Mahurangi Matters_Issue 445_19 December 2022

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There was a lot of tail wagging, some slobbering and more than a little bum sniffing at the inaugural Dog Day Out, held at the Mahurangi East Community Centre, on December 10. Between 50 and 60 dogs turned out, ranging in size

from chihuahuas to an 80kg Newfoundland. Amidst the chaos and noise, dogs were paraded and judged on their coats, their size, obedience and energy. The price of the entry was a donation of pet food for the Country Retreat

Christmas Appeal. The day was deemed a bounding success. See more back page.

Above, Mel Lewis with five-month-old Billy, from Country Retreat.

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Contact us December 19, 2022 – Issue 445 17 Neville Street, Warkworth, 0941 ph 09 425 9068 mahurangimatters

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Covid ends Huhu Studios run The internationally recognised film animation company Huhu Studios, based in Snells Beach, has been placed into liquidation by the High Court.

Director Trevor Yaxley says the fact that Covid has lasted as long as it has, has taken a toll.

“We thought we could mothball the company until it was over, but that just hasn’t happened,” he says.

In January 2020, Huhu was in China for the launch of New Zealand’s first 3D animated feature film, called Mosley. The $30 million film, which took four years to produce, was a co-production with China Film Animation, one of China’s largest media companies.

“We held the premiere in Beijing and it was amazing. We were all ready to go with a release in cinemas right across the whole of China on February 7 when Covid struck

and all the movie theatres closed.”

The launch was rescheduled for 18 months later but again, Covid returned and the launch was again cancelled.

“We realised then that Huhu couldn’t survive. The big film companies can ride this sort of thing out, but it’s very different for small independent film makers.”

Huhu specialised in family friendly media, with Christian themes.

Yaxley says they had many successful productions including Buzz and Poppy, Veggie Tales, Turbo Dogs and The Pond.

Many went on to be distributed worldwide and he estimates more than 100 million children in 68 countries have seen programmes produced in Snells Beach.

Mosley was meant to be the first of three films made with China Film, with a further five in the pipeline.

“It represented another 15 to 20 years of work.

Huhu co-founder Trevor Yaxley.

“The most heart-wrenching part has been letting staff go,” Yaxley says. “Some had been with us from day one. Thankfully, there is a lot of demand for digital artists both here and in Australia.”

Huhu was founded in 1996 by Trevor and Jan Yaxley and, at its height, the company was employing around 100 staff.

Rodney Rays US-bound after Aquabots win The Rodney College Aquabots team is off to the United States next year after winning the high school section of the NZ Aquabot Competition in Tauranga earlier this month.

The team, called the Rodney Rays, featured on the front cover of the Mahurangi Matters on November 7. It was captained

by William Clapham, and included Reef Brown, Thomas Tameris, Peter Sundvick, Bhavya Sharma and Azariah Hare. All are Year 11 students.

Clapham said last week that the win was still sinking in.

“The competition in the pool was pretty tough and very close, but we did really well with our technical report and oral presentation, which possibly gave us the edge,” he said.

The win qualifies the team to compete in the international finals at the University of Maryland, 45 minutes north of Washington DC, next May. As well as the written and oral reports, the remote-controlled Aquabots had to complete two challenges in the pool, which included an obstacle course and a surprise

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The winning team in Tauranga.

event. This year’s challenge focused on the practical applications of underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) on aquaculture.

Nearly 200 Year 4 to 12 students competed in the event.

Clapham says all members of the team are hoping to make the trip to the US final, but this will depend on fundraising. Conservatively, for airfares, accommodation and expenses, he estimates they will have to raise around $30,000.

Clapham thanked everyone who had helped the team make it to the national final.

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SH1 Warkworth Showgrounds

New name for link road adopted The Matakana link road will be called Te Honohono ki Tai Road, despite further objections at this month’s Rodney Local Board meeting.

The name, which was gifted to Auckland Transport (AT) by Ngāti Manuhiri, was recommended for adoption by the Board at its November meeting, but Wellsford member Colin Smith succeeded in taking the proposal back to a workshop for further discussion.

He said at the time that more people should have input to the name Te Honohono ki Tai Road, which means pathway to the sea, as it was an important road and he felt it could be confusing for drivers (MM, Nov 21).

At the December 7 Board meeting, Smith again tried to persuade members that the new name should be rejected.

“I would like to move that the road name stays the same – Matakana link road,” he said. “The tupuna are the ancestors and the ancestors are being disrespected.

“The Matakana link road goes to the Matakana Road, then it goes to Matakana, then out to Omaha, Leigh and Tawharanui, and over the Matakana Hill.

“There’s been no communication with the wider community and this is wrong. AT has not followed protocol – treaty partners have been forgotten.”

Smith was referring to the fact that normally, when names for new roads or subdivisions are put forward, all local mana whenua are given the opportunity to provide feedback. However, Auckland Council subdivision adviser Bruce Angove said in his report that, as Ngāti Manuhiri had gifted Te Honohono ki Tai as a name for the link road, no further consultation had taken place.

“The gifting from iwi carries with it an important level of respect to the recipient and as such should be considered a taonga (treasure). As a result, and in this instance, no consultation has been undertaken with other iwi. For the same reason, no alternative names have been provided.”

Board member Tim Holdgate said he thought the road needed “a simple, logical name” so motorists could easily identify it and said he had received a letter from a Matakana resident who was “violently opposed to a Māori name”.

“We’re a country of many people and Māori are no more important than anyone else,” the letter said. “For once, a new road must not follow this trend.”

Michelle Carmichael thought AT should have adopted and started using the new name when it was first gifted four years ago.

“I think AT has dropped the ball on this,” she said. “The road should have been given this name then and then we wouldn’t have

any confusion now.”

Geoff Upson wanted to ask the public present what they thought, but was told this was not allowed.

Two members, Mark Dennis and Louise Johnston, then said they found any objections to the gifted name embarrassing.

“I can’t understand what you guys are saying,” Johnston said. “We’ve been gifted this name and it’s our role to accept it or reject it.” Members voted by six votes to three to accept the new name, with Smith voting against it and Holdgate and Geoff Upson abstaining.

“

There’s been no communication with the wider community and this is wrong. AT has not followed protocol – treaty partners have been forgotten.

Te Honohono ki Tai Toitū te Marae a Tāne, Toitū te Marae a Tangaroa, Toitū te Iwi. Protect and strengthen the land and the sea and they will protect and strengthen the people.

This project has been gifted the name ‘Te Honohono ki Tai’, which refers to the connection between the land and the sea.

In Te Ao Māori, or the Māori world, it is acknowledged that the balanced natural order of ecosystems and ecological thinking is characterised in the expression ‘Ki Uta Ki Tai’, which refers to the journey of wai (water) as it falls from the sky, flows over the land and out to sea. This view describes a Māori understanding of sustainable land management. Within this approach, all parts of the system have a relationship

with each other, and nothing can be separated.

In July 2020, a takutaku (pre-European prayer) was placed by kaumatua and the intentions in the takutaku were for the project team to construct and deliver a new road that has zero injuries, minimal impact to the natural built environment and its inhabitants, while also alleviating motor vehicle pressure on the surrounding roads and therefore, increasing road safety and reducing accidents.

” Watercare in hot water over pipeline route Colin Smith

The proposed route for a wastewater pipeline, connecting new development on the north side of Warkworth to the pump station in Lucy Moore Park on the south side, raised a few hackles at the Warkworth Liaison Group meeting on December 7.

Watercare representatives Richard McIntosh and Danielle Hamilton were at the meeting to give an update on the various Watercare projects happening in and around Warkworth.

However, it was the route for the new wastewater pipeline that stirred up the audience, particularly One Mahurangi manager Murray Chapman.

Watercare has narrowed down the original five route options to just two – discounting the other three on the grounds that their construction was not feasible.

The remaining options are either to bring the pipeline along Mill Lane, Queen Street and Baxter Street to the pump station, or take it via Mill Lane, Neville Street and Baxter Street. Watercare acknowledges that either route will cause significant disruption, but it hopes to mitigate this as much as possible through its discussions with the community.

However, Chapman said that the Queen Street option was untenable.

He said even if the trenching was done in 50-metre increments, it would kill retail. He said Queen Street was not wide enough to accommodate both construction and cars.

“After the disruptions of Covid, it will be

the final nail in the coffin for businesses along the street,” he said.

While McIntosh reiterated that no decision had been made, Chapman wasn’t having a bar of it.

“I want an undertaking that the final decision will be based on what is best for this community and not what is most costeffective for Watercare,” he said.

Hamilton weighed into the debate by saying that she felt the discussion was premature.

“We haven’t finished the investigations yet; no decision has been made,” she said. “Wait until we come back to you in February.”

Part of the investigation includes identifying methodologies, potential impacts and how Watercare can mitigate these to minimise disruptions.

The plan is to host a community information evening in March to provide further information and respond to

questions as the project enters the detailed design and consenting phase.

Other members of the audience asked if a rising main had been considered instead of a gravity fed system, which could provide other route options that were less disruptive. McIntosh said he wasn’t sure and would follow up with the planning team.

A suggestion that Watercare could invest in a mitigation project such as revegetation along a cycleway or at a reserve in Warkworth also did not go down well with Chapman.

“With respect, planting trees somewhere in Warkworth is not going to mean a damn thing to the retailers who will be ruined if this goes ahead along Queen Street,” he said.

Watercare hopes to start work on the pipeline in 2024.

The Liaison Group is now in recess until February 1.

Scallop beds closed

The two remaining open areas in the Coromandel scallop fishery have closed, after new information showed scallops are in decline. The closure will remain in place for three months and includes commercial, recreational and customary fishing. Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker invoked the emergency measures on December 15 and the beds closed on December 16. He said a new camera-based survey of the beds has indicated a serious decline in numbers. “Immediate action is required to provide the best chance of recovery,” Parker said. “This kind of measure is rarely used, and I do not invoke it lightly as it bypasses public consultation. I consider that in this case, given the seriousness of the situation, it is necessary.” The closure prohibits all scallop fishing in the two defined areas at Little Barrier/Te Hauturu-o-Toi and Colville channel.

See full story at www.localmatters.co.nz

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Anti-mask abuse concerns local doctor Front-line health workers at some local medical centres are bearing the brunt of patients’ anger over mask wearing requirements.

Coast to Coast health care director Dr Tim Malloy describes the level of abuse as “diabolical”. He says the anger and intolerance is escalating the longer the requirements continue, and he has appealed to the public for more understanding.

“Covid has not gone,” he says. “People are still getting sick and staff are getting Covid just like everyone else. The only realistic option to stop the spread is mask wearing, and PPE for staff.”

Dr Malloy says the language that

receptionists, in particular, are being exposed to is totally unacceptable.

Coast to Coast clinics have set up a separate pathway for patients who refuse to wear a mask, so their health needs can be attended to. However, in cases where a person refuses to cooperate and continues to be abusive, they are being forced to call police or issue trespass notices.

Dr Malloy says staff come to work to help people so coping with the current level of abuse is taking its toll on morale.

While mask wearing is optional but encouraged in crowded places, the government has mandated that people

Tricky street leak fixed, eventually Lucky for Watercare that, so far, this has not been a drought year. Hauiti Drive residents, in Warkworth, contacted the council-controlled organisation on November 25, concerned about the amount of water running down the gutter on one side of the street.

“It wasn’t exactly gushing out, but it was running 24 hours a day so it equated to a lot of water,” one resident said.

Coincidentally, it wasn’t until Mahurangi Matters enquired that the leak was finally

fixed, 12 days after Watercare had first been alerted.

A Watercare spokesperson says the faults services team triages all reported leaks to ensure high-volume leaks, or those that pose a risk to people or property, are repaired first.

“As it was understood to be a low-volume leak with no customer impact or risk to property, we advised we would have a team on site within 10 working days. However, our crew was on site to assess the reported

entering medical clinics, pharmacies, hospitals and dental and oral health services must wear a mask.

leak three days later. In this instance, the exact location of the leak proved difficult to find – likely due to the depth of the water pipe.

“Further investigations were undertaken using acoustic leak detection technology.

“When we were confident we’d located the source of the leak – underneath a driveway – we organised the repair work. This was successfully carried out overnight on December 7 and temporary reinstatement has been completed.”

Marja Lubeck, who has been a passionate advocate for the Mahurangi area over two terms of government, will retire at next year’s election.

Lubeck quits politics Mahurangi-based Labour MP Marja Lubeck has announced she will not stand for re-election next year, citing family reasons.

Lubeck entered Parliament in 2017 on Labour’s list, and again in 2020.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision – I love my job and it’s a real privilege to be part of such an awesome team led by the amazing Jacinda Ardern,” Lubeck says.

“Those who know me know how important family is to me – while I love my job, the time away from home at Parliament and travelling throughout our region has been hard to balance with the needs of my family.”

One of Lubeck’s major accomplishments while in office was the passing of the bill to put an end to conversion therapy, which passed into law in February this year. The bill makes conversion practices, which seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, illegal.

Six of the Government’s 64 MPs will retire at the 2023 election. Ministers Poto Williams, Aupito Sio and David Clark will retire, along with MPs Jamie Strange, Lubeck and Paul Eagle. All will stay in Parliament until the election.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Lubeck had been a passionate advocate for her community and was a valued member of the Labour team.

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2022 highlights and what’s coming up

Wellsford Community Centre has seen a big boost in usage.

Community centres doing well The number of people and groups using the Wellsford Community Centre has increased by well over 100% since Auckland Council appointed a special community advisor and coordinator, Rodney Local Board heard this month.

Lisa Hampe was taken on in early 2021to coordinate bookings and boost hall usage, something which had been achieved with great success she said in an update to members.

“We’ve had some really great improvements and massively increased the number of people attending,” she said. “We really did need a coordinator.”

Hampe told the meeting that numbers using the community centre had grown from 5736 in the six months from March to August 2019 to 12,739 over the same period this year, an increase of 122%, while bookings were up by 125% from 146 to 329 and hours rose by 81% from 482 to 871.5.

Hampe said activities taking place at the centre included workshops, drama, music,

physio, yoga, night markets, and church and school events.

Since March, Hampe has also been activation coordinator for the Mahurangi East Community Centre, working 20 hours a week for each. Although over a much shorter time frame, the figures for the Snells Beach facility are also up, showing increases in the number of people, bookings and hours used up by 88%, 44% and 74.5% respectively.

Hampe told Rodney Local Board that her role at both community centres would be better as a permanent position, rather than its current six-monthly contract basis, as it was something that was clearly needed.

Wellsford Board member Colin Smith agreed and thanked Hampe for the update.

“You’re doing a fantastic job, the community is in desperate need of what you do,” he said.

Info and bookings: www.wellsfordcommunity.co.nz and www.mecc.co.nz

Free summer bus returns

The popular free Mangawhai bus service is back for summer. Starting on December 27, the bus loops from the Mangawhai Domain in the village to the surf beach between 10am and 5.30pm. Daily services run until January 15, then on weekends until February 6 with an extra weekend added on for Easter (April 7-10). The bus stops at 12 locations along the route, including the Mangawhai Artist Gallery, Mangawhai Central, the Mangawhai Museum, MAZ and the Wood Street shops. The service is funded by Kaipara District Council, which is encouraging locals to leave the car at home.

As 2022 draws to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on the achievements of the past 12 months. Despite a challenging operating environment, there have been some significant highlights, most recently, the public open day which saw 1,300 locals and visitors enjoy a 90-minute bus ride along the alignment.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the open day. It was very rewarding to receive so many positive comments that reinforced what an awesome job you consider has been done and how much you are looking forward to driving along the new road with its improved safety and reliability.

Other highlights from the year include: •

Completion of both major viaducts - Arawhiti ki Ōkahu and Arawhiti ki Pūhoi - including asphalt,

•

Stage 4 & 4a Southern Connection traffic switches successfully delivered, and Pukerito roundabout (Northern Connection) traffic switch completed successfully,

•

The majority of the project alignment now has live power along with the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) integrated,

•

7700m of kerb and channel have been placed – 100%,

•

82% of the total road pavement placed to date, which is 135,000 tonnes of a total of 165,000,

•

At the beginning of the 2022 winter season there had been 504,000 plants planted – in this 2022 winter season alone 350,000 plants were planted, and

•

The recent public open day, where over 1300 locals and visitors enjoyed a 90-minute bus ride along the alignment.

As we build momentum towards completing the new motorway, we are now at the stage where we need to connect parts of the new road with the existing motorway and State Highway 1 (SH1), this means there will be road closures on SH1 and on some local roads in both the north and the south over the coming months.

There will be a local road closure on Woodcocks Road (Intersection of Wyllie Rd/ Woodcocks Road and Carran Road) from Sunday 18 December to Thursday 22 December, 7pm to 4am each night for pavement/chip sealing works. There will be detours in place. Once again, we would like to thank our local neighbours and night-time road users for their patience while we undertake these important works to improve the safety and resilience of the network.

We appreciate the project works have been ongoing and that residents have withstood continued disruptions over the years. We are working hard to complete this work before the busy holiday period, and we will be off the road midDecember and back early in the new year.

Whatever you are doing or wherever you may travel, I wish you safe and happy holidays. We are looking forward to a new year, and to see this project through to the finish line.

Nga mihi, Robert Jones – Project Director

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December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

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These Wellsford residents are hoping Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s push to give rural roading a fair bite of the AT funding cherry will finally bear fruit.

A Levet Contracting truck tips metal into a particularly large and persistent pothole dubbed Lake Worthington by locals.

Frustrated Wellsford residents resort to DIY road repairs Rural residents fed-up with seeing unsealed road maintenance and repairs slashed over the last decade have resorted to fixing potholes and clearing culverts themselves, just to keep roads drivable.

A number of business owners and farmers around Wellsford have been filling in potholes, grading roads and digging out ditches and water tables, as they say it takes too long for Auckland Transport (AT) and its contractors to fix problems.

Steve Levet runs Levet Contracting in Worthington Road and Silverhill Quarry in Shepherd Road, and although he actually supplies AT’s contractor with metal to fix local roads, he says it’s often quicker and easier to do the job himself.

“It gets to be embarrassing,” he said.

“I’ve graded this road twice and fixed the potholes.

“A number of us have been maintaining our own roads, and it’s not cheap.”

Some of Levet’s neigbours have been using his metal to fill holes outside their properties, a man in Silverhill Road hired

a digger to clear out culverts, and Owen Becroft has been grading Bailey Road and the bottom of Silverhill Road for four years.

“If I hadn’t, Bailey Road wouldn’t have been drivable. Everything from buses to trucks have been physically stuck in that road in recent years,” he said.

Many of those doing DIY road repairs have a long history in the business, whether it’s working for contractors or for the former Rodney District Council. They say they all know what needs to be done, but since the district went into the Supercity, budgets, work programmes and even the amount of metal being put on roads have all been cut to the bone.

“When it was Rodney, we had three truck and trailers carting metal full-time and now they’re down to one truck. The budget has been slashed by thousands and yet there are more and more people and vehicles coming in.”

Wellsford Rodney Local Board member and roading engineer Colin Smith has

long campaigned for better funding for local roads and has heavily criticised board members who diverted sealing metal roads out of what could be funded by the Rodney Transport Targeted Rate.

He’s now pinning his hopes on new Mayor Wayne Brown’s Letter of Expectation for AT, which was due to be voted on by the Governing Body last Thursday, December 15. The letter specifies ensuring the road maintenance and renewal programme is adequate and supports rural roads, including improvements to rural road maintenance and sealing, and targets to ensure prompt completion of simple road repairs.

“It’s criminal that we have to put up with this. These are the guys paying rates for Auckland, but they’re not seeing anything coming back. One guy in Tapora is paying $64,000 and has nothing to show for it,” Smith said. “All we want is roads and drainage.”

He also suggested that funding for sealing metal roads could come from Council’s environment targeted rate.

Tonnes of aggregate washes off unsealed roads and into paddocks and streams.

“They don’t clear out the water tables and the culverts, and all the aggregate ends up in the paddocks, rivers and the Kaipara, so why don’t they use some of the environment targeted rate to seal roads?”

Smith said AT contractors could only do what their contract allowed them to.

“They always say give us the money and we’ll do the job. Where’s the blockage?” he said. “We’re 100% behind Mayor Brown’s letter.”

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Marja Lubeck Labour List MP based in Kaipara ki Mahurangi For enquiries, please contact my office: 0800 LUBECK or 0800 582 325. marja.lubeck@parliament.govt.nz

Authorised by Marja Lubeck, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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The site is blanketed with pines, pampas and other weed species.

Ti Point weed project starts Work has finally started on clearing more than three years of rampant wilding pine, pampas and other pest plant growth on the Auckland Council-owned forestry block on the corner of Leigh and Ti Point Roads.

A digger arrived on site last week and started clearing a fire break buffer, with aerial spraying of weedkiller by helicopter expected to follow as soon after that as weather conditions allowed.

It is the first stage of a three-year weed eradication plan drawn up by Council with Treescape – the aerial drop will be followed by two further applications by staff on the ground, the first straight after the helicopter spray and the second six months later. The process will be repeated in the second year, followed by targeted maintenance of any reinfested areas in year three.

The news that clearance work was finally starting has come as a huge relief to local residents, who have been lobbying Council to act since pine trees were harvested and the weeds started to take hold in 2019.

Council was also taken to task over the issue by Rodney Local Board in July, with former member Beth Houlbrooke critical of time delays and a lack of communication with the Board and community, calling the site “an ecological disaster”.

Linus Wood is one of the founders of the Ti Point Forest Project, which wants to make the land a reserve planted with native forest species and has put forward its own

plan of action to Council.

He said it was great news that something was happening at last, although he questioned how contractors would keep on top of weed reinfestation.

“If you have a patch of weeds and clear it, something else will grow there immediately,” he said. “That’s why we proposed planting it out with natives – it’s the only way to keep them gone.”

He said that in the longer term, the forest project group would like to have walking and biking tracks through the 11-hectare site, and planting it with indigenous trees would make it a valuable wildlife corridor for native species.

Council said the chemical being used to kill the weeds was DOC approved, would not harm animals and spraying would only be carried out on fine days when plants would absorb the spray, to limit run-off.

A spokesperson added that community organisations and neighbouring residents would be kept informed and consulted over the next 18 months.

The site includes a former landfill and was planted with pine trees 30 years ago, which were originally due to be harvested in 2013.

However, that was postponed following the discovery of kauri snails, a protected species, and around 50 snails and 22 eggs were subsequently discovered and relocated to Auckland Zoo. The pine trees were finally harvested between 2017 and 2019.

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7

YouSay

We welcome your feedback but letters under 250 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge them as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read at www.localmatters.co.nz/opinion.

Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or 17 Neville Street, Warkworth 0910

Rural nurses ignored

I am a rural practice nurse in a large rural general practice where I have worked for the past 28 years. I am very angry that Health Minister Andrew Little has left all general practice nurses out of his recent Pay Parity settlement for health workers.

The Ministry of Health’s media release on November 28 states: “The Government is committed to ensuring health workers are paid fairly and receive parity with others doing the same or similar work, especially given the current cost of living pressures workers and their families are under.”

If the Government is indeed committed to this, then why hasn’t Mr Little addressed GP practice nurses’ wages? There is clearly a difference between the contracted rates for primary health care nurses and their colleagues at Te Whatu Ora – you only have to read the contracts to see this. There is also a difference in the number of salary levels at which GP nurses can be paid. If I was working in a hospital, I would be paid at Level 7, but Level 6 is the highest I can be paid on our current collective agreement that also expired in August 2021.

I understand some employers may pay above the contract rates, but I know from experience there are many out there who would like to but cannot, because funding deficits do not allow them to. Those employers who do would be using funding that would ordinarily be used for patient services.

I feel angry, sad, very disappointed and, personally, very devalued. The nurses who have worked in general and rural practice over the last few pandemic years have worked very hard to keep their communities safe and this decision is a real kick in the gut. At a time when hospital services are

A vandalised concrete picnic table at Tomarata Lake.

being devolved to general practice, I would have thought the Minister would be doing his utmost to maintain GP services.

We have had some of our nurses leave to work in Australia and others who have moved to Te Whatu Ora positions because they can earn far more. I am one of those nurses who is due to retire in a few years.

I am, therefore, understandably concerned about the future staffing of nurses in general practice and rural health. I also implore the Minister to please reconsider his decision with urgency.

Ros Gallagher, Wellsford

Call for better lake management

With summer fast approaching, people will be out and about enjoying their favourite recreation picnic spots. In north Rodney, as well as superb beaches we also have a beautiful scenic and socially important reserve – the Tomarata lakes, which have been a favourite destination for day visitors and family picnickers for many years. The lakes have, unfortunately, also been the subject of conflict between users.

With a huge new player in the district in

the form of the immaculately managed Te Arai Links golf resort, it’s time for Auckland Council to mount an urgent review of the Tomarata Lakes Management Plan, in conjunction with the Rodney Local Board.

Tomarata Lake itself suffers habitually from vandalism and careless use. Some years ago, Council settled on a management plan which was designed to accommodate all users and interests around this small body of water. This policy has failed spectacularly.

As users last summer saw, not only were picnickers competing for swimming space and bank-side space with water skiers, power craft, boat trailers and free running dogs, but a disturbing number of jet skis and their thrill seeking drivers were showing off their riding skill in watery broadsides, as close to the beach as possible, or were using the buoys intended to protect swimmers as a convenient slalom course.

The roar of high powered engines driven at full speed, coupled with the smell of exhaust fumes and oil slicks washing up on the sand, have made it almost impossible for family picnickers to have a blissful day at Tomarata’s lakeside. Many families, who once enjoyed this day out, have abandoned the lake to groups of young men.

The solution I and others in the district believe is to urgently separate motorised craft among the other lakes.

Jet skiers are typically not interested in scenic values and could be accommodated on the new lake formed by the sand mine.

Water skiers and powered boats could be accommodated there also or, as used to be the case, at Spectacle Lake. Lake Tomarata itself can easily accommodate kayaks and sail boards, although dogs should be excluded on weekends.

Council should take the initiative and declare the lake for paddle and sail only, as part of a responsible management plan which addresses the recreational needs of all users in the lakes area.

Brent Morrissey, Wellsford

Intersection upgrade needed After spending 40 minutes getting into Warkworth from Snells the other day, and missing an appointment, I realised how much quicker it will be to go across Sharps Road and along to the Matakana link road to get to the new Pak’nSave and the Albany shops, via the Warkworth bypass.

Therefore, I think that the intersection where Sandspit, Sharp and Mahurangi East roads meet needs urgent attention to avoid many accidents happening. A roundabout would be great.

I also feel that having no slip road onto the bypass on the southern side of Warkworth is ridiculous, as that means that two-thirds of the town has to back-track through five sets of lights to go forwards to Auckland.

Most people will just use the old road.

Arthur Hopkins, Snells Beach

Closing down another pandemic year Here we are again, ready to shut up shop for the summer break and take a well-earned holiday from the daily grind.

While we realise we are blessed to live in Aotearoa, it hasn’t exactly been a great year for everyone.

The challenge of living through a pandemic is still very present, affecting all aspects of our lives. As Dr Tim Malloy points out on page 4, Covid is still spreading and the longer it lasts, the less tolerant people are becoming towards preventative measures such as mask-wearing. Going to work each day and dealing with the level of abuse that some of our health workers are facing must be horrendous.

As the year closes, we remember the high school students who are graduating after three years of disrupted learning, the businesses that are still struggling to maintain services with critical staff and supply shortages, and the families who are being pushed to the brink by cost of living rises. It is also worrying how many elderly people remain isolated

due to their hesitancy about large gatherings.

And, to make matters worse, even the weather has abandoned us with no sign of summer in sight so far.

Understandably, many people are crossing the end-ofyear finishing line feeling exhausted and more than a little apprehensive about what next year will bring. Rising interest rates and petrol prices seem inevitable, as well as a recession of some kind or another.

With all this said, perhaps the best philosophy is to take one day at a time, try and keep some perspective, and remember to be kind to yourself and others.

The Mahurangi Matters team says a sincere thank you to all our supporters – advertisers, readers and contributors – as well as the those behind the scenes like the printers and distributors. We couldn’t do what we do without you.

Merry Christmas, and here’s cheers to better times ahead.

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

Tackling youth offending As I travel around my large electorate known as Kaipara ki Mahurangi, I’m regularly made aware of a rise in youth offending. As we’ve all seen on the news, this is an issue that’s seriously affecting local businesses right across New Zealand.

I feel particularly sorry for retailers and others providing a service to the community who – after weathering difficulties in the last couple of years due to Covid-19 lockdowns – now face more uncertainty in the form of this physical threat to their safety, as well as livelihoods.

The government recently announced a fog cannon subsidy scheme to help businesses combat crime. Any measure that might make a positive difference is to be welcomed, albeit that many in the sector believe that this particular one is “too little, too late”.

As a nation we’re getting dangerously close to accepting that violent crime is the “new normal” and simply asking our local shops to defend themselves with fog cannons and roller doors as a result. Of course, the better measures would be those at the top of the proverbial cliff: tackle youth offending and the causes of social dislocation. The young lives will be more fulfilling as a result and

then we could all feel much safer.

My own political party recently put forward a plan to combat youth offending.

Not everyone will agree with every detail of National’s plan and indeed the usual talking heads were quick to condemn it, which probably shows we’re on the right track.

The essence of our plan is that offenders face consequences for their actions. In particular, it’s important to target serious repeat offenders, so we’ll be working hard to turn around offenders aged 10 to 17 who have committed a serious offence at least twice. Young Offender Military Academies for offenders aged 15 to 17 for up to a 12-month period will be another important element, along with more support provided to police in their efforts to tackle gangs.

On a lighter note, I have been out and about at various Christmas gatherings, at Kumeu Showgrounds and Warkworth Town Centre. It was wonderful to see such festive spirit after such a long hiatus, again due to Covid restrictions. I loved seeing so many familiar faces and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Smith calls for Rodney Local Board chair to step down Wellsford Rodney Local Board member Colin Smith tried to get Kumeu member Brent Bailey to step down as chair of the Board at the monthly business meeting on December 7.

Smith made his move at the start of proceedings, saying he would like to propose a motion for Bailey to vacate the chair “due to your admission of conduct”.

He was referring to a public apology published in a Kumeu newspaper this month, where Bailey said he had made statements about a Kumeu businessman at a Rodney candidates’ meeting in September that were “entirely incorrect, false and misleading”.

Smith’s attempt was swiftly quashed by

Board area manager Lesley Jenkins, who said he could not do that and it would need to be moved to the extraordinary business section of the agenda.

However, when Smith raised the matter later, Jenkins again cut him off, saying any such motion had to be made in writing.

“If you’re asking the chair to step down, you can’t do that at this meeting. You can’t make resolutions against (the chair) in extraordinary business, I was incorrect,” she said. “Under Clause 18 of the Local Government Act, you need to do it in writing and give 21 days’ notice of the meeting.”

Bailey himself said nothing as the exchanges were taking place.

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Sun shines for Santa’s

Remi Hart and Makenzi Walker with Santa and Mrs Claus.

Taylor Brown, holding the Santa hat, in the hope of catching more lollies during the scramble.

Warkworth stopover

The sun came out and so did the spectators for the Warkworth Santa Parade on Sunday, December 4.

Organised by One Mahurangi Business Association, and sponsored by Fletcher/ Acciona and Warkworth Toyota, the parade featured both Santa and Mrs Claus this year.

More than 30 floats participated.

One Mahurangi manager Murray Chapman said the streets were filled with happy smiling faces and some people said it was the best parade ever.

“We had a wide range of volunteers from Warkworth Lions and Rotary, plus locals who just wanted to help and be involved,” Chapman said.

Lots of spot prizes were donated by local businesses and the four top prizes went to: People’s Choice: Sponsored by Warkworth Hotel, won by Muddy Toes ELC; Community: Sponsored by the Hamilton family, won by Warkworth Vintage Car Club; Business: Sponsored

by The Bridgehouse, won by Mitre 10; Education: Sponsored by Nature’s Nest won by Muddy Toes ELC’

Town crier, Dave Parker.

Mateia and Grace Bultema (Mateia left) with their favourite Christmas tree (the blue/pink coloured one).

Muddy Toes were over the moon after winning both People’s Choice and Education categories.

More photos online at www.localmatters.co.nz

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Covid cripples popular Warkworth eatery Chocolate Brown, the business behind the Warkworth café and award-winning chocolaterie, and Bayside Restaurant at Snells Beach, has been placed in voluntary administration.

While the café and chocolate shop remain open, Bayside closed its doors on December 4.

Owner Susan Vize says multiple Covid lockdowns and mandate rules had worn the business down to the point where she could no longer borrow money to keep the enterprise afloat.

Bryan Williams, of BWA Insolvency, was appointed administrator on December 1 to “preserve the inherent value of the business and to see if it can be carried on with a sale to a new owner”.

“We owe a lot of money and the only way we are going to be able to pay back that money is to sell the business, so we are very committed to selling,” Vize says.

“We are being allowed to trade for a short time to realise a sale. It’s brutal.”

Vize bought the business in 2015 and has played an active role in the Warkworth business community since moving here with husband Des. As well as the Mill Lane chocolate shop and cafe, the couple ran the café in the Oaks Retirement Village, before branching out to Bayside.

“As soon as the walls went up to restore the Warkworth Hotel [next door to the Oaks café], people just stopped seeing us and they stopped coming in, so we took our chef and our staff, and opened Bayside two years ago.

“All through Covid we retained staff and did everything we could to keep the business ticking over. We served coffee from the café doorway, did special donut days and delivered meals. We got the wage subsidy and some rent relief, but as soon as we came out of the red setting, our rent went back up but our revenue didn’t.

“Essentially, we went through five lockdowns in everything but name.

The Chocolate Brown chocolate shop and café in Mill Lane will continue to trade until a new owner is found.

“When Siouxsie Wiles announced on January 15 that, ‘We’re not doing a lockdown, but Omicron is here so don’t go out to cafes or restaurants’, our revenue crashed. It went through the floor.”

Vize says on some days they made as little as $150.

“I’m not blaming Siouxsie Wiles, but Auckland had five lockdowns, and the rest of the country really doesn’t understand what that has meant. I do think the government could have done more, particularly for the hospitality sector. For instance, in the UK they supported cafes and restaurants with dining out vouchers.”

Café staff also bore the brunt of abuse from people who did not want to comply with the mandate rules.

“We weren’t setting the rules, but if we didn’t follow them there were substantial fines. The fact that not everyone did follow the rules made us look like we were discriminating, but all we were doing was trying to operate legally.”

And like many other hospitality businesses, staff shortages and turnover was an issue.

“We didn’t lose a lot of staff during Covid, but we were employing a lot of people who were on temporary work visas. We supported their residency applications but, of course, when they got them, they were free

to work wherever they wanted and several left. Because they hadn’t been anywhere because of Covid, their holiday pay was enormous. We’re talking six employees, at $10,000 each.

I just didn’t have that sort of money sitting in the bank. I’ve heard of a number of other businesses who were caught the same way.”

Vize says that with hindsight, she would have appointed an external director earlier to manage the business more closely so it didn’t end up in the position it is now.

“But you keep hoping. You keep hoping it will get better.”

The final straw was not being able to cover the purchase of chocolate for the Christmas rush.

“We have to start buying tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of chocolate in August and our bank knows this. But this year, the cafés couldn’t fund that outlay. The money for the chocolate doesn’t start coming in until around December 20, and it’s good money, but we needed to fund it in the interim and we just couldn’t do it this year.

We just had no more money left, no more people to ask and the bank just wasn’t listening.”

Local MPs Chris Penk and Marja Lubeck popped in to wish Vize all the best.

Vize says she has been buoyed by the supportive messages she has received, some bringing her to tears.

“Overall, people – both customers and other business owners – have been very supportive, offering help where or if they can.

“I have no idea what Des and I will do after this, but I’ve only had one week off in the past three years and at present, I’m working 15-hour days, so when this is all over I’ll just need to take some time off before I look for a job.”

In a statement, the administrator said restructuring would happen immediately which would include stopping loss-making activity and redundancies for about onethird of the 30 staff.

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December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

13

Vale

Judith Rose Williams QSM 30 January 1946 - 28 November 2022

14

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

The death of Judith Williams on November 28 has left a void in the Puhoi community that will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill. Although Judith had many interests in her life, nothing came close to her devotion to her faith and to Puhoi. There has hardly been an organisation or event formed or held in Puhoi in the past 50 years that Judith was not involved in. From welcoming Bohemian descendants to keeping the community informed about motorway road closures, she was a tireless communicator and, as Puhoi Forum chair Paul Manton put it, “she was without a doubt the ultimate volunteer”.

Judith was a proud Bohemian descendant of the Pittners, who left Pilsen on the War Spirit and arrived in Puhoi in 1863. She spent her early years in Auckland, but then the family moved temporarily to a bach in Waiwera when she was five.

She attended the Puhoi Convent School for a year, where she met Father Skinner, the legendary parish priest of the time, for whom she had great respect.

That first school year established and reinforced her sense of belonging to the Puhoi community, and Father Skinner remained an influential person throughout her life.

Although the family eventually returned to Auckland, every school holiday was spent at Waiwera, where Judith was given the freedom to explore the bush and the beach, and connect with the Puhoi parish. The Bohemian families often met at Sunday Mass and friendships were strong and enduring.

After finishing school, she did an arts degree, specialising in German, and followed that with a Master’s Degree. She then attended the Catholic teachers training college. Her first teaching position was in Papakura, but it wasn’t long before she was ready to spread her wings and embark on her OE. She moved to Germany, where she became fluent in German, and taught English in Oldenburg. During this time, she was introduced to opera, which became a lifelong interest.

She was to become an avid traveller, venturing to Africa several times, where she visited children she had sponsored through World Vision, as well as through Asia and the Pacific. She regularly visited Samoa and when she found a local church and school that needed computers, she sourced some unused IT resources in NZ and arranged for them to be sent over. It was very much part of her nature that travel was an opportunity to meet new friends.

However, friends attest that she was not always the easiest travel companion, as her enthusiasm to talk

to people, and talk some more, and talk some more, meant keeping to timetables could be challenging.

It was while in Germany that she bought the riverside land in Puhoi that was to become her permanent home. The sale was done sight unseen, on the advice of a respected uncle, and the sale price was just $9000.

Judith continued to teach English as a Second Language when she returned to NZ, with a short spell at AUT and private lessons for people from a non-English background. She taught at Rodney College for several years, before taking up a journalism opportunity at the Rodney Times.

She specialised in covering rural news, and got to know the wider Rodney community. She loved this chapter in her life and became friends with many rural people as she reported their activities and enterprises. She later worked for Valley Voice and, up until recent weeks, was still writing a column for Mahurangi Matters. Her interest in journalism motivated her to write Puhoi Remembers, published in 1981, and It Takes a Whole Village, published in 2013.

On her own property she raised sheep, hens, fruit, vegetables and herbs, as well as dabbling in some winemaking. Her friends remember the results sometimes resembling a good vintage vinegar. She lived without electricity or a phone for many years, and never owned a mobile phone.

Judith was keen to maintain village traditions especially at Christmas. Many remembered her annual Christmas Eve hospitality with port and Christmas cake in her home before Christmas Carols and Mass. And she loved the years when a group would travel around the gravel roads on the back of a truck, driven by then Puhoi resident and weather man Jim Hickey, to sing carols for older residents.

Judith was a founding member of the Puhoi Historical Society, the Puhoi Forum and the Puhoi Market. She was also supportive of the river park project, which is being planted and will be kept for the Puhoi community in perpetuity. She was recognised for her significant community service in 2014 when she was awarded the Queens Service Medal.

Judith died of cancer, leaving behind brother Stephen. Her funeral service was held at her beloved St Peter and St Paul Catholic Church in Puhoi on December 2.

Thanks to Kate Shevland for her significant contribution to this article.

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Science Emeritus Professor Ralph Cooney ONZM, FRSNZ

r.cooney@auckland.ac.nz

PROTECT OUR HAURAKI GULF

Bring no pests to Waiheke:

Triple La Niña – the first this century The National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA) has confirmed that winter 2022 is the wettest and warmest on record for New Zealand. As I sat around in late November looking out at the seemingly endless rain, the words of the song “Have you ever seen the rain?” by Creedence Clearwater Revival kept running through my mind.

Why are we getting all this rain and when will it stop?

The cause of the high rainfall is a phenomenon called La Niña and during the last couple of years we are experiencing an example of a triple La Niña for the first time this century. It is important to understand that Aotearoa NZ is only one of many countries experiencing this exceptional phenomenon. Probably in terms of overall climate impacts this triple La Niña has been even more damaging to Australia than to Aotearoa NZ. Why does it matter?

La Niña and its opposite, El Niño, are phases of a natural climate pattern across the Pacific Ocean that swings back and forth every few years. Together, they are called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and make up the most dramatic year-toyear variation of Earth’s climate system.

They can affect public health, freshwater availability, agriculture, wildlife, power generation and economic activity across the planet.

What causes La Niña and El Niño effects?

La Niña, like El Niño, is a weather pattern that originates in strong winds blowing warm water across the surface of the ocean from South America to Indonesia. It is an enhancement of the tropical Pacific climate in which stronger than normal trade winds blowing steadily towards the equator from the north-east in the northern hemisphere, or from the south-east in the southern hemisphere, push warm water toward the “maritime continent” to the north

of Australia. The maritime continent is the large zone of ocean water located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and encompassing Indonesia, Borneo, New Guinea, the Philippines, Malay Peninsula and the surrounding oceans. The warmer this maritime continent zone becomes, the more water evaporates around eastern Australia and Aotearoa NZ and this atmospheric moisture turns into rain.

How long will the rain and flooding continue?

With the Northland water table and streams already very full, further rain caused by the tail of La Niña, which is predicted to persist over December is likely to also cause more surface flooding.

To what extent does climate change and elevated greenhouse gases influence La Niña and El Niño events?

In 2021, an international team of scientists carried out a review of a range of different models to make predictions about the El Niño Southern Oscillation. They concluded that the variability of the El Niño Southern Oscillation is increasing in response to anthropogenic (man-made) greenhouse emissions. This means that the El Niño and La Niña fluctuations are getting more intense and becoming more frequent because of strengthening climate change and increased levels of greenhouse gases.

Check for pests

Close all food containers

Clean

your boat and gear before you go

What future damaging effects will the triple La Niña have on weather patterns?

We know that severe, drought-inducing El Niño periods are always followed by intense or protracted La Niña periods. A final caution: NZ should be prepared for a continuation of this period of back-toback severe seasonal climate patterns of extreme drought and extreme flood. After this exceptional triple La Niña, Northland should start preparing for a particularly severe drought in the not too distant future.

Marja Lubeck Labour List MP based in Kaipara ki Mahurangi For appointments and assistance please phone:

Visit ourauckland.nz/haurakigulf to find out more from Auckland Council

0800 582 325 (0800 LUBECK) marja.lubeck@parliament.govt.nz 5/62-64 Queen Street, Warkworth

Authorised by Marja Lubeck, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

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feature summer holiday

Times may have changed, but the core elements have stayed the same – from 1952, far left, to the present day.

Waipu celebrates 150 years of Highland fun and games Waipu will be the place to be to welcome in the New Year this January 1, with the return of the town’s first traditional Highland Games since before the pandemic struck in 2020.

And the resumption of the piping, drumming and sporting spectacular will be extra special this year, as the event will be the 150th Highland Games to be held in the town.

Games organiser Waipu Caledonian Society is expecting thousands of people from far and wide to flock to the town to experience the sights and sounds of all things Scottish, from pipe bands and drummers to dancing and caber tossing.

The tartan-themed activity will be centred in Caledonian Park, the town centre land that was originally gifted by the society to Waipu as a green space to be kept in perpetuity for locals to enjoy and to use as a venue for the annual games.

“This is a huge milestone in anyone’s history and we approach it with great anticipation,” a society member said.

The celebrations kick off on New Year’s Eve with the Helen McGregor Memorial Medley, a piping competition with a difference, where New Zealand’s top players are encouraged to play a selection of nontraditional pieces ‘freestyle’ and judging is by popular choice. Held in the Celtic Barn foyer at 7pm, the $10 entry includes supper and bar sales are available.

Games Day itself starts bright and early when all the pipe and drum bands and Scottish clans gather for a street march to Caledonian Park. There then follows a wide range of different competitions – solo piping and drumming, fiddle playing, Highland dancing, tug of war, children’s races and the always popular heavyweight events.

The heavyweight sports date back to the times when kings and clan chiefs tested the agility, cunning and physical strength of their followers. Competitors throw 10kg Gaelic hammers, 25kg weights on short

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| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

and children’s entertainment.

Activities continue all day, then in the evening at 7pm, a Ceilidh will be held at the Celtic Barn, which will include performances from some of the prizewinning pipers, drummers and dancers.

Entry to the 150th Highland Games and the evening ceilidh costs $20 for each event. All proceeds are donated back into the Waipu community. Please note, dogs are not allowed into the games in Caledonian Park.

Info: Visit www.waipuhighlandgames.co.nz or Waipu Highland Games on Facebook

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

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

Sandy has been working with John for the last 8 years and she will be full time in the Warkworth office, except Tuesdays. Sandy can be contacted by calling our Warkworth office, 09 973 3665.

09 973 3665 | 021 475 630 | john@johnallenlaw.co.nz Shop 2 The Oaks, 9 Queen St, Warkworth | PO Box 340, Warkworth 16

chains, 10kg rocks and 6.5kg sheaves, which are tossed high over a bar. Cabers are also tossed – heavy poles that weigh up to 59kg and are 5.5 metres long. The heavyweight event concludes with the Farmers Walk, where a 72.5kg weight is carried in each hand for as long as is possible.

Pipers and drummers join forces at lunchtime for a mass band march, followed by a mass Highland Fling and the singing of Flower of Scotland.

There will also be an open tug of war competition with cash prizes, plus plenty of stalls, food and drink trucks, live music

sed over the We will be clo s Year holiday ew Christmas/N r 2022 be m ce De ay 22 from Thursd and reopen January 2023 Thursday 12 475 630 ncies Ph 021 For emerge

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Church & Community Centre

December 2022 Update

There are always surprises in store for visitors to the annual mARTakana Exhibition in Matakana.

Hospice art exhibition returns

Several generous artists are further supporting hospice patients by donating some of their art for auction. Guests can bid on these works at the Opening Preview and Auction, on Thursday, January 19.

Doors open at 6pm and the auction starts at 7pm.

Tickets for the Opening Preview and Auction are $20. Guests will receive a glass of wine on arrival, canapes throughout the evening, entry in a lucky ticket draw, chances to win raffle prizes and will have the first opportunity to buy from the 300plus artworks on sale.

The general exhibition and sale opens to the public on Friday, January 20 at 9am and continues through the weekend, with free entry.

Info: Events coordinator Lesley Ingham, lesley.ingham@harbourhospice.org.nz.

Opening night tickets $20 from harbourhospice.org.nz/event/martakana

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LOCATED WITHIN THE MATAKANA COUNTRY PARK, AMG EXHIBITS ART FROM AWARD-WINNING, NEW ZEALAND ARTISTS. SAT - SUN / 9.30 - 3.00 WED - FRI / 9.30 - 2.30 WWW.ARTMATAKANA.COM

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ART MATAKANA GALLERY

Now in its 18th year, mARTakana is the four-day art exhibition that is a must-do for art lovers next month.

The show opens on January 19 with a preview and live auction in the Matakana School Hall.

A portion of every art sale will go to Harbour Hospice, which provides compassionate specialist palliative care, free of charge, to anybody who needs it in the Warkworth/ Wellsford community.

Harbour Hospice is partly funded by Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, but relies heavily on the community to fundraise the remainder of funds needed. mARTakana 2023 promises some fresh and exciting work from more than 60 artists, including painters, multimedia artists, sculptors, jewellers and potters.

Organisers says that with prices ranging from under $100 to $2500-plus, there is something to suit every budget.

Mahurangi Presbyterian Church has been a part of the Warkworth community for more than 165 years when Rev Robert McKinney was appointed as the first full-time Minister. He was a driving force for positive change in the community commencing a library, pioneering the first schools as well as other community activities.

Since those early years the church has always had a strong family ethos and today continues to have a meaningful presence in the community particularly through the work of the Mahu Vision Community Trust.

Another milestone was recently celebrated when a Phase 2 Building Consent was granted for the interior fit-out of the new Church & Community Centre being built in Mansel Drive. The goal of this project is to be connected to and serve the local community through a new multipurpose church and community facility designed to meet current challenges and to cater for future growth. The activity space is large enough to accommodate a full size basketball court and there are already a number of expressions of interest from groups who are making plans to use it for their particular sports.

The Phase 2 construction stage will include the installation of a sprung wooden floor in the sports/activity centre a fire sprinkler system a commercial kitchen showers, changing rooms & toilets flooring vinyl & carpet tiles fit out of offices, conference rooms & function centre Among other features being considered subject to funding are a fenced & covered children’s play area which will meet a need in Warkworth.

Current expectations are to see the building open for use around mid year 2023.

This project still requires community funding support . If you would like to be involved please phone Brian Dangerfield at 021 672 500.

December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

17

feature summer holiday

Fundraising fun at Tapora

Street food from Auckland’s Food Truck Collective will complement the many craft beers on offer.

Food, beer and music fest on Akld anniversary

Anyone who enjoys a pint or two of craft ale should head for Matakana Country Park next month for the first Matakana Food & Beer Festival.

More than a dozen breweries from all over the North Island will be parked up in the grounds, together with a fleet of food trucks serving a wide range of gastronomic treats throughout the afternoon and evening of Saturday, January 28.

Several exhibitors won’t have far to travel to the festival site – Sawmill Brewery is coming from just along Leigh Road and 8 Wired will be popping over from its Barrelworks in Matakana Valley Road.

Another local, McLeod’s Brewery, will be wending its way from Waipu, as will the recently founded Pacific Coast Beverages from Mangawhai.

Meanwhile, beers from waste food upcyling group Citizen, which include lagers under the Burger Fuel brand made using yeast from rescued supermarket bread, also have a distinctly local flavour, as Sawmill founder Mike Sutherland is the collective’s chief brewer.

Other producers bringing their brews to Matakana include Behemoth Brewing

18

Music vibes will be provided by DJs including duos Nice ’n’ Urlich, left, and Bavhu.

and Urbanaut from Auckland, Silverdale’s Deep Creek Brewing and Laughing Bones, Duncan’s Brewing Co from Paraparaumu, Good George Brewing from Hamilton, and Fortune Favours Beer and Parrotdog all the way from Wellington.

Kai is being provided by a range of traders belonging to Auckland’s Food Truck Collective, who promise the best in vibrant, authentic street food to suit every taste, and

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

there will be live entertainment and music from well-known DJs all day as well.

These will include Bavhu, Nigel Love, Murray Sweetpants and headliners Nice ’n’ Urlich.

The R18 festival opens at 2pm and runs until 9pm, with tickets costing $54.86 each if bought in a group of four, or $65.49 individually, from matakanafoodbeerfest23.eventbrite.co.nz

Fans of good old-fashioned family fun and games should head west next month for the annual Tapora Community Fun Day at Birds Beach on January 2.

A wide range of games, races and activities are being organised, including a rounders match, tug-of-war, sack races, a water slide, a colouring competition and guess how many lollies in the jar.

The other main attraction will be bumper raffles drawn all day, with a wide range of prizes, including a special gift voucher draw.

There will also be a sausage sizzle, ice creams, drinks, baking, produce and a lolly scramble, plus Tapora-branded shopping bags, caps and stubby holders for sale.

Organiser Maggie Hunt says there will be fun for everyone, whether kids or adults, and that money raised will be donated to the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust – last year’s fun day raised more than $3550.

She is still looking for raffle prizes and is keen to hear from anyone who might be able to donate something.

The fun day will run from 11.30am to 2.30pm and is cash only. Visitors are encouraged to bring a chair, sunscreen and wear shoes, as there are prickles in the domain grass.

Info and raffle donations: Contact Maggie Hunt on 021 271 5544 or email maggie. hunt@xtra.co.nz

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The two teams hope Mahurangi will get behind their fundraising events before they drive the length of NZ as part of the Pork Pie Charity Run for KidsCan.

Pork Pie river cruise invitation Three members of the Ryburn family, along with Chase Hann, will be priming their minis for the Pork Pie Charity Run in March, but not before they’ve done some cruising of a different kind next month.

As part of their fundraising efforts for Kids Can, the two teams – Willie and Chase in one car and Sam and his 16-year-old son Blake in the other – will be hosting two sunset cruises aboard the Jane Gifford on January 18 and 20.

The Jane Gifford cruises on the Mahurangi River start at 4pm and return at 7pm. Tickets are $125 and include live music, canapes and a glass of bubbles. Beer and wine will also be available to purchase on board.

The Pork Pie run starts in the north on March 31 and will finish in Invercargill on April 5.

Money raised through entry fees and

sponsorship will be spent on basics such as food, shoes and socks, jackets, and health items for Kiwi kids in hardship. In 2021, the run raised just over $325,000.

Sam says he and Blake will be travelling in Blake’s recently purchased mini.

“I’ll just be the co-pilot,” he says. “Blake purchased his car before even getting his licence, and it’s currently in the garage getting a ‘heart transplant’ to ensure it will last the distance.

“Willie still hasn’t decided which mini to take. It will either be his unique red mini ute or his ever popular mini limo.”

The Jane Gifford cruises are being sponsored by Ray White and Mason Contractors.

Tickets are available by emailing: pork. pierun@gmail.com or txt Sam on 027 442 7685.

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December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

19

feature summer holiday

&

Merry Christmas a Happy . r a e Y w e N

Mark Church in his ’57 Chev cruising on the coast road to Waipu during an earlier run.

Photo, Phil Clark.

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Run remembers car enthusiast

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The annual Black Swamp Rod Run in Mangawhai will have a special poignancy next month.

The day is being dedicated to founding run member Mark Church, who died of motor neurone disease last year, aged 59.

Organisers will be collecting for Motor Neurone Disease NZ on the day.

“Mark loved the run and was a passionate petrol-head and car builder,” organiser Sandra Brunt says.

The run will be held on Saturday, January 7 with cars arriving at the Mangawhai Domain in Moir Street around 9am.

Brunt says after last year’s scaled back event,

she is expecting a return to big numbers next month.

“In the past, we’ve had up to 200 cars from all over the North Island,” she says. “It’s a really popular run, which gives people who love classic cars a chance to catch up and share their interest.

“Many of the cars only come out on these sorts of occasions.”

The public will be able to view the cars and talk to their owners before the run starts at 10.45am.

“As per normal, we will take the coast road up to Waipu and then return to an afternoon picnic in the Olive Grove.”

Scrabble moves to Warkworth The Rodney Scrabble Club has relocated to the Community Rooms in Alnwick Street, beside the Warkworth Town Hall.

President Sandy Garman says that with the advent of Covid and the increasing age of club members, numbers have dwindled.

“We hope to attract new members by moving to a new, central location with plenty of parking at the rear of the building,” she says.

The club’s first playing date at the Community Rooms will be Monday,

$4

$8

$5

January 9, starting at 12.45pm, and every Monday afternoon from then on. Play normally continues until around 4pm.

Garman says Scrabble is a wonderful game that keeps the brain fit and is played in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of support and mentoring for new players.

New members are invited to attend on any of the regular weekly playing days or, for more information, phone Sandy on 021 264 8867.

Summer looks for less Turning second-hand goods into first class care Te Hana, Wellsford and Warkworth. www.harbourhospice.org.nz/shop-with-us

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| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

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Dance of colour at Mangawhai

Love of colour and joy for life are the inspirations for a new exhibition by two artists at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery that opens this month.

Colour Dance features works in oils and mixed media by Marion Stutz and Mel Juer, which the gallery describes as “joyful, festive and evocative” and an ideal show for the holiday period.

Stutz says she chooses colours intuitively to reflect the atmosphere she wants to project.

“Colour is important to me because of the impact it has on both artist and viewer, through the enormous range of emotions it can inspire in us – from grief, melancholy and sadness through to contemplation, gentle appreciation and unadulterated joy,” she says.

“I love working in oil paints as the oil medium allows me interesting textures in rich opaque tints and translucent glazes, and the ability to manipulate the paint with its slower drying time.”

Juer works in oils as well, but also uses reductive charcoal or pen and Indian ink.

“The change in colour hue and tone during the seasons is one of the ways I connect with the earth and energies around us,” she says.

“This helps me to live in a way that is in tune with nature around me, and to stay connected to the land and the sky. I also like to work in black and white, which is also a wonderful way to simplify things.”

Both artists take inspiration from the Kaipara landscape and the beauty of the natural world.

“My work examines the qualities of the world that surrounds us,” says Stutz. “I reveal the beauty in landforms, sky and cloud patterns, the incredible light and depth in water, the singular nature of what people love in the things they consider beautiful.”

Juer agrees.

“I am inspired by my life and emotions, the landscape of Te Tai Tokerau and by the growth I am experiencing at this stage in my life,” she says.

Colour Dance opens at 6pm on Friday, December 23 at the gallery at 45 Moir Street, Mangawhai, with music as well as art from Juer, who sings with a local band.

The exhibition will be open daily 10am to 3pm (except Christmas Day) until 12 noon on Wednesday, January 4.

‘Kura Marama’ by Mel Juer.

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‘I saw you at the Cathedral’ by Marion Stutz.

Artists Mel Juer, left, and Marion Stutz in front of ‘Lost in the Wilderness’ by Juer.

Local berries disappear

Pavlova cooks will be disappointed if they were counting on decorating their desserts with local strawberries this year. Due to the wet weather, the Matakana Berry Company closed its gate sales at the end of last month, although they will still be selling real fruit ice cream from their van on Omaha Flats Road for the rest of season. Meanwhile, the other popular strawberry patch, Charlies Gelato on Sharp Road, did not plant strawberries this year. Owner Andrew Cole says it was a combination of factors that led to that decision, which included staff shortages at planting time, escalating nutrient costs and the weather. He was unsure if Charlies would be planting a crop this year.

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Leah and Niki would like to thank you for your support over the last year and wish you a safe and happy Christmas and are looking forward to helping you step into the new year with confidence.

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Phone 09 422 2212 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

21

feature summer holiday

Lillian Fromont describes painting as her passion.

Artists rally for summer show In some ways, Lillian Fromont’s life has been bookmarked by painting.

The Warkworth artist will be one of the more than 100 artists exhibiting in the Great Summer Art Exhibition at the Mahurangi East Community Centre, which opens on December 30.

Now 82, Fromont entered her first art competition when she was just 10.

“I wanted to go to art school but couldn’t afford it, so I went to Teachers Training College instead because they had an art course,” she says.

However, her paints and brushes were soon put away when she married and started a family. Six children and many grandchildren later, she rediscovered her love of painting when her husband Alan died.

“A cousin, who is a very good painter in his own right, sent me a parcel full of paints and a note that simply said, ‘Just get on with it’. And so I did.”

Fromont joined Kowhai Arts in Warkworth and remembers it as “the best thing I did”.

“They’ve become like a second family,” she says. “The other artists are so helpful and supportive, and it was through their encouragement that I decided to enter exhibitions such as the Great Summer Art Exhibition and mARTakana. “ She has won several prizes at Snells Beach over the past 10 years, including People’s Choice in 2020.

FROM

$30

“I’m not competitive, but I really enjoy the challenge of preparing for an exhibition.

I was absolutely gobsmacked when I won People’s Choice and so delighted.”

Fromont uses acrylics, but hopes to find the patience to go back to oils one day.

Her paintings are inspired by the places she loves, particularly the NZ bush.

She normally paints for two to three hours a day, and was particularly productive during the Covid lockdowns.

“There were no distractions, there was more time and I was able to focus and concentrate.”

The Great Summer Art Exhibition is in its 29th year and is organised as a fundraiser for the Mahurangi East Tennis Club.

This year, more than 300 artworks will be on display and the show will include a large contingent of work from Mahurangi College students.

It will open with a preview event on December 30, and then will be open to the public from December 31 to January 2, from 10am to 4pm daily.

Exhibiting artists range from emerging to established, and the exhibition includes photography. Everything on show is available for sale, with part of the sale price going to the tennis club.

Entry to the preview night is $20, then the rest of the exhibition is free, although donations are gratefully accepted.

Thanks for all your support and wishing you a very Merry Christmas and happy new Year’!

09 425 9574

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22

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

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Sweetappreciation

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UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Congratulations to Stephanie McGill, who is this week’s recipient of a gift box of chocolates from Chocolate Brown. Stephanie was nominated by Heather Free, the coordinator of Seasons Warkworth/ Wellsford, who wrote …

Stephanie “hasSincebeen2011,volunteering

to help children in the Warkworth and Wellsford area who are dealing with loss and change. Working as a trained volunteer with the Seasons for Growth programme, Stephanie has been helping children cope with their feelings and teaching them life skills that are so important for good mental health. The children she has worked with have been dealing with family separation or divorce, loved ones passing away, or other significant life changes. Stephanie has bought creativity and energy to the work and many families over the years have benefited from her skills.

Stephanie retired recently and will be greatly missed. Thank you Stephanie for the many dedicated hours of help you have given to the children, and the inspiration you have given our team.

”

Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz

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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23

feature summer holiday

This year’s summer reading challenge is called Te Ara Poutama Level Up.

Fun for all ages at local libraries this summer It’s the summer holidays once again and local libraries have lots going on to provide fun and games for kids of all ages home from school.

From crafty creations to a cartooning workshop with a famous author, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone at Warkworth, Wellsford and Mahurangi East libraries from now until mid-January.

Fans of Christmas crafts and stories should get their skates on and head to Warkworth Library today, Monday, December 19, for a drop-in session between 10am and 12 noon, or there’s an invisible ink Secret Letter for Santa workshop at Wellsford from 2pm to 3pm on the same day.

Wellsford has drop-in Christmas crafts on three afternoons next week, from 1pm to 4pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, January 21, 22 and 23, as well as scavenger hunts and other Christmas activities at any time.

After a break for Christmas and the New Year, the school holiday activities start again in earnest in early January. Highlights include:

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Warkworth – LEGO Time on two Thursdays, January 5 and 12, from 10.30am; Water Safety Storytime, with a guest lifesaver from Omaha Beach Surf Life Saving Club, on Monday, January 9 at 10.30am; Fingerprint Art at 2pm on Tuesday, January 10; a chance to be a mystery reporter and travel on an epic mission in Around the World Adventure on Wednesday, January 11 at 10.30am; Storyboard Trail to follow on Monday, January 16 from 10.30am; renowned children’s author and artist Stu Duval is running a cartooning workshop for five to 12-year-olds from 2pm on Tuesday, January 17 – bookings required; giant bubble wand and bubble making, Wednesday, January 18 at 10.30am; and fun family heritage walk around Warkworth on Thursday, January 19 at 10.30am – booking required.

Wellsford – Games galore on two successive Fridays, January 6 and 13 at 10.30am; Scrap Poetry from hidden words, Monday, January 9, 2pm to 3pm; Lego creations on Tuesday, January 10, 10.30am; make your own icky oobleck goop and science fun, Wednesday, January 11 from 2pm to 3pm;

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

wild portraits using natural treasures from the park, Monday, January 16 at 2pm; making potaka spinning tops with recycled items, Tuesday, January 17 at 10.30am; and a Minecraft creator workshop to build a dream holiday destination on January 19 at 2pm.

Mahurangi East – drama events on two successive Thursdays, January 5 and 12; visit from the Weta Man, who will bring a Weta Hotel with pet weta, along with weta stories and information, timing TBA.

Get reading to win prizes

Reading books over the summer can score prizes for kids of all ages in Auckland Libraries’ latest holiday reading challenge, Te Ara Poutama Level Up. There are activities and prizes for five to 12-year-olds and 13 to 18-year-olds when they register with the Beanstack Tracker app or website and log their reading. Every seven days of reading earns an entry into an ultimate prize draw, and students who log 21 days or more of reading will be in the draw to win a Top Reader prize pack.

The Level Up challenge features a wide range of activities to complete as well as plenty of reading suggestions and free badges to collect.

As well as the Beanstack Tracker app, free Te Ara Poutama Level Up booklets are also available from libraries in Warkworth, Wellsford and Mahurangi East, which include a story, quests, activities and a reading log to track children’s progress during the holidays.

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

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December 2022 – Your essential property guide from Dairy Flat to Waipu

Welcome home Properties from: Bayleys | Donna Wyllie Real Estate | Fletcher Living | Ray White | RE/MAX Realty

this is living

Red Beach

Find your new home at Red Beach today Modern new homes, ready now

Visit our website or scan QR code to view homes fletcherliving.co.nz

| Mahurangimatters www.localmatters.co.nz December 19,or 2022 A Local Matters publication. Distribution - 40,000 copies. Advertising enquiries: Mahurangi 09 425 9068 Hibiscus 09 427 8188 | 25

26 | Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022 WelcomeHome 26

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NEW LISTING

PRICE REDUCED

Warkworth 19 Westpark Glen

Warkworth 70 Blue Gum Drive

Westpark Glen Winner

3

An easy-care brick and cedar family home on approximately 691sqm featuring spacious living areas with both the dining and master bedroom opening out to a large deck with views over landscaped gardens. Very large double garage, workshop, and laundry area downstairs, with internal access. DVS and a heat pump. Located for easy access to the safe and growing Warkworth Township, schools, and the new Matakana Link Road.

Price by Negotiation View by appointment Fin Higgins 021 660 558 fin.higgins@bayleys.co.nz Anthony Shaw 021 234 9797 anthony.shaw@bayleys.co.nz

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2

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MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED REAA 2008

Two homes, one roof

2,617sqm

Are you looking to house yourselves, and also parents, extended family or dependants? Left wingtwo bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen/dining/lounge opening to deck, parking and smart laundry nook.

Right wing- two bedrooms, open plan kitchen (permitted as breakfast bar) /dining/living opening outdoors, bathroom, guest toilet, office nook, double garage, media room/rumpus.

Asking Price $1,495,000 View by appointment Avalon Sanders 021 230 9515 avalon.sanders@bayleys.co.nz James Sanders 021 135 0740 james.sanders@bayleys.co.nz

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2

2

MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED REAA 2008

Owners now invite all offers to be presented.

bayleys.co.nz/1203250

bayleys.co.nz/1203306

NEW LISTING

Snells Beach 237 Mahurangi East Road

Sandspit/Brick Bay 8 Kotare Place

Sunny Starter in Snells Beach

822sqm

Located back from the road with sea views, this tidy three bed home is a perfect first home or investment property. Features include updated carpet, fresh paint, well kept gardens and plenty of off-street parking as well as a single internal garage. The large open plan living is cosy in the winter with the wood burner and two ceiling fans keep things cool in the summer. The layout works as a three bed home or there is the option of the third room as a second lounge if preferred. It backs onto one of the tracks to the beach and is across the road from the village.

Asking Price $875,000 View by appointment Dahnie Burton 021 628 327 dahnie.burton@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/1203303

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MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED REAA 2008

Position and prestige

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Positioned on 7,551sqm along the elevated ridge line with wide sweeping views. Watch the coming and going of the boats from Sandspit Marina as they head out for a day on the pristine waters while you relax on one of the generous tiled outdoor areas.

Asking Price $3,995,000 View by appointment Dahnie Burton 021 628 327 dahnie.burton@bayleys.co.nz Victoria Turner 021 795 099 v.turner@bayleys.co.nz

This is a grand and elegant updated home offering unsurpassed views from both levels and generous living spaces that will call out to those who love to entertain. With four double bedrooms all enjoying the luxury of a high end ensuite, your guests may well prove difficult to move on!

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MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED REAA 2008

bayleys.co.nz/1223037

bayleys.co.nz 28 | Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022 WelcomeHome 28

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Altogether, Real Dreams, Real Homes, Real People

Arkles Bay 40 Ferry Road

David Robins 021 751 762 david.robins@bayleys.co.nz

Leigh Robins 0274 399 206 leigh.robins@bayleys.co.nz

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

Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

Artist’s impression

Artist’s impression

Resource consent approved - 62% now sold!

64 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana

Priced from $750,000 + GST

Don’t miss your final opportunity to secure your investment in The Workshops, Matakana. With resource consent now approved, drawings and building consents are being finalised on a timeline to commence construction from Q2 (April to June) 2023.

Matakana continues to boom with numerous housing developments, a growing population, rapidly increasing visitor numbers post-covid, and the pending completion of the northern motorway extension and Matakana Link Road. The Workshops development is perfectly positioned to take advantage of this growth, whether for your own business operations or as a tenanted commercial investment.

Only 38% of the sites remain on the market, so don’t delay.

This is the last remaining parcel of undeveloped light industrial land in Matakana’s growing environment - truly a one-off opportunity not to be missed.

Chris Blair 021 314 412 chris.blair@bayleys.co.nz Henry Napier 021 024 64785 henry.napier@bayleys.co.nz

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

Please contact Chris Blair or Henry Napier for more information.

bayleys.co.nz/1270310

www.localmatters.co.nz December 2022

| 31 December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters 31 WelcomeHome

Spectacular sections.

Selling now!

An enviable location to live, perched elegantly above the northern edge of Warkworth and just 45 minutes from the Auckland CBD, you’ll find Warkworth Ridge.

These 53 hectares of rolling hills and stunning views will be home to a collection of carefully considered sections that combine the things that matter most — connection, nature, and wellbeing.

Warkworth Ridge is created with harmony in mind, expect greenery and open spaces, attractive street appeal and house sites positioned for sunshine and rural views. Leading edge urban design will complete the picture of a neighbourhood with its own parks, cycleways, footpaths, community centre, café, and playground.

Living a life of plenty, surrounded by nature.

Artistic Impression

Artistic Impression

Anthony Shaw 021 234 9797 anthony.shaw@bayleys.co.nz

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

32 | Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022 WelcomeHome 32

Joneen Smith 021 464 557 joneen.smith@bayleys.co.nz

Sales Suite Open 11am-2pm Wed-Sun 2 Clayden Rd, Warkworth

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Boards asked to tighten belt

A draft management plan is expected sometime in first half of next year.

Council silence frustrates cement works team A community trust formed to save and preserve the ruins of the Wilson Cement Works in Warkworth is frustrated at getting little help or response from site owner Auckland Council.

Cement Works Warkworth’s Tina Earl says she and trust co-founder John Tate have been trying to arrange meetings with relevant officers and staff for the past two years with little or no success.

“We keep getting fobbed off. The last letters I’ve sent I haven’t even had a response,” she said. “All we want from Council is their verbal and written support to sign off and do things.”

In the meantime, conditions at the cement works are deteriorating, she added.

“This has been going on for years and the site is just an absolute tip. It’s full of graffiti, the fences are all down and destroyed and not being repaired. It’s dangerous as well as an eyesore.

“Bearing in mind this is Rodney’s only

Heritage Category 1 listed site, I remain amazed at how little they seem interested in conserving it. We do understand that they are busy, but this is an important site and we have been trying for years to get traction.

“Future planning and goal-setting is needed and we need to do this in co-ordination with Council.”

Earl said the trust and Friends of the Cement Works were more than willing to do necessary work and make sure they were compliant with regulations, but they still needed to be given the training and permission by Council.

Rodney Local Board set aside $20,000 to develop a management plan to preserve the site in its annual community work programme for the 2021-22 financial year, which was approved in August last year. At the time, it was estimated this would be carried out by June, but in its latest update presented to the board on December 7,

Council admitted there had been “a minor delay” due to Covid.

On Thursday last week, Council area operations manager Geoff Pitman said a draft plan could still take several months.

“The project has been progressing and we recently contracted professional services,” he said. “We expect further progress to be made with this project in the New Year, with a draft document expected before June.”

Earl added that it would be nice to see some of the $17,600 filming permit fee that was paid to Council by Netflix to film the series Sweet Tooth at the cement works last winter.

Council said in April it would make 80% of that money available to Rodney Local Board for it to be budgeted in the following financial year, in line with Council’s intention for the bulk of permit fees to benefit the communities where filming takes place.

Already cash-strapped local boards were being asked to find further 5% cost savings from their annual funding of $298 million when the 2023/24 Mayoral budget proposal was first put to the Governing Body last week.

Mayor Wayne Brown suggested savings might be found through a combination of reduced spending on Locally Driven Initiatives (LDIs) and asset-based spending, postponed spending on assets, and administrative efficiencies.

At the same time, he said he was committed to increasing local boards’ decision making powers. Ideally, he would like local boards to be given clear budgets for their communities, have the sole power to decide how to spend it and have sole accountability over funds and decisions.

“When the fiscal burden of the next financial year is behind us, I will be recommending that more funding and decisions be controlled by local boards than ever before,” Mayor Brown said.

Brown’s 2023/24 budget proposal is seeking a total rates increase of 4.66%, which would be made up of a general rates rise of 7%, mitigated by reducing the Natural Environment and Water Quality targeted rates by two thirds in the 2023/2024 year.

The proposals are part of Mayor Brown’s response to Auckland Council’s $295 million budget hole. He is seeking savings of $130 million across Council, including Auckland Transport and Eke Panuku.

Included in this are operational savings of $60 million that the Mayor says will focus on management and unfunded strategies rather than service cuts, and the proposed sale of Council’s 18% shareholding in Auckland International Airport.

“We want to make systemic changes to ensure there isn’t a rates rise shock in 2024.

If tough decisions and trade-offs are not made now, households may still face a hefty rates rise next year,” he said.

The Botanic is the Hibiscus Coast’s newest, resort-style retirement village, designed to offer a great lifestyle surrounded by nature and world class facilities.

A life less ordinary Two Bedroom light-filled apartments from $950k Our luxury apartments have high ceilings, two bathrooms, undercover parking, and large, spacious balconies overlooking beautifully landscaped gardens

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December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

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Cuisine Lauraine Jacobs

www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/blog/

Fresh summer fish Ceviche, crudo, carpaccio, tartare, sashimi and poke are all names for different and yet very special preparations for fresh fish.

What is common to all these method from around the world is there is no cooking involved. Instead, the fish is marinated or dressed with lemon juice or a sauce that includes an exceptionally good vinegar and plenty of salt. After anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, some of the liquid can be tossed away and extra flavours like herbs, finely chopped vegetables and a touch of spice can be added.

Many people are a little fearful of eating “raw” fish, but by using the freshest of any fish straight from the ocean, and giving it careful and thoughtful preparation, the taste and texture of the fish can become a revelation. If you have a fisher in the family or your neighbours are generous with their catch, you are lucky, as one of the most important things for a cook to seek is very fresh fish.

If you’re buying fish, look for fillets that are glossy and firm. Don’t be afraid to ask to see the fish up close. If there’s the slightest ammonia-like whiff, reject it. If the fish is whole, the eyes should still be shiny and not at all sunken. Most fish from New Zealand waters has flesh that is almost translucent when fresh, but it will become more opaque and often rather slimy after a day or two out of the water. So once purchased or caught, eat it as soon as you can.

Transport your fish in a cool container from the supermarket and get it into the refrigerator as quickly as you can. If you catch your own fish, always take frozen salt water with you so your catch can be

put on ice immediately.

Never wash fish with fresh water if you can help it. You will be surprised how this retains the texture beautifully.

Every summer I look forward to fresh caught fish. Apart from lightly frying fillets in the pan in a little oil and butter, my favourite treat is to treat it gently, marinating with lemon and then adding coconut cream – never coconut milk! My mother is from Tonga, where the simplest version of this dish is made traditionally – lemon, salt and coconut without any spicing. I like to add fresh finely chopped herbs (chives, dill, fennel or parsley) and some very finely sliced spring onions. However in the tradition of ceviche from South America and poke from Hawaii, very finely chopped vegetables can bulk the dish out and add lots of colour and texture. Use tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and even finely chopped beans In the following recipe, you can use any freshly caught fish, including kahawai, mullet, gurnard, terakihi, tuna, kingfish, hapuku, snapper and more. This method also works well with very lightly steamed mussels, removed from their shells and with the rather tough ‘foot’ also removed.

When the fish is well marinated in the lemon, and the flesh has turned almost opaque, drain well, discarding the salty lemon juice. Place fish in a clean bowl and add the spring onions, herbs, black pepper and coconut cream.

Stir through gently and season to taste if necessary. Cover and return to the fridge for at least two hours.

To serve, bring to room temperature and serve as an appetiser or an entrée with a little green salad. Serves 8

Easy Lemon and Coconut Fresh Fish

Other serving ideas:

800g fresh snapper, skinned and boned 4 juicy lemons 1 generous tbsp salt 300mls thick coconut cream 2 tbsps finely chopped fresh herbs 4 spring onions, finely sliced Freshly ground black pepper

Cut the fish into bite-size pieces and place in a glass or stainless steel bowl. Squeeze the lemons and then cover the fish completely with the juice. Sprinkle generously with salt and gently mix. Cover well and refrigerate for at least one hour.

To help yourself at a barbecue: Cover a plate with salad leaves and pile the fish onto the leaves. Decorate with sprigs or herbs and edible flowers.

For individual servings, lay crisp lettuce (cos is best) leaves on a platter and spoon a little pile of the fish onto each leaf. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or Japanese Togarashi pepper. Decorate with nasturtium flowers (as shown in the photo).

If you have a collection of spoons, use them to serve a great cocktail food item.

I have about three dozen Chinese soup spoons which, when filled with a spoonful of the coconut fish, are perfect for using at a drinks party.

Cellar Door Holiday Hours Mon 19th - Sat 24th Dec Sun 25th Dec Mon 26th Dec Tues 27th - Sat 31st Dec Sun 1st Jan Mon 2nd Jan Tues 3rd Jan Wed 4th Jan

OPEN CLOSED CLOSED OPEN CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED OPEN

From 4th of Jan, we’re back to our normal opening hours.

Wednesday - Monday 11am - 4pm

34

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

SUMMER IS CALLING Take a trip to the local vineyard.

Catch up with friends and family at our cellar door.

Wine tasting and gourmet platters available.

CELLAR DOOR OPEN 11am - 4pm 568 Matakana Rd, Matakana Book online: www.matakanaestate.co.nz or Phone: 0800 568 686

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History Victoria Joule, Warkworth & District Museum www.warkworthmuseum.co.nz

An early photo of the landmark McDowell store, in Queen Street, Warkworth (undated), and a later photo taken of the building in 1979.

Simpler shopping times If only Christmas shopping was as simple today as it was in Warkworth in the 1930s and 1940s. With no online shopping, no malls and far fewer gift choices – think soap, perfume, slippers, or handkerchiefs – it is little wonder that Percy McDowell was a major force in Warkworth retailing during that period, building two stores and buying most of the Civil Brothers’ businesses in the late 1920s. One of his new shops was a drapery and clothing store, and the other sold groceries and general merchandise.

The original Civil building store sold toys and stationery, so the three together served as a mini-department store – right here in Warkworth.

Often referred to as P.A. McDowell, Percy was wounded in Gallipoli in World War I and was sent home to recover, later returning to serve in France. By 1929, he had bought most of the Civil Bros businesses in Warkworth, apart from their motor garage.

By 1940, Percy employed managers to run his shops and resumed his military career as an officer in charge of the Home Guard.

Between 1928 and 1941, he was a member

of the Warkworth Town Board, and its chairman from 1938 to 1941. Percy left the area when he was required to take up a senior military role elsewhere in the early 1940s.

The advertisements below for Christmas gift ideas from Percy’s stores are an interesting snapshot of how much some things have changed and how others have stayed the same. Perhaps we could all hear the call to “Please shop early”.

, n o i t a n i t s e ad an experience

Visit the park, see the Kauri trees, then come into the museum and learn about the history of the area.

It can be a family trip out if you bring a picnic, or buy an ice cream!

Adult $7 • Child $3 (6-16 years) • Child under 6 FREE Family $15 (2 adults + all Children)

Open Daily 10am – 3pm Eftpos & Credit Cards accepted.

Rodney And Otamatea Times, Waitemata And Kaipara Gazette, 19 December 1934.

www.localmatters.co.nz

Warkworth Museum. Parry Kauri Park, Tudor Collins Drive (Off Wilson Road, Warkworth) | 09 425 7093 warkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz | www.warkworthmuseum.co.nz

December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

35

feature puhoi woodchopping

O'MALLEY CONTRACTING LTD CONCRETE SPECALISTS FOUNDATIONS HOUSE SLABS | STAIRS RETAINING WALLS DRIVEWAYS |CARPARKS EXPOSED AGGREGATE COLOURED CONCRETE COMMERCIAL| RESIDENTIAL LICENCED BULDING PRACTITIONER FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

Family owned & Operated Kevin O'Malley | 021 2200 198 | www.omalleycontracting.com

New Zealand’s Jack Jordan sawed his way to Timbersports World Trophy glory in his first ever international trophy event, defeating American’s Jason Lentz in the final (left), with Australian axe-legend Brad De Losa finishing third.

World champ chops in Puhoi When it comes to woodchopping, Taumarunui farmer Jack Jordan is a cut above the rest.

Jordan, who is the reigning World Timbersports Champion after blitzing the opposition in Austria earlier this year, will be chopping at the carnival in Puhoi on Saturday, January 14.

Jordan set the fastest time of the whole competition in Vienna, on his way to a showdown in the final with three-time

world champion Jason Lentz. He took the title by 10 seconds.

The World Championships returned in May after a two-year absence due to Covid.

The athletes came from far and wide, and competed in front of a raucous crowd of 3500.

They went head-to-head in four iconic Timbersport disciplines – stock saw, underhand chop, single buck and standing block chop.

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36

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

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Slow Water Trading Post Axemen celebrate delayed anniversary There will be cause for extra celebration at the Puhoi Woodchopping Carnival next month.

It will be the first one held in two years and it will mark the Puhoi Axemen’s 60th anniversary.

Club president Mike Paddison says the anniversary actually fell at the start of this year, but like so many other events, it had to be postponed due to Covid.

The Puhoi woodchopping carnival, held in the grounds of the Puhoi Hotel, is one of New Zealand’s largest and most popular woodchopping events.

It will be held on Saturday, January 14, from 9am onwards. The hundreds of spectators who normally turn up can look forward to a line-up of some of the country’s top axemen, who will pit their strength from the classic speed events of standing and underhand through to the springboard tree chop, pairs’ Jack and Jill sawing class and the popular axe throwing.

Axemen will descend on the township from all parts of the North Island including three generations of the Semenoff family – grandfather Selwyn, son Jason and grandson Johnson, from Whangarei.

Paddison says they are still working on the programme, but to mark the anniversary, they hope to entice some retired woodchoppers to pick up the axe again for a novelty race.

Among the young up-and-coming axemen are Puhoi’s Jordon Thomas, Jared McDonell, Callum Cradock and brothers, Cole and RJ Brown. Morgan Bolstad, from Taumarunui, will also be competing While there are two trophies sponsored by the Puhoi Hotel awarded on the day – for underhand and standing – Paddison says the event is more about the prize money

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 slowwatertradingpost@gmail.com www.slowwatertradingpost.co.nz

worth several thousands of dollars, plus bragging rights.

The speed of the axemen chopping through their wood blocks can make it hard to judge at times, with time differences between competitors often coming down to hundredths of a second. However, as in many other sports, technology is being employed and any controversial results are now decided by a ‘third umpire’ – an iPad used to record every chop with an app that can freeze the action down to single frames and prove decisively who was fastest.

“A lot of people claim it’s the best oneday chopping event in the country. The registrations certainly fill up fast.”

Paddison says the club has held only one show at the hotel since Gillian Seymour sold.

“We’re really grateful to the support of the new owners, who have been very accommodating and helpful.

“The day would also not be possible without the very loyal support of our sponsors and some local families. They are what makes the day such a success.”

All the club needs now is fine weather on the day.

admin@puhoimotors.co.nz www.puhoimotors.co.nz www.localmatters.co.nz

December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

37

Leigh walkway re-opening

unlikely to be soon The popular walkway around Leigh Harbour, or Omaha Cove, is likely to stay closed for some time yet.

Department of Conservation Tāmaki Makaurau district operations manager Rebecca Rush says a landslip that came down after heavy rain last month caused significant damage.

“It will require geotechnical advice and input from different areas of DOC,” Rush says.

“As well as the large slip, there are significant cracks in other areas of the pathway, which we consider at risk of subsiding in future.

“An initial assessment has been done but it’s too difficult at this point to provide time estimates or give an idea of the final Left, a significant slip after recent torrential rain isn’t the only concern on the Leigh walkway.

outcome for the walkway.”

Blue Penguin coordinators Jenny and Tony Enderby say the slip is easily the largest in recent years.

“The Leigh Penguin Project wasn’t too badly hit with only one trap affected,” they say.

“Our team that work that trapline has a good relationship with the landowners and have access through a property to re-join the trapline at Mt Pleasant Road. To date no penguins have nested on that side of the harbour ,which is lucky.”

Enderby says it looks like the track will remain closed until the remaining pines are felled - some are leaning on others and pose a risk to anyone below them.

“Our penguins project has been more affected by the weather, with a large number of mainly young birds washing up dead between Tawharanui and Pakiri.”

Starship appeal enters home straight Lions clubs around NZ have been fundraising since June last year to fully fund a paediatric intensive care room at Starship Hospital, including all the medical kit that is needed. The effort was spearheaded

by Warkworth Lions and the total needed of $406,700 was a lion-sized challenge.

The money has been raised in classic Lion community style, with sausage sizzles, firewood sales, calendars, movie and quiz nights. Covid-19 got in the way, but as at December 3, $318,513 has been raised with more donations pledged.

Grants will make up any shortfall. Hibiscus Coast Lions recently contributed $28,000 – $20,000 from Orewa and $8000 from

38

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

Whangaparaoa, before that club closed.

Orewa Lions presented a cheque for the final $15,000 earlier this month. Pictured, from left, are Orewa Lions president Daryl Crosby, Deb Lagdon, Helen Roderick and Wendy Miller handing the money to PICU Appeal coordinator and Warkworth Lion Peter Henderson.

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Cataract Specialist Warkworth

Cataract Specialist Warkworth Cataract Specialist

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

Christmas survival guide

Dr Donaldson has expertly performed hundreds of small incision cataract operations at the Rodney Surgical Centre in Warkworth since the Friendly, personalised eye care RSC opened in 2010. at Phone today to make an with Doctor Mark Donaldson Rodney Surgicalto Centre. appointment see Dr Donaldson at his regular Mark clinics at the Warkworth Centre.

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you can plan a ‘healthy plate’ – quarter of the plate with a protein choice, quarter with a carbohydrate and half of a selection of vegetables.

3. Continue to eat your usual number of meals a day – it can be tempting to miss a meal to leave plenty of room for the feast you are heading to. However, this can make it difficult to moderate how much you eat because you are so hungry you rip into the pre-meal nibbles and fill up before you even reach the table.

4. Mix up your drink choices – alternate alcohol with non or low alcoholic drinks. There is no requirement to drink alcohol at social events. If you do choose to drink alcohol, remember to keep it within the recommended amounts – two standard drinks a day for women, no more than 10 per week; three per day for men, no more than 15 per week.

5. Keep active – it is summer, and most of us take some time off so try to make some time to get outside every day and move your body. It might be a walk along the beach, or a swim in the tide, a round of backyard cricket or chasing the dog at the park.

When we are busy and stressed, which can come with all the planning and celebrating, we don’t always make the healthiest choices. Hopefully these five tips help you to stay healthy during the festive season to keep enjoying the celebrations with family and friends.

Merry Christmas! ’Tis the season for eating, drinking and being merry.

The festive season is well associated with over-indulgence. Lots of social events that are often centred around food and drink, culminating in the big feast on Christmas day. This can pose a challenge when it comes to sticking to healthy eating habits.

How often do you reach for a slice of pav or some pudding and custard when you are already full? And since it only happens once a year you figure – why not?! But then you feel bloated and uncomfortable.

Christmas doesn’t have to be the end of your healthy eating habits for the year, only to be caught up in the New Year guilt-fest that resolutions of diets and exercise bring.

Here are my top five tips to help you to ding-dong merrily along though the festive season: 1. Get savvy about portion control – you don’t have to put a bit of everything on your plate. Look at what is on offer, choose a selection of what really tempts you, and be sure to leave room for the pav, pud or trifle. Also, remember, there is a chance similar things might get served up more than once over the days and days of leftovers, so you can always have something you missed out on today, tomorrow (along with another serving of pav).

2. Dish up your own plate – that way you get to choose just how much of things, or what things, you want. It also means

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Helicopters on Council radar

Guidelines for freedom camping To freedom camp in Auckland, you must:

• use a certified self-contained vehicle • stay a maximum of two nights in the same road or off-road parking area • vacate your parking space by 9am on the day you leave • not return to stay in the same road or off-road parking area within a two-week period, which starts from 9am on the day of departure • not stay in any area where freedom camping is prohibited • comply with any special rules for freedom camping in restricted areas • comply with other rules about disposal of waste and responsible freedom camping.

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

Auckland Council is taking a closer look at the rules and regulations around helicopter landing pads, spurred on by Councillor Mike Lee. At the Planning, Environment and Parks committee on December 8, Cr Lee tried to table a formal resolution on the issue, but was told by chair Richard Hills that it was not the appropriate time.

Council started looking at helicopter activity for consent holders of landing pads in May. The move came after three local boards including Waiheke tabled resolutions with different requests on helicopter activity.

Cr Lee hinted that the response from Council so far was inadequate.

“We have had a staff officer report and response. We have had an opinion piece from senior manager Megan Tyler that action was on the way, but that was in June or July last year,” Lee said.

“An officer’s report indicates these landing pads are very unpopular with local communities, especially due to the noise.”

Chief of strategy Megan Tyler said staff would report back early next year with some options which may include a plan change to the Auckland Council District Plan (Hauraki Gulf Islands Section).

In rural areas, a helipad needs a resource consent if it is for private activity that is not related to farming or rural business activity.

Council is only able to regulate take-offs and landings including noise, number of flights and the visual impacts of helipads.

Overflying activity comes under Civil Aviation Authority rules.

Freedom camping: bylaw tested this summer Ti Point Walkway and Warkworth Town Hall.

A further 22 areas of Auckland have restrictions on freedom camping – this applies locally at places such as Parry Kauri Park, Port Albert Wharf Reserve, Whisper Cove and Wellsford Community Centre grounds.

If you suspect someone is camping illegally, you can report it to Council on 09 301 0101, and include as much detail as possible, such as vehicle registrations and descriptions of those camping to aid further investigation and enforcement action, if required.

“Ahead of the upcoming holiday season, we’re encouraging those who would like to freedom camp to explore alternative options, including booking into a campground or a holiday park.”

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“Over the summer, Council’s compliance and parks and community facilities teams, supported by security officers, will visit some of the region’s hotspots to educate visitors on the rules around freedom camping and camping,” he says. “Anyone intending to stay overnight will be reminded that camping is only permitted in areas specifically set aside for that purpose, and they will be asked to move on.”

Cowling says anyone who is not sure about the rules should look for signs. He says vehicles parking on green spaces in parks and reserves could be towed.

“While our preferred approach when it comes to enforcement is education, we do have the option to issue trespass notices and infringement fines if required.”

Freedom camping is banned in 45 areas of Auckland, as well as reserves, including Mathesons Bay, Leigh Library, Pakiri Hall,

CHURCH H ILL

As summer holidays approach, Auckland Council is reminding would-be campers of the new freedom camping rules, since it adopted its Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw in June.

The bylaw excludes freedom camping from all public reserves, relying on the fact that it is already prohibited there under the Reserves Act. In the past, this rule was often flouted locally.

Council also now has more enforcement power, including the ability to issue fines – changes made to the Reserves Act in 2019 brought in $800 fines for breaches.

Council’s compliance response and investigations acting manager, Paul Cowling, says while tents and other forms of shelter are permitted at Auckland beaches and reserves during the day, freedom camping or staying overnight in a tent, is not.

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Parkland equity?

WHERE IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU

This season I’m heading to the mountains in Te Waipounamu, the South Island.

We’re heading down in our van, with toys and tools for every occasion. We have our trusty kayak, a paddleboard, bikes, tramping boots, art and craft supplies, and guitars for the inevitable rainy days.

Our (flexible) itinerary is like a list of all the beautiful places and, because a third of the country is in publicly-owned conservation estate, it will also be a national park tour. En route we hope to do some walking among the giant trees and volcanic landscape of the Tongariro National Park. We will probably kayak, camp and tramp at Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes. A visit kayaking Abel Tasman’s golden sands and clear water may be on the cards. In Paparoa National Park, we’ll walk among limestone cliffs and forested rivers. In Westland - Tai Poutini – I have my hopes set on kayaking some remote lakes among the karearea, kotuku and kahikatea. In Aoraki-Mt Cook, we hope to stay in a hut in a glacier’s bed.

Arthur’s Pass is a favourite spot, so weather permitting we’ll be wearing out some shoe leather there. Kahurangi, Mt Aspiring and also Victoria Forest Park are places on our list.

We are very lucky to have freedom to venture into the great outdoors for this extended period of time. There’s privilege in escaping away and exploring wild places.

That privilege is based on freedom from poverty, work and family responsibilities,

Sparkling success

The Christmas tree display in the Warkworth Town Hall known as Treemendous, which finished on December 4, raised $5000. Organised by Kowhai Coast Lions, the money will be donated to a community organisation, which will be decided at a meeting early next year. Previous recipients have included the Westpac Helicopter and Kawau Coastguard. Club projects director Liz Price says although the club puts on the display as a fundraiser, it is also “all about the kids”. “Our reward is seeing how much fun the kids get out of the display,” she says. “The train was a particular hit this year with lots of children lying on their tummies, thrilled when it came through the tunnel.”

Price thanked Lions members, past and present, for their support.

and the fact that these huge tracts of forest, geological wonders and biodiversity are preserved from destruction. Except they’re not really preserved because the Labour Government has failed to honour promises made while in Opposition to ban mining on conservation land. The areas aren’t really preserved in other ways either – pests are prevalent and the impacts of commercial tourism in some areas is profound.

Helicopters and aeroplanes buzz the glacier regions, and packs of organised tours all in a hurry to ‘do the South Island’ in limited time, reduce the balance of nature.

Most of the people you meet in the wilds are white, middle-class tourists like me.

The outdoors is most accessible to those who can afford the time and leisure, while poorer communities who already live in areas with less amenity and fewer trees, are not those who have the toys and disposable spending to get out onto the tracks and trails.

Indeed, national parks are constructs that favour some groups over others. You can hunt deer and Tahr, but you can’t carry out cultural harvest of birds. Deer are pests for sure, and many/most native birds are threatened – the introduction of exotic species and the decline of endemics have the same source – western colonial traditions that disturb the balance of nature. So ecological imbalance and parks are created by the same forces that benefit most from them today.

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Wow factor promised at Gulf Harbour women’s sailing event An event in the Marlborough Sounds that recently attracted more than 200 participants is the inspiration for the Evolution Sails Women on Water Weekend – described by hosts Gulf Harbour Yacht Club as ‘a fun weekend, on and off the water’.

Entries are now open for the regatta, which takes place from March 10 to 12 and is focused on getting more women out on the water. Boats are being provided by local sailors and experienced women sailors can also enter the boat they usually sail on and bring that to Gulf Harbour.

Gulf Harbour Yacht Club rear commodore Diane Lindsay says it is open to all women, from throughout NZ, from world-class sailors to those with little or no experience.

“The idea is that they can mix and mingle in a friendly and supportive environment, networking with their peers, all based around three days of sailing and social activities,” she says.

The event will be a first Clean Regatta for the club, following environmentally sustainable practices.

On the first day, visiting sailors will meet their skippers and crew, go for a

Women who already enjoy sailing or would like to try it, are invited to join the Women on Water regatta to be hosted by Gulf Harbour Yacht Club in March. Pictured is a crew from a recent Gulf Harbour ladies series.

familiarisation sail, a walk to Tiritiri lighthouse, then cruise back to the clubhouse for sundowners and a buffet.

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Town hall decked out for Christmas market Photo Store owner Colin Staples provided the photo service free of charge.

There was no mistaking the season at the Warkworth Town Hall on December 1 when the annual Christmas Market was held. The hall was packed with an array of local arts and craft, from mosaics to jewellery, pottery and knitted trinkets. The Christmas cakes were selling like hot cakes and Santa was doing a roaring trade taking gift orders on stage.

Cooper Brebner, 4, of Leigh, was one of the first to rush on stage to meet Santa.

The magical moment when you finally get to talk to Santa face-to-face was a little scary for Tadhj Sullivan, 5, of Warkworth.

Amberlea serves up Christmas pudding fun

Residents of Amberlea Rest Home in Algies Bay were treated to a special Christmas lunch last week, their first Christmas celebration with family as guests in three years. A spokesperson for the home said it was wonderful to be able to reunite residents and family at this special time of year. The lunch catered for 54 residents and 46 guests.

Among those enjoying the treats was Jeune Langer who, at 102 years old, is the oldest resident at the home. She is pictured with daughter Carol Langer.

Cherie Final brought her mother’s dog Ruby-Jane to celebrate with Judith Cook.

Three generations – Cynthia Macdonald, of Snells Beach, celebrated with daughter and granddaughter, Cynthia and Holly Wigg.

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Local Board urged to banish rodeo club Rodney Local Board has again been urged to act to prevent rodeos being held at the Warkworth Showgrounds.

Animal rights group Direct Animal Action members Romina Marinkovich and Roz Holland asked members at this month’s business meeting not to renew Warkworth Rodeo Club’s lease for its events and activities at the site.

The deputation followed on from the presentation of a 5000-signature petition to the board Direct Animal Action in November, 2020.

On Council advice, the board has already deferred a decision on renewing the rodeo club’s lease, as well as that of Warkworth Pony Club, until after the adoption of the Rodney Local Parks Management Plan, which is due to take place sometime after February.

The draft plan says one of the objectives of granting community leases is to “support activities that meet community needs,

enhance environmental outcomes and activate and enhance parks and people’s experience of them”.

Marinkovich said rodeos didn’t align with those values, had no relevance to good farming practices and did not fit in with changing needs of the community.

“Overall, we support the draft Rodney Local Parks Management Plan, but we do not support Rodney Local Board and Auckland Council renewing the lease to Warkworth Rodeo Club,” she said.

“They have lost their social licence. And the rodeo stockades are an eyesore.”

Holland pointed out that Council was recommending ending greyhound racing in its plan for Manukau Sports Bowl and replacing it with an athletics track.

“Rodeos are entertainment for people, not of benefit to animals.”

Warkworth member Michelle Carmichael asked if there were rodeo activities that

Direct Animal Action did not object to and if some kind of compromise could be reached.

Holland said some activities caused more harm than others, but all activities were harmful to a degree.

Board chair Brent Bailey thanked them both for attending and for their input into the draft local parks plan.

Warkworth Rodeo Club has cancelled its event scheduled for New Year’s Day, citing roadworks and traffic congestion as the reason (MM, Dec 5).

Meanwhile, later in the same meeting, board members voted to allow Cowboy Challenge North Auckland to site a shipping container near the rodeo grounds for the storage of equipment. Cowboy Challenge is a riding competition designed to test the partnership of horses and riders through negotiating a series of obstacles, such as walking over unusual surfaces or through a line of pool noodles.

Logues remains closed

Loos ready for first flush

Work is nearly finished on the construction of a $1.2 million toilet block in the William Fraser Reserve at Omaha Beach, which is due to open before Christmas. A Rodney Local Board spokesperson says the power was due to be connected last week before a final inspection. The toilet block includes seven toilets, urinals, changing rooms and outdoor showers. However, the outside showers won’t be operable until the bore water supply is upgraded to a potable standard, which will happen next year. The new facilities will replace the current public toilets and shower at the surf club.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has confirmed it has no intention of reopening Logues Bush Scenic Reserve in the foreseeable future. The reserve, 11km north-east of Wellsford, was closed to the public in 2015 to prevent the spread of kauri dieback. Tāmaki Makaurau district operations manager Rebecca Rush says the closure is part of a much wider response to protect the trees from a deadly pathogen. “There is no intention of reopening in the near future because that particular area of bush is very heavily infested with the pathogen phytophthora agathidicida, which is the cause of kauri dieback,” Rush says. “Even if DOC were to mitigate the risks, through track upgrades and spray stations, the risk remains very high of spreading the pathogen at Logues Bush further.”

Auckland Transport tackles climate change agenda

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

The Auckland Transport (AT) Board has approved a number of climate changebased policy decisions.

These include a governance framework for climate change matters, climate change priorities, the Transmission Emission Reduction Pathways (TERP) implementation as a standing item for the board and a climate change adaptation policy.

Board member Abbie Reynolds said laying out AT’s priorities would provide clarity.

“We have been trying to answer what we need to prioritise for a while,” Reynolds said.

The climate change adaptation policy will require future climate risks to be considered when managing AT assets over their lifespan. Reynolds said it was a policy about integrating the science.

“This is about us building assets that are resilient into the future.”

While Reynolds was mostly optimistic, member Mark Darrow said he was concerned about the cost of the TERP. Darrow said it could make funding tighter at AT and that they were already underspending in order to maintain renewables.

Member Nicole Rosie echoed concerns.

She said the rising number of weather events was increasing the maintenance needed for AT’s assets.

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Animals

Proudly supporting

TOSSI‘s

Olaf Klein, Wellsford Vet Clinic https://wellsfordvet.com/

20 year anniversary

Time to turn the page In the book of time, I will have reached the official retirement age of 65 next month.

I have decided to take the opportunity to reflect on the changes that have taken place during my 30 year employment with the Wellsford Vet Clinic.

Our well and truly rural environment has seen a fair degree of urbanisation in terms of people moving from Auckland to the country. Technology has formed the basis for this migration, the internet made the home office an extension (replacement?) of the corporate premises in town. For us, as rural veterinarians, the development of mobile phone networks made the first real change to our lives. The constant tie to the home phone was gone, time management became easier, and availability of services improved. In the last 10 to 15 years though, we have seen a quantum leap in technological and professional development that has gone hand-in-hand with one another.

Take diagnostic x-rays, for example. From having to manually set exposure times to wet development of films in the darkroom, it took a long time for the film to dry and the image to be ready for diagnostic evaluation. Today, we have a state-of-theart digital x-ray machine in our practice.

Its algorithms manage the exposure times and the image gets transferred directly to the computer screen and the image is ready for evaluation in less than three seconds. Not only that, but areas of particular interest can also be enlarged, the contrast can be changed at the push of a button, measurements can be taken and,

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if required, the whole image file can be sent to a specialist radiologist for a second opinion. For a general practitioner like me with a particular interest in orthopaedics and surgery, this technology offers major improvement to the quality and range of services that we are able to provide.

Information technology in a diagnostic setting has allowed for specialisation in a country as small as ours, because specialists can get their work from anywhere to make patient numbers relevant to their area of specialisation. This also works the other way round. We now have blood cell counters and chemistry analysers in our practice and do not have to rely on a laboratory service in Auckland to access information that we used to have to wait for a day at least.

I have spent a fair amount of my professional life in dairy cattle practice and ultrasound technology was a major step forward in pregnancy testing, in terms of time to get through the job (thousands of cows) and physical effort. But despite all these technological developments, it is still the client relationships that I was fortunate to have formed that have given me some of the greatest satisfaction in my working life. A lot of my dairy clients have aged with me and have retired from dairy farming, younger operators have taken their place and my interests have shifted to small animal practice. If I had another 10 years of fulltime professional work in me, I would have loved to pursue a specialist registration. l loved what I did, but time waits for no one, so to turn the page for different chapters is a happy step forward.

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Free surf lessons return for farmers in January Farmers and growers from across the region are again being encouraged to leave work and their worries behind for a while at free weekly summer surf sessions.

Surfing for Farmers will run at Waipu Cove on Thursday evenings for three months, starting on January 12 at 5.30pm.

Wetsuits, surfboards and lessons are provided free of charge and each session is followed by a free barbeque for participants to chat about the session and have a general catch-up. All ages, abilities and fitness levels are welcome and no surfing experience is needed.

Surfing for Farmers was started in Gisborne in 2018 by Stephen Thomson as a way to get farmers off the farm and doing something different. It has proved incredibly popular, spreading to 16 regions around the country and with more than 150 participants in Northland last summer alone.

The learn-to-surf programme gives farmers a chance to step away from what can be an all-consuming business, get fresh air, exercise and interact with other farmers, rural families and industry professionals.

Surfing for Farmers says its programmes are helping to improve mental health and wellbeing at a time when pressure on the rural sector is greater than ever and New Zealand farmers are continuing to take their own lives at an alarming rate.

“Surfing for Farmers isn’t about being a gun surfer,” a spokesperson says. “We understand that, as much as we love this industry, the stress of the job can get on top of you. This is all about having a laugh and washing the dirt off with a bit of salt water, topped off with a good oldfashioned Kiwi barbecue.”

Farmers don’t have to commit to every session – all are welcome whenever they can make it – and families are welcome to attend as well.

Surfing for Farmers is made possible thanks to a number of national and regional sponsors and supporters, including Rabobank, Ballance, Bayleys, LIC, Beef + Lamb NZ, FMG and the Rural Support Trust.

To sign up, contact Northland Surfing for Farmers coordinators Ryan Baxter on 027 285 9075 or Calvin Ball on 027 223 2894.

Info: Visit https://surfingforfarmers.com/ or Surfing for Farmers – Northland on Facebook

Farmers getting drenched instead of the sheep – scenes from surf sessions at Waipu Cove last summer.

The two winning triples teams were, from left, Judy Fisher, Jan Bailey, Annie Harris (skip), Penny Wakelin (skip), Karen Vaissiere and Pauline Hill.

Lady bowlers win Division 1 The Mahurangi East Bowling Club punched above its weight recently by taking out the Ladies Division 1 final in the annual North Harbour Pennants Competition.

The competition is played by teams of triples, with the result determined on a differential scoring system.

Mahurangi East beat Browns Bay to win the pennant.

Meanwhile, the club has just wrapped up a successful twilight business house competition played on Wednesday evenings. A total of 32 teams, or 128 players, competed with

Déjà vu finishing ahead of Poms Away and Roy’s Rebels.

The next business house competition will be played in March and is already filling up fast with 33 teams registered.

Club captain Gary Gibson says the club welcomes new members. Anyone interested in playing can roll up to the casual bowls get-togethers on Friday and Sunday afternoons, or phone Gibson on 027 475 3866 for more information.

The greens are in Hamatana Road, Snells Beach.

Merry Christmas

Warkworth & Mangawhai ITM would like to wish all our valued friends and customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We thank you all for your support and look forward to working with you in 2023.

WARKWORTH

16 State Highway 1, Warkworth P: 09 425 1021 | E: sales@warkworthitm.co.nz

MANGAWHAI

188 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai P: 09 431 4963 | E: sales@mangawhaiitm.co.nz 46

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

This year’s winning longest fish caught by Dean Harrison.

Anthony Elwin with his catch from a previous competition.

Lines at the ready for Salty Dog fishing competition The Salty Dog Social Club will hold its third annual Fishing Competition on Saturday, January 21 with some great prizes in the seven categories.

The premium prize of $2000 in vouchers and product will go to the fisher who brings in the longest snapper.

Salty Dog manager Moses Chong says the competition has grown each year and the club is expecting more than 100 anglers this year.

A donation to Kawau Coastguard will be made from the proceeds.

Competitors will be fishing for the longest snapper, longest snapper caught by a woman, longest fish caught by a junior (aged 14 or younger), longest kahawai, longest kingfish and a snapper mystery length. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third.

In conjunction with the fishing competition, there will be a family fun event which is open to everyone.

“It will be held at the Salty Dog Inn between 4pm and 6pm with bouncy castle, games, lucky dips and a good old fashioned lolly scramble for the kids,” Chong says.

The club would like to thank the sponsors, particularly major sponsors Mason Contractors, Simpson Strong-Tie and the Salty Dog Inn. “Without their support, the fishing competition wouldn’t be able to go ahead.”

Prizegiving will start with a barbecue for anglers at 6pm.

Anyone who registers before January 6 will go in the draw to win a Dusc chilly bin, plus other prizes.

The Salty Dog Social Club has a membership of about 70 and welcomes new members.

As well as the fishing competition, it holds a number of social activities throughout the year, including an annual progressive dinner to venues around the area.

Salty Dog Social Club Fishing Competition & Family Fun Day –

Saturday 21 January 2023 Thank you to our wonderful sponsors:

ASON BINS LTD

Mt Eden

REBAM Electrical Contractors 022 344 5381

L O C A L LY OW N E D, L O C A L LY O P E R AT E D

Snells Beach Pharmacy N E X T T O T H E F I R E S TAT ION

your local dive store ongoing diver training retail & servicing air & nitrox fills learn to dive dive trips

8 keith hay court, silverdale

09 426 9834

info@kiwiscubadivers.co.nz www.localmatters.co.nz

Mick Fay Warkworth 021 544 769

Lead pharmacists Anna Miller and Kevan McDonald of Snells Beach Pharmacy

Ask about our

Free Delivery Service

332 Mahurangi East Rd, Snells Beach

Sandspit Boat Club Bistro

Golden Sand Bakery Snells Beach

Monday to Friday / 8.30am - 5.30pm

09 425 5821

Saturday / 9am - 12.30pm

Snells Beach

RESTAURANT • BARS • ACCOMMODATION • EVENTS 242 Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach Toll free 0800 844 112 • 09 425 5588 reservations@saltydoginn.co.nz • www.saltydoginn.co.nz

December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

47

TRADE & SERVICE DIRECTORY Advertise your business here for only $68+gst per insertion. Phone 425 9068 or email advertising@localmatters.co.nz or local@localmatters.co.nz ACCOUNTING | APPLIANCE SERVICES | ARCHITECTS | AUTOMOTIVE | CIVIL ENGINEERING | CONSTRUCTION | CONTRACTORS | ELECTRICIAN | FARM SUPPLIES | GLAZING & WINDOWS

Callaghan Appliance Servicing Ltd

The first choice for small businesses 30 min free consultation!

Cnr Mil Lane & Elizabeth Street 09 973 5589 www.sba.co.nz warkworth@sba.co.nz

Now servicing Warkworth and Snells Beach Areas Most makes and models 35 yrs experience

WRIGHT DESIGN L.B.P 117345 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER - N.Z.C.A.D brianwright@xtra.co.nz

Brian Wright 25 Lupis Way, Kaiwaka, 0573

Phone: 09 425 0563 • Mobile: 021 987 616

W.D.S.

WRIGHT DESIGN 021 276 7389

3 x Moving Trucks now available from $100 per day + 50c per km

AUTOMOTIVE & AUTOELECTRICAL

Drive on Car Licence

EUROPEAN CAR SPECIALISTS BATTERIES | DIAGNOSTICS High quality valet services at a site of your choosing from Wellsford to Warkworth and surrounding areas

www.matakanamobile.co.nz

Warkworth Car & Truck

09 422 3222

Rentals

27 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth www.strautomotive.co.nz

New Zealand Certified Builders Association

· · · · ·

Geotechnical Structural Roading, Stormwater, Wastewater Resource Consents Building Consents

Structural, Civil and Geotechnical Consulting Engineers

P: 09 425 9422 • warkworth@haighworkman.co.nz www.haighworkman.co.nz

Over 30 years experience Quotes given

Concrete Driveways

Ryan Bridgens 021 560 889 info@bridgens.nz www.bridgens.nz

Ian D’Ath 0800 QUOTME

Specialists in residential construction

MICK BERGER CONTRACTORS Phone: 09 422 0688 • Mobile: 0274 930 806

PARKER CONTRACTING

B OB C AT & DIG GER HIR E Footings, pile holes, landscaping and driveways

P.C.

S E R V I C E S

• Farm Dams & Drainage • House Sites • Driveways • Pole Drilling • Mulching • Bulldozer & Scoop Services • Transport up to 18 Tonne • Truck Hire • Metal Supply

Phone Wayne 021 953 527

ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE & INSTALLATION

All aspects of electrical work for farms, housing and industry.

Your local Electrician - Domestic and Commercial 24 hour service cover (No mileage charge).

09 423 7003 | 021 423 735

Alwyn Inger - Registered Electrician | alwyninger@hotmail.com

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

Mark Parker phone/text

Dams ● Winching ● Bulldozing ● Driveways House Sites ● Landscaping ● Earthmoving ● Sub Divisions

A E Inger Electrical

48

09 425 7599 | 0274 836 660 info@warkworthcarrentals.co.nz www.warkworthcarrentals.co.nz 41 Woodcocks Road, Warkworth

NZ CB

50 years experience D I G G E R

L.B.P 117.345

“Totally Dependable” Domestic | Commercial | Industrial 24-Hour Call Outs | Maintenance & Servicing Heating | Air Conditioning & Ventilation

10% discount available to Gold Card holders (proof to be shown to the electrician while on site) 09 422 3226 | Unit 1, 3 Morrision Drive, Warkworth warkworth@laserelectrical.co.nz | www.laserelectrical.co.nz

021 492 939

WG

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

arkworth lass & lazing

We will match or better any competitors quotes!

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

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

GLAZING & WINDOWS | HANDYMAN | JOINERY | LANDSCAPING & SUPPLIES |LOCKSMITH | MOVING & STORAGE | MOWING | PAINTERS & PLASTERERS | PICTURE FRAMING | PLUMBING

Wellsford

ALUMINIUM & GLASS GLASS & ALUMINIUM

FOR ALL YOUR GLASS, GLAZING, AND ALUMINIUM NEEDS

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

P S HOP F OR 1RSTOP U R AL M OWING SHOP FOR HANDYMAN SERVICES 1 ST OP SHOP FO R RURAL MO WING Peter Ride-on Mowing 1 Building STOP SHOP FOR HANDYMAN SERVICES Ride-on Mowing Peter 021 912Large 805 Lawns 5 Building PeterMaintenance 021 912 805 Large Lawns 021 912 805 tickidiboo@orcon.net.nz @orcon.net.nz Maintenance tickidiboo@orcon.net.nz tickidiboo@orcon.net.nz Repairs Lifestyle Blocks Repairs Lifestyle Blocks Local and Reliable Cleaning Orchards & Vineyards Cleaning Orchards & Vineyards

andfor Reliable for you!Local Mowing you!

Phone Peter 021 912 805

www.MatakanaGlass.nz

We specialise in: • Vantage Aluminium Joinery • Bi Folds, Sliders, Entrance Doors • Thermally Efficient options

• Retaining Walls/Decks • Fences • Paving/Concreting • Planting • 1.7 tonne digger and operator hire

09 425 7510

7 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

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

Ph Jeff - 021 368 552 | warkworthlandscaping@gmail.com www.warkworthlandscaping.co.nz

SELF-STORAGE WARKWORTH 0800 833 323 0800 638 254 www.wyatts.net.nz

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

0800 334 122

DELIVER! •Tirau Gold•Pine Chip•Cambian Bark

info@locksmart.co.nz www.locksmart.co.nz

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

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

FREE QUOTES Franchise enquiries welcome

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

Safe Storage - 24/7 CCTV - Drive Up Unit Access Handy Location - Automated Secure Entry Visit us at Unit 1, 12 Gumfield Drive, Warkworth www.masoncontainers.co.nz

+ Container Sales + On Site Hire

CraigthePainter

Since 1997

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

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

Exterior/Interior/Roofs/Staining • Repaints & Restoration • Interior Lockwood home painting • Villa and Bungalow • Roof Painting & Coatings • Plastering repairs • House wash and more ... Husband & Wife team • harley.mcvay@xtra.co.nz

Harley 021 0220 8727 or 09 423 9012

Premium Painters Ltd Your solution to quality painting

• Interior • Exterior • Re paints

• New builds • Renovations • Staining

Phone: 021 135 7769 Email: painter0276@yahoo.co.nz

CUSTOM FRAMING

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

11

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

TRUE BLUE

Making your special memories last a lifetime.

Paul Leggett 021-053 2896 timelessframingnz@gmail.com www.timelesscreationsnz.com Jade River Place, Warkworth

We offer the following services:

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

GAS & PLUMBING LTD

Certified Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers

www.trueblueplumber.co.nz

Framing all things you love.

021 102 4561

tttplumber@gmail.com

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

021 446 064 www.localmatters.co.nz

December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

49

PRINTING | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT | SCRAP METAL | SECURITY | TANK CLEANING | TILING | TRANSPORT | WATER

LTD

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE – QUALITY WATER TANKS ON-SITE – NOT A PROBLEM

• House Washing • Roof Washing • Gutter Cleaning • Paths/decking/driveway • Roof Treatments • Spider Treatments

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

Michelle 022 188 0080 michelle@onshorewash.co.nz www.onshorewash.co.nz

16A Flexman Place, Silverdale

A great team you can trust

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

Serving Puhoi to Ruakaka.

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

SECURITY & INVESTIGATION

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

09 425 7113 www.insitesecurity.co.nz admin@insitesecurity.co.nz

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

Hibiscus Tiling

24/7 Patrols

24/7 Monitoring

the tank cleaning specialists

Time for your water tank to get a clean?

Phone Brett today, 021 169 4479

Alarm/CCTV

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

LIBERTY SHUTTLES TOURS NZ & AIRPORT DIRECT

ABSOLUTE CONCRETE

• Events - golf, fishing and more • Other options on request • Discount for group bookings

Wall & floor tiling • Accredited Waterproofer Underfloorheating • Free consultations and quotations • 23 years experience

Phone Darcy 021 482 308

MATAKANA TANK CLEANING

Your Local Trusted Security Service

Moosome Concrete Troughs!

09 431 2211

Neale Stevens (owner operator) 0800 99 55 11 | 09 420 5366 or 021 447 455 libertyshuttles@gmail.com | libertyshuttles.co.nz

sales@absoluteconcrete.co.nz

Pumps & Filters Water Treatment Spa & Pool Shop Water Testing Valet Service Water Blasters Tanks & Sprayers 24 Hour Mobile & Workshop Service

SUPPLYING QUALITY HOUSEHOLD WATER IN THE LOCAL AREA FOR OVER 37 YEARS

425 8454 0800 747 928 or 027 556 6111 www.rhodesforroads.co.nz

Call Steve today 0212 787 427

31 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth 09 425 9100 splashwater@xtra.co.nz

REGISTERED DRINKING WATER SUPPLIER IN NZ

0800 278 288 | www.aquaworks.co.nz

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

Classifieds AERIALS

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

REDDING ELECTRONICS

GEORGE THE MAGICIAN

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

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

DRIVEWAYS MAINTENANCE Grading, rolling & metalling for rural Driveways.

No job too BIG or small. Ph Trevor 021 0225 5606 DVDS & VIDEOS

DVD

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

50

HOME & MAINTENANCE

Blue Skies Cleaning

HAIR & NAILS

Window Cleaning, Soft Bio House Wash, Gutter Clean, All Exterior Cleaning, Water Blasting, Roof Treatment, Local Professional service.

Ph Pat 022-646-5849

MOBILE HAIR & NAILS

COLLINS ELECTRONICS HAVE YOU LOST PRIME?

Amazing Show for Children's Party's and All Occasions ghwinchservices@xtra.co.nz 021 954 875

Working around the greater Warkworth Region. Offering hairdressing, manicure and pedicure services, in your home.

Call Rebecca 021 0825 8242 HOME & MAINTENANCE WINDOW CLEANING/ HOUSEWASH/GUTTER CLEANING Local professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849.

www.localmatters.co.nz

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

Or need your Freeview box tuned for the new channels? TV repairs, microwave oven repairs, Freeview installations.

Ph Paul 09 422 0500 or 027 29 222 04

HOUSE PAINTING All aspects. Quality finish.

Free quote or hourly rate.

17 years in trade.

Call Bruce 020 4089 4251

HORSE TRUCKS & FLOATS

GROUND CARE SERVICE Tree-work, Hedges, Pre-sale property grooming, Weedmating & Mulch Application, Garden & Section Tidy ups, Weed & Shrub cutting, Green-waste Removal.

Call Anton - Mahurangi Groundcare 021 133 8884

Sudoku

Solution

REID EQUESTRIAN ENGINEERING, Wellsford. Float rebuilds, horse truck conversions, etc. Dog kennels made to measure. Quality work. Ph Ron 423 9666 PUBLIC NOTICES JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVICE DESKS Warkworth, at the Council Offices Monday 10am – 2pm Matakana, Cinema Complex Tuesday 11am-1pm Snells Beach, at the Library Friday 10am – noon Warkworth RSA Fridays 4pm to 5pm No appointment is needed. There is no cost.

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

www.localmatters.co.nz Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES LOAVES AND FISHES FOODBANK WELLSFORD Wish to thank Wellsford Four Square, Rodney Four Square and Wellsford Superette for their help and support in purchasing stock for our Christmas Treat Boxes 2022.

We also wish to thank Mike Pero, CAB, Clever Endeavours, Hospice and Hammer Hardware for being the collection points for food donations.

A big thank you to Wellsford Plus, Forest Reserve Rural Women, and the many individuals and families for your generous cash donations towards the Christmas Treat Boxes.

We also wish to thank everyone in the community who has donated money and food items all through the year. With your support we can continue to help many families and individuals in Wellsford and the surrounding areas that need it.

And finally, a big thank you to all our very dedicated volunteers who make this possible.

We appreciate you all and wish you a very happy Christmas.

$

Supported by Mahurangi Matters

Christmas Church Notices come, let us adore Him.

43 Percy Street

Christingle Service A simple service for kids and young families 5pm, 24 December, Christmas Eve Candlelight Christmas 9.30pm, 24 December, Christmas Eve Christmas Day Service 9am, 25 December, Christmas Day

St Leonard's Matakana 24 Matakana Valley Road

Christmas Eve Service 9.30pm, 24 December, Christmas Eve Christmas Day Service 9.30am, 25 December, Christmas Day

St Alban's Kaipara Flats 19 Old Woodcocks Road

Christmas Eve Service 7pm, 24 December, Christmas Eve

St Michael's Leigh 12 Hauraki Road

Christmas Day Service 9.30am, 25 December, Christmas Day

Phone 09 425 8054 www.warkworthanglican.nz

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Holy Name Catholic Church 6 Alnwick Street, Warkworth Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Puhoi 83 Puhoi Road, Puhoi 425 8545 • www.holyname.org.nz

CHRISTMAS CAROLS 2022 Saturday 24th December Warkworth 6pm – Puhoi 8.30pm

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES 2022

Saturday 24th Dec – Christmas Eve Warkworth 4pm and 6.30pm Puhoi 9pm Sunday 25th Dec – Christmas Day Warkworth 10.30am There is NO MASS at Puhoi on Christmas Day.

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

ganized Simply Or

Sunday Services 9am & 10.30am

Christmas Eve Carol Service 7pm

Because of Bethlehem ...

No Christmas Day service Normal Sunday services throughout January at 9.30am 410 Mahurangi East Rd, Snells Beach

St Mary’s Parish Wellsford CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

$

Christmas shopping is well underway and Fire and Emergency New Zealand is reminding people to be cautious around lithium-ion batteries.

“These batteries are used in a lot of the presents people buy each other for Christmas including toys, tools, devices and phones,” community education manager Adrian Nacey says.

“Lithium-ion batteries provide a large amount of power in a small package and are safe if used correctly. But, like any product, can sometimes fail and overheat, catch fire or explode.

“It’s important to take care when using these batteries as they are a fire risk when not stored, charged, used or disposed of correctly.

“Make sure you charge them on a hard, flat surface not under a pillow, on a bed or couch where they can overheat and cause a fire.”

Christmas Eve – Vigil Mass 7 Matheson Rd, Wellsford 8.30pm

5

Christmas Day – Mass Senior Citizens Hall Fagan Place, Mangawhai 8.30am wellsfordcatholicparish@gmail.com

WANTED TO BUY

7 The deadline for classified advertising for our January 16 paper is January 11.

Send classified advertising enquiries to design@localmatters.co.nz

WARKWORTH: Mahurangi Matters, Paper Plus, Warkworth iSite, Countdown, New World, Z, Mitre 10 • PUHOI: Puhoi Pub, Puhoi Store • SNELLS BEACH: Snells Beach Dairy, The Food Market, Gull • MATAKANA: Matakana Four Square, Gull, Matakana Information Centre • Point Wells Store • OMAHA: Omaha Superette • LEIGH General Store • WELLSFORD: Caltex, Top Shop 4 Square, Port Albert Store • KAIWAKA: Jacques 4 Square, Caltex • MANGAWHAI: Mangawhai Village Supervalue, Mangawhai Club

Nacey says that if you notice anything unusual with a battery, stop using it straight away.

“This could be anything like a strange smell or a change in colour, too much heat, a change in shape, swelling, leaking, or odd noises.”

People also need to be careful when disposing of lithium-ion batteries. Do not put them in the rubbish.

Northland Waste’s Re:Sort resource recovery centre at 183 Sandspit Road in Warkworth will accept the batteries for recycling and Bunnings stores nationwide also have battery recycling units, available to customers and tradies.

Nacey says as always, make sure to have working smoke alarms installed and have a three-step escape plan that has been practiced with a first escape route, second escape route and safe meeting place.

Sudoku the numbers game

Christmas Eve – Vigil Mass 9 Griffin Rd, Maungaturoto 4pm

Mahurangi Matters can be picked up from the following businesses:

www.localmatters.co.nz

Battery recycling available locally

ganized Simply Or

8 3 MEDIUM

8 6 9 1 1 7

3 2 7 9

If it’s local, let us know!

9 2

8 3 2

8 2 5 6 3

www.puzzles.ca

Christ Church Warkworth

Check church website www.mahu.org.nz for details of Christmas services & activities.

SOLUTION page 50

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

December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

51

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.

Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams states it well.

The last few weeks of term have shone a spotlight on all things creative; from innovative and ingenious Y7&8 STEAM projects, to the unveiling of the student mural ‘Te Tiaki’, to EVolocity - a nationwide competition designed to foster the next generation of engineers, technology innovators and entrepreneurs to accelerate NZ’s transition to electric vehicles and clean transportation.

Here at Mahurangi, we believe that creativity is the product of a rigorous, broad, knowledge-rich curriculum, enabling the development of novel ideas that have value. If we really want students to be more creative we must continually feed their imaginations. We need to teach them stuff before we can expect them to question and criticise and manipulate form. Teachers such as Mr Lenihan, Ms Healy, Mr Waugh, Mrs Logue and Miss McNae are doing just this - providing both the knowledge and the culture and environment to enable students to flourish.

In the senior school, our EVolocity teams have once again dominated at regional and national level. All our teams did well, but one team in particular did exceptionally.

Team “Old School” and their bike almost had a clean sweep for the “Open Class” section. The team included Logan Jones, Nic Schollum and Flynn Powell who did an exceptional job, winning Overall best vehicle Award, 1st in Endurance Run, 1st

52

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

in Street Circuit and 1st in Efficiency Run. Our other teams E-speed, Lemon, Fast but not Furious, and Khaos Customs all picked up category titles and placings.

Congratulations! Thanks to the Warkworth community for providing sponsorship, support and expertise. None of our teams could succeed without your support.

In Mrs Healy’s STEAM Room students have been creating candles, collecting ornaments to use as positive moulds, building cardboard boxes around them and then filling the boxes with silicone rubber to make negative moulds. Students have then melted wax, added colour and essential oils, inserted a wick and poured the candles. Unmoulding was the trickiest part, with students needing to take care not to break any of the protrusions!

Last week, local kaumātua Jacob Tahitahi, accompanied by Star Gossage and Ra Gossage, blessed and unveiled a mural created by students and facilitated by local artist James Nicholls. This mural, funded by Creatives in Schools, has been named Te Tiaki, as it is hoped the journey to its creation has been a nurturing and affirming one for all students who participated.

We wish everyone a wonderful Christmas holiday break. Thank you for your support this year.

Tony Giles - Principal

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

www.localmatters.co.nz

December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

53

RAINCLOUD TRUSTED WATER DELIVERY TYREPOWER WARKWORTH PROUD SPONSORS OF

SCOREBOARD

EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. FAST RELIABLE DELIVERY

SUPPORTING LOCAL SPORT

WE’RE THE FIRST TO BRING YOU

A round-up of sports activities and events in the district

+

Kawau Volunteer Coastguard The Coastguards Old4New Lifejacket Campaign is open to upgrade your lifejackets. Snells Beach Boat Ramp, Sunset Boulevard, December 19, 2–5pm.

Info: http://www.old4new.nz/

Rainfall figures for November

Mahurangi East Tennis Club All visitors and casual players welcome. Adult coaching is available along with organised club days and member events. Info: www.mahutennis.co.nz

235mm Mangawhai

202mm Leigh

249mm Wellsford

174mm Topuni

Leigh Swimmers Introduction to ocean swimming sessions each Friday 9am at Matheson Bay. Info: kaye@yogifish.nz. Join the Facebook page to share swims, information and to support each other along Leigh, Omaha, Point Wells, Matheson Bay and Pakiri coast.

Whangateau

274.5mm

Warkworth Gamefish Club NZSFC Nationals 2023 inter-club and nationwide competition, February 18-25. Info: https://warkworthgamefish.co.nz/

Dome Valley Mahurangi Matters thanks our conscientious rainfall team – Chris, Ros, David, Gerry, Tony, Sally, Denis, Brenda, Hayley, Jetta and Stephen – who have done an outstanding job of sending in Flatsevery month. theirKaipara rainfall data If anyone in the Wellsford town area would be interested in joining the team next year, please let Jannette know on editor@ localmatters.co.nz.

SUP paddleboarding Beginners please check Safer Boating NZ and NZSUP websites for safety information, helpful guides and free courses to keep safe this summer.

Kaiwaka Touch The Kaiwaka Touch Module is a social grade touch rugby competition held over eight weeks, in Kaiwaka. For details about next year’s comp, go to Kaiwaka Touch on Facebook.

Matakana

366mm

236.7mm

Warkworth

311.7mm

306mm

Ahuroa Hall and School fundraiser trek The Ahuroa Hall and School invite you to enjoy a fully catered one or two day horse trek in Ahuroa, January 25 & 26.

Contact: Christine_a_bullock@hotmail.com

259mm

Takatu

Leigh Pump Track The Pumporama fundraiser has been postponed until late February

Sandspit

Warkworth Athletics The committee is looking for helpers in all areas and also sponsors for weekly prizes and end of season prizegiving.

Snells Beach

276.8mm

230mm

Rodney Cricket Association Registrations are still open at Mangawhai and Kaipara Flats Super Smash Hubs for Term 1. Info: www.ndcricket.co.nz/district/northland or email liamj@northcricket.co.nz

Algies Bay

Mahurangi Sports and Recreation Group funding Next year’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment fund is now open for applications. The funding is open to non-council organisations for significant facility development. Info: sportandrecreation@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Spotlight on Warkworth

List sports news FREE by emailing online@localmatters.co.nz

If you thought it was wet last month, you weren’t mistaken. Last month was the soggiest November since Roger Williams started collecting data in Warkworth in 2000. The Warkworth total of 306mm, compares to the next wettest year, which was 2000, when 163m was recorded. In November 2021, the total was just 72.5mm.

2 Mill Lane, Warkworth 0910 283 3495 | 022 489 7477 (Ah)

* All figures collected by Mahurangi Matters. Do not reproduce without the permission of Local Matters Inc.

warkworth@tyrepower.net.nz www.tyrepower.co.nz

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

Want Your D L House O

Don’t Delay call Mick Fay today!

021 544 769

S

Wed Fri

Dec Aug23 4

1:25am 3:41am 7:56am 9:51am 4:21pm Tide Tide 1:51pm 8:09pm Times Times 10:24pm

Moon Moon

4:35am 0.5 2.7 2:18am 8:48am 3.3 1.0 10:45am 5:14pm 0.6 2.7 2:45pm 9:05pm 3.2 1.2 11:14pm

6:00am 7:16am 8:40pm 5:39pm

Sun Sun Fishing Fishing Guide Guide

Thu Sat

12:20am 8:36am 12:52pm 9:01pm

5:28am 0.4 2.7 3:09am 9:40am 3.4 1.0 11:35am 6:03pm 0.5 2.8 3:38pm 3.3 1.1 10:00pm

1:26am 9:26am 1:59pm 9:52pm

10:18am 2:33am 10:45pm 3:06pm

Tue Sun

4:52am 0.3 1.1 12:45am 7:06am 3.5 2.8 11:24am 1:05pm 0.4 0.8 5:27pm 7:29pm 3.3 3.0 11:46pm

6:02am 7:13am 8:41pm 5:41pm 11:11am 3:38am 11:38pm 4:08pm

Dec Aug28 9

1:29am 0.3 1.0 5:43am 7:51am 3.5 2.9 12:16pm 1:47pm 0.4 0.7 6:21pm 3.3 3.1 8:11pm

6:03am 7:12am 8:41pm 5:42pm

Best Best At At

BF

Wed Mon

Dec Aug27 8

12:04pm 4:38am 5:05pm

2:12am 0.4 0.9 12:39am 8:35am 3.5 3.0 6:37am 2:29pm 0.5 0.6 1:10pm 8:53pm 3.2 7:16pm

6:03am 7:11am 8:42pm 5:43pm

Best Best At At

BF

Thu Tue

Dec Aug 29 10

12:29am 5:32am 12:55pm 5:58pm

1:33am 2:56am 7:33am 9:18am 2:05pm 3:11pm 8:11pm 9:36pm

6:04am 7:10am 8:42pm 5:44pm

Best Best At At

BG

3.2 0.8 0.5 3.1 3.4 0.6 0.5 3.3

Wed Fri

Dec Aug 30 11

6:22am 1:20am 6:46pm 1:44pm

3:40am 3.1 0.7 2:29am 8:33am 0.7 3.2 10:02am 3:54pm 3.3 0.5 3:00pm 9:07pm 0.6 3.3 10:21pm

6:05am 7:09am 8:42pm 5:44pm

Best Best At At

BG

Thu Sat

Dec Aug 31 12

7:09am 2:09am 7:31pm 2:32pm

4:26am 3.0 0.6 3:28am 9:35am 0.8 3.2 10:47am 4:40pm 3.2 0.5 3:55pm 11:07pm 0.7 3.3 10:03pm

6:05am 7:08am 8:42pm 5:45pm

Best Best At At

BG

Sun Fri

Aug Jan 13 1

7:53am 2:56am 8:16pm 3:20pm

5:12am 3.0 0.6 4:28am 11:34am 0.9 3.2 10:36am 5:29pm 3.1 0.5 4:51pm 11:56pm 0.8 3.3 11:00pm

6:06am 7:07am 8:43pm 5:46pm

Best Best At At

GG

Mon Sat

Aug Jan 14 2

8:38am 3:43am 9:00pm 4:07pm

6:01am 2.9 0.6 5:28am 12:24pm 1.0 3.2 11:34am 6:22pm 3.0 0.6 5:46pm 0.8 3.3 11:54pm

6:07am 7:05am 8:43pm 5:47pm

Best Best At At

GG

Tue Sun

Aug Jan 15 3

9:23am 4:31am 9:46pm 4:56pm

6:25am 2.9 0.6 12:47am 6:53am 1.0 3.1 12:26pm 1:20pm 2.9 0.7 6:39pm 0.8 7:21pm

6:08am 7:04am 8:43pm 5:48pm

Best Best At At

GG

Wed Mon

Aug Jan 16 4

10:10am 5:21am 10:34pm 5:47pm

1:42am 2.9 3.2 12:46am 7:50am 1.0 0.6 7:16am 2:22pm 2.9 3.1 1:15pm 8:25pm 0.8 7:31pm

6:08am 7:03am 8:43pm 5:48pm

Best Best At At

FG

Thu Tue

10:59am 6:14am 11:24pm 6:41pm

0.8 3.1 3.0 0.7 1.0 3.0 2.9 0.8

Aug Jan 18 6

1:34am 2:41am 8:03am 8:53am 2:01pm 3:28pm 8:19pm 9:30pm

6:09am 7:02am 8:43pm 5:49pm

Best Best At At

FG

Wed Fri

Aug Jan 17 5

11:49am 7:10am 7:39pm

3:45am 0.8 3.0 2:18am 9:58am 3.0 0.7 8:46am 4:33pm 1.0 3.0 2:44pm 9:04pm 2.9 0.9 10:33pm

6:10am 7:01am 8:43pm 5:50pm

Best Best At At

GG

Thu Sat

Aug Jan 19 7

12:15am 8:09am 12:41pm 8:40pm

Sun Fri

Aug Jan 20 8

4:50am 0.8 3.0 2:59am 3.0 0.7 11:02am 9:26am 5:34pm 1.0 3.1 3:25pm 2.9 0.8 11:32pm 9:46pm

6:11am 6:59am 8:43pm 5:51pm

Best Best At At

GG

1:06am 9:11am 1:32pm 9:42pm

3.0 0.7 0.7 3.1 3.2 0.9 0.7 2.9

6:12am 6:58am 8:43pm 5:52pm

Best Best At At

GG

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Best Best At At

GG

10:12am 1:57am 10:42pm 2:22pm

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Mick Fay 54

4:01am 0.3 2.7 12:01am 6:18am 3.5 0.9 10:31am 4:32pm 0.5 2.9 12:21pm 6:47pm 3.3 10:53pm

Best Best At At

BF

Ray White SeaSea Watch Auckland Area Watch

Dec Aug26 7

6:01am 7:14am 8:41pm 5:40pm

Best Best At At

BB

Mon Sat

Dec Aug25 6

6:01am 7:15am 8:40pm 5:40pm

Best Best At At

BB

Sun Fri

Dec Aug24 5

RayWhite

GG

Good Good Fishing Fishing

FF

Fair Fair Fishing Fishing

BB

Not Not So So Good Good

www.tidewiz.com www.tidewiz.com

www.tidespy.com www.tidespy.com

www.ofu.co.nz www.ofu.co.nz

Graphic Graphic supplied supplied by

by OceanFun OceanFun Publishing Publishing Ltd. Ltd.

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

| Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

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

December 20

Friends Christmas Storytime, Mahurangi East Library, 10.30am

20

Whangateau community market, Whangateau Hall, 10am

21

Book Chat at Warkworth library, 10am

22

Late night Christmas shopping in Warkworth, open until 7pm

22

Point Wells Christmas picnic, 6-8.30pm (postponed from Dec 14)

23-Jan 4 Mangawhai Art Gallery exhibition, 45 Moir Street (see story p21) 24

Christmas Eve Parade, Waipu, 7pm

25

Mahurangi Community Christmas brunch, Sunrise Boulevard Reserve, Snells Beach, 11.30am

26

Boxing Day Potluck, Whangateau Hall, music and shared lunch, white elephant gift exchange

CHARITY SAUSAGE SIZZLE

IF YOU WANT TO L, SUPPORT MORE LOCA T NO Y WH EN TH JOIN US!

In the last year, generous Aucklanders like you have helped Aucklanders in need ...

29-Jan 3 Waterworld Mangawhai, Mangawhai Estuary, 10am-7pm 30

Heritage River Cruise on the Jane Gifford, Warkworth Town Wharf, 1.30-2.30pm

31

Sculptureum New Year’s Eve. Two events, dining at Rothko or laser display at Freddie’s Bar. From 5pm, bookings essential.

31-Jan 2 The Great Summer Art Exhibition, Mahurangi East Community Centre, 10am4pm daily. Also: December 30, preview night, 7pm Info: www.mahutennis.co.nz (see story p22)

January 2023 1

150th Waipu Highland Games and Evening Ceilidh, The Centre, Waipu, 8,30am-11.30pm. Tickets $20 for Highland games entry and $20 for Evening Ceilidh (see story p16)

2

Mangawhai Gala, Mangawhai Domain, 9am onwards

2

Tapora Community Fun Day, Birds Beach, 11.30am-2.30pm. Auckland rescue helicopter fundraiser (see story p18)

2

Heritage Cruise on the Jane Gifford, 3.30-4.30pm, Warkworth Town Wharf

2

A Summer’s Day Live Tour with UB40, Jefferson Starship & Dragon, Matakana Country Park, 4.30pm

4

Summer Haze Festival, Matakana Country Park, 2.30pm onwards

7

Black Swamp Rod Run, starting from the Mangawhai Domain. Public viewing from 9am to about 10.45am (see story p20)

8

Andy Buchinger, Tahi Bar, 4-6pm

12

Surfing for Farmers, Waipu Beach, 5.30pm. Free lessons and barbecue (see story p46)

14

Puhoi Woodchopping Carnival, Puhoi Hotel, 9am onwards (see stories p36&37)

14

Warkworth & Districts RSA Market, 8am-1pm

14

Ōrewa Lions The Big Dig (wet day, January 15), by Orewa Surf Club. Dig in the sand for tickets to win prizes, ticket sales start from 8.30am. Under 5s dig at 9.30am and over 5s at 10am. Tickets $5

15

Warkworth Country Market, 9.30am

15

Heritage river cruise, departing Warkworth Town Wharf, 2-4pm

16

Warkworth Men’s Rebus Social day. Make new friends, BBQ lunch. Shoesmith Hall. 10am, Info: Ron 422 3111

17

Stu Duval cartooning workshop at Warkworth library, suitable ages 5-12 years, contact the library to reserve a place, 2-3pm

By providing proven wrap around support programmes, Springboard creates opportunities for young people to achieve positive outcomes and pathways to success.

The focus on personal wellbeing by creating a place of belonging and celebrating one to one connections, whilst also engaging family and the weider community.

COME ALONG AND SUPPORT

Saturday 14th January 8am - 1pm next to St Leonard's Church Matakana COME ALONG AND SUPPORT

Saturday 28th January 10am - 2pm next to Warkworth Butchery KINDLY SPONSORED BY

18&20 Pork Pie fundraising river cruises aboard the Jane Gifford (see story p19) 20-22

Martakana exhibition for Warkworth/Wellsford Hospice, Matakana School, free public entry 9am-5pm (see story p17)

21

Salty Dog Inn fishing competition, Snells Beach (see story p47)

21

Pest Free Leigh Open Day, Leigh Hall, 10am-12pm

21

Oyster and Wine Pop-up, Matakana Estate, midday

21

Music in Parks: Coco-Rocky, Crimson Layne and guests, Sunburst Reserve, Snells Beach, 1pm

21

An eclectic evening of music in Waipu, 566 Cove Road, 6-10.30pm

21

Salty Dog Social Club annual fishing competition (see story p47)

23

Sneaky Bones & Friends presented by Auckland Folk Festival, Whangateau Hall, 7pm

Coast & Country

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

www.localmatters.co.nz

December 19, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

55

Theo and Shiloh

Neo Stanbra and Toa

Dog Day gets

Gareth Jenkins puts Ivy through her paces in a Dog Training Club demonstration.

round of a-paws

Eden O’Riley and Greta

The first Dog Day Out at Snells Beach was organised by the Mahurangi East Library as a positive event for dogs.

Librarian Fleur Coleman said the idea for the dog-themed day came as a result of the changes in dog access rules that have been brought in to protect shorebirds at the northern end of Snells Beach.

The venue was to have been outside in Goodall Reserve to showcase the reserve as an off leash area, but the weather forced the event to move indoors.

Coleman says the feedback had

Richard Nawisielski

been “absolutely stunning”.

“The only thing that we could have done with was a bit more sunshine,” she said.

The show looks set to become an annual event.

Coleman thanked the stallholders who participated, along with the volunteers who turned up to help. She added that Department of Conservation ‘lead the way’ information, which teaches dog owners how to protect coastal wildlife and their dog, is available at the library.

Four-year-old Blue.

Bill Owen and Milly

Bob Simpson and Zoe

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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

Wellsford Medical

Urgent Accident + Medical Care + Lab Test + Radiology Xray

OPEN 8am - 8pm • 7 days

09 423 8086

220 Rodney Street, Wellsford

Mangawhai

4 Fagan Place 09 431 4128 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Matakana

74 Matakana Valley Road 09 422 7737 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Closed 23 Dec - 4 Jan

Maungaturoto

138 Hurndall Street 09 431 8576 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Paparoa

1978 Paparoa Valley Road 09 431 7222 Open 8am-5pm, Tuesday & Thursday

Closed 23 Dec - 5 Jan

Snells Beach Waipu

145 Mahurangi East Road 09 425 6666 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday 11/7 Nova Scotia Drive 09 432 1190 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Closed 25 December

Health Hub Warkworth

Urgent Accident + Medical Care + Pharmacy

OPEN 8am - 8pm • 7 days HEALTH HUB

WARKWORTH

09 425 8585

77 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

Call 09 423 8086 for 8pm to 8am • 7 days URGENT DOCTOR SERVICE - WELLSFORD 56 | Mahurangimatters | December 19, 2022

www.localmatters.co.nz