Hibiscus Matters_Issue 356_18 September 2023

Surf club celebrates $2m grant ... p27

Recruitment begins for ‘volunteer army’

Real estate agent Ben Gibson has been making a name for himself on the Hibiscus Coast, as a helpful guy.

At the start of this year, he began offering free labour, for five hours at a time, to individuals and community groups. Now he hopes to take this initiative further, creating the Coast’s own ‘volunteer army’, which could offer free labour to residents and businesses during the aftermath of things like natural disasters.

Ben is prepared to do almost any outdoor work, bringing his own tools and equipment

to get the job done, and using DIY skills learned from his father-in-law. So far he has notched up around 105 hours of free work – from shifting shells off the ramp at Ōrewa Beach after Cyclone Gabrielle to weeding, water blasting, clearing guttering, painting and hedge trimming for local residents. He painted the bathroom at the Ōrewa Guide Den.

“I’m a bit of an Energiser Bunny when I get going,” he says. “Many older people tell me that the jobs I’ve done in five hours would have taken them six months.”

His aim was to provide his services in every street in central Ōrewa, and he has almost done so.

Although it gets his name as a real estate agent out there, and generates goodwill for his profession, he says the main reason he is doing it is to make a contribution.

When he completes the work, he gives everyone he helps a children’s book that he loves called Have you Filled a Bucket Today, by Carol McLeod.

“I am genuinely filling my own bucket by

doing this,” Ben says. “It’s also good that my kids see me doing something with no expectation of a return.”

Now he wants to take the project to the next level, with a community outreach –asking members of the community to join him in donating their labour. The first community Five Hours of Free Labour is on Saturday, October 7 at Ōrewa Beach Primary School.

There, he and hopefully a team of

They want your vote! Local candidates seeking to represent the Whangaparāoa electorate are, clockwise from front left, National’s Mark Mitchell, Labour’s Estefania Muller Pallares, Jeanette Wilson of NZ Loyal, Act’s Simon Angelo and Janina Massee of NZ First. Also standing in the electorate is Democracy NZ’s Craig Laybourn. Our Election Feature is on p17-21.

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18, 2023 – Issue 356

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September T H E S O L U T O N

volunteers, will be doing a range of small jobs identified by teachers, including water blasting, cleaning, planting trees and painting.

Ben hopes to do two larger projects like this, each year. Inspired by the Student Army that began after the Christchurch earthquakes, he also hopes to eventually have a group of willing volunteers on hand, who can be called upon to work together for the community when flooding or other events happen locally.

If you can help at Ōrewa Beach School, or would like to be part of the Coast’s volunteer ‘army’, contact Ben by emailing Ben. Gibson@harcourts.co.nz or via these links: www.facebook.com/orewaBeachRealEstate www.instagram.com/orewabeachrealestate/

Ben Gibson wants the community to help take his five hours of free labour to the next level.

Time ticking for Ōrewa postal services

NZ Post’s time at Ōrewa Paper Plus will soon come to an end.

The idea is that postal services bring customers in store, but Francis says any such benefit was outweighed by the costs.

“Costs are going up, and the return from NZ Post is going down,” he says. “I looked at it closely because I understand the community impact and the importance of the service – but you can only subsidise it so much. It also takes up a fair chunk of my store that could be used for other things.”

He says since Covid-19 there have also been a small number of aggressive NZ Post customers to deal with.

Ōrewa Paper Plus advised NZ Post that it

will end their contract on October 20.

Sarah Bentley M: 021 285 1898

sarah.bentley@harcourts.co.nz Harcourts

Cooper & Co Real Estate | Licensed Agent REAA 2008 | Whangaparaoa Road, Manly

If nowhere is found in Ōrewa for the postal service, the nearest ones will be Red Beach and Silverdale, although they are post only

and neither has a bill and car registration paying service. The NZ Post Agency in Whangaparāoa Paper Plus, in Coast Plaza, has the bill paying option available. Last week, NZ Post confirmed it is in discussions with a potential provider and will release further information in the near future.

NZ Post has been looking for alternatives in Ōrewa, which include Ray White Real Estate which is moving to the former ANZ building in Ōrewa next month.

Community help needed to repair historic church

One of the Coast’s most historic treasures, the Holy Trinity church in Silverdale, is literally falling down with neglect.

The work needed to fix the 138-yearold building is estimated to cost around $300,000 and raising that sum has been left to a small group of parishioners.

Fundraising committee member, Lynette Walker, says it needs to be pulled apart and reconstructed, from the ground up. The church, tucked away behind a block of shops alongside Stella Maris school, is still used for regular services, as well as occasional weddings and funerals because of its picturesque, heritage looks. However, you can see daylight through gaps in some of the walls and there is a lot of rot visible. In places, the woodwork can be pulled away.

Retired builder and Holy Trinity parishioner, Ernie Moffat, helped to maintain the church for around 15 years, until he became unable to do so. He built the little cottage and toilets alongside in 2009.

He says the foundations began sinking in one corner almost from the time the church was moved from its former site on Silverdale Street to the current site – nearly 20 years ago. That decline has added up over time.

“This land was a swamp, and the foundations have not held up,” Ernie says. “And everything else is showing its age.

I did a lot of patch-up work, replacing windowsills and sashes, but it’s well past that stage now.”

Adding to the cost of repairs is the fact that the church has a Heritage NZ Category 2 listing, and also has protection as a Category B historic building under the Auckland Unitary Plan.

Any work has to meet strict heritage standards.

“You can’t just bang in a new window frame,” church custodian Chris Moffat says.

Penlink progress raises key questions

Construction of the O Mahurangi Penlink road and bridge, which began in January, is on target, with work in Whangaparaoa, mostly within Cedar Reserve (opposite New World Whangaparaoa) ramping up next month.

It includes building a stormwater culvert under Whangaparāoa Road, but no road closure will be needed.

Major works on this part of Whangaparāoa Road, including the new intersection, are not projected to begin until 2025.

Questions raised with Hibiscus Matters when our journalist attended the recent update session in Manly were about whether the route would be changed to four lanes, and not tolled, following a change in Government. National is committed to 4-laning the road, if elected (HM September 4) and the party’s transport spokesperson, Simeon Brown, told the paper in July that National will reconsider tolling (HM July 10).

In response, a Waka Kotahi spokesperson says that the modelling shows that two lanes is sufficient to meet demand out to 2048 and the road has been futureproofed, including the bridge, to hold two-lanes for general traffic and two bus shoulder lanes, plus the shared user path. Four lanes will add significant extra cost. Although full analysis of not tolling the road has not been done, costings in Waka Kotahi’s business case show it could cost approximately $18m-$29m to upgrade infrastructure if the road is not tolled. Other questions raised related to possible noise for nearby homes once the road is operational. Waka Kotahi has an updated noise assessment report that is currently being reviewed by Auckland Council, after which Waka Kotahi will make it available to Hibiscus Matters

O Mahurangi Penlink is estimated to be completed in December, 2026.

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Lynette says the fundraising committee is starting from absolute zero. The Anglican Dioscese of Auckland, although it owns the church, does not pay for maintenance, which is left to the local parish. Diocesan manager, Sonia Maugham, says this is because “the buildings are for the benefit of the local community”.

Lynette says this has left the parish with a huge mountain to climb.

“Our congregation is small, and some are very elderly, so we need the wider community’s support,” she says.

Penlink Q & A

The fundraising committee is holding a public meeting for anyone who can help – local businesses, the wider community, anyone with fundraising ideas or options, on Saturday September 30, at 2.30pm at the church. Refreshments will be provided, and the meeting begins at 3pm.

“This is the oldest church on the Coast, and we really need help,” Lynette says. “As a historic place, it is of wider value than just to Anglicans, or churchgoers, and we will be so grateful if the community can support us in any way they can.”

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Around 80-100 people attended a Penlink update session on September 5 at Manly Bowling Club. Key questions included: • Why Whangaparāoa intersection is not a roundabout Waka Kotahi responded that when there are higher levels of traffic, as there will be on and off the route in the rush hours, roundabouts are not as efficient as traffic lights. Lights also improve access and safety for people walking and on bikes. “There is a need to protect the function and performance of Whangaparāoa Road as a key local route, which includes public transport and connection to the local shops,” the Waka Kotahi spokesperson said. • Traffic impacts during construction The road will predominantly be built ‘offline’, however Waka Kotahi acknowledges that there will be impacts on Whangaparāoa Road getting goods to and from site, and larger impacts later in the project when the road is connected with the new motorway. Waka Kotahi says it will share more detailed information on this when it is closer to impacting road users. “There are also alternative routes such as Brightside Road,” the spokesperson says. • Pricing and toll gantry locations – info at www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/penlink/tolling/ The next Penlink update drop-in session is on Saturday, September 30 at the Hibiscus Coast Community RSA in Vipond Road, Whangaparaoa, 10am-1pm (also see What’s On).

The historic church needs major work. Church custodian Chris Moffat shows just one of many areas that are rotting away.

New block in front of Nautilus consented – but will it be built?

A second option for developing 7 Tamariki Ave in Ōrewa – directly in front of The Nautilus apartment block – has come to light, and been granted resource consent.

Nautilus developer Rick Martin, of K Rd Investments, owns the building (now known as Coast HQ) and last year applied to demolish it and build an eight-storey high block of 73 apartments and ground floor retail (HM May 16, 2022).

That proposal was deemed by Auckland Council to require full public notification, and the applicant then put it on hold.

Since then, K Rd Investments has put in a new application, this time for a five storey building (20m) comprising 55 short-term visitor accommodation units and a rooftop garden.

Level 4 of the proposed building will extend above the podium of the Nautilus. The consent decision states that privacy for Nautilus residents will be maintained by glazing and screening and that only the three east-end apartments of the Nautilus building, on levels 4, 5 and 6, will experience some shading during the early morning hours from the proposed building. This application was granted by Council, without public notification, on May 17. The site was put up for sale in recent months and whether or not that consented development eventuates will therefore be up to the new owner.

Last week real estate agent Dylan Turner of Ray White told the paper that negotiations are being finalised with a potential purchaser. Turner would not name the interested party, but describes them as “a local community stalwart”.

He expects that the sale could be completed by the end of next month.

wBackstories www.localmatters.co.nz

May 16 and September 5, 2022

Strathmill development decision imminent

A decision on resource consent for a large subdivision in West Hoe Heights, north Ōrewa, could be imminent.

The developer, Shildon Ltd, planned to develop its 24.3ha site into around 467 residential lots, drawing strong opposition from the community and local councillors Wayne Walker and John Watson. There was a petition with 300 signatures and a public meeting.

To seek resource consent, the project, called Strathmill, was lodged under the Covid-19 Recovery (Fast-track consenting) process earlier this year.

On August 8, draft conditions for resource

consent were issued, with comments sought from the applicant, and those who have been given input into the process. Changes to the original plans include the creation of a neighbourhood park and increasing the size of some of the lots.

Feedback from submitters show that staunch opposition to the development remains, with concerns around the effects of this level of density on the region’s infrastructure, including on traffic, local schools and other facilities, the environment and stormwater provision, as well as the visual impact on the area. The proposed density is in line with the

government’s Medium Density Residential Standards, however Auckland Council’s changes to its Unitary Plan (Plan Change 78) to incorporate those standards into existing zones are on hold until March 2025, while Council reassesses them in light of flooding events. The National Party has stated it would scrap the standards if elected to government. Opponents say the delay of Plan Change 78 should be a factor when considering the resource consent application for the Strathmill development, because of the density proposed and the steep nature of the site.

w Backstories www.localmatters.co.nz

February 20 and April 17, 2023

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A revised proposal for 7 Tamariki Ave, Ōrewa, has gained resource consent.

Viewpoint

Heroic fight for ferry

Warning – this Viewpoint contains references to corporate neglect and bureaucratic arrogance. This is the ongoing scandal of the Gulf Harbour ferry service over the past two years.

It was only a few short years ago this ferry was an outstanding success – the pride and joy of the public transport system on the Hibiscus Coast. Monthly passenger numbers were over 16,000, the number of sailings increasing steadily anda a cancellation rate barely 5 percent. People were choosing to live in the area because of the ferry.

Fast forward to 2023 and the cancellation rate is an unbelievable 50 percent (the worst performance of any public transport service in Auckland), patronage numbers have declined accordingly and now, to add insult to injury, the agency directly responsible for overseeing this decline, Auckland Transport (AT), put up a proposaal to withdraw the service in 2028. Not fix it, not restore it but remove it altogether.

The community response to that proposal however has been nothing short of heroic. Public submissions solely on the GH ferry (1352) constitute nearly half the total submissions across the entire Auckland region on public transport (plus a petition of an additional 5600 people).

What’s interesting about these submissions however is not just the quantity, it’s the quality. They’ve been made by not only longstanding commuters who value the service but by those with real expertise in the maritime industry – boat designers, operators, and crew.

Collectively they rebut the unconvincing and constantly changing arguments put up by AT to justify what I consider to be its ideologically driven determination to herd everyone onto buses (including the use of misleading travel time comparisons, ignoring local roading constraints and misrepresenting the true reasons for cancellations – crew shortages, inadequate vessels and the fact AT itself has allowed this service to be used as the sacrificial lamb for substitutions elsewhere on the network).

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

And AT’s view of those opposing their proposal? Well, prior to consultation, one senior AT official told colleagues they could expect ‘noise’ from the community. What a disrespectful and predetermined attitude from someone overseeing the worst public transport cancellation rate in Auckland’s history – the same people with the gall to now cite ‘unreliability’ as a reason for withdrawing the service when it’s them who’ve allowed it to be run down (including their latest proposal to reduce the service to an appalling 16 percent of its original timetable in October)!

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ARE OUR LOCAL SCHOOL EXCLUSIONS/ EXPULSIONS FOLLOWING A FAIR PROCESS?

A small team of researchers are working on a privately commissioned report examining exclusions and expulsions from our local schools. The report will focus on the processes being implemented, and the support offered for students who have been excluded or expelled from school. We would appreciate hearing from anyone – parents, teachers, caregivers, grandparents, or students who have been affected by exclusions and expulsions from Hibiscus Coast schools/colleges in the last 3 years. Your personal situation and circumstances will receive the utmost privacy and no identifying information about your situation will form part of the report without your written permission. It is intended that this Report will be a submission to a wider current Ministry of Education review set down for October. Please get in touch with M.P. Huxford QSM via merv@otsl.co.nz if you would like to contribute to this research.

John Watson, Hibiscus & Bays Councillor john.watson@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

OurOpinion

Another great divide

In my role, I get to speak with a lot of people from all over the Coast.

There is no doubt those of voting age are engaged in the upcoming election, as it is a topic of discussion wherever I go.

And what has become clear is a strong divide – largely (and I’m generalising here) it is a generation gap.

Young voters I have spoken with are focused on issues like climate change, better public transport, clean waterways, affordable housing, and fairer sharing of resources between the wealthy and those who are struggling to make ends meet. Hot button topics raised at election meetings by older voters, such as co-governance, the Covid-19 response and who gets to use which toilets, are not even on their radars. However, there is one thing that all voters are concerned about, and that’s the cost of living, although of course theories differ widely on what changes are needed to bring that down and which party should lead the nation in taking on that particular challenge. Many of the 2023 campaign slogans refer to ‘going back’ to how things were – such as “take back our country”, or “back on track”.

Slogans like those, along with two from opposite ends of the political spectrum –For Real Change (Act NZ), and The Time is Now (The Greens) – are designed to resonate with those who feel disgruntled, disaffected, desperate and in some cases downright angry with the direction taken by the current government.

Whether you are content with the status quo, or keen to shift the focus left or right, the important thing is to exercise your right to vote.

I hope that the Election Feature in this issue helps to inform you, the voters, and look forward with interest to what election day may bring.

Terry Moore, Editor

Congratulations to

John Jennings of Red Beach, who won the copy of The Night Staffer, by Chris Polaschek; and the three winners of Karen McMillan’s book The Quokka Logic and Baking Book, Gaylene Chambers of Wainui, Helen McWinnie of Whangaparāoa and Jade McKenzie of Ōrewa. Thanks to all who entered these draws.

YourOpinion

Better stops please

Many years ago, as a Birkenhead City Councillor, I campaigned for the substantial increase of bus shelters, seats etc, in the Birkenhead area. As a council we ensured that the supply of decent bus stops was increased and this was much to the relief of commuters, older folk and the many citizens who had previously had to endure the windy hills of Birkenhead in their daily commute. Unfortunately, I think back to those times when observing the Hibiscus Coast bus routes that are very poorly served with lack both seats and shelters. While the Council and Auckland Transport are encouraging increased bus utilisation they are inhibiting growth due to the third world facilities provided at pick and drop off points which is exacerbated by the lack of service punctuality. When I approached the Local Board some time ago about the problem, they suggested that I should give them a list of places that lacked the facilities .I believe they and AT will have statistics on stops frequently used and can determine those stops needing improvement. If I took the trouble to go down the streets that needed improving I would have my car full of wet bedraggled potential bus users within the first couple of stops! AT and Council – please bring the Hibiscus Coast public transport into the 2000s .

Peter Burn, Gulf Harbour

When is something going to be done about these benches on the Te Ara Tahuna walkway along the estuary in Ōrewa? Some years ago I also raised the matter about the appalling state of these lovely benches. There were plans to do maintenance and one bench was even removed We were hopeful that it would be repaired and brought back, but it has not been returned. What a shame to see them looking so neglected. It is a shabby reflection on our beautiful coast.

Pat Clark, Gulf Harbour Auckland Council area operations manager, Hibiscus & Bays/Upper Harbour, Kris Bird responds: We removed one of the three wooden benches on Te Ara Tahuna/Ōrewa Estuary path last year. Unfortunately, there have been delays in restoring this, as much of the seat was beyond repair, but we plan to have it revamped and back in place in the future. We will look into getting the two other benches stained and tidied up before summer for residents and visitors to the area to enjoy.

Submissions for and against Hobbs Bay development

Hopper Developments’ plans to subdivide a prominent clifftop site in Gulf Harbour into 88 residential sections drew 14 submissions. Hoppers requested public submission of its resource consent application (HM July 24) and submissions closed on August 1. Nine submissions oppose the development and five are in support. The hearing to consider the matters raised has been set down for October 5 and 6. The 13.43ha site, at 3-5 Daisy Burrell Drive, was formerly Hobbs Bay farm.

Have your say on storm recovery funding

Aucklanders are being asked whether they support a deal between Auckland Council and government to share the costs of funding $2 billion of storm recovery and resilience programmes, in a consultation which is open now, until September 24. The proposed agreement would add $1.1b to fund improvements in Auckland’s flood mitigation infrastructure and recovery costs of the transport network directly impacted by the storms. The agreement also specifies a 50/50 split between the council and Government to fund the voluntary buy-out of Category 3 properties. Have your say online at https://akhaveyoursay. aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/recoveryfunding, email stormrecoveryconsultation@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz or complete a form at libraries.

The bodies of a young whale and seal were both washed up on local beaches this month. The juvenile pygmy blue whale, 14.6m long, was found on Red Beach on September 2, and a juvenile NZ fur seal, or kekeno, was found on Manly Beach on September 7. In both cases, DOC was alerted. DOC and the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust attended to assess and remove the whale’s body, following tikanga (customs) and kawa (protocols), including karakia. The whale’s remains, weighing approximately 20 tonnes, were craned onto a truck and taken to one of the Trust’s whale urupā (burial sites). Massey University collected samples, which could provide further understanding of the ecology and any contaminant burden. In both cases, no necropsy was performed and the cause of both deaths remains unknown. However, markings on the whale’s carcass suggested it had been attacked by orca. There was no indication of harm from humans on the seal, and DOC’s Tāmaki Makaurau operations manager, Rebecca Rush, says it is common to see deceased young seals this time of year as they can have difficulty weaning and learning foraging skills. DOC and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust buried the seal at a Ngāti Manuhiri urupā (burial site). The public can report strandings or finding dead whales, dolphins or seals on the DOC hotline 0800 362 468. Whales, dolphins, seals, and sealions are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, which means a permit is needed in most circumstances to possess their body or body parts.

Photo, Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust

More stars extend walk of fame

A total of 18 star plaques now shine brightly on Ōrewa’s Walk of Fame, following the unveiling of stars for veteran Kiwi entertainers Eddie Low and Brendan Dugan on September 7. Around 50 people, including MP Mark Mitchell, gathered to see Walk of Fame owner Gary Brown present Eddie and Brendan with their stars.

Both Eddie and Brendan began their careers in the 1960s and were household names, including regular appearances on the TV show That’s Country in the 1980s.

“Eddie’s resumé is like a novel,” Gary commented.

Both Eddie and Brendan agreed it was an honour to have a star placed in Ōrewa in their name, and thanked Gary Brown and everyone who attended the unveiling, although Brendan added, referring to the age of some star recipients, that “if you get this award, there’s a chance you won’t be here next year!”

The first star went down on the NZ Walk of Fame in 2010. It is designed to celebrate Kiwi musicians, as well as actors and entertainers of film, television and theatre.

Re-think of Dairy Flat surf park underway

The Auckland Surf Park complex planned for Dairy Flat (HM June 12) recently withdrew the application for resource consent that it was making via the Covid-19 fast-tracked method. The project was to include a 2.2ha state of the art Wavegarden surfing lagoon, wellness retreat, visitor accommodation and restaurant as well as a data centre and solar farm.Trevor McKewen, NZ Partner of Aventuur, the company behind the project, says the application was withdrawn to make amendments, following advice. The intention is to re-submit the plan under the same process as soon as those amendments are complete. The company has until January 11, 2024 to resubmit its application under the fast-track scheme.

Walk of Fame owner, and local board chair, Gary Brown presents Brendan Dugan and Eddie Low (rear) with plaques before they unveiled their stars.

Haven of enterprise, fun and friendship officially opens

The official opening of the Hibiscus Men’s Shed’s new home in Silverdale on September 16 was the culmination of a journey that started with a vision eight years ago to create a place of creativity and companionship for men in the area. The end result is an airy 450sqm facility, featuring spacious engineering and woodworking sections, a paint shop, and spaces for IT, hobby work and other projects. It also boasts a roomy lunch/meeting room and modern kitchen.

The initiative began in mid-2015, when a small group of locals began holding monthly interest meetings, at a time when a movement already well established in Australia was taking off in New Zealand.

The following year, the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board

approved the site in Silverdale War Memorial Park, setting off a lengthy process of resource consent, planning approval and fundraising.

Temporary premises were opened in Stanmore Bay in 2017, and the first sod was turned at the Silverdale site at a January 2020 dawn ceremony.

Much of the work was carried out by members who had been in the building or related industries, says chair Maurice Browning. Local companies contributed significantly, through pro bono or subsidised services.

“If we had been paying for it, we couldn’t have afforded it,” he says. The many contributors will be recognised on an honours board.

Minor hitches along the way included the “inconvenient” theft of some equipment about 18 months ago, while the Covid pandemic was “an annoyance, more than anything else”.

Also extending the timeline was a decision that no-one would work for more than three hours a day, given that “we’re all getting on a bit, and some of this stuff is very heavy. It takes its toll on you.”

The shed currently has 84 members, and on a good day – Tuesdays tend to be the busiest – as many as 28 men may be on site. The average age is about 75.

“A lot of people inquiring about the shed are downsizing, moving into apartments or retirement villages, and no longer have space for their tools, or the freedom to run a noisy workshop,” Maurice says. “And their wife says, ‘you need something to do, go and join the men’s shed’. Here they can come and bash and crash, which they can’t do at home.”

It’s the downsizing factor that ensures the shed is so well-stocked. Far more equipment is offered than needed, and what can’t be used is donated to other groups. Many men upon retirement find themselves

with a shrunken social circle and struggle to make new friends. Maurice says men tend to open up more while working together, even about health matters that they wouldn’t ordinarily be comfortable discussing.

Men being men, he laughs, there might even be an offer to get the health problem sorted, with the help of a power tool or two: “We can fix that right now, come outside and we’ll give it a wee drill, no problem at all.”

On a more serious note, the support offered after bereavement has meant a great deal.

“Three of us lost our wives this year, and this place has been a godsend,” Maurice says.

“Everyone has been absolutely magnificent. Any help you want, just come and talk. Because they’ve all been through it at some stage, with wives, family members, whatever. It just goes with the age group.”

“They’re a great bunch of guys,” he adds. “If I didn’t have this place to come to every morning, I don’t really know what I’d be doing.”

Tiri 65 Floor Plan© G.J. Gardner Homes 2023

Hibiscus Men’s Shed chair Maurice Browning, centre in grey, flanked by members, from left, Des Brosnahan, Bob Whittle, Dennis Harll, Dave Foster and Gavin du Toit.

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Regardless of your age or lifestyle, The Gardens Apartments cater to every discerning buyer. Secure entry through elegant lobbies, single-level living via elevator access from the basement garages to your private, elevated home. Open plan and light filled with floor to ceiling windows and stacker doors to generous outdoor living spaces. Premium specification with luxury touches including Miele kitchen appliances, Grohe European tapware, composite benchtops, StoneCast basins, carpets, oak flooring, fully tiled showers and more.

As a resident, you will have access to an array of community amenities designed to enrich your lifestyle. Take advantage of the heated indoor swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, and sauna. Immerse yourself in the extensive gardens, complete with scenic walking tracks through native bush, or stroll to the golden sands of Orewa Beach.

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Second giant weta release

Green scene

Springing into trap mode

A further 120 Little Barrier giant weta (wētāpunga) have joined the 200 that were released in Shakespear Open Sanctuary last year.

Like the original wētāpunga released in the open sanctuary last September, these were raised at Butterfly Creek Zoo. However, the majority this time were smaller, younger versions – nearly half-grown.

Auckland Council open sanctuary senior ranger, Matt Maitland, says the release on August 31 was very successful.

Auckland Council Park Rangers and Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society volunteers along with kaitiaki of Ngāti Manuhiri, sorted, packed, transported and released the wētāpunga in a one day exercise with a similar number also heading to Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary the same day.

“The immature wētāpunga were translocated

now as they are excess to those required to provide an additional 200 adult wētāpunga for each sanctuary later in summer,” Matt says. “Additional animals from different bloodlines strengthen the resilience of this establishing population of a long-time missing species form Auckland mainland.”

Shakespear Open Sanctuary was chosen as the first habitat on mainland New Zealand suitable for the relocation of this species. They are the largest insect in NZ. When fully grown they can weigh more than a mouse or sparrow. Wētāpunga were once found throughout Northland and Auckland, however due to massive habitat loss and predation they became restricted to Little Barrier Island.

A breeding programme at Butterfly Creek, which began in 2009, has been critical in the mission to save this threatened species.

Spring is a time to look forward, and feel that surge of hope as the weather warms up, watch for signs of rebirth, fluffy chicks, lambs, and flower buds bursting open. Humans’ relationship with the living things that share this planet has always been hugely complex. Whatever your religious, scientific, or other beliefs, since the moment we appeared on Earth, our highly developed brains and adaptable bodies have had an irreversible effect on the creatures around us. We have bent nature to our will, attempting to control and tame it to suit our needs. But nature always fights back and often wins. The conservation story in NZ is unique. Untouched by humans for millions of years, and the last large land mass to be inhabited, this is a place where 70 percent of species are found nowhere else. But we tried to change Aotearoa to make it more convenient, or to make it more like Europe. Now we are urgently trying to put things right by working to remove all the unwelcome predators released here. We can’t always see the devastation caused by pest animals, which is a challenge. It happens in the forest, under the cover of darkness. When a swan gets run over, a starving penguin washes up on the beach or a tūī flies into the window – when we see suffering, we all rush to help, and express our concern for the poor creature. However we forget that human-induced tragedy could happen every night this spring. If we don’t control the rats, tiny

fantail chicks could be attacked in their nests. If we don’t remove stoats, that kererū you watched feasting on berries, or that kiwi you saw on camera at Shakespear could lose this season’s only chick.

If it was in our faces, would more people realise how urgent it is to stop this biodiversity crisis, which sees 4000 species under threat?

Choosing to set a trap and kill a rat can take some getting used to, but for me it is clear. I just can’t let our forests fall silent, can you?

I know that when we join together we can make a difference. This spring you will see more flowers on the pōhutukawa, more berries on the pūriri being feasted on by the kererū – and maybe more macadamias on your tree. Why? Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, we have significantly reduced the numbers of possums. Can you help by hosting a possum trap? We are looking for people to set one of our humane tested, petsafe traps in their backyard.

Want to protect native wildlife but can’t set a trap or have nowhere to put it? Join Hibiscus Coast Forest & Bird, (www.forestandbird. org.nz/support-us/join-forest-bird) or visit GiveaTrap.org.nz and donate a trap to Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Project.

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

Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, we have significantly reduced the numbers of possums.

Park Ranger Ash ClarkeWalker with one of two adult wētāpunga that were released alongside the juveniles.

Photo, Neil Davies, SOSSI

Imaginations take flight in college wearable art show

This year’s Ōrewa College annual wearable art competition, on August 30, saw more than 50 creative entries from students aged from Year 7-13. The aim is to turn trash into soundly constructed, wearable garments.

Teacher Gail Boshard says students had to think outside the box about what is considered to be trash. Garments were made from items such as old plant containers, a tent, and even a year’s supply of chip packets.

There were 42 entries from Year 7 and 8 students, who created a huge range of garments that included mermaids,

transformers and even portaloos.

Brooklyn Hope-Jensen won this category with ‘Lest We Forget’.

Tough competition among the Year 9s and 10s saw Abby Birks and Maria WalkerKinnell tie for first place. Abby made her entry named Senbazuru (1000 cranes) out of a thousand origami cranes and Maria’s ensemble was put together with toilet roll inners and garden pots to represent wild bees coming into a flower garden. The winner of the Senior category was Year 13 student Amy Blomquist who ingeniously turned an old tent into a butterfly.

5-star facilities now open in Red Beach

From top, From tent to butterfly – Amy Blomquist’s prizewinning ‘Tent-a-morphosis’. Bees were the inspiration for Maria Walker-Kinnell. Abby Birk’s outfit featured 1000 origami cranes.

E-Pro 8 podium finish for two colleges

Two local colleges, Whangaparāoa and Wentworth, excelled in the recent Auckland Regional E-Pro 8 Challenge finals, an inter-school science and engineering competition. The name stands for ‘engineer, problem solve, innovate’. The Whangaparāoa College team came in second, beating 11 other schools with 370 points. Wentworth was close behind in third. It is the first time Wentworth has competed at the Auckland Regional Finals. The challenges had a fruity theme, and included creating an apple-picking tool, a conveyor-belt to shift fruit to a waiting vehicle, and a device to extract the juice from fruit.

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A large group of Year 7 and 8 students turned trash into fashion in many creative ways.

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.

Visit our sales office today

Open Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm

Summerset Milldale sales office

50 Waiwai Drive, Milldale

09 304 1632 | milldale.sales@summerset.co.nz

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Cammish celebrates century

Harry Cammish doesn’t want a fuss made of his 100th birthday this week. He counts himself pretty lucky to reach his age, attributing his longevity in part to “modern medicine” and the fact he’s managed to avoid “nasty ailments”.

“Healthwise I’ve done pretty well.”

Sitting in the house he built, overlooking the Ōrewa lane that carries his name, Harry, in his broad Yorkshire accent, shares some memories of a full life, revealing a sharp mind and lively sense of humour.

It’s quite a story. Shot down in 1944 over Nazi-occupied France, the young flight engineer – alone of his Lancaster bomber crew mates – managed to evade capture and was sheltered by the French resistance, before making a mid-winter solo crossing of the Pyrenees into nominally neutral Spain. For 13 weeks, his family didn’t know if he was dead or alive.

Although barely into his 20s, the downing of the Lancaster and perilous mountain crossing weren’t the first times Harry had

– in his words – “stared death in the face”. The previous year, a crash shortly after take-off from his RAF base in Lincolnshire left his plane, laden with 1600 gallons of fuel and 12,000 pounds of high-explosive bombs, in pieces on the ground. He remembers running headlong from the crash site to a nearby village, babbling about bombs about to explode and causing a commotion. His six crewmates were receiving medical attention but no-one could find the engineer, until village police notified the base.

After his adventures in France and Spain, Harry was flown back to Britain, but as someone now aware of identities of resistance figures in France, he was prohibited from flying operations over Europe again. Instead he served as a flight control officer, near Bath, where he met Betty. They were married in Bath Cathedral shortly after the war ended. After being demobbed Harry resumed work as a builder in his North Yorkshire hometown of Scarborough, and in 1956 they moved

to NZ with their children – Lynda aged seven, David aged five – making their first NZ home in Putaruru in the Waikato. Early memories of their new country include being stunned at how down-toearth people were. Needing to buy items including a fridge, he was startled to be told by a hardware store salesman in Waikato, “take what you want and pay when you’ve been working here for a bit”.

Then there was the night the bank manager turned up at his house, toting an umbrella in the pouring rain, to tell him money had arrived for him from the UK. Before leaving, the manager asked if Harry played golf, and invited him to come along to the club to learn.

“I wrote home that evening to tell them the bank manager called on me personally. In England there’s no bloody way you’d get past the first counter – you’d never get to see the manager.”

Harry can’t remember why he specifically decided to come to Ōrewa in the 1970s, although he “always wanted to finish up by

the seaside”.

He became deeply involved in the community and is a life member of the Ōrewa Lions Club and the Masonic Lodge. Betty played a key role in getting meals-onwheels underway in the area. She’d do the rounds of the local food shops, scrounging for ingredients for meals that were then prepared by her and fellow volunteers.

Several years after Betty died, the former Rodney District Council voted, in 2006, to name a new road in Ōrewa, linking Moenui and Tamariki avenues, Cammish Lane, in recognition of the couple’s contributions to the community.

Gazing over the lane from his new chair in the window, Harry says he doesn’t mind living alone, not really.

“When you’re thrown into the forces at 19 you’ve got to be independent, because there’s a nasty bloke with a couple of stripes on his arm who keeps telling you what he thinks about you,” he laughs. “It makes a man out of you in a very few weeks.”

An Ōrewa street was named in honour of Harry and Betty.

From left, Ahead of his 100th birthday on September 21, Harry Cammish recalls his days as an RAF Lancaster bomber flight engineer. Freshly trained flight engineer Harry Cammish. Photo, NZBCA Archives / Cammish Collection.

Thumbs up for Ōrewa park design

The design for an $805,000 neighbourhood park to be built in Ōrewa next year has got the thumbs up from locals and the local board.

The project has been in the pipeline for some time with land set aside in Harvest Avenue over five years ago so that families living in the area could easily walk to a park.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair Gary Brown is pleased that local feedback at each stage of the project has improved the design.

“Adults and children gave feedback at an open day held in May as well as online.

“This final round of feedback has helped with the park’s layout, play equipment and colour theme.

“Children chose the play equipment while adults picked the natural theme and the positions of the seats and shaded areas.

“Neighbours’ feedback has also been included, and the play equipment will be positioned below property sightlines.

“Not all wishes could be fitted into the design as neither a basketball court nor a pump track are suitable for a neighbourhood park.

“However, the new park will be a fantastic amenity for local families and the board is very pleased to approve its design.”

The playground is designed for those up to 13 years, comes complete with a dry pebbly stream bed that has several crossing points for exploratory play, and other features include a seesaw rocker, toddler / high and basket swings, junior climbing and net climbing modules, wheelchair accessible trampoline, musical bridge and nature trail. Also included are picnic tables (accessible), specimen and fruit trees and a timber fence near the road.

Construction is expected to start in March and take six months but will depend on the resource consent and tender processes.

Board agreement delivers for Hibiscus & Bays

Improvements to facilities, services and environmental activities in Hibiscus and Bays are set to receive a $29 million injection thanks to the local board.

More than $200,000 goes to the East Coast Bays Community Centre refurbishment, and $485,000 on the Ōrewa Library roof repair and extension along with several other projects and programmes. Ensuring the library and community centre are fit for purpose and available to the community for many more years, has led to their inclusion for the financial year 2023-24.

Adopted by the board at its business meeting in June, the local board agreement sets out key priorities for funding during the next 12 months.

A total of $21.6 million has been allocated to Hibiscus and Bays facilities, services and environmental activities this financial year with a further $7.4 million going towards capital investment in the area.

Board chair Gary Brown is grateful for the budget’s record-breaking levels of feedback which has helped shape the agreement and work programme.

“We want to meet our community’s needs as best we can, and that includes storm recovery, so we hope that our programmes and services reflect this.” This investment means a range of customer, community services and environment activities will be delivered this financial year, including:

• Ōrewa Library, detailed design and consenting - $485,481 (construction follows in 2024/2025)

• Rodders Beach Festival, Ōrewa signature events, santa parades and ANZAC Day commemorations - $115,800

• Remediate storm and cyclone affected assets - $200,000

• Storm recovery project to be scoped - $100,000

• Restore Hibiscus and Bays - $135,150

Environmental initiatives such as Restore Hibiscus and Bays (an umbrella network that supports environmental restoration groups), community planting, annual pest plant and animal control, local park clean ups and environmental education programmes are supported.

Also funded will be an environmental programme to help with storm recovery which council staff will develop with local board input as well as funding for council assets damaged in the cyclone and storms.

Brown says the local board has been working hard over several months to get the right balance of projects that benefit residents and fit the funding available.

The board’s agreement and work programme is available online at infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board: Seated: Alexis Poppelbaum, Julia Parfitt (Deputy chair), Victoria Short. Standing from left: Sam Mills, Gary Brown (Chair), Jake Law, Gregg Walden and Leanne Willis.

Ōrewa Library

Children giving feedback on the new park in Harvest Avenue, Ōrewa.

Campaign dominated by cost of living, crime and climate concerns

Every three years New Zealanders get to decide who holds the purse strings and represents us in the corridors of power. It’s a familiar and mundane exercise – but also a duty and privilege that shouldn’t be taken for granted; hundreds of millions of people around the world don’t have any say in who governs them.

This year’s campaign is dominated by concerns about the cost of living, crime, climate change, tax reform, housing affordability, transport, the state of the health sector and other pressing issues.

Vying for attention are divisive topics such as co-governance and New Zealand’s handling of the Covid pandemic.

As in other democracies, the spectre of misinformation and disinformation is hanging over the campaign here, leaving some unsure what to believe, as facts, myths, deliberate lies, and falsehoods based on ignorance, jostle for attention on the internet and social media feeds.

The electorate of Whangaparāoa, created for the 2020 election to replace Rodney, incorporates the Hibiscus Coast from Waiwera to the Okura River, across to Dairy Flat, Coatesville, and parts of Albany west of the Lucas Creek.

Three years ago, National’s Mark Mitchell secured the seat with 52.4 percent of the votes, while Labour’s Lorayne Ferguson garnered 35.2 per cent. Candidates for Act and the New Conservatives took 3.8 and 3.2 percent respectively, while three other minor parties – Advance NZ, Sustainable NZ and the Outdoors Party – got fewer than 1000 votes each. (Advance NZ and Sustainable NZ were deregistered in 2021. The Outdoors Party changed its name, and last May joined the Freedoms NZ alliance.)

In 2023, the seat is being contested by Mitchell (National, 11th on his party’s list) and five others – Estefania Muller Pallares (Labour, 55th on list), Simon Angelo (Act, 37th on list), Janina Massee (NZ First, 24th on list), Craig Laybourn (Democracy NZ) and Jeanette Wilson (NZ Loyal).

The first four parties have long histories in New Zealand. The latter two are new: Democracy NZ was established by former

National MP Matt King after he left his party over its support for vaccine mandates. NZ Loyal was set up by former broadcaster and anti-vaccine mandate campaigner Liz Gunn. It is running candidates in just five electorates. As voters in Whangaparāoa consider their choices, Hibiscus Matters has given all local candidates the opportunity to make a case for why they deserve to occupy one of the 120

Four vie for Te Tai Tokerau

seats in parliament. All but Craig Laybourn of Democracy NZ sent in their responses by the deadline given. The order in which they appear was selected by a random draw, and their submissions were fact-checked. Advance voting starts on October 2, and on election day, October 14, voting places will be open from 9am to 7pm. See vote. nz for more.

Hibiscus Coast falls under Te Tai Tokerau, one of the seven Māori electorates, which covers the area from the top of the North Island to parts of north and west Auckland, and includes all of the Whangaparāoa and Kaipara ki Mahurangi general electorates. The seat is held by Labour’s Kelvin Davis, who took 55 percent of the votes in 2020. Open only to voters who can declare Māori descent, this year it is being contested by Davis (2nd on Labour’s party list), Mariameno Kapa-Kingi of the Te Pāti Māori (7th on list), Hūhana Lyndon of the Greens (10th on list) and Legalise Cannabis candidate Maki Herbert.

I grew up in Taranaki, started my first business at 16 and bought my first shares shortly after. I’ve spent years trading the financial markets. I manage global share portfolios for wholesale investors and contribute to investment news site, Wealth Morning. I’m happily married with two children, live on the North Shore and have family connections to the Hibiscus Coast. Simon Angelo

Simon Angelo, ACT

Key policies: Climate change, cost of living, crime (and its causes)

Act would tie NZ’s emission cap to our trading partners’ emissions, allow people to make their own choices in view of the carbon price that creates, and ensure political durability by giving all New Zealanders a stake in the ETS as recipients of a carbon tax credit. NZ will only prosper if we match our goals with actions that actually benefit the environment.

Act was the only party to oppose the Zero Carbon Act, which is bureaucratic and costly. It gives massive power over the economy to the Climate Change Minister and imposes huge costs on taxpayers. Act would ditch the Zero Carbon Act and the Climate Change Commission. The Government is taxing too much, fueling inflation by borrowing and wasting too much, and applying expensive red tape to every part of life. Act will reduce wasteful inflationary spending by 16 billion over two years and deliver targeted tax cuts so someone earning $70,000 with one child will be around $2300 better off.

Act’s Minister of Regulation will systematically, industry by industry, slash red tape so Kiwis can do business without being bogged down with compliance costs. We need to get tougher on crime, and smarter on the causes of crime. There must be swiftly enforced consequences to

get our worst repeat offenders off the street. Act would restrict the use of electronic bail while dropping the target for lower prison numbers, increase the number of prison beds, bring back Three Strikes to keep the worst reoffenders off the streets, and provide the ability to lock up serious youth offenders with the construction of 200 new youth justice beds under the management of Corrections. Once in prison, there must be an emphasis on rehabilitation to break the cycle of people leaving prison unable to read and write with no option but to re-enter the criminal economy.

Coast concerns

People travelling from the Hibiscus Coast suffer almost unbearable traffic congestion. Long commutes on outdated transport infrastructure means wasting valuable time that could be spent with our families and contributing to the economy. Act is proposing a shakeup of how roading infrastructure is funded in NZ, ensuring access to safe, modern and efficient roads. We are also proposing to introduce a world-class toll roading system, using private sector financing and expertise to get new roads built faster and to maintain existing roads more effectively. New Zealanders will have a choice: make use of new toll roads soon or wait for tax-funded roads to be delivered later or never.

I grew up on the Coast and still live here. I served on the Whangaparāoa College Board of Trustees and co-founded the Rainbow Alliance group there. I helped establish a Weiti River restoration project, am serving my third year on the committee of Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa community marae and am helping design and deliver a ‘sustainability in business’ Green Scheme programme locally.

Estefania Muller Pallarès, Labour

Key policies: Climate change, cost of living, crime (and its causes)

Labour is committed to relieving the cost of living for all Kiwis through a practical 10 point plan that includes free prescriptions, affordable public transport, GST off fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, extending the 20 hours of free childcare to 2-year-olds, free dental care for everyone,

Bring along your questions & your ideas to our meetings:

Fridays (in Sept) 7pm - 9pm at Orewa Community Centre

Sundays 1pm - 3pm Bake n Brew Orewa VOTE TO PUT

Estefania Muller Pallarès

YOURSELF BACK IN POWER WITH NZ LOYAL

1% TAX

beginning with under 30s, continuing winter energy payments, ensuring wages continue to increase and more policies, yet to be announced. A commitment to ensuring that hard working people earn decent wages is critical – teachers and nurses have seen their biggest pay increases in over a decade, along with fair pay agreements for cleaners and bus drivers.

Extreme weather events show that it is imperative that we face the climate crisis with immediate and strategic action. NZ’s carbon emissions are on track to fall for a third consecutive year because Labour introduced policies like the Zero Carbon Act and the Climate Change Commission to give expert advice to whoever is in government, and other effective policies like the clean car policies which have seen a 70 percent increase in the number of EVs on our roads. Protecting marine spaces, the Jobs for Nature programme, a transport plan that reduces carbon emissions, banning single-use plastic bags and other plastics are other achievements Labour will build on.

Crime is an issue that is multifaceted and requires collaborative action and a restorative approach to have long-term success. Labour looks at why crime occurs and what works to deal with it, looking at the whole picture, not just a punitive approach. Establishing incredibly successful youth intervention programs like Kotahi te Whakaaro, which saw 82 percent of 147 children who had gone through had not reoffended six months later, as well as other rehabilitation programs across corrections is a key part of ensuring safe communities into the future. Coupled with an increase of 1800 police on the ground in the last six years, and a reshuffle to make our task force more efficient.

Coast concerns

Whangaparāoa is almost entirely coastline, which means we have serious issues and future concerns around climate change and coastal erosion. If elected, a few key focuses of mine would be to engage with our community on climate resilience plans, the continuation of improvements to public transport, the delivery of Penlink – something only Labour has financially prioritised – and more support for schools.

I’m a Hibiscus Coast resident, proud parent and grandparent. My background includes senior financial roles in local government and national corporations, substantial board experience and ownership of a manufacturing business. This diverse experience equips me to address the financial and ministerial aspects of politics, understanding the challenges our community’s families and businesses face. Janina Massey

Janina Massey, NZ First

Key policies: Climate change, cost of living, crime (and its causes)

Government’s mounting borrowings to sustain an oversized bureaucracy, consultants, and unilateral divisive ideological agendas, reflects a lack of fiscal responsibility. Massive health transformation, mandating out frontline staff during a crisis, locking down businesses and inadequate long-term migrant skills planning, compounds housing challenges. This is made worse by soaring corporate profits.

NZ First champions reduced government intervention and a long-term vision of tax relief for New Zealanders. We prioritise export-driven economic growth to harness our natural resources’ full potential, exemplified by the Tiwai Aluminium Smelter’s $450 million annual contribution to Southland, supporting 2600 families. We commit to re-establishing the Marsden Point Oil Refinery, safeguarding our fuel supply and preserving jobs. We wholeheartedly support initiatives like Stewart Island salmon farming, that generates employment and prosperity for the region and the nation.

NZ First understands the importance of building resilience to adapt to a changing climate, recognising the fundamental priority of safeguarding food security and ending hunger, as outlined in the Paris Accord. We acknowledge that a healthy planet means restoring our natural environment as our economic success relies on nature, including agriculture. This is essential for our economic success, particularly in agriculture, as global customers increasingly prioritise sustainability. It’s both the right thing to do for

our planet and a sound economic strategy.

Addressing the concerning rise in crime rates, it’s evident that NZ faces challenges in the justice system. Despite the police’s efforts, our courts often release criminals, leading to a surge in violent crime by 33 percent. Paradoxically, the prison population has decreased by 20 percent. NZ First is committed to taking a strong stance on crime. We pledge to prioritise the Sentencing Act principles, placing the needs of victims first, then the community, and finally, the offender. Victims of crime deserve justice and support. We would prioritise their needs by recruiting an additional 1000 new frontline police officers to bolster law enforcement and enhance community safety.

Coast concerns

Whangaparaoa’s coastal beauty necessitates a strong commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable coastal management. Responsible development is key. Challenges include infrastructure growth, housing affordability, transportation, and service accessibility. Recent housing expansions have led to rising traffic congestion, limited public transport, and inadequate access to essential services, impacting residents and local businesses alike. We advocate for a four-lane Penlink crossing to alleviate the strain on Auckland’s motorways, providing local job opportunities by attracting industries to our district. This addresses congestion, enhances connectivity, and bolsters the local economy.

A fresh face for Whangaparāoa

Estefania Muller Pallarès for Whangaparāoa

021 0880 9636 | estefania.mullerpallares@labour.org.nz labour.org.nz/estefaniamullerpallares2023

/EstefaniaMullerPallaresLabour

@stefmullerp

/estefania_mullerpallares

Authorised by Rob Salmond, 187 Featherston Street, Wellington.

“I am committed to seeing the continuation of our strong Labour Government and uplifting the voices, values, concerns and successes of our community into the political space.”

I was raised in a family where public service and making a contribution to your community was a priority. I have lived in Ōrewa most of my life and serve as patron of the Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Club, Ōrewa Croquet Club, Hibiscus Coast Dog Obedience Club and Honorary Member of the Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade. I am passionate about law and order and community safety, having had a 14-year policing career.

Mark Mitchell

Mark Mitchell, National

(and its causes)

National will double renewable energy generation by unleashing investment and cutting red tape. We’ll help farmers reduce emissions by updating gene technology laws and we’ll improve public transport, in particular busways in Auckland.

National will rebuild the economy to reduce the cost of living. A rebuilt and working economy means better jobs, higher incomes, a lower cost of living, affordable mortgages and the ability to afford quality public services that we all rely on, such as more resources to crack down on crime. We will cut wasteful spending, provide tax relief of up to $100 a fortnight for the average income household and a Family Boost childcare rebate of up to $3900 a year for eligible families.

National will crack down on gangs and serious youth offenders. We will introduce stronger sentences for convicted criminals, more support for victims and proper rehabilitation for remand prisoners. We will also give police the tools they need to restore law and order and particularly go after the gangs. I am passionate about making sure that our communities are safe and if fortunate enough to be Police Minister after the election I will work every day to make it so.

Coast concerns

National is committed to delivery of a 4-lane O Mahurangi Penlink road and I will support local councillors in retaining the Gulf Harbour ferry service. It has been a challenging year with extreme weather and rain taking out infrastructure and flooding homes, as well as the cost of living continuing to bite and gangs moving into our communities. I have been working hard as your local MP to keep these issues at the top of mind and ensure that solutions are being found.

I am a former bank manager and have lived on the Hibiscus Coast for eight years. I am a healer and had a healing centre at Ōrewa House until the mandates caused my business to close. I am passionate about helping New Zealand get back on a wiser and more prosperous path. Jeanette Wilson

Jeanette Wilson, NZ Loyal

Key policies: Climate change, cost of living, crime (and its causes)

Cost of living: I put this one first because it’s the one that local people tell me is of most concern to them. We will replace all taxes, income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, GST with a 1 percent Financial Transactions Tax. Yes, it is possible. This 1 percent tax will enable workers to keep more of their wages, enable pensioners to keep all their pension and boost our economy. Businesses may be able to take on extra staff or invest in the technology they need to take their business to the next level. It will take the financial pressure

Authorised by Miriam Ross, Level 5, 108 The Terrace, Wellington Authorised by Miriam Ross, Level 5, 108 The Terrace, Wellington

Authorised by Miriam Ross, Level 5, 108 The Terrace, Wellington

Authorised by Miriam Ross, Level 5, 108 The Terrace, Wellington

off young families – imagine Mum or Dad being able to stay home with the children, or both work part time. Imagine the knock-on benefits of that for our community. It will be much fairer and easier to collect than the current myriad of taxes. So how do we do it? According to the Treasury $33.5 billion of financial transactions take place on average each day – just 1 percent of this will be sufficient, when combined with cuts in wasted government spending, to finance all that we need.

Crime: For crime to be real, there must be a victim. We would encourage a police force that is dedicated to tackling real crime rather than focusing on revenue gathering activities. With more money in everyone’s pockets the crimes that happen out of desperation will also be diminished. Climate change: It is inevitable that our climate will change. The question we need to ask is: ‘to what extent are human activities impacting this’? NZ contributes approximately 0.17 percent of the world’s gross emissions. Our farming practices are some of the best in the world. NZ Loyal believes we do not need to change what we are currently doing.

Coast concerns

The main concerns that people have been talking to me about are the Gulf Harbour Country Club and the ferry. It would be wonderful to see the Country Club maintained as a green space, perhaps as a community garden and orchard. If there is enough local support for this we will be able to make that happen. It is good to see the people of the Coast coming together about both these issues – if we work together to keep both it will be a win/win, looking after the needs of our community longer term. With the ferry, there have been operational issues – it hasn’t always been as reliable as it needs to be. So, discussions would have to include the ferry operator to ensure not only that we have a ferry service, but that it is reliable.

What is co-governance?

Co-governance has been a hotly contested topic this election, with parties on the right, particularly Act, strongly against. So, what is it?

• Co-governance refers to joint management in decision making between the two Treaty of Waitangi partners, the Crown and Māori, both having equal seats around the decision-making table.

Rather than shared ownership, it is about partnership in management and the process requires consensus between the parties.

• It has been in practice for more than a decade, in the form of Treaty settlements that created partnerships between iwi, local and central government to manage natural resources. For example, five iwi and the Crown manage the Waikato River Authority. Māori wards in local councils are another

Mark Mitchell For Whangaparāoa

mark.mitchell@national.org.nz

national.org.nz/markmitchell

MarkMitchellMP

example of co-governance and are becoming the norm – at the 2022 local elections, six of the 11 regional councils had Māori constituencies and 29 of the 67 territorial authorities had Māori wards.

Co-governance is also a key part of the Three Waters reforms – the plan is for mana whenua to have equal representation with local councils in a governance group. This group would have high level oversight over a board charged with operational management, but no operational authority.

• Supporters see co-governance as part of the Crown meeting its Treaty obligations and/or as a way to interpret Treaty principles of partnership, participation and protection, acknowledging the nation’s colonial history. Opponents say it is divisive and anti-democratic.

Authorised by Hon Mark Mitchell MP, Tamariki House, 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa.

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33 Imperfection (5)

34 City in Canada (8)

36 Feeding on both plants and animals (10)

39 Rim (3)

41 Entourage (7)

42 Intelligent (6)

43 Window shade (6)

44 Side (4)

45 Madden (7)

48 Links (4,6)

53 Boating event (7)

57 Wheel shaft (4)

58 Lodge a protest (6)

59 Cowardly (6)

60 Brief garment (1-6)

62 Moose (3)

64 Past times (10)

65 Defensive fence (8)

66 Grey-faced (5)

69 Irritable (6)

70 Hairy (7)

71 Confound (9)

76 Waterproof cover (9)

77 Fritter away (5)

78 Enticed (7)

83 Ancient Hindu language (8)

84 Steamy jungle (10)

85 Going by cycle (6)

86 Assisting in

wrongdoing (8)

87 Trade on past glories (4,2,4,7) DOWN

2 Hair colour (6)

3 Era (5)

4 Embrace (3)

5 Absent (4)

6 Circus swing (7)

7 Severe food shortage (6)

8 Slant (4)

Julie Bish says 75 Hard lives up to its name and should not be taken on lightly.

75 Hard – the rules

• Pick a diet to follow, with no alcohol

• Drink 4 litres of water daily

• Complete two 45-minute daily workouts, one outside

• Read 10 pages per day of a non-fiction book

Hardcore challenge for fitness professional

When summer is around the corner, it’s common to look for a health ‘restart’ –a way to break old habits and improve fitness.

One programme, called The 75 Hard Challenge, sets out to do those things, but its prime aim is to increase mental resilience. It requires sticking to strict rules that include daily exercise and no alcohol (see below) for 75 days.

It was created in 2019 by entrepreneur Andy Frisella, and remains popular, helped along by people posting photos of their progress on platforms like TikTok. There are also plenty of articles and blogs about issues with aspects of the programme, so Hibiscus Matters decided to talk to someone who knows a bit about health and fitness, and recently completed 75 Hard herself.

Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre fitness team leader, Julie Bish, already exercises most days, including instructing Les Mills Grit and Core programmes.

She did not need to lose weight, or increase her fitness, but says she needed a personal challenge – not tied to the exercise that is part of her job.

“I just wanted to see if I could do it,” she says.

Julie says the 75-day period was key to instilling new habits – a month is not long enough.

“I like a Friday night glass of wine, and after a month of no alcohol I was still thinking about it, a lot,” she says. “But after that, it wasn’t such an issue. It takes you beyond that, to really change things. I had a drink on day 78, and it was actually a bit disappointing – I had lost the taste for it. It definitely broke a habit.”

One of the rules is to exercise outdoors, whatever the weather, and Julie says her biggest take-out was learning to love walking, especially while listening to podcasts.

“I used to run a lot, and wondered why you’d walk a half marathon instead of running,” she says. “Surely the goal was to do it quicker?”

On 75 Hard, she began to enjoy a daily walk home from work, or in the morning seeing the sunrise, or a blanket of fog along the peninsula.

“It slows you down, and you process, destress and plan, before you get home to the next busy part of the day.”

She has carried on walking regularly now

that the challenge is over. Sometimes fitting the rules into her day was very difficult, but Julie enjoyed the mental challenge, and the structure, and misses it. One thing she doesn’t miss is having to read 10 pages of an “inspirational” book.

“I stopped that on day 76, and I’m so glad it’s over,” she says.

• Take a progress photo every day

• If you skip a day, you must start over. Issues raised about the programme by those who completed it, and health professionals, include that drinking 4.5 litres of water could be harmful for some people, that not having rest days factored in could cause injury, and that the high risk of failure could be damaging to self-esteem. Anyone contemplating 75 Hard or a similar regime should seek advice from their healthcare provider or a fitness trainer, and perhaps consider adapting the tasks to suit their fitness level or personal goals.

Julie thinks while there are real benefits from 75 Hard for some people, it is extreme and not for everyone. “There are other ways to challenge yourself. If you want to change your lifestyle or habits, perhaps start with one element, depending on your needs and capabilities. If you take it all on, there is a high risk of failure and that could be disheartening.”

The long road to ‘living the triathlon dream’

Arkles Bay resident Barry Herbison, 59, blames his brother for getting him into Ironman racing.

When he joined his brother in their first half Ironman, in 2019, Barry had no running or cycling experience and was unable to swim 50m without stopping.

“I bought a road bike for $600 and on my first ride I had to stop on the side of the road and watch two YouTube videos to work out how to change gears,” he says. “I ended by walking up the hill instead of riding. Eventually I graduated to clip on pedals and bike shoes.” But he persisted, entering more and more races.

Training for a 10km Misson Bay run involved running up and down Manly Beach eight times the week before the event. He joined the Hibiscus Coast Harriers and Triathlon Club and eventually got up the courage to ask a local coach, Ally Boggs, for help.

“That was the turning point,” he says. “I had been brought up on the mantra ‘no pain, no gain’ which leads to injury and disaster. Having a coach is what has kept me in the sport and helped me make it to the start line in one piece and injury free.”

Mental toughness was also a mountain he climbed.

“Your body tells you to walk instead of running, but there is nothing wrong with you. The body will always shut down way before you need to, so you have to overcome that.”

When Barry lost his work contract due to Covid-19, he decided to train for a full Ironman, with the objective of completing it in under 13 hours. He completed it in 13:36

after walking part of it – “still not mentally tough enough,” he says.

Two years later, he did the full event, with his son, in 12:50.

Many national, and international events followed. Currently, Barry is competing in France. He took part in what he says “could be my last full Ironman event”, on September 10 in Nice, as part of the Ironman World championship Race – an event known for a tough bike course. In the last 12 months he says he has been “living the triathlon dream”, having completed two full distance Ironman events (including Nice), one long distance triathlon (in Ibiza, Spain), six national and international half Ironman events, two

Olympic distance triathlons, one Olympic distance aquabike and two aquathons. He says a huge plus is that both his children have been inspired to do triathlons with him. “Triathlon has let me play with my children again,” he says. “But also, my health has improved – I’ve lost 20kg and would have been on high blood pressure pills by now, if not for the training. It has probably added a few years to my life.”

Getting started

“ You have to be patient with your training, and enjoy it, which I do. Some weeks it can be as high as 20 hours but generally around half that. I look forward to my Saturday sea swim at Manly Beach at 8am with a large group of keen swimmers (all abilities), then possibly a chat and coffee before a bike ride round The Circle in Manly a few times and a beautiful run before brunch at the Manly Café.

Barry recommends: Get in touch with the Hibiscus Coast Harries and Triathlon Club for advice; get a coach early; consider Smart bike trainer equipment that connects with online platforms that allows you to train and race with people around the world. As always, if embarking on a new fitness regime, see your health professional for advice first.

Barry Herbison has gone from zero to hero in Ironman challenges.

Health

Sheryl Takayama, Nutritionist sheryl@whyweightacademy.com

Love your liver

Spring is in the air and in the same way it brings the desire to spring clean our surroundings, it’s a great time to turn attention inwards, on our ever-hardworking liver.

The liver is our internal filtration system, converting toxins into waste, processing medications and metabolising nutrients from the food we eat. As well as being the main organ involved in detoxing, it also plays a huge role in hormone balancing and fat burning.

In short, it is critically important to our overall health and energy, so taking the time to support your liver in its job of detoxing is a worthy investment.

The concept of detoxing may bring up thoughts about extreme measures and protocols – anybody remember the awful cleanse a few years ago with lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup? But there are far more gentle ways you can support your liver daily.

Below are some effective and simple ways that you can nourish your liver before the festive season is upon us. They will help to gently enhance detoxification, without increasing stress in the process. When you give your liver the love it deserves, you will enjoy better health and wellbeing yearround, radiating from the inside out.

A revitalizing start

Kickstart your mornings with a new ritual: A large glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon. This wakes up the digestive system and encourages the movement of toxins out of the body. If teeth sensitivity is a concern, sip this drink through a straw and rinse your mouth with fresh water afterwards, to remove any remaining lemon juice from your teeth.

Nourishing nutrition

Your liver loves the following foods, so add them into your meals regularly: beetroot, berries, almonds, citrus fruits, leafy greens and green tea.

Antioxidant support

Glutathione is an antioxidant within your liver that helps bind toxins and escort them out of the body. Foods that will help boost your glutathione levels include avocado, raw spinach, asparagus, whey protein and bone broth.

Lighten the load

Two of the biggest liver loaders are alcohol and caffeine. When you reduce your intake of these, your liver will have more energy to carry out its many functions.

Embrace the sweat

Sweating helps remove toxins from the body, so engaging in regular activity that induces a healthy sweat will reduce the detoxification load from your liver.

Want to read more? visit www.localmatters.co.nz

Care fair off to flying start

An inaugural “community care fair” in Ōrewa in late August was so successful, the organiser says she’s planning for more in the future.

Danielle Watson of Coastie Events said a couple of hundred people came through the event at St Chad’s Church in Centreway Road over a three-hour period, accessing free donated products, advice and health services from a range of organisations represented. “Communities were able to come in and grab products like nappies, wipes, hygiene products, food, toys, clothes and more at no cost,” she said. Stallholders offered free services and advice to visitors. On site were representatives of NZ Blood Service, Hear Again Whangaparāoa, Police, Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol, Time To Screen (including Bella, the inflatable walkthrough model of a bowel), Life Education, Steps Forward, Breast Cancer Foundation, Bargain Chemist and Mainly Music.

“I had a lovely experience near the start when I had 20 or so people come up and give me thank you cards and things, letting me know what the impact of events like this have on them, as people on a lower income,” Danielle said.

It was good to see people interacting with stallholders, having fun, and feeling comfortable rather than self-conscious. “They could blend in, no strings attached, and not worry about how people were viewing them, because there were so many others there too.”

Danielle said she hopes to hold the next care fair early in the New Year, and is looking for a suitable time slot that does not overlap with other events planned in Ōrewa over the summer.

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

Off with his mullet!

A small crowd gathered in Coast Plaza on Saturday, September 9 to see a very public haircut, as Ryan Port’s auburn mullet was chopped off for charity.

The 44-year-old Tindalls Bay resident has been growing his hair since lockdown and decided to donate it for wigs, while raising money for the Child Cancer Foundation (HM September 4).

The team at Rodney Wayne Whangaparāoa prepared and plaited the hair so it can be used to make wigs for cancer patients after removal, before cutting it off and finishing his new look.

Fundraising alongside the event meant Ryan was able to donate a lot more than just his hair, raising $4500.

Ryan says the whole experience was so encouraging.

“My main takeaway from the last couple of months is that there are so many great people out there, especially here on the Coast. Raising money doesn’t fix anything but it helps, even just a little bit, and we should all feel pleased with that.”

Danielle Watson of Coastie Events with Sandra Sweetman and Pam Crisp from Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol. (Photo, Kat/QSL Creative). Medical information and advice was on offer at no charge during the fair. (Photos, Kat/QSL Creative).

Visitors were able to access free food, clothing, toys, hygiene products and household items that had been donated for the event.

Danielle Watson of Coastie Events with Libi Pearce of the Breast Cancer Foundation.

‘Life saving’ grant for Ōrewa surf club

Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club has been awarded a grant of $2m through Auckland Council’s Sport & Recreation Facilities Investment Fund.

The money provides cornerstone funding that is a crucial step in making its community hub and clubhouse redevelopment project a reality.

“To finally have this funding confirmed is a huge boost to the project”, says project committee chair, John Chapman. It

Big

windfall

enables the club to formally apply for the further funding it needs to get the project off the ground.

The club expects to be lodging for Building Consent by the end of next month.

Cr John Watson says the Albany Ward did very well out of this year’s funding round – receiving well over half the total funding allocated. This includes a smaller grant to do an investigation into an indoor multisport facility at Metro Park in Millwater.

for Love Soup

Love Soup has received a substantial grant, that its founder and director Julie King says will allow the charity to better promote itself, raising awareness so it can help even more people.

“Charitable organisations can struggle with the small things so this wonderful prize will enable us to reach more people who need our help,” Julie says.

Not only did the charity win the Canon community award category, but it was also the overall winner of the Canon Oceania Grants, winning $15,000 in total. The win was decided by public vote.

The first Love Soup free meal was served up at Whangaparāoa Community Hall in

2016, but Julie started her charity food rescue service in Tokoroa three years earlier. Its reach has since extended to Rotorua and Whangarei.

The aim was to alleviate hunger, and food waste – “Love Soup is about feeding people and not landfill,” Julie says.

Love Soup collects surplus food, from partners such as Countdown, and redistributes it to frontline organisations like foodbanks, schools, and community kitchens so they can feed those in need.

Last year alone, Love Soup rescued over 500,000 kilos of food. It also provides free community meals.

Night markets back in Silverdale

A decade after it last operated locally, Auckland Night Markets is back in Silverdale, in the carpark, under The Warehouse in Silverdale Centre. The grand opening was on Sunday, September 10. The market includes food stalls, as well as handcrafts, clothing and live music. The market will be open weekly on Sundays, from 5pm till late.

Olaf and Elsa from Frozen will add to the cool atmosphere at the first Ōrewa Beach Wintery Festival.

New Coastie

Ed Amon edamonnz@gmail.com

Seeds of change

Cool fun by the tonne at Wintery Festival

Ten tonnes of snow to play in, and a “polar” swim set the tone for the inaugural Ōrewa Beach Wintery Festival on Sunday, September 24. The event is being put on by Destination Ōrewa Beach and could become a regular fixture, offering wintery themed fun for all ages.

Two trucks will place 10 tonnes of snow from Snowplanet on Moana Reserve, where it will be shaped into a 6m x 5m area and fenced, providing a chance to play in real snow. Anyone can take part in the polar swim. Swimmers will take the plunge directly out from the Moana Reserve steps. There will be two lines of numbered balloons

floating in the water, one for children and a separate one for adults. Tickets inside the balloons will depict the prize won, which range from $50-$200 cash to restaurant vouchers and Ōrewa merchandise.

All swimmers need to register on the event site from 12 o’clock and they all get a free coffee or hot chocolate after the swim. Dressing up for the swim is encouraged and there are spot prizes for things like best dressed and best belly flop.

Giant games, and a Frozen themed bouncy castle, along with food trucks, will keep everyone entertained.

Info: www.facebook.com/events/801455271

488358

It’s Spring and I’m trying to be healthy, like everyone else – but I hate it, like everyone else. I hate it because of the seeds. My health obsessed CrossFit evangelist, and high intensity interval training advocate friend ordered me to replace my snacks with seeds. Seeds! Sure, I need to lose weight but not so much that I transform into a bird. He tells me that flax seeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds need to be in my diet. When I was growing up there were only sesame seeds. A couple on the Big Mac and you are fine. In addition to seeds, he evangelises that I need to go to the gym and do high intensity stuff. I need to be motivated. I need to get results. I know, my friend is annoying. There is a background to my seed-based conversation with my friend. I was recently fat shamed. It is never good to be fat shamed – but this was my doctor! Oh boy! I wish it was some dude on Facebook so I can deflect and yell at him about his prejudice against body size and shape. But it was my doctor. I need to take her seriously. She was not making assumptions on my looks. She was looking at my blood test report. She immediately transformed into the renowned journalist, Kim Hill and started asking me the hard questions. I, on the other hand, turned into a mumbling politician who is trying to defend holes in their election-time policies. Unlike NZ, my middle is not squeezed. It needs some squeezing. It needs to be squeezed to a point where I can rule out diabetes. At this moment I cannot rule out diabetes, just like Christopher Luxon cannot

rule out a coalition with Winston Peters. Diabetes and heart disease are my biggest fears. My parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts have all been fighting these villains no matter what their lifestyle is. Healthy or not, at some point in their lives they have had to face these and, at some point, in my life I will too. The question is how long I can delay it. Seeds is not the way forward. Replacing ready

salted chips and Kiwi dip with seeds is out of the question. Celery and hummus might be a good option. Maybe I will replace the red meat with chicken. I love red meat, but chicken is my favourite too. It seems like a fair compromise. I make a killer daal – maybe some more of that. I live on the coast. Maybe some kaimoana (seafood) should enter my diet. I used to love Lahori Fish – I should call my mum to get the recipe. I used to love honey and oats when I was growing up. Maybe I can replace the frosted flakes with oats for breakfast. I love listening to podcasts but never have enough time to listen to a whole one-hour podcast in one go. Maybe I can put on some headphones and take a walk on the beach for one hour while listening to a podcast. Now I feel good. I have some options to adopt this spring. Seeds is not one of them!

It is never good to be fat shamed – but this was my doctor! I need to take her seriously.

Cricket and culture together at community ‘big friendly’

A cricket match that is not just about batting, bowling and fielding, but is a celebration of diversity, culture and community spirit will take place in Stanmore Bay at the end of this month. The game is ‘a big friendly’ between the Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club’s Sri Lankan Community Team, and the NZ Arasan Superkings North (a South Asian team).

Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club director of cricket, Ramesh Lakmal, says the club has a tradition of developing and nurturing cricket talent from diverse nationalities. He says the upcoming game will embrace that same spirit of community and sportsmanship.

Although it’s a “friendly” match, it will also

be super competitive, Ramesh says. Following the game, there will be a community cultural gathering with activities, games, music, and food.

“What makes this event unique is its open invitation to everyone in the community, making it a fantastic opportunity to bring people together for a day of fun and celebration,” Ramesh says.

The match takes place at Stanmore Bay Park on Brightside Road on Saturday, September 30. There is an opening ceremony at 10.30am, and the game starts at 11am. Thirty overs per side will be played. At 4pm there will be a community barbecue, music, kids’ games and prizegiving.

Info: https://hibiscuscricket.co.nz/

First aid and more in free St John course

Hato Hone St John is offering its Harnessing Potential programme free to Coasties aged 14-25 this month. Silverdale Ambulance Station is hosting the programme from Monday, September 25 to Friday September 29 (the upcoming school holidays). Over five days, trained community educators will deliver a programme focusing on first aid, confidence, leadership, hauora and wellbeing. Spaces are limited and will fill quickly. Register at https://forms.office.com/r/gA8SHnvPgi

Resort-style retirement living

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

Two bedroom villas from $1.125m

Our beautiful, brand new apartments and villas are finished to the very highest of standards. Light, spacious, warm and modern, they really are the very best in retirement living. Come and see our world-class amenities and meet our gorgeous residents.

The Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club’s Sri Lankan Community Team – all the players represented the Coast last season.

DOUGLAS ACCOUNTING

• Monthly and end of year accounts and tax returns.

• Business planning and advice

• Personal Tax Returns

•

HOME & MAINTENANCE

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

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

Over 30 years’ experience.

Contact Dexter 027 4956 436

DRAINLAYERS

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

HANDYMAN

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

HOUSE WASHING - SOFT WASH / LOW PRESSURE / CHEMICAL WASH

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

Silverdale Village Market

7 Silverdale Street Saturday 8am~1pm Ph 021 030 3273

Coastal Curtains and Blinds

Drapes • Roman Blinds • Nets/voiles • Rods & Tracks • Blinds Verticals, Venetians, Wooden • Roller Sunscreen & Blockout Blinds

CALL NOW FOR A FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

Mobile service – Phone 027 69 89 925 pauline@coastalcurtains.co.nz www.coastalcurtains.co.nz

Classifieds

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.

ESTATE LANDSCAPES All your landscaping needs ph Sean 027 904 7506

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

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

SERVICES

COASTAL MASSAGE SERVICE

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

FURNITURE REMOVALS

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

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

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER New Builds, Additions & Renovations. Concept Design & Building Consents. Clinton 0800 642 425

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

CARS WANTED

VEHICLES WANTED

Dead or Alive. Cash Paid. 0800 333 398

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

DVDS & VIDEOS

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

WORK WANTED

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

FOUND

EARRING AT RED BEACH – Small 9k gold huggie hoop with small zirconia stones. Ph 021 181 6708.

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.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

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

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

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

HIBISCUS COAST ARTISTS INC. Meet every Monday 9.30am-12pm, On the first Monday of every month members put their latest work on display, and a visiting judge appraises and critiques their work and awards prizes for winners, runners up etc. Stanmore Bay Community Hall, 41 Waiora Road, Stanmore Bay.

HIBISCUS COAST HIGHLAND PIPES AND DRUMS – DRUM TUTOR WANTED We are wanting a snare/side drum tutor to join our band and tutor others. Tuition on bag pipes offered also. Free tuition – conditions apply. No previous experience needed to learn. All levels of playing and supporters welcome. Wednesday 7pm practices at St Johns Ambulance Hall 36 Silverdale Road Silverdale. Drop in to check us out. Contact Leslee O’Connell 027 4267 170 or Bob Logan 09 4241838.

Crossword conundrum solved #16

53

57

58 Object, 59 Craven, 60 G-string, 62 Elk, 64 Yesteryear, 65 Palisade, 66 Ashen, 69 Crabby, 70 Hirsute, 71 Bamboozle, 76 Tarpaulin, 77 Waste, 78 Tempted, 83 Sanskrit, 84 Rainforest, 85 Biking, 86 Abetting, 87 Rest on your laurels.

DOWN: 2 Auburn, 3 Epoch, 4 Hug, 5 Away, 6 Trapeze, 7 Famine, 8 Tilt, 9 Nickname, 11 Abated, 12 Indication, 13 Hand, 14 Startle, 18 Blancmange, 20 Rare, 23 Piton, 24 Insolent, 26 Malaise, 28 Tally-ho, 30 Tavern, 31 Belief, 32 Winner, 35 Torso, 37 Samba, 38 Sums, 40 Pair, 45 Italy, 46 Coleslaw, 47 Embryo, 48 Gregarious, 49 Lute, 50 Cockpit, 51 Unable, 52 Sheds, 54 Easy, 55 Aerosol, 56 Tanker, 61 Wet blanket, 63 Adobe, 67 Estimate, 68 Code, 69 Canasta, 72 Art Deco, 73 Option, 74 Lagoon, 75 Kernel, 79 Poker, 80 Knee, 81 Knot, 82 Star, 85 Boa.

What’s on ...

September

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

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 Waiata Performance by Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa Marae, Whangaparāoa Library, Main Street, Whangaparaoa, 11am. No bookings required. All welcome.

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. (see story p28)

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. (see story p3)

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.

30 Cricket match and community cultural event, Stanmore Bay Reserve, game starts 11am. All welcome (see story, p29)

30- Oct 7 Centrestage Youth Theatre Presents: Madagascar JR Based on the DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. Tickets https://nz.patronbase.com/_CentreStage/ Productions/CY23/Performances

October

2 Drag Bingo, Northern Union, Silverdale, 7.30pm. Drag show and Bingo games with Lady Armilade! Tickets $25pp. To book, email annelie.maddock@gmail.com

8 Gulf Harbour Yacht Club Boat Bits & Car Boot all-sorts sale, Gulf Harbour Marina, 9am. Bring ‘n’ Buy, a chance to sell unwanted belongings, $10 per car boot. Info and bookings, email admin@ghyc. co.nz or phone 09 424 2118.

8 Meet Candidates for General Election, Whangaparāoa Library, 4pm5.30pm. All welcome

12 ‘Whangaparāoa Young Voters Meet the Candidates’ event, Northern Union, Silverdale, 7pm. Anyone of any age welcome to hear local candidates speak. (see p19)

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

Weight Loss

Whether it’s summer coming that’s got you motivated or something else entirely, now is always a great time to start thinking about weight loss for those of us carrying a few extra kilos (or more!)

With so many weight loss products and programmes on the market, which is the right one to choose? We believe that the key to a successful weight loss programme is one that can be tailored to you as an individual. You are unique! This means that each person requires a different approach. That is why at Unichem Manly Pharmacy, our weight loss programme is not a system but rather an individual consultation with you, where we build a personalized plan for you to follow. A plan that not only focuses on weight loss but also works with you to help improve your long term health and well being.

We’ve found that there are some fundamental elements to a weight loss programme that support success:

First and most importantly, a person who wants to make a changeyou! Making the decision to embark on your weight loss journey is the first and most important step.

A coach is another vital component to a successful formula. At Unichem Manly Pharmacy, we have qualified healthcare practitioners to help you make your plan. But more importantly they will be your support person to help you be accountable, meeting you on a regular basis to enable you to stick with that plan. They’ll share tips and strategies and monitor your progress.

Goals are also important. They help you to stay focussed and are especially useful on those hard days when temptations are everywhere and things get tough. Remember it’s not just about the number. What else do you want to achieve?

We’ll also look to see if nutritional support might assist you with your weight loss journey. Again, this is dependent on YOUR body. Some people need support with carbohydrate metabolism and/or health blood sugar balance, others need help with liver detoxification, nutritional balance or even gut dysbiosis. We also have a selection of VLCD diet shakes and meal replacement bars that we can use as tools. Let us help you find the best solution for you and your body and the best pathway to success.

Kapa Haka stands strong in Maori language week

The Tū Māia Kapa Haka Festival on the Hibiscus Coast was started by Whaea Mere Witika and the late Matua Murray Witika in 2009.

It was created as an opportunity for local schools to perform for their community, where they could stand strong, give back and honour through waiata, haka, mau

rākau, poi and more.

The first festival hosted three schools – fast forward to September 8, 2023, and 13 schools took part, hosted by Whangaparāoa College. They included Whangaparāoa and Ōrewa Colleges, Silverdale School, Gulf Harbour School, Ōrewa Beach Primary, Wainui School, Whangaparāoa School,

Dairy Flat School, Red Beach School, Stanmore Bay School and Ōrewa Primary.

The new school in Milldale, Ahutoetoe School, which opened seven months ago, took part for the first time.

Covid-19 restrictions meant that the festival hadn’t been held since 2019.

Haka committee says whānau, friends and the wider community that attended were moved by the performances.

“It was a joyful and moving experience. Each school came with an engaging and polished performance. The day showcased Te Ao Māori with so much aroha and respect,” she says.

Amy-Lee Gould of the Tu Maia Kapa

Ōrewa Primary has been involved with Kapa Haka and the Tū Māia festival for many years, and always puts on a strong performance.

Ōrewa Primary Ahutoetoe School

Silverdale School