Hibiscus Matters_Issue 283_15 July 2020 by Localmatters

July 15, 2020

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Business shares air of cautious optimism First we had ‘the bubble’, now it looks like we might have ‘the bounce’. Businesses on the Coast are quietly optimistic about the future following a positive return to business in the first few weeks of level 1. While no one is popping champagne corks just yet, and everyone acknowledges that some sectors such as hospitality and travel have been hard hit, there are definite signs of confidence and determination. Destination Orewa Beach manager Hellen Wilkins agrees that most businesses are upbeat and positive, and have experienced great customer support from day one of level 2. “Some were a little slower but we haven’t really heard of one business that is ‘struggling’, which is heartwarming,” she says. “Businesses just made it work the best they could – they adapted their business model to work around Covid requirements introducing non-contact delivery services, creating an online sales page on their website, serving takeaways when they previously didn’t and so on. We take our hat off to each and every one of them.” Business and property advisor Marcus Macdonald, of Magna Consultants, says while some businesses did go under during lockdown, he suspects Covid was not the cause. “My impression is that these businesses were probably going to fail at some stage anyway,” he says. Marcus says he is a little surprised

Pharmacist Anthony Wentworth, owner of Life Pharmacy Orewa, and most of his 32 staff worked through the lockdown. Trade was down, but not enough to qualify for the wage subsidy. Once the pharmacy’s doors reopened, sales were better than expected. In fact, last month’s taking were better than last year. “These are very uncertain times and NZ won’t be immune to what’s going on in the rest of the world.”

The owner of Never Ending Books in Orewa, Anne Pretorius, closed for five weeks during lockdown. She took the wage subsidy for herself and a part-time staff member, and made use of her free time to do some trading online and set-up a website. She says trading in level 1 has been “amazing”. “I can’t replenish my stock of books and puzzles fast enough. Every thing has just been flying out the door. I think the fact that the libraries were closed was a factor.” Anne says she has her fingers crossed that the shop’s surge in popularity will continue.

Advance Office Products was an essential service during lockdown, with owners Anna and Campbell Davis, and their son Hunter, working 10-hour days to meet the needs of medical centres, tradespeople and other essential services. The shop re-opened to the public at level 2. “We’ve been very busy, definitely busier than this time last year and are feeling very positive about the next six months,” Anna says. She says small businesses have to have contingencies for when major disruptions like a pandemic hit. “We took the first wage subsidy for us and our staff – it was hugely important.”

Liquorland Orewa owner Bryan Russell closed his shop for three-and-a-half weeks during lockdown and then did contactless deliveries before moving to click and collect in level 2. He took the wage subsidy for himself and two staff, which importantly enabled him to retain long-serving staff. He says business is back to normal, if not better. “No travel has meant no duty free liquor – spirit sales, in particular, have been very good.”

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contact us... July 15, 2020 – Issue 283 Hibiscus Matters: 21 Florence Ave, Orewa, 0931 General enquiries ph 427 8188 Hibiscusmatters

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Businesses optimistic Look out for the Welcome Home property guide in this issue

Next issues: August 5 & 19 – Book your advertising now Editor: Terry Moore ph 427 8187 | terry@localmatters.co.nz Graphic designer: Lorry McCarthy | hibiscus@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Angela Gallagher ph 022 029 1895 | sellit@localmatters.co.nz Janet Moses ph 022 096 8517 | sales@localmatters.co.nz A division of Local Matters. Hibiscus Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated to more than 24,000 homes and businesses twice a month: Puhoi • Waiwera • Hatfields • Orewa • Silverdale • Millwater • Dairy Flat • Red Beach • Whangaparaoa Peninsula Views expressed in Hibiscus Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction without editor’s permission is prohibited.

how well small businesses have done given the upheavals, and believes the Government assistance, in terms of wage subsidies and no interest loans, have been a lifeline. “My concern is for the next six months when the wage subsidy comes to an end. A lot of businesses could find themselves in a cold hard world and we’re likely to see more business failures. On the positive side though, a lot of businesses have been innovative and resilient so far, creating niche markets. A bit of ingenuity can make a big difference.” Marcus believes businesses should be seriously controlling costs and looking ahead to see where the roadblocks or hiccups might be. “If anyone thinks they might need funding, then they should be looking at that now and not waiting until the event occurs because by then it will be difficult. The worst thing a business person could do at the moment is put their head in the sand. They need to be realistic and, if necessary, get some professional advice.” Telos Group commercial director Mustan Bagasra, based in Silverdale, believes the leasing side of his business is busier now than it was last year. “Some businesses have closed as a result of Covid, but on the other hand, there are a lot people committing to new businesses, and existing businesses are downsizing and up-sizing depending on their circumstances. “Landlords and tenants are showing a willingness to negotiate in this ‘new normal’.” Mustan estimates the rent reductions are around 10 to 20 per cent on pre-Covid rates but 80%

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Roger White, of Orewa Massage Worx, took a part-time job delivering eggs during his enforced six-week lockdown. When he re-opened at level 2, he hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped since. Clients were paying in advance to be high on the waiting list. He has also seen a steady trickle of new people. “People were doing more exercise during lockdown and some home office set-ups caused some posture issues.” Roger is confident he will keep going. “I feel sorry for new businesses who might not yet have a loyal customer base; they might struggle.”

encouragingly, most of the new leases are long-term. Most of the interest is from people on the Coast and some of it is from people who have been made redundant and have decided they want to be their own boss. Mustan says the interest is across the board, from retail and commercial to businesses looking for warehouse space.

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Turf wars as new club gains toe-hold

There is a new sports club in town offering football to local players, which members say has brought it into conflict with the Northern Football Federation and established club Hibiscus Coast AFC. The club, Rodney District Sports & Community Association (Rodney Sports), has a key point of difference – it uses sponsorship to offer sport free of charge, including uniforms and equipment, for players up to the age of 17. Rodney Sports has been based at Metro Park in Millwater for around four years and has more than 500 members. It plans to partner with other clubs to provide a wide range of sports to young people. Founder and spokesperson Colin Roberts is passionate about providing free access to sport. “Cost is a tremendous barrier to participation,” he says. “So many kids can’t afford boots, let alone fees. Taking that barrier away gets kids off the street and gives them opportunities.” Rodney Sports is not affiliated with the governing body Northern Football Federation (NFF), but through a partnership agreement with Puhoi Sports Club, Rodney Sports teams have access to the affiliated football competition. This is a sore point. Colin says the group was told it could apply for affiliation once it had more than 120 members, but once it ticked that box the NFF indicated that if it applied, it would be rejected. An NFF spokesperson disputes this, saying that it signalled in 2017 that it would be difficult to support applications for new clubs, due to the existing number of member clubs, finite availability of facilities, decreasing number of club volunteers and the financial pressures facing clubs. Its board went on to resolve last year that it would not consider applications for new clubs within this region, for those same reasons. The relationship between the two organisations has soured as a result. “All we get is barriers. There is room

Rodney District Sports has around 20 football teams and says it is struggling to get enough local fields to play on.

for more clubs but we are being blocked,” Colin says. He also says that Rodney Sports teams are not allocated enough fields for their needs. Fields with lights are vital for weekday training. Currently, the club has two pitches at Metro Park with lights one night a week and also uses Red Beach park two nights a week. It pays the Hibiscus Hockey Trust to use the turf on Thursday nights. “Everyone is getting training, but it’s a juggle, with sometimes 11 teams playing at once on two pitches.” Colin says it is frustrating to see pitches not being used that have been booked for Hibiscus Coast AFC to train on. “We just want a fair deal,” he says. Fields are booked through Auckland Council. Head of area operations – community facilities, Julie Pickering, says organisations such as the NFF submit applications for sports grounds, which include the number of teams registered within a club. “We allocate training fields with lights to the clubs according to their requests and these numbers,” she says. “Following this, if there are parks that have free allocation and no bookings we try to accommodate clubs that are not affiliated with the regional sports organisation. If there are multiple

applications for one field, we ask clubs to spread their training across other fields. We receive Rodney Sports’ bookings via the Puhoi Football Club,” she says. However, Rodney Sports lays many of the issues around field allocation at the door of the Hibiscus Coast AFC, which it says has the lion’s share of fields this season. Established in 1974, Hibiscus Coast has 103 football teams and access to eight fields around the area, as well as the five at its Stanmore Bay base. President Scott Beard says as a result of Covid-19, some players pulled out and the club has not needed its full allocation. “We have worked with the only other affiliated club in the area, Puhoi, and Council, and given up a field at Metro Park with lights for Puhoi to use. With the growth in the area, the establishment of a new sports club here will come down to field availability, which is for Council to deal with,” he says. “We just have to make sure as a club that we follow the rules and provide our members with the opportunity to participate and enjoy the game.” Rodney Sports this month sought the support of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board for resource allocation at Metro Park East.

Homeless moved on from Hatfields Rough sleepers at Hatfields Beach have been given their marching orders. Auckland Council has moved a small ‘tent city’ of homeless people from the beach and erected signs prohibiting camping overnight. Freedom campers are still using the area. Hatfields is one of five regular locations around Orewa where the food rescue group Love Soup has been delivering food. “The homeless who are sleeping in their cars tend to move around a bit,” she says. “But it became quite obvious during lockdown, when they had to stay put, how many homeless people there are in the area. Some were moved in to motels, but we delivered food daily to those who were told to stay put at the beach.” Julie says far from being a nuisance, she has seen these homeless people picking up rubbish and cutting the grass that was missed by the Council mower. It’s believed that Council acted after receiving complaints, including one about a tent dweller who had pets and was keeping chickens. Auckland Council’s team manager compliance response Max Wilde says Council and a support agency have been working with the police to deal with a number of rough sleepers at Hatfield’s Beach. “Council works closely with specialist support agencies in circumstances where we are informed about, or encounter people sleeping rough, and we have an established system of notifying outreach workers in such circumstances,” he says. “The primary concern is always the well-being of the people involved.” However, one of the homeless said Council was not looking after their wellbeing, just getting them off its land. “Signs were put up to say we had to move on and some of our stuff started to go missing.”

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Feedback

Senseless spending on humps

As per your article (HM July 1) the $150,000 spent on this one road, Laurence Street, could have been used to help seal some of the loose metalled roads within Rodney. Now the speed bumps have been extended across the full width of the road. If this waste of money isn’t enough, the Council has also marked parts of the road in such a way that to pass a legally parked car, one must cross a double yellow line! This is highly illegal. And could we not have a review of the three sets of

localmatters.co.nz What’s on your mind? Readers are welcome to air their views. We do not publish abusive or unsigned letters. Letters may be abridged and full versions are at localmatters.co.nz/opinion. Address on p2 or e:terry@localmatters.co.nz

traffic lights on Whangaparaoa Road that cause massive queues in peak traffic? Two of these only provide access to the Mall (sorry, and the 12 houses in Tower Hill) and are simply not needed. If the one set remained, then the breaks would allow entry and exit where the other two sets currently sit. Any chance some common sense could prevail? Chris Casey, Manly (abridged)

Fault questioned I don’t like the public being given the wrong information. Regarding your article on the Dynamic Lanes (HM

Local opinion

July 1), the information on the broken gantry was wrong. Before I was able to change my daily walks routes, I did walk past the spot daily where the broken gantry was mounted. With my engineering hat on, it is not correct to say the gantry broke at the weld. It clearly broke some about 100mm above the weld in a jagged manner that suggests it was the pipe itself that could not take the winds swinging as I clearly remember watching before failure. Breaks at a weld will be almost immediately close to the weld where the pipe material in this case would not have been damaged by the welding

the record

Memories of social distancing are fading, and pavement signs are being scrubbed off. Let’s hope they are gone for good.

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Editor Terry Moore

Claytons open workshops Readers with long enough memories may recall Claytons. It was one of the first ‘non-alcoholic alcohol’ drinks in NZ, packaged to look like whisky. The ad went something like: ‘Claytons – the drink you have when you’re not having a drink’. This sprang to mind recently in relation to the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board’s ‘open’ workshops, which could be subtitled – the open workshops you have when they are mostly closed. Hibiscus Matters championed the opening of local board workshops to the public and media and, on May 21, largely due to the efforts of member Leanne Willis, they were voted in. When workshops are closed, items of community interest can be discussed in confidence whether or not they are truly confidential in nature. Unfortunately, the right for the chair and staff to select what is discussed in confidence remains, and has been used within ‘open’ workshops frequently so far. The first workshop after the local board’s decision fell on May 28 and was deemed entirely confidential. The topics discussed were: “phased reopening of local community facilities” and “additional review of the [local board’s] draft plan and preparation of specialist consultative procedure”. The former, at least, would surely struggle to meet any definition

off

of confidentiality. Of two workshops since then, one went into confidential just half-an-hour after it opened and the other was open for around an hour when it was scheduled to go on for almost five hours. A topic that was discussed openly in the June 11 workshop disappeared under the cloak of confidentiality when it came to the June 25 workshop. Among the reasons given for confidential items were that they would come to an upcoming monthly (open) business meeting for a decision. This could be said about almost all the items in workshops. Even the schedule outlining when workshops take place is not being made public unless they are open workshops and even then, only on social media. Some items need to be confidential, but consistency and clear guidelines about what does and does not meet the criteria are needed. The approach so far is not in the spirit of what was agreed to as ‘open’. Local board members spoken to by Hibiscus Matters say it is being driven by staff, not members. It remains to be seen how long it will be before those attitudes soften and ratepayers are given access to discussions between elected members about issues that concern them, and how their money is spent.

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A local driver was amused by the spelling of Vipond Rd on this bus, saying “if you are going to leave a letter out, perhaps it should be the ‘s’, as it doesn’t have an ‘s’?”

Millwater resident Craig Hudson felt his wedding ring slip from his finger and plop into the water while surfing at Orewa last month. A series of dives and searches by Craig and his kids followed, to no avail. On hearing the news, his wife Bronwyn “remained calm” and contacted Oliver Trottier of Snells Beach, who has a metal detector. “Oliver came down from Snells to search the beach three times, but was beaten by weather. He stayed out until 9.30pm on the night he found it,” Craig says. It was already buried five centimenters into the sand. Craig says he is incredibly grateful for the assistance of this Good Samaritan.

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Feedback cont... process. The cracking was jagged in largish failures of the pipe material itself, which was immediately obvious to me. That was well away from the weld. Saying they are now making the replacement gantry with larger pipe confirms this to me. I looked at the stub of the broken pipe many times and then suddenly that disappeared as well some weeks later. Pity I did not take a photo, eh? Henry Stonex, Red Beach Chris Martin of Auckland Transport replies: Hibiscus Matters took the information in its story from the report commissioned by Auckland Transport from an independent engineering consultancy. The information in the report stands.

Hub heads south As stated in Hibiscus Matters’ June 17 story, Council will still provide face-toface services until amalgamation in a hub at Albany, and will provide services in a new premises in Orewa in 2 to 3 years – but where? Shouldn’t these premises been identified before sale of the Tasman Building and surrounding lands? The new premises should include a new library, the present one leaks in torrential rain. The only area in Orewa is maybe George Lowe Place – oh sorry, the price paid will not be sufficient to buy those properties and construction costs for a new council service area. Anybody noticed that the hub and spokes are drawing closer to central Auckland? Our rates are still going up, in fact more than the national inflation rate and the services provided to us are diminishing. The Covid-19 emergency budget is clouding council’s mind. We all suffered, where is the kindness? When the ‘community-focused business’ fails to eventuate, the buildings and land at 50 Centreway Rd will be sold to a commercial enterprise at a price that we as ratepayers should have received in the first place. Michael James, Orewa

Petrol prices queried We don’t seem, as a country, to be concerned about the price of petrol. Back in the day when the US barrel of oil was $80 to $100 US per barrel, we were paying $2 plus at the pumps. With the US barrel price now down in the $40 plus US a barrel, the pump price in NZ does not seem to have moved down in keeping with the barrel price. Can anyone explain this? Sel Jones, Manly Mark Stockdale, of the Automobile Association, replies: In 2008 when petrol prices first went above $2/litre, the high cost of oil then made up about $1.20/litre of the price, and taxes were over half that amount. Now that’s virtually been reversed – the current oil price makes up about 50c of the pump price, while taxes are about $1.10/litre, or $1.20/litre for the third of Kiwis that live in Auckland. That includes the latest annual tax increase of 4c/ litre on July 1, plus an estimated 8c/ litre for an Emissions Trading Scheme levy, first introduced in 2010. The balance of the retail price covers the costs of distributing and retailing fuel. The end result is the same, with petrol prices around $2/litre, – it’s just that nowadays oil prices don’t have a big impact on what we pay – instead its tax (most of which is fixed excise to fund our transport system).

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Paper appreciated Just want to say what a fantastic publication you provide. The local matters you dig up to keep us informed is amazing. Keep up the good work and thanks. Sefton Mills, Hatfields Beach

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Holding on to precious bush block amid fears of sale Hibiscus Coast Forest & Bird fears that the last remaining stand of undeveloped wilderness on Whangaparaoa Peninsula could fall out of public ownership. Branch co-chair Pauline Smith made a submission to Auckland Council’s Emergency Budget, and also made a plea to the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board Community Forum this month. The 23ha bush block, located between Whangaparaoa Road, Cedar Terrace and the Weiti River, is owned by Council and is classified as “an asset”, held by its property arm, Panuku Auckland. It is this that concerns Forest & Bird. Pauline says that in the current climate, where Council is looking to sell assets, there is a strong possibility the land could go. However, Auckland Transport (AT) says that the property was acquired for Penlink which is now being delivered by Waka Kotahi NZTA. “The property is one of the land interests that Auckland Transport is recommending be transferred to NZTA to enable the delivery of Penlink,” an AT spokesperson says. Pauline says the land’s value to the environment has many strands including as a wildlife habitat. It has long been identified by Council as a Significant Ecological Area and contains large stands of native bush including kauri, totara, kahikatea and puriri. Forest & Bird volunteers have been baiting and trapping pests in the block since 2014 and Pauline says there have been multiple reports of kiwi in there. She says a survey is planned to identify whether there are long tailed bats in the bush. “It is ideal bat habitat, and a Red Beach resident found one in her garden about 18 months ago,” Pauline says.

There is an important pied shag nesting colony on the banks of the Weiti River. The Archer’s Block is also the source of Stanmore Bay Stream. Since 2010, the local board has included having this bush designated a reserve as a priority. The process of forming a reserve is not straightforward, and has been put on hold as the land was secure until Penlink is progressed. “The local board needs to get that process underway as soon as possible and get it formalised,” Auckland Councillor John Watson says. “It’s been sitting there waiting for Penlink but now that NZ Transport Agency is moving forward with that, it could be in the surplus category. There is a lot of history about the need for it to be a reserve, which helps. But these are uncertain times.” He says an additional bonus is that the land is steep and would be a challenge to build on. Pauline made her first presentation to Council about designating the land as a reserve in 2012. “A report by staff to the local board in 2012 clearly established the value of this land to the community and to wider Auckland. “Council has the power to make it a public reserve, at the stroke of a pen,” she says. “But that same pen could see us lose it forever.”

Archer’s facts

• British author and MP Jeffrey Archer (later Lord Archer) bought the property in 1986 for $775,000 in expectation of a waterfront land boom if Auckland hosted the 1990 America’s Cup. • The Rodney District Council bought it in 1999 for $2.27 million. For more stories visit our website localmatters.co.nz

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There’s been widespread publicity about the budget cuts that the Council is considering. It’s important that we make the best decisions based on good information and process. For me that should include exploring options and taking into account the costs and benefits – no just for Council but also the community. There is a budget proposal to shut the dog pound in Silverdale – a very modern, convenient and well run facility. The next closest would be Henderson, which is also being evaluated. But close a local facility and you end up with more travel costs – time and money – for staff and the users. If the asset is still being kept, but mothballed, it still requires maintenance. And then the costs of dog control by Council are almost all covered by registration money received. So is this a real saving? Hibiscus Matters has also highlighted the sale of the Council buildings in Orewa and the proposed relocation of many of the services and staff to Albany. Similar principles apply – and the parking in Albany is atrocious. Was consideration given to relocating the Orewa Library, Citizens Advice and other services to this building, then selling the current library – with a retained future-proofed facility with space for growth – rather than a significantly discounted sale? A big issue facing Auckland right now and going forward is the water crisis. Tank water households provide an outstanding example of water conservation at an average of 180 litres a day (for properties that are metered) compared to reticulated households that average more than 600 litres a day. Of huge concern to me is the present proposal under Stage 3 water restrictions (currently we are at Stage 1) that closes tank filling stations where the water tankers fill up. This is totally unfair and fails to recognise the contribution that tank water is making. The good news is the move to remove the consenting obstacles to the installation of water tanks. An opportunity that presents itself is for Council to be more collaborative, open and lateral in its information and delivery. We need to make the most of Council money and time. That should mean working more closely with local clubs and organisations where they can take something on more efficiently and economically than the Council Why not encourage local clubs to quote for carrying out a project like say the installation of floodlights in a park used by sporting clubs. So long as the controls, quality control and project oversight are in place the local club may well be able to make a project happen when funding is tight. With less money to spend Council should also be more transparent so that the evidence for projects is made obvious so it can be subject to scrutiny and comment. A case in point is the issue of completing the heavy rail connection to the airport, compared to light rail along Dominion Road all the way to the airport. These significant projects should have easily accessible business cases that are understandable. This also helps to take some of the politics out so that projects can be considered on merit. The same for shifting the Port of Auckland up to Whangarei. This is the first column post lockdown and I would like to acknowledge the many individuals, organisations and businesses that made our Hibiscus Coast bubble a great place to be. It reinforced for me what a friendly and special place the Coast is.

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Solution page 46

Collaboration and lateral thought

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Searching for answers on end of life choices A book that provokes people to think about end of life issues and find out the facts before voting in the upcoming binding referendum has been published by local author Caralise Trayes, of Manly. Caralise, a former journalist and mother of two, has shared her own process of investigation, the swings and roundabouts of grappling with the issue, and her conclusions. She completed her self-published book, The Final Choice – End of Life Suffering: is Assisted Dying The Answer? in just a few months, conducting interviews with people with wide ranging views including doctors, ethicists, clerics, politicians and disabled people. She says that she realised early in the process that the referendum was not a simple ‘in favour or not’ proposition but about whether or not to bring into law an already completed piece of legislation, the End of Life Choice Act. The details of what that law provides for, therefore, became critically important. Caralise says anyone voting in the referendum should not only read the Act (search for it at legislation.govt.nz) but also analyse its effectiveness and ask questions. “’Will it protect vulnerable citizens, how will we find lawbreakers, is six months a good timeframe’ are among the questions I ask in the book,”

Caralise says. “Also, will it bring relief to people suffering and why is there resistance to it?” Caralise says there are incredibly caring people on both sides of the argument. “It’s said that the compassionate choice is assisted dying, but I found those who oppose it are just as compassionate,” she says. Rather than approach the topic from an impartial perspective – simply providing facts on both sides – the book is about Caralise’s personal journey, something she says makes it more reader-friendly. “I like the honesty of a journey and I wanted people to read it. I didn’t want it to be too information-heavy.” The book has got a lot of media attention. “What is important about this debate is talking with the experts,” Caralise says. “I am no expert. I just wrote a book.”

Local author Caralise Trayes takes on the topical and challenging subject of euthanasia.

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Hibiscus Matters has two copies of The Final Choice to give away. To be in to win, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and contact details, (mentioning The Final Choice giveaway), OR write your name, address and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to The Final Choice, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Ave, Orewa 0931. Entries close Friday, August 7.

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$100m for Kaipara Harbour restoration The Kaipara Harbour was the big winner among 22 environmental projects announced last week, receiving $100 million of the $160 million fund. The Kaipara restoration project, which involves planting and fencing of waterways that feed into the harbour, will create an estimated 1000 jobs over 10 years. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the new green jobs would help to displace job losses from the tourism industry. The fund has been awarded to the Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group (IKHMG) which has been building a network of councils, iwi, landowners and landcare groups since 1996. The $100m grant has turned the IKHMG from a small group of coordinators into an empire that will oversee work covering 640,000ha. The catchment spans from the Waitakere Ranges in West Auckland to southern Hokianga. IKHMG chair Willie Wright says a whole industry will be created around building nurseries to supply plant seedlings for the restoration project, planting the seedlings and building fences. Willie says plants cultivated at nurseries will be ‘eco-sourced’ from natives already within the Kaipara catchment to maintain species that have always been there. “I am really excited for the harbour. It has been degrading for 160 years since the area was deforested of kauri.”

July 15, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

localmatters.co.nz

Youth Voice

DE LA MER OREWA COMPLETION EXPECTED OCTOBER 2020

C11/388-392 Hibiscus Coast Highway

with Caitlin Watson caitewatson@gmail.com

Asking price $569,000

Youth vote needed There is only so much you can say in 400 or so words – that’s why I am going to dig deeper into the theme of my last column, which presented the general context and statistics for youth unemployment in the economic recession that is unfolding. While there is no silver bullet for fixing this difficult economic situation, there are a number of factors to consider regarding the needs of those disproportionately affected by this global pandemic – young people. It’s often the case that the voice of young people is not considered when it comes to decision-making. In this respect, it’s perhaps appropriate to begin by sending out a friendly reminder that we have an election around the corner. Unfortunately, the reality is that young people are the group in society least likely to engage in elections. This apathy needs to change and voting must be understood as an act that shows care for the wellbeing of our community and nation. This election is the time to press political parties on their policy addressing the Covid-19 consequences for youth. It is imperative that there is a targeted youth recovery plan to combat persistent youth unemployment and under-employment, which bring such harmful social and economic costs. A good start for any plan would be to engage. Engage with educators, employers, civil society, youth organisations, and local authorities to shape a policy framework that promotes the long-term needs of young people. And to give credit where it is due, the government’s targeted training and apprenticeship scheme is a positive step in the right direction to help transition to a new pathway in critical industries with no burden of cost. Another point for consideration is encouraging and facilitating innovation. In recent times young people have demonstrated their passion for protecting and caring for our environment. Why not build on this enthusiasm by providing grant funding for youth- led innovation projects? Often youth have all sorts of ideas, but they need the support to activate them. Let’s help our young changemakers to rise up. Furthermore, our local youth organisations are doing great work on the ground in our communities to support young people. They could benefit from extra support to further the reach of their valuable services. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Young people – your voice is needed this election as we ride this road to recovery. Elections in their purest form are a contest of ideas. Let’s make sure the ideas promoted are ones that will provide opportunity and inspire confidence in empowering youth for a changing future. Hibiscus Coast Bridge Club celebrated Betty Thompson’s 100th birthday recently with sherry, a cake and a bunch of chocolates arranged like a floral bouquet. Betty joined the club more than 30 years ago and plays bridge there most Fridays. “She is never short of a partner and plays an excellent game,” president Jocelyn Avery says. Last year Betty was made a life member (HM October 23, 2019). She is pictured receiving chocolates and cake from friends Barbara Ranum and Maureen Nevines.

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M: 021 535 367 E: info@garagedoorrepairman.co.nz Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

La Residence de la Mer is a boutique seaside apartment complex just a few minutes’ walk from Orewa Beach. Located on a stunning piece of land just north of the Town Centre and one block back from the beach, this attractive development defines modern coastal living. Through a gated thoroughfare, La Residence de la Mer could be your new home by the sea. The one bedrooms apartments start from $569,000 including one secure carpark. Being so close to town, a block from the beach, private with a north aspect and functional highquality living. These apartments are in high demand. Visit our show home: 7/445 Hibiscus Coast Highway Open 11am - 3pm daily

NORMA HALPIN 021 710 298 norma.halpin@wallacestratton.co.nz

DE LA MER OREWA OCEAN VIEWS, CLOSE TO TOWN! B12/388-392 Hibiscus Coast Highway Asking price $799,000

There are only a select few of two bedroom apartments available all with there own unique advantages, whether it be potential sea views, large courtyards, privacy or an excellent aspect there is plenty of variety. In high demand, with the prices starting from $799,000 which includes 1 secure car park. All apartments have timber flooring throughout the kitchen and living spaces, heat pumps in the main living space, underfloor heating to bathroom, wall heaters to bedrooms, double-glazing, and LED lights. It also features modern kitchen, stone benches, quality fittings and Fisher and Paykel appliances. Visit our show home: 7/445 Hibiscus Coast Highway Open 11am - 3pm daily

MELANIE HARU 021 647 117 melanie.haru@wallacestratton.co.nz

DE LA MER OREWA BIG ON SPACE! NORTH FACING! C13/388-392 Hibiscus Coast Highway Asking price $799,000

La Residence De la Mer could be your new home by the sea. The two bedrooms, two bathroom apartments start from $799,000 including one secure car park. Close to town, a block from the beach, private with a north aspect and functional highquality living. These apartments are in high demand. It is just a gentle stroll to the golden sands of Orewa Beach and all the amenities of Orewa Town Centre. If you need to travel further afield, it’s a 15-minute drive to Albany Mega Centre and a further 10 minutes to the CBD via the new Northern Motorway. There is also a bus stop beside this gated community on Hibiscus Coast Highway. Visit our show home: 7/445 Hibiscus Coast Highway Open 11am - 3pm daily

YONA SMITH 027 951 0595 yona.smith@wallacestratton.co.nz

| Hibiscusmatters | July 15, 2020

localbusiness

Boulevard stars may be moving It is 10 years since Gary Brown put down the first star plaque on Orewa Boulevard commemorating Kiwi entertainers and, for the past six years, he has been trying to get some of them moved. Initially, this was in response to opposition from the landowner where some of the stars are located, but currently, the chief reason is because some of the stars now sit under the chairs and tables of cafés and restaurants, and the granite surfaces are being damaged. Moving eight of the star plaques out from under those chairs and tables will place all 12 in a straight line down the pavement. The goal is to add further stars to that line in due course. Mr Brown, who is now the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair, raised around $5500 last year with a fundraising concert so he could uplift and move the eight stars. He says it is frustrating the amount of time the process of shifting the stars is taking. Since the fundraising concert, he says he has obtained verbal permission from the landowner, Jonathan Rigg, and support from the businesses alongside the planned new location for the stars. He has also spoken with Auckland Transport (AT), which is responsible for the pavement. Mr Brown says Covid-19 has put AT behind in its work programme, but he is optimistic that the stars can be moved later this month. The work will be done by a private contractor and any costs of uplifting and relocating the stars, and reinstating the pavement (above that raised from the NZ Walk of Fame concert) is at Mr Brown’s expense. He says the process will have to be done carefully so that there is as little disruption for passers-by and businesses as possible.

Voters urged to check enrolment details

The first star to go down on Orewa Boulevard was for entertainer Ray Woolf.

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Voting aged New Zealanders are encouraged to check their enrolment details ahead of the September 19 election. Personalised enrolment update packs were sent to 3.27 million enrolled voters last week. “There have been some changes to the boundaries and names of electorates since the last election,” chief electoral officer Alicia Wright says. The pack includes information on the two referendums that will be held alongside the election. People can vote on whether the End of Life Choice Act 2019 should come into force, giving people with a terminal illness the option of requesting assisted dying. They can also vote on whether the recreational use of cannabis should become legal. “This year, more than ever, it’s important to enrol early so you get information about the election and referendums in the mail along with an EasyVote card which will make voting faster.” People can enrol online at vote.nz using a New Zealand driver licence, New Zealand passport or RealMe verified identity. People can also enrol or update their details by filling in an enrolment form. Forms are available online at vote.nz, by calling Freephone 0800 36 76 56 or by texting their name and address to 3676.

July 15, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

localbusiness

Coast critters with naturalist James Dale j.dale@massey.ac.nz Twitter: @jamesdale68 Instagram: @quelea

COME JOIN SILVERDALE'S NEWEST COMMERCIAL PRECINCT

The slater puzzle The next time you are at the beach at low tide have a look in some of the little rock pools and you are likely to see a unique NZ creature. Even though this animal is abundant and only occurs in New Zealand, it surprisingly does not have a common name, only a scientific/Latin one – Isocladus armatus. This common marine isopod (or slater) can be easily seen at Stanmore Bay and many other beaches on the Hibiscus Coast. If I were asked to name this animal, I would call it ‘the variable slater’ because of the diversity of colour patterns it displays. You could be forgiven for thinking there were lots of different species, but in fact they are all the same. There are white ones, striped, spotted, black, green and reddish ones – and everything in between. In the classic 1968 book The New Zealand Sea Shore, Morton and Miller described this species as “hardly two individuals are alike”. Such diversity within a single species begs the question: why are they coloured this way? Why has evolution by natural selection generated so much diversity in this species? We currently study these isopods at Massey University. Their colour patterns are all about camouflage. Some match the background, some use bold patterning to make their outlines hard to see, and some pretend to be plain objects like shell fragments. But when we think of how evolution works, we typically expect those individuals best suited to survive will pass on their traits to the most offspring. Why hasn’t natural selection resulted in all isopods having the same, most effective camouflage pattern? Although this is still an unsolved mystery, our best explanation is that the most advantageous colours and patterns are those which are the most different than the rest. If isopods that have unique patterns survive better than more common types, the result is an incredibly variable CL IEN NE population. Why would being unique TS W provide an advantage? Well, it’s all WE LC about how the minds of their predators, OM E fish and birds, work. DOUGLAS The predators hunting Isocladus have a ACCOUNTING difficult task because the prey blends in For all your accounting requirements so well with the background. But as an individual predator gets more practice • Monthly and end of year accounts catching them, the predator starts to and tax returns. specialise in the more common colour • Business planning and advice varieties. They form a ‘search image’ in their brain that they are looking • Personal Tax Returns for – just as you would have the image • ACC Coverplus Xtra of a red bottle in mind if you went • Cashbooks, Xero & MYOB software to the pantry for tomato sauce. So • GST, PAYE, FBT those isopods with the most different patterns survive best. They can hide in • Agent with Inland Revenue plain sight because the predators don’t Department recognise them as prey – yet. Hibiscus Matters welcomes new Environment column contributor James Dale. James is a naturalist who lives on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and is Professor of Zoology at Massey University’s Albany campus. He will use his expertise to reveal some of the amazing creatures that live on the Hibiscus Coast.

PO Box 308 001, Manly Whangaparaoa 0952 Phone: 09 424 4684 Mobile: 021 912 184 Fax: 09 424 4688 greg@douglasconsulting.co.nz www.douglasconsulting.co.nz

Options from 50m2 For more information please contact ph: 021 0755 656 e: william@matvin.co.nz

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| Hibiscusmatters | July 15, 2020

localbusiness

C H A N G I N G P L AC E S

Diamond Design Craftsmanship and quality are two jewellery trends that never go out of fashion, according to the owners of Diamond Design, Tina Lawson and Chris Barstow. The couple recently moved their business from Orewa to a new showroom in Silverdale. “There’s a lot of growth happening in Silverdale, particularly in the retail sector,” Chris says. “Eventually, Briscoes and Rebel Sport will be opposite us, which will give the store a lot of exposure. The availability of parking will also be better and it’s a more convenient location for our Auckland and North Shore customers.” Diamond Design has been designing and manufacturing jellewery for 30 years. Every item they produce is handmade and individual. “We don’t take shortcuts and our pieces are made to last. We don’t use anything synthetic,” Chris says. “We have a network of national and international suppliers and contacts, so we can guarantee our clients top quality, ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones at competitive prices. “Everything we manufacture comes with a lifetime workmanship guarantee.” Prices range from around $1000 to $40,000, but most pieces sell for an average of $5000 to $6000. Chris says he has been asked to make some interesting pieces over the years including a gold

Tina Lawson and Chris Barstow

crown and several tiaras. Tina says while some styles such as the three stone rings are classic, a lot of younger customers are looking for something “a bit different”. She says white gold is particularly popular at the moment. The store offers a free consultation service where customers can talk to a jeweller about what they have in mind. This normally results in a sketch and then a quote. Re-purposing and restoring existing jewellery is common. Diamond Design can also handle insurance claims, which can result in the customer getting an exact replica of the item lost or a new item of the same value. “When you talk to a qualified jeweller, you have choices and you know that at the end of the process, the finished piece will be unique.” The store also carries a comprehensive range of rings for men and women, pendants, Tahitian pearls and earrings.

ASB banks will be back up and running soon, although Whangaparaoa has shorter hours.

ASB announces changes

The ASB bank put Coast customers out of their misery this month, announcing the future of the Silverdale and Whangaparaoa branches that have remained closed since lockdown. The bank put the temporary closures down to issues around Covid-19, including the need to re-allocate staff to assist thousands of customers with Covid relief support packages. Orewa has been the only ASB branch open. However, the bank has announced that its Silverdale branch will reopen to full days (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.30pm) on August 3. The news is not as good for Whangaparaoa branch customers.

From August 3, it will open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, from 9am to 4.30pm. The first hour will give priority to customers aged 65 years and over. The bank says no jobs will be lost as a result of the changes. The priority phone line 0800 272 119, established during the Covid-19 lockdown for customers 65 years and over, as well as those who need extra help, remains. Also, in partnership with Age Concern NZ, the bank will deliver Better Banking workshops not only for older customers but also for those looking into using mobile and online services for the first time.

diamond design goldsmith ltd.

Relocated! Services

Diamond design has moved. Come in and check out our bright new showroom. Situated in Silverdale just down from the mall and opposite the new Briscoes building site.

Custom designs Remakes Remodeling Restoration Insurance work Repairs Polishing service Free Checks

We offer a large range of exquisite handcrafted jewellery, and exceptional customer service with years of experience and expertise.

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Our friendly team look forward to seeing you soon.

1/3 Central Boulevard Silverdale PH/FAX +64 9 4260035 • CELL 021 510 127 Email: diamonddesign@xtra.co.nz

Hibiscus Coast Service Centre 2/23 David Sidwell Place, Whangaparaoa

• WOF • Wheel Alignment • Electronic Diagnostics • Full Service • Electrical Repairs • Lube Service • Shock Absorbers • Euro factory ECU Diagnostics • Brakes • Cam belts • Tyres • Battery Service and repairs to all makes and models

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July 15, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

localbusiness

Pay settlement for teacher aides

Students turned plastic waste into funky, reusable bags.

Inflatable toys deflated not discarded Inflatable pool toys that are popped or no longer wanted will be kept out of landfill thanks to the creative efforts of a Year 11 class at Whangaparaoa College. Teacher Denise Davies was inspired to suggest the project after viewing the work of Auckland arts facilitator Nina Darrah, of I Used to Be, who turns inflatable pool toys into reusable, splash proof bags. The inflatables are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – a type of plastic that can’t be recycled and ends up in

landfill where it remains for hundreds of years and leaches toxic chemicals. A call out to the school and wider community brought in dozens of pool toys. Testing and trialling then got underway as the class got to grips with sewing plastic and testing prototype bags for durability and visual appeal. Recently, the first batch of bags was completed. Denise says it has been a valuable learning experience and also fun.

“I would like to thank the community for giving us the opportunity to give new life to these plastic items,” Denise says. “I am super proud of my fabric class for coming up with so many unique and creative ideas.” She says the students want to keep their bags, but there has been interest in purchasing them, and the project will run again next year. Unwanted pool toys can be left at the Whangaparaoa College office (attention Denise Davies) to be transformed into useful items.

Local teacher aides can expect significant pay rises after the sector voted to endorse a historic settlement that includes pay rises of up to 28 percent. Last month’s vote follows a pay equity claim that the NZEI Te Riu Roa union initiated with the Ministry of Education in 2016. The vote followed two weeks of webinars in which teacher aides across the country scrutinised and discussed the settlement. Added to Living Wage pay increases won during collective bargaining late last year (HM December 18, 2019) most teacher aides will now receive pay rises of 23 to 34 percent this year. The union says that’s an increase of $4 to $6.60 an hour, recognising the value of teacher aides’ skills, responsibilities and experience that has been undervalued in the past. Schools will be funded to pay the increased rates. Teacher aides care for some of the most vulnerable children in schools, and can deal with challenging behaviour every day, yet until now, 90 percent of them were paid less than the Living Wage ($21.15 per hour). In addition to pay increases, the settlement changes the way skills are assessed, includes a more flexible and increased Tiaki (“dirty work”) allowance, makes changes to how much hours can be varied and increases professional learning and development funding. A commitment has also been made to investigate central funding, the use of fixed term contracts and the development of career pathways.

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| Hibiscusmatters | July 15, 2020

New beginnings feature

Pilot centre for mums in Millwater The Mums Clique charity, which is already a thriving community online, has moved to Millwater, opening a centre where mothers can gather, have a cup of tea and share their experiences. The nationwide charity started last year (HM August 21, 2019) as a way to empower, educate and connect Kiwi mums, and has thousands of mothers in its online community. Founder Abbey Fouche lives in Silverdale and started her first centre locally, at the Hibiscus Coast Community House in Orewa. That lasted only two weeks, as Abbey says they quickly outgrew this space. They moved into Stoney Homestead in Millwater last month, providing a play-space for babies and areas for presentations and one-on-one support/counselling. Abbey says mums of all ages have come along, and the children range in age from three weeks old to six years. “We are open to all mums – whether the children are at college and you are feeling isolated, or you’re pregnant, or a new mum, and everyone in between,” Abbey says. “You can come with, or without, your children.” She says during lockdown, the need for the group’s services “went through the roof ” and Abbey left her job to devote herself to Mums Clique fulltime. “We got a lot of women seeking help during lockdown for things like mental health support,” she says. “Domestic violence was also a big one, and we can connect women with organisations that provide that kind of support.” Stoney Homestead provides a homely, comfortable setting for the mums to gather. One mum who has been to every session, Kayla McGuire of Helensville, says although it’s great to have a chat on Facebook, there is nothing better than being around other mums and bubs, learning from each other. She says the relaxed, casual vibe and the fact that it is free are also big attractions.

Rhiannon MacIntosh with her son Edan preparing for the hangi.

Kayla McGuire, left, with one-year-old Phoenix, came from Helensville to the Mums Clique’s new space in Millwater. She is pictured with founder Abbey Fouche.

“It’s a non-judgmental community and the mums have each other’s back,” Abbey says. As well as the playgroup, there are information and education sessions with local professionals such as nutritionists, chiropractors and midwives. Appointments with a maternal mental health specialist are also available, for $20 per session, starting this month. Abbey says the Millwater centre is a pilot, and is already growing with as many as 35 mums and their babies turning up for some playgroup sessions. Treasures, which closed down recently, was the group’s main sponsor so the Mum’s Clique is currently looking for other businesses who can support them. Playgroups are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am-12 noon at Stoney Homestead, 12 Galbraith greens, Millwater. The playgroups are free, but a koha is appreciated. Info: themumsclique.com or look for them on Facebook or Instagram.

Construction is nearly complete for our new childcare centre at Coast Plaza. Catering for ages up to 5 years old, your child will explore and play in an environment developed for their age and ability. Complete with large outdoor areas, BestStart Coast Plaza will provide the very best education and care for your child. Our existing Beststart Manly centre will close, but don’t worry our amazing team of teachers will be moving to Coast Plaza with the Tamariki. For more infomation 0508 BESTSTART www.best-start.org

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Kindy moderating Matariki under Covid A Kindergarten hangi, prepared in slow cookers, was held at Stanmore Bay Kindergarten on June 25 to celebrate Matariki. Head teacher Stacey Sainty says the kindy normally stages a Glow in the Dark Art Exhibition for Matariki, with the children performing kapa haka, followed by a hangi, often for more than 200 people. “The preparation for this takes more than a term so this year the teachers had to rethink how to celebrate as Covid had interrupted the flow and they were not willing to let this auspicious occasion go without a celebration,” Stacey says. The children helped with the preparation of the vegetables, and used their own grown produce where available. “Matariki at Stanmore Bay Kindergarten is a time to gather together with love and kindness to celebrate the Maori New Year.” Stacey added that the kindy offers a ‘Stay and Play’ Friday morning session from 9am to 10.30am for anyone wanting to visit and to support transitioning children.

July 15, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

New beginnings feature

Toddlers kept entertained The Coast has plenty of options for young parents looking for activities to entertain their under fives. Libraries have well-established programmes for toddlers, which resume next week. Whangaparaoa Library has storytime, wriggle and rhyme, and rhythm and beats sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings. A similar programme is offered at Orewa Library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Orewa also has a Japanese storytime for three to five year olds on Friday mornings during school terms. For session information, visit aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

There are several Mainly Music sessions based around the Coast including the Orewa Community Church, St Chads Orewa and Silverdale. The programme introduces children to a range of music, dance and rhythm. Sessions provide an opportunity for parents and carers to socialise, as well as children. For more info: mainlymusic.org Northen Arena is currently offering free baby swim lessons, sponsored by Manuka Doctore Skincare. The 30-minute classes are for babies aged two to six months, helping them to become confident in water.

Jammies in June is an initiative that provides warm pajamas, blankets, beanies, socks and slippers to children in need across South Auckland. It was started eight years ago by the Middlemore Foundation. This year, Barfoot & Thompson Orewa was a drop off point for the ‘jammies’ and the company says the response from the community was heart-warming. Barfoots Orewa sent off nearly 100 pairs of pajamas, as well as socks and blankets. Pictured, from left, are Tony Gatman, Joanne John, Michelle McAteer-Ross, Samantha Spratt and David Carrel, with the donated items.

Igniting the passion that lets your child shine Come and meet the new management team Janine Hamill – Centre Manager: Janine has been working in the early childhood sector for over 25 years. Janine has worked in a range of settings and comes to Bright Sparks with a strong background in leadership and mentoring. Janine is passionate about heart centred teaching where fostering a positive sense of self and independence for lifelong learning is paramount. Kerry Freeman, Janine Hamill & Deborah Howard

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Where nurturing, care and respect are important to us • We love our natural environment • A safe place for our tamariki, based on trust, respect & aroha.

Kerry Freeman – Kerry has been with Bright Sparks for 2 years and recently stepped into the Assistant Manager Role. The environment at Bright Sparks reflects Kerry’s teaching philosophy “it takes a village to raise a child”, as all the teachers across the centre work collaboratively to support our children to reach their full potential through provoking provocations and meaningful interactions. Deborah Howard – Head teacher: Originally from North Yorkshire in the UK, emigrating to NZ nine years ago Deborah brings with her 20 years of ECE experience. Gaining Qualifications in both the UK and NZ Deborah brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Deborah is passionate about providing children with learning opportunities and provocations for the children to explore and build their own unique learning journey.

Open 7am-6pm – Enrol now 1st month free, 2nd month ½ price

99 Centreway Rd, Orewa

Phone 09 320 0502

16 Karepiro Drive, Stanmore Bay p 09 424 2866 | coast-kids.co.nz

e: orewa@bscc.co.nz

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| Hibiscusmatters | July 15, 2020

localmatters.co.nz

Orewa’s main street in 1960.

Hillary Square Orewa in 1982.

Search for historical photos of Orewa underway or in use,” she says. Hellen says while they have located multiple photos of the beach from as early as the 1870s and many aerial shots over the decades, they are looking for photos of the town centre through the ages to show the development that has taken place. “To make sure we have a good spread of pictures of all aspects of the town, we ideally would like photos of the skating rink, marineland, summer carnivals and other events.” If anyone has images to share, contact Hellen on 021 412 613. Photos can also be sent to hellen@orewabeach. co.nz

Hibiscus Coast Highway and Moana Ave corner, and the original ASB bank, 1981.

Have your say on the future of Hibiscus and Bays Our local board has come up with a three-year plan outlining the key initiatives we want to focus on to help our communities thrive and support the recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Now we need your help to check if we’ve got it right. So love local and get vocal about your community by having your say. Submissions must be received by 4pm, Thursday 13 August. For more information, a copy of the draft Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Plan 2020 and to provide your feedback go to akhaveyoursay.co.nz/lovelocal

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20-PRO-2052_HM_1

Orewa’s business association is looking for historical photos of the area. Destination Orewa Beach wants to create a pictorial book of the History of Orewa, reflecting the town’s growth from a horse and carriage track to the busy seaside suburb of today. Operations manager Hellen Wilkins says they have contacted many longtime residents and local historical societies but, even so, images are hard to come by. “We have the entire Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club’s history and photos of the skating rink being demolished, but not one image of the rink completed

July/August 2020 Your essential property guide from Dairy Flat to Waipu

WelcomeHome Welcome Home

RAEWYN & KARLENE RAEWYN & KARLENE JONKERS

SUPERB FAMILY LIVING – 19 GUMDIGGER RISE, MILLWATER With this house you get the benefit of the vision of the previous owner, it is full of excellent ideas. Our Vendor built with Mike Greer, it is 5 years young with the remaining 5 year master builds guarantee passing to the next owner. This fully fenced low maintenance brick and linea freehold property has an appealing street view, sizeable four double bedrooms and is set in a sought-after location in Millwater on a family friendly street. • Most of the ground floor is comprised of generous living spaces; lounge, kitchen, dining, office space and family zones which flow through sliding doors to a deck for alfresco dining. • Upstairs delivers another living space by way of a sitting area in

MILLWATER

the master suite with ensuite, walk in wardrobe and expanded views. • It has added features such as a ceiling fan in the master bedroom, heat pump, soundproof batts to all internal bedroom walls plus soundproof blanket between top and lower level. • Under floor heating in bathrooms. • As an extra bonus the Hot Spring spa pool goes with the house. In addition to all the extras in this home, the location is brilliant being a short walk to the heart of Millwater, excellent schools, minutes to Northern Arena gym/swim complex, Silverdale shops, Millwater bike/walk trail, very easy access to the motorway and a selection of great beaches.

RAEWYN & KARLENE JONKERS Phone 0800 73 55 44 r.jonkers@barfoot.co.nz • k.jonkers@barfoot.co.nz

A Local Matters publication. Distribution - 38,400 copies. Advertising enquiries: Mahurangi 09 425 9068 or Hibiscus 09 427 8188

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1 1002sqm 3

A warm, affordable and recently renovated home, perfect for families or investors. Close to Snells Beach school, shops, parks and beaches, what more could you ask for in a home? Massive double garage/workshop, huge yard in a sunny elevated position, the list goes on. This home has all the right things, in all the right places. Come and make it yours! set date sale: o7 august 2020 phone for viewing times

steffan meyer | 021 055 4346 steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

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Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

SNELLS BEACH 19 kotuku place

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

SNELLS BEACH 15 foster crescent

the bach

819sqm 1

This is the definition of the classic kiwi bach, full of character and charm. Enjoy panoramic sea views and all day sun, located on a quiet cul de sac with plenty of off street parking. If you are looking for a home you could renovate further, or a classic bach as is, 19 Kotuku Place will have you waking up everyday feeling like you are on holiday! set date of sale: 17 july 2020 view: Sunday 12 july 12-12:30pm

steffan meyer | 021 055 4346 steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz July/August 2020

do me up

the one

1 130sqm 1

Warm and north facing with views of Snells Beach and the Mahurangi River. This property is a solid home that can still have value added, perfect for a first home or as an investment. In a great slice of New Zealand, close to schools, shops and the beach. Now’s the time to get onto the property ladder and this is the house to do it on. asking price $649,000 phone for viewing times

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

SNELLS BEACH 25 snells beach road

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

SNELLS BEACH 390 mahurangi east road

1 607sqm 2

After a modern family home in a coastal location, close enough to the city? Open plan top floor out to deck overlooking stunning local area. New kitchen, paint and carpet throughout. Fully fenced yard, internal entry, tandem garage with workshop space. Separate sleep out and undercover patio. To suit family, city escape, entertainers or investment. asking price $799,000 phone for viewing times

steffan meyer | 021 055 4346 steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz

steffan meyer | 021 055 4346 steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz

easy as

1 100sqm 2

Everyday living seems to be getting busier, right? 344b Mahurangi East Road can make your life Easy As! Here is one to put on the top of the list as a great first home or solid investment. Set back from the road with massive double garage, off street parking and peeps of a rural outlook. Conveniently positioned near schools, shops and the beach. enquiry over $600,000 phone for viewing times

steffan meyer | 021 055 4346 steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz July/August 2020

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

SNELLS BEACH 390b mahurangi east road

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

SNELLS BEACH 344b mahurangi east road

free house with section! An absolutely rare find, this sizable 612m2 (approx) section with no covenants means you can build what you want. Build new or bring a relocatable, in fact, you can get one free with the purchase of the section! You pay to get the house onsite and all other relocation costs and it’s yours, FREE! Title due approx September 2020. Get in quick! asking price $399,000 phone to view

steffan meyer | 021 055 4346 steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

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Red Beach (AUCTION)

Stanmore Bay

9 Elgin Road

58 Swann Beach Road

196 Vipond Road

Stanmore Bay

Red Beach

98 Vipond Road

19A Whale Cove

20 Glenelg Road

Mackys Real Estate Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

July/August 2020

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Homes to suit a variety of ages, stages and lifestyles. Selling now.

Perfectly positioned just 1km from beautiful Red Beach itself, this warm and welcoming family-friendly community is the real deal when it comes to coastal living. With Red Beach Primary school within walking distance, and with immediate access to the motorway, the convenience of living here will give you more time together as a family. On the weekend, take a stroll to the local shops and eateries, spend lazy summer days at the beach or explore the stunning coastal cycle and walkways.

2-4 BEDROOM TERRACE HOMES FROM $689,000

SINGLE LEVEL DUPLEX HOMES FROM $819,000

3-5 BED STANDALONE HOMES FROM $1,079,000

Visit our showhome at 1 Kukuwai Avenue.

Email: redbeach@frl.co.nz

Open Mon-Fri by appointment,

Vanessa Quirke / 027 318 5749

Saturday/Sunday 10am-4pm.

Les Whale / 021 411 345

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July 15, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

Passing on feature

Passingon



FE ATU R E

Tiny coffins made with love

The painful experience of losing two babies, both in the first trimester of pregnancy, made Joy and Murray Webb determined to help others. “At such a traumatic time, parents are faced with purchasing a coffin, which can cost around $500,” Joy says. “They’ve just set up things at home and purchased things for the baby and, for many, a nice coffin can be unaffordable, adding extra stress.” Five years ago, Joy and Murray started a charitable group that builds, decorates and donates baby coffins to North Shore and Waitakere hospitals. The coffins come in four sizes and are made available to grieving parents free of charge. Murray, who is used to building work, makes the solid wooden boxes and the couple sand and paint them. Other volunteers then make the interior lining and decorate the lids with artwork. One volunteer who has been with the organisation since its early days is Lorraine Sanders of Orewa. Lorraine is a retired curtain maker who makes the mattresses by hand, using the wadding from inside old duvets donated by friends. The mattresses are made of beautiful fabric such as satin – sometimes from donated wedding dresses. Lorraine says she got involved with the Waitakere Baby Coffin Club because she had always wanted to be part of creating her own coffin. “She came around to our place and we measured her up,” Joy says. Lorraine’s coffin, made by Murray, now sits in pride of place in her bedroom, covered with cushions so that it looks like a window seat. She made her own lining and is decorating her coffin with her life

history, including memories from her 25 years as a Girl Guide volunteer. A couple of years ago, the group provided North Shore Hospital with 115 coffins and were told that more were needed. Joy says they are trying to produce around 100 a year, but it takes at least a week to make one from start to finish. Quality is very important, as well as attention to detail. “We put a lot of love in every one,” Joy says.

Each coffin is hand decorated and the interior lined. Waitakere Baby Coffin Club co-founder Joy Webb (left), and Orewa member Lorraine Sanders.

Currently, the work is shared between nine members who are scattered around the Rodney, Hibiscus Coast and Waitakere regions. Mitre 10 New Lynn donates the wood but more sponsors are welcome. “The demand is great and we need more members, particularly skilled chippies,” Joy says. Info: email joymarywebb@gmail.com

1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS SELLING FAST – VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT An enviable retirement lifestyle waits for you 200 metres level walk from Orewa beach. The Grove is small enough that you can get to know your neighbours, yet large enough to boast impressive shared amenities. Like our brand new HUR exercise equipment, for instance. Apartments start from $615,000, and not surprisingly they’re selling fast – so call us to make an appointment today.

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Passing on feature

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July 15, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

Passing on feature

To embalm or not to embalm – a personal choice While the majority of New Zealanders still have deceased loved ones embalmed, there are alternatives. Embalming uses chemical preservatives, and there are various options from partial to full embalming. The NZ Embalmers Association says funeral homes keep records but there are no national statistics for rates of embalming. Spokesperson and former president, Wade Downey, says an educated guess is that around 80 to 90 percent of Kiwis are embalmed. State of Grace in Albany is one organisation that does not routinely embalm. Its co-owner, Deb Cairns, says many people come to State of Grace for that very reason. “We embalm at a rate of about five percent,” Deb says. She says while in some cases embalming is necessary, when there is a choice, the reasons that people reject embalming include that it is an intrusive process. The potential impact of the chemicals on the environment is also a concern. “We use cooling methods to keep a body in a dignified state until the day of the funeral,” Deb says. “We have a walk in cool-room as the first option and for people who stay at home, we have discreet ice packs placed around the body.” She says State of Grace is not antiembalming, but just prefers more natural methods. “When we do need to embalm, we are

There are many reasons why a person may choose not to be embalmed.

grateful to have that option. We follow the wishes of families – the choice is theirs.” Hibiscus Funeral Services owner, funeral director Mark Mortlock, says around half the company’s clients choose to have loved ones embalmed. “Another 20 percent opt for noninvasive treatments and the remainder go ‘au naturale’,” he says. Natural treatments include washing with biodegradable products. “Some cultures use the likes of eucalyptus oil and spices to slow the effects of decomposition,” Mark says. He says more families are exploring alternative treatments and increasingly approach a funeral having done their

research, with a good idea of what they want. He says reasons for not choosing embalming include that full embalming can contravene certain religious and cultural practices. “Our approach to embalming is on an ‘as needed’ basis. We do not insist on it and are happy to work with families to find alternative treatments. There are often good options available that better fit with their values and priorities. We are aware that every decision we make affects our environment so we evaluate our treatments to ensure there is a well-considered outcome.” He says that an important thing to be aware of when using alternatives,

however, is that they will usually only give an extra few days before degradation is noticeable. Brenton Faithfull, director of Faithfull Funerals in Red Beach says this is why embalming is beneficial for a positive viewing experience when there is a delay between someone’s death and their farewell. “Embalming today is not like it was for the ancient Egyptians, where the desired outcome was preservation for thousands of years,” he says. “Modern embalming is to sanitise and preserve the deceased, and it can restore the natural appearance.” He says only qualified personnel should carry out the process. “Auckland has a shortage of qualified embalmers. Sadly, anyone can call themselves an embalmer – or a funeral director for that matter. Unlike other health professionals, you are not required to be qualified, and many operators have had no formal training.” The NZ Embalmers Association notes that another variation that people are choosing at the moment is not to have a funeral service at all, just transfer the body for cremation and collect the ashes later. Embalmers spokesperson Wade Downey says this is obviously not something that funeral directors wish to promote – not only because of the potential impact on their businesses but also because it provides no celebration of a person’s life, or a place to grieve together.

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RYMAN PIONEERS LIFE’S TOO PRECIOUS TO SPEND ON LAWNS. At Ryman, we take care of the lawns, window cleaning, and more. It means you have less on your ‘to do’ list and can spend your time doing more of the things that make you happy. It’s another way we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation. Superbly located in Orewa, Evelyn Page Village is named in honour of a pioneering New Zealander who set the standard for others to follow. Apartments available now One-bedroom ground floor sunny north-facing apartment priced at $699,000 Two-bedroom apartment with lovely elevated garden views priced at $780,000 Two-bedroom ground floor west-facing apartment with views of our beautiful fountain priced at $869,000 Fixed base weekly fee* and our deferred management fee is capped at 20% - one of the lowest in the retirement sector *Some conditions apply

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Cemetery still coping with Covid-19 disruptions Life has returned to normal, but not quite, for staff at Auckland Memorial Park and Cemetery in Silverdale. General manager Graeme Cummins says funeral services and associated activities have returned to pre-covid levels with one noticeable point of difference. “There is a lack of attendance of overseas resident family and friends due to the current travel restrictions and mandatory 14 days isolation for returning travellers,” he says. “This has created a demand for the live streaming online of funerals for overseas family members.” The park and cemetery, which is set on 17 hectares on East Coast Road, was established 21 years ago. It offers many different options for burial, from traditional headstone berms to Feng Shui terraces, burial tree locations and family ash trees. “There are about 20 different options to choose from so we can meet most individual needs. If a family wants something else, we are always happy to consider it.” Graeme says about 70 per cent of burials are ash plot interments. “Many services, and subsequent receptions, are held in our 50 seat historic cottage with the cremation taking place elsewhere. Cremation ash plots are an important option that we

make available.” Appropriate religious and cultural requirements are also catered for. “We are the only cemetery in New Zealand that provides for the specific needs of Feng Shui principles, and we have the only consecrated burial area for the Russian Orthodox faith. We also provide for other orthodox faiths in an area adjacent to the Russian community. We offer the flexibility to accommodate the specific needs of many diverse groups, but the vast majority of our burials and our ash gardens are traditional burial areas.” In terms of trends, Graeme says there has been interest in ‘eco burials’ and this is an option that is being considered for the future. “What constitutes an ‘eco burial’ seems to differ from person to person, and we will be canvassing submissions from the community to ensure that whatever we pursue, reflects what the community wants,” he says. Families are encouraged to choose and pre-purchase (sometimes called preneed) plots, either for full burial or ash. “We often have families coming to choose a plot, but are unsure what the deceased would have wanted. “Pre-organising the plot also helps to relieve the burden at the time of loss, because that component of a funeral service has been organised.”

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phone 09 426 4868

Ash and burial plots available for pre-purchase. Contact us for an information pack 09 426 9383 | 0800 00 66 88 | Email: admin@ampl.co.nz 2163 East Coast Road, Silverdale, Auckland 0944 www.aucklandmemorialpark.co.nz

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Passing on feature

Passing on without a will

State of Grace fa m i ly d i r e c t e d f u n e r a l s

Passionate about enabling families to personally care for and make specific arrangements for their loved ones. Compassionate, sustainable, local, women owned and operated, covering all of Auckland with two branches.

249 Dairy Flat Highway, Albany | 0800 477 133 09 447 1285 | www.stateofgracefunerals.co.nz

Your grief is like your fingerprint – unique to you alone After a loss, grief is the way your mind and body gradually adjust to the reality of what has happened. It is a process. You’re not able to do it all at once and as you grieve you’re likely to experience a wide range of emotions, thoughts and reactions.

Everyone grieves differently. Find ways to grieve that suits you – there is no “right” way to experience grief. There is no set timetable, no rules, no secret method that will take your grief away, it is a process. Take all the time and space you need and for as long as it takes. Grief can affect every part of your life, your mind and thoughts, your emotions and feelings, your body and physical reactions, your spirit and what you believe about life and death, your social world and relationships with others. Sometimes it is necessary or easier to seek help from others outside of your closer friends and family. Sometimes you don’t want to ‘burden’ those close to you, or perhaps friends are there to help you enjoy the good times rather than remind you of the sad times. Don’t be surprised or embarrassed if you need help at this particular point. Because we realise grief is different for everyone, and as part of our commitment to the families we look after, Forrest Funeral Services offer a bereavement support service to assist you through this time.

39 Riverside Rd, Orewa 09 426 7950 www.forrests.co.nz

by solicitor Melanie Baker-Jones Passing on is not something we all feel comfortable thinking about, and it is an emotional topic for families to discuss. However, those discussions are important because, when you die, having a Will in place can make things a little easier for the family left behind. Do you have a current Will? If not, do you understand what happens to your assets if you die without a Will – known as dying ‘intestate’? If you do not make a Will, the Administration Act 1969, sets out the process to be followed for dealing with your assets after you die. The Act sets out who will receive those assets and in what proportions. Whether this process applies to your estate depends on the value of your assets. If there are few assets of little value, your family may be able to manage your estate themselves. In your Will you would ordinarily choose the person you would like to administer your estate – your executor. This would usually be someone who knows your intentions and how you would like your estate to be distributed. If there is no Will in place, a decision needs to be made as to who will administer your estate. This involves an application to the court for a grant of Letters of Administration, and sometimes leads to family arguments as to who should act in this role. The

person who is appointed may not be the person you would have chosen. Once the administrator has been appointed, your assets will be distributed. While some of us may be less concerned about what happens to our things after we die, for others it can be very important that certain family members or people they value receive certain assets. Perhaps you would like a family heirloom to pass to your daughter, son or a sibling? Perhaps you are keen for certain items not to ‘fall into the wrong hands’. The administrator of your estate is required to distribute your assets by following the process set out under the Act. How your assets are distributed, and who they go to, depends on who survives you. For example, if you have a partner and children who outlive you, depending on the circumstances, a portion of your estate may pass to your partner/spouse, and a portion to your children. In blended family situations the question of entitlement and distribution can become quite complex, and without a Will, that distribution may not be what you would have intended. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has brought into focus the fact that everyone is vulnerable and that death can occur unexpectedly. Remember, where there is a properly executed Will, there is a way of disposing of your estate in accordance with your wishes.

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July 15, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

health&family

Ferries to Tiritiri Matangi Island are back, but there is a long road to recovery ahead for the island sanctuary. Photo, Malcolm de Raat.

New geckos add to island population

Domestic tourists key to sanctuary rebuild Ferry services to Tiritiri Matangi Island returned this month after the Covid-19 shutdown, which was welcomed as a sign of normality by the volunteers who piled on board the first boat on July 4. Until Fullers reassesses the schedule at the end of October, ferries will run to the island on weekends only, instead of five days a week. Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi (SOTM) chair Carl Hayson says the reduced timetable is because the service is not economical to run while there is no inbound tourism. Those visitors bring money into the island and Carl says forecasting indicates a financial downturn of at least 40 percent this year. The financial climate has also seen the island’s plans to build a field centre

with accommodation and replica Signal Mast put on hold. Both projects gained resource consent in March. They were projected to cost around $4 million and Carl says around 20 percent of that is already in the bank thanks to the “scrimping and saving” of the voluntary organisation. However, the rest of that money was to come from grants and sponsorship, both of which are thin on the ground due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the meantime, Carl says the group is working on attracting more domestic tourism to the island. Hibiscus Coast residents will hopefully be a major contributor to this, as the ferries depart from Gulf Harbour. The pest-free island is owned by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the task of running it is shared

between DOC and SOTM volunteers. It is a sanctuary for native wildlife and a chance to see rare species such as the takahe up close. Two DOC rangers were on the island when lockdown happened, and had to remain there for six weeks, unable to leave. Sea shuttles brought in food for the pair. During that time, Carl says the rangers noticed that the birds, used to visitors coming and going, seemed to be aware something was different and came a lot closer – even kiwi. He says now that volunteers are back on the island, they have plenty to do, as track and building maintenance is behind schedule. “We have a lot to catch up on, and we are expecting a difficult year as we recover and rebuild from all this,” he says.

I look forward to Rodney Surgical being able to offer even more services

It’s not just humans who are enjoying additional freedom right now. A total of 29 adult and 19 neonate Auckland green geckos were recently released from their breeding enclosure on Tiritiri Matangi Island. The ‘at risk’ geckos (also known as elegant geckos or Naultinus elegans) were salvaged from a quarry in the Auckland region and have been cared for in a captive breeding facility on Tiritiri Matangi, a Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi (SOTM) project with significant support from Department of Conservation, members of the NZ Herpetological Society, and other expert advisors. During lockdown, the geckos were cared for by the two resident DOC rangers, Emma Dunning and Talia Hochwimmer. The successful release was carried out by two SOTM and gecko care team members and the DOC rangers. In the first two days of monitoring, the rangers sighted and recorded seven different individuals, mostly basking in the sun. Apart from ongoing monitoring visits the latest fauna translocation into the Tiritiri wild will be left to breed in peace.

Graham McRae Wellsford resident

I’ve had several endoscopies and carpal tunnel treatment at Rodney Surgical, and it was such a relief not to have to travel to Auckland. This is a great facility for this rapidly growing area and the more procedures they can offer, the better.

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health&family

Local artwork shortlisted

Health with Dr Isabelle Duck isabelle.duck@silverdalemedical.co.nz

Be kind to yourself ‘To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance’ stated the remarkable Oscar Wilde. This statement has more weight now than ever. During the peak of Covid-19 and the lockdown, many of us were checking on vulnerable neighbours looking after children and regularly calling elderly family members. We were delivering food to others in need, keeping toddlers occupied and home schooling our teenagers. Now that the virus numbers have dropped, we must take some time to heal ourselves. Here, the effects of Covid-19 have been small compared to other countries, however there will be psychological wounds: anxieties about jobs, the economy, and worries about family overseas. Many will feel these concerns. It is in such times when self-care must come into play. Now that things seem to be settling, let us take the time to momentarily withdraw from the unpredictability of life, take a deep breath, and reset. What is self-care? This can be anything from making a cup of tea to having a hot bath. It can mean having a chat with a friend or taking an hour or two to read a book or to watch the television. It is not a selfish act, and can often positively impact other aspects of life. I hope that each of us can say that we have grown in some way as a result of the recent challenges, and now that things are slowly getting back to normal, it is a good time to focus a bit on ourselves. This will be easier for some, more than others. For example, the busy mother of three will find it hard to find the time for herself, but this is important. As a General Practitioner, I talk a lot about self-care to patients. I do, however, believe we all know that this is an essential aspect of health and wellbeing but sometimes it is good to be reminded. On that note, please do not ignore medical concerns. Don’t forget to book in your annual blood pressure check. If you are feeling low, please don’t suffer. Visit your GP. So let me say this. Permit yourself to take some time out. Take 30 minutes for a run, meet a friend for coffee, do some baking or do anything that you find relaxing. We underestimate the beneficial effects of self-care and how it can positively impact other aspects of life. Are you following us on facebook? www.facebook.com/hibiscusmatters

PROVIDING THE HIBISCUS COAST WITH QUALITY MEDICAL CARE Silverdale Medical has recruited qualified New Zealand trained General Practice doctors to the Hibiscus Coast. We recruit those who share our values to embrace evidence-based practice with an abiding commitment to compassionate care. Physicians offer services in English, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Haka and Hokkien) and Bahsa.

Two local artists – one from Hibiscus Coast and the other from Warkworth – are finalists in the 2020 Parkin Drawing Prize, one of NZ’s most prestigious art events. Artworks by Mia Wilson, of Stanmore Bay, and Merythr Ruxton, of Warkworth, were among the 76 selected from nearly 500 entries. The winner, who will receive $25,000, will be announced by the head of art at Te Papa Tongarewa, Charlotte Davy, on August 3. Mia describes being shortlisted as “a huge honour”. Her painting Leaving Home, using acrylic and oil pastels, was finished on the eve of moving house the day before lockdown. “I’ve entered the Parkin before, but this is the first time I’ve been shortlisted,” she says. “It’s fascinating what gets into the Parkin awards as the artwork is so diverse.” Although Mia has enjoyed painting for as long as she can remember, it wasn’t until she was studying for a social policy degree at Massey University that the desire to paint became impossible to ignore. “I picked up a paint brush that I didn’t even know I had in the house and just started. That was seven years ago and I haven’t really stopped since. I never finished the degree and now I paint all the time – it’s a compulsion, a passion and gives me a lot of pleasure.” Mia describes her work as eclectic. She paints in many different mediums influenced by painters such a Klimt,

Mia Wilson and the artwork Leaving Home.

Picasso, Joni Mitchell and Lee Krasner. In 2015 she took what she describes as a ‘sharp turn’ and started doing abstracts. “I still do landscapes and figurative work, but the majority of what I do now is abstract painting.” Mia was a finalist in last year’s Hibiscus & Bays Art Awards and the Cliftons Art Awards, and has shown her work at Estuary Arts.

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Moments in time captured in exhibition Course to steer young sailors

The Hibiscus Coast Photographic Club’s last exhibition at Estuary Arts Centre, held two years ago, drew a lot of attention and some sales, so they are doing it again. The current exhibition, called A Moment in Time, is on until August 9. Organiser Bas Cuthbert says the show was planned to take place alongside the Auckland Photographic Festival, but was delayed by the Covid-19 lockdown. A total of 50 photographs by 27 photographers are on show, with a wide range of subjects and styles. An exception is portraiture as there are virtually no images of people in the chosen works. Bas says this could be because landscapes, still life and more abstract work sells better. Bas specialises in photographs of birds, and says Shakespear Open Sanctuary is a great hunting ground for these subjects. Alongside the show will be two free public workshops – one on landscape photography by Brian Eastwood and another by Paul Conroy called ‘Emotions are the Heart of Good Photography’. The exhibition includes Extrovert and Introvert, by Sara Spur (top) and Kotuku, by Bas Cuthbert. Club meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Orewa Community Church, 6 Amorino Rd, Red Beach, and workshops are held on the first Thursday of the month. The next meeting will be held on August 20, at 7.15pm. New members welcome.

A Youth Sailing Programme at Gulf Harbour Yacht Club (GHYC) is underway again with students from Whangaparaoa College’s newlyformed sailing club. The course is an introduction to keel boat sailing and covers the basic skills necessary to keep them and other crew members safe while gaining an understanding of how and why boats are sailed. Although health and safety are major topics, the students also learn about the basic mechanics and science of sailing a boat, the sport of sailboat racing, being a team member and learning to appreciate the marine environment. GHYC member Mike Pignéguy says last, but definitely not least, is just learning to enjoy the art of sailing. The course covers future employment possibilities within the marine industry such as becoming a professional sailor on superyachts, charter boats, local commercial vessels, the Merchant Navy and the RNZ Navy. There are also a host of other marine related industries such as sail making, marine electronics and engineering, and boat and ship design. After students have completed the introductory course, they will be introduced to sailing on Gulf Harbour Yacht Club members’ boats and crewing during the club’s weekly races. “Once these students get the sailing bug, a whole new world will open for them (and their families!),” Mike says.

Info: visit Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Orewa or phone 426 5570.

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Blast from the Past with Susanne Wilson, Hibiscus Coast History on Facebook

Orewa Boulevard turns pink The Boulevard in Orewa will have a distinctly pink tinge to it on Thursday July 30 when it becomes the venue for a Long Pink Breakfast fundraising event. Organiser Michelle McAteer-Ross plans to run bunting and balloons along the Boulevard, from Shorewards to Barfoot and Thompson. “I’m hoping all businesses along that strip will support the morning, not just the cafes and restaurants. Retailers could put out a special rack with part of the proceeds from those sales being donated, commercial businesses could offer vouchers or run raffles. I’m hoping for lots of fundraising creativity and innovation.” Kawau Bay, Olivers, Good Hub and Liquorland were among the first businesses to sign on and all participating businesses will be eligible to win an advertising package with Hibiscus Matters. Pink Ribbon Breakfast is Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s biggest annual fundraising and awareness raising

campaign. The money raised helps fund breast cancer education and research projects, and supports patients and their families as they navigate through their breast cancer journeys. For Michelle, the campaign is personal. She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2017 and underwent five months of chemotherapy, three weeks of radiation therapy and a partial mastectomy. She has arranged for two breast nurses and Bessie the Torso to be at the long breakfast to answer any questions and provide information. “Every day, nine Kiwi women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The statistics are staggering. The breakfast is just a way to give back to an organisation that is doing amazing work.” The breakfast will start at 7am and progress as cafes open. People are encouraged to book tables in advance. Any business that would like to be involved, either along the Boulevard or elsewhere, contact Michelle on 027 542 0496 or m.mcateer-ross@barfoot.co.nz

Floods in Stanmore Bay after heavy rain are nothing new. In fact, until the drainage and the tunnel through to the beach were finished in the late 1980s (in what we now know as the D’Oyly Reserve), Stanmore Bay frequently flooded. As a child in the 1980s, I recall seeing people rowing in small boats down Brightside Road after a good deluge. Sights such as this were frequent enough that all the baches and homes built along Brightside were elevated to prevent damage. This picture is of the Kauri Road/Brightside Road intersection in 1976. Photo, courtesy Tom and Shirl Morris.

Opening night for anti-meth movie

A locally produced film encouraging students to keep away from methamphetamine will be premiering on July 30 at Mahurangi College and the public is invited to attend. The film is a collaboration between Springboard and former police officer Bede Haughey. It tells the true story of a 17-year-old girl in Snells Beach, who took her own life after her family fell apart due to meth use. Next term the film will be shown to Year 11 at Mahurangi College to encourage them not to try meth even once. Springboard will also make a presentation to students and they will have the chance to talk to former meth addicts. Senior Constable Jon Williams says methamphetamine is a national problem, and he is proud that the Mahurangi community is trialling a solution. The film will show in the hall at Mahurangi College at 7pm on Thursday, July 30.

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Boatbuilder Blair McLay with the locally designed and made catamaran.

Plastic fantastic alternative The first boat to roll off local boat builder Lightning Marine’s production line is a small plastic catamaran designed as a safer and more stable alternative to the aluminium dinghy. The Fat Cat 4000 was designed, made and tested locally, and has already attracted export orders from Korea and the UK. Its designer, Blair McLay, produced the first prototype in his Manly garage six years ago and sold it to Stillwater boatie Roger Tweddell, who liked it so much that he is now a partner in Lightning Marine. Blair spent eight years working for Pure Design & Engineering, which was contracted for design work on previous America’s Cup campaigns. He says a couple of years ago he did some early concept drawings for the current America’s Cup boat. Now in his own business, the 33-yearold says his aim with the Fat Cat was to produce a relatively affordable, more stable and safer alternative to the ‘tinny’. “I wanted to find a solution to all that tipping, rolling and getting swamped activity that can happen in a tinny,” Blair says. “A bigger boat is a safer boat, but not everyone can afford a bigger boat as prices jump fast. The size is what makes the Fat Cat unique.” The boat is 3.8m long and 2m wide,

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designed for use by two people. Feedback on the second prototype at trade shows resulted in the decision to make the boat from polyethylene – Blair says this was because plastic boats are more resilient to being knocked around. It also kept the costs and weight down and resulted in a quieter boat. The Fat Cat is built by a rotational moulding process, also used for kayaks – the moulds were built in Silverdale a year ago. The fit out is done in the company’s Whangaparaoa workshop. The first one sold to a customer in Napier last November and Blair says word is spreading and orders are rolling in. “You can fish or dive from it – it allows people to get out and safely enjoy the water,” Blair says.

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Night Skies with James Smith, Hibiscus Coast Astronomical Society hibiscuscoastastronomy@gmail.com

Matariki a positive sign

Robyn Kay Du Preez

Red Cross inspires Orewa artist A young Orewa artist is taking a giant leap of faith to raise money for NZ Red Cross this month. Robyn Kay Du Preez, 20, who is afraid heights and doesn’t like to fly, is going to jump out of an aeroplane at 13,000-feet as part of the national Everyday Hero Jump event. She has to raise $250 in sponsorship to be able to participate, but has set herself a target of at least $1000. “While we all stayed safely at home during the Covid-19 lockdown, Red Cross continued to deliver essential services, in NZ and around the world,” Robyn says. “This included Meals on Wheels and migration services, and the Family Links service supported those who had been separated from their loved

ones. The disaster response volunteers have been on the forefront of the Covid-19 response, from delivering food and medication parcels to supporting evacuees from Wuhan in Whangaparaoa. “They have been working non-stop and I just wanted to do something to give back.” Robyn will do a tandem jump with members of Skydive Auckland. “I’ve never done anything like this before. I keep telling myself that it is for a good cause. I guess, on the day, I will just close my eyes and hope for the best.” Sponsorship closes on the day of the jump, July 25. To support Robyn, go to: jumpinjuly. everydayhero.com/nz/red-cross-fundraiser.

In ages past, when Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother, were separated by their children, the god of the winds, Tāwhirimātea, became so angry that he tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens. Those eyes became Matariki. Matariki is a shortened version of Ngā mata o te ariki o Tāwhirimātea, which means ‘the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea’, but it is sometimes incorrectly translated as ‘little eyes’ (mata riki). For Māori, and many Pacific Islanders, Matariki season heralds the dawn of a new year. It is a time of reflection, happiness and anticipation. Reflecting on those who have died in the last year was an important part of Matariki traditions, but also the happiness of knowing that crops had been harvested and seafood collected. Equally important was the anticipation of a new year ahead. The Matariki festival is marked by the rise of Matariki (also known as the Pleiades star cluster or The Seven Sisters) and the sighting of the next new moon. This year it fell around July 6, but can vary from region to region and iwi to iwi. Some may begin festivities on the first full moon after the star cluster rises, or on the next new moon. In the 1940s, Matariki was largely forgotten. It wasn’t until 2001 that the Māori Language Commission began a move to “reclaim Matariki, or Aotearoa Pacific New Year, as an important focus for Māori language regeneration”. Since then it has increased in popularity and is now celebrated throughout New Zealand. Interestingly, the name Matariki is also used for the central star in the cluster, with the other stars named Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipunā-ā-rangi and Ururangi. So how many stars are there in Matariki? Some people can count seven and others nine with the naked eye. The most recent count is more than 1000 stars in the cluster! Matariki is about 14 light years across and is just a mere 100 million years old, forming sometime when the dinosaurs roamed the Earth. It is one of the closest star clusters to us – 440 light years away. Twenty-five percent of all the stars are Brown Dwarfs which are actually failed stars – just not big enough for a nuclear reaction to start in their core to make them into proper stars. You can see Matariki for yourself by going out just before sunrise and looking towards the north-east horizon. Look for the faint cluster of sparkling stars. This will be Matariki. My hope is that this season of Matariki will herald a happier new year for all of us. We can reflect on the last year, filled with the repercussions of Covid-19, and look forward to a new start and brighter times ahead.

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Council warms to multi million dollar ice sports project Plans have been unveiled for two ice rinks – one for curling and the other for ice skating sports – in Silverdale, adjacent to Snowplanet. The project is being driven by Ice Sports, a project team representing curling, ice figure skating, ice hockey and ice speed skating, which gave a presentation to the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board this month. The estimated cost of the facility would be close to $15 million Ice Sports spokesperson Geoff Balme says the developers are hoping to reduce this cost by looking more closely at the design/layout, and material and structural options including potentially a tensioned fabric structure. Mr Balme has a background in the development of sport facilities including hockey turfs in Hamilton, the Avantidrome Velodrome in Cambridge and the Naseby Ice Luge in Central Otago. He has been involved with the Olympic Winter Sports since the early 1980s and was the New Zealand Chef de Mission at the 1998 and 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Ice Sports sees the facility being developed as a community development rather than a private development, and a charitable trust is proposed as the entity to develop, own and operate the facility. The group hopes to secure $5 million in funding from Auckland Council, as well as support from charitable

The proposed ice sports facility in Silverdale will take advantage of work being done internationally on construction options. The photos are of a facility using a tensioned membrane structure.

funding bodies such as the Lottery Community Facilities. “Significant Auckland Council support is essential to achieve the funding target and undertake the development,” Mr Balme says. “It’s early days, but the signs are looking good that Council is prepared to take a serious look at this.” If things go to plan, construction could start in 2022, with the rinks opening in 2023. Mr Balme told the local board that Snowplanet was looking to develop an entertainment precinct to provide a wide variety of complimentary uses

on its 14-hectare site. “The addition of ice rinks to the Snowplanet site should provide synergies through economies of scale and offering additional recreation, and the sporting options should make an expanded complex even more attractive and financially viable.” Snowplanet general manager Rojie Aguilar says the project offers some exciting opportunities to complement Snowplanet’s existing attractions. “We’re very supportive and are working on an Agreement to Lease, which will put in place the commercial arrangements between Ice Sports and Snowplanet,” Mr Aguilar says.

Mr Balme says it would be reasonable to expect that new figure skating and hockey clubs would form on the North Shore if a rink existed. As well as catering for organised sports, the rinks would be available for public skating sessions. “Around the world most ice rinks rely on public skating to pay the bills. That is the case in New Zealand with 60 to 70 per cent of ice time being available to the public. At the two existing rinks in Auckland – in Avondale and East Tamaki – about two-thirds of the ice time is used by the public. That would be the scenario for this proposal, including extensive public luging.”

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New First Moon Quarter Rise 2:00am Rise 2:58am Rise 3:57am Rise 4:58am Rise 5:58am Rise 6:56am Rise 7:49am Rise 8:36am Rise 9:17am Rise 9:53am Rise 10:27am Rise 10:59am Rise 11:31am Set 12:42am Set 1:51am Set 3:00am Set 4:07am Set 1:05pm Set 1:36pm Set 2:13pm Set 2:55pm Set 3:46pm Set 4:43pm Set 5:47pm Set 6:55pm Set 8:05pm Set 9:15pm Set 10:25pm Set 11:34pm Rise 12:04pm Rise 12:40pm Rise 1:21pm Rise 2:08pm *Not for navigational purposes.

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Email: graham@top2bottom.co.nz | 09 424 1214 ▪ 663 Whangaparaoa Rd www.top2bottom.co.nz

32 Seamount Dr, Red Beach | Ph 09 427 8980 M: 022 543 2154 | E: daniel@silvercomp.co.nz

Ph Shaun 021 460 487

& information: Advertiseadvice your Consumer rights, careers, budgeting, business here housingfor & tenancy, JPs, legal issues, sports, clubs & more only $66+gst Mon-Fri: 9am-3.30pm, Sat: 10am-12pm Orewa Community Centre, Orewa Square per insertion. Ph: 426 5338 or em: hibiscuscoast@cab.org.nz

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Classifiedadvertising ALARMS SECURITY AND FIRE, MONITORING, CCTV, servicing & installation, all brands 027 553 3032 www.tdssecurity.co.nz ALL CARPET LAYING, OR REPAIRS & PATCHES Carpet layer with over 30 years exp. Ph Dexter 0274 956 436. BUILDER SEMI RETIRED – for all those small building jobs. Good rates. Ph/txt Rob 021 167 2155 or 09 426 2960.

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

New gardens, clean ups. Specialising in maintenance & improvement. Phone Dave 021 950 154 HANDYMAN AVAILABLE for all those odd jobs. Ph Nev 021 399 226 @ Nev’s Odd Jobs. Great rates. Local & reliable. KIWI ROOTS PALM & TREE MAINTENANCE, REMOVAL and hedge work. Free quotes. Phone 020 4027 6200. www.kiwiroots.co.nz HANDYMAN Carpentry, small jobs, rubbish removal etc. Phone/Text Dave 027 420 5155. ARKLES BAY PAINTERS/DECORATORS In the area for the area. Kevin 022 0291 056 TRADESMAN PAINTER (20yrs) serving the Hibiscus Coast. New or Repaint,

interior & exterior no job too small. Free competitive quotes Wayne 0274 329 397 PEST CONTROL, Flies, spiders, cockroaches, ants, rodents, wasps. Competitive prices. Ph 426 2253. WATERBLASTING & CHEMICAL HOUSE WASHING. Careful service, reasonable rates. Ph 426 2253. WATER FILTERS - Underbench, Whole house, UV & water spotting, Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 027 478 7427 steve@aquafilter.co.nz WATER FILTERS, PUMPS & RAIN TANKS Water filters providing clean drinking water. Pumps & water tanks repair & installation. Ph John 027 441 9603.

WANTED TO BUY TO BUY, RECORDS/LP’S Ph 428 1587.

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

SERVICES WHANGAPARAOA RECORDING STUDIO: Vocals to backing tracks, original projects, vocal training and vocal PA hire. Ph Dennis 021 115 5233

VIDEOS TRANSFERRED to DVD/hard drive. Phone Te Totara Video 09 422 5710 or 021 777 385.

DINING OUT FRESH SNAPPER CHIPS N SALAD, lambs fry n bacon, scallop salad, portabello mushrooms n toast. WedSun, Walnut Cafe ph 427 5570.

HAIRDRESSING MOBILE HAIRCUTS European trained hairstylist to visit you at your time, your place. Sabine Ph 426 9652 021 149 8598

HEALTH & BEAUTY FINGERNAILS & TOENAILS CUT & FILED – $30pp/$50 for 2pp. I come to you. Ph 424 0676/027 271 6676.

FOR SALE HONDA 2017 CBR300 3500km $4,300 Txt 027 768 2273.

COMMUNITY NOTICES AGM – HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB. Sunday August 2, Orewa Community Centre, 1pm. $4 Entry – AGM at 11am. A CLUB FOR SEMI RETIRED AND RETIRED PEOPLE. Monthly meetings with guest speakers, bus trips, luncheons, movie group, plus other social get togethers. Whangaparaoa Combined Friendship Club. Ph Pat 428 5285

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DO YOU HAVE ANY OLD CAR OR BOAT BATTERIES sitting in your garage, that you no longer want? Orewa Lions collect all old batteries and ALL the money received for them goes into the Child Mobility Foundation fund. So, if you want rid of those old car or boat batteries or any batteries for that matter (although NOT the small AAA batteries) then just give me a call and I will dispose of them for you. If you would like more information regarding this visit: www.lionsclubs.org.nz/ Clubs/Activities/Child-Mobility. Ph Laurie 426 3122 or Frank 021 761 161 DUTCH COFFEE MORNING every second Tuesday of the month from 10 till 12 am. Our friendly group meets at the Community House in Orewa. Ph 427 6556 or 021 022 71324 or just turn up. EMPATHY SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT group. Last Monday of month 7pm, Orewa: Hibiscus Coast Community House, Western Reserve, 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway. Contact Susan 021 884 162, or message on Facebook (Empathy support group), for more info or to meet with one of us. EVERY WEDNESDAY A TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS are together establishing gardens and orchard at our local marae Te Herenga Waka o Orewa in Silverdale. All welcome. Text Ngahere at 021 214 7375 for info or email info@naturallybytrisha.com HIBISCUS COAST ORCHID SOCIETY meets on the 2nd Sunday of the month at the Orewa Community Hall. Meeting starts 1.15pm. $3 entry fee – raffle, speakers & plants. See Facebook. HIBISCUS COAST SINGERS rehearsals Mondays 7pm. We are a community choir and welcome all singers no matter what your experience. Ph Robyn p021 563 304 or em coastsingers@gmail.com HIBISCUS COAST GARDEN CLUB – July 20, morning tea 9.30am, Manly Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park. $3 entry, raffle $2, Trading

July 15, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

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July 2020 10-19 Hibiscus Hospice art exhibition and sale Pop Up, Hillary

Square, Orewa. Look for the flags as exact store space still to be confirmed. 10am-4pm daily plus late night to 6pm on July 10.

13-Aug 9 A Moment in Time photo exhibition, Estuary Arts Centre (see story p39)

16-18

The Covid Cabaret, Centrestage Theatre, Centreway Road, Orewa. Four shows only. Info: centrestagetheatre.co.nz or 426 7282

Matariki - In pursuit of the Stars Open day, Estuary Arts Centre, Hibiscus Coast Highway Orewa, 10am-2pm. This event will offer short have-a-go art and craft activities such as kite making, decorating a galaxy cookie, harekeke star weaving and craft demonstrations

Rodney Aphasia Group shared lunch, Estuary Arts Centre, 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa, at midday followed by the AGM at 1pm and group meeting. Guest speaker will be psychologist Louise Morgan from Massey University. Please bring a plate to share; refreshments are provided. Info: Lisa rodneyaphasiagroup@gmail.com. RSVP Wednesday July 22

Driving for Older Drivers, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Centreway Rd Orewa, 10am. This free talk cover traffic rules, changes in the law and road code and tips for safer driving practices.

Long Pink Breakfast, Orewa Boulevard, from 7am onwards. Book a table at your favourite eatery early to avoid disappointment. Raising money for Breast Cancer NZ (see story p40 )

August 2020 1

Good as New Pre-Loved Kids Market, Orewa Community Centre, 9am-12noon. More than 45 stalls selling children’s second hand clothing and other items.

Puhoi Sports Club Post Covid-19 night out. Featuring live music by the Recliner Rockers, Puhoi Sports Club, Puhoi Domain. Doors open 7.30pm. Tickets $25 (or $30 door sales if available), from the club. Tickets selling fast. Info: phone Jess, 021 617 747 or Troy, 021 221 7886.

COMMUNITY NOTICES Table. Display your speciman stem. Diane will speak & show photos from her Chelsea Flower Show expedition. Zelma 424 4112. HOUSIE BOWLS OREWA every Friday, 1pm. For info Ph Robyn 027 240 1822. OREWA LADIES CLUB 1st Thursday of the month at 10am at the St John’s Catholic Church Orewa for friendship, speakers and outings. Ph Audrey 426 7115. ROTARY SATELLITE CLUB Orewa/Millwater meet 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 7pm, The Wade Tavern, Silverdale. REBUS CLUB OF GULF HARBOUR Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month, Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, Laurie Southwick Parade, 930am until midday. Couples and individuals welcome. Ph 09 274 739787 www.rebusgulfharbour.nz SPIRITUAL CENTRE We meet every second Wednesday, 7.30pm. ‘Medium’ on platform. Development circles. 9e Annalise Place, Orewa. Everyone welcome. Lynda 424 1998. SING UP RODNEY friendly community music therapy/singing group for older people, particularly those living with neurological conditions. Thursday mornings, Sea Scout Hall, $10p/w. Ph 0274 642 465, SingUpRodney@gmail.com SERVING SPOONS free Community Lunch held on the last Monday of each month at 12:30pm, St John’s Church Hall, 180 Centreway Rd, Orewa. All welcome!

OP SHOPS

INCLUDING FURNITURE

Donations of large, good clean furniture wanted. For house lots and larger items collection/delivery is available.

ted Volunteers wan99 42

Ph Cindy 021 0850 Mon–Fri: 10am–4pm Saturday: 10am-3pm

1-2/55 Karepiro Drive, Whangaparaoa Ph 424 3717

Pharmacy Talk with Tania Adams

Pharmacist at Unichem Manly

Winter sports Finally winter sports are starting! Just as a Formula One driver warms up his tyres before racing, so too must you warm up before getting out there. Check out ACC’s sports code tailored warm up programmes available on www.accsportsmart.co.nz. However, if you are one of the almost 400,000 kiwis that injure themselves playing sport each year, make sure you get advice from a healthcare professional. There are simple first aid management practices you can instigate immediately to prevent further injury, and other practices that will speed recovery. Your pharmacist can advise you about these techniques, and provide suitable strapping product and pain relief medicines. A sprain or a strain? A sprain is an injury to a ligament which will start to hurt straight away and may even feel like a broken bone. A strain is an injury to muscle or tendon. When serious this may also start to hurt straight away but may be delayed for a few hours or even start hurting the next day. Regardless of whether you have suffered a sprain or a strain, treat with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). Rest means complete rest or limited use for 48 hours to prevent further damage. Ice means applying ice (wrapped in towel or similar) for 10-20 minutes regularly (4 to 8 times a day) for the first 24 to 48 hours. Compression (using a compression bandage) is necessary to prevent further swelling as is Elevation. See a pharmacist, physio or GP for more serious strains/sprains. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatories) such as ibuprofen may be used for the first 3 to 7 days to decrease swelling and assist with pain, however ask your pharmacist first as these medicines are unsuitable for some. Topical applications may also be of use, but again, please ask which and when to use them. Tapes, strapping and supports can aid recovery and assist further injury prevention. Your specific type and stage of injury will dictate what type is right for you. Rigid tape is great for preventing movement around the injury and is removed after exercise. Kineseology tape does not inhibit movement but is thought to work by improving blood flow and reducing swelling and can stay on for 3 to 5 days after application to speed recovery. Firm elastic supports can provide stability. Thermal supports additionally provide warmth to loosen stiffness. Prevention is always the best management, but see a health professional if things don’t go to plan!

53B Rawhiti Road, Manly Village Whangaparaoa Ph (09) 424 7708 Fax (09) 424 7427 www.unichemmanly.co.nz

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48 | Hibiscusmatters | July 15, 2020

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Tennis and netball still talking

There has been a lot of support for the idea of starting a junior basketball league on the Coast.

Basketball brings new super league A new super basketball league is expected to attract keen interest among school-age players, as it provides more opportunities to get hands on the ball. Hibiscus Coast Basketball is promoting its new 3 x 3 super league to local primary schools and colleges, and president and coach Dan Bungard says there has been a positive response. The scheme starts in Term 3, on August 20, and runs for six weeks, based at Whangaparaoa College’s courts. Dan hopes to get a 16-team league each for Year 5 and 6, and Year 7 and 8 players. He says it is a community-based development programme created to help young players get into the sport. It involves three players taking on three opponents on a half court, which Dan says has several advantages. “A full court is a long way for an eight-year-old to run down to take a shot,” he says. “Having just three on the team also provides more opportunities for shots, more touches on the ball and allows players to get creative with their skills.” Dan says players will get around three games a night, which he says is a great way to build skills as well as having fun.

Dan plays in the first Hibiscus Coast Association Football Club’s team, and says he “fell into basketball” while working as a fitness instructor at the Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre, which is the club’s home base. “I offered my services and fell in love with the sport,” he says. Dan says the rising popularity of basketball is not because it is low contact, compared with sports such as rugby and league. “It’s growing because it’s really inclusive and accessible,” he says. “All you need is a hoop and you can work on your skills. It can be played with a mate one-on-one and it’s highly skilled – you can use offence and defence skills as well as scoring. It’s indoors, high energy and fun.” A key focus for the club this season is growing the girls’ game, including offering free programmes for girls. In-school coaching is also possible. “We want everyone to have an opportunity to participate and compete. Grassroots, community basketball is what will improve the elite level tier.” Info: look for Hibiscus Coast Basketball Association on Facebook. Registrations for the 3 x 3 league are through school sports departments.

Do whispered sweet nothings need to be quite a lot louder these days?

A court-sharing proposal between the Whangaparaoa Tennis Club and the Hibiscus Coast Netball Centre, both based at Edith Hopper Park, is still in limbo while club representatives digest a $25,000 feasibility study. The report was released in April, but significant disruptions to this year’s sporting calendar, following the Covid lockdown, has pushed the 74-page report off the priority list. The tennis club has been promoting the shared court idea for nearly a decade. It has just six courts to cater for 160 senior and 200 junior players, and ideally would like at least two more. Club president Alf Sayer says the pressure on the courts is from the junior section. “The juniors are the future of the club so we need to be able to look after them,” Alf says. “Under the current arrangements, we have the expense of hiring courts at Whangaparaoa College for coaching.” He says the tennis courts are utilised all week long for club play and general public use. If the court-sharing arrangement does proceed, it would mean resurfacing the netball courts. Alf feels a decision is still quite some way off. “First we have to have a response from the netball, and they say we can expect that in September. Then we have to identify all the implications, including the financial implications, and talk to our members and others about whether or not we really want to proceed.” The Hibiscus Coast Netball Centre did not respond to requests for an interview. Meanwhile, the summer tennis season will start with a recruitment weekend on October 10 and 11, part of the national Love Tennis initiative. “It was very successful last year,” Alf says. “We had around 200 visitors. The weekend is a great opportunity for people, old and young, to come along and have a go”.

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