by world leaders in the field. “It was a fascinating week that confirmed in my mind that the methodology that we are using here is 100 per cent on track in terms of the environment. What we’re doing fits right within the ethos of modern dredging practices.”

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Viewpoint Steven Garner, Rodney Local Board steven.garner@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Much has been achieved The Local Board has resolved to spend more on capital in the next two years than we have capital available. One of the mechanisms to do this is committing to a permanent reduction in the funds we are allocated in a Locally Driven Initiative budget. I was absent at the time this was passed and am vehemently opposed to committing this funding in this way. It seriously undermines our Board members verbose rhetoric about Council overspend and imprudent spending policies. This will be one of the issues I will be challenging next year.

Next year will also see the construction of the Mansel Drive bridge. This is a critical ‘local’ Warkworth road. Connection north and south to the west of the existing SH1 will make a significant difference to traffic movement. There may be new issues as a result, but to be able to walk or cycle or drive from the Mahurangi College to the primary school or the sports fields, without going out to SH1, will be a massive improvement. This road will also provide an obvious corridor for the development of additional commercial and industrial land, and will better connect the existing retail/industrial areas from Woodcocks/Morrison to Hudson Road. The RONs [Puhoi to Warkworth motorway] and an eventual Matakana Link will enhance the movement of traffic through and around this town further. Hooray!

There are further very local issues, the connection to new and old Alnwick Street, Hill Street, and a host of others. We will continue to make noise and eventually these will be addressed also.

This has been a pretty good year for your Local Board. Rodney is a large and complex space. Your Local Board has to work harder to provide the same level of service and visibility of that in geographically smaller Local Board areas.

However, we have managed to provide funding for community groups and projects across the ward and Council has continued to spend money on a couple of particularly large projects in our area. The Warkworth Town Hall and the Warkworth Showgrounds, in particular, are examples of this. Council has also spent millions of dollars underground, upgrading wastewater treatment plants and infrastructure in the south of the ward and is planning to continue to upgrade facilities in the north and east in coming years. Matakana Hill is being sealed at last and next year Takatu Road is looking likely to get the same. Sports fields and courts including the netball/tennis courts at Whangateau have been renewed. Sea walls have been constructed, footpaths and cycleways have been extended and are being planned, and importantly our communities are being supported. In 2016, these things need to continue to happen.

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8 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

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Santa’s Little Helpers!

Thank you residents of Northern Rodney for believing in us, you’ve given us the ability to grow into the leading Real Estate Agency in the area.

Of course we give back when we get a gift like this, here’s some of the organisations and causes we’ve supported this year with your help; Mahurangi College Scholarship, Matakana Primary School, Mike Pero Foundation, Point Wells Christmas Letterbox Competition, Point Wells Community Centre, Point Wells Croquet Club, Point Wells Fete, Point Wells Library, Omaha Golf Club, Rodney Rams League Club, Warkworth Netball Club, Warkworth Town Hall Restoration, Wellsford Christmas Letterbox Competition, Wellsford Bowls Club, Wellsford Golf Club, Wellsford Primary School

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

Sarah Wells Wellsford 021 243 0333

Denise Pearson Wellsford 027 303 6001

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Avalon Sanders Warkworth 021 230 9515

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

Jodene Mildon Matakana 027 647 7775

Ross Bell Wellsford 021 022 07579

Valerie Hunter Snells Beach/Algies Bay 027 289 9532

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

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

9

Prices increase at Sandspit parking lot New parking fees have come into force at the Sandspit Wharf as Auckland Transport tries to free up spaces during summer.

AT is trialing a scheme with higher fees in the summer months, but discounted fees over winter.

Daily rates for cars or trailers have increased from $10 to $12 between December 1 and March 31, but rates in the off-season will be $6 a day, while rates for parking a car with trailer are now $18 a day in peak times and $12 a day in the off peak months.

But, the cost of parking year round has drastically increased in a bid to discourage people from storing their boats in the parking lot. The cost of parking a car for a year has gone from $300 to $1120, while fees for parking a car and trailer have gone from $350 to $2190, although lower rates are available for parking during the off-peak months (see table).

Negotiations between AT and Kawau Island residents have been stretching on all year as an earlier AT proposal would have significantly hiked fees for part-time residents, sparking outrage from islanders.

All ratepayers on Kawau Island will be charged the same discounted rate of $320 a year for a car, up from $260, and $810 a year for a car and trailer, up from $330.

Kawau Advisory Committee member Lin Pardey

says most islanders are happy with the result.

“Originally they were talking about increasing fees to $1200 a year for everybody, but after pretty serious negotiations, AT has realised the lifeblood of Kawau is the residents living there and we now only face a modest increase in fees,” Ms Pardey says.

“Although, I don’t think Kawau islanders should be paying anything for parking – we don’t get anything else for our rates.”

Forty parks reserved for Kawau residents have also been abolished, but five parks for boat/trailer parking will be available by ballot.

“It will make it difficult for people who live on the island fulltime. If they go shopping during the busy season they may find they don’t have a parking space when they return.”

The park is at capacity for about 12 days a year, she says.

Negotiations finished with a show of goodwill from AT, who agreed to donate a one-year permanent parking space to be auctioned off at the Music in the Gardens fundraiser at Mansion House on February 13. AT has also agreed to offer discounted parking rates on the day.

The new fees structure will be reviewed after March next year.

New Sandspit parking fees Annual Rates: Car or Trailer

Previous price

April 1 - November 30

Full year

General public Kawau ratepayers

$300 $260

$370 $320

$1120 $320

Annual Rates: Car with Trailer

Previous price

April 1 - November 30

Full year

General public Kawau ratepayers

$350 $330

$770 $670

$1520 $810

Daily rates:

Previous price

April 1 - November 30

December 1 - March 31

Car or trailer Car with trailer

$10 $13

$6 $12

$12 $18

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With Marco we visit some of the villages on the Cinque Terre Marco’s home! His knowledge of the flora and forna and the history of this unique terraced terrain is fascinating! Manarola - a fishing village with a small 14th century church set in a landscape of terraced vineyards.

Riomaggiore - walk down lovers lane to the medieval village built in a narrow valley. This tiny fishing harbour backs against the strange black rock strata, typical of the region. Franco will serve us lunch at his quaint fish restaurant specialising in local cuisine . . . is lobster on the menu today? will serve :wine from the surrounding hills, all included in the For 14He Travellers accommodation in high quality palaces, cost of the itinerary, of course! At a leisurely pace we return to our hotel, villas & convents. Regional cuisine, picturesque walks, of 4 nights, with a beautiful garden slopping down to the Mediterranean villas &agardens, & history, festivals & markets. Be Sea, for swim andart a ‘siesta’ as the Italian do!

The scenery – is travel breathtaking!

Then 3 nights on Lake d’Orta; 3 nights on immersed with locals.

Lake Como; 2 nights on Lake Garda exploring the lakes by private water With we visit some of the villages onbuilt the Cinque Terreand Marco’s taxi toMarco view the splendid villas and gardens by the rich famous home!

His knowledge of the flora and forna and the history of this unique of the past and present. terraced terrain is fascinating! Manarola - a fishing village with a small 14th century church set in a landscape of terraced vineyards.

Riomaggiore - walk down lovers lane to the medieval village built in a narrow valley. This tiny fishing harbour backs against the strange black rock strata, typical of the region. Franco will serve us lunch at his quaint fish restaurant specialising in local cuisine . . . is lobster on the menu

ITALIAN LAKES & Cinque Terre

Susan Williamson & John Percy www.travelitalyinstyle.com Ph 0800 387 872

Our regular clients choose to travel with us when “quality is better than quantity”! They thank us for immersing them in the real culture that the average traveller would never see. The age group of our ‘discerning’ travellers is generally 40’s to late 70’s, professional and like minded people all wanting to experience something have fun, Our regular new clients relax and choose totravel travelhassle with us free at a gentle pace! whenand “quality is better than quantity”! They thank

for immersing in for Accommodation in 4 and 5 star qualityus small family runthem hotels 3 and 4 nights, with sea and lake viewsthe in the centres realhistoric culture that the so you can be immersed in the daily lives of the locals! average traveller would We will introduce you to our Italian friends, us neverwho see.accompany The age group during parts of our daily program!! of our ‘discerning’ Daily ‘a la carte’ dining in local restaurants including and beverages. travellerswine is generally 40’s to late 70’s, professional Entry fees and all tipping included. likeshort minded people You will NOT be coach bound - we only and travel distances, refreshments en route included!! all wanting to experience something new have fun, relax and travel hassle free and at a gentle pace!

Accommodation in 4 and 5 star quality small family run hotels for 3 and 4 nights, with sea and lake views in the historic centres so you can be immersed in the daily lives of the locals!

We will introduce you to our Italian friends, who accompany us during parts of our daily program!!

Daily ‘a la carte’ dining in local restaurants including wine and beverages.

Entry fees and all tipping included.

You will NOT be coach bound - we only travel short distances, refreshments en route included!!

Carols stalwart Jennifer Eirena is off to Papua New Guinea.

Caroller heads off on island adventure Mahurangi singing teacher Jennifer Eirena compered Carols by Candlelight for the last time this month ahead of her move to Papua New Guinea on a threeyear project with her family.

Jennifer has been involved in the event for about five years and has led the event three times. She leaves for Papua New Guinea in January, with her husband Bruce and three children, Indianna, 15, Tynan, 14 and Arlen, 9.

“We will be working in a language project helping people translate and write down endangered languages as part of the Wycliffe Bible Translators project,” Jennifer says. “There are 880 languages in Papua New Guinea, with a population of just seven million.

There’s a lot of steep terrain and inter-tribal warfare, so communities have evolved separately and developed their own languages. But a lot of the languages are dying out and have never been written down.”

Jennifer’s parents worked in the Wycliffe project and she lived in Papua New Guinea until she was four.

“They learned three different languages each and then worked in the UK and Texas, training other people to take on the translation work.”

The family will be stationed in the Eastern Highlands village of Ukarumpa, where her children will go to school.

If you are interested in walking there are daily opportunities for walking at different levels during all our itineraries, if you wish!

And of course there are daily opportunities to sit, relax and ‘people watch’ and do your own exploring - we will recommend the ‘special’ places!

We have 44 years of accumulated knowledge, expertise and language skills enabling your travel experience to be memorable, travelling hassle free with no rush.

Susan Williamson and John Percy (Italian Citizen)formed Etruscan Pleasures (Italia) Ltd 25 years ago. Etruscan Pleasures journeys to Italy, including Sicily, are designed for 8 to 14 travellers.

If you are interested in walking there are daily opportunities for walking at different levels during all our itineraries, if you wish!

And of course there are daily opportunities to sit, relax and ‘people watch’ and do your own exploring - we will recommend the ‘special’ places!

We have 44 years of accumulated knowledge, expertise and language skills enabling your travel experience to be memorable, travelling hassle free with no rush.

Susan Williamson and John Percy (Italian Citizen)formed Etruscan Pleasures (Italia) Ltd 25 years ago. Etruscan Pleasures journeys to Italy, including Sicily, are designed for 8 to 14 travellers.

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

10 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

Items in the Warkworth and Districts Museum collection have become infested with borer.

Borer infest wooden artefacts

Louise Camelbeke hopes to one day dance with the

began in her role as museum manager four months ago. NZ Ballet.

“One of our volunteers had already contacted Te Papa national services, which offers regional museum support, and two guys involved in pest control, who were on their way to the clock museum Former Warkworth Primary School student Louise in Whangarei, called in and gave us advice on best Camelbeke, 12, has been accepted into the New practice in August,” she says. “They said we needed Zealand School of Dance. to get everything out of the museum before the Louise and her family moved to Orewa earlier this borer season, which is what we did.” year so she and her sister Lisa could pursue their The second stage is to treat the borer – which, in interests in the arts – Louise in dance and Lisa in this case, means freezing all the items to minus 20 drama. Their mother Chris says Louise hopes to become a professional ballet dancer and she was degrees for a week. Twice.

“The plan is to do that now and treat the borer. It very excited to be accepted into the school, after has to be done, it’s very important to preserve what auditioning in Auckland.

“The school’s programmes provide the best we have, and it will happen as soon as possible.” foundation on the path to becoming a professional Victoria says the actual timing depends on freezer dancer,” she says. “It will mean seven or eight trips to container availability, which starts to come under Wellington next year to work with some of the best Tracey Martin MP increased pressure at this time of year with outdoor teachers, training styles and facilities in NZ.” events, festivals and so on, but will take placeNew as Zealand First Spokesperson for: Louise& IT started dancing withScience the &Soul Movement Communications | Education | Research, Technology quickly as is practicable.

Women’sDance Affairs | Studio Youth Affairs in Warkworth about six years ago. She Select Committee: Education and Science The museum also has some minor borer infestation recently joined Fusion Dance in Orewa and has been in some of its outside buildings, including the Auckland old working Office: under the direction of the principal Rosanne 157A Kitchener Road, PO Box 31-119, Milford Auckland jail and army huts, but this can apparently be treated Sims. credits Louise’s success to the mentoring P 09 489 8336 | Chris tracey.martinmp@parliament.govt.nz with conventional chemical pesticides. and encouragement she has received from Rosanne.

Dancer recognised Martin A4 flyer.indd 1

28/09/12 11:52 AM

nzfirst.org.nz

I bring a fresh, energetic, practical approach to issues of importance that impact on you.

Tracey Martin New Zealand First List MP

An infestation of borer in a range of large wooden artefacts at the Warkworth & District Museum is being literally frozen out, thanks to advice from Te Papa Museum and a grant from Rodney Local Board.

The woodworm were discovered last year in some of the museum’s old kauri slabs, organs and agricultural implement handles. On advice from experts at Te Papa in Wellington, these items were removed from the building and placed in a container and now have to be frozen for up to a week to kill off the woodmunching pests.

Rodney board members agreed last month to a grant of $1570 for the museum, which will enable it to hire a freezer container, plus calico and plastic wrapping to protect the items while the freezing process is carried out.

Warkworth Museum manager Victoria Joule says the grant is very welcome, since they have already had to buy a container and to store all the borerinfested items away from other exhibits.

“That was a couple of thousand dollars,” she says, “And we’re non-profit – we rely on donations and grants, so that was a lot of money for us.”

She says the borer was first discovered just before she

Parliament Office: Freepost, Private Bag 18 888, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011 P 04 817 8361 | tracey.martin@parliament.govt.nz twitter.com/traceymartinmp | facebook.com/ tracey.martin.16144 nzfirst.org.nz

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and happy & prosperous New Year!

Tracey Martin, List MP based in Rodney.

Richard Prosser

Brendan Horan

Denis O’Rourke

Asenati Lole-Taylor

Office: Closed Dec 25th - Open Jan 6th Contact 09 425 7360 or Tracey.Martin@parliament.govt.nz

Tracey Martin, New Zealand First Barbara Stewart

Tracey Martin

Andrew Williams

facebook.com/traceymartinmp

Authorised By Tracey Martin, Parliament Buildings, Wellington Rt Hon Winston Peters

Shop 5, Riverside Arcade, 62 Queen St, Warkworth

twitter.com/traceymartinmp

New Zealand First MPs

CLOSING 11AM 23RD DECEMBER 2015 RE-OPENING 8AM, 11TH JANUARY 2016

realestate

December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

11

Warkworth’s expansion upsized in Council plans The area of development land in Warkworth has been upsized in Auckland Council’s latest strategy to build 400,000 houses in the region over the next 30 years.

The Future Urban Land Supply Strategy, released last month, sets out the timing for development within the Rural Urban Boundary to help plan infrastructure.

In the final plan, the amount of development land to the north of Warkworth has increased by nearly 50 per cent, from 290ha to 433ha, as a large chunk of land between Matakana Road and Sandspit has been included. This has increased the number of houses expected in the area from 1900-2200 to 3200-3800.

The number of jobs expected in the area has also more than doubled, from 1400 to 3270.

This takes the total amount of development land in Warkworth up to 865ha, with development in the north of Warkworth set to happen between 2022 and 2026 and development to the south of Warkworth starting in 2027.

The additional land, referred to as Warkworth North East in the plan, was zoned as future urban in the proposed Unitary Plan, but was excluded from the draft land supply strategy.

In July, Auckland Plan strategy and research general manager Jacques Victor said this was because the land would only accommodate low-

Goatley Rd

Motorway Wastewater line Water Plant Warkworth North Warkworth South Warkworth NE

Clayden Rd

SH1 Hudson Rd

Matakana Rd

North Warkworth Draft

Final report

Area: 290ha

Area: 433ha

Houses: 1900-2200

Houses: 3200-3800

Jobs: 1400

Jobs: 3270

South Warkworth

Sandspit Rd

WARKWORTH

SNELLS BEACH

Draft

Final report

Area: 420ha

Area: 432ha

Houses: 3700-4300

Houses: 3500-4100

Jobs: 400

Jobs: 770 jobs

McKinney Rd

Total

Valerie Close SH1

density housing and there was a risk of sediment run-off from construction entering the Mahurangi River.

However, last month, he said the land was included in the strategy after a number of submissions requested the change. Nearly half of the 237 submissions on the draft strategy were from Rodney residents and a public meeting on the plan in August was well attended.

Small tweaks have been made to the plans for the south of Warkworth, which extends to Valerie Close. The area has grown from 420ha to 432ha but the plan shows about 200 fewer dwellings. Job numbers in the south

have also nearly doubled from 400 to 770.

Mr Victor says the job figures have been updated to include a wider variety of potential jobs.

“The draft strategy included employment at industrial locations only,” Mr Victor says. “The job numbers were rerun across the future urban areas to better estimate the number of potential jobs across all land uses.”

The latest estimate on the cost of infrastructure to service growth has risen from $300 million to $850 million.

“The initial costs provided for the

Draft

Final report

Area: 710ha

Area: 865ha

Houses: 5600-6500

Houses: 6700-7900

Jobs: 1800

Jobs: 4040

draft strategy were indicative and high level, taking into account bulk infrastructure only. We have been working with infrastructure providers to undertake a greater level of analysis to understand requirements across all infrastructure types (transport, water, wastewater, stormwater, open space and community). For the final strategy, all project costs have been revisited and newly identified projects have been added. The costs now also include contingencies and inflation.

We will continue to work with infrastructure providers to refine these projects and costs.”

The final Rural Urban Boundary will be determined by Auckland Council.

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realestate

12 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

Sweetappreciation with Chocolate Brown

Have you got your ducks in a row?

Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Are you worried about choosing the right tenant?

Is your bond collected, lodged and on time?

Are you keeping accurate rent records?

Congratulations to Rural Postie Fran Beazley who is the recipient of a gift basket from Chocolate Brown. Fran was nominated by Toni Kaska, who wrote:

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I would like to nominate our local rural postie Fran because she’s amazing! She always goes out of her way to make sure our goodies and mail get delivered, and will deliver to our door. She does a great job and even on a Saturday she goes out of her way to help and always has a smile on her face. People often don’t realise that it’s not just driving around and stopping at mailboxes. If you aren’t home, you might miss out if a parcel needs a signature. But Fran knows where I work and has kindly delivered parcels to me at work which I really appreciate. I think she is so deserving of a sweet treat. Sure it’s her job, but she is always smiling and helpful.

Know someone who deserves a big “thank you” for their community spirit?

Tell us and they will receive acknowledgement in Mahurangi Matters and an amazing hamper from Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz (subject line: Sweet Appreciation) or post to: Sweet Appreciation, Mahurangi Matters, PO Box 701, Warkworth.

Kindly refrain from nominating members of your own family.

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

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From left, Jenni McGlashan, Glenys Murdoch, Kristine Bayer and Judy Waters.

Mahurangi memories We Restore Weathered Decks will be shocked at the difference we can bound for printing press Youmake and the $$$ we might save you.

The childhood recollections of Warkworth resident and Mahurangi Matters columnist Judy Waters have won her top prize in the Warkworth Museum essay competition, Mahurangi Memories.

The competition was held to encourage memories and anecdotes of life in the Mahurangi area to extend the written history of the district.

There were 18 entries and these will feature in a book which will go on sale early next year. Proceeds will go towards the museum.

NZ Society of Genealogists members, Keith Vautier and Vivienne Parker, judged the competition, based on the interest, readability, historical information and literary merit of the essays. The judges report said Judy’s essay, Memories of a Childhood Spent

in Warkworth, stood out, giving an illuminating picture of the town in the 1930s and 1940s.

Maureen Young and Jenni McGlashan also received highly commended awards for their essays.

The judges said Maureen’s essay, Winnie, Clisty and Buncha and Jenni’s Matakana Wharf were well written and included important heritage information about the district.

“We wish to convey our congratulations to all participants.

These essays, in book form, will make a fine contribution to the district’s history and we look forward to seeing the final published work.”

The Kowhai Coast Lions sponsored $300 in prizes. All three winners are volunteers at the museum.

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14 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

Tossi

Ngaire Wallen, TOSSI www.tossi.org.nz

Weed patrol on full alert Anyone who owns or looks after a small patch of the planet in the Auckland region will be well aware that summer is here, because weeds will be growing so fast you can almost see it with the naked eye. Thanks to our colonial forefathers, NZ has one of the largest weed collections on Earth. It takes special resolve to tackle the issue of weeds within the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary. Persistence is required – some seeds will lie dormant for 20-plus years before germination.

The vision statement for the park is to allow visitors to experience natural communities that would have been originally present on the site – to achieve this we have to manage the weeds.

Like pest animals, weed species alter habitat, smothering or crowding out endemic species and changing the food sources for fauna. Weeds sometimes do better than pioneer plants on newly disturbed land, so revegetation sites are often a sea of weeds for the first couple of years. Species that were previously suppressed by kikuyu grass germinate in vast numbers. Although rather disturbing to see, the weeds shade the young plants during the first summer after planting; fairly quickly the desired plants gain the upper hand and within a few years the undergrowth is mostly weed-free.

The sand dunes behind the beach are regularly checked for invasive species – particularly lupin, apple of Sodom and purple groundsel. Weeding, combined with the control of rabbits, is allowing the increasingly rare natural sand dune environment to rehabilitate itself, in turn providing habitat for numerous reptiles and birds.

TOSSI volunteers often take a ‘chopper’ along with them on the park. With a handle of pipe from an old rotary clothesline topped with a recycled car brake shoe, these carefully crafted homemade tools are perfect for up-ending Scotch thistles or stubborn woolly nightshade. Weeding-while-you-walk significantly increases the time it takes to complete the task in hand but is immensely satisfying. The hard part is knowing when to stop. We work against time – every weed destroyed before it can flower and disperse seed means the prevention of literally thousands more seedlings in the future.

Amenity plantings close to high-use public areas, such as the bird-hide, require attention during the establishment phase although we do our best to minimise the need for hand weeding. At the other extreme from hand weeding, we sometimes

International MBA students from St Mary’s College of California enthusiastically help with lupin removal.

Volunteers Kerry and Ray geared up for a search and destroy mission in the dunes.

call in the heavy artillery. Specialists use ropes to access pampas grass and bone seed on steep cliff faces. Truly inaccessible sites are sprayed by helicopter, at significant cost. Left unchecked, the stragglers would become a seed source for next year. TOSSI volunteers record any sightings of weeds that they cannot immediately deal to. These sites are GPS mapped and the information used to ensure the weed is removed as quickly as possible.

Dateclaimer The next workday is February 7 – we’ll be out in the dunes and tackling a few other tasks. All weeders, gardeners and other volunteers welcome. Meet at the Woolshed at 9am.

What Past Clients Have To Say “We highly recommend Adrienne and Jim Steffener of Borders Real Estate, Warkworth to sell your property. They have lived in the area for many years and with local knowledge is a great advantage. From appraising our property, marketing, open homes, vendor feedback and negotiating to get the best price, Adrienne and Jim were faultless”..Rob and Toni, (Snells Beach) Well done Adrienne and thank you for the great service you and Borders have provided over the sale of our family home. You have been so professional and we have enjoyed

the whole process. You’re outstanding attention to detail has meant that the sale was always going to happen one way or another.

Thanks again and I will have no hesitation in recommending you to my friends and clients..... Bernie (Warkworth) We want to take the opportunity to thank you very much for selling our lifestyle property.

We absolutely loved dealing with you - from the first time we met you to get a valuation, an unbelievable quick sale for the price we had in mind & right through to settlement day. Your professionalism, honesty & likable

personality is undeniable. We felt extremely well looked after by you. Thank you again - you are an absolute asset to Borders Real Estate!... Andy and Elke (Warkworth) I just wanted to tell you how thrilled Brian and I were with the way you dealt with selling our property. Lifestyle blocks are notorious for taking time to sell but you did all the right things never showing impatience or pessimism. You always remained positive and boosted our ever sagging optimism!

Your sense of humour and kind words were so necessary throughout those months. We

cannot commend you enough with your knowledge of the industry and sympathetic approach as to how lifestyle blocks need to be dealt with. Your approach with prospective buyers was spot on. We would recommend you to anyone who wants a great real estate person, a great price and at the end of it all ...a great friend! Not to mention your fees with such a saving in comparison. Adrienne you have enabled us to follow our dream!

How can we thank you enough???... Brian and Angela (Matakana)

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters



15

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

Phone: 027 616 2728 polesmithltd@gmail.com www.polesmith.co.nz The Omaha Taniko Wetlands Scientific Reserve is one of the very few remaining extensive areas of lowland kahikatea forest in the North Island and the only example of coastal kahikatea forest on sand in the Auckland region.

Walkway one step closer A system of walkways around Omaha Beach may become a reality next year when the residents’ association Omaha Beach Community (OBC) lodges a resource consent for the long-awaited Taniko pathway.

OBC president Peter Hooper says a feasibility study in February will be the guiding document for the resource consent application, which is expected to be lodged by Easter.

“This has been on the drawing board for many years so we are keen to see work start,” he says. “We have some funds set aside for the project, but will also apply for grants once we have consent.”

The three-kilometre pathway will skirt the Taniko Wetlands Scientific Reserve from the causeway to the new tsunami access bridge, at the southern end of the spit. The long-term goal is to link the pathway with an existing

boardwalk, which runs along the beach front from the southern end to the surf club.

The route will take in forest, beach and wetland communities, fulfilling an educational as well as recreational role.

Peter says it will also give environmental groups access to the reserve to undertake a planting and trapping regime.

Signage has already been acknowledged as an important aspect of the project so visitors can understand the cultural and environmental heritage of the area. It is understood that iwi are assisting in this regard.

The walkway will be an all-weather track with disabled access. Wooden boardwalks will be used to cross wet and sensitive coastal areas, while the remaining pathway is likely to be gravel.

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realestate

16 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

fin

al

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Vale Marcia Lousley Miss Marcia Lousley was born in Dunedin, moved to Auckland when she left school and then travelled overseas for many years before returning to NZ to work for the Catholic Diocese in Parnell. She moved to Warkworth when she retired more than 20 years ago, where she worked tirelessly for the community in a number of capacities.

In 1987, she joined the Warkworth branch of the NZ Red Cross, only resigning in 2011 when her failing eyesight caused her to go into care.

She was a diligent member, rarely missing a meeting, and was always ready to help with Red Cross appeals or to sell raffle tickets outside the supermarket. For her loyal and unstinting service, Marcia was made a Life Member of the NZ Red Cross, an honour not bestowed lightly.

Her concerns for animal welfare lead her to join a small group associated with the Warkworth SPCA Supporters Group. Over 15 years, she helped raised funds to care for stray animals and saved and re-homed animals that were abandoned. Her menagerie included cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and goats.

She was awarded an Honorary Life Membership of the Warkworth and District Museum in recognition of her continuous and dedicated

se!

1924-2015

service, and she was an enthusiastic member of the NZ Forest and Bird Society.

She was also a volunteer at the Warkworth Visitor Information Centre for many years. When she retired in 1997, executive officer Dave Parker paid tribute to the important role she had played in the success of the centre. At the time, he wrote, “Your enthusiasm, people skills and local knowledge have all contributed to the professional service you offered our clients. Many visitors were impressed and grateful for your assistance.�

Miss Lousley was described as a private person who worked to very high standards. She passed away at Amberlea Rest Home, Algies Bay, in October, aged 91 years.

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Call: 09 411 9604

The $20 million Sandspit marina is set to open by mid next year with dredging on site coming to an end.

Two of the five arms of the marina have now been installed and floated, and dredging is scheduled to be completed

by Christmas. There is currently just one tug and barge operating, down from a peak of four barges in June.

Australian company Pacific Pontoon and Pier have been building pontoons on land and the remaining three arms of the marina will be installed early next year.

Marina administrator Elspeth Wilkins says the project is taking a little longer than expected but there have been no major delays.

“It’s just what you expect when undertaking a project of this size,” Elspeth says.

However, due to the delays, the marina

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society has had to extend the coastal consent through to next June.

Work has now started on a boardwalk which will eventually run along the front of the yacht club to Lees Boatyard. It will be completed in about a month.

New pontoons have been installed for trailer-boats near the boat ramp, which is scheduled to reopen before Christmas.

The bird roost near the Sandspit has also been built, which was a condition of the resource consent.

Work sealing the carpark area and landscaping near the yacht club will start in January and is expected to take about four months. The carparks will be for club members only.

Meanwhile, all but four of the 131 berths at the marina are sold.

The project started in April last year.

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health&family

18 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

Rodney Women’s Centre seeks new skills Women with skills in the fields of fundraising, IT, law, accountancy or government policy, or women representing particular ethnic groups, are being invited to join the board of the Rodney Women’s Centre in Warkworth.

Centre coordinator Colleen Julian says the positions are voluntary and involve five to six meetings a year, plus an annual general meeting and strategic planning day.

There are currently five board members but the intention is to increase the number by two or three in order to bring in further experience and skills.

“If women are interested in being involved in a local community group supporting local women then we would love to hear from them,” Colleen says.

The centre assists about 2800 women and their families annually, offering services such a drop-in centre, courses and workshops, support groups, low-cost counselling sessions, help with crisis assistance, food parcels, donations, use of a free library and computer, and contacts via its 0800 number and website. They also provide information on other agencies and support available.

“This year we have initiated some courses in Wellsford and have put in an expression of interest for the lease of the old Wellsford Library. If we’re successful, we’d like to use the space

Rodney Women’s Centre governance members, Lianne Divine (left) and Heidi Downey, inspect the new garden beds at the centre built by Springboard.

with other community agencies to have a community hub, drop-in centre and run courses and programmes there.

“We are still awaiting a decision from Auckland Council regarding the future use of this building.”

The centre completed building compliance renovations on its Warkworth premises earlier this year.

The centre now has full disability access and bathroom facilities, thanks to the support of Warkworth Rotary and local retired builder Brian Algie.

The next project is turning the backyard into a community playground and garden.

“Springboard generously built the raised garden beds but we are looking

for more funding to get the playground underway.”

The annual art exhibitions at Matakana Country Park have so far raised half of the funds required for the completion of the playground.

“It will be fantastic to finally have this finished and the fence built so it is a safe place for children to play. Warkworth Lions donated the timber for the fence but we can’t complete this project until the playground is finished.

“We are also looking for volunteers to help with the building of the fence when we are ready for this to be done.”

For more information about the governance board or the playground project, contact Colleen on 425 7261 or info@womenscentrerodney.org.nz.

Waipu beach day The newly-started 11km Waipu cycle and walkway, from the town to Waipu Cove, is being bolstered by a community fun afternoon at the Cove on January 15, starting at 4pm. The Festival at the beach will include a sandcastle competition, treasure hunt and kids races, as well as entertainment.

Info: Pat Hadlee 021961238

are you pregnant?

Our experienced midwives will care for you from conception to 6 weeks after the birth of your baby. We work from Whangaparaoa to Maungaturoto Coast to Coast.

Back Row Kathy Carter-Lee, Terri Jury, Nicole Upton, Louise McLaughlin, Sue Wynyard

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

Serving the eye needs of North Shore and Rodney for over 35 years Purpose-built eye consulting rooms in Warkworth.

Surgery available at Rodney Surgical Centre or Shore Surgery, Milford, as appropriate.

For your convenience consultations available at Milford, Red Beach and Warkworth.

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

For all appointments phone 09 422 6871

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Affiliated Southern Cross Healthcare provider

Grey Power is warning people not to give out credit card details over the phone after an elderly Mahurangi resident became the subject of a telephone scam.

Grey Power member Ruth Munnings says she was contacted by an Algies Bay resident in his 80s who was called by a person impersonating Grey Power Electricity/Pulse Energy who asked for his credit card details.

“Fortunately, he didn’t give up his details and he did everything right, but we are worried other people might be conned,” she says.

Pulse Energy external relations general manager Sharnie Williams says the company is aware of a telephone scam, where callers impersonate a range of electricity providers.

“We want people who receive a call to get in touch with us straight away. If we can get more information about these incidents we can work to make our systems safer.”

EE CE FR VI R

Warkworth Branch

Scam prompts warning

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Briefs

Front Row Nicky Snedden, Sally Wilson, Rebecca Hay

Sally Wilson 09 425 8127 0274 977 745

Kathy Carter-Lee 09 425 6749 021 425 115

Louise McLaughlin 09 425 6115 027 242 8830

Sue Wynyard 09 425 8912 0274 934 491

Lydia Miller Unavailable Until MaY 2016

Terri Jury 09 4237350 021 2371856

Nicky Snedden 09 425 8249 021 662 393

Rebecca Hay 09 425 9805 027 453 6992

Nicole Upton 09 4247898 027 9724442

Contact one of the midwives or the Warkworth Birthing Centre

09 425 8201 • www.warkworthbirthcentre.co.nz

health&family

December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Homebuilders Maria Collins, Help Desk Advocate

Warkworth Area Medical Centre Hours Christmas / New Year 2015/16 Warkworth Medical Centre

www.homebuildersfs.org

De-stressing Christmas For many people, Christmas brings stress, not cheer. How do we change that, and bring joy to ourselves and our families? Christmas is about giving, peace and love. Giving does not necessarily mean material gifts; it can mean a whole range of things. We can give the gift of forgiveness – there may have been a family upset, why not resolve the issue and forgive and forget? Start the New Year in a positive light with no hard feelings or unresolved issues in the back of your mind or heart.

We can also give the gift of love to someone who may be spending Christmas alone. Invite them into your home to feel a part of something special. When finances are tight, homemade vouchers are a lovely and thoughtful gift. Vouchers can be for things like babysitting, car cleaning or help in the garden, for example.

‘Peace on Earth’ is written on many Christmas cards but what does that mean for us personally? For me, peace means spending quality time with my family and friends, and experiencing the warmth that they generate. This year I will also be sending messages of peace to the people throughout the world who have been affected by terrorism, genocide, war, poverty and oppression.

Christmas Day does not need to be at the family home, many families are spending the day at the beach. Instead of the expense of the traditional ham and turkey, people are opting for a barbecue. Spending the day at the beach can be particularly entertaining for children. They can swim, explore rock pools, play on the playground and run in the open air. This can be relaxing for parents as well, knowing that their children are having fun and enjoying their time with family and friends. Mathesons Bay and Tawharanui have become popular for Christmas Day, as they offer all of the above. Other local spots are Goat Island, Snells Beach, Warkworth Cement Works and Martins Bay. Camping is another inexpensive way to spend Christmas. It is exciting for children and can relieve the pressure of trying to entertain them. If you camp in a public campground, children can make new friends and join in the activities. It is a nice way for families to socialise. Don’t forget to rest. Children and adults need to relax and rest during the day; it can level everyone out and make the day more pleasurable.

Separated families can mean a lot of extra travelling. Why not see if you can come to an agreement to maybe have an earlier Christmas Day or a later one.

Children do not mind, they just want to be with their family for Christmas.

Merry Christmas and safe holidays from the team at Homebuilders Family Services. We will be closed on Thursday December 24 and will reopen on Monday January 11. We will be checking our phone during this time for urgent messages.

skin @

(09) 425 1199 Medical Emergency Services are available everyday except Christmas Day. Telephone either medical Centre for direct connection to your clinic or after hours nurse.

Christmas Eve

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-8pm 8am-5pm

Christmas Day

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December 26

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

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December 27

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

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December 28

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-12.30pm CLOSED

December 29

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

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December 30

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

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December 31

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

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New Years Day

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

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January 2

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

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January 3

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-12.30pm CLOSED

January 4

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-12.30pm CLOSED

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Normal Surgery Hours resume Tuesday January 5th Snells Beach Medical Centre is open as usual 8am - 5pm EXCEPT on Public Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays

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20 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

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Elderly face transport issues

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Public transport has arisen as one of the main areas of concern for the elderly in Warkworth.

A Massey University and Auckland University of Technology research project, undertaken in the Warkworth area earlier this year, focused on age friendly communities.

The research explored the views and experiences of older people ageing in a rural community. Forty-five people aged 67 to 93 years, living independently in Warkworth and surrounding areas, were interviewed.

The preliminary findings were released at a meeting on November 24.

Associate Professor Stephen Neville, who led the meeting, said the majority of participants were well connected to the local community.

“Most described the community as friendly and welcoming,” he said.

“But many participants expressed concerns about public transport options in the area.”

Mr Neville said that while the study found the majority of participants were currently drivers, there was general concern about the ability of people to remain connected and involved in the community if they were unable to drive.

“Furthermore, the findings showed issues with parking and people with disabilities found the town difficult to get around.”

The findings from the research project will be used in the planning of the next stage of the research programme.

Supporting communities that are agefriendly can allow older people to ‘age in place’ in their neighbourhoods, resulting in improved health and wellbeing, Mr Neville said.

A call for a ban on set netting and crab pots at Omaha Beach has been rejected

by Auckland Council’s Regulatory and Bylaws Committee.

At its meeting on December 9, the committee supported “proactive monitoring over the summer period and targeted education” as the most appropriate solution. The issue was first raised by the Rodney Local Board and residents who were concerned at the netting practises at the popular swimming beach and the number of carcasses left on the beach by fishermen. Council’s local parks staff

undertook random spot checks last summer but observed no set netting activities. Officers from the Ministry for Primary Industries reported two instances where set netters were found in breach of the Fisheries Regulations.

Additionally, Council received 22 emails from Omaha residents but it was noted that the majority of issues raised – many to do with litter from crab pots – could be addressed using existing regulation. The committee supported the education and monitoring approach, rather than seasonal or year round set net/crab pot control.

Omaha set net ban dismissed

MERRY CHRISTMAS

RODNEY

The people, groups and organisations pictured above all have a special role to play in making Rodney a happy, exciting and safe place to live, work, play and raise our families. Thank you for all the services you provide to the Rodney community.

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a relaxing summer.

The office will be closed from Tuesday 22 December and reopening on Monday 11 January.

MAIL: PO Box 289, Orewa 0946 EMAIL: mp.rodney@parliament.govt.nz

OFFICE: 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa PHONE: (09) 426 6215

Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Mark Mitchell MP, Tamariki House, 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa

AFTER HOURS: 021 228 3519

WHAT TO DO THIS

SUMMER wood chopping

art

music FREE VISITORS GUIDE

ND ANA COAST & BEYO AK AT M , GI AN UR AH M

DESTINATION SEE EAT STAY DO

www.localmatters.co.n

z

look out for our free visitors guide

SEE • EAT • STAY • DO also available online at localmatters.co.nz

DESTINATION cover photo: Te Arai Point, Mangawhai

rodeo

Waipu Highland Games

summerfeature

2 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

summerlife



FE AT U R E

The learning is fun, but the message is serious.

Raising lifesavers at Omaha Beach About 150 children have been getting gritty at Omaha Beach every Sunday morning for the Omaha Surf Lifesaving Club’s Junior Surf programme.

Club president Julian Ostling says the children learn about surf safety and lifesaving skills through games and competitions “It’s fun, and it’s building the skills that will help them in the water,” Julian says. “If you educate them when they are children hopefully they won’t get into trouble when they are adults. We are trying to make sure the community is safe, even when we aren’t on patrol.

“We hope a lot of these children will then go on to train and become surf lifesavers at the club.”

The surf club is also launching two holiday programmes in January which will include lessons in surf lifesaving, surfing, body-surfing, body boarding, surf safety and snorkeling (see ad below).

The City Nippers programme is aimed at getting children aged 5 to 11 confident in the sea, teaching them fundamental water safety skills and runs from January 4 to 8, 9-11am.

“We are offering this as a gift to the community for their support – it costs just $10 per child to cover the whole week.”

The more intensive Big Fun Weeks programme runs five days a week, 9am to 5pm, starting on January 11, 18 and 25. The courses are run by lifeguards at the club, including senior lifeguards and high school students.

“This is also about supporting our lifeguards. They work for free, so we are trying to raise funds and give them a job over summer running the courses.”

The Junior Surf programme is held every Sunday at 10am.

Info: omahasurf.co.nz

White Chapel Jak

Market music gets summer sizzling The Matakana Vintage Market has a great line-up of entertainment planned for summer, starting with a Christmas market on December 20.

Special guests will be Esther Stephens & The Means, as well as White Chapel Jak. Children will be able to visit Santa in the square from 10am.

Esther Stephens & The Means is an Auckland band that has been described as “a refreshingly seamless fusion of soul, funk, pop, jazz and psychedelia”, while White Chapel Jak is an acoustic trio that delivers a fresh approach to familiar songs.

Organiser of the vintage/retro themed market, Fiona McGeough, says there will be children’s activities, local wine, beer and cider, classic cars and loads of gift ideas.

Coco Davis will play on January 3 and Hot Diggity will take the stage on January 10.

The market runs every Sunday, from November to March, from 10am to 2pm.

OMAHA BEACH SLSC PROUDLY PRESENTS

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summerfeature

December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

3

Australian woodchoppers bring axe to grind in Puhoi Some trans-Tasman rivalry will add competitive fun to the annual Puhoi Woodchopping Carnival on Saturday January 9.

The free all-day event hosted by the Puhoi Axemen’s Club, is held in the grounds of the Puhoi Hotel.

Club secretary John Sanderson says a team of six Aussies will compete at the invitation of the president Mike Paddison.

It is understood the axemen hail from Queensland, and will compete in divisions and open events.

“It’s a bit unusual to have overseas axemen at Puhoi so it’ll add a bit of fun,” John says.

The rest of the competitors will be mostly from around Northland.

Among the guests will be three generations of the Semenoff family from Whangarei – Selwyn, 65, Jason, 38, and Tytan, 14.

The Puhoi event is so popular that the limited places for competitors fill-up two months out from the day.

“We’re even having to turn away NZ champions and NZ record-holders,” John says.

“But our policy is ‘first in, first-served’ so there’s nothing we can do about it.

“There’s only so many axemen you can put together in the space we have available. For the last couple of years we’ve put on an extra underhand division at the start of the day to cater for the large number of underhand axemen.”

Although there’s a good purse for

And the chips will fly … Bevan Gubb in full swing at last year’s event.

the winners – more than $4000 in prizemoney – John believes it’s the atmosphere and the location in Puhoi that draws the competitors.

“The site is like an amphitheatre so its great for spectators too.”

As the main sponsor, the Puhoi Hotel arranges all the sponsorships.

“They do a fantastic job.”

The day will wind up with the teams race where Puhoi will take on a wellmatched visitors side.

The events: Underhand division A, B, C & D – 275mm; single hand sawing – 350mm; standing division A, B, C & D – 250mm; double hand sawing, teams race, axe throw, novice underhand, jiggerboard, and Jack & Jill sawing.

The concentration on the faces of father and daughter team, Emma and John Sanderson says it all.

Bev Smith puts her shoulder to the saw in a Jack & Jill event. Photos, The Camera Shop Warkworth.

ENJOY COUNTRY HOTEL HOSPITALITY ON/OFF LICENCE FOOD HERE & TO GO! WE CATER FOR ALL OCCASIONS RETRO DINING A SPECIALTY!

OPEN 7 DAYS

PUHOI ANNUAL WOOD CHOPPING CARNIVAL 2016 PUB LAWN • 9 JAN 9AM-5PM MUSIC FROM 6PM • BISTRO OPEN Shopping at the stables THE FRENCH SHED & SLOWATER TRADING Local Stalls & Produce on the day!

summerfeature

4 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

Does anyone recognise this photo?

Poplar is the wood of choice for the axemen of Puhoi.

Chipping away behind the scenes Putting on a good wood chopping show starts long before the first axe swings.

The Puhoi Axemen’s Club prides itself on presenting competitors with the best wood available.

Over several weekends prior to January 9, club members will be felling trees, cutting them into blocks and peeling them to the correct sizes and grades.

Their wood of choice is poplar because it’s readily available and there is lots of good wood in one tree.

The other advantage of poplar is that it’s a relatively soft but crisp wood.

Club secretary John Sanderson says if the wood was too hard, the events would take too long which wouldn’t be much fun for spectators.

Between the Puhoi event and the Warkworth A&P Show, the club will need to have on hand nearly 500 blocks.

“We’ve been lucky this year as we’ve been offered some trees that are on the route for the new motorway so there’s no shortage of wood.”

The Warkworth & District Museum is keen to learn more about this photo, which was taken at a Puhoi Axemen event, possibly around the 1960s. Although it was taken by Tudor Collins, the museum doesn’t know when or where it was taken. Anyone who can help is asked to contact Judy at the museum on 425 7093 or email warkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz

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

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

Ian - 027 599 9077 0800 PUHOI 1 (0800 784 641) ian.bateman@mikepero.com

Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd. Licensed REAA (2008)

Sally - 021 068 3721 0800 PUHOI 2 (0800 784 642) sally.brown@mikepero.com

www.mikepero.com

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

5

PUHOI RIVER CANOE HIRE Proud sponsor

Puhoi Axemen Annual Woodchopping Carnival For the very best freedom River Kayaking Adventure Bookings essential ph 09 422 0891 • www.puhoirivercanoes.co.nz

Puhoi did well in the ‘D’ grade standing championship in Stratford, with Chris Julian coming first and Richard Morton placing second.

Chopping outside the square Wood-chopping is a summer sport in NZ, with a season that normally runs from November to March.

The Puhoi Axemen’s Club is affiliated to the Northland Axemen Association, which runs a series of competitions at Northland venues.

Puhoi is normally represented at most of these events, which include Pawarenga on New Year’s Eve, Opononi on January 1, the Warkworth A&P Show on January 23, Paparoa, Broadwood and Helensville in February, and the Northern Grading Competition Day at the Kaipara Flats sports ground on March 5.

A team from Puhoi recently competed in Stratford coming away with a number of trophies.

The results were: Restricted Underhand: C Julian 1, E Jordan 2, C Cherry 3, J Sanderson 4.

300mm Standing: J Underwood 1, D McDonald 2, K Steers 3, B Turner 4.

275mm Underhand: J Underwood 1, T Buchanan 2, B Turner 3, J Whitehead 4. ‘C’ Grade Standing Championship: T Buchanan 1, G McDonnell 2, O Petersen 3, W Riddle 4. ‘D’ Grade Standing Championship: C Julian 1, R Morton 2, R Petersen 3, S Betteridge 4.

Slow Water Trading Post

While in Puhoi visit PUHOI BOHEMIAN SETTLERS MUSEUM For an insight into Puhoi’s history photos, genealogy, tools, souvenirs Open 10am. - 4pm. 9 January 2016

Proud to be a sponsor of the Puhoi Woodchopping SPECIALISING IN AUTHENTIC NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELLERY & CRAFTS

The Stables, Across from the Puhoi Pub Contact Sheryl 021 292 5952 slowwater.trading@xtra.co.nz

www.slowwatertrading.com

TREE REMOVAL AT HOME & BACHES

Proudly sponsoring the 2016 Puhoi Axeman Carnival

Graham Rauner Owner/Operator Phone 09 425 9639 Mobile 021 525 073 Tree felling & Pruning  Chipping & Mulching  Hedge Trims  Driveway Clearing

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6 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

GUBBS MOTORS LIMITED SOUTH ISLAND TOUR 20th March to 9th April 2016

Book Now Freephone 0800 482 271

Phone: 09 425 8348 Mobile: 0274 967 658 Email: gubbs.1@gubbs.co.nz Website: www.gubbs.co.nz

Proudly supporting the Warkworth Rodeo

• Hiab hire • Excavators & Bobcat • Truck & trailers • Transporter hire • Pole hole drilling • Retaining walls

Proudly supporting the

The bull ride is one of the most popular events on the programme.

Warkworth Rodeo The 65th annual Warkworth Rodeo will be held on January 1.

Secretary Krista Fletcher says the rodeo is shaping up to be as popular as ever, in spite of the efforts of a dedicated group of protesters who would like to see rodeos banned in New Zealand, and especially from the Auckland region.

“There appears to be no shortage of willing participants or spectators who, year after year, come to the Warkworth Showgrounds for a day of entertainment,” she says.

Around 178 competitors from all over New Zealand will participate in

245 rides on the day, which promises to be one of continuous action and plenty of thrills and spills.

“With the line-up of second division bulls looking almost as impressive as the open bulls, it can be assumed already that the bulls are to be the likely winners on the day.”

All of the bulls on show at Warkworth have been locally bred

by Tom and Marie Whiteford and are owned by the club. The club also owns the horses in the saddle and bareback events.

“The bulls and horses have for the last few months had hefty doses of love and

Warkworth Rodeo 2016 • Licensed drainlaying & pipe work • Driveway consultation & maintenance • Container hire and sales For obligation-free quotes on all your Excavation & Metal Supplies

Phone 09 425 7799 | Fax 09 425 7798 www.masoncontractors.co.nz

FREE PARKING

• Scrapers • Bulldozers • Diggers • Trucks • Roading • Subdivisions • House sites • Farm works Ph: 09 425 8860 Fax: 09 425 8931 Mob: 0274 930 970 Email: irsceats@xtra.co.nz 120 Dennis Road RD1 WARKWORTH 0981 www.sceatsearthmovers.co.nz

RODEO WARKWORTH SHOWGROUNDS January 1st, 2016 @ 10am FOOD • COFFEE • SMOOTHIES

Adult $20 • Child $5 • Family $50 (2 adults & up to 4 children)

Local Barrel Race - Closes 29th Dec • Local Steer Ride - Entry on the day To enter phone the Secretary 09 425 8828

Dogs not permitted on grounds

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Ian

7

Wayne

EDMONDS & MASON PANEL & PAINT Private & All Insurance Work Phone 425 8723 • Fax 425 9526

Contact Wayne 021 765 706 or Ian 021 977 729 Email: autoglassww@xtra.co.nz

“Proud supporter of the Warkworth Rodeo”

attracts big crowd attention and all are in top condition for their one day outing for the year.

“Following the rodeo they will all be back to a life of rest and recreation until next year, or the next event.”

Warkworth Rodeo falls in the middle of the Christmas circuit where there are 15 rodeos in 14 days over the whole of New Zealand.

The North Island circuit has nine rodeos in 14 days, so by the time everyone gets to Warkworth, there are already a few tired and sore cowboys and girls.

The highlights of the day are usually

the girl’s barrel racing, the bull ride, the local steer ride and the lolly scramble.

The rodeo is held at the Warkworth Showgrounds, starting at 10am.

Parking is free. Adults $20, children $5, under 5’s free, and a family ticket (two adults and up to six children) is $50.

Krista says although food is sold on the grounds, everyone is welcome to bring a picnic.

“Don’t forget your hat and sun screen, and please leave your pooch at home as it can be a hot day.”

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8 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

Brian Oakes imported a 16-channel unit from the US to support his new, computer-controlled light show.

Christmas goes techno

“But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.”

Romeo and Juliet in the vines Under the setting sun, Ascension Wine Estate will transform into the feuding streets of Verona, for a performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Ascension is holding Shakespeare in the Vines on January 2 and 3, for the fifth year running.

Melbourne company Essential Theatre is revisiting the classic heart-breaking tale which is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, and one of the world’s greatest love stories.

02 December copy.pdf 1 2015/12/02 3:24 PM The team is being led by director Mark Wilson and

designer Chloe Greaves, who promise to deliver a fresh take on this much loved classic.

“It will be a truthful, fast paced and energetic production,” Mr Wilson says.

“You will be laughing out loud at the antics of the ever amusing nurse, dazzled by the charm of Mercutio, and left with your heart throbbing as the final scenes unfold.”

Ascension is also hosting a New Year’s Eve party with a rustic Italian feast and live music and fireworks.

If you’ve ever been foiled by tangled Christmas tree lights, spare a thought for Brian Oakes, who has just arranged more than 30,000 lights outside his house in Warkworth.

Brian, a retired electronics engineer, decorates his house and garden at 31 Ashmore Crescent every Christmas and invites the public to come and enjoy the spectacle.

Visitors can show their appreciation by putting some money in the box provided, and Brian will give all donations to Warkworth Wellsford Hospice.

This is the fifth year that Brian has used the light display to support hospice. He has raised more than $3500 in that time and hopes people will continue to be generous this year.

Brian has taken the show to a dazzling new level, adding computer-controlled musical sequences that have the lights dancing to a techno-beat. He worked every day for a month to set up the lights, making repeated trips to Mitre 10 for yet another extension lead.

All wires meet at a central power box which contains a lighting unit imported from the US. Each of its 16 channels has a lead plugged into it, and more leads branch off in various directions to lights in the garden, under the eaves and along the roof ridge. A central ‘mega’ tree is adorned with 4000 lights.

Sue Oakes is supportive of her husband’s Christmas passion, but can’t resist a tiny eye-roll when she notes that the power consumption is about the same as a winter power bill.

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Bobby Alu

Matakana Village

Farmers’ Market Will be OPEN every Saturday throughout Christmas and New Year 8am-1pm With a myriad of fresh local food and produce, happy people and great music all surrounded in a unique setting & Appearing for a last chance photo opportunity, Saturday 19 Dec

‘Hammock music’ at Leigh Samoan/Australian artist Bobby Alu is playing at Leigh Sawmill on January 8.

Bobby is touring with five-piece band, the Palm Royale, which is playing five shows in New Zealand.

Bobby has become a festival favourite for his signature ‘hammock music’ and has become renowned for his drumming for Australian musician Xavier Rudd.

Influenced by his Polynesian heritage and Australian upbringing, his music has a fresh, simple sound powered by ukulele, Pacific beats, catchy songs, four-part harmony and powerful log drumming, with hints of soul and reggae.

Since supporting Katchafire on their 2012 Oz tour, Bobby has firmly had his sights set on touring in NZ. “I’ve been waiting a long time to perform my music in NZ. It’s home to so many of my musical heroes. Finally, we are on our way!” Bobby says.

Following the successful launch of his new six-track EP in March, Bobby won the Most Popular Male Artist at the Queensland Music Awards. The band’s title track from 2013, Take it Slow, was also chosen by Samoa Tourism as theme song for their Beautiful Samoa roadshow campaign, launched in June.

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10 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

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Auckland-based professional kiteboarder Marc Jacobs came first and second at Kitesurf World Championship big air events in Venezuela and Morocco this year.

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New Zealand kiteboarding champion Marc Jacobs is coming to Mahurangi in January to run a kiteboarding clinic.

Marc became NZ junior champion a decade ago and has been competing internationally since 2006. He won first place in world tour events in 2011 and 2013 and came first in the Big Air event at the Venezuela Kitesurf World Championships this year.

Blue Adventures co-owner Tony Carr says Marc will be running clinics on January 2, 3 and 10.

“He will spend the day teaching people how to jump and do freestyle tricks,”

Tony says. “It will be quite spectacular.”

Tony says the Whangateau Harbour is one of the best spots to learn to kiteboard.

“The water is only waist-deep at high tide and it’s not crowded, which is perfect for learning.”

Three Blue Adventures kiteboarding instructors recently competed at the NZ Kiteboard Nationals at Foxton Beach. Tim Berlioz came fifth in the men’s open and Pauro Arnold came eighth, while Malin Horting came seventh in the women’s open.

Info: blueadventures.co.nz

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

11

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Riders of all ages and abilities will be welcome at the Snells Beach event.

Snells Beach hosts skate day Skateboarding will take centre stage at Snells Beach next month when Onboard Skate presents a Go Skateboard Day on January 16.

Organiser Steve Hodges says the day is open to all ages, “including Mums and Dads”.

All skateboards and safety equipment will be supplied, and a skate competition will be run in the afternoon for skaters aged 13 and over.

Entry is free and the day will wrap up with a barbecue.

Steve says there are plans to form a skateboard club at Snells Beach.

“We are also running a school holiday Skate and Surf programme on January 12, at Matakana School and Omaha Beach, respectively,” he says.

“This event is being run in collaboration with The Bach in Matakana. The programme will start at Matakana School at 9am with two-and-a-half hours of skateboard instruction followed by lunch and then two hours of surf instruction at Omaha.”

Skateboards, portable ramps, helmets and safety equipment will be provided for the skateboard session.

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12 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

A&P Lifestyle Show looking forward to looking back It’s time to start grooming your goat and sharpening your axe as the Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show is just around the corner.

Thousands of spectators and competitors are expected at the 149th A&P Show on January 23 and 24.

Show secretary Marjorie Blythen says tradition is at the heart of the event, but the A&P Society is planning a number of changes as the show evolves.

Te Radar will again compere the event and A&P staples, the Puhoi Axemen, will be in full swing following the Puhoi Wood Chopping Carnival (see story lift-out p3). But, for the first time, there will be a mule and donkey competition and new sideshows, including mini jeeps and an obstacle course, and new music acts.

It is also the first time in decades that the show hasn’t been held on Auckland Anniversary Weekend, which is on February 1 next year.

“I think it will be a good thing,” Marjorie says. “Usually we are competing with so many other events during that weekend, like the Mahurangi Regatta.”

The A&P Society is starting to plan for the 150th show in 2017, with a retrospective exhibition in the works.

“We are hunting for lost relics and memorabilia from past shows.”

Relics from the show have turned up in

The Warkworth A&P Society is looking for memorabilia and photos from past shows to display in an exhibition at the 150th Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show in 2017.

some usual places – a bulldozer driver at a rubbish dump in Napier once found a Warkworth A&P Show trophy.

“He grew up at the Sandspit campground and knew all about the show and he drove up and dropped the trophy off to us,” Marjorie says.

The A&P Society is also working with Warkworth & Districts Museum to put together exhibits and A&P patron Ian Ferguson is planning a book for the anniversary.

Schedules available at Mahurangi Matters and warkworthaandpshow.com

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

13

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Anchorage, by Audrey Boyle.

Annual exhibition unveiled The work of more than 50 artists was unveiled when the Kaipara Coast Sculpture Garden celebrated the opening of its 2016 exhibition Under Kaipara Skies on December 5.

A number of local artists, including John Mulholland, Blair Fraser, Karen Hart, Katherine Batchelor and Boud van den Bemd, are featured in the exhibition, which is spaced over a one-kilometre trail, through gardens and native bush.

The exhibition is in its eighth year and has again been curated by Sally Lush.

Director Geraldine Bayly says one of the changes visitors will see this year is the fact that the gardens are becoming all-weather.

“We’re very excited to open a new undercover dining area, featuring

artworks that have been specially commissioned,” Geraldine says.

“We also have five new bus stop-like shelters, each individually decorated, which visitors can shelter in should the weather turn bad.”

Geraldine says a feature of this year’s exhibition is the amount of recycled material used in the sculptures.

“One artist, Michael Kennedy, made his piece entirely out of bits and pieces found on site. If he can’t personally carry something by hand, then he won’t use it.”

One of the largest pieces in the exhibition is Taraxacum Garden, by Jane and Mario Downes.

“It’s an intriguing piece that features dandelions in various stages of their life cycle.”

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14 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

Start the year with kilts and cabers Waipu residents are preparing to paint the town tartan for the 145th Scottish Highland Games on New Year’s Day. The games have become renowned as the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting competitors from across Australasia and Scotland, and thousands of spectators.

The event starts with the Street March of Band and Clans at 9am with the popular Highland Heavyweight events starting in the main arena from 9.30am.

Event promotions officer Pat Hadlee says the games are one of the world’s most interesting and daunting sports competitions.

“Scottish Highland heavyweight events are the original extreme sports,” she says.

The morning events include the Highland Stone Throw, Highland Hammer 16lb, Weight for distance 42lb and the Caber Toss.

“These events hark back to the times when kings and clan chiefs assessed the agility, cunning and physical strength of their followers. They require excellent timing, balance and technique, and look so much more impressive wearing a kilt!”

The Ballistic Blondes skydive team will perform an aerial display at noon.

The Highland Heavyweights competition will continue from 1pm. The events culminate with the Farmers Walk where competitors carry a 160lb weight in each hand for as far as they can.

The Mini Highland Games will be back again, giving children a chance to toss a mini caber and take part in other downsized highland events.

Other highland highlights include a fiddling competition at 10am and the Tartan in the Park fashion parade at 2pm in the Great Barn.

The national Piping and Highland Dancing championships will also be held on the day.

Musicians at last year’s competition piped until they were red in the face.

Bag piping hot

The caber is traditionally six-metres long and weighs over 70kg.

The festivities will end with the Ceilidh Dance in the newly built Celtic Barn.

“Every year, after the games have wrapped up and everyone is stuffed, they have the Scottish barn dance with The Twisty Willow band playing traditional Scottish music through the night,” Pat says.

Musicians from around the country are expected to push the melodic boundaries of bagpiping at the Helen McGregor Memorial Night Piping Competition in Waipu on New Year’s Eve. The event is held in honour of the late Helen McGregor, who passed away in 2003.

Highland Games promotions officer Pat Hadlee says Helen wanted a special event where pipers the world over could be free of the constraints of normal piping.

“The pipers get eight minutes to play anything they like – whether it be a tune by The Beatles or their own composition,” Pat says. “It gives them a chance to show their skills playing something other than traditional music and be creative and innovative.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for piping fans to hear what can be done with the Highland bagpipes and to listen to a top level of musical prowess.”

The national Piping and Highland Dancing championships will be held at the Highland Games the following day and the influx of pipers is expected to make the competition one of the best yet. Helen’s husband, Bain McGregor, will oversee the evening, while Stewart Easton and Craig Mainsmith will be the judges. There is $600 in cash prizes up for grabs, which will be presented by Helen and Bain’s oldest daughter, Briar McGregor.

The competition will be held at the new Celtic Barn at 7pm. Tickets $10.

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

15

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Susan Edge draws her inspiration from simple, but recognisable scenes in the Waipu area.

Colourful show at Blackshed The vibrant and colourful paintings of Waipu artist Susan Edge will be exhibited at The Blackshed, in Waipu, from December 16 to January 30.

Susan is perhaps better known for her appliqued cushions and wallhangings, which have sold nationally and internationally. She has exhibited at the Academy of Fine Arts, Textile and Fibre Awards, National Gallery, North Shore City Art Awards and the Marina Gallery. In 1999, she was Artist in Residence at the John F Kennedy International School in Saanen, Switzerland, where she worked with children of all ages to create their own wall-hangings.

But about a decade ago she picked up a paint brush and canvas, and painted a simple farm scene. She entered her third and fourth paintings in the Telecom Art Awards and won first

prize for Waipu Cove – Lagoon End. “Suddenly I saw I had a new, viable way of earning a living,”she says. “I backed a trailer up to the shed, filled it up with my fabrics, took them all to the dump and set up the shed as a painting studio.”

In April 2011 and 2012, she was awarded first prize and a merit award at the Royal Easter Show in the mixed media category, and she now supplies galleries throughout New Zealand, participates in group exhibitions and has held several successful solo exhibitions.

Her exhibition at The Blackshed is entitled Kites Over the Cove.

The Blackshed art gallery and cafe is a converted engineering shed, owned by two Waipu families – Patsy Montgomery and her daughter Lucy Bowey; and Susan Williams and her son Luke and his partner Kelly Gibney.

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16 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

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Wed 30th Dec, 7pm – Admission $10 Exhibition Opening hours: Thurs 31st Dec to Sun 3rd Jan, 9.30am - 4.30pm

Cafe open Daily

Potter Maggie Matheson at work in her kitchen in Sandspit.

Summer art show shapes up The 22nd Great Summer Art Exhibition will be held at the Mahurangi East Community Centre, Snells Beach, from December 30 to January 3.

More than 150 artists are expected to take part, vying for in excess of $3000 in prize money.

As in previous years, the artworks will be judged in three categories – professional, intermediate and novice – with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Mahurangi East Tennis Club.

Supporting the exhibition again this year will be Sandspit potter Maggie Matheson.

Maggie took up pottery about five years ago after injury forced her to give up tennis.

“A friend and I joined Kowhai Arts

& Craft at the same time … I’d never done anything arty before,” she says.

“We picked up a slab of clay and a rolling pin, and it started from there.”

Maggie says she began by making garden art including simply fashioned fish and lilies. Since then, her work has expanded to include more intricately sculptured pieces of varying sizes.

“Although it’s just a hobby, it’s nice when other people find pleasure and enjoyment in what I’ve produced.

“I still belong to Kowhai Arts and appreciate the advice that the more experienced members are able to provide.”

The garden remains a strong influence in Maggie’s work which is noted for its bright, colourful glazes.

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

The Matakana Market Est 1981

Open Every Saturday 9am-2pm At the Old Dairy Factory Katie Mitchell, right, completed the 14km ‘mini monty’ this year with friend Ann Milne, and has accepted the challenge to enter a team next year and raise funds for hospice.

Challenge warm-up begins The Tawharanui coastline will challenge runners, waders and rockhoppers on April 2, when the Coastal Challenge returns for the second year.

The event is run by Total Sport, with Warkworth Wellsford Hospice as the charity partner. Hospice is encouraging runners and walkers to enter teams of four and accept the challenge to fundraise $250 each for the charity.

Teams can start their own fundraising page on givealittle.co.nz and share the page via social media, and post updates, photos and videos of their progress.

The Tawharanui Coastal Challenge features a range of distances for all fitness levels – 7km, 10km, 14km, 23km and the ‘full monty’ 30km, which can also be run as a relay. The ‘full monty’ starts from Snells Beach and all distances finish at Omaha’s Fraser Reserve, where entrants can celebrate their achievements with music, entertainment, food and drinks.

See coastalchallengeseries.co.nz for details and talk to hospice fundraising coordinator Lesley Ingham on 425 9535 about being a fundraiser.

Looking for unique and locally made Christmas presents this year?

Come along to the Matakana Market for art, crafts, clothing, collectables, sweet treats and much more!!

With every purchase from one of our stall holders you will go into a draw to win a Christmas hamper drawn at our Boxing Day market!

Bookings welcome Ph: 094227577 or matakanamarket@gmail.com

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18 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

Mangawhai walkers spoilt for choice Bookings have opened for the annual Mangawhai Walking Weekend, which will be held from April 1 to 3.

Now in its 17th year, a number of new walks have been added to the 2016 programme.

“The Mangawhai Walking Weekend is not just for those comfortable with boots and a day pack,” an organiser Dorothy Freeman says. “There are events for those who want to ramble and stroll whilst exploring the local culture and history, or maybe enjoy some music and entertainment along the way.

One event not to be missed is the Food and Wine Festival – an afternoon of socialising and dancing to cool music in a local olive grove.”

Running alongside the walking weekend will be the Art Trail and Troubadours Trail events.

There are 25 walks in total, with some of the new walks including: Tanekaha Falls/Puriri Track Get up close and personal with two large puriri trees, one of which is bigger than the largest formally recorded in Burstall and Sale’s Great Trees of New Zealand. Beautiful forest, outstanding views, big trees and photo opportunities.

Blokes Sheds (Grade 2) Visit some outstanding Mangawhai sheds where locals indulge their passions, from classic car restoration to wood turning and home brewing. Sheilas are welcome but no talk of cooking, babies or dressmaking allowed.

Mangawhai Garden Spectacular (Grade 2) Visit stunning local gardens and meet their enthusiastic owners.

Event Cache (Grade 3) A geocaching event held in the 37-hectare Mangawhai Community Park. Lots of tracks, or bush bash, with plenty of up and down. Ideal for the young and energetic or the old and cunning.

Mangawhai Artists have been working for about two months to prepare the building.

Artists open gallery

Volunteers have spent the winter preparing new tracks for the Walking Weekend.

Mangawhai Highlights and Hidden Pathways (Grade 2) Stroll through some of Mangawhai’s hidden pathways and hear about its history. A must walk for anyone thinking of relocating to Mangawhai.

Morning tea at the new museum is included.

Bike Mangawhai Grindfest Fun-filled bike riding for all ages and abilities.

Experience the Mangawhai Activity Zone bike trails and skills area, under the supervision of capable riders led by Mangawhai’s own Commonwealth Games representative Sadie Parker. Don’t forget your helmet!

The full Walking Weekend programme can be viewed at mangawhaiwalkingweekend.co.nz.

Celebrate Christmas this year at

Family Service - 20 December 10am Mahurangi College Christmas Eve - A Christmas Story 6pm & 10pm Warkworth Christmas Eve Carols - 6pm & 8pm St Andrew’s Matakana Country Park Christmas Day - 9.30am Warkworth

5 Pulham Road, Warkworth

Phone 425 8861

www.mahu.org.nz

The Mangawhai Artists group is launching an exhibition to celebrate the opening of its new gallery space on Moir Street in Mangawhai Village.

The association has over 100 members, but hasn’t had headquarters or exhibition space until now.

They have moved into the old Mangawhai Museum, after the Mangawhai Historical Society donated the building to the community when the new Mangawhai Museum opened at the end of last year.

Mangawhai Artists president Jan Grover says it’s a big step forward for the group.

“It’s great to finally have our own space,” Jan says.

“Mangawhai is well known for its artists, but if you came to town there was no gallery where we could all show our work.”

The exhibition, entitled From Small Beginnings, will run from December 18 to January 10 and feature over 100 works from 50 Mangawhai artists. All works are 25cm x 25cm with a price cap of $150.

“We want to make it affordable for everyone.”

The gallery is already booked out until March, with a mixture of solo and group exhibitions. Each exhibition will run for two weeks.

The group has spent the past three months working on the building to get it up to scratch.

“It’s been a great team effort. It was fairly run down.”

The arts group is leasing the building, which is now managed by the Mangawhai Halls Committee.

Warkworth Lions Club Calling all past members.

Join us as we celebrate 50 years serving this community.

June 25th 2016 For more info phone: David Little 425 8143 Peter Henderson 425 0005 www.lionsclubs.org.nz

summerfeature

December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

19

Katchafire

Vintage Leather Sofas, Chairs & Decor Items.

Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen & lounge

Kiwi classics in Mangawhai Some of the biggest names in New Zealand music are heading to the Mangawhai Tavern this summer.

Kiwi rock band The Feelers is playing at on December 30 as part of a nationwide tour for the re-release of their hit debut album Supersystem.

Supersystem, released in August 1998, made it to number one in the NZ charts and remained in the Top 10 for 28 weeks on the back of hit songs like Venus and Pressure Man. It went on to win album of the year at the 1999 NZ Music Awards and sold over 83,000 copies, going five-times platinum.

The album was produced by Leigh resident and Sawmill Cafe sound engineer Malcolm Welsford.

Fat Freddy’s Drop is playing at the tavern on December 27, as part of a tour that includes a gig at Ascension Wine Estate on January 30.

Kiwi legends The Warratahs will then take the stage on January 2, with support from multi-award winning country singer Tami Neilson and moody country-blues artist Delaney Davidson.

The Warratahs have been entertaining crowds with their mix of country and rock ’n’ roll for 25 years with hits like Hands Of My Heart and Maureen.

Tami Neilson has won the Tui Award for each of her past four albums and her latest album, Don’t Be Afraid, debuted at number one on the NZ charts. Davidson has had a year of extensive international touring and has been reaching new audiences with his collaborations with fellow Lyttelton country artist Marlon Williams.

Reggae and dub icons Katchafire, Kora and Son’s of Zion are playing on January 9 as part of a nationwide summer tour.

ticketgiveaway

Mahurangi Matters has a double pass to giveaway. Write your name and number on the back of an envelope, post to Katchafire Competition, Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth or email news@localmatters.co.nz with the subject line: Katchafire. Competition closes December 18 2015.

Warkworth Storage & United Autos announce the opening of their brand new purpose built premises at 37 Morrison Drive

Drive through self-storage Secured premises

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Coresteel BUILDINGS Proud to be the main contractors in the design and build of United Autos & Warkworth Storage Facility at 37 Morrison Drive.

We wish Martin & Nicole continued success.

UNITED AUT S Top quality used cars

Great Christmas specials

6 months dealer warranty New WOF

Fully Serviced Professionally groomed

Phone: 09 425 7474 or call Martin: 021 425 488

BETTER STEEL BUILDINGS | 09 425 7088 | 09 392 1029 35 WOODCOCKS ROAD, WARKWORTH | CORESTEEL.CO.NZ

summerfeature

20 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

Pool / Spa Valets Onsite Chemical Testing Water Chemical Supplier Pool Equipment Replacement Repairs & Maintenance Pool Refurbishment simplesilver agent Michelle Woolley

(09) 422 9524 021 952 338 Warkworth – Snells Beach – Matakana – Omaha – Leigh

Models from 41” to 72” cut Side or rear discharge Petrol or diesel power

zeroturnmowers.co.nz

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Mangawhai Small Engines 194 Molesworth Drive • Mangawhai Ph Kevin on 09 4315270 or 021655481

Warkworth walkers were lucky to strike a four-day fine spell for the event last month.

Walks windfall for Warkworth The organisers of the annual Warkworth Walks, which were held from November 5 to 8, are celebrating another successful event.

Now in its seventh year, the original programme of 360 walk places sold out in the first 48 hours.

“After a mad rush to suppliers and hosts, we managed to scale up the number of places to 440 – which were also completely filled 48 hours later,” an organiser Luke Williamson says.

“Our systems were stretched to the limit and we really appreciated everyone’s patience and forgiveness as we struggled to keep up with the initial surge of bookings. Our intention is to revamp our booking system next year so that it is more efficient for everyone involved.”

Luke says the event was also fortunate in its choice of weekend, getting the best four-day run of weather that last month had to offer.

“Our walkers were impressed by our luck and made the most of the spring sun and beautiful views on offer.”

Luke says the walks weekend directly added around $20,000 to the local economy and there was plenty of evidence of walkers purchasing additional accommodation, food, drinks and equipment throughout the four days.

“We feel that we admirably fulfilled the twin aims of Warkworth Walks which are to bring business to the local area and to show off our beautiful surroundings.

“We couldn’t do any of that without the very generous assistance of our hosts, guides, suppliers and the walkers themselves.”

A special thanks was extended to the volunteers who make up the dedicated committee.

“We would also like to acknowledge the amazing contribution of Alan Spicer who has retired from our committee this year. Alan has been an extraordinary webmaster, treasurer and admin guru, and we are so grateful for his contribution over the last seven years.”

WarkworthWalks W A L K S

W O R T H

D O I N G

THANK YOU to everyone involved in our 2015 walks

Jewellery & Watch Repairs Gold & Silver Jewellery 5 Queen Street , Warkworth Phone/Fax: (09) 425 8342 Email: rgyates@xtra.co.nz

www.warkworthwalks.co.nz The 2015 walks weekend was a huge success and we are very grateful to all our guides, hosts, suppliers and walkers. We look forward to bringing you another great selection of walks worth doing in 2016.

localmatters.co.nz

December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

INTR ODUCING n

INTR ODUCING n

The French Cupboard

BeauRegard

A decade of importing French antiques, linen and collectables hasn’t dampened Anita Haultain’s love for all things French.

In fact, it has almost had the opposite effect.

Anita opened The French Cupboard in Riverside Arcade, Warkworth, this month. It is her third shop specialising in European, mainly French, furniture and homeware.

“My hubby Ian and I owned Coeur de la France in Browns Bay for 10 years,” she says. “That has now closed, but more recently, we opened a shop in Silverdale.

A lot of our clients were from the north so when the opportunity came up to expand, we thought Warkworth was the perfect location.”

Ian and Anita have a house in the Limousin region, in south-central France, which they visit once a year.

“On each trip we probably drive around 6000kms to personally select stock for our shops. It doesn’t feel like work at all – it’s an opportunity to indulge in the culture, the food, the wine and the people. We just love France.”

The shop is packed with an eclectic range of homeware and giftware.

Some of the furniture pieces – such as the French Comtoise clock – are more than 150 years old.

“In the Warkworth shop, I’ve

21

Laurette Macky Anita Haultain

expanded our range a little wider.

There’s Danish clothing, and giftware from Denmark, Mexico and NZ. We’re also the exclusive outlet for the Annie Sloan range of chalk paints, which come from England.”

Anita says her knowledge of the French language has improved over time, but weekly French lessons with a tutor on the North Shore keep her on track.

She says there is no shortage of beautiful items that reflect the popular French country style – from oak, cherry and chestnut wood tables, chairs and cabinets to kitchenware, candlesticks, a wide range of giftware and colourful Provencal fabric which can be made up into tablecloths or cushions.

THE FRENCH CUPBOARD BOUTIQUE ANTIQUE, VINTAGE, NEW INTERIORS LINENS~GIFTWARE~FURNITURE

An authentic touch of the French countryside has made itself at home in Matakana.

BeauRegard is a boutique accommodation business, which opened on Matakana Road this month.

It is run by Laurette Macky, who grew up on a farm in Montigny, in northcentral France. BeauRegard is also the name of a village in the Vendee region where her father was born and raised.

Although Laurette considers herself a Kiwi – she is married to Bayleys of the North principal Mark Macky and has a son and a daughter at Matakana Primary School – she was keen to acknowledge her French heritage in the name of her business.

The three individually-decorated cottages that make-up BeauRegard also have a French touch – they are

called Bel Air, Voltaire and Bastille.

The landscaped grounds include a waterfall walk, petanque pitch and croquet lawn.

“We moved from Orewa to Matakana a year ago, and at first I was worried that I would miss my corporate life in Auckland,” Laurette says. “Although I was raised on a farm, I love cities, and have lived in Paris and London.

“But I have to admit that I love it here in Matakana.”

For more than 14 years, Laurette worked as a legal executive, specialising in intellectual property, managing trademarks and brand portfolios.

“Matakana has a lot to offer visitors so the need for a range of accommodation types is growing. BeauRegard offers something a little different, something a little French.”

Matakana Boutique Accommodation

BeauRegard Accommodation Matakana

STOCKISTS OF

Nestled in the heart of the Matakana Coast wine region are three tastefully decorated one-bedroom, self-contained cottages.

BeauRegard Accommodation Riverside Arcade, Queen St, Warkworth thefrenchcupboard.co.nz.

603 Matakana Road, Matakana, New Zealand Phone: 021 803 378 • www.beauregard.co.nz

22 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

localmatters.co.nz INTR ODUCING n

warkworth

acupuncture Discover the healing power of acupuncture for Quality of Life Acupuncture is a time tested therapy that has been practised in the Far East for thousands of years.

A growing body of evidence- based clinical research shows that acupuncture safely treats a wide range of common health problems.

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I have a feeling of calm and I have a feeling of wellness, making stressful situations at work easier to deal with…” Helen Baker Special Programmes Health Maintenance

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P 09 422 5522 E contact@warkworthacupuncture.nz W www.warkworthacupuncture.nz Kowhai Health and Medical Centre, 3- 5 Alnwick Street , Warkworth Brenda Burke, LIC Ac ACC Provider

Call JOEL HEMUS 021 959 341 FOR...

Warkworth Acupuncture Brenda Burke has opened Warkworth Acupuncture to offer a drug-free way for people to manage health and pain.

Brenda grew up in Warkworth, but studied acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in England.

“I first became interested in acupuncture after my great aunty received treatment,” she says. “She was always a vibrant and active woman, but as she was approaching her 90s she had to move into a nursing home and her health deteriorated rapidly. She could not walk unaided and she had lost her spark, but following two months of acupuncture, her mobility returned as well as her sense of humour.”

Brenda moved to London when she was 20 and was working as a legal secretary, when she decided to start a career in healthcare.

“I was highly stressed and receiving regular acupuncture when it hit me, ‘what on earth am I doing? I should be the one helping people, not lying here as a patient’. Now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It’s so rewarding.

“There is a growing body of medical research supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture. It can be used for everything from weight management, digestive issues and anxiety, through to recovery from surgery and acute or chronic pain.”

Brenda has over 15 years experience

Brenda Burke

in private practice, both in NZ and England. She was working in Auckland before moving back to Warkworth four years ago and was based at Warkworth Natural Therapies.

She says the new premises, in the Kowhai Health and Medical Centre on Alnwick Street, enables her to provide more affordable and accessible treatment for anyone wanting to gain the benefits of acupuncture.

She also offers Chinese herbs and is an ACC registered treatment provider.

MORTGAGEE SALE RESCUE 23 Glenmore Drive Warkworth [Behind Flooring Xtra]

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

SUMMER HOURS

Closed weekends & public holidays Open 8am - 4pm weekdays 90 Jones Road, Omaha • Phone: 09 422 7307 admin@libertypark.co.nz • www.libertypark.co.nz

A big thank you to all of our customers Wishing you a very merry Christmas

localmatters.co.nz

December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Fired-up

News from local fire stations www.fire.org.nz

Reducing the fire risk Recently I holidayed in Aussie and noticed that on the news, forest fires featured heavily. Each day a new fire, in a new location. On one of these days, four people died when they were incinerated in Western Australia. Three were young, working tourists travelling by car, who lacked local knowledge and became trapped, and likely disorientated, by the smoke. It was reported that the fire was spreading at a speed of 25kph, being fanned by strong winds. Even Usain Bolt couldn’t outrun a fire at that speed.

Sure, Australia is a dry country and the temperature is slightly higher than in NZ but that doesn’t mean we are not at risk here. In fact, in the last couple of weeks fires have burned fiercely in Blenheim and many of you will remember a couple of years back, fires in the Matakana Valley. They burned for several days before being brought under control by ground crew and helicopters using monsoon buckets. So it should be of no surprise that we are at substantial risk here also.

In the main, NZ appears lush and green and, as a result, we can be lulled into a false sense of security. Sure the grass browns off over summer but that won’t catch fire ... or will it. It sure can!

Last month, brigades from Mahurangi, Matakana and Warkworth attended a bush fire at Martins Bay near the waterfront. A backyard burn off got out of control and caught nearby bush on fire which quickly crept up the hill and threatened the neighbouring house above. It seems the garden hose just doesn’t cut the mustard when a fire gets away on you as the backyard burner found out to his despair. Attending fire crews quickly brought the blaze under control.

So what can we do to prevent forest fires occurring here? Firstly, don’t light fires to start with. A fire ban came into force on December 1 and will last for the duration of the summer. Without wishing to be the fun Police, what that means is no backyard burn offs, no braziers to toast the kid’s marshmallows, no wood barbecues, no bonfires on the beach and so on. Also, don’t let off of those fireworks left over from Guy Fawkes.

Although it’s fun to let off a few on New Year’s Eve, things are considerably drier than they were in November. Smokers be aware of where you discard those cigarette butts.

Make sure you extinguish them properly and place them into an ashtray or similar.

Flicking them out the car window or over the back fence is dangerous.

Make your own properties safe by clearing that dry vegetation or prunings you have had piled up to take to the tip. Clean out your roof gutters of dried leaves. Lastly, be vigilant, sensible and safe so that we may all have a good and relaxing Christmas and summer.

Warkworth Whiteware Ltd Servicing, Repairs and Maintenance Dryers, Fridges, Freezers, Ovens, Cooktops, Rangehoods, Dishwashers, Waste Disposals, Boiling and Chilled Water Units.

I Service Puhoi to Mangawhai Heads Coast to Coast

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

Www.Warkworthwhiteware.co.nz

23

matakanafeature

24 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

building Matakana



F E AT U RE

Matakana enters new phase as development opens A new retail building opens in Matakana this month, expanding the hub of the town further north.

The development at 38 Matakana Valley Road is now fully tenanted, with all three businesses expected to be open for business before New Year.

Finishing Touches, currently based in the village, is opening a second store specialising in furniture, while catering company La Patisserie hopes to open a patisserie and commercial kitchen in late December. Bayleys Real Estate is also opening an office in the development.

Developer and project manager Craig Clark bought the former fish factory about 18 months ago and construction started in June.

The building has been extended by about 100m2 to make 450m2 of retail space and 20 car parks.

“We’ve basically gutted the building and built a completely new frontage,” Mr Clark says.

The building has been designed in keeping with the style of the town, with large decks, and a wooden frontage, he says.

“I think Matakana has a good future. Once the motorway is extended to Warkworth the whole area is going to take off.”

Architect Grant Neill of Pacific Environments designed the building along with Mr Clark while L’Daubeney Construction was the lead contractor.

The land was originally the site of the St Andrew’s Church, which is now at the Matakana Country Park. The church was built in 1895, but was barged to Snells Beach in 1992 to serve as the Salvation Army chapel. It was returned by barge to the Country Park in 2007.

Three businesses are opening their doors in the new development this month.

Meanwhile, construction of the 660m2 Mortimer development next door is finishing this month and tenants will be opening their doors early next year.

A restaurant is being developed by Daniel O’Donnell, formerly of The Stables restaurant at Matakana Country Park. He will open in the building in February.

A dentist has also been confirmed and will open in April.

Mr Craig says the developments will complement each other.

“It’s going to bring more people to this end of town.

If this site was still a fish factory it would make things feel a bit different. The fact we’re both able to find tenants says a lot about the growth of Matakana.”

Meanwhile, the Matakana Green eco-home development at 244 Matakana Valley Road is underway. Three homes are under construction and 28 of the 35 sections have sold.

“I expect they will all be sold by the New Year,” development sales manager David Wildish says.

“By this time next year there will be over 20 houses, either built or underway, and the first residents will move in early next year. The interest has mainly come from locals and people from Auckland, with a mix of retirees and families.”

Tenders have closed for the sale of the Matakana Pub and the owners are understood to be in negotiations with a number of prospective buyers. The 112-yearold building went on the market in October.

Raphaella

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mandyf@xtra.co.nz • 021 507 463

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matakanafeature

December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

25

L’DAUBENEY C O N S T R U C T I O N LT D

Building | Earthmoving | Drainlaying Complete new builds | Alterations & additions Kim - 021“No 933 598 / Tom - 021 933 698 compromise for quality” Kim - 021 933 598 Tom - 021 933 698 ldaubeney@vodafone.co.nz 15 Mill Lane PO Box 750

Warkworth 0941 E: ldaubeney@vodafone.co.nz

Warkworth 0910 Office: 09 422 3279

Proud to have been involved in this project

Members of the Matakana community say the open drains on Matakana Valley Road are a serious safety hazard.

Campaigning for a drain As the retail zone in Matakana spreads, plans to fill the open drains on Matakana Valley Road and create parking spaces are gaining traction.

Matakana Community Group (MCG) chair Dr Simon Barclay says the group has been campaigning for years to get work done on the drains, but negotiations with Auckland Transport (AT) appear to be making ground at last.

“We’ve made it a priority for the group over the next year,” Dr Barclay says.

Designs are underway which will hopefully allow work to begin, he says.

“AT has agreed to investigate the project if we are able to supply designs for the work. Hutchinson Consulting Engineers is producing preliminary plans for the drains pro bono and the road layout designs have been completed. Detailed design of the drainage system is now being undertaken.”

The proposal will create parallel and angled parking along a section of Matakana Valley Road, creating about 50 parking spaces.

The developer of the new retail building opening at 38 Matakana Valley Road, Craig Clark, says Matakana isn’t the small rural town it used to be and infrastructure needs to keep up with development.

“With two new retail developments being completed in this part of town, Council should make a contribution to Matakana,” Mr Clark says.

Warwick Mortimer, who is also developing a retail building on the street, says he has raised the issue with Council numerous times.

“It’s a major safety concern for us,” Mr Mortimer says. “It’s an eyesore and a danger. There have been numerous occasions of people falling into the drains and cars getting stuck.”

Meanwhile, plans to create a large parking lot on land beside Matakana School are taking shape. Designs completed by Warkworth Surveyors show the space would have about 90 parks, which could be used by the school during the week and as a public parking lot during weekends and school holidays. The land would also create a safe pick-up/drop-off zone for parents driving children to school.

Dr Barclay says Council has been supportive of the project and the plans will go to Council for approval early next year.

“In a best-case scenario, the work will start early next year,” Mr Barclay says.

The Matakana Variety Concert last month raised $14,000 towards the project. Full costs and funding are still being finalised.

Back issues of Mahurangi Matters are available to view online localmatters.co.nz

Curtis Eaves Craftsman/ Certifying plumber Mobile Workshop Residential/ commercial

new builds general maintenance marine motorhomes solar wetback hot water systems

021 135 6596

eaves.plumbing@hotmail.com

matakanafeature

26 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015 INTR ODUCING n

CABLING | CONSULTING | DESIGN | FAULT DETECTION | INSTALLATION MAINTENANCE | POWER DISTRIBUTION | RENOVATIONS | REPAIRS | WIRING

Proud suppliers of electrical services to this project Dave & Lynette Morrison - 0508 4 DAVCO | Unit 3, 9-23 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

www.davcoelectrical.co.nz

VANTAGE ALUMINIUM JOINERY Proud to supply joinery to:

Craig Clark Matakana Project COMPOSITE JOINERY 7 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

Phone: 09 425 7510 Email: sales@compositejoinery.co.nz

Proud to be involved in this project Phone: 021 127 9879 Visit: elevateroofing.co.nz

Custom Furniture | Leather | Homeware | Interior Design

New designer store opening Dec 18th 2015 Just up the road from the village.

More space, more range, more of the classic with a touch of contemporary.

38 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana | 09 422 7339 | touches.co.nz

La Patisserie After three years of supplying French pastries, artisan breads and desserts to cafes and restaurants throughout Mahurangi, Christian Herbulot is opening La Patisserie in Matakana, so people can buy his delicacies straight from the source.

The shop is in the new retail development on Matakana Valley Road, which opens this month, and will sell an expanded range of goods from Christian’s renowned Bonjour Patisserie catering company.

But, Christian says the real reason he is opening La Patisserie is to give him more time to make cakes.

“Cakes are my passion,” Christian says.

“I want to sell a range of about 15 different mini-cakes from the patisserie.

I enjoy making pastries and breads, but with cakes you can really get creative.

The flavours and styles are endless. It becomes a kind of self-expression.”

Christian’s fixation with baking started when he was six years old, when he made his first cake with his father, while growing up in the Republic of the Congo.

“It was a caramel-cream cake. He didn’t cook often, but he would make that cake twice a month. Since then I’ve been hooked.”

He started working at his grandmother’s bakery for pocket money during school

Christian Herbulot

holidays, before moving to Paris to study at the prestigious Paris School of Patisserie and begin his career in the mixing bowl.

Twenty-five years on, and Christian says his passion for baking hasn’t ebbed.

“I think it’s the most important trait of a great baker. You can be talented, but you have to have the passion to make the perfect cake.”

He says there is a growing appetite for pastries in NZ, as people venture outside the custard square.

“People are beginning to seek out quality pastries and their expectations are higher, which is good. Every bite should be a real experience.”

To meet the increasing demand, Christian is expanding to cater for businesses as far afield as Silverdale and Whangarei and hiring more staff.

La Patisserie will open six days a week from December 20.

FRESH DAILY ARTISAN BREAD PASTRIES CAKES SPECIALTY CAKES (WEDDING ETC.) CATERING OPEN DAILY 7AM-4PM. VISIT OUR NEW PREMISES UNIT 5, 38 MATAKANA VALLEY ROAD, MATAKANA PHONE 09 423 0241

localmatters.co.nz

December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Several rhythmic gymnasts from the Mahurangi Gym Club took part in the North Harbour Primary and Intermediate Schools Competition recently.

Competing against a large field of gymnasts from all over Auckland, Mahurangi gymnasts Vanya Dunn came first in Level 6 and Poppy Hallam came second in Level 3.

Coach Margaret Woolf says the competitors were judged in two areas – difficulty and execution.

“Points are awarded for leaps, balances and pivots that are executed correctly, but deductions are made for incorrect handling and body technique,” she says.

Margaret trained under Russian coaches in Australia when she was young and has many years experience, as well as a lot of international experience, in both coaching and judging.

“Rhythmic gymnastics is a challenging and exciting sport which has gained popularity with both spectators and participants, and has been a competitive sport since 1958.

“Because it is a sport that involves total physical movement, it is very creative providing enjoyment and aesthetic satisfaction using hoops, clubs, ropes, balls and ribbons.

“I’d like to see the sport develop in the area.

“At this stage we have 12 gymnasts but we can’t take any more because of the lack of time and space in the gym.

When the new gym is built it will all

Recycling collection changes

BC5212_HM_1

Rhythmic gymnasts compete

27

Some Auckland Council kerbside recycling collection dates change during the summer break.

From left, Daniele Guest, Vanya Dunn and Poppy Hallam. Front, Sophia Barnett.

be very different. We will be able to offer more classes on more days.”

The club mainly caters for gymnasts in the five to 20 year age group.

They practise at the Mahurangi College gym on Wednesdays, from 4-6pm, and on Sundays, from 3.305.30pm.

If your usual collection day is:

Put recycling out:

Friday 25 December 2015 Monday 28 December 2015 Tuesday 29 December 2015 Wednesday 30 December 2015 Thursday 31 December 2015 Friday 1 January 2016 Monday 4 January 2016 Tuesday 5 January 2016 Wednesday 6 January 2016 Thursday 7 January 2016 Friday 8 January 2016

Saturday 26 December 2015 No change No change No change No change Saturday 2 January 2016 Tuesday 5 January 2016 Wednesday 6 January 2016 Thursday 7 January 2016 Friday 8 January 2016 Saturday 9 January 2016

Normal recycling collections resume Monday 11 January 2016 Visit makethemostofwaste.co.nz or call 09 301 0101 For rubbish collection date changes, please check with your provider.

Don’t sit on the Fence…

Come in-store & SAVE!

We’re zapping the GST off ALL fencing products (until 31 Jan 2016) Wire, posts, gates, hardware, energisers, insulators, netting, reels, politape

Home garden, lifestyle block, farm paddock, livestock, poultry, pets 2-4 Morrison Dr, Warkworth | 09 425 7754 | Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8am-1pm | www.farmandlifestyle.co.nz | Follow us on Facebook

28 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

Santa comes to town Christmas parades in Warkworth and Wellsford have helped get thousands into the spirit of the festive season.

Twenty-six floats paraded down the main streets of Warkworth on Saturday December 5.

Parade organiser Nicola Jones says the crowd was full of smiling children and the floats were the best yet.

“I’ve had really positive feedback from ‘Joe Public’. The floats get better every year and people have gone above and beyond,” Nicola says. “They weren’t just things people had slapped together in a week, they had put time into it.”

The Beehive Childcare Centre won the People’s Choice award for their Kiwi nativity themed float. Judges Steven Garner and Beth Houlbrooke from the Rodney Local Board and Rodney MP Mark Mitchell picked Warkworth School as winner of the school award, Warkworth Scout Group won the community and

social group award, Warkworth Kindergarten won the preschool award and Warkworth and District Museum Society won the business award.

Meanwhile, the rain clouds parted for the Wellsford Christmas Parade on November 28, with about 18 floats parading down State Highway 1.

“It always amazes the organisers the variety and complexity of the preparation of floats and displays and 2015 was no exception,” event organiser Tony Sowden says.

Tomarata Playcentre won the Best Float Trophy and the children’s section, Wellsford Citizens Advice Bureau won the Community Section and Quik Autos took out first prize in the Business Section.

After nine years of organising the parade, Tony is looking to pass on the reins. If interested, call Wellsford Promotions president Stef on 021 954 241.

Nicola Jones says Warkworth has the best Santa around.

The Warkworth Scout Group won the best community and social group award.

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!

We wish you a safe and enjoyable Summer. We truly value and appreciate your support throughout 2015.

Warkworth 7 Queen St, Warkworth

Sales 09 425 8742 warkworth@barfoot.co.nz

Rentals 09 422 3209 warkworth.rental@barfoot.co.nz

barfoot.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz

December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

29

It was the first time the festival has been held at Mahurangi College and the new location has been heralded a success. Photos, Jill Guillemin.

Santa in Wellsford.

Pasifika Festival best yet

The McDonald’s float parades through Wellsford.

Organisers are calling this year’s Pasifika Festival the best yet, after about 600 people headed to the event on Saturday November 28.

Event organiser Neville Johnson says the event was strongly supported, as more people want to experience the myriad of cultures represented in Mahurangi.

“The crowd was about 100 up on last year. The highlight of the day for me was the performance by the Ni-vans [Vanuatuans] who performed a song acknowledging the importance of the different cultural groups coming together.”

There were four hours of

performances from groups representing Kiribati, Tuvalu, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

The Leigh kapa haka group also performed. Mr Johnson hopes to encourage more performances from school kapa haka groups next year.

It is the seventh year the event has been held but the first time at Mahurangi College.

“Having the extra space was excellent and we are incredibly grateful to the college for providing facilities free of charge.”

Warkworth Lions Club donated $750 to the Mahurangi Vision Community Trust for the Pasifika Festival.

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30 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

rurallife

Point Wells gardener Julia Snelling with her prize winning arrangement that won Best in Show.

Students perform in music festival

Rose Show awaits Town Hall return The Warkworth and Districts Rose & Flower Show was told that next year’s event is likely to be back in its old stomping ground in the Warkworth Town Hall.

Rodney Local Board deputy chair Steven Garner made the prediction when he opened the 2015 show on November 27.

The show has been in the smaller venue of the Old Masonic Hall since the closure of the Town Hall in 2012.

Publicity officer Lois New says the smaller venue has necessitated significant changes to the schedule but despite that, it was another superb event.

“Under the competent leadership of convenor and past president, Annette Sharp, this year’s event was an undoubted success,” she says.

“A return to the Town Hall will offer new opportunities for the enthusiastic committee which is assisted in no small way by partners, family members and friends, all of whom offer their time willingly and voluntarily.”

Trophy winners were: Freda Holt Trophy – Champion of Champions Rose, Norma Miller; Campbell D’Arcy Cup, most

points in section A – Norma Miller; Flora Reilly Cup, most points in section B – Billie Hurdley; Cruickshank Cup, best rose Section B – Billie Hurdley; Candlesticks, most points in section C – Ann Dewhirst; Sesquicentennial Cup, Best in the Show – Julia Snelling; Warkworth Garden Club Cup, most fragrant rose – Sally Greenwood; Helen and Henry Phibbs Trophy, most points in section D – Gaelene Dorreen; President’s Cup, President’s choice in sections C & D – Shirley Scholefield; Perpetual Challenge Rose Bowl, most points accumulated in sections A, B, C & D – Norma Miller; Grange Trophy, best garden on 1000 square metres or less – Marion & Earle Pendergrast; Plaque, Best Street in Warkworth – Ashmore Crescent; Wilkinson Salver, an aesthetic contribution to Warkworth – Mahurangi College.

Raffle winners: Basket of garden products – Gavin Brough, Snells Beach; iced Christmas cake – Gayleen Brown, Matakana; Tumbleweed orchid – Vi Wilson, Warkworth; Morris & James platter – Audrey Shaw, Snells Beach; Central Landscape Garden Supplies vouchers – Gayleen Brown and Cheryl Montague.

Six Warkworth School students and three Mahurangi College students performed in the Auckland Primary Principals’ Association 75th Music Festival in the Auckland Town Hall last month.

Eight of the students performed in the concert band – Warkworth School musicians Annabelle Robertson and Rayner Sandford on clarinet, Chloe Sutherland and Charlie Molloy on saxophone, Ameline Makin on flute and Rhys Niccolls on trumpet, along with Mahurangi College students Talia Bentley and Olivia Hay on trumpet.

The band performed five pieces including Chorale from Jupiter by Holst, and Pompeii Unearthed and Shipwrecked by Ryan Nowlin.

Mahurangi College student Leah Jones also performed in the festival, playing trumpet in the jazz band.

Musicians need to have been playing for at least two years and be at grade 2 standard to be eligible for selection.

The eight students that performed in the concert band started learning their instruments at Warkworth Primary School.

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Gardening

31

Andrew Steens

Most (not) wanted As much as I love summer, I hate the pests that come with it. In the subtropical north, we get plagued with more than our fair share of pests including a bunch of pests that really thrive once the warmer weather gets going. After half a lifetime in commercial horticulture, I’m fairly averse to spraying, partly from the hassle of suiting up, but also I like to keep chemical use to a minimum. With paper wasps mostly controlling various caterpillars (including, unfortunately, the monarch butterfly) and beneficial parasitic wasps for the most part keeping on top of aphids, there are just a few pests that seem to cause perennial problems in the garden. My list of top five least wanted include slugs and snails, potato psyllid, green vegetable bug, passionvine hopper and codling moth.

Slugs & snails The first of these are easily kept under control with slug and snail bait. I’ve recently changed from the bait containing the chemical Methiocarb, to Quash, which is based on iron chelate, which is much softer on the environment and also provides some nutrition to plants as it breaks down. The key for effective control is sprinkling the bait before a bout of rain in spring and autumn, when slugs and snails are on the move looking for new grazing.

Codling moth Pheromone traps are used for codling moth control, hung in early spring just before bud burst to trap randy males as they search for females. Obviously this won’t always be effective, as some boys will get to the girls before they get sidetracked. The next line of defence is to strip off and destroy (the mower works well) any infested fruit early, before the larvae mature and escape. Those that do escape can be trapped in bands of corrugated cardboard wrapped around the trunk in late summer, with a band of grease below to stop the larvae getting any further. Just remember to remove the band and burn or bin it over winter, otherwise you’re just supplying them with a lovely winter hideaway.

Passion-vine hoppers Passion-vine hoppers have very few effective natural enemies and explosive growth potential. The key is getting in early while they are still in the “fluffy bum” stage. Starve and smother these with neem and insecticidal soap sprays as soon as you spot them in the garden and then follow up with targeted spot spraying. Once they’ve matured into the delta wing stage, you’ve lost the battle, as these are very hard to control unless you use chemical warfare.

Potato psyllid The newly introduced potato psyllid which devastates crops in the tomato family is next to impossible to control using any sprays. It’s a bit like the malaria of the plant world; you only need one of these pests injecting their disease infested mouthpieces into your plant for the plant to become infected, gradually decline and become a shell of its former self. I now cover any crops of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and potatoes from mid-November with insect proof mesh. It’s a hassle, but worth it.

Green vegetable bug The most effective control for green vegetable bug is the old two finger technique (no not that one, although sometimes you feel like it). Best done in the morning, when you’ll find these bugs sitting on top of the plants sunning themselves, but still a bit dopey in the cold. They stink (hence their other name – stinkbugs) and when the others smell this they’ll quickly scuttle away or drop off the plant, so you need to be a bit quick about it. No squeamishness allowed!

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32 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

CountryLiving

rurallife

Julie Cotton

Family traditions

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One of my biggest joys of Christmas is the wonderfully diverse manner in which we all celebrate it. So to end my year I will share with you my personal take on our family Christmas for 2015. I know it sounds clichéd, but I genuinely just love natural, handmade trees and decorations (much to my kids disappointment). The plastic ones just aren’t for me and I loathe how all that tinsel spreads throughout the house! This year, as I do most, I have made mine. I dragged my kids kicking and screaming to our “family Christmas crafting day” – LOL. The kids made all the decorations and I constructed the tree out of moss-laden dead tree branches, and in the end, after all their whinging they just adored the end result.

Christmas this year sees us on the farm. Our rickety old 1950’s bach will play host to this wonderful day, so I can eventually return home exhausted to my clean house. My husband will have to check stock and water supply before we can get the day underway, and like an “army sniper”, I will ruthlessly guard the Christmas presents from my kids until he gets home. There will be none of that “diving in” – “free for all” business with opening gifts, no way! I painstakingly dish each gift out, wait till it’s opened and allow their personal expression of joy to pass before another is given (they tell me this behaviour is “annoyingly annoying”).

I was praying Christmas lunch would be a casual affair, but NOPE not with my mob, they want the whole “kit-n-caboodle” handmade entree, mains and dessert. Can’t you just picture me with a silly Santa hat on chained to the kitchen sink. So, if I am going to cook, it will most defiantly be a selection of foods that I enjoy cooking. Singapore-style sticky chilli crab will have to form part of the entree, I just adore the social aspect that eating crab brings to my family table.

Selfishly, I have to have a pork roast with big fat amounts of crackle or I will cry, and my husband will have to have crispy skinned flounder or he will sulk. The kids don’t get a choice in that one! Desserts must include berries otherwise it will not feel like Christmas, perhaps a tart with a hazelnut crust and mascarpone cream filling – num num num!

After lunch, with our bellies bursting at the seams, we will head to the beach. I will dust the cobwebs off my retro 1960’s beach umbrella (complete with funky fringe) and jam my car full of sand toys, towels, sunscreen and kids! My chilli bin will be stocked with icy cold beers and crispy sweet watermelon. Once we get to the beach I will proceed to … pull out a big beach towel, slide on a pair of dark sunnies and a hat, reach for my “girly magazines” and glance lovingly across to my husband and whisper the sweet words, “It’s your turn now, I have officially knocked off!” And that will be our Christmas.

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

Animals

33

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While packing, shopping and organising the family, it is often forgotten that when you want to Authorised Agents for Kioti and TYM tractors send your pet to a boarding kennel it has to have a current vaccination 308 SH1, Te Hana, Wellsford record that can be presented to the boarding kennel’s staff in the form of a little booklet. If you cannot find the booklet now, it won’t be any easier when you are under pressure. Ring your vet and check your pet’s record plu s x10 M aspor t 200 ST and if needed, they can make you plus x10 Masport law nmower s w hich w ill 200ST be plus x10 Masport 200ST a copy, as longplus as vaccinations are Masport x10 200ST plus plusx10 x10 Masport Masport 200ST 200ST E lawnmowers will be dr aw n one for each yar d X lawnmowers which will be which C K A C lawnmowers current. The core vaccinations for a 0 0 each yard lawnmowers which – willvalued be lawnmowers which which will will beV be A drawn one for at $ 499 U T drawn one for each yard O R R T H Ione Eforforeach Rone drawn one for each yard drawn drawn each yard yard dog are distemper, parvo and canine at $ 49900 – valued–atvalued $49900 00 00 00 – valued at $ 499 – valued – valued at at $499 $499 adeno virus. Kennels will also require EXCAVATOR HIRE • ROLLER GRADER • DRAINLAYING ROADING • BUILDING SITES • FOOTINGS • HOLE BORING a kennel cough vaccination. an en ter to win t he “M as p o r t O u t d o o r G r an d P r ize” valued at $ 3 ,4 0 0 POLE DRIVING • METAL SUPPLIES / TOPSOIL • LOADER HIRE o t r ade and re t ail Generally speaking, if you takecus your tomer s • All purchases can enter totowin the “Masport Prize” valued at $ 3,400 • All purchases can enter win the “Masport Outdoor GrandOutdoor Prize” valued atGrand $3,400 chases can enter to win the “Maspor t Outdoor Grand Prize” valued at $ 3,400 • All•purchases All purchases can can enterenter to win to win the “Masport the “Masport Outdoor Outdoor Grand Grand Prize” Prize” valued valued at $3,400 at $3,400 in-s tore en t r ies only • Entry is open to istrade and customers p 09 425 7214 m 021 951 518 e robmackisack@xtra.co.nz dog to places where closehcontact with other dogs is a given, kennel cough • Entry open to trade andretail retail customers open to trade retail customers • Entry • Entry is open is open to trade to trade and and retail retail customers customers ll r un f rand om 17t A ugus t – 3 0 t h S eptember 2 014 • Competition• is in-store entries Competition is in-store entries onlyonly tition is n in-store entries onlyO c tober 2 014 and winner s • Competition • Competition is in-store is in-store entries entries onlyonly MOBILE r aw on 3 rd will be no t iCALLS fi ed and adver FREE FOR USERSt ised on o vaccinations should be considered. If the dog spends time on farms or swims • Competition will runwill from August – 30th Competition run from17th 17th August – 30th September 2014September 2014 tition will run from 17th August – 30th September 2014 • Competition • Competition will will run run fromfrom 17th17th August August – 30th –•30th September September 20142014 Prizes will be drawn on 3rd October 2014 winners will be and advertised on • Prizes willwillbewill onand 3rdand October 2014 winners will be notified and advertised on ournotified website will be drawn 3rd October 2014 and winners willvaccinations be notified and adver tised on our• website Prizes • Prizes will will be drawn be•drawn on 3rd on 3rd October October 20142014 and and winners winners bedrawn notified be notified advertised advertised on our onand our website websiteand a lot inonponds, rivers or flooded areas, lepto are also advisable.

Kennels can be very particular in their requirements, so find out early what you need to do.

Cats also need a current vaccination record for a stay at a cattery. Feline panleucopaenia, herpes virus and calicivirus are the required core vaccinations.

One other issue to consider is the supply of on-going medication over the statutory holidays. Thyroid medication for cats or insulin, for example, can run out and wholesalers are closed between the statutory holidays.

Separation anxiety can be an issue when leaving your pet under the care of Merr y others, and if you want0800 to mitigate the 005 effect you have to start medicating earlier phone 0800 005 445 • w w Chrisw ee phone 445 • www.centrallandscapes.co.nz free freephone phone0800 0800 005 005445 445• www.centrallandscapes.co.nz • www.centrallandscapes.co.nz t s www than the day of departure. If your pet does not travel well and shows salivation, free phone 0800 005 445 freeDrive phone 0800 005 445 • www.centrallandscape from ma• 25-31 Morrison WARKWORTH th vomiting or just general restlessness, talk to us and we will find the right solution team e ! for your pet’s travel problems. www.centrallandscapes.co.nz 6 flyer.indd 3461 3461 Competiton Competiton A6A6 flyer.indd flyer.indd1 1 1/08/14 1/08/14 1/08/141:20 1:20 PMPM 1:2 r.indd 1 We wish you a1happy and safe festive season.

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December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

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36 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

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WATER FILTERS Underbench filters & whole house Ultra violet filters – Kill and remove ecoli/bacteria. FREE site visits. Ph Steve 09 945 2282 or visit www.aquafilter.co.nz

TV SERVICES Aerials, Dishes, Freeview sales, installation and service. Extra outlets serving the area for 18 years.

Phone Gavin 027 476 6115.

Shearing

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

ENTERTAINMENT MAGICIAN for children’s parties,

prize givings etc. Suit ages 3-90 years.

George 09 423 0249

FOR SALE PLANTS Quality groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Large and small grades.

Wholesale direct to the public. Contract growing and pre-orders welcome.

Liberty Park Native Tree Nursery, 90 Jones Road, Omaha 09 422 7307.

RAWLEIGH Products. Ph Pat 423 8851

SUPER COMPOST

Untreated wood shavings & duck poo.

Per Bag $10, Bulk $75/m3.

Enquire about delivery. Ph 422 5042

LOST / FOUND LOST - 2 DARK BROWN STEER CALVES Brick Bay Drive area. Please phone Gerry 0274 935 673

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

MARKETS

WORK WANTED

MUSEUM SUMMER MARKETS 1st Saturday of the month, 8am, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, Warkworth.

Enquiries Warkworth 425 8391

CARPET REPAIRS, RE-STRETCHING ETC. Any small jobs. Phone Gavin09 425 5918 or 0274 106 631 REID EQUESTRIAN ENGINEERING, Wellsford. Float rebuilds, horse truck conversions, etc. Dog kennels made to measure. Quality work. Ph Ron 423 9666

TUITION DRUM LESSONS Professional Drummer $35 - half hour $50 - per hour No experience necessary, all equipment Provided. Age no Barrier!

Phone: 021 02786771 facebook.com/danclaydonmusic email: dandan000888@gmail.com

Nanny & More!

FOR RENT CARAVANS FOR RENT $50 per week.

Phone or txt John 022 634 9708

HOME MAINTENANCE HANDYMAN Small jobs, gardening, rubbish removal etc. All jobs considered.

Phone or txt Dave - 022 015 4032 LAWN MOWING rubbish removal, hedges, small tree removal. WW & beach areas. Ph Jeff Hatfull 027 425 7357, 425 7357 PLUMBER Maintenance work. New tap to new house. Matakana based.

Ph Steve 027 494 5499 PLUMBER Semi retired for small jobs.

Point Wells 09 423 0193 or 027 490 2054 WATER PUMPS Low water pressure?

Get it sorted. Sales, service and installation. Work guaranteed. Steve 09 945 2282 ww.aquafilter.co.nz.

Quality full-time local courses for nanny & childcare careers Call Amanda now for free info!

424 3055 nannyacademy.ac.nz

Sudoku

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PUBLIC NOTICES

BINGO, BINGO, BINGO!

Come and join the fun, 1st Monday of month, Old Masonic Lodge, Baxter Street, Warkworth, 7pm. Proceeds to Warkworth Museum.

JANE GIFFORD ‘PUBLIC’ SUMMER SCHEDULE December Tue 29th – 1 hr, departs 1030hrs; Wed 30th – 2 hr, departs 1030hrs January Fri 1st - 3-hour New Years Day Special, departs 1200hrs Sun 3rd -2hour, departs 1330hrs Mon 4th –1 hr, departs 1500hrs; Fri 15th – 2 hr, departs 1130hrs.

Reservations/enquiries for 2 & 3 hour trips essential: Dave 425 5006 or 027 484 9935 E: dh.parker@xtra.co.nz.

Sponsored by Mahurangi Matters

WANTED TO BUY

MAHURANGI COLLEGE NETBALL IS LOOKING FOR COACHES, MANAGERS AND UMPIRES Please send expressions of interest to L.ruland@mahurangi.school.nz Applications close 30th January 2016

WARKWORTH & DISTRICTS

ROSE & FLOWER SHOW 2015 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

Life Pharmacy Franklin's, Central Landscape & Garden Supplies, Withers & Co Accountants, Not Just Hats, Mitre 10 Mega, Jason Morrison Funeral Services Warkworth.

Tumbleweed Garden Centre, Twig & Bloom Florist, Morris & James Pottery Matakana.

Extra small flocks 35 yrs exp $

50

Call Out

10 per sheep

$

thereafter

Phone Greg

021 041 2903 Email localmatters@xtra.co.nz to book your classified advertising

Church Notices

CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

CHRISTMAS CAROLS 2015

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

Warkworth Anglican Parish Christmas Services Christmas Eve 4.00 pm

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES 2015

7.00 pm 11.00 pm

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

11.15 pm

Friday 25th Dec Christmas Day Warkworth 9.30am

There is NO MASS at Puhoi on Christmas Day

Saturday 26th Vigil Mass – Warkworth 6pm Sunday 27th Dec – Puhoi 8.30am Warkworth – 10.30am Monday 28th Dec Warkworth 9am Tuesday 29th Dec – Warkworth 5.15pm Wednesday 30th Dec – Puhoi. 9am Thursday 31st Dec – Warkworth 9am Friday 1st Jan – Warkworth 11am Saturday 2nd Jan – Warkworth 9am Saturday 2nd Jan Vigil Mass – Warkworth 6pm Sunday 3rd Jan – Puhoi 8.30am – Warkworth 10.30am

Check church website

www.mahu.org.nz

for details of December services & activities.

See advert lift-out page 18 for Christmas Services.

5 Pulham Road, Warkworth Phone 425 8861 www.mahu.org.nz Sunday Services 9am & 10.30am The next edition of Mahurangi Matters will be out on January 13th 2016

Cup Cake Service at Christ Church for little ones Kaipara Flats Christmas Eve St.Leonard’s, Matakana midnight service begins with Carols, concluding with Communion Service Christ Church, Warkworth Midnight service

Christmas Day

Christ Church, Warkworth

8 & 9.30am Christmas Communion Service

St.Leonard’s, Matakana 9.30 am

Christmas Communion Service

St.Michael and All Angels, Leigh 9.30 am

Christmas Communion Service

www.anglican-warkworth.org Phone 09 425 8054

THE MAHURANGI METHODIST PARISH COMMUNITY

wish you a Joyful & Meaningful Christmas and a Blessed and Fruitful New Year, 2016.

We invite you to join us at any of our Christmas and New Year’s worship services of Celebration and Reflection:

24 December: Christmas Eve Carol Service

8pm at Warkworth Methodist Church

25 December: Christmas Day service

9am at Snells Beach Community Church

31 December: New Year’s Eve service

11.15pm at Warkworth Methodist Church Sunday services will continue as normal at Snells Beach (9am) and Warkworth (10.30am) For further information contact Parish Office - Phone 425 8660 or Minister - Phone 021 0271 4099

localmatters.co.nz

December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

History

37

Lyn Johnston, Albertland Museum www.albertland.co.nz

Pioneer Christmas In 1892, a local correspondent wrote a newspaper item about Christmas festivities at Wharehine School. This little school was opened in late 1879 or early 1880, on an acre of land donated by settler, David Smith. It appears the 1892 celebrations were very special because the Witheford men had gone to a lot of trouble putting up and decorating the first Christmas tree for children of the district. The article states, ‘It must have cost them much time and labour, as it presented to the onlookers a really delightful and artistic appearance; and judging by the expressions on the happy faces of the children as they received their presents there from, lasting thanks will be the result’.

Edwin Stanley Brookes Jnr was in the chair and during the evening Theo Cooper gave a short speech to the children. Theophilus Cooper was described in The Albertlanders as probably the most distinguished son of Albertland. Although he only spent a short time in Port Albert, he had already started his first job with the Albertland Gazette.

He later joined a legal firm in Auckland and, in 1878, was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the New Zealand Supreme Court. He also served on the Auckland Education Board from 1883 to 1901 and received a Knighthood in 1921.

Dorris Holloway and little Grace Moffatt, who would be four on Christmas Eve, gave a recitation which earned them hearty applause. This was followed by a selection of music, described as being ‘rendered with much taste.’ Theo Cooper played the harmonium with Misses Cray and Grice and Messrs Waygood (an ex-teacher of the school) and Worker providing the vocals. It was

Sudoku

said that this part of the evening was as much a treat to the elders as the tree was to the children.

Many girls from Albertland families were ‘in service’ in Auckland and couldn’t always come home for Christmas. Gertie Brookes wrote to a friend in January 1896, ‘Mine has been a very Happy Xmas although quiet. I have only been to one picnic this year and that was our Sunday School one and we

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

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Omaha Beach Golf Club is seeking applications to operate the Omaha Beach Club Café.

We are looking for a motivated self starter with a ‘carpe diem’ attitude, someone to take the fully equipped walk-in café to the next level.

Preferred applicants will have proven experience in the café, catering and hospitality industry with a strong customer service focus.

Contact Mike – Email: gm@omahagolf.co.nz Call: 0273036505

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did indeed have a grand time, went in wagons to West Tamaki, to such a beautiful spot, beach and everything we could wish for.’ Gertie also wrote, ‘What sort of Xmas have you had? I hope it has been a very happy one for you and also that the New Year was a bright one.’

I would like to echo Gertie Brookes’ words and wish everyone a happy Christmas and a bright New Year.

CAFÉ OMAHA

the numbers game

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A gathering of the Halfpenny, Moffatt, and Marsh families at Wharehine on Christmas Day 1903.

Mangawhai Walking Weekend

With these... or with these?

Enhance the online profile of your business at localmatters.co.nz/businessdirectory

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localsport

38 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

Third place for adrenalin veteran Matakana mountain biker Paull Robson had a podium finish at the 440 Enduro mountain bike race in Clevedon last month.

He repeated last year’s performance, finishing third in the 40-49 year old class. The timed competition attracted around 200 bikers.

Paull started mountain biking in the early 1980s when the sport was in its infancy but, growing up in Taranaki, surfing and snowboarding were his primary passions and he toured the world as a professional in the 1990s.

“I started snowboarding when the sport was just beginning and have a number of first descents in New Zealand, including lines on Mt Taranaki, Ruapehu and mountains in the South Island.”

He became a professional snowboarder in 1993 and joined the Quicksilver Cup circuit in 1995, competing in both snowboarding and surfing in France, Australia, NZ and the US. “It was an incredible lifestyle,” he says.

He retired from the circuit in 1998 and moved to Mahurangi. He has

TOTALSPAN RODNEY PROUD SPONSORS OF

ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

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

Tennis competition of spoRTs acTiviTies in THe disTRicT a Roundup The Warkworth Tennis Club is starting a Business House Tennis Competition. Entries need to be in by January 20. Games on Wednesday from February 3. Max six per team.

Info: wwts.org.nz or contact Joyce Pyle 4256833 or Kaye Jackson 425 6965 Golf Warkworth Golf Club’s New Year’s Open on January 2, 7am. Visitors welcome. Contact thedivot@warkworthgolfclub 4258248 Tennis art exhibition Mahurangi East Tennis Club Great Summer Art Exhibition, Mahurangi East Community Centre, Hamatana Rd, Snells Beach, December 31 to January 3, 9.30am-4.30pm.

Fundraiser to upgrade clubhouse Touch tournament Whanaunga Touch Tournament, Kaiwaka sports grounds, January 9, 9am-5pm. Teams of 10, $100 entry fee. Register by emailing cherylanderson051@gmail.com. Fundraiser for Otamatea Marae. Cash prizes Info: Cheryl 09 4312 051 or Tara 021 2645 701 Top of the Rock race The annual Kaiwaka Top of the Rock is on Sunday February 14. 5km and 10km run or walk and 10km cross country run or 30km mountain bike and 10km run/15km MTB event. Info: kaiwakasports.co.nz/topoftherock Bowls tournament Mangawhai Bowling Club, Bowlers & Non-bowlers tournament, Saturday December 28. A team of 4 people (max only one registered bowler). Registration 10.30am, bowling starts at noon. Bowls supplied, flat soled shoes required. Register at The Club or call 09 4315085 Fishing tournament Mangawhai Boat and Fishing Club kids fishing competition, January 16.

Info: Isabel Hollis 021685851

A total of 24 juniors took part in the Rodney Junior Tennis Doubles held at Warkworth last month. The winners were: Boys 10 & under – Kane Hume & Matti Walsh (Warkworth); Mixed 12 & under – Coco Dowling & Rayner Sandford (Warkworth); Boys 14 & under – Cameron Keats & Jozef Ujdur (Mahurangi East), runners up – Sammy & Isaac Munro (Warkworth).

229 STATE HIGHWAY 1, WARKWORTH PHONE 09 422 3149

Visit us on Facebook for daily notices MahurangiMatters

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

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been an owner of Matakana Bicycle Hire for the past seven years.

He has been competing in mountain biking for the past decade and is a member of the Dome Valley Mountain Bikers group that has formed about 10km of tracks in pine forests, north of Warkworth.

“The first NZ Mountain Biking competition was held in the Dome Valley in the 1980s, so it’s like the home of mountain biking up there.”

Junior tennis

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

Dec 16

Paull Robson

Auckland Area Sea Watch Matakana Marine Seawatch Sun

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5:19am 0.5 12:10am 3.1 1:00am 3.1 1:53am 3.1 2:50am 3.0 3:53am 3.0 4:57am 3.1 6:00am 3.1 12:29am 0.4 1:24am 0.4 2:16am 0.3 3:06am 0.3 3:52am 0.3 4:37am 0.4 5:21am 0.5 12:15am 3.1 12:59am 3.0 11:51am 3.3 6:06am 0.5 6:57am 0.6 7:53am 0.7 8:54am 0.7 9:58am 0.7 11:02am 0.7 12:02pm 0.7 6:59am 3.2 7:54am 3.3 8:45am 3.4 9:34am 3.4 10:21am 3.4 11:06am 3.3 11:51am 3.2 6:04am 0.6 6:48am 0.8

Tide 5:52pm 0.6 12:40pm 3.3 1:31pm 3.2 2:26pm 3.2 3:23pm 3.2 4:23pm 3.1 5:23pm 3.2 6:23pm 3.2 12:59pm 0.6 1:53pm 0.5 2:45pm 0.5 3:35pm 0.5 4:23pm 0.5 5:09pm 0.6 5:54pm 0.7 12:34pm 3.1 1:18pm 3.0 6:38pm 0.7 7:23pm 0.8 7:21pm 3.2 8:16pm 3.3 9:09pm 3.3 9:58pm 3.3 10:46pm 3.2 11:31pm 3.1 6:42pm 0.6 7:35pm 0.6 8:30pm 0.6 9:29pm 0.6 10:30pm 0.6 11:30pm 0.5 Times 5:57am 8:35pm

Sun Fishing Guide Moon

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First Full Quarter Moon Rise 10:26am Set 12:02am Set 12:41am Set 1:18am Set 1:56am Set 2:35am Set 3:16am Set 4:00am Set 4:48am Set 5:40am Set 6:37am Set 7:35am Set 8:35am Set 9:34am Set 10:31am Set 11:27am Rise 12:17am Rise 11:30am Rise 12:35pm Rise 1:41pm Rise 2:47pm Rise 3:54pm Rise 5:01pm Rise 6:06pm Rise 7:10pm Rise 8:09pm Rise 9:03pm Rise 9:51pm Rise 10:33pm Rise 11:11pm Rise 11:45pm Set 12:22pm *Not for navigational purposes.

G

Good Fishing

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www.tidewiz.com

www.tidespy.com

www.ofu.co.nz

Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd.

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

SAVE UP TO $2084 ON THE MATAKANA MARINE AUTHORISED MERCURY AND VOLVO PENTA AGENTS 80-150HP FOURSTROKE RANGE Phone 09 422 7822 • Email sales@matakanamarine.co.nz • www.matakanamarine.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz

December 16, 2015 Mahurangimatters

what’s on

December

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

16

Workshop on the future of the old Wellsford library, Wellsford Community Centre, 5-7pm 16-Jan30 Kites over the Cove art exhibition, Blackshed Waipu, works by Susan Edge (see story lift-out p15) 18-Jan10 Mangawhai Artists exhibition, From Small Beginnings (see story lift-out p18) 20 Wellsford Market Mingle, library plaza, 9am-1pm. Info: Sydney 022 6574 095 20 Matakana Vintage Market (see story lift-out p2) 20 Waipu Community Annual Christmas Carol Service, Coronation Hall, 47 The Centre, Waipu, 8pm. Info Lachie McLean 432 0530 20 Christmas Market, Matakana Vintage Market, 10am-2pm.

Featuring Esther Stephens & The Means and White Chapel Jak (see story lift-out p2) 31-Jan3 Mahurangi East Tennis Club, Great Summer Art Exhibition, Community Centre Hall, Hamatana Rd, Snells Beach, 9.30 4.30pm each day. Free entry, cafe & art for sale. Further Info: Convenor 425 5617 (see story lift-out p16) 31 Matakana Village Pub New Year’s Eve party (see ad lift-out pg 16)

January

1 1 2

Waipu Highland Games (see story lift-out p14) Warkworth Rodeo (see story lift-out pgs 6-7) Museum Summer Markets, Old Masonic Hall, Warkworth, 8am.

Info: 425 83891 2 Wellsford Market Mingle, library plaza, 9am-1pm. Info: Sydney 022 6574 095 2 Mangawhai Gala, Mangawhai Domain, 9am-2pm 2-3 Shakespeare in the Vines, Ascension Wine Estate (see story liftout p8) 3 Coco Davis at the Matakana Vintage Markets (see story lift-out p2) 4-8 Omaha Surf Lifesaving Club City Nippers holiday programme (see story lift-out p2) 8 Bobby Alu, Leigh Sawmill (see story lift-out p9) 9 Puhoi Woodchopping Carnival, Puhoi Hotel (see stories lift-out pgs 3-5) 10 Hot Diggity at the Matakana Vintage Markets 11-25 Omaha Surf Lifesaving Club Big Fun Week programme (see story lift-out p2) 15 Ukelele gathering, Old Masonic Hall, 5pm 15 Warkworth BID registration closes. Info: warkworthbusiness.co.nz 15 Waipu Cycle and Walkway Beach Festival, Waipu Cove Beach Reserve, 4pm (see story p18) 16 Go Skateboard Day, Snells Beach Skatepark, 9am-12 noon, competition 12.30pm (see story lift-out p11) 16 Wellsford Market Mingle, library plaza, 9am-1pm. Info: Sydney 022 6574 095 22-24 MaARTakana Exhibition, Matakana School Hall, raising funds for Warkworth Wellsford Hospice. More than 200 artworks for sale 23/24 Warkworth A&P Show (see story lift-out p12)

February

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Whangateau Folk Club, Whangateau Hall, 7pm. $5, BYO. First half is open mic. Second half guest musicians, workshops or bluegrass jam. Info: whangateau.co.nz List your event directly on our What’s On calendar at localmatters.co.nz/whatson or email to editor@localmatters.co.nz

39

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40 Mahurangimatters December 16, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

The new club is particularly keen to recruit new paddlers and build its junior membership.

The conditions at Omaha were perfect for the new club’s first race day.

Stand-up paddleboard club up and running

The recently-formed Omaha Paddleboard Club hosted its first inter-club race day on November 29.

More than 50 competitors, from all over the greater Auckland region, took part.

The racing started with a junior event, followed by open, masters and a mixed relay, over courses ranging from 1km to 7.5km.

Club secretary Kim McKergow says

the club has formed to grow the sport and the SUP community in the Mahurangi region.

“SUP is for all ages and you can do it all year round,” she says.

“The club will be catering for all levels of ability from newcomers through to the experienced paddler, and we plan to offer a range of regular events to cater to the different levels

such as social paddles, adventures paddles, ‘give it a go’ days and race competitions.

“SUP is a sport that supports a healthy active lifestyle, while at the same time allows people to enjoy the beauty of the landscape that we live in.”

Kim says the club will be working closely with the other local water sport clubs such as Omaha Surf Club and

Omaha Boardriders Club.

“It’s all about working together to grow our sports in the area.”

The club is also affiliated to NZSUP. The NZSUP nationals will return to Omaha next February after the area hosted a successful event for the first time earlier this year.

Info: omahasupclub@gmail.com or FB Omaha Paddleboard Club

For a full range of family health care, including A&M services in an integrated system 24 hours per day, across our region, including public holidays For further information and new enrolments, please contact any of our clinics Wellsford 220 Rodney St (Cnr. SH1 & Matheson Rd) 09 423 8086 ALSO AFTER HOURS Snells Beach 145 Mahurangi East Road 09 425 6666

Matakana 74 Matakana Valley Road 09 422 7737 Mangawhai 4 Fagan Place 09 431 4128

Maungaturoto 138 Hurndall Street 09 431 8576 Paparoa 1877 Paparoa Valley Road 09 431 7222

Wellsford Birthing Unit

Full 2 bedroom birthing and post natal care facility with your own LMC & Registered Nurses 24/7 in attendance. Birthing pool, FREE baby car seat with admission.

218 Rodney St, Wellsford Health Centre, Wellsford • Enquiries Admin 09 423 8745

PHONE 09 423 8086 FOR 24/7 AFTER HOURS URGENT SERVICE