Hibiscus Matters_Issue 348_29 May 2023

blamed for flooded homes

Big blush fundraisers

Coast teacher inspires research

Two former science lab partners at Whangaparāoa College have gone on to advance ground-breaking cancer research at Wellington’s Malaghan Institute of Medical Research.

Dr Yasmin Nouri and Dr Andrew Wilson, both aged 28, recently completed their PhDs in CAR T-cell therapy, a revolutionary new type of cancer immunotherapy that reprogrammes a person’s own immune cells to detect and kill their cancer. The institute

is currently running New Zealand’s first CAR T-cell clinical trial.

Yasmin started at Whangaparāoa College in Year 7 (2006) and met Andrew over a decade ago when he started at the college, having recently moved to Gulf Harbour from the United Kingdom. Both still have family on the Hibiscus Coast.

The pair were lab partners in Year 12 Chemistry and credit their biology teacher, Kelly Marsh-Smallman, as a big influence.

“I discovered my love for biology in Mrs Marsh-Smallman’s class,” Yasmin says. “I think it just takes one good teacher to ignite a passion for something in a student and she was that person for me.”

“It was during Mrs Marsh-Smallman’s classes that we first started learning about how a tiny little mutation in your DNA code can cause such drastic health effects, including cancer, and it was during those classes that I began thinking about this as a

career path,” Andrew says.

Kelly Marsh-Smallman finished teaching at the college in 2014, by which time she was Acting Head of Science.

After graduating from college in 2012, Andrew and Yasmin both moved to Wellington to pursue their passion for biology at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. They then continued their postgraduate studies with

Former Whangaparāoa College students, Drs Yasmin Nouri and Andrew Wilson, are at the cutting edge of cancer research.

Contact us

May 29, 2023 –

Issue 348 continued

21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa, 0931 | ph 09 427 8188

Hibiscusmatters

Localmattersnz

www.localmatters.co.nz

Next issue: June 12, 2023

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

Advertising:

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

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

the University of Otago, undertaking their PhD research at the Malaghan Institute in the CAR T-cell therapy programme.

“It’s crazy to think that Yasmin and I ended up taking very similar paths alongside each other, culminating in handing in our PhD theses on the same day!” Andrew says.

Andrew’s PhD research aimed to understand the process of turning a patient’s T-cells into CAR T-cells by pinpointing how many modified genes are being inserted.

Yasmin’s focused on identifying the safety profile, effectiveness, and potential future applications of the CAR T-cells.

Since completing their PhDs, Yasmin has moved to Melbourne to take up a research position at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute where she is working on applying CAR T-cell therapy to brain tumours. Andrew has remained at the Malaghan Institute to extend his research into understanding CAR T-cells on a molecular level.

Yasmin is deeply interested in the mechanisms of cancer, and the challenges of treating it.

“It is an incredibly complex puzzle but it is

not unsolvable and I love putting my brain to work on deciphering a little piece of it every day,” she says. “Knowing that all of us have likely experienced the ravages of cancer in some way and want an answer to this horrific disease is what gets me to the lab every day. The work I am doing at the moment involves a lot of interacting with patients and their families, and

vastly improved prognoses, and I would love nothing more in my life than to contribute what I can towards that.”

Advice for students thinking about getting into biomedical/cancer research

• Yasmin: “Do it!! I think the key to success in science is genuine intrigue. Everything else is teachable, but if you’re someone inherently interested in the world around you or the world within you then there is no better career. There are definitely hard days, but I feel like one of the luckiest people in the world that I get to spend every day working on the answers to some of life’s most challenging and interesting questions.”

although you’re often meeting them under devastating circumstances, there is always a feeling of renewed hope after sharing our research. I truly envision that one day all cancers will become treatable diseases with

• Andrew: “I would encourage college students who are thinking of pursuing biomedical or cancer research to find their “why”. There will be good days, and there will be tougher days where you want to give up, but having your “why” in the back of your mind will help push you through the tougher days,” he says.

Flood response report cost revealed

2 9 4 5 3 1 6 7 8 3 7 1 6 8 9 5 4 2 6 8 5 2 7 4 9 1 3 8 4 3 1 6 2 7 5 9 7 5 6 9 4 8 3 2 1 9 1 2 7 5 3 4 8 6 4 6 8 3 1 5 2 9 7 1 2 7 4 9 6 8 3 5 5 3 9 8 2 7 1 6 4 T H E S O L U T O N

GUTTER FOAM

The independent review which Auckland Council commissioned into its flood response (HM May 1) came at significant cost to ratepayers. Information obtained by Hibiscus Matters under the Official Information Act reveals that the total cost was $185,380.

The review was carried out by Mike Bush of Bush International Consulting.

It was designed to be a short, sharp ‘rapid’ examination of what happened. Launched on February 5, the review team had to complete its work in just four weeks, by March 6.

It utilised recorded meetings of Auckland Emergency Management’s (AEM) meetings over the period in question, reviewed thousands of relevant documents, interviewed the Mayor and staff, the Council chief executive and executives, members

Gutter Protection

Bill McDonald 0800 488234 sales@gutterfoam.co.nz www.gutterfoam.co.nz

 As seen at the Auckland Home Show

 Silverdale business, Kiwi owned

 7 year performance warranty, 100% Satisfaction

 Stops mosquitos breeding

 Drinking water safe

 GF130 size shown, other sizes and shapes available

 1 metre lengths and simple to install

 Over 200,000m sold

 Leaves blow off in the wind

of AEM, elected members of Council and emergency management and first response staff, both locally and nationally.

Information obtained under the Official Information Act reveals that the total cost was $185,380

Following the review, Mayor Wayne Brown said that the recommendations in the report, which included decentralising the emergency response, will be actioned by October 13 and tested with a scenario. The full report can be read at https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/media/je3potln/auckland-floodresponse- review_january-27-29-2023.pdf

IT’S SIMPLE AND IT WORKS BY DESIGN

Residents blame Council for ongoing flooding

Recent storms and heavy rain have highlighted issues with the maintenance and capabilities of local stormwater infrastructure.

Coast residents, including those in low lying parts of Stanmore Bay and Red Beach, have been repeatedly flooded and put the blame squarely on the shoulders of Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters (stormwater) department.

Fleur Mulgrew and partner Saurabh Sharma live alongside the culvert that runs along Brightside Road in Stanmore Bay.

Their property flooded on Anniversary Day and again during this month’s heavy rain.

The rising water, which covered their backyard picnic table, has left the kitchen, and workshop/studio subsiding.

The culvert quickly filled and overflowed, leaving the bridge from their home across the culvert underwater.

Sharma says the culvert has got much more shallow in recent years, and is filling up with silt and rubbish, as well as being overgrown. He says during this month’s flood he and a group of neighbours found large pieces of debris, including a big storage bin, in it, blocking a grate.

“After the first flood, someone should have come to clear the culvert, and the nearby Kauri Road stream – that would have made a difference when the second flood came,” Sharma says. “The culvert is now much shallower than it used to be. It is not coping and we want it regularly maintained and that silt cleared out.”

Andrew Skelton, head of operations of Council’s Healthy Waters (stormwater) division, says they are sympathetic to Stanmore Bay residents who have experienced flooding during recent severe weather events.

“To mitigate flooding impacts in this area, Council’s Healthy Waters team clear the inlet grills/culverts in Kauri Road monthly, as well as before and after each storm event,” Skelton says. “In addition, we check and clear the nearby Brightside Road stream every three months and will respond to requests for blockages in this stream to be removed. We removed a wheelie bin, cones and many other items following the most recent severe rainfall event.”

He says the Kauri Road stream is completely within private land, so property owners are responsible for ensuring that water can flow freely through it.

“However, requests for assistance with private stream blockages are assessed and responded to on a case-by-case basis. In Kauri Road, we recently assisted residents

with a tree removal, and are currently arranging to remove some bamboo from private property embankments.”

In addition, Healthy Waters is continuing to explore options to reduce flooding in Stanmore Bay and will modify the grille in D’Oyly Reserve with some wider spacing to reduce blocking, which Skelton says should significantly reduce flooding in Kauri Road. But he says Healthy Waters does not remove silt from streams as a flood prevention strategy.

“This is because silt occurs naturally and will continually form during rainfall events. Mechanical clearance of silt can also have potentially negative impacts on a stream’s ecological environment, including stirring up more sediment and removing vegetation and aquatic fauna [such as eels]. For this reason, this type of work generally requires a resource consent whether carried out by the council or private residents.”

“If residents have specific concerns about the silt in this stream they are welcome to log a request for service by calling 09 301 0101 and we will arrange an engineer to investigate.” Mulgrew and Sharma are skeptical and say how much damage to people’s homes does there need to be before the streams and culverts are cleared.

“I am at the stage where I will hire a digger and do the job myself,” Sharma says Meanwhile, a group of Red Beach residents with the same concerns about the maintenance of stormwater infrastructure came to the local board May 23 meeting, having reached crisis point.

Carol Jones told Hibiscus & Bays Local Board members that seven households were inundated during the Anniversary

Day floods, with water flowing across like a river from William Bayes Park.

She said a Council staff member who visited her property after the floods told her the stormwater drains in the park could not cope with the water, and were blocked. “The culvert that runs under part of our property and along the back of other homes in Maire Ave is also blocked and overgrown and we were told it would be cleared,” she said.

The properties were flooded again on May 9, and William Bayes Park was once more underwater.

Jones says she and her neighbours are at their wits’ end, and asked the local board for urgent action.

“None of us can sleep when it rains and we are all very anxious about future flooding.”

They want the culvert cleared as soon as possible, and then properly maintained –“it’s what we pay our rates for, but we are considering not paying them until this is done,” Jones said.

The group also wants the stormwater drains in the park upgraded.

“There has been a lot of infill housing go in, and runoff is increasing. We get that the Anniversary Day flood was extreme, but this is happening more and more and we need infrastructure that can cope.”

The local board agreed that proactive, rather than reactive, maintenance is needed and said they would push the issue forward.

The board also resolved to ask how Council’s storm fund (1 percent additional rate), if approved in the budget, can be used locally and how the community can benefit from central Government’s stormwater fund.

Raw sewage “10 times worse” than flooding

A combination of floodwater and raw sewage has made the home owned by Lancelot Cheshire in Kauri Road, Stanmore Bay, uninhabitable. Cheshire’s property has been hit with flooding three times in four months, but this month the sewage was worse, when a manhole on his driveway again popped its top and spilled its contents. His tenants had to move out, as toxic water and sludge rose to floorboard level. All the material in his newly laid driveway and entrance had to be removed – Watercare contractors sucked up more than 6 tons of decorative shell paving that now had waste stuck to it. While insurance has covered work on the interior of the house, Cheshire says he is talking to EQC about recovering all that he spent on the exterior. He and a neighbour are is looking at whether his property could be linked with the culvert behind, so the water has somewhere to flow away to – however, the culvert is blocked with tree branches and rubbish. “My key problem is the manhole, because the sewage makes the flooding 10 times worse,” Cheshire says. “What can I do if this keeps happening? Will the house be liveable?” He asked Watercare whether the manhole could be bolted down. Watercare head of service delivery, Sharon Danks, says crews have cleaned up the property twice, both times starting the process the same day the overflows were reported. “Unfortunately, due to the intensity and high volumes of rainfall, there were hundreds of overflows across the city,” Danks says. “This is because rainwater can get into wastewater pipes by seeping in through flooded manholes or through small cracks in private or public pipes.” She says bolting down manholes is something that is only considered for a problem site where overflows are occurring in unusual circumstances, and where there is a better alternative location for the overflow to occur. “As these overflows [in Kauri Rd] have occurred in extreme wet weather events, this is not something we’re considering at the moment,” Danks says.

After two big floods left their Stanmore Bay home with subsidence, Fleur Mulgrew and partner Saurabh Sharma say the culvert that runs along Brightside Road needs clearing urgently – and they are prepared to do it themselves if need be.

Fight continues against Ōrewa subdivision

Opposition to a subdivision that will add 466 homes to West Hoe Heights, Ōrewa shows no sign of abating.

As well as a petition with 300 signatures, there was a public meeting in Ōrewa on May 6 attended by local politicians and around 100 members of the community.

Crs Wayne Walker and John Watson oppose it, describing the development, which is called Strathmill, as “not a case of NIMBY (not in my back yard), more a case of NIABY (not in anybody’s back yard)”.

The 24.3ha site already has resource consent for 201 homes, but developer Shildon Ltd is currently applying through the fast-track process to build more than twice that number, alarming a large number of residents.

Shildon Ltd development manager, Andrew Allsopp-Smith, says he has faced opposition before but not to this degree.

He says he has dropped leaflets, and met with more than 74 adjacent property owners and iwi since the start of the year.

“As soon as I explain what we are doing, and the mitigation, many find their concerns are laid to rest,” he says.

Cr John Watson says the fast-track process, which does not allow for wider public notification, and limited Council input, is a big concern, especially when the land in question has a history of instability.

“Given recent floods, this sort of deficit in the planning process is even more inappropriate,” he says.

Rob Matthews, who lives alongside the site, also wants wider consultation on the proposed development. He says the biggest issue is increasing congestion on local roads, along with the potential effects of the density proposed on infrastructure such as stormwater, public transport and schools.

Allsopp-Smith says that the 11 new public roads and two upgraded intersections in the proposal will improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. He says the company had to show it would meet Auckland Council’s stormwater requirements, and do a full traffic assessment.

Three hundred sites have been pre-sold to companies who will create home and land packages to what Allsopp-Smith says are strict design criteria.

“We are a business, and this shows us we are meeting market demand,” he says. “At the same time, we are listening to the residents’ concerns and take them seriously. It’s their neighbourhood, and we want to be part of it. There is an open invitation for anyone with concerns to contact me directly so we can talk.”

Recently the fast-track process reached the stage of inviting comments on the

w Backstories www.localmatters.co.nz

February 20 and April 17, 2023

Hold on density provisions

Meanwhile, Auckland Council recently got a one-year reprieve from Government on its Plan Change 78, which was to change the Unitary Plan to enable Government’s higher density standards. The extra time has been given because of the need to investigate construction in areas at high risk of flooding. ‘Water sensitive design’, such as the replacement of hard surfaces like concrete with more absorbent material is one focus. Allsopp-Smith says it is too early to say how this could affect Strathmill, as it is not known at this stage which areas could be affected, and how.

Councillor “in the dark” on Watercare reform

By

Watercare’s lead councillor Ken Turner says his questions around water reform have not been answered to his satisfaction and he has been left with uncertainty around the issues.

At the Council Controlled Organisation Oversight and Delivery committee on May 11, Cr Turner said he was struggling to get clear answers around the newly named ‘Affordable Water’ policy – formerly ‘Three Waters’ reform.

“I am completely in the dark about how much we are getting paid for Watercare, how much debt is actually being taken over, what time frame that all falls in and I think that is a huge issue,” Cr Turner said. He said he raised the issue with Watercare but is still unclear about any details.

Cr Turner said Watercare seemed uncertain whether Auckland’s water assets could be sold, and he wants greater certainty about that issue.

“The lease agreement between Auckland Council and Watercare is for 99 years. It was signed in 1992, it goes to 2092. These

are the variables,” he said.

Cr John Watson asked the committee chair, Cr Wayne Walker for a follow up on the issues Cr Turner raised to get some clarity.

“We should be taking any asset-based calculations into account now, rather than when it’s too late,” Cr Watson said. “We should certainly be proceeding on the basis that it will go ahead. That is a safer starting point than just waiting to see what happens and then it’s all too late.”

Cr Watson was also concerned that the transition was having a negative effect on Watercare employees.

Cr Turner confirmed that employees were anxious amidst rumours that they might have to reapply for their jobs.

“It is all up in the air and that does not help productivity,” Cr Turner said.

Chair, Cr Wayne Walker, said the committee may need to receive reporting about the issues around the reform more regularly.

Mayor Wayne Brown said council needs a strong understanding of the issue.

“Watercare may not even be ours by the end of the year but, then again, there is an election coming which might change it as well,” Mayor Brown said.

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

proposed development from iwi and adjacent neighbours – those must be in by June 12.

A show of hands demonstrated who at the public meeting was against the Strathmill development. Right, Developer Andrew Allsopp-Smith says he has not faced this level of opposition before.

YourOpinion

WIN TICKETS

Hibiscus Matters still has one double pass to Drag Queen Bingo at Paraoa Brewing in Whangaparāoa to give away. This over-the-top version of the game is coming to the Coast courtesy of Nick Kennedy-Hall’s alter ego, Anita Wigl’it. It is on Wednesday, June 21,7pm-8.30pm.

To go in the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and phone number, mentioning Drag Queen Bingo; or drop an entry that includes your name and phone number into our office at 21 Florence Ave Ōrewa. Entries close Friday, June 2.

Thanks young people

A big thank you to the young adults who came to my aid outside Ōrewa College on Saturday, May 13. My mobility scooter had a disagreement with a metal pole.

Geoff Bull, Ōrewa

Where’s the sand?

Many residents like to walk the beaches around our homes but after the recent weather events many of the beaches are bereft of any sand. Where has it gone?

The rocks are very slippery and indeed a few broken bones have already been experienced. I realise that Ōrewa Beach is the ‘poster beach’ of the area but Stanmore Bay beach deserves a mention too and to be cared for by our Council. The devastation is easily seen in these before and after photos.

Sandra Magill, Stanmore Bay

Auckland Council’s Resilient Land & Coasts general manager, Paul Klinac, responds: “Stanmore Bay beach is characterised by a relatively thin veneer of intertidal sand, underlain by shallow sandstone rock platforms. Stanmore Bay and neighbouring beaches (such as Ōrewa) have recently been exposed to a series of

significant north easterly storms bringing strong onshore winds and high wave energies. In addition, the recent extended La Nina influenced weather pattern has increased the frequency of storm events that these beaches have been exposed to. During these events, sand is transported offshore from the intertidal beaches. In areas of thin veneer beaches such as the north western end of Stanmore Bay, this temporarily exposes the underlying rock platforms. The sand is not lost from these beach systems, rather it is sitting just offshore. During calmer conditions, the sand is transported back onshore and beach levels are restored. It is anticipated that the upper beach sand levels will recover, and the currently exposed rock platforms will be again covered during calmer conditions. The predicted end of the La Nina phase this autumn will also further enable the intertidal sand levels to better rebuild.

Recycling changes

I use quite a lot of those Tetra Paks, because the household drinks oat and other nondairy milks. I am not sure whether it’s best for the environment to take these to the recycling centre in Whangaparāoa Road, or put them in the Council recycling. I have tried to find out from the Council website where they go if put in the recycling, but had no luck. Can you help?

Toni Mills, Manly Editor’s note: This is a very timely letter, as it turns out Auckland Council is soon to stop taking Tetra Paks (tentative date July 1) in its kerbside recycling. Council’s Waste Solutions general manager, Parul Sood, says: “Although Council currently accepts liquid paper board (milk and juice cartons, of which Tetra Pak is the main brand) in kerbside recycling, this is changing very soon to align with the Government’s national recycling standardisation, which specifies what can and cannot be accepted for recycling. Unfortunately, this does not include liquid paper board.” • Whangaparāoa Recycling Centre takes washed and flattened Tetra Paks, free of charge. They go to Saveboard, which turns them into building materials –info: www.saveboard.nz/

Winifred McGreal turned 103 years old on May 15. She celebrated at Maygrove Lifecare Rest Home, where she has been a resident for the past year, with her daughters, other residents, staff and Maygrove Lifecare’s managing director. The rest home’s activities team put on two skits for her which included the piano and dressing up, and the chef made a beautiful cake and put on a spread for all to enjoy. Winifred has ix children, 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. She was an accomplished dressmaker and did a lot of other crafts as well. She still crochets and spends her time reading, attending holy communion weekly. Winifred also loves a game of bingo, still having a competitive streak and relishing the chocolates, which she wins on a regular basis. Care home manager, Diane Wilkins, says Winifred has a keen sense of humour, a sharp mind and is dearly loved by the other residents and staff alike. “Whenever you see Winifred, she is stylishly dressed and all items from head to toe must be coordinated,” Diane says.

Coast thinks pink for May fundraisers...

There was a lot of pink blushing its way around the Coast recently, especially in our schools.

Pink Shirt Day on Friday, May 19 was celebrated as never before, with hundreds of students, teachers and staff donning pink clothes and wigs to represent the anti-bullying message. The Mental Health Foundation holds Pink Shirt Day to raise funds and to spread the idea of celebrating diversity in and supporting schools, workplaces, and communities to be safe, supportive, welcoming, and inclusive.

Silverdale School even took its pink outfits outside the

school grounds, holding a whole school fun run. Also this month, the Breast Cancer Foundation was raising funds with Pink Breakfasts, including one attended by Hibiscus Matters’ staff that was held in Ōrewa on Wednesday, May 24. Local real estate agent Michelle McAteer-Ross again organised Paint Ōrewa Pink, which is in its fourth year. As well as the Pink Breakfast at Oliver’s, the day included an auction and local restaurants and stores donating money and offering specials. Last year’s Paint Ōrewa Pink raised

From left, Silverdale School principal Cameron Lockie and teacher Pip Holland putting their best pink forward. Silverdale teachers Donna Kitching left, and Lisa Wallace.

79 Populous country (5)

80 Dry red wine (7)

81 Pass (8)

83 Less dangerous

56 Totally impoverished (9)

57 Fragrant flower (7) 58 Layer of paint (4) 59 Long seat (3) 60 Refuse to let have (4) 61 Bisects (6) 62 Indict before a tribunal (7) 63 Tiny (6) 65 Steal (6) 66 Amiable (8) 68 Corrections (10) 71 Festering (6) 72 Hillocks of mining waste (4-5) 74 Praise publicly (7) 76 Enjoyment (3)

$ 3250 KING SINGLE ADJUSTABLE BED PACKAGE!

FEATURES KING SINGLE ‘AH BEARD

SAME BASE WITH KING KOIL HAWEA MATTRESS ONLY $2750!

SAME BASE WITH KING KOIL TEKAPO MATTRESS ONLY $2950!

SAME BASE WITH ‘INTEGRA PLUS’ MATTRESS ONLY $3450!

HOT PACKAGE PRICES

Weed killing drones trialled in parks

The use of drones to kill weeds has been trialled in Wenderholm and Shakespear Regional Parks recently.

Loading up a drone with herbicide that can be released by the operator via a spray unit is a method that can be effective where the terrain is inaccessible. However, Open Sanctuary senior ranger Matt Maitland says they discovered, there are also limitations. The trial at both Wenderholm and Shakespear Regional Parks, towards the end of March, targeted large amounts of invasive pampas grass, using a grass specific herbicide, in areas such as sides of cliffs

that would otherwise require an expensive helicopter or abseil teams.

The drone trial cost $4250 across both parks, which Maitland says is about half what it costs to use a helicopter for the same job.

Maitland says Civil Aviation Authority rules around drone use require the operator to have eyes on the drone at all times, and this proved a limiting factor in some locations in the parks.

“When you have difficult terrain and your weeds might be down a cliff or over in a gully, you can sometimes risk losing that

visual,” he says.

He says those operational constraints at Shakespear meant the unspent budget could be re-allocated for pampas control at Te Arai Regional Park.

Rangers are still waiting to see whether the pampas grass that was sprayed will die, as it can take a while.

“We don’t yet know how effective it was,” Maitland says. “But it was certainly costeffective and fairly good at reaching specific target weeds.”

Depending on the results, he says in spring, when weeds begin to be targeted again, drone

use may go in the mix of methods used. “There is definitely a place for ongoing drone use, but they are not a silver bullet in all areas.”

He says it is important to note that recreational drones are not allowed to fly in regional parks without a permit, because of the potential effects on wildlife, livestock and park visitors.

“Operational drones used for things like weed control are within the park remit and contractors are careful when using them about all those same potential impacts,” he says.

Love Soup Hibiscus Coast celebrated 10 years of food rescue at Whangaparāoa Hall on Sunday, May 21. The event included a free feast for 300 people, toy giveaways, live music and special guests including Julie Chapman of Kids Can. Kids Can donated a large quantity of new Lego to Love Soup, some of which was given to children at the hall. The rest will be distributed locally and around the country including to flood ravaged Hawke’s Bay. The first Love Soup free meal was served up at the hall on June 18, 2016 but director Julie King started her charity food rescue service in Tokoroa three years earlier. After she moved to the Coast, Julie quickly discovered that there was demand for the service here and got it up and running, rescuing surplus food from supermarkets and distributing it to those who need it. By the end of last year, Love Soup had rescued 502,918 kilos of food, redistributing it for free community meals, and to schools and foodbanks. The charity now operates in Rotorua, as well as Tokoroa and the Hibiscus Coast. Pictured from left, Julie King – a decade of food rescue.Volunteers, from left, Ethan Farrell and Brennan Lawley

The drone prepares for flight at Wenderholm Regional Park, with the pampas at the top and bottom of the cliffs behind.

Photo, Auckland Council

George & Charlotte Children's Fashion CoastLab

Sheena O’Sullivan’s store, George & Charlotte Children’s Fashion, brings a slice of the British high street to Ōrewa.

Named after the late Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren, the store focuses on quality British brands of children’s wear and toys from Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and Next. There is also a section of carefully chosen NZ items.

Originally from Cheshire, Sheena has lived in NZ for 29 years – now in Red Beach. She proudly declares herself a Kiwi, having brought up her two daughters here. She now has four Kiwi grandchildren – two of them feature on the store’s bags.

“When the children were little, I used to get family in the UK to send me clothes because the quality and variety just wasn’t here in NZ,” she says. She focuses on keeping things affordable, and also looks for environmentally friendly options, with as little plastic as possible.

This means cuddly fabrics such as brushed cotton, soft toys (including original Paddington Bears) and wooden toys made by local craftsmen.

Items for parents, such as nightware, aprons and tea towels, are good sellers, along with classic baby wear such as stretch and grows.

Her stock is imported direct from the UK but Sheena also travels there regularly. Last time she returned weighed down with five suitcases of items for her shop. One of the stars of George & Charlotte Children’s Fashion is Sheena’s puppy Freedom.

“Lots of repeat customers started visiting to see the dog,” she says. “She lifts their spirits.”

Sheena’s children, one a midwife and the other a Kindergarten teacher, keep her up to date with Kiwi brands.

“Parents are more aware of natural products now,” Sheena says. “Good for baby and good for the environment.”

Warm and light-filled on a winter’s day, CoastLab – a shared office space in Ōrewa –is an inviting place to set up your laptop and get some work done.

Suia Westbrook took over on Christmas Day, keen to build on her experience running events in a large co-working space in Berlin. Suia also has a talent for bringing people together, and organisational skills to make CoastLab hum along. A variety of different spaces and many ways to use them makes co-working the ultimate in flexibility.

You can have a permanent or part time desk, or use a hot desk, changing it up as you need to work around other commitments or family life. Rent a meeting room for a presentation or workshop – or try ‘the zoom room’, a small private place. People of all ages, in all kinds of businesses,

enjoy this way of working including Real Estate agents, start-ups, charities, website and software developers, IT professionals and creatives. Your computer is all you need – everything else is provided, including Wifi, and a kitchenette.

Suia says people sharing the space means collaboration happens naturally. Her interest in creating a space especially for women also led to Suia setting up a networking group called Force Femme.

“We make it fun, and there is always a great energy in the room, and a positive vibe,” she says.

Suia lived in Ōrewa as a teenager and says more people are moving to the outskirts of Auckland, including many in tech jobs and young families.

“Flexible ways of working are key and the need for that is only going to grow.”

Sheena O’Sullivan and Freedom

Suia Westbrook

City parking fee rise helps fill Council budget hole

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

Auckland Transport (AT) revealed plans to start the financial year “on the front foot” by raising parking fees in the city to match market levels, at the Transport and Infrastructure Committee on May 18. Mayor Wayne Brown said parking fees need to be raised to match the market price.

“I don’t know why we are subsidising people to park in the city centre,” Brown said. He said there was also an issue with parking fines that required central government intervention before it could be changed.

“That is not helping because the parking fines are less than the parking charge in some places,” Mayor Brown said.

Mayor Brown’s comments prompted AT’s Finance Executive general manager, Mark Laing, to confirm AT was aiming to increase parking fees to match market levels on July 1.

“We wanted to start the year on the front foot,” Laign said.

Cr Julie Fairey wanted to know what the increased revenue was going to be spent on.

Laign responded that AT currently has a $30 million hole in parking revenue.

“The increase is effectively plugging a hole in the budget. That is necessary to help us deliver on the $375 million hole in the council budget,” Laign said.

He said AT was still finalising its budget and would be working on it over the next four weeks.

“We are reliant on that increase to actually help us deliver on our budget.” Committee chair, Cr John Watson, said parking sometimes involved equity issues but AT appeared to understand that things were not always so black and white.

“There are other bigger issues involved in this case, not least of which would be conceivably pricing suburban commuters or visitors out of the city centre,” Cr Watson said.

Local candidate for Democracy NZ

Okura resident Bill Dyet has been chosen by Matt King’s Democracy NZ Party as its candidate for the Whangaparāoa electorate in this year’s general election. Dyet, who is an aircraft engineer and has an MBA from Massey University, says it is an honour to stand for the party. He serves as a project manager on the steering committee of NZ Doctors SOS – a group of doctors who can no longer practice medicine because of their refusal to promote the Covid-19 vaccine as safe and effective. He says he is also concerned about what he calls “the overreaction to climate change and the disastrous effects of climate policies on our farmers.” Dyet is the Treasurer at Graceway Baptist Church, in Redvale ,and has recently helped establish a local community garden there.

On a mission to collect rubbish

Carol Jones of Matakatia takes to local streets almost every day to prevent the rubbish that is dropped on the ground from blowing onto beaches, or going down the drain and into the sea.

When Carol retired three years ago, after 40 years as an anaesthetic technician and nurse, she “did not want to sit around in an armchair”.

Her working life was one of service, including nursing in Middlemore Hospital’s spinal unit; becoming a founding member of TASC, which helps increase tetraplegics’ independence; volunteering for the AIDS Foundation in the late 1980s; and being a youth mentor with Coast Youth Community Trust. Carol likes to keep fit and active, including body building at the gym and regular walks – something that, along with family life, she was able to focus on in her retirement. “The amount of rubbish I found on my walks was horrendous, and so I grabbed a black plastic bag and started picking it up,”

she says.

Soon, collecting rubbish, and educating the people she meets along the way, including children, about it, became a job in itself for the 73-year-old.

Her kit consists of plastic bags, a trolley made from an old recycling crate by the team at the Hospice Shop, and a $2 Shop pick up stick.

Several times a week, Carol walks around various loops in Whangaparāoa, including in Shakespear Regional Park; Matakatia to Fisherman’s Wharf and back via Tindalls Bay; Gulf Harbour; Stanmore Bay and Red Beach.

She generally fills three or four large plastic bags with rubbish on every two-hour walk. At times she is horrified at what she finds (such as used nappies and condoms) but most of it is plastic, takeaway packaging, bottles and cans.

She once took a bag of rubbish that she had picked up around Whangaparāoa

McDonalds into the store and told them they need to clean up around their premises. Recently she is finding more polystyrene from building sites, which she takes to be recycled at the Whangaparāoa Recycling Centre.

“Just by doing this, I hope to raise awareness,” she says. “I would like others

to notice rubbish too and pick it up rather than just passing by. Many don’t realise that it washes down the drain and into the sea, or blows onto parks and beaches, where the plastic and other contaminants affect birds and marine life. Once you see it, you can’t just leave it on the ground.”

Skywalkers aim high

The Manly Skywalkers – a team of 10 volunteer firefighters from Manly Brigade (pictured) – all successfully completed the lung-busting Sky Tower Challenge on Saturday, May 21. Deon Holgate and Nathan Glen went the extra mile by completing in the Firefighter of Steel category. The team’s fastest time for the 51 flights of stairs was Jarrod Oberto who completed the climb ‘donned and started’ in 16 mins 45 secs. Deon completed 60 flights of stairs with a steel breathing apparatus set in 25min 52sec. Firefighter Jade Wickman says a lot of the volunteers want to do the Firefighter of Steel category next year, so training will have to start soon! The event is a fundraiser for Leukemia and Blood Cancer NZ and the Skywalkers have so far raised $7351. Fundraising continues for another month after the event – to make a donation, go to https://firefighterschallenge. org.nz/t/manlyskywalkers

Carol Jones cleans up the mess left by others.

Love of Shakespeare wins plaudits for student

When Ōrewa College presented a dramatic courtroom scene from Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale in the Auckland North SGCNZ Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival recently, one of the actors particularly stood out to the judges.

Fourteen-year-old Maria Walker-Kinnell’s portrayal of King Leontes won her a place in the SGCNZ National Shakespeare Schools Production in Wellington later this year – she was the only one selected from the Auckland North region.

Maria says she relished playing the sadistic King Leontes, as well as directing Ōrewa College’s entry. The part involved an attempted strangulation, mental breakdown and grieving – all in a 15 minute scene.

Maria, who lives in Silverdale, has loved Shakespeare since first seeing a performance at the Pop Up Globe, when she was eight years old. Since then she has performed in a youth production of a Shakespeare play at the Pumphouse Theatre, and completed a course at the Pop up Globe, which finished with a performance of King Lear. The highly prized production Maria was chosen for gives students from all over NZ nine days to put a Shakespeare play together

Kids market on again

under the guidance of a professional director. It takes place in Wellington from September 24.

Maria is also a finalist in the SGCNZ Ida Gaskin Shakespeare Essay Competition –the topic she chose was “the importance of time in The Winter’s Tale”. She will be presented with her prize for this by Minister Grant Robertson on Kings Birthday Weekend in Wellington.

The market run by kids, and for kids, will be held again in Stanmore Bay Community Hall on Sunday, June 11. The hall will be packed with 21 stalls, which may overflow into the carpark. The goods on offer are mainly upcycled by the kids, including second-hand toys, books and clothes. There will also be handmade crocheted items, arcade games, bath bombs, jewellery, and home baking. The market has become a regular event since it was first held in 2021, as it provides an opportunity for young people to learn and understand about the power of recycling and how they can earn money by doing this. Outside there will be a coffee cart for the Adults and the bubble machine and chalk for the kids. There will also be a busking space available for those that wish to showcase their talents. More info: see What’s On.

Authorised by Mark Mitchell MP, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Maria Walker-Kinnell’s love of Shakespeare is infectious.

Artists impression

Character Ōrewa home polarises buyers

A unique home right opposite Ōrewa Beach, painted in the blue and white colours of Santorini, Greece and with soft rounded curves was sold last week.

The property, at 264 Hibiscus Coast Highway, designed and owned by renowned NZ architect Ian Burrow, was built in 2002.

Many people stop and look at the 3-level property as they pass by because it is so

strikingly different from the other homes around it.

The home is spread over three levels including a self-contained ground floor apartment. Indoor/outdoor flow includes an outdoor shower where you can wash the salt and sand off before heading inside.

Telos Group residential sales agent, Sharna Salthouse, has got to know the house well. She says the Burrow family has owned and occupied it ever since it was built.

It was designed to enable both Ian and his wife Sandra’s parents to also live there and has been used to host wedding parties, and as an Air BnB.

Salthouse says because it was owner occupied, everything has been done to the highest quality. Some of the rooms have been given Greek names to continue the theme. The family call it, Villa Ōrewa. Anything that makes such a strong design

statement won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but Salthouse says there was plenty of interest in the home.

“We found opinions were divided, because it’s so unique,” she says. “There were a number of offers, before the final sale.” The site is 540sqm, and zoned Residential – Terraced housing and Apartment. Its rateable value is $2.95m. The asking price was $4m.

Info: www.264hibiscuscoast.co.nz/

OUR WORK... speaks for itself

Being first time buyers in this sector, we appreciated the insights and advice that Mustan offered. With a calm, informal and reassuring personality he walked us through a seamless sale process in a very professional way.

M MASON

Mustan has sold and leased my commercial properties during and after Covid to the current economic downturn. Mustan is diligent about bringing only the right buyer or tenant to the property. It seems impossible but he always can create a winwin situation for both parties.

M Wu

Reminiscent of Santorini, Greece, the blue and white home with subtropical plantings, stands out on Hibiscus Coast Highway.

Ian and Sandra Burrow with Luella the Kombi at Villa Ōrewa.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME IN OREWA

Welcome

The team at Strathmill have taken the time to listen to the community and we are proud to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions:

What will the development/houses look like?

Strathmill will consist of 466 homes on a 24 hectare live zoned residential site, comprising 457 standalone homes, 7 terrace homes and 2 duplexes. Single and double level homes with a range of 2 to 5 bedroom configurations are planned on different size sections.

Homes in Strathmill are designed with garages and/or parking pads. In addition, on-street parking spaces have been included in the development to cater for guests and additional vehicles.

Phil Smith – Strathmill Master Planner and Architect says “This master planned development offers a wide variety of choices for individuals and families, from first home buyers to large families and retirees. The pre-designed and consented homes ensure consistency and quality, while the integration of landscape design and the consideration of topography result in attractive and varied streetscapes. This thoughtful approach to urban design creates a vibrant and inclusive community, accommodating diverse lifestyles and meeting the needs of residents across different stages of life.”

How will traffic issues be resolved and how will public transport be upgraded?

Orewa’s Strathmill development will boost the area’s infrastructure through the construction of a new public road network compromising 11 new public roads and two upgraded intersections. The new public road network will provide better connectivity to improve traffic flows to the area which currently has poor pedestrian and cyclist connectivity – so Strathmill will have significant positive benefits of linking West Hoe Heights and Flavell Drive for pedestrians, cyclists, and potentially for public transport by providing a new route through the site.

How will stormwater and wastewater systems be upgraded to meet demand?

Investment by the development company will improve community infrastructure from stormwater enhancements to reserve developments. Along with local infrastructure upgrades, an additional development contribution of $6.7M paid by the development company which is levied by Local Government to be used to fund parks and infrastructure.

What protection and restoration is in place for the environment?

Significant improvements in regeneration of streams through riparian planting and extensive landscaping will be undertaken and improve the amenity value and quality of life for all residents in the area.

Will Strathmill be at risk of flooding in an extreme weather event?

The engineering design includes extensive flood modelling and confirms that Strathmill is not at risk of flooding in an extreme weather event.

The development is in accordance with Auckland Council design standards for new subdivisions. These standards are significantly more robust than has historically been the case, as evidence in some more established areas with recent flooding.

Does Orewa need more affordable housing?

Our research proves a demand exists for more affordable housing in Orewa, supported by local legislation.

Simon Watts - MP for North Shore said in the House in supporting the legislation in 2021 that “A significant proportion of the feedback that I had was from young people within my community of the North Shore. These are young people who are struggling to afford to buy their first home, they are struggling to find a home to rent, and they are hopeful in terms of being able to participate in the homeownership process, as have many generations before them, but the reality is that this is a significant challenge. It’s a significant challenge that has faced our country for a period of time, and I think while there is no silver bullet in terms of solutions, the ability for both sides of this House to work together to put in place actions that will make and support this process and support the futures of our young people in particular is, I think, a good thing.”

In September 2022, the medium density residential standards (MDRS) for specified urban areas including Orewa was mandated under the Resource Management Act to enable a wider variety of housing choice for thousands of Kiwis desperate to buy quality affordable housing.

Oscar Sims - the Labour Party’s candidate vying for the Auckland Central seat at this year’s election, is a spokesman for the Coalition for More Homes and a leading advocate of affordable housing in Auckland, has said increased housing in Ōrewa with a range of different sizes would allow more Aucklanders to choose the sort of housing that worked for them. He said the coalition supported the provision of more housing supply, and thought it was unfair for Orewa residents to “lock out” potential future residents.

“The beach is a big part of Kiwi culture, and we don’t think it’s fair that existing residents can lock potential future residents out of living in desirable areas - not everyone can afford a large house,” Sims said. He said housing developments in greenfield areas like Ōrewa were more infrastructure intensive, but the best way to relieve this pressure in the future was to support more developments that made better use of existing infrastructure.

What was Covid Fast Track Legislation intended for and what are the requirements?

Strathmill consenting is proceeding under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 and has met the purpose and criteria for access.

This Act provides for a short-term consenting process to fast track projects that can boost employment and economic recovery.

A project can only access the fast-track process if the Minister for the Environment (and the Minister of Conservation if the project is in the coastal marine area) considers it meets the purpose and criteria of the Act by providing jobs and investment in a way that promotes the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.

Under the Act, a panel appointed to consider the applications must, before making a decision, invite comments from people and organisations listed in the Act. The panel may invite comments from any other person it considers appropriate.

For more information and to submit your questions, visit www.strathmill.co.nz

to Strathmill - the new, stunning architecturally designed master planned development featuring high quality, more affordable urban designed homes developed by one of New Zealand’s most award winning Developers, having won multiple NZIA awards for both Urban Design and Architecture.

First home buyers hold on

Despite continued affordability pressures, tight lending rules and higher mortgage rates, New Zealand’s first home buyers have maintained their record high market share over the past two quarters.

CoreLogic’s latest First Home Buyer report, released last month, shows the number of purchases made by first home buyers in the first quarter of this year was 3260; the lowest for that quarter of the year since 2011. However, that group has held onto its market share of around 25 percent – on par with previous record highs and well above the long-term average of 21-22 percent.

‘Bang for buck’ important agents say

When putting a property on the market, deciding whether to sell privately and do all the work yourself, or employ a Real Estate agent, is a key first decision. So, what do you get for the commission you pay an agent?

The key advantages raised by local agents are that you are employing someone who is a specialist in buying and selling property, bringing in-depth knowledge to the table. Bayleys Ōrewa agent, Janne Adams, says trusting the sale of your property to a professional increases the likelihood of a smooth, efficient and advantageous transaction.

“While selling privately may appear attractive at first glance, an agent’s

expertise, market knowledge, marketing resources, negotiation skills and guidance cannot be overlooked,” she says. “It is wise to consider the potential savings against the potential risks of a private sale before making a decision.”

Sue Donoghue of Harcourts Cooper & Co has been in the business for 15 years. She says an agent can save the seller hours of frustration when it comes to things such as taking calls, answering questions, showing buyers around and writing contracts. She says good agents understand what attracts buyers, can provide confidence to potential buyers and negotiate well whether there are conditional offers, multioffers or back-up offers.

“With one of our properties this year, we

got three interested parties to all offer at the same time, which resulted in a sale above the asking price,” she says.

Another option is something in the middle – such as a new local company owned by Rich Brookes called the Private Sale Company. Brookes says if you need help to go down the DIY route when selling your home, his company facilitates and supports, offering things such as marketing packages.

Online, independent advice is also available from The Real Estate Authority (REA) – a government agency that regulates the NZ Real Estate industry. Its website, www.settled.govt.nz/ has information and resources to help you decide whether you want to employ an agent, or sell privately.

CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says key reasons for the relative strength of first home buyers, include using KiwiSaver for all or part of their deposit, a willingness to compromise on the type and/or location of a property, and making use of the low deposit lending quotas at the banks. “The wider downturn in values and relatively high stock of listings on the market has also helped financeapproved first home buyers, and brought a wider range of properties back onto their radar,” Davidson says.

The national trends are being reflected across all the main centres.

“Looking ahead, even if the downturn in prices ends in the second half of this year, we doubt that the market is going to boom again straightaway – especially if caps on debt to income ratios are imposed in March or April next year, which now looks almost certain,” Davidson says. “In other words, first home buyers should continue to see relatively favourable conditions for a while yet, although mortgage rates seem unlikely to suddenly fall sharply anytime soon.”

CoreLogic’s report is at www.corelogic.co.nz/

Surge in sales hopeful for business confidence

The beginning of the 2023/24 financial year has signalled a shift in the commercial property market, with a surge in activity and sales following one of the quietest quarters for sales volumes in recent history.

Bayleys Commercial & Industrial broker, Alex Perigo, based in Silverdale, says the latest figures on commercial vacancies (see chart below) show that leasing activity remains robust, with substantial year-onyear growth in both the number of lease transactions and their values.

“The Hibiscus Coast region is experiencing an influx of interest from national and international tenants, driven by its rapid growth,” Perigo says. “However, a shortage of suitable properties and land is currently hindering progress.”

He says the rising Official Cash Rate, which has led to increased bank lending rates and tighter lending criteria in the commercial sector, has made commercial lending a significant challenge for many investors.

“Despite higher interest rates and stricter lending criteria, banks continue to show an

interest in lending to commercial owneroccupiers with strong businesses, though the increased cost of servicing these loans presents an obstacle for many.”

While some regions and specific properties buck the trends, on average, market yields (return on investment) across the country are around 5-6 percent for industrial, 6-7 percent for retail, and more than 7 percent for office properties, Perigo says.

Vacancy rates across the Hibiscus Coast region have remained relatively steady. Despite minor fluctuations over the last quarter, these rates are still comparatively low when viewed against many other parts of Auckland.

“Retail and office vacancy rates have remained consistent with those in late 2022. However, there has been a recent increase in deals and enquiries from these sectors, a trend that typically suggests a boost in local business confidence.”

Although there has been a slight increase in industrial vacancies, there is still a high demand for premium-quality properties in this sector.

Community facility provision again a hot topic

The need for more community facilities (such as pools and courts) in the wider Hibiscus Coast region, as its population grows, remains contentious.

At its May 16 workshop, the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board again raised concerns with a report presented by Auckland Council staff that investigated the need for more community facilities. The report concluded, again, that no additional facilities are needed, despite the growth in the Wainui, Milldale, Millwater and Silverdale areas.

Dairy Flat, also an area where enormous growth is set to occur, was not included in the scope of the report.

The report revisited the one rejected by both Hibiscus & Bays and Rodney Local Boards last year. However, this time around, its conclusions were unchanged including suggesting the public use of school pools and courts as options.

Once again, local board members –including Rodney Local Board chair Brent Bailey and member Louise Johnston (who attended the Hibiscus & Bays workshop) questioned the population estimates that the report was based on.

Member Julia Parfitt said that the Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre is already at capacity and serving a huge catchment and several members raised how impractical it is to expect school facilities to meet the shortfall.

Parfitt pointed out that a change in the rules 3-4 years ago means that development contributions can now be levied to pay for new community facilities and asked why that is not being applied in this region.

However, in presenting the report to the workshop, Council’s community investment policy advisor, Katie Kim, said no developments in north Auckland

were levied in that way – something Parfitt called “very short sighted”.

Bailey said urban sprawl has been foisted on the outskirts of the city but there is a failure to plan for deficits in community facilities.

Johnston said that if no more public facilities are provided, the communities

in established areas would be well served, while newly developed areas will fall short and be “the poor cousins”.

“At the moment, we have the worst of all worlds,” Parfitt said. “We are being expected to meet the needs of more and more people with only our existing facilities. That will create some real issues, and quite soon. We

either need an expansion of those facilities, or new ones built if we are to cope.”

The report will be brought to a local board business meeting where members will provide official feedback on it.

w Backstories www.localmatters.co.nz

November 4, 2020, November 8, 2021, May 2, 2022

We have an awesome agent (Chelsey) who gives us the well needed peace of mind. She is onto it and nothing is ever a problem.

CCO transparency questioned

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

Lead councillor for Auckland Council’s property arm, Eke Panuku, is calling for the organisation to be transparent, voicing his concerns that meetings are leaving the public in the dark.

At the Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) Oversight and Delivery committee on May 11, Cr Chris Darby said clashes with council business meant he had not been able to attend a single meeting for Eke Panuku (or Ports of Auckland).

The role of a lead councillor is to sit on the board meetings of CCOs and provide feedback to the committee with updates.

Cr Darby’s inability to attend meant that he found the transparency of Eke Panuku to be lacking.

“I have written formally to the Eke Panuku chair requesting greater transparency regarding the board reports, and moving as much of the board material as possible to open record,” Cr Darby said. He said the board meetings need to be publicly advertised and electronically available.

CCO Governance & External Partnerships

Maps cause consternation

manager, Alastair Cameron, told the meeting it was an enduring expectation that CCOs be transparent.

“If what the CCOs are doing in practice does not meet those expectations we will have the opportunity to have the discussion directly with board chairs when they attend this committee,” Cameron said.

Committee chair, Cr Wayne Walker, said there is an expectation that CCOs should be transparent.

“A number of them are not at all transparent; most of the business is behind closed doors even while significant amounts could be public,” Cr Walker said.

CCOs have varying levels of accessibility to the public. Watercare allows for online attendance by request and gives a guide online for attending board meetings in person.

Auckland Transport’s board meetings have previously been recorded and put online, however none have been uploaded this year.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited allows for public attendance of board meetings by registration but has no online recordings of the meetings.

Eke Panuku, however, gives no information about how the public can attend its meetings and they are not available online.

Auckland Councillors got their Nexus in a knot while trying to discuss the city’s future development strategy at a Planning, Environment and Parks Committee meeting on May 4. Albany Ward Cr Wayne Walker claimed the maps in the document were unreadable. He asked staff to describe the areas, because he was unable to see them on council’s digital platform, Nexus. Committee chair, Cr Richard Hills, said that the maps were sent in a pdf document a week prior and were legible. Cr Maurice Williamson said the pdf was 60 pages and he finally found the maps on page 54, down the very bottom. He said he did not understand why Nexus was unable to show quality maps. Cr Hills said Nexus was probably a very expensive programme and to get it to the level needed would probably be expensive, at a time when everyone is asking for spending cuts.

Thank you!

O n A p r i l 2 8 t h B a y l e y s i n t h e N o r t h h a d t h e i r a n n u a l e n d - o f - y e a r a w a r d s a n d w e a r e p r o u d t o a n n o u n c e w e r e c e i v e d t h e f o l l o w i n g a w a r d s

B a y l e y s A u c t i o n A w a r d f o r O u t s t a n d i n g R e s u l t s 2 0 2 3

B a y l e y s C l i e n t E x p e r i e n c e A w a r d f o r O u t s t a n d i n g S e r v i c e 2 0 2 3

B a y l e y s V a l u e s C h a m p i o n s 2 0 2 3

T h e s e a w a r d s w o u l d n ' t b e p o s s i b l e i f i t w a s n ' t f o r o u r i n c r e d i b l e c l i e n t s w

Hub still lacks certainty

The longstanding plan to form a community hub in Whangaparāoa, with access to social services and information, was raised again with the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board at its April 18 meeting. Whangaparāoa Community Hub chair, John Davies, told members that the process has stalled, although a piece of Auckland Council owned land has been set aside for the hub, at 8 Link Crescent, for more than a decade and campaigning to create the facility began long before that.

The Link Crescent land was allocated for the project by the former Rodney District Council in 2010.

However, Davies says the Trust discovered a year ago that the land is currently zoned Open Space/Informal Recreation under Auckland’s Unitary Plan and only a very small community facility (up to 100sqm) can be built there.

The Trust has already got an estimate of around $7m to build a three-storey building on the site.

Davies says for the project to move forward the Link Crescent land needs to be rezoned – a long and expensive process – or a new site found.

He says since the start of this year he has repeatedly asked the local board about the re-zoning but nothing has happened. Meanwhile, the Trust is currently leasing space in Coast Plaza mall.

Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair, Gary Brown, says the local board has so far not done

anything regarding changing the zoning. He says there needs to be more information about the purpose, function, and value to the community of the hub, as money is tight, and the local board needs to prioritise. Public funding granted to the project to date includes money for a feasibility report, which was completed in 2016.

That report found that overall the Family Centre model was likely to be successful, but identified issues with the Link Crescent site’s topography. “Primarily there are concerns with accessibility, flexibility and increased build costs due to the site’s topographical characteristics,” the report said. Its recommendations included that consideration be given to alternative sites. Davies says the last grant that Whangaparāoa Hub Community Trust received from the local board was $30,000 in the year ended March 2022. It was for a report that involved consulting potential anchor tenants from the social and hauora sectors on what they want, other local organisations on what the space might best deliver, design consultants and a project management company on the way forward.

“That report complete, architects who had done other community buildings did a ‘block and place’ design based on the developed needs and the available land at Link Crescent,” he says.

“That is when we discovered the zoning means our plan to build a community hub there is just not possible without a plan change.”

Strategy ‘impeding growth’

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

Auckland Councillors have supported a draft Future Development Strategy for public consultation despite concerns that it could impede the development of growth in rural areas.

Council estimates that by 2053, Auckland’s population will grow to more than 2.2m, requiring an additional 200,000 dwellings and 282,600 jobs.

The strategy will guide this growth over the next 30 years and also addresses protecting and restoring the natural environment, building resilience to natural hazards and climate change, and how to make the best use of limited infrastructure funding.

It recommends that the most growth occurs in existing urban areas and proposes delaying or stopping development in specific greenfield areas (undeveloped land) that have previously been identified for future urban development, due to natural hazard risk, impacts on the ability to halve emissions and high infrastructure costs. Consultation for the draft strategy was passed, with 10 councillors voting against, including Albany Ward Crs Wayne Walker and John Watson and Rodney Ward Cr Greg Sayers.

It is expected to be released for public comment early in June.

It will go to the Governing Body for adoption later in the year, replacing the 2018 Development Strategy and the 2017 Future Urban Land Supply Strategy.

Costs escalate on Pioneer Village work

Subsidence on its Silverdale site has affected two of the Pioneer Village’s historic buildings, and there have been significant cost overruns in fixing the problem.

Members of the Silverdale & Districts Historical Society, that runs the village, have known that the historic Old Parsonage, built in 1877, and Neville House, which dates from the early 20th Century, needed repiling for a few years. They worked hard to raise a total of $85,000 to get the job done – this includes the cost of building consents.

However, Society president, Ian Hacking, says even before work started on one of the buildings, a few weeks ago, the group knew that money would not be enough.

He says the cost went from $25,000 per building to $39,000 for the Old Parsonage and $39,500 for Neville House. This was because the specifications for the work changed, with more piles required than originally thought. Also, the group had not factored in GST.

The repiling of the Old Parsonage is now

complete and Hacking, says volunteers are doing a major cleanup of the site. They are also going to do the interior decorating themselves– that work was to be contracted, but doing it themselves saves money.

Repiling the Old Neville Homestead has been delayed by weather and is expected to begin in November, when the soil has hopefully dried out, Hacking says. He is confident that the Society will be able to raise the additional $30,000 they need,

using some reserve funds (normally used for running costs), and applying for grants. “When this is all done, the buildings will be safely future proofed so the community can continue to enjoy the historic village,” he says.

Donations or sponsorship are welcome. The Society’s bank account details are on its website, www.silverdalepioneervillage. com/

w Backstories www.localmatters.co.nz March 6, 2023

Ian Hacking says the massive, and delicate, work of repiling two of the Silverdale Pioneer Village’s historic buildings is costing the Society a lot of time and money. Photos, Dave Mason

A Place to Call Home

This feature is all about real estate, a continuously hot topic here on the Hibiscus Coast.

Well, we aren’t the only ones looking for the perfect place to live – our bird and lizards are too, but what do they find when they look in your backyard? Will they want to invest for the long term, and are you ready to share your space?

When searching for a new home, the first thing we look at is location, and we can all agree that the Hibiscus Coast ticks a lot of the boxes. From a “birds eye view” it’s pretty good too, with Shakespear, Alice Eaves Bush, Ōrewa Estuary, forests along the Weiti, quiet beaches, clifftop views and a mosaic of parks in between.

Some species have particular needs, for example kākā, the forest parrot that visits us, need areas of mature native forest, where they can nest in tree hollows without disturbance from possums, stoats or rats. We must look after those areas and protect them from development.

For many residents it’s all about convenience – access to supermarkets, places to eat out and to meet others. Does your garden look like a good source of food for birds and lizards? Are there a variety of flowers, fruits and insects all year round? Food for thought when planning your garden, and joining a tree planting day on a reserve this winter.

Safety is important when choosing a home, and it is for the birds too. Places with lots of pest control are essential for native birds looking to invest in nest building. Our

precious fantails, pīwakawaka, lose three out of four nests where a lot of rats are present, so get yourself a rat trap from Pest Free Hibiscus Coast, or buy a bait station, to keep rat numbers down. Removing rats could reduce insurance claims, as they can nibble through cables too!

What about the neighbours? When moving to a new house we are curious about what the neighbours are like, as we pop round to say hello. But sometimes we can get an unpleasant surprise, and find they are up until all hours disturbing our sleep or even making us feel unsafe. Are you and your pets good neighbours to wildlife? Could you put a cute and colourful collar on your cat, keep it in at night, or even all the time (keeping your moggy safe too and reducing those lost pet posts on social media).

Right now our birds and lizards are looking for a safe place to rent for the winter, as they build up energy in time for breeding season. However, so are the rats, so it’s time to think about making your home a haven for wildlife as well as your life.

Being part of a pest free, nature rich community can add value to your property, as well as your own enjoyment of where you live. Communities in pest free Wellington suburbs, for example, are already starting to see the difference as nature recovers – and right here we are seeing possum numbers plummet, forests regenerate and bird numbers start to grow.

Now there’s a return on investment that I invite you to buy into.

Jenny Hanwell, Hibiscus Coast Forest & Bird j.hanwell@forestandbird.org.nz

Keeping Ukraine front and centre

Keeping the plight of Ukraine in people’s minds, since the country was invaded by Russia and war began, is something that Ukranian Kateryna (Katia) Samokisha has been doing, and doing well, since her family moved to Manly.

This included an exhibition at Auckland Museum (HM August 22, 2022) which attracted more than 20,000 visitors.

Next week, on June 7, an exhibition called Ukraine: A War Diary of Lives opens at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa. Organised by Katia, it contains elements of the Auckland Museum show, as well as material from Sydney by Ukranian communities, sculpture and art works, stories and photographs – and even food and crafts.

Kiwi sculptor Jan Ubels has contributed works on wood about refugees.

Some graphic and confronting content, such as images from the war, will be in a separate space.

The whole arts centre will be focused on Ukraine, so that visitors can learn more

about the war, Ukranian culture and its people. There is a workshop where you can make a traditional wreath, and art for sale. There will be delicious homemade Ukranian food at the art auction on July 1. Donations are also very welcome.

All funds raised from the exhibition will

go to the Tautoko Charitable Trust which provides humanitarian aid and other support to Ukraine.

It is clear that living so far away when your country is at war is very difficult.

“It’s important for each Ukranian to do something – exhibitions and fundraising

Hundreds of artworks in hospice fundraiser

Harbour Hospice’s annual Art Exhibition & Sale fundraiser is on over King’s Birthday Weekend at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa, featuring 300 pieces of art from more than 70 local and national artists.

Several new artists are taking part and a wide range of media will be included, from oils on canvas to watercolours, ceramics, photography and sculptures.

Wainui mixed media artist Amanda Morton, 67, who hangs exhibitions and teaches life drawing at Estuary Arts, clearly loves supporting the exhibition – she is contributing her work for the third time. Amanda grew up in Australia and the

United Kingdom and says she and her five siblings were all considered “fairly talented artists”. In her 20s she was billed as “upand-coming” after one of her paintings made waves in the Adelaide Festival of Arts. She took up studies in interior design but “then life got in the way”.

“I wanted to travel so I became a flight attendant, then lived in America for 17 years and had a family,” Amanda says. She didn’t pick up a paintbrush again until 20 years later when her mother died and Amanda inherited her pastels and art supplies. By this point, she and her husband had emigrated to New Zealand.

“I took some classes to brush up on my skills and began experimenting,” she says. “Nothing’s off limits as far as I’m concerned, so whether I’m using charcoal, pastels, acrylics, or making a sculpture, I don’t want to be restricted by any one medium.”

Amanda begins every piece with an idea or emotion and says each brings frustration as well as joy.

“They become like mini love affairs. You start working on them and it’s exciting, then it gets hard, and then it’s over. You look back and take the good from that experience and leave behind what didn’t work.”

All proceeds will support hospice’s work in the community.

like this are what I can do,” Katia says. “What others who want to help us can do, is support that.”

The exhibition is on at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa from June 7–July 2. Tickets for the Ukranian lunch at www. creativeukrainians.org.nz

The Art Exhibition & Sale is on at Estuary Arts Centre, Ōrewa from June 2-5. For more information, or to buy preview tickets: https://harbourhospice.org.nz/ event/hibiscus-coast-art-exhibition/

Traditional Ukranian wreaths worn by, from left, Tanya, Olesya and Mary’ana Kozakevych. Photographer Olena Levkivska with her artwork.

Amanda Morton

Racing driver scores dream double

A young racing driver who works as an apprentice plumber in Silverdale, is several steps closer to his dream of becoming a serious Supercars contender, following two major wins this month.

Brock Gilchrist, who is 19, not only took out the 2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ Toyota 86 Championship at Hampton Downs on May 7, he was also chosen as the winner of a test drive in the Ampol Red Bull racing Gen 3 Camaro Supercar in Brisbane in July.

Gilchrist will also be heading for Germany in August to race a Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO at the famous Nürburgring track in the third round of the ADAC GT4 championship as part of his prize for winning the Toyota 86 championship. He said winning both prizes was a dream come true.

“ These are two really major prizes – I didn’t expect to end up getting both,” he said. “I’m very, very lucky.”

Motorsport has been a part of Gilchrist’s life since he was born – he was named after Australian racing legend Peter Brock and he started racing when he was just 14, after his late father bought him a BMW e30.

“Dad was a massive fan of motor racing, so I grew up watching him go-karting and I started very young,” he said.

This was his fifth consecutive Toyota 86 championship, winning nine races throughout New Zealand, including all three races over the NZ Grand Prix weekend in February.

His achievements on and off the track made Gilchrist the obvious choice for the supercar test drive, according to the Tony Quinn Foundation, which was set up to support young Kiwi racing drivers by the owner of Hampton Downs, Highlands and Taupo International Motorsport Parks in 2021.

Foundation trustee and parks chief executive Josie Spillane said Brock was the outstanding performer and had come a long way this season.

“His motorsport talent is obviously evident and he has also worked incredibly hard on the off-track requirements of being a top line racing driver. Putting a racing season together these days and finding sponsors is not an easy job and he was the last guy on the grid for this season,” she said.

“He had a tough season last year and came back in emphatic style this season and that caught the eye of every trustee. He’s charismatic, engaging and is extremely professional in all of his off-track dealings with everyone. He is doing a great job of laying foundations for a shot at big future if he wants it.”

Gilchrist certainly does want it – although he’s keeping his feet on the ground with his day job as an apprentice plumber, his dream is to drive full-time in the future.

“It would be cool to go into Supercars, that’s where I’ve always wanted to go,” he said. “But anything where I’m getting paid to drive in a car full-time would be great.”

From left, Brock Gilchrist, Tony Quinn Foundation trustee Josie Spillane, Ursula Gilchrist and Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy head Daniel Gaunt. Going places fast – Brock Gilchrist.

Health

Tania Adams, Pharmacist tania.adams@unichemmanly.co.nz

Coping with COPD

It’s the fourth leading cause of death in the world and yet many of you will never have heard of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

This is an umbrella term used to cover conditions that permanently damage our airways such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma. Symptoms may include unexplained breathlessness or wheezing, a cough that doesn’t go away and coughing up mucus, especially in the morning. It’s estimated that 15 percent of New Zealanders over 45 live with this condition, but it often goes undiagnosed as many people think that symptoms are a natural part of aging or becoming less fit. Sadly the damage caused to our lungs by COPD is permanent, however there are a range of treatments available to help prevent further damage and certainly the earlier the diagnosis, the better. So what can you do to help yourself if you have been diagnosed with COPD?

• Find a good pharmacist as they can help you figure out how to take your medicines so that you get the best results. Inhaler techniques, dose timing and measuring response are all things your pharmacist can help you to optimise. After all, why take medications if you’re not going to get the best out of them?

• Get better at breathing- it’s something we take for granted, but you’d be amazed how the simple act of breathing can be improved. Ask your doctor to refer you for

pulmonary rehabilitation classes or speak to a specialised physiotherapist about breathing exercises.

• Be smoke/vape free – again, your doctor or pharmacist can help with smoking cessation.

• Be active – exercise is important for managing your COPD. Start small and build up slowly over time.

• Eat well and maintain a healthy weight, because if you are overweight you may become more breathless as your body works to carry the extra weight. Some people with COPD may lose their appetite, but it is important to eat well so your body has enough energy for the extra effort required to breathe.

• Get vaccinated – both flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are available from your doctor or pharmacy.

• Go natural – some studies suggest a role for N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) to help break down mucus and avoid exacerbations. Ask your pharmacist about the correct dose.

• Maintain a warm, well-ventilated home, free of mould which can cause your condition to flare up.

• Keep in touch with your healthcare teamyour doctor, pharmacist and physiotherapist are all there to help you.

Note: With the government axing the $5 prescription tax in its recent budget, services at your local community pharmacy are even more accessible.

Flying start to wingfoil nationals

Manly Sailing Club hosted the first ever New Zealand Wingfoil Nationals on May 20-21, with more than 60 ‘wingers’ contesting Open and Social classes, including competitors who travelled from Australia to take part.

Extremely windy conditions hit the region, setting the stage for two intense and challenging days of racing.

Club captain Joel Brazle says the club is on the leading edge of the development of NZ wingfoil racing, and its members posted some great results.

Aimee Bright took out the female division

to become the 2023 Women’s New Zealand Wingfoil National Champion. Hugo Wigglesworth finished second overall in the Men’s Open, winning the under 19 age category; and Kosta Gladiadis finished second in the under 19s.

Ben Rist finished first in the Social Division.

In conjunction with the Russell Coutts Sailing Foundation, Manly Sailing Club hosts Learn to Wing courses and is developing new wingfoil classes for the 2023/2024 season.

Full results at www.manlysailingclub.org.nz/ results.html

Women’s NZ champ, Aimee Bright. Photos, Chantelle Middleton, Salty Shot Photography.

Wind conditions led to some spectacular foiling.

Lauraine Jacobs www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/blog/

Spicing up winter veggies

I have always been puzzled about eating spicy meals in countries where the climate is hot throughout the year. I like salads, barbecuing and eating food outdoors and chilled dishes when the weather is hot. But we have now moved into the cold season, the time has arrived when I crave food that’s spicy and hot.

The vegetables of winter can become very boring, very quickly and it’s easy to overcook them and serve up soggy meals that no-one will truly enjoy. Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli and spinach are all much better if cooked fast and lightly. They’re even better when a little imaginative flavouring picks them up and makes these stalwarts of the winter really interesting.

Curries are not for the faint-hearted or lazy cook, as a good spicy curry needs careful attention and a good knowledge of how spices work. The shelves of the supermarket are packed with jars and packets of spicy flavouring mixes, so you don’t have to be troubled about keeping the pantry filled with numerous little spice packets, which go past their use-by-date very quickly and lose their pungent aromas. If you do use spices, be sure to put them in the pan before you add your veggies or protein so that the heat brings out the flavours.

Recently, one of the top chefs in Auckland, Sid Sahrawat, the owner of Cassia, Kol and Sid at the French Café, brought out a range of excellent curry sauces which might be life-changing if you love a curry, but don’t have the patience or time to make it. His Cassia curry sauces are also an opportunity to taste the deliciousness of Sid’s food with a minimal investment. My favourite of the four flavours is the Karahi and if stores near you do not stock them, they can be bought online.

Being a cook with a lifetime passion for being in the kitchen and cooking up a storm, I am happy to embrace the colder weather with curries of my own. The doyenne of curry is the English actress and chef Madhur Jaffrey and in my cookbook library I have a battered copy of her BBC cookery book, Madhur Jaffrey’s Flavours of India. Some of the pages are so badly stained with splodges of sauce I can hardly read them anymore.

One of my favourite ways to cook cauliflower is a Madhur recipe that I have tweaked over the years. It’s a great dish to serve with grilled steak, lamb or fish and can be served as part of an Indian banquet with naan bread and a yogurt relish. It is substantial enough to serve as a vegetarian dish on its own, perhaps with the addition of some green peas or fresh beans. It is not too spicy and if you wish to either lessen or increase the heat of the dish, just use a little more or less cayenne pepper.

1/2 cauliflower

4 medium potatoes, scrubbed

8 tbsp vegetable oil

2 onions, finely sliced

5cm piece of ginger, peeled and cut into fine slivers

1 cup light tomato puree or pure tomato juice

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

½ tsp ground turmeric

1 ½ tsp ground coriander

1 tsp salt

1 tsp garam masala

½ tsp roasted cumin seeds

Break the cauliflower into florets. Cut the potatoes lengthways into halves. Heat the oil in a wok or heavy, deep frying pan. When hot, add the potatoes and fry them until they’re medium brown and barely cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper towels. Put the cauliflower florets into the same oil and fry until golden and just barely cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoons and drain on kitchen paper towels. Remove most of the oil from the pan so only about 3 tablespoons remain. Add the onions to this oil and stir over gentle heat until they are golden. Add the ginger and continue cooking until the onions start to brown. Add the cayenne, turmeric, coriander and salt. Stir in and fry for a minute, then return the potatoes and the cauliflower to the pan, stirring to mix gently. Stir in the tomato puree or tomato juice and bring to a gentle simmer. If necessary sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the vegetables (more if needed) and cover the pan. Turn to low and cook gently for 5-8 minutes. Finally uncover, add the garam masala and the cumin seeds. Stir gently to mix and turn off the heat.

To serve, tip into a heated bowl and decorate with coriander leaves. Serve with yoghurt and lime wedges.

Serves 4 with fish or chicken, or serves 2 as a vegetarian meal.

Cauliflower & potatoes, banquet style

Classifieds

HOME & MAINTENANCE

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

BOBCAT & DIGGER HIRE 4.5 tonne each Ph/Txt Mark 021 492 939.

BUILDER, ROOFER, LANDSCAPER, HANDYMAN WORK

30 years of experience, No job too small. Home repairs & maintenance inside and out. Roofs, decks, fences, painting, moss & mould treatments, any kind of gardening or landscaping.

PH/TXT SHAYNE 021 362 116

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

Over 30 years’ experience.

Contact Dexter 027 4956 436

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.

PAUL

DVDS & VIDEOS

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

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

REBUS CLUB OF HIBISCUS COAST Club for retired men, meets the first Tuesday of every month, 9.30am, at Manly Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park, Ladies Mile, speakers and outings. Ph Steve 09 558 8454. www.rebus-hibiscuscoast.co.nz

REBUS CLUB ŌREWA Retired or semiretired people. Guest speakers. Second Tuesday of each month, 10am-noon, at St John Evangelist Church Hall, 180 Centreway Rd, Ōrewa. For more information, contact Norma Parker 09 427 5216 or normaparker01@gmail.com

ROTARY SATELLITE CLUB Ōrewa/ Millwater meet 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 7pm, The Wade Tavern, Silverdale.

KING KOIL HAWEA MATTRESS ONLY $2750!

KING KOIL TEKAPO MATTRESS ONLY $2950!

‘INTEGRA PLUS’ MATTRESS ONLY $3450!

HOT PACKAGE PRICES

60’s UP MOVEMENT, HIBISCUS COASTMeetings are held 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10am at the RSA in Viponds Road, Whangaparāoa. Outings 1st Wednesday of month. Ph Gloria 027 386 2339

HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB, Sunday, June 4, 1pm at the Ōrewa Community Centre, $5 entry, all welcome.

PIONEER DANCE CLUB Every Thursday, 1.30pm-3.30pm, for seniors, meet, dance and make friends. Silverdale Hall, ph 427 5542.

SUNDAY SOCIAL DANCE Silverdale, all welcome. Every 4th Sunday, 5pm-8pm. Silverdale Hall, ph 427 5542.

ŌREWA REPAIR CAFE 1st Saturday of the month at the Ōrewa Community Centre. Volunteers can fix your broken items for free. Donations welcome. Contact coordinator@hibiscuscoastzerowaste.co.nz

REBUS CLUB OF GULF HARBOUR Meets every Wednesday of every month at the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, 9.30am-12pm. both Ladies and Gentlemen. Door prizes and guest speakers. $5 entry info www. rebusgulfharbour Neil 027 270 1005.

LOST

MISSING CAT – DAIRY FLAT

Molly, a 13 year old dark tortoiseshell has been seen in this immediate area multiple times in recent weeks. Molly is very timid and shy of humans. She will be hiding and coming out to find food. She is an indoor cat and will be finding it difficult living rough in this weather. Your help to find her will be much appreciated! If anyone has any information please contact Deborah 021 116 2287.

PUBLIC NOTICES

THE MANLY BOWLING CLUB Annual General Meeting, Sunday June 18, 2023 at the clubrooms, 56 Laurence Street, Manly at 2pm. All Welcome.

Walkers needed to deliver the Hibiscus Matters. All areas of the Hibiscus Coast available. Contact Rosemary 021 0300 263 or email hmdelivery@localmatters.co.nz

Crossword conundrum solved #10

ACROSS: 1 Back to the wall, 8 Object, 14 Spare, 15 Grandeur, 16 Letters, 17 Inert, 18 Sot, 19 Advance, 21 Tightened, 22 Crèche, 25 Wet blanket, 27 Answered, 28 Behead, 31 Forces, 33 Lullaby, 34 Midday, 35 Deft, 37 Doe, 39 Cowl, 40 Anguish, 41 Neighbour, 42 Yielded, 43 Fragment, 48 Restless, 52 Bonanza, 56 Destitute, 57 Freesia, 58 Coat, 59 Pew, 60 Deny, 61 Halves, 62 Arraign, 63 Minute, 65 Pilfer, 66 Friendly, 68 Amendments, 71 Septic, 72 Slag heaps, 74 Acclaim, 76 Fun, 79 India, 80 Chianti, 81 Overtake, 83 Safer, 84 Sensed, 85 Sitting pretty.

waitematabackcarebeds.co.nz

421

DOWN: 2 Abridge, 3 Kenya, 4 Owe, 5 Hurt, 6 Walkie-talkie, 7 Latch, 8 Obscene, 9 Join, 10 Cherry, 11 Passé, 12 Leotard, 13 Never say die, 14 Sticker, 20 Classmate, 23 Skylight, 24 Dead end, 26 Backlog, 27 Apathy, 29 Eyesore, 30 Famine, 32 Odour, 34 Mends, 36 Turns, 38 Shut, 43 Faded, 44 Arsenal, 45 Mail, 46 Nougat, 47 Snips, 48 Resented, 49 Spasmodic, 50 Licence, 51 Shaft, 52 Beavers, 53 Now and again, 54 Affray, 55 Decimal point, 64 Despair, 65 Profuse, 67 Enlaced, 69 Thicket, 70 Riddle, 71 Sniff, 73 Ennui, 75 Lithe, 77 Bats, 78 Torn, 82 ESP

What’s on ...

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

31 Ben Deverell, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa, 6.30pm-8.30pm.

1 Tech MeetUp at Coastlab, from 6pm. TechLab is for all Techies and Start ups from the Coast to connect over pizza and beers. Tickets $15 available online via CoatsLabs website or IG account.

1-5 Harbour Hospice Art Exhibition and Sale, Estuary Arts Centre, 214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, Ōrewa. Ticketed Preview & Auction Night, June 1 and open to the public from June 2-5. Entry to the art exhibition by donation. Info: https://harbourhospice.org.nz/our-events/

3 Dave Ewart, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Rd, Whangaparāoa, 7pm-10.30pm. Entry $5 non-members, free for members.

4 Andrew Crozier, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Rd, Whangaparāoa, 4pm-7pm. Free entry.

4, 11 & 18 Grow your own Food workshops, Hibiscus Coast Community House 216 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Ōrewa, 1pm. Run by Sustainable Ōrewa, Three sessions in June on getting started, building healthy soil, and what to grow in winter. More sessions in October. Registration covers all six sessions, from Eventbrite: www.eventbrite. co.nz/e/grow-your-own-food-workshops-tickets-627595303447

6 Healthy Eating on a Budget workshop, Hibiscus Coast Community House, Western Reserve, Ōrewa.10.30am, Tickets: $5, Eventbrite (all proceeds go to the community garden).

7 Tony Blomfield, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Rd, Whangaparāoa, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

7-July 2 Ukraine: A War Diary of Lives exhibition and fundraiser, Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Ōrewa. Photos, art, stories, plus an art auction, workshop and Ukranian cuisine. (see story p25)

10–18 Simply the Best music revue, Centrestage Theatre, Centreway Road, Ōrewa, Foyer revue featuring the music of Lady Gaga, Meatloaf, Backstreet Boys, Pat Benatar and more. Nine performers and live band. Tickets $35, includes a platter of food on each table and the bar is open. Book: phone Centrestage, 09 426 7282 or www.centrestagetheatre.co.nz/box-office

11 Sandy, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 4pm-7pm. Free entry.

11 Stanmore Bay Kids’ Market, Stanmore Bay Community Hall, Waiora Road (opp Stanmore Bay School), 10am-1pm. A market for kids, run by kids. All welcome. Cash only.

14 JP Entertainment - JP Geyer, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Free entry.

17 Foxtail Rumble, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Rd, Whangaparāoa, 7pm-10.30pm. Entry $8 non-members, free for members.

18 Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Celebration, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 3pm-5pm. Let’s do the Time Warp again! Entry $10.

18 JP Entertainment, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 4pm-7pm. Free entry.

18 Community Planting day at Shakespear Open Sanctuary (more details to come at www.sossi.org.nz/)

21 Drag Queen Bingo! with Anita Wigl’it, Parāoa Brewing Co.,719A Whangaparāoa Road,7pm–8:30pm.

21 Sharón Blow, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Free entry.

23 Daniel Champagne, Ōrewa Community Centre, 7pm See the young Australian virtuoso described as ‘the finest guitar player of this generation’ play before his world tour! Tickets from Eventbrite, $30.

24 Diabetes Self-Management Education, Hibiscus Coast Community House, Western Reserve, Ōrewa, 9am-3.30pm. Free information day for people with Type 2 Diabetes. Bring a family member or friend to support you. Refreshments provided. Registration essential. Contact Margot McDonald on DSME@comprehensivecare.co.nz

29–July 2 Puhoi 160th celebrations, includes a lunch, dance and church service. Info and tickets puhoibohemianmuseum@gmail.com or ph 027 211 0316.

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

Nutra Life

60 chewable tablets Only

Better

Offer valid until 19th June 2023

Hismile is a range of at-home teeth whitening products that are just as effective as peroxide but without the nasty side effects. Includes whitening powder, stain erasers, whitening strips, corrector pens and more.

Meal Replacement Range

* from shakes, soups and desserts. Offer valid until 19th June 2023

Collection Point at Unichem Manly Jammies for June

Every winter thousands of kiwi kids go to sleep each night without warm pjs to combat the cold and preventable illness. Donate new or used winter pjs and help a child this winter. See www.unichemmanly.co.nz for details.

Clockwise from top left, Thomas Taula of Silverdale’s men’s Prems 2 team took the pink theme to the next level. Team members came onto the field arm in arm with a female relative, partner, supporter, mentor or friend. Silverdale’s Premier squad missed out on a win against Papakura “by inches in the final minute”

Women the winners on the day at rugby club

Silverdale United Rugby Club’s inaugural Ladies Day on Saturday May 20 was so successful that it will not be the last time this event is held.

More than 80 people attended the sell-out Ladies High Tea, which featured special

pink drinks.

On the field, the club’s Women’s Prems, Men’s Prems and Premier Development squads all turned on some fine performances. The women’s game was a nail-biter, with Silverdale only losing by the barest margin

of four points to Papakura. The club’s focus on promoting and developing women’s rugby has resulted in a significant growth in female junior player numbers as well as the reintroduction of a Senior Women’s Team.

Silverdale director of female rugby, Glen Maguire, says the day was a huge success in promoting and celebrating the women’s game and the important contribution of all the women associated with the club –including players and supporters.