Hibiscus Matters_Issue 370_22 April 2024

Hibiscus Matters featured some of those soldiers back when the project was in its infancy, in 2015. Since then, many more have joined their ranks, including the seven who are featured on page 4 of this issue.

April 22, 2024 – Issue 370

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Future vulnerability considered with flood repairs

Vulnerability to flooding is among the factors Auckland Council will take into account when making future decisions about which assets, parks and facilities damaged as a result of severe weather will be repaired or renewed.

At a council Planning, Environment and Parks committee meeting last month, customer and community services director Claudia Wyss indicated that due to budget constraints, future flooding risks might impact decisions on whether or not to repair damaged sites.

Wyss said council might have to make “some trade-offs, where we see that some of those assets may not make so much sense to renew – particularly if we’re concerned about future climate events”.

“Where we are concerned about future weather events, for example in the coastal areas, then it may make sense not to perhaps invest in that engineering there, but rather to invest the engineering elsewhere where we’ve got greater certainty about future use.”

In response to queries from Hibiscus Matters about those comments, parks and community facilities general manager Taryn Crewe said that susceptibility to future flooding was one of several issues that would be taken into account when repairs were being considered.

“A number of factors are considered when making the decision to repair or renew an

asset such as asset condition, public usage, public health and safety risk, heritage classification, cost of repairs [and] exposure to future weather events.”

Crewe said that in some cases, external specialist advice in geotechnical or structural areas would be needed. Decisions on repairs of local assets were made by local boards, based on advice from council officers.

Meanwhile, council has approved remedial work at 21 parks and facilities across the legacy Rodney district damaged in last year’s severe weather events, including repairs to seawalls, tracks, stairs, jetties and bridges, at an estimated combined cost of $2.395 million. Eight of those repair projects, estimated to cost $635,000, are on the Coast.

Among the more extensive of the capital expenses (capex) projects approved to progress are the reinstating of playing fields in Pūhoi ($130,000), and repairs to a bridge

washed off its abutments in at Brookvale Reserve, Stanmore Bay ($125,000).

In total, Crewe said severe weather caused approximately 439 instances of damage to council parks and community facilities across Rodney, although the vast majority were minor maintenance and make-safe repairs, falling under operational expenses (opex).

“Bridges, boardwalks, and tracks were particularly affected, especially those near the coast, watercourses, low lying areas prone to flooding and locations vulnerable to concentrated overland flows such as steep terrain,” she said.

Flood damage at regional parks –Wenderholm, Shakespear, Long Bay, Tāwharanui and Te Ārai – was assessed for repairs, at an estimated cost of $950,000. These involved multiple small projects, some of which were approved to progress while others were pending further budget, a council spokesperson said.

Across Auckland, last year’s storm events caused a total of $62 million ($44 million capex and $18 million opex) worth of damage to parks and community facilities.

By the end of the current financial year, council expected $12 million of the capex projects and the majority of the opex projects to be delivered. The rest would be delivered as part of local renewal work, as the budget and prioritisation allowed.

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Golf course owners face liquidation bid

An application to have the company that owns the closed Gulf Harbour Country Club (GHCC) placed into liquidation will be heard in the Auckland High Court this week.

The plaintiff in the case against Long River Investments is Inovagen Limited, which operated the Ferntinental Café at the GHCC. Its lawyer declined to comment before the hearing. The application to put Long River Investments into liquidation was filed in January.

The GHCC was abruptly shut down last July when Wayne Bailey, Long River Investments’ sole director, informed members in a letter that the company had tried unsuccessfully for two years “to make the running of the club financially viable”. It was left with “no option but to cease operations”, he wrote.

The sudden closure impacted members, staff, suppliers – and a community worried that the green space could be in jeopardy,

despite the existence of an encumbrance agreed between GHCC and Auckland Council in 2006, protecting the site as open space for 999 years.

Those fears were further fuelled when Long River Investments late last year applied for council consent to alter the GHCC boundaries, effectively splitting the 89 hectare property into two.

The application said that the portion of land north of Gulf Harbour Drive, comprising some 42 percent of the golf course, would be sold, and the rest used for a consolidated course.

Last month, a commissioner ruled that the boundary change application would be notified, meaning the public would be able to have a say. Council was yet to announce dates for the public submission process.

While Bailey, a Christchurch-based accountant, is the face of Long River

Investments, he holds that position because Greg Olliver, the property developer who bought the club in 2021, was banned by the Registrar of Companies that same year from being a company director for four years.

Bailey is also director of more than 20 other companies linked to Olliver, including Phoenix Trust, GHCC 2016, Whangaparāoa Holdings, Gulf Harbour Equipment, and Ollie & Co.

According to the Companies Register, Bailey assumed sole directorships of those companies on October 21, 2021, the same day that Olliver’s four-year directorship ban took effect.

In February, Chartered Accountants Australia and NZ announced that Bailey had been suspended for four years from membership of the professional chartered accountants’ body for misconduct, not related to the GHCC. The suspension does not affect his directorships.

Final decision on Ōrewa library due this week

The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board will this week consider for approval final plans and funding for the comprehensive refurbishment of the Ōrewa Library, a project that could cost ratepayers some $5.4 million – $1.7 million more than Auckland Council originally estimated. The building in Moana Avenue, almost 30 years old, has been described by staff members as “cramped and crowded”. The need to replace a leaking roof provided an opportunity for a more extensive refurbishment, including the building of a

new mezzanine floor and meeting spaces, one of which could be used for local board meetings.

Council last year estimated that the work, including adding the mezzanine floor, would cost around $3.7 million. But local board members were stunned to learn at a workshop last month that with tenders now in, the project will actually cost a little over $5.4 million (HM, March 25, 2024).

Council’s parks and community facilities area operations manager, Sandra May, said the final design and funding allocation for

the library would be brought to a local board business meeting on Tuesday for approval.

Council anticipated that the work would start next month and take a year to complete, she said.

During that time, part of the Ōrewa Community Centre will accommodate a temporary public library. The community centre itself recently underwent seismic strengthening and roof repair work, reopening in the first week of April after almost five months of closure.

Local board says firm ‘no thanks’ to merger plan

The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has sent a strong message to Auckland Council that it opposes merging with Upper Harbour Local Board.

The merger is part of council’s proposal to reduce the number of local boards from 21 to 15.

Should the two local boards merge (with Albany the proposed name for the new entity), the combined population of the reconstituted board would be the largest in Auckland – 191,700 (at 2023 figures). To put this in perspective, council staff noted in their report that Hamilton City Council governed a population of 180,000.

Currently, Hibiscus and Bays has eight members (four each from Hibiscus and East Coast Bays) and under the proposed regime, Hibiscus representation would

remain the same.

At its business meeting on March 26, the board voted not to support the proposal. Its feedback to the joint governance working party (which is considering the amalgamation proposals and will make recommendations to the governing body) included potential challenges with adequate representation under the proposed model, which would have a significantly larger catchment area.

It also said that the board had not been given enough detailed information.

“Local boards are yet to receive comprehensive financial information regarding this proposal, including how it may impact future local board funding and what cost savings might be made as a result of merging local boards.”

The local board also considered that there was

Celebrating the Coast’s cultural communities

Whangaparāoa Library was awash with colours, sounds and flavours from around the world on April 13, as Auckland Council’s World of Cultures festival reached the Hibiscus Coast. Enthusiastic visitors of all ages enjoyed a taste of Aotearoa, Samoa, Tonga, Chile, China, Mexico, Scotland and more.

Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa choir entertained with a series of waiata, a Hibiscus Tuakana Pasifika contingent, including students from Whangaparāoa and Ōrewa colleges, presented traditional dances from Tonga, Samoa and Hawai’i, and Elyssa Zhang of Stillwater introduced the unique sounds of the pipa, a Chinese stringed instrument with a 1000-year history.

not a lot in common between the interests of the two local boards’ communities.

It requested an investigation into alternative ways to improve local boards’ governance, that considered increased funding, resourcing, and improved advice to elected members.

Finally, the board did not support a reorganisation plan for local boards proceeding to public consultation until more robust analysis was provided.

Next month, the joint governance working party will agree on a draft reorganisation plan for consultation. The public will be asked for feedback from June to August, with the governing body making its final decision in September.

The final reorganisation is to take effect at next year’s local body elections.

Mexican sisters Yatzel and Ivonne Ramirez, calling themselves Xochiquetzalli (named for the Aztec goddess of beauty and love, meaning flowery plumage) presented a folk dance featuring colourful swirling skirts.

Six sharply-dressed members of Chilean dance group Kunza entertained with cueca and other traditional dances, showing off an array of floral dresses, ponchos, boots, spurs and huaso (cowboy) hats.

Harder to pin down geographically but equally well received were the Toprockers, a multiethnic group of young breakdancers, trained by an award-winning breaker from South Korea, now living in NZ, who goes by the name b-boy ducky.

The programme, which also featured food from Italy, Japan, Turkey, India and China/ Southeast Asia, ended with a rendition of bagpipe favourites from the Hibiscus Coast and District Pipe Band.

Whangaparāoa College students Lenix Clerke-Vine, left and Aiden Hudson. Lenix’s family hails from Solosolo and Toamua villages in Samoa and Aiden’s family is from Sala’ilua village.

They left the Coast for the WW1 battlefields

The seven soldiers featured below, including brothers James and Thomas Hurley, are among the 65 whose names appear on war memorials at Pūhoi Gate, Silverdale and Upper Waiwera.

The Hibiscus Coast Genealogy group’s project was launched in 2014 in a bid to “put flesh on the bones” of those inscriptions.

“We wanted future generations to have a record of these men, and their service to New Zealand to be remembered and accessible,” the group said. “We owe it to them to record their stories and remember their deeds both at home and abroad.”

To learn more about the seven men, and others from the local area and from throughout New Zealand who took part in WW1, go to www. sites.google.com/view/hbcgenealogy/home or visit the Hibiscus Coast Family History Research Centre at Whangaparāoa Library between 10am and noon on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

James Travers, HURLEY (Jim), Corporal Regt No 26/812, NZ Rifle Brigade 4th Battalion, A Company

Born in Pūhoi on September 14, 1892, Jim enlisted when he was 23 and was working as a bushman near Hamilton. On April 7, 1916 he embarked for Egypt, where he served until wounded on September 15, 1916. After a long spell in hospital in England he left for France in May 1917. In October 1917 he was hospitalised again in the UK after being exposed to mustard gas. He returned to France, but was killed in action at Messines in April 1918. The plaque of the Machine Gun Corps at Messines includes his name.

Thomas Richard HURLEY (Tom), Private Regt No 12933, 1st Auckland Regiment

Born December 3, 1894 in Waiwera, Thomas enlisted when he was 20 and was working as a grocer in Kihikihi. He deployed to Egypt on the Wiliochra on April 17, 1915. After serving in Gallipoli, Tom was invalided to Alder Hey House in Liverpool, lightly wounded and suffering from shell shock. Eight months later he rejoined his

unit at Armentiers. A gunshot wound to the leg resulted in his death, and he was buried in the St Sever Cemetery in Rouen.

Norman Theodore (Brunny) BRUNTON, Sergeant, Military Medal

Regt No 12/1905, AK Infantry Battalion, 4th Reinforcements

Norman Theodore Brunton was born on January 14, 1895. His parents, Robert Langley and Margaret Jane had four children. Norman’s siblings were Ralph, Robert, and Hannah. His father was a farmer at Wade in 1915, and Norman was a carter working in Taupiri. He enlisted on January 11, 1915, and sailed from Wellington in April that same year for Suez. Norman served in Egypt, Gallipoli, and France. He was promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant in 1918. Norman was wounded twice and awarded the Military Medal for Gallantry in the Field in October 1918. After returning to NZ he married Bertha Margaret, daughter of a former employer. They had no children and divorced in 1948. Norman later married Georgina. He was awarded the Gallipoli Medallion, and died in Thames, aged 84.

David Sams EARWAKER, Private Regt no 30775, AK Infantry Battalion, A Company, 20th Reinforcements

Born in Christchurch on March 8, 1891, David was the sixth child of Charles Henry and Sarah Elizabeth, who emigrated to NZ from West Yorkshire. After training as a carpenter in Christchurch, he moved to Dairy Flat about 1914 and was employed as a farmer. Enlisting in 1916, David embarked for England on December 7, 1916. After suffering from injuries just prior to enlistment, he had poor health. He served with the NZ contingent in Northern France before returning to NZ. David married Annie Body in 1921 at Dairy Flat and the couple had three children –Elizabeth, Charles and William. The family spent most of their lives in Dairy Flat, and many Earwaker descendants remain in the area. David died in 1975 and is buried in the Albany cemetery, along with Annie.

Leo Martin WECK (Wech), Private Regt No 76028, 41st Reinforcements, E Company NZEF

Leo was born on March 9, 1892. His parents, John and Maria Weck, were born in Bohemia but had lived in NZ for 42 years. When Leo enlisted on June 19, 1917 he was single and working as a farmer in Upper Waiwera. Leo was in the Home Guard and Mounted Rifles before being sent to Trentham to train. From there he left Wellington on the Ulimarroa on July 27, 1918, arriving in London before marching to Sling Camp in Wiltshire. The war ended soon after, so Leo did not see active service but was moved around NZ military camps in England. He returned to the family farm in Kaipara and died in 1968 in Auckland. He is buried in the Pūhoi cemetery.

William Edward HAWKES, Bombardier Regt no 13/2801, Field Artillery, 8th AK Mounted Rifles

William Hawkes was born in Wainui on February 19, 1895, the eldest son of Albert Thomas and Emma Elizabeth Mary Hawkes. William was employed as a farmer in Silverdale, and was initially declined enlistment because of ‘difficult’ teeth. After dentures were fitted in September 1915,

he enlisted the following day. William served more than three years overseas, until discharged on March 2, 1919. He married Alice Edna Rhodes in 1919 and they had four children, William Keith, Irma, Betty Alice, and Gustav Adolphus. He died on May 19, 1958 aged 62 years, predeceased by his wife Alice, who died in 1934.

Donald Stewart MCCATHIE, Captain Ak Mounted Rifles, 4th Squadron Regt No 13/403

The McCathie family arrived from Scotland in 1863 and settled on a 200 acre block in Upper Waiwera, where they attended local schools and church. Born in 1893, Donald enlisted in 1914 when he was working as a butcher in Te Awamutu. He embarked with the main body of troops from Wellington, bound for Egypt. He fought at Gallipoli, and in 1916 was promoted to Sergeant. He then attended machine gun training –gaining a Distinction – and continued to fight in Egypt (Battle of Rafah), Palestine, Bethlehem and the Jordan Valley. He was awarded the Military Cross as a Second Lieutenant and was severely wounded in the knee while in Palestine. He returned to NZ in 1919. Donald also went on to serve in WWII as a NZ Territorial Force officer. He died in 1948.

Local Anzac Day services

Services on April 25 commemorate the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers who fought during World War I, but the day also honours current and past service personnel who have served in conflicts around the world to defend the freedoms Kiwis enjoy today. The services play a vital role in preserving collective memory and ensuring that the sacrifices of past generations are not forgotten – and provide an opportunity for younger generations to learn about the sacrifices their forebears made and to appreciate the profound impact of war on society • Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay – Dawn service, 5.45am-7am, Civic service 10.45am-12 noon. Contact: David Dryden, 021 0230 1350 or ddas@xtra.co.nz • Silverdale War Memorial, Hibiscus Coast Highway (at the rugby club), 8.45am10am • Ōrewa Anzac Day Service, Remembrance Reserve, Ōrewa , commencing at 1pm • Upper Waiwera Cenotaph, Anzac Day service, 711 Weranui Road, 2.30pm, followed by afternoon tea at 1 McCathie Rd. Contact: Grant Allen, 027 543 9888, gallen@outlook.co.nz • Combined North Shore RSA Dawn Parade and Service. Assemble 5.30am cnr Anzac Rd and Beachfront Lane, Browns Bay.

From left, James Travers Hurley, Thomas Richard Hurley, Norman Theodore Brunton, David Sams Earwaker, Leo Martin Weck, William Edward Hawkes, Donald Stewart McCathie,

Viewpoint

Alexis Poppelbaum, Hibiscus & Bays Local Board alexis.poppelbaum@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Hello from the new chair

Next week, I step into the role of chair of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. Local Board members decided to split the three-year council term in half with a different chair and deputy for each. Gary Brown will be the new deputy chair.

I have been on the local board since 2019 and am looking forward to getting stuck in as chair. I live in Okura with my husband and two young girls and have a background in policy and communications, working for the likes of Pharmac, a brain research centre and local members of parliament. In my spare time, I’m a Justice of the Peace and North Harbour Community Patroller. My grandparents were the first residents at Hibiscus Coast Village and I have many happy memories of exploring the Coast with them and frequenting our favourite Red Beach Bakehouse.

My parents were actively involved in community issues when I was young, like fighting to stop Okura bush becoming a tip. You could say politics is in my blood, as my sister is also the MP for East Coast Bays, Erica Stanford. We work closely on local matters, but my role differs significantly, as it should, in being apolitical.

Local board members are here to ensure your hard-earned rates are spent on projects that are of high value and need, that we’re advocating to council and central government for relevant policy changes,

and fighting for our share of regional and central government funding.

There are several pressing issues on the Coast that I’ve already been very involved with and will continue to champion on your behalf. Recently, I presented to the Auckland Transport Board and council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee on the need for a Whangaparāoa bus interchange, and retaining and reinstating our Gulf Harbour ferry service. I’ve been putting the pressure on early to ensure these important transport projects make it into the upcoming draft Regional Land Transport Plan (where transport projects get prioritised and delivered).

We have big projects underway soon. In June, construction of the Ōrewa Beach seawall will begin. To minimise disruption, construction will be staged over this winter and next. Pending final approval at our April business meeting, our much loved and widely used Ōrewa library will undergo major works. The nearly 30-yearold building needs a roof replacement, so we are taking the opportunity to improve the functionality of the library by adding a mezzanine floor. This is expected to take a year, with temporary library services at Ōrewa Community Centre.

I look forward to keeping you updated on the work of the local board and you are welcome to get in touch with me at any time at alexis.poppelbaum@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Naturalisation short sighted

Hibiscus Matters’ April 8 issue informs us that Auckland Council and the local board have decided on “naturalisation” for the foreshore of the reserve area at the southern end of Ōrewa Beach. “Naturalisation” is the code word applied over the last 40 years or so for ‘too hard basket, no funds, do nothing and hope for the best’. The last time anywhere along Ōrewa Beach was anything like natural was when the beach was part of the main road north. To believe otherwise is simply a dream world of unreality. There is nowhere throughout the full beach length that has not been modified, altered, added to and built on in various ways, with manmade structures. Apart from the various buildings, stairways, ramps, car parks etc, even the vast majority of plants and trees are not native to NZ and that’s not just the Norfolk pines. All these can have their attractions but they are anything but “natural”. As to the example of dune restoration down by the campsite,  (in the area where sand is  now regularly  borrowed to fix up the northern area) surely this is, in the main, due to the protection afforded by the rock groin at the adjoining river mouth? Even this was necessitated by the unnatural modification of the river mouth back in the 1950s. We should perhaps note the more recent attempts at restoration work at Kinlock Reserve where the footbridge over the stormwater ditch that discharged into the sea had been washed away. On one side only of the widened ditch, rocks were placed, on the reserve side, and extensive planting was installed, sand dune restoration style. A

few weeks later the ditch is much wider, the rocks remain in place protecting the bank on the other side, and the unprotected planting has completely washed away. Even more of the bank has gone and is fast approaching the concrete footpath accessway. Call it naturalisation if you wish. I would suggest it is simply short-sighted money wasting foolishness that will fail to protect all the expensive investments already lavished on this valuable reserve area. It was once called: penny wise, pound foolish.

John Simons, Ōrewa (abridged)

Food scraps sense

Thanks for the recent column in Hibiscus Matters, “The Food Scraps Debate.” It really got me thinking about composting in a way I hadn’t before. The practical advice and logical points made a lot of sense. It’s good to be reminded about the basics of composting and why it matters for us Kiwis. It made me feel good about using the service available and it’s nice to know I’m positively contributing to our environment without too much hassle. I wish everyone in all households – husbands, teens, and kids – are educated long-term on this too. Keep up the good work, this month’s edition was packed with great info.

K Reed, Red Beach

Congratulations

Julie Carter of Silverdale and Donna O’Grady of Hatfield’s Beach each won a copy of Karen McMillan’s book Turbulent Threads (Quentin Wilson Publishing). Thanks to all who entered.

Goodies for mum

Hibiscus Matters is offering two readers a chance to win a selection of goodies designed with mum in mind. Supplied by local businesses, there will be a first and second prize, with a total value of $700. To enter our Mother’s Day Giveaway competition, send us your favourite photo of your mother (or mother figure) and say briefly who you (and your mum) are, and why this is your favourite image. It can be any meaningful image –including a fun one! Images (medium to high resolution jpg files please) can be emailed to sellit@localmatters.co.nz. Copies of photos (no originals please) can also be posted or dropped into our office at 21 Florence Avenue, Ōrewa. Entries close at 10am on Friday, May 10, and the draw will be held on that day. Entries must include an email and phone number. Winners will be contacted by phone and announced on our Facebook page, and the winning photos will appear in Hibiscus Matters’ May 20 edition. Sponsors of the Giveaway include: Snowplanet, Longevity Wellness Centre, Matakana Palms, Coast Clinic, Café Manly, Foundry Chocolate, Unichem Manly, Unichem Weiti, Paraoa Brewing, The Archer, Pandora’s Closet, Better Tea Company, Due Amici and Hoyts.

Dance fundraiser for swimming charity

A fundraiser by Creative Dance Ōrewa on April 10 raised $2060 for the Silverlight Swimming charitable trust, which helps children in low-income families access swimming lessons they would not otherwise be able to afford.

One hundred and forty performers aged from two years to adults took part in the performance, which was held at the Ōrewa Community Centre, recently reopened after a four-month refurbishment.

Creative Dance Ōrewa’s Shelley Elmsly said

the show included 14 items put together during the first nine lessons of the year. “We were thrilled to be able to secure this venue for our showcase after its recent renovations and to continue our longstanding tradition of giving back to our community.”

While the entry fee was just $5, the Creative Dance family had been extremely generous with their donations, Shelley said. Donations are still welcome via the Silverlight website www.silverlightswimming.org/

Some of the performers in the fundraising show.

Maritime murder mystery shines a light on neurological condition

When Gulf Harbour author Robyn Cotton fashioned the cast for her new book – her first stab at crime fiction – it wasn’t a coincidence that she gave one of the characters an unusual attribute.

Amy, one of the heroes in The Jibe, has young-onset Parkinson’s, the progressive neurological condition most often diagnosed after 60, but sometimes affecting people considerably younger.

The challenges confronting Amy as she tries to get to the bottom of her brother’s reported murder – lost overboard from a yacht on the Hauraki Gulf – mirror some of those Robyn has herself dealt with since her own diagnosis seven years ago.

“Most people think it’s an ‘old people’s disease’. But Amy has two young girls and is working – and she’s wondering, will I be able to keep my job?”

Amy also experiences fear of the unknown, and embarrassment about her tremor.

In her own case, Robyn was a self-employed consultant when diagnosed and so had different decisions to make, job-wise. But she too faced the prospect of a degenerative condition that has no cure.

The author made important lifestyle changes, shifting to a low-carb, no-sugar diet, and embracing exercise, including boxing, walking and tennis.

Determined also to keep her mind sharp she does everything from sudoku to a range of app-based brain games such as Wordle and Tradle.

“It’s about trying to stay as healthy as I can for as long as I can, and focusing on today rather than worrying about tomorrow.”

Her Christian faith plays a big part in her optimism, she adds. She “does the mahi” –makes the lifestyle changes – and leaves the

rest to God.

In a previous novel, Robyn explored the lives of two women with Parkinson’s – one living today, the other 200 years ago, when society thought that those with the condition were either possessed, drunk or insane.

Two years after that book, she felt it was time for another challenge, and set out to write a mystery.

“I started with a question – if I was going to murder somebody, how would I do it?”

For someone who with her husband spends as much time as they can sailing their 12 metre yacht on the Hauraki Gulf, the answer, unsurprisingly, was “on a boat”.

“I love being on the water. When I feel the movement of the water under my feet I feel relaxed,” she says. “It’s my happy place.”

Book giveaway

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Hibiscus Matters has a copy of The Jibe to give away. To go into the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and phone number with The Jibe in the message. Alternatively, write your name, address and a daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post or drop into The Jibe giveaway, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Avenue, Ōrewa. Entries close on Friday, May 10. The Jibe is available through Robyn’s website: hatheropbooks.wordpress.com/

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Backyard garden feeds families

The hard work, patience and resourcefulness of a small group of volunteer gardeners have transformed Magda Verkaik’s private backyard in Stanmore Bay into a productive patch of edible plants that benefit several local families.

The garden is one of seven that are open to the public at the inaugural Hibiscus Coast Edible Garden Trail, which is on next month.

Work on the garden began at the end of 2021 after Magda contacted gardening expert Dee Pignéguy, who gathered volunteers keen to help (HM January 24, 2022). In return, the gardeners share the produce they grow.

Dee says that progress is initially a matter of clearing weeds and laying down cardboard and wood chips, seaweed and horse manure to build up the soil. That is an organic and natural process that takes time – Dee says it was around two years before the first produce was harvested.

Work is ongoing, with the recent introduction of chickens, an asparagus bed and seeds harvested from things like beans to grow next year’s crops. Kumara is about to be harvested and fruit trees planted. Many of the materials used have been donated, including dag wool from a farmer in Kumeu, which is used as mulch.

Magda says the garden has added more than just fresh vegetables – she enjoys the

companionship of the gardeners who visit once a week.

“We have all got used to each other and it’s been interesting to see how much can be

done on a section like mine,” she says. The garden trail, designed to show what can be done by home gardeners on local plots, is on May 4 and 5. See ad below for details.

Working bees restoring Whangaparāoa wetlands

A significant wetland at Whangaparāoa College is getting some care and attention thanks to Auckland Council, environmental group Restore Hibiscus and Bays, students and community volunteers. Regular working bees are held to clear the area of weeds, with the next one to be held on May 5.

The wetland is heavily infested with moth plant, woolly nightshade, pampas grass, giant reed, Japanese honeysuckle and many more. Restore Hibiscus and Bays ecological restoration advisor Deborah Colson says that, once restored, it will be a stunning piece of native habitat.

Since 2020, council’s Healthy Waters has supported the college to restore the grounds with the biggest chunk of work undertaken by a contractor. This included weeding, as well as planting and mulching native plants.

Restore Hibiscus and Bays has been involved since 2021, helping with weed removal and native planting through regular Year 7 student workshops.

Late last year, Healthy Waters, Sustainable Schools and Restore Hibiscus and Bays talked with the college and biology and Enviroschools lead Maria Sinclair about engaging the community in regular

working bees at the school. The first one was held last November and this turned into community wetland working bees on the first Sunday of each month. These are run by Deborah and Maria and are open to students, their families and the wider community.

The Society Totally Against Moth Plant joined in last month’s working bee to tackle infestations around the school’s boundary.

This month, volunteers made a good start on a grove of large woolly nightshade trees and gorse, as well as more moth plant, within the wetland.

Deborah says the working bees are focused

Harvest

on tackling weeds.

“Native seedlings are abundant underneath the weeds, just waiting for their opportunity to grow into native habitat. As we work, we are serenaded by pīwakawaka and riroriro.” Everyone is welcome at the working bees. No previous experience is required. Wear old clothes, with arms and legs covered (to protect from insects, scratches and moth plant sap), and sturdy shoes. Bring gardening gloves and drinking water. All tools are provided, as well as snacks at the end.

Meet outside Whangaparāoa College’s reception on Sunday, May 5 at 9am. Any questions, email deborah@restorehb.org.nz

Orewa Red Beach

Stanmore Bay Silverdale

Dee Pignéguy, left, helped create a community garden on Magda Verkaik’s property. Two old bathtubs (top left) have been repurposed in the garden. This one is planted with raspberries.

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Artist wins prestigious cup

Red Beach artist Nicola Warner is still fizzing, a month after winning the Unison Cup – the supreme award at the NZ National Purely Pastel Exhibition. The exhibition is an annual event held by Pastel Artists of NZ, an organisation that has members from beginners to multiple award winning artists in its ranks.

Nicola has been an artist for more than 20 years, fitting in time in her home studio around raising five children, working in her husband’s building business and running her own interior design company. She is also a tutor at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa.

Art is her complete escape and totally absorbing.

“I say I’m going into my studio for five minutes, and two hours later I’m still there,” she says.

Nicola works in pastels, creating vibrant contemporary landscapes. She says pastels

are the perfect mix of painting and drawing.

“They have all the same pigments as paints, but because they’re not liquid you don’t have to wait for them to dry.

“I’m fascinated with light and shadow, big skies, saturated colour and capturing a sense of place,” she says.

The judges noted the “jewel-like” quality of the winning work, saying it captures attention.

Although Nicola has exhibited often and won a number of other awards, she says this is by far the most prestigious.

“It feels like a high point – something you always hope you might attain,” she says.

“It’s a thrill to have my name on the cup next to many artists that I admire. I’m excited to join their ranks.”

And it might not be the end – many past winners of this cup have gone on to win at international level.

Teen with a talent for turning

Ōrewa teenager Alexander Hill was gifted a wood lathe when he was just 10 years of age, which enabled him to take his enjoyment of hand carving wood to the next level.

As well as learning the craft via YouTube and other online forums, he made contact with an experienced wood turner in Auckland who passed on a lot of knowledge. Starting with simple bowls, Alexander moved onto more complex forms, discovering his own style along the way. He also uses a metal lathe and combined wood and metal working skills in some projects, including a wall clock with a pendulum and a Go Kart, both of which he made from scratch. When school work allows, he can be found

in his home workshop which is packed with the raw materials of his craft, including pieces of pohutukawa, ash and purple heart wood. He turns large ash burls into bowls.

Alexander has a career in mechatronics engineering in his sights, and says his creative endeavours, however absorbing, are a hobby.

The Wentworth College student is exhibiting his work as part of Estuary Arts Centre’s upcoming Eclectic show, April 29May 26. The show features 36 artists who work in a variety of media.

Alexander has applied his wood turning and metal working skills to creating delicate hollow containers, large bowls, clock making and constructing a gaspowered Go Kart from scratch.

Nicola Warner says winning a national award for her work Onsen View, Queenstown was a high point.

Trends bring homes up to date

Having renovated countless bathrooms and kitchens over the last four years, Christina Dellar of Demo to Reno Projects knows what’s hot in interior design. However, the trends are just a guideline for homeowners, she says.

“What is fantastic about the Hibiscus Coast is the range of homes and styles. Every Coastie can create their own kitchen and bathroom space taking inspiration from hot trends but also doing what Kiwis do best – marching to the beat of their own drum.” Here are her top picks:

Just paint it

Many kitchens are not terrible but simply old and tired. So why not paint your kitchen to give that transformation? It will save you money and you can go as neutral or bold as you like. Since you’ve saved the money you could have spent on a whole renovation, make sure you splurge on good quality handles and pendant lights.

Kitchen Spaces

Creating a canopy cover over ugly extractor fans is the easiest way to add a pop of style to your kitchen with not too much work. They also offer the perfect opportunity to add some of your own personal style with either colour or shape.

Bathrooms

A lot of clients are leaning towards bathrooms that have a luxurious hotel feeling. From brass finishes and Italian tiles to adding technology such as TVs and shower soaker systems, the aim is to turn the bathroom into a relaxing sanctuary while taking all the practical elements into consideration.

Tile Style

Splash-backs are always important, but gone are the days of simply adding tiles a few rows up. Taking tiles all the way up the wall gives the space an elevated look. Increase the wow factor by adding colour or patterns. All photos, Demo to Reno Projects

continued from p14

rise much more significantly, to 7360 MW by 2030.)

EA Electricity Market Information figures for February 2024 show that the Northland region has one of the highest percentage residential adoption rates for solar in the country – 4.9 percent (behind only Nelson and Tasman regions), up from 2.4 percent four years earlier.

The Auckland region on the other hand has one of the lowest, at 1.9 percent (only Southland and West Coast are lower). the Auckland rate is up from 1.03 percent four years ago.

Taken by network reporting region, Kaipara and Whangārei (Northpower) reports a 4.3 percent residential solar uptake rate, while Auckland (Vector) reports a 1.5 percent residential solar uptake rate.

EA data showed by the end of 2022 the number of solar installations had reached 42,793, equating to roughly 2.3 percent of all Kiwi households. New Zealand has a long way to go to catch up with Australia where

Northland has one of the fastest-growing residential solar take-up rates in the country. Photo, Watt A Lot/Unsplash

33 percent of homes have rooftop, with some communities exceeding 50 percent.

Despite this, New Zealand ranks well internationally for the proportion of its energy generated from renewable sources, driven mainly by hydroelectric and geothermal.

According to a 2023 MBIE energy report, a little over 80 percent of New Zealand’s electricity comes from renewable sources and around 30 percent of its total energy consumption is renewable.

NZ has an aspirational target of 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and aims for 50 percent of total energy consumption to come from renewable sources by 2035.

Naturally trendy

A sustainable and eco-friendly aesthetic continues to be popular in interior design in New Zealand, according to NZ Certified Builders. This can include using recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, and low volatile organic compound paints.

Natural materials such as wood, stone, rattan, jute and bamboo are a way to create a relaxed ambience, along with the use of potted indoor plants.

The trend is also reflected in building materials, with more vertical timber or iron cladding.

NZ Certified Builders members say roofs are now predominantly metal, rather than tile, and that over-height ceilings have also made a comeback as people seek more light and a spacious feeling in their homes. Trends are also shifting away from minimalism towards ‘maximalism’, with vibrant patterns, textured fabrics, or unique/ character furniture pieces. At the same time, colour palettes are returning to rich, earthy tones, often combined with bold accents. As working from home becomes more common, versatile spaces with flexibility to serve multiple functions (for example, home office and guest room) are becoming a must-have.

NZ Certified Builders also recommends integrating smart home technology, such as security systems, smart lighting (interior and exterior) or thermostats. It says homeowners are generally happy to get the basics of a healthy home right, investing first in insulation and ventilation rather than, perhaps, an expensive kitchen.

NZ Certified Builders recommend that anyone considering renovations investigates

council requirements, as some upgrades may require consent. It also recommends connecting with local interior designers, architects, and stylists as well as getting ideas online. Source: NZ Certified Builders

Real estate sales on the rise

Residential property sales in Auckland last month have given real estate agents cause for hope that the market is on the turn.

Barfoot & Thompson’s managing director Peter Thompson said March was the most active trading month the Auckland housing market had experienced in the past two years.

“We sold 1061 properties in the month, the first time we have exceeded the 1000 mark in two years, and the prices paid for those homes were the highest in 18 months,” Thompson said.

“Both the median and average sales prices have moved above the $1 million mark – higher than at the same time last year.”

He said buyers made the decision that at current prices, property represented value for money and that they were prepared to live with mortgage interest rates at current levels.

“Now that confidence has returned to the market, there is every prospect that buoyant conditions will continue through autumn.

“New listings continued to reach the market at strong levels.”

A feature of Barfoot & Thompson’s March sales was the return in strength of buyers at the top end of the market, with 89 homes being sold for more than $2 million. Of these, 27 sold for more than $3 million.

Power prices in your hands

As colder weather, and power companies’ annual price increases, bite, Consumer NZ is urging householders to shop around for the best deal. Consumer recommends the independent power price comparison website, Powerswitch. “You may have signed up for the best deal at the time, but there’s a good chance that could now be beaten,” says Powerswitch manager Paul Fuge. As well as featuring plans from 18 power retailers (98 percent of the NZ electricity market), the website compares the average cheapest and most expensive plans. Last month there was a variation of $506 between these two. It’s possible that customers could find cheaper plans with their existing provider – or discover that there are big savings to be made from switching to a different company, Fuge says.

Green Thumbs

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

Autumn tasks

Autumn is a good time to both rejuvenate your garden and prepare it for the cooler months ahead. While summer may be winding down, our mild climate means there is still plenty of gardening to be done. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the season:

• As summer crops reach their peak, harvest and preserve the bounty of your garden. Gather ripe fruit and vegetables and consider canning, freezing, or dehydrating them to enjoy throughout the winter months. I have just dehydrated a glut of feijoas, which are deliciously sweet and excellent for breakfast muesli.

• Save seeds from your favourite plants and share surplus produce with friends, neighbours or at our monthly crop swap (last Saturday of every month) at Ōrewa Community Garden.

• Consider planting autumn crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, broccoli and cabbage which can withstand cooler weather and continue producing well into the season. Prepare your soil with compost or organic matter to provide nutrients for healthy growth.

• Keep flower beds looking fresh and vibrant by replacing tired summer blooms with colourful autumn perennials and annuals. Now is also a good time to plant bulbs, pansies, violas, polyanthus, and ornamental grasses to add texture and interest.

• Clear away autumn leaves, weeds, and remove debris from garden beds to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering. Cut back spent perennials and remove any dead or diseased foliage to promote a healthy garden. Apply a layer of mulch to insulate your soil, suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and regulate soil temperature throughout the winter months.

• Give your lawn some TLC before winter sets in by aerating, fertilising, and overseeding as needed. Rake up leaves and debris to allow the sunlight to reach the grass. You can also mow at a slightly lower height to help discourage mold and other possible lawn diseases.

If you would like to see how other locals are doing in their gardens this autumn come to the Hibiscus Coast Edible Garden Trail on May 4 and 5 – see map p9.

Thinking of Morocco

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Morocco with a small group of food loving friends. It seems I missed some perfect weather back here, but the joy of feasting on an endless array of colourful vegetables and traditional tagine stews within the walls of Marrakesh, known as the Red City, and eating the freshest of fish in coastal Essaouira, in the temperate climate of the northern winter, more than made up for that. One of the highlights was our journey into the Atlas mountains, where we relaxed over a traditional Berber lunch with views over magnificent valleys and observed some of the sad crumbled villages from their recent earthquake with the busy friendly locals. We then moved on to an overnight camp in the srony Afagay desert, although despite camels and dust, it was more glamping than camping, with a spacious tent to myself complete with hot shower and all bathroom facilities.

In Essouira, as in Marrakesh, we stayed in a riad, a traditional inn of hospitality, found within the old city walls. Quite luxurious and not expensive when compared to similar lodgings in Europe, the riad is a haven away from the inevitable and endless bustle of the crowded laneways, with cool rooms clustered around a central courtyard. But it was the food, glorious food, we were there for. The Moorish influence was evetywhere, in exquisitely tiled museums and ancient inlaid floors, and I realised that I had never truly understood Spain, its buildings and cuisine until I visited Morocco. Back home, it is rather easy to recreate the fabulous meals we devoured with so much pleasure. Autumn's bounty, the aubergines, peppers, carrots, courgettes, carrots and tomatoes all appeared on our plates every lunch and dinner, and I especially loved the cooked vegetable 'salads' that were served at the start of every meal. Nothing was spicy hot, but everything was subtly spiced and aromatic with cumin, cinnamon and paprika. Moroccans enjoy their food as much as other food nations like Spain, France and Italy, and all sit round the table for hours, eating, talking and drinking the beautiful sweet mint tea.

In the markets, I was fascinated by the stalls where young men were making warka pastry. They push tiny balls of dough into neat circles, tossing them the air to stretch out until paper thin. It is sold for cooks to make bastilla pies and lovely little crisp triangles stuffed with tasty fillings of spiced meat and vegetables. Back home, I have found that using fllo pastry is equally good. I have been making little savouries with fllo, which I believe is a much underrated and misunderstood ingredient that can be found in most good supermarkets in the refrigerated section. Take care to keep fllo covered with a damp cloth when working with it, as it dries out very quickly in the air.

(to make this a vegetarian dish you could substitute pitted black olives for the salmon)

For the filling:

1 leek, finely sliced

2 tbsps butter and light oil mixed

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp sweet paprika

1/2 cup salmon, hot smoked or lightly cooked

100 g feta cheese

3 tablespoons fresh garden herbs (parsley, dill)

1 tsp cumin seeds

Salt and pepper

1 small lemon, grated rind only

To finish:

1 pkt filo pastry

50 g butter, melted and mixed with 4 tbsps olive oil

Make the filling by gently cooking the leek in butter and oil with the cumin and paprika until it is meltingly soft but not browned. Remove from the heat, and cool. Break up the salmon and the cheese and mix into the leeks with the herbs, cumin seeds, salt and pepper and lemon rind.

Take the fllo pastry from the pack and pop in under a damp tea cloth. Make sure your work surface is scrupulously clean and dry and put two sheets of the pastry on top of each other. Cut these with a very sharp knife into three strips lengthwise. Brush lightly with warm butter and oil mixed well. At the bottom edges nearest you, place a dessert spoonful of the leek and salmon mixture into the corner. Working quickly, fold that over to make a triangle and then fold this over on itself over and over, working up the strip backwards and forwards until you have a neat triangle parcel at the top. Place each triangle on a baking sheet and repeat the process until you have used up all the filling. You should have about 12 to 14 parcels. Brush them well with the butter and oil. (Keep any leftover fllo tightly covered in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another use.)

Bake at 190 ° c for about 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden and serve warm.

For the love of sport

Whether you want to cheer your favourite driver from the sidelines at a Grand Prix, tee off on a worldfamous golf course or be courtside at Wimbledon, there is a travel package designed to suit.

Tours focused on a wide range of sports have been selling well since the borders opened after the covid restrictions, according to You Travel Ōrewa director Mandy Herd.

Motorsport, in particular, is proving a popular drawcard. Options range from a luxury Mediterranean cruise that includes next year’s Monaco Grand Prix to tours packaged to include the British Grand Prix at Silverstone or Monza in Italy.

Golf is another sport (some would say, ‘addiction’) well catered for when it comes to travel. There are cruises, some with golf simulators on board, that take passengers to top courses where they can play a round. They include UK and Mediterranean

destinations.

Rugby fans can join a South African tour that takes in several games as well as other sightseeing opportunities, and there are packages designed for tennis fans to Wimbledon, Roland-Garros or the Australian

Battlefield destinations

Open. There are also tours to the West Indies to see the World T20 cricket final in June. Itineraries can include tickets to games, other sightseeing options and accommodation –of course, those who choose to cruise have accommodation built in.

Next stop, space!

Many young people dream of a future in astronomy or other sciences, and a few lucky ones get to try this on for size, with a programme offered by Case in the United States. The Case Space School International Study programme has been offered to students at some local colleges in recent years, including Whangaparāoa and Ōrewa. Although it costs $12,000 per student (excluding airfares) apparently the take-up has been good in past years, and Ōrewa College is currently getting plenty of interest in the programme from its

10. The Case Space School International programme is described as “immersive”, introducing students to the US space sector, while developing their STEAM-related (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) transportable skills. It includes enabling students to engage directly with space sector experts, participate in practical learning activities and see cutting-edge space technologies up close. They are guided through the programme by NASA mentors and innovative space and tech experts. The course earns American school credits, which would be useful for students who might end up studying in the US.

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Pedal-down demand

Bucket List Travel’s Michelle Downey says the popularity of Formula 1 has revved up, partly in response to the series Drive to Survive

She says the Melbourne F1 is the most popular for Kiwi travellers, as it’s closer, but demand is also strong for this year’s Singapore Grand Prix, in September. As the original F1 night race, it is Asia’s only street race on the

Orangutan action

F1 calendar. The location means it combines night racing with live entertainment at the picturesque Marina Bay street circuit.

Bucket List Travel offers a package that includes flights and tickets for a range of different viewing positions, including The Green Room (at the first set of turns) which features a prime view and premium cuisine to enjoy as you watch.

If you’d rather slow the pace and watch wildlife in action, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in the state of Sabah, Malaysia is a top destination. Michelle says those who visit Sepilok have the opportunity to enter the rainforest reserve and hopefully observe orangutans in their wild habitat. The orangutans can freely roam and are provided with supplementary food, which is designed to be monotonous to encourage the animals to forage for themselves. Around 60 to 80 orangutans live independently in the rainforest reserve and approximately 25 orphaned orangutans are housed and cared for in nurseries at the rehabilitation centre.

Have your say on your coastline

Auckland Council is inviting public feedback as it prepares shoreline adaption plans for three sections of coastline between Pākiri and Ōrewa. Drawn up in partnership with mana whenua and local communities, shoreline adaptation plans (SAPs) look at how councilowned land and assets can be adapted to respond to coastal hazards and climate change over the next 100 years. They also aim to promote the preservation and restoration of the coastal environment for future generations. The three separate SAP areas being looked at are from Pākiri to Mathesons Bay, from Ti Point to Sandspit, and from Snells Beach to Ōrewa (near the estuary mouth). Submitters are invited to tell council what they use and what they value about the relevant stretch of coastline. This will help it to identify areas of importance to the community, understand community values and connections to the coast, and make suitable plans to help manage the changing shorelines. Submissions are open until May 31, after which the SAP project team will review the feedback and include it in its report. It will then be sent to the Rodney and Hibiscus and Bays local boards for approval. Feedback can be made at: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/shoreline-adaptation-plans

Mike Grunsell took this image, which he calls ‘Osprey tangled with fishing weight’, while visiting Hervey Bay in Queensland, Australia. He saw the bird swoop down to the water and struggle initially getting back up in the air. Mike then saw the fishing line and weight hanging below the bird. The photo was judged ‘best overall image’ in one of the club’s monthly competitions.

Locally owned & operated, Kinetics is a physiotherapy & physical rehabilitation clinic with a friendly approach & a passion for achieving results. For further information visit www.kineticsrehab.co.nz

To book an appointment: Ph 424 5632

Now at ‘Kinetics Corner’ 2/719 Whangaparaoa Rd Stanmore Bay

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

Keep your independence and freedom with our safe, reliable companion driving service

Kinetics Whangaparaoa is relocating to 2/719 Whangaparaoa Road!!

Phone number will remain the same: 09 424 5632

Take your pets to the vets

Bookings essential, call D Ph: 09 428 4490 / 021 035 0431 hibiscus@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz .drivingmissdaisy.co.nz otal Mobility Scheme cards acted supplie (Vendor Number: VBD580)

Driving Miss Daisy Hibiscus Coast

Health

David Cooper, physiotherapist david@kineticsrehab.co.nz

Stress and our body

Physical stress and its impact on the human body has been well documented in scientific, medical, and psychiatric literature for a long time. Even low-level stress is shown to affect the human body, let alone when people approach the point of burnout. Even in our animal cousins, the impact of social isolation, stress and anxiety have been shown to have a profound effect on behaviour.

As physios, we witness the impact of stress and burnout on the body regularly. At times, a client’s injury has felt like the last straw, especially when it has limited the ability to do physical activity. Even the nature of ongoing pain on its own tends to wear you down. The human condition is ‘anti-fragile’ in that through adversity we become stronger. However, there is a tipping point. Once the stress or challenge becomes too much, the body instead goes into fight or flight response. Instead of being able to rest, recover, and reset – and become stronger and more resilient in the process – our immune system kicks in. This could be from stress due to work, relationships, or lacking a feeling of purpose. It could be the physical pain associated with injury, or the impact that injury has on being able to do what you love. Perhaps your position on the sports team becomes vulnerable, taking away a part of your identity. Even the challenges of parenting – that feeling of failure that every parent has experienced – can tip the scale. In any of these scenarios, the impact on

your health and wellbeing is significant. Physical health can decline with either increased or decreased weight, raised blood pressure, headaches or gastrointestinal issues. Recovery from illness or injury becomes more challenging. The impact on mood, emotional, and mental health is also significant.

So how do we recognise if we are tipping the scale too far into a stressful state? How do we see that in others? If we take our eyes off our devices or screens long enough, it can sometimes just be sensed. For us, on occasion, a physio consult turns into an overall holistic wellbeing ‘check-in’. A work colleague may appear a bit ‘flat’. The solution? Ask that crucial question, “You okay mate?” followed up with, “No, but are you really okay?”.  As a social species, it’s crucial that we connect to get through the hard times. It is only through direct human connection that we can start climbing back out. Phone, text or online interaction can be useful, but the true magic happens when we meet in person, having a coffee or beer with a friend, partner or family member. That is when the social-connecting hormone oxytocin is released. If you think someone you know may be hitting that wall, send them a message and go out for a coffee. Or, if you are struggling, reach out because there are people in your life who will happily be there for you.

Our species survived – and indeed thrived – through social connection.

Tiritiri Matangi

John Stewart secretary@tiritirimatangi.org.nz

Count uncovers ups and downs

‘Tick-tick, tick-tick, tick-tick’. Did you hear that? What was it? Well, it was one of two possibilities. If it sounded like two stones being tapped together it was a mātātā/fernbird, if it was more like separate ‘tick, tick, tick’ calls it was a pūweto/ spotless crake.

Even though both are quite common on Tiritiri Matangi, they prefer to stay hidden among the vegetation and are difficult to see. Pūweto sometimes feed at the muddy edges of freshwater pools so that’s the place to watch for them. Thankfully, most of the birds on the island have much more recognisable voices and are easier to spot and now is a great time for a visit. The nesting season is finished, lots of youngsters are around and so bird numbers are at their peak and the birds will have completed their annual feather replacement and be looking at their best.

We have just completed our annual survey of Tiritiri’s forest birds. The total counts have been gently declining for the last six years and this year was our lowest in the nine years we have been counting. Changes in the totals are dominated by our ‘big three’ species – pōpokatea/ whitehead, korimako/bellbird and tīeke/ saddleback with population estimates of 1350, 1010 and 690 respectively. All three are at their lowest, or equal lowest, estimated populations. There are still large populations for an island with about 170 hectares of bush. We remain

unsure about why numbers are falling. It’s been observed elsewhere that newly introduced species sometimes increase to a population larger than a site can support over the long term, followed by a decrease to a lower level.

There are some interesting changes in other species. Tūī numbers are down 85 percent from the average over all years. But they are strong fliers and, if there is insufficient food for them at any time, they can easily fly to the mainland and feed there. We often see them begin their daily commute by circling ever higher above the Island, then setting off towards Whangaparāoa. It is likely that, at the time of the survey counts, they were feeding elsewhere. Despite cyclone Gabrielle and the heavy rainfall this time a year ago, our tiniest bird, the tītipounamu/ rifleman, has had an amazing season and numbers have almost doubled. There are now many hundreds.

If you are considering a visit, the ferry company Explore is offering a discount for SuperGold card holders for weekday trips. And if you join the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi you become eligible to join working weekends (the next one is on King’s Birthday weekend) or supporters’ weekends (reduced bunkhouse costs, next one on May 11). Both of these provide opportunities to get to know the island and to enjoy both night-time and early morning walks.

•

bookings

Neale Stevens (owner operator) MASON

HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB AGM, 11am Sunday, May 5, Ōrewa Community Centre. Club day follows, 1pm, $5 entry. All welcome.

60’s UP MOVEMENT, HIBISCUS COASTMeetings are held 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10am at the RSA in Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa. Outings 1st Wednesday of month. Ph Gloria 027 386 2339 DEANZ FREE 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, cnr HBC Highway and Centreway Rd. 1st Saturday of month, 11am-2pm. Contact: coordinator@hibiscuscoastzerowaste.co.nz

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

HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB, Sunday, April 7, 1pm at the Ōrewa Community Centre, 5$ entry, all welcome. THE REBUS CLUB OF GULF HARBOUR meets on the second Wednesday of every month at the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, Laurie Southwick Drive, Gulf Harbour. Tickets are $5 per person and include morning tea and 2 tickets in our monthly door prize. Membership is open to men and women, both couples and singles who have or are about to retire. More info: www.rebus-gulfharbour.nz

SUNDAY AFTERNOON BOWLS every Sunday at Bowls Orewa, 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa. All welcome, $5 entry fee, 3 games of 8 ends, all games under cover, Scrounger's format, afternoon tea, (bowls can be hired). Names must be in by 12.30pm. Ph 426 5937

18 Mar, 19 Fiction, 20 Dimension, 21 Brawny, 24 Prevalent, 25 Dashed, 26 Maroon, 29 Attraction, 31 Arc, 32 Feeler, 33 Lamb, 35 Awl, 37 Bump, 39 Evergreen, 40 Pesticide, 41 Taunt,

75 Likened, 77 Ant, 80 Still, 81 Haul over the coals, 82 Exile, 83 Tested, 84 Absconds, 85 Leads. DOWN: 2 Confident, 3 Right, 5 Orbs, 6 Lignite, 7 Concentrated, 8 Sores, 9 Maggots, 10 Duel, 11 Figure, 12 Roomy, 13 Sharpen, 14 Crowbar, 16 Smokescreen, 22 Famine, 23 Receipt, 24 Parapet, 25 Decant, 27 Ocarina, 28 Lesson, 30 Nags, 32 Flout, 34 Break, 36 Limp, 38 Urn, 42 Incur, 43 Summons, 44 Ahoy, 45 Cloudy, 46 Smart, 48 Alternative, 49 Supreme, 50 Cot, 51 Require, 52 Admire, 53 Ostentatious, 54 Inca, 57 Exhale, 64 Cancelled, 65 Repulse, 66 Damaged, 68 Blushed, 70 Tangelo, 71 Bruise, 72 Strip, 74 Gouda, 76 Erode, 78 Plot, 79 Stud.

What’s on ...

25 ANZAC Day commemorations. For local services, see p4 and ad below

25 ANZAC Day music with Going Bananas, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 1pm-4pm. Free entry.

25 Legacy Pro Wrestling Tag Wars wrestling tournament, Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre, 6.30pm-9pm. All ages, family friendly. Tickets from Eventfinda.

26 & 27 The Sound of Music auditions, Centrestage Theatre. Friday 6pm-9pm and Saturday 2-5pm. All actors and singers encouraged to audition. Info: Linda on 022 621 6684 or email linda.ardentpa@gmail.com

27 Dave Ewart, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, 7pm-10.30pm. Entry $8 members, $10 non-members, door sales only.

27 Nairobi fundraiser, Paraoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 8pm-11pm. Featuring Short Fat and Bald. Tickets $25 from Eventfinda

28 Gulf Harbour Yacht Club Boat Bits & Car Boot all-sorts sale, Gulf Harbour Marina, 9am. Bring ‘n’ Buy, a chance to sell any unwanted belongings, not just boat related. $10 per car boot. Info and bookings, 09 424 2118 or email admin@ghyc.co.nz

1 Mark Taipari, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

4 Landslide Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks Tribute, Paraoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 8.30pm-11.30pm. Tickets from Eventfinda

4 Blame the Cats, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, 7:00pm-10:30pm. Entry $8 members, $10 non-members, door sales only.

4 May the Fourth Be with You quiz night, Wade Hotel, Silverdale, 7pm. Hosted by Rotary Club of Ōrewa-Millwater Put on a Star Wars costume (optional, but encouraged!) for a night of laughs, competition, and Star Wars. Prizes, including costume contest. For teams of up to 8. Tickets $15 from https://events. humanitix.com/may-the-fourth-quiz

4 & 5 Hibiscus Coast Edible Garden Trail. Seven local gardens of edible plants open to view 10am-3pm. (see story and map p9)

7 Fun with Phones, Whangaparāoa Library, 10.30am. Introduction to smartphone apps. Free event. RSVP WhangaparaoaLibraryEvents@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

7 Presentation by Matthew Wood, clinical exercise physiologist, on exercisebased cardiac rehabilitation for heart event survivors. Hosted by Heartbeats. Hibiscus Coast Community House, 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway (behind Estuary Arts Centre), 10am-11am.

8 Gotcha Covered (with Mark Benjamin and Dianne), Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

9 The Going Bananas Hour, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, 5.30pm-7pm. Free entry.

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

Osteoarthritis

Its referred to as the “wear and tear” arthritis because it happens when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time and by 60 years of age almost half of us will have osteoarthritis

If you are suffering with osteoarthritis getting the right medication will be a large help in controlling your pain. The power of paracetamol can never be underestimated! Many people find that taking paracetamol on a regular basis helps keep the pain at a tolerable level. On the days that you have more pain, then further medications may be taken. Talk to our Unichem Manly pharmacists about a pain control medication plan so you can be in charge, not the pain!

Have you ever tried glucosamine for osteoarthritis? Glucosamine is the main building block for making joint cartilage. It is no surprise then, that clinical studies have shown that taking glucosamine increases joint cartilage and reduces joint stiffness and pain.

Turmeric (active ingredient curcumin) is an anti-inflammatory spice that studies suggest decreases pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis without many of the side effects of anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs). However it may interact with some medications. Check with one of our pharmacists about which product is best for you.

Omega-3 fats continue to be underated. There are comprehensive studies using Omega 3 fats in both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis demonstrating a decrease in inflammation which may improve symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness. However, in order to be effective, the active ingredients in fish oil must be taken in a dose specific to the condition you have. Unfortunately doses advertised on the outside of bottles are not relevant to the active ingredients and oil quality varies. So, just ask one of our experts at Unichem Manly Pharmacy about which dose you should have and what product might suit you best. Omega-3s need to be taken for at least 3 months before a benefit will be felt.

SAMe (pronounced “Sammy”) is a natural substance that is normally present in joints, but has been shown to be deficient in people with osteoarthritis. This is important, because SAMe helps to give cartilage its “gel-like” consistency which helps to cushion the joints. SAMe has been used in over 20,000 patients in clinical trials and has been shown to be equal to or better than ibuprofen in relieving joint pain. Results could be felt in a week, but are more likely to take one month.

Combination products are also available. At Unichem Manly Pharmacy, we are lucky to have the Metagenics practitioner products which is a range of natural health products that can be tailored for your arthritis needs, with free samples available. We’ve had some great successes for our patients using this range.

An integrated approach to health means finding more out about you and your lifestyle in order to provide the best advice regarding your medicines, lifestyle changes and nutritional changes to help you with your health needs. Pop in for some quick advice or book with our natural health experts for a clinic session on (09)424-7708.

Hibiscus Hockey hosts first international game

A treat was in store for hockey fans when the Blacksticks Women played a warm-up friendly match against Japan at the Hibiscus Hockey turfs in Millwater on April 9.

The game attracted a crowd of around 400 keen to see the teams in action, ahead of test matches at the National Hockey Centre in North Harbour on April 13 and 14.

It was the first time an international match had been played on the Millwater turf and Hibiscus Hockey Trust chair Merv Huxford says the offer fell into his lap.

“As part of North Harbour’s hosting rights to the series, Hockey NZ offered a practice game at a local turf and North Harbour asked if we were interested,” he says. “There were some logistics to work through but we said ‘yes’ in an instant and were excited to be able to make it happen locally.”

Preparations included thoroughly watering the turf, right up to the start of the game, to reduce the bounce of the ball and increase slide and speed.

Local schools were also able to get involved, with nearby Kingsway College providing facilities for both teams to use, as well as ball kids for the match. Students made artwork for the Japanese team to put in their dugout and players from the school’s 1st XI walked the Blacksticks down to the turf. Ōrewa College students took on parking and sausage sizzle duties.

The game was a friendly practice, yet both teams gave their all. They are close in their international ranking, but while Japan made the upcoming Olympics, the Blacksticks Women missed out by a small margin.

The first goal went to the Blacksticks just before quarter time and 1-0 was still the score at half time. However, Japan came back in the second half, scoring the winning goal on full-time to take the game, 2-1.

The teams signed autographs and posed for photos after the match, with supporters enjoying the chance to get up close to the players.

Teams also signed their respective name plates from the scoreboard, which have been mounted in Hibiscus Hockey’s cabin as a permanent memento of the first international game at the turf.

Hibiscus Hockey Trust chair Merv Huxford, centre, flanked by Michelle and Ian Greenwood.

Photo, Debra Hunt, Twigs & Sticks Media

Photo, Debra Hunt, Twigs & Sticks Media

Photo, Debra Hunt, Twigs & Sticks Media