Hibiscus Matters_Issue 288_1 October 2020 by Localmatters

October 1, 2020

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Inside this issue E-bus breaks the mold page 3

General election guide 2020

Waiwera’s future is again in the hands of developers, with plans to revive the town centre. Right, The thermal pools have been closed for more than two years.

pages 17 to 22

Waiwera resort back on map

The recent news that there are plans to rebuild and reinvest in Waiwera Thermal Resort provided light on the horizon for the community, which has suffered without the influx of hot pool visitors. The pools were a big attraction, bringing in a peak of 325,000 visitors

in 2002, but the rundown facility closed in February 2018 after it was abandoned by lessee, Russian billionaire Mikhail Khimich. Waiwera Properties owns the thermal resort, as well as several other sites in the town centre and its parent company, Urban Partners, now holds

the final piece of the puzzle – the water park lease – that could bring its long held development plans to life. Since acquiring the majority of the commercial land in Waiwera – a process that began in 2007 – the company has wanted to develop a world-class tourism and hospitality

precinct there. It successfully sought an increase in allowable height of 18m (five storeys) through the Auckland Unitary Plan in 2016 – a proposal that met opposition from residents. Last week the Waiwera development project director, Evan Vertue of Urban continued p2

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Re-development plans

from p1 A hotel and parking building is proposed for site 1; the pools (site 2) and water bottling plant will be rebuilt; site 3 is commercial and retail; and the former campground, site 4, could be apartments and/or a wellness retreat.

October 1, 2020 – Issue 288 Hibiscus Matters: 21 Florence Ave, Orewa, 0931 General enquiries ph 427 8188 Hibiscusmatters Localmattersnz

localmatters.co.nz Next issues: October 14 & November 4 – Book your advertising now Editor: Terry Moore ph 427 8187 | terry@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 • Whangaparāoa Peninsula

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Partners, told Hibiscus Matters that the investment, which he estimates at around $250 million, and the size of the project require a patient and well planned approach likely to be over more than 10 years. He says the community will be consulted from the outset. “I am well aware of the grandiose plans that have been put out by previous owners and don’t want to do that again to local residents,” Mr Vertue says. The project is likely to start with a $15 million investment in bringing back a high adrenalin water park – an established, popular brand. The old pools will be demolished, along with the water bottling building. Mr Vertue says that if the water bottling business is revived, it will be small and boutique. A five-storey hotel is proposed, including conference facilities, food and beverage and private pools and spa. A parking building with around 250 carparks is also on the plan. This site currently has three buildings on it, erected in 1978, which contain 27 residential units. These will be

67.45%

demolished in due course. The former campground has many historic features to be taken into consideration. Two options are being considered for the land – a three storey residential apartment building running the length of the retaining wall, and/or a wellness retreat. The first sign of activity in and around the pools will be later this month, when residents will be able to watch an aquifer pump test on the main bore. Mr Vertue promises this will be a visual spectacle, as water is pumped out at high volume (1million litres in 24 hours) into the old pools. It will be cooled, and then pumped into the stormwater. The process uses data loggers in other bores to assess the health, dynamics and capacity of the acquifer. “We need to be sure it can deliver the volume of water needed without interfering with long term sustainability,” Mr Vertue says. “It will be interesting for the locals and we will engage with them and answer questions.”

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Innovative electric bus emerges from Dairy Flat workshop New Zealand’s first electric bus to be built from scratch will soon roll out of a workshop in Dairy Flat and begin trials on local roads. There have been a number of electric buses built in New Zealand, but these have used Chinese chassis. However, bus designer and builder Frank Reardon says what makes this project unique is that the bus has been put together from the ground up, using high quality components from around the world, particularly Europe and the United States. Innovations include placing the batteries in the roof, adding solar panels and using cameras and monitors instead of wing mirrors, reducing driver blind spots. Frank worked with Auckland Transport (AT) on its “road map for zero emissions” and says the e-buses AT trialled from China and the UK were heavy, carried less passengers and did not take full advantage of electric vehicle (EV) technology. “EVs are often designed simply by replacing the engine with electric components and adding a big battery, while the body remains more or less the same,” Frank says. Together with Dairy Flat-based Bayes Coachlines, Frank formed Zemtec in 2018 and the company began work on its own bus, the E-City. Key design considerations were to find ways to make the bus lighter as this relates to power consumption, wear and tear on the vehicle and on roads, as well as performance. They also wanted the e-bus to carry the same number of passengers as a standard bus while improving the layout and experience for drivers and passengers. “It was not only a chance to electrify, but also to bring in much needed improvements to bus design and better environmental outcomes.” Rather than one big battery, the E-City

An innovative electric bus designed and built in Dairy Flat is almost ready for road trials.

uses 21 smaller capacity ones, which spreads the weight. Placing them in compartments in the roof, topped with solar panels, rather than under the bus, allows the floor to be level and the interior spacious. Frank says the bus is also 20 percent lighter than the closest thing currently available in New Zealand. The solar panels are a world first, Frank says, and will provide big power savings over the life of the bus. Instead of three axels, there are only two, which reduces wear and tear, power consumption and the need for replacement of components such as tyres and brakes. The bus is also shorter than a standard bus at 12.5m as opposed to 13.5m, meeting Australian regulations that demand the smaller footprint on the road. Most of the fully stainless steel frame and exterior were locally made, involving a number of Silverdale based companies. Zemtec ideally wants to be able to mass-produce the buses locally for the New Zealand and Australian markets, but is unsure whether this will be possible. There is the potential to eventually employ around 200 people. Bayes Coachlines director Richard

From left, designer Frank Reardon with Richard Bayes

Bayes says the process so far has required an investment of $2 million. He says the first prototype will be tested on local roads and then on school runs. After that, AT will move it around bus operators for further trials. Covid-19 held up the first test drive because engineers involved overseas want to be part of that process. With the exterior, interior fit out, wiring and software still to be completed, it is hoped that the first prototype can begin trials in a few months. Work is about to begin on a second prototype and the next project on the drawing board is an electric truck that could be used commercially and for things like Fire and Emergency vehicles.

Most expensive seawall ever? Costs estimates have skyrocketed for Orewa’s seawall, and work is unlikely to begin for several years. The process of building the wall, between Kohu St and Marine View, began with consultation and the lodging of consent in 2016. After a long and expensive court process, an amended design obtained resource consent this year (HM June 3). Last month, Auckland Council’s lead on the project, Paul Klinac told the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board that construction costs, estimated some years ago at $6 million, are now in the order of $14 million. More than $1 million of that is for detailed design work – a figure Mr Klinac referred to as “a conservative estimate”. As revealed in Hibiscus Matters, costs associated with the lengthy Environment Court proceedings were almost $1 million. Mr Klinac told board members that funding for the project dried up with cuts related to Covid-19 and will be sought during Council’s Long-Term Plan (budget) process, next year. He said the resource consent applies for five years “but we can seek an extension to 10 years, if needed”. He expressed frustration at how long the court decision took – almost a year – saying had it come earlier the project could have got underway before lockdown and associated budget constraints. The former Rodney District Council also hoped to build a seawall on the same part of Orewa Beach but was declined resource consent. The former Council spent around $450,000 on the project. Sand transfer due this month Meanwhile, a full sand transfer on Orewa Beach is scheduled for October 12, which will shift thousands of cubic metres of sand from the southern end to the north. Last month, a small amount of sand was shifted as a buffer to protect the reserve from the effects of a storm.

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Feedback

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

You say ...

While some voters may be curious as to how their elected representatives feel about the upcoming Cannabis referendum, there may be a clue for one Labour politician who visited the Coast recently – Phil Twyford’s middle name is Stoner! Apparently it’s an ancestral family name chosen in all innocence by his parents.

Eyeballed by orca

Te Reo names chosen Hibiscus Matters’ competition to name twin lambs (a black girl and white boy), in our September 2 issue, attracted an enthusiastic response from readers. Suggestions included sporty (Wynton and Richie) and musical ones (Ebony and Ivory was by far the most popular choice, as well as Sonny and Cher and Salt N Pepa). Politics reared its head in Michelle Obaaaama and Don (Donald Trump). There was even Corona and Covid! The Kruger family of Stillwater, who own the lambs, perhaps influenced by last month’s Maori Language Week, chose Ma (white) and Mangu (black), which was put forward by Annemarie Panzic of Red Beach. Thanks to all who entered.

War on drugs lost

On September 19, the Labour Party announced that if re-elected it will double the current sick leave entitlements to 10 days a year. We asked our Facebook followers what they think. Here were some of the responses: Jude Fippard Against it. Businesses are struggling as it is. Apart from Covid problems they are hit with increases constantly. An extra public holiday for Matariki (which I agree with) is fine but to then increase sick leave by 5 days when the annual leave has already been increased from 3-4 weeks. If you add up all the public holidays, sick leave and annual leave some-one is already entitled to that’s 36 days already - increasing sick leave to 10 days means 41 days per year an employer needs to be able to pay someone NOT to be at work being productive. Christina Chris Jensen 10 days would mean people are able to stay home if sickvital in these Covid-19 times. Yes some will abuse it, but most won’t. Sandy Auckland Only for people who work five days a week. Not for part-timers who work a day or two a week.

Kerry Burt Johnson Yes, I can’t believe people only get five days! Five days a year is nothing if you are a working mum, you use it up with young kids easily and then if you’re sick there’s none left. Not all employees abuse their employers and take advantage.

Disagree 31% Agree 69%

Poll results

Results gathered at 2.45pm Tuesday, September, 22.

See Hibiscus Matters Facebook page for more comments.

the record

Stoner by name...

Open the bridge

The Council has indeed made a great job of upgrading the main track through Eaves Bush (HM September 16). With the continued needless closing of the bridge over the Nukumea Stream, the track has essentially become a track to nowhere. The bridge does not need replacing, so let’s just take down the barriers to it so the track can be enjoyed by more walkers Ken Littlejohn, Orewa Editor’s note: The bridge from Kensington Park to Eaves’ Bush was closed by Council last November (HM February 5) because an engineering report identified structural issues in the old bridge, particularly in the support piles. The issues include unstable handrail barriers, undermined foundations and decking needing to be replaced. Replacement was to start early next year, but has been postponed by Covid-19 budget constraints.

off

Regarding Graham Johnson’s letter (Cannabis confusion, HM September 16) – the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Treating cannabis use as a justice issue has failed, systematically, since the War on Drugs began in the 1970s. No one can possibly point to that war ever being won. The dangers of criminalising recreational drugs users can be seen with 2013’s PSA Act that criminalised synthetic cannabis use. “Producers of products such as synthetic cannabis and party pills will no longer be able to play with the health of young New Zealanders” - Peter Dunne, 2013. Sadly, that Act resulted in an increase in deaths over the years and has proved that treating recreational drug use as a justice issue is counter productive. A regulated, legal market provides fewer opportunities for underage people to procure recreational drugs, while

There have been a lot of orca and dolphins around the Coast recently, with people watching them from shore and watercraft. None got as close though as John Dawson of Manly when he went for one of his regular ocean swims with friend Charles Bannar-Martin on September 17. John says the pair saw a flash of black and white underneath them as they swam along the buoy line from Manly to Swann Beach. “I was startled and quickly realised it was a young orca,” John says. “It came around twice swimming under us and eyeballing us.” The adults in the pod were busy hunting and did not approach, so John says they figured it was just the young one being curious. “We had a quick check and a ‘wow’ moment and kept swimming. They are massive creatures but we didn’t feel threatened. It was an amazing experience.” John has been for several ocean swims since.

reducing gang funding and increasing tax revenue. We lost the War on Drugs - time for the logical alternative. Anthony Blears, Gulf Harbour.

Water care appreciated Good on our local councillors for seeking a better deal from Watercare (HM September 16). I am on tank water on the peninsula and would love to be able to afford the almost $10,000 I’ve been quoted to hook up to the mains. I await the result with interest. Mary Foster, Tindalls Bay

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Card game a family affair A card game invented by a Manly family is focused on having fun, while learning about the ‘super powers’ of various foods. Health coach and mum Sian Stimson says the family are keen players of board and card games, and have a cupboard full, many of which were brought into play during lockdowns. She says once the idea of making their own game came up, six-year-old Benjamin had the idea for a logo and Whangaparaoa School students, ninedesign, while older brother Samuel got year-old Samuel, left, and six-year-old involved in marketing. Benjamin, give their game a go. The game, called Foodamon, was inspired by talks Sian gave at Whangaparaoa School about food groups, as well as Benjamin and Samuel’s favourite Pokemon and Top Trumps games. It allocates scores for different attributes of each food type and the winner is the player with the highest points. The game is designed for 2-4 Win this game players of Primary school age. Hibiscus Matters and the Stimson “The idea grew and suddenly we had family have two copies of the a logo, rules and a launch date,” Sian Foodamon card game, valued at says. “The launch was delayed due to $14 each, to give away. To go in the first lockdown, but, with the help the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on of Pinc in Silverdale, the game is now Facebook and message us your name and contact phone number, with up and running.” ‘Foodamon draw’ in the message. A positive response led to the print run Or, write your name, address and being doubled. daytime phone number on the back Sian says next on the horizon is a board of an envelope and post to Foodamon game, also with a focus on health and Giveaway, Hibiscus Matters, 21 wellbeing. Florence Avenue, Orewa 0931. Entries close Friday, October 16. Info and orders, foodamon.com

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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.

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The local board wants Auckland Council to defer its decision-making on weed control methods alongside roads until the public can be fully consulted. Council is reviewing the methods used around Auckland with the aim of standardising its approach (HM September 2). One option that is raising concerns is continued use of the weedkiller glyphosate, which was named “a probable human carcinogen” by the World Health Organisation five years ago. Cr John Watson suspects that the aim of the review is to “lock in the use of glyphosate for the long term, while eliminating innovation and the use of alternatives”. He says this flies in the face of Council’s own weed control policy, which has the main objective of reducing agrichemicals. “This policy was adopted in 2013 but has been largely ignored on the grounds of cost,” Cr Watson says. Last month the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board quizzed Council’s principal environmental specialist, Jenny Gargiulo, at its business meeting, asking for detailed costs of each method, so they can compare. Members were told indicative costs only are available until a decision on

preferred methods has been made. Ms Gargiulo also told the board that contractors have a key performance indicator related to reducing chemicals. The local board’s recommendations to Council included that the review, and final decision, be deferred until next year when Council produces its Long Term Plan, so the public can be consulted. Since Hibiscus Matters’ September 2 story, members of the public have contacted local board members, with their concerns, which include inadequate consultation. A deferral would also allow a trial of Foam Steam methods to be concluded. In this regard Ms Gargiulo told members that expelling foam into stormwater is not permitted. Naturally, anything sprayed on roadsides ends up in stormwater – including glyphosate. Local board members want to retain the current approach – where each local board sets its own weed policy – rather than standardising weed control methods for Auckland. All local board feedback will be collated into a report, which goes to the Environment and Climate Change Committee on November 12 for a decision.

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Viewpoint with Andy Dunn, Hibiscus & Bays Local Board andy.dunn@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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What a crazy time we are living in! Your local board is heavily restricted for our funding by the local authorities, which are wrestling with massively diminished income, while at the same time political parties are offering billions to voters! The crazy world of politics! On the bright side the local board is making great progress on a number of issues. Penlink is now approved and funded, though we are battling to find a way to increase the current two lane option to four lanes and to add northern on and off ramps to the proposed southern ones. The Orewa seawall has finally got its approval, though there currently is no funding for it. As I’m sure you would all understand, we have to be painfully responsible in our deliberations with regard to our support for our community groups. We know how hard this period is for all of them and we know we cannot allow this financial restriction to prevent our valued organisations from surviving. Not only do we need to do our best to protect those existing programmes but we also need to keep moving forward with new initiatives. In that regard some of the projects I am currently working on are looking positive and I am hopeful they can be publicly revealed shortly. There are also a number of roading issues I am currently promoting to Auckland Transport with the help of local board Chair Gary Brown. We are 100 percent sure residents of Orewa will be very happy if we can get them added to the already approved projects. Stay tuned. On another note, I personally have recently offered whatever assistance I can, both as a potential mentor and also via the local board, to the new Mentoring programme for youths. This is being instigated by Caitlin Watson and is a joint initiative of Coast Youth Community Trust and Youth In Transition (HM September 16). There are so many of us with valuable life experiences, skills, and understanding ears that could be of tremendous value to members of our youth through their struggles. If you think you may have time and value to offer or even just want to know more about this, please go to www.coastmentoring.nz and check it out.

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Membership Social meeting – Lions Club of Whangaparaoa

Come and see if you would like to join. Light food/refreshments provided

Tuesday 13th October. 7.15pm (Covid level 2 or lower dependant)

Stanmore Bay Hall, Waiora Rd. RSVP to 021 033 2354 by Saturday October 10.

We are a mixed Club of both men and women. Our aim is to assist our local community and national groups in their efforts with fundraising and offering practical aid to others. There are 1.4m Lion members in over 200 countries worldwide.

We help run speech, art and science competitions in local schools; Help at Camp Quality for Cancer Kids; Fund local (mainly) projects; Do Fertiliser drives, BBQ’s, Raffles, booksales, bucket collections, Xmas cakes, working bees, old reading glasses collection; Provide funding to Waterwise, Riding for the disabled and many others. Do you have ideas on community projects we could do ?

We Collect coins and Banknotes, NZ and foreign to raise money for “Heads up for Kids ” raising $10’s of thousands a year. Drop off at any Resene paint shop – the Reserve Bank cashes them up for us.

We collect wine bottle tops and tear tabs raising money for Kidney Kids

UPCOMING: Fertiliser drive, if you haven’t got the flyer, find the order form on Lions Whangaparaoa or contact Lion David before October 7 • Monster Book sale all Labour Weekend, Stanmore Bay Hall

For further Info ring Joan 09 424 3165 or David 021 033 2354 Or email: Lionswhangaparaoa@gmail.com Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

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Penlink connection still to be clarified Minister talks Penlink There have been plenty of drawings of Penlink over the years, but none of them drill down to street level or provide details about the bridge across the Weiti River. If you are keen to see the detailed design for the currently planned two-lane road and bridge, you have a year to wait. One thing that the design will eventually reveal is how Penlink connects with Whangaparaoa Road. The general area is opposite Beverley Road, near Cedar Terrace, but beyond that there are a number of options – including how much impact it has on Cedar Reserve. The project links Whangaparaoa Road with the Northern Motorway at Redvale and is currently funded with $411 million from the Labour-led Government’s NZ Upgrade Programme. It is therefore now in the hands of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). Its spokesperson Darryl Walker says Cedar Reserve is within the Penlink designation, but that does not mean all the reserve land will necessarily be required in the final design. “All of the area of reserve within the designation will likely be used temporarily during construction as lay down and establishment area then reinstated, landscaped and planted in accordance with the detailed design,” Mr Walker says. Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member and long

The details of where Penlink will exit ontoWhangaparaoa Road are yet to be determined, but Cedar Reserve (outlined in pink) is within the designation.

time Penlink proponent, Janet Fitzgerald, says that the route doesn’t go up the valley of Cedar Reserve, which she says is primarily for stormwater. She says one requirement is that the alignment of the road “must achieve the greatest possible separation distance between the road and the adjacent properties on Cedar Terrace”. Detailed design work, which the public should be consulted on, is expected to start by the middle of next year with construction beginning towards the end of that year. It is hoped Penlink will be completed in late 2025.

Recent drone flights over the Penlink route show the environment that is likely to be impacted when the road and bridge are built. On September 4, Boffa Miskell, under contract to Waka Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), carried out a drone survey of the route, taking around 3000 shots of the road corridor, flying around 85m above sea level. The drone surveying is part of environmental monitoring for the project and will also aid the design process. Monitoring includes freshwater, coastal marine and ecological surveys so that NZTA can obtain an environmental baseline before construction begins. An NZTA spokesperson says the baseline will allow the team to identify and mitigate any changes that may occur when construction begins and help ensure that the highest standards of environmental care are achieved. The drone footage will be shared at nzta.govt.nz/penlink

Transport and urban development Minister Phil Twyford dropped into Whangaparaoa on September 15 – a visit that included being pressed to get behind a four-lane Penlink. Currently the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is close to seeking tenders for construction of a twolane Penlink. Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member and long time Penlink proponent, Janet Fitzgerald, says this is because it was “instructed” to do so. Auckland Transport, which was in charge of the project until Penlink became Government funded, looked at both options but eventually opted for two lanes and this version was passed on to NZTA. Lobby group Penlink Now and the local board have been pushing for four-lanes, which they say can be done within the Government’s allocated $411 million. It will provide a separated bus and cycling lane in both directions. Widening it may also mean more impact on the 23ha bush block, known as Archer’s Block, which is the last stand of undeveloped wilderness on the peninsula. There appears to be no time to waste if a four-lane road and bridge is to be an option. Penlink Now chair Stephen Lyttelton, along with Mrs Fitzgerald and local board member and Penlink supporter Julia Parfitt met Mr Twyford at The Good Home for a chat. Labour’s list MP for Rodney, Marja Lubeck, and Whangaparaoa Labour candidate Lorayne Ferguson were also at the meeting. Key to the Penlink Now presentation was that tendering should be for a design/build process, which would bring in quotes for four lanes as well as two. The Minister said that he will ask his officials for advice and also whether they have done a detailed analysis of the costs of both options.

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Free lunch service taps into community need Esther Marsters knows from personal experience how hard it can be to make food stretch to provide school lunches for a whole week. The teacher aide and trainee teacher is solo mum to three children under the age of 10 and so it was natural for her to think of the needs of kids when she began to volunteer at food rescue charity Love Soup. “I know of kids at local schools who sometimes go without lunch, and organisations like Kids Can overlook the Coast because of the high decile ratings,” Esther says. “I want to work with our local schools and families to get our kids fed so they are able to focus on their learning. I have been in this position myself and know the struggle it can be.” Recently she set up a new service at Love Soup, providing free school lunches. Love Soup fully supports the programme and provided some of the food, while the community got on board, supplying more items for the lunches. “As soon as I thought of it, there was food on the table,” Esther says. “I went home and made up some lunches and it took off. Donated food was going out as fast as it came in.” In the first week, the lunches fed more than 30 children. Food for the lunches can be supplied direct to families, or the lunches made up and dropped at local schools.

Transport priorities

Changes to the McDonalds drive through and parking in Hillary Square, Orewa, costed at around $60,000, as well as safety issues (also related to the drive-though) at the Florence and Alice Ave intersection, are being investigated by Auckland Transport and could be completed as one of the local board’s Transport Capital Fund projects. Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member Janet Fitzgerald says business association Destination Orewa wants those improvements prioritised. Meanwhile the local board is attempting to get AT to assist with funding to build a signalised pedestrian crossing at 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway (near the south bridge into Orewa).

Summer shellfish survey

Esther Marsters with her children, from left, Easton, Ariana and Covyn Fowler. School lunches like this fed more than 30 children in the first week.

Esther is meeting some of the local Primary schools to discuss putting a snack bowl into classrooms so the children can help themselves to healthy food. Love Soup director Julie King says her organisation has wanted to do something like this for some time, and all it took was Esther’s drive and commitment to make it happen.

“Things have changed and since Covid, the need has become even greater,” Julie says. Esther eventually wants to be able to supply other school items to families, such as backpacks and stationery. Anyone who can help, or needs help themselves, can call Esther on 021 261 8154.

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Okoromai Bay’s shellfish population will be surveyed over summer, and results will be out next year. A survey planned for this year was held up by lockdowns. A Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) spokesperson says that the past three surveys (2013/14, 2015/16 and 2017/18) showed a consistent increase in the abundance of cockles. The last survey also revealed however, that the number of large cockles (over 3cm), which are preferred by gatherers, had declined. The results of the next survey will help inform whether management action is needed. Suspicious fishing activity can be reported on 0800 47 62 24.

| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

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localbusiness

Sceptics challenge alleged benefits of vaping New restrictions on the sale of vaping products in convenience stores has prompted New Zealand’s largest vaping retailer, Shosha, to plan on opening 15 new stores nationwide before the end of the year, which it claims will help people quit smoking. Recently Parliament passed the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill, which limits generic retailers such as dairies, service stations and supermarkets to selling only tobacco, mint and menthol flavoured vaping products. However, specialist vape retailers will be able to sell any flavours from their shops and websites. Currently there are around six specialised vaping product stores on the Hibiscus Coast – a number that has grown rapidly in recent months. They include a Shosha store in Whangaparaoa and a second one recently opened in Silverdale. Shosha spokesperson Nabhik Gupta says the new legislation brings a “level of certainty” for specialty stores and allows them to make the regulated supply of vaping products more accessible. “By providing more convenient access for smokers to alternatives to combustible cigarettes, we aim to help thousands more Kiwis transition away from the harmful effects of smoking”, he says. Mr Gupta says the retailer also wants to support customers impacted by the ban on smokeless tobacco which will

on providing smoking cessation information and support. “Nicotine concentrations in vape products should be gradually reduced to minimise nicotine addiction and ultimately achieve a vape-free and smoke-free Aotearoa,” she says. Ms Harding says some e-cigarettes expose users to much more nicotine than traditional cigarettes. She adds that e-cigarette vapours contain toxic heavy metals and chemicals linked to lung disease and cancer. Those nearby are at risk of second-hand exposure. Children have been poisoned by swallowing e-liquid or absorbing it through their skin or eyes. While flavourings added to vape products have been deemed safe for ingestion, it has not been established that they are safe to inhale. Ms Harding says a common misconception around vaping is that it is 95 percent safer than smoking, but she says this figure is derived from an anecdotal article and is not founded on scientific research. Among those citing the 95 percent figure is the associate health minister Jenny Salesa, who referred to it in a press release lauding the passage of the Smokefree Environments bill. The Smokefree bill comes into effect next month and includes prohibitions on vaping in the workplace, advertising and sponsorship of vaping products, and the sale of vaping products to those under 18.

be prohibited from sale in the coming months. “Plans to contact those affected and help them find new alternative products to smokeless tobacco, as they transition off combustible cigarettes, are now being implemented,” he says. But Shosha’s plans received a cool response from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation. Chief executive Letitia Harding says the ability of new stores to help cigarette smokers quit will be dependent on the stores’ relationship with primary healthcare providers and local quit smoking networks. “We recommend that the advice given out by specialist vape stores should focus not only on what the most suitable products are, but also

Park n ride delays reduce

Covid-19 related delays in work on the Silverdale park and ride have been reduced by one month following successful negotiation with several suppliers of materials, Auckland Transport advises. Construction is now expected to be complete by the end of January. The additional 90 parking spaces are expected to open before the end of this year.

Driver deal reached

Last month Auckland Transport (AT) announced that NZ Bus, which operates its Hibiscus Coast services among others, had signed a three-year Collective Agreement. NZ Bus signed the deal with unions representing 800 drivers. AT’s chief executive Shane Ellison welcomed the agreement and said AT is committed to improving general bus driver conditions. Recently Go Bus was 100 percent purchased by Kinetic NZ Holdings, which also owns the SkyBus airport service (HM August 19).

Heartfelt donations

The Rotary Club of Orewa presented a new Blood Pressure 24-hour monitoring machine to Hibiscus Coast Medical Centre in Orewa recently. The club paid for the last blood pressure machine at the practice, more than 20 years ago, and it needed replacing. Club president Karen Bonnici says the Club also distributed more than $12,000 between Age Concern Rodney, Rodney Stroke Club, Rodney Aphasia Group and North Shore Centres of Mutual Aid.

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| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

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Sediment load examined Auckland Council’s long-term ecology monitoring of 10 sites in the Ōkura estuary from 1999 to 2018 shows ongoing declines in ecology and increases in sediment at some locations. Council’s Healthy Waters general manager Craig Mcilroy says similar trends have been seen in other small east coast estuaries. “The Ōkura estuary and Wēiti River are considered a high priority and, as such, developments in the area have had amongst the highest levels of compliance monitoring in the region – at least fortnightly by Council experts and every other week by an independent expert,” Mr Mcilroy says. “Additional inspections are undertaken following storm events.” He says erosion and sediment controls at these locations are achieving high levels of effectiveness. “We expect these devices to retain a maximum of 90 percent of sediment when operating at their best, and less during storm events. Mr Mcilroy says Healthy Waters wanted to explore what other aspects needed to be considered for future development. A report was prepared in order to guide the planning processes around

future developments that could affect catchments that drain out to the Ōkura estuary/Wēiti river systems, including the Long Bay Ōkura Marine Reserve. The objective of the report was to understand the sediment and metal loads on the catchment by examining several scenarios, as a result of development, and to understand where these contaminants will end up in the long term. The report recognises that development will lead to increases in copper and zinc levels in the Ōkura and Wēiti estuaries generally. “In some development scenarios, copper and zinc would be expected to exceed levels in certain parts of the estuaries. However, contaminant management strategies (e.g. more stringent controls on roofing material types) will successfully reduce these long term levels,” Mr Mcilroy says. “Future developments will need to undertake strategies such as stormwater treatment and control of roofing materials to limit sediment and metal discharges, in order to avoid effects.” The scenarios only evaluated the impact of the catchment when development was completed and not the stages through site development and its concomitant effects during construction.

RSA site sale

Hibiscus Coast RSA has entered into an agreement to sell its 5267sqm piece of land at 20 Melia Place to a developer. The site is zoned Residential and is adjacent to the RSA – it was often used for car parking during the annual Anzac Parade service. The RSA sold the land to help fund the building of new clubrooms, as well as to support its ongoing operations.

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Kawau Bay Kitchen

After years of working for others in the hospitality industry in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, Imogen Witt and Jeremy Watson have decided it is time to put all that experience into their own business. The couple recently bought Kawau Bay Kitchen, on the Hibiscus Coast Highway in Orewa, and have been busy adding their own touches to the menu and wine list. “Our menu is contemporary New Zealand food with a European influence, with lots of fresh seasonal ingredients,” Imogen says. “This includes homemade pasta and gnocchi. “We’ve chosen mainly NZ wines that complement the food and we’ve added a cocktail menu as well.” The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining, and the couple is looking at themed dinners when Covid restrictions allow and live music during summer. They have also introduced a weekendonly brunch menu with dishes that are a little out of the ordinary such as crab cake benedict, hot beans and vegan granola. In the kitchen is chef Chavez Kilgour who the couple worked with at restaurants in Whangarei and Mount Maunganui. While opening a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic may not have been their ideal start, Imogen and

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Imogen Witt and Jeremy Watson

Jeremy believe the strong community spirit on the Coast will more than compensate for any loss in tourist numbers. “We get a real sense that locals support locals here, so that’s the market we’ll be catering for,” Jeremy says. “Orewa was the perfect spot for us – close to Auckland so we can dine out and see what other restaurants are doing, and yet in a beautiful environment.” Originally from York and the Lake District, Imogen and Jeremy arrived in NZ as backpackers in 2016. “The longer we were here, the more we realised we wanted to stay permanently.” They now live on the Coast and say they will be taking a very hands-on approach to their new venture. For Brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails and coffees. Come in and say hello!

October 1, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

localbusiness

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Powerful addition to Waitoki

Having to close because of a power cut is a thing of the past at Waitoki School, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Masonic Lodge Orewa and the Freemasons’ Charity. The school’s Board of Trustees chair, Jane Jackson, says power cuts are not unusual. When they happen, the small rural school has to close, as its pumps providing water and operating the toilets no longer work. Earlier this year, the Freemasons

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sponsored the purchase of a 7kva generator. The project was also supported by Gatman’s Outdoor and Lifestyle in Silverdale, which offered a discount. Jane says the generator also helps the school and its fundraising team by providing electricity beyond the school gates for pop up cafes and things like school camps. The generator is valued at around $5000 and has not yet had to be used since it was installed.

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Tātou in business Some of the most important lessons a small to medium business owner can learn do not necessarily come being an employer – time spent as an employee is a fantastic opportunity to fully understand what it is that motivates the team that drives your business. I had a plethora of jobs growing up but one in particular that always stood out to me was a job at a furniture retailer. Upon accepting the job I was given two options: either I could work on an hourly rate or I could work entirely on commission forgoing the guaranteed safety net of an hourly rate. Being naturally conservative at the time, I chose the hourly rate. What surprised me over my first few days working for this employer was the proportion of retail staff that were forgoing the hourly rate for full commission. It became very apparent from watching the hard work on the floor that the employer’s interests were very much aligned with their employees in a commission based model. Every one of the commissioned employees were on the floor eagerly converting customers, increasing the revenue generated by the business and in turn increasing their commission payouts. Conversely, the staff that took the hourly payout were slightly more disinterested in the amount of product moved, there was a distinct disconnection between their lives and that of the corporate entity that employed them. After seeing the mutual benefit of commissioned roles for both the employer and employee I naturally drifted towards remuneration derived from commission for all roles going forward. This model reminds me of the Māori word tātou – literally meaning ‘we or us’. To me personally in business, tātou represents the team who give life to a corporate entity. As an employer you may be thinking how do I apply this tātou model to my business? My own business provided professional services to those seeking immigration advice, so applying this concept was straightforward and mutually beneficial not only to the employer and the employee, but also to the paying client as the successful outcome of their application was directly financially tied to what was to be paid to the employer and the employee. The success of the team flows into the success of the individual, so, if possible align your remuneration scheme to encourage a sense of tātou to the benefit of all – we are all in the same waka.

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October 1, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

General Election October 17, 2020

GENERAL ELECTION GUIDE YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL CANDIDATES IN THIS MONTH’S GENERAL ELECTION

Don’t vote without it! Voting in the time of Covid Parochial issues that featured in previous election campaigns are likely to take a back seat to the economy and employment in the Covid-era election on October 17. All parties will be trying to show that they have the policies and the people to lead an economic recovery that could take years to deliver. Labour’s support plan is all about job creation by assisting small businesses, entrepreneurs and job creators. It plans to implement a major support package to assist businesses to hire at least 40,000 people whose employment has been impacted by Covid-19. National is promising careful financial stewardship to ensure taxpayer money is spent carefully and in ways that are linked to clear results. It says it has the team to deliver responsible management of New Zealand’s finances to grow the economy and create jobs. NZ First’s policies have a familiar ring – bring down immigration and add another 1000 frontline police officers over three years because unemployment, as a result of Covid-19 and the economic slump, will bring higher crime rates. The Greens are backing an agricultural

lead recovery with its Farming for the Future Plan. This involves reducing artificial fertilisers, a shift to regenerative farming practices, fair water charges and a national sustainability accreditation scheme. Its tax reform agenda includes a new tax on individuals’ whose net wealth is more than $1 million and the introduction of new income tax brackets. ACT says it has a fully costed plan for economic recovery, which keeps the debt low, cuts taxes, and gets the country back to surplus, while keeping Kiwis in work. Its five-point plan includes a threeyear moratorium on minimum wages increases, cutting wasteful spending by more than $7.6 million and delivering $3.1 million in tax cuts. Altogether, 17 parties are contesting the election, one more than in 2017. There are 677 candidates nationwide (534 in 2017). New electorates Voters in the former Rodney electorate will vote in one of two new electorates – Kaipara ki Mahurangi or Whangaparāoa (for boundaries visit vote.nz). Advance voting starts on October 3 and finishes on October 16. On

Whangaparāoa electorate

election day, October 17, polling booths will be open from 9am to 7pm. For advance voting and Election Day voting places, visit vote.nz Preliminary election results will be released from 7pm onwards on October

17, at electionresults.govt.nz. Official results will be released on November 6. All candidates standing in Whangaparāoa are introduced in the following pages. Candidates are presented in random order obtained by a draw.

Eight contest Te Tai Tokerau

Te Tai Tokerau is one of seven Maori electorates. It encompasses part of the Auckland region, including the whole of Whangaparāoa and Kaipara ki Mahurangi. To register as a voter in the Māori electorates people need to declare they are of Māori descent. The seat was retained by the Labour Party’s deputy leader, Kelvin Davis, in 2017, with 54 percent of the vote. As at August 31, 36,356 people were enrolled to vote in Te Tai Tokerau this year. Contesting the seat are: Janice Arahanga-Epiha, One Party, Kelvin Davis, Labour, Clinton Dearlove, Independent, Maki Herbert, Legalise Cannabis, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, Maori, Moemoe Mohoawhenua, Independent, Daniel Shortland, New Conservative, Billy Te Kahika, Public

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| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

General Election October 17, 2020

Kathryn Flay, Advance NZ What two key things are essential to improve recovery from the economic impact of Covid-19 at local level? An essential focus must be to return to a normal and sustainable level of commerce as soon as possible. We must remove restrictions and implement a more balanced and risk-based approach to protect vulnerable persons while allowing us to resume business operations safely. Second, we must remove excessive taxation. What is the biggest (non-Covid-19) issue facing the electorate, and what would you do about it? The high cost of living, sky rocketing homeownership and renting costs, and transportation and infrastructure problems. We must approach our lives, communities, and environment in a more holistic manner, remove many existing regulations, and apply the best technology and practices if we are to be a prosperous region. Development is rapid in our area. How would you balance this with environmental protection? Valuing ecosystems as though they possess personhood encourages more respect for our environment. We must ensure that: recreational green spaces are within the reach of all Building Consents being issued; allow for Planning Consent for Off-Grid housing in rural locations; plan new suburbs and townships to work within the establishment of new industries to provide more jobs; alternative energy and waste management options must be explored further. Penlink is on the Government’s books. Do you support the 2-lane or 4-lane option? I fully support the four-lane option. Local food banks and support agencies have seen a huge increase in demand – what would you do to alleviate poverty? I would support schools to promote growing food as part of the curriculum. I would promote access to community gardens.

Advocating for the removal of GST on non-luxury grocery items is a high priority for me. Increased support for agencies to assist with budgeting advice and emergency food support is also a must. We need to review emergency housing spending to provide more people with stable, affordable housing. How would you ensure local health and education needs are provided for as Whangaparāoa grows? I would advocate for more local control in the prioritisation of our community’s needs. Our health and education services have been under-funded for many years. We need to value holistic preventative health and natural remedies for body, mind, and soul and support families to access the services that are right for them. We need to reduce waiting lists. I would ensure that families have access to transparent curriculum information. Education must be made affordable for all. I would advocate for investment in school property and staffing.

Kathryn is a nurse who moved to Orewa in 2004 and is married with a blended family of four. She and her husband purchased Pukeko Early Learning Centre in Stanmore Bay in 2016.

Voting on dope

Local election candidates were asked how they will vote in the upcoming referendum on the legalisation and control of cannabis, and why. Their responses, below, are in alphabetical order by surname: Tricia Cheel Outdoors party No. I don’t support the proposed Act in it’s present form because it doesn’t provide enough protection for under 25-year-olds. John Davies Sustainable NZ Yes. I err towards people’s freedom to choose weighed against the responsibilities that come with those choices, and the impact on others. Lorayne Ferguson, Labour Yes. At first I was inclined to vote No but after studying arguments from those working in addiction and mental health treatment, particularly Dr Vanessa Caldwell, I have changed my mind; I am following the science. Kathryn Flay Advance No. Marijuana is already readily available and decriminalisation would suffice, without the need for Government revenue gathering and increased prices on an already poverty ridden demographic. Paul Grace ACT Yes. There is a strong case that prohibition is a failed policy. ACT will honour the referendum result. Fiona Mackenzie New Conservative No. Medicinal marijuana is already available, but legalising the drug for recreational purposes would exacerbate problems for parents, employers, public services and the vulnerable in our communities at a time when we need the whole country working for the greater good. We simply can’t afford the financial or social cost. Mark Mitchell, National No. Legalisation of cannabis in NZ will lead to more use and more harm. It is terrible public health policy.

NEW ZEALAND PUBLIC PARTY FREEDOM, SOVEREIGNTY, INDEPENDENCE, TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY

CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS? COME AND MEET KATHRYN Sunday October 4 at Mission Fellowship 9 Wainui Road, Silverdale (Near Pioneer Village) 45 minute question and answer sessions at 2pm, 3pm & 4pm

“YOUR VOICE & YOUR CHOICE” For more details call 0274 788 202 or visit Kathryn Flay - Advance NZ Party Candidate for Whangaparaoa #NZPP The Peoples’ Movement in Whangaparaoa

Kathryn Flay

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Authorised by Kathryn Flay, 3 Melanie Place, Orewa

October 1, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

General Election October 17, 2020

Fiona Mackenzie, New Conservative What two key things are essential to improve the economic impact of Covid-19 at local level? The electorate’s economic health depends on struggling businesses building up again and new ones getting established. To facilitate this, Government must: inspire greater confidence that it can maintain the integrity of our borders, quarantine and testing facilities, and provide the backup of adequate hospital care. Government must get out of the way of people able to create businesses and employment. This means removing red tape, obstacles and expenses (eg the RMA, ETS, Zero Carbon Act, regional fuel tax, minimum wage increases). What is the biggest (non-Covid-19) issue facing the electorate and what would you do about it? Government needs to forget the nice-to-haves and the spending on ideological agendas and interest groups, and focus on getting infrastructure and support services up to scratch, to match the increasing number of people. Focus needs to be on affordable housing, internet access, roads, transport, sewage, water, rubbish, schools, health facilities and crime prevention. We also need the fast tracking of North Auckland business/industrial parks so that employment can be found closer to home. Development is rapid in our area. How would you balance this with environmental protection? Higher density populations put a greater strain on the environment. To minimise the damage, town planning must go hand-in-hand with commonsense, geographical constraints and infrastructure capacity. So the National Policy Statement on Urban Development must be repealed. It stops Councils from imposing height restrictions of less than sixstories or carpark requirements. This could severely impact Whangaparāoa and Orewa. Penlink is on the Government’s books. Do you support the 2-lane or 4-lane option? I support four lanes (with pedestrian and bike paths). Saying that, Penlink will not solve congestion east of Stanmore

Bay and Coast Plaza. Whangaparāoa Rd and its intersections also need attention. Until infrastructure issues are sorted, I’d like to see a temporary hold on the building of any more high-density dwellings on the peninsula. Local food banks and support agencies have seen a huge increase in demand – what would you do to alleviate poverty? Even before the massive lockdown hit, NZ was a low productivity/high cost environment. Long-term fixes include increasing education standards, encouraging innovation, removing obstacles to business and growing a capable workforce. New Conservative also wants to provide greater support to families raising children via tax reform and community services. How would you ensure local health and education needs are provided for as Whangaparāoa grows? We need to get our economy pumping again, to grow funds for public services. Government must get back to basics, eliminate ideological programmes, wasteful spending and red tape. Whangaparāoa electorate needs greater St John Ambulance capacity, access to another northern hospital, and more schools.

Fiona began her career as a teacher before moving into finance, marketing and PR. She spent six years as Te Araroa Pathway’s Northern Project Manager. Hibiscus Coasters for 33 years, Fiona and her husband have adult sons and own a business that has been operating nationwide for 32 years. Her leisure pursuits include getting into the great outdoors.

John Davies, Sustainable NZ

What two key things are essential to improve the economic impact of Covid-19 at local level? A strong network of community facilities that provide services for families units under stress, and a focus on local job training and creation. What is the biggest (non-Covid-19) issue facing the electorate, and what would you do about it? Sustainable NZ’s commitment to innovation as the leading way to drive our economy is at the heart of the biggest issue we face which is changing “normal” Development is rapid in our area. How would you balance this with environmental protection? It is the government’s role to set a framework and create incentives, not take over and crowd out things best done by local communities. We aim to deliver predator free Aotearoa by 2050. We will wage war on weeds using sustainable solutions. We will apply the best science and technology to advance conservation. Sometimes this will limit development; I have met very few locals who wholeheartedly agree with the often chaotic path to intensification in Whangaparāoa.

John Davies has been a Coastie since 2002. He runs a community theatre and is a Trustee and Chair of both Future Whangaparāoa Trust and Life Education Trust Rodney. His local priorities are seeing the creation of a Whangaparāoa Community Hub and keeping chemical free weed control in Auckland.

NEW CONSERVATIVE VOTE FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE, NOT WHAT YOU WILL TOLERATE

Whangaparaoa

Authorised by F.Mackenzie, 322 Rosedale Rd, Auckland

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| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

General Election October 17, 2020

Mark Mitchell, National What two key things are essential to improve the economic impact of Covid-19 at local level? It’s important that we continue to buy local and support local businesses where we can. The delivery of Penlink is important. It’s very important that Government’s policy settings are clear and provide certainty for business owners so confidence and energy can return. What is the biggest (non-Covid-19) issue facing Whangaparāoa electorate, and what would you do about it? Traffic congestion is our biggest issue. The delivery of Penlink will provide much needed relief in our stressed traffic network. I campaigned in 2017 that if National were re-elected we would start Penlink in 2018. The current Government has committed to a start date in 2021. If elected to Government, National will start Penlink immediately. Development is rapid in our area. How would you balance this with environmental protection? Sustainability must be at the centre of everything we do. As a coastal region, protecting our water quality is a priority and National is committed to ensuring water quality is improved so we can all enjoy this resource and spend time on the water. Our economy depends on our environment and our ability to care for our environment depends on the success of our economy; being open to new technologies and crossparty discussions is vital to ensuring this balance on both a local and regional level. Penlink is on the Government’s books. Do you support the 2-lane or 4-lane option? During the 2017 election I campaigned on a two lane Penlink as I just wanted to get it started and this is what my own team would agree to in terms of cost. This election I have secured support for a four lane option and will be campaigning on a four lane Penlink with an immediate start date. It’s ready to go.

Local food banks and support agencies have seen a huge increase in demand – what would you do to alleviate poverty? We know that investing in social wellbeing early provides the best support for long-term wellbeing. National will continue our Social Investment approach to tackle the root causes of disadvantage. We plan to provide access to quality dental care for kids, tackle Meth harm, keep people in jobs by supporting small businesses, and create more jobs by ensuring opportunities are created such as new infrastructure projects and more accessible training. I will also continue to have regular meetings with our social service providers to ensure that I am accurately representing the needs of our most vulnerable in Parliament. How would you ensure local health and education needs are provided for as Whangaparāoa grows? I place great importance on the strong working relationships I have with our local schools and Principals and this has really helped create strong advocacy and positions us very well for meeting the demands of growth into the future. National is committed to a total investment of $4.8 billion in new spending over 10 years. As well as upgrading existing schools, this funding also includes creating new classrooms and new schools across NZ. We deserve the certainty of knowing when we’re sick or in pain we will get the healthcare we’re paying for with our taxes. National will put more money into Pharmac to ensure more affordable medication is available. We will also address regional disparities in the delivery of elective surgeries. Currently, each DHB is allowed to set its own criteria to decide which patients are eligible for elective surgeries. We’ll work with surgical specialties to establish a common points system which prioritises the most urgent patients and ensures equitable access to healthcare.

Mark was born and raised on the North Shore. His first job on leaving school was shepherding on Weiti station. He had a 14 year policing career mostly as a Police Dog Handler and member of the Armed Offenders Squad. On leaving the Police he started his own small business and then moved to the Middle East where he formed his own company and sat on the management board of a global logistics company. In 2011 he returned home with his family and re-entered public service as the MP for Rodney. He was Minister of Defence and Associate Minister of Justice in the last National-led Government and is proud to have delivered projects like the Puhoi to Warkworth road, new school classrooms and improved mental health services, to name a few. He is a proud father of five, loves the Coast, and the privilege of serving our community.

It has been a privilege to represent you as the Member of Parliament for Rodney over the past nine years and to be standing as the National Party candidate for Whangaparaoa in the upcoming election; I’m proud of what we have achieved in Rodney. I want to acknowledge the community groups, local board and councillors, who I have worked closely with to ensure the best interests of our communities are advanced. I am proud to have delivered the Puhoi to Warkworth Road of National Significance, Matakana Link Road, new investment into schools, medical facilities and local mental health services. I’m committed to making an immediate start to Penlink under a National-led Government, something I also campaigned on at the last election. Penlink should already be under construction. In my view, we are faced with one of our greatest challenges as a nation in a generation. The National Party is the party that can lead us with confidence into a post-Covid future.

Mark Mitchell Whangaparāoa

Authorised by Mark Mitchell, Tamariki House, 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa.

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October 1, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

General Election October 17, 2020

Lorayne Ferguson, Labour What two key things are essential to improve the economic impact of Covid-19 at local level? What must happen before the economic damage can be repaired is largely beyond any politician’s control. It needs the revival of international tourism, alongside the return of foreign students. But no government would throw open the border before it was safe to do so. What we can do in the meantime is ‘spend local’. All politicians should balance their messaging: keep ourselves and others safe but let’s have some fun and boost the local economy. What is the biggest (non Covid-19) issue facing the electorate and what would you do about it? This varies across the generations. For school-leavers: access to tertiary education and job opportunities. Fees Free will encourage many to begin a university degree. Free apprenticeships and trade training offer sound alternatives. Job creation in the “green economy” will be more attractive to some. Those in employment may prioritise transport: travelling to and from the city daily. Penlink will open in 2025, and park-and-ride at Silverdale is being extended. Older residents are, we know, concerned about access health services. This includes mental health services in which the government has invested heavily. Development is rapid in our area. How would you balance this with environmental protection? There is real concern locally about the pace and extent of development. This is especially true on the peninsula. However the Auckland Unitary Plan reveals that development on Whangaparāoa has almost reached capacity. In other parts of the constituency, development will continue for some time. Therefore we must do everything we can to ensure developers live up to their obligations. There are rules they must adhere to, such as those regarding contamination via site run-off, waste minimisation and removal. The consenting authority (Auckland Council) must actively monitor all development and

ensure compliance. Penlink is on the Government’s books. Do you support the 2-lane or 4-lane option? I support four lanes; two as designated bus lanes that will improve transport options. Local food banks and support agencies have seen a huge increase in demand – what would you do to alleviate poverty? The government’s ambition is to halve child poverty in 10 years. To that end many financial burdens have been lifted from families: free GP visits for children up to 13; no more parental “donations” in decile 1-7 schools; no more NCEA exam fees; and for those really struggling, Free and Healthy Lunches in Schools will feed 200,000 children. Beneficiaries have had their benefits indexed to wage growth; a rise of $25 per week and the doubling of the Winter Energy Payment. Finally – rents. The private sector is expensive but the 3981 “public” houses built since 2017 offer an affordable alternative. How would you ensure local health and education needs are provided for as Whangaparāoa grows? Labour’s health investments now include 120 new elective surgery beds at North Shore. Covid-19 responses have highlighted the possibilities of expanding tele-medicine which reduces the need to travel for some consultations. Meantime, Whangaparāoa is crying out for more locally supported provision of out-of-hours emergency healthcare, ambulance, and fire. Labour’s planned investment in education includes new primary and secondary schools at Wainui, plus new primaries at Orewa Northwest and Milldale.

Lorrayne has been a primary school teacher, probation officer, and social worker in the geriatric unit at North Shore Hospital. In the UK she acquired social work and management qualifications and managed community, day care, residential and inpatient services in the area of older people’s mental health. She and her husband returned to NZ seven years ago, retiring to a hectare of native bush in Redvale. They participated in the Predator Free Corridor project initiated by Forest and Bird, and enjoy adding to their modest collection of prints and watercolours by living Kiwi artists.

Meetings few and far between

By now there would normally have been any number of chances to hear from local candidates, but Covid-19 has postponed or cancelled these. As Hibiscus Matters went to print, the only meeting to be held locally is a Meet the Candidates event, targeting young voters, on Wednesday, October 7 at Northern Union in Silverdale, 7pm.

Lorayne Ferguson for Whangaparāoa

Authorised by Timothy Grigg, 160 Willis St, Wellington

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| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

General Election October 17, 2020

Paul Grace, ACT What two key things are essential to improve the economic impact of Covid-19 at local level? People across Whangaparāoa are feeling the economic impact of Covid-19. ACT will cut taxes to get the economy moving again and Kiwis back into work. We’d temporarily cut GST to 10 percent and permanently cut the marginal tax rate paid by those on the median wage from 30 percent to 17.5 percent, simplifying the tax system to three rates –10.5 percent on the first $14k, 17.5 percent on the next $56k and the rate on income above $70k would remain 33 percent. What is the biggest (non-Covid-19) issue facing the electorate, and what would you do about it? Congestion is a big issue. ACT believes NZ must follow international best practice and replace ineffective and unfair fuel taxes with road pricing. Congestion is not only a major frustration, but also a handbrake on economic growth. Development is rapid in our area. How would you balance this with environmental protection? ACT will replace the Resource Management Act with new law to promote best practice in protecting and enhancing the environment as part of major projects and when land use changes. The major risks to the environment should be treated separately to minor risks, and the solutions will be led by communities, individuals and business in partnership with government. Penlink is on the Government’s books. Do you support the 2-lane or 4-lane option? Politicians

shouldn’t be making these kinds of decisions. Governments have, for years, chosen where to build roads, bridges, and railway lines, based not on the economic need, but on political advantage. ACT would take the politics out of infrastructure. Local food banks and support agencies have seen a huge increase in demand – what would you do to alleviate poverty? Food banks have seen a huge increase in demand with mass lay-offs and redundancies meaning people who paid high taxes on their incomes find they get little back in benefits. ACT has an employment insurance policy that includes: 0.55 percent of tax paid will be allocated to an Employment Insurance fund. On loss of employment the taxpayer can claim 55 percent of their average weekly earnings over the previous 52 weeks (or fewer). The maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $60,000. The insurance can only be claimed for one week for each five weeks the person has worked, up to a maximum of 26 weeks per claim. Someone who has worked continuously for only one year could claim up to ten weeks Employment Insurance. How would you ensure local health and education needs are provided for as Whangaparāoa grows? ACT would reduce politically motivated, wasteful spending in other areas so we can invest in core areas like education and health. Our alternative budget proposes to invest more in public health, so we’re prepared for the next pandemic. We will put

education funding in the hands of parents through Student Education Accounts. Families will be able to take their share of funding to any school, public or private, that will accept their child’s enrolment.

“I own a forme making company, where I worked for 15 years before taking it over in 2000. I am proud to be an innovative small to medium enterprise owner who has developed my business into one of the most technological cutting forme makers in New Zealand, and that I am able to employee six team members. I have three children and live in Waiwera with my partner and her son.

Tricia Cheel, Outdoors Party What two key things are essential to improve the economic impact of Covid-19 at local level? The Covid Escape Plan would safely lift most restrictions in as little as 30 days, allowing people to get back to work and improving overall health. Long term solutions lie in putting the environment and people before corporations and money. What is the biggest (non-Covid-19) issue facing the electorate, and what would you do about it? Access to jobs, health care, education, recreation, and housing, clean air, pure water, and wholesome nutrient dense organic foods. Development is rapid in our area. How would you balance this with environmental protection? Natural, non-toxic and locally sourced materials could be incentivised. Natural watercourses must be protected together with tree cover and native vegetation. Penlink is on the Government’s books. Do you support the 2-lane or 4-lane option? Historically,

smaller less expensive transport options turn out to be false economy, however would review that in the light of localism and agro-ecology to predict whether transport needs in the future may change, especially in the wake of Covid-19. Local food banks and support agencies have seen a huge increase in demand – what would you do to alleviate poverty? Changeovers to organic regenerative agriculture will be incentivised. The Universal Dividend will give everybody the assurance that their basic needs are met, including affordable housing. How would you ensure local health and education needs are provided for as Whangaparāoa grows? Lifting GST off organic food while increasing that on sugary drinks and junk food, will help form the foundation of good health. Professional services will be integrated with natural and traditional providers. Covid has shown that the education system can be far more adjustable to the needs of the child.

CONTROL THE DEBT JUMP-START THE ECONOMY INVEST IN MENTAL HEALTH Authorised by D Smith, 27 Gillies Ave Newmarket Auckland 1023

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“I grew up on a dairy farm and spent the last 40 plus years in Auckland. I have battled against toxic and polluting substances and practices including glyphosate, 1080, fluoride, cell sites and destructive subdivisions. My life has been blighted by fluorotoxicosis and vaccine injuries, making me acutely aware of the value of good health and dismayed by the stranglehold the pharmaceutical industry has on our health system, and global interests have on our economy and government.”

PARTY VOTE

October 1, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

Green thumbs feature

greenthumbs



FE AT U R E

The compost conundrum: which system to use The Compost Collective was set up to encourage people to compost at home, and Hibiscus Matters asked them about how to choose the right system for your needs:

Choosing a compost system depends on things such as available space, the type of things you want to compost and how you want to use the compost. There are three main systems for home use: compost bins, Bokashi and worm farms. Compost bins: A traditional ‘cold’ compost bin or pile can be homemade or you can purchase bins or systems to get started. This is a great option for people with outside space. Food scraps (fresh peelings and trimmings), garden waste and scrap paper go in. Over time, with the help of a little water, sunlight and air, as well as soil life such as worms, fungus, larvae, mites and centipedes, it breaks down into compost. Aim for a mix of around 30 percent ‘greens’ – organic waste that’s full of nitrogen, such as food scraps or fresh lawn clippings – and 70 percent ‘browns’, organic waste that is mainly carbon, usually dry, brown and brittle such as fallen leaves, paper or cardboard and dried lawn clippings. Avoid noxious weeds, dog and cat poo, oil and other liquids, and adding cooked or processed foods such as bread, pasta and meat directly to the pile. Bokashi is a better option for these types of food. Good compost

smells earthy, but not stinky and can feel warm, damp and crumbly but not slimy. It can take 12 months or so to reach this point, from getting started. Bokashi: Bokashi is a fermentation process that helps break down food waste much quicker than usual. It suits people who are short on space but want to keep food scraps out of landfill. This system ‘pickles’ food waste, which helps to create nutrient-rich compost that can be dug directly into the garden, or added to a traditional compost heap. It’s a good way to deal with processed or cooked foods if you want to turn these into compost. Bokashi also produces a liquid which can be used undiluted to keep drains clean or watered down as a liquid fertilizer. It doesn’t need any browns but you can use it for composting fresh fruit and vegetables, cooked and uncooked meat and fish, or cheese, eggs, bread, coffee grinds and tea bags. Avoid adding liquids, large meat bones or plastic or paper wrap. Worm farms: Worm farms use tiger worms or red worms to produce worm castings and liquid fertiliser. This is another good option if space is limited and you have a high proportion of ‘greens’ to compost. This is because the balance of greens to browns is opposite

From left, Worm farms are a compact option if you have a lot of fresh vegetable and fruit scraps to compost. Bokashi is a Japanese system that uses a fermentation process to break down food waste quickly.

to a compost bin. Worms like about 70 percent greens, which can include most fruit and vegetable scraps as well as coffee grounds and tea bags or eggshells. Balance this with about 30 percent browns such as torn up wet cardboard or paper. Worms don’t like spicy food, chilli, onion and garlic, citrus or acidic foods, meat and milk products, bread, pasta and other cooked or processed foods, oils and liquids such as soup. Worms can eat their own weight each day, so about 250g of worms would

More composting help

need about 200g of food per day. It’s important not to overfeed them, but as your worm population grows, you can slowly increase how much you give them. Note: ShareWaste (sharewaste. org.nz), is an app that matches people with food scraps to give to those who want them for their compost, and is a good way to find someone to take your scraps or Bokashi, if you want to compost but don’t need to use the end result yourself. Info: compostcollective. org.nz

Local workshops and talks are held regularly on the Coast by the Compost Collective. The next ones are: Composting Basics – Millwater, Saturday, October 17; Worm Farms and Composting – Whangaparaoa, Saturday, October 31. The workshops are free, but must be booked in advance at compostcollective.org.nz/workshops

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| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

Green thumbs feature

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October 1, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

Green thumbs feature

Covid reactivates gardening While sports and entertainment activities have taken a hit during Auckland’s lockdowns, gardening is one activity that appears to have benefited from peoples’ enforced confinement. Kings Plant Barn marketing manager Natalie Allen puts the surge in interest in gardening down to the fact that people have had more time to look around their home and garden and, as a result, have been motivated to make improvements. Planting and tending the garden is a low-cost way to spend time together as a family on the weekend,” Natalie says. “We’re also seeing interest from younger customers who are coming into the store to ask for tips and advice on how to get started in the garden, which is wonderful.” Natalie says the interest in edibles, which began in Level 4 lockdown, was still going strong post Level 3. “With the onset of spring, of course, it was always going to go up, but even in the first three weeks of September we

sold as much in the Kitchen Garden category as we did for the full month last year. “Every month since May, demand for edibles has been much stronger than the same time last year, so it seems like people are a bit more into growing their own food. This may also be due to people seeking food security in a time of uncertainty. By growing some of their own food to avoid too many trips to the supermarket, they realised it was enjoyable and not as difficult as they had assumed.” Dry times ahead As summer draws near, gardeners are reminded of the importance of mulching. It is crucial to both suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil during the hotter months. Commercial mulches such as peastraw and bark-based mulches are popular because they decompose slowly, but leaves, yard trimmings and shredded newspaper also make excellent summer mulch.

Orewa Rotary’s most recent tree planting team was restricted to 10 people, but they got stuck in. Below, Peter and Margaret Johns and their granddaughter Lily.

Volunteers keep on planting There have been regular seasonal plantings of native species at Karaka Cove reserve in Whangaparaoa over the years and although this year the plantings were later than normal, because of Covid-19 restrictions on gatherings, more than 1300 plants still went in. The project is led by Hibiscus Coast Forest and Bird. Forest and Bird’s Pauline Smith says she is very grateful to all the volunteers who took part. More than 50 helpers were involved, including the Forest and Bird team, Auckland Council workers and the

Rotary Club of Orewa and their friends and family. “All we need now is some good steady Spring rain to help the seedlings on their way,” Pauline says.

A new arbour, hand crafted by students, was recently erected in the Learning Support Centre’s garden at Orewa College. The arbour project was headed by the workshop teacher, Ferdy Gerber, who challenged his students to design and build it from scratch. The arbour, with its intricate ‘bow tie’ design, has a plaque that says “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” It is positioned so that the students can plant climbing vegetables. Often the students in the centre use the produce they grow to cook with. Learning support centre teaching assistant Kym Kristalie says the staff and students feel that the arbour is more of a piece of art than simply an arbour. Pictured left are students with Ferdy Gerber.

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LOVE YOUR LAND

| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

Green thumbs feature

Worrying weeds by botanist and native plant enthusiast Maureen Young

A fair description of a weed is that it is a plant that is growing where it is not wanted. Some are brought in unintentionally, often mixed with the seeds of pasture grasses. Many are allowed in as ornamentals, and it often becomes obvious that a foolish decision has been made. Others might be intended for food for humans or farm stock and yet others for the aquarium trade. Here are five plants, or groups of plants, to look out for and discourage …

Taiwan cherry (Prunus campanulata)

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

Taiwan cherry is an attractive deciduous tree with deep pink bell-shaped flowers in Spring. The flowers attract tui, and the fruit is spread by kereru and other fruit-eating birds. It is the spreading of the fruit that is the problem, as conditions in northern NZ are perfect for germination, and Taiwan cherry is fast becoming a bad weed. North of Warkworth in August, a very obvious ring of pink surrounds Whangarei, Kawakawa, Kerikeri and Kaeo, and at Pukenui a gully on a side road is full of the “pink plague”. The deep colour of the bell-shaped flowers is the distinguishing feature – other flowering cherries with flatter, softer pink flowers are no problem. Cut down the trees and apply herbicide to the stumps, pull the seedlings out.

Presumably loquats were introduced as a food source, and the round yellow fruit appeals to some people, and also kereru. Originally from Japan, loquat has found the climate of northern NZ favourable. The seedlings can be confused with seedlings of taraire, but loquat leaves have small teeth around the edges, which taraire do not. Loquat seedlings are easy to pull from the ground, unlike monkey apple or privet.

Ladder fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia)

It is understandable why people plant ladder fern (sometimes known as tuber sword fern), as, together with agapanthus, it completely covers a bare bank or long driveway, leaving no room for other weeds. An introduced fern from the tropics, it is the only fern in the country to produce tubers. The long rhizomes (mass of roots) and these plentiful tubers enable it to spread rapidly. The many tubers also make it a very difficult plant to keep under control or eradicate. It becomes a nuisance because it knows no boundaries, so readily slips under the fence and infests places where it is not wanted and also, when a gardener wants to get rid of it, they are inclined to dump it, often into the bush. Hand remove, including all tubers, or spray with metsulfuron-methyl. Leave for four months to allow herbicide to translocate to tubers.

Climbing asparagus (Asparagus scandens)

Climbing asparagus is probably the worst of our many weeds as it is so hard to eradicate. This is due to the tuberous roots, the thin, twining stems, and the very many small palatable orange berries that are produced. Once established, it infests roadside vegetation, the bush or wherever it germinates. Valiant efforts have been made in various places to deal with it but it is a never-ending job, as there will be a vast seed source in the ground, and, thanks to the birds, re-infestation is always on the cards. For plants taller than 60cm, cut down to 30-60cm and spray this lower vegetation carefully with glyphosate. Return to spot spray within 30-60 days. Oxygen weed (Egeria, Elodea and Lagarosiphon species)

These three species of oxygen weed have been introduced to NZ by the aquarium industry and infested our waterways, although none of them has been known to fruit here. They move to new sites by various methods, including by fragments clinging to boats and trailers, to the feet and feathers of water fowl, to scuba divers, and by overflows from ornamental ponds. Various manual methods of control have been tried, with limited success. Diquat herbicide can eliminate them from lakes, as can grass carp. Grass carp do not breed in New Zealand, so they can either be left to die out (about 30 years) or they can be fished out.

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October 1, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

Green thumbs feature

Food Adventures with Calum Hodgson cheesy_curd_nerd@hotmail.com

Transported by food I recently “travelled” with my family to Hawaii and Mexico in pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences. I wanted to offer my family some lockdown respite via exploring a little experimental experiential culinary tourism. It’s fun to obsess about the dishes, creating a tribute to the exotic and sourcing their ingredients for our kitchen in Whangaparāoa. I’m not really one for dressing up, but the occasion demanded it. I decorated the dining table using our various indoor plants to help transport us to indulgent times in our Whangaparāoa versions of Hawaii and Mexico. The tastes of Mexican and Hawaiian cuisine grow wild all over Whangaparāoa, with immense quantities of fruit begging to be harvested. Next, I’m taking the family to visit mates in Texas – yes not exactly exotic, but I love cowboy hats and low and slow pork ribs in a sharp and tangy loquat barbecue sauce. The Hibiscus Coast could be renamed the Loquat Coast – this exotic evergreen weedy tree, with its delicious fruit, is so prolific here.

Loquat barbecue sauce 1kg loquats 1 cup sugar 3 cups white vinegar 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed Pinch of salt and pepper Pinch of cayenne pepper Wash loquats, cut in half and remove stones. Put loquats and all remaining ingredients into a large pot, bring to a boil then simmer for an hour, stirring every now and then. Allow to cool so you can turn the mixture into sauce in a blender or food processor without burning yourself. Pour into clean jars and seal. Keep in fridge – but I recommend cranking up your barbecue and inviting some mates over. • Farm Dams & Drainage • House Sites • Driveways • Pole Drilling • Mulching • Bulldozer & Scoop Services • Transport up to 18 Tonne • Truck Hire • Metal Supply

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| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

Green thumbs feature

Gardening with Dee Pignéguy mikedee@outlook.co.nz

Seeds the day

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My pick for Spring seed sowing would be root vegetables like Japanese turnips, swedes, carrots, and parsnips. There will also be time for planting seedlings of cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, leeks. celeriac, kohlrabi, and Florence fennel. Carrots and parsnips can be sown directly into well-drained sandy soil. Make sure the soil is weed free, then rake, in preparation for making shallow seed rows into which you will sprinkle the seeds. Carrot seed is small, and it is hard to space the seeds out evenly, so once the seedlings come through you will need to thin them out. Cover the seeds with bent wire frames and then old net curtains, frost cloth, or light green shade cloth. This will help with germination and also keep the birds off. Parsnips also like a loose soil. The seed is slow to germinate, often taking three weeks. Parsnip seeds also loses its viability very quickly, so I always let one of my plants go to seed and collect fresh seed for the Spring planting. Sow swedes and turnips seeds directly into the garden. Prepare the soil as for carrots and cover as well. You will find these seeds are up in less than a week (depending on the warmth of the soil). Space the plants by thinning out the seedlings that can be transplanted. The plants mature quickly, especially the Japanese turnip, which looks like a little golf ball and will be ready to eat in about five weeks. These white-flesh turnips are delicious raw or grated into salads along with kohlrabi, young swedes, celeriac, and beetroot. Swedes are delicious mashed with carrots and celeriac, while turnip leaves are very nutritious and can be stir-fried or steamed like silverbeet. When deciding what to plant, gardening is all about timing. Climate change continues to influence seasonal change, making it harder to judge just when to plant seeds and seedlings. So instead of worrying about what to plant each month, try to understand the difference between warm-season crops that thrive in the heat and cool-season crops that have seeds which will struggle to germinate in hot temperatures. Peas are a wonderful spring crop to plant with children as there is the fun of making a frame for the peas to climb. Plant seeds in punnets and keep inside until they are well up. Then make sure you have captured the slugs and snails before you plant them out. Seize the day – there is no better time to get into action in the garden than right now!

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health&family

Puhoi women sew masks for vulnerable Women in Puhoi have rallied to a call by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland to supply desperately needed face masks to struggling families in south Auckland and beyond. Jenny Schollum, history columnist for Mahurangi Matters (Hibiscus Matters’ sister paper) spotted the appeal on Facebook by Bishop Patrick Dunn, who was seeking support for the face mask initiative of south Auckland priest Father Martin Wu. Jenny alerted former journalist Judith Williams who publicised the need in her regular Puhoi newsletter. Judith says she often travels to Samoa and is familiar with the culture and struggles of Pacific Islanders living in Auckland’s southern suburbs. “Even before Covid I was thinking about south Auckland and wondering if there was something we could do to help. This project was more or less handed to us on a plate,” she says. Judith adds that people in the Puhoi parish have been feeling a bit low with church services shut down due to Covid. She saw the face mask project as a way to give local people something good to do and help cheer them up. Jenny Schollum has turned out to be one of the top mask makers, churning out two dozen masks in two weeks. The tricky part has been securing elastic due to heavy demand from other mask makers around the country. However, Judith says this

Puhoi women prepare masks for sending to south Auckland. From left, Margaret Bayer, Sheryll Titford, Judith Williams and Jenny Schollum.

was solved when a former Bendon employee offered a big roll of elastic they had sitting at home. Meanwhile, Fr Martin Wu, of the St Joseph and St Joachim parish in Otahuhu, says he’s struggling to keep up with demand for masks. Initially, he planned to supply only a few hundred masks to vulnerable families, but he kept getting repeat orders both in south Auckland and then from other Auckland suburbs. So far, he has distributed around 10,000 masks and anticipates demand will remain high for the foreseeable future, so intends to keep the initiative running. Fr Wu says some of the poverty

of families living in his parish was brought home to him during earlier distributions of hand sanitizer and soap. Some families had no beds and one family had seven people crammed in one bedroom. He says many of his mask makers are elderly and are sometimes tempted to feel they are no use to society any more. “I have had so many of them say to me, you are giving some meaning to my life. That’s almost making me happier than receiving the masks,” he says. Anyone wishing to help with the mask project should email Fr Wu, revmwu@ gmail.com.

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The Silverdale & Districts Historical Society chose to honour some longstanding volunteers at its annual meeting. Three major contributors to the success of the village were awarded Cerificates of Appreciation, which were presented last month – Robin Langdon for building maintence and upkeep, Vera Bartlett for many years on the organising committee and Elaine Dickinson who produces many of the crafts that the village sells and manages the craftshop. President Ian Hacking says the village’s historical buildings, collection of pioneer artifacts, and beautiful gardens are free for everyone to enjoy because of volunteers. He is pictured presenting a Certificate to Elaine Dickinson.

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| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

health&family

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

The common dolphin calf surfacing among the bottlenose pod.

Adopted or kidnapped? no bleed print size is 108mm x 108mm

Something very interesting is happening with a local pod of bottlenose dolphins. The pod has either adopted or kidnapped a calf of an entirely different species, the common dolphin. Bottlenose dolphins are a familiar site around the Hibiscus Coast because they frequently come close to shore, especially around this time of year. They are big dolphins, sometimes mistaken for orcas, and they often delight nature watchers by doing spectacular leaps and jumps. In late July, there was a sighting of a pod of ‘bottles’ at Little Manly Beach that was reported on the whale and dolphin watch Whangaparāoa Facebook page, and so I went around to have a look. There was about a dozen of them, including little ones, and they hung about for a quite a while– it was wonderful to see. Later, I posted some video footage I had shot of the dolphins on social media, and Blair Outhwaite and Catherine Lea, local marine mammal experts, immediately picked up on something very unusual. One of the calves was not a bottlenose, but a common dolphin. Commons are a much smaller species, and not often seen so close to shore. There are decent numbers of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf, but you typically see them from a boat because they have a much more pelagic (open sea) lifestyle. I asked Massey University Associate Professor Karen Stockin, a leading dolphin biologist, what this common dolphin calf could be doing with the bottlenose dolphins. One possibility is that a mother bottlenose may have lost her own calf and kidnapped the calf of a common dolphin. Dr Stockin suggested, however, there was a higher likelihood that the pod of bottlenoses had adopted a deserted or orphaned calf. She remarked that the calf looked to be struggling somewhat, appearing weak – with the bottlenose dolphins initially needing to support the calf up at the surface. The size of the common dolphin indicates it may be partially weaned, so we can’t be sure if the calf has nursed from a bottlenose or not. However, given the calf ’s condition, the prospects of the common dolphin surviving seemed low. Quite a remarkable story – but it is not over yet because four weeks later, another local spotted the calf again – and still associating with a pod of bottlenoses. Maybe the calf will make it. If you see a common dolphin with a pod of bottles please post your observations on the Facebook page or let me know – we would love to know how this dolphin fares with its family of adopters/kidnappers. And always remember the laws regarding marine mammals – if we give them space and peace, we will see more of them around our coast.

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health&family

Creative process unlocked

Little Blue penguins in Whangaparaoa are vulnerable, and it is hoped that dog walkers will heed these signs.

Penguins need protection The need to protect Little Blue penguins, and other birds nesting at Coal Mine Bay in Whangaparaoa is being highlighted by a local resident with the birds’ best wishes at heart. Pest Free Hibiscus Coast volunteer Nigel Cough has lived in Coal Mine Bay for 20 years. He says he has seen Little Blues/Korora in and around the bay and it is likely they are nesting in the vicinity. He has fenced and planted a nesting area for the penguins – he has also been trapping pests there for several years and says rabbits are the biggest problem. Last year, together with the local Forest & Bird, he arranged for Auckland Council signs to be put out to raise awareness, particularly among dog walkers, of the penguins’ presence –

dotterels and oyster catchers also nest on the shore. Nigel says one of the biggest challenges for the penguins coming ashore to nest or moult is dogs. In March, he found two penguins dead on the beach. “One looked as though a dog had got it,” he says. “Off leash, a dog can easily kill or injure a korora.” This year he wants to get nesting boxes made and positioned in a place where they have some protection from dogs. “Many dog owners are responsible, but some do let their dogs off and I have seen dotterel nests disturbed.” The penguins will nest anywhere between now and the end of the year.

Lockdown unlocked creativity for many people, and Amanda Moore of Manly is one person who facilitated that process via Zoom. Amanda is an art teacher, artist and wellness coach who says a stint volunteering at Estuary Arts Centre made her aware of the need to support creative people’s confidence. “With creativity comes self-doubt,” she says. “But on the other hand, creativity is also good for mental health.” During the first lockdown, she was grieving the loss of a family member and got back into painting as a way to process her emotions. She painted with an online group facilitated by Stewart Cubley and, in the second lockdown, began to pass on what she had learned, starting and facilitating a group that painted together on Zoom. She says the important thing is to focus on the process of creating an artwork, not the end result. “You need a willingness to play with paints, crayons or pastels and see what happens,” she says. She says the art helped people process what is going on and how they feel about it. A wide range of work was created, from an entire wall covered in A3-size paintings, to small detailed works. The weekly online group started on August 17 with four and grew to around 12 participants who shared with each other as well as being facilitated by Amanda.

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Amanda made this work during the first lockdown as part of her grieving process.

Not all had done visual art before – one is a local writer and some were from theatre – and they came from as far away as Kuala Lumpur and Turkey, but they all wanted to give it a go. “It was a way for us to connect and explore ways to liberate creativity in response to lockdowns and social distancing,” Amanda says. Amanda leads a six-week course about unlocking your creativity in person or via Zoom (depending on Alert Levels) at Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa starting October 17. Info: contact Estuary Arts Centre or estuaryarts.org/ workshops.html

| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

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Red Beach dog stars in children’s book A new children’s book, co-written by Jeanette Thomas of Red Beach, features her rescue dog, Benny. Jeanette works at The Breeze radio station and the book, Ernie and the Magic Kennel, is named after the station corgie. “Ernie is our CHO – chief happiness officer,” she says. Ernie was the inspiration that got Jeanette and co-author Robert Rakete started on the book. “We wanted to write a book to raise money for charity and were having a chat about a topic when Ernie waddled in,” Jeanette says. “We just knew he was the answer!” Jeanette’s family dog Benny, rescued from Silverdale Animal Shelter two years ago, is the other star of the rhyming picture book. Although Jeanette trained as a journalist, this is her first book and she

says she and Robert worked together on the story, bouncing ideas back and forth. “Making it rhyme is harder than it sounds,” she says. The illustrations, by Kimberly Andrews were the icing on the cake. The book tells the story of the two dogs going on an adventure in a magic kennel and Jeanette says it’s about family and ‘finding your tribe’.

Publishers Scholastic also publish the popular Wonky Donkey and although Jeanette says she and Robert are not up to that standard yet, they are super excited to see the book published – partly because all author proceeds go to the local dog rescue charity Saving Hope Foundation and Duffy Books in Homes. Ernie and the Magic Kennel is published on October 1 and will be in all good book stores as well as erniethebook.com Jeanette Thomas’ dog Benny now has his own book.

Win this book

Hibiscus Matters and Jeanette Thomas have two copies of Ernie and the Magic Kennel, published by Scholastic NZ, to give away. To go in the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and contact phone number with ‘Ernie and the Magic Kennel draw’ in the message. Or, write your name, address and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to Ernie and the Magic Kennel Giveaway, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Avenue, Orewa 0931. Entries close Friday, October 16.

Peninsula thespians re-live Players’ best years Former members of the Peninsula Players are inviting the public to take a stroll down memory lane on October 4 and re-live some of the highlights of the theatre company’s best years. They have organised an afternoon at Whangaparaoa Library which will include displays of costumes, photographs, programmes and props, as well as story-telling and the sharing

of anecdotes. Life member Cynthia Green says it will be both a reunion for players and those who worked behind-the-scenes, as well as a celebration of what the small theatre company achieved over its 30-plus years. “In its heyday, we were putting on five shows a year, everything from short plays to Gilbert and Sullivan,”

Cynthia says. “We hope members of the public will enjoy to come along and share these memories, providing this is possible under the Covid restrictions. If it’s not possible to have an audience, we will at the very least put on the display.” The event is part of the Auckland Heritage Festival and will start at 2pm. Admission is free.

Peninsula Players’ Snow White in 2013 was typical in providing a vehicle for local actors aged from eight to 80.

Exhibitions at Estuary Arts 29 Sept to 18 Oct 2020 G1: “The Overwintering Project and Taonga o te Ngahere Exhibition” environmentally focussed group show G2: “Brushed Strokes” Poetry and Art collaboration

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G3: “Rusty” Photography by Robert Brown G4: “This and That” Painting by Patsy Fisher G5: “Lovers, Dancers and a Bit of Nudity” Rosa Gaete 214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa 09 426 5570 www.estuaryarts.org Find us on Facebook Open 7 days a week, 9am to 4pm

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The giant glowing puppets include Waru the octopus

Bright bold show for children More than 40 giant glow-in-thedark puppets will transport children and adults alike to an undersea world in next week’s Te Moana Glow Show in Orewa. The time is certainly right for a bit of escapism, and Glow Show creative director Sarah Burren says that’s why she is determined to put on the show at Centrestage Theatre within whatever Covid level restrictions are in force at the time. There is a cast and crew of 10 people. “We will open the doors even if it’s still limited to audiences of 100 people – we won’t make a profit, but it’s more important to give live theatre a boost and provide something for local families to enjoy,” Sarah says. The Glow Show has been touring for

four years, and last came to Orewa in 2018. Every year the venues have grown – this year the tour takes in 34 locations and has had to be rearranged multiple times due to lockdowns. Sarah, who moved to Orewa last year, designed and made all the characters for Te Moana in her workshop using fabric and high quality glow paint. The show includes a heroic little kina, a 3.2m manta ray and a 2.3m octopus. There is a subtle marine conservation message, but mostly it’s all for fun. The show is for children aged around 2-10 years and their families. It’s on at Centrestage in Orewa these school holidays, October 7 and 8. Info: see What’s On, p39.

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| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

localsport

SHINING THE LIGHT ON NZ YOUTH SUICIDE

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Bluefit shines a light on caring for their members, and because of this, Bluefit has teamed up with I AM HOPE until December 2020 seeing a portion of every membership up to the value of $50,000.00 going to the I AM HOPE charity. Look out for the Bluefit shining light from the 28th of October.

I AM HOPE is the youth and community focused Support Group run by The Key to Life Charitable Trust started by Mike King. In 2018, over 3500 other youths attempted suicide.

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October 1, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

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Basketball tribes come to Coast Young people from different areas of the Hibiscus Coast will soon have the opportunity to play basketball against each other with a new structure starting next term. Hibiscus Coast Basketball president Dan Bungard says forming four new basketball “tribes” in the area is a way to cope with growth in the current club, Rise Up Basketball which currently has around 40 members. The structure will have Rise Up Basketball as a hub, with four new entities focused on providing a basketball outlet for players in Year 7 and 8 from local schools. The new tribes will be in Orewa, Millwater and

Whangaparaoa as well as an all-girls club, also based in Whangaparaoa. He says the tribes will provide a bridge between school and representative play as well as enabling local young people to compete against other Coasties. “We’re a family orientated community and we love playing against our mates,” Dan says. The desire to provide support and pathways for girl players, is why they will have their own tribe with coaches and leaders also female. The new structure will be in play starting in Term 4. Info: riseupbasketball.co.nz or email coastbasketballpresident@gmail.com SILVERDALE 09 426 7389 0800 748 786 silverdale@pitstop.co.nz www.pitstop.co.nz

SILVERDALE

Tennis clubs looking for love 09 426 7389 0800 748 786 silverdale@pitstop.co.nz SILVERDALE www.pitstop.co.nz

Local tennis clubs, including Orewa, Whangaparaoa and Manly Park Seniors are joining tennis clubs around the country in holding a Love Tennis recruitment drive this month. The event is on at all the clubs on the weekend of 10 and 11 October, 1pm-

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426 7389 4pm. The 09 free promotional event 0800 748 786 seeking newsilverdale@pitstop.co.nz members includes prizes, SILVERDALE www.pitstop.co.nz giveaways, activities, and a barbecue, 09 426 7389 748 786 with racquets0800 supplied on the day. silverdale@pitstop.co.nz www.pitstop.co.nz It is dependent on the Alert Level at the time allowing gatherings of more than 10 people.

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Mon-Fri:PLACE” 8am-5pm • Sat: 8am-12pm YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT www.pitstop.co.nz

Health with Richard Bruce, functional fitness coach rich@richardbrucefitness

How to lose the ‘too hard basket’ Why is it that we feel frustrated and confused by what we should, could or must do when we want to get healthier? We all inherently know the core foundations to improve health – move more, eat better, get quality sleep, reduce stress. However, the reality is that the journey to better health requires change and change is hard work. Deep down we’re looking for ways to achieve immediate results with minimal effort. But to create the right change, a long-term consistent commitment and the right mindset is everything. As I see it, we’re going in too big, too hard, too soon. I hear things like – “I’m hitting the gym every day and going on a diet” or “I’m going to stop drinking for a year”, or “I’m cutting out carbs”. But long term this will end up in the too hard basket, I can guarantee it. If the bar is set too high, we set ourselves up for failure. This is compounded by guilt as you presume you’re failing each time you ‘don’t stick to it’. Turn your big goal into many small goals that get you there over time. You’re far more likely to succeed this way. Here’s an example: Goal: get fitter, lose 10kg. Plan: Go to gym five times a week, eat salads. Instead, think of the goal as: get fitter, fit into clothes that are too small at the moment. Plan: do something today that gets me started. Week 1. Fit in one 10-minute walk for the week. Week 2. Increase the walk to 15 minutes and do it twice a week. Week 3. Now you’re walking for 20 minutes, three times a week. Add some hills. Week 4: Add another 25-minute walk or increase the intensity by walking faster, finding steeper hills, or wear a backpack with additional load. And so on. Doing this with a walking buddy adds accountability and a social aspect. The aim is to keep it small, keep it simple and build on it holistically. Not only will your body have time to adapt but you will make the goals achievable. One other important factor is to have a support network. This might be a friend, partner, or your chosen pit crew of health professionals. Here are some things to reflect on as you plan your journey: Are you ready for change? •Are you ready to commit to what’s needed to create that change? • What are your reasons for wanting change? •Make your plan. • Set your goals week by week. • Focus on what’s working and don’t dwell on what isn’t. • Be kind to yourself and trust that you will succeed and each day gets you closer. • Enjoy the journey, it’s not a sprint!

WAINUI BURGER NIGHT Friday, 9th October 5:00 p.m. - Close Public Welcome Reservations Essential

Wainui Burger * Jalapeno Cheese Burger * Hawaiian Birdie Burger Lamb Burger * Vegetarian Burger Incl Fries & Slaw $22.5

WAINUI STEAK NIGHT Friday, 23rd October 5:00 p.m. - Close Public Welcome Reservations Essential

Chef’s Best Steak & Chips with your favourite Pint of Beer or a Glass of house Red of White Wine $35

WAINUI RIBS NIGHT Friday, 30th October 5:00 p.m. - Close Public Welcome Reservations Essential

Baby Back Ribs with Bavarian Potato Salad and Cabbage Slaw 1/2 Rack $29.5 Full Rack $39.5

WEEKEND BRUNCH Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Public Welcome Reservations Essential

Golfer’s Big Breakfast * Creamy Mushrooms * French Toast Pancakes w/Berry Coulis * Eggs Bacon Toast Yoghurt, Honey & Granola

Take the northbound #396 Millwater exit from the motorway stay on Wainui Road for 5 minutes turn left to 35 Windmill Drive Tel (09) 444 3437

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| Hibiscusmatters | October 1, 2020

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New goals made for hockey The number of Primary aged hockey players at Hibiscus Hockey in Millwater increased this year to 39 teams (from 23 teams last year). This positive development required four new hockey goals, as the young teams play on half fields – and goals don’t come cheap. Hibiscus Hockey Trust chair Merv Huxford says regulation size hockey goals cost at least $2800 each. Local firm Coast Engineering had never made hockey goals before, but were able to produce the fabricated steel framework for four goals for $3500, and thanks to some voluntary labour from the Greenwood family,

Hibiscus Hockey netted and backboarded the goals for $4500 – a saving of $6700. In addition, the Trust’s four existing 30,000-litre rainwater tanks are no longer sufficient to prevent the need for reticulated water supply to irrigate the artificial turf. Three more tanks are needed and, together with earthworks and plumbing, cost $22,540. The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board stumped up $8000 and funding applications are in for the balance required. Merv says that all the water on the turf is harvested rainwater.

Buying local made new goals possible for Hibiscus Hockey. Inset, Rainwater tanks are an environmentally friendly option for hockey turfs.

“The original design and plan projected that four tanks would be sufficient. But less consistent rain, and higher ground leakage than projected, has led to the need for the three extra tanks which will give a 210,000 litre

storage capacity.” He says the Trust has deliberately refrained from irrigating the turf until it can ensure an adequate storage supply, and will then use cannons to spray it.

Navigation safety bylaw coming up for review Last time Auckland Council’s Navigation Safety bylaw hit the headlines it was mainly because of the setting of rules around lifejackets. The bylaw was adopted in 2014 and it is now being reviewed. An early draft of the bylaw went to local boards last month where it was discussed in confidence. The bylaw seeks to protect the public from safety risks and nuisance, and to manage the use of navigable waters. New issues such as the use of hydrofoils and other “novel craft” are being considered due to possible safety risks.

Regarding lifejackets, the current bylaw requires them to be worn on all vessels of 6m or less, but they can be removed at the skipper’s discretion. Council staff are recommending that something similar goes into the reviewed bylaw, but more clearly worded. The possibility of higher infringement fines has also been raised. Public consultation is part of the process. The draft bylaw will be made public this month, and residents can give feedback during the consultation period, towards the end of this year. The reviewed bylaw will then be adopted around the middle of next year.

KingsWay School has given the local board a heads up that it would like to install a covered outdoor playing area on its campus in Silverdale. KingsWay Trust chief executive Warren Peat presented the concept to the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board at its meeting last month. The cover, which is 10m high at its tallest point, is to go over existing astroturf so that the area can be used year-round for PE, training and sport. The facility is within the college’s land, but the supports for the cover will be close to the boundary with Council-owned land. The school is entering the resource consent process now. Mr Peat says the college has limited ground space and an all weather astroturf will provide a much better amenity for a wide range of sports.

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Auckland Area Sea Watch Hibiscus Matters Seawatch – Top Catch, Whangaparaoa

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12:51am 0.8 1:37am 0.8 2:19am 0.7 2:58am 0.7 3:35am 0.6 4:12am 0.6 4:47am 0.7 5:24am 0.7 12:06am 2.9 12:47am 2.8 1:32am 2.8 2:23am 2.7 3:21am 2.7 4:25am 2.8 5:29am 2.9 12:06am 0.7 1:01am 0.5 7:12am 2.9 7:59am 3.0 8:42am 3.0 9:21am 3.1 9:57am 3.1 10:32am 3.1 11:07am 3.0 11:43am 3.0 6:02am 0.8 6:44am 0.8 7:30am 0.9 8:25am 0.9 9:28am 0.9 10:33am 0.9 11:36am 0.7 6:31am 3.1 7:27am 3.2

Tide 1:16pm 0.8 1:59pm 0.7 2:38pm 0.7 3:15pm 0.7 3:50pm 0.7 4:26pm 0.7 5:02pm 0.8 5:41pm 0.9 12:22pm 2.9 1:07pm 2.8 1:57pm 2.8 2:55pm 2.8 3:58pm 2.8 5:00pm 2.9 5:58pm 3.1 12:33pm 0.6 1:26pm 0.4 6:53pm 3.3 7:46pm 3.4 6:23pm 1.0 7:11pm 1.0 8:05pm 1.1 9:05pm 1.0 10:07pm 1.0 11:08pm 0.8 Times 7:35pm 3.1 8:19pm 3.1 8:59pm 3.1 9:38pm 3.1 10:14pm 3.1 10:51pm 3.0 11:27pm 3.0 6:59am 7:24pm

Sun Fishing Guide Moon

6:57am 7:25pm

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Full Moon Set 6:24am Set 6:52am Set 7:17am Set 7:42am Set 8:08am Set 8:35am Set 9:05am Set Rise 5:44pm Rise 6:41pm Rise 7:38pm Rise 8:34pm Rise 9:30pm Rise 10:27pm Rise 11:25pm *Not for navigational purposes.

Good Fishing

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9:39am Rise 12:23am Rise 1:21am Rise 2:16am Rise 3:07am Rise 3:54am Rise 4:36am Rise 5:14am Rise 5:49am Rise 6:22am Set 10:19am Set 11:04am Set 11:57am Set 12:56pm Set 2:01pm Set 3:10pm Set 4:21pm Set 5:34pm Set 6:47pm Not So Good www.tidewiz.com www.tidespy.com www.ofu.co.nz Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd.

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

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October 1, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

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Coastguard with Dave Tilley, Coastguard Hibiscus, www.coastguardhibiscus.org.nz

Coastguard on Skype

When I sat down to write the last article for Coastguard back in March, who would have predicted the events that have unfolded over the last six months here in NZ and across the world. The various periods of lockdown here in NZ saw just about all boaties kept on dry land for the duration and then with some good weather after lockdown, a rush to get back out on the water to get their salt air fix. These times have seen the Hibiscus Coastguard unit have a very quiet period with no on the water training possible for long periods and also very limited times when we could have crew together for training. But, as with many businesses, Coastguard adapted very quickly to the lockdown protocols with many crew undertaking online class room training during this time and administration meeting being held via Skype or other online media. This has meant that unit crew members have been able to complete various levels of class room training required to move through Coastguards training matrix and continue their progression through from trainees to operational crew and then through senior levels with then some looking to progress on further to become Masters and taking responsibility for being a skipper on a Rescue Vessel. As well as continuing with crew training where we could, there has also been the need to continue with maintenance on our main rescue vessel, Hibiscus Rescue 1, which is now 10 years old. This has seen the boat come out of the water and take a trip down the motorway on a transporter for inspection and certification of the fuel tanks, installation of new navigation systems, partial repaint and install of a new Yamaha Helm Master System. With the maintenance work now completed and Hibiscus Rescue 1 back on the water we have been able to get crew back on board and continue with training as well as responding to call outs when required. Since being back on the water over the last few weeks, calls for assistance have seen Coastguard vessels on the water kept pretty busy across the wider Auckland area. For Hibiscus this included assisting a boat close to Tiritiri Matangi with a group on board who were out enjoying a day on the water for a 10th birthday treat but following a mechanical issue required a tow back to Gulf Harbour boat ramp. Not quite the day they expected, but they were happy for the assistance in getting back home safely. To finish, just a heads up that Coastguard nationally will be undertaking their Old 4 New Life Jacket promotion again this year and that they will be at Orewa on December 13.

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THE scorEBoArD THE scorEBoArD A ROUNDUP OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT

a a Roundup Roundup of of spoRTs spoRTs acTiviTies acTiviTies in in THe THe disTRicT disTRicT

Surf Lifesavingof spoRTs acTiviTies in THe disTRicT a Roundup

Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Open Registration Day. Sunday 11th October, 10am12pm. Junior program offers Sunday training for children from 3-13 years, instilling a respect for the surf while learning techniques to manage waves and rips along with general life saving practices. First day on the beach, 1 November. Info: www. orewasurfclub.co.nz/aboutjuniorsurf

Tennis Orewa Tennis Club. Join us on October 10 and 11, 1pm-4pm for Love Tennis 2020! Tennis Clubs across the country are opening their doors for a FREE fun weekend filled with prizes, giveaways, activities, and a BBQ, with racquets supplied on the day. Come down to Orewa Tennis Club and check us. More info: ph Michelle 027 2799 802. Manly Park Seniors Tennis is running a Love Tennis recruitment on October 10 and 11, 1pm-4pm, at 56 Laurence St, Manly. Special discounted price for those that sign up on the weekend. PLUS enter the draw for a trip to the Te Anau Invitational Tournament, airfares, pick up, hospitality box, accommodation. More info: 021 0829 4460.

Softball Hibiscus Coast Softball is looking for new players of all ages, from under 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to senior grades. Registrations open now for 2020/2021 Season runs October through to March. To register visit hbcsoftball.org.nz hbcsoftballclub

Squash Silverdale Squash Club is offering junior squash coaching with former NZ rep Lara Heta. 7 week programme starts Tuesday October 14, 4pm-4.45pm - $35 p/person. Rackets available. Ph: Lara 0210 290 6345 or lara_petera@yahoo.com

List your sports here for FREE email: terry@localmatters.co.nz

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Classifiedadvertising MINT HOME CLEANING

HOME & MAINTENANCE

your local cleaning team is ready to deliver our 5 star shine in your home for weekly cleaning, spring or moving cleans. For a FREE quote ph 09 415 0028 or 0800 297 253 www.minthomecleaning.co.nz

ALARMS SECURITY AND FIRE, MONITORING, CCTV, servicing & installation, all brands 027 553 3032 www.tdssecurity.co.nz

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

DVDS & VIDEOS

TO BUY, RECORDS/LP’S Ph 428 1587.

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.

HANDYMAN Carpentry, small jobs, rubbish removal etc. Phone/Text Dave 027 420 5155. A PUMP DOCTOR will keep you pumping. Ph 0274 430 654. ARKLES BAY PAINTERS/ DECORATORS In the area for the area. Ph Shane 021 0813 8481. PAUL THE PAINTER 027 550 3635 interior & exterior. TRADESMAN PAINTER (20yrs) serving the Hibiscus Coast. New or Repaint, interior & exterior no job too small. Free competitive quotes Wayne 0274 329 397. WATER PUMPS - no water? old cast iron pump? Sales Service & Installation. Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 027 478 7427 steve@aquafilter.co.nz. WINDOW CLEANING 30 years exp, local owner operator, reasonable rates. Ph David 426 2253.

ALL CARPET LAYING, OR REPAIRS & PATCHES Carpet layer with over 30 years exp. Ph Dexter 0274 956 436.

WANTED TO BUY

PROPERTY WANTED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY – Orewa – Cash Buyer Phone 021 155 8340.

SITUATIONS VACANT CASUAL GARDENER REQUIRED, weeding and general maintenance for garden in Wainui area, 3-5 hours every two weeks. Experience with plants and bugs would be helpful. If interested txt William 0274 926 667.

HOBBY/ENTHUSIAST AMAZING MODEL TRAINS DISPLAY. Are there people interested in buying/ helping to organise its own building – 26 years of hard work gone into this. Call 021 0908 2953

Hibiscus Coast Community Shop

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

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

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

HAIRDRESSING MOBILE HAIRCUTS European trained hairstylist to visit you at your time, your place. Sabine Ph 426 9652 021 149 8598 DELIVERERS: Contact 021 0300 263 or hmdelivery@localmatters.co.nz

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October 2020 4 Gulf Harbour Yacht Club Boat Bits & Car Boot all-sorts sale, Gulf

Harbour Marina, 9am. Bring ’n’ buy and not just for boaties. Info and bookings, 09 424 2118 or email admin@ghyc.co.nz

Transition Town talk by Devina Shetty, Whangaparāoa Community Hub, 14 Link Crescent, Whangaparaoa, 7pm. Devina is investigating microplastics in the Hauraki Gulf. Free, but a gold coin donation is appreciated.

7 & 8 Glow Show with giant glow-in-the-dark puppets, Centrestage Theatre, Orewa. Tickets $12.50 from www.centrestagetheatre. co.nz or phone 09 426 7282. (see story and ad p33)

Whangaparāoa Lions Social and Membership Evening, Stanmore Bay Hall, Waiora Road, 7.15pm. Food and refreshments supplied. Come and see what Lions do. Info: ph David, 021 033 2354.

Wine Tasting fundraiser for hospice, Gulf Harbour Country Club, 180 Gulf Harbour Drive, opens 6pm. Fun evening blind tasting wines. Auction and raffle. Doors open 6pm. Tickets $65, includes tapas and tasting, from Harbourhospice.org.nz/ our-events. Info: ph 09 421 9180.

Ag Day, Dairy Flat School Agriculture Day Dairy Flat School, 1220 Dairy Flat Highway, 9am-2pm. Farm animals, food stalls, craft stalls, the famous white elephant and auction prizes and raffles. Goes ahead if in Alert Level 1.

24-26 Whangaparāoa Lions Monster Labour Weekend book sale,

Stanmore Bay Hall, Waiora Road, from 9.30am-4pm Saturday and Sunday, and 9.30am-2pm Monday.

Silverdale School Country Show Day, Longmore Lane, Silverdale, 10am-2pm. Stalls, entertainment and more. Goes ahead if in Alert Level 1.

Good as New Pre Loved Grown-Ups Market, Orewa Community Centre, 9am-12 noon. Forty stalls of second hand clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories. Free admission, bargains.

All events/What’s on correct at time of going to print, but in these times anything is subject to change. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, or contact the event organiser, for any postponements or cancellations.

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From left, RS Feva and single-handed O’Pen Skiff classes sailing off Manly Beach. Students in Gulf Harbour Yacht Club’s Youth Sailing Programme were able to put theory into practice, acting as crew for club members. Pictured are Whangaparāoa students Josh Ahn and Emma Smith with boat owner Mike Lanigan.

Coast sailors get excited about wind and water Boats are back out on the water, with social events and racing planned at local sailing clubs and fingers crossed for no more lockdowns. The great thing about boating is that at anything below Covid Level 3 restrictions, sailing and racing can go ahead, with limits on crew numbers and strict protocols for hygiene, social distancing and contact tracing. Unfortunately events such as prizegivings may be impacted by restrictions but for most sailors the pleasure is in being on the water. Manly Sailing got back into it with the Aon coaching clinic held at the club on the weekend of September 5, organised by Yachting NZ. The event took place under Covid-19 Level 2.5 protocols, which commodore

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Barry Thom says, were definitely in place. Some locals didn’t agree, and called Police who educated people at the event around the restrictions and were satisfied that effective processes were in place. The club had its official season opening mid-September and Barry says as a sport “focused on fresh air, wind and water,” they plan to make the best of the season, providing opportunities for sailors and sticking to the protocols for whatever levels are current at the time. Last weekend, there was a Spring Youth Regatta for all youth classes including RS Feva, O’Pen Bics and lasers. The event was also the 29er North Island championships and had around 50 boats entered, mainly from the North Island.

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This month the club hosts the National Youth Trials run by Yachting NZ. Meanwhile, Gulf Harbour Yacht Club members are enthusiastically preparing their boats for a busy summer. New opportunities this season include an invitation for members to join in with three other Auckland clubs, each running races from their home marinas to Gulf Harbour. Sailors enjoy racing against fresh opposition, particularly boats of similar design that ‘you just have to beat’. The competitive Wednesday twilight racing series starts on October 21, with Ladies twilight racing on alternating weeks. The Coastal Classic race from Auckland to Russell, Bay of Islands sets off on October 23 with more adventurous boaties participating in

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a race that always has challenges – usually too much or too little wind. Summer cruising kicks off on Labour Weekend and generally produces a fleet of up to 30 boats racing to a designated location, for a barbecue. Short-handed sailors are catered for with Two Handed races co-organised with Weiti Boating Club – courses are set to meet prevailing weather conditions and usually last all day. Club members are also looking forward to the ‘Club day out’ in November, when as many members as possible climb aboard a boat for a day on the water and picnic lunch. This is eagerly anticipated by those who no longer own a boat and is a way of giving back to many older members who built the Club up into what it is today.

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