Hibiscus Matters_Issue 342_6 March 2023

Helping hands reach out to cyclone victims

Although there have been homes evacuated and significant damage and flooding in areas such as Dairy Flat, Waiwera and Puhoi, the biggest impact from the recent weather events, especially Cyclone Gabrielle, has so far been felt in northern and eastern parts of the country.

Many local emergency services personnel are supporting relief efforts in Muriwai and other affected areas – and Coast residents

have also led their own recovery efforts.

One of them is Rob Ryan, owner of RNB Transport in Dairy Flat, who says as soon as he saw the devastation in Hawke’s Bay he had to take action.

Rob and his friend Ivan King of Exaro Contracting, Silverdale, made contact with a distribution centre in Napier and asked what they needed most.

“Civil Defence are advising people to make monetary donations to relief funds, which

is great, but our contact in Napier gave us a list of items that they desperately need for distribution to affected communities, so that’s what we are taking to them,” Rob says. The list, which he circulated on social media, included clothing, nappies, baby milk powder, women’s sanitary products, tools, gumboots, car seats, mattresses and solar showers.

Two containers, one 40ft and one 20ft, were donated by Mainfreight and Active

Survey. Filling the huge spaces proved to be the easy part, with donations pouring in from the Hibiscus Coast community. Silverdale Rugby Club donated space in its carpark for the containers on the weekend of February 25 and 26. Carloads of items were brought in, labelled, boxed and loaded into the containers by Rob and Ivan, helped by a team of staff, family and friends.

From left, Rob Ryan and Ivan King headed to Napier with two container loads of donated items to assist people affected by the cyclone.

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Both containers were packed full of donations that included one of 20,000 nappies, large boxes of non-perishable food and water, mattresses, gas canisters and fold up chairs.

“The response was huge,” Rob says. “A lot of people on the Coast wanted to help, and felt this was something they could do.”

Last Wednesday, the pair left to drive the two trucks to the Napier distribution centre, paying for all the fuel for the journey themselves.

“Anything they don’t need in Napier we will take to other affected areas,” Rob says. “We would like to thank everyone who gave so generously and helped us put this together.”

Meanwhile, since February 17, Waiwera meat broker Tony Stubbs and Caleb Thompson of Wainui have been working with others to transport goods to flood hit Opotiki and Wairoa.

The group, all 4WD off road driving enthusiasts, took four vehicles and three trailers full of more than 800kgs of donated product from Neat Meat and Southern Ocean Seafoods, along with salt ice, a generator and jerry cans full of fuel purchased with $1000 given by Mitre 10, to marae, community centres and the fire station in Wairoa. Some of what they took was transported by helicopter into more remote areas. Tony says the first trip was humbling, and

the damage they witnessed shocking. “We spoke with locals who had been wiped out,” he says. “It was very moving.”

They came back home, stocked up again and returned to Hawke’s Bay on February 21.

“We have discussed going back again in a month’s time, when people may be at their worst after the initial disaster struck,” Tony says. “Donations are still coming in, and we’ll make sure it all gets to where it’s needed.”

Anyone wishing to contribute can contact Tony and Caleb via the Off Road Addiction TV facebook page (www.facebook.com/ OffroadAddictionTV) or look for Tony Stubbs on Facebook.

Coast fundraisers include charity concert

A “Flood Relief Fundraiser” will be held at Parāoa in Whangaparāoa on Wednesday, March 15.

The gig has been put together at short notice by Parāoa, working with entertainer (and local board chair) Gary Brown who has contacts in the music business.

As Hibiscus Matters went to print, NZ acts confirmed for the gig were The LadyKillers (Suzanne Lynch, Jackie Clarke and Tina Cross), Automatic 80s, Rockstok, Bamboo Baby, Rietta Austin and Chet & Melissa O’Connell with Jaime Vokes from Hands Off. There is also a reunion, after 50 years, of the 1970s band Space Waltz.

The artist are all donating their time for the show. Brown says they hope to live stream the fundraiser nationwide with a link for donations back to the Red Cross Fund, and may also hold a silent auction with support from local businesses, if it can be arranged in time.

Tickets will be available from Eventfinda – look for Parāoa Flood Relief Fundraiser. Schools all over the Coast have also been focused on flood relief fundraising via mufti days and other activities.

Ōrewa College alone raised almost $3000 for the Red Cross appeal. Whangaparāoa

Weiti Pharmacy

College made contact with Taradale High School to offer its support – Taradale has approximately 1000 students whose community is drawn from a large rural zone including the badly affected areas of Waiohiki, Moteo and Puketapu. Whangaparāoa College held a nonuniform day on March 1, themed in Taradale’s school colours of blue and gold, and hopes to raise around $10,000 via a Givealittle page https://givealittle.co.nz/ cause/aroha-for-taradale-high-school

A lot of debris ended up in Matakatia Bay on Whangaparāoa Peninsula, and while Fulton Hogan removed some of it, local residents Cath and Doug Matthews took it upon themselves to continue the cleanup. Cath says she and Doug spent a week or more cleaning up the berm and beach, starting at the Zita Ave end of the bay. That work is ongoing but there are some things that were too much for the couple, both in their 70s. “A lot of big logs were on the beach and have been washed back out because they weren’t cleared. We couldn’t lift them,” Cath says. Doug (pictured) and Cath have placed the material they removed on the berm and have a job logged with Auckland Council to pick it up.

A lineup of bands is performing to raise money for flood relief.

Reserve plans hinge on future of historic pines

The public got its first look at concept plans for the future of Ōrewa Reserve, at the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board workshop on February 21.

And it was immediately clear from the presentation by Auckland Council’s Resilient Land and Coasts general manager, Paul Klinac, that what happens will hinge on whether the Norfolk pines on the reserve edge stay or go.

The pines, believed to be 60-80 years old, were notably absent from all three concept drawings.

Klinac acknowledges that the pines are “a very emotive topic” in Ōrewa.

There is debate about who planted them, with families who have lived for generations in Ōrewa, along with local historians, believing that they were put there by Sir Edmund Hillary’s father Percy – a member of the Ōrewa Beach Beautification Society. However, there is no proof of this.

The large trees also create a strong part of the beach’s visual identity.

However, Klinac says the pines are in a “questionable” location (on an active dune crest) and restrict a more naturalistic approach that could flow from green space to dune system to beach. He says Council considered the potential removal of the pines 23 years ago, planting replacements further back towards the road.

“If the trees weren’t there, you could better provide the things that beach users want,” Klinac says.

Council surveyed the public in 2021 (HM August 2, 2021) to see how the beach is used and what people value most.

As a result, the priorities for Council’s planning include retaining play options and basketball/beach volleyball, enhancing opportunities for recreation on a dry beach; improving access to the beach, and enhancing opportunities for walking and cycling along the length of the beach.

Klinac says that protecting the trees by putting up a seawall would reduce the amount of dry sandy beach.

“If the trees remain, it tailors the future management responses and will affect the cost and likelihood of getting resource consent.”

He told the local board that funding will definitely not be there for a seawall along the reserve, as the cost of building it to code would be in the $8m-$12m range. “Money is tight, so we have to look at what it’s most important to protect.”

Member Leanne Willis pointed to the rocks in front of Ōrewa Surf Club, put

there in the early 1980s after a storm. It was a combined effort by the public and Council, she said. “Could we go ‘old school’ and do that again as a way of saving money?”

Klinac says while those structures were not damaged in the recent cyclone, he questions whether rocks are a good answer. “People look at those rocks and say ‘they work’ but do we want a beach with rocks all the way along, or perhaps green space, a dune system and beach?”

He says seawalls are not favoured because of the cost of building and maintaining them, and a preference for working with nature. The wall to be constructed between Kohu St and Marine View is to protect a narrow strip of reserve, which the recent cyclone pared almost back to private property. That project, set to begin construction next year, may now cost more as Council ‘builds

back’ some of the reserve. By comparison, Ōrewa Reserve is far wider, giving Council more options than just a wall.

With those concept plans now before them, the local board will debate the pros and cons and provide feedback, and mana whenua will be consulted. Public consultation will follow but the timeframe for that is not yet known.

“If we had no Norfolk pines in place, the conversation would not be as challenging – it would be about establishing dunes, for example. The trees are driving the complexity of this argument,” Klinac says. He says while he understands the public’s frustration at the time the process takes, it is important to get it right.

“Yes we have debated it for a long time. Yes, it gets storm damage, but when that

happens, we need to move past the knee jerk reaction to put in rocks. Let’s understand how the beach functions and make the best and most resilient call possible for Ōrewa’s future.”

Shifting sands

• The process of shifting sand from the Estuary end further down the beach will continue even after the wall at Kohu St to Marine View is built. Klinac says that is because of the alignment of the wall, for aesthetics (to visually reduce the wall’s bulk) and to provide a buffer for the structure. • On Ōrewa Reserve, however, there may not be the need for ongoing sand transfer depending on what solution is put in place there. “There is a sweet spot where we could establish a dune and it could require little maintenance,” he says.

The public’s attachment to these Norfolk pines complicate the discussion about what happens next on Ōrewa Beach, Council says.

One of three early draft concepts for Ōrewa Beach reserve – none of which include the old Norfolk pines. The other two plans have different carpark capacity and placement of playgrounds. All three plans are with this story at www.localmatters.co.nz

... we need to move past the knee jerk reaction to put in rocks.

Paul Klinac

Flash flooding overwhelms Dairy Flat residents

A deluge of rain so heavy that it engulfed cars, made roads impassable and flooded many properties caused a rapid emergency response in Dairy Flat.

Waters rose quickly after intense heavy rain in the afternoon on Friday, February 24.

Dairy Flat representative on the Rodney Local Board, Louise Johnston, was in the thick of it.

She says Auckland Transport contractors were on Blackbridge Road repairing damage from previous floods and had to abandon that work as the rain fell.

“Blackbridge Road is not normally floodprone, but this downpour was really localised,” she says. “It came down so fast that people had no time.”

Several homes on that road were evacuated, and cars were trapped as the flood waters rose.

Fire and Emergency called on their water rescue team and Whangaparāoa MP Mark Mitchell helped coordinate assistance from surf lifesavers with their inflatable rescue boats.

Silverdale firefighter Andy Creagh, who was on the crew in Dairy Flat, says many

members of the public with 4WD vehicles and boats got involved in rescues too. He says in places the water was chest deep and some vehicles were fully submerged.

Dairy Flat Hall was quickly set up by Auckland Emergency Management as a refuge, with some people spending the night there if they couldn’t get home.

Mitchell says since the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods, he has helped coordinate local Fire and Emergency, Police, St John and Surf Lifesaving services in a local response, including setting up a command centre at Silverdale Fire station.

Surf Lifesavers are also search and rescue trained and Mitchell says sadly recent weather events have highlighted the role for lifesavers outside beach patrols.

Johnston says the waters receded fast, leaving large amounts of debris on fences, and in gutters.

A lot of work had been done clearing drains and rebuilding fences since Anniversary Day, and it was frustrating to see those damaged again.

“Every time it rains now, you’re on high alert,” she says. “You wonder if it will be as bad as that all over again.”

Road to nowhere causes chaos for cut-off communities

Almost three weeks after Cyclone Gabrielle, widespread damage continues to cause disruption in rural areas, not least Puhoi, which flooded yet again on February 24 after being deluged on January 27. One of the biggest frustrations is being caused by the closure of Ahuroa Road between Puhoi and Ahuroa. AT has completely closed a 750-metre stretch of the road from just west of J Tolhopf Road, blocking it with containers and bollards while engineers assess volatile slips.

As a result, through traffic is having to detour via SH 1, Warkworth and Woodcocks/West Coast Road. However, that route has also been closed for lengthy periods of time for repairs to West Coast Road, meaning drivers could only travel west and south, via Kaukapakapa and Silverdale.

Ahuroa residents say this has effectively cut them off from everything they need, from work and shops to medical providers and petrol stations.

The road closure is causing most stress for Ahuroa School, where students and some staff are having to travel for more than an hour each way, instead of a previous 15-minute bus ride from Puhoi.

The 80-student school started its year with no power, no buses and no email, and principal Terry Taylor was unable to contact several families. In a message to parents, he said he was in discussion with the Ministry of Education to try to find temporary solutions, including allowing students to be temporarily enrolled at other schools.

“At this stage we remain in an emergency situation and lateral thinking, coupled with common sense is required,” he said. “It is difficult to predict how long it will take to remedy the situation until we get reliable communication.”

Ahuroa resident Rhys Joule agreed that the most frustrating aspect of the road closures was a lack of information or updates from AT.

“Although we are very distressed at being cut off, our hearts go out to those far more severely impacted. We also accept that the solution to the road damage will not be a simple fix,” he said. “The problem and thing that causes the most stress is that the key to our salvation is AT.

“In the two weeks between the weather events, we had virtually no contact from AT regards the Ahuroa Road closure. No sense of what the plan was, what the comms plan

was going to be. We even had to chase AT to put signage up at the entrance points to Ahuroa Road so people would know they couldn’t get through access.”

Joule said regular, meaningful updates were needed, as well as a reassurance that fixing and reopening Ahuroa Road was a priority for AT – at present, the community felt abandoned.

An AT spokesperson said he had requested an update from recovery staff, but nothing specific to Ahuroa Road had been received as our paper went to press – just the following statement from the AT website: “We know that there are some locations

that are causing inconvenience to residents due to detours and closed roads. We want to reassure you that we’ve deployed as many resources as possible to work on these sites to enable access as soon as possible, but there are roads that will take significant time to fully repair. We ask for your patience as we have many sites across the region that have significant damage.”

Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers could also get no joy when he asked for an AT liaison to meet with local residents, with a staff member telling him that in a State of Emergency, only essential travel should be undertaken.

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Marja Lubeck, Labour list MP marja.lubeck@parliament.govt.nz

Working together to get through

It’s been a really tough few weeks for communities across the region. Cyclone Gabrielle is the most significant weather event New Zealand has seen this century. The severity and the breadth of the damage hasn’t been experienced in a generation, and I know the events have taken a huge toll on many New Zealanders.

Over the past weeks I connected and worked with the local Civil Defence and Community organised Emergency centres across the region and was impressed with the way people from all walks of life came together and pitched in to help clear properties inundated by the floods. The flooding experienced in many of our communities (some for the second time in 18 months), means that a lot of work and assistance will be needed to rebuild local businesses, to help families that have had their homes damaged and to restore businesses and livelihoods. We’ve seen whānau, friends and neighbours pulling together to keep each other safe, warm and fed. The resilience and community spirit shown by everyone has been remarkable, but I know there’s still a long road ahead for many, especially those who live in Muriwai.

My thoughts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the volunteer firefighters who lost their lives in Muriwai during Cyclone Gabrielle. They were protecting their community and the lives of others, leaving their own homes and loved ones to do so.

Our volunteer firefighters play an incredibly vital role in our communities. They provide critical frontline response and support to us through some of our hardest times, as we have seen first-hand during this devastating cyclone.

My aroha goes to all who have been impacted by the cyclone. The loss of life and destruction is heartbreaking.

As we recover from the cyclone and flooding, it is obvious that Auckland needs to review its ability to respond to such serious disasters and climate events and recognise the impact of climate change as well as the need to build and maintain our water infrastructure to cope with the demands such changes cause. This was only the third time in our history, that the Government declared a National State of Emergency. This enabled us to support the affected regions, provide additional resources as they are needed, and help set the priorities across the country for the response. Government has provided a $11.5 million community support package to provide immediate relief for individuals, families and households as well as putting in place funding to help farmers, growers and rural communities mobilise and co-ordinate recovery efforts from the cyclone. The Prime Minister also announced other major steps towards recovery from the cyclone, with a further $50m support for business and farming sectors, a quarter of a billion dollars towards road repairs and new structures that will direct and coordinate the recovery. While emergency response teams worked as hard as they could to get communications back online, it has been an anxious time for a lot of us. I experienced it first-hand too, as my family were 11 days without power, water and phone coverage before we got reconnected. I’m grateful to all who have worked tirelessly to help out and, seeing the great community spirit and co-operation, I know we will get through this.

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On Wednesday, March 1, members from Manly and Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigades honoured the service and sacrifice of the two fallen Muriwai volunteer firefighters, Craig Stevens and Dave van Zwanenberg, with a guard of honour in front of the Manly station. It was a time to reflect not only on lost and absent colleagues but their whānau, friends and colleagues. The siren sounded followed by a minute silence. Members of the public also paid their respects by attending. Photo, Chantelle White.

More wild places

A letter in Hibiscus Matters’ January 23 edition bemoaned the unkempt appearance of two Ōrewa roundabouts. Around the world we are seeing the rapid collapse of populations of insects, birds and wildlife; the combined effect of insecticides and habitat loss due to intensive farming, wetlands reclamation and urban development. Insects pollinate 40 percent of our food and assist the nitrogen cycle which allows crops to grow. As Sir David Attenborough pointed out, if the insects go, we will soon follow them. In response to these threats, we are seeing growing interest in rewilding, and Auckland Council has decided to mow motorway berms less often, allowing wild flowers to provide food for insects and birds. This also saves ratepayers’ money. Town gardens now harbour more biodiversity than farmland. We can further increase this by planting natives and by letting part of our garden grow wild. Your reward will be more birds and butterflies to decorate your day.

Andrew Westaway, Ōrewa

Don’t stop here

We are confused about two new bus stops in Aaron Drive, Ōrewa. Are they usable? Some bus drivers are not stopping there, and others are telling people who try to board buses at this stop that they are “for schools and elderly people only”. Sometimes they are letting people on board, other times not. These are the nearest stops to our home and we would like to use them on a regular basis. What is going on?

Stephen Hammond and Jane Atherton, Ōrewa

An Auckland Transport spokesperson responds: The new stops on Arran Road, Ōrewa are scheduled to become operational on May 13. As these stops were installed by a developer, rather than directly by AT, they were put in place early. We will cover

up the stops until they are operational, and we apologise to those customers for the inconvenience. On May 13 they will be up and running for everybody to use. Generally, when a new stop is added, it takes some time for our routes and/or timetables to be amended, drivers to be trained and IT systems such as the AT app and the tech the drivers use on the buses to be updated. With regards to who can use bus stops, while we do have some special school bus stops, they are marked as such. We do not have stops specifically for any particular age group or other demographic. Public bus stops are for everyone. We will pass your feedback to our drivers and reiterate this.

Nothing done

When Cyclone Gabrielle rain passed over our area, the point I would like to make first is we were very, very lucky unlike many others. We may not be so lucky next time and our luck had nothing to do with Auckland Council who have ignored our area since Rodney became greater Auckland, but rather the fact that when the rain hit we were at low tide. Had the tide been high I hate to think what may have happened. We back onto Red Beach estuary behind Red Beach Surf Club and Pine Woods Camp. There had been erosion at the end of our sections by the Red Beach Estuary caused by heavy rain on high outgoing tide – the sections are on the outside of the bend in the estuary, with weed grown out from the inside of the bend, plus of course a build-up in silt as the estuary is never dredged, even with the massive build up in housing. When we were under Rodney District Council, Mayor Penny Webster came around to see our problems. She agreed a retaining wall needed to be built at the end of the sections and also agreed weed needed clearing plus a good regular dredging to help with the free flow of water. Then Auckland Council takes over – it has had years to continue with this work but has totally

ignored our area. If the next downpour comes the same as the one before and on a high tide, I hate to think what the outcome is likely to be unless Council get working on what Rodney Council had started and agreed needed doing.

Arthur Amis, Red Beach (abridged)

Rocks work

We certainly have much to be thankful for here on the Hibiscus Coast after the recent weather events and the destructive impact they have had on other parts of the country. But once again we can all see Auckland ratepayer money being wasted on our local Ōrewa Beach on yet another ‘sand replenishment’ project. Residents who have lived on the Hibiscus Coast for any length of time know that this activity by contractors occurs on a regular basis throughout every year to replace the shifting sands that are moved by both wind and tide. The effectiveness of this activity can be seen by all and can be compared to pushing water uphill with a rake. In the cases of Red Beach, Waiwera Beach and Stanmore Bay (public toilets next to the boat ramp), the most effective solution was deemed to be the placement of rocks to reduce coastal erosion. Why has the same solution not been implemented in the case of Ōrewa Beach? For anyone with two eyes it is obvious that the sections of Ōrewa Beach that have a decent rock wall are well protected. And those sections without a decent rock wall are where there has been the most erosion. I am aware that there are plans to build a permanent solution for one section of the beach in front of a number of private residences, but that is only a band aid over a gaping wound. The plan needs to be for the beach as a whole. And the solution is basic and obvious.

Roger White, Ōrewa Auckland Council area operations manager, Kris Bird, responds: “Placing

rocks and creating a rock revetment on Ōrewa Beach is one management option to protect Ōrewa Reserve. However, this approach will compromise how people currently use and enjoy Ōrewa Beach. In 2021 the Auckland Council Parks Services team carried out research on the way the community used Ōrewa Reserve. We wanted to understand what experiences were most valued to inform how the reserve can be managed in the future. One of the main findings from the research was that the experiences provided by the interface between Ōrewa Beach and Ōrewa Reserve are key to the community choosing to recreate at this location. People also placed a high value on being able to sit on the beach during high tides. Placing rocks in this location would obstruct access onto the beach from the reserve and would occupy and impact upon the dry high tide beach space. A long-term management approach for Ōrewa is currently underway. Three concept options are being developed which are adaptive, cost-effective, sustainable, and adhere to guidance provided in the National Coastal Policy Statement. These options will be consulted on with mana whenua and the public in due course. Whilst the long-term management approach for Ōrewa Recreation Reserve and the beach is being worked through, council will continue to replenish sand to protect the reserve, trees, maintain access and to retain the dry high tide beach.  Detailed design is progressing for the walkway and seawall between Kohu Street and Marine View. This proposed seawall will protect what is left of the thin esplanade reserve along the coastline to provide an all-tide walkway along the northern part of the beach. This project aligns with another key finding of our 2021 research which confirmed that the community value a connected up ‘northsouth’ pedestrian and cycling experience.” Editor’s note: Also see story on this issue, p3

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40 Orewa Square, Orewa.

Out & about ..

mark the occasion – he’s a popular guy! Dick was born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA and joined the Coastguard where he met his wife, Betty, who died in 2010. He was in the Merchant Navy as a supplies navigator and is also a qualified architect. Dick has lived in NZ since 1963. He has a son and two daughters. He’s long-time resident of the Hibiscus Coast and belonged to the Weiti Boating Club. Dick currently lives at Summerset Falls in Warkworth where more celebrations were held.

A Wearable Arts show was put on by the residents of the Hibiscus Coast Retirement Village in Red Beach on February 26, to raise funds for the St John Ambulance service. An enthusiastic audience was treated to an afternoon of glamour, colour and humour, as the models took to the catwalk. There was a Balinese god, a walking garden, a tiny cupcake, and a multitude of glamorous gowns made from toilet rolls, maps, breakfast cereal boxes and a hundred different household and medical items. “All this, complete with a commentary, made funnier by the

Denis and Glenyss Bridle celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on February 18 at their youngest son Antony’s home in Silverdale. They shared afternoon tea with more than 50 family and friends. Family travelled from as far as Hungary, as well as Australia, and Wellington. The couple have four children and nine grandchildren. Denis first worked on the Coast as a teacher at Silverdale School in 1962. After moving to schools all around NZ, in 1989 things came full circle when he was appointed founding Principal of Red Beach School. He was there until he retired in 1996. Glenyss was the homemaker and later did secretarial work, mostly at the Ōrewa Council buildings for road engineering companies. Denis and Glenyss are committed to their local Baptist Church, and opened their home to the youth of Ōrewa Baptist every Sunday for dinner and Bible study for many years. Glenyss also volunteered at the Ōrewa Baptist Community Toy Library until last year.

Congratulations Mike Davies of Army Bay, won a copy of From the Paddocks to the Skies. Thanks to all who entered.

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It was one of many celebrations held to

Simon says, ‘don’t worry, be happy’

Speaking to representatives of local businesses in Red Beach recently, Auckland Business Chamber chief executive, and former National Party politician, Simon Bridges said despite record low business confidence, there is reason for optimism.

The chance to hear from Bridges drew around 40 people to a breakfast at the Red Beach Surf Club on Thursday, February 16.

The talk was hosted by Business Whangaparāoa. A wide range of businesses were represented at the event – from accountants and real estate agents to tradies, hairdressers and funeral directors. Local board members Leanne Willis, Gary Brown and Sam Mills also attended.

Bridges said the number one issue for owners of small to medium sized businesses

is the lack of workers, followed by cost-ofliving pressures and inflation.

“What with Covid-19 lockdowns, minimum wage increases, borders closed, floods and a cyclone, you might say ‘when do we get a break?’,” Bridges said. “We had thought it would be this summer!”

He said all of this has led to a crisis of confidence, with surveys showing business confidence now is the lowest it’s ever been.

“But I want to suggest that the reality is different and there is reason for optimism. Signs internationally are that there may not be a global recession, NZ’s exports are performing quite well, and that inflation is possibly about as high as it’s going to go. So, it might feel a bit gloomy, but a recession is not inevitable, and the underlying economy is not in too bad a shape.”

Despite his many years as a National

politician, Bridges said he is “very apolitical these days” – something that is essential in his new role. One day he is meeting Minister for Auckland, Michael Wood, the next its National Party leader Christopher Luxon.

However, as expected, he was keen to touch on the upcoming election.

In 2022, when he announced he was leaving his political career behind, Bridges said, “I am proud to have played a significant role in getting National back in the hunt for government in 2023. I have every confidence in National to win the election.”

Now it appears he’s not as sure of National’s chances, telling his Red Beach audience that the resignation of Jacinda Ardern “has made the election very competitive”.

“National needs to lift its game with some

Business, from left, Gwenda Holster-Dowler, Sarah Carr, Betsy Kettle and Stephanie Lowe.

positive, strong policies, including for business, that capture people’s imagination,” Bridges said. “Business is hungry for that –there is a lot of uncertainty and businesses are looking to Government for a sense of direction and purpose. If National doesn’t do this, it might be the ‘unlosable election’ that they lose,” he warned.

Bridges predicted that it would be a year for strong showings from minor parties, including Act, the Greens and the Maori Party. He also said you could never write off “that crazy crocodile from the North”, Winston Peters.

In answering a question from Business Whangaparāoa committee member Betsy Kettle about climate change, Bridges said while large businesses often have comprehensive policies around sustainability, for small to medium businesses it is a ‘nice to have’.

“If they are worried about how to get through the week, and pay wages, it’s harder to focus on sustainability,” he said. “Not saying they should not care – but it’s hard when you are focused on survival.” In closing, he said, “It’s been a crazy time, but don’t worry, be happy.”

Authorised by Mark Mitchell MP, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Left, Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges with members of Whangaparāoa

Solutions sought for poor ferry performance

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

Two years of ferry cancellations and confusing communication have left patrons unsure whether they can trust Fullers’ ferry services.

At the Transport and Infrastructure committee meeting on February 16, Cr John Watson, who chairs the committee, put forward a resolution to seek solutions to ferry deficiencies across Auckland after users raised issues with the reliability of service.

Gulf Harbour Ferry Users Group representative Anna Thorburn told the committee that ferry users have a crisis of confidence with Fullers.

“The ferry service from Gulf Harbour has been in place for 26 years and in the last two years we have seen it diminish significantly,” Thorburn said. “We hold Fullers accountable. Communications are appalling, and as a community we rely on each other to collate all of the alert data and bring it together to make sense of it.”

She said the ferry services were not world class public transport and emphasised the importance of keeping Auckland Transport’s “waka floating”.

Auckland Transport, which contracts the ferry service to Fullers, later made its presentation to the committee, citing a 97 percent reliability rating – Metro Services group manager, Darek Koper, said AT did not include cancellations in their reliability rate.

Cr Watson said public transport is in crisis. “We have a crisis within a crisis in respect of the ferry service,” he said.

Cr Watson said he did not believe that the crisis had fully been expressed by the public yet.

He read out a testimony of one Gulf Harbour ferry user who had seen travellers trying to get to the airport by a cancelled ferry, a mother who had to call family for help after she was stranded and a man subject to disciplinary hearings for the continuous issues with his commute.

Cr Watson’s resolution was supported unanimously, and progress will be reported back to the committee this month.

Market Day at Peninsula Club

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Buck tackles hard issues at RSA

The changing face of RSAs around the country is a focus for Sir Buck Shelford, of Red Beach, who became the Royal NZ RSA’s national president five months ago.

This includes finding a way forward for RSAs that are struggling, which in some cases, Sir Buck says, may include encouraging those clubs to divest themselves of old, high maintenance buildings.

As a starting point, national office is in the process of sending out a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) to all clubs, asking for financial information, as well as details about their facilities and how they are run.

“We are there for support and advice – we can’t tell the clubs what to do,” he says. “But, based on that information, we will be suggesting that if they are continually struggling, they look at options to reset or modernise. If their facilities are run down and old, and maintenance costs are high, they should consider closing the doors and moving. Our wealth as an organisation is in our people, but also in the bricks and mortar – we don’t want to lose that with the cost of maintenance, as things run down.”

He suggests this may be an issue for the Hibiscus Coast Community RSA to consider.

“Do they need the large space they have at Vipond Road – perhaps the former site, at the Silverdale War Memorial [Ōrewa Rotary House] or even no buildings at all, but a regular meeting place would be sufficient? That works well for other RSAs. In Vipond, there is no foot traffic and that has an impact, whatever you do. If you can’t make your books work after 10 years, should you still be in that location?”

It is a question that Hibiscus Coast

Community RSA president, David Newman, does not shy away from.

“I recently discussed selling this site with the committee, and there was almost no support for that,” he says. “Clearly it would have to be a committee decision and currently there is no appetite for it.”

He says the memorial wall at the entrance to the RSA is a big factor for some members. However, when that WOF arrives from national office, Newman says the local club will show up fairly well.

He says among the strong points is that the Hibiscus RSA owns its land (some of which it recently sold for development to increase cash reserves) and that its membership is made up of 30 percent service personnel and 70 percent associates (such as families and community members). There is also a wide age group on the committee, from 40-75 years.

Newman says the last seven months have

been “an uphill climb” for the club, but that things are getting better regarding turnover.

The building of new clubrooms, which was once considered, has been shelved, Newman says.

“The capital we have [from the land sale] will only be touched by resolution of a Special General Meeting of members,” he says.

Newman describes Sir Buck as a breath of fresh air for the organisation – particularly as the former All Black doesn’t mind asking the hard questions.

Those questions include whether the RSA’s support should be extended to service personnel who did not serve in a conflict overseas.

Sir Buck says the organisation is also currently discussing plans to introduce an NZ Veteran’s (or Armed Forces) Day, on Armistice Day, November 11.

The club is expected to make a loss of around $150,000 this financial year, but $120,000 of that will have been spent on the maintenance of facilities.

The little museum, which sat on the land sold for development, is being reestablished and should open soon.

“It would be a new occasion to focus the nation’s attention on its armed forces, including big parades, and a chance to bring in more funds,” Sir Buck says.

“The Royal NZ RSA is a great organisation, but in need of a ‘restart’,” he says. “And with the team we have now, we are working hard to change things. There is a mood to evolve to another level.”

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The Royal NZ RSA is a great organisation, but in need of a ‘restart’. And with the team we have now, we are working hard to change things. There is a mood to evolve to another level.

Hibiscus Coast Community RSA president David Newman

Sir Buck Shelford says the Royal NZ RSA is in the mood for change.

Raised crossing raises eyebrows

Among the suggested transport projects for the local board to consider funding in 2023-26 was a raised pedestrian crossing in Laurence Street, between Manly Park and the sailing club.

Auckland Transport (AT) put the suggestion to the Hibiscus & Bays local board at a workshop last month, following requests from the public.

AT’s cost estimate for the work, including design, is $375,000.

Local board chair Gary Brown says eyebrows were raised at the suggestion, partly because of the cost but also because Laurence Street already has seven speed humps along its length. The suggested concrete raised crossing would replace a pedestrian refuge, speed cushions and low speed signs that are already there.

Councillor calls for stronger Three Waters opposition

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

One councillor continued his call from last year for stronger opposition on the Three Waters Reform, but was turned down.

At the Governing Body meeting on February 23, members approved council’s submission on the Water Services Legislation Bill and Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill.

Council submission highlights concerns around the transition to the new entity, land asset transfers, financial impacts and transferring stormwater functions.

Cr Wayne Walker called on Mayor Wayne Brown to take a harder stance.

The local board has discretion over where its Transport Capital Fund is spent, and several members spoken to by Hibiscus Matters say this project is unlikely to find favour.

Brown says the crossing is definitely not a priority for the area at the moment.

“There are a lot of other high roading priorities, and we have to spend money wisely as our budget has been substantially cut,” he says. “If we were considering a crossing, putting one on Whangaparāoa Road at Little Manly, across to the beach, would be a far higher priority, as that’s a safety issue.”

There will be a further workshop to discuss how the local board wants to spend its Transport Capital Fund in May/June, with the final decision coming to a June/July business meeting.

THE GARDENS APARTMENTS

Walker’s call followed a similar position last year when he and several other councillors voted against council developing a submission on the reform to avoid supporting it in any way.

“This dismembers the council in respect of taking a great deal of our responsibility

around water away from us and I would suggest there is huge community opposition.”

Walker pointed to Christchurch City Council which, he believed, had “taken a stronger position” than Auckland.

Walker wanted to know “whether this council will embark on a more aggressive campaign which might involve promoting our stance more aggressively to the media and encouraging the public and various organisations to get behind us.”

Mayor Wayne Brown turned down Walker’s request.

“I think strategically at the moment we are playing quite a good game in the middle,” he said. “We have formally stated quite strongly at the front of this that we oppose, and we have got a lot of reasons for it. You have to have faith in the approach.”

He said his main question around the Three Waters Reform was about how Northland and Auckland would be better served operating out of a single hub. Brown also said ‘the government is the government’ and with a majority “they can pass what they like”.

Silverdale subdivision on fast track route

The next two stages of East Coast Heights subdivision in Silverdale, behind the park ‘n’ ride, are being put forward for resource consent via the Covid-19 fast-track consenting process. Applications for two sections of the subdivision – one containing 303 residential housing units, and another of 62 residential units at Goldwater Drive – are not yet lodged, but are on the fast track list of projects. The process circumvents Auckland Council’s resource consent route and involves expert panels making decisions on resource consent applications and other matters before the projects can go ahead. The Environmental Protection Authority provides advice and administrative support for the panel convener and expert panels, which are appointed by the convener. The developer is Build Rich. When complete, the 26ha development will contain around 500 homes and a commercial centre. w Backstories www.localmatters.co.nz February 19, 2020 and February 17, 2021

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A raised pedestrian crossing has been suggested for this spot, on Laurence Street, Manly.

There are a lot of other high roading priorities, and we have to spend money wisely ...

Surprise win for Red Beach artist

When Susannah Law’s name was read out as winner of the recent Hibiscus & Bays Art Awards (Premier 2D category), she was excited, and also “gobsmacked”, as she hadn’t planned to enter the competition.

“It’s the ultimate compliment to my work, and also validation – it’s easy to doubt yourself as you work away in the studio by yourself,” she says.

The Red Beach artist started creating her painting The Ancients last year, but didn’t finish it until January and only just made the cut off for entry to the competition.

The artwork focuses on New Zealand’s bats, reflecting Susannah’s love of native species. She says the figure in the work represents DOC workers who trap and record information about the bats for their future protection.

Local artists also featured among the Merit winners: Amanda Moore for a portrait called Raising Eve, Elizabeth Walker for her paper-clay work called Silent Tears, and Tracey Currington for Kaleidoscope II. The awards were hosted by Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa last month and the winners feature in an exhibition that is on now at the Centre until March 12.

Nature’s magic

The work of Susannah Law and her art students, as well as photographer Heather Owens and sculptor Kim Boyd, have combined their talents in a show called Magical Aotearoa which opens this week at Estuary Arts Centre. The exhibition focuses on “the magical beauty of the flora and fauna in our country”, Susannah says. Works include paintings based on stories and myths, prints, photography, dioramas of forests and ceramic sculptures. The artists all studied at Hungry Creek in Puhoi together and have a similar theme in their work based on a love of nature and fantasy. The youngest students whose work is in the show are just 9 years old. There will be a ‘photo shoot forest scene’ where viewers can create memories of their visit and workshops where teens and adults can try marbling techniques. Magical Aotearoa is on from March 13-April 2 at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa.

Sand swirls calm the mind

Kenrick Smith of Papamoa, who is bringing his Sand Art classes to Ōrewa this weekend, says drawing in the sand, using a rake, is not just about creating a beautiful pattern.

The former photographer and teacher of at-risk youth began making art on the sand during lockdown.

He has ADHD and says it was a way to keep busy, but when he combined breathing and mindfulness it made him feel calm as well as creative.

“The art was one thing, but I realised in the times we’re in that mindfulness is what people really need,” he says.

He calls his classes ‘Rake Healing’ as a fun reference to another form of healing – reiki. This weekend, Arundel Reserve, at the northern end of Ōrewa Beach will be the canvas for his Rake Healing Sand Art class. The two hour class is open to all ages and is on Saturday, March 11, at 3.30pm and costs $40 for U14, $80 for adults.

Info and bookings: www.rakehealing.com or https://events.humanitix.com/aucklandŌrewa-beach-sand

Kenrick Smith teaches drawing in the sand for its mindfulness and healing benefits.

‘Raising Eve’ by Amanda Moore

This winning artwork was a last-minute entry by Red Beach’s Susannah Law.

Health

Dr Peter Hall peter.hall@wh.thedoctors.co.nz

A short history of Vitamin D

I was working in Otago last year and it was noticeable how many patients down there are on regular Vitamin D. In Auckland we tend to prescribe this only for the traditional high-risk groups – those with dark skin or who cover their skin most of the time, or aged and disabled people who don’t get much sun exposure. But studies have shown that many people living in the southern part of NZ are deficient in Vitamin D over the winter months, hence its common use.

This vitamin has a fascinating history, illustrating both the achievements and limitations of medical science. Even though the bone disease rickets was recognised in antiquity, the discovery that it was due to Vitamin D deficiency was made only in the early 20th Century.

Treatment with supplements such as cod liver oil and exposure to sunlight was very successful, giving the impression that rickets was “licked” as a public health problem. But at various times, and in various groups, it has made a comeback.

Also, this emphasis on bone disease obscured the fact that Vitamin D has lots of other functions, including fighting infection. And when this vitamin is short, the body will preferentially use it to support bone strength at the expense of the immune system. So, the traditional recommended levels were set a bit low – enough to prevent rickets but not enough for its other functions. Subsequent studies have shown an association between low Vitamin D levels and various cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune conditions and even mental illness. Also,

obesity can adversely affect its levels. But this is where it gets tricky. Are these associations causal or coincidental? Because this question wasn’t answered for a long time, the gap was filled by unsupported claims for Vitamin D as a prevention and cure for just about everything. This was compounded by genuine uncertainty about optimal blood levels and doses. In addition, the move to avoid sun exposure due to skin cancer risk has made it harder for the general population to maintain good Vitamin D levels. Fortunately, some good quality research has made things a bit clearer – optimal blood levels have been identified (greater than 50 nmol/l). However, this might not help much, as you can’t get a test done in our local lab unless you pay for it! Doctors are discouraged from testing because it is expensive. If a patient is considered at risk then the policy is to just treat them (usually with one tablet a month, which is adequate for most). But if you are really keen you can pay the $80 and then discuss the results with your doctor. There seems no point in giving extra Vitamin D to people who have normal levels. A recent report in Nature concluded from several large studies that Vitamin D supplementation to people with normal levels did not prevent any of the above diseases known to be associated with deficiency. So, because something is good for you it doesn’t mean that more is better. And there is a small risk of toxicity with high doses. For an excellent summary of this advice see www.consumer.org.nz

As always, if this has raised questions for you, seek medical advice from your GP or other health professional.

(8)

66 Belittle (9)

68 Pesters (6) 69 Purpose (6)

73 Straining utensil (5) 74 Crowing (8) 76 Child minder (10)

81 Long steps (7)

82 Ebb (6)

83 Bends over (6) 84 Sweetheart (4)

85 Placate (7) 86 Obstinate (10)

87 Professional performer (7) DOWN

1 Fabric for jeans (5)

2 Confessed (8)

3 Glass ball (6)

4 Cricket spells (5)

5 Layer (4)

6 Revealed (7)

7 Tree-lined

Time to make inroads on bucket lists

While in lockdown, many Coasties were dreaming of being far, far away, re-working our bucket lists, and saving our dollars.

Once the borders opened, travel agents were inundated with customers – some of them nervous about Covid requirements, but all keen to start ticking off their dream destinations.

Ōrewa You Travel directors Kiri Martin and Mandy Herd say the first phase of outbound travellers was people wanting to reconnect with family and friends. Then came the desire for some long overdue leisure time in an exotic place – for some, the more exotic the better. In-demand destinations include Antarctica, the Arctic, Europe and Egypt.

“These are not places that you go for two weeks. People ended up with large amounts of annual leave stacked up after the restrictions, and they are keen to

use it on seeing the world.”

Mandy says travel agents are also seeing people prepared to spend more to upgrade their flights, say from Economy to Business Class.

Travel agents are busier than ever.

“There is still a demand/supply issue – we’re not back to pre-Covid capacity as yet,” Kiri says. “That means people have to book earlier than they once did. We’re hoping the prices come down next year when more airlines start flying to NZ again.”

Upheavals experienced by travellers, such as flight schedule changes and different Covid requirements in different places, have caused them to come back to travel agents, rather than booking everything online.

“Customers phone us from the airport queues and we can resolve those things for them,” Mandy says. “More travellers understand the value of using an agent now.”

We’re excited to announce that we’ve

Looking

Kiri is currently on Viking Ocean cruises in Europe.

Whilst Patrick is heading off with a group on two Avalon River cruises in Europe.

Meanwhile, Mandy is excited to explore different parts of Italy and all its charm.

Exciting destinations such as Antarctica, Egypt, the Arctic and Europe are top of Kiwi’s bucket lists, and they are heading there now, enjoying the freedom after Covid-19 restrictions.

In your face Covid – the galas are back!

Whangaparāoa School is gearing up to hold a Gala this month, just six months after its last one.

Gala organisers say this is so that the school can get back on track with its annual Easter timeslot, after the impact of Covid-19 restrictions.

As always, the Gala will provide a wide range of entertainment and food including favourites like Dunk the Teacher, Toy Toss, stage performances and the café and cake stall.

Community organisations such as Hibiscus Coast Forest and Bird, dog rescuers Saving Hope, and the Manly Fire Brigade will be there.

One new activity, destined to be a crowdpleaser, is called Pie Face. This will involve

people voting for a teacher who will have a cream pie smooshed in their face.

Above all, the organisers say the gala will be a chance to come together and have fun.

“After all the challenges of this year so far, especially on the back of the previous two years, we are just excited to give the community the opportunity to have a fun day out with their families,” co-organiser

Debbie Pincott says.

The gala is a big fundraiser for the school –last September around $35,000 was raised. This time the money is going towards replacing some older playground equipment.

The Gala is on Saturday, March 18 at the school in Ladies Mile, 10.45am-2pm.

27th Sep – 01st Oct 2021 / $1315 Twin Share / $1740 Single

Twilight at Red Beach

Red Beach School’s Twilight Fun Fair is back, after last year’s event was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. The event is on Friday, March 17 at the school, 3.45pm-7pm. Holding it on a Friday afternoon and early evening provides people with a chance to unwind after the working week, organisers say. There will be a wide range of food on offer to suit the dinner timeslot, including pulled pork tacos, Japanese dumplings, crepes, salads, as well as mocktails and desserts. Games and entertainment include an inflatable obstacle course, Dunk the Teacher, sandpit hunt, soccer shoot out, and a number of stalls run by students. A free, all ages magic show is on from 7pm-7.45pm. Funds raised will go towards outdoor play area upgrades.

Whangaparāoa Gala is taking ‘dunk the teacher’ to the next level this year – one “lucky” teacher will be chosen to have a cream pie smooshed in their face.

Green scene

Kate Hall kate@ethicallykate.com

Usually I write these green pieces from my bungalow in Red Beach, but today I find myself in Varanasi, India; one of the most spiritual places in the world.

I’m halfway through a three month adventure with my husband, Tim, and we’re trying our best to continue our sustainable habits here in India. It’s not easy, but we’ve worked out a few key ways to reduce our waste while travelling.

Our Water-to-Go bottle eliminates viruses and bacteria from all water sources, reducing our reliance on plastic water bottles. We have stayed healthy so far!

We also travel with a Steripen. A Steripen kills bacteria and viruses (eliminating the need to boil water) through ultraviolet light. It’s a game changer for travelling or even local hiking expeditions.

Just like I do in Aotearoa New Zealand, I don’t leave home without my collapsible containers. We choose to stay in Air BnBs with fridges so that if one of us has left over food on our plate, we take it home to eat later. As well as reducing food waste, this habit has saved us lots of money too! We’ve enjoyed purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables from the stalls on the side of the road, washing them with filtered water and soap, and cooking them thoroughly. Aside from the main waste streams, food and water, we ignore the pull to purchase souvenirs and focus on experiences instead. We choose to support local businesses

instead of large corporations and have made great use of the amazing train systems!

To be honest, I’ve put more waste in the rubbish bin in the past month than I have in the past year. Without my 15 minute bike ride to the Silverdale bulk bin store or clean drinking water running from the tap, we have to consume water and food wherever we can get it and usually that involves plastic.

I’m constantly reminded of the privilege it is to access sustainably sourced goods, though we continue to do whatever we can, and I hope these tips help you in your future travels too!

We have confirmed cabins on Avalon Impression travelling from Budapest to Amsterdam. Fly Korean Airlines to Budapest, with two nights exploring Seoul, then three days in Budapest before the cruise. Make this the perfect start to your European Adventure, with the chance to stay on and keep exploring Europe, or visit friends and family.

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What’s on at Estuary Arts Centre

“Magical Aotearoa”

by Susannah Law, Kim Boyd, Heather Maree Owens,

and students of Red

Beach Studio

“ELEMENTAL” by Sylvie Joyce

“Summertime” a group exhibition by the Hibiscus Coast Artists

“The Roses” painting by Jill Bryce

now available view and book on: estuaryarts.arlo.co/w/

New Coastie

Ed Amon edamonnz@gmail.com

Going home

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up in the metaphorical exile without even a measly chocolate bar. I exaggerate for effect, but the truth is that there has to be some criteria considering the huge family size and I trust my mother to make the right decisions.

Waiting at the airport also brings with it some peculiar experiences. I almost never read books written in my own language of Urdu which looks like Arabic in written form. I am deterred by all these social media videos of people getting kicked out just because they were reading or speaking something non-English and the other passengers felt unsafe. I recently broke that mould, when I was reading the Ibn-e-Safi Imran Series waiting at Christchurch airport. It is a racy spy series from my younger years. A woman waiting next to me asked with confidence, “that’s the Quran you are reading, right?” Weird to assume that any Arabic looking written word, written from right to left, is the Quran. My answer was ‘yes’. I didn’t want to break her confidence. Next time I see someone reading a Lee Child, maybe I’ll ask them if they are reading the Bible?

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I will travel to Pakistan in April. It has been three years since I was last in the country of my birth. It is compulsory travelling because last year my father almost died due to a bout with Covid-19. I will be landing on the last day of Ramadan, just in time for the great festivities of Eid al-Fitr, which is a celebratory three days marking the end of Ramadan. I haven’t been with my family on Eid al-Fitr since I came to Aotearoa. Imagine not being with family on Christmas for 12 straight years. I am very excited. It is never an easy task travelling to Pakistan. The gift buying process has already started. Half our luggage will be going with goodies for the whole extended family. Gift giving is essential for Pakistani culture. From New Zealand chocolate to All Blacks apparel, this bag will be full of tokens of proof that I am living a successful life in New Zealand. There are always two different categories of gifts. One set is of special requests. This privilege is only awarded to immediate family, so they get what they want. The other set is generic gifts which I hand over to my mother. She then becomes incharge of distributing gifts to those who have not been on the naughty list within the extended family. If I were Santa Claus in this scenario, my mother is my stern administrator, deciding if someone gets a generic milk chocolate bar or the coveted Whitaker’s Dark Ghana. I have no say in that distribution process. She runs her empire with an iron fist and if you agitate, you end

I love international travel. The tiny bland meals, the tiny screen movies, tiny drinks in tiny plastic cups, and the swollen feet. I still find it amazing that I can travel 14,000km by flying at 40,000 feet in a pressurised box with a whiskey in my hand and Goodbye Pork Pie on the screen. If I can offer one humble suggestion; the safety videos can be shorter. That’s all.

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Coast constable spreads word on safety

Constable Sam Webb of Whangaparāoa

Police knows a bit about safety – he’s been a police officer for 16 years, and is currently out at Muriwai as part of the ‘reassurance and crime prevention patrol’ following the cyclone.

On March 20, he will give a talk at Whangaparāoa Library that is focused on ways to keep yourself and your belongings safe.

Constable Webb says he hopes to cover issues such as cars being broken into or stolen, keeping your house safe from burglaries, fraud and scams, and personal safety.

There will be time for people to ask questions.

He says usually his talks are for specific business or community groups, whereas this one is open to the general public.

“This means people can bring their own ideas and issues or discuss what they are seeing happen in their neighbourhood, so I can give them advice or direct them to somewhere to find out more, for nonPolice matters.”

The talk at Whangaparāoa Library is on Monday, March 20, at 10.30am in the Pohutukawa Room. All are welcome – no need to pre-book.

Work piles up at Silverdale Pioneer Village

When you are the custodians of several historic buildings, maintenance is an ongoing challenge.

The latest project for the volunteers of the Silverdale Pioneer Village is the re-piling of the Old Neville Homestead, and the Old Parsonage.

In total, the work will cost more than $85,000 and take several months.

The Silverdale & District Historical Society, which manages and operates the Pioneer Village, has been building up funds over the past year and work can now begin.

Society vice president, Paul Maguiness, says the two buildings were relocated to the Village over the last 55 years, and need attention so that future generations can enjoy them.

The Old Parsonage was built in 1877 and Neville House in the early 20th century. Grants supporting the work came from the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, Foundation North, NZ Lotteries, Auckland Council

Heritage fund, the Bayes Family Trust and other local families and businesses.

Paul says the Society is grateful to everyone who has made the project possible and any further donations or sponsorship

are welcome. The Society’s bank account details are on its website, www. silverdalepioneervillage.com/ Volunteers hope to keep the village open while work takes place.

Give It Up for the gut

New statistics from the Ministry of Health confirm that gut cancers remain the most common form of cancer in NZ, with notable recent increases in the rates of oesophageal, liver, and pancreatic cancer. On average, 17 Kiwis are diagnosed with a gut cancer every day, or more than 6000 every year. Gut cancers include cancers of the stomach, liver, gall bladder and bowel. This month, the Gut Cancer Foundation is asking Kiwis to give up something they enjoy – choosing between alcohol, sweet treats, or being sedentary on the couch – to raise funds to fight gut cancers. In the process they will be making lifestyle changes that will help reduce their own cancer risk. The Foundation hopes to double its 2022 Give It Up tally of $174,000 in donations, setting a target of $350,000 to be raised this year. Info: www.giveitup.nz/

Apprentices challenged

NZ Certified Builders (NZCB) is encouraging apprentices to get their entries in before the March 17 deadline for its annual Apprentice Challenge. Regional heats will be held in multiple locations across the country on April 1, with great prizes up for the grabs and winners going on to compete for the title of national champion. A week before the regional heats, competitors will be advised of the project they are to build. Each competitor has eight hours to complete that project. Finished projects will be judged by a panel of experienced building practitioners and industry educators on elements such as craftsmanship, assembly, ability to work to a detailed plan, safe working technique and time management. Projects made by the apprentices will be offered for sale on TradeMe to raise money for charity. Info and to enter: visit https:// apprenticechallenge.nz/ Entries must be received by Friday, March 17.

Historic Neville Homestead is one of two buildings at the Pioneer Village that is being re-piled.

Constable Sam Webb

Catching is only half the fun

A club for fishers, based on the Hibiscus Coast, is proof that you can continue casting those lines, well into the retirement years.

Golden Years Fishing Club has around 72 members, including a small number of women, who get out on the water regularly, from October to May, to fish and yarn the day away.

The minimum age is 50 years, but several members are in their 80s and one, Brian Finlayson, is 93.

President Derek Kelsey says most of those who join have had to give up their boats, but still enjoy fishing.

The club started at the Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre, and really got going in 1990.

George Galbraith, 84, says although members may be a bit stiffer in the joints, or less physically able in general, there is something for everyone.

The three options, depending on your health and fitness, is fishing with a Torpedo from the beach, or going on a charter boat on the Hauraki Gulf (usually from Gulf Harbour), or the longer trip to the Kaipara – where the water is rougher, but the fish more plentiful.

There are also occasional ‘away trips’ to places such as the Chathams, Great Barrier or Stewart Island.

Ōrewa member Trevor Sanderson says the banter is an even bigger plus than the fishing.

“You hop on the boat, have a coffee and talk to the guys you haven’t seen for the last month,” he says.

The catch is taken home, filleted, and shared among relatives, friends and neighbours. Nothing is wasted – the club even produced a fish cookbook for its 30th anniversary.

Most of the fish caught is snapper, and

Choppy Coast conditions for swim

Choppy seas at Red Beach did not deter entrants in Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club’s Open Water Swim.

The event was held on Sunday, February 26. It was the 34th year that the Open Water Swim has been held – it is organised by the club in conjunction with Roskill Masters Swim Club.

Entrants, whose ages ranged from 14 to 76 years, had a choice of two distances – 1.5km or 3km – over a rectangular course just off the beach. Wetsuits were optional – two Deyal Cosgrove Trophies were up for grabs over the 3km distance, swum without a wetsuit.

The men’s division was won by Rob Corne, while Rachel Richardson took out the women’s division.

occasionally kahawai.

“Once you’ve tallied up all the fish, the lies and exaggerations start,” says Ōrewa member Wally Alesich. That’s because there is a prize for the biggest snapper, and one for ‘other species’. Wally once caught an octopus on the Kaipara and tried to claim ‘catch of the day’ with it.

All the fishers have noticed a big drop in fish stocks, particularly in the Hauraki Gulf, and need to be even more patient waiting for a bite. Sustainability is important, and they stick to the rules, taking only the permitted number and size of fish. The club welcomes new members. Info, phone Derek, 021 032 6878.

Golden Years fishers, from left, Wally Alesich, Brian ‘Finney’ Finlayson, George Galbraith and Len Hancy.

The start of the annual Open Water Swim at Red Beach. Photos, Ross Malyon.

Red Beach lifeguards Teresa Sell and Caleb Archer laid the course.

Coastguard

Zane Bryhn, Coastguard Hibiscus crew chief www.coastguardhibiscus.org.nz

Cyclone wash up

With Cyclone Gabrielle and the State of Emergency, call outs for Coastguard Hibiscus have been sporadic.

In saying that, we are extremely thankful that most people headed the weather forecast and didn’t try to go out. The winds at one point, measured from Tiritiri Matangi Island, exceeded 80 knots.

There was a lot of devastation around the country – there were also many boats that broke moorings and boats sunk on moorings. It gives us a timely reminder to ensure that your mooring is surveyed and safe along with ensuring that bilge pumps on moored vessels have a power source and are functional. After the cyclone there was a huge amount of debris left in the harbour and outer areas. This will be around for some time until it finds its way to be beached or sink so it is imperative, if you are out and about, to keep a very close eye on what is in front of you. Some of the debris is large enough to sink large boats and at speed can be catastrophic. Any hazards should be reported to the Harbour Master. It should be noted that Coastguard, whilst willing to help, are not your first point of contact if you find these hazards. The Harbour Master is responsible

Fee subsidy for netballers

for the reporting and actioning of this sort of request.

During the cyclone, a yacht from Great Barrier had broken is anchor line and then had mechanical failure rendering the yacht and its solo elderly crew member unable to move. With the winds exceeding safe operating guidelines and sea state exceeding 10m swells, locating and assisting this vessel was truly challenging. No air assets were given clearance to fly in those conditions so the only option was to bring in the NZ Navy Ship Te Mana who located the vessel from an emergency locator beacon and launched a small inflatable rescue boat from the ship. They managed to pluck the very lucky sailor from the water and bring him back to Auckland. This is a reminder that the sea can be extremely unforgiving, and whilst this was a fantastic outcome it could have easily ended in tragedy.

Let’s hope we have a very long dry autumn that will allow you all to enjoy the Hauraki Gulf and beyond. We are extremely lucky to have this on our door step. Until next season – happy boating and be safe out there.

This is the final Coastguard column for this season. Thanks Zane for all your contributions!

ANZ is providing $100,000 in netball fee subsidies this season. Teams can apply directly for financial support until entries close on March 24. Both the fee subsidies, and applications for the ANZ Future Captains experience, which gives two netball fans the chance to lead the stars onto the court at an official match, interact with players, and experience the action from courtside seats, are now open at ANZcourtside.co.nz

DOUGLAS ACCOUNTING

Classifieds

DVDS & VIDEOS

VIDEOS TRANSFERRED to DVD/hard drive. Ph/txt Te Totara Video 021 777 385.

HOME & MAINTENANCE

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

CARPET LAYING, CARPET RE-STRETCH, VINYL LAYING, CARPET REPAIRS

Over 30 years’ experience.

Contact Dexter 027 4956 436

SERVICES

DOG WALKING, BIG OR SMALL in the Gulf Harbour area.

Monday to Wed 4.30pm-8.30pm, Sat & Sun by arrangement. ph/txt 022 364 3288 or 021 205 3137

FURNITURE REMOVALS

exp Owner Operator 30 years. Single Items to Flat/House lots. Silverdale Based. Ph Gavin 0274 973 867

PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE

Based in little Manly. Massage for relaxation and wellbeing using essential oils. Targeted deep tissue & stress relief massage. Can do reflexology as well. 26 years exp. Ph. 0204 116 7992.

RECORDING STUDIO Vocals to backing tracks, original projects, vocal training & vocal PA hire. Ph Skimp 021 115 5233.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

CONNECT FOUR - Calling all games people to an afternoon of playing Scrabble, Pictionary, UNO and more. Bring your own games to share. Ōrewa Community Centre lounge. Every Monday 1pm-3pm. Gold coin donation. Info ph 09 470 227 or 021 262 4711. All welcome.

HIBISCUS COAST ART CLUB Come along and enjoy a friendly group who share art knowledge. Every Monday 9.30am-12pm, Stanmore Bay Community Hall, Waiora Road. Info Shana 021 650 184. All welcome.

HIBISCUS COAST STAMP CLUB Meets 2pm on 3rd Saturday every month at 22 Settlers Grove, Ōrewa. All welcome. Ph Derek 09 427 8911.

MEDITATION IN MOTION WITH TAI CHI

HIBISCUS Come and join this monthly Tai Chi demonstration! Saturday, 4 March, 9am-10am. 1st Saturday of every month. Whangaparāoa Library’s front courtyard. All welcome. Tai Chi Hibiscus 021 904 333 or taijihibiscuscoast@gmail.com

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE for all those odd jobs. Ph Nev 021 399 226 @ Nev’s Odd Jobs. Great rates. Local & reliable.

PUMP DOCTOR

WATER PUMP & FILTER SERVICES. New installs for all your water pump requirements. Ph 0274 430 654.

ARKLES BAY PAINTERS/DECORATORS In the area for the area. Shane 021 0813 8481.

CARPET CLEANING, repairs and installation. Dwayne 0274 997 929.

HANDYMAN, RENOVATION SERVICES. Call John 027 441 9603.

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

WANTED TO BUY

TO BUY, RECORDS/LP’S 09 428 1587 txt 0210 258 3437

HAIRDRESSING

CAN’T MAKE IT TO A HAIR SALON? No problem I can come to you. Qualified Hairstylist providing cutting and blow wave services. Please phone Julie 021 112 8015

ŌREWA BRIDGE CLUB Bridge lessons starting March 21, 7pm. 10 lessons $50, covers all course material and membership. Contact Jenny 027 212 1222, jengarry10350@gmail.com or orewabc@ xtra.co.nz

“RECONNECTING THE CHRISTIAN PATH TO THE PERENNIAL WISDOM” Sunday March 12, 2pm, Theosophical Hall, Forest Glen and Annalise Place, followed by cup tea and cake $5 donation ph 09 427 0149.

WHANGAPARĀOA INDOOR BOWLING

CLUB has started its 2023 season, new members are welcome. Come and learn this easy to play game. Club nights Monday 7pm Whangaparāoa Primary School hall, Thursday afternoon Whangaparāoa Hall. Contact Maurice 027 392 0541 or Owen 021 264 9192 for more information.

WHANGAPARĀOA INDOOR BOWLING

CLUB has started its 2023 season, new members are welcome. Come and learn this easy to play game. Club nights Monday 7pm Whangaparāoa Primary School hall, Thursday afternoon Whangaparāoa Hall. Contact Maurice 027 392 0541 or Owen 021 264 9192 for more information.

81. Strides, 82. Recede, 83. Stoops, 84. Beau, 85. Appease, 86. Headstrong, 87. Artiste.

Down: 1. Denim, 2. Admitted, 3. Marble, 4. Overs, 5. Tier, 6. Exposed, 7. Avenue, 8. Dried, 10. Heap, 11. Abandon, 12. Reeked, 17. Contenders, 18. Tonic, 22. Monetary, 23. Clone, 24. Stumble, 26. Flag, 28. Inexact, 29. Museum,

What’s on ...

To list events, email: online@localmatters.co.nz

9 MiSex and Stellar play Parāoa Brewing Co, Whangaparāoa. Tickets from Plus1.co.nz (see story p15)

10 Rud Stewart (Rod Stewart tribute) International Touring show plays Parāoa Brewing Co, Whangaparāoa. Tickets from Eventfinda.

10-12 Women on Water Weekend, hosted by Gulf Harbour Yacht Club. Registrations close February 23. Info and registration: www.ghyc. co.nz/woww-2023/woww-2023

11 Ōrewa Beach Kindergarten’s annual Ducky Derby fundraiser, Western Reserve, Ōrewa, 11am-2pm. Tickets $10 from the kindergarten, 09 426 4543 or email duckyderbyobk@gmail.com Info: www.facebook.com/orewaDuckyDerby/

13-April 2 Magical Aotearoa exhibition. Works by students of Red Beach Studio and artists Susannah Law, Heather Owens and Kim Boyd. Opening preview Friday, March 17, 5pm-7pm. (see story p12)

15 Parāoa Flood relief fundraising concert, Parāoa Brewing Co, Whangaparāoa. Variety of Kiwi artists including 70s band Space Walz. Tickets from Eventfinda (see story p2 and ad p7)

15 Craig Hallen, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa, 7pm-9pm. Free entry.

17 Red Beach School Twilight Fun Fair, Red Beach School, 20 Albert Hall Drive, Red Beach, 3.45pm-7pm. Free fun and games plus an all ages Magic Show. (see story p16)

17 St Patrick’s Genealogy Day, Whangaparāoa Library, Main Street, Whangaparāoa, 10am-1pm. Want to know more about your Irish heritage? The Genealogy Research team will help you discover your Irish ancestors. Pre-registration required, email Garry Phillips, garryphillips2010@gmail.com

18 Whangaparāoa School Gala, at the school, 39 Ladies Mile, Manly, 10.45am-2pm. Stalls, games, fun for the whole family. (see story p16)

18 Stagetalk, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa, 7pm-10.30pm. $5 for non-RSA members.

20 How to Stay Safe in 2023, a talk by local Constable Sam Webb, Whangaparāoa Library, Main Street, Whangaparāoa, 10.30am. All welcome, no bookings required. (see story p19)

22 Operatunity presents The Ultimate 70s Show, Centrestage Theatre, Centreway Road, Ōrewa, 11am-12.45pm. Tickets from Eventfinda.

24 Rotary Club of Whangaparāoa Charity Golf Tournament, Whangaparāoa Golf Club, starts 12.30pm. Teams of four invited to take part. Proceeds to structured literacy programme at Stanmore Bay, Whangaparāoa and Gulf Harbour Schools. Info: phone Dan Healey, 021 0555 220 or email healeydan56@gmail.com

25 Ōrewa Bike Cruise, a relaxed ride on an 11.5km route, starting and ending in Western Reserve, 12 noon-5pm. A free family cycle event – not a race. Fun, entertainment and free eats along the way. Registration essential. Info: https://orewabeach.co.nz/

1 Kiwi Express, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa, 7pm-10.30pm. $5 for non-RSA members.

5 Steve Coppard, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa, 7pm-9pm. Free entry.

8 NZ heavyweight title boxing match, Long vs Leutele, Parāoa Brewing Co, Stanmore Bay, 5pm. Tickets from Eventfinda. Door sales $60, Corporate tables available. (see story p24)

12 Sharon Blow, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa, 7pm-9pm. Free entry

15 Boulevard Arts Fiesta, Ōrewa Boulevard, 11am-6pm. Full day of market stalls, creativity and art, food trucks, entertainment, rides and more.

22 Laughs in the ‘Burbs’, Ōrewa Community Centre, 368 Ōrewa, 7.30pm-10.30pm. Top comedy line up, headlined by David Correos. Tickets from Eventfinda.

22 Gerry Lee, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Rd, Whangaparāoa, 7pm-10.30pm. $5 for non-RSA members.

22 Food Truck Collective comes to Manly Park, Laurence Street, Manly, 5pm-9pm. Street food, music and entertainment, craft beer pop-up bar.

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

Pharmacy Talk

with Tania Adams Pharmacist at Unichem Manly

Moving Forward with Diabetes

J.P. Morgan once said “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”

Over 225,000 New Zealanders live with diabetes but Otago University estimates that as many as 1 in 4 kiwis are also pre-diabetic. Diabetes is a long term condition that affects the way your body regulates sugar, or glucose. Type 2 diabetes is where the body does not respond to insulin as well as it should and sometimes doesn’t make enough. The good news is that it can be controlled and you can lead a full and active life... taking the first steps really count!

Type 2 diabetes tends to occur in people over 40 years old. Most people don’t even know they are at risk of developing diabetes, but there are things which may increase your chances, such as being overweight, smoking or having a family history of diabetes. Because you often don’t actually feel symptoms from diabetes even while it is doing damage, if you have these risk factors it is best to get tested by your doctor. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can cause long-term damage to your blood vessels, eyesight, kidneys, heart and feet.

In New Zealand we use the HbA1c test to determine whether or not you have diabetes. HbA1c is a marker that can determine your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the previous 3-months. It can be used to diagnose diabetes or to assess how well your diabetes is being managed.

In most people, below 40mml/ml is considered non-diabetic, whereas a measurement of 50mmol/mol or above is in the range for diabetes. Between these two values is considered pre-diabetic. Understanding your test results can help you manage your diabetes better. For any help understanding your blood test results or regarding using your blood glucose monitor, come and see on of our helpful pharmacists at Unichem Manly Pharmacy.

So, what could be a first step? If you are living with type 2 diabetes, simple lifestyle choices can be key to controlling your blood glucose levels. For example, research shows that losing weight can help you to reduce , delay or for some, even do away with your diabetes medications. However dieting with diabetes can be complex and so needs to be done safely with a qualified health professional.

If you have been recently diagnosed as having pre-diabetes, you’ll be pleased to know that a recent study found that dropping your body weight by 10 percent within six months of your diagnosis dramatically reduces your risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. Even moderate weight loss shows positive effects. Losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight still reduces your risk of developing diabetes by 54 percent*. If you are 80kg, this means losing 4 to 6kg.

So if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes it is time to start your first step by deciding to make a change. If you need a little help, come and see our friendly pharmacy team at Unichem Manly Pharmacy.

*in overweight or obese patients only

Top boxing talent gloves up

It’s not often that a boxing match, particularly a NZ heavyweight title fight, comes to a venue like Parāoa Brewery in Whangaparāoa.

But boxing promoter Craig Thomson of Ōrewa likes to find different and unique venues.

Thomson, a boxer himself, says bringing a big fight to places like Parāoa creates a different atmosphere and can bring in new enthusiasts to the sport.

He trialled a fight there last October, on a Sunday afternoon, and says it was hugely popular.

“Usually a fight like this would be in a place like the ABA stadium in Mt Eden,” Thomson says. “Taking it to Parāoa makes it more boutique and creates a different sense of occasion. Spectators can be a stone’s throw from the ring. That’s great for the atmosphere. Whether you’re already a fan, or have never been to boxing before and just want a night out, it’s a chance to

experience the sport in a new way.”

Next month, 2.15m tall Julius ‘Towering Inferno’ Long will take on ‘King’ Kiki Leutele in the NZ heavyweight title bout at Parāoa.

Their first fight ended in a draw, so it’s expected to be a close contest.

Also on the programme is former American basketballer Maurice McNeil in a professional heavyweight bout and Stanmore Bay middleweight boxer Marcus

‘The Headache’ Heywood vs Josh Iongi of Christchurch.

There will also be Corporate Boxing fights, which provide a chance for people who box to improve their physical and mental health, to fight in front of a crowd and put their training to good use. Those fights will feature a mix of locals and fighters from wider Auckland.

The Long versus Leutele fight is on Saturday, April 8. Tickets from Eventfinda.

Boxing heavyweights Kiki Leutele (top) and Julius Long will contest the NZ title at Parāoa Brewing Co.

Stanmore Bay boxer Marcus Heywood.