Mahurangi Matters_Issue 293_20 April 2016 by Localmatters

April 20, 2016

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Tony Gibbs is one of three entrepreneurs who have seen the potential for avocados at Tapora.

Avocado orchardists set sights on Tapora Investment in a multi-million dollar avocado industry is cranking up on the Okahukura Peninsula, west of Wellsford. Three Mahurangi-based orchardists and horticulturalists are behind three separate enterprises, which will together plant more than 350 hectares over the next few years. The three growers are a joint venture

between Southern Paprika owner Hamish Alexander and businessman Glen Inger; EZY Peel Mandarin owner and former corporate heavyweight, Tony Gibbs; and former Fresh Food Exports owner, John Greensmith. When all three orchards are up and running, they expect to employ more than 100 people in Tapora, which currently has a population of

around 200. Avocados are New Zealand’s third largest fresh fruit export, and Northland, with its cool nights and humid summers, is considered to have an ideal climate for the crop. Avocados have been farmed commercially at Tapora for more than 20 years, but never on the scale now envisaged. One of the attractions of the peninsula is

its free-draining soils, which until now have been mainly used for dairying, sheep and beef farming. Mr Greensmith says market demand is growing at 10 per cent annually, with the supply increasing by just three per cent. Mr Alexander’s 250-hectare orchard is continued page 3

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General enquiries: Call 425 9068 PO Box 701, Warkworth 0941 17 Neville St, Warkworth 0941 Editor: George Driver 027 362 3800 editor@localmatters.co.nz Reporter: Sally Marden 425 9068 news2@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Ariana Billington 022 029 1897 local@localmatters.co.nz Sally Knight 022 029 1899 advertising@localmatters.co.nz Graphic Design: Martin Tomars localmatters@xtra.co.nz Accounts: Angela Thomas 425 9068 admin@localmatters.co.nz

Mahurangi Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated twice a month to more than 13,000 homes and businesses.

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‘Overreaction’ to regulations Commission Sally Marden news2@localmatters.co.nz

Community groups and local event organisers are being urged not to panic or over-react in the wake of new health and safety laws that came into force this month. The Health & Safety at Work Act (HWSA) has already been cited as the main reason for several established local events being cancelled or altered, including this year’s Matakana Seagull Race, which was due to be held on May 1. The recent Omaha Classic was also threatened with cancellation until a specialist events company was appointed by organiser Matakana School at the last minute. Greg Lawrence, one of the new owners of The Matakana Pub (see story p24), says they have decided to pull this year’s Seagull & Paddleboard Race “purely due to the new health and safety regulations … there’s so much liability”, although they are hoping to re-schedule it at a later date. “We would definitely like to pick it up again, but maybe with an events company, like they have with the Omaha Classic.” In that instance, Matakana School’s board and management said it had decided to put on hold any event outside the school that they believed might put them at risk until everyone involved “had understood, taken advice, and read any Ministry of Education advice about HWSA”.

However, WorkSafe NZ’s general communications manager, John Tulloch, says such caution may not be necessary, as the new law didn’t change duties that already existed under the old laws, and won’t affect most community events. “There aren’t suddenly ‘lots of new rules’ to obey – there are new definitions of who is responsible for what, and how they are to meet those duties,” he says. “At the end of the day, if you were doing it well under the old law, you will be doing it well under the new law.” He also pointed out that HWSA only applies to a ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’, known as a PCBU, and to workers – not to voluntary community groups or volunteers who are fundraising, assisting with sports or recreation, or helping a school at an event outside its premises. One of the organisers of Warkworth’s annual Kowhai Festival, Urs Bauer, agrees, saying the new laws are aimed at ‘cowboy’ employers, not communities. “If you’re aware of that stuff anyway, which you always have to be, and you’re a bit cautious, nothing changes really,” he says. A local event management specialist, who didn’t want to be named, agrees, saying the main aspect of the new policy is for PCBUs to show that they’re doing everything they can to minimise risk and educate any staff. “It’s not scaring us,” he says. Info: business.govt.nz/worksafe/hswa/ mythbusting

rejects Rodney as ‘affected area’ The Local Government Commission has rejected a suggestion that North Rodney’s exit from the Auckland supercity would affect only Rodney. In a decision released on April 14, the Commission determined that the affected area was the whole of Auckland. The Northern Action Group (NAG) campaigned that the application would not have a material effect on Auckland Council operations given, among other matters, the rating base and population of the proposed new North Rodney area was minor in comparison to the wider Auckland Council area. However, the Commission accepted Council’s concerns around long-term planning objects, iwi relationships and IT systems as examples of how the application would affect the whole of Auckland. NAG chair Bill Townson said the decision would make the Commission’s job harder, because consultation would now be on a much larger scale. However, he said he was pleased a decision had been made and the reorganisation process could now move forward. View a video online at localmatters.co.nz For a summary of the reasons for the Commission’s decision and other background documents, see this story online. Hear also an interview with NAG chair Bill Townson on his reaction to the decision.

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April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Matakana pedestrian bridge crosses final hurdle Jannette Thompson gm@localmatters.co.nz

Work will start this month on the long-awaited and much-delayed Matakana pedestrian cycle bridge on Leigh Road. Wharehine have been awarded the $480,000 job, which will involve installing a timber bridge, cantilevered off the existing road bridge, as well as concrete pathway approaches on either side. Bridge specialists Edifice Contracts will build the bridge off-site. It will be 2.5 metres wide and about 52 metres long. The bridge will finally link the village with the cycleway connection to Omaha and Point Wells, which has largely been built by volunteers from the Matakana Community Group. It will also be an important section of the planned Matakana Coast Trail.

Trail Trust chair Allison Roe welcomed the start of work on the bridge. “The Matakana cycleway is part of a much wider plan, which involves establishing a 100km-plus pathway linking Pakiri and Puhoi,” she says.

The trust hopes to umbrella the overall project by working collaboratively with a number of smaller groups that are already involved in pathway projects. Auckland Transport says the biggest

challenge in the bridge project will be transporting, lifting, and installing the bridge deck onto the constructed piles and steel support structure within very tight dimensional tolerances. The deck will be installed in two sections that will then be stitched together once in place. Wharehine managing director Rob Gibson says the work will require power shutdowns and he’d like to see the power lines put underground as part of the project. The installation of a bridge across the river was first attempted in 2012, when the Matakana Community Group bought a second-hand bridge from Auckland, which it had planned to install for a fraction of the current price. But Auckland Transport vetoed the proposal on the grounds that it could not be guaranteed to last for 50 years. The new bridge is expected to open in late August.

Massive avocado production planned set to be the largest in New Zealand. He expects to produce 5000 tonnes of avocados annually from 100,000 trees, with the first harvest set to start in four years time. The orchard will employ between 20 to 30 people year round with an extra 30 to 40 seasonal workers. “One of the difficulties will be the isolation, which may mean providing worker accommodation on site,” he says. He plans to export most of his avocados to Japan, Australia, the US and China, where he already has established markets through Southern Paprika. The avocados will be marketed under the name Harbour Edge Avocado and will be packed at the Southern Paprika site in Warkworth. At this stage, the avocados will be sold fresh, but he is looking at other uses when the orchard is established. The venture has cost more than $50,000 per hectare, excluding the

purchase price of the land. He says Tapora is perhaps the only area in the Auckland region where commercial avocado production is viable. There are already 14,000 trees planted on Mr Gibbs’ neighbouring orchard, which covers 60 hectares, and he plans to put in another 10,000 trees next spring. He currently employs two fulltime staff but says he will need 70 workers when fully operational. He has set up a reliable water supply by sinking multiple bores but is concerned about the local infrastructure at Tapora. “The road in to Tapora is an absolute disgrace,” he says. “In winter it’s filthy, dirty, wet and slimy, and in summer, the dust is horrible. Meeting a milk tanker on the road is a near-death experience. They start off carrying milk but it must be yoghurt by the time they get to the factory after driving over the corrugations on the road!

“Millions of dollars in rates will have been collected from that area, but the infrastructure is appalling and the telephone service barely works.” Mr Greensmith, who is planting a 50-hectare orchard, agrees. The road will be the main access to the orchard and he would like to see the gravel road upgraded. Until recently, he was involved in strawberry and blueberry ventures at Point Wells, and is a former chair of Strawberry Growers NZ. He plans to sell his produce to an established pack house, which will distribute the fruit through existing channels. Once the orchard is fully operational, he hopes to produce around 550 tonnes of avocados a year. Mr Greensmith says setting up a reliable water supply has been expensive, with bore costs running to more than $100,000. His orchard currently employs one

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permanent worker and two others on contract. Mr Alexander is concerned about the implications of Auckland Council’s Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan which zones farmland on the lower peninsula under Outstanding Natural Features (ONF). “The zoning would be very restrictive on all farming across the area, and I’m not sure how widely understood this is by local residents,” he says. “Horticulture NZ would like the land, which has been farmed for over 50 years, to be protected for future horticultural development. “While we need to protect our environment, we also need to protect the areas that produce our food.” There are about 1600 growers in NZ, utilising more than 5000 hectares. Australia is the biggest market, taking 80 per cent of NZ’s export crop. Most of the avocados are the Hass variety, which is grown for its consistent quality.

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CORREC TION Mahurangi Memories People can buy both the 2006 and 2016 editions of Mahurangi Memories for $35, not $25 as printed in the April 6 edition of Mahurangi Matters. The books are available at Warkworth Paper Plus or Unicorn Books.

The Warkworth Area Business Association (WABA) would like to thank everyone who has supported the business association and its hardworking volunteer committees, as well as all those people who have voted for a progressive and united oneWarkworth in the recent BID ballot. As this letter goes to press, we will know, or be very close to knowing, the outcome of the ballot. If the vote is yes, WABA will continue to encourage the committee and members of Warkworth Commerce and Industrial Association (WCIA) to seek nomination to the new BID board so that all business interests within the Warkworth BID area are represented. If the vote is against forming a BID, the WABA committee hopes that new volunteers will strongly and collaboratively support local economic development and business prosperity in Warkworth during this time of significant change and growth. Finally, whatever the result, the decision of the voters will of course be binding, and either way will be ratified at an Special General Meeting (SGM) in May (date to be notified). We expect that financial members attending the SGM will respect this. Thanks again for your support. WABA committee

Defending dogs I felt compelled to write as I am getting a bit fed up with all the negativity towards dogs. I would like in particular to respond to the letter from John Thomas, ‘visitor’ (Canine courtesy, MM April 6). As a local with, heaven forbid, two

See story page 9

YO U S AY

We welcome your feedback but letters under 300 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge them as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read at localmatters.co.nz/opinion. Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or PO Box 701, Warkworth

German shepherd dogs, we walk ‘legally’ with our dogs off leash every day, sometimes twice. Every single day we clear up broken beer bottle glass, fishing wire and general debris caused by ‘humans’. We pay yearly registration fees for our dogs, in return we get doggie bins (which are filled up with campers’ rubbish…not that we complain). I get very angry at people’s reaction to dogs. They have a right to be able to run free, under control admittedly. There are many more humans creating trouble than all the dogs put together. I feel we have enough restrictions with summer time limits, leases etc., we don’t need any more. Alison Ross, Warkworth

Ring roads the solution Having read this article on traffic movement with interest (MM March 2), I totally disagree with the argument that the motorway will solve these problems and agree with Mark Mitchell that something more viable is required now. Building a motorway between Puhoi and Warkworth is not the magic panacea that will solve traffic problems. Remember that all traffic will only move as fast as the slowest moving vehicle or hold-up and as correctly pointed out, the hold-up is not SH1 but the bottle necks caused by traffic lights and narrow roads through places such as Warkworth. In the case of the proposed Puhoi to Warkworth motorway, the inevitable hold up will be at the end of the motorway where it concludes in Warkworth and is then

expected to negotiate Warkworth’s traffic lights and narrow single lane bridge. In summary, all the motorway will do is make the traffic move faster towards the next major hold up and then act as a very expensive parking lot as this traffic then tries to negotiate the Warkworth bottle neck. The considerably better and far more cost effective solution to the problem is to put in ring roads around the major hold ups, which are constructed with such foresight that in the future they can be linked to a motorway. The net effect is that traffic will not be held up but instead will continue to flow and be kept moving throughout SH1. They are quicker and cheaper to build. Indeed, if all the money that is going to be wasted on the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway was channelled in to placing ring roads around all current and potential future bottle necks in the towns and villages up SH1 this would improve the quality of life for both motorists and residents alike, until the motorways are finally built. Ian Thompson, Warkworth

Classic support I was a marshal in Omaha this morning, stationed at Blue Bell Parade for the Omaha Classic. It was my first time marshalling the long distance run and I was blown away by how many of the runners acknowledged me as they ran past. I am local and the majority were unknown to me, some I could guess from their t-shirts were from miles away, however they nearly all

smiled, numerous said thank you and a few, in between breaths, managed to say thanks for giving up your Sunday morning to marshal for us. How nice is that! See you all next year. Paula Hedges, Matakana

Bee project Bees are going extinct from pesticide and we are therefore losing a major resource. Since the 1940s the population of the honey bee has declined by roughly 50 per cent. This is due to a number of reasons, such as climate change, pesticide and habitat loss. This decline in population has a grave negative effect on our environment because the bee is important to many different ecosystems. Bees are important because they help to pollinate most flora, which humans and other animals need for survival. Bees also create honey. Honey is important because it is a major health resource. It is also a big part of the New Zealand economy as many people live off selling honey. Bees are not the only pollinating insect dying. In fact two out of five pollinating insects are going extinct. One of the reasons that this is occurring is due to pesticides being used in the environment. Sprays such as pesticides are killing bees and other insects, as when they go to pollinate the sprayed flowers they become contaminated. So what can you do about it? You can use alternative methods to get rid continued next page

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April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Viewpoint Steven Garner, Rodney Local Board steven.garner@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Local projects gaining momentum

The Mansel Drive Bridge is starting, the walkway bridge over the Matakana River is underway, the road connecting Whangaripo Valley to Matakana is finally sealed and Takatu Road is being sealed at last. After a very long time it’s starting to feel like some of our transport related issues are being tackled! Yes it will continue to take time and there are numerous other high priority projects, but at last things are happening after nearly six years of advocacy and imploring the Governing Body, our Councillors and Auckland Transport. They may not understand the issues in rural Auckland, but they are at least aware that there are plenty and that they are subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, different to our urban cousins. Likewise with Watercare. The investment in water and wastewater treatment in greater Rodney over the last five years has been significant. Tens of millions of dollars spent in Kumeu-Huapai, Helensville and Wellsford and OmahaMatakana. And now planning for the future growth of Warkworth/Snells/Algies with probable costs for work in this area well in excess of $100 million. Do we get value from all of the individual facets of services that are provided across Auckland Council? Possibly not. On the overall balance, do we get value from being part of the Super City? My opinion is, overall, yes we do. Prior to amalgamation on nearly every measurement, Rodney had one of the highest debt levels and it was growing fast. Yes, Auckland Council has significant issues and can and should be castigated for some of the decisions and processes that cost all of Auckland’s ratepayers more than is acceptable, but this is not that different and overall on a lesser scale than what was happening in the former RDC. I enjoy listening to the rationale for particular projects, then listening to the rhetoric and posturing of those most directly affected, in both positive and negative ways, and then objectively assessing the most appropriate way forward. Including being brave enough to rebut the recommendation of Council officers when this is contrary to the reasoning of a ‘normal’ person. This is, in my opinion, the role of your elected members. Sometimes you and I may not agree, but you can be assured that, from my perspective at least, it is never personal. Living and working in this area for most of the last 40-plus years and being involved with the Mahurangi College as a student, parent of students and Board of Trustees member, it is easy to be completely invested in what is best for us, and to work toward ensuring we continue to get more from Auckland Council going forward. Finally, cycling and walking are key areas into which both central and local government appear determined to make more investment. The connection of our wider communities with trails and paths will add value, increase safety and bring further investment and vibrancy to this area. The connection of Pakiri to Leigh and Point Wells, Omaha, Matakana, Sandspit, and more immediately from Snells Beach into Warkworth is an opportunity I would love to see realised, and soon. from previous page

of unwanted pests. Some of which we have included in this letter. The first way is to use trap crops – these attract pests away from the valuable crops without harming anything else in the environment. The second is to use biological control such as: pheromones, entomopathogenic

bacteria or viruses and the release of other organisms, such as natural pest predators and parasites. Bees are dying and going extinct and they aren’t the only ones. Lachlan,Noa and Bowen Submitted as part of a Mahurangi College class project

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Atlas site future up for review George Driver editor@localmatters.co.nz

The Atlas site at the northern entrance of Warkworth is back on the agenda as the tenant, Downer Group, has decided not to renew its lease. The 2.8-hectare site on SH1 is owned by Auckland Council and was earmarked for sale, but in 2011 Council decided to retain the site for the community after a strong campaign from locals. Downer has been leasing the industrial site for about 10 years. The Rodney Local Board produced a concept plan for a community building on the site in 2014, after three rounds of consultation, but there has been no funding identified for the project. The plan included a multipurpose community facility, green space and native plantings, car parking and a walkway to connect to Warkworth and the Showgrounds. However, Local Board Parks, Culture and Community Development Committee chair Beth Houlbrooke says the Board can now look at community uses for the site. “I don’t want to grant another commercial lease for the site, I want to start looking at future uses,” Ms Houlbrooke says. “We need to use this opportunity to start visioning what we want to do there. “But, a lot has changed over the past two years and the Board will have to review it’s options.”

Downer’s lease of the Atlas site expired this month.

The North Rodney Community Arts Council made a bid to use the site as a workspace and gallery last year, but Council rejected the proposal. Arts Council president Joy Bell says the site is at a crucial location in Warkworth and the area has a lack of facilities for the arts. “It’s been kept for Warkworth, but isn’t being used for Warkworth,” Ms Bell says. “Our dream was to create a gateway for the town with a sculpture park, gardens and a community centre. At the moment it’s an ugly gateway into Warkworth and it could be better used. “It’s great having sport, but some kids aren’t good at sport. Let them do something creative like dance or visual arts. It’s a great area for that and it would

fit in well with the Showgrounds.” The Arts Council now holds workshops in the Club Rooms building beside the Warkworth Town Hall, however Ms Bell says the group is very restricted with what it can do in the building. Mahurangi Sports and Recreation Collective chair Mark Illingworth says the collective is keen to see the site used for overflow parking for the Showgrounds and maybe a park and ride during the week. The Board is yet to be briefed on the process for finding another tenant for the site. A spokesperson for Council’s property arm, Panuku Development Auckland, said it would be managing the leasing process in consultation with the Local Board.

Comment online What should the Atlas site be used for? Have your say at localmatters.co.nz

Briefs Placemaking for Puhoi The Puhoi Community Forum received a $2000 grant towards the cost of a facilitator for the Puhoi Placemaking Project this year, in the latest round of Rodney Local Board’s grants programme. The next round of Board grants is now open. The Local Grants round is for projects up to $10,000. Applications close May 1. Apply via the community grants and supports page in the news, events and culture section of the Auckland Council website: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Forties fundraiser Mangawhai Cadets

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A night of vintage fashion and music from the 1940s will be on offer on Saturday April 30, when the Mangawhai Cadet Unit holds a fancy dress fundraiser at the town’s Smashed Pipi cafe. ‘Pearl Harbour at the Pipi’ will feature a band, food, door prizes, spot prizes and raffles, and people are being encouraged to dress up in 1940s, Hawaiian or GI-themed outfits. Tickets cost $15 and the evening kicks off at 6.30pm. Info and bookings: Pip 021 657770

Quilters workshops Warkworth Quilters have a workshop on the first Tuesday of every second month at Shoesmith Hall and a meeting on the third Tuesday every month. Info: Jean Gardner 422 5016

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leader Sue Dodds says it’s a chance to have a discussion with anyone who wants to trailer find out more before the The Rodney Local Board has allocated On tandem braked • Narrow width allows easy access to worksites $40,000 to employ a coordinator to community steering group meeting. find a permanent tenant for the Old “We’d like to see a diverse range Wellsford Library, which has been left of people who may not have been empty for nearly three years. involved in this project before,” Ms The library building was saved from Dodds says. sale last year after the community said At the Parks Committee meeting on 250for Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach 09 425 5400 it wanted to use the building a April 11,0425 Ms Dodds 09 said425a 7725 public PH. 140800 Hudson425 Road, Warkworth community hub. However, whenPH. the0800 meeting was held (closed in the building Open 6 Days –425 7.15am to 5.15pm public holidays) in 0425 09 425 5400 Local Board called on applications December www.hireworks.co.nz PH. 09 425 5400 to try and reinvigorate from groups who wanted to usehireworks.co.nz the interest in the process, but nothing library only two were submitted,hireworks.co.nz and had happened since. neither was found to be acceptable. “The community confirmed in Local Board Parks, Culture and December that they want it run by the Community Development Committee community for the community and chair Beth Houlbrooke says if the Board to form a group to run it and for the didn’t provide assistance it is likely the building to be available to a broad range building would have to be sold. of groups,” Ms Dodds said. “We need to “We’ve promised the community get a steering group to manage it, but we we would work with them to find a need to help them along with resourcing sustainable use for the library,” Ms to employ somebody, otherwise we Houlbrooke says. “It does appear might be back in this position.” there is a shortage of people in the The Board resolved to employ a partcommunity with a depth of experience time coordinator for a year to get an to get things off the ground. No one umbrella group to take the lease of the group has emerged to manage the lease building and develop a system for other and we would risk losing the building community groups to use the space. if we didn’t take a proactive approach.” “The idea is we assist the community An information day will be held on to set up a steering group which will Thursday April 28 from 11am to 2pm. run the building,” Ms Dodds said. Then a meeting will be held at the Old “The coordinator will manage that Wellsford Library on Thursday May 5, process, and pull together volunteers from 5pm to 7pm, to form a steering to get it running. They also have to group to run and manage the building. identify future sources of funding over Council senior community project the 12 months.”

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Comment online What should the Old Wellsford Library be used for? Have your say at localmatters.co.nz

Wharehine sells Matakana site A prime piece of land at the entrance to Matakana has been sold. The three-hectare site, at 939 Matakana Road, changed hands last month. Formerly owned by Wharehine, it has been bought by Bayleys real estate agent Eddie Zhong, who is based on Auckland’s North Shore, and a business partner. According to Eddie’s profile on the Bayleys website, he was born in China and educated in NZ. He speaks English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hakka, and is a keen sportsman playing basketball and golf. It is understood that the property has been bought as an investment and there are no plans to change its use at this stage. Long-term leases are in place to Wharehine Ready Mix, owned by Firth Industries, and the

Tumbleweed Garden Centre, who will both continue to occupy the site. The site has a residential zoning and both Tumbleweed and the Wharehine Concrete Plant have existing use rights. Wharehine managing director Rob Gibson says Wharehine has historically used the rear of the site as a construction yard to store machinery and stock pile construction materials. “This is no longer compatible with an environment that is fast becoming residential in character with the development of Tamahunga Lane and Laly Haddon Place,” he says. “We thought we were better to stop using the site as a construction yard before we started getting complaints from our residential neighbours, school and community.”

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April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Swings and roundabouts in playground debate George Driver

An historic Point Wells swing could be making a return after the Rodney Local Board called for the equipment to be reinstalled in a split vote this month, but Auckland Council staff say the request may be impossible to fulfil. Council removed the equipment last October after an independent health and safety report found the Lullaby Swing posed a serious risk. This was followed by a community campaign to have the swing reinstalled, including a petition with over 360 signatures which was presented to the Local Board last month. After an hour-long debate at the Board’s Parks, Culture and Community Development Committee meeting on April 11, it resolved to reinstate the swing with a sign explaining the historic nature of the swing and warning people of the higher risk. The resolution split the Board, with members Brenda Steele, Warren Flaunty and James Colville voting against it, and members Steven Garner, John McLean and Greg Sayers in favour. Mr Sayers was acting chair for the agenda item and used his casting vote to pass the motion. Committee chair Beth Houlbrooke agreed to stand down for the agenda item after being advised that there could be a perceived conflict of interest due to her public stance in favour of reinstating the playground. However, Council staff said they may be bound by the independent safety report and be unable to reinstall the equipment. The playground had been missed from Council’s records following the Supercity amalgamation and so a compliance audit report was undertaken in October. The investigation found the swing could cause serious injury if a child walked into its path while it was in motion and there was also a risk of children being caught in the equipment. Parks advisor Jeff Lyford told the Board the swing was at the right height to hit a child in the face and its solid wooden structure posed a serious risk. Mr Sayers asked staff whether Council was bound by the safety standards

used to assess the equipment. Council project manager Sarah Jones said the standards were guidelines at the moment, but a policy was being written and would be introduced “imminently”. Parks liaison team leader Gerry Fitzgerald said they would have to investigate whether the Board had the power to act against the advice of an independent safety audit. “Council has an obligation to keep people safe,” Mr Fitzgerald said. “The independent report tells us that it is not safe.” Ms Steele said there should have been more consultation with the community before the swings were removed, but said Council needed to abide by a strict set of safety standards. “I’m not willing to take a risk on a Lullaby Swing made of solid timber and has a framework that... my old bike looks better.” But Mr Garner said he wasn’t convinced by the safety assessment and a level of risk needed to be an accepted part of a playground. “There was no history of the swing being a safety issue,” Mr Garner said. “I understand we have to be seen to do the right thing, but that doesn’t mean removing things holus-bolus. We are getting almost too politically correct. I can’t see an issue with allowing some scope for this kind of equipment.” Meanwhile, the Witches Hat playequipment, which was also removed from Point Wells in October, will not be reinstalled. The Board was told that the Witches Hat was broken and also presented a safety risk and was rusty, with exposed nails. In any case, new playground equipment will be installed at Point Wells and the community could find itself with two large swing sets. The Board resolved that a new rope swing and an obstacle course be installed. The equipment was chosen during consultation with the community in January. Ms Houlbrooke said the funding would come from a regional Council budget and would not impact on the Board’s spending and the equipment should be installed by the end of June.

Comment online Should the Lullaby Swing be reinstalled, or is the safety risk too high? Have your say at localmatters.co.nz

Win a Mother’s Day pamper package Mother’s Day is fast approaching, so we’ve teamed up with Matakana Botanicals, The Vintry and Wharf Street Bistro to put together a package of treats that any mum would love. To be in with a chance to win our basket of skincare goodies, bottle of rose wine and a voucher for a main meal for two, simply tell us – what was the best piece of advice your mother ever gave you? Entries close on Wednesday April 27 and the winner will be featured in Mahurangi Matters’ May 4 edition. Write your name and number on the back of an envelope, post to Mothers Day Competition, Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth or email editor@ localmatters.co.nz with the subject line: Mothers Day.

WHAT IS COLIN AT THE CAMERA SHOP IN WARKWORTH UP TO? Have a look at the Then & Now segment on localmatters.co.nz to find out more ... And while you are on the site, you can check out the latest update on the new Warkworth Football turf in Shoesmith Domain. You’ll find that video in our Sports section.

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10 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

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realestate

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Schools wary of possible funding change A Government proposal that could see the current decile-based school funding system replaced by funding for individual ‘at risk’ students has been greeted with caution by senior school principals. If adopted, the four qualifying risk factors for increased funding would be a child or sibling who had been abused, a parent who had been to prison, a long-term recipient of benefits or a mother with no qualifications. The idea is part of the Government’s current review of school funding, with the aim of targeting resources to where they are needed most. Rodney College principal Irene Symes says she is pleased the decile system is being reviewed, since its attempts to provide funding equity haven’t delivered. “Also, it has been a very damaging policy because of the way it has been widely misinterpreted and labels students, teachers and schools,” she says, referring to the perception by some that the higher the decile rating, the better the school. “As far as the new funding system goes, the devil will be in the detail. I’ll reserve judgment until I see it and only hope that it acknowledges the fact that schools need to be well resourced to address and support our most at risk students, and that this support can’t be piecemeal. “Therefore, whatever replaces the current system needs to provide

David Macleod and Irene Symes say any new funding system needs to respect individual students and families, not stigmatise them.

principals with certainty about the money coming in and have a longterm time frame.” Mahurangi College principal David Macleod agrees that public perception has been a key issue with decile funding, despite research showing that children from stable and economically secure backgrounds will do just as well in a low decile school as they will in a high decile. However, despite its faults, he believes this is preferable to a new system that could stigmatise individual students instead of their school. “The new proposal could shift the unintended stigma of being a low decile school onto individual children and their families,” he says. “Disadvantaged students do need more support in their learning so

it is essential we retain a system of providing extra funding to schools with a higher proportion of disadvantaged students. I am therefore in favour of the current system, as it provides this extra funding without labelling individual children.” Ms Symes agrees that it is important that individual students and their families should not feel singled out. “The new system needs to be respectful of parents and students, so in my view shouldn’t involve any form of means testing,” she says. Otamatea High School principal Rachel Clothier-Simmonds said that as schools haven’t been given specific information regarding how the proposed system may operate, she felt ,it was too early to give an informedatW view.

Big bang in Matakana Matakana hosted a cavalcade of Chinese visitors this month for a specially arranged taste of what the region has to offer tourists. It is understood Matakana was chosen ahead of Auckland for the event, which involved wining and dining about 1000 visitors. They arrived at the Matakana Country Park in 28 coaches and were entertained with a sheep show and equestrian events. While details of the privately arranged promotion remain confidential, residents living around the Country Park became aware of the event around 9.30pm on Tuesday April 12 when a massive fireworks show was staged. Local Facebook pages pinged with comments, some concerned about the impact on animals, other just enjoying the surprising spectacle. An organiser said that although all the required permits were in place, they had not wanted to advertise the fireworks in case too many outside visitors descended on the park to view them.

RSA milestone dinner Warkworth RSA is marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association with a special commemorative dinner on Saturday April 30. The event will feature Cr Penny Webster, Mark Mitchell MP and national RNZRSA president BJ Clark as guest speakers.

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Real Estate Talk Andrew Steens, Brand & Territory Owner, Mike Pero Real Estate andrew.steens@mikepero.com

Kiwis love to ask “is it a buyers’ property market or a sellers’ market” or, “when’s the next property crash going to happen” Actually, unless you are a property investor (and even then you are best advised to take the long term view) it doesn’t really matter! If you’re buying or selling a family home in the same market, then whether it’s a buyers or sellers’ market makes little difference, unless you’re moving to a region where the market might be out of kilter with ours. As for the next crash? Barring outside influences such as a credit crunch, a crash requires an excess of supply over demand. Based on the data I collect each week, there are half the number of properties on the market in Northern Rodney now compared to this time last year and a third compared to 2012. Also, the rate of new builds is still not matching the population growth of Auckland. So a crash doesn’t look very likely in the near future does it? This market is best described as “balanced” or “stable”. That doesn’t make for newspaper headlines, but it does mean both buyers and sellers can relax a little; buying or selling property is stressful enough without trying to “beat the market”. Focus instead on making your property look great if you’re selling, or on buying the ideal property for you. More information can be found in our free book “How To Sell Your Property For More”. Pick one up from our offices in Pt Wells, Warkworth or Wellsford.

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The new block of 36 care units at Summerset will open in June.

Warkworth care facilities offer housing crisis option Jannette Thompson

The head of NZ’s third largest aged care provider, Summerset, says retirement villages are one way of addressing Auckland’s housing crisis, but Auckland Council has been slow to embrace the idea. While visiting the Summerset Village in Warkworth on April 5, chief executive Julian Cook said Summerset was currently building an apartment complex at Ellerslie covering 3.5 hectares. “As a result, 18-hectares of housing will be released for family housing and/or development,” he said. “There’s a housing crisis and we’re chomping at the bit to get started, but unfortunately these delays from Council are slowing development. It’s not an ideal situation.” Meanwhile, the final stage in the development of the Summerset Village in Warkworth is underway. A block of 36 care apartments will open in June and a resource consent has been lodged for 77 independent living villas on 2.4 hectares in Mansel Drive, adjoining the existing village, fronting Woodcocks Road. “We have a waiting list and we’d like to be opening the first of those villas sometime next year,” sales manager Steven Garner said. The final village will consist of 200 independent living villas and 44 care apartments, as well as the 24-hour oncall support, rest home and hospital level care. Mr Cook says the rapid growth in

retirement villages was not surprising. In 2013, a quarter of a million people were aged over 75 years; by 2031 that figure was expected to be closer to half a million and it would reach one million by 2065. There had also been a change in attitude towards aged care facilities. In 1999, five per cent of New Zealanders

Julian Cook (left) with sales manager Steven Garner in one of the care apartments.

aged 75 years and over lived in an aged care facility – now that figure was around 13 per cent. Mr Cook believed the emergence of villages such as Summerset had played a big role in breaking down the stigma associated with aged care facilities. “Around eighty per cent of the residents in Warkworth come from the local area or have an association with the area. This is really important because it means people can age in a place that they are familiar with, where the full continuum of care is offered.”

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April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

iSITE on track to self-sufficiency George Driver

The fortunes of the Warkworth iSITE are on the up as Matakana Coast Tourism (MCT) celebrates its first year at the helm of the visitor information centre. The iSITE was one of the worst performers in the Auckland region with declining visitor rates and mounting losses. MCT took over management on April 1 last year, in a three-year $215,000 deal with Auckland Council organisation, ATEED. Overall, the iSITE generated a gross annual income of $280,000. MCT received $95,000 and managed to return a $20,000 surplus, cutting ratepayer losses to $75,000. By contrast, earlier deficits at the visitor centre had run as high as $103,000. Visitor numbers are also up on the previous year, with about 40,000 people visiting the iSITE, reversing the annual 14 per cent decline in visitor numbers experienced under Council management. MCT chair Warren Kitchin says it has been a positive start and the centre is on track to be self-supporting by 2018, when the funding agreement ends. “We’ve had a lot to learn and a lot of changes to make over the past year,” Mr Kitchin says. “We didn’t have a fulltime manager until September, so considering the challenges, things have gone really well. We are well placed to make the most of the next two years.”

Matakana Coast Tourism chair Warren Kitchin and tourism coordinator and iSITE manager Olivia Austin say their hard work has helped turn around the fate of the Warkworth iSITE.

This year it will receive $70,000 from ATEED, and $50,000 the following year. “We are exactly where we want to be. To go through the establishment period and to have a lift in revenue is quite amazing. We want to be in a strong position next year so we aren’t cutting it fine to make the final step towards being self-sufficient.” After the handover, the store got a revamp and has been restocked with local products showcasing the region, while the iSITE hours and staff numbers haven’t changed. MCT tourism coordinator and iSITE manager Olivia Austin says they have been busy building a network with local businesses to increase income at the iSITE. “A big part has been reconnecting with operators around the region and getting a better understanding of

what the region has to offer so we can promote that to visitors,” Ms Austin says. “We’ve also been connecting with other iSITEs in New Zealand to help with broader promotion of the Matakana coast.” Getting accommodation providers registered on an online database has also been a big step in helping the public find accommodation and generate income, she says. “We have 20 providers registered now and we can look at any time and see how many beds are available and where.” MCT is now focusing on building tourism in the quieter mid-week and off-season periods and getting more nationwide exposure for the area. MCT is a tourism promotion organisation working for business groups from Puhoi to Pakiri.

Kowhai festival announcements Plans are underway for the 47th annual Kowhai Festival in October, with organisers announcing dates for key events and calling for volunteers. The main focus in the two-week long community festival, the Huge Day Out, will take place on Saturday October 8 when, once again, the streets of Warkworth will be filled with music, stalls, food, drink and entertainment. Organisers say the date was chosen mainly to coincide with a high tide, which is needed for the Canoe Showdown river race event. The Kowhai Festival Movie Night will be held the following Saturday, October 15, and the Warkworth Great Debate is set for Thursday October 13. The debate, which raises money for Warkworth Wellsford Hospice, also has a new lead sponsor for 2016, with Angela Wain and Andrew Steen of Mike Pero Real Estate Warkworth stepping up to support the event. Anyone wanting a stall at the Huge Day Out is being encouraged to book their spot online as soon as possible to ensure a place, and organisers are also asking for volunteers to come forward. Info: kowhaifestival.co.nz

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TOSSI has recently joined the world of malacologists (snail researchers). Research published in 1981 stated New Zealand has at least 520 species of native land snails and slugs (Solem, 1981). An article in Open Space magazine (QEII, 2015) that sparked our interest in this subject states there are at least 1300 micro (1-9mm) snail species in New Zealand, of which over 600 are listed by DOC as being of ‘conservation concern’. The authors of the 1981 research paper attribute the high number of species to the leaf litter of our forests staying within a relatively even moisture level. They suggest stress periods where there are one or two months with no rain would result in mass snail mortality, while much of our remnant forest is not particularly prone to flooding. Leaf litter ‘grabs’ show that “an essentially sympatric [originating in or occupying the same area] community of about 72 native species is a probable reality, whereas in most areas of the world the sympatric existence of more than 15 land snail species is highly unusual”(Solem, 1981). Even the rainforests of Australia are way behind us on diversity – coming in at 20 to 30 snail species per sample. Snail diversity is highest in northern New Zealand, with populations also affected by land management – comparisons between reserve land, fenced bush and unfenced remnant forest showed that reserves had 40 per cent more species, fenced bush 30 per cent more than unfenced, and unfenced had 75 per cent fewer individuals than reserves (QEII, 2015). With approval from Auckland Council, TOSSI’s Kerry McGee rose to the invitation to help with research data by collecting leaf litter samples from Tawharanui and sending them in for analysis. Results from the first three samples showed 27 different species per sample, 62 different species identified, and a total of 510 individual micro-snails. Sample collection is ongoing and is being taken from a variety of habitats throughout the park. The lower species counts compared to the 1981 study may well be attributed to the fact that Tawharanui was, until relatively recently, a working farm. It will be interesting to compare species and population counts from revegetation areas where we know exactly when planting took place. Watch for updates, and in the meantime, step lightly on leaf litter – it is home to micro snails. If you are interested in participating in research into micro-snails in New Zealand, contact Dr Karin Mahlfeld kmarhfeld@gmail.com for instructions. Tawharanui is host to a variety of research projects, many of which continue over a number of years. These research opportunities are a direct result of the benefits of a protected sanctuary and the thousands of volunteer hours that maintain a pest-free environment.

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The next TOSSI workday will be Sunday April 3, 9am at the woolshed.

References:

Solem, 1981 – Solem, Climo, Roscoe dx.doi.org/10/1080/03014223.1981.10427971 QEII, 2015 – Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, Open Space, Issue 89, October 2015

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April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Gardening Andrew Steens

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Tackling hedges At this time of year, as the sun sinks lower on the horizon and shadows lengthen, my thoughts turn to pruning of evergreen hedges, ornamental trees and shrubs (except subtropicals, which should be pruned in late winter or early spring). One of my pet hates is huge, overgrown trees and shrubs that shade out the rest of the garden or, worse still, grow over the house causing rot, damage to paint and rotting leaves in the gutters and water supply. Let’s tackle the hedges first: if these are allowed to keep growing upwards, not only do they create a shade issue for your garden and the neighbour, but in fact they stop being an effective sight screen, as the bottom branches become bare and leggy. Hedges can also take up valuable land; I’ve seen some that are up to 4 metres wide. When you multiply that by a typical section length of 25 or so metres, that hedge can be covering 100sqm of section! Most hedge species can take a good hack and bounce back well; the first attempt might be best done by a commercial tree pruning company, with the resulting mulch being handy for the garden. Once it’s down to about a metre wide and two to three metres high, ongoing maintenance is easy with a hedge trimmer every three months or so to trim back the regrowth. Shrubs are next (just remember that some shrubs are best pruned immediately after flowering if the flowers are the feature); again these can provide too much shade for surrounding plants and create damp, slippery areas on paths and up against houses. Before you oil up the loppers or fire up the chainsaw though, have a look at its natural growth habit. For example, a tangled, twiggy grower like Chinese Lantern (Abutilon sp.) should be trimmed back hard from the outside in; good luck trying to prune it branch by branch from the inside! A more heavily branched shrub such as a Luculia or Camellia should have a combination of trimming back by up to a third and removal of some of the main branches to thin the shrub out. Many of the NZ natives can be thinned out as well, reducing both the height and density at the same time. Trees are the biggest job and usually best left to the experts (speaking from a recent and painful experience for someone helping me – sorry Tony!). Don’t just let them keep growing out of control though, as this is false economy; it is much easier and cheaper to deal with a tree when it is smaller than when it is fully grown. Again, look at the natural habit and keep in mind what you are trying to achieve and then point out, or better still mark with paint, any limbs you want removed. You might like to lift the tree to allow more light underneath or easy access for people and machinery. In that case a few lower limbs removed will do the trick. Limbs overhanging buildings or paths don’t always need to be removed entirely, sometimes just heading them back to the next fork is enough. If the tree is getting too big for the location, sometimes taking out the middle will do the trick, followed up a couple of years later by taking out the next biggest branches. Once you start the chainsaw, watch out that, like me, you don’t get a case of chainsaw fever and within minutes find that not just one tree is pruned, but three have been felled altogether! I must admit, the lawn does look bigger without them though.

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16 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

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Sweetappreciation Mouth and brush go to work with Chocolate Brown Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Congratulations to Snells Beach residents Judy and Mark Dinniss who are the recipients of a gift basket from Chocolate Brown. The couple was nominated by Janice Green, who wrote:

I would like to nominate Judy and Mark “Dinniss of Snells Beach as being the most amazing

neighbours to everyone in our small street. They have only lived here for around 20 months and they are always helping someone in our street. Since we moved in 10 months ago, my husband has badly injured his leg twice. Mark has always been on hand to help in any way and has mowed our lawn on several occasions – he just does it. He and Judy have helped another couple across the road on many occasions, for example putting up a fence to keep their dog in. If a drain blocks or someone’s dog gets into a rubbish bag, it’s always Mark who sees to it. They both are always helping other people and I would love to see them receive the gift basket for always thinking of others. Know someone who deserves a big “thank you” for their community spirit? Tell us and they will receive acknowledgement in Mahurangi Matters and an amazing hamper from Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz (subject line: Sweet Appreciation) or post to: Sweet Appreciation, Mahurangi Matters, PO Box 701, Warkworth. Kindly refrain from nominating members of your own family.

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Visitors to the Royal Easter Show art exhibition had the opportunity to view the work of Mahurangi-based mouth painter Martin Payne. Martin, aged 53, suffered a spinal injury in a car accident when he was 18. He took up painting by mouth 12 years ago after losing the use of his hands. Before his accident, he worked as a shearer with not a lot of interest in art. “Painting is a difficult process as I have to rely on a helper to deal with my equipment,” he says. “But I joined the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists’ group and the support has been really good.” Martin can only paint for about 90 minutes a day and one painting takes roughly six weeks to complete.

But this hasn’t stopped him from producing more than 50 works of art, including one last year that received a merit award at the Royal Easter Show in the mouth and foot category. His proudest moment was when one of his works was chosen by a Singapore Gallery. This year he competed with a coastal landscape painting of Cape Reinga. Landscapes with people are his favourite subjects to paint, but he also enjoys portraiture. He admits he still has a long way to go before he gets the desired finish on his work, but says he is constantly inspired by the skill level of the other mouth and foot painters. Martin currently lives in Puhoi but is building a house in Matakana.

Investing in the community Who would have dreamed the impact that one man’s decision to emigrate would have on the Wharehine and Mahurangi region more than 100 years and four generations later? Samuel Dodd, born in Liverpool England, gave up his business of stable horses used to pull cabs, to take the famous Black Jacket to NZ, settling in Mititai, near Dargaville. As we celebrated the Dodd family, we were reminded that our lives can and do make a difference in the communities we live in. The oldest descendent at the reunion was Brian Dodd, who is Samuel’s great, great grandson. Brian, at 19 years old, was one of the three founders of Wharehine Contractors when it began in 1955. The business developed and was handed to the next generation in 2002, providing over 60 years of employment and support. Contributed by Annemarie Iles

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April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Major makeovers for library and Council office Both Warkworth Library and the adjoining Auckland Council service centre will be closed for much of next month for major internal refurbishment. The library will be closed from Monday May 9 to Sunday May 29 for a $58,600 upgrade, while the Council offices will shut from Monday May 23 until Monday June 13 for a $150,000 refit. The library makeover, which is being funded by Rodney Local Board, will include new furniture, fixtures and equipment, including a contemporary colour scheme, revised internal layout and new carpets. Library users are being encouraged to go to Wellsford or Mahurangi East branches while the work takes place, although people will still be able to return books and pick up requests from the neighbouring Old Masonic Hall between 10am and 12 noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the three-week period. Wriggle & Rhyme and Story Time groups will not be run in Warkworth during the upgrade process, but preschoolers can join similar sessions at Wellsford Library and Mahurangi East Library in Snells Beach. Meanwhile, Council is being moved next door in the other direction while its upgrade takes place, with staff moving into the Warkworth iSITE

office, from where they will continue to offer their full range of services during the works. The modernisation is designed to improve customer experience, according to Council, and will include a minor change to hours when the service centre re-opens on Monday June 13. Instead of being open from 8am to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday, the Council office will open from 9am to 5pm, with a half hour closure for lunch from 12.30-1pm. Mahurangi East Library will also be getting a revamp of furniture and fittings before the end of Council’s financial year (June 30), with a new bench and chairs, carpet tiles and cushions. Info: Warkworth Library 09 425 9803, Council service centre 09 301 0101

Library pre-school activities Mahurangi East Library Wriggle & Rhyme – Thursdays 10am Pre-school Story Time – Tuesdays 10.30am Wellsford Library Rhymetime – Mondays 10.30am, from May 2 Story Time – Wednesdays 10.30am

Fired-up with Chris Jensen www.fire.org.nz

Takatu fire control Readers of last month’s publication may recall the topic of the fire article was the supply of water in remote rural locations. Ironically, that very situation arose in the last week of March when fire crews from Matakana, Warkworth, Leigh and Mahurangi East stations attended a bush fire in Takatu Road, on the Tawharanui Peninsula. A controlled burn was taking place in a small disused quarry. The fire spread uphill in all directions taking hold in a large quantity of felled trees. Fire burning uphill, especially when fanned by even light winds, can spread at an alarming rate, sometimes changing direction with the direction of the wind, which is what this fire did. The fire edges were fought by crews at multiple locations. Of immediate concern was the spread up towards a stand of large trees and just beyond that, a house. The fire spread along the ground until reaching a large toitoi bush situated at the edge of the stand of trees. The dry toitoi immediately caught fire, causing flames to leap upwards into the lower tree canopy. Fighting the fire on the ground was hindered by the supply of water in the remote location. Water on the attending appliances soon ran out and alternative supplies had to be quickly found. Two nearby water tanks were soon drained by portable water pumps and the water transferred to fire trucks. Following this, the portable pumps were redeployed to pump water out of a nearby creek. Fire Service water tankers were sent from Matakana, Mahurangi and Silverdale stations, as well as a private water tanker. Importantly, a Skyworks helicopter was called at an early stage and using a monsoon bucket, multiple loads of water were dumped onto problem areas. Within a couple of hours the fire was brought under control and ground crews spent the next couple of hours dampening the wider area with particular attention to any hot spots or areas of concern. At the job completion, crews then have the job of packing up all the equipment and carrying it over steep and uneven terrain back to the appliances before returning to their respective stations. However, the work does not end there. Once back at their station, hoses, equipment and trucks have to be washed down of the dirt, soot and ash that coats surfaces, and then packed up and reinstated to the appliances. Trucks and tankers have to be refilled with water ready for the next callout. Crew overalls are put through the washing machines and dried. Then, lastly, we ourselves, the volunteers, have to be put through the wash, removing ash and soot from skin, hair and nostrils; and if there is one thing I have learned over time is that after such callouts, you never use the WHITE towels at home!

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“Moving pictures” reached Albertland in the 1920s. Local entrepreneur Fred Thomas arranged for them to be shown in Wellsford, Port Albert and Paparoa. This was long before electricity, so Fred had a 110-volt generator driven from a rear wheel of his Dodge car set up outside the various halls. Sometimes when Fred had other engagements, Leo Treadwell, well-known in Port Albert and Wellsford, would operate it for him. Going to the pictures was a social occasion with moviegoers getting dressed up in their best clothes and travelling many miles, on awful roads, to be entertained. Those early productions were silent flickering classics such as A Kiss in a Taxi, Smiling at Trouble and The Lady of the Harem. In the Port Albert Hall, movies were shown on Wednesdays and Fridays, and sometimes the evening ended with a dance. One local teen commented in her 1928 diary, “Went to the pictures, saw Women Who Give – good too.” People couldn’t, or wouldn’t, travel far during winter months so Fred decided it wasn’t worth the cost of bringing movies north and limited shows to periods of better weather. In a 1931 letter, he wrote from Auckland, ‘business has been very quiet and the earthquake (Napier) has made things worse as the people were scared to come into big buildings.’ Fred was followed by Frank Downey, Ron Mercer and Albert Anderson who had a small iron shed on the Matheson Road side of the old Wellsford hall, housing a 32-volt plant. His projector was the electric bulb type and music was supplied by a pianola. For some years, from about 1936, Ken Lovell was the proprietor. This was a time of recorded sound and speech, records being used and synchronised with the pictures. Then came the purpose-built picture theatre. Wellsford’s Theatre Royal was built by Horace Inger for the Sellars’ connection, early in World War II. Vernon Reed, then of Whangarei, held the exhibitor’s licence and leased the theatre. He later sold out to the Kerridge organisation, but the big operator wasn’t interested in small town screenings so disposed of their Wellsford interests to Ted Sellars. Theatre Royal was managed over a long period by Sellars, the operator being George Smith, who was for many years Wellsford’s P&T technician. The coming of television impacted on small towns like Wellsford with audiences preferring to stay home unless a ‘blockbuster’ was showing. Inevitably, the Theatre Royal closed and became a grocery shop. In 2016, families can view movies at home on their computers, smart TV sets and home theatre systems complete with surround sound. However, multiplexes in malls and regional boutique cinemas are attracting new audiences and ‘going to the pictures’ is once again a social occasion. Sources: Wellsford Tidal Creek to Gum Ridge, Albertland Heritage Centre archives. Like us on Facebook: Albertland Heritage Centre • Visit us at albertland.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Steady as she goes for river dredging EV charging trial

for phone boxes

George Driver

A proposal to dredge a navigable channel in the Mahurangi River is edging forward and a resource consent is expected to lodged later this year. The Mahurangi River Restoration Trust made a presentation to the Rodney Local Board’s business meeting on April 12 to update the Board on the project. The Board has given a $20,000 grant to the trust to investigate the dredging. Trustee Peter Thompson says he hopes the consent will be granted early next year, but starting the dredging will depend on funding. The project is expected to cost between $2.5 to $3.5 million and a significant fundraising campaign is planned and ongoing Council funding would also be required. Mr Thompson told the Local Board it would just take two significant floods to make the river unnavigable and about 100,000 tonne of sediment came down the Mahurangi River every year. “The depth at the moment is really concerning,” Mr Thompson said. “Year by year it’s less and less.” The Jane Gifford was sitting high and dry on mud for two hours at every low tide due to sediment buildup, he said. The level of sediment at the Warkworth wharf was also causing the pontoons to chafe against the wharf and they might need to be replaced if the friction continued. The goal of the project was to dredge a 15-metre wide channel which would be 1.5 metres deep at low tide and allow boats all-tide access. If the Warkworth basin was dredged to a significant depth it could also act as a sediment trap, preventing silt from building up down stream and creating a relatively contained area to maintain. Finding a site to dispose the dredgings was ongoing, but Mr Thompson said a number of options were

Peter Thompson has over three million dollars worth of equipment to complete the dredging project.

being explored on farmland along the river and at Mahurangi East. The dredgings would be buried on land. Topsoil from the site would be removed and a layer of clay put down, before dredge spoil was spread over the site. The site could be restored later by putting a clay cap over the dumpsite and returning the topsoil. Over $100,000 of work towards the consent had been done pro-bono by a number of local businesses, including O’Connor Planning Consultants, Buckton Consulting Surveyors and Hutchinson Consulting Engineers. Trustee Hugh Gladwell said the dredging could transform the town and be a boon for tourism. “The benefits are huge,” Mr Gladwell. “The river is Warkworth’s greatest asset, both for tourists and locals.” He said once the river was dredged, ferries could start running from Warkworth to Auckland and it could be a significant boost to the local economy as more boats visited the town.

Phone boxes in Wellsford, Waiwera and Waipu have been chosen as part of a pilot programme to fit kiosks with electric vehicle (EV) top-up battery chargers. From now until the end of May, EV drivers can hook up to Spark phone boxes for free at Wellsford Mobil, outside Waiwera Thermal Resort or next to the Waipu Pharmacy. A 30-minute charging session will only extend an EV’s range by about 20 kilometres, but Spark Ventures’ chief executive Rod Snodgrass says the phone box chargers can still be important in combating ‘range anxiety’ – the fear that an EV will run out of power before it reaches its destination. “As the number of electric vehicles rises we imagine the possibility of a network of EV chargers all around the country, connected to thousands of public phone boxes, helping unleash the incredible potential of the electric vehicle community,” he says. “Electric vehicle drivers justifiably feel good about doing their bit for the environment, and we want to help that feeling last a little longer.” The ‘Spark Plug’ phone box locations will be listed on Plugshare, a global app listing EV charging stations, and if the trial proves successful, Spark will look at expanding the network nationally. Rod Snodgrass says using phone boxes as top-up charging stations is an innovative, yet modest idea and another way of giving phone boxes a new lease of life. “More than a thousand of them are now WiFi hotspots too, which was another Australasian first, so they’re quickly becoming a kind of ‘digital Swiss army knife’,” he says. According to EV promotional body Drive Electric, there are now 1015 EVs registered in NZ and 142 public charging locations.

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20 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

localmatters.co.nz

More people fizzing as cider booms in Mahurangi Sally Marden

The brew crew: Mike Sutherland, Mason Isbey, Sam Williamson and Julian Widera.

Something’s brewing at Sawmill’s new home brewery at the Sawmill Café in Leigh has given them a huge amount of space and made the whole brewing process a lot simpler. “It’s just easier having everything under one roof, instead of having to store things in Auckland or in sheds,” he says. Brewery manager Sam Williamson agrees. “This place is a blessing and a curse,” he says. “A blessing because it’s a fantastic place and a huge step up from where we were, but it’s a curse because it’s all brand new kit and it’s our fault if anything goes wrong.” One of the first brews at the new premises is a brand new beer, Imperial Red Ale, a dry-hopped, deep red ale of 6 per cent alcohol retailing in 500ml bottles.

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Sawmill Brewing’s spacious new home in Leigh Road is up and running with a range of beers being brewed and bottled there, and is not too far from opening to the public. Owners Mike Sutherland and Kirsty McKay are hoping their new bar, courtyard and food area will be open by early June for drinks, tastings, meals and snacks “It’s all starting to come together,” Kirsty says. “The builders and plumbers will be finished next week, but there’s still a lot to do. We’ll have 15 taps at least, with the full range of our own beer, a guest beer, wine on tap and we’ll have a very short, but very good menu of great food.” Mike says the move from the original

Warkworth cider maker Forbidden Brewing has taken out a prestigious gold medal at a national beer and cider competition. Its Simply Apple Cider won one of only three golds awarded out of the 100 ciders that were under scrutiny at the recent New World Beer & Cider Awards in Wellington. The medal is the latest in a string of awards for Forbidden, which is based at The Cider Shed cafe and orchard on State Highway 1, just north of Warkworth. Forbidden’s range of ciders has just been taken on by a national distributor, and what started as an experiment in a 10-litre bucket a few years ago has grown to a 100,000-litre business run by father and son team Alan and Jordan Spinks, who moved to The Cider Shed last June. “We make traditional ciders with a modern twist, like Lucifer’s Revenge, with mango and chilli,” Alan says. “The market’s growing as people move to the real stuff.” Forbidden is just one of a growing number of local craft cider producers that are helping to raise the profile of and interest in authentic ciders. Another local ‘real cider’ success story is Jones Road Cider, which made the move from apple grower to cider cellar

door on New Year’s Day last year. Lesley Lindesay sells just one variety of classic cider, blended from the 50plus varieties of cider apples grown on their 8.5-hectare orchard, plus pure apple juice. The original 750ml Champagne-style bottle has just been joined by a four-pack of 330ml bottles. In addition, the ciders are now being sold every week at the Matakana Village Farmers Market. “There’s very, very little real cider made in NZ,” Lesley says. “Most is made out of apple concentrate, some doesn’t have any fruit at all, but all of ours are made from apples and completely without added sugar. We’re really concentrating on making a high quality product and trying to keep it as pure as possible.” Jones Road Cider is actually made by Zeffer Cider, the first local craft cider maker whose growth and success has seen them move production down to Silverdale in recent times. Sales and marketing director Josh Townsend says they use a lot of Jones Road apples for their reserve cider labels, as well as making their own cider for them. “We ran out of room at the vineyard in Matakana – we’re doing 250,000 litres of nine different ciders now,” he says. “But Matakana is still our home. We’re on tap at the Matakana Village Pub and local stores are still some of our top performing sites.”

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Anzacfeature

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Mahurangi ANZAC day services

The Community Cenotaph unit allows people to search, view and contribute digitised details of New Zealanders who have served in the military.

Online Cenotaph at RSA A portable digital kiosk that allows people to research or add information to the Online Cenotaph, a national ‘living’ war memorial project, is coming to the Warkworth RSA club. The He Pou Aroha Community Cenotaph unit will be installed the day after Anzac Day and stay in the club until June 2. Throughout that period, people will be able to visit the club and access the database of NZ service personnel war records from the 19th century to the present day. Users can also add their own artefacts, such as photos, letters, diary entries and even medals, thanks to a digital scanning device in the unit. Cenotaph community project manager Claire Lanyon says the Online Cenotaph is easy to use and constantly developing, with new records and information being added all the time by researchers and families.

It also allows users to lay a virtual poppy for service personnel who have passed away. More than 199,000 virtual poppies have been laid and more than 46,000 items contributed by the public since the project was launched by Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage in May last year. There are seven portable kiosks available for loan to libraries, museums, RSA clubs or similar and Claire Lanyon says new sites are actively being sought. Warkworth RSA secretary manager Robbie Blair says anyone can visit the club in Neville Street to use their kiosk during opening hours – from 12.30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 11am Wednesday to Saturday, and from 3pm on Sundays. Info: aucklandmuseum.com/cenotaph

World War I nostalgia day at Snells Beach library Online Cenotaph experts will be at Mahurangi East Library between 10am and 2pm on Tuesday April 26 for ‘We Will Remember Them’, a special World War 1 themed open day. Three heritage research librarians from Auckland Libraries will help visitors explore the Online Cenotaph and there will be photos, artefacts and resources on display from library research centres and Warkworth Museum. Library staff will be dressed in period clothing and they are encouraging visitors to bring their own photos, family memories and stories to share. Refreshments will be available.

Upper Waiwera A Cenotaph Service will be held at Upper Waiwera, at 2.30 pm. The cenotaph is on Upper Waiwera Road, off Weranui Road. Puhoi A service will be held at the memorial gates at the entrance to the Domain at 9am. There will be a wreath laying ceremony, followed by a cup of tea afterwards. The historical society is coordinating the service and the fire brigade, scouts and sports club will be involved. Warkworth The dawn service will start at the rotunda on Church Hill at 6am, followed by breakfast at the Warkworth RSA. The civic ceremony, at 10.30am, also at the rotunda, will mark the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC ceremonies. The service will include the Australian national anthem, the ode in Maori and a reading in Turkish, and will be followed by light refreshments at the RSA where the Mahurangi College Kapa Haka group will perform and the Lions Club will be selling sausages. A $10 breakfast will be available. Matakana A service will be held at the King George Memorial at 10am. Leigh A service will be held at the Leigh Cemetery at 11am. Kawau Island A community service will be held at the Kawau Yacht Club, starting at 12.30pm. MC will be John Duder and John Sinclair will lay community wreaths. Members of the public will also have an opportunity to lay wreaths. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ceremony, which has been timed to fit in with ferry sailing times. Wellsford A dawn parade will be held at the

Wellsford Memorial Park at 6am. During the parade children from the local primary school will read poems. Tea, coffee and nibbles will be provided after the parade at the RSA followed by a champagne breakfast at 9am. Hakaru The Hakaru & District Memorial RSA service will start with an assembly at the clubrooms at 10am. The parade will march to the flag for a wreath-laying ceremony at 10.15am. This will be followed by a service with a guest speaker in the clubrooms at 11am. A light lunch will be served at the conclusion of proceedings. Matakohe/Paparoa A combined Paparoa RSA and The Kauri Museum service will be held at the museum, with fall-in at the Matakohe War Memorial Hall at 10.30am. The march to the flagstaff will be accompanied by a mounted soldier, weather permitting. The march will halt at the Cemetery Flag, the flag will be lowered and the Last Post sounded. There will be wreath-laying ceremonies at the Gun Memorial and the War Memorial Hall. A service will be held at the Volunteers Hall at the museum during which family or friends will have the opportunity to lay flowers or poppies in the display near photographs of family members. There will be a citation and medal presentation by Dorothy Quaife in remembrance of her ancestor who fought in the war. Maungaturoto Assembly will take place at the back of the hall at 5.45am. The dawn service will begin at 6am at the Maungaturoto Community Centre Hall, opposite the War Cemetery. A breakfast at the Maungaturoto RSA will follow. There will also be a brunch at the Maungaturoto RSA at 11am.

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22 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

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out & about...

From left, Harcourts Snells Beach branch manager Amy Wagstaff, Snells Beach Ratepayers & Residents Association chair Bryan Jackson, Harcourts Tandem Realty business owner Nick Langdon, association treasurer Mark Dinniss, Harcourts Snells Beach sales consultant Jacky Brock and Harcourts Northern regional manager Claire Wright.

From left, Harcourts Northern regional manager Claire Wright, Rodney Women’s Centre manager Colleen Julian, Harcourts Tandem Realty business owner Nick Langdon, Centre secretary Heidi Downey and committee member Danielle Stapleton, and Harcourts Warkworth branch manager Amy Wagstaff.

Josh Scott is a man who knows his beer.

Signs of Moa in Matakana Innovation and consistency are the hallmarks of a good craft brewery, according to one of NZ’s leading brewers, Josh Scott, who visited Matakana this month. Josh was in town to promote the launch of Moa on tap at The Vintry. “Kiwis are drinking less, but choosing quality,” he says. “It’s up to craft brewers to get more flavour and finesse into their beer. There are no boundaries.” Josh is both a brewer and a winemaker, being the son of well-known Marlborough winemaker Allan Scott. He started Moa in 2003 and as well as domestic sales, exports to 18 countries around the world. While he believes Kiwis are still price sensitive when it comes to buying their beer, they are prepared to pay a premium for quality. He says the trend towards craft beers is particularly strong amongst young drinkers who are becoming “a bit more sophisticated” in what they are choosing to drink. Vintry general manager Mike Harrowell says Moa on tap joins the Sawmill range. “While we’re still a boutique wine bar, we’re expanding to cater for beer drinkers as well,” he said.

Real estate swings into action Two playgrounds in the Mahurangi area are one step closer to being completed thanks to support from the Harcourts Foundation. Warkworth Harcourts recently gave $2500 to the Snells Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association and $1000 to the Rodney Women’s Centre, with both grants earmarked for playground projects. The funds are a combination of donations, auctions and one per cent

of every salesperson’s commission fee. Last year, the branch gave $5000 to repair helicopter pad lights used by the Westpac service. The Warkworth branch has been part of the foundation since 2010. Harcourts Warkworth director Amy Wagstaff says anyone can apply for grants. Info: harcourtsfoundation.org/apply or Amy Flagstaff 425 7889

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localmatters.co.nz

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Craft group reaches 25

Mahurangi teenager Matthew Fay has won a four-year scholarship to complete a carpentry apprenticeship. From left Ferelyth Roffey, Jessie Prentice, Margaret Schick and Sibyl Patrick each holding works made for the crafts group.

Building future for youth

The Mahurangi East Creative Crafts and Arts (MECCA) group will celebrate its 25th anniversary next month with original group member Jessie Prentice. MECCA will hold an afternoon tea and exhibition at the Snells Beach Community Church hall on May 10, from 1pm to 3pm, with around 100 past and present members invited. The group was started by Thirza Davies in her own home, and caters for general handicraft such as embroidery, beadwork and knitting. MECCA has had over 80 members in the past, but currently has 26. They meet on the second Tuesday of the month, from 1pm to 3.30pm.

As the construction industry in Mahurangi heats up, local teenager Matthew Fay has been awarded a $4100 scholarship designed to encourage more young people into the industry. Customkit Buildings has sponsored the four-year carpentry scholarship and sales manager Nigel King presented the certificate last month. The 17-year-old left Mahurangi College last year to pursue a career in building. “I always liked woodwork at school and it’s great to be doing something hands-on,” Matthew says. “I like seeing what I’ve achieved at the end of a project. It’s great to have something to show for the hard work.” Matthew’s boss, McKergow Builders owner Gus McKergow, nominated

One of the main events of the year is an exhibition and sale in early November at the Community Church. Proceeds go to local causes such as St John and the Women’s Refuge. This year the event will be held on November 5. In addition to this, members have each quilted one square this year that will form one large quilt which will be donated to someone in the community. New members are always welcome to join MECCA with a membership fee of $15 per year which helps pay for an annual group trip. Info: Ferelyth 425 6169 or Sibyl 425 0001.

him for the award. Mr McKergow says Matthew has shown great initiative and enthusiasm. “He’s been really keen to learn and get more involved in different aspects of building,” Mr McKergow says. Matthew is the fourth apprentice Mr McKergow has taken on, and the first straight out of school. “We all needed someone to give us that opportunity,” Mr McKergow says. “It’s great to be able to help train the next generation.” BCITO training advisor Mark Peters was also on hand to present the award to Matthew and says there are still not enough new apprentices to meet demand in the current construction boom.

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24 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

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The Matakana

11 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana 09 422 7518

wine • f ood • l augh • done

Greg Lawrence and Duncan Anderson.

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Leigh local Greg Lawrence is the new face of The Matakana pub, taking over the reins from departing owners Duncan and Hannah Anderson. He has teamed up with four other partners to buy and run the historic village landmark and took over last week, on April 11. “It’s two couples and myself, we’re old school friends,” says Greg. “They live in Auckland but have had a long association with the area and have properties up here.” Managing The Matakana will be quite a change for Greg, whose partner Kerrin Jamieson teaches Year 7 students at Mahurangi College – until last month, he was commuting to Albany and working within the banking industry. He says he’s wanted a change in career and to find work in the region since he and his family moved here eight years ago. “That was always the missing piece of our puzzle … not only to live here, but to be able to work here as well, and I’m forever grateful that I’ve got that chance now,” he says. “The

opportunity for the pub came up and my partners just said if we have a crack at it, would you like to come in and run the day-to-day operation. There was not a second’s hesitation.” He says all the owners are in it for the long term and firmly believe in the pub as hub and heart of the village. “I think in the short term, over the next few months, it will be just business as usual and we’ll just be building on the great job that Duncan and Hannah have done. “The long term vision is to take it to the next level and have the best pub in New Zealand, and we just want to make sure everyone who comes here has a great time.” He says he is keen to continue and further develop The Matakana’s use of local seasonal produce whenever possible. Live music at the weekends will continue, and the pub’s popular quiz night will also be run as usual. One casualty, however, is this year’s Seagull Race on the Matakana River, which has been cancelled, but with the hope of rescheduling at a later date.

Royal birthday party at Wenderholm

17 Neville Street, Warkworth (inside TailorMade Computers)

Phone 09 425 7222

whangaparaoa@cartridgeworld.co.nz

Cake, bubbles, children’s games and a special exhibition of royal memorabilia are all on offer at Wenderholm’s Couldrey House, Thursday April 21, to celebrate the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. The royal birthday party will run from 1pm to 4.30pm, with the cake cutting at 2pm. Entrance costs $5 for adults (cash only), with under 16-year-olds free of charge. The exhibition of royal memorabilia will remain on show at Couldrey House until Monday April 25. Info: Carolyn 027 548 8238 or reid.caro@gmail.com

localmatters.co.nz

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

INTR ODUCING n

Riverside Dental Warkworth

Harcourts

Warkworth is about to get a brand new dental practice and two new dentists. Seena Gopi and Mahitha Veerepalli have teamed up to form Riverside Dental Warkworth in the new BNZ building on Neville Street and they expect to open in early May. The new practice is the culmination of a two-year search to find suitable premises in Warkworth and they say they can’t wait to get started. “We’ve been looking around this area for quite some time, so when this place came up we jumped at it,” they say. “We love this area and we love Warkworth.” State of the art tools, equipment and chairs are being installed, including the latest minimal-radiation digital X-ray systems and a TV on the ceiling to keep the kids distracted and amused. There will also be a lift to the first floor consulting rooms. As well as all forms of general dentistry and oral hygiene, Riverside will also offer Invisalign virtually invisible orthodontics – clear ‘braces’ that you can barely see. Mahitha and Seena say they will do all that they can to make sure all their patients, young and old, feel relaxed and comfortable during treatment. “We really believe in being as gentle as possible. We’re very caring and

After experiencing the rapid growth of Silverdale over the past two years, Snells Beach and Warkworth Harcourts co-owner Amy Wagstaff says people might be surprised by the speed and scale of development coming to Mahurangi. Amy has been managing Harcourts franchises in Orewa and Silverdale for the past two years. She is now sales manager and director of Tandem Realty North Ltd, which owns the two Mahurangi Harcourts branches and is based at the Warkworth office. “We have the benefits of a large company above us with good systems in place and a big referral network, but we still have a small, local feel and ownership structure. “It’s a really good team too. We have agents who have worked here for over 20 years and two are in the top 20 Harcourts agents in the country.” Amy has been shocked by the pace of growth and rise in prices on the Hibiscus Coast and says, with Auckland Council earmarking large tranches of land for growth in Warkworth, the same will likely happen here. “In Silverdale we had a 100 people on our waiting list looking for properties and new houses were sold before they’d been built.

Seena Gopi and Mahitha Veerepalli.

we understand what our patients are going through.” Seena, who graduated in 2004, is passionate about helping patients to achieve and maintain healthy teeth and gums for life. She enjoys every aspect of her job and says her focus is to provide clients with durable and beautiful work. In her spare time, she and her husband Mal love to spend time with their young son, Ryan, and to travel and cook. Mahitha completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2007 and NZDREX in 2009. She says dentistry is her passion and has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry. After living and working in Hawkes Bay, Mahitha and her husband Sarath, who is an oral health therapist and hygienist, cannot wait to move up to Warkworth and start the new practice.

Amy Wagstaff

“I see high demand here too, and the market is still moving rapidly. “There are also more families moving to the area, especially in areas with good, affordable housing, such as Warkworth, Leigh, Snells Beach and Wellsford.” Amy grew up in Indiana in the US and studied sales and marketing, but soon realised she didn’t want to be stuck behind a desk and started working in real estate. After meeting her Kiwi husband, she moved to New Zealand 11 years ago. “I love it. I would never go back to live in the USA.” Amy wants to increase the business’s community support. Roughly one per cent of all commissions go into the Harcourts Foundation fund, which is given to community projects four times a year. Visit harcourtsfoundation.org to apply.

Neigh-bourhood? Time for a change of

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OPENING IN MAY

RIVERSIDE DENTAL Call Seena 422 3214 or Mahitha 425 7997 to secure an early appointment Unit G, 11 Neville Street, Warkworth

Warkworth Office 09 425 7889 Snells Beach Office 09 425 4950 Tandem Realty North Licensed Agent REAA 2008

businessfeature

26 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

Five years in business Definition

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment defines a small business as one employing fewer than 20 employees.

Living the self-employment dream Small businesses form the backbone of the NZ economy, representing 97 per cent of all business enterprises and employing 30 per cent of all Kiwi workers. But as anyone who has started or bought a business knows, it is not for the faint-hearted. The selfemployment dream can quickly turn to a nightmare when long hours are only rewarded with escalating bills and little sign that a healthy work-life balance will ever be achieved. According to Statistics NZ, of the enterprises that started in February 2014, 85 per cent survived their first 12 months. However, in the longer term, only around 27 per cent of enterprises survived to celebrate their first decade. The 10-year survival rate varied significantly across industries – 36 per cent for financial and insurance services at the higher end, and 18 per cent for information media and telecommunications at the lower end. The sectors employing the most people are retail trade, health and professional services – combined, they

employ 27 per cent of all workers. In a snapshot from Statistics NZ taken in February last year, for every 100 enterprises in New Zealand, there were 12 start-ups (births) and 11 closures (deaths). Sole traders (with zero employees) reported the best work/life balance, with a 55 per cent satisfaction rate. On the following pages, we’ve talked to some local entrepreneurs to see how they have travelled through their first five years in business.

Resources at your fingertips There is a wealth of information online to support small business owners. Here’s a few to start with: business.govt.nz This is a great site for employers who want to check that they are meeting their HR responsibilities. There is also information on what a new business is required to do by law, as well as tax and finance tips. nzentrepreneur.co.nz/resources This site provides an index to a range of information and content, from around NZ and overseas. cab.org.nz The Citizens Advice Bureau does a great job of giving people advice on a whole host of issues, including what financial assistance a small business may be entitled to and where to go to find out more.

bizbuzz.co.nz Who better to give advice on small business than small business owners? This site curates information, resources and tools from Kiwi business owners. theshapeofmoney.co.nz Again, this site is a helpful directory of where to go to find what you are looking for, with an emphasis on the

Small enterprises need good HR systems Being small is no excuse to be sloppy, shabby or unprofessional. I regularly see business owners at the five-year point either enjoying growth with outstanding performance and results, or struggling to grow the business and not really enjoying their work. With this latter group, there are some common themes in their systems and processes. Often they have one or all of the following: • No human resources (HR) plan to sit alongside the business plan • Poor hiring and termination processes • An inability to deal with low and poor performance quickly • Poor communication systems with employees, suppliers and customers • Find legal compliance an obstacle to getting the business done This clearly wastes a huge amount of time and money, but fortunately, it does not take huge amounts of time and

A professional and commercial approach to providing human resource knowledge and expertise. Call Joy Paxton of People + People for help with: • HR planning & policy • Business growth or downsizing • Employee retainment • Training & development

financial side of running a business. ird.govt.nz There is no avoiding tax so you may as well be well informed on what your responsibilities are. There’s a dedicated section for businesses and employers which covers receiving income, GST, employing staff and doing business overseas.

• Recruitment & redundancy • Employee conﬂict & resolution • Wage & salary guidance • Health & Safety programs/audits

Contact Joy Paxton on 425 6459 or 0274 815 155 joy@peoplepluspeople.co.nz • www.peoplepluspeople.co.nz

By Joy Paxton

money to change the way these practices are managed. Just as every big business started out small, and grew through their management, development and implementation of systems and processes, a small business can easily achieve this growth and success by adopting this approach. A professional look and feel to the business is paramount. Successful big businesses look and feel professional and if your business is not professional, perhaps it is amateur? Let’s remind ourselves that professionals are paid handsomely and amateurs are not. Time restraints are a real drain on small business and as the business grows, owners need to plan for a future that frees up their time. This could involve accessing outside advisers. Joy Paxton provides a wide range of human resource services to growing and successful local business owners. This is her ninth year in business locally.

businessfeature

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Café Q Warkworth Peter Quinn and his wife Trisha opened Café Q in Riverside Arcade on March 30 2010 after three weeks of renovating. They currently employ four people but there can be up to six when needed. Peter works around 65 hours a week, then does the paper work when he gets home. How has business been? Business has been steadily increasing each year, with a customer base continually growing. We have been really lucky to see the growth in the business each year. It’s great to see customers appreciate all the effort and time you put in. Would you have done anything differently? No, we are really happy with how things have run from day one! The size of the business has stayed the same, the premises are too small to expand. In terms of future expansion, there may be something in the pipeline. What keeps you motivated? Happy returning customers, as it often isn’t easy getting up at 4.15am every day! A love of cooking also helps, as well as working in a small staff team. Being a chef, you are always striving to send out the perfect meal, whether it be perfect poached eggs or a steak sandwich, you just want it to be the best. In 10 years time I would like to think the business will still be going strong under

new ownership! What have been the biggest challenges? Each business is different but I have found trying to attract skilled staff has been a challenge. I have been lucky that I often can keep good staff in the job once they start working for me. There have been times when I have been advertising and no-one has applied for the role. That can be both challenging and stressful! What advice would you give to someone starting a business? If you are looking at starting up or buying into a café, you should do your homework and research first so you can see what you can add to the market. I also think business owners need to be prepared to change and adapt when necessary. It’s great being part of a small business community. We have been extremely lucky to have such loyal supportive customers, family and friends.

Riverside Arcade, Warkworth |

425 7034

Neil Taylor Cabinetmaker & Design, Warkworth Neil Taylor opened his business in Glenmore Drive in May 2011. He now employs five staff and works around 60 hours a week. How has business been over the past five years? Business has been good with our name and brand getting better known. Have you expanded? We have been growing/expanding at a steady and controllable rate. I think we could be bigger than we are now but I like the size we are because it means we can easily control the standard of work that goes out the door and it gives the clients a more personal touch. Over the last five years, we have been upgrading our machines to larger and newer technology as needed. What keeps you motivated? Client satisfaction and the variety of work we do. I really enjoy putting ideas on paper with a client and then turning these into reality. It’s great bumping into past clients down the track and hearing how happy they are with

the work we did for them. We take customers from design to installation on all their interior cabinetry needs, and we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and client satisfaction. Where do you see your business in 10 years time? I see a bigger team and I see us showcasing more of our products and services in a larger showroom, while still producing great quality cabinetry. Any advice for a new business owner? My advice for someone thinking of starting out would be to make sure there is a need for what you propose to sell and go for it. It’s not always easy, but it will be rewarding. Looking back at what you have achieved over the years is a great feeling.

neiltcabinetmaker@xtra.co.nz | 425 7071

True West Horsemanship, Warkworth True West Horsemanship opened in February 2011. It is owned by Ben and Natalie Longwell. Ben was originally from Colorado, while Natalie was born and raised in Matakana. Ben and Natalie employ a horsemanship apprentice. They normally work around 50 hours a week but have learnt when it is time to ‘shut off’. They have three children under five so put value and priority on family time and try to not have work cross over into this time. How has business been over the past five years? Steadily growing and expanding. When we started Ben just did horse training (breaking in and problem solving) and training clinics (teaching people how to communicate with their horses). We now do clinics all over NZ, import high quality Western and Vaquero horse tack, and take an escorted ranch tour each year, where we take a group of Kiwis to experience life on a working cattle ranch in the US. Would you have done anything differently? I am sure there are little things we would change, but you are always learning from your experiences and we believe you shouldn’t live life looking back with regret but learn from your mistakes and move forward with greater knowledge. “The horse knows...he knows if you know...he also knows if you don’t know.” - Ray Hunt Our business is not just about educating horses, it’s about educating people as well.

• Horse Training • Training Clinics • Problem Solving

• Colt Starting (breaking in) • Private Lessons • Leadership Correlations

We run different Horsemanship Clinics across NZ and also have private lessons available for horse & owner at our training facility. We owe it to our horses to always be upskilling and learning a better way to communicate!

What keeps you motivated? Passion for what we do in teaching both horses and people. It is more than just a job – the horsemanship and being a cowboy is a way of life. What do you believe are the biggest challenges for Mahurangi businesses? The government rules – the new, huge health & safety law could be crushing for a lot of small businesses if they start doing random inspections and fining people. Also, the taxes are quite high for people starting off in business – they don’t make it easy and helpful for people to start their own business. What advice would you give to someone who might be thinking of starting their own business? Research all the pros and cons and the market you want to enter. Find a great mentor who you respect and can learn from. Be prepared to work hard.

True West Horsemanship Authentic Trust Based Horse Training & Clinics

Training and lessons at our facility just 10min west of Warkworth

Ben Longwell: 021 178 2891 or 09 422 5030

www.truewesthorsemanship.com

ben@truewesthorsemanship.com | 021 178 2891

businessfeature

28 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

ECM Signs, Warkworth Leigh Sheehan opened his doors for business around the end of 2010. He normally works around 59 hours a week and employs one part-timer.

ever growing place. Provide friendly service is the best advice I can give.

How has business been over the past five years? It’s had its up and down for sure, but I’ve just worked through it.

Where do you see your business in 10 years time? I see myself growing bigger with more staff and providing the best service we can offer to make it the best experience there is.

In hindsight, would you have done anything differently? I would have just worked harder. I’ve expanded and I am planning further expansion which will involve more staff, a bigger place and more in-house production. What keeps you motivated? Happy customers and doing the best I can. What have been the biggest challenges? Keeping the small community feel in this

Do you have any advice for someone else starting a business? Trust yourself, don’t be afraid to fail, don’t listen to negativity, give back and work your ass off.

leigh@ecmsigns.co.nz | 021 466 692

Beaurepaires, Warkworth Brendan and Michelle Woolley opened their tyre repair workshop in Mill Lane in November 2011. They both work in the business and employ four staff. Brendan works 10 hours a day during the week and around four hours on Saturday.

has it over large corporates.

Why do you think you have been successful? I’m a real stickler for quality and we really care about people’s safety so we make that extra effort to help people. You also have to make sure your prices are competitive.

Are you planning to expand? I don’t want to talk too much about that yet, but it is increasingly difficult to logistically manoeuvre big trucks into our workshop because we’re sandwiched between two of the worst intersections in Warkworth. So we’re looking at this, but we’re also aware that being in central Warkworth works for us. It’s very convenient for customers to be able to drop their cars off and go shopping.

What keeps you motivated? I’m probably a pretty motivated person naturally. I believe in doing things right and getting things right. I guess you’d say I’m fussy and I like to do a good job. I like being hands-on in the business and it really bothers me when perhaps we don’t get things quite right. I think the fact that the owner is there to take responsibility for what’s happened is where small business

Any advice for someone starting a business? Get your systems right and try to get the right people. We have struggled at times to attract good staff and it’s only getting harder as house rental prices rise. As you get older, you cope better with the ups and downs of business because you know not to panic when things don’t go quite according to plan.

How has business been over the past five years? Ridiculously busy. There was only one guy working in the business when we bought it and it was pretty rundown. We’ve doubled our turnover every year. It’s been phenomenal. When we took over we changed the shop around, replaced a lot of the gear and put in a waiting room.

14 Mill Lane, Warkworth | 0800 489 737

Fresh Café, Warkworth Gaye Rowland bought Fresh Café in Warkworth in July 2011 and carried on with the wide range of food the previous owner had been offering. She employs a cook, Leona, plus three after school students who help close up. Extra part-timers are taken on over summer. Gaye estimates she works about 55 hours a week in the shop, doing book work and other administration work at night or on weekends.

What keeps you motivated? Our customers keep us motivated. It’s great to hear their feedback when Leona tries a new recipe and many of these have become favourites. We’re lucky to live and work in such a great community.

How has business been over the past five years? Business has shown steady growth over the years.

What do local businesses need to do to prosper? Parking and traffic are two of the main issues that spring to mind. Council is talking about a population in Warkworth of 20,000 but the roads are already choked. We have one loading bay in front of the shop but it is constantly being used by shoppers.

What have your learnt? It’s hard work, very tiring but very rewarding when customers return saying thank you. In hindsight, would you have done anything differently? No, not really. We’ve adapted as we’ve gone along. When we started, my husband didn’t see the sense of offering gluten free, but just as well we did because it’s huge. Leona regularly changes the menu options and what’s on offer in the cabinet and on the specials board, and that’s important. Everything is homemade and we cater for all tastes and every appetite, small to large. We’ve made a point of keeping the price competitive.

Any advice for someone starting a business? Do your homework, talk to people in the know and don’t start another café! Warkworth needs diversification. There are lots of things missing such as a good men’s shoe shop or a baby and children’s wear shop. We just want to say a huge thank you to our regulars who continue to support us throughout the year. If you haven’t been in yet, come in and say “hi” and have a browse.

Argyll Angle, Warkworth | 021 173 3822

businessfeature

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Mike Pero, Mahurangi Andrew Steens and Angela Wain were one of the original five franchisees to sign with the Mike Pero brand in June 2011. Their office was the first in the country, opening in November of that year. They both work in the business and now have nine licensed salespeople plus four administration staff, two of which are also licensed. Angela normally works 60-70 hours, while Andrew does about 50-60 hours. How has business been over the past five years? Outstanding, it’s just gone from strength to strength. We started as the smallest and newest agency in town, and now we are the leading agency by number of properties sold each month. Knowing what you know now, would you have done anything differently? I think we could have opened the Warkworth office a bit sooner, but we were a bit hesitant about expanding so fast. Otherwise, it’s all gone to plan. We have had a fast and continuous growth rate going from one little office in Point Wells and adding offices in Warkworth, Wellsford and Mangawhai. We now expect the business to mature and the growth rate to slow down. We are currently looking at opening one more office and that will probably be it. We recently sold our Mangawhai office to one of our staff (Alan Corkin), which was a satisfying experience and they are doing well also. What keeps you motivated? For Angela, it’s providing absolute top class service and results for our clients. For me, it’s all about marketing, strategy and competition. Fortunately, our different roles in the business match these different motivations. What do local businesses need to do to prosper? It’s about service, service, service! Being so close to a major city there is a lot of competition from other

businesses within and outside the area, so unless the service you provide is the best in the business, you’re going to get sidelined by someone better. Where do you see your business in 10 years time? We’re not getting any younger and these days real estate needs people who are seriously tech savvy, energetic and focused, so over the coming years we’ll gradually sell the other offices and wind back to just Point Wells again so we get some quality of life back. Any advice for someone starting a business? Just go for it! Seriously, make sure you have enough capital to keep yourself afloat for at least 12 months. Then as quickly as you can, hire or contract people that make up for your weaknesses. We love doing business in the best part of the country, in the best country in the world!

warkworth.mikepero.com | 425 8935

Bill Holden Design and Landscape, Snells Beach Bill Holden started as a landscape contractor in Ellerslie, in 1987. He moved to Rotorua in 1998 and then Snells Beach in 2010 where he has operated as a landscape designer and project manager. He has employed up to 12 people, but now sub-contracts and passes work on to other landscaping businesses for implementation. He works an average of 30 hours a week, plus about 12 to 15 hours administration and travelling time. How has business been over the past five years? I have seen steady growth in my turnover, which at the close of the 2016 tax year, has almost doubled since 2011. I have adapted modern marketing techniques, (excluding Facebook and Twitter), by establishing a good website and maximising search engine opportunities. Belonging to reputable organisations such as LIANZ and the GDSNZ, and utilising Linked In and Google Adwords through Yellow, has made a significant difference to my exposure over the internet. Would you have done anything differently? I have found in the past that size did not work for me as a landscape designer. I can deliver much better personal service and a better product by keeping my business small. In the early 90’s I engaged two excellent designers to handle and increase turnover, but I spent more time ‘putting out fires’ than enjoying the process of creating good landscaping. What keeps you motivated? I am motivated by sharing my clients’ pleasure,

while helping them realise the potential of their living spaces – and being paid for it! The biggest challenge for Mahurangi businesses is finding the best ways to capitalise on the current growth in the region. Ensuring delivery of high quality service and product, as well as keeping up with modern marketing techniques will always assist a business to prosper and thrive. There is nothing more satisfying than visiting a garden that has reached maturity, knowing we had a hand in creating it. But a good garden will always need some level of maintenance, and even then, will never last forever. We like to think that our clients will be back for repeat business when the time comes. Where do you see your business in 10 years time? I see my business pretty much where it is now – assisting people by creating great landscaping solutions for their properties. Any advice for someone starting a business? Starting a business requires knowing your product, assessing your market and your competition, and having a good accountant.

info@designandlandscape.co.nz | 425 4009

our patch

30 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

MANGAWHAI

our patch

MANGAWHAI LOCAL NEWS: Investment rebounds from development doldrums One of the first things a new visitor to Mangawhai notices is that there are two Mangawhais – the ‘Heads’, traditionally the destination for holidaymakers and the ‘Village’ where the locals shop, educate their children and socialise. Property investors took a hammering in Mangawhai during the global financial crisis, but the area’s proximity to Auckland and enviable lifestyle meant it was never going to be in the development doldrums for long. Real estate agents are careful to avoid the word ‘boom’ but describe the investment mood as “very, very buoyant”. Last month, Kaipara District Council received 17 building consent applications from Mangawhai, worth just over $4.4 million. While Council said it would take too long to provide building consent trends, its Annual Report records that there were 139 new connections to the Mangawhai Community Wastewater Scheme in the last financial year, and continued steady growth was expected. Overall, residential building in Kaipara was up 23 per cent during the same period. As development expands, the

Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads Residential dwelling sales

Lifestyle block sales

Year

Count

Sale Price (Median)

Year

Count

Sale Price (Median)

2005

415,000

2005

2006

417,500

2006

2007

410,000

2007

452,500

2008

405,000

2008

397,500

2009

396,250

2009

2010

394,000

2010

2011

345,000

2011

330,000

2012

381,000

2012

320,000

2013

390,000

2013

357,500

2014

142

433,500

2014

345,000

2015

194

489,500

2015

337,500

Note: Where there were less than 10 sales in a period, median sales prices are not reported. In February 2016 there were less than 10 lifestyle block sales.

challenge is to protect the natural character and environment. The Council acknowledges that increased subdivision has already had a detrimental affect on the on-going sedimentation and siltation of sensitive environments such as the estuary. The District Plan calls for better linkages between open space areas, the coast

and reserves, questions the long-term viability of light industry on the main arterial entries to the town and recognises that any commercial intensification of the Wood Street business area will require provision of car parking and better traffic management. Barfoot & Thompson agent Mike Hutton says the phenomenal growth,

particularly in the past six months, means the area is crying out for better infrastructure including a supermarket. “The cheapest time to buy a section in Mangawhai was yesterday,” he says. “Sections that cost $80,000 two years ago are now on the market for $190,000 and I don’t see any reason for that trend to change.” Mike says interest from buyers is for both the village and the heads. “The days of the village being the poor cousin are well and truly over.” Not surprisingly, the bulk of enquiries are coming from Aucklanders, who are cashing up on the extraordinary prices being paid in the city. The median sale price for Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads was $489,500 in 2015 which is 25 per cent higher than the median sale price in 2013, with the number of sales during this period increasing by 108 per cent. REINZ data from February this year alone shows the median sale price for the region at $587,500 for 16 sales. This is an increase of 20 per cent in the median sale price compared to the median sale price for the region in 2015.

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our patch

xxxfeature MANGAWHAI

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

LOCALS TALKING

Hine Timoko

Samantha Parkins

Lyn Johnston

I moved here from the Waikato eight months ago to help the new owner of the Mangawhai Tavern. I love the place and intend to stay. It’s so much warmer than the Waikato and the people have been very welcoming. There is one thing I would do to improve the place though, I’d get rid of the mangroves. I’ve signed every petition in town calling for them to be gotten rid of.

I moved here from Auckland when my partner got a job in Mangawhai and love it because it reminds me of Beachlands where I grew up. I think Mangawhai needs to find ways to overcome the seasonal fluctuations so that workers have more security in their jobs. We’ve also noticed that rents are starting to creep up, which makes it hard to save.

We’ve been holidaying in Mangawhai for 13 years, but moved here permanently three years ago when we found a house by the sea. It’s a great community and a nice place to start slowing down. If there was one thing I could change, it would be the continuing negativity by a small group. It’s getting boring. I think they made a good point, but it’s now time to move on.

Kathy Lancaster Family brought me to Mangawhai last year, but now that I’m here I don’t think I will ever want to leave. People are friendly, there’s lot to do and places to explore and the lifestyle is relaxed – what’s not to love!

TOWN STATS •

•

At the time of the 2013 census, the usual resident population of Mangawhai was 1329, which is an increase of 411 people, or 45%, since the 2006 Census. There were slightly more women (678) than men (648). The population is getting slightly older with 25% of residents aged 65 years and over (18% in 2006). 18.5% of

• •

residents are under 15 years. Most people own their own homes (77%) and the median weekly rent paid was $300. Most people identify as European, with nearly 12% identifying as Maori or Pasifika. Just over 22% of residents were born overseas, mostly in the UK or Ireland. This compares to 13% in the Kaipara district.

•

20% of people aged 15 years and over have never married, 58% are married, and 21% are separated, divorced or widowed. Additionally, 33% of those who have never married, live with a partner. The median income is $21,900, although just over 18% of people have an annual income of more than $50,000.

•

77% of people aged over 15 years have a post-school qualification, compared with 69% in Kaipara. Just over 20% have no formal qualifications, down from 30% in 2006. There were 579 occupied and 315 unoccupied dwellings in 2013. Statistics NZ

our patch

32 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

MANGAWHAI

The Mangawhai Museum is a new and modern museum that celebrates life around our harbour from building ships to building sandcastles. The stories are told with a wonderful collection of graphics, displays and videos that will keep you interested and engaged. So allow plenty of time!

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Our Displays - Maori Battle, Niagara Shipwreck, Endangered Birds, Mangawhai Harbour + more

Molesworth Drive,Mangawhai Heads Open 10am - 4pm

09 431 4645 mangawhai-museum.org.nz

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194 Molesworth Dr Mangawhai Heads

09 431 5656

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Explore the Tanekaha Walks *

*Up to $70 value. Terms and conditions apply

Mangawhai Midwife Kate Rankin Member of NZ College of Midwives. Over 20 years experience

Keeping Birth Natural: I promote natural active birth, unmedicated Babies, gentle birthing, water birth, woman-centred care, breastfeeding, baby-led parenting, attachment parenting, Natural Health. Birth facilities attended: Birthing at home, Wellsford & Warkworth Birthing Units and Whangarei Hospital

Give me a call and see me for a chat about your needs on 027 671 1011 Available Wednesday afternoons at Kakariki Health and Wellbeing, Bennetts Complex, 52 Moir St Mangawhai

Winding through the foothills of the Brynderwyn Ranges and through farmland, regenerating bush and along streams and waterfalls, the Tanekaha Walks are a complete experience for those looking for a dose of kiwi-country. There are a number of options, ranging from a two-hour return trek up to the Taniko waterfalls, through to a four-hour loop up the Brynderwyns. The tracks start at 300 King Road, about 3km from the Cove Road turnoff and about 6km from Mangawhai Heads. It is not well sign-posted, so it’s best to use GPS or keep your eyes peeled for the small sign signalling the turnoff. From the carpark, the track traverses farmland before a swing-bridge guides

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you into the forest, filled with nikau and maturing natives. The waterfalls are about a 30-minute walk from the bridge. With water cascading down a cliff into an idyllic pool, this is also a great swimming hole on a hot day. The track crisscrosses upstream and involves some boulder-hopping, before arriving at a second waterfall, cascading down a series of cliffs. From there, the more determined can continue up to the Brynderwyn Ridge Track, with views stretching out along the coast and continue on the loop back to the swing-bridge. The track is relatively easy going, but can be muddy so is best avoided after rain.

Name game The name Mangawhai comes from early Maori who referenced the area for its “stream of the stingray”. The ray emblem can be seen in local art works, on wine labels and most recently, the stunning design of the Mangawhai Museum. • River highway River trade made the Mangawhai district important to the north with cargo of kauri gum and logs being shipped from the estuary to Auckland. Shipbuilding began in the 1830s and continued until the 1900s. The river was a busy highway until the rail reached Kaiwaka around 1913. • Mining Sand mining began at the Mangawhai Harbour entrance prior to 1940. In 1978, the collapse of sand dunes, believed to be caused by sand mining, closed the harbour for five-and-a-half years. From 1993 to 2004, sand was commercially suction-dredged from the sandbars of Mangawhai Heads. In 2004, the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society won an Environment Court decision to stop the issue of new licences. The companies such as McCallum Brothers, reapplied to the Auckland Regional Council for resource consent but the application was turned down in 2005. Sources, Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ

our patch

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

MANGAWHAI

GETTING CREATIVE

Terry McDell Consultant

New gallery showcases creativity Art plays an integral role in the community culture and spirit of Mangawhai, with many professional and amateur artists living permanently in the area. Last December, the area’s first community exhibition space opened in the former museum in Moir Street. Staffed by volunteers, the space is quickly establishing itself as a much sought after venue for small-scale exhibitions. Mangawhai Artists Inc president Jan Grover says the gallery is fully booked for the year, with shows changing about every two weeks. The beach and coastal environments are a strong influence in the works on show. But the group hopes the small gallery will be just a stepping-stone to a purpose-build complex, on land near the museum. “Developing the concept plans takes considerable time and resources, but we are quietly pursuing it,” Jan says. “A dedicated complex would enable us to utilise the expertise of the professional artists and retired tertiary level tutors who live in Mangawhai to run school holiday programmes and recreational classes. “But, for the moment, we are content with our new little gallery.” The group also runs two art trails a year – in autumn during the Walking Weekend and on Labour Weekend –

e: terry@wynyardwood.co.nz m: 021 850 540 p: 09 422 2190

Nicky Everett outside the new gallery space in Mangawhai, where her dry point collage is currently on show. She moved permanently north from Auckland 18 months ago and believes the relaxed lifestyle in Mangawhai, as well as the space, encourages creativity.

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and 18 artists are also involved in a permanent Arts Trail, which is run by appointment.

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health&family

34 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

health&family



L I V I NG W E LL

Gently does it for severely injured GP Sally Marden

Local GP Dr Tim Malloy has taken his first tentative steps back to work in Wellsford after a life-threatening quadbike accident left him dangerously ill in late January. Dr Malloy was trapped under the bike for several hours and suffered multiple broken ribs, a collapsed lung, burns to his abdomen and serious nerve and muscle damage to his left leg while mustering sheep at his property near Ahuroa. He was flown to Auckland Hospital by helicopter where he remained in the critical care unit for two weeks and on a ward for a further week. Last week, after two and a half months recuperating at home, he returned to Coast to Coast Health Care in Wellsford, the main medical centre of the chain of six practices he owns and runs with his wife, Nancy, Tim, a former NZ Rural General Practice Network chairman and the current president of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, says he will be taking things very gently at first, working half days and seeing just a few patients. “I’m testing myself out to see how I

Dr Tim Malloy: long-time advocate for rural health issues suffered an all too common rural accident.

go,” he says. “I’m doing pretty good, my injuries are improving quite nicely – I can breathe comfortably most of the time, unless I walk too fast, my burn is scarring quite nicely. I continue to have problems with my left leg. I don’t have control of my left foot and there’s loss of control and of muscle in parts of my left leg. And I can’t sit for long periods, but despite all that, I’m improving from where I was.” Dr Malloy says his recovery has been helped by the “unbelievable” amount of support from the local

community and beyond. “It’s just been amazing; I’m very humbled by all the support I’ve received, locally, nationally, professionally and even internationally,” he says. “I’m just blown away by the support I’ve had in my own community – people have come up and hugged me. “It reinforces the work you’re doing to try to get better, and it makes it all a little bit easier.” Dr Malloy admits he’s not always the most patient and likes to keep people on their toes, but he is endeavouring not to rush his recovery. “I made a promise to myself that I would take my time. I’m not going to do too much too soon. It’s better to do a good job,” he says. “I haven’t got set expectations, it’s more about remaining flexible.” He says that after seeing his first few patients since the accident he wondered briefly what he was doing back at work. “But it was good to think about other people and their pain, instead of myself. It was good for me, as well. “I hope that things improve sufficiently that I can get back to my previous situation.”

Support for Plunket

Warkworth Warehouse Stationery store manager Richard Jansen and Wellsford Plunket chair Tania Hamilton and her son Scott.

The Warehouse Stationery has thrown its support behind the Wellsford Plunket renovations, donating a new printer to the service. The Plunket is currently going through a growth period, with more young families moving to the area and an active Plunket committee driving new projects. Warkworth store manager Richard Jansen says supporting the community was a high priority for the store and the company.

Milford Eye Clinic Warkworth Branch

Affiliated Southern Cross Healthcare provider

• Dr Michael Fisk • Dr Brian Sloan • Dr Jo Koppens • Dr David Squirrell • Dr Rasha Altaie • Dr Nadeem Ahmad

Serving the eye needs of North Shore and Rodney for over 35 years

Phone/fax: 09 425 7002 Email: admin@mahurangivision.co.nz

Purpose-built eye consulting rooms in Warkworth. Surgery available at Rodney Surgical Centre or Shore Surgery, Milford, as appropriate. For your convenience consultations available at Milford, Red Beach and Warkworth.

• Milford Eye Clinic, 181 Shakespeare Road, Milford • Coastcare, Red Beach Shopping Centre, Red Beach

Sarah Denny, Optometrist

• Warkworth, Unit 3, Warkworth Health Centre, Cnr Alnwick & Percy Streets, Warkworth

For all appointments phone 09 422 6871

health&family

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Homebuilders

Liz Cole, Homebuilders family support worker www.homebuildersfs.org

Life happens Sometimes we have an expectation that our relationships, finances, family, friendships, health and life, in general, should be a particular way. But life happens and life involves many things beyond our control. Unexpected events happen that shake our world. As parents we are required to continue parenting through these times and this can be difficult as we may be facing our own challenges while trying to meet the needs of our children. Children often express their distress through their behaviour. If they were able to understand and then verbalise their feelings, they might be able to express what they need. But children are ‘doers’ and they ask for their needs to be met through behaviour. When they are scared or upset, they may become clingy, quiet or act out-of-control. This is the child expressing that they don’t know what to do with how they are feeling. Concepts described in The Circle of Trust (circleofsecurity.com) are helpful for children of all ages. There are some things you can do to help minimise the impact of unexpected events on your children. To begin with, start by making sure you talk with other adults who can help you to trust in the future. You need loving, steady support for yourself so you can be emotionally available for your child. Be in charge. Don’t start allowing your child to make decisions they wouldn’t have made in the past. It is reassuring for children when you are setting the boundaries. Be kind and use your calm, gentle voice and understand your child is not being ‘naughty’; they simply need your help and presence. Continue to have routines as they provide your child with the reassurance of predictability. Sit down and simply just ‘be’ with your child. It is very soothing for children to have their loved adults with them. At Homebuilders, we have many ways we are able to support you and your family. This includes our Chrysalis Programme, which is designed especially to support children during those times when life events or change is overwhelming. We can also provide Family Support which is an experienced support person with a wide range of skills who can come to your home, or meet you at our centre, to help you work through any difficulties. So if you want support for yourself or your child please ring us on 425 7048 or pop into the office (9am-noon, Monday to Friday). All our services are free and we want to support the families of our community.

skin @ Concerned about a mole? Suffer from skin cancer? Skin Cancer Clinics at RSC. No referral necessary. World class care without the need to go to Auckland.

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info@rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz 09 425 1190 or 0800 425 007 77 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

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www.rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

36 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

NZ Dance Company coming to Mahurangi After sell-out shows in Germany and Holland earlier this year, the New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC) is bringing its latest performance to Mahurangi College Hall on May 6 at 7.30pm. Lumina was performed at the prestigious Holland Dance Festival in January and received standing ovations in Germany, filling 1000-seat halls. NZDC founder and artistic director Shona McCullagh lived in Leigh for nine years and still spends weekends at her Mahurangi home and insisted Mahurangi be included in the short North Island tour. “Smaller communities in New Zealand have the right to see high quality work by national performers,” Ms McCullagh says. “Because of my affiliation to the area I thought we could make it work. I’m really excited to bring a work of this calibre to Mahurangi.” The Mahurangi show will be the smallest on the tour and follows a sell-out NZDC performance at the hall in 2013. The work has been developed by three choreographers – two from NZ and one international – and features contemporary music by Paddy Free from Kiwi electronica group Pitch Black, Eden Mulholland and Phoenix Foundation drummer Chris O’Connor. “My provocation to the choreographers was to create a work that illuminated an intersection with light. The result is

Expect plenty of improvisation when the Jelly Rolls play in Warkworth.

Music trio rolls into town

Lumina is based on the interactions of light, using lighting and audio-visual technology to make a dynamic experience. Photo: John McDermott

a visually dynamic show which is the culmination of stunning light design and audiovisual design, interfaced with technology. It’s very accessible and has great music from contemporary composers. “Light is like a character in the work. One of the three performances,

called Brouhaha, includes audiovisual projections dancing along with the live dancers, creating an intersection of the two forms.” Shona started the NZDC in 2011 and the company has had three international tours in the past three years. Info: nzdc.org.nz/node/lumina-tour/

Ticket giveaway Mahurangi Matters has a double pass to giveaway. Write your name and number on the back of an envelope, post to Lumina Competition, Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth or email editor@ localmatters.co.nz with the subject line: Lumina. Competition closes April 27 2016.

The Jelly Rolls jazz group will perform a collection of songs from George Gershwin and Cole Porter at Mahurangi College on Saturday April 30 at 4pm as part of a New Zealand tour. The trio formed in Wellington in 2011 and is made up of a pianist, drummer and bassist. They have performed with Auckland’s Creative Jazz Club, at the Tauranga Jazz Festival and on Radio New Zealand’s live series A Short History of Jazz. They released their first album in 2014 called Sneaky Weasel, which made way for a tour of the North Island last year. Warkworth will be the last stop on their current five-stop tour. Group member Ben Wilcock says jazz is increasingly popular in New Zealand’s larger cities and the key to engaging a live audience was improvisation. Tickets can be purchased on the night – adults $30 and students free. Info: Beverley 425 7015

Kowhai Singers present

FAURÉ REQUIEM & Songs of Celebration Brahms - Finzi - Holst - Parry - Ritchie - Vaughan Williams

Friday 6 May 7.30 pm Church of Sts Peter & Paul, Puhoi Saturday 7 May 4 pm Mahurangi Presbyterian Church, Warkworth Tickets $20 from Not Just Hats Maria's Florist or at the door

Warkworth & District Museum Last chance to visit the Warkworth & District’s Museums World War 1 centenary display Running until May 31st If you haven’t visited make sure you come soon! Adult $7 • Child $3 (6-16 years) • Child under 6 FREE Family $15 (2 adults + all Children) Open 7 Days, Monday to Sunday 10am – 3pm Eftpos available.

Warkworth & Districts Museum. Parry Kauri Park, Tudor Collins Drive (Off Wilson Road, Warkworth)

www.kowhaisingers.org.nz

Ph:Parry 09 425 | Email: Kauri7093 Park, Tudor Collinswarkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz Drive (Off Wilson Road, Warkworth) Ph: 09 425 7093 | Email:www.warkworthmuseum.co.nz warkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz | www.warkworthmuseum.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Shadze

LIST NOW COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Keeping locals in touch with locals

Warkworth

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LEASE EXPIRED We are moving to

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localmatters.co.nz/communitydirectory

James Kenyon

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www.martinsbayholidaypark.co.nz 0800 624 7275 or 09 425 5655

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campervan four years ago. The Melbourne-based musician is touring his new single, The Motorbike Song, which will be on his second album Imagine you are Driving, to be released in July. “I’m really happy with it. It’s the album I’ve wanted to make for a long time. “Lyrics are really important for me and I’m interested in how you map your emotions through geography, and a lot of songs involve driving and moving through landscape and reflecting on life.” His first album The North Pole was critically acclaimed and he won the inaugural The Age Stage Award and has been short-listed for the Vanda and Young Song contest. No stranger to Kiwi music, James has played with NZ musicians Marlon Williams, The Eastern, Aldous Harding and Tiny Ruins at gigs and festivals in Australia.

After travelling the length of New Zealand on a 20-date tour in a “lowslung people mover”, a group of Australian musicians will play their tour finale at the Leigh Sawmill on Sunday May 1, at 5pm. Folk-Americana singer-songwriter James Kenyon will be accompanied by double bassist Luke Richardson and Matt Dixon on pedal steel guitar, while “coastal-folk” troubadour Monty Bevins will open the show. At the end of the month-long tour they should be well rehearsed. “We will be humming by then,” James says. “It will be a bloody great show. Luke and Matt are both classically trained musicians, and the sound we can get with that instrumentation is really interesting. I think people interested in odd approaches to music will love it.” James says it is the biggest tour he has undertaken and he planned the trip after travelling the South Island in a

Coastal countryside camping with all powered sites • Family cabins • onsite caravans • tourist flats • Great walks • playgrounds and BBQ areas

Folk tour finale at Sawmill

Ticket giveaway Mahurangi Matters has a double pass to giveaway. Write your name and number on the back of an envelope, post to James Kenyon Competition, Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth or email editor@localmatters.co.nz with the subject line: James Kenyon. Competition closes April 27 2016.

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localmatters.co.nz/businessdirectory

‘It’s ‘It’s common common sense’ sense’ Questions & Answers after the speech Authorised by Tracey Martin MP, Parliament Buildings Wellington

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

38 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

Quality Used & New Book Orders & Gift Vouchers Contemporary & Classic Fiction Stockists of Seedling Kits + Toys All Your Holiday Reading Needs 15 Neville St, Warkworth • Phone 09 425 8521 admin@unicornbooks.co.nz • Find & like us on Facebook

Warkworth Music presents

THE JELLY ROLLS

The sound of joy, wild unbounded exuberance Jazz Trio – Bass, Piano and Drums

SATURDAY 30th April at 4pm Mahurangi College, Warkworth

Adults $30 • Students Free • Info. Ph 425 7313 or 425 7015

100 % Scholarships For students entering Year 9 next year The Ministry of Education have released a number of ‘Aspire’ scholarships for 2017 to enable students from lower-income families to attend private schools such as Wentworth College in Gulf Harbour - Rodney’s only private school. Recipients receive free tuition at Wentworth not just next year, but for the remainder of their schooling with us. FANTASTIC SUCCESS RATE -

In previous years, 1 in 3 applicants have won a scholarship. Applications close on 13 May 2016. For more information please phone Gail Clews.

09 424 3273

enquiries@wentworth.school.nz

www.wentworth.school.nz

Local dancer Brandon Lewis dreams of a career performing on stage.

Dancer eyes stage career A Warkworth boy will find out if he has the lead role in the NZ production of the West End musical hit Billy Elliot this month. Brandon Lewis, aged 12, has been dancing “since he could walk”. The Mahurangi College student has made it through two stages of auditions and will participate in a three-day intensive audition session starting April 22 before a final decision is announced. “I get nervous at the beginning of each audition but once I get into it, it’s just like another dance class,” he says. Brandon was originally just looking for audition experience when he put his name forward for the part of Billy Elliot, but now that he has made it through the initial stages, he believes he can get the part. In preparation, his weekly routine consists of 13 hours of dance

including ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop and tap. Plus, he visits the gym to help develop the strength necessary for ballet and he does singing lessons for the role of Billy Elliot. Brandon says his dream is to make dancing his career and he would like to be in the Identity Dance Crew. But his mother Sonya says that at this stage, it is just a matter of taking the opportunities that arise. Brandon says his mother has been a huge help, teaching him ballet, and Andrew Cesan of Identity Dance Crew who teaches him hip-hop and tap. Brandon recently performed at the Auckland Arts Festival after doing a workshop with the New Zealand Dance Company. He has also featured on Breakfast to talk about dance.

Kowhai Singers perform ‘masterpiece’ Warkworth’s community choir, the Kowhai Singers, is holding concerts in Warkworth and Puhoi next month. The choir will perform at the Puhoi Catholic Church on Friday May 6 at 7.30pm and at the Warkworth Presbyterian Church on Saturday May 7 at 4pm. It will feature the popular Faure Requiem, with a full organ accompaniment and soloists Beverly Hicks and Peter Cammell. The second half of the programme will be songs of celebration, but sung to different settings. Let All The World, Jerusalem, and Brahm’s favourite How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place contrasting with choir favourite, Song of Hope. Written by Kiwi composer Anthony Ritchie, it commemorates the heroic efforts of volunteers as they rescued victims of the Wahine disaster. The music is dramatic and triumphant. Tickets are $20 and are available from choir members, or from Not Just Hats, Maria’s Florist, or on the door.

rurallife

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Briefs Farming health safety day

and

A free one-day workshop on leading health and safety change on farms is being held by the Agri-Women’s Development Trust in Whangarei on Tuesday April 26. Protecting Your Team aims to give participants the confidence and knowledge to create a positive health and safety culture for farming families and employees. There are 16 places available and morning tea and lunch will be provided. Info: awdt.org.nz or 06 377 4560 Buyer Gay Hutton says there is no shortage of markets for New Zealand possum fur.

Industry demand encourages hunters Ben Donaldson news@localmatters.co.nz

The purchase of possum furs at the Warkworth Farm Centre every fortnight contributes to a New Zealand industry, which makes $130 million annually. Dawson Furs located in Whakatane, who have been operational since 1978, are currently chasing an order for just over two tonnes of fur to export to China. Fur is mixed with merino wool there and processed into garments. Buyer Gay Hutton, from the Waikato, says the attraction of the fur for clothing is that the fibres are hollow and warm, as discovered by Dawson Furs in the late 1980s. Sellers made a profit of $110 per kg of hand plucked fur and

$105 for machine plucked on March 9. What was sold that day came from as far as the South Island where possums have more fur, according to Kaipara Flats hunter Sarah Thoroughgood. Gay says the business would like to process more fur in New Zealand but that the market is too small. Dawson Furs has also branched into the pet food market, mixing possum meat with other ingredients. Gay also purchases carcasses at Warkworth to be used in the feed, which is sold through a major supermarket chain. Every two weeks Gay is guaranteed to collect between 300kg and 600kg of bodies from Kaukapakapa, at a price of $1.50 per kg.

She says the price for both fur and bodies can fluctuate. Warkworth contributes about half of the total weight she buys in Rodney. “There are a couple of full time hunters, but for the rest of the sellers it’s a hobby, with most of the animals hunted on farms.” The business has experienced strife in the past. In 1994, their exportation of 400,000 possum skins a year was stopped due to animal rights opposition. Currently, possum fur sales are legal in New Zealand as confirmed by CITES who have determined which animals can be exploited since 1989. Fur and carcasses can be sold at the Warkworth Farm Centre twice a month. Info: Gay Hutton 027 6122 933

New chapter for Tapora library The Tapora Library has been reopened just in time to receive its $500 funding from Auckland Council. Liz King, who has lived in the area for three years, will open the library every second Monday, from 11am to 1pm, with the help of others. The small community of about 200 people previously struggled to find volunteers, causing it to miss out on $518 in the 2014/15 Council rural library grants. The library had to open by this month to collect the latest grant. It currently holds a range of books including fiction, non-fiction, reference, maps and cooking titles. Every three months the selection is topped up with 100 books from Wellsford Library. Tapora School has its own key and can use the library as it wishes.

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2-4 Morrison Dr, Warkworth | 09 425 7754 | Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8am-1pm | farmandlifestyle.co.nz |Don’t forget to “LIKE” us on Facebook!

rurallife

40 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

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I am busting to tell everybody about the “other” male in my life. Hahaha...no guys, nothing that juicy and exciting, it’s just my rooster. Now I have always had my girls (hens) as there is nothing better than fresh free-range eggs. But I IS IS THE LIFE obtained my rooster about three years ago purely for the “cock-a-doodle-do” BX2370 COMBO factor. I am a chronic early riser and so is my rooster, he starts his wake-up call U CAN RELY ON TO • 23hp compact tractor THIS IS THE LIFE around 4.45am and that suits me just perfectly (although he also crows in the • 54” mid mount mower deck B DONE FASTER LITY YOU CAN RELY ON TO middle of the day and all other hours of which I have always found quite odd!) • Front loader (not shown) T THE JOB DONE FASTER So anyway, for a very long time, along chugged the most perfect relationship $19,500+GST* between an early rising housewife and her cockerel. BX25 TRACTOR/LOADER/BACKHOE +GST* Now I am going to run the risk of sounding completely naive and daft here, only $23,500 BX2370 COMBO but the thought that roosters did anything other than crow never really crossed BX2370 COMBO • 23hp compact tractor my mind (I must have thought baby chickens just dropped out of the sky or • 23hp compact tractor • 54” mid mount mower • 54” mid mountdeck mower deck something!). That was until that fateful day when I was out in my veggie garden • Front (not shown) • Front loader (notloader shown) raking leaves when I witnessed what surely would be described as a criminal +GST* +GST* $19,500 offense in any civilised society. Hearing an awful ruckus in the chook yard BX25 TRACTOR/LOADER/BACKHOE $19,500 BX25 TRACTOR/LOADER/BACKHOE I looked up to view my rooster violently trying to (how can I say this in a only $23,500+GST* only $23,500+GST* “G” rated format?) copulate with one of my girls. Feathers were flying along with deafening cackles and his razor sharp talons in full view. So incensed at TO his terrible behaviour I flew into the chook yard, rake in hand, adorned with R oversized gumboots, and chased that little bugger within an inch of my life! Over the slippery grass and into the adjoining paddock I went, must have looked completely ridiculous and it was an epic fail of a mission anyway. So I slept on his behaviour that night and woke up thinking I had the perfect L4600 TRACTOR r er deck solution to hisfor wicked copulating ways. I rang the vets in Wellsford the next day +GST* add a loader $2,000 wn) so excited about my steely resolve and asked ‘is it possible to de-sex a rooster without losing his ability to crow?’ Funnily enough there was a lengthy, polite BX25 TRACTOR/LOADER/BACKHOE L4600 TRACTOR and awkward silence on the end of the phone followed by a short ‘no, not really only $23,500+GST* add a loader for $2,000+GST* Mrs Cotton!’ ‘Dammit’ it, I thought, there goes that brilliant idea. WITH EVERY NEW BX, B and L SERIES So now I keep a very watchful eye on my rooster. I mean, I sympathise with my FREE WEBER Q L4600 BBQTRACTOR girls. I wouldn’t want him flapping and carrying on all over me either. I don’t +GST* EVERY BX, B LaSERIES PromotionWITH valid until 30th AprilNEW 2016 *Tractor andand attachments must befor purchased in the same transaction to get the special pricing as noted. add loader $2,000 ** Finance available on all B, BX and L series tractors. Based on 20% deposit and 36 monthly repayments. Normal lendingwant terms and apply.but he just didn’t cut it in the looks department! He is very toconditions be mean, overweight, has many feathers missing, a chunk out of his red thingy on top of his head, big warts and growths all over his feet and his toenails need clipping! Your local Sales Contact: FREE WEBER Q BBQ 0274 430780 Richard Wallington So my rooster stays and so does my plastic rake at the front of the chook run. WITH EVERY NEW BX, B and L SERIES richard.wallington@norwood.co.nz Why do I keep him you ask? Well I keep that ‘master of the harem, the boss of the chicken boudoir’ primarily because, without him, in a power outage I will Norwood Farm Machinery Centre 85 Adams Dr, Pukekohe d attachments must be purchased in the same transaction to get the special pricing as noted. ors. Based on 20% deposit and 36 monthly repayments. Normal lending terms and conditions apply. L4600 TRACTOR have no alarm clock and if I was to be honest, he amuses me ever so slightly!

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rurallife

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Animals

Stephen McAulay, Veterinarian/Intelact Farm Consultant www.vetsonline.co.nz/wellsfordvet

Winter feed planning

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Pasture budgeting through the late winter period is an important consideration to start planning for in the autumn. A local dairy farmer, who used to live next door to a lifestyle farmer who was an accountant in their real life, commented that he ‘couldn’t believe that an accountant couldn’t understand that you need to divide something up before there is nothing left’. This is good advice and is essentially how large farms cope with winter grazing. Available pasture feed needs to be rationed so that the stock don’t eat all the available feed and then have nothing to eat. Reducing stocking density is a useful tool to use to reduce feed demand. Literally, six horses eat twice as much feed per day as three horses. Most farms would reduce the number of animals carried on a property through the winter in anticipation that the grass will grow slower and, hence the total amount on farm will reduce as the winter progresses. Peter Van Soest was the famous American ruminant nutritionist credited with creating the measurement of fibre content of grasses and relating this to digestibility, ADF & NDF. He suggested in his text (Nutritional ecology of the ruminant) that to be a good nutritionist, one should also become a good agronomist. Gaining an understanding of how pasture plants grow through the different seasons of the year, how moisture affects this growth (both too little in summer and too much in winter), when the pasture plants go through their reproductive cycles (producing seeds), how different fertilisers (especially nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and sulphur) enhance pasture growth and how animals grazing pasture affects the plants regrowth potential, will help farmers feed their animals better. Grass has a natural growth cycle which slows down dramatically when the ground temperature is low, so target 60-day pasture rotation through the coldest months June/July. Contrast how well grass grows in the spring/early summer and autumn, when the ground temperature is warmer, so target 28-32 days pasture rotation. The low soil temperature slows down the chemical reactions which occur in the soil that convert soil minerals into plant available forms. Lower mineral availability leads to lower plant growth. Sunlight hours change how well plants grow. This effect is noticeable when comparing south facing hill faces to similar topography facing north. The north facing land grows more plant material. This sunlight effect compounds the slow growth through the winter months. The toughest time to feed ruminants on all grass systems is in late August/ September. Fertiliser applied in the autumn will improve the pasture growth at this time. Fertiliser needs time in the soil to undergo chemical reactions before it is plant-available and the plant will physically change in size and composition during this time. Many people see the availability of grass now and think that they can avoid the expense of fertiliser, forgetting the natural changes of winter and the changing stock feed demands will change the feed availability picture.

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We provide: • Care for all your veterinary needs.

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localsport

42 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

New lighting for local sportsfields

Puhoi swimmer makes splash Ben Donaldson news@localmatters.co.nz

After joining his school swim team at Kingsway to fill spaces, Puhoi resident James Donovan is making his mark at swimming carnivals around New Zealand. At seven, James could only swim freestyle. Now 11, he has won medals in butterfly and breaststroke, and recently won gold in the King of the Bays kids ocean swim. As a result, he has been selected for the Jetstar Super Swim Squad, which will mean he will attend an end of season training camp with top swimmers and coaches. Ocean swimming is fairly new to James who joined the Orewa Surf Club in summer. “Living in the country, I never swam in the sea,” James says. In the pool he has enjoyed many great results

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including silver medals at last year’s New Zealand Junior Swimming Champs. James trains at Coast Swim Club, Northern Arena in Silverdale, with his coaches John Gatfield and Steven Kent, most days of the week. So far he has had a good start to the 2016 season winning 21 medals across various competitions. He has also picked up five golds from last year’s Auckland Junior Championship, five golds from the Anthony Mosse Classic and five golds at the Northern Zone Junior Champs. “He is small for his age so has to work hard to get results and is very passionate about the sport,” his mother Roz says. James is currently recovering from a foot and hip injury. He also plays hockey and soccer, but would like to be a professional swimmer. “I really look up to Michael Phelps,” he says.

Lest we forget...

Anzac Day services Where

Event

Start

Kawau Island - Service at Kawau Island Boating Club. Leigh - Service at Leigh Cemetery. Matakana - Service at Matakana War Memorial. Wellsford Parade assembly 5:45am, 1 Point Albert Rd. Service at RSA, 1 Olympus Rd Wellsford. Warkworth Civic Parade and Service First parade assembly 5.45am Warkworth RSA. Service at War Memorial, Church Hill.

Service Service Service Parade Service

12.30pm 11.00am 10.00am 6.00am 8.00am

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James Donovan recently won gold at the King of the Bays Ocean Swim on the North Shore.

Floodlighting that has been on the cards for Wellsford Centennial Park since 2010 is finally being installed in time for the winter season. The $190,000 standard metal halide lighting scheme was originally part of a Rodney District Council project to improve facilities at the sports ground, and the design was completed and put out to tender in late 2014. However, installation was later pushed back a further year to give Auckland Council time to upgrade an existing switchboard at a cost of a further $45,000. Grant Jennings, manager sports parks, said the upgrade is now nearing completion, but added it does not include upgrading existing floodlights on an adjoining field, which is to be completed “at a later stage”. Meanwhile, new experimental LED lighting planned for Warkworth Showgrounds is due to be installed and running by the end of May. The new sportsfields have been chosen as the pilot for trialling LED lighting for all Council sports fields. The project is expected to cost of $580,000. “LED lighting has a lower running cost than conventional lighting but it is a relatively new technology for sports field lighting, and the capital outlay is more expensive,” Mr Jennings says. “We expect to learn a lot from this pilot project as sports field technology is still in its infancy and there is a limited choice of high quality products.” He added that the type and strength of light generated by LED and the long lead-time for the delivery of components would make it impractical to redesign the Wellsford scheme at this time. Meanwhile, temporary floodlighting is being installed at the Warkworth netball courts at the Showgrounds until the LED installation is complete.

For more details about services near you, please go to aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/anzacday or phone 09 3010101.

localsport

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

sportswrap... With Mahurangi Matters sports reporter Ben Donaldson TOTALSPAN RODNEY PROUD SPONSORS OF

ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

SCOREBOARD THE scorEBoArD A roundup of sports activities and events in the district

Mahu Ex netball player Corinne Irvine finds the hoop at Wellsford’s Centennial Park.

Grassroots to grown-ups Senior netball Rodney Senior netball at Rodney caters for players from year nine upwards. The seniors play on a Friday night at the six court venue at Centennial Park Wellsford. The competition consists of two round robins, followed by semis and finals, with six grades running last year and between six and eight teams in each grade. Teams come from as far south as Puhoi, and as far north as Maungaturoto, with sides from Kaipara Flats, Matakana and Warkworth among others in the draw.

with 28 teams now competing in the age group, which last year had 18. After players finish the futureFERNS programme, they move into a junior section for years six to eight, where matches with standard rules are played on a Saturday morning. Juniors can also enjoy events during the season with a weekend tournament on May 29 and a dress-up tournament with plenty of prizes on July 9. Lynette says the netball taster day was very busy and that with the new modified format in the junior game the players seemed to love it.

Junior netball Rodney

The Oldfield Shield

The Rodney Netball Centre caters for players aged from year one to year eight who compete in two groups. Year one to five students are placed in a programme called futureFERNS, which was introduced to the area in 2014 by Netball New Zealand. The new formatting of the junior game has been rolled out over the last three years starting with just years one and two, and now with year fives getting a taste. Where most sports have modified rules for young players, netball didn’t, Rodney Netball president Lynette Gubb says. The modified rules include lowered hoop heights, shorter courts and smaller teams to ease the players into the regular game. It’s this programme that Rodney Netball coordinator Debbie Mason believes has contributed to the rise in youth netball numbers in Rodney

Umpires needed

Both juniors and seniors compete in the Oldfield Shield competition. The one-day competition involves four teams representing Kaipara, Hibiscus Coast, Northern Wairoa and Rodney. They play in age divisions for a combined points total. The competition location used to rotate but due to its central position, the Rodney Netball Centre has become the sole venue for the shield contest. The Rodney Netball Centre is looking for more umpires to officiate at games, from junior to senior level. President Lynette Gubb runs a programme called Kiwi Whistlers to train girls year seven to nine on how to officiate a netball game. They then get to umpire games throughout the season with a more experienced umpire watching over them and giving them advice.

a Roundup of spoRTs acTiviTies in THe disTRicT Kaiwaka sports awards The 2016 Kaiwaka sports awards evening will be held at the Kaiwaka Sports Complex on April 27 at 6.30pm. This year there are 29 nominees and anyone is welcome to attend. Info: Cheryl 027 346 2702 Rodney netball umpires The Rodney Netball Centre is looking for past or current netball umpires with a reasonable amount of experience to look over kids aged year seven to nine training to officiate games. Info: Lynette 021 116 8437 Warkworth football management Warkworth Football Club is currently looking for two people to manage the midget sides ages 4-5. This would involve helping set up at trainings and monitor coaching on Thursday at 3pm and games on a Saturday between 8am and 10am. Info: Cameron Grey 021 168 8773 Mahurangi East Badminton Junior badminton will be starting at the Mahurangi East Community Centre, Monday May 2, from 6.30pm-7.30pm. Ages eight and over welcome. Adult’s badminton is still welcoming players. Games at the Mahurangi East Community Centre, Monday, from 7.30pm-9.30pm. Info: Sue Chittenden 422 7021 Rodney/Otamatea junior rugby Junior teams in the Rodney/Otamatea rugby competition are still welcoming players. This includes Wellsford, Paparoa, Tomarata, Kaiwaka and Maungaturoto. Info: Alan 021 998 048.

ToTalspan Rodney List sports news FREE by emailing 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 news@localmatters.co.nz waRkwoRTH TOTALSPAN RODNEY pHone 09 422 3149 229 STATE HIGHWAY 1, WARKWORTH PHONE 09 422 3149

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April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

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For ideas and advice about our windows and doors talk to us.

BICYCLE MECHANIC

Shimano approved Fully equipped workshop Road Bikes Mountain Bikes Full Suspension BMX Bikes Parts & Accessories Matakana Bikes | 09 423 0076 Now located at Matakana Country Park, 1151 Leigh Road, Matakana info@matakanabicyclehire.co.nz

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46 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

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HORSERIDING

A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/Simpson dryers. Same day service 09 423 9660 or 021 168 7349.

DRY SPLIT FIREWOOD Pine - $150 2m3 delivered. Hot mix - $200 2m3 delivered. Ph Chris 425 8575 or 021 0256 4273

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APPLIANCE REPAIRS

RAWLEIGH Products. Ph Pat 423 8851 PLANTS Quality groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Large and small grades. Wholesale direct to the public. Contract growing and pre-orders welcome. Liberty Park Native Tree Nursery, 90 Jones Road, Omaha 09 422 7307. MAHURANGI COLLEGE GIRLS LEATHER LACE-UP SHOES Brand new Size 8.5. UK brand Kroten. $90. Photo avail. Ph. Anna 09 431-4288

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0800 747 928

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MAUNGATUROTO 2ND HAND SHOP may be interested in buying your garage sale goods. Buying tools and furniture now. Phone 09 431 8440 or 021 125 1576

HOME MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENT CARPET REPAIRS, RE-STRETCHING ETC. Any small jobs. Phone Gavin09 425 5918 or 0274 106 631 GARDENING Organic methods. Phone Lisa - 022 072 8648 HANDYMAN Small jobs, gardening, rubbish removal etc. All jobs considered. Phone or txt Dave - 022 015 4032 HEAT PUMP INSTALLATION Phone Mark 0210424764 - Registered Electrician PLUMBER Semi retired for small jobs. Point Wells 09 423 0193 or 027 490 2054

localmatters.co.nz

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

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$4.40 inc GST per line or $11.20 per/cm inc GST for boxed adverts.

HOME MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENT

SITUATIONS VACANT

LAWN MOWING rubbish removal, hedges, small tree removal. WW & beach areas. Ph Jeff Hatfull 027 425 7357, 425 7357 PLUMBER Maintenance work. New tap to new house. Matakana based. Ph Steve 027 494 5499 PLUMBER Semi retired for small jobs. Point Wells 09 423 0193 or 027 490 2054 WATER PUMPS Low water pressure? Get it sorted. Sales, service and installation. Work guaranteed. Steve 09 945 2282 ww.aquafilter.co.nz. WATER FILTERS Underbench filters & whole house Ultra violet filters – Kill and remove ecoli/bacteria. FREE site visits. Ph Steve 09 945 2282 or visit www.aquafilter.co.nz

Holiday Park Assistant / Cleaner - Whangateau Come join the team at Whangateau Holiday Park - Kiwi camping as it should be, right on the water's edge in North Auckland's most beautiful recreational region. You will provide a high standard of cleaning across all areas, interacting with the public as you go about your day. You will need good customer service experience with a smiley happy personality. Duties will also include reception, customer service, administration, guest bookings, cash handling etc. To be successful in this role, you will have experience in commercial/ residential cleaning, customer service experience, the ability to work in a team and unsupervised, basic computer and strong communication skills. To apply for this job, please visit our website: https://careers.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz enter the job code 80707.

PUBLIC NOTICES

BINGO, BINGO, BINGO!

Come and join the fun, 1st Monday of month, Old Masonic Lodge, Baxter Street, Warkworth, 7pm. Proceeds to Warkworth Museum.

THE LOCAL VOCALS CHOIR INC. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 12 May, 6pm Wellsford Community Centre All Welcome Bring a plate. Followed by community singing. Info: singlvc@gmail.com

TV SERVICES & SALES

REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON REQUIRED As a result of our continued success, we are currently seeking a Real Estate Salesperson to join our fantastic team. United Real Estate is a third generation, boutique agency and we pride ourselves on being Warkworth’s longest established real estate business. United Real Estate is proud to be independent. Our team actively support each other and as a result our dynamic team is encouraging and friendly. An attractive package is available. We are proud to offer you a great working environment, marketing and sales training and personal development. If you are a self-starter with a passion to be the best, come and join us. We look forward to meeting you. Steven Postlewaight 09 425 7949/021 883 848 or urew@xtra.co.nz

WANTED CARETAKER/HANDY PERSON/ HANDS-ON PROPERTY MANAGER Are you a responsible, hard working person that loves the outdoors, enjoys projects and has an eye for detail? A lifestyle property located on the outskirts of Warkworth requires a full-time hardworking grounds-person/caretaker to manage & maintain 15 acres of well manicured grounds to a park-like standard. Please send your CV to: caretakerakl@gmail.com WORK WANTED

TUITION

TV SERVICES Aerials, Dishes, Freeview sales, installation and service. Extra outlets serving the area for 18 years. Phone Gavin 027 476 6115.

REID EQUESTRIAN ENGINEERING, Wellsford. Float rebuilds, horse truck conversions, etc. Dog kennels made to measure. Quality work. Ph Ron 423 9666

MARTIAL ARTS Build confidence, discipline and fitness while learning Martial Arts. Self defence, forms, and Weaponry. Kids, Teens and Adults of Warkworth/Wellsford all ages males and females. Matakana Budget Service primary school hall. Tuesdays and The deadline for classified Thursdays 5:30-7pm We can help you sort your finances advertising for our May 4 edition URLRynne 021 Closing Ph Shane 959 073 date For free confidential budget advice by:_______________________________ With: _______________________________ tested: checked: isDate:_______________________________ April 26 2016 phone 423 7123

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localmatters.co.nz/communitydirectory

48 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

localmatters.co.nz

NEWSLETTER

MAHURANGI COLLEGE ISSUE 02: April 2016

from the

Principal

David Macleod

to thank Mrs Johnston and everyone who was involved during the planning stages and on the day. Special thanks must go to the L2 and L3 Hospitality students who, under the guidance of Mrs Enefer, prepared and served a delicious and healthy lunch for all those involved.

At the school swimming sports held in February, a number of school records were broken. Laurens Bubbert, Samara Shore and Chantelle Allen each broke one record, and Vincent Bubbert broke six longstanding, Senior Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; swimming records.

Dear Parents and Guardians Tena Koutou Katoa

Our 2015 NCEA results were again very pleasing, particularly at Level 3 and University Entrance:

Vincent Bubbert (closest) broke 6 school swimming records

Recently the American Ambassador to NZ, Mark Gilbert, visited our college and spoke to some of our senior students in the school library. He is a former professional baseball player who went on to do well in corporate finance, becoming Senior Vice-President of Goldman Sachs, and he was Deputy Finance Director for President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successful 2008 Presidential campaign. He spoke about his three most inspiring Presidents and then spent some time taking questions from the floor.

The American Ambassador to NZ taking a selfie of himself with some of our Senior students.

Mahurangi College was pleased to host our inaugural Health Expo on Friday 1st April, targeting key mental and physical health areas identified by our students. The key purpose was to provide students with information, the opportunity to ask questions and to have a better understanding of the many agencies in the area geared to provide support to our youth. We would like to take this opportunity

Congratulations to our Senior Mixed Touch team who again won the North Harbour competition and the Auckland zone day, qualifying for Nationals which will be held after NCEA exams at the end of the year.

And congratulations to Red House on winning the much coveted interhouse haka competition, with Siu Hepoto as their haka leader.

The Red House Deans and House Captains with the Inter-House Haka Trophy

Term 2 starts on Tuesday 3rd May and we are looking forward to another productive and successful term.

David Macleod, Principal

localmatters.co.nz

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

NEWSLETTER

Celebrating Student Successes... Year 8 Camp 2016 The first week of March saw the Year 8 students at Mahurangi College camping at Tawharanui Regional Park, as part of their unit of study, Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship). The students went snorkelling, discovered creatures in the rocky shore, were challenged to take part in paddle boarding, explored the native bush, worked with TOSSI planting the next generation of trees and searched the wetland for Takehe. All that in just 2 days. We conquered the wind, the rain and the heat, had great fun and all went home exhausted. Thanks to all of the parents and Year 12 student leaders that helped during the camp, without you we would not be able to complete all of the activities with our students. A special thanks to EMR for taking the students into the ocean snorkelling, to Pete James for providing a horse float to transport our gear, Cat Railey for collecting salt ice from Leigh and Adam Ashleigh at Leigh Fisheries for providing the ice. A huge thank you to Mahurangi Technical Institute and Kim Lee for the loan of their marquee, without which we would have been washed away! May the adventures long continue! Debbie Hamer

An evening photo of our students camping at Tawharanui

School Athletics Records 2016 At the school athletics championships held in February seven school records were broken, including the longstanding Senior Boys’ 100m by Josh Shirley. The other record breakers were Sean Wilcox, Titere Bura, Tioti Robertson, Pale Vaotangi, Ella Bartlett and Korotaake Tebuoki. At the North Harbour Athletics Championships, held in March, our students won 27 medals, including 7 North Harbour titles, 3 to Tonya Botherway who won the Senior Girls Triple Jump, Long Jump and 100m. Brianna Cadwallader won the Intermediate Girls 400m and came 3rd in the Triple Jump; Sam Cadwallader won the Senior Boys 800m, Sean Wilcox the Junior Boys Long Jump, Some of our medal winners from the North Harbour Secondary School Athletics with our school coach and Jay Morris the Senior Boys Discus. Mr Ganley.

Achiever of the Month: Jacob Bindon Presented by Lynn Lewis, Retail Manager at Mega Mitre 10 Warkworth

• Academic Blue for Excellence NCEA Level 1 • Member of Sports Academy • Member of Senior Mixed Touch Team, which came 2nd in the Nationals in December 2015 • Member of First XV Rugby Team

Proudly Supporting Mahurangi College

WARKWORTH

Corner Woodcocks Road & Mansel Drive, Phone 425 8119

localsport

50 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

Courtside Warkworth Tennis & Squash Club president Kaye Jackson

From left Halle, Katy and Zali are team mates at Warkworth Football Club and will all complete in the M Sports Cup in July.

Warkworth footballers lace up for Sydney Ben Donaldson

Three girls from the Warkworth Football Club will compete in the M Sports Cup in Sydney in July. Katy Gothard, Zali Taylor and Halle Gravatt, all aged 12, have been training with the Northland Football Federation where they were selected for the tournament. The competition will see them go up against some of the top youth players from Asia and Australasia. In preparation, the girls are training weekly at the QBE complex in Albany. They also have the experience of Katy’s father Paul Gothard to call on. Paul, who is the goalkeeper coach for the All Whites, coaches the girls on Thursdays. Katy, originally born in England, has

football with the Warkworth club when she was six. Like Halle, she is another defender who loves tackling her opposition and getting stuck into the game. She says the team environment is very intense but everyone communicates well and off the pitch they are all friends. She thinks playing in a stadium will be a real challenge but “exciting” and she sees this trip as being very important in her football life. Mr Gothard says women’s football is becoming more popular in New Zealand thanks to the Football Ferns and he believes that there is a good development pathway for female players locally. “Having Katy play in Australia will be a very proud moment,” he says. The tournament will be held at Valentine Sports Park, from July 12 to 14.

been playing the game since she was three years old. She plays a mid-field role and says it would be her dream to play for the national side in a world cup. “I always get nervous before a match but can’t wait to play in Sydney,” she says. Halle began playing for the Warkworth midgets side when she was five. Her dad was her first coach but she says he didn’t know a lot about the game because he was always a rugby person. She normally plays as a centre back and loves tackling other players knowing she has perhaps prevented a goal against her side. Halle says she is looking forward to playing sides from other countries as it makes her feel like a professional and she can’t wait to get on the pitch before a match. Zali, born in Sydney, started playing

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Matakana Marine Seawatch Auckland Area Sea Watch

The Warkworth Tennis & Squash Club have finalised all their championship events for the season. This year’s singles champions are Warren Burton and Margaret Kinder. Warren defeated defending champion Jono Boundy, 6-1, 6-2, which is pretty amazing considering Warren has had very little tennis this season. Meanwhile, Margaret defended her title having a great match against Monique Genet, 7-5, 3-6, 6-1. Doubles winners were the defending champions David Theyers and Murray Billington, defeating Blair Martin and Rick Notley 6-4, 6-0. Ladies champions were Keiko Pogoni and Robin Denton who defeated Sue Bigwood and Tracy Kemp 6-4, 6-2. Mixed doubles winners were Robbie Blair and Monique Genet, defeating Murray and Bev Billington 6-4, 4-1 retired. The junior club champs are still in progress, and the juniors are looking forward to commencing squash next term. Squash runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 3pm-4pm for primary students and 4pm-5pm for college students.

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6:07am 3.0 12:33am 0.9 1:13am 0.8 1:52am 0.8 2:29am 0.8 3:07am 0.8 3:47am 0.8 4:28am 0.9 5:11am 0.9 5:59am 0.9 12:46am 3.0 1:40am 3.0 2:37am 3.0 3:37am 3.1 4:35am 3.2 5:33am 3.3 12:06am 0.5 12:14pm 0.9 6:52am 3.0 7:33am 3.1 8:12am 3.1 8:51am 3.1 9:28am 3.1 10:07am 3.0 10:46am 3.0 11:28am 3.0 12:13pm 2.9 6:50am 0.9 7:45am 0.9 8:43am 0.9 9:43am 0.8 10:41am 0.6 11:38am 0.5 6:29am 3.5

Tide 6:39pm 3.0 12:56pm 0.8 1:36pm 0.8 2:13pm 0.7 2:50pm 0.7 3:27pm 0.7 4:05pm 0.8 4:44pm 0.8 5:26pm 0.8 6:12pm 0.9 1:03pm 2.9 1:58pm 2.9 2:59pm 3.0 4:02pm 3.1 5:05pm 3.2 6:04pm 3.4 12:33pm 0.3 7:01pm 3.5 7:05pm 0.9 8:05pm 0.9 9:08pm 0.9 10:11pm 0.8 11:10pm 0.7 7:22pm 3.1 8:02pm 3.1 8:40pm 3.2 9:17pm 3.2 9:54pm 3.1 10:32pm 3.1 11:13pm 3.1 11:57pm 3.0 Times 6:50am 5:49pm

Sun Fishing Guide Moon

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Full Moon Set 4:39am Set 5:33am Set 6:27am Set 7:21am Set 8:15am Set 9:09am Set 10:02am Set 10:54am Set 11:43am Set 12:29pm Set Rise 4:54pm Rise 5:25pm Rise 5:58pm Rise 6:32pm Rise 7:09pm Rise 7:49pm Rise 8:33pm Rise 9:22pm Rise 10:14pm Rise 11:11pm *Not for navigational purposes.

Good Fishing

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www.tidewiz.com

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Last Quarter

1:13pm Rise 12:11am Rise 1:15am Rise 2:20am Rise 3:28am Rise 4:38am Rise 5:49am Set 1:55pm Set 2:35pm Set 3:13pm Set 3:53pm Set 4:33pm Set 5:16pm www.tidespy.com

www.ofu.co.nz

Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd.

For the latest wind and swell information for the Auckland area, go to: www.tidespy.com/?place=3005

MATAKANA MARINE AUTHORISED MERCURY AGENTS

Phone 09 422 7822 • Email sales@matakanamarine.co.nz • www.matakanamarine.co.nz

FULL MOBILE SERVICE AVAILABLE

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

what’s on

April

See What’s On at localmatters.co.nz for a full list of upcoming events

Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre holiday programme, ‘Rock Pool Art’, 10.30am-12.30pm and ‘How do sea snails find food?’, 1.30pm-3.30pm 21 Royal memorabilia exhibition and party to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, Couldrey House, Wenderholm Regional Park, 1-4.30pm. $5, cash only. Info: Carolyn 027 548 8238 or reid.caro@gmail.com (see story p24) 21 Warkworth A&P fundraising auction for 150th show next year, Bridgehouse, Warkworth, 5pm 22 Jimi Hendrix Tribute show, Ascension Wine Estate 22 Winston Peters, Shoesmith Hall, Warkworth, 12.30pm 22 Wellsford Combined Probus Club AGM, Wellsford RSA, 10am. Guest speaker, Major Denise Millner who served with the NZ Army. Info: Bev Davidson 423 9552 24 Hausmusik presents Imported from Italy, Baroque chamber music concert, Matakana Village Hall, 5pm 24 Puhoi Farmers Market, Puhoi Domain, 9am-1pm. Ethnic Day – Celebrate Puhoi’s diverse cultures. Info: 0274 27 0440 24-29 National Secondary Schools Sailing Championship, Algies Bay 25 Whangateau Folk Club, featuring the Pipi Pickers, 7pm. $5 25 Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre holiday programme, ‘3D Life Cycles’, 10.30am-12.30pm and ‘Mussel Dissection’, 1.30pm3.30pm 26 ‘We Will Remember Them’, Mahurangi East Library, 10am2pm. World War 1 artifacts and photos, plus heritage research resources. Info: 425 6541 (see story p21) 27 Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre holiday programme, ‘Rock Pool Art’, 10.30am-12.30pm and ‘How do sea snails find food?’ from 1.30pm-3.30pm 28 Forest & Bird, Warkworth Area Branch AGM, Totara Park Hall 7.30pm, followed by the first talk in the winter series, ‘Moths & Butterflies of NZ’, presented by Robert Hoare. Info: Sally Richardson 425 0161 28 Old Wellsford Library information day, Old Wellsford Library, 11am to 2pm (see story p7) 29 Free business seminar, RightWay accountants. Info: 0800 620 813 30 Transport for future urban growth consultation, Old Masonic Hall, Warkworth, 2pm-5pm. Info: at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks 30 Wellington jazz trio Jelly Rolls, Mahurangi College, 4pm. Info warkworthmusic.org.nz 30 Pearl Harbour at the Pipi, 1940s-themed fundraiser for Mangawhai Cadet Unit, Smashed Pipi Cafe, Moir Street, Mangawhai, 6.30pm, $15. Info: Pip 021 657770 (see brief p6)

May

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Live Day & Garage Sale, Warkworth & District Museum, 10am2.30pm. Info: 425 7093 Weed amnesty day, Warkworth Showgrounds, 10am-2pm Singer/songwriter James Kenyon, Leigh Sawmill, 5pm Old Wellsford Library management meeting, 5pm to 7pm (see story p7) New Zealand Dance Company performs Lumina, Mahurangi College, 7.30pm. Book through iTICKET Kowhai Art and Craft open day, Warkworth Showgrounds, 10am-2pm. Info: Merryl Houghton 09 425 6722 Kowhai Singers concert, Puhoi Catholic Church, 7.30pm (see story p38)

List your event directly on our What’s On calendar at localmatters.co.nz/whatson or email to editor@localmatters.co.nz

April 20, 2016 Mahurangimatters

Part of the largest Liquor Chain in NZ

WINTER

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52 Mahurangimatters April 20, 2016

localmatters.co.nz

Greener grass for Warkworth Football Cade Hansen takes a corner kick as trainings begin on the upgraded Shoesmith surface.

View a video online at localmatters.co.nz

Ben Donaldson

After waiting seven months for the turf at Shoesmith Domain to be upgraded, Warkworth footballers can finally experience the new pitches for themselves. The fields, which usually cater for seven-a-side football over summer, have been out of action since last September as the fields were being upgraded due to drainage issues. For the past two seasons, games and trainings have often been cancelled because of the condition of the grounds. Alternative venues have been used such as the Bourne Domain at Kaipara Flats, the Warkworth Showgrounds and the fields at Whangateau. Auckland Council decided to upgrade the domain under their renewals programme, which sees surfaces updated every eight to 10 years. The initial cost was struck at $374,000, but the final cost was $400,000. Former player Grant Dixon says the Shoesmith turf was last redone over a decade ago and was one of the best in Auckland at the time. He hopes the recent work will see it return to that standard again.

The work has involved renewing the sand carpet, and drainage and irrigation on fields one and two. The sand carpet has also been extended to the training area next to the clubrooms. Grounds manager Kyle Deans says the fields have been re-grassed in couch rather than rye because it will handle a lot more wear. This is the same surface as the Warkworth Showgrounds. Even with the fields re-opened, all Warkworth senior teams, except the women’s, will continue playing at other grounds in the area. Only junior sides can use the turf while it is still establishing. It will be one more summer before all football can resume at Shoesmith Domain. Former club chairman and All Whites goalkeeper coach Paul Gothard says the new fields will be a massive thing for the club moving forward. “The surface is top class and Council has done a great job in getting the fields ready for the start of the season,” he says. Paul hopes the surface is treated well over the coming months so the fields remain in good condition in the future.

Goal keeper Alfie Lewis in full flight after taking off from the new turf.

For a full range of family health care, including A&M services in an integrated system 24 hours per day, across our region, including public holidays For further information and new enrolments, please contact any of our clinics Wellsford 220 Rodney St (Cnr. SH1 & Matheson Rd) 09 423 8086 ALSO AFTER HOURS Snells Beach 145 Mahurangi East Road 09 425 6666

Matakana 74 Matakana Valley Road 09 422 7737 Mangawhai 4 Fagan Place 09 431 4128

Maungaturoto 138 Hurndall Street 09 431 8576 Paparoa 1877 Paparoa Valley Road 09 431 7222

Wellsford Birthing Unit

Full 2 bedroom birthing and post natal care facility with your own LMC & Registered Nurses 24/7 in attendance. Birthing pool, FREE baby car seat with admission. 218 Rodney St, Wellsford Health Centre, Wellsford • Enquiries Admin 09 423 8745

PHONE 09 423 8086 FOR 24/7 AFTER HOURS URGENT SERVICE