Hibiscus Matters_Issue 352_24 July 2023

Going through hoops for youth

Sink or swim for Gulf Harbour ferry

A ferry service that has operated between Gulf Harbour and downtown Auckland since the 1990s could end in five years’ time, with Auckland Transport (AT) claiming it costs too much in dollars, and carbon emissions, to run.

AT has contracted the service to Fullers, until 2028. Its draft Regional Public Transport Plan, out now for public consultation, proposes replacing the ferry with buses from 2028.

The proposal relies on the O Mahurangi Penlink toll road from Stanmore Bay to the

Northern motorway improving things for commuters.

However, the new link, due to open late 2026, is 10km away from Army Bay and Gulf Harbour on a road already congested at peak times and which cannot be widened to add a bus lane.

The idea of removing the ferry has caused outrage. More than 300 people packed into a public meeting on Wednesday, July 19 to hear more about the proposal and feelings were running hot.

Crs John Watson and Wayne Walker say the

proposal came “like a bolt out of the blue”.

“Until then all we’d heard about the ferry was how to improve it,” Cr Watson says.

He says AT’s assumptions about traffic are flawed, as people value the ferry as the fastest direct route, and most pleasant way to get into the city. He predicts most commuters could jump back into their cars rather than take the bus, creating more congestion.

The councillors pointed out the multimillion-dollar investment in the ferry service, over many years. Its use as a transport hub was key in Auckland Council

securing control over The Hammerhead land where the ferry terminal is situated. As noted many times in this paper, the ferry service has declined substantially in the past year with a cancellation rate of more than 43 percent in the last 18 months, due to crew shortages post-pandemic, vessel breakdowns and weather.

Prior to that, average annual cancellation rates were 6.8 percent (2018-2021) and Cr Watson says the ferry could average 16,000 to 18,000 boardings a month pre-Covid-19,

Hitting the rocks: Two historic boats were in trouble on the Coast in recent days, along with the Gulf Harbour ferry service, inset, which is fighting for survival. (see stories p1-3).

Photo, Anna Roters

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“Even with a 37.1 percent cancellation rate in March, it still had over 10,000 boardings,” he says. “Addressing operator reliability will see that number quickly climb again, making it a substantial carbon saver.

AT should be recovering and enhancing the service. It’s not about making money – it’s about the public and environmental good.”

Among those at the meeting were residents who bought houses in the area because of the ferry. The ferry service has been marketed by developers and real estate agents for 20 years.

Hopper Developments is in the early stages of subdividing Hobbs Bay farm in Gulf Harbour. Its chief executive, Andy Grey, says Hoppers will make a submission because the ferry is a substantial amenity for residents.

“Like Beachlands or Pine Harbour –without it, there would be a substantial commute,” he says. “It’s also a lifestyle, low-stress option, preferred by many.”

He says the proposal may drag locals back to driving.

“Penlink also provides huge amenity, but extra cars will put more strain on the Constellation Drive bottleneck.”

A ‘Petition to Save the Ferry’ on Change.

org was put up on July 5 and has more than 4500 signatures. However, when it comes to AT’s decision making, large numbers of submissions on the proposal are key.

The Gulf Harbour Ferry Facebook group, with nearly 1500 members, swung into action to protect a service that they believe in and love, despite its current unreliability. Spokesperson Tessa McGuire says the service gets cars off the road and is an essential transport option. The group’s focus is making people aware of the issue and encouraging submissions.

Submissions are open until August 17. Info and feedback can be made at AT.govt.nz/rptp

A second public meeting on the proposal will be held this week on Wednesday, July 26, at Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, 7pm.

The carbon equation

AT’s proposal

AT says it will only remove the ferry when the following are in place: • Ō Mahurangi Penlink, which Waka Kotahi expects to be completed at the end of 2026. • Whangaparāoa Bus Station built – this ‘kiss and ride’ is currently unfunded. The site, on the corner of Cedar Terrace and Whangaparāoa Road (opposite New World) has drainage issues. • Bus improvements: NX2 routed to Whangaparāoa Bus Station – every 7.5 mins peak, 15 mins off peak; a new route 99 Gulf Harbour to Whangaparāoa Bus Station, every 7.5 mins peak, 15 mins off peak; Bus 983 cut back to terminate at Whangaparāoa bus station (currently goes to Hibiscus Coast station).

• “The ferry makes a big contribution to the reduction of carbon emissions,” Cr John Watson says. “A full ferry is better than a fleet of buses.” • AT says no ferry, less carbon emissions. But those figures only work if there are no hybrid vessels available for the Gulf Harbour route in future, all buses go electric (expected to be 2030), and current ferry users all catch the bus. • AT’s figures say: Gulf Harbour ferry consumes 3280 tonnes of CO2 per annum; per trip it is the most carbon intensive in the Auckland fleet, due to the length of route and power needed in open water. • It calculates that while people who use electric buses instead of the ferry will create no net increase in CO2, and those that drive to Whangaparaoa Bus Station will create “minimal extra CO2”, those that drive to the city will create “substantial extra CO2”.

Kiwi Magic appears on Tindalls Bay rocks

It could have been a sorry end for former America’s Cup boat NZL 20, also known as Kiwi Magic, when it washed up on the rocks in Tindalls Bay on July 17.

Residents took to social media with concerns about the possibility of the boat breaking up.

However, it proved less dramatic than feared, as the owner was able to remove water from inside the vessel and re-float it on the high tide the same evening. For more than a decade, the boat was at Gulf Harbour marina and the marina eventually seized it.

Last year it was sold by the marina, and has been anchored off Tindalls Bay for some weeks. Queenstown community newspaper Mountain Scene reported last November that Auckland yachtie Mike Parker had purchased NZL 20. The boat was designed by Bruce Farr, and has a double strut keel and no rudder, which was innovative at the time and led to it being described as “a skiff on steroids”. It was sailed in the 1992 challenge for the America’s Cup. The team was managed by Sir Peter Blake and skippered by Rod Davis. It made the Louis Vuitton Challenger finals but eventually lost.

NZL 20 is currently back at anchor off Tindalls Bay, coincidentally directly opposite the home of former America’s Cup skipper Russell Coutts.

Hibiscus Matters was unable to contact the boat’s owner for comment.

Former America’s Cup boat NZL 20 was a sad sight on the rocks. Photo, Anna Roters

Environmental hazard unchecked as boat leaks into Weiti

Stillwater Boating Club has been left to deal with a boat that is now an environmental hazard, according to club commodore Steve Sharp.

The boat, originally called Tuatahi, is an historic kauri launch, possibly an old whaler, which is now sunk on a mud bank near the clubhouse, filling up with water whenever the tide comes in.

Sharp says that the boat was damaged when its owner, Arden Brown, tried to put it on one of the club’s grids to work on it, several months ago. In doing so he put a hole in its bow.

Last month, the boat fell off the grid into the water where it now lies, with multiple holes in its hull.

Of most concern to the club is that it is leaking oil into the Weiti River. Sharp says the club, as well as numerous members of the public, have contacted both the Harbourmaster and

Auckland Council’s environmental team, yet no action has been taken.

They have also tried, unsuccessfully, to contact the boat’s owner.

Auckland Harbourmaster, Andrew Hayton, lays the issue firmly at the club’s door, as the vessel was tied to one of its grids before it fell in the water.

“The Harbourmaster’s office will assist them with removal where we can,” he says. “We are not aware of any significant pollution associated with the vessel. There is always a small amount of fuel leakage when a power driven vessel sinks. It is generally too light to be able to effectively clean up when this occurs.”

Sharp says the club is in the process of coming up with a plan.

“It’s an environmental hazard because it’s leaking diesel and oil and making a mess of our river,” he says.

“We hope with help from the Harbourmaster, and maybe Coastguard, we can refloat it, put it on a cradle, bring it out of the water into the boatyard and

dispose of it at some stage.”

Comment was sought from Council’s environmental team, and the boat’s owner but neither responded by the paper’s deadline.

More than one way to solve parking issues in Stillwater

Increasing numbers of boaties using the public boat ramp in Stillwater, adjacent to the boating club, are causing ‘parking Armageddon’ according to club spokesperson Mike Dance.

In a presentation to the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board meeting on June 27, Dance described ongoing issues with parking for boaties at Stillwater Boating Club, and on surrounding streets.

During weekends, club events or on fine boating days, the club carpark overflows, with parking on Duck Creek Road blocking the carriageway, and turning this section of the road into a difficult to negotiate one-way system.

It is especially difficult for cars with trailers, which have to reverse when they meet an oncoming vehicle.

Although Auckland Transport (AT) says there have been no crashes there, it has been looking into the matter, particularly as the grassed berm is being damaged by parking. It is moving forward with a proposal to improve safety by creating a permanent one-way layout on this portion of Duck Creek Road.

Dance says while that will be safer, it will not create any more parking for boaties. He is suggesting that the roadside berm in that area be converted into additional carparks.

As a starting point, the club wants to extend the parking on the reserve it occupies, and

recently the local board granted it $17,000 to help take this forward.

Dance says he has been raising the safety issue on Duck Creek Road with AT since 2018, but is pleased to finally see it being addressed. It has got significantly worse over the years with increasing development in the area, he says.

“People move here for the coastal lifestyle, but there has been no further boating infrastructure put in,” he says. “Because Stillwater has an all-tide boat ramp, the demand has gone off the scale.”

Lack of parking on this narrow road is causing an unsafe situation, boaties say. Stillwater residents will be consulted on the one-way road proposal.

AT’s proposal is to use signs and flexiposts to make Duck Creek Road one-way south of the boat club, with yellow lines relocated to the other side.

Local board feedback focused on the need for Stillwater residents to have a say, as it would create a longer loop for some of them to drive around.

AT says that there will be consultation on

the one-way proposal.

An AT spokesperson says the design is currently being tweaked and finalised – a process that it hopes will be completed this month.

Once approval is obtained from AT’s executive leadership team, there will be public consultation regarding the one-way layout, the spokesperson says.

An abandoned boat at Stillwater Boating Club is leaking oil into the Weiti River.

Golf course closes

Late last week, Gulf Harbour Country Club announced its closure, effective immediately. In a letter sent to members, club director Wayne Bailey said the club has been losing money, and the cost of much needed investment is “prohibitive”. The letter says that selling off surplus land was considered but proved impossible due to the course layout.

Hobbs Bay farm development notified

The transformation of Hobbs Bay farm on a prominent cliff top site in Gulf Harbour into a residential subdivision of 88 homes, a café and reserves, is moving forward, with the development proposal now out for public submissions.

Hopper Developments submitted its resource consent application for the site at 3-5 Daisy Burrell Drive, in late 2022 and has been working through the process with

Auckland Council. The application was publicly notified, at Hoppers’ request, on July 4.

Since the proposal was lodged, there have been a few changes, such as the reduction of one lot (from 89 to 88), the provision of design guidelines and the vesting of a Pa site as a historic reserve

The proposal, which is for a five-stage development, provides sections averaging

1000sqm on the 13.43ha site.

The original Hobbs Homestead is to be repurposed as a café. The plan also includes retaining notable trees around the site, a new recreation reserve and pedestrian pathway.

Public access along the coastal boundary of the site, which was identified as part of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board’s Greenways Plan, is included.

To have your say, visit www.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/have-your-say/Pages/home.aspx and look for Have Your Say on a Resource Consent, then find 3-5 Daisy Burrell Drive under notified consents. Full details of the application can also be viewed at both local libraries.

Submissions close on August 1. w Backstories www.localmatters.co.nz August 8 and 22, 2022

Coast social housing issues raised in Silverdale

Unaffordable rentals and house prices, and a need for pensioner housing were among the issues raised during consultation on the Hibiscus Coast’s housing needs.

The consultation, which ends this month, is being conducted by Community Think on behalf of Kainga Ora with feedback to guide the creation of “a public housing development plan” for the Hibiscus and Bays area.

Although it is canvassing the wider issues, Kainga Ora’s plan to build 37 homes in Bonair Crescent, Millwater, was frequently raised. A year ago Kainga Ora consulted the community specifically on Bonair, receiving feedback that the majority are

opposed to social housing there and want the land sold or transferred to Kiwi Build. That project is on hold, with a decision due after this consultation.

This month, three consultation events were held on the Coast. At the July 15 event in Silverdale, a group of residents, many from Millwater, gave a clear message to Community Think’s Cissy Rock that they want the Bonair land to be sold, or go to Kiwi Build for first home buyers – something Rock said would be relayed to Kainga Ora. Several residents, angry that they had no prior warning about Kainga Ora’s plans in Bonair,

suggested that social housing should not go in established areas, but in new developments where it is clear from the start what it is.

“The theme of ‘informed consent’ has been heard,” Rock said. “Kainga Ora have admitted they didn’t do that well.”

The potential for anti-social behaviour, and loss of property value were other key concerns raised in relation to social housing.

Asked whether Kainga Ora is looking to purchase land elsewhere on the Coast, Rock said no decisions will be made until the consultation process is finished. Other issues raised at the meeting were a

need for affordable pensioner housing, concerns that residents’ children can’t afford to buy into the area, and the lack of affordable rental homes.

The primary role of Kāinga Ora is to provide public housing, but it also administers other options to help people into home ownership. Consultation is on until the end of the month, via online survey: https:// hibiscusandbays.thinkport.nz/ Community Think’s report is expected to go to Kainga Ora at the end of next month, and Kainga Ora has confirmed that it will be made public on its website.

Source Map: Auckland Council Geomaps

Shearing shed

Boat launch rails

Gulf Harbour Marina

Hobbs Bay

Former horticulture area

3 Daisy Burrell Drive

4 Daisy Burrell Drive

5 Daisy Burrell Drive

Top, An artist’s impression of the heritage cottage, repurposed as a café. This grazed farmland in Gulf Harbour is to be turned into 88 residential plots by Hoppers Development.

Viewpoint

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

Looking back

This is the last column that I will write as your Labour List MP based in this area. For the last six years it has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of Rodney and, more recently, Kaipara Ki Mahurangi.

I am proud of the achievements that we have all made in this area, with the $830m committed for the Penlink bypass, funding for Mahurangi River Rejuvenation, (which will eventually lead to huge tourism and travel opportunities), the building of new primary schools in Milldale and Ōrewa, sod-turning for the Milldale housing development, and bringing several Ministers to Whangaparāoa.

Dairy Flat School, which I visited with Minister Tinetti, and the community were grateful to have the airport extension declined and all of us enjoy no extra tolls on the newly opened Puhoi extension, (although I know we all wish it was a broader free travel area). I am proud to have successfully lobbied for the funding of Penlink and to have supported the Matakana Link Road and the Matakana Trail Trust.

In my time, I have endeavoured to support and be involved with as many community groups as possible, from helping the Arkles Bay community to raise over $1000 for Hospice with their mid-winter swim, to scouts, Snells Beach Bird Conservation, A & P Shows, talks at ratepayers’ associations and everything in between. Being involved in grass roots communities and bringing your voices to Wellington is an important function of any MP. Living at one end of the geographical boundary of one of the country’s largest electorates, as well as, since 2020, being the buddy MP for Whangaparāoa, has presented

Standing proud

International Pride month was June and Hibiscus Coast locals jumped at the opportunity to celebrate locally. A local rainbow group called Queer Coasties held two events in Ōrewa that raised more than $250 for Rainbow Youth. Estefania (Stef) Muller Pallares co-organised the events, on June 25 and July 9, which were open to anyone and hosted at Drifter Café in Ōrewa. Several local artists held stalls selling handmade jewellery, ceramics, posters, paintings and other art. Free face painting and baking were also on offer. Stef says more than 100 people joined the celebrations. “Bringing people together to create connections and celebrate diversity may seem insignificant to some, but members of the rainbow community, do not take it for granted,” Stef says. “Events like these help foster safe spaces for people who may feel alone and are an opportunity to create further acceptance and break down prejudice. We are here, we are proud and we are part of this community.” She says the organisers were blown away by the support and positive response from locals and are planning more events in the future.

challenges to my ability to engage with the western part of the electorate, especially during the Covid travel restrictions. Having Labour Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins attend the Kumeu A & P Show was therefore especially gratifying.

As a nod to my dual heritage, I was delighted to be involved in the Dutch and Indonesian communities in Aotearoa. Although I confess, some of the joy was also experiencing the foods of my country of birth!

A key highlight and a real privilege was, after being lobbied by the Rodney Rainbow community, sponsoring the Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill – legislation whose time had come. My role as chair of the Education and Workforce Select Committee enabled me to improve the rights of hardworking people, as well as positive changes in the area of ACC.

I was especially honoured, as co-chair of the Europe-NZ Parliament cross party group, to lead a delegation to Europe last year, which included the first ever NZ visit to Lithuania.

I would like to thank all the people who have supported me in my work over the last six years. I have always been welcomed in every part of this delightful region, regardless of political persuasion.

Your warmth motivated me to do my very best for the communities across the region. Ka mihi ano ka kite ano koe. Thank you and see you again.

Editor’s note: This is Marja’s final column for the paper, as she is not standing in this year’s election. Thanks for all your contributions over the years, Marja.

Our local board has come up with a three-year plan outlining the key initiatives we want to focus on.

Now we need your help to check if we’ve got it right.

Submissions must be received by 4pm Monday 14 August.

For more information go to:

akhaveyoursay.co.nz/localboardplans

I t ’s your place. Your voice.

Tell us what’s important, Hibiscus and Bays

YourOpinion

Byebye bins

Am I right in reading in your paper that 90 of the public rubbish bins are to be removed from the Hibiscus Coast area? There is going to be a lot more litter blowing around if so! I know in some other countries, people have adjusted to less bins, and now take their rubbish with them to dispose of but my feeling is that it could be a decade before that catches on around here!

Stephanie Wilson, Ōrewa

Editor’s note: Yes, that is Auckland Council’s plan. The story was in our June 26 edition.

Centreway damage

I nodded in agreement with Sue Norwood’s letter (HM 10 July) concerning the condition of Centreway Road. Then I read, totally bemused, the response from Ms Foster (director of The Grove Ōrewa). There are over 25 potholes, poorly repaired, between Weiti Road and the lights at the Hibiscus Coast Highway corner – all in the construction zone. The rest of Centreway and the side roads off it are all in good condition, with no pothole damage. To talk about traffic management is simply avoiding the issue. Ms Foster believes it is unfair to lay the damage at The Grove’s door and “totally refutes” the allegation that Grove is responsible for the damage. How much more evidence does The Grove need, before they acknowledge that the extent of the problem is theirs alone – and then fix it properly for all in Ōrewa, including their own residents?

Mike England, Ōrewa

Who to blame?

Referring to the ‘Your Opinion’ contribution in the issue dated July 10, called ‘Centreway a Disgrace’ and response from The Grove development. The development is in a very difficult area and as such the traffic control measures are considered appropriate and do not appear to be in question. It is common knowledge that without heavy vehicles, roads will generally remain in good condition for many years. On Centreway Rd, the major deterioration has occurred between the signals at the Hibiscus Coast Highway intersection and the pedestrian crossing adjacent to Weiti Rd – the area servicing the very heavy loads necessary for construction of The Grove. The major part of Centreway Rd from Weiti Rd to Puriri Avenue shows little sign of similar damage. The manoeuvring of heavy vehicles

and machinery in and out of the site has doubtlessly contributed to the damage, as has other recent development in the immediate area and the ongoing wet weather. I would be surprised if significant traffic is diverting from the Hibiscus Coast Highway to Centreway Rd to aviod speed restrictions, as suggested by The Grove, as the Centreway Rd traffic control also includes a 30kph restriction throughout most working hours. I personally have diverted from Centreway Rd to The Hibiscus Coast Highway to avoid the traffic control restrictions and the damage on Centreway Rd. The question of who is responsible for repairing the road damage may lie within the requirements of the Resource Consent for the development, in terms of maintaining adjacent infrastructure. A response from Auckland Transport would be of great interest.

Peter Evans, Ōrewa

Editor’s note: Thanks for your comments

Peter. I agree – Auckland Transport’s view would be very interesting. However, when we offered AT an opportunity to comment on this, they declined (as noted in July 10). We have again put the question and will publish any response.

Farmers not to blame

Recently my family and I had the pleasure of participating in the 160th celebrations in Puhoi, spending the night at Ōrewa Top Ten. We had a great weekend off the farm and enjoyed catching up with friends and family there. I also had the opportunity to read the Hibiscus Matters [June 26] paper and felt I had to reply to the flippant remark by the editor “it defies logic that 1kg of NZ cheese can cost $18 in a dairy producing country”. I can assure you and your readers that dairy farmers’ profits are minimal (average 3-5 percent ROI) and many years even run at a loss. This is due to farmers facing so many variables in our business from weather, exchange rates, pay-out, cost of feed, labour challenges, bureaucracy, rates, to name just a few. And that’s at the primary level – processors, transport and retailers all need to meet their operating costs too with that block of cheese. On top of this, when Fonterra was formed, our Government in all its wisdom required Fonterra to supply really cheap milk to other processors to facilitate more competition in the market for consumers’ benefit and to give farmers more options of who to supply their milk to. But guess what, the margins are so small

in the local market, that these other (mostly foreign owned) companies send most of their products and profits offshore. How is that helpful to anyone in Aotearoa? If $18 meant farmers, processors and retailers were ‘creaming’ it, more companies would be in on the action, but they are not. We are all facing increased costs, living and business (our rates are going up 18.5 percent) and making tough decisions with purchases. Pointing fingers however doesn’t help.

Phil Winter, Waikato

Editor’s note: Thanks Phil. So pleased to see visitors taking the time to read Hibiscus Matters. I was definitely not blaming the high cost of cheese on dairy farmers, and in no way consider they are ‘creaming it’. My concern is a market system (as you describe in your letter) that makes it possible for NZ-produced products to be purchased cheaper overseas than at home. That issue wasn’t the focus of my Opinion piece – but it certainly wasn’t a ‘flippant’ comment either, as anyone who has faced those prices at the store will appreciate.

All not lost for ferry

With the news that Auckland Transport intends to withdraw the Gulf Harbour ferry to Downtown when Penlink it finished, do not fret as this could be a long time to come if the proposed opening date goes the same as other roading projects. However, should we all be amazed, and it does open on schedule, all could not be lost as it’s more than likely another ferry operator will fill the gap, one who knows the basics of running a ferry service, one we certainly do not have at present.

Robert (Bob) Bicker, Gulf Harbour

Ferry battle

Us locals have been battling on and off for years to keep the Gulf Harbour ferry service intact. We also had to battle to keep the Hammerhead from becoming apartment blocks. A red flag popped up when I heard about the potential for the withdrawal of the ferry service. You can bet your bottom dollar if the ferry goes, the Hammerhead potential developers will be at it again. I see the Hammerhead is in Council ownership, so I guess it will be available to be sold off, like everything else seems to be. There is mention of the ferry service ceasing when Penlink opens. Yep, let’s get some more traffic on the motorway!

Garry Leslie, Tindalls Bay

In the wilderness

Do Coasties from Silverdale, Whangaparāoa, Ōrewa and indeed the entire Northshore realise how hopeless it is getting to and from the airport? Should you be unable to twist a friend’s arm to drive you, causing environmental impact, then options are woeful. Private shuttles one way are between $130 to $160. Super shuttle $133. AT public buses require three buses and one train, taking two hours. Skybus has closed down. Richies offer an $18 service from the Sky Tower, meaning a bus to Hibiscus Station. Then another bus from Albany station to the city followed by walk and connection at Sky Tower. A lousy option in all our rainy weather. Try getting advice by calling all transport operators in the “super” city and responses are little more than a shrug. Visitors to our city must think they are arriving in deepest darkest Africa if heading north of the harbour bridge. No one appears to be developing solutions. Super city indeed!

Alan Addison, Ōrewa

Relevant reading

I was very happy to read here that Ōrewa College student Eva Miseriaux aspires to become a writer (HM June 26). When offering to donate books to the college library I do so hoping that they might encourage one such student. The dismal government figures for high school literacy are a national average and are skewed by schools in the poorer socio-economic areas. The Ōrewa College principal acknowledged that the number of students borrowing books for the joy of reading has declined over time. The best motivator for learning is always interest, so it is essential that libraries contain diverse material and I encourage other readers to donate books to the college. Eva makes the point that modern books are more relevant to the times, and I sympathise with this – I prefer 20th century American writers myself but am currently reading Oliver Twist Dickens is demanding, but rewarding, and had a significant influence on Victorian attitudes to inequality and social justice. An aspiring writer can benefit from classics (as opposed to ‘the Classics’) in several ways: they have stood the test of time precisely because they are well written; they serve to illustrate changing (and unchanging) values and attitudes through history; they illustrate the evolution of writing styles in what is an art form. A budding writer would also benefit from reading biographies of great writers to understand what sacrifices are required and what strategies increase the likelihood of success. The most important thing is to stay focused on the goal, and work like crazy.

Andrew Westaway, Ōrewa (abridged)

Miraculous reunion with two long-lost cats

A Puhoi family whose lives were thrown into chaos when their home was destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle finally had good news last week, when two of their beloved cats, missing for nearly five months, were found.

In the aftermath of the cyclone, the Robinson family were provided with emergency housing by an Ōrewa local who heard about their plight.

Not long after the move, two of their three rescue cats – Coco and Oreo – escaped from the Ōrewa house.

Dee Robinson says it was traumatic, especially for the couple’s three teenagers, and they searched for the cats everywhere.

“We think they were heading back to Puhoi,” she says. “They are both good rat and mice catchers, so I was sure they could find food, but they are used to living in the country and not road or town savvy.”

After 11 weeks the family moved to more permanent accommodation in Wainui.

Then, on July 8, almost five months after the cats went missing, a picture was posted on social media of a cat found in upper Waiwera. There was no doubt it was Coco.

The person who found her managed to get her into a cat cage, and Coco was reunited with the Robinsons a short time later.

The same eagle-eyed rescuers had spotted a post about another cat, also found in Waiwera, that proved to be Oreo.

That weekend, the Robinsons had both cats back, safely at home. Both had lost weight, but Dee says they were in remarkable condition considering the journey they must have had.

“When you’ve lost everything, animals are a familiar security blanket and we can’t believe we have them both back after all this time.”

SELL WITH BAYLEYS

Back in their owners’ arms. The Robinson family says it is a miracle to be reunited with both their cats after so long. From left, Dee and Charlotte Robinson with Coco and Oreo.

More Whangaparāoa candidates

Business

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

Going gets tough ... the tough get selling

Business is experiencing tough times at the moment.

Indeed, it is tough times for most of us. We just need to pick up a newspaper, watch the news, listen to the radio or read our news feeds, and we are assaulted with a growing list of crises: inflation, cost of living, interest rates, climate change, war. It’s wonder that any of us find the will to carry on! But we do. Our species has this wonderfully successful ability to accept and adapt.

When I turn the focus onto business, those crises are having one overarching effect –cashflow difficulties. There are few industries that are booming right now on the Hibiscus Coast. Many of us are experiencing that double whammy – a decrease in sales and an increase in costs. Once in that vice, cash becomes the limiting factor. What can we do?

Business owners have been advised to act in a certain way since the dawn of time – first, cut costs. But you have already done that –you are already running a tight ship. You can’t cut costs any more, otherwise you will need an eight-day week to do everything.

No – cutting costs, below that required for efficient operations, is not the first thing to do. The first thing to do is sell more! Don’t cut your sales force, enlarge it. Train it, change it – do whatever you need to do to ensure you sell more. And, yes, it is hard, especially when demand is low and competition is high.

Thus, what I call ‘the tyranny of sales’. It is critical for a company’s success, and yet few people want to do it. We feel too pushy. Our view of salespeople is tarnished by thoughts

of the pushy Encyclopaedia seller, or the foot-in-the-door vacuum salesperson.

In the recent past we just put advertisements into our local paper and hey presto, we had some leads, but it’s not that easy anymore. Advertising still has a big part to play, of course, but it needs to be backed with a total change of mindset around sales. A change that is backed by research – and one that works.

This brings us to The Three Laws of Marketing Physics – a concept first developed by Doug Hall, author of Jump Start Your Business Brain, and a way to get past the tyranny of sales.

To best explain this concept, imagine yourself as a prospective customer of widgets from Widgets Ltd in Silverdale. When faced with their salesperson you, as the prospect, have three groups of questions that need to be satisfied before you will buy a widget. First, why should I care? Has my attention been piqued? Will I give this salesperson the time of day? Will I even listen? Secondly, what’s in it for me? What obvious benefit will I gain by purchasing a widget? And thirdly, why should I believe this salesperson? What proof have they provided that these widgets work? Am I confident that they will work for me?

We silently ask all these questions when we buy anything. So, as a Widget maker, turn it around. Make sure you are answering every question, clearly and proactively, before being asked.

If you can sell more in a difficult market, when it recovers, as it surely will, your increased market share will be your foundation for future growth.

Residents voting in the Whangaparāoa electorate in this year’s election so far have five candidates to choose from, with three more announcing their candidacy recently.

Meanwhile, Bill Dyet, who left Democracy NZ and joined the Leighton Baker Party will now no longer stand. Instead, he will be assisting NZ Loyal’s Jeanette Wilson (see below).

Hoping to wrest the long-held National seat from current MP Mark Mitchell’s grasp are Labour’s Estefania (Stef) Muller Pallares, ACT’s Simon Angelo, Craig Laybourn of Democracy NZ ,and NZ Loyal’s Jeanette Wilson.

Muller Pallares announced her candidacy several months ago (HM May 1). The new faces are Angelo, who is number 39 on ACT NZ’s list, Laybourn and Wilson. Angelo, who lives with his family on the North Shore, has owned several businesses, starting his first at age 16. He manages global share portfolios for wholesale

investors and contributes to the daily investment news site, Wealth Morning Democracy NZ’s Craig Laybourn worked in the extractive industries for 27 years, in roading aggregate quarries. He has been working as a career airport firefighter for three years, after 14 years as a volunteer. Laybourn will help develop the party’s roading and infrastructure policies. He lives in Kerikeri with his family and says pushing for improved infrastructure to connect and unlock the potential of Northland, is a priority.

Former bank manager, healer, writer and personal development facilitator, Jeanette Wilson of Ōrewa is standing in Whangaparāoa for Liz Gunn’s NZ Loyal. Health and education are two key platforms for her party.

Nominations for candidates have to be in by mid-September.

Election day is October 14, with advance voting starting on October 2.

Fast track option has few months to run

Fast track resource consenting, via the Covid-19 Recovery Act will still continue for a time, although the Act that brought it into being was repealed on July 8. The Act, which came into effect on July 9, 2020, allows a project to bypass Auckland Council’s resource consent process, with decisions instead made by a panel of experts, supported by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). It was designed to fast-track projects that could boost economic recovery, post-pandemic. However, although the legislation has been repealed, a few more applications could come through the process. This is because all projects had to first meet eligibility criteria and be referred by the Minister for the Environment, through an Order in Council. Once a project received an Order in Council, the applicant could lodge an application with the EPA. Transitional provisions in the Act allow for projects that received an Order in Council before the date the Act was repealed (July 8), to lodge an application with the EPA, within six months. Locally, the residential development on the former Hibiscus Coast Community RSA land was the first to gain consent via this route. Currently the only local ones in the system are Strathmill residential development in north Ōrewa, Stage 5 of East Coast Heights subdivision in Silverdale and the Dairy Flat surfing wave complex (HM June 12).

Karepiro community pantry

Community food pantries, where anyone can place food for others to take free of charge, have popped up all around the Coast in recent years.

The latest one to be unveiled, on Karepiro Drive in Whangaparāoa (outside Coast Kids on Karepiro childcare centre) had the first food items placed in it as part of a Matariki celebration on July 13.

The pantry has been provided by the childcare centre. Centre manager, Janette Baird, says the families wanted to do something special for Matariki and give back to the community.

The centre is very close to a number of op shops, making it a highly visible and

convenient location for a free food pantry.

“The project gives us a wonderful opportunity to share our manakitangi and aroha, and help those in need,” Janette says. “Nau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora te manuhiri.” – with your basket and my basket, we will sustain the people”.

The children made a plan and a design was drawn up. Two of the centre’s dads, Brock Barrie and Theo Botha, then built the pantry using materials donated by Ze Build and some of their own.

Janette says the only unfortunate thing was that the solar lights on the pantry were stolen the first night it was put up. They have since been replaced with stronger fixings.

With

With Coast Kids on Karepiro manager Janette Baird are the two DIY dads who made the new community food pantry, Brock Barrie, left, with son Lucas, and Theo Botha, right with daughter Loa.

Courts needed to turn troubled youth around

At the age of 14, Glen Green says he was “a very angry young man” and on the verge of getting into serious trouble and joining a youth gang.

“I had been expelled from school and was going down the wrong path,” he says.

However, Glen, now aged 53, took a different path and went on to receive numerous awards from Council and community, culminating in the NZ Order of Merit, in 2018.

What turned things around for him was intervention by youth workers, and the building of a public basketball court.

“The first thing the youth workers did was nail a hoop to a post,” he says. “Basketball was big at the time, linked to American culture. A group of us started playing and we learned some discipline, had fun and were not hurting anyone else. We had found something to aim for and get better at.”

He went on to write to Auckland City Council, asking for a proper basketball court where youth could play – and says six months later the trucks rolled in and a full-sized court was built.

Council gave him a Good Citizen Award.

“That’s when I realised how powerful community can be, working together,” Glen says.

Glen, who now lives in Army Bay, went on to work as a community constable, where he saw a lot of youth crime.

“I felt like I was arresting myself,” he says. “What those young people were facing was all too familiar.”

Pointing young people in the right direction is a passion for him. He formed a charitable trust called There’s a Better Way, Hoops & Hope, and eventually left the police to continue that work.

“So, in 2010, I started building basketball courts instead of taking people to court!” he says.

The trust recently built its eighth court, obtaining support from Council and companies like Fulton Hogan and Airtime Hoops.

It was this model – using public basketball courts as an intervention for youth crime –that Glen put before the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board last month.

He wants to upgrade the local courts, and build new ones, to create a total of six full sized courts in Ōrewa, Stanmore Bay and Gulf Harbour. His aim is to have the project complete within three years, with community, Council, grant funders and business support.

He says since moving to the Coast, two years ago, he has seen the start of the enticement of youth into gang culture,

are a proven way to counteract youth crime. Which is why he wants more of them on the Hibiscus Coast.

recognising the signs from his time in Police.

“It’s easy for teens to get influenced and caught up in gangs and crime if you don’t have a solid foundation,” he says. “Sport is great in general, but basketball works with youth because it’s cool, there’s lots of music around it and the American NBA is massive. So why not utilise that for positive change?”

Glen says building and extending courts on the Coast needs to be a community project.

He started by receiving support from the local board, which heartily endorsed his vision at its June 27 meeting.

Glen says he can now take the next step, of seeking funding and sponsorship support for building more Coast courts. For more information, or to support the project, visit https://theresabetterwaynz.com/

From top, Kyan Darby loved his prize, but the best thing was sitting in the fire truck. Helen and Charlie Weaver at the station with senior firefighter Janette Baird and recruit firefighter Shonali Walter-Rao.

Raffles delivered to winners

Winners of a raffle at the Manly Fire Brigade’s superhero disco last month, were presented with their prizes by volunteer firefighters recently. Deputy chief fire officer Athol Conway drew the winners during the brigade’s Matariki celebrations. Helen and Charlie Weaver were twice as lucky, winning both first and second prizes. Rose-Marie Darby and her grandson Kyan took third place, which Rose said was a big thrill. An added bonus was that Kyan, who Rose-Marie says is “a bit obsessed with fire trucks” was able to sit in the truck. Prizes were donated by local businesses.

Ex-policeman and founder of There’s a Better Way Foundation, Glen Green, says public basketball courts

Manly resident Lynda O’Hara is hoping someone on the Hibiscus Coast may know the whereabouts of a model ship, made by her grandfather James (Jim) Holt.

Jim is thought to have taken up model making on retirement, and Lynda says he made either one, or several, impressive models of the Chilian tall ship Esmeralda

Lynda says she believes that her father, Trevor Holt, had the model when he moved to Whangaparāoa in 1980, following the breakup of his marriage to Lynda’s mum.

“He then moved to Motueka, around 1983, but his second wife said the Esmeralda didn’t come with him,” Lynda says. Her

father died two years later.

Lynda was only a child when her grandfather died, and has little to go on in her search.

She says she knows it’s a long shot to find it, but the ship has sentimental value.

“One possibility is that it may have been given to someone, or to a local club. My father was keen on bowls and golf,” she says. “I have been looking for it for quite a few years. We bring out the photo album and look at it from time to time and wonder where the model is.”

If anyone has any information about the model, email Lynda on holtlm@hotmail.com

Lynda as a child, with her grandfather’s model Esmeralda, behind.

The community marae in Silverdale, Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa, presented a proposal for its next step forward at the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board meeting on June 27.

Marae kaiwhakahaere (manager), Kereama Nathan, told local board members that the marae is financially sustainable, thanks to its core business of cultural and educational provision, but it needs to grow along with the community.

He was seeking the local board’s support for the long-term vision of building a Cultural Centre at the marae to provide for those increasing community needs, including an onsite health hub.

Kereama told members that the marae is currently navigating the resource consent process. They hope to be granted consent for the centre this year, after which they will be in a position to start formally costing the project.

‘Bad ass’ workshop at Hibiscus Bridge Club

It’s not every day that someone who describes himself as a “musician, teacher, facilitator, and bad ass” brings a workshop to Hibiscus Bridge Club.

Matiu Te Huki says his workshop, which is open to everyone, focuses on the masculine and feminine – celebrating the differences, and honouring each other. And he says that is relevant wherever you identify on the gender spectrum.

“I tell participants that no matter what body they are in, they can choose to stand with the men or women at any stage of the workshop,” Matiu says.

The three hour interactive workshop covers

traditional Maori practices, including the art of introduction, hongi and then “getting into warrior mode” with a haka.

“That will really connect us as a group,” Matiu says.

He will then facilitate some masculine/ feminine healing work – “specific exercises to bridge the gap between the genders, honour them and lift them up”.

He says the Maori view is that there is equality between men and women, but they are not the same.

“We each have our roles, and celebrate the differences,” he says.

Bye bye Roto-Vegas ... welcome to Whanga-Vegas

Matiu has more than 20 years’ experience as a Maori language and performance teacher. He is also a facilitator, musician and storyteller.

He says his workshop will help people feel grounded, confident and able to step into leadership.

“Participants will leave with ancient yet practical tools to support them in the way they stand, speak, listen, connect and move powerfully through this life. In other words, connect with their inner bad ass.”

The workshop is on Sunday, August 13. Booking info, see What’s On. Info: www. rainbowwarrior.nz

by Tania Parrott

with David Pomeroy

July 28

Coming soon, Debbie Dorday & NZ’’s best variety show

Throw out those myths about the RSA. We are charity driven, looking after the welfare of those who need support by bringing low-cost or free entertainment and fun for everyone in our community. One of the best options on the Coast whether you’re two or 102. Great entertainment, great food, great prices – singers, bands, kids’ days, Sunday roasts and a range of activities from line dancing to snooker, karaoke to arm wrestling. Check out what’s happening for yourself!

Pop in with your details, donate $5 & get a free instant one-month membership

Hibiscus Coast RSA | 43A Vipond Road | http://hbcrsa.org.nz

Matiu Te Huki

Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa marae’s vision for a cultural centre on its Silverdale site.

Hunt and destroy mission for batwing weed

Auckland Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries has its eye on another invasive weed which they are trying to contain and possibly eradicate from the region.

Batwing passion flower (Passiflora apetala) originates in Central America and was first found in Auckland in 2017. It is believed to have come into the country via seed importation.

It is an invasive, shade tolerant vine and because it has only so far been found in five Auckland sites, it is hoped that it can be eradicated before it takes hold.

One of the largest infestations is in the Omaha and Tawharanui areas.

Council’s senior biosecurity advisor, Lydia Starr, says with the public’s help, Council is trying to identify as many locations as possible where this species may be present to control it prevent it from spreading further.

“The faster we can locate and manage this pest plant, the more likely we can prevent it from spreading to offshore islands and establishing in parks and on private land,” Starr says.

The plant can aggressively spread and overtake other plants, leading to a

reduction in biodiversity.

It gets its name from its two-lobed leaves, shaped like bats’ wings. The flowers are yellow/light green, less than 2cm in diameter and borne year-round. It has purplish black berries, which are attractive to birds – which eat, then disperse the seeds.

Batwing passion flower can be found in forests and forest margins, scrub, gardens, hedges, and along fencelines.

If you find this plant, Council’s advice is do not attempt to control it yourself; report it via the pest-free email pestfree@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Max O’Dowd, a right handed batter who plays cricket for the Hibiscus Coast premier league first team (and is the team’s batting coach) has qualified to play in the Men’s ODI World Cup finals in India later this year. The New Zealander is a member of the Netherlands cricket team which recently qualified as one of the 10 teams to play in the competition. O’Dowd scored 266 in 7 innings at an average of 38 in the qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe, which was played last month. The Netherlands will come up against the Black Caps in India. The tournament starts in October.

Splashing for cash

The locally famous Arkles Bay winter splash, a fundraiser for Hospice, will take place on Sunday, July 30, 10am. Organiser Greg Holland (pictured) says once again all participants are encouraged to dress in fancy costumes as there is a lot of fun involved in the chilly mid-winter dip, while raising money for Harbour Hospice. Info: www.facebook. com/Arklesbaymidwintersplash

Have you seen this weed, currently on Council’s ‘most wanted’ list.

24 Bring to an end (9)

29 Plumage (8)

30 Hypnotic state (6)

31 Progress (7)

35 Stringed instrument (8) 36 Shunting track (6) 37 Annoy (4) 38 Roof overhang (5) 39 Perish (3) 41 Fully satisfied (5) 43 Simmered (6) 47 Social blunder (5)

50 Small child (3)

54 Greenfly (5)

55 Probability (4)

56 Window shade (6)

57 Genuine (4,4)

60 Varied (7)

61 Displaced sods on a

3

Hobbit HOPs at Hibiscus Village

Don’t expect any grizzles about Auckland’s public transport system when you speak with Geoff and Val Herbert, residents of Hibiscus Coast Village in Red Beach.

The couple, both aged 85, still drive but are also regular and enthusiastic users of buses, ferries and trains.

They were concerned that others in the retirement village, who, like them, are getting older and may eventually have to stop driving, were not confident on public transport and didn’t know much about Auckland Transport’s HOP card. Although public transport is free for the over 65s (after 9am weekdays and all day weekends and public holidays), a HOP card is still needed to get on and off, loaded with a SuperGold public transport concession.

“Starting up trips on public transport was a way to get people to come with us on our excursions, and get them used to it,” Geoff says. “We also help them get the card sorted if need be.”

A maximum of eight residents, mostly aged in their 80s, go with the couple –“so we can keep an eye on them”, Geoff says. The tours have become known in the village as ‘Hobbit HOP tours’ – “because

we’re both very short,” Val explains. So far the monthly journeys, which all start and end at the bus stop right outside the village in Red Beach Road, have included visiting Warkworth, lunch in Omaha, and sightseeing in Snells Beach. They have been out to Pukekohe, to Pine Harbour on the ferry, and around Auckland city on the Link bus route.

Their next trip, this week, will see the group heading to New Lynn. Geoff and Val did a practice run for this recently, to make sure there were no hitches. It involved getting the bus from Silverdale to Constellation Drive, then to Westgate in Henderson for coffee. From there, the bus took them to New Lynn for lunch and they returned via a train to Britomart and bus back to the Coast. It took all day (9am-5pm) and was a fair workout for the HOP card, involving six bus transfers and a train ride.

“It’s much more of an adventure than driving,” Geoff says. “There are still so many routes we can do!”

Val and Geoff describe the public transport service as “impressive”.

“We do have the luxury of time, so if there’s the odd hold up it doesn’t really matter,”

Geoff says. “We’ve had a few cancelled buses lately but we just find another way to

go when that happens.”

Val says the group enjoys seeing all sorts of back roads on their excursions, often in places they haven’t been for years. “They are now coming more for the trip

itself, than HOP card practice,” Val says. “But I’m going to start a mini HOP tour where we just go to Ōrewa or Silverdale, for those who want to get to know the local buses and use the card.”

We have so much to talk about.

Planning your own funeral is surprisingly satisfying. At Dil’s, we believe that creating a beautiful funeral starts with a good conversation. So why not drop in for coffee and a chat?

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my fave playlist a classic story the flowers the perfect spot special touches dessert

From top, Hop on board with us! Public transport fans Geoff and Val Herbert are spreading the word via their HOP card tours. Adventure starts here – at the bus stop outside Hibiscus Coast retirement village.

Positives and pitfalls of reverse mortgages

by Emma Turnbull, Solicitor, North Harbour Law

When many people reach retirement age, their pension and savings do not allow them sufficient funds to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in their own home. Reverse mortgages allow those aged 60 years and above to borrow a sum of money against the equity in their home.

Unlike ordinary mortgage lending, there are no repayment obligations during the term of a reverse mortgage loan. This means that reverse mortgage loans can increase significantly over time. If you have borrowed a significant sum at say 60-70 years, the projected future loan repayment figures at say 80 plus years, can be eye-watering. This is even more so when the property market is not in the high of its cycle. Before proceeding with a reverse mortgage, you should:

• Consider whether you may need or wish to move into a retirement village or a smaller property in future. While at age 65 you may wish to remain in your home, once you are in your 80s and beyond this may be practically more difficult. Your options will be severely restricted if you have significant reverse mortgage lending to repay on the sale of the property after 10 to 15 years of accumulating loan principal, interest and costs.

Pony brings people together at village

A social studies project at KingsWay School led teenager Grace Mitchell to visit a retirement village, taking her pony, Isla, with her.

The project asked students to go into the community and find an issue or problem that is often overlooked. They were then asked to do something hands-on to help, such as fundraising.

Grace, 14, decided to focus on loneliness and the need to make connections across the generations.

Animals are a great ice-breaker when it comes to making those connections, and Grace’s love of horses (she got her first pony when she was aged seven) made her pony, Isla, the obvious companion.

She said Evelyn Page retirement village in Ōrewa was very open and welcomed the chance to have Grace and Isla visit last month.

When Grace and Isla arrived, some of the residents came from their houses to see the horse, while others were brought out from the facility’s care home and hospital.

“I was nervous at first, meeting all those new people, but the pony gave us something in common,” Grace says. “Many said they rode when they were younger, or were involved with horses through farm work. It brought back memories.”

She says the reactions were beautiful to see.

“Some were just watching quietly, some came right up and patted Isla and others brought photos of themselves with horses.”

Grace says the plan had been to visit other retirement villages too, but the weather prevented it.

“Seeing people’s reactions and smiles, I definitely want to get out and do this again in future, and stay local so we can see people regularly,” she says.

• Think about all the potential alternative options that you are open to you. This might include downsizing your home to free up equity, or even seeking assistance from within your family. This will almost always benefit any children financially, if they are thinking about potential inheritances.

• Consider the smallest amount that you will need to draw on under the reverse mortgage. Working through projections of the loan repayment figure at various points in time in the future is essential. This enables you to make an informed decision, taking into account what your financial position and overall circumstances might look like in two, five or 10 years’ time.

• Speak with a financial advisor and your lawyer so that you are making the best decision for your circumstances with full information and support.

A reverse mortgage can allow you to remain in your home with funds available to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in your older years. However, it is important that you proceed with caution and take financial and legal advice that is catered to you and your particular circumstances.

From left, Jeanine Mitchell, Tony Edward, William Hunt, Michael Hawkins, Chris Hunt.

Fourteen-year-old Grace Mitchell says taking her pony into Evelyn Page retirement village was a beautiful experience. Inset, Grace looks on as Evelyn Page resident Naomie Griffiths enjoys getting close to pony Isla. The Evelyn Page team member is Devanshi Soni.

New Coastie

Ed Amon edamonnz@gmail.com

Accessing my grandparents forever

In my last column I talked about my impending fatherhood and how my frame of reference for life is going to shift once my pēpē arrives. Strangely, the imminent arrival of the new baby has made me start thinking about my ultimate departure from this planet. I am sure it is not happening soon, but you never know. I am banking on the technological advancements of our time to at least be an immortal being as a set of AI style algorithms on a USB stick or in The Cloud. A USB stick that you can just plug in the computer and talk to me. As far as “The Cloud” is concerned, I still have no clue what it is and where it exists. I can only imagine a white fluffy formation in the sky with all the world’s information. My digital fountain of youth type of thinking is not because of some narcissistic need to live forever, even though I do find the concept of death a bit daunting. It is because the idea of preserving a human’s consciousness fascinates me. It is also because I would love to have access to my grandparents and great grandparents whenever I can. They all lived through the partition of India in 1947. They went through national turmoil, liberation struggle, migration, loss, and nation building. In their lifetimes they had their dreams realised in the form of the departure of the British Raj, but then those dreams were crushed by the disappointments of the new country deeply impacted by the remnants of colonisation. Through all that, they also managed to raise my parents, who raised me. I have done well,

and I am extremely privileged. Imagine being able to access that experience forever. I think of that whenever I am told to go back to where I came from. How would my grandparents and great grandparents, who uprooted themselves from their homeland in what is now India to what is now Pakistan, deal with it?

As a young whipper snapper, I did not acknowledge the treasures that were living in our home. They are just the grandparents who are always there. They have always been there; they don’t know about anything modern. Now that they have passed on, almost every day I think about them and wonder how they would deal with the life predicaments that I face during my life.

The growing narratives of blaming our ancestors for the current ills of our society disturbs me a little. Every generation makes mistakes. They try to make the best with the cards that they were dealt. The responsibility then sits with the newer generations to learn from those mistakes and make things better. Demonising our elders for our current predicaments presents us with the danger of isolating them as a blamed generation and missing the opportunity to learn from them. They might have not come onboard with some of the societal development that we have adopted. That doesn’t mean that we cut them off from our discourse. It is our responsibility to talk to them and learn from them before they are gone and the treasure that they carry for decades of life experience goes with them.

Rose garden plots promise a sweet place to rest

Recently the 327th rose garden was put in at Auckland Memorial Park and Cemetery, in East Coast Road, Silverdale. All those roses are not only there to look beautiful (and create plenty of pruning work for the gardening team!) – each rose garden contains ash plots.

Plots in the rose-filled gardens can be prepurchased and the ashes are interred in the garden itself, with a plaque placed on the spot.

The Memorial Park is a 17ha natural amphitheatre, with extensively landscaped gardens, which opened in 2000. Cemetery co-manager, Pip Smith, says the

original rose gardens surround the Settlers Cottage that is on the site. The cottage is an early 20th Century villa, that was relocated from Onehunga and has been renovated with original features and character kept intact.

It is used for memorial services and seats around 50-60 people.

“We have also used it for our annual Breast Cancer Foundation Pink Ribbon Breakfasts and Blue Do for the Prostate Cancer foundation fundraisers,” Pip says. “Last October we were part of the Global Wave of Light, a memorial for Pregnancy and Infant Loss – we hope this to be a new annual event.”

From top, Rose plantings began at the Settlers Cottage, which is a popular venue for smaller funeral gatherings. Another rose garden and ash plot has been added.

Health

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

Falls threaten independence

One in six of Coasties are over 65 years of age, and a third of people in this age group have a fall each year. Up to 20 percent of them end up in hospital with a fracture. We all aspire to live independently – moving out of home into a care facility is reported to be one of the elderly’s greatest fears. That is one reason why a fall, with a subsequent fracture, could change your life in an instant. With falls being such a threat to our independence, it makes sense to identify anything that could lead to this and take steps to prevent them.

Some of the more likely risk factors for falls include: weaker legs, poor balance, eyesight problems, hazards in the environment, nutritional status and side effects from medications.

Exercise builds muscle strength, balance and co-ordination and decreases your risk of falling. To find community classes in our area for older adults go to www.livestronger.org.nz or approach your local gym. The Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre, for example, runs classes to help with balance and strength. If you have a visual impairment you are more likely to fall. Make sure your eyesight is the best it can be by checking in with your optometrist regularly.

Check your home regularly for items that might cause a fall. Ensure there are clear pathways through the home providing easy access to bathrooms and good lighting always helps. With all the wet weather we’ve

been having, have slippery concrete areas, accessways and stairs cleaned.

Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve bone density and muscle function and could thereby reduce the risk of falls.

Medicines can be a factor in increasing susceptibility to falls. Make sure you have a good pharmacist to help you prevent this! There are several reasons medicines can put you at more risk. Firstly as we age, our bodies respond to medicines differently and often we become more sensitive to side effects. Some medicines can cause you to feel faint or dizzy, whilst others might cause blurry vision or even impair your judgement. Sometimes it is not even a specific medicine causing the side effect but rather an interaction between multiple medicines. Always be careful when you are starting to take a new medicine and ask about potential side effects. Also, check if any of your medicines interact with alcohol as this could make you even more sleepy or affect your balance. If you are taking multiple medicines or are concerned about side effects from your medicines, speak with your pharmacist and review your medicines together.

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One in six of Coasties are over 65 years of age, and a third in this age group have a fall each year.

Homing in on 100

When Howard Monk arrived in New Guinea in 1945, Royal NZ Air Force fighter pilots facing the Japanese in the Pacific were credited with shooting down 99 enemy aircraft.

The Whangārei-born 22-year-old, who had earned his pilot’s wings the previous year, had hoped to do his bit to help bring that number to 100. But the war was winding down, and he reached the islands too late to confront any enemy planes in the air. Although that remains a disappointment to him almost eight decades later, Howard now has his sights set on a “ton” of his own: his 100th birthday in November.

They are planning a big party for him at Maygrove Village in Ōrewa, where he lives in an apartment looking straight down the entrance drive.

“A hundred years old, hey?” Howard chuckles. “I think I’ll make it, alright. Fortunately I’ve got my good health. It’ll be a big day.”

Howard left school in Hamilton the day he turned 14, hoping to become a mechanic but instead landing in the spare parts division. After signing up to the army he ended up in the transport department, a “cushy” post largely involving handing out permits.

He later transferred to the RNZAF, and studied, trained and flew at several bases around the country, including Taieri near Dunedin, Woodbourne in Blenheim and Auckland’s Ardmore, eventually earning his wings in December 1944.

When he deployed out, he was based in New Guinea and the Solomons, but World War II was drawing to a close, and there were no Japanese warplanes left flying in the area.

The Kiwi pilots patrolled the region in F-4U Corsair fighters, sometimes bombing

or strafing the bush on islands where enemy forces were suspected to be lying low, but with no indication of any hits. (According to war historians, RNZAF pilots flew 10,592 sorties against Japanese positions on Bougainville and Buka islands in the Solomons between January and August 1945, dropping 4256 tons of bombs.)

It wasn’t all plain sailing. Howard recalls returning from one such mission when two of the planes and their pilots were lost at sea.

“I was separate from them so I managed to keep a decent height. And I thought, now I must be just about over the base, and there was a sudden flash of lightning and there was the base beneath me. So I shut the old throttle and landed,” he says. “You’ve got to be lucky.”

After the war Howard married his sweetheart Margaret, in 1946, and worked as an aerial top dresser, racking up thousands of flying hours sowing superphosphate fertiliser and grass seed. He later became president of the Air Force Association’s Hibiscus Coast branch, serving in the post until the age of 88. In 2013 he was awarded life membership, “in recognition of long service, dedication and work on behalf of the branch beyond that normally provided by a member”.

After Margaret died in 1999, Howard

stayed on in their Ōrewa home until moving into Maygrove in 2019. From his perch overlooking the drive, he watches the world go by. He gets the newspaper every day, and enjoys doing the word search, which he says keeps his mind active. On a nearby table is a small pile of well-thumbed black and white photos featuring Margaret, and himself as a young man. Also present are RNZAF badges and his three medals. He loves the community he lives in. A pianist plays regularly in a nearby lounge, and he locates himself so he can see the music, then yells out to the others what piece the pianist is about to play. Asked what advice he has for others approaching his age, he says, “Nothing special. I just happened to be lucky, I think.”

He may be approaching his century, but

Howard is by no means housebound. Twice a week, a friend drives him to the Hibiscus Coast Senior Citizens Association’s indoor bowls club.

“I don’t actually play, but I take the money, issue the tickets, and watch. I thoroughly enjoy every minute of it. I criticize the play a wee bit,” he laughs. “Ah, happy days. Happy days.”

A painting of two Corsair fighters in action has pride of place in Howard’s apartment. Howard’s medals.

An artist’s impression of the social hub under construction at The Botanic. Inset, The building has attracted attention at night.

Botanic building

blazes brightly

The brightly-lit building that is drawing the attention of drivers on Hibiscus Coast Highway in the evening is probably The Clubhouse – the latest addition to The Botanic Silverdale retirement village.

The Clubhouse, currently under construction, is designed to be the social heart of the village, which is located behind the park ‘n’ ride.

It will include a café, lounge, bar, dining space and barbeque area and will serve as the community hub for retirees and their families. The Clubhouse will be 403sqm when completed.

The construction team often leave the lights on at night and The Botanic sales agent, Michelle Pipping, says many curious commuters have asked about the large, glass-fronted building that they spotted from the highway.

She says the lights are likely to get even brighter for the grand-opening.

Brian Oakes, a new resident at The Botanic, is a master at lighting. When he

moved from Warkworth with his wife, Sue, he came equipped with an impressive Christmas light collection which he has used to decorate their home for many years.

“Brian told us about this amazing Christmas light display that he would put on every year, and the money he raised, he would donate to Hospice,” Michelle says. Those lights are expected to be put to good use when The Clubhouse has its official opening, expected to be in spring.

Michelle says the village’s 70 residents are eagerly waiting for the facility to throw open its doors. Happy Hour is already scheduled in for Thursday nights.

Once completed, The Botanic Silverdale will offer 82 villas and 383 apartments for independent living, and an aged care home with 48 suites. In time, it will also provide highly specialised memory care suites.

Planning your own funeral is never an easy thing to do. However, almost everyone says that once they’ve taken care of these essential arrangements, a weight has been taken off their shoulders. With premises in Browns Bay and Orewa, we’ve been part of the North Shore community for over 40 years now. Whatever your choices, whatever your traditions, whatever your budget, at Forrest’s we’re here to help you celebrate the life you lived, your way.

Resort-style retirement living

Two Bedroom light-filled, spacious apartments from $995k

Two Bedroom villas from $1.125m

Our beautiful lift-filled homes are brand new, filled with light, and finished to the highest of standards. Come and see our world-class amenities and meet our gorgeous residents.

The Botanic Silverdale is the Hibiscus Coasts’ newest retirement village, designed to help you live a life full of purpose and joy surround by nature.

Homes with seniors in mind

Incorporating homes specifically for retirees within its residential developments is a new concept for Fletcher Living, and the first one, in Red Beach, is almost complete.

It is a retirement village with a difference – an ‘integrated retirement community’ known as Vivid Living – Red Beach, that consists of 48 villas and communal space, all on one street. It is owned and operated by Vivid Living, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fletcher Building.

The villas are designed so that people aged 70 and over can live independently as part of the community.

The single level homes, which range from 1-3 bedrooms, incorporate Lifemark accessibility standards including things such as level access, wider doorways and hallways, and turning space within

bedrooms. Fine details such as the height of appliances in kitchens, bathroom safety features and the placing of power points have been considered. The homes have a 7 Homestar rating.

Head of Vivid Living, Gemma Gloyne, says the idea is not to compete with the well-established retirement villages, but “to provide choice in the market”.

“The concept could enable extended families to live within the same neighbourhood, with older relatives living independently in homes suited to their needs,” she says.

A large communal lounge with a kitchen and big screen TV provides a social hub. A manager will be on site during working hours, and a 24/7 concierge is provided by Securely NZ. Pets are allowed, subject to some criteria. Optional wellness checks

Grey Power

Hibiscus Coast Grey Power Association

New Place Same Face

are available.

The deferred management fee (which covers maintenance and management) is 15 percent, and Vivid Living provides a 50 percent share of capital gains.

The first two couples move into the Red

Beach Vivid Living village next month, and work on the final group of homes is expected to be complete in around three months. Gloyne says that the concept is now being extended to Fletcher developments in other parts of Auckland.

Clockwise from left, The communal lounge, Head of Vivid Living, Gemma Gloyne, No steps in sight – level access is part of every home in the Vivid Living – Red Beach community. Raised beds to be planted by residents.

Blast from the past

Susanne Wilson

Hibiscus Coast History

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

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We can drive and accompany you to:

Keep your independence and freedom with our safe, reliable companion driving service. We can drive and accompany you to:

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•Medical and other appointments

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•Scenic drives

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Total Mobility Scheme cards accepted. ACC contracted supplier.

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

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

The great Waiwera Hotel stood strong on the shoreline just off the beach for many years. Originally built by Robert Graham in the late 1800s, it was a popular spot for the rich and famous due to the hot water health spa benefits of Waiwera. It also supplied accommodation to travellers moving through the region, often off boats from Auckland. A horrendous fire on the 27th of September, 1927, reduced the building to smouldering ruins. Locals woke the staff and two guests, and everyone escaped unscathed. Photo shared to Hibiscus Coast History page by Matt Barnett

Rewarding beautiful sustainability

Entries are now open for the Keep NZ Beautiful awards, which have been run annually for more than five decades. They are open to individuals, schools, communities, towns and cities. They consist of 12 awards across four categories: Individuals, Community, Places and Towns and Cities. They celebrate individuals such as the Young Legends and Tidy Kiwis of New Zealand, as well as the champions of community environmental initiatives, the Most Beautiful Small Town, Large Town and City, the Most Sustainable School, Best Street and even the Best Loo in New Zealand! There will also be a Supreme Award in the Towns & Cities category, with the winning town or city winning a mural painting valued up to $10,000. Nominations are open now and close on August 21. Winners will be announced at The Beautiful Ball, at Parliament House on November 9. Info and entries visit

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meet the team at www.millwaterdental

to arrange an appointment on (09) email reception@millwaterdental.co.nz

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

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FB:

Cuisine

Lauraine Jacobs

www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/blog/

Soup time

Who doesn’t love a tasty soup? One of life’s true comforts, especially at this time of the year, it may be one of the easiest dishes to perk up tired or cold, hungry people.

It is also a nourishing inexpensive way to feed a crowd. Seasonal, market-fresh vegetables can be cooked up quickly, and by judicious buying you can certainly beat the cost of those tempting but pricey pouches of soup that fill supermarket refrigerated shelves right now. Root vegetables – potato, carrot, parsnip and kumara – at are their best in winter, as they’re hearty and filling, and can be peeled and chopped, thrown in a saucepan with water to simmer away until they’re mushy enough to mash. Those who make their own chicken stock from leftover chicken bones will take their soups to a higher level of flavour. A good vegetable stock made with all leftover veggies lurking in the fridge will satisfy vegetarians and all of us who are keen on avoiding any waste food. Just chuck all those end pieces and tired looking greens and root veggies in a large pot, adding herbs, a chopped onion and a bay leaf, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat so it is just bubbling and leave for an hour or two, before straining into little pottles. It’s a great investment of your time and can be refrigerated or frozen until it’s needed. Soup can range from chunky and chewy, made with addition of a ham hock or meatbones for extra flavour, to silky smooth, and puréed to a sophisticated

texture. One of the handiest kitchen tools is the stick blender. In no time, your soup can be whizzed up smoothly and there’s no need to try to have all the vegetables chopped into neat, even dice. And there’s nowhere near the chore of cleaning that is presented with a food processor!

My mother’s homemade tomato soup was always one of my favourite meals when I was young. She usually made us toasted cheese sandwiches as an accompaniment, and often sent us to school with our own thermos of tomato soup on chilly days. I have adapted her simple recipe to make use of canned tomatoes, which may be the most singularly useful cheap item on supermarket shelves. I have also jazzed it up with even more flavour: a red pepper, orange zest and juice, and a touch of simple spice, ground coriander. Ground coriander (not the fresh herb) has a slightly warm orange aroma and is perfect with tomatoes.

Cooking Tips:

An essential in cooking tomatoes is a pinch of sugar. I have no idea just why it reacts to bring more flavour to cooked tomatoes, but without sugar, the tomato flavour fades a little. As I try to explain to my grandkids, flavour is all about balance, and almost all food needs acid balanced with salt and sugar.

It’s nice to garnish your soup with any of the following: a little dollop of cream, some sour cream, a slick of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper or fresh herbs.

Tomato, Red Pepper and Orange Soup

1 onion

2 red peppers

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tsp ground coriander

1 orange, zest finely grated (juice reserved)

2 cans chopped tomatoes (in tomato juice)

2 cups chicken or vegetable stock

A dash of red pepper sauce (Tabasco or Kaitaia Fire)

Pinch of sugar

1 tsp salt

To finish: black pepper, cream or sour cream and a few basil leaves or other fresh herbs

Chop the onion coarsely and de-seed the peppers and chop coarsely. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and add the onion and peppers. Cook gently until soft, then add the coriander and orange rind and cook for a further minute.

Add the tomatoes, stock, pepper sauce, salt and sugar, and bring to a simmer. Keep over very low heat, stirring occasionally and allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes until the flavours are well blended. Remove the pan from the heat and blend the soup with a stick blender until it is smooth. Stir in the orange juice and season the soup to taste with more salt if needed. This can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. To serve, reheat until piping hot, and add a spoonful of whipped cream to each bowl with a little basil or chopped parsley. Serving idea: Accompany with toasted cheese sandwiches or hot buttery toast. Serves 6.

Taste of Brick Bay

Batter up for Coast softball

The Hibiscus Coast Softball Club is gearing up for an exciting season and is inviting players of all ages and genders to join the fun.

President Leon Smith says last season was an historic one for the club. The premier men’s team competed in the Open Men’s Club Championships, showcasing their talent on a national scale and one of its players, Oscar Andersen, was named Top Batter at the event. The Coast’s top women’s team won the North Harbour competition, marking a milestone in the club’s history, and several junior grades achieved top-three finishes in their respective divisions.

Smith says the club is accessible, inclusive and affordable for all.

It welcomes boys, girls, men, and women, ranging from Under 5s to senior competitive and social players. Aspiring coaches, managers, scorers, and umpires can also get involved.

“Regardless of age or skill level, there’s a place for everyone in this inclusive and

vibrant club,” Smith says.

Juniors play a 19-week season, with an average cost of just $3.20 per game, and children under the age of five play for free. Teams can train locally once or twice a week, with games taking place at Rosedale Park, Albany, every Saturday.

To accommodate growing demand, Coast Softball now offers dedicated training venues in Stanmore Bay and Millwater.

Hibiscus Coast Softball Club supplies all players with a uniform. Young players need a pair of trainers with good grip and a softball glove. The club’s shop offers a wide selection of club apparel.

The season runs from September to March, with a break over the Christmas period. Registrations are now open, and fees remain the same as last season – Smith describes Coast Softball as “the most affordable sport option in the area”.

Info and to register, at www.hbcsoftball. org.nz/season, go to www.facebook.com/ hbcsoftballclub/, or email secretary@ hbcsoftball.org.nz

Coast Premier Men’s short stop, Quaid Chief, drives a ball to the fence against Te Atatu in a match at Rosedale Park in January.

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 Phone/Txt Mark 021 492 939.

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

Over 30 years’ experience. Contact Dexter 027 4956 436

DRAINLAYERS

For your drainage requirements. Certified drain layers. All Round Drainage Ltd: Ph/txt 0274 890 851 email jeff@ardnz.com

HANDYMAN

Odd jobs, gardening, painting & water blasting. Phone Nev 021 399 226.

HOUSE WASHING - SOFT WASH / LOW PRESSURE / CHEMICAL WASH

Also Window Cleaning / Gutter Clearing Careful service, reasonable rates. Phone 021 057 9743

Classifieds

PUMP DOCTOR

DVDS & VIDEOS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

CARS WANTED

waitematabackcarebeds.co.nz

ARKLES BAY PAINTERS/DECORATORS In the area for the area. Shane 021 0813 8481. CARPET CLEANING, repairs and installation. Dwayne 0274 997 929. HANDYMAN EX-BUILDER Repairs to old windows & doors. Fencing, paving stones, brick garden walls, wooden garden boxes all sizes. Painting inside & outside etc. Phone 027 436 1828.

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

FURNITURE REMOVALS exp Owner Operator 30 years. Single Items to Flat/House lots. Silverdale Based. Ph Gavin 0274 973 867 RECORDING STUDIO Vocals to backing tracks, original projects, vocal training & vocal PA hire. Ph Skimp 021 115 5233.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER New Builds, Additions & Renovations. Concept Design & Building Consents. Clinton 0800 642425

Crossword conundrum solved #14

ACROSS: 1 Recital, 4 Complaints, 9 Affable, 13 Tame, 14 Gaelic, 15 Marina, 16 Protect, 19 Reserve, 20 Blow one’s own trumpet, 21 Relish, 22 Harden, 24 Terminate, 29 Feathers, 30 Trance, 31 Headway, 35 Mandolin, 36 Siding, 37 Rile, 38 Eaves, 39 Die, 41 Sated, 43 Stewed, 47 Gaffe, 50 Tot, 54 Aphid, 55 Odds, 56 Canopy, 57 Bona fide, 60 Diverse, 61 Divots, 62 Synopsis, 65 Great Dane, 67 Kit out, 68 Jalopy, 72 Red-carpet treatment, 75 Present, 77 Trouble, 78 Fourth, 79 Rabbit, 80 Ball, 81 Steered, 82

Incomplete, 83 Nucleus. DOWN: 1 Rotor, 2 Camisole, 3 Leaves, 4 Celebrated, 5 Macho, 6 Lampoon, 7 Israel, 8 Tango, 10 Forerunner, 11 Attempt, 12 Locket, 17 Prosperous, 18 Gnome, 21 Resumed, 23

Dismiss, 25 Escort, 26 Strict, 27 Tangle, 28 Gazebo, 30 Trite, 32 Deal, 33 Once, 34 Flea, 40 Impair, 42 Eddy, 44 Tycoon, 45 Wings, 46 Deposit, 48 Floppy, 49 Eradicated, 50 Toil, 51 Therapy, 52 Hide, 53 Assign, 58 Espadrille, 59 Unsuitable, 63 Adieu, 64 Tolerate, 66 Recluse, 67 Ketchup, 69 Regret, 70 Weirdo, 71 Option, 73 Thorn, 74 Eyrie, 76 Tells.

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

HAIRDRESSING

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

WORK WANTED

NEED A HAND with something, give me a call, anything considered. Call Will or txt on 021 0847 5188.

WANTED TO BUY

PERSONAL

HI, ITS MARTIN AGAIN, the recently Retired Widower (4months now} & still genuinely searching for a new companion/ relationship on the Shore. Please email me with some background info/photo details to share together. THANKS MARTIN –Email startingagainasone@gmail.com

DELIVERERS URGENTLY WANTED TO DELIVER HIBISCUS MATTERS

To: Ōrewa Heights:150 • Totara

Views: 200 • Stanmore Bay #5: 300 • Stanmore Bay #7: 300 Hibiscus Matters is a fortnightly paper, pays good rates.

ph Rosemary 021 0300 263 or email name, contact details & age to: hmdelivery@localmatters.co.nz

VEHICLES WANTED

Dead or Alive. Cash Paid. 0800 333 398

PUBLIC NOTICES

FOR THE ATTENTION OF ARDEN BROWN OF NO KNOWN ADDRESS. He must pay the outstanding fees owed to the Stillwater Boating Club inc with 14 Days of this notice and remove the vessel ILLICIT from the Yard of the clubby the same time. If anyone knows him, please inform of this notice. Otherwise, the Vessel will be disposed of and costs to do so will be applied to the outstanding account. Also the Vessel on the Stillwater Boating clubs Grid is going to be disposed of at you cost.

FRIENDS OF OKURA BUSH warmly welcome you to their Annual General Meeting. Sunday 20 August, 3pm. Okura Hall, 81 Okura River Road, Okura. Guest speaker Geoff Reid, environmental change agent, restoration consultant

COMMUNITY NOTICES

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

A CLUB FOR SENIORS TO ENJOY FRIENDSHIP, Monthly meetings, guest speakers, bus trips, luncheons and movie group. Meet 4th Wednesday, 10am, Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park, Manly. Hibiscus Coast Friendship Club. Phone Peter or Jeanne 426 8675.

HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB, Sunday, 6th August, 1pm, at the Ōrewa Community Centre, $5 entry, all welcome.

HOUSIE AT BOWLS ŌREWA every Friday, 1pm-4pm. Lots of fun and great prizes. Ph 09 426 5937. All welcome.

What’s on ...

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

3-30 Matariki exhibition in conjunction with the Auckland Matariki Festival, Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Ōrewa.

5-30 Lisa and Co Creative Life with DID exhibition, Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Ōrewa.

5-30 STEAM Creations, A group exhibition using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) as a part of the creative process. View famous artworks transformed into Lego masterpieces. Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Ōrewa.

26 The Developing Brain, with Nathan Wallis, Ōrewa North Primary School, 280 Centreway Road, Ōrewa, 7.30pm. Tickets from Eventfinda.

27 Stand Up Comedy Night, Parāoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 7pm. Features Rhys Mathewson, Itay Dom and Ocean Denham. Tickets from Eventfinda

27 Connect for Women, Drifter Coffee, Unit 1/3 George Lowe Place, Ōrewa, 9am. A diverse and free social networking group for all women. Opportunities for social engagement, personal and professional growth and development. To register, ph Kayleen 027 647 5000 or visit www.ripple.net.nz/connect

28 Viva Las Vegas, A Night with David Pomeroy, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa, 7.30pm-10.30pm. Entry $5pp.

29 Runaway Boys, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa, 7pm-10.30pm. Entry $5pp.

29 Foot Doctor Podiatry, free seminar, Red Beach Methodist Church, 76 Red Beach Road, 11am. Topics covered include insulin resistance, diabetic medication, exercise, how/what qualifies to keep the body moving, diabetic nutrition. Email the number of attendees to jess@myfootdoctor.co.nz

30 George “The Bishop” Thompson, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa, 6pm-8pm. Free entry.

30 Leys Orchestra Family Concert, Ōrewa Community Centre, Ōrewa Square, Ōrewa, 2.30pm. Classical programme featuring soloist Emily Rendall. Free admission, but tickets from Eventfinda for numbers.

30 Volunteer for Nature drop in, 1.30pm-3.30pm, Whangaparāoa Library. Local conservation groups are looking for volunteers, and there’s a role to suit everyone! Find out more from Forest & Bird, Pest Free Hibiscus Coast, Restore Hibiscus & Bays, Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society and more.

30 Arkles Bay Midwinter Splash fundraiser, 10am. Dress up in fancy dress and join us to raise money for Harbour Hospice. Info, phone 09 421 9180.

31-Sept 3 Annual Members Merit Award Exhibition, Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Ōrewa.

July August

3 Force Femme Vol. 5 – Networking for Women in business, CoastLab, 20 Florence Ave, Ōrewa, from 6pm. Topic: Are you making sales weird? A conversation with Natalie Tolhopf, business mindset coach and author.

6 Drag Queen Sunday Brunch, hosted by Miss Trinity Ice, Paraoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Rd, doors open 11am. R18. Tickets $65 includes brunch and Drag show, from Eventfinda.

8 Whangaparāoa College presents journalist Jehan Casinader, talking about his struggle with depression, Whangaparāoa College auditorium, 6.30pm. A fresh perspective on mental health. Register interest at www.wgpcollege.school.nz

9 Hibiscus Coast Genealogy’s Who Do You Think You Are? Whangaparāoa Library, Main Street, Whangaparāoa, 10am. Discover how learning about your family history can benefit you. Plus, free genealogy search – just bring your documents. RSVP to Garry Phillips on 021 902 715 or email genealogy.training.nz@gmail.com

12 Writers’ workshop with NZ author Tessa Duder: The Fundamentals of Writing Short Stories, Whangaparāoa Library, Main St, Whangaparāoa, starts 1.30pm. All welcome.

13 Survival Gardening, with Dee Pignéguy, Whangaparāoa Library Pohutukawa room, 1pm. How to grow edible plants to survive in times of crisis. RSVP to WhangaparaoaLibraryEvents@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

13 Matiu Te Huki Upward Spiral Tour, masculine/feminine interactive workshop, Hibiscus Bridge Club, 42 Ladies Mile, Manly (in Edith Hopper Park), 1pm-4pm. Tickets $30 from https://bit.ly/44xwOWm (see story p12)

18 Jordan Luck Band NZ winter tour, Paraoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Rd, doors open 6pm, gig starts 7.30pm. Tickets $50 from https://bit.ly/3Dkp4uC

Here’s

asthma?

4:

During the past 4 weeks, how often have you used your reliever inhaler (eg. Ventolin)?

1 or 2 times per day

(also emphysema/COPD)

Asthma Nuse Educator, Sonia, is visiting Manly on

once a week or less Not at all 53B Rawhiti Road, Manly Village Whangaparaoa Ph (09) 424 7708 Fax (09) 424 7427 www.unichemmanly.co.nz

Matariki kite-flying fun at Silverdale Primary

The weather was only partly cooperative when children from Silverdale Primary School took out their kites for a Matariki kite-flying day last week.

Originally planned for Metro Park, the event had to be moved onto the school grounds at the last minute due to the miry condition of the reserve.

That didn’t stop the fun, however, as excited kids ran around the muddy fields, launching kites of all colours and styles, homemade and shop bought, with varying levels of success. Occasional gusts of wind helped, and the sun made several brave attempts to shine.

Year four classmates Alba Lee, Isla Bigwood, Ryan Campion, Seth Minnaar and Carter Roberts were happy to show off their creations. Skye Parata said she had made her feather-festooned kite by herself, with a little help from mum. Ayla Nielsen’s black and white kite was decorated with the words RIP Shadow – the name of a friend’s recently-departed dalmatian. Kite-flying has long been associated with Matariki, the Māori new year.

Traditional Māori kites are known as manu tukutuku (long-tailed kites) or sometimes manu aute (kites made with the bark of the aute or paper mulberry plant). Manu can mean both bird and kite. Another word for a Māori kite is pākau, which means the wing of a bird.

Bronze medal for Mitch

Milldale’s Mitch Joynt earned a spot in next year’s Paralympics when he won bronze at the Para Athletics World Champs in Paris last week. Joynt took third place in the men’s 200mT64 final after Costa Rican Paralympic champion Sherman Guity fell, just metres from the finish line. Joynt’s medal brought NZ’s total haul to nine medals – two gold, five silver and two bronze –the team’s best performance at the championships for 21 years. Joynt, 28, had his right leg amputated below the knee 10 years ago following a wood chipper accident, while working as an arborist. He is now a truck driver, and has been sprinting competitively for six years.

Mitch Joynt is bringing a bronze medal back to Milldale.

Ayla Nielsen and her black and white kite, made in memory of a friend’s dalmatian, Shadow.

Skye Parata used pink, blue and white feathers to decorate her kite.

Classmates Seth Minnaar, Alba Lee, Isla Bigwood, Ryan Campion and Carter Roberts, with their kites.

One of the more impressive flyers takes to the breeze.