Hibiscus Matters_Issue 354_21 August 2023

Police patrols introduced at college

Police have begun foot patrols in Whangaparāoa College as part of a new initiative that local principals say is a first for Auckland.

The uniformed officers, who walk through the grounds in a team of two at lunchtime or before and after school, are from Youth Aid, as well as local community constables. The initiative began on August 7, and police have been there most days since,

dependent on resources.

Principal Steve McCracken says the patrols, as well as an increase in CCTV coverage to 72 cameras, are part of a proactive approach to reduce anti-social behaviour and ensure everyone is safe at the school.

The strategy was instigated by Sergeant Jon Williams, who was appointed to the new position of Youth Sergeant, leading North Rodney’s Youth Aid officers, at the end of

last month.

Sgt Williams says the aim is preventative – to build relationships and identify issues early on before they become a major problem.

“It’s good old-fashioned policing – getting out and talking to the kids where they spend a lot of time, and putting a friendly face to our local police force,” Sgt Williams says.

One of the constables walking this new beat is Ōrewa community constable Mahina Martin. She also has a child at the college. She says students are engaging with the officers.

“We are doing it to make everyone feel safe,” she says. As a mum I feel good knowing there is someone there to prevent any trouble. If any issues arise, we are there

Final farewell to Waiwera Hot Pools: Photos of the derelict interior of Waiwera Thermal resort, which its owners had never before made public, formed part of an announcement of its demolition last week. (see story, p3).

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August 21, 2023 – Issue 354

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to assist but mainly we provide a presence and increase understanding that violence and any inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.”

McCracken admits there were incidents of fighting at the school earlier this term but says instigating police patrols was not a knee jerk reaction, but something that was put on the table, right when needed.

He says while the vast majority of the school’s population of 1730 are well behaved, a small number are not. He blames social media for any uptick in antisocial behaviour – “the need to get ‘likes’ is the bane of an educator’s life,” he says.

“There hasn’t been an increase in violence at school, but there is less tolerance for any such behaviour.”

The school also works closely with youth workers and community groups such as the Hibiscus Coast Hauora Youth Network and McCracken sees the foot patrols as dovetailing with that work, though he admits it is ‘next level’.

“Other schools have regular contact with Youth Aid officers, but this is a more defined, very ‘present’ approach,” he says. The majority of parents and students spoken to by Hibiscus Matters are supportive of the move – “whatever it takes to reduce the bullying and fighting,” was a common view.

Parents also say that that having police around in a supportive, rather than disciplinary, way might create mutual respect and one student said she hopes that police patrols would allow a positive change in how students interact. However, others say it is “sad that it has come to this”, and a poor reflection on the community – something McCracken agrees with.

“It’s a shame to have to do this, no doubt about it, but I think society has changed and the school reflects that. We have a responsibility to ensure everyone here is safe. And also to be able to do our job as educators.”

Karl Martinovich AREINZ

Sgt Williams says initial responses from students has been to ask “why police are there”. He says the kids will soon adapt to the regular presence of police, which he says creates a calm atmosphere.

“We are trying to do things better. If we know the kids from a young age, we can divert them from crime. My primary purpose is to keep kids in school. And police have to become part of that; we can’t expect teachers to do it all alone. If kids get kicked out, they become a problem for the community and it’s a worse outcome for their lives too. Working closely with schools is key – they know where the problems are, so we can be the ambulance at the top of the cliff.”

McCracken says the success of the strategy will be evaluated in around 12 months’ time.

He hopes to see a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour, not just in the school but in the wider community too. If it works, Sgt Williams says it will be

offered to other local schools, such as Ōrewa College.

Ōrewa’s principal, Greg Pierce, is also president of the Auckland Secondary Schools Principals Association. He says while a small number of schools in Auckland employ security guards around the school at certain times, or at the gate, he knows of none that have regular police patrols.

Currently Ōrewa College has a police officer assigned to it, who is on the end of the phone if needed.

“That is sufficient at present, but circumstances could change and having a team regularly walk the grounds might be a win-win for students, staff and the community,” he says.

“The reality is all colleges are facing significant challenges and it makes sense to have resources if, and when, situations arise. It’s most important to develop a relationship with police for your school and your community,” Pierce says.

sarah.bentley@harcourts.co.nz Harcourts

M: 021 311 889 karl.martinovich@harcourts.co.nz

Sergeant Jon Williams, left, and Whangaparāoa College principal Steve McCracken.

Demolition preparing Waiwera for next step

Rumours that were rife in Waiwera last month, after “several demolition guys” were seen looking around Waiwera Thermal Resort, proved correct when demolition of the iconic facility began on August 14.

The resort has been closed since 2018 and all attempts to sell, lease or set-up a partnership arrangement have so far failed. Owners, Urban Partners, say demolition will prevent further vandalism and a clean site will have greater appeal to potential buyers.

In an email to residents the day before demolition began, Urban Partners asset manager Ross Porter said the structures in the hot pools, which include large slides, were a safety risk, with no value to buyers. Asbestos removal was the first job, Porter said, and

after that demolition would begin in earnest.

The job is expected to take 8-10 weeks.

In a media release, the company said that the demolition was bittersweet as it represented the end of an era but also the beginning of Waiwera’s revitalisation.

Along with the 1.7ha thermal resort, the aquifer that feeds the pools and the adjacent bottling plant; the campground and hotel site on the beach side of the resort, are all for sale, with a marketing campaign to begin this spring.

The total land area of 4.5ha has zoning for business, residential developments, health and wellness, tourism, hospitality and visitor accommodation.

Urban Partners chief executive Greig

Staples says the best case scenario would be for all the sites to go to a precinct “with a vision that incorporates a thermal bathing element, visitor accommodation and quality residential offerings”.

The closure of the pools five years ago was a blow for Waiwera businesses, and the community who used the pools regularly.

Residents spoken to by Hibiscus Matters say they are happy to see something happening on the site at last.

Historically celebrated for the therapeutic properties of its waters, Waiwera was the birthplace of New Zealand’s first spa, alongside a grand hotel, bath houses, and later, the thermal resort. It is recognised as a regional tourist attraction by the Auckland Unitary Plan.

Elephants saved

Pat Allan of Waiwera Residents Association approached Urban Partners asking whether the elephant and seal statues on the site could be preserved. “There’s some love for the elephants and seal and I asked if the community could get hold of those,” he says. Urban Partners told him that the seal and elephants “which are still in reasonable nick” would be preserved, potentially to be incorporated in future plans for the site as a nod to the past. Allan says he was also told that if they are not needed, they will be gifted to the community.

Three Waters offers hope for “private” stream maintenance

Auckland Council may be rethinking its policy that streams that go through, or border, private property are not its responsibility (HM August 7). And the government’s 3 Waters reforms may also have a big part to play.

Foods caused significant damage earlier this year when streams overtopped their banks. Residents in areas such as Stanmore Bay and Red Beach are angry at a lack of maintenance of silted and blocked waterways, which contributed to the flooding. Residents had assumed that clearing streams was Council’s job but since Auckland Council was formed, maintenance of streams that adjoin private property has been left to the property owners.

However, there are signs that central government and Council are both considering taking more responsibility for work in “private” streams.

The government expects to pass its Water Services Legislation Bill (known as 3

Waters) before the end of this month, when the House rises for the general election. The reforms include a proposal that the newly formed Water Services Entities (WSEs) will have the primary responsibility for managing and maintaining urban watercourses (natural, or man-made) that have a stormwater function, including those on private land.

Water Services Reform National Transition Unit executive director, Heather Shotter, says the Bill intends that private landowners will not be responsible for maintenance of their stormwater watercourse if the damage or obstruction is caused by another person. However, if the owner or occupier has impaired or altered (without consent) a stormwater watercourse on their land, they must carry out remedial work or meet the WSEs’ reasonable costs in doing so.

“For clarity, WSEs will only assume responsibility for the management of “private streams” or other watercourses in

urban areas,” Shotter says. The WSE that picks up services currently delivered by Auckland Council and Watercare, as well as Whangārei and Kaipara District Councils, will begin operation on July 1, 2024.

Meanwhile, at a local board workshop on August 8, two staff from Council’s Healthy Waters (stormwater) team told members that reducing existing flood risks, as well as ensuring new development avoids creating more flood risk, is key.

“We have heard from our communities that we should get more involved in ‘private streams’ and increase maintenance on Council owned land. More funding is needed for that,” head of planning, Nicholas Vigar, said.

Following questions from Hibiscus Matters, Vigar said that as part of Making Space for Water, Healthy Waters is seeking additional funding to help manage significant blockage risks, and help manage erosion as

a consequence of the upstream stormwater network in private, as well as public streams.

Local board chair Gary Brown, says the board is currently juggling its pot of money to try and fund stream maintenance work on the Hibiscus Coast, which could be done by local contractors.

The work would include regular dredging, and clearing of silt and weeds to improve the flow of water.

“Healthy Waters are inundated with all this work, following the floods,” Brown says. “They are open to the idea of local contractors getting involved.”

Auckland Council’s Storm Recovery and Resilience plan (HM August 7) which includes Making Space for Water (focused on the stormwater network and flood resilience), is open for public consultation until August 31. Info and to give feedback: www.akhaveyoursay.nz and at local libraries.

From left, Frog pool Before … and After

Photo, Waiwera Hot Pools Facebook page

Election campaign ramps up

The hoardings are up and campaigning has begun in earnest as general election candidates vie for the support of local voters.

Act’s David Seymour got in first, with a public meeting locally back in March (HM March 20), and another more recently.

Next cab off the rank is Labour. On August 10, a group of around 20 people came to the Presbyterian Hall in Ōrewa on a chilly night, to hear Labour candidate for Whangaparāoa, Estefania Muller Pallares (Stef) and Northcote MP Shanan Halbert talk transport and the environment.

The majority were Labour Party faithful and although some older attendees said they missed the days “when you could heckle at meetings like this”, the only interjections were positive and supportive ones.

Halbert said that the election was going to be “a tough fight” for Labour, but that the party is ready. “We have fought for it before,” he said.

He spoke about the recently announced additional Auckland Harbour crossings, saying although they will take decades to achieve, planning ahead was vital.

“Auckland Mayor Robbie was talking about it 50 years ago,” he said.

He also talked about issues popular with local voters such as potholes (Waka Kotahi apparently repaired 54,544 of them last year) and said state ownership of public transport would have meant more say regarding the future of the Gulf Harbour ferry.

Muller Pallares, aged 25, is placed 55

on Labour’s list. She highlighted local environmental initiatives that she is involved with, including the planned expansion of Whangaparāoa Recycling Centre. She noted the importance of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Reserve to ocean sustainability.

During questions from the floor, the future of the pines on Ōrewa beachfront was discussed, and although there was affection expressed for the historic trees, many were in favour of managed retreat from the reserve which would likely see the pines removed. Muller Pallares said her focus since the last election has been on making politics accessible to young voters, providing online resources and communication. She is looking forward to her first campaign.

Meet the candidates

NZ First stands in Whangaparāoa

Whangaparāoa local, Janina Massee, recently announced her candidacy for NZ First in the Whangaparāoa electorate. The mother of three, who has nine grandchildren, has a degree in accountancy, and an executive Masters in business administration (Hons). She has more than 30 years of corporate experience, having held senior roles in local government and national corporations, as well as first-hand experience as a business owner and manager of a large private subdivision. She says this gives her insights into the diverse challenges our community faces. Janina describes herself as a troubleshooter, change management specialist, and business strategist.

Two chances to meet and quiz local candidates are coming up this month. • On Friday, August 25, Grey Power is holding its Meet the Candidates event at St John’s Catholic Hall in Centreway Road, Ōrewa, 1.30pm. • Business Whangaparāoa offers a chance to meet candidates on Sunday, August 27 at the Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 2pm-4pm. Both meetings so far have five local candidates, as well as representatives of parties seeking the party vote confirmed to attend.

Closure prompts packed meeting

The closure of Gulf Harbour Country Club (GHCC) last month brought hundreds of locals together at a public meeting last Wednesday night, to share concerns about the future of the prime 89 hectare property. Organised by the lobby group Keep Whangaparaoa’s Green Spaces (KWGS), the meeting followed a petition and appeals to Auckland Council to retain an encumbrance registered in 2006 that restricts for 999 years the use of the site “in its entirety solely as a golf course and country club”.

Since the shutdown, local residents have voiced fears that the country club, owned by property developer Gregory Olliver, may be rezoned for residential development. Currently, Council has received no private plan applications for the site, a point reiterated at the meeting by Councillor John Watson. Olliver and other GHCC executives remain tight lipped – their silence doing nothing

Tentative hope at State of Gulf launch

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

The State of the Gulf 2023 report was launched by the Hauraki Gulf Forum, on August 11, against a backdrop of recent protections for the gulf announced by Government. The report looks at the health of the Hauraki Gulf’s ecosystem and comes every three years. From crayfish no longer playing a role in the Hauraki Gulf ecosystem to sea sponges dying from extreme marine heat, the report acknowledges the damage that is happening under the water.

On August 9, Government announced its Tikapa Moana Marine Protection Bill with 12 new high protection areas where only tangata whenua will be able to fish. Areas of the sea floor will also be protected, with bottom trawling allowed only in limited areas.

The size and location of the trawl corridors will be subject to consultation in the next month. The bill triples protection for the gulf from six percent to 18 percent and will be introduced into the house before parliament rises for the election.

Report author Shane Kelly said there were exciting changes on the horizon but they had taken a frustratingly long time to come to fruition.

to alleviate the community’s worries. Recounting the background to the encumbrance, KWGS spokesperson Owen Paterson told the meeting it was agreed during the 1990s that a covenant was required to protect the golf course from development as an “offset” for increased housing density in the surrounding area. He expressed concern about “a situation where someone buys a golf course zoned Open Space, Sport and Recreation, for a price reflecting that condition, with the intention of having it rezoned Residential and selling it for many times the original purchase price”.

As KWGS makes the case for upholding the golf course encumbrance it is highlighting to council “the very real lack of infrastructure” already plaguing the area, he said.

Paterson said KWGS cannot stop Olliver from filing an application to rezone the land, if that is his intention, but it will put

up a strong case to a planning commissioner as to why that shouldn’t be approved.

“If that fails, we could take Council to court, but we would rather fight alongside Council against Olliver,” he said.

Paterson defined success as the golf course being bought by a long-term, committed owner who wants to run it as a golf course and not seek to change the land use.

Cr Watson recalled similar situations

elsewhere, including in Ōkura and Ōrewa, which he said showed that “if people are organised, resourced and have expert advice, they can beat these people [developers].”

Cr Watson stressed the importance of support from the broader community. “What is being signalled here, is that our community does not want this. It is not going to be good, not just for the people who live around the golf course, but for our wider community.”

Labour candidate Stef Muller Pallares

The meeting at the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club was standing-room-only.

Viewpoint

Wayne Brown, Mayor of Auckland wayne.brown@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Too many cooks?

The Deputy Mayor of Seattle called on my office recently to check on council’s preparation for the FIFIA Women’s World Cup, as Seattle is hosting the next men’s cup. Most of the preparation was handled by Tataki Auckland Unlimited, council’s CCO in charge of events. So other than leaning out over the top of Eden Park with a football in my hand for promotion, there wasn’t a lot for me to do, as FIFA is very descriptive in what it requires. Inevitably the conversation with the Seattle Deputy Mayor turned to local government practices in both cities. Seattle has half the population of Auckland and I was told they have nine councillors , but the Deputy Mayor said she would prefer only seven. I swooned. She was more than surprised to be told that we have the horrendous number of 20 councillors, quite a few of whom think there should be less – as long as it is the others who lose their jobs.

The really shocking thing is that we also have 21 local boards, along with their salary earning members, plus the members of the Independent Maori Statutory Board resulting in around 174 elected officials. Nobody can name them all and on top of that there are about 40 MPs in Auckland and nobody can name them all either.

Funding for facilities

In addition, local government is saddled with legal obligations to consult on everything, including budgets, which of course the government neither needs or bothers to.

Our $5 billion budget gets discussed ad nauseum while the Minister of Finance can just announce his $150 billion budget without even needing to tell his own caucus. Consultation is expensive and not followed by voting councillors in many cases.

To add to the mess that makes us democratically overloaded, the city is divided into wards that don’t match the local board areas. Bizarrely the most densely populated area in New Zealand, being the Auckland CBD including Ponsonby, where I live, has been attached to two islands –Waiheke, and the least densely populated area of Aotea Great Barrier.

All this courtesy of Rodney Hide, who, in my opinion, should have stuck to ballroom dancing.

As a final difficulty, there is now a call for “more participative democracy” – whatever that is – as some representatives are not satisfied with 174 of us talking to the public and want even more.

No wonder getting decisions made is so hard.

Funding of $50m to upgrade Auckland facilities such as regional parks, sports fields and holiday parks was approved by Council this month. The funding will assist the region to regenerate following this year’s weather events. It includes nearly $7m for regional parks infrastructure – locally towards the rebuilding of the workshop at Shakespear Regional Park – as well as $950,000 for slips prevention and remediation. There is also funding for new parks, including the one at Harvest Avenue in Orewa.

YourOpinion

Read the room

I couldn’t agree more with your correspondents (HM August 7) about Countdown’s costly rebrand. Talk about total failure to ‘read the room’! I was also annoyed to hear that they are going to drop the connection with AA Smartfuel, so no more petrol price reductions via the One card. Of course, it’s a big organisation and they don’t care that I’ve been shopping there for ages. And they probably won’t miss my business now I’m taking it elsewhere in protest.

Tania Roberts, Manly

Loving Lisa & Co

I have just come home from an overseas holiday and am catching up on the Hibiscus Matters which my neighbour kindly collects for me with any mail. Such good reading, but in particular loved the story about Lisa & Co (HM June 26). What a brave lady to cope with all that with good humour, and to share it with all of us. I have missed the exhibition, but the photos of the work in your story reveals her artistic talents. I can only send her my aroha and wish her all the best.

Catherine Watkins, Ōrewa

Countdown rebrand

Some of your readers, clearly with socialist leanings, seem upset about Countdown ‘wasting’ money on rebranding. This displays complete ignorance of the fact that a rebrand is a fundamental business tool to reset a company, product or brand. It’s never a waste, unless done badly, but rather an investment to enhance business performance and engage better with customers. Branding isn’t just a new logo, it’s a deep dive into clearly defining brand Positioning, Personality and Values by determining how the brand should look, sound and behave. A redefined brand with a new name, ie Woolworths, will drive the company’s advertising, PR, corporate sponsorship, even packaging as well as how staff should relate to the brand. A brand is a company’s most valuable intangible asset. If it’s a ‘waste’ don’t worry it’s Countdown’s money. Our government doesn’t own Countdown and hopefully we are a long way off state owned collectives. But if the socialist tendencies in some of us ever holds sway we’d be following in the footsteps of North Korea, Venezuela or Zimbabwe where no branding is needed because there

are no choices and everything comes in a brown paper bag!

Stewart Gilbride, Gulf Harbour

Safety cost too much

The mind boggles at how turning Bakehouse Lane into a northbound one way road can cost a staggering $450,000 (HM August 7) One cannot seriously believe that changing some street signs to One Way and altering the road’s east side angled parking (covering southbound angled parking lines and painting new north bound angles parking line) amounts to such a vast sum! It would be an improvement to the road and there should be no loss of parking for the local businesses. And as for the $1.3m to install raised crossing at the intersection of Hibiscus Coast Highway, Millwater Parkway and Whangaparāoa Rd – it is just not necessary. Fix the roads first! Local Board wake up.

Sean Paterson, Arkles Bay

Editor’s note: Pedestrians using Hibiscus Coast Highway have been after those safety improvements at the intersection for years. However, the cost of any road project does seem to just get higher and higher.

Loving the go-slow

Water services are currently being upgraded on Whangaparāoa Rd, Little Manly. This has necessitated the managing of hundreds of road cones, reducing traffic to two lanes with no median strip. A traffic light system and pedestrian crossing is also in use. As a local, I am happy. The traffic is slowed to 30kph, a much safer speed for the high density traffic and for those accessing their properties or the side streets. The pedestrian crossing is an amazing addition used by everyone wanting to safely cross the road. Soon the cones and the happy, considerate workers will go. We have been asking Council and Auckland Transport for a reduced speed and pedestrian crossing for years. They work. Can we keep them?

Pauline Andrews, Little Manly

Editor’s note: An AT spokesperson responded that these are the kinds of issues it wants to hear about during public consultation on Auckland’s draft speed management plan 2024-27, which is open until August 28. The plan focuses on implementing safe speed limits around 358 schools, as well as in communities where there is support for change. “This is everyone’s chance to raise locations where they want to see a change

everything done to perfection.

A funeral is a time for saying goodbye but also for reconnecting with friends and whanau. That’s why at Dils Hibiscus Coast, we put as much care into your reception as we do with every other part of the service. Our door is always open, so come by for a cuppa and discover the Dil’s difference.

and feedback will help inform future safety upgrades,” the spokesperson said. For more information, maps, and to have your say: https://haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/kko

Private stream farce

As pointed out by one resident in your story (HM August 7), “private streams” are farcical. In cities, residents cannot be held responsible for maintaining waterways as they silt up due to huge numbers of new developments upstream. How is that fair? It is no way to run a stormwater system that needs to serve the whole community, especially as we deal with climate change. Council or government need to front up and take responsibility for the ‘downstream effects’ of all that development that has been foisted on us.

Stan Robertson, Stanmore Bay

Stream not private

Regarding the article on “private streams” (HM August 7) clearly Red Beach tidal stream running between Red Beach Surf Club and Pinewoods Camp is not a private stream. This stream that Auckland storm water runs into was maintained by Rodney District Council until Greater Auckland Council was formed. In your story, Auckland Council operations manager Frank Tian says if residents have concern about build-up of silt where development has been they should contact Council, this of course has been done. Rodney District Council were going to clear weed and dredge this stream before Greater Auckland Council was formed and we have asked for this to be continued with. Senior stormwater operations engineer Coen Ursem says to do this resource consent would be needed and he is correct – any maintenance Rodney District Council did to this stream needed resource consent from Auckland Regional Council – but this did not stop Rodney District Council with maintenance of this stream as it appears to be doing with Greater Auckland Council.  Mayor Wayne Brown’s ‘Making Space for Water’ talks about being pro-active keeping streams clear as possible with the best flow as possible and as Pinewoods Camp Fay Freeman says the entire storm water course needs a thorough engineering report done to avoid as much as possible any major flooding. Ignoring it in the hope it will go away should not be a option for Auckland Council.

Arthur Amis, Red Beach

Saving ferry… again

Some 25 or so years ago I was at the forefront of saving the Gulf Harbour ferry service. The then operator took it on as part of the Tiri contract and then went out of its way to run the Gulf Harbour service down while keeping the more lucrative Tiri service. Fellow passengers who worked for the Auckland Regional Council tipped me off as to what was happening. Along with a colleague (we both worked in PR) we campaigned to save the service by seeking support from another ferry company. It is a great shame to see history repeating itself especially as commuter numbers have expanded many times over since those days. The ferry service ticks all the environmental boxes, the road safety boxes, and, dare I say, the mental health box. Travel by ferry is such a relaxing way to start and end the day. Friendships are made on a ferry trip that cannot be made on a bus. I even used my commuting time to write a book. It is a wonderful way to commute and for these, and likely other reasons, needs to be a key part of the Auckland Transport Strategy. The Gulf Harbour ferry is a positive and longterm solution to the ever-growing problem of traffic congestion and environmental degradation.

Vincent Maire, Manly

Editor’s note: Submissions on the proposed ferry withdrawal closed on August 17. Hibiscus Matters will follow up as things move forward.

Students from Wentworth College launched a campaign to save the Gulf Harbour ferry service, which could be withdrawn by Auckland Transport. The students, led by 17-year-old Yuxiang (William) Zheng, collected more than 100 signatures and wrote to Auckland Transport (AT) urging it to keep the ferry running. William says the ferry is a vital link for the Gulf Harbour community. The students are also concerned about the impact of any ferry cuts on the local economy. AT is reviewing the ferry service as part of its Regional Public Transport Plan (HM July 24). Another petition to save the ferry, on Change.org, gained almost 5500 signatures. The public submission period ended on August 17.

Home recipes shared in children’s baking book

Millwater author Karen McMillan describes herself as “quite average in the kitchen”, but she has been baking a lot in the past year, while “researching” her latest children’s book, The Quokka Logic and Baking Book.

The book combines simple home baking recipes with the quirky sayings of the Quokka – a character who has appeared in many of Karen’s Elastic Island Adventures series. The recipes come from two treasured handwritten books passed down by Karen’s grandmother and mother.

Karen hopes her book will encourage children and their parents/caregivers to bake together – something she loved doing with her mother.

She says it turned out to be easy working out which of the recipes were suitable for younger cooks.

“I tried them all, and figured if I could make them easily, a child can too!”

She says not only did her husband enjoy eating the cakes, slices, treats and desserts, but making them brought back some very fond memories.

“My mum died about 25years ago, and when I made her recipes, the smell and tastes brought memories flooding back. It

was such a special experience”.

Karen has written novels, non-fiction, and children’s books, but this is her first recipe book – and it may not be the last.

“Baking is really popular with the young ones at the moment, and I had so much fun – I’d love to do another one. And not only that – when I finished, my husband asked, ‘where is the baking?’”

The Quokka Logic and Baking Book will be published September 1 and is available from bookshops and www.karenm.co.nz

Win this book Hibiscus Matters has three copies of Karen McMillan’s book, The Quokka Logic and Baking Book to give away. To go in the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and phone number with Quokka Baking Book in the message. Please note we are unable to take postal entries this time, as our office is closed due to refurbishment. Entries close on Friday, September 8.

Turning family recipes into a children’s book was child’s play for Karen McMillan.

Hibiscus Coast artists earn top awards

Hibiscus Coast artists completed almost a clean sweep of this year’s Estuary Arts Centre Members Merit Awards, taking seven of the nine awards, including the premier prize. Eighty-seven artists entered more than 200 works in the competition.

The theme was ‘gratitude’, and people were the subjects for nearly all the local winners’ works.

Stanmore Bay artist, Carla Sclanders, won the Premier Award with a pencil portrait of her five-year-old son Declan.

He was about to start school when the work was made, an anxious time for parent and child alike, and Carla called it Too Cool for School. She drew it from a photo that she loves of Declan, in sunglasses.

Pilates instructor Carla started drawing in 2020 during lockdown, soon after the family moved to NZ from South Africa. “It started as a hobby, after not drawing since high school,” Carla says. “I shared my work online and someone in the States wanted to buy a piece, so that encouraged me to continue.”

She says she prefers working in pencil because of the level of detail that can be achieved. “I enjoy realism and do a lot of portraits of people – and pets. You can capture a real likeness and character in pencil.”

Millwater artist Lizette Lindeque also chose her son as her subject – but at the end of his school days, not the beginning. Lizettte’s painting of Aidan won the Student Award. The piece is called Grateful to Ponder my Future.

“I thought he’d missed out on so much, due to Covid lockdowns, at a time when he should have been exploring and connecting with others,” she says. “But I was wrong!

He said that lockdowns were actually a gift, as it gave him space and time to simply be, and explore and connect with himself and family. This had a huge impact on me, as so many of our youth are struggling with mental health and social media issues. It was a reminder to be grateful for everything that happens in life’s journey”.

The timepiece Aidan is holding has his date of birth on it.

“It’s old fashioned and a symbol of when the world moved at a slower pace. Also, it’s gold to show that time is precious.”

All the works are on display at the arts centre, in Western Reserve, Ōrewa, until September 3.

Transformational work

Amanda Morton of Wainui won the Ceramic Award with a hand-built clay sculpture of a female figure, wearing a cape of ‘feathers’ fashioned from oxidised copper. The work is called Phoenix and Amanda says that’s because it represents a metamorphosis. “The clay evolving from mud to solid form, continued p9

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Carla Schlanders’ portrait of her son.

Lizette Lindeque also painted her son.

continued from p8

then vitrifying in the fire of the kiln and rising from the ashes,” she says. “The figure has shed her arms and dons a cape of feathers ready to transform yet again.”

called Friendship II BFF, also depicts women enjoying time by the water. It is part of a series that the Millwater resident has been working on this year.

Josie, a creative embroiderer and mixed media artist, says the series depicts women doing ordinary things with friends or doing chores they no longer have to do, using vintage photographs as a reference.

“I hope to jog memories and prompt emotions of times past,” she says.

Water works

The work that won Waitoki artist Fiona Ehn the Mixed Media Award was inspired by the hours she used to spend in the old St Mary’s College pool. The work, called Agatha, which includes the use of resins, cardboard and modelling clay, has a wooden handmade frame.

“I remember the joy of being out in the sun in the cool water and just being able to contemplate life,” Fiona says.

Josie Slack’s Any Medium Award winner,

Local scenes

Nichola Holmes’ lino print Fish and Chips with Family won the Printmaking Award for the Waitoki artist. Nichola says her inspiration comes from everyday life.

Michelle Gladwell of Arkles Bay was the Painting Award winner with Tranquillity in Paradise. The work depicts Big Manly beach. Michelle says she paints mainly seascapes, and is very inspired by the local environment.

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Novel looks behind residential care fence

A career that included working in residences for youth offenders for 10 years has informed the first novel written by Chris Polaschek of Gulf Harbour. However, he says, The Night Staffer is definitely a work of historic fiction.

The novel explores events that take place in residential care, with two key characters forming a bond over a shared love of music. “It’s based on a flavour of what the residences are like – they are behind high fences and what goes on there is quite ‘secret’,” he says. “There has not been much written about residential care in NZ – only a couple of books by ex-residents and none by people who worked in the system.”

Chris’s first job was as a night staffer in a residential care home in Christchurch in 1987 and his book is set in a now defunct residence in the same city, that same year. He says while there is something of himself in Wyatt (the night staffer in his book), Wyatt is “nicer than me”. All the young people in the book are fictional.

Chris recently retired from 30 years in various roles that saw him work to resolve and mitigate problems created by offending in our communities, as a practitioner, supervisor, manager and leader.

“My areas of focus are statutory social work, juvenile justice, adult justice, child protection, and custodial and care environments,” he says.

He had key roles in the prison service, Child Youth and Family and Oranga Tamariki as well as running projects such as Refreshing Family Group Conference Coordinators and the Youth Crime Action Plan inter-agency group.

Our best shot

Chris Polaschek has put 30 years of working with troubled youth into his novel.

He says there are big questions around dealing with disadvantaged and disaffected young people.

“The causes of youth offending are complex, including developmental difficulties, mixing with hard core offenders and violence at home. Which is why keeping troubled young people locked up is such a blunt instrument.”

This is Chris’s first book, but not his last. He is part way through a second book, on the same topic, set a few years later.

The book is available at https://www. austinmacauley.com/book/night-staffer, at Mighty Ape, or on Amazon.

Win this book

Hibiscus Matters has one copy of The Night Staffer by Chris Polaschek, published by Austin Mccauley, to give away. To go in the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and phone number with Night Staffer in the message. Please note we are unable to take postal entries this time, as our office is closed due to refurbishment. Entries close on Friday, September 8.

This image, called The Roar, won Martin Sanders an Honours award in Hibiscus Coast Photographic Club’s competition last month. The challenge for members was to produce a monochrome image. Martin’s striking shot of a Red Deer stag in full roar was taken on a deer farm just north of Kaikoura late in the evening on a Canon D70 MkII with a 70-200mm lens at its full 200mm focal length. Martin used a high ISO, high speed 1/1000 sec at f4 to capture the animal as it moved around. The sharpness and detail in the image is just one of the reasons it won the award.

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On the beat in Ōrewa: meet new community constable

Ōrewa has a new Community Constable, Mahina Martin (“everyone calls me ‘Ma’”), who took up the role on August 7. There has not been an officer in the role for around 14 months.

Constable Martin has lived on the Coast for 38 years and until recently was in a frontline police position. Prior to joining police nearly three years ago, she was heavily involved in working with youth and local schools. She says as community constable, safety – for business owners and staff, and the public – will be key.

She will be on foot patrol, “very visible”, especially in Ōrewa and Silverdale town centres, but not just walking around. Part of the job is to share updates about police work and understand the concerns that locals face.

“Visibility is prevention,” she says. “But a very important aspect of community policing, for me, is to talk with people and hear their ideas.”

She is also liaising with the Ōrewa community patrol and Whangaparāoa Community Constable, Sam Webb and will attend community events.

Free health checks on offer at community care fair

An event to be held in Ōrewa on August 26 will offer free health checks and advice, food, clothing, toys, hygiene products and household items to people in need in the community.

Organiser of the “community care fair”, Danielle Watson of Ōrewa, said this will be the biggest such event she is planning, after holding smaller ones at her home over the past four years.

Danielle has asked the Ministry of Health to bring along Bella, the large blow-up, walkthrough model of a bowel, used by Te Whatu Ora to help people learn what bowel cancer looks like and how to check for symptoms.

Blind Low Vision will be offering free eyesight checks and hearing assessments will be available from audiology specialists Hear Again in Whangaparāoa.

“It’s going to be a big day. Nothing has a cost, and hopefully we can give people some help and redirect them to other help that’s available at no cost to them in the

community,” she said.

“Our aim is to provide each family in our community with the support and resources they need no matter how high or low their household income is.”

Danielle, 20, gets no funding for her activities, but said she relies on sponsors –and sometimes “I put my own money into it.”

“I had a baby three years ago and that made me realise just how much support I didn’t know was out there, and the stuff that was

New recruit for Ōrewa force

out there maybe didn’t quite fit my needs.”

Among items donated for the upcoming event are car seats, prams, and high chairs. Danielle praised Northgate Baptist Church foodbank and Care for Families NZ in particular for their “huge help” in providing generous donations. The community care fair will be held at St Chad’s Church in Centreway Road, Ōrewa on August 26, from 11am-2pm.

Info: contact Danielle, 022 395 7786 or coastieevents@gmail.com

One of the latest recruits to Ōrewa Police station is 26-year-old Constable Sarah Booth, who graduated at the end of last month. Sarah is a solo mum, and says making her three-year-old son proud is a big part of her drive to be a police officer. The Whangaparāoa resident, who is of Samoan and Pakeha descent, says she is pleased to bring some diversity to the local force. Having previously served in the New Zealand Army, she prioritises her fitness and is motivated to serve the community. “Being a police officer means I can do that in a more direct way than when I was in the Army,” she says. The application process involved in joining the force can be long, but Sarah says it’s well worth it. She enjoyed the training, and made close friends. Now that she has graduated, she sees an exciting future ahead in police work. She says anyone considering joining the police needs to ask themselves why they want to do this work, and what goals they want to achieve. “For me, it is rooted in family, but whatever those may be, they will carry you through,” Sarah says. Constable Booth started at Ōrewa station on August 7. She will be serving on the frontline, so the community can expect to see her out and about.

^ Price is for an Occupation Right Agreement secured by a first ranking mortgage in favour of the statutory supervisor on behalf of the residents. Price valid for 30 days from time of printing. Stock availability subject to change. Car park not included in price. Product image is an artist’s impression.

Expect to see Constable Mahina Martin, Ōrewa’s new community constable, out and about.

Danielle Watson with some of the goods donated for her upcoming community care fair.

25 Colour remover (6)

26 Call names (6)

29 White wine (10)

31 Young goat (3)

32 Decelerated (6)

33 Grind up (4)

35 Fetch (3)

37 Astound (4)

39 Indemnity (9)

40 Collection of poems or other pieces of writing (9)

41 Fish (5)

42 Due (8)

47 Inmate (8)

51 Short, flat-headed nail (5)

55 The other way round (4,5)

56 Restored to good condition (9)

58 Cast off (4)

59 Large bird (3)

60 Egg centre (4)

61 Pact (6)

62 Snow runner (3)

63 Prying person (4,6)

66 Mixture of tunes (6)

67 One of the Seven Dwarfs (6)

69 Childish sulkiness (9)

72 Culmination (6) 73 Amuse (9) 75 Captivate by charm (7) 77 Ventilate (3) 80 Oneness (5)

81 One’s finest clothes (4,3,3,6)

82 Luggage (5)

83 Slight breeze (6)

84 Component parts (8)

85 Soup (5)

DOWN

2 Male head of family (9)

3 Rotary tool (5)

5 Egg-shaped (4)

6 Symbol of socialist revolution (3,4)

7 Awe-inspiring (12)

8 Build (5)

9 Sediment (7)

10 Go without food (4)

11 Follow secretly (6)

12 King with golden touch (5)

13 Continue obstinately (7)

14 Navigation instrument (7)

16 Studier of the sources and development of words (11)

22 Genetic copies (6)

23 Circus tumbler (7)

24 Peculiar (7)

25 Financial plan

Father and son gym buddies

It’s something of a rarity these days, seeing a Dad and son working out together at a gym, and when they seem to be having heaps of fun doing so – and the son is a teenager, to boot – it’s worth taking a closer look.

Paul and Luke Mansfield seem more like mates than father and son. The Year 11 Ōrewa College student and his 47-yearold sales manager Dad work out together at Jetts Millwater, with a combination of competitiveness and camaraderie. They’ve been doing this for about nine months now, six days a week, and both are loving it.

Luke, 16, concedes it’s not that common. “I have friends at school who seem quite close to their parents, but for the most part it’s not very usual,” he says.

Paul jumps in. “To spend the first hour of the day together is really cool. Sometimes we talk a little bit, sometimes we talk a lot, but it’s good to get that first hour of the

day together.”

As Father’s Day approaches, Luke is forthcoming when asked what he appreciates about his Dad.

“We always have a good laugh. Gym’s fun, and I love doing it in the mornings with Dad. We have a really good relationship.”

“We’re pals,” Paul says. “We never fight. If he does something wrong I normally tease him relentlessly until he gets the message.”

Luke started karate at six, and later began Muay Thai – “like kick-boxing, but with knees and elbows”, he explains – which he does four nights a week. “That’s my jam. That’s what I love.”

“That’s why he feels like steel,” Paul says, squeezing his son’s shoulder.

Luke juggles school and Muay Thai with two jobs (a warehousing gig and tutoring young children in maths), wants to study mechanical engineering, perhaps through the military, and is rather keen to join the SAS.

Yoga connects fathers and sons

Male-only yoga classes have provided two fathers and their sons on the Coast with a welcoming environment in which to get more flexible, and draw closer together.

Stanmore Bay architect Harry Kleyn, 76, says the “Broga” sessions at Whangaparāoa Hall over the past six months have enabled him to strengthen already solid ties with his 45-yearold son, Maarten, a product developer. Harry says he’s not particularly “warm” to Father’s Day as a concept, since many father-child relationships are poor or nonexistent, and the “commercial aspect” of such days also doesn’t appeal. However, “I have a fantastic relationship with my son”, and immigrating to New

Zealand from the Netherlands four decades ago was great for the family. Harry recalls watching rugby games in Ōrewa on Saturday mornings, and says the two now enjoy pastimes including sailing, fishing and music. Broga has brought social as well as physical benefits, and instructor Julian Fordyce is a great teacher.

“It’s changed my life, literally,” he says. “I always come back better than I went.”

“I’ve always wanted to try Broga,” says 62-year-old Sean Bonar of Gulf Harbour.

A flight attendant for more than 40 years, he says he did several hot yoga sessions during US layovers, and his wife has become “besotted” with Pilates.

“He enjoys pain,” his father laughs. Paul says the foundation for a happy family, in his view, is to “try to serve, be the best you can be. If you want to see change, do it yourself first.”

The family are committed Christians, and he describes their faith as “one of the pillars of our lives”, adding that he loves his wife of 22 years, Litza, “to bits”.

Meanwhile the sense of humour is evident,

even at the squat rack.

“He beats up on me every day,” Paul says, when asked if the two of them are competitive. “Yesterday he got me in a chokehold while I was sitting at my desk. And he squeezed, and something clicked in my neck. And now I feel like I’ve got tonsillitis.”

“When they say ‘Dad jokes,’” Luke chimes in, “Dad is the peak of that.”

Sean and Cameron Bonar

“So when our son Cameron was up from University of Canterbury I suggested we give Broga a go, especially as his sister and mother had done their [Pilates] session in Silverdale that day. To my amazement he agreed.”

“Such great father/son bonding time and I was hooked,” Sean says. “Slept like a

baby and felt a few inches taller with great posture the next day. Now it’s my weekly Wednesday thing if I’m home.”

Sean says he gets along really well with Cameron, 20, an engineering student who is enthusiastic about orienteering. During visits home, the two enjoy other activities together, including playing darts at Parāoa.

Luke Mansfield works out with his Dad, Paul

Harry and Maarten Kleyn.

Portrait in memory of a loving dad

Artist Amanda Moore of Manly recently painted a portrait of her father, four years after his death, as a memorial. She has the portrait on her phone as a screensaver, which she says is “so that she can see his smiling eyes, kindness and patience each day”.

Amanda’s father, Michael Carter (Mike) lived in the UK, but visited the Hibiscus Coast for several months at a stretch.

Mike, who died suddenly in 2019, was a loving father, whose work making artistic tops for Revlon’s perfumes and lipsticks often took him away from home.

“His job was to make cosmetic packaging look glorious,” Amanda says. He loved art and bought an etching from Amanda’s first exhibition.

“My father was always very encouraging,” Amanda says. “He told me to ‘do what you love’, and that’s absolutely what I’ve been able to do.”

Many years ago, as a gift for her father, she painted a picture of his dad, her

Amanda Moore of Manly has painted both her father and grandfather.

grandfather, Noel Carter. Noel was a World War I veteran who was injured in the conflict and returned to the UK to convalesce, where he met his future wife.

Amanda says in the latter part of his life, her father faced grief, loneliness and poor health, but did so “with a beautiful vulnerability, kindness and patience”. Another of Amanda’s paintings of her family members – a portrait of her son – featured in Hibiscus Matters May 4 issue last year.

Health

Dr Peter Hall hallpeter708@gmail.com

Not all bad news for men

I am a man, and have been all my life, except for when I was a boy. Up until now I hadn’t thought of this as a disadvantage, until I spent a depressing morning reading men’s health statistics.

It is well established that men lead shorter, more disease-ridden lives than women. Between the ages of 50 and 75 years, male death rates are 30 percent higher and overall life expectancy is several years less. Most of this is due to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease and trauma, and concerningly, men still commit suicide at more than twice the rate of women in New Zealand. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, gout and aortic aneurysm are more common in men, and to top it off we are more likely to have severe Covid. Despite this, a focus on men’s health as a priority and a speciality has been slow to develop.

“Men’s health” clinics have sprung up, but they tend to focus primarily on sexual dysfunction and testosterone supplementation, giving the impression that these things are all we care about. And, to be fair, a cultural expectation still drives men to under-report symptoms, emotional distress and feelings of not coping. To “man up” can have both good and bad connotations. It usually takes a crisis, like a heart scare or the death of a mate, to drive men to my door to do the check-ups that they all know they should be having. But there is some good news. Social initiatives, such as Movember and Blue September, have heightened public awareness and developed resources to improve men’s health.

Movember was dreamed up in 2003 by a couple of Aussie guys, but Kiwis have taken to it big time, and now the world has caught on as well. Blue September is run by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand and annually raises close to a million dollars to fight this disease and get men to be more open in talking about prostate issues. Unfortunately, prostate screening in our country is a bit of mess. Mostly this is because we are still uncertain about when to do PSA blood testing in men with no symptoms. PSA is a simple test to detect early prostate cancer, but it’s not perfect. It can be elevated in men who have benign prostate enlargement and tends to increase normally with age. Cycling, exercise and sexual intercourse can temporarily increase PSA and should be avoided for three days before the blood sample. On the other hand, a proportion of cancers do not produce PSA, so the test will be a false negative. There are also cases where the benefit of early detection of prostate cancer can be questionable, as many tumours are slow growing and may not affect mortality. Nevertheless, men are encouraged to “have a conversation” with their GP at age 50 years, or 40 if they have a family history. This will cover the risks and benefits of prostate screening and a physical exam will be offered. But there is more to manhood than our anatomical distinctives. It feels like we are making real progress in getting men to be more honest, proactive and mutually supportive when it comes to wellbeing.

New Place Same Face

What fathers mean to us

represented, even in tense environments like that. This sparked an interest in local representation in me from a young age. I’d like to mention the many local mothers who are single parenting their children, as my mum did. Being a single parent is incredibly challenging and often sole caregivers are facing numerous challenges to make ends meet and be a loving, present parent. If you have a family member, neighbour, or friend who is single parenting, please offer support to them this Father’s Day.”

ABBA HEAVEN HAS ARRIVED!

“This Father’s Day I’d like to reflect on the father figures and guardians who raised me as I grew up in the Hibiscus Coast. I was born in Army Bay and raised by my parents Sue and Conrad. By the time I was five, my mother was the sole caregiver of my younger brother and I, supported by my grandparents. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time growing up with my grandfather, John Law, who was the Mayor of Rodney District Council from 2001 to 2007.

Many will recall that granddad had a light blue Cadillac and he’d often take me with him as he went to different community meetings.

I recall a ratepayers’ meeting that featured particularly incensed residents. Grandad impressed me with his ability to forge positive relationships with those he

“When I think of Dad, I think of summers at Awhitu, fishing, scalloping, water skiing with bonfires on the beach, cooking marshmallows. When I think of dad, I think of a sportsman – who played 70

continued p19

Members of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board share their thoughts on fathers, grandfathers, and being a father.

Jake and John Law

Leanne Willis with her hero (and father), Stuart Dickey

continued from p18

rugby games for Counties over seven years, and was also an All Black trialist in 1970. He played and coached rugby for over five decades hanging up his boots at 65. Dad also broke the Guinness World Record for playing tennis doubles in 1974 - he still plays tennis weekly.

When I think of Dad, I think of tomato sauce on poached eggs, barbecued scallops in cheese sauce and preparing a hāngi at 5am, with friends and family coming from far and wide to enjoy lunch on New Year’s Day.

When I think of Dad, I think of the gigs he attended as our “roadie” and singing songs

like After the Loving and occasionally lip syncing to John Rowles’ Cheryl Moana Marie. He was so convincing with his lip syncing at my brother’s wedding, that friends excitedly told him how much better his voice was than John Rowles!

When I think of dad I think of a jokester, a strong but gentle man with a twinkle in his eye – a loving loyal family man who recently celebrated his 80th birthday –subsequently my parents celebrated 59 years married. Some people don’t believe in heroes, but they haven’t met my Dad.”

Buzz off – to where?

Gary Brown – a wide experience of fatherhood

“Having five children – four sons and a daughter – as well as a newly discovered son, my experience of fatherhood is wide and varied. I have found that children are extremely adaptable to your circumstances, whether it be your job, community involvement, sporting interests or just general way of life.

Being a dad who has been an entertainer for over 30 years, it was important to find a balance with everyday life activities and, as the kids grew older, try not to embarrass them in public by your actions, or bad Dad jokes – however that’s not always achievable! As a father, I try to instil resilience and reliability, to be yourself, to know right

from wrong and treat others as you wish to be treated. This may be “old school teachings”, but perhaps fatherhood should be about the basics because, one day, it may come in handy for your kids.

I believe that a father’s role is about passing on your story, ensuring that family traditions are kept and giving children a sense of belonging – hopefully, making them proud to know you.

My kids have a supportive mother, Grandparents and Godparents, which has made my role much easier.

Sure, you’re going to have dramas, and sometimes wonder ‘why did I have kids?’ but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“Buzz off back to Africa Sanjay!”These were the words said to me in anger as I dismounted the Northern Express near Auckland University a couple of weeks ago. Apologies to the person who said this, because I am misquoting her. She used a certain word beginning with the letter F, which I am not using to maintain the prestige of our beloved Hibiscus Matters. Racists are becoming creative in their assessment of my origins. The incident happened on the busy Symonds Street where I committed the crime of standing still on the busy pavement deciding which café to choose for my morning triple shot oat-milk flat white. The lady had bumped into me in her quest to get somewhere quickly. My immediate reaction was a loud chuckle because of the sheer inaccuracy of the racism. We were in the hub of knowledge in Auckland. AUT and Auckland University are just short walks away. The least one can do is to be accurate in their bigoted assertions. I am from Pakistan so the only place I can buzz off back to is the Indian subcontinent. Although my access to the other parts of the subcontinent, is restricted because of a tiny seventy-six-yearold grudge between India and Pakistan.

Now I am a “give the benefit-of-the-doubt” type of person. On further reflection, I assumed that she might just be a history student doing a thesis on forced colonial migration patterns of the 19th century and incorrectly identified my ancestors to be among the approximately four million Indians who were brought to Africa by the colonial powers as indentured labourers of

debt to work on sugar plantations. However, in the spirit of being accurate in her racism, if she is a student of history, she should tell me to buzz off back to Africa, then to India, and then back to Africa (to be archaeologically correct with migration patterns).

Whatever might be the reasons behind what she said, it was still a shock. A usual Kiwi reaction to walking street collisions is a multitude of ‘sorrys’ by the bumper and the bumpee, no matter whose fault it is. You walk away from the incident feeling confused.

I am about to be a dad, as noted in a previous column. My child will be born in New Zealand. Whangapāraoa will be her turangawaewae, her place to stand, and Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa will be her marae. I will endeavour to raise her as tangata tiriti, a person of the treaty, who understands whose land we live on and her responsibilities to te tiriti.

At the same time, I will endeavour to pass on my experience and knowledge of our whakapapa from India and Pakistan and raise her speaking my language, Urdu, so she doesn’t lose it. She will learn Te Reo Māori as she grows because it is the language of the land, and of course, English, for which I do not think I have to put any effort in because that will be her school and university. Hefty goals but I have to try my best.

My biggest fear is how she will react when she is told to buzz off back to Africa as she dismounts the Northern Express on Symonds street. Will she contextualise it, like her nerdy migrant dad or will it distort her sense of self? Only time will tell.

BOOK HEAVEN

Whangaparāoa Methodist Church

Pre-Loved Books and puzzles

Donations of books welcomed

Monday-Saturday: 10am-4pm

76 Red Beach Rd, Red Beach | phone 426 5615

Lionel and Mayumi Hutton, of Auckland

Jodo, brought the Japanese martial art called Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo to Stanmore Bay around six years ago.

The community hall in Stanmore Bay is their Jodo dojo (a bit of a mouthful –dojo means ‘hall’) and they are offering the community a hands-on opportunity to find out more about this ancient, Samuraibased practice, which uses staffs (sticks) and swords, at an Open Day this weekend.

Lionel first tried Jodo in 2008, while living in Japan. Having already studied boxing, karate and Muay Thai, he was keen to find out more about the Japanese martial art. He says he fell for it completely. His Japanese wife, Mayumi, came along to act as translator, but also took up the practice. The pair are now both 5th dan practitioners and Jodo instructors, teaching students at all levels.

Lionel, who works in construction, says although weapons are used, Jodo is about self-development, not injuring each other.

“You learn physical things such as mind/ body coordination, flexibility and strength. Through training, you also learn about Japanese culture and values and develop

life skills such as self-discipline, respect, and humility,” he says.

The practice involves pre-arranged moves, with no free-fighting and no protective equipment, so participants rely on each other’s control.

“You start slow, with big distances from each other and as you gain experience and skills, you move closer to each other with the weapons,” Lionel says. “Mental focus and sharpening your reflexes are key aspects of what students learn.”

Fifteen is the minimum age to study Jodo, because of the need for spatial awareness, and other than that it is suitable for anyone, male or female. Lionel says his students currently are aged from their 20s to mid-60s.

He says Covid made things difficult for Auckland Jodo, and it is time to build it up again.

The Auckland Jodo free Open Day, which Lionel says will be hands-on and include demonstrations, is on Sunday, August 27 at Stanmore Bay Community Hall at 10am. Info: https://fb.me/e/138KUQzJ4 and see What’s On.

Monday-Friday: 9am-3pm • Saturday: 9am-12pm Quality

Western Reserve, Orewa • Phone 426 3596

Indisputable, 54 Oven, 57 Tussle, 64 Excellent, 65 Serious, 66 Monarch, 68 Minibar, 70 Thimble, 71 Native, 72 Crust, 74 Ensue, 76 Ulcer, 78 Myth, 79 Knot.

Jodo instructors, and married couple, Lionel and Mayumi Hutton with weapons in hand – “only my wife gets to hit me like that,” Lionel says.

Silverdale Club turns it on for Farrah competition

Silverdale Rugby Club was dressed up and looking its best when two teams contesting the championship division of the women’s Farrah Palmer Cup competition came to play there on Sunday, August 6. Much effort went into preparing the clubrooms and grounds for the day, which started with the Harbour U18 female rugby trial as the curtain raiser.

The main event was the Farrah match – North Harbour Hibiscus (a team which includes six Silverdale players, as well as one in the development squad) versus the so far unbeaten Manawatu Cyclones, whose captain, Selica Winiata, plays for the Black Ferns and the NZ Women’s Sevens. A good crowd of supporters, from both sides, turned out to cheer on the teams.

It was always going to be a big ask for North Harbour Hibiscus (NHH), currently placed fifth out of six teams on the table, but they came close to scoring twice in the first 10 minutes and the first 20 minutes of the game were very close.

NHH stayed in the fight until injuries to backline players

Moana Courtenay, Holly Williams and Hailey Beale in the second half disrupted the team.

The final score was 57-9 to Manawatu.

Global development coaches offer football inspired skills

The FIFA Women’s World Cup has given a massive boost to women’s football in New Zealand. A group of excited young players on the Coast had the opportunity of a lifetime when development coaches, including a former player in a top-notch London club, visited for a special coaching session on August 4.

Hibiscus Coast AFC was one of seven clubs and 12 schools selected out of more than 300 that registered in the hope of winning a visit from AIA Tottenham Hotspur global football development coaches Shannon Moloney and Tegan Burling. The aim is to inspire and encourage Kiwi kids, especially girls, to live healthier, longer, better lives by staying active through sport.

Shannon, who played for Tottenham Hotspur’s women’s team from 2013 to 2018, is a qualified teacher and personal trainer and coach.

“Access to female role models is so important for girls to get into sport,” she said before the training session began.

“When I grew up it was all male referees, male coaches – it’s so different now.”

Football can often be seen as a poor relation to rugby or netball in New Zealand, but Shannon said she hasn’t seen evidence of that here, pointing to the current and previous world cups, both women’s and men’s.

The 2023 event has been “trail blazing”, she said, providing heroes for youngsters to emulate.

Before they took to the pitch Shannon gave the girls an inspiring and humorous talk about life as a professional footballer – although without downplaying the challenges as well, from injury to disappointment over a loss, and even the sacrifice of getting to bed early rather than

joining friends for a Saturday night out. She encouraged her listeners to strive to reach their goals, saying the opportunities available to them now simply didn’t exist back when a career guidance counsellor said of her own desire to be a pro footballer, “That’s wonderful. How about becoming a hairdresser?”

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From left, As Manawatu takes the field, North Harbour Hibiscus supporters prepare to welcome their side with a flurry

As Manawatu takes the field, North Harbour Hibiscus supporters prepare to welcome their side with a flurry of flag-waving

Shannon Moloney prepares to kick off a special training session.

Silverdale director of female rugby, Glen Maguire, says it brought a tear to the eye when the North Harbour Hibiscus team sang Eki Koe ‘ofa ‘a’au, a Tongan hymn, at the post-match ceremony.

DOUGLAS ACCOUNTING

Classifieds

HOME & MAINTENANCE

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

SERVICES

COASTAL MASSAGE SERVICE

26 yrs professional massage experience, based in Little Manly - off street parking. Essential oils massage for relaxation and wellbeing. Ph. 020 4116 7992.

FURNITURE REMOVALS

WANTED

428 1587

HAIRDRESSING

CAN’T MAKE IT TO A HAIR SALON?

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

Over 30 years’ experience.

Contact Dexter 027 4956 436

DRAINLAYERS

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

HANDYMAN

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

HOUSE WASHING - SOFT WASH / LOW PRESSURE / CHEMICAL WASH Also Window Cleaning / Gutter Clearing Careful service, reasonable rates. Phone 021 057 9743

PUMP DOCTOR

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

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

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

HOME REPAIR SERVICES Maintain, repair, renovate. Ph Jeremy 027 237 9455.

WORK WANTED

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

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

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

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

CARS WANTED

VEHICLES WANTED Dead or Alive. Cash Paid. 0800 333 398

DVDS & VIDEOS

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

PERSONAL

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

HIBISCUS COAST COMMUNITY

RETURNED SERVICES ASSOCIATION

2023 AGM, Clubrooms, Sunday September 17, 10am. (club open 9am). Nomination for President, Vice President, Committee, and Motion/Remit forms available at Reception and must be in by 4pm 25.08.2023.

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

HIBISCUS MATTERS DELIVERERS WANTED

STANMORE BAY, 300PP: Brightside Rd, Kauri Rd, Holiday Rd, Ozone Rd, Francis Ave, Te Ruru Wy, Pea Moana Pl, Surf Rd, Hiwi Cr, Totara Rd, Leisure Centre ph Rosemary 021 0300 263 or email name, contact details & age to: hmdelivery@localmatters.co.nz

What’s on ...

1-Sept 3 Annual Members Merit Award Exhibition, Estuary Arts Centre, Ōrewa. (see story p8 & 9)

23 Two Cans for a Cup, Beans n Bites café, 2/651 Whangaparāoa Road, Stanmore Bay. Bring in a donation of two cans (or more) of food to Beans n Bites on Wednesday August 23 and receive a free hot drink. All cans will be delivered to Salt Community Trust in Silverdale for food parcels going to local families in need. Valid August 23 only.

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 shares tips on how to eat low carb. 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

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.

26 A night of rockin’ music with Blame the Cats, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7pm. Entry $10pp.

26 Community Care Fair, St Chad’s Church, in Centreway Road, Ōrewa, 11am-2pm. (see story p13)

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.

27 Meet the Candidates, hosted by Business Whangaparāoa, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 2pm-4pm.

27 Try the Japanese martial art of Jodo – Auckland Jodo free Open Day, Stanmore Bay Community Hall, Waiora Road, Stanmore Bay (opposite the school), 10am. Info: https://fb.me/e/138KUQzJ4 (see story p20)

27 Seasons Art Class Student Art Exhibition, Red Beach Surf Club, 4-6pm. Exhibition of art created by talented Seasons Art Class students. All welcome. The bar will be open.

September

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 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. (see ad p17)

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

5 Penlink O Mahurangi drop in session, Manly Bowling Club, 56 Laurence St, Manly, 4pm-7pm. Meet the team and learn about upcoming work and progress.

8 Cat Tunks and the Bootlegging Bros, Dairy Flat Hall, Postman Road, Dairy Flat, 7.30pm-11pm. Entry $12.50 (cash only). Licensed bar, BYO snacks.

8 Always Elvis, Mike Cole, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7pm-10.30pm. Entry $15pp.

8 & 9 Hibiscus Coast Orchid & House Plant Show, Ōrewa Community Hall, 10am3pm. Trading tables, raffles, free entry.

9 Talk by author Debra Gavranich, The Girl Who Left, Whangaparāoa Library, Main Street, Whangaparāoa, 12 noon.

10 Miho’s Jazz Orchestra, Parāoa Brewing Co, 2pm-5pm. Tickets from Eventfinda

To list events, email: online@localmatters.co.nz See www.localmatters.co.nz/whats-on/ for a full list of upcoming events

Pharmacy Talk with Tania

Adams

Pharmacist at Unichem Manly

Osteoporosis

We’re living a lot longer than ever before, so we need to make sure our skeletons last! One in 3 females and one in 5 males will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. So how strong are your bones and what can you do to make sure they last the distance?

Bone is a dynamic tissue that is constantly being remodelled. We reach maximum bone density and strength by the time we are 30. As we continue to age our bone mass begins to decline, so the risk of bone fractures increases exponentially with age.

Osteoporosis is a condition where a person has low bone mass and deterioration in the structure of the bone tissue. It causes such a loss of bone strength that even a slight bump or fall can lead to a broken bone. It is often referred to as a silent disease as it has no signs or symptoms until a fracture or break occurs. The good news is that lifestyle modifications can improve bone health and there are also safe and effective treatments available.

Exercises to strengthen your bones include weight bearing aerobic exercise (eg. dance), resistance training using free weights or body weight (eg. pilates) plus exercises to improve posture, balance and body strength (eg. tai chi)

Calcium from your diet is important. Low fat dairy is an excellent source. Non dairy sources include sardines and canned salmon, leafy greens and legumes. Calcium is best to get through your diet rather than using supplements. However if your daily calcium intake is low (500 -900mg/day), ask our pharmacists which supplement would best suit you as there are some safety concerns related to calcium supplements. You can calculate your calcium intake by keeping a food diary and adding up the amount of calcium in each food.

Vitamin D keeps your bones strong by helping your body absorb calcium. Over 30% of adults in New Zealand have low blood levels of vitamin D. It might sound a bit odd but the best way to get Vitamin D is actually from sunlight. Your body creates Vitamin D when the sun shines directly on your skin. Unfortunately, exposing your skin to the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and provides a conundrum in that our liberal use of sunscreen might be one of the reasons us kiwis are low in vitamin D. (sunscreens limit the synthesis) There are supplements available. Be sure to speak to one of our pharmacists about which supplement would best suit you and at what dose, especially if you are taking other medications.

Treatment includes prescription medications that work on the bone making cells and help restore lost bone and prevent further bone loss. These are available through your doctor after a consultation to ascertain your needs.

So are your bones healthy? There are several ways to test your bone mass to give you an indication of your bone health including assessment through your GP. Another way to assess your risk is by an ultrasound bone analysis through the heel. This type of analysis will: Measure the structure, elasticity and density of your bone

• Assess your fracture risk

• Give an explained graphical display of your assessment

• Jeanette from Ultrascan provides heel analysis and will be visiting Unichem Manly on Thursday, 14th September. Consultations cost $45 . Book on www.unichemmanly.co.nz or call us on (09) 424-7708

Life Memberships for Ōrewa club members

Young lifeguards take top honours

A challenging year for the lifeguards of Surf Life Saving Northern Region was reflected at this year’s annual Awards of Excellence, handed out on August 5. This year, 17 awards went to women leaders, including Lifeguard of the Year, Samantha Larson (Kariotahi Beach). At the award event, Surf Lifesaving Northern Region chief executive, Matt Williams, noted the importance of recognising volunteers who had performed at their best despite a tough year, including major weather events.

Lifeguards in the Northern Region saved a total of 269 lives across the season, with an additional 312 assisted to safety. There were 60 searches and 125 callouts.

Young people featured highly among the local award winners, with members of Ōrewa and Red Beach clubs winning both the U14 Sportswoman and Sportsman awards and also awarded in the U15, U17 and U19 categories. In addition, Ōrewa’s Tim Rogers’ work with youth saw him pick up the award for Outstanding Contribution to Junior Surf.

For the second consecutive year, Red Beach’s Caleb Archer won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Event Lifeguarding.

Local winners: Ōrewa – Outstanding Contribution to Junior Surf, Tim Rogers; U14 Sportswoman of the year, Erika Orbell; U15 Sportsman of the Year, Jack Handford; U19 Sportsman of the Year, George Wenman. Red Beach: U14 Sportsman of the year, Dylan Blanchard; U17 Sportsman of the Year, Jasper Cornish; Outstanding Contribution to Event Lifeguarding, Caleb Archer.

Benny Larsen first joined Ōrewa in the mid 1970s coming through the ranks from a Junior Lifeguard to now being a member of the Board as Director. He is also an active lifeguard.

Mark Johnston (Doc) has been a club member for over 30 years and still patrols Ōrewa Beach as a lifeguard. He has trained hundreds of new members and is also a key volunteer developing new lifeguards across the Northern Region.

Top row, from left, Ōrewa: George Wenman. Erika Orbell. Jack Handford. Tim Rogers.

Above, from left, Red Beach: Jasper Cornish. Caleb Archer. Dylan Blanchard. Photos, Ross Malyon