Hibiscus Matters_Issue 355_4 September 2023

Further work is being done in relation to the ferry, so potentially AT will not withdraw the Gulf Harbour service.

New study puts peninsula’s public transport under microscope

Auckland Transport (AT) will commission a comprehensive study into public transport on Whangaparāoa Peninsula which will include what services are needed, and the requirements for any future bus or ferry operations.

This puts a hold, albeit temporarily, on the proposal to remove the Gulf Harbour ferry service from 2028.

AT principal planner rapid transit network, Luke Elliott, says the study is a response

to the high number of submissions to its Regional Public Transport plan regarding the removal of the Gulf Harbour ferry. Just over 1300 submissions (a third of total submissions) were on that one topic – the vast majority opposed to the removal of the service. AT is also taking into consideration the 5600 signatures on the Petition to Save the Ferry.

It means that the Regional Public Transport plan signed off by the AT board at the end

of the year, is likely to acknowledge that further work is being done in relation to the ferry, so that, potentially, AT will not withdraw the Gulf Harbour service, as proposed.

Elliott says the scope of the study will include what would be needed in terms of new vessels, cost per passenger and patronage targets to make the Gulf Harbour route sustainable. Improvements, such as the possibility of a weekend service,

will also be explored.

“In the consultation, there was a focus on how high in carbon the Gulf Harbour route is, but the main factor driving the proposal to withdraw the service is its current high cost per passenger, alongside the bus service changes,” Elliott says.

He says if the ferry service is retained, once Fullers’ contract expires in 2028, he expects there would be an open tender for

Electrifying possibilities for the Gulf Harbour ferry include this vessel, which SSC Marine and Webbco can design and build specifically for the route. Photo, SSC Marine

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September 4, 2023 – Issue 355

continued from p1

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AT’s plan proposed replacing the ferry with an improved bus service, that would eventually be in electric vehicles. Elliott says the form of those bus improvements, with or without the ferry, will be something the report looks at in detail.

He says the timeframe for the study has not yet been confirmed, but that it is likely to

begin at the end of this year or early next year.

Meanwhile, once all submissions are analysed, the draft Regional Public Transport Plan will go to local boards for feedback and then to the AT board for approval in late November.

Gulf Harbour Ferry Facebook group spokesperson, Anna Thorburn, says

Ferry operators eye up Gulf Harbour route

A number of companies are showing interest in the Gulf Harbour route. At least two of them offer electric ferries, leaving dead in the water AT’s assertion that the 16 nautical mile route is not suitable for electric vessels (The electric boats that AT is currently building however, are not capable of the Gulf Harbour route).

One of the first to offer a viable electric alternative was Webbco, whose fully electric ferry was designed by the team at SSC Marine that includes Whangaparāoa resident Christian Stimson. Their ferry has been successfully operating in Wellington for 18 months.

In a submission to AT’s Regional Public Transport Plan, SSC Marine proposed building a 24m carbon fibre vessel specifically for Gulf Harbour that can take 200

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passengers. It would need a charger at both ends of the route. Webbco also presented its proposal to Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee recently.

“With reduced energy costs, it may prove possible to move to a 7-day service, offer alternative sails to destinations such as Tiri Tiri Matangi, or provide better access from Auckland city to Shakespear Regional Park and Whangaparāoa beaches,” the submission says.

Naval architect Stimson says, as a local, hearing the ferry could go had an immediate impact on him. He says while there would be issues to resolve in any ferry contract, the company could have a service up and running in three years. He says their ferry is quieter and smoother, even in rough conditions, than the diesel

the group is heartened by the number of submissions in support of the ferry and remains focused on finding ways to preserve a service for the community that will reduce road congestion and be better for the environment.

She says a further public meeting will be held to summarise feedback and discuss what needs to be done moving forward.

alternative.

“I know these waters, and this is not theoretical,” he says. “There is no way Gulf Harbour should be the first route to be cut – it should be the first to be electrified.” Also in the mix is Ocean Flyer, which plans to start operating its electric seagliders in the North Island from 2026.

Ocean Flyer partnership manager, Arsel Aslam, says the length of the Gulf Harbour route is ideal for seagliders, which start with the hull in the water, then rise onto foils as the speed increases, before eventually flying ‘in-groundeffect’ about 10m above the water. He says Ocean Flyer could operate a fast comfortable service but says the subsidy that AT provides to current operators will be key to affordability.

Ocean Flyer’s electric seaglider

Council pushes to take back power over transport

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter. Public Interest Journalism

NZ On Air.

Mayor Wayne Brown has received unanimous support to push for legislative change that would give decision making power over transport to Auckland Council.

At a Transport and Infrastructure Committee meeting on August 17, Brown proposed a change to the way decisions for Auckland’s transport systems are made. He wants council and the crown to be given joint decision making over Auckland’s transport plan, council to be granted the lead role for Auckland’s Regional Land Transport Plan, and council to be allowed to make regulatory decisions such as setting parking fines.

AT denies intentionally running down ferry services

By Laura Kvigstad,

Auckland Transport (AT) has denied speculation that it is deliberately running down ferry services in order to discontinue them.

At a Transport and Infrastructure Committee meeting on August 17, AT executives fielded questions on the further troubled waters ahead for Auckland ferry services. Fullers has decided not to renew its contract for the Bayswater, Birkenhead and Northcote ferry service which expires on October 1. Gulf Harbour and Half Moon Bay off-peak services are also being reduced or removed while new skippers are trained.

AT executive general manager Stacey van der Putten said AT does intend to continue the services to Bayswater, Birkenhead and Northcote, as soon as a new operator can be contracted.

She said AT was looking at supplementary services like buses

where ferry services were reduced or removed. Cr Richard Hills asked for a “categorical promise” that AT’s intention was to keep ferry services. “There is an assumption that we are making it bad so the numbers look bad and then we pull them,” he said.

Van der Putten denied that was the case. “There is no intention to withhold services to Gulf Harbour or any of these ferry services. Our intention is to get the proper service allocation back to where it needs to be,” she said. Chair John Watson said Gulf Harbour ferry users had every reason to believe AT was running down the service. “There was a proposal in four years’ time to actually withdraw that service – it is hard to deny that the services are being run down, that the cancellation rate is chronic,” Watson said. “For this month, [Gulf Harbour ferry services] are running at over 50 per cent cancellation rate,” he said. “I don’t think anyone in this room, or any person in Auckland Transport, would be catching any form of public transport if it only turned up one out of two times that it was scheduled.”

Council agrees $2billion flood recovery deal

By Laura Kvigstad,

Auckland Council will share the $2 billion cost of flood recovery with Government.

At the Governing Body meeting on August 24, the Mayor and councillors discussed the deal in confidence, then voted unanimously to support it, pending consultation. The deal includes $820 million for council’s Making Space for Water programme, $390 million for transport network recovery and $774 million to buy out approximately 700 residential properties.

Government will take on 62 percent of the capital cost of the Making Space for Water projects, 79 percent of the transport recovery costs and 50 percent of the cost of buy-outs.

Before the meeting went into confidentiality, members of the public pleaded for speed from council.

The Titirangi, Green Bay, Huia Stickered Residents’ Group held up orange and red pieces of paper in the gallery, reminding the body that there are people behind every stickered property.

In a press release following the cost sharing decision, Mayor Wayne Brown acknowledged the agreement had taken time but said it resulted in a much better deal for Auckland.

“I have been signalling for some time that we have some major costs coming down the pipe for basic infrastructure.

Now more than ever, as a council, we need to be thinking seriously about how we are going to focus on what matters most and getting value for our spend,” Mayor Brown said.

“These efforts to recover and build a more resilient region are expensive, and some of that falls on ratepayers, so we need to consult with them on those costs.”

Public consultation on the cost sharing deal will begin this month.

The proposal won the unanimous support of committee members.

Auckland Council is unique in that it doesn’t currently have a formal role in approving the strategic direction for transport. The responsibility was transferred to Auckland Transport in 2013, a move which the 2020 Independent CCO Review panel called “wrong in principle and at odds with the intent of Auckland’s local government reforms”. CCO Governance and External Partnerships manager Alastair Cameron recommended the best way for the change to take place would be through a local bill.

“The issue with waiting for government to begin the process is that it may never become a priority for them,” he said.

“[There is] a democratic deficit in decision making. Auckland Council is the only unitary authority in New Zealand that doesn’t have elected members – aside from the councillors appointed to the Auckland Transport board – sitting around the regional transport committee.”

Cameron said the mayor and councillors’ role in transport was effectively to decide the rate at which the people of Auckland have to pay for other people’s decisions. In the run-up to central government elections, Brown said he was lobbying politicians to support a change.

“I am pinning these buggers down on both sides to make sure that they do support this,” he said, adding that politicians were eager to support him on the issue – and that changing their minds following the election would be “a very career limiting move”.

Cr Mike Lee said Auckland Transport was absolutely unique in New Zealand.

“The whole culture of this country is based on elected people being accountable for the money,” he said. “If we are to take this role back, we have to start thinking somewhat more about the public when it comes to transport.” Lee said by taking back the role council would need to be more accountable to the public.

Cr Angela Dalton said council taking a lead role on the Regional Land Transport Plan would mean councillors would need to follow through on their commitments to climate action.

“This is actually going to be a great opportunity for us to take more responsibility and be held accountable, as much as we are holding Auckland Transport accountable for not delivering on our expectations.”

The committee unanimously supported legislative change and council staff will begin drafting a local bill.

funded through

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

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

Hot button issues light up Grey Power candidates’ meeting

It was a packed house when voters turned out in Ōrewa on August 25 to hear six party representatives make their case ahead of the October 14 general election.

Taking part were Whangaparāoa MP, National’s Mark Mitchell, Labour candidate Estefania Muller Pallarès, Simon Angelo of ACT, NZ First candidate Janina Massee, Jeanette Wilson of NZ Loyal, and New Conservative deputy leader Ted Johnson. All but Johnson are contesting the electorate. The meeting, hosted by Grey Power, attracted close to 150 people, according to the organisation’s Hibiscus Coast president, Simonne Dyer, who said it was both the best-attended in years, and the one that most reflected the “divisiveness” of issues facing voters.

Judging from applause and comments from the floor, topics that generated the most feeling included vaccine mandates,

abortion and gender-neutral bathrooms in public facilities. Local issues received little attention.

All candidates except for Muller Pallarès (who said she needed to do more research) supported scrapping the recently-passed Therapeutic Products Bill, contentious legislation that changes the regulation of medicines and natural health products. Several said it would undermine the homeopathic industry and only benefit “Big Pharma”.

NZ First’s Massee was first to touch on one of the most sensitive topics of the afternoon – the Labour government’s handling of the Covid pandemic.

“Never again must a government lock down our loved ones, stop our families from visiting grandparents, or attending funerals or mandate our doctors, nurses and midwives out of jobs,” she said, drawing applause.

Mitchell said National recognised there were times mandates were necessary, to reduce the risk to those in the community “most vulnerable to a pandemic”, but it had called for them to be lifted as quickly as possible.

Wilson of NZ Loyal – a new party established by anti-vaccination mandate campaigner Liz Gunn – called for a show of hands on whether people would accept another “experimental” vaccine if a new Covid variant emerged.

Muller Pallarès thanked those who raised their hands – roughly half the room –saying a willingness to be vaccinated “keeps other people safe”.

Dyer at one point asked the audience to “settle down”, acknowledging that “this is a very divisive issue”.

Johnson called the outgoing government’s treatment of the elderly “despicable”, saying people had to choose between being

able to heat their homes or buy food.

Angelo said New Zealand has been “bouncing from one crisis to the next”, pointing to high mortgage rates, inflation and red tape hampering growth. His description of co-governance as “racist” drew murmurs of approval.

Mitchell voiced concern about criminal trends in the area, including gang activity in Silverdale, assaults at the Hibiscus Coast bus station, and young offenders pulling knives on staff at Coast mall. He accused the Labour government of being “soft on crime”, citing its push to reduce the prison population by 30 percent and its repeal of the “three strikes” legislation, which provided for maximum sentences without parole for a third offence of specific crimes. Michell said he was in line to hold the police portfolio in a National cabinet, which would bring back “three strikes” in its first 100 days.

Local candidates face up to community questioning at RSA

Five of the six candidates currently standing in the Whangaparāoa electorate put their case for votes to a gathering of around 75-80 people at the Hibiscus Coast RSA on August 27.

The meeting was hosted by Business Whangaparāoa.

Originally the Greens were sending a representative seeking the party vote, and when they pulled out, a mainly right-ofcentre group remained – National, Act NZ, NZ Loyal and NZ First – with Labour’s candidate the sole voice from the left.

Tax, in all its forms, was a topic raised by candidates, and the audience.

While National MP Mark Mitchell, Act’s Simon Angelo and NZ First’s Janina Massee were all about reducing taxes (with Mitchell noting his party’s policy on this was soon to be released), NZ Loyal went even further. Its candidate, Jeanette Wilson, said it is a core policy for the party to get rid of income tax, company tax and GST entirely. She said instead, 1 percent of every financial transaction would be taxed.

Labour’s tax policy has yet to be released, but its candidate Estefania Muller Pallarés said tax should be taken from the higher end of the scale, noting that Labour had already raised the top tax rate and changed the way that Trusts are taxed.

Candidates were questioned on climate change with views split among the

audience. When Jeanette Wilson questioned the science of climate change there were loud interjections and cheers from the audience; and when Muller Pallares said there was no doubt that climate change is real, there were further shouts and cheers from the floor.

Angelo said Act would “raise prosperity”, as wealthier countries are better able to tackle environmental issues. Currently China, the United States and India lead the top carbon emitters.

Mitchell said National would lean into and invest in science, and have a heavy focus on renewables such as wind farms.

Massee said NZ First would work to restore biodiversity, “because economic success relies on nature – customers place a high value on sustainability”.

All candidates were in agreement that better infrastructure was needed locally to support rapid growth. Angelo pointed out that Act was the only party to oppose the government’s higher housing density plan and Mitchell said “National is committed to a 4-lane Penlink”.

Co-governance was also raised, with Massee firmly against. “The country’s name is New Zealand, and we would change all government department names back to English,” she said.

Angelo said Act supports a referendum on a “Treaty Principals Act”, especially Article

3 [focused on equal rights].

Audience members spoken to by Hibiscus Matters, none of whom wanted to be named, praised the orderly way the meeting was conducted, by MC John Davies, with several saying hearing from candidates directly was helpful as they decide who to vote for.

A number were bemused by angry references to the government’s Covid-19 response by NZ First and NZ Loyal’s candidates. “I thought we’d left all that behind,” one person

Election special coming up

said. “I am pro-choice, but mistakes would have been made whoever was in power. I wish they’d stop banging on about it now.”

“I think NZ First has lost its way a bit,” one voter said. “They could lose supporters by going down rabbit holes. Many older people prefer their news to be fact checked, and don’t spend lots of time looking for the latest crank theory online.”

The other local candidate, Craig Laybourn of Democracy NZ, was unable to be at the meeting.

All local candidates have been invited to answer questions, including on local issues, for Hibiscus Matters’ Election Feature, to be published in our next edition, out September 18. • There is another ‘meet the candidates’ event on October 12 in Silverdale – see What’s On for details.

Candidates praised those who attended the meeting at the RSA for turning up to take part in democracy.

Have your say on Māori seats

Consultation on the introduction of Māori seats onto the Governing Body of Auckland Council has begun.

Currently the Governing Body is made up of the Mayor and 20 elected ward councillors. A Māori ward councillor would make decisions alongside those elected representatives.

Any introduction of Māori seats is seen as a significant decision for a region which has the largest Māori population in the country. There are a number of other councils around NZ that already have Māori wards, or are in the process of establishing them, including the Far North District Council. Consultation carried out by Napier City Council in 2021 resulted in 1300 submissions and although over half were against Māori wards, 95 percent of those on the Māori roll submitted in favour. As a result, Napier City Council will introduce Māori Wards for the 2025 local body elections.

A key decision on establishing Māori seats is how representatives will be selected. Aucklanders are being asked for feedback on two main options – the Parliamentary

model, which would allow for one or two Māori councillors, according to a formula determined by the Local Electoral Act; and the Royal Commission model, which would bring in two elected Māori councillors and one appointed mana whenua seat –this option would require new legislation as currently there is no ability to make appointments to Council’s Governing Body. Consultation opened on August 24 (HM July 10) and can be made until September 24. The Governing Body will consider this feedback in October to decide on Māori seats for the 2025 local elections.

The feedback provided through this consultation will not be the only factor considered when making a decision. It is an opportunity for Māori and the wider public to have their views heard and considered.

There are no local drop-in sessions planned for the Hibiscus Coast, but information is available at local libraries, and feedback can be given online, or by email or post – go to https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt. nz/Māori-seats for more information.

Mayor and Minister reveal transport priorities

Mayor Wayne Brown and Minister of Transport David Parker recently announced their priorities for an integrated transport plan for Auckland, which they say will lead to a faster, less congested, more resilient and low carbon transport system. In a press release on August 26, Mayor Brown said that the network’s challenges will require legislative change and “a more integrated partnership approach to decision-making across central and local government”.

“We’ve agreed rapid transit is essential for the Auckland region and is a core priority for the Auckland Integrated Transport Plan. That includes speeding up buses, making the best of rapid transit projects that are underway and planning the next phase of the rapid transit network, including light rail,” Mayor Brown said . Minister Parker said the recently issued draft Government Policy Statement for Land Transport includes working together to implement ‘time-of-use’ charging to replace the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax, implementing dynamic bus lanes on key arterial routes and reducing traffic management-related costs. It also aims to build resilience into Auckland’s transport system by funding maintenance and renewals at a sustainable rate to improve the condition of the road network.

YourOpinion

Wrong message

Police in our schools? However well meaning, this sends the wrong message, in my view. Schools must be given the resources and skills to manage behaviour appropriately and deal with things that get out of hand. Families must take responsibility for their children’s attitudes and actions. Having police there is heavy handed in the extreme. I am glad my children are no longer at college, as having them supervised in this way during their lunchtime would have made them very uncomfortable.

Shelley Blake, Silverdale

Police in school

I have seen a lot more police around lately – or maybe I’m just becoming more conscious of them with all the talk about “youth crime”? But it’s always reassuring to see police in the streets. What I don’t understand, is why they need to be also walking around in our schools, which I saw in your last paper (HM August 21). I agree with the principal of Whangaparāoa College that it’s sad if that’s what’s required to remind our young people of the need to behave respectfully to others. I have lived in some crime-ridden cities over the years, but none of them to my knowledge had police in school.

Alicia Andrews, Ōrewa

Grumpy shopper

Your correspondent, Stewart Gilbride (HM August 21) claimed that people who doubted the wisdom of the Countdown rebrand had dubious “socialist leanings”. We then got a lecture in “Corporate Speak” with words like brand Positioning, Personalities and Values, all with capital first letters and here is me, an ordinary shopper who had no idea you had to have a degree in marketing to know what is good for us. If your correspondent had asked me, or the other letter writers, why they shopped at a particular supermarket, he may have been surprised by answers like ‘handy location’, ‘good quality products for a reasonable price’, ‘friendly service’ and not a capital letter in sight. To us it doesn’t make much difference what a supermarket is called – if we are happy with how they operate we see no reason to go somewhere else, but if we see a lot of money being spent on unnecessary window dressing

instead of giving a fair deal, we have every right to be grumpy, whatever our political leanings may be. I also find comparing NZ with countries like North Korea offensive.

Marian Stolte, Ōrewa (abridged)

Doctors at last

Hibiscus Matters recently published an article about two students, Yasmin Nouri and Andrew Wilson from Whangaparāoa College, who were completing their PhD studies at the Malaghan Institute in Wellington (HM May 29). Here they are, fully fledged PhDs resplendent in their gowns at their graduation at Otago University on August 19.

Vicky Ross, Red Beach

Wise walking

Stanmore Bay School had their second Walk to School day for the year on Thursday, August 24. Last time around 200 children walked to school, this time there were closer to 300. Teacher Marie Brown says the idea is to create a sense of community – families, teachers and police officers walked with the children from different points. Marie says the school has a few regular Walking School Buses and is also hoping to encourage more people to join those or create new ones. The children were asked to bring a reusable cup and when they got to school they got a Milo served by teachers. They also wrote their names on apples which were put on the Travelwise tree to show how many children walked to school.

The Hibiscus Coast Embroidery Guild is having a busy year. The 33-strong club is celebrating 25 years since it was formed in 1998. To mark the occasion, there was a recent display of work at Ōrewa Library, and on August 26 a celebratory lunch at Wade Bar and Bistro, pictured. Foundation members Anne Bell, left, and Val Hayward cut the cake. This month, members will be among 10 guilds that have work in The Embroiderers’ Art regional exhibition at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa. That show is on from September 7-24.

From top, Whangaparāoa Community constable Sam Webb, front, was among the police who walked to school with the children. Travelwise leaders and teacher Marie Brown

Statues connect family to Waiwera

There has been a lot of nostalgia for days of fun at Waiwera hot pools, following the demolition of the facility, which began last month (HM August 21).

Someone with a closer connection to the pools than many is Simon Ware of Red Beach, whose grandfather, William (Bill) George Ware, made the animals, including elephants and seals, that were part of the water features.

That was before Simon was born, and his grandfather is now long gone, but Simon says it would be nice to save at least something of his past before it’s too late. “The family still has some gnomes he made. I believe he made frogs, seals, elephants, lions and turtles for Waiwera, at his shop in Onehunga. Sadly, the last time we managed to go before the closure, the lions were dumped in gardens and the seals and elephants were the only ones still working, but in poor condition.”

Asked what he would like to see happen to the remaining pieces, Simon says that is a hard one.

“I would love to take at least one of each,

as they are never going to be able to be replaced and he made these himself,” he says. “The others may be good to keep within the Ōrewa/Waiwera area somewhere where they could not be damaged – such as a community centre maybe. They will always be a great part of history and talking point.”

As reported in the last edition of Hibiscus Matters, the Waiwera Residents Association has been told the elephants and a seal will be saved from demolition and may be part of any future development or, if not, given to the community.

2181 East Coast Rd, Silverdale

The popular elephants have a close connection with a Red Beach family.

Bill Ware

Building prowess acknowledged in Masterbuilders awards

There’s no doubt builders are busy locally, and some of their hard work was rewarded when the winners of the recent Masterbuilders Auckland/Northland/Coromandel regional awards were announced. This year, there were 82 homes entered from around the region. The top 100 entries, including gold medal winners, will now be re-judged for the national awards, which will be announced on November 25.

Local gold winning homes

Sustainably Stanmore

CWB Construction took a gold in the New Home - $1.5$2 million category for a home in Stanmore Bay. The accessible home is designed for family life, the judges said. The house is also set up for a sustainable future, with solar panels and an EV car charging station.

Weiti winner

Moore Construction Company won a gold medal and the New Home – $2-$4 million category for a home in the new Weiti Bay subdivision. The home is made up of six pods, connected by decking and enclosed walkways, which judges described as “Like living in your own resort”.

Gold for Maddren

Maddren Homes, of Silverdale took out the top regional award – ‘Supreme House of the Year – under $1 million’ for a home the company built in Waimauku, pictured, right. Maddren also won its category and took a gold medal. The judges praised the “high standard of craftsmanship” and ‘the wow factor’ that starts with the Oamaru stone entranceway.

One out of the box

Legendary Homes, won gold in the New Home $750,000$1 million category for a 5-bedroom home in Wainui that includes a Shaker style kitchen described by judges as “one out of the box – nothing plain and minimalist here”.

And the silver goes to

Manly double-header

A home in Manly earned a silver for JRA Construction in the New Home $1-$1.5 million section. It is made up of two pavilions clad in black metal sheeting.”Every detail has been considered,” said the judges. “Including a mini archway leading to a pet door, so even the owners’ pets can enter in style.”

Business

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

Decisions, decisions

Few things in our life, and in our businesses, will affect us more than the quality of our decisions.

Brendan Coghlan

Ōrewa Sands Retirement Living

Abig plus for the Coast’s latest retirement village, Ōrewa Sands, is its location – alongside the 16ha Alice Eaves bush reserve and a short walk from Ōrewa Beach.

Currently, the sounds of construction work dominate during the working day but owner Brendan Coghlan says once tools are down, birdsong and a tranquil atmosphere quickly take over – and will be a big attraction for future residents. The complex is being developed in three stages, with the 42 apartments and common areas of stage one due for completion in a few months.

Eventually Ōrewa Sands will feature 115 apartments and 20 care suites.

Residents will have plenty of recreation opportunities. Common areas provided include a cinema, day spa, bowls lawn, gym, men’s shed, putting green and communal vegetable garden. An activities room is expected to offer yoga, tai chi,

indoor bowls and a pool table. There is also a hairdresser, restaurant, café and bar for residents and their guests.

Another feature of the facility is resilience. Brendan says the earthquake strengthening went above and beyond, with steel piles going deep into bedrock.

“We have very safety conscious engineers,” he says.

The location, by Nukumea Stream, also required the buildings to be raised 1.5m above ground level.

Exotic plants, including bamboo, have been removed and will be replaced by thousands of natives – including rewarewa trees. Swamp kauri found during excavations will be offered to iwi for sculpture. Known for residential developments, this is Ōrewa developer Brendan’s first retirement village.

“Together with Senior Trust, I am excited to be building an active, supportive, retirement community,” he says.

We make decisions every day, some small and unimportant, some critical and lifechanging. Yet very few of us have been formally, or even informally, trained in how to make better decisions. It is not my intention to train you all on how to be better at making decisions, more to ensure you understand some of the pitfalls and the reasons we all make poor decisions from time to time.

There are many “models” of decision making – just Google it and you will find references to all sorts of diverse systems and processes that authors think we should be following. But good decision making is more basic than learning and trying to execute process, it’s more about understanding why we make bad decisions.

The biggest reason for making poor decisions, be it in life or in business, is that we are unintentionally stupid. We all like to think we are rational and capable of interpreting information in a non-biased way, but unfortunately that’s not the case! We all have biases, and our life experience has moulded and shaped those into the decision-making machine we are today. Knowledge of those biases before making a decision may help, but we are never far away from doing something dumb. If we are tired, overly focused on a goal, rushed,

distracted, or under the influence of a group of dominant characters, we are even more likely to make the wrong move. So, when making an important decision, make sure all those environmental factors are in your favour. And give thought to your own biases, beliefs and assumptions.

This is not easy work, but it is critical to improving decision making. Think back to bad decisions you have made in the past and reflect on why you made them. What biases pushed you towards stupidity?

In business, we need to accept that we will never have all the information we need to make the best decision. If we wait for all the information, it will likely be too late, so there will always be a level of assumption. If we have good information, our assumptions will be fewer but stronger, and as a result our decisions will be better.

So be very critical of the information you do have – be critical of its source, explore it, question it, test it.

If your business is facing challenges, if the current environment of uncertainty is causing you to consider making businesschanging decisions, then the best advice is to involve others in any decision-making process. The more complex or critical the decision is, the more people should be involved. The more perspectives you can consider, the more information you have, the more questions you can ask, the better your decisions will be.

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Council struggles with roaming dog numbers

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

Auckland Council staff are investigating expanding Council’s three animal shelters, including the one in Silverdale, as they are all at capacity.

At the Governing Body meeting on August 24, regulatory services director Craig Hobbs said there has been an explosion in dog numbers.

“There are 130,000 known dogs out there at the moment – ie those that have come through our system – but we believe, anecdotally, that there’s probably twice that number in Auckland that we don’t know about,” Hobbs said.

He said over the Covid-19 lockdowns there was no desexing so there was an explosion of puppies and many Aucklanders had taken on dogs while they were working from home.

“They [owners] had the time and capacity to put into them. They are now back at work and those dogs are being left to their own devices.”

Cr Daniel Newman asked if council needed to expand the animal shelters they currently have, particularly council’s Manukau animal shelter.

He said the Manukau shelter is completely full and he did not know how council was keeping up with the number of animals coming into the shelter.

“We are euthanising about 3000 dogs a year out there [in Manukau] now. I have been out there, it is like a prison,” Cr Newman said. Hobbs said that council is at capacity in all three of its shelters – Silverdale, Manukau

and Henderson – and the euthanasia figures were “sad but accurate”.

“We are actually returning animals, as soon as we pick them up, directly to their homes because we can’t accommodate them at the shelters,” he said.

“The shelters are not there as a ‘doggy daycare’. They are an [ambulance at the] bottom of the cliff intervention and therefore the conditions aren’t great for animals.”

Hobbs said staff are investigating expanding all three of the animal shelters but it would require capital expenditure that would need to be considered in the council’s long term plan (budget).

“We lease an animal shelter in Pukekohe to Waikato District Council. We are looking to potentially bring that back to increase our capacity,” he said.

In October last year, Hibiscus Matters reported that Silverdale’s animal shelter was overflowing with puppies and dogs that needed to be re-homed, following a spike in numbers resulting in part from Covid-19 lockdowns.

Early Years Canoe & Kayak and Roof Rack Centre

Early Years owner Michial Wood is baking muffins at her early childhood education centre in Stanmore Bay when Hibiscus Matters arrives to meet her. All around are the sounds of children enjoying their day. Qualified early childhood teacher Michial loves this lively atmosphere – she and husband Lawrence have four children, aged 9-17 years, and they also take in foster children, so it’s busy at home too.

“Family holds great importance to us,” Michial says. “And our goal is to cultivate a family atmosphere at Early Years.” She has always wanted to care for children, having grown up in a large whānau. She began her training as a teenager, straight from school, and has been in the sector ever since.

This is the couple’s second centre – they

previously had one in Christchurch. Early Years is a small, independent business that caters for up to 40 children, aged 0-6, with five teachers and a facility that includes space for all kinds of learning, woodwork, art, water play and a dedicated space for the under-twos. There are two outdoors areas, and the location at Blue Heron Rise, provides easy access to a nearby park – visits there are loved by the children, Michial says.

The centre follows a child-led philosophy in which children are respected – inspired by Reggio Emilia and the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) beliefs of Magda Gerber.

“There is also a nice mix of different cultures in our centre, which makes everyone in the Coast community feel welcome,” Michial says.

‘More paddling options’ is the immediate answer to the question why Canoe & Kayak recently moved to Silverdale from Whangaparāoa.

Customers can rent a kayak, and wheel it to the top of the estuary (on the industrial side) for a paddle down the Weiti River to Dacre Cottage and Okura.

Owner Pete Townend says they have also found Keith Hay Court, in Silverdale Village, more central for their customers. While Pete, and store manager Paul Weymouth, both “live and breathe kayaking”, the company also sells and fits roof racks, and roof boxes, and Pete says this is a huge part of the business.

Their range, which features Yakima, Thule and Rhino brands, includes platforms, awnings and rooftop tents.

As far as kayaks go, sit-on models remain popular, as well as fishing kayaks – “catching a free feed is big around here,” Pete says. For the more adventurous, there is a wide range of sea kayaks including Delta, from Canada.

Pete, who has been paddling for nearly 50 years, says what makes kayaking special is connecting not only to nature, but to people. “The paddling can be as restful, or as adrenalin fuelled as you want, but magic that happens when you sit around a bonfire together,” he says.

Encouraging people to get out and have those experiences on, and off, the water is something Paul and Pete enjoy, and they provide training for paddlers, as well as guided trips to see things such as the Coast’s famous bioluminescence.

Michial Wood

Paul Weymouth, left, and Pete Townend

Coast schools not prioritised for safer speeds

Auckland Transport’s draft Speed Management plan 2024-27 has put eight Hibiscus Coast schools at the bottom of the pile when it comes to introducing safer speed limits.

The intention of the plan is for most schools across the region, to have 30kph speed limits, either permanent or variable, introduced over time but a report by Healthy Auckland Together, a coalition of groups advocating for safe and healthy environments, highlighted that Ōrewa Primary and College, Red Beach School, Whangaparāoa School and College, Wentworth Primary and College, and Gulf Harbour School have been left out of this phase of the rollout.

“The safety of children in Tāmaki Makaurau will be heavily impacted by which suburb they live in and which school they attend,” the report said.

However, an AT spokesperson says although those schools were not in the current consultation document, or previous phases of the Safe Speeds programme, they will be included in the next phase.

“Our target is to install safe and appropriate speeds outside all schools by the end of

2027,” the spokesperson says.

According to the report, 100 percent of schools in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Manurewa and Waiheke are proposed to have (or already applying) some form of speed restriction; the vast majority are also set to see safe speed bubbles applied. Waiheke has already had most of its protections implemented as part of previous phases of the AT speed-management plan. The timing of the rollout was because of existing infrastructure, the AT spokesperson says.

“Some schools already have electronic signs capable of showing 30kph and those changes can be made early on because the infrastructure is already there. Others have older, or no, electronic signs, and will need new ones installed, which could push them into later stages of delivery. Permanent speed limit changes will need new signs and road markings so they may also need to be installed in later stages. We will look to roll them out in a way that makes sense and doesn’t leave small gaps between areas with different speed limits, to minimise confusion for drivers.”

Speedy arrest of fleeing driver

Three people were quickly taken into custody after a driver sped away from police in Silverdale early on Monday, August 21. Waitematā North area prevention manager, Senior Sergeant Roger Small, said at around 2.18am, police noticed a vehicle they believed had been stolen. “The vehicle attempted to ram the police unit before taking off at high speed,” he said. A pursuit was initiated but quickly abandoned near Wainui due to weather. Shortly after, the vehicle was spotted by the Eagle police helicopter travelling along the Kaipara Coast Highway. It was then abandoned. “The occupants fled into nearby bush but two gave themselves up to police and the third was tracked using Delta,” Snr Sgt Small said. He said the vehicle was later towed to a site for forensic examination. Three people aged 15, 16 and 17 were referred to Youth Aid Services in relation to the incident.

Our gorgeous gift shop is located in a tiny Victorian summer house in the grounds of Orewa House. Call in for a delightfully unique shopping experience.

All natural skincare, candles, crystals, jewellery and other lovely treasures.

Open Friday to Sunday 11am to 3pm

498 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa | 027 618 1996

WE’RE BACK AND WE’RE SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCES.

We’ve re-opened in Orewa, and our passion for creating special travel for you is stonger than ever. We’ve learned a few things, we know the best way to do this well is to get close-up and personal about what you want most out of your journey. Make an appointment now and we’ll match you up with the agent best suited to your destination. If you call in we’ll ask you if you have made an appointment, because our team are already working with people who want the best out of their travel experiences.

Surprise bonus for hard work

Donna Taylor, of Hibiscus Coast Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren, was recently the recipient of ASB’s Good as Gold award, a regular segment on TV1s Seven Sharp that rewards people serving their communities.

The whole process was sprung on Donna, when she thought she was attending one of her organisation’s regular coffee gettogethers at Walnut Café in Ōrewa.

“All these people were there, and a TV crew, so I wondered what was up,” Donna says. “It was such a surprise – everyone knew about it apart from me.”

The $10,000 that Donna received is tagged for a holiday. It’s so long since Donna went on holiday, or left the country, that she doesn’t have a current passport.

Donna, who lives in Gulf Harbour, has been the Grandparents support coordinator since 2018. She took on the role with long experience raising children, including being a foster carer. She says she discovered early the importance of a solid support network around parenting.

Currently she is raising an 11-year-old, while also “giving her heart” and all her time to ‘the Grans’, who she says are also part of her family.

There are 79 families being helped by Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren –a total of 130 young people living from Mangawhai to the North Shore – and

Donna knows them all.

Her work is around the clock, whether it’s helping with transport, food, clothing and bedding, access to grants, court attendances, or just holding someone’s hand as they deal with large amounts of stress.

A lot of it calls for liaising with community support groups such as Love Soup, Salt Trust or the Salvation Army, as well as seeking the sponsorship of businesses to keep the Grans going through hard times. “Grandparents become parents for many reasons, but it usually involves heartache, trauma and stress,” Donna says. “It’s a hard road – many are on a pension, but this totally disrupts any retirement plans. Some have to go back to work, they struggle to pay the bills associated with raising a child, and need to learn about tech – it’s a whole new world.”

It’s hard for her to think about taking a break, but since she got the ASB money, she says she is starting to dream about it. Several options are on the wish list –perhaps a cruise, or a trip to a sunny Pacific Island with her 11-year-old.

“I guess everyone deserves a break,” she says.

For info about Hibiscus Coast Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren, look for them on facebook, or email hbcgrandparentsinc@gmail.com

Donna Taylor’s selfless support of local grandparents has earned her a holiday.

Man putting mullet where his mouth is

Like many others, Ryan Port of Tindalls Bay decided to do without a DIY haircut during lockdown, and has been growing his auburn mullet ever since.

“I don’t like haircuts, so it just went on, after lockdown was over,” he says.

Someone told him, ‘your hair would make a cool wig’, and that got him thinking.

The 44-year-old sales team manager looked into what could be done with his hair for charity, and decided to donate his locks as a fundraiser for the Child Cancer Foundation.

“It’s a charity that makes a real difference, doing practical stuff like helping families get to treatment from out of town with petrol vouchers and accommodation,” Ryan says. The first local hair salon he went to, Rodney Wayne Whangaparāoa, was keen to help and one of their stylists will prepare and cut his hair on Saturday, September 9 at Beer Spot in Coast Plaza at 11:45am.

The hair needs to be around 30cm long, so it has been a mission for Ryan but he’s ready.

He says his two girls, aged 15 and 11, will miss having ‘a hair theme park’ to play with, once the hair is gone.

“I don’t really care what it looks like when it’s cut – I’m happy to leave that to the professionals,” he says.

He has already raised $2200 and the company he works for, Mars NZ, ran a quiz night and put in an additional $1500. A work colleague baked scones and added another $150.

“It’s been great to see that support,” Ryan says. “It’s easy to think you can’t do anything about things like child cancer, but every little bit helps and as a bonus at least one kid out there will get to live the dream of being a ginger!”

The page, https://childcancer-fundraising.org.nz/ryan-port remains open for donations.

THE GARDENS APARTMENTS

Wear a wig and help a child

The Child Cancer Foundation is asking Kiwis to don a wig on Wednesday September 13 to support tamariki with cancer and their families. At least three children are diagnosed with cancer every week. Treatment often means they need to brave the world with no hair. Wig Wednesday is a fun day where people can support these kids by wearing a wig, styling a funky hairdo or shaving their head while raising money for the foundation. “So far, we have had hundreds of incredible Kiwi schools, workplaces and community groups sign up to get wiggy all over the country,” foundation’s chief executive Monica Briggs says. “We are so grateful for their dedication to raising money for these whānau during what has been a difficult year for many Kiwis.” The impact of Cyclone Gabrielle and the cost-of-living crisis has not only caused an increased need for the foundation’s support services throughout 2023, but it has also affected its ability to raise vital funds to provide these services. “This is where New Zealanders’ generosity becomes a real lifeline. The foundation needs to raise over $200,000 this Wig Wednesday to provide emotional, financial and practical support to tamariki with cancer and their whānau. Every dollar raised for Wig Wednesday makes a difference,” Briggs says. “Please help us raise vital funds and awareness by wearing a wig this September 13 or making a donation to help Kiwi families impacted by childhood cancer.” Sign up for Wig Wednesday or donate today at wigwednesday.org.nz.

Regardless

As

Ryan Port will say goodbye to his mullet, for charity, this week.

Best Bakes

Ice-cream sandwiches with a twist

If you love ice-cream, these make a great treat or dessert all year round. Makes 8

1½ cups plain flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp ground mixed spice

½ cup desiccated coconut

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup soft brown sugar

¼ cup white sugar

½ tsp salt

200g butter

1/3 cup golden syrup

¼ cup molasses

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 tsp baking soda

Vanilla ice-cream

½ cup toasted desiccated coconut

40g crystallised ginger (finely diced) plus extra for decorating

Preheat oven to 160°C.

Line two baking sheets with baking paper. Mix all the dry ingredients and crystallised ginger together and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat melt the butter, syrup, molasses, and vanilla, swirling the pan until the butter starts to foam and turns golden brown.

Watch it carefully, so that it doesn’t burn. Cool slightly, then whisk in the baking soda. It will foam even more – that’s what we want. Scrape the butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Combine well. Take two tablespoons of mixture at a time and form balls. Place them on lined baking sheets, spreading them evening so they don’t touch.

Bake for 14 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before serving. Now turn them into ice-cream sandwiches, Place a dollop of ice-cream in between two cookies. Gently squeeze until the ice-cream reaches the edge of each cookie. Roll the sandwiches in the toasted coconut with finely diced crystallised ginger to give them a pretty look. Eat straight away or store in the freezer until you’re ready.

27 Buccaneer (6)

28 Tranquil (6)

33 Hot-air travelling (10)

35 A shout to frighten (3) 36 Radio crackle and hiss (6)

37 Male deer (4) 39 Pledge (3)

41 Pressured into doing (7)

42 Breakfast fare (6)

43 Amateur (9)

44 Hessian (5)

45 Happy-go-lucky (8)

50 Company (abbr)(2)

51 Troops on foot (8)

55 Fan-shaped river mouth (5)

58 Rule of personal conduct (9)

59 Silver tray (6)

Youth Voice

Caitlin Watson, caitewatson@gmail.com

Hopes high for youth turnout

It’s election season – time to get out and exercise our right to vote! You’ll probably be tired of the voting cliches, “young people are voting for their future”, “every vote counts” and “don’t vote, don’t complain” – so I won’t labour any of these points further. However, there are a few other things one should acknowledge regarding voting in the lead up to the 2023 General Election.

The art of floral design on show in Ōrewa

Fashion and flowers come together in an event to be held in Ōrewa this month.

The Floral Couture show features floral art designs – the work of members of 11 Auckland clubs who are competing for the title of Designer of the Year.

Most of the floral art pieces are made at the venue, Ōrewa Baptist Church, and will be judged by three judges.

The next day, the public can come in to view the designs and there is also a fashion parade in the afternoon featuring wearable art.

There will also be a trading table of plants, raffles and a silent auction.

The event is held annually, and last came to Ōrewa, hosted by the local Hibiscus club, in December 2020. This time around

it is being put together by the Floral Art Society NZ. Its Vice chair/secretary, Maggie Kensington, says the aim is to have fun with flowers and attract new members to floral art clubs.

The theme of ‘couture’ is reflected in the competition categories, which include ‘bright and funky’, ‘barely there’, ‘cha cha cha’ and ‘razzle dazzle’.

A section where works are made ahead of time, called High Society, will feature decorated shoes and handbags.

Some of the most dramatic designs will be in the Open category, where works can be as tall as a person or higher.

The show is open to the public on September 13 at Ōrewa Baptist Church, 11.30am-2pm. For more details, see What’s On.

Firstly, if we look back at history, we see that the vote was not an accessible freedom that every citizen had the right and privilege to use. In 1852, the New Zealand Constitution Act (UK) created a General Assembly – an appointed Legislative Council and a House of Representatives elected every five years by only males aged over 21 who owned, leased or rented property of a certain value. In 1879 universal male suffrage was introduced and in 1893 all New Zealand women won the right to vote. It was much later down the track that Parliament reduced the voting age; in 1969 to 20 years of age, and in 1974 to 18. We must not take for granted the journey we have been on as a nation. From only being able to vote if you are the owner of land worth at least £50, to a right that anyone over the age of 18 can enjoy, regardless of the size of your investment property portfolio or gender!

Secondly, did you know that youth are becoming more engaged? In the 2020 General election the official voter turnout was 82.2 percent, the highest since 1999, and the final enrolment rate was 94.1 percent, the highest since 2008.

However, the biggest gains in turnout was in the younger age groups. For the 18 to 24-year-old age group, 43,293 more voted in the 2020 election. Since 2014, the turnout of enrolled voters in this age group has increased 15.3 percent. The younger people are when they start voting, the more likely they are to be voters for life, which ensures the health and vitality of our democracy. Thirdly, and on a more practical note, to the 8173 voters enrolled to vote between the ages of 18-29 years old in the Whangaparāoa electorate – and any non-enrolled voters (it’s not too late to enrol), the question is, do you feel well informed to cast your vote?

It can be easy to vote because of a family tradition or judge candidates based on the aesthetic design of their hoarding. However, it is important to be informed and know that the candidates and parties seeking representation care about the issues that matter to you.

On that note, you are warmly invited to a relaxed ‘Whangaparāoa Young Voters Meet the Candidates’ event on October 12, 7pm at Northern Union – everyone is welcome!

Finally, the upcoming general election is not just a democratic exercise, but an opportunity for young people to ensure their concerns are heard, their dreams are acknowledged, and their voices are part of the national conversation.

And perhaps it may sound a bit cliche, but voting is truly an act of care for our country and communities; a responsibility and a right we should never take for granted.

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The Botanic Silverdale, Auckland

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

In 2020, Angie Ng of Ōrewa won the Junior and Colour awards.

Summerset Milldale selling off plans now* .

Summerset Milldale is excited to announce our first release of homes are selling off plans now.*

Once complete, the village will offer a range of independent homes to choose from including a variety of villa types. Plus, we will have a wide range of care options, including serviced apartments, a care centre and our industry-leading memory care centre. All safe and secure within a fully gated village community.

Summerset Milldale is located close to Silverdale and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in one of Auckland’s newest and most affordable suburbs. It will offer the perfect retirement lifestyle, close to beaches, cafes and shopping, everything the Hibiscus Coast has to offer. Visit our sales office today to discuss the range of homes and floor plans for the first release, with our Sales Manager, Nicola Redmond.

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feature. backyardbotany

Garden goes undercover

– by Dee Pignéguy –

This year my small plot summer garden, full of beans, corn and tomatoes was decimated by Cyclone Gabrielle’s high winds and incessant rain. Anything left standing in the mud was consumed by army worms the following month (HM July 10)

Changes in the patterns of temperature, precipitation and carbon concentrations are increasing noticeably and the climate chaos and unseasonal weather has completely changed my gardening practices.

As a result, we have built a small-scale protected gardening environment, which will ensure our home garden plot produces the necessary vegetables regardless of adverse weather, pests, or the season.

Laserlite, which is designed to withstand harmful UV rays, rain and hailstones, was the ideal material for covering the roof and sides, while a heavy grade recycled plastic framed in the bottom and was used, along with tin, to form the raised gardening beds. The enclosed raised beds were 800mm across and 1m high, and filled using the hügelkultur method. First, rotting woody materials were covered with tree trimmings, banana leaves and stems, branches, garden waste material, grass clippings paper, cardboard, and leaves. A layer of wood chips then provided a base for a layer of a mixture of chicken poo and horse manure,

on top of which compost material from the worm farm and compost bins was added. Finally, well-rotted compost and quality garden soil topped up the beds providing plenty of nutrients for the plants while the wood chips decompose.

As the wood and natural materials decay over time, beneficial bacteria, fungi, and the soil food web work to create immense biodiversity in the soil and release nutrients that feed plants over many years. The rotting wood absorbs and retains water and the decomposing plant materials generate some heat keeping the beds warm. This method also provides a fantastic way to up-cycle plant waste. All in all, an ecologically friendly method of food production.

The beds are 1m high, so I no longer have to bend over to tend the garden, the wind chill has been eliminated and daytime temperatures in the protected environment often reach 25°C, although night temperatures drop to about 12°C. If needed, I could use a plastic covering over zucchinis and pineapples.

All organic processes are temperature related, so this enclosed area will not only allow for intensive growing but will also provide a reliable year-round supply of a variety of vegetables, many grown out of season.

I will now be able to demonstrate many

more ways to garden more sustainably in The Survival Gardening Workshops that I run.

Imagine being able to garden in the middle of winter in your bikini in your purposebuilt protected garden – Club Veg at your doorstep!

This is an addition to my garden – I still have my outside spaces. It will take time for the compost material in the protected garden to break down, providing enough soil for things with deep roots, like carrots.

The beauty inside the protected area is that the soil temperature is already nice and warm and even though temperatures drop at night, the ground stays warm for quite a while. All the plants that need heat – tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini and pineapple for example – will be grown in the protected space. As well as tree tomatoes and hopefully papaya.

It will also allow early plantings like zucchini and hopefully keep tomatoes and eggplants producing well into the autumn.

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

Grass Seeds

Sleepers

Pothole Mix, Builders Mix

Drain Coils

Tree Stakes

Firewood (DELIVERY ONLY)

Addicted to orchids

‘Too many is not enough’ must be the philosophy of Pouline and Mike Morley, whose orchid and houseplant collection is almost taking over their Stanmore Bay home.

The couple are members of the Hibiscus Coast Orchid Society, and will have plants in the show that is on this week in Ōrewa.

As their children left home, a bedroom was taken over by orchids and African violets, with ‘grow lights’ installed that run all day. There is an outdoor shade house, and in the lounge, houseplants fill every corner. The front deck is home to dozens of potted specimens and their garden is packed with plants.

“I used to have cacti, but got sick of digging prickles out of my hands, so now I stick to succulents and hoyas,” Pouline says.

She says it takes her a day to water everything and check on the plants’ health. Mike and Pouline have lived in Stanmore Bay for 30 years. Their orchid obsession began when the children were young, and Pouline would attend orchid shows and occasionally buy a plant.

Semi-retired truck driver Mike was quick to get on board, after Pouline “dragged him to an orchid show”, several years ago – it was his idea to join the local orchid society. They particularly like Dendrobiums, Cattleya and slipper orchids, but can’t name some of the species they grow – there are just too many.

The weather this year has caused problems with the flowering cycles of the plants, and slugs and snails are eating the flowers of outside plants, Mike says.

They have been keeping a close eye on every orchid that is budding, so they can bring the flowering ones to the show. Living surrounded by plants is just how they like it.

“We always say ‘we have got no more room’,

but then we find some!” Pouline says. The Hibiscus Coast Orchid & House Plant Show, is on September 8 and 9 at Ōrewa Community Hall, 10am-3pm. It includes orchids and houseplants for sale. More info: see What’s On.

Thriving Hibiscus garden club gearing up for spring contest

The Ōrewa Garden Club is preparing for its annual Spring Show, a highlight of the year for a vibrant group that marks its 45th birthday next year.

The September 14 show at the St John’s Catholic Church hall will see entrants compete for placings in 14 classes including orchids, succulents and bromeliads, and for two top trophies.

From fewer than 10 members meeting in a home in 1979, today the club holds monthly meetings in the church hall, with numbers capped at 125 due to the venue’s size. There’s even a waiting list.

Members are mostly women, but men are welcome, with two such hardy souls among the current crop. An 18-strong committee oversees everything from catering to first aid. Activities include speakers, competitions

and two popular bus trips a year. Members also do voluntary gardening at Harbour Hospice, and Youth in Transition’s retreat in Waitoki.

Club secretary Valma Pettit joined about five years ago, after moving into the area.

“My reason for joining was that I’d go to the supermarket and there wasn’t a smiling face, no-one to talk to or exchange a greeting with,” she says. “So I thought, gosh, you’ve got to join a club, get to know the locals.”

Five years on she sees friendly faces everywhere – and “shopping takes double the time!”

Linda Mellor was also a newcomer to the area. Invited by a neighbour, she went onto the waiting list before being able to join four years ago. Now she’s the club’s newlyelected president.

Asked whether this year’s exceptional

rainfall may affect the standard of the competition, Linda says it’ll be interesting to see what entries are presented, but points out that when it comes to the weather,

gardeners are “all in the same boat”. The show is open to the public, $5 at the door. For more details, contact: orewagardenclub@outlook.co.nz

From left, A former bedroom now has special lights to provide perfect conditions for orchids to thrive. Slipper orchids (foreground) are among the couple’s favourites. Pouline and Mike Morley in their shade house.

Club president Linda Mellor, left, and secretary Valma Pettit, at Linda’s home in Ōrewa.

Green Thumbs

Dr Lynsey Ellis, Ōrewa Community Garden lynseymellis@gmail.com

Spring ready

Spring is finally here. Let’s hope the soil has retained a lot of that rain to support our gardens to flourish through what is predicted to be a dry summer.

Now is a good time to get your garden ready for spring planting, by top dressing with compost on all your beds and perhaps adding some blood and bone or seaweed mix.

You can make your own, by keeping seaweed and water in a bucket for a couple of weeks then diluting it to the colour of “tea” to add to the garden.

You may also want go out after dark and hunt down some of the slugs and snails who have been flourishing in all this wet weather – this will keep their numbers down ahead of the spring planting season.

I can see it’s Spring because my almond tree, pictured, has started to flower, always a lovely sight at the end of winter.

Don’t be fooled by the sunny days as the nights are still getting quite cold. Don’t get over excited to plant out your lovingly grown seedlings just yet – they will probably die off if you plant out too early. That said, there is still time to get some of the hardier crops in the ground. Remember you can plant lettuce, silverbeet and potatoes pretty much all year round here on the Coast. I also planted out some more cabbage, broccoli,

carrots, beetroot, spinach and silverbeet recently.

If you want to get sowing indoors in the greenhouse or a windowsill, you can start now with chilli, capsicum, courgette, coriander, cucumber, eggplant, tomatoes, sweetcorn and spring onions.

In the community garden, we have been having some challenges with cauliflower and broccoli going to seed too soon (also known as “bolting”). This is because of the unfavourable weather of late, causing the plants to be stressed. You can still eat the flowers and stems, but they are not as nice and taste a bit woody. If this is happening to yours, you have a couple of options: let them flower, as the bees will love them, or cut them back and wait for smaller shoots to emerge (broccolini) which can be harvested. Cauliflower don’t seem to be putting out shoots, so the plant is spent. We are putting these through our compost.

We have permission to extend the community gardens so will be making some new garden beds. If you want to see how we set them up, follow our Facebook page, Ōrewa Community Garden Volunteer Group www.facebook.com/ groups/1314310782363823/

Or come down to the garden on Saturdays, 9.30am to 11am.

Happy spring planting.

Relax & put your feet up ....

Photo, Lorry McCarthy

Park concept approved

A little neighbourhood park and play area in Ōrewa took its next step towards completion last month, when the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board approved the concept design.

The land at 86 Harvest Avenue was purchased by the council for a neighbourhood park in the 2016/2017 financial year as part of a subdivision. Housing has already been completed around the reserve, but the reserve itself is currently a grassed area with a concrete footpath.

The park that will be built is designed to provide the surrounding residents with a green space and somewhere to take the children to play as this is a high growth area.

At the local board’s August 22 meeting, a final budget of $805,000 was approved. The reserve is just under 3000sqm, and what will be included in the space involved public consultation.

Council staff say this feedback informed the design, including recognition of issues

such as neighbours overlooking the park, and noise.

Feedback from children was also taken into account, in relation to the choice of play equipment. The concept design for the playground caters for children aged 0-13 years and will also provide sensory and all-inclusive play elements. It includes largely timber equipment for a more natural look, including a seesaw rocker, carousel and swings. There is a musical bridge, talk tubes and a timber and net climbing frame with treehouse deck and slide as well as a wheelchair accessible trampoline set. Specimen and fruit trees will be planted but, although local board members expressed a preference for shade to be provided by trees, shade sails are proposed over part of the play area. Partial fencing will be put in due to a busy road by the park.

The project is expected to take around a year to complete.

w Backstories www.localmatters.co.nz

HM June 27 and October 17, 2022, June 26, 2023

Couple’s books tackle leadership and parenting in digital age

Manly couple Heather and Dan Lake have done a lot with their lives so far, but this year saw both embark on a new journey, publishing books on two subjects close to their hearts – one on leadership, the other on being a mum in the digital age.

“I’d always said I’d like to write a book,” Dan says, calling the Covid lockdowns – a time when many people thought they’d try something new – as a “prompt” to begin the project. Leadership was an obvious choice: his Master’s thesis had focused on leading the millennial generation.

Small and square, Dan’s A Good Leadership Book: On Clarity, Culture, & Communication doesn’t resemble the typical fare occupying the business leadership shelves. It’s packed with bitesized wisdoms on making a meaningful difference in leadership – “like your daily leadership vitamin,” suggests Heather. Among the more intriguing chapter titles – “How to be a toxic boss” (a disclaimer advises readers not to apply literally).

“Under no circumstances should you celebrate success,” it deadpans. “No-one is perfect, and it’s your job to point out how.”

Dan grew up locally, attending Ōrewa College and Mahurangi College, and describes the region’s stunning coastline as “my real sweet spot”.

Following a stint as a bungy jump instructor, work with a faith-based youth NGO took him from the US to Africa and then Asia, where he and Heather met in Taiwan. They married in her native Illinois, before returning to NZ five years ago, with one-year-old and three-year-old daughters in tow.

For Heather, navigating motherhood in an era of clicks and ‘likes’ led her to write Motherhood Unplugged: Confessions of a

Wannabe

InstaMom

On the challenges facing parents when it comes to social media, she recalls the pivotal Lord of the Rings moment when Gandalf turns to face the monstrous Balrog and declares “You shall not pass!”

“He was running from this great evil and then realised that he was the one who had the power to stop it.”

Mums today have the power to act as “guardians and gatekeepers” on their children’s tech use – just as they decide what to feed and dress them – yet many don’t feel confident “just saying no”, she says.

“If you put a screen in front of a child, that’s going to be more interesting to them than a plant, or a puppy. But I want them to be

interested in a plant or a puppy. There’s so much joy in the world to be had.”

The book offers advice to mums about their own social media use, including perceived pressures to present a “perfect” image online.

“There’s this feeling that, as parents, I have to put my whole life out there. While I’m busy holding my baby I’m taking a photo – look at my baby’s room that I’ve set up!”

Wouldn’t it be great, Dan says, if instead of trying to take “perfect pictures of our kids” every few minutes, we chose instead just to be “present”.

“We live in such a beautiful part of the world. If we’re so plugged into our devices we can miss the beauty we have right in front of us.”

Win these books

Hibiscus Matters has one copy each of A Good Leadership Book: On Clarity, Culture, & Communication and Motherhood Unplugged: Confessions of a Wannabe InstaMom to give away. A Good Leadership Book is available at Whitcoulls, Nationwide Books, and through amazon.com.au and Motherhood Unplugged at amazon.com.au To go into the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and phone number with A Good Leadership Book or Motherhood Unplugged 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 September 22.

Heather and Dan Lake have dedicated their first books to each other – and to their girls.

Rainbow colours accelerate police inclusiveness

You might have seen this colourful police car around the Hibiscus Coast, and wondered about its rainbow colours.

The car is one of three in the country, originally unveiled by NZ Police in 2018 for the Pride Parade. The cars were originally not expected to be a permanent addition to the fleet, but instead of returning them to standard police colours, they were retained. Recently the Waitemata District got one –the others are in Auckland and the South Island.

Senior Constable Bryan Ward says it was a no-brainer to bring it here. Snr Constable

Ward has been a national Pink Shirt Day ambassador for years, and says the car is a great addition to the local fleet.

He says the vehicle acknowledges the relationship between police and the rainbow community, as well as the commitment to increasing diversity within the force.

The rainbow car will be out and about on patrol every day, as well as making an appearance at special events.

“It’s been very well received,” Snr Constable Ward says. “We’ve had only one negative reaction – most people want photos taken with it, and are asking us what it’s all about.”

TDl'S CORNER

Dairy Flat School had a mufti day and bake sale to raise funds for Daffodil Day. Tindalls Garden preschool raised more than $100 for Daffodil Day, with a colourful pop of yellow spreading joy on

Yellow flower power

The NZ Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day street appeal was held on Friday, August 25, with pre-schools and primary schools among the biggest local supporters, with colleges such as Wentworth and a number of businesses also involved. Support by the public meant that Daffodil Day street collectors were not the only ones wearing yellow clothing, hats and costumes. Donations can be made until the end of this month at any ANZ branch, anywhere a daffodil day QR code is displayed or online at daffodilday.org.nz

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A small Early Learning Centre where children are nurtured in a warm and loving atmosphere. Excellent teacher/child ratios with care and education provided by well qualified and dedicated teachers. A centre where the aspirations of the parents are sought and worked towards by the teaching team. Surrounded by native bush, the bird life is a constant part of the environment. Tui’s, Kereru and Riroriro sing in the trees and are visible throughout the day. In line with the centre’s philosophy the older children enjoy excursions to the local beach. Free sessions 9am-3pm for 3 year olds and over.

With an early promise of spring, the sun came out on Daffodil Day for volunteers Lorraine and Grant Waldrom of Ōrewa, and local supporter, Marian Harkness.

Dairy Flat School Stanmore Bay School, Rooms 7 and 8.

Tindalls Garden

Help for healthy hearts

A local organisation, Heartbeats Charitable Trust, is at the forefront of a new programme designed to reduce re-admission and mortality rates for heart attack survivors.

Heartbeats founder, and heart attack survivor, Trent Lash of Whangaparāoa, says the story in Hibiscus Matters’ back in 2019 got the organisation off to a strong start. Initially the group was focused on supporting locals who had had a heart attack, cardiac surgery or a pacemaker implant.

It has built on that and, in June, partnered with the University of Auckland’s Health and Rehabilitation Research Centre, to launch Heartbeats Cardio – a gym and community-based programme which Trent says is a game-changer.

“There are cardiac exercise based programmes delivered by the public healthcare system, but this takes it further and longer – and has wrap around services, based on overseas programmes,” he says.

Programmes that Heartbeats Cardio is based on have reduced re-admission rates by up to 28 percent within the first 12 months, post discharge, Trent says. At this stage it is offered only at the University of Auckland’s Newmarket campus, and 70 percent of those going through the programme are Heartbeats members from the Hibiscus Coast or Warkworth. However, Trent says the aim is to scale it up as funding allows.

Heartbeats Cardio is delivered through qualified clinical exercise physiologists over a 12-week period. It features ongoing clinical monitoring and assessments, personalised programmes tailored to each individual’s heart condition, combined with professional diet advice and mind-

body counselling with peer-to-peer support from Heartbeats’ network.

Dr Paul Marshall from the University of Auckland’s Health and Rehabilitation Research Centre says the programme can greatly improve the quality of life for cardiac patients.

There are cardiac exercise based programmes delivered by the public healthcare system, but this takes it further and longer – and has wrap around services, based on overseas programmes

“Harnessing the expertise of clinical exercise physiologists to design personalised exercise programmes puts Heartbeats Cardio at the forefront of cardiac rehabilitation and prevention in Aotearoa,” he says. “The programme is a testament to the power of compassion, science, and collaboration in crafting tailored care plans. Together with Heartbeats, we want to make a profound difference in the lives of those living with heart conditions, empower our communities to embrace proactive cardiac care, and foster a path to lasting wellbeing.” Funding so far has come through donations and private support and the Trust is now seeking sustainable funding to scale up the programme throughout Auckland.

Heartbeats Cardio info: www.heartbeats. org.nz/cardio/

Heartbeats’ support programmes include meetings, talks, and a Heart Buddy matching platform. Info: www.heartbeats. org.nz/atrial-fibrillation-guide-heartbeats/

FEATURES AND FACILITIES

Wellness Centre with pool, gym and salon Library, lounge, activities and billiard rooms Café, bar and covered outdoor terrace Nestled on the stunning Hibiscus Coast Care Suites opening soon From

New course supports disability coaching

Milldale resident Mitch Joynt is back home and focused on his dream of a spot in next year’s Paralympics.

Joynt had his right leg amputated below the knee 10 years ago, following a wood chipper accident. He has been sprinting competitively for six years.

At the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris in July, the 28-year-old broke an Oceania record with a time of 23.32 to finish third in the 200m T64. (HM July 24). The placing guarantees a slot for NZ at this event in next year’s Paris Paralympics –Mitch’s selection awaits final confirmation by Paralympics NZ.

“If I end up being a Paralympian for New Zealand, there’s not many things I’ve wanted more than that. It’s something I’d cherish for the rest of my life,” Joynt says. Meanwhile, he is happy to be back working with his coach, Hamish Meacheam. The pair want to see more people put their

hand up to coach people with a disability and they are right behind a new initiative launched by Paralympics NZ. Called LevelUp, it is a series of online modules for sports coaches, funded by ACC.

The modules are designed to help coaches gain the skills and confidence to coach disabled athletes.

Meacheam says it is a much-needed toolkit for learning how to coach people with a disability.

Meacheam first spotted Joynt when he completed the Auckland Marathon in 2017, and has played a huge role in his progress since. However, he says he and Mitch made a lot of mistakes along the way so, for any coaches looking to support Para athletes and potential para-athletes, LevelUp will help reduce those errors.

Paralympics NZ chief executive, Greg Warnecke, says LevelUp is an important

resource for the sector. It is free and accessible and you can learn in your own time, at your own pace.

“It removes a barrier that has stopped disabled people from being able to participate in sport,” he says. “The initiative has been borne out of coaches telling us that they are scared of doing the wrong thing, or they don’t know how to coach disabled athletes. LevelUp will help them coach effectively and creatively – and most importantly give them the confidence to include everyone,” he says.

The programme consists of modules –once you complete the first two, there are seven additional impairment specific modules.

Disability Sport Auckland figures show there are currently around 250 of its members taking part in disability sport in Auckland.

Info: https://paralympics.org.nz/levelup/

Tennis love

The annual Love Tennis open days are coming to local clubs on Sunday, September 10, 10am-4pm. Love Tennis provides an opportunity for the public to see what their local club has to offer and try their hand at tennis, free of charge. There will also be tennis fun activities, a barbecue and giveaways. Local clubs participating include Ōrewa Tennis Club, in Victor Eaves Park and Whangaparāoa Tennis Club, in Edith Hopper Park, Manly. Contact your local club to find out more, or just rock up on the day and join the fun.

• Located at 1669 Dairy Flat Highway, under 1 km from the Silverdale on-off ramps. • Set in a rural lifestyle setting, nestled between farmland, it provides one of the largest landscaped outdoor spaces at a NZ Early Learning Centre. •Leading edge, modern purpose built facilities with an environment that matches the quality of education and care provided.

From left, Mitch Joynt, coach Hamish Meacheam and former Para athlete Keegan Pitcher.

Mitch Joynt and coach Hamish Meacheam.

Photos, Alisa Lovrich

Cooking challenge getting creative with leftovers

A ‘Masterchef inspired’ cooking challenge is coming to Ōrewa for the second time.

The last time the Great Big Rescued Food Cook-off was held on the Hibiscus Coast was in 2019 and co-organiser Pip Beagley of Love Food Hate Waste says more than 50 people took part.

“It was great fun,” she says.

The real challenge of the event is not just to cook and share delicious food, but that the teams of cooks will be presented with a ‘mystery box’ filled with rescued food –the kinds of things people have in their cupboards and fridges.

The event is a collaboration between Love Food Hate Waste NZ, EcoMatters Environment Trust and Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste.

Pip says ‘loving your leftovers’, instead of

wasting them, is an important skill to learn – not just for the household budget, but also for the environment.

The Rescued Food Cook-off is being held on Friday, November 10 at Ōrewa Community Centre.

To take part, gather a team of five or six friends, family or colleagues and bring your favourite tipple, along with your picnic set (cups, plates and cutlery) – everything else is supplied.

There will be spot prizes, and the winning team will be rewarded with a hamper filled with goodies.

Doors open at 5.45pm for teams to set up their spaces, with cooking starting at 6pm. This event is free, but there will be a koha bucket for a local charity.

Pre-registration is required, and open now at https://bit.ly/45QSXio

From left, Love Food Hate Waste’s Pip Beagley and Joanne Smart.

Green scene

John Stewart, SOSSI info@sossi.org.nz

THE scor EBoArD

ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

SUPPORTING LOCALSPORTFORFIVE YEARS AND RUNNING

Long walks for little penguins

aRoundup of spoRTs acTiviTies in THe disTRicT

T HE scorEB oArD

ADULTS SOCIAL BADMINTON

Every Wednesday Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre 9am -11am, $5 per session. Contact Nick Fraser 021 433 299 email nickf69@slingshot.co.nz

SURF LIFESAVING

Find out more about Red Beach Surf Club and register your child for the upcoming season at the club’s Junior Surf Open Day on Sunday, September 17, 1pm-4pm. Junior Committee members on hand to answer all your questions. Info: www.redbeachslsc.com/.../membership-registrations/

CRICKET GRANTS

This season ANZ Cricket Grants is making a fund of $100,000 available to help pay cricket club fees for young kids from families who could benefit from extra support. Successful applicants will receive up to $80 towards their fees, which will be provided in the form of a voucher to redeem when registering with NZ Cricket. Applications are open now at www.anzcricketworld.co.nz, and remain open until September 22. A maximum of two children per family can benefit from the subsidy.

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

ŌREWA CROQUET CLUB

I was recently reminded of the ancient joke which starts ‘Why did the chicken cross the road?’ although my prompt was from a visitor who asked, ‘Why did the penguin climb the hill – it seems a huge effort just to rest up for a few hours at night?’.

And it’s true that our kororā/little penguins do sometimes walk a long way inland and uphill.

The Department of Conservation’s website suggests they may walk as much as 1.5km and climb to 300 metres above sea level.

Trail cameras at Shakespear Regional Park and on nearby Tiritiri Matangi Island have recorded kororā coming ashore just after dark and walking and climbing far inland. The misconception in the visitor’s question was that they do so, just to rest up. What they are doing is searching for, and finding, their chosen nest site and then guarding it from other penguins.

perfectly acceptable sites, the kororā clearly have different ideas about what makes a good site and are prepared to work a bit harder to get there.

Having chosen their site, they then put quite an effort into keeping it. Anyone who has spent a night trying to sleep while nearby duelling kororā fight over land rights will know what I mean. Disputes are very loud, can last for many minutes and sometimes come to blows as the residents fight to repel invaders. Struggles can continue over many nights.

Last season on Tiritiri Matangi we found two

ToTalspan Rodney

Come and see if croquet is for you. Golf croquet is played Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Association on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Coaching programme and mallets available. Info phone 09 426 3506 or Pixie 021 0249 5910 or visit 43 Hatton Rd, Ōrewa

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

229 sTaTe HigHway 1 waRkwoRTH pHone 09 422 3149

pHone 09 422 3149

On Tiritiri Matangi there are records of nests underneath the buildings near the lighthouse, under the boardwalks, in drainage pipes under roads, in holes under flax clumps, among tree roots, under the wharf, in crevices and holes in rocks, from cliff tops right down to just above the high tide level, and even in wooden nest boxes provided so we can monitor their progress.

So, while some birds select sites right on the coast, others choose to walk far inland, so far indeed that it is a sensible question – surely they could find a suitable site closer to the shore? But, while I might judge that some birds walk far beyond what appear to be

eggs pushed out of a nest box (no adults were present). We put the eggs back in the box, but next day they had been pushed out again. This was likely a dispute between pairs over ownership of the box. There didn’t seem to be a winner, as the box was then abandoned.

Mainland kororā populations are believed to be declining, mainly due to attacks by dogs and other predators, by road kills, loss of their nest sites to developments and, at sea, to set nets. They do much better at places like Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear Park.

Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

Disputes are very loud, can last for many minutes and sometimes come to blows.

The team, from left, Kiri, Patrick, Mandy, Olivia & Karlene. Inset, Gelise and Chanika.

DOUGLAS ACCOUNTING

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

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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

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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.

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

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

SERVICES

FURNITURE REMOVALS

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

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

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

CARS WANTED

STORAGE SPACE

DVDS & VIDEOS

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

PERSONAL

BIG HEARTED MALE. FIT AND HEALTHY. Seeks company of financially comfortable woman to take care of her every need. Ōrewa central. Ph Antonio 027 313 2017.

PUBLIC NOTICES

HIBISCUS COAST COMMUNITY RETURNED SERVICES ASSOCIATION 2023 AGM, Clubrooms, Sunday September 17, 10am. (club open 9am). Nominations have closed.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Played 1pm Every Friday, Clubrooms Bowls Ōrewa, Ph 09 426 5937

60’s UP MOVEMENT, HIBISCUS COASTMeetings are held 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10am at the RSA in Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa. Outings 1st Wednesday of month. Ph Gloria 027 386 2339 SILVERDALE NAVAL CLUB, Meet Hibiscus RSA, Vipond Road, 3rd Sunday of each month, 15.00 sharp. Alex Watson 021 953 891.

WORK WANTED

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

HIBISCUS MATTERS DELIVERERS WANTED

Hibiscus Matters is a fortnightly paper, pays good rates and you have 4 days to deliver. If you are like walking and wanting to get paid for it ph Rosemary 021 0300 263 or email name, contact details & age to: hmdelivery@ localmatters.co.nz

THE HIBISCUS COAST RSA are looking for donations of family friendly games (all ages) board games, card games, ie: Twister, Connect 4, Guess who, Bananagrams, Pick up sticks, etc. If you have any games that are in good condition and have all their pieces, please contact Moninne 424 9026, email: moninne@hbcrsa.org.nz or drop off at 43a Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay. RED BEACH FRIENDSHIP CLUB Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, Hibiscus Presbyterian Church, 107 Centreway Rd. We enjoy bus Trips, Interesting speakers and dinners. Come along and make new friends. Ph Colleen Murray 021 112 3409. FREE COMMUNITY MEAL at St Chad’s Hall 5pm last Sunday of each month. Just come along, corner Florence Ave & Centreway Rd, Ōrewa All welcome.

86 Humid, 87 Adept, 88 Daylight robbery, 89 Fever.

DOWN: 2 Landed, 3 Swill, 5 Ugly, 6 Louvres, 7 Nobody, 8 Strut, 9 October, 10 Kite, 11 Upturn, 12 Rapid, 13 Steeple, 14 Slumber, 18 Auctioneer, 23 Motif, 24 Stratum, 26 Enlarge, 27 Proviso, 29 Extinct, 30 Pagoda, 31 Obese, 32 Kitten, 34 Glut, 36 Sward, 38 Giddy, 40 Data, 45 Copse, 46 Raiment, 47 Fact, 48 Employ, 49 Bliss, 50 Cashier, 52 Footlights, 53 Nervous, 54 Ripens, 55 Devotee, 56 Fluke, 57 Lens, 62 Sells, 67 Request, 68 Scholar, 70 Sapling, 72 Proverb, 73 Retina, 74 Stereo, 75 Revise, 76 Added, 78 Octet, 80 Louse, 82 Feel, 83

What’s on ...

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

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 Rd, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Entry $15pp.

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.

6 All day event at the Theosophical Society, corner of Forest Glen and Annalise Roads, Ōrewa, starts 10.45am. Subjects include Synthesis of Healing and The Group Soul. Entry $10 including lunch and a cuppa. All welcome. Info, phone 09 427 0149.

7 Movie Night: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 in support of Harbour Hospice, Hoyts Hibiscus Coast, Link Crescent, Whangaparāoa, 5.30pm. Tickets: $28pp, https://harbourhospice.org.nz/event/movienight-hibiscus-coast/

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 Rd, Stanmore Bay, 7pm-10.30pm. Entry $15pp. (see ad p25)

8 & 9 Hibiscus Coast Orchid & House Plant Show, Ōrewa Community Hall, 10am-3pm. Trading tables, raffles, free entry. (see story p22)

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

13 Floral art design competition, show and ‘wearable art’ fashion show – Floral Couture, Ōrewa Baptist Church, Ōrewa, 11am-2pm. Trading table, silent auction and raffles. Entry $5, $40 for fashion show entry. Info and tickets: contact Maggie, email jm.ascot@xtra.co.nz (see story p19)

15 Arthritis and Inflammation Workshop with Tania Adams, pharmacist from Unichem Manly, 10am-11am. RSVP at WhangaparaoaLibraryEvents@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

15 Crowd Pleasers, Dairy Flat Hall, Postman Road, Dairy Flat, 7.30pm11pm. Entry $12.50 (cash only). Licensed bar, BYO snacks.

20 George "The Bishop" Thomson, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

21 Ranger guided walk, Alice Eaves Bush, Ōrewa, 10am-12pm. Free. Meet at Kensington Park entrance to reserve. Info: Anna Baine, mylocalpark@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

22 Chet O’Connell, Dairy Flat Hall, Postman Road, Dairy Flat, 7.30pm11pm. Entry $12.50 (cash only). Licensed bar, BYO snacks.

22 Trivia Quiz Night, Manly Bowling Club, 5.30pm. Fundraiser for Estuary Arts Centre extension. Book a table of 6 or 10. Info: www. estuaryarts.org or email admin@estuaryarts.org to book

23 Tribute to Summer in support of Harbour Hospice, Ōrewa Arts & Events Centre, Riverside Road, Ōrewa, doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start. Live music by DNA, Win a Weekend Getaway prize draw and more. Nibbles included, cash bar.Tickets: $40pp, https:// harbourhospice.org.nz/event/tribute-night/

24 Ōrewa Beach Wintery Festival, Moana Reserve, 12pm-3pm. Snow play area, wintery swim, food trucks, clown and face painter. Cash and spot prizes for best dressed swimmer, best belly flop. All welcome.

27 Sharón Blow, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

30 Penlink O Mahurangi drop in session, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 10am-1pm. Meet the team and learn about upcoming work and progress.

30 Two Flat Whites, a Mocha, and a Hot Chocolate, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7pm-10.30pm. Entry $10 per person.

See www.localmatters.co.nz/whats-on/

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

Whangaparāoa College takes premier netball crown

North Harbour’s college premier netball grade has new champions, after Whangaparāoa College took the title last month.

It is the first time in the school’s history that it has won the premier grade. The college, which is considerably smaller than many of its rivals, such as Rangitoto, Westlake and Carmel, last made the North Harbour premier final in 2017, when the team placed second.

In this year’s final, on August 19, Whangaparāoa played Rangitoto Premier 1 team, and lead from the second quarter, before winning by six goals, 33-27. Team manager, Kristy McCullough, says the key to success was hard work, grit and determination.

“They also went into it with heart, pride and the desire to win,” she says. “The girls wanted to do it for their school, and all the supporters.”

She says the work of coach Jenna Brown was also crucial to the win. Jenna played in Ōrewa College’s winning team in the late

1990s, so she has now both played in, and coached, a winning team.

Mostly made up of Year 11 and 12 students, with just three Year 13s (including three North Harbour rep players) Whangaparāoa College’s premier netball team is a young side, which bodes well for next season too. Some have played together since Year 5, and Kristy says that connection to each other and having fun has been a big factor in gelling so well as a team.

Local support came in many forms, from Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre’s Julie Bish, who put the team through six weeks of preseason Grit training, to business sponsors such as Midway Carpets and Ze Build.

The team will pick up their trophy and gold medals later this month, and meanwhile they are off to Hamilton for UNISS.

A full school assembly, the week after the win, including a haka by students from the college’s bilingual unit, He Kupenga Rua a Tāne, was a moving tribute to the team’s success.

Tuis in tutus

The final Primary School games were played at the Hibiscus Coast netball courts in Manly on August 23-25, with players dressing up for the occasion. It has been a busy season for the Hibiscus Coast Netball Club, with 28 Year 3 and 4 teams, and 35 Year 5 and 6 teams, taking part in the round robin series of games. However, the Coast netball season is not over yet, with a 6-week Spring League on offer, starting October 18 and going till November 22. Any primary, intermediate or college teams are welcome to register and there may also be an adult social league, on Saturday mornings. Info, and to register a team, www.netballnorthharbour.co.nz. Pictured are members of the Ōrewa Primary Tuis team at their final game on August 23.

Talent, belief, hard work and local support were the recipe for Whangaparāoa College’s win. Photos, Jayden Murdie