Hibiscus Matters_Issue 339_23 January 2023

Is a seawall the solution? p3

Was this the last Ōrewa Big Dig?

Rubber meets road as Penlink work begins

The first sod has been turned, and this month, work began on the O Mahurangi (Penlink) project which has been on the drawing board for the best part of 40 years.

The 7km, two-lane road, which extends from Stanmore Bay on Whangaparāoa Peninsula, across a bridge to be built across the Weiti River, continuing to SH1, will provide an alternative route off the peninsula, easing traffic congestion that has built up with ever increasing development and large numbers of commuters.

It includes a significant new intersection to be built in the vicinity of New World Whangaparāoa, where O Mahurangi joins Whangaparāoa Road.

The sod-turning ceremony at Ara Weiti Road on December 10 marked the official start of construction. However, the actual works began on January 9, including clearing ground, establishing access tracks and site offices, building temporary erosion and sediment controls and early earthworks.

Between January 9 and March, there will be work at a site on Duck Creek Road in

Stillwater, vegetation clearance on East Coast Road and on Ara Weiti Road.

At the Whangaparāoa Peninsula end, tree clearance along the route from the Weiti River up to Whangaparāoa Road is expected to begin in March. A Waka Kotahi spokesperson says more information will be provided closer to the time, but most of this work (the tree clearance on the Whangaparāoa side) will not be visible to the public.

A decision on whether or not the road will be tolled is expected from central government by April.

The massive project is part of the government’s NZ Upgrade $8.7 billion programme – $830 million has been earmarked for O Mahurangi’s delivery.

The build will begin from the SH1 end, then move into Stillwater, the bridge over the Weiti River and the Whangaparāoa Peninsula side last.

Bulk earthworks are not expected to commence until October of this year and completion is estimated to be in December 2026.

Proudly

Summer at Ōrewa Beach has featured Ōrewa Lions’ Big Dig for decades, but the one held on Saturday, January 14, pictured, could be the last, organisers say. The popular event, which sees children dig in the sand for prizes, has become too much work for a small group of volunteers, with only $4000 raised for charity. See story p24.

General manager: Jannette Thompson gm@localmatters.co.nz

Editor: Terry Moore ph 022 019 6569, 427 8187 terry@localmatters.co.nz

Graphic designer: Lorry McCarthy hibiscus@localmatters.co.nz

Online: Richie Lovelock ph 022 544 0249 online@localmatters.co.nz

Advertising: Angela Gallagher ph 022 029 1895 sellit@localmatters.co.nz

Leigh Cameron ph 022 096 8517 sales@localmatters.co.nz

History of Penlink

At the sod turning last month, Cr John Watson outlined key aspects of the history of the project in his capacity as chair of Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee. Here is an excerpt: “This is an auspicious occasion for people on the Hibiscus Coast have waited for the best part of 40 years since such a project was first advanced across the council chamber of the Rodney County Council in 1984. Since that time I doubt if there has been a more politicised transport project in NZ. However, the history of the crossing of what was then called the Wade River, goes back long before this era. In the 1920s it was Mr Percy from Stillwater who, for a small charge, would row Whangaparāoa settlers across the Weiti River when embarking on their 4-5 hike hour down the coast to ‘town’ - which was Browns Bay in those days. If you were lucky, Mr Percy would cook you a steak on the return trip for he was always eager to catch up on all the news from the ‘big smoke’. During World War II, American troops were stationed on Whangaparāoa. At the very end of the peninsula a massive coastal defence facility was being constructed by Downer and the Public Works Department in preparation for a Japanese invasion (including a maze of tunnels and gun emplacements still there today). It was said that if the Americans had stayed another six months they were planning to build a bridge themselves – but they didn’t and it wasn’t. By 1984 a roading report before the Rodney County Council put the cost of providing a bridge and fixing the entire roading network on Whangaparāoa itself at $62m. For the next 40 years there were a lot of plans and talk but not a lot of building (and probably the expenditure of a reasonable chunk of that $62m along the way)! By 2022, a century on since Mr Percy and his dinghy, work has started on the latest version of Penlink. When it is complete, the Hibiscus Coast with Penlink connecting directly to the expanded Northern Motorway and Northern Busway, the associated bus terminal and park and ride, combined with a fully functional ferry service from Gulf Harbour, will provide one of the best connected transport networks in the region.”

Long time Penlink Now campaigner Janet Fitzgerald and her team were at the sod turning on Saturday, December 10. From left, Labour list MP and Penlink supporter Marja Lubeck, with Glenys Ferguson, Janet Fitzgerald and Liz Scott of Penlink Now.

Drive Penlink soon! A mobile information hub for the O Mahurangi (Penlink) project is being designed and includes a driving simulator. Waka Kotahi expect the hub to be launched in the first quarter of this year.

Windblown sand ‘worst ever’ as solutions sought

As sand piled high across the brandnew paving and gardens of the Ōrewa Boulevard extension, following the recent easterly storm, the issue was further highlighted by a ‘Free Sand’ sign, placed on the roadside by Michael Baxter.

Baxter has lived opposite Ōrewa Reserve since 2004 and says sand blowing across onto the road and into residents’ gutters, gardens, windows and roofs has only been a problem since Auckland Council removed the rocks from the beach by the reserve.

He agrees the rocks were an eyesore and hindered access, but says residents are sick of putting up with the sand and silt which blows across from the buffer placed along the reserve. The buffer sand is shifted from the estuary to the reserve edge by Council contractors.

Baxter, who has been pointing out the issue to Council and the local board for years, is in favour of a solid concrete wall along the beach side of the reserve.

He says the windblown sand during this month’s storm was the worst he’s seen.

“Many people think this is just something that occurs when you live by the beach,” Baxter says. “In fact, it’s because Council raises the sand level by 2m. The sand is picked up by the wind and blown across.”

He says the silt from the Estuary, mixed

“On Empire Road it got to 35cm deep, and people on mobility scooters or with prams walked on the road instead,” he says.

An email he received from Council five years ago acknowledged the problem and said a solution such as screen planting and/ or removal of windblown sand from the reserve was needed but Baxter says nothing has been done.

Council’s area operations, parks and community facilities manager, Kris Bird says windblown sand is a natural process and is usually trapped by vegetation.

“The lack of suitable vegetation in Ōrewa Reserve combined with current conditions allows the sand to be blown further inland.

To address this issue, a trial section of native dune grass planting is planned for the upcoming planting season,” Bird says.

Currently, Council has begun the process of finding long-term management solutions for Ōrewa Reserve, which Bird says will minimise the future impacts of windblown sand, amongst other objectives.

“We have carried out consultations with park users to establish which aspects/ amenities are important to them, and we are now in the consultation phase with mana whenua. The next step will be to create a planning document which outlines future management options for the reserve,

Next step in seawall process

Investigative work is expected to start next week prior to the building of the consented seawall at the northern end of Ōrewa Beach, between Kohu Street and Marine View. The wall is not due for completion until October, 2025. The first stage of investigation work, which will assist with detailed design, is due to begin in the week commencing January 31. Final construction dates are subject to Council’s annual budget decisions, however the current programme for the project is: • February 2023– ground investigations • February 2023 – March 2024, detailed design and tendering • April – October, 2024 –construction of Stage 1 • April – October 2025 – construction of Stage 2 Construction is planned over two consecutive winter seasons to avoid the busy summer period.

Locals brace as 2023 budget proposals move forward

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s proposals for an austerity budget could have far reaching impacts on local communities, and already the local board and community groups are worried.

At the governing body’s December 15 meeting, Mayor Brown’s budget proposals were considered and moved to the next stage, which will involve public consultation. The focus for the Mayor was finding ways to meet Auckland Council’s budget shortfall of $295m while keeping rates as low as possible.

The proposal includes a 5 percent cut to local board operational budgets. The Mayor has suggested that local boards could reduce spending on projects, programmes and services, postpone spending on assets and find administrative efficiencies.

A $20 million cost reduction across regional services is also proposed, as well as scrapping the regional contestable grants

that are funded through general rates.

The closing of Council’s Kauri Kids childhood education services, including the one at Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre, is also on the table and caused an outcry when the budget was first released last month.

Services that may be affected by cuts to regional spending include arts, education and community programmes, regional events and economic development.

Potentially, levels of service such as mowing and garden maintenance could reduce. Cuts to the Natural Environment and Water Quality targeted rates (by two-thirds) could impact local environmental initiatives.

Hibiscus & Bays Local Board deputy chair Julia Parfitt says while details are still unclear, the effects of all this could be felt widely across the community including libraries, leisure centres and parks, as well as community groups such as the HBC Youth Centre and Estuary Arts Centre.

This newspaper has been contacted by community organisations concerned after receiving an email from council about what might be coming.

“ We understand that the proposed changes can be unsettling and want to support our partners through this as much as we can,” the email said.

“People are right to be worried,” Parfitt says. She says the 5 percent cut to local board funding would equate to a reduction of around 50 percent in the money it has to spend on local projects (which it calls locally driven initiatives).

The board has requested more information, including financials for the local Kauri Kids. Parfitt says obtaining this kind of detail, which the local board is not normally provided with, is one bonus of the budget proposals.

“For example, we don’t know how profitable

or otherwise Kauri Kids and the Leisure Centre is locally but now we can look at that information, and use it when giving feedback on the budget,” Parfitt says. She says cutting regional grant funding would put huge pressure on local grants, which are already over-subscribed.

Local board members will discuss the proposals further at a workshop on January 31.

The proposed budget is for the 2023/24 financial year, so any changes would start from July 2023, and do not affect contracted activity for this financial year (finishing June 2023).

The annual plan goes back to the governing body next month and will be open for public consultation from late February for around a month. After consultation is considered, a final plan will be presented to Council for voting on.

EAT WELL, EAT WELL, FEEL WELL, LOOK WELL FEEL WELL, LOOK WELL

Homes opposite Ōrewa Reserve, along with new gardens and paving on the recently completed Ōrewa Boulevard extension, were covered with sand and silt by this month’s easterly winds. A sign outlining the problem was placed by the road.

Residential development hits headwinds

The property at 20 Melia Place and 43A Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa, where 59 dwellings were to be built by Melia Development, is up for sale.

The 1.826ha Melia Place and Vipond Road site, formerly owned by the adjacent Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, was put on the market just before Christmas.

Last year, Melia Development (sole director Yuntao Cai of Auckland) had its proposal for the residential development fast tracked through the government’s Covid-19 recovery consenting process, obtaining consent last June.

Initial work to prepare the site was done before the land was put on the market, on December 21.

Last year Precise Homes (also with sole director Yuntao Cai) was selling the homes

off the plans, with several already sold.

The land is currently being marketed as “an unprecedented opportunity for large-scale development” and Ray White real estate agent Lei Li says she has had enquiries.

The real estate promotion notes that the site “must sell” and that “the vendor will consider all offers”. Tenders are due in by February 8, unless sold prior.

This is the second time in recent months that a local residential development has been put on the market before any building began. Last month, a consented development consisting of 29 townhouses at 33 Red Beach Road was put up for sale with developer Red Beach 1 citing the current difficulties of the market as the cause (HM December 12, 2022)

Hibiscus Matters was unable to contact Melia Development for comment.

Future remains uncertain for Vipond Road dairy

The kindness that Bayview Dairy owners Daniel and Maria Lee have shown their customers over many years is being repaid by the community, following the fire which completely destroyed the dairy overnight on January 4.

That support began on the night of the fire, with several nearby residents calling Fire and Emergency once the alarms in the Vipond Road store went off. Neighbours comforted the pair as the blaze took over the shop, provided a place for the Lees to stay that night, and later organised temporary accommodation in the area where the couple can stay while the fire damage to their adjacent home is repaired.

“The whole community has taken them under their wing,” neighbour Lyn Peters

says. “They are a lovely couple, always happy to help others, and we are right behind them.”

The Lees have owned and operated the dairy for 26 years. After hearing the alarm, they initially tried to put out the fire themselves using a fire extinguisher and hose. They ask for privacy as they recover from their devastating loss.

The red glow from the intense fire could be seen from miles around and nearby residents were on high alert as embers blew across Vipond Road, singeing trees. Neighbours say it was thanks to firefighters that the Lees’ home was not also destroyed.

Silverdale volunteer station officer Ian Adolph was in charge at the scene. He says when firefighters arrived, which included

volunteer crews from Silverdale and Manly, backed up by crews from East Coast Bays, Albany and Birkenhead, the building was already engulfed in fire. Strong, gusty north-east winds made firefighting difficult. Two low pressure hose lines and a monitor (unmanned high pressure water) were used to extinguish the fire.

One of the main objectives was protecting the neighbouring property, especially as high winds were pushing the fire in that direction.

All the nearby residents spoken to by Hibiscus Matters are hopeful that the dairy can eventually be rebuilt. The Lees, who are in their 60s, own the property and it has been their livelihood ever since they moved here from Korea.

A dairy has been on that site for more than 70 years and neighbours say it is valued and popular with residents who would otherwise have further to go for their grocery essentials.

Neighbour Krys Keogh says at the moment, getting the Lees back into their home is the number one priority.

“But we are all looking forward to them opening the shop doors once again,” she says.

An investigation into the fire is still underway, however Fire and Emergency say it was not suspicious. At this stage, fire investigators believe that the power pole beside the shop, which was damaged due to the fire (exposure damage), and has since been replaced, was not the cause of the fire.

The developer of this site, by the Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, has been put up for sale with “all offers considered”.

Councillor wayne.walker@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

New Year brings big ticket items

The New Year will be a busy one for Council –an upcoming budget full of challenges, the pressure of government imposed housing intensification and Three Water Reforms are just three of the big items.

The local body elections seem like a while ago and thanks again for your support. Appreciation too for the many Coasties who contribute to our community –supporting the organisations, shops and neighbourhoods that help keep us safe, caring and supported. I was one of a number of locals at a pre-Christmas party for our street that reflect this neighbourliness. And the concerns expressed across any number of local and regional issues are because people care. The decisions we all make go a long way to finding solutions and solving problems.

The New Year brings some good news to celebrate. The percentage of new vehicle sales for fully electric is now close to 20 percent. With more than 80 percent of NZ’s electricity from renewables this represents a good fit. The Clean Car Discount and dropping prices for some models like Tesla, together with significantly less running cost than gas cars are driving this change. On the Coast we need more local fast charging facilities – and quickly to cope with the rapid increase in local EV cars. E-bikes are also taking off – and with them the need for more and better convenient and safe parking bays for bikes. Around the Coast, these are hard to find.

Thankfully we have not had many of the

ram-raid and youth driven burglaries some parts of Auckland have experienced. But a pro-active approach that facilitates bollards and barriers where needed, bolsters neighbourly support and support for youth programmes and police presence is vital. We can all support these initiatives.

July sees the start of the Women’s Football World Cup that will be the biggest international audience NZ has ever had – with significant opportunities for Auckland, and the Coast –offering across tourist experiences, retail and accommodation. Council, Local Boards and business groups have a part to play in making the most of this. I know many local businesses are still struggling to find staff to cope now. We need more and faster working visas urgently. In this term of Council we will see regular meetings with government to make them aware of outstanding Auckland issues and push for assistance. This goes to housing intensification, Three Waters, financial assistance – especially over an upcoming City Rail Link cost escalation – and addressing business and employment concerns. Under the previous mayoralty these meetings did not happen. Also we are seeing much more oversight of the Council Controlled Organisations.

In what will be a challenging year I look forward to working with local people and groups on the Coast and elsewhere to find solutions, make for a more cost-effective and accountable Council and act in the best interests of Aucklanders.

Motorway opening still months away

The latest opening date for the new motorway between Puhoi and Warkworth is the second quarter of this year. Waka Kotahi has issued a statement refuting claims that it is “holding up” the road opening. Acting chief executive Brett Gliddon says Waka Kotahi wants to see the new section of motorway open as soon as possible. “Under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract for this project, the timing of the road opening is decided by the Northern Express Group (NX2), the private consortium which is responsible for the finance, design, construction, management and maintenance of the motorway,” Gliddon says. “The road can only open after all of the contractually agreed safety and quality assurance requirements have been met. Building a road that meets these tests is the responsibility of NX2 and its subcontractor, Fletcher/Acciona Joint Venture. “The road is not open yet for the simple reason that the physical works have not been completed by the contractor, and the required independent quality assurance and safety tests have not been carried out.” Te Honohono ki Tai – the Matakana link road – will open in tandem with the new motorway.

Wayne Walker, Albany Ward

Minister quizzed

May I, through your newspaper, ask whether our MP Mark Mitchell might ask a question in Parliament of the Minister of Transport, Michael Wood, on whether the schedule for constructing Penlink is still on track given ominous commentary over Waka Kotahi funding cutbacks? The issue is particularly important because Penlink has already been delayed many times, and along with ongoing cost increases, Waka Kotahi’s credibility is suffering. For the Coast, Penlink has reached the very highest priority. The daily clog from SH1 at Silverdale to the Whangaparāoa turnoff is already often backed down SH1 as far as Albany. Penlink would ease that

congestion, but not it seems, for at least another three years. So how about it Mr Mitchell? If that’s doable, can we find out as well where Waka Kotahi is up to with tolling the road? And it should be four lanes, not two lanes. And if the bridge over the Weiti River is too expensive at four lanes, can they not make it three lanes and use the quaintly named “flush median” system for peak times?

Gilbert Peterson, Manly (abridged)

Editor’s note: Both Mark Mitchell’s office, Labour list MP Marja Lubeck’s office and Hibiscus Matters asked these questions of Minister Michael Wood and received a response. Key to the response was that a decision on the tolling of Penlink is

expected in the next month or so, and that the project is all running to schedule. The full response has been sent to the letter writer.

Weedy welcome

Welcome to Ōrewa, this is the sign when you come off the motorway heading north into Ōrewa. How disappointing that the first thing you see is a roundabout high in weeds, not beautiful hibiscus, but wait, the second roundabout is the same! Come on, surely we could look as good as the turn off to Whangaparāoa with its lovely garden?

Barbara Martin, Ōrewa

A Waka Kotahi spokesperson says it looks like this roundabout will be

off

handed over to Auckland Council at the end of this month. In the meantime, the feedback will be logged into the system.

Erosion action

I was interested to see the story about the proactive locals who placed poles by that spot near Weiti Boat Club to stop people parking there (HM December 12). It probably worked to prevent the antisocial behaviour, as well as land sliding into the river. Some may wish that Manly locals had done something similar rather than wait for Council to eventually take action.

The “solution” to the erosion by Manly Beach certainly leaves much to be desired.

Sam Lee, Manly

12 days of prizes

Huge congratulations to everyone who won prizes in the Hibiscus Matters online 12 Days of Christmas promotion last month. We had a great selection of prizes thanks to our generous local sponsors and many happy winners. What a great way to finish 2022! Thanks to: Kings Plant Barn, BFT Whangaparāoa, Caci Clinic, Dazzle Family Dentist, New World Ōrewa, Gatmans, Joe’s Garage, Auckland Adventure Park, Unichem Weiti Pharmacy, Pet Naturals, Someplace Else Repco, Ōrewa Car Services and Sam’s Butchery.

We liked this understatement from a local Countdown supermarket recently regarding their egg supplies. All grocery stores are struggling to put enough eggs on the shelves after a ban on battery caged hens, announced back in 2012, came into effect last month.

A great idea for dog owners sprang up near Manly Beach recently.

Community vigilance sees sight screen returned

sharp-eyed local was responsible for the safe return of the sight screen that was stolen from Victor Eaves Park in Ōrewa early this month.

The club had borrowed the screen from the North Shore Cricket Club and the theft left members facing a bill of around $10,000 to replace it.

Sight screens create contrast between the ball and screen to help the batter see the bowler release the ball, and track the ball in order to select an appropriate shot.

It is a vital piece of kit for any game, especially at the premier level the club is competing in.

Club manager Gair McSkimming says players were angry and upset about the removal of the screen, which they noticed was missing on January 9, with only the base remaining. He says screens have not been a target of theft before, at any Auckland clubs.

The missing part consisted of large galvanised steel poles, forming a rectangular frame – and Hibiscus Matters put a post on Facebook asking if anyone had seen the poles.

Kensington Park resident Marion Ellis says when she read the post, she immediately made the connection with something she had seen recently in the park.

She was walking her dog in Victor Eaves Park when she saw a steel tube lying in an area of bush and tall grass.

“I thought I’d shift it, but it was way too big and heavy,” she says. “After that I didn’t give it any thought until I saw the information about the cricket club’s screen.

Marion contacted Gair , and described

what she had seen and, following her directions, he recovered all four poles, which had been carefully concealed in the bush.

They are big poles, which Gair says would have taken four people to move.

“Marion’s help restored my faith in the community,” he says. “It shows what can be done about crime when the community is vigilant and helps each other out.”

I am a sports person myself and I’m so thrilled for them and glad I could help,” Marion says.

The club’s sight screen

Hibiscus Coast gets regular repair café

Repair cafés, with the mantra of ‘Don’t Toss It – Fix It’, provide an opportunity for people to have treasured and useful things repaired at no cost by skilled volunteers, so that the items can continue their useful life.

Among the benefits are that it helps people use the resources they already have for longer and reduces waste going to landfill.

The repair café held in Whangaparāoa five years ago, organised by Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste and Whangaparāoa Community Hub, was attended by almost 60 people who brought along small broken electrical

appliances, toys and bikes for repair.

Starting on February 4, repair cafés will have a regular presence on the Coast, thanks to an Auckland not-for-profit organisation Doughnut Economics Advocates NZ (DOANZ), supported by Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste and the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board.

This will be DOANZ’s sixth Auckland repair café.

A group of skilled local volunteer repairers are being assembled, following a meeting last month and another to be held on January 28 in Whangaparāoa.

DOANZ administration and business development officer, Kennedy Brown, says the type of things people will be able to bring for repair are clothes or fabric items that need altering or repair, bikes and broken toys.

He hopes more repairers will come forward at the meeting this weekend – in particular they are looking for a registered electrician, someone with experience diagnosing or repairing electronic equipment such as laptops, and people to take care of administrative tasks for the repair café.

The difference from the British TV programme The Repair Shop, Kennedy says, is the timeframe for the work – repair

cafés have a same-day turn around, and not everything can be fixed.

Although volunteers come and go, Kennedy says the repair cafés work when a core of the same people come back each time.

The DOANZ website points out that it’s a process that makes everyone feel good –customers get things fixed free of charge, and repairers get lots of thanks for their skills.

Kennedy says once the repair cafés are set up and going smoothly they are fairly selfsustaining – the community able to run them with DOANZ’s support.

How to get involved

• The next meeting for would-be repair volunteers is on Saturday, January 28 at Whangaparāoa Library, 11am-12 noon. • The first Ōrewa Repair Café is on Saturday, February 4 at Ōrewa Community Hall, 11am-2pm. They will be held on the first Saturday of the month at the same venue from then on.

Marja Lubeck leaves

Labour List MP Marja Lubeck has decided not to stand for election this year. She lives in Rodney (Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate) and got into Parliament on Labour’s list, at both the 2017 and 2020 elections. Her responsibilities include the Whangaparāoa electorate, where she has been a passionate advocate for the building of O Mahurangi (Penlink).Marja says it was not an easy decision. “While I love my job as an MP the time away from home at Parliament and travelling throughout our region has been hard to balance with the needs of my family. My family have been very supportive of me for a long time, and I need to give them my all.” Lubeck says she is looking forward to “continuing the mahi over the next year as part of the awesome Labour team”.

Set on the sparkling Hibiscus Coast, Gulf Rise has everything you’ll need to retire. Book your appointment to view our stunning new show apartments and facilities building with all it has to offer. Come explore for yourself! From $690,000^. Call Adelina on 0800 005 877

For the life you want to live Call Adelina on 0800 005 877 adelinad@metlifecare.co.nz

Symes Drive, Red Beach | gulfrise.co.nz

NEW FACILITIES NOW OPEN

Wellness Centre with pool, gym and salon Library, lounge, activities and billiard rooms

Café, bar and covered outdoor terrace

COMING IN 2023 – Care home

The Hibiscus Coast’s last repair café, five years ago, was very popular.

The lessons of 2022

For the past 30 years I have regularly run along Stanmore Bay beach to start my day, though recently that run has decreased in frequency and slowed considerably. While this early morning exercise is good for the body, I have often doubted its claimed positive effect on the mind. I find myself invariably conflicted between enjoyment of our wonderful landscapes, and wondering why the sand has gone again, whether that dog has positive intentions, or whether I will get home in the dry. Maybe this is the price of age and the way that the past can drive our current behaviour. Or maybe it’s just me.

In business, the advice is often to “learn to forget,” or “what has got you here won’t get you where you want to be.” But I totally reject the notion that the past should not affect our future direction and strategy. The insights we gained from the past year must be heeded in 2023 – whether they are linked to queuing for coffee in Ōrewa at the start of the year, or those same businesses struggling for staff, supplies and a way around cost increases.

In my work with businesses on the Coast over the past year, one word best summarises what 2022 was all about – the importance of resilience.

However, insights are worthless if they don’t result in different actions. So what actions do we need to take in our businesses to ensure the lessons of 2022 are heeded? Firstly, we need to lead with grit. The grit to go the extra mile, do the extra work, visit that extra prospect, have those difficult conversations. This is hard, but 2023 will demand it.

Secondly, we need make sure our business fundamentals are in place, that our foundations are sound and strong. From an efficient structure to the right people doing the right things, every part is important.

And, lastly, we need to continue to focus on strategy and the execution of it. There is a view that strategic planning is worthless in the face of uncertainty and change. I totally reject that view, as an effective use of strategy can ensure you explore possible scenarios, give some answers to possible future challenges, and provide you with a head start. It takes time and deep thought. Not many business owners do it. Those with grit and resilience, do.

So, the next time I amble on rocks rather than sand on Stanmore Bay Beach, maybe my thoughts should focus more on changing my footwear to better suit the changing environment.

Phil Pickford, founder of The Think Differently Group, has lived in Stanmore Bay for 30 years –“makes me almost a real Coastie”, he says. He has served on the board of trustees at Red Beach School and Ōrewa College as well as leading Coast Swim Club through its early years. His experience in managing and leading successful businesses includes working with local businesses for 17 years. His specialty areas are strategy, leadership and management development, coaching and advice – helping businesses grow “while their owners and leaders can still smell the flowers”.

Phil Pickford, phil.pickford@thinkdifferently.kiwi.nz

Watchful eyes help raise rare dotterel chicks

The team of volunteers looking after the rare nesting dotterels on Manly Beach have had a busy time over summer, supported by Auckland Council, Jenny Hanwell of Hibiscus Coast Forest & Bird, and a number of others with specific dotterel expertise.

The pair at the eastern end of the beach hatched two chicks, which successfully fledged, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the support of the public and fencing that provided a clearly marked refuge.

The birds were banded as part of a national programme to identify individuals and their movements, which will help uncover more about dotterels and their habits. The chicks were marked ESA and ESB and the male parent was banded ESC – the female parent was flagged EDS last year. ESB appears to have left the area, while ESA remains with its parents and may do so for some time yet – if it does leave, it is likely to be at about 10-12 weeks old.

The flags can be seen with binoculars or high zoom camera lenses. If people see birds with flags on, anywhere they go, they can report them to Birds New Zealand.

The fence came down last week, once both chicks fledged.

Dotterels typically form post-breeding flocks from late January, generally peaking around March. However experienced dotterel minder Gwen Pulham, who has been advising the Manly volunteers, says that with good quality breeding sites becoming less available (due to building, competition from other species and humans) some birds are staying at their breeding sites all year round to defend them. Both of the Manly pairs have done this in the past year.

Over the summer, several other dotterels visited the beach, with up to 10 birds being seen at a time.

Hanwell says the volunteers’ dedication has

been amazing. There are now 174 members of the Big Manly Dotterels facebook group. She says the vast majority of local residents have been incredibly supportive, with most people keeping well clear and showing great interest in the birds and the dotterel minders’ work.

However, she says it’s unfortunate that some don’t appear to care.

“Volunteers have witnessed some close calls with loose dogs chasing the birds, and it’s a shame that there is insufficient resourcing for Council to properly manage the dog control bylaws at this beach – regardless of the dotterels,” she says.

West end pair not successful

Two of the three chicks hatched by the dotterel pair at the other end of Manly Beach died soon after hatching. The third chick initially seemed ok, but failed to develop and died in December.

Dotterel haven in Manly

Jenny Hanwell of Forest & Bird says busy Manly Beach has become home for dotterels, with risks and challenges, as people and rare wildlife share space. There is a chance to create a special haven for this rare species. What is needed? • Education – the community have been fascinated by the story of “their” dotterels. The volunteers walking the beach daily have done a great job of spreading the word in person and online – as well as the fantastic support these birds have received from Hibiscus Matters and other media. The volunteers have learned so much as well and have been so good at sharing that knowledge. • Greater enforcement of dog walking bylaws. Dotterels have vulnerable chicks over the summer and the restricted dog walking times give them quiet time to feed during the day. Hanwell says the group saw just one visit by an enforcement officer, and were told that this is an underresourced part of council services. “Many people simply don’t know the rules, and a reminder by a volunteer is enough. However others ignore the signs, and without enforcement this will continue to be the case,” she says. • Ongoing support from local volunteers – join the Big Manly Dotterels facebook group and find out how to play a part – there’s a role for everyone and it’s a very welcoming group. • Some volunteers would like to see parts of Big Manly Beach formally designated as shorebird protection areas, however this is a complicated process. • Overall what it will take to see this successful breeding take place again is ongoing support from the community and a willingness to share the beach with the endemic wildlife that would have inhabited the place in larger numbers before people were here. “The species is recovering thanks to conservation efforts and the work of communities like this one, but this means they will spread out further – and what a wonderful thing that is.”

Designed by leading architectural firm Shanahan Architects and nestled in the established resort-like community of Kensington Park Orewa, The Gardens Apartments are nearing completion in time for you to enjoy the late summer sunshine on the golden sands of Orewa beach. Pre-sales have been strong however premium options are still available in one, two and three-bedroom configurations, with views over the lake or garden reserve.

Regardless of your age, stage in life, and lifestyle there are freehold, luxury options available to suit every discerning buyer. Secure entry is through the elegant lobby spaces, basement garaging with elevator access provides single-level-living to the private, elevated homes.

The premium specification offers light interiors and open plan layouts with generous bedrooms and storage spaces, luxury appointed kitchens, elegant dining areas and inviting living spaces that extend onto spacious and covered balconies. Meticulously planned kitchens are complimented by Miele appliances, Grohe tapware, and premium materials such as quartz benchtops, timber flooring and oak veneer cabinetry. Contemporary bathrooms are finished with floor-to-ceiling porcelain tiles, mirrored cabinets, under tile heating, composite StoneCast basins, and walk-in showers.

Visit our vibrant development today to view The Gardens Apartment showhome apartment, tour the manicured gardens and amenities and enjoy brunch at our on-site garden café.

Pricing From: Single bedroom from $1,003,750 Two bedrooms from $1,567,500 Three bedrooms from $1,732,500

Contact us today on 0800 725 775 or sales@kensingtonpark.co.nz to speak to one of our Kensington Park Sales Specialists: Jaimee, Paul or Nadine. Sales Suite - 1 Parkside Drive, Orewa | Open 7 Days: 10am - 4pm

The official Dotterel Minders have also been taking photos – providing an almost daily record of the dotterels’ activities and development. Photo, Neil Davies.

At first sight, the number of wētāpunga (giant wētā) detected at Shakespear Open Sanctuary four months after around 220 individual insects were released there is alarming.

Just 79 were detected in the bamboo tubes the wētāpunga were released into in October, and just 20 in November and December.

However, open sanctuaries senior ranger Matt Maitland is quick to explain why this is.

Large as they are – the largest insect in NZ – wētāpunga in the wild are tricky to find. While the bamboo tubes provided an initial refuge and potential home, many of the wētāpunga will most likely have moved out to find cover elsewhere in the bush.

Matt says while some have no doubt fallen prey to birds, the main reason for the small

Where’s wētā – in search of sanctuary’s newest population

numbers detected in the tubes is that the wētāpunga have found new homes. A further complication to an accurate assessment of numbers is that during the day wētāpunga usually hide, moving around at night in trees or on the ground to find food.

“We will have to wait now until volunteers do spotlight surveys in the bush,” Matt says. “Footprint tracking tunnels are also helpful. But it’s really a wait and see game, looking for them in the forest. They are extremely challenging to find, and could be anywhere. At this stage we have more bamboo tube users than other releases to Gulf Islands”

Wētāpunga, bred at Butterfly Creek, were released in the open sanctuary to further protect the wild population and increase the resilience of this threatened species.

Alexander Scrap Metals is a long established, N.Z owned, family business located in Silverdale. We service the greater Rodney area, but also Auckland city and surrounds.

Alexander Scrap Metals is a long established, N.Z owned, family business located in Silverdale. We service the greater Rodney area, but also Auckland city and surrounds.

We service all industries, but also specialise in commercial, farm clean ups, factory cleanouts, deceased estates or one-off household jobs.

We service all industries, but also specialise in commercial, farm clean ups, factory cleanouts, deceased estates or one-off household jobs.

ABOUT US CASH FOR SCRAP

We’ll pay you for copper, brass, lead, cable, batteries, steel, cars, machinery, aluminium, electric motors, stainless steel, roofing iron etc. “Free drop off” for whiteware etc.

We’ll pay you for copper, brass, lead, cable, batteries, steel, cars, machinery, aluminium, electric motors, stainless steel, roofing iron etc. “Free drop off” for whiteware etc.

More than 200 wētāpunga (giant wētā) were released into bamboo tubes at Shakespear Open Sanctuary four months ago. But where are they now?

Turn New Year goals into long term habits

in colouring in the boxes to signify the completion of tasks). Google ‘Habit tracker template’ and print out one to use. Fill it with daily habits you want to achieve.

“People thrive on having structure and goals to attain. They love the idea of achieving something, because it feels good, and is bettering them as an individual in some way. I think it’s fair to say that we’ve all been guilty at some point of making goals that seem extreme or unattainable, with an underlying idea that what was completed through the previous year wasn’t enough, or coming up with countless ‘excuses’ and reasons as to why these goals weren’t achieved. I know I have. Once the New Year rolls around, it doesn’t mean to say your previous goals or habits just diminish. Instead, re-evaluate them, see what you can do to alter them, what was stopping you from achieving those goals last year, and is there anything you

want to add? New Year’s resolutions (goals) should be measurable, my tips are:

• Self-reflection – this is a tool I love. Go through last year’s goals and see what areas you thrived in and what areas didn’t go according to plan. This can make planning for the New Year feel less overwhelming and easier to tackle.

• I like to categorise goals into: mind, fitness, health, career, relationships, travel and ‘other’. When done, group them into daily, weekly, monthly and yearly targets to help keep you invested. If you’re like me, seeing yourself achieve daily goals is the best kind of motivation!

• Make a habit checklist (there is magic

• My favourite – send yourself an automated email monthly that reminds you to check in with your goals. Are there areas you can improve on? Have you been lacking in completing daily tasks? Or are you on track and proud of the things you’re ticking off so far? Food for thought. Eventually goals,

or resolutions become an automatic system that doesn’t take much thought. Forming habits is what creates routine, and routine creates our day-to-day lives. So implement things that challenge you, allow you to grow, deepen your knowledge, and fill your cup with richness and zest, because we only have one shot at it. Make it count.

• Remember to be kind to yourself, set realistic goals, and enjoy the process of becoming the best version of yourself. Start now.

Health improving seminars at Stanmore

If better health is on your list of New Year resolutions, a series of upcoming Green Prescription seminars, which will be held in Stanmore Bay, could be just what you’re looking for. This year, Green Prescription will run its free healthy lifestyle seminars at Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre. They are open to the public and the first one will be held on February 21. The topic for the first seminar is Healthy Ageing, with a focus on how to give yourself the best chance of staying fit and healthy, as you age. A seminar will be held every six weeks and topics that will be covered include weight loss, rehabilitation after injuries, managing health conditions with exercise and how to use gym equipment correctly. Seminars, which are presented by professionals in each field alongside the Green Prescription team, aim to provide you with the information and tools to make changes and improve your health. Info: www.facebook.com/activeforlife.waitemata To sign up for the first seminar, email kierans@harboursport.co.nz or phone 09 415 4657.

Skinsmiths NEW collection now available at Caci. Visit in clinic for personalised skincare advice and a free consultation. Caci Silverdale, 2 Milner Ave | 09 212 6900 | caci.co.nz

We know there’s nothing like facing the day with a healthy, beautiful complexion.

Personal trainer and Les Mills instructor Claudie Fowlie started in the fitness industry, 4-5 years ago, at 17 years old. She works at Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre and Les Mills Takapuna as an instructor for several Les Mills programmes, including Body Pump, Body Combat, Sprint and Grit, and she is also a Strength Development instructor. At this time of year, there are many new people coming to the gym in hope of achieving fitness and health goals. Here are Claudia’s tips to help those New Year resolutions stick:

Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre fitness instructor Claudia Fowlie

Sheryl Takayama, Nutritionist sheryl@whyweightacademy.com

Fast fix? The pros and cons

If you have been looking at different ways to improve your health this year, chances are you’ve come across the concept of intermittent fasting. This popular strategy involves alternating periods of eating with periods of fasting. Examples include the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and then eat between an 8-hour window, or the 5:2 diet, where you eat normally for five days and then substantially restrict calories for two days. In my practice I encourage clients to try new strategies and intermittent fasting has been a popular choice. Last week I saw a client who started on my basic fasting plan in early December. Not only has she lost weight over the festive season, but she is also sleeping better and loves the structure that fasting provides. However, like all strategies, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are some pros and cons to consider before you dive into a strict fasting regime:

PROS: Weight loss: Fasting is an effective way to reduce calories without needing to overthink what you are eating. When you are in a fasted state, your body burns stored fat for energy instead of calories consumed through food. Blood sugar balancing: I’ve seen many clients improve their blood sugar levels by following the powerful combination of intermittent fasting along with lower carbohydrate eating. This is especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes. Improved digestion: An extended time in a fasted state gives your body a break from the complex process of digestion. My clients have reported reduced bloating, better bowel regularity and overall better gut health when they start fasting.

Easy to stick to: An intermittent fasting plan provides a clear structure, so you know exactly what to do. It doesn’t involve counting calories and you may be able to get results without restricting certain foods.

CONS: Can result in overeating: Fasting can cause intense feelings of hunger, especially in the beginning. This may make it difficult to regulate food intake. I’ve had a few clients who found they were simply too hungry and would always end up overeating and having stomach issues after finishing a fast. Low energy: This can be challenging, especially in the beginning when your body is adjusting to the changes. It can be difficult to exercise or be productive at work. Negative physical symptoms: My clients have experienced headaches, feeling light-headed and ongoing constipation when they try intermittent fasting. While some people adjust quickly, for others, it is a grueling process. Can trigger disordered eating: This can be the case, particularly if someone has a history of disordered eating or an eating disorder. Strict adherence to a timed schedule of eating is also taking away the ability to follow hunger cues, which may lead to extra stress on the body.

Like all strategies, fasting will suit some people more than others. If you are curious, you can always dip your toes in and see how it works for you. Try it for a few days, take note of your hunger levels and other changes within your body. If you feel too hungry or decide it simply doesn’t suit you, you can always eat something and go back to the drawing board.

Sheryl Takayama ~ Qualified Nutritionist, based in Orewa with 11 years experience

Veteran’s 100-year milestone

Ernest Davenport’s 100th birthday on January 4 included a special morning tea with family. A further celebration to mark the occasion is to be held soon, when family members arrive from Australia.

After living in Whangaparāoa for many years, Ernest recently moved to a retirement village in Albany.

His service with the RAF in World War II was the subject of one of Manly film maker David Blyth’s Memories of Service series in 2015 (link below). It included being shot down over Germany and time as a prisoner of war.

His daughter, Sue, says when they asked him about the key to his longevity he responded that it was, ‘not eating lettuce’. “It’s no secret that lettuce repeats on him. He has a wry sense of humour so I am not sure if he was serious when he claimed that avoiding lettuce was the secret to his longevity,” Sue says.

She says another key to his long life is that he has kept physically and mentally active.

“Dad has been involved in electronics from early radar in his wartime service through to his career in electrical and electronic engineering. Until recently he was building robots that could navigate by themselves and pick things up,” she says.

He was also a member of the Hibiscus Coast Genealogy group.

Ernest has five children, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He received acknowledgment of his 100 years from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and will get his letter from the King shortly.

“He recognises that reaching 100 is a significant milestone, as he joked that it’s not like it happens twice,” Sue says.

Info on Ernest’s war service is at www. nzonscreen.com/title/memories-service-ernestdavenport-2015

Singer performs swansong

At the age of 83, Jocelyn Stubbing retired from entertaining residents of Evelyn Page village with a final performance on December 15.

She has been singing and playing her keyboard at the village since it opened, 12 years ago. After the performance she said a fond farewell to people around the village.

“I just loved the old people, and now I’m one of them myself,” she says.

Jocelyn’s singing career included backing vocals for performers such as Tommy Adderley, Lew Pryme and the Dallas Four. She appeared on 1960s TV pop show Happen Inn. She says singing old songs that residents know can trigger memories for her audience.

“Once I was playing Christmas carols in the Evelyn Page hospital, and finished with Silent Night,” Jocelyn says. “There was a dear old soul who was brought out to listen on a roll out bed. She never moved or spoke. When I finished Silent Night, all of a sudden she sang the chorus right through in a pure, perfect pitch voice. We all cried. You get that with music.”

Jocelyn says in retirement she will continue to play music for fun, and also be doing some gardening.

Ernest Davenport while serving in the airforce, right and, earlier this month, on his 100th birthday.

Jocelyn at her final performance at Evelyn Page Retirement Village.

Special Olympians special time

Local club Hibiscus Rodney Special Olympics sent a team of 15 athletes and around seven support staff and coaches to the Special Olympics National Summer Games, held in Hamilton, December 8-12.

Club chair Benjamin Tan, whose daughter Laetitia is one of the athletes, says the Games were especially good as Covid had prevented so many Special Olympics meets as well as postponing the Games by a year. “It’s always a great vibe, and everyone caught up again after missing out for so long,” he says. “The sense of achievement is also huge.”

The icing on the cake was that the team returned with 20 medals – one for 10 Pin bowling, three for equestrian and 16 for

Driving

the swimmers.

“Hopefully we get back to regular meets this year, starting with a swimming one at Northern Arena which our club plans to host in March,” Tan says.

Tan says the club could not have competed without the support of Freemasons NZ, Lions Club, Auckland Council and a private donor.

The next National Summer Games are in Christchurch in 2025.

New members (minimum age eight years) are welcome – training resumes this month.

More info: email: hibiscuscoastrodney@ specialolympics.org.nz, phone 021 335 816 or look for Special Olympics Hibiscus Coast on Facebook.

Gardening

Dee Pigneguy mikedee@outlook.co.nz

Preserving the harvest

Continual rain, overcast skies and high humidity certainly changed things in the summer garden.

Overwatering is a major cause of disease, while the wet and humid conditions meant the usual hoard of white butterflies didn’t materialise, allowing every variety of cabbage to flourish.

We couldn’t keep up with the coleslaw, and also tried various unusual cabbage dishes. Luckily, a little book called Making Sauerkraut came into my hands reacquainting me with the time-honoured technique of lactic acid fermentation – sauerkraut translates as ‘sour cabbage’.

Little did I realise the role that lactic acid fermentation has played in history. As early as 200BC Chinese cooks were pickling cabbage in wine. The first written instructions for fermentation are found in the writing of Pliny the Roman scholar in 50AD. Genghis Khan (1167-1227) carried cabbage fermented with salt and Captain Cook sailed with barrels of sauerkraut during his three-year voyage.

Latic acid bacteria, which were first isolated in sour milk, break down food, both making it digestible and preserving it.

Lactic acid fermentation allowed me to use all those cabbages – six 2kg green cabbages and four large red cabbages – all organically grown.

With so much cabbage to turn into sauerkraut we purchased a 7-litre crock which came with two small semi-circular “weight stones”

designed to rest on top of the cabbage inside the crock. We could have used ordinary glass jars, but it was easier to use a crock.

Lactic acid fermentation consists of creating three conditions, otherwise the food will spoil rather than fermenting. You need a certain ratio of salt, an oxygen free environment and pressure on the food being fermented.

Crocks with their weight-stones and a lid with a water gutter make this easy to achieve, keeping the carbon dioxide inside and preventing any yeast formation.

All biological processes take time, and we left the crock for 14 days before checking to see if the cabbage had developed a pleasing aroma and a slightly sour taste. Once opened, we transferred the sauerkraut to glass jars, storing them in the fridge to be used on a variety of salads, pizzas, sandwiches and as a pickle with cold meat and cheese.

Growing vegetables is exciting but finding ways to preserve and use them over time adds a whole new dimension to gardening.

Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

freedom with our safe, reliable

Keep your independence and freedom with our safe, reliable companion driving service.

Keep your independence and freedom with our safe, reliable companion driving service.

our independence and freedom with our safe, reliable companion driving service.

We can drive and accompany you to:

We can drive and accompany you to:

We can drive and accompany you to:

•Medical and other appointments

We can drive and accompany you to:

•

• Medical/other appointments

•Medical and other appointments

•Family/social occasions

• Family/social

•Medical and other appointments ocial occasions

•Shopping trips

•Scenic drives

•Take your pets to the vets

•Take your pets to the vets

Total Mobility Scheme cards accepted. ACC contracted supplier.

accepted. ACC contracted supplier.

Total Mobility Scheme cards accepted. ACC contracted supplier.

Bookings essential, call Dave & Kathryn today: Ph: 09 428 4490 / 021 035 0431 hibiscus@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz www.drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

Bookings essential, call Dave & Kathryn today: hibiscus@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

Bookings essential, call Dave & Kathryn today: Ph: 09 428 4490 / 021 035 0431 hibiscus@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz www.drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

The Hibiscus Coast Rodney Special Olympics swim and bowling teams. In total, the team brought 20 medals home from last month’s Special Olympics.

E A C H n u m ber in our Code-Cracker g r id represents a d i f f e rent let ter of t h e alphabet. F o r example, today 25 r epresents Z, so fill in Z every ti me t h e figure 25 appears. You ha ve o ne l e tter in the control g ri d t o s ta rt you o f f E nter it in the a p propriate s q u ares in t h e m ain grid, then use y o u r k n o wle d ge of words to work o u t w h ich letters should go in the m i s sing squares. As you get the l e tters, fill in other squares with t he s ame number in the main gr id and c o n trol grid. Check off t h e lis t of a l phabetical letters as you identify t h e m

There is not much they don't know about carpets, vinyls and wood flooring. Over the years they have seen many changes in flooring choices. Currently the carpets are many shades of grey, brown and beige, with the days of green, pastels, bold patterns and bright colours over.

Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus

Beach

& Melissa Maher

Do you have children going into Year 7 or Year 9 in 2024 or beyond?

Don’t miss our upcoming information evening! Come and hear about our unique Middle School environment that sets us apart and keeps them together.

Thursday 16 March 2023, from 5pm Register to attend at kristin.school.nz or call our Admissions Manager on 09 415 9566 ext 2324. Scholarships are available to enable new students to join Kristin in Year 9, 2024.

Progress with vision, integrity and love.

A dedicated Middle School for Years 7-10.

It’s learning evolved.

feature. lifelong learning

Flex your creative muscles with New Year art classes

Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa has a large programme of classes for anyone who wants to develop their artistic side. Here are a few that are new this term:

Decorative dolls

Tilda style dolls have been popular with crafters and sewers around the world, since they were first introduced by Norwegian Tone Finnanger 24 years ago. Claire Bégin wants everyone in her eight-week Estuary Arts class to come away with a doll they have made from scratch, then decorated to their own taste and style. These are not so much dolls you play with – they are designed to be displayed around the home. The bodies are made of calico, then dressed and accessorised. Claire says making each one unique is the fun, creative part – her dolls include one in a 19th Century dress and one with a musical theme. Some sewing experience is needed. The class is called Tilda Style Rag Doll with Claire.

started with acrylics

Beginner painters often start with acrylics, and, while this is a fairly user-friendly medium, according to acrylic tutors Iona Breinhorst and Kate Jones, there are tricks of the trade that make the whole process more satisfying.

With that in mind, Iona and Kate have two new courses for beginner acrylic painters starting this term at Estuary Arts.

Silverdale resident Iona has been painting since childhood and says the aim of her course is to be casual, informative and encourage the enthusiasm of new painters. As well as colour theory, her course will look at giving painters the confidence that comes from knowing some key basics.

Iona says while acrylics are fun to use, new painters can wonder why what they are doing is not working – it can be discouraging.

“I want them to get some joy out of it,” she says.

Kate Jones of Wainui agrees that building confidence is key for new painters. As often happens, art took a back seat to other aspects of Kate’s life for many years,

and the former university lecturer says when she started taking it more seriously, around six years ago, she was nervous about attending classes.

“I had no idea about colour and thought I couldn’t draw, but had really good teachers at Estuary Arts, who built my confidence,” she says. “There are techniques that I learned from many workshops and courses –it’s not always totally intuitive. It can be a process of steps and there is a lot to learn – mixing colours, for example. I tried figuring it out at home, from books, but things go wrong and you end up painting over. Some of the videos on YouTube are good, but a class is invaluable for individual attention and learning.”

She says doing things together is also more fun, and the classes will involve plenty of actual painting.

Both Kate and Iona have exhibited and sold work through Estuary Arts in recent years. These courses are called Introduction to Acrylics and Colour Theory with Iona and Beginners Acrylics with Kate Jones

Info on all courses: estuaryarts.arlo.co/w/ courses

Claire Bégin

From left, Kate Jones and Iona Breinhorst Get

Gluten free banana blueberry loaf

(melted)

Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line two loaf tins with baking paper. With a fork, mash the peeled bananas and set aside. In an electric mixer on medium speed, or by hand, whisk together sugar and egg until light and fluffy, add the vanilla. Sift all the dry ingredients into a separate bowl. Add the mashed bananas to the egg mixture, adding the coconut oil, vinegar, and milk, then add the sifted ingredients a small amount at a time until you get a loose batter. Fold in the blueberries, making sure you don’t crush them. Keep some to decorate the top. Scoop the mixture into the loaf tins, dividing them evenly between the two. Top with a few berries and scatter over flaked almonds as desired. Bake for around 45 minutes until risen and golden brown and an inserted skewer comes out clean. Once out of the oven, leave to cool completely before cutting. The loaves will keep covered in the fridge for up to five days, or you can freeze until needed. These are best reheated in the toaster. The same mixture can also be used to make mini muffins. Yields: 2 small loaves

Art starter

Marie McGregor attended the Seasons Art Class in Red Beach at the end of 2021 and, as she says, “I loved it so much I bought the business”! She has always been creative, but had never really learned to draw, and she took the Red Beach classes to help with that. The class is for anyone who wants to develop their artistic talent. Marie ran three classes last year and says many who attended last did art in school, or have had it as a sideline for years but want to learn more. Sometimes it’s on their bucket list. There are other reasons too. “It can improve mental health, is a social thing, stress release, time out, to reconnect with people,” Marie says. The 14-week classes start with pencil, then pastel, watercolours and acrylics. At the end there is an exhibition at the class venue, Red Beach Surf Club. “At the start, people are nervous, but want to have a go. And I was exactly the same – art is a learned skill, you just need the right tuition. Just start, is my advice.” Info: email marie@ seasonsartclass.co.nz or see ad p22

Colourful Coast cat colour-in

When the weather was making indoor entertainment for the kids a must, one Red Beach mother and her daughter put their creative talent to work, inspired by a neighbourhood cat.

Together, Creative Director Miranda Likeman and six-year-old Nina wrote a story about Charlie – a cat that is well known in Red Beach for getting out and about.

Nina wanted to be able to colour the pictures in, so Miranda used a free app called ColorScape to turn photos of Charlie into line drawings.

At the end of the book is a list of places where you might see Charlie and spaces to record any sightings.

“He’s a very adventurous cat, and quite a character,” Miranda says. “He goes all over the place, including to the surf club or to say ‘hi’ to people eating takeaways at the beach.”

Miranda made the book available to download free.

“It’s a bit of a boredom buster and was fun for Nina and I to do together,” Miranda says. The book can be downloaded at www. stanpr.com/charlie

Choose Kindercare Silverdale for all your childcare needs

Kindercare

Youth Voice

Caitlin Watson, caitewatson@gmail.com

Fill the year – pursue a dream

Welcome to 2023. If we are to take the glass half empty approach for assessing the year so far, one may say that this has been the year which has deprived many of a dreamy summer spent at the beach, perfecting a tan and enjoying dry camping adventures. However, if we are to look at the glass half filled, I know there will be many Coasties who will be grateful for the full water tanks, not having to water the garden, and a drought-free summer!

In between the rain, one of my summer highlights was watching the world class tennis that was in our backyard at the ASB Classic. This particular match featured a Kiwi tennis player who was a wildcard entry to the tournament. The Kiwi, ranked 575 in the world, had the breakthrough opportunity to compete in his first ATP tour match against a former World No. 7 player (which is kind of a big deal in tennis). This was an opportunity to pursue a dream that wasn’t even an option last year with Covid cancelling the tournament.

As we start 2023 and feel like we are ‘coming out the other side’ of the Covid pandemic, we are in the position where we don’t have to face as many cancellations and limited opportunities. With the nostalgia of preCovid times feeling less nostalgic, I get the sense that this is the year to reimagine possibilities and to dream again.

For young people, the last few years of Covid has impacted travel, study, sport and

creative opportunities and dreams. As we come to terms with life almost as we once knew it, it’s important to acknowledge the impacts lost dreams and opportunities may have had on personal wellbeing and mentality. The demotivation that comes from dampened dreams can lead to altered habits and a disoriented sense of direction.

However, may I suggest that perhaps the New Year is the chance to refresh, shake off the Covid complacency and embrace change. It could be the fresh start needed to make a metaphorical debut on court. Whether that be signing up to a sports club, jumping on a plane for an overseas travel adventure, making a concerted effort to focus on studies, getting involved with your community or trying something completely new!

Like the tennis player, let’s take this year as a wildcard entry to stepping into whatever thing may have been put on hold over the past three years; to maximise every opportunity and have an open minded, give it a go mentality.

May your 2023 be the opportunity to dream and envision a world of possibilities again.

The last few years of Covid has impacted travel, study, sport and creative opportunities and dreams

Miranda Likeman of Red Beach and her six year old daughter Nina created a free colouring book about the local cat-about-town, Charlie.

Coast’s geological wonders revealed

As we spend time at Coast beaches, it is possible to take the rocks, cliffs and other natural structures around us for granted. However, it is worth paying attention, as the Hibiscus Coast features some geological wonders that feature in the latest book by geologist, marine ecologist and author Dr Bruce Hayward.

In his book – Mountains, Volcanoes, Coasts and Caves; origins of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Natural Wonders – Dr Hayward describes Whangaparāoa Head, at the eastern end of the peninsula, as one of the top 100 natural wonders of NZ – a “mind boggling” example of folded, faulted and tilted strata. “Walking around the base of the cliffs at

the end of the peninsula at low tide, you can see a wide variety of folded, faulted and chaotically deformed strata which record landslides and slumps on the seafloor,” the section on Whangaparāoa Head says.

Dr Hayward, who last month was guest speaker at Hibiscus Coast Forest & Bird’s meeting, says taking a closer look at rocks and landforms around us is rewarding, as they provide a record of the Earth’s history.

He says the cliffs of Whangaparāoa Peninsula and Waiwera are go-to places for many international and NZ geologists.

“This is because of the beautiful fresh exposures of rock and the intense deformation

of these relatively young deep-water strata,” Dr Hayward says. “These are some of the most folded and faulted, relatively soft, sedimentary strata in NZ and internationally.”

“Most of the disruption occurred when the strata were still only partially hardened and able to be folded plastically in places and broken apart in other places as a result of seafloor slumping and a massive seafloor failure that occurred soon after they were deposited.”

“At Waiwera, there is a thick, dark layer of cobbles, grit and sandstone that is quite different to the other thinner layers of sandstone. It is composed of broken up pieces of volcanic rock and ash and slid

Coastal cliff history

The rocks that form the coastal cliffs around the Hibiscus Coast record what happened over the Auckland region during one small period of time about 20 million years ago, when the region lay about 2000m under the sea. Every few hundred years a severe earthquake would trigger large submarine landslides of sand and mud that flowed down submarine canyons from the north and spread a layer of sand (0.1-2m thick) over the deep-sea floor. The cliffs contain many of these sand layers, now hardened to sandstone, separated by softer layers of mudstone. Since they were deposited, these strata have been pushed up out of the sea and partly eroded to form the hills and valleys of much of the Auckland region, with marine erosion allowing us to see their detailed structure in coastal cliffs.

Dr Bruce Hayward’s latest book, Mountains, Volcanoes, Coasts and Caves, is available from bookstores or can be ordered online from many distributors.

downslope from an active volcano into the deep sea, 20 million years ago.”

Dr Hayward says other local rock features of note are the spherical concretions that occur in the mouth of Ōrewa Estuary and were excavated from the Whangaparāoa Road turnoff and placed in the gardens by Silverdale Medical Centre. They are larger versions of the better known Moeraki boulders.

“They grew about 70 million years ago inside sandstone beds when buried beneath the ocean floor. Then, between 25 and 20 million years ago, they were progressively uplifted and slid here from 300km away to the north, as part of the Northland Allochthon,” Dr Hayward says.

Green scene

Shop sustainably for school stationery

It has been many years, perhaps a decade, since I swung a shopping basket precariously around Whitcoulls while grabbing three 1B5 books and crossing it off a crinkled stationery list. I used to love the smell of fresh books and the satisfaction of the first sharpening of a pencil, but now that has been replaced by the realisation of the environmental impact that comes with buying

Shop your own home first for school supplies

That’s my first tip when it comes to preparing sustainably for going back to school – shop your own home first for school supplies. Dig deep into the bottom of Jimmy’s school bag, shuffle around underneath the bed, or check with your neighbour and sort out a stationery swap. Although the fresh stuff may look good, it’s only going to be fresh for a second anyway.

Before you buy new things, explore second hand shops or visit the All Heart Store in Albany who divert corporate waste from landfill. Their store is often filled with stationery supplies that offices no longer need but are brand new! Its profits support the community too, so you can feel even better about your purchases. One of the biggest back to school

preparations is deciding what you’ll feed the kids throughout the year. Start 2023 with a good plan and goals around low waste lunches – get the kids involved too.

Make a list of basic things the kids enjoy eating and that you can bake, then visit Bin Inn Silverdale with your own containers.

Opt for large bags of chips instead of the pesky single serving ones and invest in a good lunchbox (Bento Ninja is my go-to) that will house package-free things safely without the kids complaining about cross contamination or soggy chips.

Make fabric book covers instead of plastic, or go without. Communicate with other parents to carpool to school or create a walking school bus (last year I saw many of these in action). Check the bus schedules. Browse Trademe for new school shoes.

Whatever you do to prepare for a more sustainable year back at school, remember that the great thing about sustainable back to school preparations is that most of them are the cheapest and most practical option too.

Kate Hall kate@ethicallykate.com

Big Dig goes out with a Bang

Ōrewa Lions were celebrating their 40th Big Dig this month, but after the event, on January 14, there were glum predictions that it was likely to be the last time it’s held.

The event involves children digging in the sand for prizes on Ōrewa Beach, with all funds raised going to local charities and Lions’ community projects.

Project coordinator for Ōrewa Lions, Helen Roderick, says there were a number of positives to be taken from the day. For one, the sun came out. And, although attendance was down a bit, with around 500 children enthusiastically digging, there was a lot of great feedback from families about this year’s cheaper entry fee and the number of free entertainment

options on offer.

“Times are tough out there and we focused on making it affordable family fun,” Roderick says. “I’m very happy with how it went and grateful to the Lions who came to help on the day. Everyone who took part seemed to have a good time.”

This year the funds raised are going to the HBC Youth Centre, and Roderick says the Centre, and its young people, made an amazing contribution.

However, she says a small committee of four Lions had put in long hours beforehand to make the event happen, including obtaining permits from Auckland Council, organising the rides and entertainment, food and prizes. The sand is dug up by a volunteer with a tractor and 1000 prize

sticks buried in two roped off areas. On the day, it is very busy, with all hands needed on deck handing out prizes and running raffles and games.

Although donations are still to be finalised, Lions estimate the total funds raised will be around $4000.

“For the amount of effort involved, it’s not enough,” Roderick says. “We hope to top that amount up so we can give the Youth Centre more.”

“From the committee’s perspective, this will be the last Big Dig,” she says. “I know that occasionally this has been said before, when we’re all tired after it’s over. But it’s just too much work for the funding it brings in. It was our 40th and therefore I think a good one to go out on.”

As well as writing and directing a large number of productions, he was instrumental in reviving and expanding the community theatre. He came to New Zealand in 2016 and, with his wife Helen, moved to Orewa in 2021 from Kerikeri, where they were also

Thanks to market volunteer

Silverdale Village Market has been in operation in and around the Silverdale Hall since the 1980s. It offers an opportunity for small local businesses to ‘test the market’. The market is organised and run entirely by volunteers. Recently the stallholders wanted to show their appreciation for the efforts of Elizabeth Johnstone, who carries the largest share of the organisation of the market – arriving every Saturday before 7am to allocate tables and guide new stallholders to setup and not leaving until the hall has been cleaned and handed over to the next user, usually after 2pm. Gifts and a card were presented to Elizabeth on December 17 by a representative of the stallholders.

Hard working volunteers from Ōrewa Lions say the 40th Big Dig, held earlier this month, is likely to be the last.

Orewa playwright David Crewe was invested in the Order of Australia at a special ceremony in Auckland with the Australian High Commissioner on December 13. In the ceremony, the High Commissioner, Her Excellency Harinder Sidhu, said that awards in the Order of Australia are the country’s highest civilian honour, recognising outstanding achievement and service. David received the award for his services to the performing arts when he lived in Maleny, Queensland, having retired to Australia from the UK.

active in community theatre. They have since become New Zealand citizens.

Beach busier than ever

Despite the weather, the number of people spending time on Orewa Beach is up from last summer over the Christmas/New Year period.

Orewa Surf Lifesaving chair Faron Turner says maybe the weather encouraged people to stay around the Coast instead of heading away.

He suggests the numbers of locals on the beach could also be behind lower numbers of rescues and searches that have been needed. The patrol season is about halfway through. Since it started, on Labour Weekend, Orewa patrollers have made five rescues, compared with nine over the same period last season.

The number of searches for missing people is down considerably – just six have been needed compared with 23 last season.

Twenty one medical and first aid interventions have been needed, which is similar to last season.

Is summer coming? Maybe…

Faron says lifeguards are doing a lot more preventative work this year.

In particular that has meant warning people about the boat ramp by the surf club which many people with mobility issues use for beach access.

Erosion has undercut the ramp, making it dangerous for wheelchair access and Faron says lifeguards are using the club’s buggy to help people get down to the beach instead of using the ramp.

Council is in the process of considering what can be done. Its area operations, parks and community facilities manager, Kris Bird, says Council staff conducted a site visit on January 17 to assess the ramp and discuss options.

“Staff are investigating extending and deepening the toe and sides of the ramp to provide a greater buffer for when sand levels drop,” he says. “Next steps involve continuing to liaise with the Orewa Surf Club and then to try and programme the work.”

In the hope that summer is not already behind us, Hibiscus Matters looked at NIWA’s predictions for this region’s weather between January and March. NIWA expects that temperatures are likely to be above average and that more subtropical winds and marine heatwave conditions will result in above average overnight temperatures and higher humidity. Rainfall is expected to be near normal between now and March, although there is a chance rainfall could be above normal for the time of year.

HOCKEY

Trials for Hibiscus Dairy Flat Hockey Club are on Saturday February 11 to Sunday February 12 and Saturday February 18 to Sunday February 19. To register for trials: tinyurl.com/mruk9pat Info: email hdfhockey@gmail.com

TENNIS:

Whangaparāoa: Adults returning to Tennis – Beginners is a social, fun class at Whangaparāoa Tennis Club, Edith Hopper Park, Manly. Learn the correct techniques, tactics and play practice games. Coached by Ken McLeod. Six-week block, starting Monday, February 13. Info and registration email ken@wgptennis.co.nz or phone 021 258 9633.

Silverdale Tennis Club’s Tennis Xpress 6-week adult beginner programme is sociable and fun, teaching you the basics of the game. New courses start in February: Thursday February 9, 10.30am-12 noon, or 6:30pm-8pm. Non-Members welcome. Info: contact Hayden, tennis@aceem.co.nz or ph 021 747 839.

But Don’t Take Our Word For It!

The service was so quick and easy and the guys were really friendly. Laser were really professional. Communicated well, turned up on time, were friendly and tidy. Work quality was also great. They rewired about half of our house and changed out the switchboard.

Called him on Good Friday and queried about getting my hot water cylinder looked at, wasn’t sure what the problem was but had no hot water. He turned up within half an hour of calling, sorted the problem out and was on his way. Thank you for prompt

They installed and have serviced our heat pump for over a year now. Daniel Hay

Quick to respond to inquiry. These guys were upfront and honest. They did a neat and tidy job and I would definitely use them again.

Pump doubles water supply

Watercare says its new booster pump station on East Coast Road can pump an extra 17 million litres of water to the Hibiscus Coast daily, doubling the amount of water pumped into the region to 34 million litres daily.

The $12 million booster pump station has been in operation since last month.

It will continue to transport water to the Maire Road and Scott Road reservoirs, which, in turn, draw water from the Glenvar reservoir.

Watercare project manager Jason Salmon says the new booster pump station will push water from Auckland’s water treatment plants to the Hibiscus Coast faster and allow more water to be available in the community.

“This means we can keep the area’s water storage reservoirs topped up throughout the day more quickly – especially in

summer when the water demand is much higher,” Salmon says.

He says the new booster pump station is designed to meet the needs of the Coast’s growing population.

The project team is now turning its attention to dismantling the old pump station roughly 300 metres down the road, Salmon says.

It will take the project team four weeks to safely dismantle and remove the remains of the old pump station. Demolition will begin with removing and decommissioning salvageable items such as pipework, pumps, and equipment.

“Once demolition is complete, the leftover material will be transported off-site, so the land can be in-filled and landscaped to tie into the surroundings to make it look like the old pump station never existed.”

Foiling worlds booked for Manly

Manly Sailing Club has a new feather in its cap after recently securing hosting rights for the World Moth Champs for December 2024. Chair of the event’s organising committee, Harold Bennett, says this will be the highest profile foiling dinghy event to be staged in NZ. It will bring the ‘whose who’ of world foil racing to Manly, including competitors from all the major foiling classes including Americas Cup, Sail GP and other major events.

Grant enables kitchen refresh

Gulf Harbour Yacht Club received a $10,000 grant from the NZ Community Trust last month which will enable the club to undertake much needed work on its kitchen. The work is being done during the current holiday closure. After 30 years of use the flooring needs replacing so new vinyl is being installed and the whole area is getting a fresh coat of paint. The club is most appreciative of the grant from NZ Community Trust towards its costs. “It will be good to have the work completed before the Women on Water Weekend comes up in March,” Commodore Phil Shaw said.

More help for robbed retailers

Police have expanded their Retail Crime Prevention Programme to include small retail businesses that have been the victim of aggravated robbery since November 2021. The programme is actively identifying and contacting small retailers who have been the victims of aggravated robbery and offering them the supply and installation of crime prevention products. For more information on the programme, and to access retail crime prevention advice and tools, go to the Retail Crime Prevention Hub on the Police website.

HAIRDRESSING

HIBISCUS AND BAYS INC SOCIETY

Are

passionate about the environment? Excited about environmental projects in the Hibiscus and Bays Board area? Leading a small team of enthusiastic staff? Experience with fundraising and environmental work essential. 30-40 hrs p/week, 12 month contract . Contact chair@restorehb.org.nz by

What’s on ...

January 2023

28 Repair café meeting for volunteers, Whangaparāoa Library, Main Street, Whangaparāoa (opposite Plaza), 11am-12pm. (see story p8)

27-29 Hibiscus Rodders Beach Festival, Ōrewa. Hot rods, competitions, entertainment, raffles and more.

To

events, email: online@localmatters.co.nz

16-Feb 12 Art exhibition ‘24 Fingers 6 Thumbs’ by three local artists, Heather Matthews, Ian Anderson and Pam Naylor, Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Ōrewa.

Pharmacy Talk

Pharmacist at Unichem Manly

Pharmacy Services

29 Free Family Movie evening, Laurie Southwick Parade Reserve, Gulf Harbour, by the Marina, starts 3pm. Two movies shown back to back – Moana for children at 3pm followed by Maverick for adults at 5pm. Free bouncy castle and face painting. Food trucks.

At Unichem Manly Pharmacy we choose to provide a high level of service to our patients so that we can help you. We are also pretty good at getting selected to pilot new services, so our patients benefit with early access to some great assistance. Here’s just some of what we have on offer at Unichem Manly Pharmacy:

February

FEBRUARY 23

2-5 Waitangi weekend live bands, Dairy Flat Hall, 6 Postman Road, Dairy Flat. Line-up of bands performing all weekend. Licensed cash bar. Door charge. Fundraiser for hall. Info: DFlat.info

4 Ōrewa’s first Repair Café, Ōrewa Community Hall, Ōrewa, 11am-2pm. Bring items for repair by skilled volunteers (see story p8)

10 The Food Truck Collective, Metro Park, 228 Millwater Parkway, Millwater, 5pm-9pm.

12 Summer Sounds Live on the Green, Gulf Harbour Country Club, Whangaparāoa, 2pm-8pm. Tickets $49 from www.summersounds. online

18 Boulevard Arts Fiesta, Ōrewa Boulevard. Full day of market stalls, food trucks, entertainment, rides and more.

18 Okura Forest Festival, Okura Park, Okura River Road, 11am-11pm. Organised by Friends of Okura Bush with funds going towards protecting Okura Bush Scenic Reserve. Info: www.okuraforestfestival. com Tickets: eventshumanitix.com/okura-forest-festival

18 Tony Lewis as Robbie Williams, Paraoa Brewing Co, Whangaparāoa, 8.30pm. Tickets from Eventfinda.

21 Green Prescription seminar, Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm. Topic – Healthy Ageing. Info: www.facebook. com/activeforlife.waitemata To register, email kierans@harboursport. co.nz or phone 09 415 4657. (see story p12)

Medicine Reviews • - Involves a personalized consult with our trained pharmacists to help you have an in depth understanding of your medicines and how to get the best from them. Just call for an appointment.

COVID Supplies • - If you have COVID and are isolating at home and need medicines, we can get them delivered to you* on the same day**. A pharmacist will assess your needs for pain, fever and hydration and supply medicines for this. The pharmacist can co-ordinate with your GP to get you any regular medications you might need while isolating. This is a FREE service. Also, if you wish to purchase any further items from the pharmacy we can arrange that too.

Deliveries • - we deliver around the Coast* with our same day** delivery service

Clinics • - we regularly hold clinics in store including weight loss, sleep, osteoporosis and more. Find out more on our website.

Conjunctivitis

• - our pharmacists are now able to prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help if you have an eye infection.

Urinary Tract Infections • - if you have a urinary tract infection and meet certain criteria, our trained pharmacists can prescribe you with antibiotics for this infection after a short consultation.

Vaginal Thrush • - if you think you might have vaginal thrush, come and speak to us at the pharmacy as we are able to sell both creams and tablets for vaginal thrush.

Smoking Cessation • - if you want to give up smoking, come and see us! Our pharmacists are now able to prescribe Nicotine Replacement Therapy and give counselling.

March

MARCH 23

1 Hoodoo Gurus play Paraoa Brewing Co, Whangaparāoa, 8pm. Tickets from Eventfinda.

4 Beach & Bites Longest Dinner, Ōrewa Boulevard. (Rain Date March 5). Ten Ōrewa restaurants to choose from. Table for 400! Tickets from www.beachnbitesorewa.co.nz

COMMUNITY NOTICES

DEMENTIA CARERS SUPPORT GROUP

Michele 027 411 4146/Caryn 021 210 3388.

EASY YOGA AND MEDITATION

CLASSES. By Donation. 10-11am. Mondays and Thursdays at Ōrewa Community Centre. Tuesdays, Wainui Hall. Fridays, Whangaparāoa Hall. Dil 0211 439 679.

FREE BRIDGE LESSONS Hibiscus Coast Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park, Manly. 10 weeks starting Thursday February 16, from 7-9pm. Beginners or as a refresher. All welcome. To register email helen@ gobake.co.nz or txt 027 444 1066.

HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB, Sunday, February 5, 1pm, at the Ōrewa Community Centre, $5 entry, all welcome.

ŌREWA LADIES CLUB 1st Thursday of

month, 9.30am, St Johns Catholic Church Hall. Friendship, speakers and outings. New members welcome. Ph Audrey 426 7115.

SILVERDALE STREET MARKET, every Saturday, 8am-1pm. New stallholders welcome, phone Margaret, 027 663 2010

SPIRITUAL CENTRE IN ŌREWA Fortnightly, Wednesday 7.30pm. Come along to hear from our ‘medium’ on platform. All welcome. 9e Annalise Place (off Forest Glen Rd) Ōrewa. $5 donation. Ph Lynda 424 1998.

SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT –EMPATHY GROUP Last Monday of month. Hibiscus Community House, 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Ōrewa, Western Reserve, 7pm-9pm. All welcome. Info Susan 021 884 162 or PM FB: Empathy support group.

Morning After Pill • (sometimes referred to as “Plan B”)- may be prescribed by one of our specially trained pharmacists after a consultation.

Warfarin Testing • - Unichem Manly Pharmacy has been chosen to provide blood testing and management of warfarin doses for patients. Results are available to patients within minutes. For enquiries about this service, please consult with our pharmacists.

Erectile dysfunction • - our specially qualified pharmacists can talk with you in a private consultation and may prescribe sildenafil.

Vaccinations • - Unichem Manly Pharmacy has been accredited to provide influenza and COVID vaccinations.

Emergency Supply • - If you are caught without any long term medication and cannot get your prescription in time, our pharmacists are here to help. We can provide you with a 3 day supply to “tide you over” until you are able to get your prescription from the doctor. (Note that certain medicines are not available)

Personalised Medicine sachets • - We can pack your medicines into personalised daily sachets. These can further be divided into different times eg. breakfast doses and dinner doses. They are simple to use and a great reminder system.

We pride ourselves in taking good care of our patients and their health needs. How can we help you?

list

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

with Tania Adams

Sun shines on woodchopping carnival

World champion axeman Jack Jordan was in impressive form when he competed in the Puhoi Woodchopping Carnival in the grounds of the Puhoi Hotel on January 14.

Starting with a 48 second handicap in the underhand event, he came home first to claim the coveted Puhoi Trophy.

But he didn’t have everything his own way. Whangamomona’s up and coming junior Matt

Gower went head-to-head with Jordan in the Standing Open event to snatch a win.

Puhoi Axemen Club president Mike Paddison said the carnival, which celebrated the club’s 60th anniversary, was a huge success, with great weather and a massive crowd.

Special events to mark the anniversary were run at midday. These included an Old Boys Chop featuring club veterans Dave Karam, Alan Harrier,

Wayne

and two teams’ races pitting the veterans against the juniors. While the juniors won the first race, the veterans proved they still had what it takes by winning the second race.

Jordan’s next major outing will be at the Stihl Timbersports in Palmerston North in March where he will be hoping to qualify for the World Championships.

Bolger and Mark Parker,

Clockwise from above, Trophy winners Matt Gower (left) and Jack Jordan. Odin Morton was keeping his uncle Richard Morton sun-safe on the day. Jordon Thomas’ first competitive attempt at the Springboard. 13-year-old Keanu McDonnell.