Hibiscus Matters_Issue 361_27 November 2023 by Localmatters

Golf Course owner makes first move ...

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November 27, 2023

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Quick action by Dillon Browne of Millwater saw a stricken sea kayaker rescued from drowning. See story, p4.

New attempt to sink ferry revealed The Gulf Harbour ferry service could be axed as soon as next year if an Auckland Transport proposal is included in the upcoming Auckland Council Long Term Plan 2024-34 (LTP/budget).

Options for that budget, which is expected to focus on the need to cut costs, are being thrashed out in workshops and meetings now.

Hibiscus Matters has seen a document that Auckland Transport (AT) presented to a recent council workshop that includes the option of closing the ferry service as part of cost cutting measures. It is listed under the category “Accelerate public transport use, walking and cycling”. The first attempt to cancel the Gulf Harbour ferry was part of AT’s Regional

Public Transport Plan (RPTP), but that proposal was not to be acted upon until O Mahurangi Penlink was complete, a new bus service in place, and the Whangaparāoa kiss and ride bus station (currently unfunded) built – in 2028 at the earliest. However, because AT made this latest suggestion as part of the council’s budget process, if council includes it in the LTP,

it could come into effect from July 1 next year, when the LTP comes into force. This new proposal flies in the face of public opinion, expressed by a large number of submissions to the RPTP, as well as AT’s own assertions that it will not remove the service pending the results of a full study into public transport in Whangaparāoa.

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continued from p1 Local councillors John Watson and Wayne Walker say they are fighting the proposal every step of the way – Cr Walker says they were blindsided by the renewed attempt to cut the ferry service. “It was in total contrast to assurances given by senior AT staff the same week, where they talked about improving the service,” he says. However, he says it will be a tough proposition to fight.

General manager: Jannette Thompson gm@localmatters.co.nz Editorial: Terry Moore ph 022 019 6569 terry@localmatters.co.nz Patrick Goodenough ph 022 549 8271 news@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Angela Gallagher ph 022 029 1895 sellit@localmatters.co.nz Leigh Cameron ph 022 096 8517 sales@localmatters.co.nz Graphic design: Lorry McCarthy hibiscus@localmatters.co.nz

“The financial crisis is being used as a reason,” Cr Walker says. “AT is hoping [the Gulf Harbour ferry] will be seen as unaffordable but if the issue is cost per passenger – return it to being a good service and that will come down rapidly.”

A division of Local Matters. Hibiscus Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated to more than 22,450 homes and businesses fortnightly: Pūhoi • Waiwera • Hatfields • Ōrewa • Silverdale • Millwater • Dairy Flat • Red Beach • Whangaparāoa Peninsula

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

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The decline in ferry patronage, caused by the unreliable service, has meant that the subsidy to run it has markedly increased, although suggested figures for this differ. Cr Watson says the financial constraints

of the LTP are being used as a reason to fast-track removal of the ferry, yet ferry subsidies are small compared with other modes of public transport. “The suggestion that ferry services with low farebox recovery, including Gulf Harbour, be “reviewed and removed” short circuits all those assurances, the RLTP, and the review,” he says. “And by making it a council budget decision, AT can effectively wash their hands of it. That’s a clear breach of faith with the public.” Meanwhile, AT says it has appointed Arup NZ to undertake the study into transport options for Whangaparāoa Peninsula and is meeting the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board at a workshop on December 5 to discuss this further. It aims to have the work finished by next April/May. However, both councillors believe there is no need for the study. “The public consultation in the RPTP elicited a record number of detailed expert

submissions from the community that identified precisely how the local network works and what the community’s clear preferences are for the future – foremost of which has been the retention of the Gulf Harbour ferry service,” Cr Watson says. An AT spokesperson says the information presented in council workshops around the development of the LTP will be released ahead of the Budget Committee meeting on December 6 and that given that the workshops are confidential it is not appropriate for AT to comment further before the release of the Mayoral Proposal. Final decisions on what goes into the LTP public consultation document will be made at that December 6 Budget Committee meeting and the Mayor will release his proposed budget on December 14. The plan is then expected to go out for consultation next March and the LTP must be adopted by the governing body by the end of June – it comes into force by July 1.

Councillors defend AT ferry subsidy Councillors have called on Auckland Transport to flesh out its unfavourable farebox recovery figures.

At the Transport and Infrastructure Committee on November 16, Auckland Transport (AT) gave a ferry update which included a look at the subsidies. AT’s executive general manager, Stacey van der Putten, said ferry services had been substantially compromised and the cost per passenger had increased significantly. “Fares ranged from 100 percent recovery to 34 percent in 2019. Last financial year it ranged from seven percent to 35 percent – the key message here is it will take time to rectify the service provision. We do have a plan,” van der Putten said.

She said the change was due to escalating labour costs as well as diesel. “The forward plan is to get back up to a reasonable and sustainable farebox recovery.” Committee chair, Cr John Watson, said the subsidy breakdown did not paint ferries in the best light but a study through the Ministry of Transport last year put things in perspective. “Farebox cost recovery was 25 percent for buses across New Zealand as a whole, 29 percent for train and 54 percent for ferry,” he said. “The net subsidies then, across the modes, are nearly 70 percent for bus, 27 percent for train and four percent for ferries,” Watson said. He said that some communities were built around ferry services and that is why the service needs to be restored. “The ferry service is almost a reflection of the community’s identity and in some instances

has been the basis for the development of that community,” Watson said. Cr Wayne Walker said he wanted more information around the subsidy and for the figures to be broken down in future reports. “There is a contribution from Auckland Transport, and there is also a subsidy from Waka Kotahi – we are interested in the cost per passenger, after all of that,” Cr Walker said. Ferry services manager, Gareth Willis, said the subsidy was structured the same across bus, train and ferry. “We have the annual gross price, we then deduct off the farebox that has been recouped for that service and then the balance is split 51 percent to Waka Kotahi and 49 percent to council,” Willis said. Cr Walker said that regular updates on the ferry service should also include a breakdown of the costs.

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First step taken in golf course redevelopment Four months after Gulf Harbour Country Club closed, its owner has applied for resource consent to alter the boundaries of the golf course, effectively subdividing it into two parts, one of which it hopes to sell.

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However, that decision rests with Auckland Council’s planners, who have until December 13 to make that call (subject to the need to seek more information from the applicant).

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the basis that it is consistent with relevant statutory documents and that “no persons are considered to be adversely affected by the proposal”.

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Meanwhile, members of Keep Whangaparāoa’s Green Spaces lobby group, which aims to keep the country club’s Open Space zoning in place, are gearing up for a fight. There will also be a public meeting to discuss the issues (see story this page).

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and project manager Gray Hopper told the paper last week that there is definitely no contract or arrangement in place with the GHCC owners for that land. In that case, the site would not be sufficient for an 18 hole course. In relation to the encumbrance, the application states that the club closed because it is not financially viable, therefore it is no longer operating in accordance with the encumbrance. It says that Long River Investments does not seek to alter the previous golfing activities or establish new activities on site. But it does hint that this is a first step in a process that could lead to attempts to change the Open Space zoning, referring to “future statutory approval applications”. It also states that matters such as “public concern relating to the loss of open space and additional development” are irrelevant to the current resource consent application “and must be set aside”. Long River Investments requested that the application not be publicly notified, on

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The closure of the course immediately prompted fears within the community that any sale of the unprofitable business could lead to residential development there. However, an encumbrance registered in 2006 restricts for 999 years the use of the site, in its entirety, as a golf course and country club. The application lodged with Auckland Council last week, is described as “the first step in the golf course redevelopment”. It seeks to separate the land into two titles – a smaller one at the northern end of the site, near Whangaparāoa Golf Club and the other, the coastal land to the south. In its application, Long River Investments states that the primary reason for the course’s lack of profitability is the maintenance required over its 90ha footprint. “The area to the north of Gulf Harbour Drive, which is just over 37.5ha (proposed new title 1), will be sold to fund the golf course redevelopment over a more sustainable footprint,” the application says. The application calls the remaining piece of land – just over 51.3ha – “proposed new title 2”, and says it won’t be big enough to accommodate an 18 hole course. To rectify this, the owners plan to buy an additional piece of land, adjacent to the existing golf course on Daisy Burrell Drive. It asserts that contracts to buy that property “are in place”. However, that claim was immediately called into question: The land referred to belongs to Hopper Developments, which last week got resource consent for a residential subdivision there. Director

Hauraki Gulf

The resource consent application is linked to this story at www.localmatters.co.nz

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DISCLAIMER: THE CONCEPTS AND INFOMRATION CONTAINED IN THIS DRAWING ARE THE COPYRIGHT OF TRIPP ANDREWS SURVEYORS LTD. USE OR COPYING OF THIS DRAWING IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF TRIPP ANDREWS SURVEYORS LTD CONSTITUTES AN INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT. TRIPP ANDREWS SURVEYORS ACCEPTS NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER FOR, OR IN RESPECT OF, ANY USE OF, OR RELIANCE UPON THIS DRAWING BY ANY THIRD PARTY. THIS DRAWING MAY HAVE DEFORMED FROM STATED SCALE DURING REPRODUCTION AND THEREFORE ANY SCALING SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT WITH CAUTION. THIS DRAWING SHALL ONLY BE USED FOR THE PURPOSES AGREED BY TRIPP ANDREWS SURVEYORS LTD AND ITS CLIENT.

Ownership clarity

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• Long River Investments’ sole director is Christchurch-based accountant Errol Wayne Bailey. Bailey is also the sole director of GHCC 2016 Ltd, and in that capacity notified members in July that the club was closing. • Bailey became sole director of Long River Investments and GHCC on October 21, 2021, succeeding Greg Olliver in both cases. On that same day, the Deputy Registrar of Companies prohibited Olliver from serving as a company director for four years. His directorship ban expires on October 20, 2025. Client Area RT

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Golf club: Advocacy group plans public meeting The lobby group Keep Whangaparāoa’s Green Spaces (KWGS) is hosting another public meeting on the situation surrounding the shuttered Gulf Harbour Country Club, shortly after its owners applied to Auckland Council for consent to effectively split the 89 hectare property into two. Planning for the December 7 meeting at the Wentworth College Sports Centre was already underway when the latest development occurred, fuelling longheld concerns that the club’s owners may seek a zoning change to enable residential development on the site. KWGS responded in a statement urging

council to reject the resource consent application, describing it as “a cynical and disingenuous attempt to over-build Gulf Harbour by undermining the 999-year encumbrance that protects the golf course land as open space”. KWGS spokesperson Howard Baldwin said earlier the group’s legal team has been investigating what remedies are available through the courts for the community to protect the green space and the encumbrance, which was agreed between GHCC and council in 2006. A fundraising team has started a drive for donations, to fund expected legal costs. LOUVRES

In another initiative, KWGS last week sent a letter to parties that may be interested in the property – businesses, developers and real estate firms – giving the background to the dispute and warning them off considering the site for future residential development. “Any attempts by developers to obtain a change to the zoning of the golf course land will meet fierce opposition from KWGS and the Whangaparāoa community,” the letter states. The group warned that any party seeking a private plan change or attempting to vary or remove the encumbrance would risk damaging their corporate reputation

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and be confronted by “a formidable organisation with resources and capability to fight” to preserve the zoning.

Council confirmed again last week that no private plan change application has been lodged relating to the golf course site. GHCC’s Christchurch-based director Wayne Bailey, who broke the news of the closure in a letter to members in July, has not responded to requests for an update. KWGS has invited Albany ward councillors Wayne Walker and John Watson and Whangaparāoa MP Mark Mitchell to attend. The public meeting starts at 7pm. H E AT E R S

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Client Reference

23113

LUC60406611

Approved Resource Consent P 17/02/2023

Kayaker rescued by Millwater sailor The first time Dillon Browne took his boat Minstrel for a sail, after a refit, proved a lot more action-packed than he anticipated.

Dillon, 24, had his 22ft Pied Piper Minstrel moored on the Weiti River, and on Saturday, November 18, the refit complete, was sailing to Milford. He was almost there, when he spotted the kayak and knew immediately that something was wrong. “At first I thought it was a buoy,” Dillon says. “But when I went up and took a closer look, I saw that the kayak was upside down, and under it was a mess. The kayak fisher was half under his boat, his head not far from the water, and he

Seawall design progresses

was tangled in ropes and other gear. I called out to him, and he raised an arm in response and said ‘help’. He was wearing a lifejacket, but it was clear that he had been in the water for a while, was very weak and couldn’t get back onto his kayak.”

He was half under his boat, tangled in ropes and gear. Dillon extended his broom handle to the man, who grabbed it. He was then able to manoeuvre him into Minstrel’s dinghy. “I tried to get him from there onboard Minstrel but he was a dead weight, wearing

heavy wet weather gear and trying to push me away,” he says.

Dillon radioed a nearby vessel, Ratcatcher, and they came in and collected the kayak. One of their crew helped Dillon lift the An artist’s impression of the carpark that man on board Minstrel. By this timeSouthern theCross Silverdale Southern Cross has resource consent to Medical Centre Phase 1-3 kayaker was in a bad way, throwingResource upConsent Setbuild in Silverdale. water and breathing with difficulty. Warren and Mahoney Architects New Zealand Ltd — Ground Floor, Mason Bros. 139 Pakenham Street West Wynyard Quarter Auckland 1010 New Zealand Phone + 64 9 309 4894 — Registered Architects and Designers www.warrenandmahoney.com

Revisions —

1 05.07.22 2 19.01.23

Southern Cross reviews hospital Notes —

RESOURCE CONSENT RESOURCE CONSENT

They sailed into Milford dock and an ambulance was called. “I was pretty exhausted with trying to get him out of the water and on board Minstrel,” Dillon says, “but so glad I was in the right place at the right time to help.” He says the man remains in hospital. “I hope he makes a full recovery,” Dillon says.

Artist’s impressions of how parts of the seawall could look. Images, courtesy Auckland Council (prepared by Bespoke Landscape Architects, sub-consultants to Tonkin + Taylor Limited, for Auckland Council)

Further images have been released of how parts of the Orewa seawall, between Kohu Street and Marine View, could look. The design is in its final stages, and expected to be finished next month. The 600m-long wall is made of grouted rock and includes access ramps and stairs to the beach and changes to Kinloch Reserve. A shared path will be on top of the wall for most of its length. Tendering is underway, with a contract expected to be awarded next March. Construction is planned to start next April and be staged over two years (from April to October 2024 and 2025) to avoid the busy summer season.

Consultants — Precon Ltd. Project Manager Structure Design Structural Engineer Stephenson & Turner Mechanical Engineer Crossfire Fire Engineer Stephenson & Turner Electrical Engineer

Client — SOUTHERN CROSS HEALTHCARE LTD.

Project Title —

Drawing Title —

SOUTHERN CROSS SILVERDALE HOSPITAL CARPARK PROJECT

COVER SHEET

7 Polarity Rise, Silverdale

All dimension to be verified on site before producing shop drawings or commencing any work. Do not scale. The copyright of this drawing remains with Warren and Mahoney Architects New Zealand Ltd.

Drawing Status —

RESOURCE CONSENT

Any hopes that Southern Cross may be starting up its hospital services locally have again been put on hold. In February, the company announced that it was gearing up to offer its hospital services at its Silverdale facility, on the corner of Millwater Parkway and Hibiscus Coast Highway. The first floor is occupied by GPs Silverdale Medical and other health professionals, but the top floor, where a hospital was to be fitted out, has been empty since the facility was built 10 years ago. Back in February, fitting out the hospital was in the design phase, and as a first step, resource consent was obtained to add a level to the carpark on Polarity Rise]. However, no work has begun yet. Hibiscus Matters sought an update and Southern Cross Healthcare Property and Development general manager, Richard Paul, advises that the company is currently reviewing all aspects of its Silverdale facility. What happens as a result will be made public in this paper when known.

Auckland Transport enters Manly rock garden issue A rock garden that was created illegally on a public space in front of 93 The Esplanade in Manly remains in place, its future now up to Auckland Transport (AT). Local residents and Auckland Councillor Wayne Walker have spoken out about the garden, saying it restricts public use of the area, and needs to be removed. Initially it was thought that the planting was on the public reserve, so any decision about its removal sat with the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. However, Auckland Council then discovered that it is in fact located in the legal road corridor. This means that the retrospective land owner consent that the owners of 93 The Esplanade applied for once the garden was in place will no longer be processed by the council. Instead, the owners need to apply to AT for

an ‘encroachment licence’. While AT is unable to comment on the specifics of individual cases, the rules on road encroachment are that it is an offence under the Local Government Act and the AT Activities in the Road Corridor Bylaw 2022 to encroach on the legal road, including planting, without AT’s written approval. If such plantings happen without approval, AT can require removal within a time period that would be notified to the property owners. Other possible steps that AT could take include prosecution, or removal of the plantings and charging that work back to the owner. AT is in the process of considering its options and will keep the local board informed of any outcomes.

What happens with this illegal garden is now in the hands of Auckland Transport.

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The North Harbour Stadium is under threat from a recently advanced proposal from within Council to demolish it. More than likely the lion’s share of the proceeds from the land sale for apartments would go outside North Harbour. The Stadium and the whole sporting precinct of fields and recreational facilities excepting the pool complex would go. Having seen the scant half-baked finances for this proposal, I can tell you it doesn’t stack up. There is a growing shortage of recreational facilities – outdoors and indoors on the Shore, the Hibiscus Coast, Upper Harbour and Rodney. We need more, not less. Hibiscus Coast residents have used and still enjoy the stadium precinct for a whole range of sporting and recreational activities. Successful All Black Tests including against South Africa, League Tests, FIFA World Cup matches, international concerts, and huge numbers of events including school balls and sports awards have been hosted there. Then there’s all the clubs and codes that enjoy the fields and facilities. But since the takeover by one of the Council Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) – namely Regional Facilities now Auckland Unlimited – the Stadium has been poorly operated and managed, rundown, butchered to accommodate the lossmaking Tuataras Baseball franchise. So now they propose demolition and land sale to prop up other poorly managed stadiums. What a disaster of apparent incompetence. A coalition of North Harbour sporting groups, Local Boards, your Albany Ward

Councillors Walker and Watson, legacy trustees and supporters, North Harbour MPs and more have come together to save the Stadium and the surrounding recreational precinct. We cannot allow this kind of idiot thinking to gain traction. People have told me the solution is for North Habour based operation and management of the Stadium; that Auckland Unlimited should step aside – perhaps even be dissolved and brought into Council if they don’t work as an effective operator and manager. With the upcoming Long Term Plan or Budget for Council now underway it’s now the time to put options like this on the table – so we can have alternative economic and operational options that may well work much better for our rapidly growing subregion and Auckland as a whole. There are other CCOs whose performance deserves reappraisal. Look at the way Auckland Transport has allowed the rundown of the Gulf Harbour Ferry service and now proposes a bus service that would be a slower, less convenient, less productive substitute for what was a successful, well patronised transport trip to the city – beating the ever-growing traffic congestion on our Whangaparāoa and wider Auckland roads. Yes, we can and must stand up to, challenge and contest these wrongful proposals. This up-coming Long Term Plan can be used for bad ends or better. With your help I will be working to ensure our communities get the options so that we can express, find and make the better solutions that work for our Coast communities. Supported

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Under the coalition agreement between National, ACT and NZ First announced last week, Whangaparāoa MP Mark Mitchell has been given the cabinet posts of Minister of Corrections, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, and Minister of Police.

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YourOpinion Beach band aid

It is known that owning a yacht is like owning a hole in the ocean into which to pour money. Dear Council the Ōrewa Beach is not a hole into which to pour money – too many of your ‘good intentions’ have failed with a very public loss of investment. The area in front of the boulevard playground, where the rock wall protection finishes, due to southerly currents and nor’easter storms has again required sand replenishment. Does anyone know the cost? What is worse is that the stormwater creek outfall restoration at Kinloch Reserve has, by design, repeated that issue by creating the very environment that causes severe loss of land mass. The attractively landscaped and heavily planted southern face at the outfall has been totally lost to the sea and the unthreatened north face rock wall is as pristine as the day it was positioned. A little further south are concrete access steps that have been undermined and could possibly fail as a structure – this is reflective of the need for routine beach inspections which I suggest could be carried out as a healthy outdoor team building activity. I do appreciate funding is always an issue but band aiding is not thinking outside the box for solutions. I recall many years ago Mission Bay had a problem with loss of sand to the sea and employed an overseas consultant whose advice was taken and a functional sand beach has existed since. Sometimes consultants are necessary, but they have to be managed, less they perceive deep pockets. Colin Selfe, Red Beach (abridged) Editor’s note: Auckland Council advises that the recent sand replenishment works in front of Ōrewa Recreation Reserve cost $205,000 to complete. It was a oneoff cost to transfer 17,000m3 of sand to replenish sand levels on the beach after the storm in late October. The issue of the recent damage referred to in this letter was also covered in the story published in our November 13 edition, p3.

Contributions to this page are welcome but letters under 250 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read at www. localmatters.co.nz/opinion Letters should be sent to terry@localmatters.co.nz or 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa 0931. Note: We do not publish abusive or unsigned letters.

includes water, food and security from predators. Not only have we removed 14 million hectares of habitat by converting forest and wetlands to farms and developments (habitat for ourselves), we have tidied up our gardens so much that from a bird’s perspective they are more like deserts. We need to let at least part of our garden go wild, with flowering lawns and weeds, and piles of compost, brush and stones forming housing estates for insects. If you have a naturally wet area, turn it into a seasonal pond. Many insects need water for a stage of their life cycle. The phenomenon of co-evolution means that native plants will provide habitat for large populations of native insects, so planting natives will increase the food supply and attract native birds. Andrew Westaway, Ōrewa

Unsafe speeds

Recently, for the 4th time this year, I saw a car nearly hit someone on Stella Maris Lane, in Millwater, during school pickups and drop offs, because they were driving way too fast. I think the school zone needs to be expanded to include Stella Maris Lane and the speed dropped down to 30km or less during these hours. Some parents have suggested speed bumps to slow traffic, which isn’t a silly idea. I have contacted Auckland Transport about this, and it is widely known by parents how dangerous it is, yet nothing has been done to solve the problem. It is only a matter of time before a child will end up being hurt, or worse. Surely Auckland Transport can work together with police and council to solve this problem. Martin van Iersel, Red Beach (abridged) Editor’s note: A response was sought from AT but no comment was forthcoming.

Mystery solved

The identity of the married couple in the portrait left at the Coast Pet Care Charity shop in Silverdale has been revealed, after the original owner came forward. The Ōrewa resident, who does not wish to be named, contacted the paper after seeing the story in our November 13 edition. “The mystery portrait (HM November 13) is of my grandparents, the Moirs from West Auckland,” the resident said. “It had been wrapped up for several years in storage and my children were not interested in taking it so I thought someone who is into vintage frames and portraits would appreciate it, and possibly display it in their home. I have several copies of the same picture in a smaller size so I wasn’t losing the picture.”

Santa showcase

Hibiscus Matters’ cameras will be out and about at the Ōrewa Beach Santa Parade and other local Christmas events – check out our final edition for the year, out December 11.

Happy 121st!

Friday, November 10 was a special day for Whangaparāoa School as it celebrated its 121st birthday. The occasion was made memorable thanks to a group of students from the school – Harrison Monro, Jack Luu, and Bella Sweetman. Harrison’s research revealed the birthday was coming up, and he, Jack and Bella, got together to organise a celebration. In the morning, the school sang Happy Birthday. There was tree planting and the whole school took part in games such as football, basketball and golf, run by the Year 5/6 leaders. A parent donated 800 delicious cupcakes with icing in the school’s colours, as well as cake for the staff. The children also raised money for Saving Hope, with gold coin donations from students.

‘Marathon’ marriage celebrated

Need more wildness

Jenny Hanwell of Forest & Bird wrote encouraging us to make habitat safer for birds (HM October 30). However, if we just increase the habitat, birds have the ability to lay more eggs to take advantage of available resources (birds are descended from dinosaurs so have been practising laying eggs for 230 million years). Habitat

Cupcakes galore were shared with the entire school. Organisers, from left, Jack Luu, Harrison Monro and Bella Sweetman

Ray and Shirley Urbahn cut the cake, with their children, from left, Glenys Brown, Gregory Urbahn and Christine Armstrong

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Ray Urbahn, aged 94, is well known locally, and has featured in many media stories over the years, because he was still running marathons until around three years ago. He completed 83 marathons, nationally and internationally, between 1975 and 2018, including running the Rotorua marathon 35 times. He also competed at the World Masters Games. Whenever interviewed, he has always thanked his wife, Shirley (aged 90) for her support and recently the pair celebrated 70 years of marriage at their home in Hibiscus Coast Retirement Village. A quiet family gathering and lunch was held to mark the occasion, on Sunday, November 19. Family and friends travelled from around NZ and Australia to share the anniversary with them. The couple have three children, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

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A toxin put in the water resulted in a large amount of dead eels.

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Pollutant causes death of eels Residents reported seeing the water turn “milky white”, and a large amount of dead eels, some very large, floating in the stream. The council was notified late on Thursday, November 9, that the problem had been noticed the day before. Council’s acting compliance manager, David Pawson, says an after-hours pollution officer attended the site and observed 40–50 dead eels in the stream. By that time, only pockets of white foam remained. “The discharge had ceased, and he was therefore not able to trace the source or identify the contaminant,” Pawson says. Council received a further complaint the following day, related to the same incident and the officer who attended this time counted between 10 and 20 dead eels

between Shadon Place and Knott Road. A contractor removed the dead eels from the stream. Pawson says that any delay in reporting these kinds of incidents is likely to mean that Council is unable to identify the contaminant or hold anyone accountable. “We have staff across the region who will respond to pollution incidents within one hour,” he says. “In this case, the incident was reported the day after the discharge occurred. We carried out the usual tests of the water, but unless there is an ongoing discharge the contaminant will have flowed through and is no longer detectable. This is what appears to have happened here.” Council reminds the public that it is illegal to pour paint and other substances into waterways and stormwater systems, and that doing so can have significant environmental consequences. Anyone who witnesses contaminants being discharged into creeks and streams should immediately call the council’s pollution hotline, 09 377 3107.

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O Mahurangi Penlink enters main construction phase It’s good news for Hibiscus Coast residents with O Mahurangi Penlink entering the main construction phase and Waka Kotahi on track to deliver the vital north Auckland transport link from late 2026. Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair Gary Brown is very pleased to reach this stage of the project with the road starting to take shape. “Hibiscus Coast residents have one of the longest commute times in Auckland and with the substantial growth in the area, the road will provide much needed transport capacity. “It’s only through long-term lobbying by the local board – past and present members – and others in the community over many years that finally Penlink is being built and funded by the central government.”

For our E news

The Waka Kotahi team are making the most of earthworks’ season; planning to move 400,000 cubic metres of earth and managing erosion and sediment controls at the construction sites. The four main sites are situated at the Redvale area of State Highway 1/ East Coast Road, along Ara Wēiti Road, Stillwater and Whangaparāoa.

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The Waka Kotahi team with elected members at the site of Wēiti River Bridge.

Waka Kotahi Project Director Norman Collier says, “The project is progressing well and will give Whangaparāoa residents alternative travel options when open. We enjoyed having the local board on site, and look forward to sharing more progress with them during construction.”

Work underway The Top Road site entrance by State Highway 1 has been widened which means SH1 isn’t needed for access and reduces impacts on users of SH1.Temporary barriers have been installed along a section of East Coast Road to allow for the safe entry and exit of construction vehicles, between site access points, and services are being relocated on East Coast Road. Earthworks in the pine forest area near Ara Wēiti Road is underway, including construction of sediment retention ponds, ecological work, and trees cleared directly west of the new Duck Creek Road bridge. Temporary staging for the Wēiti River Bridge is being installed which should be completed early next year. Works in the Stillwater area are continuing such as installing gully drains in earthworks areas, access tracks and environmental controls put in place. While at the Whangaparāoa site, ecological investigations are continuing, trees are being cleared, access tracks constructed, and sediment controls put in place as the work progresses west towards the Wēiti River. With work well underway at the intersection of the new road and Whangaparāoa Road, Albany Ward Councillor Wayne Walker is relieved that everything is being done to minimise disruption during this phase. “Most of the new road is being built offline and the construction team will carefully manage traffic impacts when transporting goods to site and later when they reconnect to Whangaparāoa Road in 2025.” Protection for environmentally sensitive areas The project involves environmentally sensitive areas and Waka Kotahi works closely with Heritage New Zealand and the Department of Conservation to preserve the ecology and meet required environmental conditions. Erosion and sediment controls are used to limit environmental impact on waterways. Controls are designed for the works in each catchment and work zone and are approved by Auckland Council. Council staff visit site regularly to track compliance and Waka Kotahi is required to undertake regular monitoring which includes nearby freshwater and marine environments. To receive regular project updates and construction photos, sign up for the Waka Kotahi monthly newsletters at https://tinyurl.com/3kjt679v

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

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Plan 2023 has a key focus on people and the environment.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Plan adopted Allowing future generations to live their best life in one of Auckland’s most desirable places is the goal of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Plan 2023. The three-year plan was adopted at a recent business meeting and chair Gary Brown says he wants everyone to enjoy and experience the local board area – from Waiwera to Campbells Bay – with its stunning beaches, beautiful parks and incredible views. “Yes, our local board’s vision is bold, and yes, our objectives may not be achieved quickly, but we feel given how desirable our area is, it is vital to have a strong vision for how to keep it so special,” he explains. Community feedback has helped shape the plan’s priorities which centre around achieving good outcomes for Māori, taking climate action, improving the environment, and enhancing the lives of residents, the community and the economy. The final plan is available on the council website at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

| Hibiscusmatters | November 27, 2023

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Report released into community housing needs The report that followed Kāinga Ora’s community consultation on the Hibiscus Coast in July was released last week.

Community Think ran the consultation on behalf of Kāinga Ora, with feedback to guide the creation of “a public housing development plan” for the Hibiscus and Bays area. Unaffordable rentals and house prices, and a need for pensioner housing were among the issues raised during consultation on the Hibiscus Coast’s housing needs. Kainga Ora’s plan to build 37 homes in Bonair Crescent, Millwater, was also frequently raised. Last year, Kainga Ora

consulted the community specifically on Bonair, receiving feedback that the majority are opposed to social housing there and want the land sold or transferred to Kiwi Build – that project is currently on hold. In releasing the report, Kāinga Ora’s Regional director for Auckland North and West, Taina Jones, said it has provided a clearer picture of local housing needs. “While there are people who are well housed, there are others who are not, and who are experiencing real hardship,” she says. “The engagement highlights the differing perspectives in the community about public housing. Some want more of

it and understand the positive difference it can make. Others are nervous about more public housing and fear it will bring change they don’t want.”

She says the organisation will now look at what role it can play in addressing local housing issues. Jones says as part of this wider piece of work, Kāinga Ora will have another look at its plans for the Bonair Crescent site in Millwater. Kāinga Ora bought the site in 2020, and faced strong community resistance to its plans. Jones says a lot has happened since then. “The economy and property market

have changed, and severe weather events led to new information about the risk posed by future severe weather events. We need to relook at our plans for the site in that context to make sure we are investing in the right place at the right time,’’ Jones says. A decision about Bonair is expected early next year. The report can be found here: https://bit. ly/49RjwHk

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www.localmatters.co.nz April 18, June 13, July 11, August 8, Sept 5, Nov 28 and Dec 12, 2022; April 17, 2023; Feb 6 and July 23, 2024.

Waiwera works New images have been released of the demolition which continues inside Waiwera Thermal Resort. The work began on August 14. Owner, Urban Partners, says there have been some setbacks, including that there is significantly more concrete on site than was apparent at the outset, due to previous leaseholders laying new concrete slabs over the top of existing concrete. The company says it is doing everything it can to salvage and recycle as much as possible. This includes some of the slides that have been picked up by Adrenalin Adventure Park. The resort has been closed since 2018 and all attempts to sell, lease or set-up a partnership arrangement have failed. Urban Partners decided to demolish the infrastructure within the resort as it was falling apart and a clean site was thought to have greater appeal to potential buyers. When demolition is complete, topsoil will be laid and grass sown across the site, at which stage the site is expected to again go on the market for sale.

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Dr Seng Cheong Loke

Hillview Medical Family Doctors

r Seng Cheong Loke, who has been a doctor for around 30 years, has brought his skills to Whangaparāoa, setting up in general practice. Originally from Malaysia, he has studied and worked all over the world, including Melbourne, the UK and Singapore. Before moving to NZ, he was chief endocrinologist at Kuala Lumpur General Hospital and an Associate Professor at the Universiti Putra Malaysia. Seng, who opened his Hillview Medical Centre last month in Karepiro Drive, says he is here because his family fell in love with the Coast – but also to run a patientfocused GP service. He says in the seven years he’s been in NZ, he has become aware of issues with primary healthcare, including long waiting times for appointments, and 15 minute visits with a doctor.

“There are a lot of pressures on GPs outside of actual patient care, such as paperwork, and I think that is not working for patients,” he says. Seng’s clinic will keep its numbers of patients to a level where they do not have long waits to see a doctor. He is also making appointments half an hour long. His knowledge of endocrinology gives him a particular interest in working with patients, including the elderly, with chronic health problems such as diabetes and thyroid disorders. The practice is open from 1pm-8pm, weekdays and on Saturday mornings which Seng says is so that families don’t have to take time off work or school to visit the doctor. Currently, Hillview Medical is a sole practice, but Seng has plans for expansion and is bringing others on board, starting early next year.

Matthew Gribbin

GBN Property Solutions

aving worked as a plumber since he was a teenager, Matthew Gribbin felt it was time for a change.

He left home in Northern Ireland to travel, and ended up starting his own business in Australia offering professional cleaning services. The work and lifestyle suited him, and while there, Matthew also “met a Coast woman” who brought him to New Zealand. In the last few months, the former Gulf Harbour resident has again set up as a sole trader, GBN Property Solutions, after completing certification through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration. He looks after exterior house washing, water-blasting, tile cleaning, and carpet and upholstery cleaning for clients throughout the Hibiscus Coast and North Shore.

Initially he thought most of his work would be residential, but he says he has been surprised by the number of commercial customers, including restaurants and retirement villages. The products he uses are child, pet and environmentally friendly. Outside work, Matthew’s big passion is golf, and he says playing the Gulf Harbour Country Club course was a key reason he lived there. The closure of the facility was a catalyst for a recent move to Takapuna. Matthew says being a sole trader gives him the mobility, control and flexibility he enjoys, and means he meets lots of people, seeing their jobs through himself from start to finish. “The key is being hardworking, and totally up front and honest,” Matthew says. “And of course seeing those surfaces transformed by a thorough clean is very satisfying.”

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Counteracting too much Christmas cheer Here come Christmas parties and end of year celebrations galore. This often comes with excess eating and, unfortunately for some, excess drinking. We all know that the best way to avoid a hangover is to not drink alcohol in the first place, or at the very least, drink in moderation. Products are now arriving in pharmacies that claim to “allow you to enjoy your social life without compromising the next day”. But just what are they and do they actually work? The products I reviewed are pre-drinking supplements and try to help the hangover issue by coming from very different angles. It’s not the alcohol itself that creates hangover symptoms the next day, but rather a toxic chemical that our body changes the alcohol into during the detoxification process, called acetaldehyde. During the second stage of detoxification, the acetaladehyde is metabolised into acetate, eventually further being further broken down and leaving the body as carbon dioxide and water. The second part of the detoxification process can take a while. In the meantime, acetaldehyde builds in the body while waiting to be processed and causes all those hangover symptoms. Some pre-drinking supplements use the theory of supporting that second process of detoxification so you can clear all the toxins

from your body. They use ingredients such a curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, and other natural products with anti-inflammatory properties to support a reduction of inflammation in the liver. A recently launched product instead works to break down the alcohol before it reaches the liver using a combination of two probiotics plus some other ingredients. It is thought that the product prevents most of the alcohol from being absorbed into the bloodstream, by breaking it down earlier, and that it is eliminated without undergoing any detoxification by the liver. A drawback may be that, because the alcohol is broken down so quickly, you will also feel the “euphoric” effects for a shorter time. For greatest effectiveness, it states that the product is best taken daily for a week before the event. Note, that the product’s small published study had good results but more research needs to be done. What else can you do? Alcohol is a diuretic which causes you to urinate more. Whilst they won’t prevent a hangover, electrolytes (and drinking plenty of water) will help to restore fluids in your body and will certainly lessen the effects. Having a drink or two to celebrate can be fun. However, both for hangovers and your overall health, nothing beats drinking in moderation, or not at all.

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Summerset Milldale * selling off plans now Summerset Milldale is excited to announce our first release of homes are selling off plans now.* Once complete, the village will offer a range of independent homes to choose from including a variety of villa types. Plus, we will have a wide range of care options, including serviced apartments, a care centre and our industry-leading memory care centre. All safe and secure within a fully gated village community. Summerset Milldale is located close to Silverdale and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in one of Auckland’s newest and most affordable suburbs. It will offer the perfect retirement lifestyle, close to beaches, cafes and shopping, everything the Hibiscus Coast has to offer. Visit our sales office today to discuss the range of homes and floor plans for the first release, with our Sales Manager, Nicola Redmond.

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| Hibiscusmatters | November 27, 2023

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Bora Bora record breaker far from boring Ultra-marathon swimmer Nick Edwards is always looking for the next challenge – which is why an anniversary trip to Bora Bora in French Polynesia with his wife also included an attempt on a record-breaking swim.

The 34-year-old Deputy Principal of Ahutoetoe School in Milldale has had a connection with the sea since childhood, when he lived on Britain’s south coast. He swims in the ocean year-round, finding the cold immersion beneficial for his health. “It also tunes you in with your body, your breathing, and requires being totally present in the moment,” he says. Nick believes that type of focus is an important building block for mental health. In March this year, he became the third ever British person (and the fastest Brit), to swim Lake Taupo (40km), south to north. He had paid his deposit to swim Cook Strait, but the queue for this is long. When he found out he would not be able to do it until next summer, he started looking for a goal to fill the gap. While planning a wedding anniversary trip to Bora Bora with his wife Laura, he stumbled on information about swimming around the island itself. The distance is around 26km and only one documented swim was recorded. “I felt that setting a goal of beating the time officially recorded and simultaneously becoming the first ever male to swim around the island was a lofty but attainable goal,” Nick says. He says Laura was a great support, knowing that Nick would also ensure they had time together as a couple on the island. “She knows my strength is compartmentalising – so I can be really focused on a goal, but that is always in

harmony with family life and activities, career, time out and everything else.

Over the next four months, he trained for the big swim, which he did following Marathon Swimming Federation Rules – this allows only swim shorts, goggles and a swim cap, no rests ashore, no holding onto the boat for help, or any floatation support.

Nick Edwards’ says his record-breaking Bora Bora swim was to promote mental health and wellbeing through resilience.

His circumnavigation of Bora Bora took place on November 6. It was an opportunity to see vibrant marine life, including coral and hundreds of tropical fish, manta rays and stingrays. Shoals of flying fish blew past him. “For me, being in nature and connecting to the sea is so important for my mental wellbeing,” he says. The deeper water included sighting a large shark, and having to simply carry on swimming. Towards the end, he began to tire mentally and physically, cramp and lactic acid took hold. “I hit a wall and my arms began to feel like lead. My stroke rate and pace dropped dramatically in that last hour. I just wanted the swim to end and even began thinking, ‘why do I do this to myself?’ I was desperate for the pain to be gone. This just goes to show how much of ultra-marathon distance swimming is a mental, as well as physical, game.” He found renewed strength in the final stretch and finished in 7hrs:14mins:50secs, setting a new world record for the circumnavigation by more than 2.5 hours. “I am so grateful to everyone who contributed to this achievement. There is always a team behind the accolades of ultramarathon swimming and they deserve just as much credit.

One of his goals was to raise awareness of the importance of valuing and building mental health, so Nick is sharing his story through the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, Aotearoa NZ Mental Health Foundation and First Steps NZ. “I hope that this swim has provided an

opportunity for others to reflect and connect to their past, strengthen their present, and envision their future. When you’re ready, set yourselves some goals and get after them!” For now, Nick is enjoying and reflecting on his achievement but says he will soon begin researching his next goal.

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Homecoming for Ōrewa theatre star Homemade musical theatre star Joel Granger returned to the Hibiscus Coast this month for a one-off evening of entertainment ranging from standards from major musicals he’s starred in to “a brazen attempt at a pop song or two”.

The November 28 show at the Centrestage – where he’ll be accompanied by the theatre’s Billie Hart on piano – is sold out, but Sydney-based Joel says since a lot of friends have missed out getting tickets, he may need to return next year. He also performed a few numbers at Age Concern’s annual Christmas Concert, at the same venue, the day before. The lad from Ōrewa has gone a long way since moving to Perth straight out of school in 2012 to study at the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. He’s taken top roles in massively successful productions – including Tobias in Sweeney Todd and Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon – while television credits include parts in True Story with Hamish & Andy on Australia’s Channel Nine, and the ABC/ Pivot comedy-drama Please Like Me. “Funnily enough, even though I have been based in Australia for the last 10 years, my top two performance highlights are actually performing in NZ,” he says. “We opened our national tour [of Sweeney Todd] at the Civic Theatre in Auckland, which was incredibly special to me considering every show I saw that toured there was the inspiration to pursue this career. It seemed so unattainable to perform at that level from my teenage perspective, and I count myself so lucky that I was able to come full circle so quickly in my career.” Joel’s return to the Civic in 2020 for the Australia/NZ tour of The Book of Mormon was cut short due to the pandemic lockdown. Even so, “it was really special performing the

Joel Granger

Lion dancers will open the Asian Cultural Festival in Ōrewa.

Sights and sounds of Asia work I’m most proud of, in my home town, in front of family and friends”. Coming home to the Centrestage is particularly special as it was there that a young Joel “developed my joy for what I do”. “It’s always special to perform for all the communities I grew up with, just to show them how far I’ve come, and to prove that I’m still alive and kicking!” Joel was raised in Ōrewa, where his “absolute best memory” was the annual Santa Parade. “It was something I very much looked forward to, and had me mesmerised the whole afternoon.” What else does he miss? “I probably should

say the beautiful weather and beaches, but considering my skin couldn’t be pastier, the sunshine was wasted on me. I do miss my family and the sense of community in Ōrewa, but I love the fact that I now get to live so close to the city [Sydney] and all its vibrancy. I’m very much a city boy at heart.” And living in Sydney, Joel says, offers a vast array of performing opportunities, “just because it has the population to support them”. “I have been very lucky to work on TV, but I would really love to delve more into the screen industry,” he says. “Working on camera forces you to be present and in the moment and as a control freak, I love the challenge that this style of acting brings.”

A festival celebrating a wide range of Asian cultures has grown significantly in the three years since it began. Originally created as an Asian showpiece, and hospice fundraiser, it drew larger and larger crowds each year. This year, even more cultural groups will be represented, including Russia, Cambodia, Iran and Sri Lanka. Drumming, dance, singing and instrumental performances will fill the stage on Moana Reserve with colour and sound. More than 20 food trucks will offer a wide range of Asian cuisine. There will be free ‘give it a go’ Tai Chi sessions. The event is being organised by Destination Ōrewa Beach and takes place on Moana Reserve, Ōrewa, on Saturday December 2, 12 noon-6pm.

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| Hibiscusmatters | November 27, 2023

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Cheryl Dixon’s potted pelargonium was judged Best in Show.

Rare win for pelargonium The gardening prowess of members of the Hibiscus Coast Garden Club was on display at the club’s show, held on Monday, November 20 at Manly Bowling Club.

Among all the flowering plants, vegetables and floral art that entered the competition, a potted deep red, almost black, pelargonium drew the judges’ eyes, and was selected as Best in Show – with judges noting it was rare for any specimen in a

FANTAILS

container to win this award.

Judges also commented that it was good to see more vegetable entries than last year – suggesting it was perhaps a sign that more people are growing their own edibles at home. The club has more than 130 members and now meets in the Manly Bowling Club, with Mini Shows most months and two large shows annually at the same venue.

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November 27, 2023 | Hibiscusmatters |

Shop Local for Christmas Hibiscus Matters has done the legwork around local shops in search of gift ideas. Conclusion: we are spoilt for choice. Why go to town, when you can support a local business or charity and save on fuel?

feature.shoplocal

Blue light show

Canoe and Kayak in Silverdale Village run night paddles to see the blue bioluminescence that lights up the waves around the Coast. Cost is $95pp (aged 11 plus) and vouchers or email tickets are available.

ch u o v r u o T e c n e c s e in Biolum entitles the This voucher Tour for luminescence

Coastie calendar

Bio

Ōrewa Lions’ calendar – local landscapes by local photographers. $10 from St Chad’s Op Shop, Ōrewa; Paper Plus Whangaparāoa; Book Heaven Red Beach; libraries and Ōrewa Lions Facebook page or email orewalionsclub@gmail.com Proceeds to Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Club

Date of issue

t Hibiscus Coas noe & Kayak, 58) bearer to a Ca r, phone 421 15 tou ur yo ok (To bo In no. s Valid: 12 month

Gift a new hobby!

Gloved up

Coast Photo in Ōrewa has metal detectors and telescopes as well as cameras! This GC1020 metal detector, ideal for lost jewellery or treasure hunting, is $299.

Life Pharmacy Ōrewa has shelves with seaside themed gifts, including this Michel Design Works Ocean Tide double oven glove, $52.99.

Made by men The busy Hibiscus Men’s Shed team has become like Santa’s workshop, with handmade wooden gift ideas for sale. Items include everything from Weta Hotels ($55) to coasters ($40-$50 a set), toys and bread/chopping boards ($25-$75). The shed, by Bunnings in Silverdale, is open every Saturday leading up to Christmas, from 10am-1pm.

Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas, Love from the team at

320 Hibiscus Coast Highway | Orewa | ph 426 6250 | www.charismafashions.co.nz 16

| Hibiscusmatters | November 27, 2023

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Terrific tweets

Scents we love

Buying for someone who loves birds? The Forest Birds range at Manly Unichem includes ceramic soap dishes, $49.99; teapots, $65.99 and canisters $38.99. The plant watering glass birds are $24.99 each and the Posh Pelican, $9.99.

Forget those floral fragrances – here are soaps scented with cognac and vanilla, or dark rum and spice. Not just for men! $19.99 each from Manly Unichem.

Sweet as

Sweet Disorder sells online, but now has a shop beside the BP in Silverdale. Sweets in jars and tins, labelled with humour, $15 each. A percentage of sales goes to mental health charities.

Give & receive

Find unique, affordable gifts at any of the dozens of charity shops on the Coast. Purchases help a charity and reuse pre-loved items. Photo from the Ōrewa Hospice shop.

Doggy delight

Why share yours, when there is ice-cream tailor made as a doggie treat? NZ made Scoop Dog, $10.99 from Pet Naturals in Ōrewa.

Arts galore

Estuary Arts Centre’s annual Cash and Carry sale is a chance to buy unique gifts at good prices. More than 400 works are in the sale. On now at the Centre, in Western Reserve, Ōrewa.

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ACROSS 1 Shock when discovering the truth of a situation (4,9) 8 Detour (6) 14 Distress light (5) 15 Teaches (8) 16 Of marriage, weddings (7) 17 Steps over a fence, wall (5) 18 Friend (3) 19 Warbled (7) 21 Befoulment (9) 22 Gap in continuity (6) 25 Quilled creatures (10) 27 Expecting a baby (8) 28 Air traveller’s complaint (3,3) 31 Purloined (6) 33 Kindles (7) 34 Fermented fodder (6) 35 Shallow place in a river for crossing by foot, vehicle (4) 37 Rascal (3) 39 Applaud (4) 40 Take into account (7) 41 Infamous (9) 42 Bracing ropes etc supporting a yacht’s masts, sails (7) 43 Proclaim (8) 48 Woven textile wall hanging (8) 52 Gain in wealth (7) 56 Mouth organ (9) 57 Having the requisite strength, abilities, etc for (5,2) 58 Egg on (4) 59 Digit (3) 60 Let fall (4) 61 Furtive (6) 62 Actor’s helper (7) 63 Up tree (anag)(6) 65 Woven container (6) 66 Putted sphere (4,4) 68 Browbeat (10) 71 Yearly book (6)

Crossword conundrum #21

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65 Obstacle (7) 67 Sympathise (4,3) 69 Brass instrument (7) 70 Black-and-white bird (6) 71 Conscious of (5)

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Canal Christmas offering free community frivolity

Bells will be jingling in Gulf Harbour, as Christmas at the Canal gets underway on Saturday, December 2 in the town square, by the canal and band rotunda.

The annual event, organised by the Vine Church, is focused on family fun – most of it free of charge. Organiser Phil Corser says it’s important that money is not a barrier to coming out and enjoying the occasion. “While we have food trucks and stalls, where people can purchase goods and services, we try and ensure the sausage sizzle, games, bouncy castles, carols and Santa are free, so people don’t have to give away precious cash at this time of year in order to have a great day.” Vine Community Church also has a free food pantry – anyone is welcome to bring non-perishable items to donate to the pantry, or help themselves to items. Groups from Whangaparāoa and

The weekend of December 2 and 3 will see Santa Claus coming to Whangaparāoa, with events in Stanmore Bay and Gulf Harbour focused on the man in red.

Santa trades his sleigh for a Coastguard boat at Christmas at the Canal.

Wentworth College will perform, and Kumeu Vintage Band has the carols covered. Four Square is providing a free sausage sizzle and Business Whangaparāoa’s Giant Family Fun Days will provide free

games and activities. As always, a highlight for the young ones will be Santa’s arrival on board a Coastguard Hibiscus vessel. The event runs from 10am till about 1.30pm.

Coast community creating Christmas vibes Singing, dancing and Santa are set to create a Christmas vibe at this year’s A Very Coastie Christmas event in Whangaparāoa. There will also be festive food including 12 food trucks. Future Whangaparāoa organises the event as a bit of free Christmas fun that the whole community can enjoy. Putting it on takes collaboration between local performers, businesses and community groups. It is funded by grants, including one from the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. Live entertainment is 100 percent local and includes Christmas carols, line dancing,

bands The People and Senior Moments, soloist Jade and Hibiscus Tuakana. The jolly man himself arrives around 12.30pm. There will be a bouncy castle, puppy cuddles with Saving Hope, face painting and children’s activities, as well as a Christmas market with handmade and artisan gifts. Hibiscus Coastguard and a fire truck will be there. Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste is managing waste on the day and local water supplier Aquaman will provide free water bottle top ups. A Very Coastie Christmas is on Sunday, December 3 outside on the top carpark at Whangaparāoa College 11am-3pm.

Santa shares the Very Coastie Christmas cheer.

Where’s Santa?

Santa Claus is coming to the Coast’s town centres and malls, including: • Ōrewa: Find Santa at the Xmas Twilight Market, December 1, Ōrewa Estuary Arts Centre and carpark, 4pm-8pm. Santa Photo sessions will be held on December 14, 3pm-5pm and December 15, 3pm-5pm on Moana Reserve. No bookings needed. The City of Sails Chorus will be singing carols. • Snowplanet – Santa took up residence in a cabin at Snowplanet on November 25 and will be there for photos and fun until December 24. Bookings essential. Info: https://snowplanet.co.nz/visitsanta-2023/ • Coast Plaza – Photos with Santa from December 15-24, and Love Soup will be gift wrapping for a gold coin donation. • Silverdale Centre – Santa will be at the centre from December 8.

Prime time for pines

If the scent of a real pine tree jingles your Christmas bells, from December 1 you will have several local options, including: • Silverdale St John, which is selling trees from December 1-17 from the station car park in Silverdale Village. They are open 9am4pm weekends and 10am-5pm Monday to Friday. Trees range from table top ($40) to standard ($50) to large (from $100). Stands and festoon lights also available. Proceeds go towards items needed on station for staff. • Coast Youth Community Trust (CYC), will be selling trees from December 1-21 at the Whangaparāoa Baptist Church carpark, 10am-6pm. Standard tree ($55), table topper ($45), large ($100). Stands available. All funds go to support CYC’s local youthwork..

What’s on at Estuary Arts this Summer “The Cash & Carry Under $500 Art Sale” Over 400 artworks to view “Gift shop”a great selection of orignal art and craft Being Magic offers a gateway to holistic well-being through the enchanting realms of energy healing. All sessions can be conducted in person or online! Magical offerings include: • energetic healing sessions (incl. reiki & much more) • quantum hypnotherapy • animal healing • card readings • well-being products (vibrational & aromatherapy)

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Summer School Holiday Programme: Age 5 years + Starts 23 January 2024 Summer Art Bootcamp: For Teens & Adults Starts 22 January 2024 View and book on: estuaryarts.arlo.co/w/ 214B Hibiscus Coast H/Way E: admin@estuaryarts.org Mon - Fri 9am to 4pm

PH: 09 4265570 www.estuaryarts.org W/ends 10am to 3pm

November 27, 2023 | Hibiscusmatters |

Cuisine Lauraine Jacobs

www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/blog/

Strawberry season There’s no other locally grown fruit that excites everyone like strawberries. On the Omaha Flats Road, the Matakana Berry Company’s little caravan is currently appearing on weekends, offering punnets of large red ripe perfect berries that are almost jewel-like in appearance. These gorgeous glowing orbs of deliciousness attract crowds of passers-by, especially when their ice cream machine churns out icy cones of fresh strawberry sweetness, perfect after hot days at the beach. The strawberry is not the easiest of fruits to grow in the unsheltered outdoors, succumbing to inclement wet or humid weather, and sadly the season is fleetingly short. By Christmas they’re almost over so take advantage of this local crop while you can. When you’re looking for strawberries in the supermarket, check for freshness. They should look firm and glossy, and you should be able to detect that fragrance that makes them one of the most popular flavours in so many recipes. Bring them home and eat them as soon as possible. The fridge doesn’t add to their flavour so if you want to keep them for an extra day, remember to take them out for at least an hour to bring them to room temperature before you consume them. Strawberries that are not perfect or are just past their best can be lightly stewed with a little sugar to make a wonderful topping for vanilla ice-cream or added to breakfast cereal. One of my favourite tasks at the end of the strawberry season is to make jam. It’s become quite a tradition to give

each grandchild a pot of my homemade strawberry jam with individual labels that my husband prints out to attach to each jar. Cream is the most perfect accompaniment to strawberries (thinking of Wimbledon anyone?) If the strawberries are sweet enough there’s nothing better than a pile of strawberries, hulls and leaves carefully removed, served with a generous dollop of softly whipped cream. Add a sprinkling of caster sugar for real indulgence. Those stewed strawberries I mentioned can also be folded gently through whipped cream to make a very simple strawberry fool. Other flavours that pair beautifully with strawberries are balsamic vinegar, which seems to make the fruit taste richer and a little sweeter, and black pepper to give the strawberry an unusual zippy touch. I really like to add strawberries to a leafy summer salad and make a dressing that contains both balsamic and pepper. But best of all I love chocolate with my strawberries. A chocolate dipped strawberry was almost a fixture at Christmas parties a few years ago. One of my all-time best desserts is the chocolate log my mother made. A light-as-air sponge made in a Swiss roll tin, rolled up in a clean tea cloth makes a stunning celebratory dessert when filled with strawberry jam, fresh whipped cream and some strawberries. The recipe here is a family favourite and has been served every year on our Christmas table since I was a little kid. Raspberries are also brilliant with this so use a combination of both if you can. Come in, enjoy a coffee, wine/cider/beer or soft drink, plus something tasty to eat from our delicious food cabinet. Now hiring new team members – apply in cafe. Open throughout Christmas Wed-Sun 8.30am-3pm (Closed Christmas day, Boxing day, January 1 & 2)

Ph 09 427 5570 498 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa

3 eggs 1 tbsp cornflour 4 tbsp sugar Pinch vanilla essence 1 tbsp cocoa For the filling: 3 tbsps strawberry jam 150mls whipped cream 6 tbsp Greek yogurt 2 punnets strawberries/raspberries Icing sugar to finish

Chocolate sponge roll with fresh strawberries Photo, Liz Clarkson

Pre-heat the oven to 175°C. Prepare a Swiss roll tin by lining with baking paper. Separate the egg yolks and sugar into two large bowls. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla until light and creamy. Sift the cornflour, cocoa and a pinch of salt together and gently fold into the egg yolk mixture. Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold carefully into the mixture, ensuring you do not lose any of the volume. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin. Bake 15 minutes or until the chocolate soufflé is light and yet firm to the touch. Turn out while still hot onto a clean tea towel, remove the baking paper and roll up in the tea towel to cool. You can do this a day ahead but leave the next step until just before you’re ready to serve the meal. When ready to decorate, prepare the berries by removing the tops from the strawberries and picking over the raspberries. Cut any large strawberries into two or three pieces. Unroll the chocolate soufflé sponge, and spread the jam over the inside surface. Mix the cream and yogurt and spread evenly over the jam, with half the strawberries and raspberries and roll up, placing on a flat cake platter. Dust the top with icing sugar and strew extra berries around the edges to decorate. Serves 6.

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| Hibiscusmatters | November 27, 2023

feature.shoplocal

Ōrewa Primary teacher and collection organiser Karen Bessone with some of her Year 1 helpers, from left, Taylor Brook, Louie Bell, Zachary De Vries, Edward Yang and Leo Raux.

– Clothing for men –

Summer shorts in store now Ōrewa Primary helps fill Blues bus A collection of gifts for children whose families are struggling has been generously supported at Ōrewa Primary School.

For the third year, the Fill the Blues Bus appeal was run throughout November in Auckland and Northland by the Blues rugby team, in partnership with the Salvation Army. It’s the first time Ōrewa Primary has been a collection point, and teacher Karen

Bessone has organised it for the school, together with her Year 1 students. The students went from class to class, talking about the initiative and Karen says the response was “generous and amazing” with dozens of new, unwrapped gifts for children and teenagers rolling in. On December 1, players from the men’s and women’s Blues teams will jump on three buses to collect all the donated items, and deliver them to families in need.

Annual appeal for gifts to help women and children

The annual Hestia Women’s Refuge Christmas gift drive for women and children affected by domestic abuse is again accepting new and unwrapped presents at a number of venues in Rodney and on the Hibiscus Coast. Organisers say they understand that more families than ever are feeling the financial pinch this year, so people’s generosity is appreciated more than ever, not least since demand for the refuge’s support services continues to increase. “In the last five years, Aotearoa has seen a steady uptick in family violence occurrences, with police recording more than 175,000 events last year, compared to 132,000 in 2018,” a spokesperson said. “On average, police receive 22 reports of family harm an hour.” That harm is not confined to physical violence, but can also include verbal, emotional, sexual, psychological and financial control or abuse. Hestia is looking for new, unwrapped gifts for all ages, from babies up to teenagers, as well as for mums, with cash and gift cards particularly welcome, as they allow families to choose what they would like. Gifts are being accepted until Friday, December 15 at: Whangaparāoa Family Pharmacy, Stanmore Bay and Hestia’s Kowhai Tree op shop, Silverdale Village. Info: Contact Claudia on 021 660362. To donate cash, visit https://givealittle.co.nz/org/hestia For help and support, call 0800 321361 or visit https://hestiawomensrefuge.co.nz

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Solution Page 29

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Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

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My Christmas playlist Diners raised thousands to assist local community initiatives.

Feast fundraiser raises thousands The inaugural Dining for a Difference fundraiser (HM October 2) was not only a great evening, where good food and company was enjoyed, but also made a positive difference for local people.

music from local musicians. Chef Mark Lane, from Culinary Lane, was a generous supporter in providing the catering. The Trust has been running for three years, providing resources and delivering programmes that support a sense of belonging and help develop life skills to improve employment opportunities and quality of life. The Trust anticipates running Dining for a Difference as an annual event.

Coast Community Trust ran the event, which included an auction of items donated by local businesses, on Saturday, November 18 at Ōrewa College Arts & Events Centre. A total of 100 guests attended, raising more than $18,000 for the Trust. There was live entertainment, including

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As the familiar tune goes, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” The Christmas decorations are dangling off the tree, the sweet aroma of freshly baked fruit mince pies wafts through the house, and the magical melodies of Michael Bublé fill the airwaves. These are undoubtedly a significant part of the festive season, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy. However, amidst the twinkling lights and cheerful tunes, we must not forget that the essence of Christmas lies in celebrating love and the joy of giving. In the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, it’s easy to get caught up in the material side of the season. Yet, imagine the greater joy we could experience if we tempered our extravagance with a bit more mindfulness. Instead of going overboard with the credit card, what if we dedicated more time to extending a helping hand, sharing with those facing challenges this year, and fostering a sense of community and compassion? The classic Wham! song goes, “Last Christmas I gave you my heart... this year I’ll give it to someone special.” While the song may refer to a romantic connection, we can reinterpret its lyrics to encourage giving a part of our hearts to those special people in our lives. Often, we associate giving with financial contributions, but the gift of time can be the most precious of all. This time of year can be particularly

lonely and challenging for some, making it an opportune moment for young people to make a difference during the school holidays. Taking a pause, connecting, and being present for a grandparent, neighbor, or friend can be a truly treasured gift.

Consider swapping a gift for a donation or engage in random acts of kindness and spontaneous gift-giving. And yes, “Santa Claus is coming to town.” Christmas also honours the arrival of Santa, or historically, Saint Nicholas – renowned for helping those in need and secret gift-giving, he gave away his entire inheritance to the impoverished. In Christian tradition, he embodies the heart of the Christmas message. We too can play a part by supporting local charities ensuring that everyone experiences a bit of Christmas joy. Consider swapping a traditional gift for a donation or inspired by Saint Nick, engage in random acts of kindness and spontaneous gift-giving. Amidst the festive frenzy, let us not forget the true spirit of Christmas – the joy of giving. Christmas is the prime time to bring out the unity in community. Thank you Coasties for sharing in the journey of the year. May your Christmas be filled with the hope, joy, peace and love of the season!

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Visit the park, see the Kauri trees, then come into the museum and learn about the history of the area.

Adult $7 • Child $3 (6-16 years) • Child under 6 FREE Family $15 (2 adults + all Children)

Open Daily 10am – 3pm. Closed Christmas Day. Eftpos & Credit Cards accepted.

Warkworth Museum. Parry Kauri Park, Tudor Collins Drive (Off Wilson Road, Warkworth) | 09 425 7093 warkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz | www.warkworthmuseum.co.nz

Pete Melling crosses the finish line. Photo, Hazel Main

Local challenge for Pukeko Pete Pete Melling recently completed the Rodney Coastal Challenge, almost 20 years after he first had a go at it, in 2005.

The event, which is celebrating 25 years, sees more than 300 competitors run, paddle and cycle across Rodney from Woodhill Forest to Wenderholm Regional Park. It is run by the Kaukapakapa Scout Group as a fundraiser and Pete says they deserve a huge pat on the back. “Multisport has suffered greatly from health and safety regulation, which makes it expensive to hold a race now,” Pete says. “So bless the scout group that organise this. You have to take your hat off to them. That’s why I support it – also because it’s local and I love multisport!” Before he started entering multisport races, Pete was a kayaker and runner. “Cycling came later, and is my weakest link,” he says. “And the training locally can be dangerous – there aren’t a lot of good off-road cycle trails.” Pete joined the Hibiscus Coast Harriers and Triathlon Club around 20 years ago. His fellow club members know him as Pukeko Pete after a pukeko flew into his front wheel while he was on a training ride in 2010. The incident was fatal for the

pukeko and Pete broke his collar bone and “lost a lot of skin”. “I’ve never been allowed to forget that one,” he says. He says good cyclists do well in the Rodney Coastal Challenge, as it has a 10km run and 8km kayak but 55km of cycling. “There are a few flat bits, but most of it is hilly, with some steep and big climbs. The Puhoi river is great fun in a kayak, though, so I make up some time there.” The semi-retired retirement village groundsman says he is pretty competitive and does some form of training five days a week. One year, he won the Rodney Coastal Challenge’s Over 60s category, and in 2014 he won the Over 60s One Day Coast to Coast event too. The 75-year-old says this year’s race, on November 19, was “a bit of a learning curve”, with cycling again causing issues. He finished within his target time, in 5hrs:10mins, but says he got a lot of cramps and realised that he had been “a bit light on the cycle training”. “At the end of the race, I said ‘I think this might be the last one’,” Pete says. “But it was a great day and now I’m thinking I could do it again, but next time work a bit more on the cycling.” Jiu Jitsu competitors Jaden O’Dea (23) and Zack Gibbons (13) brought home Gold medals from the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament, held in Manukau on November 18. The pair represent Coast Academy, the martial arts club based in Silverdale. The championship, called the Abu Dhabi Combat Championships is described as “the Olympics of submission grappling”. Submission grappling is a competitive martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. Jaden won the Men 18 + Professional U65kg and Zack took out the Boys 11-14years Intermediate over 55kg. Zack has been training at Coast Academy for nearly four years and recently returned from competing in Las Vegas. Jaden also competes in MMA, kickboxing and boxing and coaches at Coast Academy Silverdale and Coast Academy Warkworth. Photos, Matt O’Dea

| Hibiscusmatters | November 27, 2023

Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

Gardening Dee Pigneguy

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A gift for nature

SUPPORTING LOCAL SPORT FOR FIVE YEARS AND RUNNING

During the pandemic, visits to urban parks and public gardens and beaches soared, once again demonstrating how important green infrastructure is. Suddenly fresh air, green spaces, bird song and the lack of vehicle noise was a thing to be treasured. Simply being able to access parks and trees helps reduce blood pressure, adrenaline, and cortisol – major stress hormones. Globally, forests still cover approximately 30 percent of our land area, but with the rate of tree cutting taking place, even on the Hibiscus Coast, trees are disappearing at an alarming rate. You can never be sure that trees growing on public land will always be there, so plant as many as you can in your garden, especially fruit trees, and then make sure you prune them to a size that allows you to benefit from their bounty. Or if your area is small there are many delightful new dwarf fruit trees available. When we moved to Manly there was not a single tree on our property, now we have nearly 40, providing a peaceful, sheltered, and cool area for outdoor Christmas functions. A few natives underplanted, with kaka beak in tubs, provide for the native birds, while a selection of fruit bearing trees and bananas provide fruit year-round. Small fruit, raspberries, red currents, blueberries, and strawberries, are in containers and tubs tucked in along fencelines. Once again, this Christmas the family know that the best gift will be a voucher that allows me to buy more plants!

Skateboarding Girls Skate NZ Skateboarding clinic, Ōrewa Skatepark (by the Youth Centre), Western Reserve, Ōrewa, Saturday December 2, 2pm-4pm. Free of charge. Register at Eventbrite. Run Millwater Free, fun, friendly 5km community activity. What a way to start your weekend! Every Saturday, 8am-9am, meeting at Metro Park sportsfields, Millwater. Walk, run, jog, volunteer or spectate! All welcome. Info: www.parkrun.co.nz/millwater/ Coastal Challenge Online entries are open for this annual multisport event, which takes place on February 24, 2024. The course runs from Arkles Bay down the coast to Takapuna Beach. Run, walk, wade, and rock hop. Multiple distances – something for all ages and abilities. Fun and festivities at the finish line. Online registration closes Thursday, February 22. Entries available on the day, but late fees will apply. Info: www.coastalchallenge.co.nz/ Twilight Bowls Thursday Twilight Social Bowls is on at Manly Bowling Club, 56 Laurence Street, Manly. Starts November 16, 6pm. Open to the public, $5. Beginners welcome. Croquet Come and see if croquet is for you. Golf croquet is played Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Association on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Coaching programme and mallets available. If interested phone the club on 09 426 3506 or Pixie 021 0249 5910 orRodney visit 43 Hatton Road Ōrewa ToTalspan

Garden wreaths

If you can bend and shape it, any semiwoody stemmed vine will work to make wreaths. When pruning my grapevine, I gather long lengths for wreath making, craft them into shape while they are still green, removing leaves and bunching into a circular shape to the desired thickness. I bind securely with florist wire and hang up the circles to dry. Thin willow, honeysuckle and wisteria also work well. Sprigs of bay leaves, artemisia, pine needles, rosemary, and lavender can be used to build the bed of the wreath, held in place with ribbons or florists’ wire or tucked into the dried vines. Arrange groups of different herbs or garden flowers on top of the leaves and weave their stems around the grapevine. Get creative with a glue gun and toothpicks, or little net bags to trim with clusters of cinnamon sticks, nutmegs, red chillies. Use small mandarins to make pomanders, decorated with ribbon and attach near the top to resemble bells.

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Sat

Dec 1

Sun

Dec 2

Mon

Dec 3

Dec 4

4:34am 0.5 5:16am 0.6 12:09am 2.9 12:53am 2.8 11:02am 3.2 11:45am 3.1 5:58am 0.8 6:42am 0.9 Tide 5:04pm 0.8 5:50pm 0.9 12:29pm 3.0 1:14pm 2.9 6:37pm 0.9 7:24pm 1.0 Times 11:25pm 3.0 5:57am 8:23pm

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5:56am 8:25pm

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2:26am 2.7 8:23am 1.1 2:50pm 2.8 9:03pm 1.1

5:56am 8:27pm

5:56am 8:28pm

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6:26am 6:48pm

Wed

Dec 6

1:38am 2.7 7:30am 1.0 2:01pm 2.8 8:13pm 1.0

5:56am 8:26pm

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Tue

Dec 5

Best At

7:08am 7:28pm

Last Quarter

Thu

7:48am 8:08pm

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Dec 8

Dec 9

Sun

Mon

Dec 10

Dec 11

5:56am 8:31pm

5:56am 8:32pm

3:18am 2.6 4:15am 2.6 5:11am 2.7 6:05am 2.8 12:24am 0.9 9:20am 1.1 10:17am 1.1 11:11am 1.1 12:01pm 1.0 6:55am 2.9 3:40pm 2.8 4:31pm 2.8 5:20pm 2.8 6:10pm 2.8 12:48pm 0.9 6:59pm 2.9 9:54pm 1.1 10:45pm 1.0 11:35pm 1.0 5:56am 8:29pm

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Tue

Dec 12

1:12am 0.8 7:42am 3.0 1:34pm 0.9 7:48pm 3.0

1:58am 0.6 8:28am 3.1 2:21pm 0.8 8:38pm 3.0

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2:44am 0.5 3:30am 0.5 4:17am 0.4 5:05am 0.4 9:14am 3.2 10:00am 3.3 10:48am 3.4 11:38am 3.4 3:09pm 0.7 3:57pm 0.6 4:48pm 0.6 5:40pm 0.6 9:28pm 3.1 10:17pm 3.2 11:07pm 3.2 11:58pm 3.2

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Fri

Dec 14

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1:46am 2:17pm

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2:48am 3:19pm

Best At

3:50am 4:20pm

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4:49am 5:17pm

8:41am Rise 12:08am Rise 12:45am Rise 1:15am Rise 1:41am Rise 2:05am Rise 2:27am Rise 2:49am Rise 3:12am Rise 3:38am Rise 4:08am Rise 4:44am Rise 5:29am Rise 6:25am Rise 7:31am Rise 8:43am Rise 9:58am Moon Set 9:43am Set 10:45am Set 11:45am Set 12:44pm Set 1:41pm Set 2:38pm Set 3:37pm Set 4:37pm Set 5:41pm Set 6:48pm Set 7:58pm Set 9:06pm Set 10:07pm Set 11:01pm Set 11:48pm G B F *Not for navigational purposes. Good Fishing Fair Fishing Not So Good www.tidewiz.com www.tidespy.com www.ofu.co.nz Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd. Set

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November 27, 2023 | Hibiscusmatters |

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and the floods. Together they scoured the vegetation, stripping leaves from the trees, flooding the lower parts of the park and washing away part of the sand dunes at Te Haruhi Bay. There were some adverse impacts on the plants and animals, but most are now well on the road to recovery.

Sadly, the late October storms once again caused erosion of the Te Haruhi dunes and several dotterel/tūturiwhatu nests were lost. But dunes are a very dynamic landform and it’s quite likely that new sand will be deposited, and the dunes will slowly rebuild. Dotterels are also resilient, and some new nests were underway only about a week after the losses. It appears that the stoats are no longer present inside the predator fence which should mean better survival and more offspring from our nesting birds. Saddleback/tīeke had been knocked back by the stoats, but they seem to be recovering quite well. Unfortunately for visitors, most of the current population is living in the defence land but, if you listen carefully, you can still hear their noisy chatter, especially in the gully running along the fence from the vehicle entrance

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| Hibiscusmatters | November 27, 2023

gate down to Okoromai. Robins/toutouwai have had a good year and there have been more nesting pairs this season than previously recorded. The cryptic fernbirds/mātātā can also be heard widely around the park. Listen for their ‘chink-chink’ calls which sound like two stones being tapped together. A pair is nesting just inside the Waterfall Gully entrance. The weather wasn’t kind during this year’s planting days, but many visitors still pitched in to struggle through the mud and get the trees into the ground. Thanks are due to the volunteers who work all year to get thousands of plants ready for the days. The planting programme is perhaps the most important element in restoring the park’s biodiversity. It takes decades to grow a new forest, but the effort is surely worth it. Another major milestone has just been reached with the opening of the new workshops after six years in temporary accommodation (HM November 13). Ngāti Manuhiri gifted us a name for the building, Hau Taiao, ‘the breath of the environment’. This reflects the role the building plays to sustain our ranger and volunteer team, to nurture the whenua/ land and the taonga/treasures it supports, as well as the visitors we host. That seems an appropriate thought to take with us into the coming year.

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Classifieds HOME & MAINTENANCE

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TO BUY, RECORDS/LP’S 09 428 1587 txt 0210 258 3437

CARPET LAYING, CARPET RE-STRETCH, VINYL LAYING, CARPET REPAIRS Over 30 years’ experience. Contact Dexter 027 4956 436 CONTRACTORS QUANTITY SURVEYOR 35+ years NZ Building Experience. Measures, Pricing, Tenders, Variations, Monthly Progress Payments, Final Accounts & Disputes etc. David 027 444 1608. FURNITURE REMOVALS exp Owner Operator 30 years. Single Items to Flat/House lots. Silverdale Based. Ph Gavin 0274 973 867

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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.

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

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Lose weight. stop smoking. anxiety and depression, confidence, self esteem. Ph 021 635 966 www.hypnotherapy2succeed.co.nz RECORDING STUDIO Vocals to backing tracks, original projects, vocal training & vocal PA hire. Ph Skimp 021 115 5233.

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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. Contact Shane 021 0813 8481. CARPET CLEANING, repairs and installation. Dwayne 0274 997 929. ESTATE LANDSCAPES All your landscaping needs ph Sean 027 904 7506. HANDYMAN EX-BUILDER Repairs to old windows & doors. Fencing, paving stones, brick garden walls, wooden garden boxes all sizes. Painting inside & outside etc. Phone 027 436 1828. PEST CONTROL, Flies, spiders, cockroaches, ants, rodents, wasps. Competitive prices. Ph 426 2253.

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

ADULT BIKE, 10 speed, as new $250. Phone 09 426 2200. MOTORHOME – 5 METRE, DIESEL Reconditioned 5 speed manual. Very tidy condition. $29,000 Ph 09 426 6899.

SITUATIONS VACANT NIGHT CLEANER Max Cleaning looking for a part-time night cleaner or sub contractor in Silverdale. 3 days per week (Mon, Wed & weekend) 1.5 hour each day. Can work without supervision. If interested, please contact Nancy 027 625 6356.

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More vacancies online

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DELIVERERS WANTED

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

COMMUNITY NOTICES 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. Ōrewa Community Centre Ōrewa Square. Contact 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. 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. DEANZ REPAIR CAFE - encouraging the concept of Repair-Renew-Reuse. Items that can be repaired include small furniture, bikes, toys, clothing, laptops and electronics and small appliances (not microwaves). Hibiscus Coast Community House, 216 Hibiscus Coast Highway corner of Hibiscus Coast Highway and Centreway Road. 1st Saturday of month, 11am-2pm. FREE. Contact: coordinator@ hibiscuscoastzerowaste.co.nz

HAIRDRESSING

SILVERDALE NAVAL CLUB, Meet HBC RSA, Vipond Rd, 3rd Sunday of each month, 15.00 sharp. Alex Watson 021 953 891. HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB, Sunday, December 3rd, 1pm, at the Silverdale RSA. $5 entry, all welcome. HIBISCUS COAST ART CLUB Come along and enjoy a friendly group who share art knowledge. Every Monday 9.30am-12pm, Stanmore Bay Community Hall, Waiora Road. Info Shana 021 650 184. All welcome. HIBISCUS COAST WRITERS Regular workshops led by successful writers, followed by optional interclub competitions. Second Saturday of month, Pohutukawa Room, Whangaparāoa 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 ŌREWA Meet fortnightly, Wednesday 7.30pm. All welcome. 9e Annalise Place (off Forest Glen Rd) Ōrewa. $5 donation. Ph Lynda 424 1998. COME HAVE FUN with Ruby, tune up mind and body and line dance to traditional and modern music, Silverdale Hall Fridays 2pm-3.30pm. No partners needed. Ph Ruby 027 499 9209. 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.

HIBISCUS COAST GARDEN CLUB every third Monday of the month, 9.30am. Manly Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park, Ladies Mile, Manly. Ph Zelma 424 4112. All welcome.

GOLD NECKLACE AND PENDANT with inlaid golden sapphire in the New World, library, Paper Plus, Ōrewa area. Extremely distressing as family heirloom. Reward for its return. Phone 021 444 650

www.localmatters.co.nz/jobs localmatters.co.nz/jobs

REBUS CLUB OF GULF HARBOUR Meets every 2nd Wednesday of month at the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, 9.30am-12pm. both Ladies and Gentlemen. Door prizes and guest speakers. $5 entry info www. rebusgulfharbour Neil 027 270 1005.

SUNDAY SOCIAL DANCE Silverdale, ballroom, Latin American etc. all welcome. Every 4th Sunday, 5pm8pm. Silverdale Hall, ph 021 031 4216 silverdaleballroomstudio@gmail.com.

LOST

Hiring?

ROTARY SATELLITE CLUB Ōrewa/ Millwater meet 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 7pm, The Wade Tavern, Silverdale.

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.

CAN’T MAKE IT TO A HAIR SALON? No problem I can come to you. Qualified Hairstylist providing cutting and blow wave services. Please phone Julie 021 112 8015

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REBUS CLUB OF HIBISCUS COAST Club for retired men, meets the first Tuesday of every month, 9.30am, at Manly Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park, Ladies Mile, speakers and outings. Ph Phil 027 497 0024. www.rebus-hibiscuscoast.co.nz REBUS CLUB ŌREWA Retired or semiretired people. Guest speakers. Second Tuesday of each month, 10am-noon, at St John Evangelist Church Hall, 180 Centreway Rd, Ōrewa. For more information, contact Norma Parker 09 427 5216 or normaparker01@gmail.com

FRIDAY: Silverdale Rugby Club, every fourth Friday of the month, 4pm-8pm (next market Nov 24) • SATURDAY: Silverdale Market, every Saturday from 8am-1pm, 7 Silverdale Street • SUNDAY: Ōrewa Artisan Market, Estuary Arts Centre, 9am-1pm • Ōrewa Beach Farmers Market, every Sunday from 8am-12.30pm, Ōrewa Square • Silverdale Night Market, 5pm until late, in the carpark underneath The Warehouse in Silverdale • Hibiscus Coast Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren Car Boot & Craft Market fundraiser, every second Sunday of the month (next market Dec 10) from 10am-2pm, Lower Coast Plaza Carpark, Whangaparāoa.

| Hibiscusmatters | November 27, 2023

THE HIBISCUS COAST ORCHID SOCIETY meets 2nd Sunday of the month at 1pm - now meeting at the Masonic Hall, 103 Centreway Rd, Ōrewa Everybody welcome. Contact Judy 0274 757 708. ŌREWA GARDEN CLUB meet 2nd Thursday of month, 12.30pm-3pm. St Johns Catholic Church Hall, 180 Centreway Rd, Ōrewa. All welcome. Email: orewagardenclub@ outlook.co.nz ph Valma 021 063 4852.

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What’s on ...

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

November

Jake Pancho, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Free entry.

Falls Prevention Workshop with Harbour Sport community strength and balance trainer Lou Bartlett and Julian Fordyce from Broga (Yoga for men), Whangaparāoa Library, 10.30am. RSVP to WhangaparaoaLibraryEvents@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Green Scheme Showcase and Awards, Manly Bowling Club, Laurence Street, Manly, 5.30pm to 7.30pm. A celebration of local sustainable business. Come along to see what local businesses are doing to increase environmental sustainability. Info for businesses and households. All welcome.

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December

Hoedown, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7pm-10pm. Free entry.

Tribute to the Bee Gees, Paraoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparāoa Rd, 8.30pm-11.30pm. Bringing back those iconic 70s sounds. Tickets from Eventfinda.

Free Worm farm composting and DIY In-ground worm farm workshop, Ōrewa Community Garden, 216 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Ōrewa, 9.30am-11am. Hosted by Compost Collective. Everything you need to know about composting with worm farms. Free event, but registration needed at https://compostcollective.org.nz/.../wormfarming-diy-orewa/ Receive a $40 discount towards composting system and a free rat trap.

The Madeleines, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Entry $20 per person. Tickets Eventfinda or at the club

Christmas at the Canal, Gulf Harbour town square by canal, 10am1.30pm. Free fun activities, food and more. Santa arrives by boat. Combined with Giant Family Fun Day – super-sized games, food, bouncy castle and more. (see story p19)

Greek Extravaganza, Ōrewa Arts & Events Centre, Riverside Road, Ōrewa, 7pm. Fundraiser for hospice, organised by the Rotary Club of Ōrewa-Millwater. Dinner, drinks, entertainment, dancing. Silent auctions and raffles. Tickets $85pp or $800 for table of 10 from www.harbourhospice.org.nz/event/greek-extravaganza/

Ōrewa Asian Cultural Festival, Moana Reserve, Ōrewa, 12pm-6pm. Music, entertainment, food from many Asian cultures. (see story p14)

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

A Very Coastie Christmas, top carpark, Whangaparāoa College, 8 Stanmore Bay Road, 11am to 3pm. Entertainment for the whole family including visit from Santa Claus. (see story p19)

Steve Coppard, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

Keep Whangaparāoa’s Green Spaces public meeting, Wentworth College Sports Centre, 7pm. Progress update on keeping Gulf Harbour Country Club’s open space zoning. All welcome. (see story p3)

80s Party Night with Frisky Business, Parāoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparāoa Rd 8.30pm-11.30pm. Recreating the fun of the 80s era. Air guitar and best dressed competitions. 11Tickets from Eventfinda.

The Local Christmas Market, Whangaparāoa Baptist Church carpark, 10am-2pm. Stalls of Christmas gift ideas from local makers. Photos with Santa.

Hibiscus Coast Crop Swap, Hibiscus Coast Community House, 216 Hibiscus Coast Highway (corner Centreway Road and Hibiscus Coast Highway), 9.30am-11am. Bring excess produce to swap – seedlings, seeds, plants and non-perishable items. Extras will be donated to the local food bank.

Hibiscus Coast Concert Band plays Christmas favourites, Silverdale Pioneer Village, 15 Wainui Road, Silverdale, starting 11am. Devonshire Teas available.

Gotta Sing Celebration of Christmas classics, St John’s Catholic Church Hall, 180 Centreway Road, Ōrewa. 2pm. Free concert. Afternoon tea provided so reservations essential for catering purposes – phone/text 020 4017 0161.

Sharón Blow, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 4pm-7pm. Free entry.

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

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Hibiscus Coast cricket gets up and running The Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club’s premier men’s team made a positive start to the season, with one close loss (vs Ellerslie), followed by a solid win vs Papatoetoe.

Coast dismissed Papatoetoe for 114 at the November 11 game and comfortably met that target mid-way through its innings. Premier captain Tony Treadaway says highlights for the Coast team in that game included a five-wicket bag for bowler Zylen Thomas, 50 runs for Ramesh Lakmal and David Miller’s quick-fire 48 runs off 27 balls. All-rounder Tony made 31 runs and took two wickets. Club manager, Gair McSkimming, says the club is excited about its girls’ programme this season, with training underway in the hope of entering competition proper in Term 1 next year. The next home games, at Victor Eaves Reserve in Ōrewa, are 50-over matches on December 2, 9 and 16. These will see the return of Max O’Dowd, who was away opening the batting for The Netherlands at the Men’s World Cup in India.

Premier bowler Zylen Thomas took five wickets in a win against Papatoetoe. Photo, Tony Treadaway

The Hibiscus Coast Men’s Premier team has had a strong start to the season.

Millwater veteran continues excellent innings As well as the Blackcaps and White Ferns, New Zealand has veteran cricket teams in various age groups, (from Over 50s– Over 70s) that represent the country in tournaments overseas. Millwater resident Dan Healey is a member of the Over 70s team – currently he is with the team in Western Australia contesting the Australian State championships. The NZ team is playing teams from Tasmania, Victoria and NSW during the week-long tournament. The NZ veterans sides are made up of players from all districts, selected at an annual tournament – the next one for the Over 70s is in Lower Hutt next February. It makes sense that 74-year-old Dan has never stopped playing cricket. He coached at Ōrewa College for six years, was the

coaching co-ordinator at the Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club, coached and managed North Harbour and Auckland age group sides, and is currently the president of the Auckland Cricket Society and Supporters Club. He says, like many others, his love of cricket began in the backyard playing with his brothers and the neighbourhood kids. He went on to play for Selwyn College and eventually with Hibiscus Coast Cricket, captaining their one-day side. He has played all around Australia, with the ACSC along with the NZ Rotary side and the Fingletoads (an Auckland University side), as well as in North America, Toronto, Barbados and England. “Cricket is a great way to see the world,” Dan says. “And I’ve had many memorable games throughout New Zealand.”

Dan Healey is living proof of the staying power of cricket.

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