Hibiscus Matters_Issue 357_2 October 2023

Fullers in firing line p2

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The trainee paramedic says she and current coach Phillip Rush targeted Oceans Seven years ago, but Covid-19 intervened. There can be a three year wait to book a slot to do the crossings, which must be assisted by a pilot and skipper.

Eight other swimmers were doing the English Channel when Caitlin swam it in August.

“We started half-an-hour behind them all, and finished half-an-hour in front,” she says. Her 9.5 hour time made her the fastest female of the season.

It was not a particularly triumphant ending however – although her coach and family were cheering her on from the boat, she landed on the French side on a rock.

“The first thing I ate was a packet of Pringles,” she says.

Coast teenager powering to world record-breaking swim

At 19 years of age, Caitlin O’Reilly is one of the country’s unsung sporting stars, well on her way to completing the Oceans Seven – a marathon swimming challenge made up of seven open water channel swims.

She recently returned home to Waitoki after completing three of the seven swims in just 33 days – the English Channel (33km), Gibraltar Strait (16km) and the

North Channel (34.5km).

With Cook Strait (26km) under her belt since 2017 (she was the youngest Kiwi to achieve this) and Tsugaru Strait (19.5km) in 2022, she has just two more to go –the Molokai Channel in Hawaii (42km), which she will swim next month, and the Catalina Channel (32km), next July.

Hibiscus Matters last met Caitlin four years ago, when she had just swum across Lake

Taupo, on her way to earning the NZ Triple Crown of Cook Strait, Lake Taupo and Foveaux Strait, a feat she achieved in 2021 at the age of 16.

Caitlin says her drive for ocean swimming was sparked by her Coast Swim Club coach, John Gatfield, who had swum Cook Strait. “I love a challenge,” she says. “And I love to break records.”

She says each swim is totally different – the water temperature and quality (the English Channel was a brown soup), the tides and currents. Dolphins accompanied her for the Strait of Gibraltar crossing. Swimmers follow the boat, which they are not allowed to touch. Wearing a wetsuit is considered “assistance”, so its swimsuit only for Caitlin. Bottles of water and electrolytes are thrown to you on a rope. Swimming is something she does to chill out, but the ocean crossings have been a mental challenge as well as a physical one.

“You hit a wall and think ‘I can’t do this’,” she says.

Seeing a sports psychologist has helped her deal with that pressure.

Caitlin says in the early days, she just wanted to get from one side to the other, but she is now focused on pushing her pace.

She hopes to be the youngest swimmer ever to complete Oceans Seven, all going well, and says after that there are plenty more long distance swimming challenges ahead.

Caitlin O’Reilly of Waitoki celebrates swimming the English Channel in 9.5 hours.

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Ferry fury focuses on Fullers

Local politicians are united in focusing on the Fullers360 contract with Auckland Transport (AT) as the battle to save the Gulf Harbour ferry continues.

AT’s draft Regional Public Transport Plan proposed removing the Gulf Harbour ferry service from 2028, causing a public outcry.

Cancellations had been running at around 50 percent and this week, changes to service for the next 14-18 months while Fullers360 trains new crew, will mean only two return trips between Gulf Harbour and the city run per day.

While anger remains directed at AT, which is in charge while the service is run down, attention has turned to the contract between AT and Fullers360.

There are calls from the Hibiscus & Bays

Local Board to see whether any clause relating to non-performance could be called into play. At a recent workshop, members said they want to see the contract terminated and given to “a company that can deliver”.

AT has assured the local board that Fullers360 are being penalised for not operating the full timetable.

Crs Wayne Walker and John Watson are also demanding to see the contract, signed at the end of last year. It was a $351million deal for Fullers360 to service four ferry routes, including Gulf Harbour. However, commercial sensitivity is likely to mean that no-one outside AT and Fullers gets to see any more of its provisions. Meanwhile, the rundown service is costing ratepayers. All public transport is subsidised and AT’s contracts are on the basis that the contractor gets paid for the full cost of service delivery, and AT collects fare revenue. According to AT, dropping patronage at Gulf Harbour, caused by unreliability, means that every trip is now being subsidised by ratepayers to the tune of $116 per person, per trip.

However, AT has said in the past that if a Fullers’ issue causes a service not to be provided, Fullers picks up the tab for replacement buses or taxis.

Cr Watson says AT is 100 percent responsible for any costs to ratepayers.

“Their ‘solution’ is to cut the service even more – Gulf Harbour has the most cancelled public transport system in NZ,”

he says. “How much do empty buses that drive around Auckland cost? They are also subsidised – and I bet they haven’t been cancelled.”

He says the failure in the service has been going on so long that there needs to be a government enquiry into Auckland’s ferry network issues and the public money that’s been spent.

“This is not a situation where normal commercial sensitivity applies – it should be made public,” Cr Watson says. “The full contractual details must be put under the microscope as AT has lost public confidence.”

A further public meeting was held on Thursday, September 28, after this edition had gone to print.

AT is commissioning a study into Whangaparāoa’s public transport (HM September 4) due to begin towards the end of this year, that will impact the future of the ferry service. As a result, when AT adopts its Regional Public Transport Plan in November, it is likely to note that work is ongoing regarding the ferry’s future, with no decision to be made until the study results are known, next year.

Penlink bus station disappears down budget hole

The ‘kiss and ride’ bus station, long planned for the Whangaparāoa Road end of the O Mahurangi Penlink route, has been parked due to new budget priorities.

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Hibiscus & Bays Local Board members were shocked to receive this news from Auckland Transport in a confidential session at a recent workshop. Although it was expected that the station would not be ready when Penlink opened, it had remained on the books as part of AT’s public transport focus until now.

An AT spokesperson tells the paper that the project was on hold as AT focused funding on recovering from weather events, as well

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as investing in already committed capital projects.

Cuts of 10.8 percent have been made to AT’s capital investment for 2023/24 because of cost escalations and the need for flood recovery.

As a result, there is currently no funding allocated for construction of the Whangaparāoa Bus Station.

“The team is working on some interim network changes that could be implemented without the station,” the spokesperson says. “We hope to deliver the proposed improvements when funding is available.”

Cr Wayne Walker says the proposed bus

station was in the wrong place, with vehicle turning and pedestrian safety in mind, and it is possible that the ‘interim changes’ could be an improvement.

“There is a park and ride at the Hammerhead already, but if the ferry service goes, that will also be lost,” he says. “AT should be consulting public transport users and the community before just blindsiding us with these decisions.”

Waka Kotahi says it will retain the land set aside for the kiss and ride, on the corner of Cedar Terrace and Whangaparāoa Road, until Auckland Transport builds the bus station.

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Changes in race for Whangaparāoa electorate

Two late changes to the campaign for the Whangaparāoa electorate occurred after our previous edition featured the six candidates then in the running. When nominations closed for candidates, New Zealand First candidate Janina Massee was no longer in the race, while the Greens had fielded an eleventh-hour candidate, Lorraine Newman.

“It is with sincere regret that I have had to withdraw as a NZ First candidate due to personal family reasons,” Massee said in response to queries.

Meanwhile, despite some uncertainty over the situation with New Zealand Loyal candidates – arising from what party leader Liz Gunn described as “an administrative error” – Jeanette Wilson has confirmed that she is definitely still running. The Electoral Commission has her listed as one of 32 electorate-only candidates for the newly-formed party.

The revised Whangaparāoa field is made

Whangaparāoa gets Green candidate

Lorraine Newman, (pictured) of Red Beach, says she’s standing for the electorate “because a healthy community and country requires a healthy, unpolluted planet on which we can thrive”.

“I have lived on the Coast for the last 22 years and I love it. It’s important that the Coast stays a beautiful, healthy, caring place so the children of the future can also flourish. We need strong Green Party representation in government to continue our quest for longer term health and wellbeing.”

Newman comes from a farming background and has played active roles in the community and tertiary education sector.

up of National’s Mark Mitchell, who is defending the electorate seat and is 11th on his party’s list, Estefania Muller Pallares of Labour (55th on list), ACT candidate Simon Angelo (37th on list), Craig Laybourn of Democracy NZ (13th on list), Wilson of NZ Loyal (electorate-only), and the Greens’ Newman (42nd on list).

Advance voting started on October 2 and runs until October 13, the day before Election Day.

Justice spokesperson talks tough

An audience of around 50 people came to hear what National’s justice, workplace relations and regulatory reform spokesperson, Paul Goldsmith, had to say, along with police spokesperson and local MP Mark Mitchell, at Ōrewa Bowls Club on September 18.

It was no surprise that law and order was the key theme, and here the two MPs were largely preaching to the converted, mainly older, crowd. However, some who came to the meeting said they were undecided voters, or considering Act or NZ First.

List MP Goldsmith opened by saying that he “inexplicably keeps losing” his Epsom electorate to Act’s David Seymour. He said all bets were off this election, and he was actively campaigning to win the seat for National. Epsom has been represented by successive Act MPs since 2005.

Later, when asked about MMP, Goldsmith said “the party vote is the only one that really matters” in the makeup of Parliament and to ignore “snake oil salesmen” who say they are supporting National.

He is clear about his justice priorities, which are dealing with violent crime (including reinstating the 3 Strikes policy) and preventing judges from reducing sentences by any more than 40 percent.

He wants to create a new category for serious young offenders who are caught more than twice, with tougher penalties, and reduce waiting lists for court hearings (although he did not say how this would be achieved in view of National’s policy of locking up more offenders).

There were murmurs of approval for his fourth priority, which focused on opposition to co-governance strategies. Goldsmith said National would “restore equal voting rights in local government”. In response to a question from the audience about school absenteeism and the need to increase powers for truancy officers, Goldsmith agreed that there needed to be “more bite in the system”.

“Erica Stanford [the party’s education and immigration spokesperson] will have something to say about that soon,” Goldsmith said.

He said schools that were successful in getting attendance rates up had a “no excuses” policy and that parent accountability also needed addressing. Although he praised National’s leader Christopher Luxon for his belief in “devolution” – not controlling everything from central government – he added that what was taught in schools was also a focus:

“While studying for a Master’s degree, I became a tutor/lecturer in communication and management. My favourite topics to teach were those involving learning to get along with others as a family or in a community, building rapport, understanding people from different backgrounds/cultures, ensuring others needs are met, and resolving conflicts.”

She has also coached PhD students, and wrote an orientation programme for Auckland Regional Migrant Service, helping new migrants to settle.

Newman says she joined the Green Party and became an active member after reading about the effects of climate change in 2015.

“The last few years have been spent learning more about the future we can have if we take the actions we must to make the planet a healthy place, and what the future could look like for our children and grandchildren if we don’t care enough.”

“one hour of reading, writing and maths a day is needed,” he said.

In relation to climate change mitigation causing increased costs in sectors such as building, Goldsmith said the government needed to be mindful of what the rest of the world was doing, and the impacts of climate change policies on the economy and cost of living.

“But [climate change policies] will still

increase costs, and all New Zealanders have to face that,” he said.

He said it was important to keep pace with our trading partners, which he suggested could be assisted by changing the rules around genetic modification.

The two MPs said that New Zealanders “want to see results, not promises” and that they are excited about delivering that if elected to government.

Tag team – Whangaparāoa MP Mark Mitchell will hold the police portfolio and work closely with National’s justice spokesperson Paul Goldsmith if National is elected to government.

Sports Centre and Community Hub proposed for Manly

A multi-million dollar rebuild of Manly Bowling Club has been proposed as a sports centre and community hub for Manly.

The proposal was brought to the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board’s September 26 business meeting, as a first step in progressing it.

The plans include rebuilding the existing single storey Manly Bowling Club facility and adding a second level, remaining within the existing footprint. It would include space for Manly Sailing Club to store boats, a covered bowls green and restaurant as well as meeting spaces. There have been early discussions with the sailing club, and adjacent tennis club.

In his presentation, bowling club general manager/secretary Andy Dorrance estimated the cost of the project as “in the ballpark of $8m-$10m”.

He later told the paper that the club began the project to provide a venue for the community, for the sailing club to hold prizegivings for its big sailing competitions, and encourage sporting activity.

“It’s the early stages of a five to seven year plan,” Dorrance says. “We have a very under-utilised facility there, in a great location by the park and near the beach. The club has a 30-year lease and here is a chance to build something for the future that serves a growing community.”

He says, like the current Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving community hub development, it will require a major fundraising effort. The proposal received a positive response from local board members.

433 more homes consented for Ōrewa development

The decision is in, and the Strathmill subdivision will go ahead, adding more than 400 new homes to West Hoe Heights in north Ōrewa.

Developer Shildon Ltd sought resource consent via the Covid-129 Recovery (Fasttrack consenting) rules, and the 217 page decision was released on September 15. Originally, the developer wanted to build 201 residential lots on the 24.3ha site, but increased this to 467, which stirred up staunch opposition among neighbours and the wider community.

The number of homes was reduced by 33 lots to 433, and a neighbourhood park added during the consenting process.

Shildon Ltd development manager Andrew

Allsopp-Smith says his team is delighted with the outcome.

“To maintain harmony with the neighbourhood, we’ve increased the boundary lot sizes and redesigned the homes, keeping in character with the area,” he says.

However, opponents of the development remain unhappy, saying the number of homes is still more than double the original number.

Neighbouring resident Robert Matthews describes the approved consent as “grossly disproportionate to the precinct requirements”.

“I can’t see why the team reviewing these consents does not enforce the requirements

for the precinct,” Matthews says. “In the feedback we kept on seeing reference to Plan Change 78 and we know that this has been put on hold, so why is this still being used as a reason to increase the amount of houses?”

He says opponents of Strathmill feel that their valid concerns were not heard during the consent process.

“There has not been much change from the original proposal. We were asked for input

but it was like talking to a brick wall,” he says. “All in all the covid fast track process should not have been used, as the people reviewing the application are not part of the community.”

Allsopp-Smith says the timing of physical works on the site is still in the planning process.

The panel’s decision can be appealed to the High Court.

Y sports hub gets Council grant

YMCA North’s plan for a sports hub at Metro Park East in Millwater (HM June 12) has received a boost with a $23,000 grant from Auckland Council. The Y proposes to build a multi-use facility and offer a range of sports and recreation infrastructure including indoor basketball courts, squash courts, gym and studio spaces, play spaces and sports club facilities, co-located with community and commercial services.

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Preliminary designs for the Sports Centre proposed for Laurence Street in Manly.

Viewpoint

Leanne Willis, Hibiscus & Bays Local Board leanne.willis@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Ferry frustrations

It’s been a terribly disappointing and extremely frustrating few months for Coast residents regarding the Gulf Harbour ferry service.

There have been three public meetings over the past year, each with crowds of 300 to 350 people.

In the recent RPTP consultation there were over 3000 submissions across Auckland, with at least 1200 about the Gulf Harbour ferry alone.

The average cancellation rates are as follows: 2018 – 5.25 percent; 2019 – 5.79 percent; 2020 – 7.42 percent; 2021 – 8.91 percent; 2022 – 38.35 percent; 2023 – 47.91 percent.

In my view, the cancellations show a concerted effort to decimate the service to the stage where patronage has dropped from 16,000 per month (in 2021) to about one quarter of that. Auckland Transport (AT) suggest that the bad weather is one of the main reasons for the irregular service. They have also provided inaccurate information, that falsely favours the bus service and downplays the efficiencies of the ferry service. Google Maps shows that on Wednesday at 7am via car from Gulf Harbour to Auckland, the travel time is 1 hour -1 hour 50 mins, or 1 hour – 1 hour 48 mins by bus. However, by ferry – just 50 minutes. Yet at a recent workshop, AT said there is a lot of public “misinformation and disinformation” – relating to the ferry service, when the only disinformation I’ve heard, has come from

the skewed AT data and their excuses for the regularly cancelled ferry service!

Most mornings the traffic is backed up to Manly shops – with no bus lane, and further developments planned east of Manly. Then, the “cherry on top” delivered by AT at the workshop on September 19 was the news that there isn’t the funding for the Penlink bus terminal we have been advocating for. Over the last six years AT assured locals the ferry service would be improved with additional sailings and improved vessels – and subsequently many millions of dollars has then been invested into the Hammerhead, etc.

Without a doubt, removing the ferry service will put more private vehicles back on the road exacerbating the congestion that already affects both buses and cars.

However, given the recent overwhelming feedback in support of keeping the ferry service, and AT’s murmurings of further investigation, everything is feeling slightly more optimistic than it has felt in some time. I shudder to think where would we be if an astute local hadn’t read through a wordy document and seen buried in one of the many, many pages, the plan to stop the Gulf Harbour ferry service.

Lastly, a big shout out to the admin team of the Gulf Harbour Ferry group and Crs John Watson and Wayne Walker – love your work!

Let’s keep everything crossed, that democracy and common sense prevails!

YourOpinion

Shame on church

A bit shocked to see that the Anglican Church will not fund the restoration of its own historic building (HM September 18). Instead, they are leaving it to elderly volunteers to find public funds, generous donors and community support of all kinds. Supposedly because “the buildings are for the benefit of the local community”. I think they should hang their heads in shame. If the building is successfully restored, the community should not invite Anglican Church leadership representatives to show their faces when the hard work is over and the church is reopened and blessed.

Sarah Fuller, Silverdale

Congratulations to Diane Woolson Neville of Ōrewa, who won a copy of Motherhood Unplugged:Confessions of a Wannabe Instamom by Heather Lake. Also to Pip Stocking of Puhoi, who won a copy of A Good Leadership Book: On Clarity, Culture & Communication by Dan Lake. Thanks to all who entered.

Grants open for applications

Auckland Council’s Climate Grant: Response and Regional Historic Heritage Grants are open now. Climate grants of $1000–$15,000 are designed to support community-based climate action. It provides funding support for projects that: reduce greenhouse gas emissions through community-based action, build community resilience to climate impacts, support Māoriled responses to climate change. Applications are open until October 23 at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/grantscommunity-support-housing/grants/ grants-calendar/Pages/grant-details.

aspx?itemID=100 The Regional Historic Heritage Grant, of up to $50,000, aims to encourage best practice and community involvement in the care of our regional heritage sites and places. Applications open on October 5 and close on to November 10. Info: https://aucklandcouncil.smartygrants. com.au/RegionalHistoricHeritageGrants Programme2324

Erosion frustrations

It seems the Council chooses to ignore the wishes of the people when it comes to coastal erosion. No matter how many letters are written, the response from the Council is silence. I was walking on Ōrewa Beach the other day and took the attached photo at the section in front of the children play area. I am thinking the next step might be to start a petition. Watch this space

Kevin Playdon Red Beach

Posts a sign of tennis expansion

Last week Watercare’s contractor began working on the upgrade of the Hobbs Bay Wastewater Pump Station, which it says will reduce overflows and improve the quality of local waterways and beaches such as Tindalls Bay and Stanmore Bay. The station, which is near Wentworth College and Primary School in Gulf Harbour (see map) services Whangaparāoa, Silverdale and Ōrewa. Watercare says the upgrade is needed because elevated hydrogen sulphide levels have corroded structures inside the pump station. The project involves preparing the existing storage tank on site to be reused as a wet well, constructing new pipe connections, and electrical and mechanical works. Once complete, the work will ensure that combined overflows are picked up and conveyed to the Army Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant. While most of the work will take place 7am-6pm, Monday to Saturday, nightworks will be required at some stages, and those details will be communicated to the community before they take place, Watercare says.

“The work may generate some noise and vibration, but it will be kept to a minimum,” a Watercare spokesperson says. “It will not affect your wastewater services, however there may be a temporary localized odour in and around the site.” The project is expected to be complete in 2025.

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The appearance of several marker posts on Edith Hopper Reserve in Manly had readers asking what was up. The posts were placed there by Auckland Council. Area operations manager, Kris Bird, says they are to indicate the approximate area to be taken up by new tennis courts as Whangaparāoa Tennis Club expands. The club has been seeking to build new courts on the reserve for more than a decade (HM November 22, 2021) and is now making progress. It will mean increasing its footprint from 3544sqm to 4590sqm. The final decision to lease the extended area of the reserve to the club rests with the local board. If the lease is granted, the proposed works are expected to commence as soon as the club has obtained full funding for the project. The club has said it can fund the work itself, with the support of sponsors. w Backstories www.localmatters.co.nz March 1, 2019, July 15, 2020, November 22, 2021

Ho-no! Link road naming causes ructions on board

The naming of a street in Milldale prompted a wider debate on the use of Māori names at Rodney Local Board’s meeting on September 20.

Developer Fulton Hogan Land Development applied to name the new road Parklink Avenue while, after mana whenua consultation, the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust gifted the name Honohono Avenue, which means to connect or link up. Auckland Council road naming guidelines give developers the option of suggesting their preferred names, but also “actively encourage” the use of Māori names, though in this instance, staff recommended that members approve the applicant’s choice of Parklink Avenue.

However, deputy chair and Dairy Flat representative Louise Johnston moved that Honohono Avenue be chosen instead, which prompted comments from several members.

Member Colin Smith said developers who were “pouring money into the community” used to have their names accepted in the past and they should again. He cited a recent example where the developers of Warkworth Ridge had just one of a block of road name preferences accepted, with all the others being gifted names by Ngāti Manuhiri.

“The community should accept what the developer is asking for,” Smith said. “We need to start blocking this, I’m not in favour of subdivisions having all Māori names.” Johnston said it was “an absolute honour” to be gifted the name. “I’m sure in Wales they don’t say that about Welsh language names,” she added.

Fulton Hogan Land Development said in its application that Milldale naming applications were normally lodged for entire stages.

“This has meant that, after research and consultation with mana whenua, several Te Reo names have been able to be named in each stage. Both Te Reo and European names have reflected a theme or the history of the area,” the developer said.

“In this instance, the road links the two main parks in Milldale. A name that will provide public guidance and help to direct locals and visitors is considered appropriate and is therefore preferred.”

The developer added that it would use the name Honohono elsewhere in the development in future if not adopted by the board.

However, the majority of the local board voted to approve Honohono Avenue in favour of Parklink.

The new avenue will link the neighbourhood centre and Waterloo Reserve in Stage 4 to Milldale town centre and central reserve in Stage 6.

Ōrewa keeps tsunami sirens

The Meerkat tsunami siren warning systems in Waiwera, Omaha, Point Wells and Whangateau are among those that will be decommissioned by Auckland Council on December 1.

However, the two Barton Sounds sirens in Ōrewa, the only ones of their type in Auckland, will not be decommissioned as they are constructed differently and are not being vandalised.

Council believes the Meerkat sirens have reached their use-by date and are too costly to continue to maintain, particularly since they have become a magnet for vandals.

There are 42 Meerkat tsunami warning sirens, most in the Rodney and Waitākere wards. Head of response and recovery John Cranfield says that vandals have knocked out almost half the sirens in some areas. His concern is that communities will feel a false sense of security, believing that the network is working, when much of it isn’t.

“It’s shocking,” he says. “We’ve put in antitheft screws and fixings, but it hasn’t made any difference. They are stealing the horns and council no longer has enough in stock to keep replacing them.”

Cranfield said when the Meerkat sirens were installed in 2008, emergency mobile alerts were not available.

“There have been some significant changes over that period and mobile alerts are now our primary alert system. Even if someone doesn’t have a phone, their neighbour probably will. No system is totally foolproof.”

Council estimated that the minimum cost to get the Meerkat system fully up and running would be around $215,000. But continued vandalism would mean that the maintenance costs would be ongoing.

When the issue was discussed at a Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee

meeting on September 5, Rodney councillor Greg Sayers opposed the decommissioning.

“The system shouldn’t be decommissioned without a replacement system being in place,” Sayers said. “It is a secondary form of alerting the public and, therefore, potentially lifesaving.

Meerkat is a small company that’s going out of business. A quick Google search and you will find there are plenty of other suppliers in New Zealand, and overseas, that supply this type of technology,” he said.

However, Cranfield said it was not a straightforward or fast process to switch providers. Replacing the Meerkats with the Barton sirens would involve significant cost, and many would possibly need resource consent. However, he did not rule out sirens being part of a future emergency alert system.

He said council is currently developing a public tsunami alert strategy that will be consistent across the whole of Auckland. He expects a draft strategy to be open for public comment later next year.

“At the moment, we have got an inconsistent approach. Siren locations are not based on risk, they are based on decisions made by legacy councils,” Cranfield said.

The Barton tsunami sirens were installed in Ōrewa in September, 2020. At the same time, Council’s systems were upgraded to work with the new technology.

Ōrewa was identified in 2017 as having the highest risk of tsunami exposure in Auckland and the community had been asking for sirens to be installed there for many years.

The sirens are on Centreway Reserve, at the western end of the carpark on Riverside Road, and at the entrance to Brunton Park on West Hoe Road.

They produce both a tone and voice instruction, letting people know why they are going off, and what to do.

Evacuation maps re-vamped

The Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee has adopted new tsunami evacuation zone maps. Auckland Council’s previous tsunami evacuation zone maps included three zones – red, orange and yellow. Red represented the highest risk areas while yellow represented the worst-case scenario. New modelling showed there was little difference between the orange and yellow evacuation zones. Principal science advisor Angela Doherty said council had invested in new tsunami inundation modelling that gave council a clearer picture on the impacts a tsunami could have. “The new modelling takes into account more detail about how waves actually behave within our harbours and as they approach our shore,” Doherty said. “We have transformed those models into evacuation maps which show a greatly reduced area of inundation and tsunami flood risk across the region. “Having just two zones cuts down the confusion as to whether people are in or outside of a tsunami evacuation zone.” The new maps are expected to be implemented by the end of this year and Doherty said it would be followed by a communication plan to keep the public informed.

Authorised by Mark Mitchell MP, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Ōrewa’s tsunami sirens, pictured being installed three years ago, will remain when Auckland Council decommissions the rest of the network in December.

Finance

Greg Douglas, greg@douglasconsulting.co.nz

Refresh after election

A new election approaches, and there is always the uncertainty of who will govern and who their coalition partners with be. We will know the result soon enough and what to expect from the election winner.

The end of October will therefore be a great time to review your business, after the new government is known and you will have some idea of the economic policies that lie ahead.

Businesses with accounting programmes should review the results for the first six months of the year to September 30, 2023 (in most cases) to see how the business has gone in the first six months and what changes are required in the second six months to either get the business back on track to improve the

profitability of the business. How has the business gone against budget? Does the budget need to be reviewed? Your tax advisor will have tools or solutions to help you so it would be a good time to contact them and arrange an appointment to discuss the six-monthly results and the balance of the year going forward.

If you are behind in your tax payments, keep in touch with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). They are helpful and will look at ways for you to get the debt up to date, including instalment arrangements, and (in more dire situations) hardship relief. Talking to the IRD will always help your situation as it will minimise penalties charged to you.

Gloomy outlook for petrol prices

Kiwi motorists can expect more pain at the pump in the coming months, with the AA predicting 91 octane petrol could cost as much as $3.50 by Christmas. A range of global and local factors are blamed, including rising oil prices due in part to cuts from major OPEC+ producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. Brent crude oil reached $95 a barrel last week, its highest price since October 2022. Add to that a weak New Zealand dollar, the closure of the Marsden Point oil refinery, and the ending of the 25 cents a litre discount on fuel excise duty and road user charges. Put in place by the government in March 2022, the subsidies were extended several times before ending on July 1. Labour is proposing raising fuel taxes by four cents a litre each year for the next three, to boost funding for transport network improvements. National says it plans no increase, but also won’t cut fuel taxes. It also pledges to drop the 10c a litre Auckland regional fuel tax. Last week, data from the Gaspy price monitoring app showed the average national price for 91 octane was $3.00 a litre, up 3.8 percent over the previous 28 days. In the Mahurangi area 91 octane was selling for $3.04 at Gull Wellsford, $3.15 at Gull Snells Beach, and $3.19 at Z Warkworth.

Real Estate Panel

Summerset Milldale Real Estate Panel

If you’ve ever been curious about village life, now’s the time to get in touch as our first stage of homes at Summerset Milldale are selling off plans now.*

If you’ve ever been curious about village life, now’s the time to get in touch as our first stage of homes at Summerset Milldale are selling off plans now.*

Join us for an informative Q&A session with local real estate agents, to find out what’s been happening in the housing market. We will be asking all the burning questions that you want to know, so that you can have a plan for when the time is right for you to make the move.

Join us for an informative Q&A session with local real estate agents, to find out what’s been happening in the housing market. We will be asking all the burning questions that you want to know, so that you can have a plan for when the time is right for you to make the move.

Plus, after the panel we will also be giving a brief update on the construction progress of our first stage of homes, so don’t miss out. Light refreshments will be provided following the update.

Plus, after the panel we will also be giving a brief update on the construction progress of our first stage of homes, so don’t miss out. Light refreshments will be provided following the update.

RSVP by Friday 27 October, to Nicola Redmond on 09 304 1632.

RSVP by Friday 27 October, to Nicola Redmond on 09 304 1632.

Real Estate Panel

2019-2023 AgedCare & RetirementVillages AgedCare & RetirementVillages

2019-2023 AgedCare & RetirementVillages & RetirementVillages

Tuesday 31 October, 10.30am

Real Estate Panel

Wainui Golf Club 34 Windmill Drive, Wainui 09 304 1632 | milldale.sales@summerset.co.nz

Tuesday 31 October, 10.30am

Wainui Golf Club 34 Windmill Drive, Wainui 09 304 1632 | milldale.sales@summerset.co.nz

The Colour Club Great Escape Sailing Gulf Harbour

Cathrine Gail De Jager practically grew up in a hair salon in South Africa as her mother was a hairdresser.

“In fact I was there right from the start –when my mother was pregnant with me!” she says. No surprise then, that hair styling came easy to Cathrine – “it felt natural, I held a blow wave brush before I could hold a spoon,” she says.

But despite this, and the fact that she qualified as a beautician with distinction in hair dressing, she did not take up the profession until she had a revelation while helping out in her mother’s salon. “I was working at Estee Lauder at the time, and just helping mum out – but that day, it all clicked,” she says.

She went on to work in salons, before taking almost a decade out to be a fulltime mum to her three children.

When times were tough and she was a solo parent working three jobs to make ends

meet, a friend suggested she rent a chair at a salon.

Her skills were in hot demand, and she had found a way to put food on the table for her family.

“I tried other jobs, but always came back to hairdressing,” Cathrine said. “Being a hairdresser fills my cup, I don’t see it as a job but a passion.

After moving to NZ four years ago, Cathrine “found her tribe” renting a chair at Ōrewa’s Hair Studio. But she has always wanted her own place, and on July 1, she opened The Colour Club in Ōrewa. She was joined by hair stylist Amber Purvis, and they operate as a rent a chair salon. She describes her salon as “a safe haven, filled with heart and soul”.

“You can drop in and help yourself to coffee – everyone is welcome to use the space for time out,” she says.

Anew sailing education programme is coming to Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, and commodore Phil Shaw is excited about the prospect of sharing the club’s love for sailing with newcomers to the pastime.

Gulf Harbour will be home to a new branch of Great Escape Sailing, a Bay of Islands-based business with more than 30 years’ experience helping people learn and develop skills for keelboat sailing. Two Noelex 25s are being completely refitted to meet Maritime NZ standards. Phil describes the boats as “forgiving, well balanced and fun to sail”.

Launching in mid-October from Fairway Bay, the branch aims to develop competent sailors looking to learn how to cruise safely and with respect for the marine environment. Yachting New Zealand keelboat qualifications are on offer, and an additional benefit for participants will

be the opportunity to become members of GHYC.

“This is not racing,” Phil says. “They’ll be practicing things like man overboard, how to anchor, how to be safe, and basic navigation.”

The learn-to-sail boats will also be available for charter, for those wanting to hone their new skills without having to own a yacht. To support the delivery of the new branch, Great Escape is seeking part-time instructors. Full training will be provided to those with keelboat sailing experience. Phil says his partner, Marnie, is a key supporter of the project. “I couldn’t do it without her.”

He’s confident the venture will soar, here “at the centre of the most beautiful cruising grounds in New Zealand”.

Launch date is mid-October, and bookings are now open: www.greatescape.co.nz/

Cathrine Gail De Jager Phil and Marnie

Major parties push EV uptake

National and Labour are both promoting ways to encourage more Kiwis to move to electric vehicles (EVs), but differ over which incentives will be most effective.

National is pledging to invest $257 million over four years to increase the number of EV public charging points across the country to 10,000, while also signalling the scrapping of the clean car discount, arguing that people who can afford brand-new EVs don’t need to be subsidised by taxpayers. The investment pledge compares to the Labour government’s 2023 budget announcement of $120 million for charging point infrastructure over four years. New Zealand currently has around 1200 public charging points. National argues that a shortage of charging stations places limits on long-distance travel plans, and that prevents more New Zealanders from buying EVs. It’s also promising to eliminate the need for resource consents for charging points, to speed up the process and reduce upfront costs.

“Around 20 per cent of New Zealand’s total [greenhouse gas] emissions come from transport, so embracing EVs is crucial to delivering our climate change commitments,” National leader Christopher Luxon said this month. “However, Kiwis won’t switch to an EV if they are anxious about whether they will be able to recharge it when and where they need to.”

New Zealand is falling behind other countries in this area. The International Energy Agency reported that New Zealand had one charging point for every 57 EVs in 2021, the worst showing of 30 major countries. By comparison, the UK and Australia had one charging point for every 21 EVs, for the US it was 18, for China seven, and for South Korea just 2.6. The world average in 2021 was one charging point for every 9 EVs.

Labour contends that the high cost of EVs is the major disincentive, hence its support for clean car discount initiatives.

“The real thing is this: cost is a barrier

Incentives differ on major parties’ EV plans. Photo,

for people to enter the market in terms of obtaining EVs,” Labour MP Tangi Utikere told One News on September 7. “What we’ve seen is that the clean car discount has really provided the opportunity for folk to enter the market.”

Another key peg of National’s policy is to end what it calls the “ute tax” – fees charged on higher-emitting vehicles – which it calls “unnecessary, expensive and fiscally unsustainable”.

“The reality is the scheme the government’s put in place taxes people who don’t have a choice – farmers and tradies – and gives massive subsidies to people who can already afford these vehicles,” National’s transport spokesperson Simeon Brown said on the same programme.

Brown predicted that EV prices would come down as scale of production increases, and said the role of government was to roll out the infrastructure.

For EV advocacy groups, both the boost to

charging points and the clean car discount are important policies.

Drive Electric, which calls itself the country’s leading apolitical, not-for-profit organisation focused on promoting the uptake of EVs, the roll-out of public charging infrastructure is “currently the number one priority for members”.

At the same time, it says its membership supports the clean car discount, because it is a policy that has demonstrated to significantly lift EV uptake.

“It is also reducing emissions. Since June 2021, the average emissions of newly registered vehicles in New Zealand have dropped 21 per cent.”

Robert Linder/ Unsplash

International Energy Agency/Global EV Outlook 2022

Youth Voice

Caitlin Watson, caitewatson@gmail.com

‘Culture of courage’ may change stats

Did you know that NZ unfortunately ranks among the countries with the highest incidence of bullying? Shockingly, 32 percent of NZ students report experiencing bullying at least a few times a month, compared to the OECD average of 23 percent. Bullying is not confined to school corridors and private messages on platforms like Instagram; it extends into the workplace. One in five employees reports experiencing bullying in NZ workplaces each year.

Youthline offers a valuable definition of bullying, describing it as “an abuse of power, where one person or a group uses their power to make another person feel powerless”. Bullying takes various forms, including verbal, social, virtual, and physical, and sadly, it often leads to low self-esteem, heightened anxiety, fear, isolation, and severe mental health issues.

I can remember one time I had a conversation with a close advisor about a situation in which I felt disrespected. Having never experienced bullying during my school years, I was taken aback when they suggested, I was being bullied. Another conversation with a friend led to the realisation that they had been a victim of workplace bullying and intimidation. These personal experiences, coupled with ongoing discussions with parents and young individuals about their school-related struggles, emphasise that bullying is a pervasive issue in our community. So, what can we do about it?

Addressing this complex cultural problem requires a multifaceted approach. I’d like to focus on one potentially transformative solution. Research indicates that encouraging bystanders to become ‘upstanders’ should be a central component of anti-bullying efforts. When bystanders intervene in instances of bullying, it stops within 10 seconds in 57 percent of cases. We can initiate change by fostering a culture of courage, where individuals are brave enough to take a stand. Where safe to do so, bystanders have the power to speak up, seek help, and offer support.

For example, if you witness a classmate being verbally attacked at school, consider not going along for the ride. This is an opportunity to be a positive influence and calmly let the bully know that demeaning others is not cool. In a workplace setting, demonstrate solidarity and support for your colleagues; be an advocate for change. Each one of us has a role to play in restoring the power imbalances created by bullying.

The saying, ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,’ is far from accurate. Whether it’s physical actions or hurtful words, the consequences of bullying can be devastating. We cannot afford to be complacent about this. By changing the narrative and cultivating a culture of courage, one person at a time, we can create healthier schools today and foster thriving workplaces tomorrow.

SHARYNN WALMSLEY

Floral feast for flower fans in Ōrewa

A Floral Art design competition that featured work from members of 11 Auckland clubs drew a large crowd to Ōrewa Baptist Church last month.

Members of the local Hibiscus Floral Art Group achieved several very good placings, including first in the Intermediate Section, and second Club.

The show ran over two days, September 12 and 13, with works created and judged

on the first day and doors opening to the public the next day.

The theme, which was ‘couture’, ensured the entries were dramatic, bright, funky and colourful. A section called High Society featured decorated handbags and shoes.

Hibiscus Floral Art Group president, Gill Watt, said members loved taking part this year.

“We worked together on some of the

A Nature inspired Early Childhood Education Centre

A small Early Learning Centre where children are nurtured in a warm and loving atmosphere. Excellent teacher/child ratios with care and education provided by well qualified and dedicated teachers. A centre where the aspirations of the parents are sought and worked towards by the teaching team. Surrounded by native bush, the bird life is a constant part of the environment.

Tui’s, Kereru and Riroriro sing in the trees and are visible throughout the day. In line with the centre’s philosophy the older children enjoy excursions to the local beach. Free sessions 9am-3pm for 3 year olds and over.

pieces and that was a great experience for the newbies as well as the more experienced floral artists,” she says. “It was also exciting to see such a good turnout when it opened to the public. It has drawn in some new members.”

The show is held annually, and Gill said it came to Ōrewa Baptist Church hall for the second time, because the show there, in 2020, was so successful.

Becky Cavit took the big win for the Hibiscus Coast group, earning first place in the Intermediate section ‘Barely There’. Becky’s work was also Highly Commended in the pre-prepared, High Society section, which featured decorative bags and shoes.

Judy Gardiner used freesias and foliage from her garden in her Bright and Funky work, which placed third in the Junior section.

The Hibiscus Coast Floral Art Group came second in the Club section with this piece which includes preserved carnations and dyed skeleton leaves. Six floral artists combined their talents to create the work.

A bold headwear piece by Christine Richards was Highly Commended in the Junior section.

All donations welcome – We pick up

80 years of Ag Day

The bleating of lambs and goats will be among the first sounds that people attending this month’s Dairy Flat Ag Day hear.

And so it has been for 80 years, since the show was first held.

Once again, animals including calves, goats, lambs and chickens, hand-reared by the primary school students, will be proudly paraded around a ring for judging. This, together with the ‘build a scarecrow’, young farmer, pony rides and seed growing competitions, help Ag Day stay true to its rural roots.

Other attractions include a giant Mission Impossible inflatable, a mechanical bull and inflatable jousting.

There will be games such as the Gumboot Toss, Dino Treasure Dig and Sponge Clown Face.

More than 15 arts and craft stall holders will provide plenty of gift ideas, and no one need go hungry with a cake stall and food court vendors that include Pioneer Pies, Sweet As Crepes and Double Dutch Fries and sausage sizzle. A big raffle and silent auction will attract a lot of keen buyers. Ag Day is a key fundraiser for the school. PTA secretary Rebecca Grant says the money raised this year will be used for improvements to the school pool.

Dairy Flat Ag Day is on Saturday, October 14 (more details in What’s On). It is a fun, family day, open to the whole community.

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The rural theme of Dairy Flat School’s Ag Day has remained constant in the 80 years it has been held.

These friends from Ōrewa took part in the swim, discovering how heavy wet onesies get. They also won the best dressed U12 yearolds category.

Ōrewa snow a big attraction at first winter festival

The first Ōrewa Beach Wintery Festival has been chalked up as a great success, attracting a large crowd keen to play in the snow and plunge into the chilly surf at the start of school holidays on Sunday, September 24.

Part of the novelty was the 10 tonnes of snow, delivered in two truckloads from Snowplanet to Moana Reserve. While the snow itself cost around $2000, it

was dropped off free of charge by Hiway Stabilisers and Golden Transport, just after daybreak. The snowy play area, created with the assistance of Hibiscus Coast Cricket volunteers wielding spades, was a highlight for many of the children.

A cool, overcast day helped set the wintery mood, despite it being the first day of Spring (and start of daylight saving), the

day before.

The sea definitely still felt wintery, according to those who plunged in, supervised by Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving volunteers. A total of 88 swimmers (around half of them children) registered for the Polar Plunge, dressing up in wacky costumes and keen to brave the cold water for prizes set offshore inside balloons.

Organisers Destination Ōrewa Beach were “blown away” by the numbers taking part. Manager Hellen Wilkins says it is definitely an event they would like to run again, if finances allow.

The best dressed adults - The D’Shadows (3 morph suits + cat woman) of Ōrewa and Hatfields Beach

The best dressed under 12’s – The Onesies (7 of them) from Ōrewa

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The D’Shadows and cat woman won the ‘best dressed adults’ prize.

Snow fell in Ōrewa recently, by the truckload, so that everyone could chill out at the new Wintery Festival. Supervising the dump of 10 tons of snow onto Moana Reserve was event organiser Hellen Wilkins of Destination Ōrewa Beach business association.

David Carrel of sponsors Harcourts Cooper & Co, left, and Ōrewa lifeguard Shane Burke ensured that balloons containing prizes got safely out to sea.

Crowd pleasers included characters from Frozen and Homie the Gnomie

Health

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

Preparing for a healthy trip

Illness while travelling can be anything from an inconvenience to a downright show stopper! So what should you do to try and stay healthy while travelling?

We often think of unsafe drinking water as a problem you only get when travelling to exotic countries, but countries much closer to home such as Rarotonga also have water safety issues. So check before you go. If the water is not safe, you’ll need to buy bottled water or boil (three minutes) and cool water if you have the facilities.

Traveller’s diarrhoea can be unpleasant. If you are going to a country where this is a risk, bring anti-diarrhoeals and electrolytes. Saccharomyces boulardii is a type of friendly yeast (available in certain probiotics) that can be used as a preventative or treatment for traveller’s diarrhoea when taken in the correct dosage. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Flights tend to be where lots of people pick up unwanted bugs. Getting Covid-19, flu or other viruses while travelling can really alter your travel plans and not in a good way. Think about getting your vaccinations up to date. It’s also a great idea to make sure your immune system is generally fighting fit before you leave.

Boosting your immune system using natural health supplements such as vitamin C, D and/ or zinc may help. If you are a person who gets a cold and then it often turns into something more nasty, then taking Buccaline could be a consideration. This oral vaccine protects against the bacterial complications of colds. Remember to take enough of your prescription medication with you. Finding yourself without blood pressure medication and the like means navigating foreign medical systems which can be both expensive and time consuming. Make sure you take enough of your medication to last while you are away, plus some extra in case your travel doesn’t quite go according to plan. Get a current medication list from your pharmacist. This will make going through customs much easier.

Pharmacies often have travel lists with reminders of useful items to take with you while travelling such as plasters, paracetamol, electrolytes, flight socks, etc which can be personalised to you and also to where you are headed. Being prepared ensures you have a wonderful trip – literally without the headache.

Support needed for breast cancer appeal

The Breast Cancer Foundation is on the lookout for volunteers for this month’s Pink Ribbon street appeal. Volunteers can pick the locations they want, and a two-hour shift that works for them. The fundraiser supports breast cancer education, innovative research projects and also patients and their families. The appeal is on October 27 and 28. Info: https://pinkribbonvolunteer.org.nz/

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

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

Open Friday to Sunday 11am to 3pm

498 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa | 027 618 1996

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Crossword conundrum #17

feature. travel

Nature-inspired journeys

– by biologist James Dale –

Focusing on experiences of the natural world when travelling, or even targeting particular species to see –such as lions in Africa, or orangutans in Borneo – is something that is on many people’s wish lists.

To shift this to another level, travellers can take inspiration from Darwin, who as a young man sailed around the world on the HMS Beagle. The observations of nature that he made on that voyage provided the inspiration for his theory of evolution by natural selection.

Darwin made three key observations during his wanderings. First, he simply noted how astonishingly diverse life is across the planet. Whenever he arrived somewhere new, there were always new species to see – ones that did not occur anywhere else. The second thing was that despite the obvious diversity of life, there were always similarities with other species that occur elsewhere. For instance, the marine iguanas on the Galapagos islands were unique, but they were still obviously

iguanas. And finally, Darwin was struck by how well adapted different species were to the specific habitats and lifestyles they occupied. Those marine iguanas have special traits that no other iguanas have, and they help them survive and feed in the cold oceans surrounding the islands. The next time you travel, keep these three things in mind as you observe nature in new locations: the diversity, unity, and adaptations of life, as well as simply enjoying all the species you see. Compare them to species you are familiar with, and note the many similarities they may have. Keep in mind the habitat and climate you are in and observe how well the species are adapted to survive in that environment. As a biologist, I have been blessed with the opportunity to do research on birds at several different locations around the world. If you are travelling to new locations to see wildlife, here are a couple of suggestions to help get the most of it: Firstly, make sure you take in all the details. For instance, I have done a lot of research in

Africa, and one thing that I have noticed is there are that lots of tourists on safari who are only concerned with seeing the big animals – especially the ‘big five’: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. But the wildlife beyond those charismatic megafaunas is incredible. My favourite thing is to find a good place in an undisturbed habitat and sit calmly and take it all in. The wildlife will come to you. There could be colourful dragonflies buzzing about. You might get to see an eagle hovering above, looking for prey. A kingfisher catching a fish. If you are zipping from one location to another, snapping photos of a lion here, and a rhino there, you miss the chance to see all the cool species’ behaviours and interactions. A bird just flies into view – just watch it. What is it doing and how is it doing it? And importantly: why is it doing it? The second thing is, you obviously need

to go somewhere where there is good wildlife. The truth is though, that there is always going to be new creatures to see no matter where you are. Having a stopover in Singapore on your way to somewhere else? Well despite being a huge city, there are opportunities to see cool birds and wildlife right in the metropolis. If you visit the famous Gardens by the Bay, you have a really good chance of also seeing smoothcoated otters, for instance. However, a general rule of thumb is that you will see more wildlife in more remote locations. This can make that type of travelling a bit more challenging, but the rewards are worth it. The next time you are planning a trip somewhere, maybe chose a location off the beaten track. Observing nature while travelling adds an element to any journey that can make it memorable, unique and truly beautiful.

From

From

|

Colourful dragonflies in Zimbabwe

A red-billed quelea trapped in the web of a golden orb weaving spider in Zimbabwe

Horse safaris offer a chance to get really close to wildlife. Photos, James Dale

Seemore Tours is a family run business who design group guided travel for mature travellers. The team put a lot of e ort into building memorable itineraries and ensuring all the details are taken care of including

and

so you can see

With a professional pilot as your Tour Chaperone and GOLD PASSES to this high flying event, you’ll get the finest airshow experience. You’ll have grandstand viewing directly in front of the runway, mingle with show pilots and walk the flightline! We match this exclusivity, with a 3-night stay at the Hilton Resort Queenstown providing stunning drives over the Crown Range and along the Kawerau River. Also included is a scenic tour into Glenorchy before flying home.

Sample the vintage of the Waipara Valley, spot dolphins over Akaroa on a harbourside cruise, explore the city’s Riverside Markets, go punting down the Avon River, take a tour of the Cardboard Cathedral and explore the Kaikoura Coast and it’s stunning seascapes on the Coastal Pacific Rail journey to Blenheim. With the festive season in full swing we celebrate Christmas Eve with dinner aboard a moving vintage tram and indulge in a Christmas lunch at a beautiful historical manor!

2024’s top destinations

A television ad in the 1980s, with the slogan ‘don’t leave town till you’ve seen the country’ is still relevant today, with NZ travel destinations in high demand.

Seemore Tours director Nikki Clerke says one of the Hot Tickets for 2024 is the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow, which last took place in 2018. The event is held every two years, but Covid-19 restrictions impacted that timetable, causing the six-year break. Organisers have already announced the first confirmed displays for the show, which takes place March 29-31 next year. They include an ex-RNZAF P-51 Mustang which is nearing the end of a two-and-a-half year restoration project and which will fly at Wanaka for the first time in 67 years, along with the NZ Red Stars Aerobatic team which will perform a world-first 12-ship display. More big displays will be announced over the next few months. Along with the WWII and other classic aircraft will be more modern types from the RNZAF and visiting airforces such as the RAAF and USAF. The action in the air is backed up by pyrotechnics with huge fireballs and other explosions filling the air. And on the ground there are numerous exhibits and entertainment including, for the first time, a ‘Future of Aviation’ exhibition.

“There is huge pent-up demand for this internationally recognised airshow next Easter,” Nikki says.

Getting away from it all

Bayes Coachlines operations and logistics manager, Clare McCabe, says it is clear that the passion to explore our own backyard is still strong.

“More often than not, this involves getting back to nature and off the beaten track,” she says.

Most popular are the classic Kiwi breaks that often include staying in unique places like the Powderhorn Chateau in Ohakune, traversing roads less travelled like the Forgotten Highway from Taumarunui to Stratford and the scenic winding hills of the Gentle Annie from Napier to Waiouru.

“Testing one’s appetite for adventure and getting amongst the redwood trees in Rotorua is always a popular stop on any North Island itinerary.”

Some things stay the same though, and for international visitors, the natural beauty of the South Island, especially the journey between Christchurch and Queenstown, remains the most popular.

Lake Tekapo is one of the top picks on this route and the Dark Sky stargazing experience is on everybody’s must-see list.

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

Up, up and away

Travel agents say if you are planning to head overseas in a year or so, now is the time to start looking at options and booking.

Planning for that big trip is part of the fun, and people are booking well ahead, knowing there is pressure on flights and destinations. You Travel Manly director Trish Ryder says recent research shows that 35 percent of travellers are looking to travel sustainably, which has led to an increase in interest in offering holidays with sustainability in mind.

High on travellers’ wish lists are Europe, Japan, the Pacific Islands and Alaska. Trish Ryder says destinations such as Maui and Morocco are expected to see a resurgence in demand for 2024 travel, as they open up following significant events. She says cruise lines are offering everything from family-friendly Disney cruises to adults only Virgin Voyages, both sailing from Auckland for the first time this summer. Although Europe is the number one hot ticket item, Trish says kiwis are also expected to travel more widely in the USA next year, thanks to a significant increase in flights between here and the US.

Bucketlist Travel’s Michelle Downey says although Japan has always been a popular destination, it is right at the top of her clients’ bucket lists for 2024. With Japan, timing the trip is everything as there are a lot of seasonal attractions. Some want to see the famous cherry blossoms in their full, vibrant bloom, others to ski down snow-covered slopes in winter, while everything from ancient temples to the cutting-edge technology of the cities, riding

the bullet train and the tantalizing flavours of its diverse cuisine are also in demand. Options include cruises, expert-led tours, or intrepid independent travel. Japan is also an ideal stopover for those on their way to Europe.

Michelle says Canada and Alaska are also “going off” for 2024. Travellers are booking cruises to the Alaskan inside passage on a small expedition ship or luxury cruise liner, hoping to see all the wildlife that this area has to offer, such as whales and bears. Rail journeys through the Canadian Rockies are in demand, with May – September being best time to visit that area.

House of Travel’s Dennis Payne says he has never seen Fiji and the Cook Islands busier, with travel almost impossible over the NZ winter this year.

“We have been telling customers to book early and those that missed out this year have booked for 2024 already,” he says. Europe was also “bursting at the seams” this year, he says, and not just the normal stomping grounds of London, Paris, Barcelona and Venice. Lesser-explored regions like Montenegro gained popularity, and Norway and Iceland have become ‘must-visit’ destinations.

Cruising too experienced significant growth in the past year, especially on smaller ships, Dennis says.

“Kiwis seem to have a close affinity for river cruising, with bookings for next year selling fast for the more popular routes.” “I believe that travel is one thing you shouldn’t put off because you’ll never regret taking that trip.”

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

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

Bookings essential, call Dave & Kathryn today: hibiscus@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

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

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

feature. coastcuisine

Curry in favour on the Coast

With more than a dozen Indian restaurants to choose from, it is clear that curry is hot on the Coast.

Two new Indian restaurants recently joined around 11 existing ones, with all town centres from Millwater and Silverdale to Ōrewa, Red Beach, Stanmore Bay, Coast Plaza, Manly Village and Gulf Harbour having at least one.

This is more than double the number of other popular speciality restaurants, such as Thai, Mexican and Italian (leaving fast food out of the equation!).

There is also a new Indian grocery store in Ōrewa, as demand for the right ingredients to cook curries at home grows.

A quick survey on Facebook revealed that Coasties are very loyal to their particular favourite Indian places. They dine in, or takeout, from there regularly, and often choose the same dishes each time.

“Genuine Indian flavours” was a key attraction, from some widely travelled locals, and “lovely owners”, “great staff” or “amazing service”, were also reasons to keep going back.

The all-time Kiwi favourite, butter chicken, was top of the list for many, with some saying the quality of this dish is what they judge the restaurant on.

Gulf Harbour resident, Nirav Gor, knows

his curries. Originally from Mumbai, his family treats themselves to Indian food, usually takeaways, twice a month.

He says while the standard is high on the Coast, he would like to see more variety on the menus – “currently the same dishes are everywhere, and it’s mainly North Indian style food,” Nirav says.

North Indian cuisine is a lot more meat based, whereas South Indian is mainly vegetarian.

Nirav says fake colours (using food colouring) are a definite no-no, and easy to detect.

“Dine with your fingers and check if the colours play nice and wash off easily!”

Being able to eat with your fingers (using naan or other bread as a scoop) and share dishes among a group is another popular element of Indian meals.

Stanmore Bay’s Ed Amon (originally from Pakistan) says he loves Indian food and has developed a taste for the versions offered here, designed to suit the local palate.

“There are several similarities between Pakistani and Indian cuisines because we were the same country 76 years ago,” he says. “The partition of India has led to some evolution of our cuisines, within the separate countries. The main difference is Pakistani cuisine is very much meat

based. India and Pakistan also have several ethnicities so there are multitudes of cuisines around and calling it just ‘Indian’ is more of a western way of looking at it. So, if a restaurant says it is South Indian or Rajasthani or Bengali, or Hyderabadi, etc, there is a greater chance that it would be a good restaurant for me. I would also recommend people try other South Asian cuisines as well, such as Bengladeshi, Nepali or Sri Lankan – it is superb.”

He says when Indians or South Asians look for good Indian food they are looking for authenticity.

“Indian mains are not supposed to be sweet

and every dish has a distinct flavour. The Indian food that we get in NZ restaurants, logically, caters to the local population. It is a little sweeter, creamier, and uses a lot of food colouring. Living in NZ, I have developed a taste for this as well, and sometimes I even crave the sloppy, red, creamy and sweet butter chicken typically found in a food hall!”

“A good Indian restaurant experience for me is one in which everybody in the table shares their food and when it’s time to pay the bill, there is a fight about who will pay all of it and the winner is the one who pays the full bill in the end!”

Mountain Masala, Orewa: Preserving Tradition and Flavour from the Heart of the Indian Mountains (Uttarakhand) India

In the serene and picturesque landscapes of the Indian mountains from the state of Uttarakhand, a rich and timehonoured culinary tradition has thrived for generations. Here, cooking isn’t merely a task, but an art form that has been passed down through the ages, carrying with it the essence of culture, heritage, and identity. “Mountain Masala,” from Uttarakhand, India, a name that resonates with authenticity, now brings to you the very heart of this tradition through its flavourful offerings.

Nestled amidst the towering peaks and lush greenery, the traditional chefs and cooks of the Indian mountains have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of cooking. They have chosen to preserve their ancestral knowledge and techniques, committing themselves to a single purpose: crafting dishes that reflect the true essence of their region. Their commitment to culinary excellence is unwavering, as they recognize the significance of preserving their cultural identity through the Flavours that have defined their communities for centuries.

At Mountain Masala, Orewa, every dish tells a story – a story of the mountains, the people, and the deep-rooted traditions that have shaped their lives. From aromatic curries to tandoori tikkas and tandoori naans, each recipe is a testament to the dedication and passion that these traditional chefs pour into their work. The ingredients they use are often sourced from the local environment, connecting their culinary creations to the land they call home.

What sets Mountain Masala, Orewa apart is not just the delectable Flavors it offers, but the commitment to sustaining a way of life that is intertwined with the land and its produce. In a world rapidly evolving and embracing modernity, the preservation of age-old traditions becomes even more crucial. These traditions are more than just recipes; they are the threads that weave together the fabric of a community’s identity and history.

By choosing Mountain Masala, Orewa, you are not only indulging in a culinary adventure that tantalizes the taste buds but also contributing to the preservation of a cultural legacy. With every bite, you experience the essence of the mountains, the stories of generations past, and the dedication of those who have chosen to carry these traditions forward.

In an era where cultural heritage is at risk of being overshadowed by the relentless march of progress, Mountain Masala, Orewa stands as a beacon of hope – a reminder that traditions are the bridges that connect us to our roots. As you Savor the Flavors of these mountains, remember that you are partaking in a journey that celebrates the spirit of India’s mountain communities and their unwavering commitment to their culinary heritage and food that suits all age groups.

Ben Bhandari and his team would like to welcome and take you through this food journey of the cultural heritage.

Cuisine

Lauraine Jacobs

www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/blog/

A very good fruit cake

Baking is one of the skills that New Zealanders are very good at. Lots of us grew up with cake tins filled with goodies that our Mums and Grandmas lovingly baked for us every week. I have fond memories of lovely crunchy biscuits, delicious gooey slices and all manner of cakes that we could munch on in our lunch box or fill those hollow tummies when we returned from school each day.

These days, with the rush to drop off the kids before heading to work and then coming home in the evening dog-tired, there’s not quite the same enthusiasm for weekly baking. Conveniently packaged nut and muesli bars and all manner of baked treats line the shelves of the supermarket to tempt us and fill the breach. But we shouldn’t lose those skills, and the good old Edmonds cookbook remains a constant on the best-selling book lists today.

Weekends are for baking and it’s important that we seek recipes that produce cakes, slices and biscuits that are good “keepers” to take us through the week. Everyone should try to master one or two cakes for their own baking repertoire, as there’s nothing that brings as much joy as a delicious moist cake. Cakes make great gifts for neighbours and friends in times of stress, and a lovely celebratory cake is essential for birthdays and special occasions.

This week’s cake recipe is an oldie but a goodie. Like many foodie families we are rich in traditions in our household, and the fragile treasured baking books of my mother and grandmother still occupy their place on my shelves. But of all the cakes, including my Mum’s chocolate cake, this sultana cake is probably the most cherished. Dulcie was my motherin-law, and she would visit us every Friday, arriving by train laden with flowers from her garden, some new knitting or sewing for our kids, and always an apple pie or this flavoursome sultana cake for the family. It’s a great recipe and after she passed away my own mother rose to the occasion, copied the recipe and continued to bake Dulcie’s Sultana Cake for us. We were spoiled. It’s a buttery cake that will keep in an airtight tin for up to a week, and is filled with the aroma and flavours of orange, lemon and almond. It needs no icing or fancying up as it’s just perfect on its own.

I acquired a silicone cake tin many years ago (I have silicone muffin pans, too) and absolutely love them as they do away with the need to butter and line with baking paper and the cakes and muffins turn out cleanly and easily every single time. Most good kitchenware stores carry them or you can find them for purchase online. I cannot recommend this equipment highly enough. It might even change your reluctance to bake!

400g sultanas

180g butter

180g sugar

2 eggs

1 lemon, finely grated zest only

1 orange, finely grated zest only

1tsp pure vanilla essence

1 tsp almond essence

240g flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/3 cup warm water

Preheat the oven to 150°C. Prepare a square or round 20cm cake tin by lining with two layers of baking paper in the bottom and the sides, or use a 20cm silicone cake tin (more information in the accompanying story). Put the sultanas in a saucepan, adding just enough water to cover them well, bring to the boil and simmer the sultanas for 10 minutes. Allow the fruit to cool then drain well in a sieve. Most of the liquid should have been absorbed.

Beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time and continue beating.

Fold in the grated zest of the orange and lemon with the vanilla and almond essences. Add the sifted flour and baking powder with the warm water and the drained sultanas and mix with a metal spoon until combined.

Spoon the cake mixture into the prepared tin and bake in the oven for one hour. Test with a skewer, ensuring it is cooked in the centre by seeing that it comes out clean, then remove from the oven. Allow the cake to cool in the tin before turning out. This cake will keep for a week or two in an airtight tin. To serve, cut into small squares.

For the Love of Good Food & People

Bake and Brew is a family friendly restaurant on the beach front and in the heart of Orewa. With a cozy atmosphere, as well as a children’s play area and a passion for people and food, we turn everyday into a special occasion.

CATERING – Meals, Cakes, and Desserts

• EVENTS

– Birthdays & Special Events

• COFFEE – Good Coffee: Good coffee is important and we are passionate about serving the best coffee

– Choose from our delicious pies, pastries, sweet treats, breads, salads, and more…

• TAKE AWAYS

• DRINKS – Choose from our extensive selection of wines, beers, cocktails and spirits

• A LA CARTE MENU – Let our chef astound you with freshly prepared dishes from around the world.

Nana Dulcie’s Sultana Cake

Feast and fundraise at delicious new event

A feast with a charitable flavour will take place in Ōrewa next month, in support of the work done by Coast Community Trust.

The Trust’s Caitlin Watson says they wanted to come up with a fundraiser that was something new. They took the idea for Dining for a Difference to local chef Mark Lane, of Culinary Lane Catering, and he prepared a sample menu –everything from canapes to dessert.

That whet everyone’s appetite, and a new event was born.

Mark likes to help out with charity events and has previously worked with organisations such as hospice, Multiple Sclerosis Auckland and local schools.

Liquorland Manly

Liquorland recently moved into bigger, brighter premises in Manly Village and owner Gowri Panjwani says the new space will allow her business to offer the full customer experience.

The Silverdale resident knows the business inside and out (she also owns Liquorland in Whangaparāoa) – just don’t ask her which tipple is best.

Gowri is teetotal, so she relies on her expert staff to provide customers with everything that they need to know.

“We have people who are specialists in different areas, such as wine or spirits, and while I’m very hands-on in running things, my team can answer all the customer’s queries, and make recommendations depending on their tastes,” she says.

Gowri, who has a Masters degree in Business Management and a Post Graduate Diploma,

worked with a lot of large corporates, such as Fletcher Building and Nestle, before becoming a Liquorland franchise holder in 2021.

Liquorland is owned by Foodstuffs, and Gowri said that means the customer expects a certain standard, and product range, of the business.

Her key driver in finding larger premises was to be able to meet those expectations, she says.

There will be more customer experiences on offer too – a large tasting table will be a key feature of the store, custom made in the form of a map of the Manly part of Whangaparāoa’s coastline.

“One thing I know for sure, it’s going to be very different from the smaller store that we had in Manly Village – and I think the locals will love it.”

He says the evening will be a culinary treat, and a night to remember. Mark makes all his food from scratch with the freshest ingredients. The menu features a selection of canapes on arrival, followed by a gourmet buffet of delights such as triple cooked crispy five spice pork belly with apple rosemary jus, Moroccan roasted whole chicken with red wine thyme jus, House maple smoked South Island salmon fillet, followed by sweet tarts such as bittersweet chocolate and roasted hazelnut tart, and caramelized apple and almond tart, served with crème Anglaise, mixed berry compote, hot salted butterscotch sauce and Chantilly cream. The event will be a formal, elegant occasion.

Coast Community Trust has been delivering programmes and resources for three years, focused on empowering people to make positive changes in their lives. This year their main work has been providing

safe spaces for young people to hang out and play sport on Friday and Saturday nights, which Caitlin says impacts around 80 youth each week across three venues. They also serve free meals to around 50 guests each month, in partnership with Love Soup. The Trust’s Driver’s Licence Mentoring Programme has, to date, helped more than 80 people obtain their licence when they wouldn’t otherwise have had the support or finances to do so.

“The demand for our initiatives continues to grow, so this fundraiser is to help us expand even further into our community,” Caitlin says.

She says they hope to make it an annual event.

Dining for a Difference is on November 18 at the Ōrewa Arts & Events Centre.

Gowri Panjwani

Local chef Mark Lane will be cooking up a storm for the Coast’s first community dinner and auction fundraiser.

Hospitality seeing benefits of Green Scheme

Local cafés and food retailers are getting on board with a Green Scheme that helps them reduce their waste and carbon footprint.

Estefania Muller Pallares (Stef), who runs the Green Scheme for Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste, says around eight cafés, as well as a fish and chip shop and fruit and vegetable retailers, are already noticing good results, with thousands of kilos of waste diverted from landfill.

Business Whangaparāoa is a partner in the scheme. Its business and project manager, Sarah Carr, says the project informs, educates and assists many different kinds of companies with specific issues they face as they strive to do more for the environment.

One aspect of the scheme that is working well for hospitality businesses is the chance to join City to Farm, which takes food waste to a farm in Waitoki where it is used for soil improvement and banana growing. Businesses put their food waste in a bokashi bin, which is collected regularly by volunteers.

Café Manly joined City to Farm just 18 months ago and has already diverted 4000kg of waste from landfill, Stef says. “Providing those statistics to business owners puts a smile on their faces and shows them the benefits of what they are doing.”

The scheme also offers waste audits, and advice on things such as reducing plastic and single use packaging.

“Speaking to cafés, we found some were going through up to 400 single use coffee cups a week,” Stef says. She says another issue is preventing food unsold at the end of the day from being

‘Zananas’ – zero carbon bananas grown locally as part of the City to Farm scheme are now available at the Eco Shop at Whangaparāoa Recycling Centre.

wasted. Some of it goes to local food rescue charity Love Soup and a food rescue app, called Foodprint, is also proving popular –it allows cafés to list unsold food for sale at bargain prices, so both the business and customer benefit.

“A lot of the Green Scheme work is not only good for the planet, but good for the bank balance too.”

Any local businesses that would like to know more about the Green Scheme can email info@businesswhangaparaoa.co.nz or hibiscuscoastzerowaste@gmail.com

An event will be held later this month to further publicise this work.

Local restaurant owners introduce themselves to the community: Balancing family, work, and a passion for business

A new team has joined the local business scene at the Whangaparaoa Coast Plaza. Meet Savannah and Vishal - proud new business owners who have recently embarked on their exciting venture of opening a new restaurant - Sir Ji’s.

The local couple opened Sir Ji’s last month after many months of hard work and determination, with the aim to bring the beloved Indian cuisine into a more accessible “fast food” style.

Combining “fast food” with the authenticity and taste of traditional dishes, their carefully crafted menu provides a unique concept of Indian cuisine, while also making it convenient for people on the go. In store, they offer a casual dining experience, takeaway options as well as delivery from multiple online sites.

With the menu ranging from curries to burgers and wraps, as well as salads, loaded fries and a great kids menu, this local business is soon to be a big hit! Overtime, the menu will grow and community feedback is definitely welcomed.

The friendly team consists of Savannah and Vishal, Jacob (Savannah’s cousin) and of course, the lifeline - Chef Gagan. Together, they form an unstoppable team.

Savannah and Vishal previously owned their own successful business in a different industry, they have now taken the bold step of changing industries to start an exciting new journey. While balancing the joys of parenthood with their three young children as a constant source of inspiration, they are determined to create a thriving business that not only provides for their family but also contributes positively to the community.

Savannah is a lifelong Coastie, who in addition to Sir Ji’s, also works within the community and has quickly become a familiar presence for many locals. With plenty of experience in customer service, Savannah always strives to make every interaction a positive one by going above and beyond to ensure satisfaction.

Vishal is an experienced business owner with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the culinary industry. As a true leader, he inspires and motivates the team to consistently deliver and ensure that every aspect of the customer’s experience is enjoyable. You will find him in the kitchen, alongside the Chef, to guarantee the quality of food is always up to standard.

Chef Gagan joined the team with a great attitude, ready to provide the locals with new options and great food! Gagan thrives on customer satisfaction and is always looking for new ways to create a great experience for the locals. With many years of experience, new ideas and flavours are constantly being introduced.

Although Sir Ji’s is still in its early stages, the future looks promising under the guidance of Savannah and Vishal. Their dedication, combined with great teamwork from family and friends has already garnered positive reviews from customers who appreciate the cuisine and the great service they’ve received. Offering Uber Eats, Ordermeal, Menulog, Deliver Easy and DoorDash deliveries

SirJi’sWhangaparaoa sirjiswhangaparaoa/

Gardening

Dee Pigneguy mikedee@outlook.co.nz

Fragrant finocchio

Florence fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), a native to the Mediterranean, is an ancient crop mentioned in Greek mythology which has a long history of cultivation and culinary use.

It is the bulbous edible version of the more familiar wild growing relative. The bulb is actually the swollen base of the stem.

A stunning looking plant, Florence fennel has an aniseed aroma and flavour. It has dark green foliage and develops a large flat fossette of stems at the base of the plant and is a delicious addition to many dishes.

Florence fennel is a cool-weather perennial which is grown as an annual. If you are careful when harvesting the bulb, by using a sharp knife to slice the plant from the roots just below the swelling and leave the roots intact, the plant will continue to grow and produce bulbs, though they will have a flattened, less rounded shape.

Now is a perfect time to plant seedlings which require a long, cool growing season, so the bulbs will be ready to harvest before summer heat cause them to bolt forming flowers and seeds.

Choose a warm, sheltered sunny site, with friable soil enriched with compost to improve soil structure and drainage.

Florence fennel dislikes heavy clay and waterlogged ground. A plentiful supply of water will allow for deep root penetration and encourage the plant to form its fully rounded swollen base.

If you are sowing seeds, sow them directly

into prepared garden beds, as fennel, like carrots, dislike root disturbance. Make sure the beds are in full sun and sow seeds half a centimetre deep and 10-15cm apart. Cover seeds lightly with fine compost. It will take10-14 days for the seeds to germinate. I always cover the seeds with shade cloth during this period to keep birds from scratching up the seeds. Once the seedlings are thriving, mulch to retain soil moisture, and you can use a liquid fertilizer like seaweed to make sure the plant develops large succulent bulbs.

If you have planted the seeds too thickly, you can thin the plants and use the thinned seedlings as a garnish in the kitchen. When the bulbous base grows to the size of an egg, blanch the lower stems by mulching up around the bulb.

Your homegrown crop will provide endless delicious meal ideas. Try it raw, thinly sliced –it is crunchy and fresh – or roasted with olive oil, garlic, and lemon.

Ōrewa

Tennis Club celebrates ‘75 years of enthusiasm’

The Ōrewa Tennis Club is holding a special event on October 8, marking its 75th year with a Yankee round-robin tournament followed by a barbeque and quiz evening.

The club has come a long way since its founding by a group of enthusiasts wanting to promote the game and provide a place for social and recreational activities. First located in what is now the New World Ōrewa carpark, with a small, shedlike clubhouse and hard asphalt courts, it later moved to its current location at Victor Eaves Park, where today it features six astroturf courts with floodlights, a clubhouse and coaching programme. “There’ve been many changes in the last 75 years, but the club still retains its community spirit,” says the club’s past secretary Michelle Ward. “One fantastic example of how the club members worked together was many years ago when we decided to install the picket fence around the grounds. All

the club members pitched in and everyone purchased a picket or two each, had a working bee, and built the fence.”

Life member Carol Smith says the key to success has been members’ active involvement – playing, managing teams, coaching, fundraising and committee work.

“We’ve all worked so hard together to build and maintain our wonderful venue at Victor Eaves Park,” Carol says. “Seventy-five years of enthusiasm for the game of tennis provided many locals with the opportunity to take up this sport. We have beginners as young as five and players in their 90s.”

“We wish to thank our members, supporters, and volunteers for their loyalty and dedication. We want to invite all those who have been involved in any way with the club to join us and help us celebrate this milestone.”

For further details, contact the club at orewatennis@xtra.co.nz

Katelyn Napier and Damdini Manadi with coach Andrew Kipa at the Ōrewa Tennis Club one recent rainy Saturday.

Coastguard

Zane Bryhn, Coastguard Hibiscus crew chief www.coastguardhibiscus.org.nz

Vessel refit a big focus

It’s been a wet and very windy year so Coastguard activity on the water has been less than normal.

Our Coastguard Hibiscus crew has used this time for important training and operational tasks to ensure that we keep our volunteers skilled up and safe.

We have spent a huge amount of time fundraising for our five-year refit of Hibiscus Rescue 1. Our vessel gets a huge amount of use in some atrocious conditions so can get banged about. It is important to ensure that our vessel is kept in top physical and mechanical condition to ensure that the service we provide to the public goes without a hitch. The cost of a major refit can exceed $300,000, however to put that into perspective, a new boat would be closer to the $1m mark, so ensuring that we get longevity from our vessel is key.

Hibiscus Rescue 1 was taken out of service in August and the work will take approximately three months to complete. The vessel is stripped right back and fuel tanks removed and tested, along with every other integral part of the vessel. A total rewire is required and that is a mammoth task. It’s a major undertaking and we have had some committee members putting in long hours to get this over the line.

In the meantime, and thanks to Lotto NZ, we were able to secure a bailment vessel –Joe Hawke Rescue. This allows our crew to continue to serve while the refit is happening. Activity on the Waitemata Harbour will

increase over the coming weeks. A lot of boats have sat in driveways over the last nine months and it is imperative to make sure that yours is in ship shape.

For petrol-powered craft, one of the things to consider, if you are not using your boat for a while, is the condition of the fuel. Petrol deteriorates quickly, becoming ‘stale’ after just a few weeks. Petrol is a complex mixture of different components, each with specific properties that contribute to its performance. These components evaporate at different rates, adversely affecting the way the fuel performs over time.

Problems with stale fuel are especially common at the beginning of a new boating season, when the boat is used for the first time in months. In most cases, the effects are minor: the engine refuses to start or run properly and the voyage is aborted before any damage is done. Sometimes, though, degraded fuel can cause more serious problems requiring costly engine and fuel system repairs, or else result in breakdowns at sea.

Batteries too, if not maintained, can cause issues. Whilst a quick jumpstart can resolve the problem, it is important to maintain your batteries when they are not in use. There are some great products out there to do just that, which extends the lifecycle of a battery as well as keeping costly replacements to a minimum.

I am excited to get back out on the water, as I am sure everyone is. Stay safe, ensure your boat is prepared and enjoy the summer.

Summer footy

Registrations are open for Senior summer football at the Hibiscus Coast Football Club. Registrations must be completed by October 14. Games, at Stanmore Bay Reserve, start October 27 and go to December 15, then return in January-March. Info: https://hbcafc. org.nz/summer-football

Run Ōrewa

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

Hibiscus Coast Netball

Netball Spring Leagues are open for registration at Edith Hopper Park, Manly. Netball North Harbour is offering Primary to College aged social netball on Wednesdays (Years 3 to 6) and Thursdays (Intermediate/College). Any team can enter. Info on school leagues, www.netballnorthharbour.co.nz/.../2023-hbc-spring... An adult social league for college and adult teams is also starting - Ladies and Mixed teams - for 4 weeks October 28–November 18. All teams welcome. Info on adult social league, /www. netballnorthharbour.co.nz/.../social-netball-hbc

Snails too fast for league old boys

The Jock Rudolph Clash of the Codes trophy has been handed over to Silverdale Snails for just the third time in around 24 years that it has been contested.

The 50/50 rugby and league match is held annually between the Snails and the Raiders Old Boys, in honour of Jock, a popular player who represented both clubs in his day, but died in a workplace accident.

The team members who play for the trophy are all over 35 years of age – some considerably older than that.

The game took place on Sunday, September 24 at Raiders’ grounds in Stanmore Bay. The first half was played under rugby union rules, followed by the switch to league. A dominant performance by the Snails, including superior pace, saw them outflank the Raiders. At the break, Snails led 8-2 and eventually took the win, 10 tries to 1. Although the match is always a competitive one, it is known for its great spirit, uniting both codes in a love for the oval ball sports.

Women extend reach of boxing rounds

The fight for the NZ Women’s Welterweight

Professional title is to be held in Ōrewa this weekend, and it’s an event that has a new element to excite boxing fans.

For the first time in NZ, the women will box over six, 3-minute rounds for the title; usually all female bouts are contested over 2-minute rounds. A minute is a long time in boxing, and this will give their match parity with men.

Organiser of the fight, Craig Thomson of CTP Boxing, says there has long been discussion around why women were boxing over 2-minute rounds, not 3-minutes as the men do in professional fights.

“CTP Boxing decided to offer our female fighters the chance to box over the longer

rounds and potentially show that there should be no reason why, moving forward, they cannot continue to do so,” Thomson says.

He says both Welterweight contestants in the Ōrewa fight, Tania Barnett of Palmerston North and Macca Jean of West Auckland, were keen to take up the challenge.

The fighters will need to adjust their training to accommodate the longer rounds.

“Unless you have boxed, you won’t understand just how big a difference the extra minute makes,” he says. “It’s often towards the end of a round, when fatigue starts setting in, that the better conditioned fighter can take advantage. So conditioning will be paramount. Given it’s the first time these female fighters have fought over

the longer rounds it will be a case of who can adjust the best and who has done the appropriate work in the gym to be ready.” He says it will be a chance for the audience to be part of a historic moment in boxing and that the venue, Ōrewa Arts and Events Centre, has great views of the action from

all seats.

The event, called Fight Night II, is on Saturday, October 7. Tickets from Eventfinda.

The Silverdale Snails (green strip) outran the Raiders Old Boys in the annual Jock Rudolph Clash of the Codes. Photos, Roger Reid

Macca Jean (left) and Tania Barnett will take women’s boxing to a new level, fighting longer rounds.

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6c Arklow Lane, Stanmore Bay Phone: (09) 428 3802 | Mobile: 027 506 0400

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

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

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

HIBISCUS SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB Meet every Tuesday 12pm-4pm. To play cards (500) and indoor bowls. On Thursday (same times) play scrabble or indoor bowls. New members welcome, tuition available for bowls. $2 entry. Subs $5. Orewa Community Centre Orewa Square. Val 09 963 8242 or Kathy 426 8770.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY COFFEE

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

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

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

RED BEACH COMBINED CLUB meets

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

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

RED BEACH FRIENDSHIP CLUB Every

3rd Wednesday of the month, Hibiscus Presbyterian Church, 107 Centreway Rd. We enjoy bus Trips, Interesting speakers and dinners. Come along and make new friends. Ph Colleen Murray 021 112 3409.

HEARTBEATS HEART SUPPORT GROUP

Meet 1st Tuesday of every month, 10am11:30am at the Hibiscus Coast Community House (behind Estuary Arts Centre). Guest speakers. Ph Trent 0220 606 199

SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

– EMPATHY GROUP meets monthly at Ōrewa, Last Monday of each month.

windowdoorrepairsandinstalls@gmail.com

Hibiscus Community House, 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Ōrewa, Western Reserve, 7pm-9pm. All welcome. Info Susan 021 884 162 or PM FB: Empathy support group.

BIBLE STUDY GROUP every Saturday morning, Ōrewa SDA Church at 123 -125 Centreway Rd, 10am.

HIBISCUS COAST WRITERS Regular workshops led by successful writers, followed by optional interclub competitions. Second Saturday of month, Pohutukawa Room, Whangaparaoa Library. 1pm-3pm, Ph Marilyn 021 936 860 or Chris 021 231 8318.

NZ SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS meet 3rd Tuesday of the month, St Chad’s Church, Ōrewa, 2pm. Entry gold coin donation for the public. Guest speakers present on a range of topics. All welcome.

SPIRITUAL CENTRE IN OREWA Meet fortnightly, Wednesday 7.30pm. All welcome. 9e Annalise Place (off Forest Glen Rd) Orewa. $5 donation. Ph Lynda 424 1998.

CAR BOOT SALE Centrestage Theatre carpark (behind Council building) Third Sunday of month, 8am-12pm, $10 per site. No need to book. Enquiries 0274 198 135.

COMMUNITY MARKET AT ST CHAD’S (cnr Florence Ave & Centreway Rd, Ōrewa) 1st Saturday of each month 8am to 12 noon. $15 per site. To book phone 027 244 2832.

Artisans & crafters welcome.

SILVERDALE STREET MARKET, every Saturday, 8am-1pm. New stallholders welcome, phone Margaret, 027 663 2010.

SILVERDALE PIONEER VILLAGE Open every Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm. Group visits Monday-Friday by arrangement Email: Pioneervillage1968@Gmail.com

HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB, Sunday, May 7, 1pm, at the Ōrewa Community Centre, $5 entry, all welcome. AGM at 11am, same venue

HIBISCUS COAST HIGHLAND PIPES & DRUMS teaching piping and drumming to those interested in joining our band. Practices, Wednesday 7pm, St Johns Ambulance Hall 36 Silverdale Rd Silverdale. Drop in to check us out. Ph Leslee 0274 426 7170 or Bob Logan 424 1838.

HIBISCUS SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB meets each Wednesday 7pm Silverdale Village Hall. Social dancing, great music, friendly group. Contact Gail 0274 242 792.

PIONEER DANCE CLUB Every Thursday, 1.30pm-3.30pm, for seniors, meet, dance and make friends. Silverdale Hall, ph 021 031 4216, silverdaleballroomstudio@gmail. com

4 Antiquated, 5 Puree, 6 Interim, 7 Anchor, 8 Theme, 10 Best-seller, 11 Examine, 12 Calico, 17 Adjustment, 18 Knack, 21 Diagram, 23 Swapped, 25 Absurd, 26 Sentry, 27 Hassle, 28 Geisha, 30 Circa, 32 Thaw, 33 Jump, 34 Snap, 40 Appeal, 42 Seal, 44 Reagan, 45 Paste, 46 Surgeon, 48 Linger, 49 Terminates, 50 Gags, 51 Shelter, 52 Kilt, 53 Debate, 58 Portcullis, 59 Microscope, 63 Topaz, 64 Forecast, 66 Enliven, 67 Hosiery, 69 Museum, 70 Chilli, 71 Spigot, 73 Larva, 74

NEW CLIENTS WELCOME

DOUGLAS ACCOUNTING

For all your accounting requirements

• Monthly and end of year accounts and tax returns.

• Business planning and advice

• Personal Tax Returns

• ACC Coverplus Xtra

• Cashbooks, Xero & MYOB

• GST, PAYE, FBT

• Agent with IRD

PO Box 308 001, Manly Whangaparaoa 0952

Phone: 09 424 4684 Mobile: 021 912 184

Fax: 09 424 4688 greg@douglasconsulting.co.nz www.douglasconsulting.co.nz

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

HOME & MAINTENANCE

BOBCAT

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

Over 30 years’ experience. Contact Dexter 027 4956 436

DRAINLAYERS

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

HANDYMAN

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

HOUSE WASHING - SOFT WASH / LOW PRESSURE / CHEMICAL WASH

Also Window Cleaning / Gutter Clearing Careful service, reasonable rates.

Phone 021 057 9743

PUMP DOCTOR

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

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

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

ESTATE LANDSCAPES All your landscaping needs ph Sean 027 904 7506

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

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

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

SERVICES

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

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

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SANTA AND HIS GUESTS, CAPTURING THE ESSENCE AND MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS FOR HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES AS THEY VISIT SNOWPLANET FOR A ‘SANTA EXPERIENCE’?

You will be working in the Winter Wonderland in our snow dome, are prepared to work in the cold, and you are adept at photographing families. You will need excellent communication skills, need to interact with the families, and have a confident nature. You will control the photo sessions, ensuring we are able to process 4-5 families every 15 minutes during busy times You are warm and friendly; great with children and happy to work in the cold. To apply, simply reach out to us at marketing@snowplanet.co.nz, Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something genuinely unique!

What’s on ...

7 Fight Night II, Orewa Arts & Events Centre, Riverside Road, Orewa, 5pm. Includes Women’s Welterweight Title fight. Tickets from Eventfinda. (see story p30)

7 & 8 Final weekend of the Auckland Heritage Festival, Silverdale Pioneer Village, 15 Wainui Road, Silverdale, 10am-3pm. Exhibition, entitled ‘Objects of Love’ will feature displays representing 50 Wedding anniversary gifts from Paper to Golden. Children’s activities and gift shop. Devonshire teas available. Free entry.

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.

13 Food Truck Collective, Metro Park, Millwater, starts 5pm. Great range of food from the famous food trucks.

13 Elton John Rocketman Tribute show, Paraoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparaoa Rd, 8.30pm-11.30pm. Tickets from Eventfinda.

14 USA and UK Pop Dames, including Barbie Davidson performing as Shirley Bassey and Cilla Black, Paraoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparaoa Rd, 7pm-11.30pm. Tickets $20pp from Eventfinda.

14 Dairy Flat School Ag Day, 1220 Dairy Flat Highway, Dairy Flat. Hand reared animals, stalls, food, entertainment and all the fun of the fair.

20 Strange Brew perform classic British songs of the 60s-90s, Paraoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparaoa Rd, 8.30pm-11.30pm. A new band celebrating the best of British music. Entry free.

20-22 Hibiscus Coast Artists exhibition, Ōrewa Community Hall, 9am till 5pm. All items will be for sale.

21 U2 tribute band The Bloody Sundays, Paraoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparāoa Rd, 8:30pm-11.30pm. A night of the greatest songs by rock legends U2. Tickets from Eventfinda.

28 Silverdale School Country Show Day, Longmore Lane, Silverdale. 10am-2pm. Stalls, entertainment, rides and more.

28 Halloween Quiz Night, The Wade Bar and Bistro, 2 Tavern Rd, Silverdale, 6.30pm-9pm. A Halloween dress-up quiz night with all proceeds from this spooktacular event going towards helping the Ōrewa Girl Guides redo their aging kitchen. Hosted by Rotary Club of Ōrewa-Millwater. Tickets $15pp from events.humanitix.com/halloween-quiz-night

Only

Telfast 180mg contains the antihistamine, fexofenadine hydrochloride 180mg. Always read the Label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

Offer valid until 5th November 2023

“Manifesto”

“Explorations”

Whangaparāoa sends ‘Up the Wahs!’ haka

Hundreds of excited Whangaparāoa School children gathered to show their support for the NZ Warriors, with a special assembly and haka the day before the team took on the Broncos in the NRL semi-final match in Brisbane.

The energy level was high, as Friday, September 22 was also the last day of term, and deafening shouts of Up the Wahs echoed around the school courtyard where the assembly was held. Signs made by the children were held high.

Warriors player Shaun Johnson is an ex-pupil of the school, and the haka and assembly were filmed to send to him and the team.

To the students’ surprise, Johnson himself appeared by video link, thanking the students for their massive support.

Although the Broncos semi-final win saw the Warriors out of the competition, there was still an excellent season to celebrate. Support for the team has grown enormously, but has always been strong on the Hibiscus Coast, where Johnson grew up.

Students put a lot of passion into a haka for the Warriors the day before their semi-final match in Brisbane. Above, from left, Whangaparāoa School principal Kevin Cronin. The slogan of the day was repeated in signs that the children made themselves on the last day before the school holidays. Right, Shaun Johnson’s mother, Say, was at the school to see the support with her own eyes.