Hibiscus Matters_Issue 353_7 August 2023

Council challenged over “private streams”

Flooding that caused campers to be evacuated from Pinewoods Holiday Park in Red Beach several times has brought the issue of who maintains local streams to the fore.

And it turns out that, in many cases, the private property owner is responsible, even if the watercourse is on the boundary, not actually on the property itself.

The maintenance of streams, which form part of the urban stormwater network, has

been a hot topic since this year’s floods: affected residents in areas such as Stanmore Bay and Red Beach are asking why Council is not maintaining nearby watercourses that flooded their homes.

Pinewoods chair Fay Freeman told Hibiscus & Bays Local Board members at their July 25 meeting that Red Beach stream, part of which flows through their property, broke its banks in the Anniversary Day floods, as well as in February and May, resulting

in $750,000 worth of damage. As well as causing evacuation of campers, some units were damaged beyond repair. She said the stream is heavily silted following increasing development in Red Beach.

“The stream is in the Coastal Marine Area and administered by Auckland Council, yet it has not been maintained,” she said.

“Rodney District Council dredged the stream every two years, but there has been no dredging by Auckland Council since

2010, despite Council allowing 3000 new homes to be built upstream.”

Property owners near the holiday park, including Arthur Amis, have had a similar experience.

Amis says the stream runs alongside, but not within, his property’s boundary. However, he was told after Cyclone Gabrielle that it is his responsibility to maintain that portion of it.

Chilly dipping: Jumping into the Midwinter Splash, from left: Maddie (left) and Julia Dale with border collie Kowhai. From left, Karl and Mel Buckley and Marie Brown. ‘The Mad Cows’ – and friend. Evie, the Buckley family’s dog, was an enthusiastic splasher. See story p26

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August 7, 2023 – Issue 353

continued from p1

“We were told it is ‘a private stream’,” Amis says. “That is clearly ridiculous.”

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He says the former Rodney District Council did various works such as building a retaining wall to prevent further erosion and raising the height of a bridge.

However, currently most of Auckland’s streams are under private ownership, according to Council’s operations manager, Frank Tian, and landowners with streams on, or adjoining, their property, are responsible for maintaining them.

Tian says the rules are clear: Council has no authority to work on private land, although property owners can ask Council to investigate larger blockages, he says. He says erosion and silt build-up are natural occurrences, however if residents have concerns about silting where there has been development, they should contact Council for advice.

Dredging has fallen out of favour and major work, such as removing a large blockage, requires resource consent.

In relation to Red Beach stream, Council’s senior stormwater operations engineer, Coen Ursem, says while Council takes responsibility for a small section close to the beach, and maintains a concrete channel upstream from the campground, no dredging has taken place in the natural watercourse since 2010 and there is none proposed.

“Dredging won’t reduce flooding risk significantly and may cause additional problems,” Ursem says. “Furthermore, we cannot dredge a stream in the tidal zone without resource consent.”

Hand digging (with a spade) is generally allowed without a consent.

Council’s website notes that it “sometimes does work on private watercourses if there is an immediate concern for public safety. For example, if a culvert is blocked due to eroding stream banks”.

Freeman says Pinewoods wants the local board to show Council the seriousness of the issue.

As well as dredging, she says money is

People sometimes ask why we chose to become funeral directors. Our answer is always the samebecause we care about people and about the details. Dil’s.

needed for professionals to inspect the watercourse and provide an engineering solution so that the holiday park is not flooded again.

She is hopeful that the Council’s new Making Space for Water plan, out now for public submissions, (see below) could be utilised.

The local board requested a report investigating the issues raised in relation to the flooding of Red Beach Stream.

Info: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ environment/looking-after-aucklandswater/stormwater/Pages/who-maintainswatercourses.aspx

Have your say on flood resilience plan

Council’s plan to improve flood resilience, Storm Recovery and Resilience (which includes stormwater issues in Making Space for Water), is now out for public consultation. It includes stream rehabilitation and increased maintenance, blue-green networks in critical flood risk areas (none of which are on the Hibiscus Coast), culvert and bridge upgrades and overland flow path management. The costs for this programme are estimated at $1.65 billion. Consultation opened on August 3 and goes to August 31.

Civil Defence plan consultation

Also out for public view and input is the Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Plan – a five year plan to determine how Auckland prepares for, responds to and recovers from disasters. Consultation opened on August 1 and goes to August 31. Feedback and information on both plans can be made at www. akhaveyoursay.nz, and at local libraries.

for beautiful funerals

Flooding at Pinewoods Holiday Park.

Golf club shutdown brings rapid fire protests

Dismay, too, met the suddenness of the announcement, with some members having paid the club’s substantial fees just days beforehand. Whether fees will be refunded, and staff paid monies owed, remained unclear as we went to press.

Frazer Bond, GHCC director of golf from 2017 to 2022, expressed disappointment at the closure.

“I was gutted for the staff and also for the community,” he said. “The staff are still friends of mine, with families and mortgages. Just losing a job literally overnight is never fun, no one saw it coming and I believe they are still owed back-pay.”

“Members too have money tied up in their annual fees and have no indication yet of whether or not they will get it back,” Bond said. “Essentially though, in the longer term, it will be the whole Gulf Harbour community that suffers in so many ways.”

Local residents worried that the coastal property may be rezoned for housing were quick to launch a petition urging Auckland Council to retain its current Open space – Sport and Recreation zoning. A public meeting is planned for August 16 (see below).

Council confirmed recently that no Private Plan Change application – required to rezone the 89 hectare property – has been received. In addition, for the land to be rezoned for housing or other development, council would first have to discharge an encumbrance which restricts the property’s use “in its entirety solely as a golf course and country club” for 999 years. The limitation, an agreement between GHCC and council, was put in place in March 2006.

Hibiscus Matters’ investigations some years ago clarified that this covenant could also be overturned through the courts. The golf course, which hosted the World Cup of Golf in 1998 and the New Zealand Golf Open in 2005 and 2006, is owned by property developer Gregory Olliver. Over more than a week, Hibiscus Matters repeatedly sought comment from the GHCC management, its Christchurchbased director Wayne Bailey, and Olliver, without success. Peter Spiers, the club’s general manager until several months ago, declined to comment when asked about the closure and factors contributing to it, saying: “it is not my place to talk about somebody’s else’s business”.

The 89-ha Gulf Harbour Country Club in Whangaparāoa. (Photo: GHCC). Right, Wayne Bailey, the Christchurch-based GHCC director who informed members of the closure.

News of the closure with immediate effect came in a letter to members from Bailey, who said the decision followed “two years of unsuccessfully looking for ways to make the running of the club financially viable”. Community feelings are running high. Within two days of its posting, the petition – by the Keep Whangaparāoa’s Green Spaces (KWGS) group – had garnered more than 2600 signatures. As we went to press, it had passed the 4000 mark.

“GHCC would undoubtedly be a successful business investment with the

condition of anonymity, questioned some of the management’s decision-making, including fee hikes and what they called “an evident reluctance to maintain facilities”.

Members told the paper that they can still play on the greens but no services, such as buggies, are available. One groundsperson is still working ‘to keep things tidy’, members say.

Linda Cameron, a member for four years, said the membership fee had gone up from $2400 a year when she joined to $2700 in 2021, and again to $3000 in 2022.

Among issues raised by signatories are fears about the possible loss of a green space – the reason many said they bought or built there in the first place – and the impact that more residential development in the area could have on the environment, traffic, and infrastructure.

“When they bought their properties hundreds of residents in Gulf Harbour relied on the 999-year encumbrance restricting the golf course to being a golf course,” KWGS spokesperson Owen Paterson said. Nearly 400 houses adjoin the golf course, “but it’s more than that, because the residents of the whole peninsula enjoy that open space”.

Alongside the petition, KWGS wrote directly to council, “pointing out that given the aggressive stance taken by the owner of GHCC in shutting down operations, we have no choice but to request Council takes a hard line against any approach by the owner to seek agreement from council to set aside or vary the terms of the encumbrance.” Bond, the former head of golf, said he

right leadership, as there are so many unique advantages,” he said. “Proximity to the greater Auckland area, local community support, and an internationally acclaimed course design in a beautiful oceanfront environment create a huge potential pool of members for the club, while being a significant community focal amenity.”

Bond said he has always thought that the club “should become a real community hub, not just with golfing, swimming and fitness facilities, but also for weddings, meeting friends for lunch and coffee, social functions and clubs”.

It could also offer training and employment opportunities to young people, for example offering greenkeeping and golf apprenticeships, as well as training in hospitality, machine maintenance, and secretarial and customer retail roles.

“This is still a great opportunity for business investment and it is vital that the club finds a new owner as soon as possible,” he said.

Currently, the property is not listed for sale. Several former employees, who spoke on

•

These fees are comparable to those at Wainui Golf Club, $2950, but equivalent memberships at Whangaparāoa Golf Club are considerably lower, at $1150.

The Companies Register shows that GHCC 2016 Ltd was incorporated in 2016, with Bailey, a Christchurch-based accountant, serving as director. Olliver then became its director in July 2021, and his company, Phoenix Trust Ltd, also became the club’s sole shareholder.

Three months later, however, Olliver ceased being sole director of both Phoenix and GHCC, on the day the Deputy Registrar of Companies prohibited him from being a company director for four years. Bailey that same day became director of both entities. Olliver’s directorship ban expires on October 20, 2025.

KWGS is organising a public meeting at the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club at 7pm on August 16. Councillor John Watson is expected to attend and other councillors and council staffers have been invited.

The petition, Keep Gulf Harbour Country Club’s Open Space Zoning, is on change.org

Hearings & mediation

Expert evidence

Plan changes

Planning advice, due diligence

Land development

& consenting

The fact that the club has had six different owners over 25 years meant an absence of a consistent, long-term vision. Frazer Bond

Photo: puro.co.nz

hoped to see the property “continue to be the international golf club it was designed to be, secured by the long-standing covenant. The community relies on Council to enforce the covenants, as they were the ones who set them up originally.” Bond said the fact that the club has had six different owners over 25 years meant an absence of a consistent, long-term vision.

Future Whangaparāoa bush reserve hangs in balance

What happens to the last remaining stand of undeveloped bush on Whangaparāoa Peninsula is still to be determined, despite long-held hopes that the site, known as Archer’s Block, can become a public reserve.

The 29.63ha bush block sprawls between the southern side of Whangaparāoa Road, Cedar Terrace and the Weiti River. It is currently owned by the Crown and almost 7ha (6.79ha) of it has been taken by Waka Kotahi to build O Mahurangi Penlink.

It is a wildlife habitat and stop off point for birds on the Northwest Wildlink, as well as a potential green space for the community to enjoy. A large portion was identified by Auckland Council as a Significant Ecological Area and contains stands of mature native trees.

Volunteers began baiting and trapping pests in the block in 2014 and there have been multiple reports of kiwi in there. Along with local Councillors and successive local boards, environmental groups have been fighting for more than a decade to see the land protected from development.

Waka Kotahi has confirmed that 14.1ha of the land is to be protected in perpetuity

as mitigation for the construction. There has been additional planting, pest plant management pest control and habitat enhancement in this portion.

Councillor John Watson says while that is positive, all the land not used for road construction should be returned to the community as a public reserve.

“This would recognise the longstanding community expectation and the need for Waka Kotahi to leave a meaningful environmental legacy in light of the significant environmental impact of the Penlink project,” he says. “The public needs access to this last remaining piece of bush.”

However, the land that Waka Kotahi is not protecting, around 8.7ha, if surplus to requirements, must go through a Public Works Act disposal process once O Mahurangi Penlink is completed.

The process involves determining if the land is needed for other public works. If not, it would be offered back to Auckland Council. At that point, Council could take it for a reserve. If that doesn’t happen, Maori would be offered ‘right of first refusal’ under a treaty settlement. And finally, if Maori don’t require it, it would

go on the open market for sale.

Local environmental groups have been consulted by Waka Kotahi as work progresses on the project.

Deputy chair of one of those groups, Restore Hibiscus & Bays, Pauline Smith, says pest control and other work that Waka Kotahi is funding in Archer’s Block gives her hope that a large part of the land will be restored as environmental compensation. She hopes this will become a reserve.

Smith says it has been suggested that a very steep section at the top of the site, near Whangaparāoa Road, could be used for housing development, although that remains to be seen.

Cr John Watson says he and Cr Wayne Walker were recently provided with a map that shows the 14.1ha that is to be protected in perpetuity.

“But how that will be protected is still to be worked out,” Cr Watson says. “That portion, and the rest, should all go into a reserve. The local board, Councillors and the community may still have a fight ahead. when the surplus land is offered back to Council.”

Archer’s facts

• British author and MP Jeffrey Archer (later Lord Archer) bought the property in 1986 for $775,000 in expectation of a waterfront land boom if Auckland hosted the 1990 America’s Cup. • The former Rodney District Council bought it in 1999 for $2.27 million.

• Around 2019, the land was sold by Auckland Council CCO Panuku to the Crown

Why it is precious

• The last remaining stand of undeveloped bush on the peninsula. • Its location alongside the Weiti River makes it significant environmentally and valuable as a potential accessway for the community. • There is a pied shag nesting colony on the riverbank. • Ornate and copper skinks, and geckos, are present. • The Archer’s Block is the source of Stanmore Bay Stream. • The site has historical and cultural significance, with the original bullock track still present, connecting the Weiti River to Whangaparāoa Road.

Hibiscus road safety to get million dollar investment

Projects which the local board has prioritised to improve safety on local roads, are now being designed by Auckland Transport (AT).

The suggested costs are $1.3m for a raised zebra crossing, driver sign and new footpaths at the intersection of Hibiscus Coast Highway, Whangaparāoa Road and Millwater Parkway; $450,000 for a oneway (northbound) treatment for Bakehouse

Lane in Ōrewa, and $150,000 for a pedestrian refuge island on Whangaparāoa Road near the Manly Fire Station.

At its July 25 meeting, the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board approved these projects going to design, but some further decisions about which ones proceed will need to be made.

Member Jake Law said there are concerns among the business community about the loss of a number of carparks in Bakehouse

Lane that is inevitable if the road becomes one-way. The potential for the changes at Bakehouse to cause traffic issues for surrounding streets is also a concern, he said. All local boards are allocated money by AT to spend on local projects (this is called the Transport Capital Fund). This term, Hibiscus and Bays got $2,830,661 but that amount will be reduced following recent cuts in the AT budget. The cuts reduced the

Transport Capital Fund from $45m, across 21 local boards, to $35m. The specifics of how much this will reduce what Hibiscus and Bays has to spend is yet to be worked out, an AT spokesperson told the meeting. Once the design is done, the projects will come back to the local board for further decision making.

w Backstories, www.localmatters.co.nz

June 26

From left, The portion of the Archer’s Block needed for O Mahurangi Penlink is in red. A 14.1ha chunk of bush and replanted area (in green) will be part of compensation for damage caused by building Penlink – but will it become a public reserve?

Look

Viewpoint

Louise Johnston, Dairy Flat Representative, Rodney Local Board louise.johnston@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

To grow, or not to grow?

There has always been a strong debate about how Auckland should grow – compact urban city vs urban sprawl. The Unitary Plan seemed like a done deal. It zoned much of the rural land in Dairy Flat and Wainui Future Urban and, when urbanised, those areas would be home to 100,000 plus new residents.

However, following recent weather events, the suitability of urbanising that area is now being questioned (HM June 26). Council’s draft Future Development Strategy (FDS) for Auckland is proposing to push out urbanisation of Wainui and Dairy Flat from 2030 to past 2050 and recommends the area is subject to further investigation due to natural hazards such as flood plains, slope instability and the billions required for infrastructure. If the strategy is adopted, this may result in several future urban areas being rezoned back to rural. There are polarising views in the community about this draft strategy, with developers and many landowners understandably strongly opposing it. What has complicated the issue, is that the Supporting Growth team which is a collaboration between Auckland Transport, Waka Kotahi and Auckland Council, has started the route protection process for the integrated transport networks for Dairy Flat, including the rapid transport network through the area. Hundreds of Dairy Flat residents have received letters from the Supporting Growth team as part of the Notice of Requirement (NOR) process.

These integrated transport projects will cost billions and they are not costed or funded. Many residents feel that the FDS should have been finalised first, before millions are spent on the NOR process for Dairy Flat, especially if the area is rezoned back to rural. The NOR process has been extremely stressful for affected residents, with many not receiving the initial correspondence advising them they were part of the study area. Equally distressing for some future urban landowners is the impact on property prices if the FDS strategy is adopted. In the past, we have allowed subdivisions in

Auckland in areas of natural hazards such as flood plains. Engineering solutions have not always been successful, especially when based on historical 1-in-100-year flood calculations. Many areas that were recently flooded in Rodney this year were new subdivisions. In some cases, subdivisions on flood plains diverted flood waters onto neighbouring properties. However, developers are confident that they can mitigate flood risk when urbanising green field areas.

Friday August 11 7.30pm

or Karaoke the next day ... or Mark Taipari Aug 16 ...

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!

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The cost of the infrastructure is one thing that can’t be debated. Greenfield development costs billions and developer contributions don’t come close to funding even the basic infrastructure (roading, waste and water). However, when urbanising greenfield areas on a large scale, we can’t just focus on the infrastructure within the development – the surrounding road networks and connections need to be upgraded to cope with the thousands of extra cars on the road. Rapid public transport networks need to be built to move thousands of residents around. How this infrastructure is to be funded is an unanswered question and becoming a hot topic in the upcoming general election. However, council’s financial woes are well documented; the cash-strapped council doesn’t even have the financial means to fund the operating costs of its current community facilities in the long term, let alone build new ones to make new urban areas livable.

Submissions have now closed on the draft FDS and feedback is being considered and changes made. It is expected to be adopted by the Governing Body in late 2023.

There are polarising views in the community about this draft strategy, with developers and many landowners understandably strongly opposing it.

Shameful choice

“Countdown is changing” the email in my inbox said – “and we’re excited”. I got a bit excited too when I saw this – what could it be? Less plastic packaging, lower prices throughout the store? But no, it is changing its name back to Woolworths. Disappointment quickly turned to anger when I thought of all the waste, in time, money and materials, that this process will take. Hang your heads in shame Countdown. We are in a recession. You have lost my business, permanently.

Mary Baker, Ōrewa

Counting down

As someone who does a weekly shop at Countdown – mainly because it is the closest to my home – I was horrified to receive an email from them about their rebranding. The timing could absolutely not be worse to spend millions of dollars on such an exercise. To their customers, who get out their calculators and struggle to make their budgets work every time they shop, this is like a slap in the face. Is that what you are doing with our money instead of striving to genuinely lower your prices? Pak ‘n’ Save, here I come.

Toni Simpson, Arkles Bay

Music to the ears

I would like to congratulate AT on the introduction of classical music being played through speakers at the Hibiscus Coast bus station. It was an absolute delight to listen to while waiting for my bus to the city yesterday. And the presence of two bus security guys on my return trip was also appreciated. Well done Auckland Transport.

Sue Bailey, Ōrewa

Defined by falling

Thank you for an excellent newspaper – I love reading it. However, I refer with mild disappointment to the column Health by Tania Adams in your July 24 edition. She refers to statistics relating to people who fall, noting the high number of people who do so who are over 65 years of age. She notes that “one is six Coasties are over 65 years of age, and a third in this age group have a fall each year.” Why is it that, when discussing falling and the older age group we refer to them as “having a fall” as opposed to “falling over.” How often would we say to a 20-yearold “have you had a fall?” as opposed to “did you fall over?” Never. I find it condescending and derogatory the way we still talk about older people in today’s society. It is as if, by falling over they are defined by it from that point on while a younger person is not. Personally, when I get to that age I will be referring to a fall as “falling over,” and I will never have “had a fall.” And I will make sure no one else refers to me as having “had a fall” either thank you very much!

Johanna Clark, Arkles Bay

Thanks Caitlin

I would like to compliment Caitlin Watson on her very sensible comments on Generations Working Together in the July 10 Hibiscus Matters newspaper. Intergenerational differences of opinion have been around for a long time. I forget the name of the well-known Roman writer who commented adversely on “the youth of today” around 2000 years ago, but the comment could have been written any time since then. Our New Zealand society seems to be getting more and more divisive, and Caitlin’s comments were very timely,

encouraging all of us to work together and learn from one another. Well done her!

Neville Martin, Ōrewa.

Not so welcoming

Your issue of 24 July carried an interesting story on page 4 regarding social housing on the coast. It appears from the tenor of the meetings, especially the Silverdale one, that us Coasties are not as welcoming as we would like to think. The Silverdale/Millwater area is a fine place to live, as long as you are not old, single or poor. Then the ghetto is for you!

Stephen Doyle, Ōrewa

Great start

I am so pleased I bothered to get up at sparrow fart on Matariki morning and head down to Ōrewa Beach for the predawn ceremony. As a nation we are still getting our heads around how to celebrate

this new holiday, but for me, a ceremony like that, which was respectful, informative and community focused was a great start. Followed by food, a walk on the beach, and a coffee in Ōrewa, I reflected I will be doing this again for sure. Thanks so much to the local astronomers who brought their telescopes. The star cluster was fuzzy without them and they made all the difference.

Suzy Walker, Hatfields Beach

Matariki moving

The Matariki dawn ceremony on Ōrewa Beach was very moving, and I would like to congratulate the organisers at the local marae. Not only was it lovely to share the event with what looked like hundreds of other members of the community, the personal tributes to loved ones who have passed was so special.

Charlie Morrison, Hatfields Beach

Election Candidates’ meeting

Our country faces a number of major challenges that need answers. Come along and hear the candidates present their party’s policies and answer your questions. Bring your friends and neighbours and stay for afternoon tea.

The Ōrewa Beach toilet block, next to the surf club, is set to be given a creative facelift by artist Noila Souza. Auckland Council staff presented concept drawings for a new mural for the toilet block to the local board at its July 18 workshop. The concept received the thumb’s up from members and Noila hopes to make a start on the work later in the year. When deciding on the theme of the mural, Noila was inspired by the beach users and the beautiful sunrises of Ōrewa.

Ty Lim of Ōrewa Bakery receives his award. From left, presenter Trudi Nelson, Ana Prom, Ty Lim, and NZ Bakels’ Tony Marshall

Wild Grain Bakery’s Buntha Meng, second from left, with presenter Trudi Nelson, Ketaka Lao and NZ Bakels’ Tony Marshall.

Coast home of prized pies

Again, the pie making prowess of local bakers has been recognised with awards at the nationwide Bakels Supreme Pie Awards.

This year, Ōrewa Bakery’s Ty Lim won Gold in the Mince & Gravy category and Bronze for Steak & Gravy.

The Potato Topped pie made by Buntha Meng of Silverdale’s Wild Grain Bakery topped the leader board, with a Gold medal. He also won Bronze for Mince &

Cheese and came 7th in Mince & Gravy.

In the vegetarian category, Wild Grain Bakery won Silver for a pie of Broccoli, Potato, Green Beans and Curry Sauce.

Best Commercial Wholesale pie went to Tom Grooten of Dad’s Pies.

Bunnarith Sao of Dairy Flat Bakery took 7th place for his Potato Topped pie.

In the Bacon & Egg division, Rathanak Nove of Bakers Oven in Whangaparāoa came in 10th place.

Competition a highlight at Estuary Arts

This year more than 200 works are seeking the judges’ attention at the annual Estuary Arts Centre Members Merit Awards. Centre manager, Kim Boyd, says the awards and exhibition are always a highlight. Eighty-seven artists, many of them local, have entered works ranging from painting to printmaking, drawing, ceramics and glass. Up for grabs are 10 merit awards. The exhibition is on now at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa and closes on September 3. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite artwork and at the conclusion of the exhibition the highly prized People’s Choice award will be announced.

Clockwise from top left, Lizette Lindeque of Millwater created this work. Adrianne’s Delight, an oil by Ōrewa’s Lynne Knowles. Rosa Gaete of Gulf Harbour’s work.

Finance

Greg Douglas, greg@douglasconsulting.co.nz

Coming together

There is no doubt that we are all finding it more of a struggle to get by with the everincreasing cost of living.

Midway Flooring

Manly couple Adam and Rena Nicholson recently took over ownership of Midway Flooring in Whangaparāoa, and say they have big shoes to fill.

Family friends of the Nicholsons previously owned the business, and Adam says they established a fine reputation in the community.

“Honest, transparent service and nononsense advice is how the business was built up and we are definitely keeping that going,” he says. “We have the same great team and a lot of repeat customers.”

The couple, who have two young children, have owned businesses before – but flooring is something they quickly came up to speed with. Adam has taken on the practical roles of measuring, quoting and managing the process, while Rena focuses on marketing and sales.

“We are fully immersed in flooring now, and our staff have a wealth of knowledge built up over 20 years,” Adam says.

Midway Flooring’s spacious showroom has a wide range of carpet, timber and vinyl and laminate flooring to choose from.

Rena says they concentrate on NZ-made, hard-wearing products at a good price.

“Customers want flooring that lasts, as well as looks good,” she says.

For those looking for sustainable choices, there are wool carpets, and Adam says some man-made, eco-friendly options are on the way too.

He says they take pride in providing honest advice, suggesting which will work best in each home. That means talking with customers to find out all sorts of details – from how much sunlight and use the flooring area gets, to whether there are children or pets in the house.

The Nicholsons moved to Manly from Taupo and are loving it.

“It is going to be great for the kids – it has a real community feel that we’re happy to be part of,” Rena says.

While the recent Government budget announced increased support for lowincome families and an increase in NZ Superannuation, to name a few, we should bear in mind the organisations that rely on the support of the community to get by. We have seen a large number of people who have been affected by the past few years’ events, including those who lost their jobs due to businesses closing down.

Many of these individuals have taken this difficult situation and turned it around by looking to start up new ventures.

Starting a business, no matter how big or small, is no easy feat and credit should be given to these people. Many of these, now small businesses, rely on the support of the community to keep running and it is up to us to come together and support them so they can continue to grow and become profitable.

I find that when times get tough,

Penlink update sessions

communities are more and more important; it is up to us to do our best to keep what we have here, so that we are not forced to travel afar to get resources that can be provided locally. Being a resident on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, I have found all the banks, and a lot of the major stores, have relocated away from the Coast. This is inconvenient for me, but also a major issue for some of our senior community or those without reliable transport. At the same time, more and more shops are sitting vacant, which again, is forcing us to travel to major centres.

If you are considering starting up a business, remember to work to your strengths and areas of expertise to maximise your success. I recommend getting professional help in the beginning to ensure you are taking all steps needed towards becoming profitable. And consider keeping it local so together we can rebuild our village centres. If you need a tradesperson, caregiver, administration person or a coffee and a bite to eat, remember to look local first and let’s help each other.

The community can hear how the building of O Mahurangi Penlink is going at two drop-in sessions, to be held next month. The first one is on Tuesday, September 5 at Manly Bowling Club, and the second is on Saturday, September 30 at the Hibiscus Coast Community RSA. Waka Kotahi says information will be available on upcoming work near Whangaparāoa Road, and how it may impact residents. More details, see What’s On, p31.

Adam and Rena Nicholson

Ōrewa exchanges Council chamber for business hub

The last ever meeting by elected representatives at the Ōrewa Service Centre took place on Tuesday, July 25.

The property at 50 Centreway Road was sold by Auckland Council in 2020, and is to be converted into a business park.

The only sign of the significance of the occasion, was a flurry of photo-taking at the start of the business meeting of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.

A plaque in the foyer says the main building was officially opened by then Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon on October 6, 1977.

It included a Council chamber used by the former Rodney District Council and, since the formation of Auckland Council, the Hibiscus and Bays and Rodney Local Boards.

If walls could talk, there would be tales of many a debate, as well as representations by members of the public and community groups, past and present.

Rodney Local Board now has a meeting space in Warkworth, and many of the artworks and other memorabilia from Ōrewa have been taken there.

The next step for the complex is development as the Nexus Business Park (HM June 26)

It is being marketed as adaptable office spaces – “envisioned to be a lively community hub, hosting a myriad of businesses across various sectors”.

Its 1.93ha site, which is zoned Mixed Use, is described as having potential for development and design/build opportunities.

Bayleys Real Estate agent, Alex Perigo, says no details of what those changes will look like are available as yet, while tenancies are still being confirmed.

Until further notice, all meetings of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board will now take place at its East Coast Bays base, corner Bute and Glen Road, Browns Bay as well as being available to attend via Teams link. Council services, such as rate payments and general enquiries, were shifted to Ōrewa Library on July 1 (HM May 15)

Members of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board begin the final meeting around the Council table in Ōrewa.

The doors of this council chamber closed for the final time last month.

27 Programme (8)

28 Spurn (6)

31 Diamond, graphite, charcoal element (6)

33 Sound intensity unit (7)

34 Creamy dessert (6)

35 Pack away (4)

37 Couple (3)

39 Large luxurious car (4)

40 Woollen fabric (7)

41 Came into (9)

42 Hearing distance (7)

43 Melt (8)

48 Innocuous (8)

52 Sticks (7)

56 Green rust on copper (9)

57 Torrid zone (7)

58 Rip (4)

59 Top (3)

60 Ceramic square (4)

61 Continued story (6)

62 Outlawed (7)

63 Wakened (6)

65 Woven container (6)

66 Lacking energy or enthusiasm (8)

68 Place I go to (anag) (10)

71 Journey (6)

72 Hideously malformed (9)

74 Arm muscles (7)

76 Spoil (3)

79 Cut off (5) 80 Recipe (7)

81 Militant political crusader (8)

83 Musty (5)

84 Somnolent (6)

85 Tease or ridicule someone (4,3,6)

DOWN

2 Hidden or unexpected danger (7)

3 Power cables (5)

4 Harbour boat (3)

5 Dines (4)

6 Fizzy (12)

7 Naming words (5)

8 Modernised (7)

9 Winner’s ribbon (4)

10 Logic (6)

11 Army officer (5)

12 Flawless (7)

13 Company part-owner (11)

14 Seen (7) 20 Bitter (9)

23 Her award (anag) (8)

24 Round of applause (7)

26 Of questionable value (7)

27 Bluest (anag)(6)

29 Give the right to (7)

Stanmore Bay Kauri Kids closure causes consternation

Kauri Kids, the Auckland Councilowned childcare centre in Stanmore Bay, along with its Browns Bay counterpart, will close at the end of this year, with the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board funding them until December 31. During its recent budget process, Council decided to withdraw from funding the service, from September, and leave it to local boards whether to keep Kauri Kids going in their areas.

Since then, the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has wrestled with the problem, including long sessions in confidential workshops. Its decision was made public on June 26. It followed a second emotional plea from Stanmore Bay Kauri Kids parent Jessica McLean who came to the board’s public forum the day before, begging them to keep the centre going. Her appeal was made less

than an hour before the members went into confidential session to make their decision.

Members have stressed how difficult a decision this was, as they were torn between supporting the community and financial pressures.

At the July 25 meeting, deputy chair Julia Parfitt also emphasised that proper process was not followed by Council when it handed the decision to local boards within a very short timeframe.

Council gave members just six weeks to consider the options, with the necessary financial information only being supplied one week prior to the meeting where the decision was taken.

“Significant consultation did not take place – Council has responsibilities as an employer,” Parfitt said.

Chair Gary Brown says the local board’s

decision is designed to give staff and families more time to adjust to the closures.

“We heard very clearly about the essential and treasured service that our two Kauri Kids centres provide for struggling families, unfortunately ratepayers were subsidising them to stay open,” Brown says. “With our reduced budgets, we’ve managed to find a way to keep the service going until the end of the year and we hope that gives parents adequate time to make new childcare arrangements.”

He says how much it will cost to keep the centres going for the rest of the year is still to be worked out by staff.

Six of Auckland’s 21 local boards have Kauri Kids, and the decisions made have been mixed. Howick and Kaipatiki Local Boards extended the service until June 30, 2024, while looking for expressions of interest to operate it. Howick allocated

up to $158,000 of its budget for the year ahead, and Kaipatiki up to $160,000.

Devonport-Takapuna, Otara-Papatoetoe and Manurewa are closing their Kauri Kids, with the Manurewa board noting “when these services were first established, there was a lack of available Early Childhood Education (ECE) services for families.

Private provision of these services is now widespread, and Government funding means that it is no longer necessary for the council to provide them.”

Otara-Papatoetoe said it simply doesn’t have the money to fund the service, noting the impact this will have on low income families.

Devonport-Takapuna supported Council’s exit from direct provision of ECE during the Annual Budget 2023/2024 consultation and says this was supported by public feedback from its community.

‘Paint and Pinot’ Maygrove fundraiser for parenting grandies

project at the village,” Toni said. “We asked them for donations, and they generously pledged $100 each.”

Each drew a number, to see which painting they had won.

The project doubled as a teambuilding exercise, with care staff joining those in the kitchen, housekeeping and sales for a fun “paint and pinot” evening, assistant village manager Toni Hatton said.

The 19 participants, most of whom have never painted before, each painted a picture of a scene or object at Maygrove. Subjects ranged from a stacked hamburger to a rainbow over the village to a rotund individual playing bowls.

“We have a good relationship with contractors working on an upgrading

“We said they could keep it, donate it back to the artist – or use it for firewood.”

The village put the unsigned pictures on display and Maygrove residents were invited to “vote” for their favourite by inserting a token into a numbered jar, along with a small donation.

The silent auction and “people’s choice” voting raised a total of $2553, and on August 2, the proceeds were handed over to Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren (GPG), a local support group which Maygrove Village established a relationship with late last year.

Care Suites

Opening

Friday 25 August, 10am–2pm

Maygrove Village manager Leonie Knell, left, and assistant manager Toni Hatton with some of the artworks on display.

Members had been meeting elsewhere, but the village offered them a venue for their monthly meeting, together with a hot lunch. Toni said the fundraising idea was born after GPG members spoke of the difficulty

providing a special Christmas experience for the children in their care. The group provides practical support and fellowship to grandparents who have become primary caregivers to their grandchildren.

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Facilities study frustrates board members again

The Hibiscus and Bays and Rodney Local Boards have again criticised an Auckland Council report for concluding that no new public facilities, such as pools and courts, need to be provided for the rapidly expanding Wainui and Silverdale area.

The latest investigation was carried out after an initial report last year was slammed by both local boards for failing to take local factors into consideration.

At the Rodney Local Board meeting on July 19, deputy chair and Dairy Flat member Louise Johnston said it was disappointing that, once again, the report hadn’t taken into account the special structure of Milldale, which is a Crown infrastructure partnership.

“It’s really upsetting for residents. You’ve

assumed the population growth will be the same as the rest of Auckland,” she said.

“If we don’t get the modelling right, the community are going to be the ones that suffer. The school is there, opening 2024, there will be a secondary school by 2028, and many more houses by 2030. This is the only area in New Zealand using this structure. If we’re not incorporating that projected population in our investigation, we’re failing this model.”

Staff said the report was based on Council’s latest population predictions.

Senior policy manager Carole Canler said Council was looking at priorities across the region.

“You may have local knowledge that shows the community has different needs,” she said. “What we’re presenting is what is in

front of us.”

Members voted not to support the findings of the Community Provision Investigation for Wainui and Silverdale for the following reasons: the urban area of Milldale was included in the Rodney sub-catchment, which the report identified as rural; Milldale was located more than 10km from the nearest public pool; Northern Arena pool is private and too costly for many residents; the report assumed that school courts would be available for public use; projected population figures did not consider Milldale, where developers were on track to build 4500 new homes by 2030.

At the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board meeting on July 25, members also voted not to support the report’s findings, for

Rates relief for uninhabitable homes debated

By Laura Kvigstad,

Aucklanders with uninhabitable homes after extreme weather events will be able to get total rates relief for those properties, although that is not what was originally proposed.

At the Governing Body meeting on July 27, staff proposed giving 50 percent rates relief to Aucklanders whose homes were rendered uninhabitable by the weather events.

Under this proposal, Aucklanders would also have been able to apply for a higher level of rates relief, which would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Mayor Wayne Brown started the debate by

cautioning councillors.

“This is the first of what could be a whole series of these, so remember you are setting precedence,” Mayor Brown said. Automatically giving 50 percent rates relief to affected Aucklanders is estimated to cost Council up to $1.5 million – a figure which would effectively double if 100 percent relief is provided.

Rodney Cr Greg Sayers put forward an amendment for 100 percent rates relief, saying 50 percent did not go far enough.

“These families are at breaking point.”

Sayers said. “It’s the right thing to do.” He questioned the capacity of council staff to do assessments of homeowners who applied for more than 50 percent rates relief, saying that proposal added complexity for both Aucklanders and council.

Councillors voted unanimously to support 100 percent rates relief for affected properties. The decision applies to the rates for this financial year, and allows Council staff to reassess properties for the next financial year as well.

much the same reasons, noting in particular that Ōrewa Library, local pool facilities and courts cannot be expected to handle predicted growth in the wider region.

Members will speak to the report when it goes to Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee for adoption. They are asking the committee to be very cautious before adopting the report due to fundamental errors, and to consider revising it.

At the July 25 meeting, Council staff told members they could understand their frustration, but that the report had already been revisited once, with exactly the same outcome, and to look at it again would be a waste of ratepayers’ money as it was unlikely to come up with any different conclusions.

Animals cause concern

Police are reminding landowners to ensure their fences are secure after complaints about wandering stock. In a press release entitled ‘Why did the chicken cross the road?’, Police say in the last month they received 36 complaints about wandering stock on the roads, ranging from a couple of miniature ponies to more than 30 cows on the loose. Areas of concern include Dairy Flat and Stillwater. Waitematā North Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Roger Small says one of the main causes of stock getting onto the roads is inadequate fencing, and landowners need to be extra vigilant. He says wandering stock pose a danger for road users, particularly at night when animals are hard to see. “Police appreciate motorists notifying authorities of potential risks and in many cases, making efforts to usher stock back into paddocks before accidents occur,” he says.

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

These families are at breaking point –it’s the right thing to do. Cr Greg Sayers

Whangaparāoa patrols hope to step forward

A plan to start up foot patrols in town centres on Whangaparāoa Peninsula, as a crime prevention measure, depends upon new volunteers stepping forward.

The new measure is the initiative of Whangaparāoa Community Patrol. Its patrol leader, Ruth Nicholson, says shopkeepers in local town centres, Coast Plaza, Manly Village, New World complex and Gulf Harbour, want to see the patrollers there, especially in the time just after schools get out.

The hope is to introduce teams of at least two patrollers, on foot for two hours, starting at 3.30pm, in those areas.

Community patrols are volunteers who are the eyes and ears of police, maintaining a presence and reporting anything they think could be an issue to police. Until now, the Whangaparāoa patrol has operated in vehicles only, so foot patrols would be a new departure.

Ruth says the uniformed walkers would provide “assurance” for the community –“a cheerful, positive presence”.

Community patrollers, who must be aged 18 or over and Police vetted, are fully trained and provided with uniforms.

Ruth says foot patrols may require different skills and potentially be more challenging than observing from a vehicle.

“Our role is not to intervene, but for foot patrols it would be ideal to have people who are good at talking to the public, meeting and greeting. That can sometimes be enough to de-escalate a situation. But we are there to provide a presence, and to report to police – that’s our role.”

Coast Plaza manager, Anna Oleynik, says the patrollers are welcome at the centre, as customers, especially older ones, appreciate a presence in uniform.

She says security guards look after common areas and carparks, and can be called to a store by retailers if they feel that someone is unwelcome in their shop. The security guards also call police if needed. However, she says it is up to individual shop owners how they keep their premises secure. Whangaparāoa Community Patrol, based at Whangaparāoa Police Station, has been

Police eyes open

running for around 20 years and operates from Vipond Road to the end of the peninsula. There are currently 24 volunteers, aged 20 and over, and Ruth is on a mission to double that number. Its night patrols operate 4/5 hours a night, 9pm-1/2am. Anyone interested in volunteering for the service, including the new foot patrols, should email Whangaparāoa@cpnz.org.nz

Waitematā North Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Roger Small says police are aware of the community’s concerns around young people in some of the communities across Whangaparāoa and are taking action. “In recent months we have had an operation following up these young people where their behaviour or offending has created issues,” he says. “We are not aware of any increase in crime involving young people in this area, but we know some of the disorderly behaviour has impacted on our community feeling safe.” He says dozens of charges have been laid for offending around town centres and businesses in recent years. Since 2021, 16 young people have been charged for issues around the Coast Plaza area. They were charged with a variety of offences including minor assault, intimidation or threats, group assembly, disorder, and shoplifting.

Rangers’ royal award

Three local Rangers recently had their Queen’s Guide Award recognised at a reception at Government House in Wellington. Freya and Sophie Herbison from Ōrewa Rangers, and Alyssa Howe from Whangaparāoa Rangers, were among 37 Rangers who attended the event, held on July 22, hosted by Dame Cindy Kiro and Dr Richard Davies. Ōrewa Guides unit team leader, Clare Grimwood, says the Queen’s Guide Award is Guiding’s highest, internationally recognised, award. To earn it, Rangers must complete a four year programme that includes community service, leadership certificates, outdoor adventures, advocacy and interest certificates. The final step is to complete a Ranger Retreat and obtain endorsements from the Ranger’s leader and unit. “It takes dedication, perseverance and commitment to complete,” Clare says. All girls were awarded Queen’s Guide certificates signed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, making them particularly special. Clare says the Queen’s Guide Award will retain the Queen’s name, as a mark of respect and as a legacy to her relationship with Guiding.

Stones, Rocks, Pebbles, Scoria, Shell, Spawls, White Chip, Pavers, Rock Walls (huge variety)

Sand, Asphalt

Mulch (great selection)

Bark, Ponga Logs

Top Soil, Potting Mix, Garden Mix, Compost Concrete, Mortar

Garden Tools, Equipment, Gloves

Weedmats & Pins

Fertilisers, Weed Killers, Supplements etc

Firewood (DELIVERY

Whangaparāoa community patrollers, from left, Lire’t Erren, Jane Tian, Ruth Nicholson and Bob McNaughton.

From left, Rangers Alyssa Howe, Freya and Sophie Herbison.

Poetry Day a reason to rhyme

Poets and lovers of poetry are invited to gather at the pub in Waiwera for an evening of wordsmithing to celebrate National Poetry Day.

Organiser of Poetry in the Pub, Diane Newcombe, says the local event has been running since 2010, when a group of poetry enthusiasts met to share favourite poems, or their own.

“Since then we have held at least one event every year in different local venues, pandemics allowing,” she says. “We have had poems presented as song, and song words spoken as poems. Other people come to listen and enjoy.”

In the breaks there are poetry-related activities, for example writing a limerick or haiku on a theme with others, and poetrythemed prizes.

National Poetry Day was first established in 1997, and is held in late August each year. Diane offers this as an extra incentive to attend the event:

Mental health top of mind

Poetry in the Pub will be held on August 24 in Waiwera. For details, see What’s On.

An afternoon focused on fostering awareness, support, and understanding of mental wellbeing, while raising funds for Youth in Transition, will be held next month. Hosted by Rotary Ōrewa-Millwater, Hope In Mind promises to be a source of valuable insights. Speakers include founder of Hendos Hot Topics and mental health advocate, Jack Henderson, Guy Wills of Right Mate NZ, who sheds light on support for people facing addiction, Elise Whitson of Life Changer Foundation and Tina Jones, co-founder of Youth in Transition. The event is on September 23, at the Salvation Army centre, 32 Greenview Lane, Red Beach, 3.30pm-5.30pm. Tickets $30 per person from events. humanitix.com/hope-in-mind

Ready, set, go! Set builders wanted Centrestage Theatre in Ōrewa is looking for volunteer set building crew to assist with upcoming productions. Whether you’re a carpenter, builder or just love the challenge of creating wonderful things, this is a chance to try your hand at set building, while making a real difference to performing arts in our area. Set building dates are August 12/13 and 19 as well as September 9/10 and 24, at the theatre at 60 Centreway Road. To find out more, email enquiry@centrestagetheatre.co.nz

At Poetry Night at the Pub, there’s often quite a hubbub, as we all have a laugh and don’t do things by half, with prizes, nice drinks and good grub. And everyone has a good time, with not too much fuss about rhyme. So snack, listen, recite –just have a fun night, from 7-ish ‘til just after 9!

Celebration as school turns new library page

Ōrewa Beach Primary School was fizzing with excitement as its library was officially opened on Monday, July 24. The opening was also ‘dress as a book character’ day, so the entire school, teachers, staff and students, turned out in costume to see the ribbon cut by student leaders Ethan Heke and Zoe Corke. A number of parents also came along to see the library opened.

Roll growth and renovations have meant every available space has been needed for classrooms, and the school has not had a library for three years.

Co-organiser of the opening, teacher Jo Blake, says the library building was originally brought onsite by the Ministry of Education to provide classroom space, which was in high demand due to roll growth.

The school’s old library also had to

be converted into classrooms while renovations took place.

But finally, with the renovations almost done, a colourful interior paint job and a name gifted by the local marae, the new library was ready to open its doors. Its name, gifted by Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa community marae, is He Waka Haumaru – denoting a special safe place for learning and the community.

Principal Katherine Pascoe says this is because the building’s location right on the street side of the school, makes it ideal as a community space –for hui, classes such as art and weaving, and also as a safe place. She says the library is much more than four walls with books inside – it is about creating the joy of reading in the children. “A love of reading is so important for every child,” she says.

principal Laureen Morgan. Principal Katherine Pascoe with “dog man”. Student leaders, from left, Zoe Corke and Ethan Heke, cut the ribbon. Inside, He Waka Haumaru is brightly coloured and has interesting spaces to enjoy a read.

Coast schools differ on assessment options

Whangaparāoa College announced in June that it would be reintroducing NCEA Level 1 assessments next year. Meanwhile, KingsWay College, in Red Beach, is doing exactly the opposite, announcing on July 19 that it would replace Level 1 with its own qualification.

Level 1 is usually sat by students in Year 11, aged around 15.

Whangaparāoa College dropped Level 1 in 2021, and Principal Steve McCracken says Covid-19 was a factor in that decision. Another factor was the amount of assessment was seen as too high, leading to the potential for teachers to teach to those assessments, rather than the curriculum.

McCracken says while the college’s NCEA results have stayed consistent – before and after Level 1 was dropped – he thinks the school is still under-performing academically. He says the plan to bring back Level 1 has come about because the school community is demanding more academic rigour and a more streamlined process.

“They want to know where their kids are at in terms of assessment,” he says.

McCracken says recent reforms around NCEA also make it the right time to bring back Level 1.

“It will meet the needs of our community and ensure students are well prepared for Level 2,” he says. “Level 2 is a big step up, and some students felt they didn’t get enough preparation – something Level 1 will provide.”

He says feedback so far from teachers about the change has been “quiet”, and he has had no feedback from parents. KingsWay College has been making changes too. It currently offers Level 1, but last month, announced its decision to replace it.

Executive principal Graeme Budler, says the school plans to offer its own qualification instead, which it believes will better prepare students for Level 2 and 3. He says there is too much uncertainty related to how the new NCEA Level 1 in its current form will equip students for Level 2.

“None of our students leave school with only an NCEA Level 1 certificate, so we hope to use Year 11 to continue to better prepare them with the knowledge, skills and key competencies that have consistently led to excellent Level 2 and 3 results,” Budler says.

Ōrewa College currently offers NCEA Level 1 as an option for its students – it is not compulsory.

Principal Greg Pierce is also president of the Auckland Secondary Schools Principals’ Association. He says schools are managing

a total NZ curriculum refresh as well as changes to all three NCEA levels and new literacy/ numeracy co-requisites.

“Through all these changes, schools are doing what they deem best for their students, and communities,” he says. This has led to a range of approaches among schools, from doing a full time NCEA Level 1 course at Year 11, a part time NCEA course at Year 11, a completely independent programme specific to that school, or a two-year Level 2 course starting at the start of Year 11.

“Reasons for these different approaches take into account the academic, literacy and numeracy levels of students and supporting staff and student outcomes, as well as positive engagement in learning which may reduce due to ongoing pressures of assessment.”

“In my opinion there is too much emphasis

on the actual Level 1 qualification, which in itself does not create a wide range of career options for students.” Pierce says. “Aligned with this is the fact that once a student attains NCEA Level 2, that automatically becomes the superior qualification. The vast majority of school leavers attain this.” He says while Ōrewa College continues to offer students the opportunity to complete NCEA Level 1, it will also offer various semester or half-year courses that students and their parents/caregivers can choose from and these will offer different amounts of assessment. “Therefore if the choice is made to not take the full NCEA course in Year 11, the college will respect that.”

Note: Wentworth College follows the Cambridge International curriculum and its Year 11 students sit IGCSE examinations, followed by their Cambridge AS and A2 Levels in Year 12 and 13.

Health

David Cooper, physiotherapist david@kineticsrehab.co.nz

Curiosity is key

Philosophers like Aristotle and Isaac Newton (among many others) all had one thing in common: the near obsessive desire to form a scientific method of enquiry that could be used to understand our place in the world. It started with experimentation and further investigations to prove, or disprove a theory. This method of thinking almost always led to failure. However, on rare occasions it led to a breakthrough in understanding. Think gravity. Think Pythagoras. Think penicillin. Think germ theory.

Many centuries later, this continues to be the most reliable method of understanding the complex nature of the world we live in. A hierarchy of wisdom started to form. The repeated attempts and failures of an experiment or idea represent data. This is full of errors, inaccuracies and assumptions that have to be filtered out in order to become information. This information could be positive or negative, and used to either disprove or validate an idea. It is also used to evaluate the ‘who, what, when and where’ of an idea.

For this information to have relevance, the ‘how’ must be answered – at which point it becomes knowledge. Knowledge is how we apply the information to different contexts in order to create goals or ideals.

The final question we must ask is the ‘why’, to elevate this knowledge to the level of wisdom. The ‘why’ is the combination of knowledge applied at the right time, with the right people, in the right context. Experience

is required here, which is why wisdom is so often passed down from old to young.

Pulitzer award winning author Edward E. Olsen is quoted saying “we are drowning in information while starving for wisdom,” and to my surprise he said this in 1991. He clearly knew what was coming before the dawn of the internet.

So why is all this important in healthcare?

The scientific method and wisdom hierarchy work in tandem – essentially we always reserve the right to get smarter! The scientific method is, in fact, a truly humble endeavour, for there is no absolute truth. Should the evidence change through enquiry, so should our perspectives and actions.This should not be seen in a negative light. On the contrary, the alternative is dogma, opinion and rhetoric.

On top of this, it is crucial that we do not confuse data or information with wisdom. Unfortunately the internet is poor at differentiating wisdom – this is an almost entirely human ability. Perhaps this will change as the world of artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly sophisticated. For now, at least, there are certain domains where the human mind remains superior.

In physiotherapy and healthcare we must adopt the Japanese word Shoshin, or ‘the beginner’s mind’ – constantly seek to learn, understand and embrace curiosity. And remember – Dr Google can be wrong, as often as it is right.

Tui’s Corner

There has been an early childhood education centre in Moreton Drive, Manly, since the early 1990s, making it one of the oldest on the Coast. With an established garden, and native bush and beach nearby, it has seen hundreds of young children come through its doors. Recently the facility had a makeover and and Tui’s Corner came into being. The licensee is Lesley Cox. She and her husband have owned the property for nine years, and when the previous tenant moved on to larger premises, they applied for the licence to run the centre themselves.

TDl'S CORNER

ratios and focus on quality care and education are its strengths, along with its team.

A total of 12 staff, including two head teachers, look after the children in two groups – Kereru for the preschoolers, and Riroriro for the nursery.

Lesley has a love of the outdoors and has brought this focus to Tui’s Corner.

“We are nature-inspired,” she says. “There are good-sized outdoor areas for play and learning, and occasional beach excursions, which the children love.”

Parāoa Pod: Helping newcomers to make local connections

When Dani Wards-Sepúlveda arrived in New Zealand from her native Chile, she soon realised how difficult it was to fit in to the community and a very different way of life.

Things became even more challenging after becoming a mum, and when her daughter began school.

“Mufti days, different activities around the area, where to organise a birthday party indoors in winter – there’s so much to learn,” she says.

“For me it was hard, even though I’m a super outgoing person,” Dani says. “What would it be like to be a mum at home with two kids, and a little bit shy – how do you make those kind of connections that are basic to survive?”

With the support of their children’s school, Whangaparāoa Primary, Dani and Jessica launched an initiative to help newcomers – foreign arrivals, but also those moving from other parts of New Zealand – to orient themselves both at the school and in the community.

With a first batch of six volunteers, they provide pointers on uniforms, school stationery, the location of facilities like libraries and swimming pools, information on holiday programmes – even ideas for a wet weekend.

“We saw the need was there,” Lesley says. Previously a registered nurse, Lesley’s career included managing healthcare teams. She is aware of the importance of being well resourced both through the workforce and the facility itself.

Tui’s Corner is licensed for 40 children, aged 0-6-years. It’s small size, good teacher

Nearby bush brings in the birds and the centre is part of the Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste and Pest Free Hibiscus initiatives. Recently, a child joined Tui’s Corner whose mother also attended when she was little.

“It’s lovely to be part of a landmark that has been a happy memory for so many,” Lesley says.

Together with a Spanish-speaking friend, Jessica Pereira, Dani decided to do something about it.

“How good it would have been if someone would have helped me when I just moved to New Zealand.” she says. “We thought, how cool would it be for the new families to get support?”

And so the idea of the Parāoa Pod was born.

“We give them contact phone numbers, and a list of places to go, indoors and outdoors, many of which are free”, and even advice on finding a good local mechanic or doctor. There are currently several short-stay Chinese families at the school, along with long-term newcomers from countries like the Philippines and Israel.

Dani’s daughter is now in year two at Whangaparāoa Primary. Jessica, who hails from Uruguay, has a daughter in year four. Both mums are great fans of the school. “The school is awesome, we love the school! Everything is about community.”

Let your child embark on a journey of learning and discovery in a warm and loving atmosphere. Surrounded by nature and with the beach nearby, our centre offers a safe and nurturing environment for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to learn and grow holistically. With a focus on personalised attention, we help children learn something new every day and get them ready for school. Our small centre is perfect for building new and lasting happy memories.

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Jessica Pereira, left, and Dani WardsSepúlveda.

Youth Voice

Caitlin Watson, caitewatson@gmail.com

What happens next?

It’s that time of the year! If you are in your last year of school, you are bound to be asked the following question, every day from now until the end of the year - “what are you doing once you leave school?”

The transition from high school to higher education, vocational training or work is a significant milestone in every young person’s life. It is a period filled with excitement, curiosity, and, for many, uncertainty. It marks a pivotal moment where one must decide from a myriad of options – “what will be my future direction?”

I remember the dread of being asked this very question and giving a rather dull answer, which involved “I’m not sure”, or ‘falling back on the family trade’ to at least provide some sort of conversational stimulant!

It was on the last day of university enrolments that I submitted my form with great hesitancy. First semester in, I was ready to chuck in the towel, however I decided to keep at it, and four years later I got the fancy piece of paper and today I can say I have no regrets.

As youth stand at this crossroads of possibilities, some may have a clear vision of their future, fueled by long-held passions and aspirations, whereas others may be in an overwhelmed state like my high schooling self. Empowering youth to make informed decisions about their study or work options is crucial to ensuring a fulfilling future. One of the first steps in this journey is to recognise that one size does not fit all.

Each individual possesses unique talents, interests, and aspirations. Therefore, young people should take the time to introspect and understand their passions, strengths, and long-term goals. Self-assessment tools, career counseling, and discussions with mentors or teachers can help gain clarity on preferences.

Furthermore, exploring various study options is essential in making well-informed decisions. Higher education offers an array of choices, including traditional university degrees, online courses, and vocational training to prepare for a dynamic and everchanging job market. While passion is vital, and I would suggest it should be a primary driver; it should also be balanced with a realistic outlook on the job prospects and potential career pathways in a chosen field. However, it is reassuring to remember that selecting a study or work option does not have to be a lifelong commitment. One job or course may be a launchpad to a new opportunity or career field and many successful individuals have changed career paths or returned to education later in life. Flexibility and adaptability are key traits that can serve young people well throughout their post-school journeys.

Lastly, this piece would not be complete without a salutation to our unsung heroes –our teachers – who work with tremendous dedication to help nurture and develop the younger generation.

We’ve been in the community for 23 years and with an experienced team of Kaiako, you can comfortably entrust your child in our care. Here are some other reasons:

• We provide loving care and education that set up tamariki for success socially, academically, physically and emotionally

• We work in partnership with whānau because together, everyone achieves more

• We provide 3 nourishing meals a day based on a whole foods menu

• We encourage enquiry-based learning for all ages.

Parish supports Youth Day trip

A youth group that managed to raise more than $60,000 to attend World Youth Day in Portugal is testament to the fact that, in fundraising, every little bake sale counts.

World Youth Day is organised by the Catholic Church and runs for a week every 2-3 years.

The Hibiscus Coast Catholic youth group was keen to take part because of a connection with a Portuguese family during lockdown.

Parishioners of St John the Evangelist in Ōrewa and St Francis of Assisi, Whangaparāoa, got behind the group’s fundraising efforts.

Getting 12 people – six youth (aged between 13-17), four youth leaders, a parent/youth leader and the parish priest – to Lisbon cost $42,000 in flights alone.

Parent and youth leader Kathy Ellery says it took almost a year of bake sales, high teas, raffles, flower selling, car washing, a degustation dinner, market day, golf day, Valentine’s dinner, quiz night, concert,

pony-cart rides, sausage sizzles and a tapas lunch for 100 people to raise the money.

“It makes me feel tired just thinking about it,” she says. “We raised $200 at our first bake sale and at that point it looked like an impossible task. But it built up slowly and the process bonded our team, developed trust and friendship and brought so much happiness and excitement to the parish.”

“We were blown away by the kindness from our parish and community, whether it was words of encouragement, donations, sponsorship or sharing their gifts and talents. One of our parishioners brought along her miniature horses and we did pony cart rides in our car park. Another painted a beautiful acrylic on canvas for us to raffle. And we had donations of trailer loads of firewood, knitting, flowers, games and chocolate to name a few. What seemed like an unreachable goal at times has come to fruition and we are so grateful to everyone who helped us on this pilgrimage of faith, hope and prayer.”

The group left for Portugal last week – the event started on August 1.

Raiders make Sharman semi-final

A decisive 58-20 victory over fifth-placed New Lynn at home in Stanmore Bay on Saturday, July 29, saw fourth placed Hibiscus Coast Raiders Premiers advance to the Sharman Cup semi-final. Raiders were dominant from the kick off and a seven try blitz ,including a Korey Craig hat trick, put the result beyond doubt with a 40-4 halaf time lead. Some resting of key players and trying different combinations slowed the momentum in the second spell but Raiders still added another 18 points to the scoreline. The semi-final was played against second

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This Catholic youth group fundraised hard to attend World Youth Day.

placed Northcote on Saturday, August 5, after this paper had gone to print.

Player of the Day, Mavae Muru Teuteu, breaks the line for a try of his own.

Korey Craig on the way to one of his four tries. Photos, Roger Reid

Gardening

Dee Pigneguy mikedee@outlook.co.nz

Decoding the waggle dance

The waggle dance of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) has been observed since antiquity, but until the mid-20th Centur,y scientists had no idea why bees danced. The mystery of honeybee communication, which was vastly more sophisticated than anyone imagined, was unlocked by Karl von Frisch, an Austrian researcher who won the Nobel prize in 1973, three decades after his discoveries.

Whatever took so long? Well, when he revealed his findings, some scientists argued that bees had such tiny brains they were incapable of complex communications, while others disagreed and maintained that bees locate food only by odours. So vociferous were the dissenting voices against him that he lost much of his funding. But, in the end, his meticulous and copious observations made in tandem with a small army of volunteers including his wife, children, students, siblings, house guests and neighbours, decoded the hidden world of bee conversation. On his country retreat he installed many hives along with feeding stations for his experiment.

Most of the important experiments took place during the chaos of 1945. He invented a coding system of painted tiny dots of different colours on the bees’ abdomens and chests, a simple system that allowed Frisch and his volunteers to individually identify and track thousands of bees on individual trips between hives and feeding stations as they fed and danced. All bee trips were tracked and meticulously

recorded, and thanks to Frisch we know that bee language uses bodily movements to represent complex symbolic meanings. Frisch insisted on using the term ‘language’, as he believed that through a system of signs, bees exchange information, co-ordinate complex behaviour, and form social groupings.

The more he studied and observed bees, the more complex they turned out to be and he called the honeybee dances a “magic well”.

He discovered bees could distinguish various blossoming plants by their scent and he was the first to demonstrate that honeybees had colour vision. His investigations of the bees’ power of orientation were significant, concluding that bees used three different ways to recognise the desired compass direction –by the sun, the polarization pattern of the sky and by Earth’s magnetic field.

Today, the impressive capabilities of bees are studied with computer software by using algorithms to analyse bee signals. This science, called vibroacoustics, is used to decode bee vibrations and sounds that carry complex information.

Perhaps the next step will be bee-imitating robots?

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Former world class athlete behind vinyl record table

Music enthusiasts browsing through vinyl records at the Hibiscus Coast Community House in Ōrewa or Silverdale’s Pioneer Village on any given weekend may be surprised to learn the identity of the vendor.

The smiling 1.85 metre-tall woman who greets them with a South African-accented “mixed genres, A to Z, shout out if you need anything” was, not many years ago, at the pinnacle of global athletics.

Hestrie Els (then known as Hestrie Cloete) is one of only two women to have won back-to-back world titles in the high jump, in 2001 and 2003. She won gold medals in the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games, silver medals at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, and a string of African titles. Her personal best 2.06 metre jump in 2003 is the tied fifth highest ever by a female athlete. In 2003 she was named World Athlete of the Year, her homeland’s only holder of that honour. (Dame Valerie Adams became the sole Kiwi to achieve the title in 2014.) Four years after retiring at the top of her game, Hestrie moved to New Zealand with her husband and one-year-old daughter in 2008. Their son was “born a Kiwi”, months after their arrival. Now 15, he is a promising young swimmer, winning his first national age group medal in April. Selling records on the Coast seems a world away from the peak of international competition. And that’s what she loves about it. Privacy and anonymity, she says, is something you crave when you’re in the spotlight.

“In my case I needed to move countries to do that. I’m okay with not being recognised.” (She was nonplussed, but gracious, when approached about an interview.) It wasn’t always like that. In South Africa public recognition was a constant reality.

“You could never just run quickly into the supermarket to grab some bread without putting makeup on, because they want you to look your best, every time – even at 2 o’clock in the morning.”

She admits being recognised was nice in the beginning, but less so as time went on.

“You want to be able to make mistakes and not be crucified for it. You become the property of your country, when you’re competing at that level. They claim you as their trophy.”

Public expectation was also intense – “if you got a silver at the last Olympics you’re expected to get a gold at the next one. You always had the pressure to do better and better.”

Living in New Zealand is about “having freedom, and also knowing my kids can grow into their own identity, without standing in my shadow. If everyone knew I was a high jump champion they would expect my children to be, obviously, athletes.”

Still, there are benefits to having a parent with her abilities. Although her son’s forte is swimming, he has been known to ask for tips when inter-school high jump is coming up.

Does she miss the competition?

Sometimes, when watching a major championship, she says she can feel those butterflies in her stomach.

“I wish I was there, I almost crave it again. It’s hard to explain.”

Meanwhile she maintains contact with some of her competitors, like Blanka Vlasic and Kasja Bergqvist. (Hestrie is fifth in World Athletics all-time top rankings; Vlasic of Croatia is second, Bergqvist of Sweden is fourth.)

She stays fit, goes to the gym every day, attends church and helps out with the

mums and babies there. Saturdays are taken up with vinyl sales and family time. After working as a relief teacher and in property management she decided to work for herself. Her husband Christiaan has been selling vinyl records for a while and she now does her own thing in parallel, under the name Back in Time.

“I enjoy mingling with people. The music is playing and you’re singing along. Although if there’s something I want to know about a song I’ll call [Christiaan] and ask, which record will I find this on? I’m not totally into it like him, but I do enjoy the music.”

And despite the national flag under which she competed, Hestrie says she now supports the All Blacks – even when they take on the Springboks.

“We converted,” she laughs. “The whole family.”

Hestrie’s vinyl stall will be in Ōrewa on August 12 and at Siverdale’s Pioneer Village on August 26.

Hestrie met Nelson Mandela after winning silver at the Sydney Olympics.

Hestrie with some of her medals and trophies – and favourite LPs.

Green scene

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

Protect what is left

Since people first arrived in this place we call home, Aotearoa, New Zealand, (Godzone?)

The forest cover has reduced from 80 percent to 38 percent, one quarter of which is plantation forest with limited biodiversity. In addition, a shocking 90 percent of our wetlands are gone.

Of course significant change is inevitable, I’m not saying we need to attempt to return things to how they were before people lived here, we all need a home. However, I encourage you to consider how we can share our space with nature, and preserve what is left.

Here on the Hibiscus Coast, we have a unique situation with examples of a nature-rich, pre-settlement-like land at the end of the peninsula, at Shakespear Regional Park, and across the water at Tiritiri Matangi Island. However as species thrive there, there will be pressure to fly the fence, and this is what those who are making the effort to ensure their properties are wildlife friendly want to see.

I’m sure very few think that all our native species, especially the endemic ones only found here, should be hidden away on islands and in sanctuaries, clinging on in small numbers because nowhere else is left. But what awaits them as they move along the peninsula?

If projects like our Pest Free Hibiscus Coast (PFHC) continue to succeed, and more people begin trapping rats, possums and hedgehogs in their backyards, that will make a huge difference, and for some species will be essential. Birds like toutouwai, (North Island robins) and tīeke, (saddleback) simply

can’t survive with ship rats and stoats. However, the peninsula will only see the ongoing recovery of our birds and reptiles if there is good habitat, places for them to feed and breed. In ecology we talk about stepping stones and wildlife corridors – at the moment these are strong in places, and community tree planting and weed control is growing them further. However, in many areas, these connections are at risk, the most recent question being around the future of Gulf Harbour Country Club. PFHC volunteers have been carrying out predator control on that land, with support from the club and members since 2015, clearing possums to zero for the last 15 months and removing thousands of rats each year. As a result of this and work done by enthusiastic club members to remove invasive weeds like moth plant, the trees and shrubs are full of flowers, fruits and the birdsong from over 40 species. The stunning coastal pohutukawa ecosystems and proximity to Shakespear mean that it might well be the most biodiverse golf course in Auckland.

It’s an important connection, and the encumbrance imposed on the land should keep it safe, as we understood the club wanted. However the community has doubts, so we must be vigilant about this, and other areas where development just isn’t appropriate, so speak up, give nature a voice and give it space to thrive.

We invite you to create future wildlife habitat – join our planting day at Karaka Cove, Red Beach on August 20, 9.30am-12.30pm.

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SUPPORTING LOCALSPORTFORFIVE YEARS AND RUNNING

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BADMINTON

Adults Social Badminton every Wednesday, at Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre, 9am11am, $5 per session. Contact Nick Fraser 021 433 299, nickf69@slingshot.co.nz

RUN ŌREWA

Registration open for Harcourts Cooper & Co Run Ōrewa on Sunday, October 15. The first event in the 4-race North Shore Run Series. Course features Te Ara Tahuna Ōrewa Estuary path and is a flat, fast and beautiful route. Options include 5km, 10km and 15km distances. Every finisher receives a medal. Register at https:// my.runningevents.co.nz/register/?id=runŌrewa2023

TABLE TENNIS

Table tennis at Whangaparāoa Community Hall. Games on Mondays, 9am-12noon. Emphasis on fun and social play with tea and coffee included in the entrance charge of $2. All welcome. Info: phone Steve Chong, 027 442 1653.

CRICKET

Registrations now open. Don't miss your chance to participate in something special this summer at Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club. Whether you're a seasoned player or like to play socially, we welcome all cricket enthusiasts! SIGN UP NOW! https:// hibiscuscricket.co.nz/

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

ToTalspan Rodney 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 waRkwoRTH pHone 09 422 3149

ToTalspan Rodney 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 waRkwoRTH pHone 09 422 3149

A nurses’ strike is planned for Wednesday 9 August

A 24-hour nurses’ strike is planned for Wednesday, 9 August, starting at 7am and finishing at 7am, Thursday 10 August.

There is a chance the strike will be called off. The decision will be confirmed on Tuesday, 8 August

Please keep an eye on the Te Whatu Ora website or social media for up to date information.

TeWhatuOra.govt.nz/nurses-strike-2023

Facebook.com/TeWhatuOra

•

If the strike goes ahead, services will continue to operate with the help of other clinical staff. Please help by keeping our emergency departments for emergencies only.

The strike will only effect public hospitals and community health services.

All other healthcare services are available for non-urgent care, medical advice or assistance.

• For non-urgent medical advice or assistance, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free 24/7.

• Talk to a pharmacist, for minor illnesses or injuries, or make an appointment to see your local GP.

After-hours clinics are operating.

ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

If you have a medical emergency, or sudden decline in your health, call 111 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

Anyone staying in hospital during the strike will still receive the care and support they need. All hospitals have plans in place to ensure that essential and urgent care will be provided. This includes life-preserving services, maternity care, intensive care, emergency departments, and ambulance services.

Thank you for your understanding.

Community leaps into midwinter charity Splash

People in wigs, tutus, sparkly dresses and superman outfits created a splash of colour on wintery Arkles Bay Beach on Sunday July 30, as they warmed up ahead of the Midwinter Splash. In total, the annual dip has raised more than $10,000 for hospice since it began, with just a handful of participants, in 2017. This year around 70 people of all ages

took part, including a group of students from Whangaparāoa College, families with young children and their dogs. Their contributions, and those from passers-by, added almost $600 to this year’s total of $1771 – the bulk of which came from a Givealittle page.

Organiser Greg Holland says what makes it special is the way the community

have embraced the event, put it on their calendars and look forward to it each year. Some brave participants wore only their togs, others the briefest of costumes, while some confessed to having wetsuits under their outfits. There was a lot of enthusiastic splashing once everyone was in, especially from the children and dogs.

Reports of the water temperature varied from “not as cold as last year”, and “refreshing”, to “so cold it burns”.

Greg hopes to grow the Splash in the coming years, encouraging more school participation and promoting it widely. “People get behind it because it’s a bit of fun, gets them out of their comfort zone and supports a great cause,” he says.

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From left, Liz and Ian MacLeod. The Faamausili family from Arkles Bay dressed to kill. Among the bravest – Jim Holland of Ōrewa, 79, was one of those who wore only their togs. Superheroes Riley and Rocco Viljoen. Vicki Pickles was not alone in smuggling a wetsuit under her costume.

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HIBISCUS COAST COMMUNITY RETURNED SERVICES ASSOCIATION

AGM Members are advised that the 2023 AGM will be held in the clubrooms on Sunday September 17, 10am. Please note the club will open at 9am. Nomination forms for President, Vice President, Committee, and Motion/Remit forms are available at Reception and must be in the hands of the Secretary/Manager by 4pm Friday August 25, 2023.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

60’s UP MOVEMENT, HIBISCUS COAST -

Meetings 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 SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB

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.

PEST CONTROL, Flies, spiders, cockroaches, ants, rodents, wasps. Competitive prices. Ph 426 2253.

WALLPAPER INSTALLER, Feature Walls a specialty. Ph Paul 0274 99 0987.

VEHICLES WANTED

Dead or Alive. Cash Paid. 0800 333 398

CARS WANTED SITUATIONS VACANT

INTERNAL SALES PERSON WANTED. Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm. Stanmore Bay. $65k-$75k based on experience. We have an exciting new opportunity for an in-house sales person (inbound and outbound telesales) to join our fun and motivated team! If this sounds like you please send CV & cover letter to info@housewash.co.nz

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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.

Meet every Tuesday, 12.30pm-4pm to play cards (500) and indoor bowls. Thursdays 12.30pm-4pm to play scrabble and indoor bowls. New members welcome. Tuition available. $2 entry, $5 subs. Ōrewa Community Centre. Contact Val ph 09 963 8282 or Kath 426 8770.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY COFFEE

MORNING Informal chats over coffee in the Old Parsonage, 10.30am, Third Tuesday of month. All Welcome.

ŌREWA LADIES CLUB 1st Thursday of month, 9.30am, St Johns Catholic Church Hall. Guest speakers and outings. All welcome.

OVER 60S GROUP 10am-11.30am, 2nd Monday of the month. Morning tea and singalongs. Gold coin donation. Terry & Noelene Bradley 027 477 5014. All welcome.

RED BEACH COMBINED CLUB meets 3rd Wednesday of month, Salvation Army, 32 Greenview Lane, Red Beach, 10am12pm. For seniors, men and women. Guest speakers and outings. Ph Colleen 426 5673. All welcome.

WHANGAPARĀOA LADIES FRIENDSHIP

GROUP meets 2nd Tuesday of month, Manly Bridge Club, 10am-12pm. All welcome for morning tea & friendship. Raewyn 09 424 1414.

1-Sept 3 Annual Members Merit Award Exhibition, Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Ōrewa. (see story p7)

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

11 Rumpus Machine, Pararoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 8.30pm. Classic rock hits and original music. Tickets from Eventfinda.

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

13 Absurd Hope presents Tattoo Flash Event with Nice Goblins, Drifter Coffee, 3 George Lowe Place, Ōrewa, 12pm-6pm. Come for the tats, stay for the vibes! Nice Goblins Collective will be doing flash tattoos. Walk-ins available, but you can also book your spot. Info: Absurd Hope on Instagram.

15 Double Deal’ Hibiscus Coast Genealogy meeting, St Chad’s Church Ōrewa, 10.30am. Guest speaker Sandra Metcalf on ‘DNA for Everyone’ at 10.30am, followed by guest speaker Kelly Dix from DigitalNZ speaking about NZ digital researching at 12.45pm. BYO lunch. Free for members or $5pp for the public. Info: phone Garry, 021 902 715.

16 Mark Taipari, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

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

19 Murray Chapman presents The Art Of Debate, Theosophical Hall, 9 Forest Glen, Ōrewa, 1pm-3pm Gold coin koha. He will discuss how to feel empowered in a discussion, communicate your ideas well and enhance your persuasive talents. Info, phone Sandy, 027 448 3322.

19 Hibiscus Coast Genealogy Open Day, Whangaparāoa Library, 10am-1pm. Bring your details of missing family and our researchers will help to seek them out. Info: phone Garry, 021 902 715.

19 Beautiful Machine, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7pm-10.30pm. Entry $10 non-members.

20 Friends of Okura Bush AGM and talk ‘Environmental weeds Our Biggest Threat’ by Geoff Reid, Okura Hall, 81 Okura River Road, Okura, 3pm. Light refreshments provided. All welcome.

20 Community Planting Day, Karaka Cove, Red Beach, 9.30am-12.30pm. Cohosted by Hibiscus Coast Forest & Bird and the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. Bring a water bottle, wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather and feel free to bring your own spade and gloves, but tools are provided. All welcome.

23 Free talk: Lose weight and Improve Blood Sugars with a low carb food plan, Hibiscus Coast Community House, 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Ōrewa. 7pm8pm. Nutritionist, Sheryl Takayama specialises in weight loss and will share her top tips on how to eat low carb and improve your health with delicious, simple food. Register here: www.whyweightacademy.com/events

24 Poetry at the Pub, Sugarloaf Bar, 38-44 Waiwera Road, Waiwera, 7.15pm-9.15pm. A Phantom Bill Stickers’ National Poetry Day event. Poetry reading (your own or someone else’s), fun and prizes. Refreshments available at the pub. Koha appreciated. To present a poem, contact Diane Newcombe, 021 483 849, email dianenewcombe@hotmail.com (see story p16)

25 Eighties Party Night with DJ Joolz, Parāoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparāoa Rd, 8.30pm. Tickets from Eventfinda.

25 Meet the election candidates, St John’s Catholic Church Hall, 180 Centreway Road, Ōrewa, 1.30pm. Candidates present their policies and answer questions. Hosted by Hibiscus Coast Grey Power. All welcome.

27 Fathom Live in Concert, Whangaparāoa Library, Main St, Whangaparāoa, 1pm.

27 Car Boot & Craft Market, fundraiser for Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren, Coast Plaza, lower carpark, 10am-2pm.

1 Recliner Rockers, Dairy Flat Hall, Postman Road, Dairy Flat, 7.30pm-11pm. Entry $12.50 (cash only). Licensed bar, bring your own snacks.

1-9 Centrestage Theatre presents Stepping Out, a warm and funny play about a group of women (and one man) attending a weekly tap-dance class in North London.

Tickets: https://nz.patronbase.com/_CentreStage/Productions/SO23/Performances

2 Kevin Greaves Family Trio, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Entry $15pp.

3 Andrew Crozier, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 4pm-7pm. Free entry.

Pharmacy Talk

with Tania Adams

Can constipation cause dementia?

Constipation is a common digestive problem. It is defined as when your bowel motions occur less frequently than usual for you, often causing you to have hard stools (poo), sometimes looking remarkably like rabbit pellets! There are many ways to treat constipation. From exercise to dietary changes to medicines plus some newly researched solutions you might not have heard of yet.

Regular exercise is even important for your bowels. Getting things moving can quite literally get things moving. Walking is great for your digestive system as well as your mental well-being. Increasing fibre in your diet is also key. Make sure you are having sufficient fruit and vegetables along with whole grains in your daily diet. Staying hydrated is another essential. It is recommended that you have between 1.5 to 2 L of water per day.

At the pharmacy we have a range of medicines to help treat constipation, from gentle and mild (such as lactulose and coloxyl & senna) to more intensive help (eg.microlax enemas), depending on what you need. Our pharmacists can help you choose what is right for you.

Recent studies indicate that probiotics (good bacteria) may be helpful for certain types of constipation. However not all probiotics are designed for helping with constipation, so make sure you get the right one. At Unichem Manly Pharmacy, we use our practitioner only range Metagenic’s Ultra Flora GI Regulate to help people with constipation. Kiwifruit extract has the triple action of digestive enzymes, fibre and prebiotics. The enzyme supports movement of the bowel, contains insoluble fibre for bulking and soluble fibre that draws water into the stool to soften plus prebiotics to nourish the bacteria in your tummy. Kiwifruit extract is available in a capsule form called Phloe.

Sadly aging can not only unbalance our gastrointestinal flora but may in some instances lead to reduced digestive enzymes. With the help of a nutritional practitioner, these can be added back, thus aiding in treatment of constipation and other gut problems.

So can constipation really cause dementia? A study released last month showed that chronic constipation is associated with deficits in memory and attention with patients tested having three years more cognitive decline than those who had bowel movements more frequently. The people with chronic constipation also had more bacteria that cause inflammation in their guts and less bacteria that break down dietary fibre. Whilst the study showed a correlation, not causation, meaning the study doesn’t prove constipation causes such problems, it adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting gut health plays a role in dementia and related illnesses. So probiotics, for example, are definately worth considering.

It’s also important to remember that there are some conditions that may seem like a harmless common digestion problem, but may be something more serious. That’s why you should always check with one of our pharmacists. If you are having issues with constipation, come and see one of our pharmacists for information, or for one on one advice see our nutritionally qualified pharmacist in our Gut Health Clinic. Call 09 424-7708 or www.unichemmanly.co.nz to book your appointment.

Pharmacist at Unichem Manly

Coast gets taste of football fever

Sell-out crowds and a buzz around the Women’s World Cup, despite the Football Ferns’ early exit, has put women’s football at the top of the sports charts.

A group of players from the Hibiscus Coast Football Club were lucky enough to be amongst it.

Some were flag bearers, player escorts and dancers in the opening ceremony and NZ vs Norway match at Eden Park, which meant walking out in front of the record

crowd of 42,500.

In the opening ceremony, on July 20, 13-year-old Hannah Begeuly from the Stacey Martin team, and her mother Raelene, were among the dancers.

Two more members of the same team, Jessica Locking and Ruby Harwood, helped carry out the NZ Flag and William Locking, aged 10, was a player escort for Norway captain Maren Mjelde.

On July 24, brother and sister Holly and

Miller Mahuru walked out for the Italy vs Argentina game – Holly as a flag bearer and Miller escorting the Italy team.

Stacey Martin Girls team coach, William Locking (whose son is also William), says the players still can’t believe that they got to walk out onto a packed Eden Park. The international experience didn’t end there. The Stacey Martin Girls took on a USA U13 representative team from southern California on Saturday, July 22 at

McFetridge Park on the North Shore. The team, selected from the best players in southern California, is touring NZ, following the USA women’s team. The Coast girls were comprehensively beaten but Locking says they were stoked to play and exchange memorabilia with the visiting team.

“It’s an experience they won’t forget and benchmark of what can be achieved with hard work to be a future Football Fern!”

From left, Playing the Californians. Photo, Russell Bourhill. William Locking, holding the Norway banner. Hannah Beguely, right, and mum Raelene get ready to dance in the opening ceremony. Getting ready to assist at the opening match, from left, Jessica Locking, Ruby Harwood and William Locking.

The U13 Stacey Martin Girls team took on an American girls’ U14 team, which is here to follow the World Cup. Both teams are pictured after the match. Photo, Russell Bourhill.