Mahurangi Matters_Issue 224_17 April 2013

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Puhoi • Warkworth • Snells • Matakana • Omaha • Leigh • Pakiri • Wellsford • Port Albert • Kaiwaka • Mangawhai

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Work scheme seeks buy-in from business Warkworth employers could be the big winners in a new scheme to get local young people into the workforce.

That was the message delivered

by Otorohanga Mayor Dale Williams at a breakfast at The Bridgehouse Lodge, in Warkworth, on April 10.

Mr Williams was speaking at the launch of Future<Works, an initiative of Springboard Community Works, based in Snells Beach. A similar continued page 2 The Harley Davidson-riding Mayor of Otorohanga, Dale Williams, was caught red-handed peddling the benefits of youth employment initiatives in Warkworth. Pulling him into line are Sgt Bede Haughey (left) and Youth Aid officer John Williams.

Hopes raised for new link road

Plans to improve one of Auckland’s worst traffic bottlenecks, in Warkworth, look set to be scaled back, following lobbying by community groups for a new alternative.

More than a dozen groups met with Warkworth Showgrounds. determination by the Government to NZTA and Auckland Transport on The lobbying comes on the eve of crucial push ahead with the controversial Puhoi April 5, and they believe they have decisions Auckland Council is due to to Warkworth leg of the new northern persuaded officials to prioritise a new make about Rodney’s future growth, motorway, Ara Tuhono. link road to Matakana, north of the and comes amid signs of a renewed continued page 2

17 April 2013

Inside this issue Warkworth fire brigade Church group gives generous donation

page 5

Rodney’s 30-year plan What it means for Wellsford, and for rural areas

page 6

Anzac Day services Your guide to events throughout the district

page 14

Beating the drought Top tips for farmers on how to cope

pages 19 to 27

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Fast-track sought for Te Arai Northland hapu Te Uri o Hau wants to go ahead with its Te Arai development without having to undertake significant extra planting on the land, as required under current rules.

The hapu is seeking a private plan change that would allow it to gift 172ha of land for a regional park instead. The land is adjacent to 87ha already owned by Auckland Council.

It is arguing that both options lead to the same outcome, and that extensive revegetation and planting will take place either way, as the existing forest is subject to covenants which require replanting if the trees are felled.

It says it is also developing a 10-year revegetation plan in consultation with conservation groups. However, Department of Conservation and the private plan change would be less the Environmental Defence Society no longer oppose the subdivision. expensive, and would take less time.

The Forest & Bird Society was also At a meeting of the Rodney Local prepared to put it in writing that it no Board this month, hapu spokesman longer opposed it, he said.

Peter Wilson pleaded for the board’s “By going through the significant support for the fast-track option. enhancement planting, it could take “There are two ways we can do another five years,” said Mr Wilson. it. We can go through significant “We’ve already been waiting 10 years enhancement planting, and go to get anything developed. We’re asking through that way. You still end up you to do something different than what at 46 lots and a golf course. Or you the other agencies have done for the last can go through a private plan change 10 years, and help Te Uri O Hau.” and that then allows Rodney to have a Board member Tracey Martin noted significant new regional park.” the hapu had bought the land based The hapu has been battling for more on a valuation that compared its than 10 years to develop the 616ha development potential to that of Tern block of land, which it bought as part Point. All the hapu was asking for was of a Treaty settlement in 2002. what it had been entitled to all along, According to Mr Wilson, the she argued.

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Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 3

Mata

kana

Road

Hudson Rd

from page 1

The head of Council’s RUB project, Michael Tucker, told a Rodney Local Board meeting this month public meetings may have to be extended to June. “In the south, it’s been quite a comprehensive process both technically and with engagement. In the north, we’re very aware that hasn’t happened [and] we’re as concerned as you are that we don’t feel that we’ve engaged with the community sufficiently,” he told board members.

Meanwhile, Council’s hope of presenting a united front on the 30-year plan in the face of hostility from the Government and many ratepayers has crumbled, with several councillors signing a letter saying they do not agree with Council’s attempts to speed up the process.

Cr Webster did not sign the letter, and supports efforts to persuade the Government to fast-track the plan. Among other things, Council fears any delay could prompt a flurry of demolition, rural subdivision and tree-felling before the new plan is due to come into effect in 2016.

Ratepayer groups argue the extra time is necessary to challenge some of the plan’s key proposals.

THE UNITARY PLAN

Future

Ma tak

an aR

oa

d

Go atle y

Rd

Clayden Roa d

On April 10, NZTA announced it was spending $17.5 million on an alliance of engineers and Proposed lawyers to back its case before the Environmental location Protection Authority, and said it hoped to be ready of Link Road to start work by the end of next year. Officials are y Rd 1 tle Goa understood to have told community groups they have already secured $560 million for the motorway Sta te Hig in 2015, and hope to complete the extension by hw ay 1 2020.

Rodney Showgrounds 1 Further geotechnical investigations are already Approximate underway, with initial surveying and sampling location scheduled to take place over the next few weeks. of Western St ate Hi However, it remains to be seen what funding will be Collector gh wa y1 available for local roads to link with the motorway, if 1 it survives next year’s general election. Work is about to begin on upgrading the Hudson Rd intersection, Warkworth but plans for a major upgrade of Hill St may now ill Street H be put on ice.

Two private landowners north of the showgrounds, The private proposal for a new link road submitted Stellan Trust and Goatley Holdings (which is linked to Auckland Council. to Skyworks owner Roger Stevenson), have already “horrendous”. She believes there is unanimous suggested a new road carve through their properties support for a new road, although she insists it has yet and three other properties next to SH1 to link with to be decided exactly where it will go. Decisions will Matakana Rd. They have commissioned a report need to made over the next few weeks, as Council from Hutchinson Consulting Engineers which finalises its 30-year plan for Rodney, she says. estimates the 1.3km road would cost around $4.2 Council has proposed rezoning land south of million to build, excluding GST. Warkworth for future growth, but Cr Webster admits While some community groups, including the this is likely to change, as many residents believe Warkworth Area Liaison Group, are dismayed at the growth is more likely to take place in the north or prospect of Hill St being scaled back, others were east of the town. Some groups believe a new link road horrified to learn at the meeting with officials this could shift development towards the coast. month that Auckland Transport was expecting the Public meetings to discuss a new Rural Urban Hill St project to take two years to complete.

Boundary (RUB) for Warkworth, which will Matakana businessman Martin Dancy, who has effectively place a new “wall” around the town, are due been leading lobbying efforts, says two more years of to take place in early May. However, there is concern traffic disruption would be a “killer” for the region, the process is being rushed. Public feedback is due to “and we’re just not prepared to accept that”. conclude at the end of May, whereas a similar process Cr Penny Webster agrees the delays could be in South Auckland took months to complete.

Rodney’s

y1 wa gh Hi ate St

Community groups back new link road to Matakana

“have your

What do you think of the proposal for a link road to Matakana?

enthusiastic about finishing their training and apprenticeships on time, have increased the skill level in their businesses, are more confident, and integrate into the workplace with fewer personal problems to distract them from their work.”

Mr Williams says the programme also has well-documented community benefits such as a lower crime rate and greater community pride.

“Living in a community is not a spectator

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sport. We’ve all got a part to play. We’ve also got to learn to communicate with youth on their terms – you can’t sell them the sausage, you’ve got to sell the sizzle. If you want young men to sign up for trade training, keep it simple – tell them that they’ll make lots of money and they’ll get girls.”

Future<Works hopes to engage with 300 youth a year, aged 16 to 20 years.

Partners in the programme include Rodney Local Board, Youthline, NZ

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Employers urged to support work scheme programme, which puts the emphasis back on training local employees for local jobs, has been running in Otorohanga for the past seven years.

“We’ve found that the two main issues small businesses face is capitalisation and training and retaining staff, particularly young people,” he says.

“Employers who’ve joined the scheme in Otorohanga say that the young people who are mentored on our programme are more committed and

say

Police and Mahurangi College.

Funding has already been secured from Vodafone and the Rodney Economic Development Trust to employ Karl Madsen and Pete Meafou to oversee the scheme.

Springboard director Gary Diprose says to get the programme up and running, they need local employers to come forward with offers of work.

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OFF THE RECORD

Proofreaders needed

Auckland Council planners have confessed that the draft Unitary Plan still needs a lot of work. Silverdale, for example, is designated for eight-storey buildings, which staff say is a misprint.

“It is likely this won’t be the only misprint in the draft plan and we are keen to hear from people if they think there are others,” the planners said.

Doobie do

FEEDBACK

Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or PO Box 701, Warkworth

Intemperate language In Steve Garner’s “Viewpoint” article (MM, Mar 13), he was scathing of Cr Penny Webster’s efforts to resolve a dispute which arose between the Rodney Local Board and the residents of the Wellsford ward. The board’s decision to appoint a “suitable person” to represent Wellsford was seen as undemocratic and a departure from the normal practice of the position being filled by the nexthighest polling candidate.

In rather intemperate language, Mr Garner, vice-chairman of the board, stated: “To join the naysayers and bag those to whom the responsibility fell, without just cause or appropriate or rational thinking, was destructive and disappointing.”

And just who were the naysayers? They can only be the vast majority of the

Wellsford ward who strongly objected to the board’s undemocratic decision.

Had the board’s leadership heeded the advice of Cr Webster, who was very aware that the board’s decision was unacceptable, this sorry saga could have been avoided.

As the population of rural Rodney with its satellite towns is miniscule in Auckland city, it is vital that the board work in unison with Cr Webster to achieve the best possible results.

The board also needs to recognise that our Councillor has had a huge amount of experience of both national and local body governance. This experience equates to having considerable influence with both elected councillors and senior officials. This experience and influence is just so valuable in achieving the best outcomes.

Gordon Levet, Wellsford

Praise for Kawau During a recent weekend stay on Kawau Island I gashed my leg quite badly. The help I received was fantastic.

None would receive payment with all saying: “As you are a visitor to our island, we will look after you”.

To Ian and his wife of Smelting House Bay who spent a lot of time trying to find a doctor, to Martin of Kawau Taxis who took me to Camp Benson, to Peter and Erin of Camp Benson who used their first-aid skills to great effect, and to Dave of Kawau Lodge who took me back to Smelting House Bay in his boat, a huge thank you to you all.

Your efforts were really appreciated.

John Hurdley,Warkworth

The Rodney Local Board was updated on Auckland Council’s Smoke-free Policy at a recent meeting, with an item titled “Smoke-free Policy Development Project … joint workshop” – which made us wonder what kind of smoke they were talking about.

Take that!

Have the gremlins been at work or was a tired Council staff member trying to relieve their boredom?

Anyone who picks up a copy of the Unitary Plan on CD, from their local library, will find that when they insert it into their computer it has (perhaps aptly) been labelled UP ALL.

Howling success The Matakana Community Group had some unexpected support from the local canine fraternity recently.

At its meeting last month, numerous people were thanked for their help with Fruitloop and every round of acclamation was accompanied by the howling of a dog sitting on the doorstep outside.

Mangawhai ratepayers disillusioned over NRC consultation Mangawhai residents who attended a meeting about the future of the Northland Regional Council may as well have stayed home and watched television, the chairman of Mangawhai Residents and Ratepayers says.

Bruce Rogan says around 20 people The council was given until April from the wrong starting point. “There’s decision making at a grass roots level. turned up at the Mangawhai Library 15 to come up with a plan for its been nowhere near enough time for A single regional body made up of Hall on April 4, with most sympathetic future after the Local Government people to voice their aspirations.” nine councillors and a single mayor to the council’s plight. However, they Commission agreed to investigate a NRC chairman Craig Brown says would support the boards. came away from the meeting convinced bid by the Far North District Council public opinion on the two most “We believe this model would deliver the council had already made up its to become a unitary authority. The favoured options was split virtually truly local decision-making and mind what it wanted to do.

Local Government Commission will down the middle. Under the proposed efficient delivery of local services, but The NRC has since recommended now look at feedback before deciding single unitary model, the region would also allow Northland to effectively retaining the status quo or setting up whether to take things further. have seven local boards with yet-to-be- speak with one collective voice on seven local boards to be supported by Mr Rogan believes the plan will fail determined but “very real” enshrined issues of regional significance when a single unitary authority. because the changes have been initiated powers and budgets to enable local required.”

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Problems plague mobile networks Telecom and Vodafone are promising improvements after complaints about poor mobile phone service in Warkworth.

Problems have ranged from not being able to check the internet and emails to not being able to make a phonecall at all. Outages have ranged from a few minutes to an entire day.

A 2Degrees customer says she had no reception on her smartphone from 3pm on March 12 to 9am on March 13. When it started working again she received 20 text messages at once. And a Telecom customer says it was impossible to make a phonecall or access the 3G network all day on April 3. The issues have been occurring since January.

Telecom spokeswoman Lucy Fullarton says a faulty antenna in Warkworth has now been replaced. Meanwhile Vodafone spokeswoman Michelle Baguley says her company’s Warkworth cell site experienced congestion over Easter with the high volume of traffic passing through town.

Ms Baguley says surrounding cell sites

normally support Warkworth and two at Leigh and Omaha were suffering from a software fault. “These technical issues are now fully resolved and late last week we completed callbacks to several customers across the area who reported appropriate service levels.”

Vodafone says it is reviewing its plans to cater for special events and holidays in high traffic areas, including Warkworth.

It has been confirmed that both Warkworth and Omaha will receive upgrades that will improve speed and capacity in the area, Ms Baguley says.

2degrees doesn’t have a network of its own in the area, but spokeswoman Charlene White says the company hopes to enter the area “in the near future”.

“Our customers roam on the Vodafone network when in the Warkworth region so Vodafone’s response to the network issues will apply to 2degrees customers.”

Ms White says there is also currently an issue with iPhones where settings are being wiped through iTunes, which could be contributing to the issues customers are experiencing.

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Handing over the cheque to Ian Davies are, from left, Brethren representatives Barry Pinker, Stella Holt and Brendan Forrest.

The Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade is close to reaching its fundraising goal of $60,000 to buy and equip a new support van.

The appeal, which started late last Around half of the local Brethren’s year, received a major boost on April 180 members are 20 years or younger.

11 when fire chief Ian Davies accepted The fire van is vital for a wide range a cheque for $16,000 from the of duties such as taking fire police Plymouth Brethren. and equipment, including a medical Brethren elder Barry Pinker says the kit, to emergency callouts, carrying brigade is a respected service in the personnel to community events and jobs, and supporting fire trucks and community, devoted to saving lives.

“We admire and appreciate the crews. unselfish commitment by the people Ian says thanks to fundraising and who provide this special service,” he donations, the appeal now stands at says. “When some of our Warkworth just under $50,000. youth heard that they were fundraising “The church donation is brilliant for a van, they arranged a collection. and puts us very close to our target,” We have also helped to arrange a new he says. “We hope to raise the rest through a Pub Charity grant.” van at discount rates.”

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Draft plan will lock rural residents into a ‘time warp’ Rodney’s

Future

Auckland Council’s 30-year plan for the Rodney region has alarming implications for rural areas, argues Warkworth farmer David Mason. well as ring-fencing rural villages, the changes.

The draft Unitary Plan takes a very THE UNITARY PLAN prescriptive view of what can be the Unitary Plan includes a policy Getting in the way of developing a undertaken in rural areas — if an statement that in effect says we must widely based mixed-use environment activity is not specifically allowed accept the current standard of rural is that many non-traditional rural for, it becomes non-compliant and a roading. The statement refers to the activities appear to require resource resource consent is needed. Its rules “following characteristics” in rural consents — an unwelcome and often would increase land prices, restrict areas: a “general absence” of urbanunnecessary barrier. Unless the draft land use and alternative business scale infrastructure such as roads is changed, my partner and I will opportunities, and generally inhibit with full kerb and channel, sealed need to obtain a resource consent – rural development. It is critical to traditional activities; and footpaths and vehicle crossings; and or at least prove prior use rights – to allow for new opportunities and “generally narrow roads with open continue running our alpacas, and yy rewrite the rules so as to allow developments that maintain the drains, some unsealed, with low speed new alpaca farmers will find this step activities that meet accepted essential nature of rural areas. Unless geometry and low traffic volumes”. problematic. standards, rather than narrowly major changes are made, the plan define what can be done.

Although this policy statement Similarly, small-scale bed-andwould have the effect of locking us in breakfasts, which can both enhance doesn’t actually prevent sealing and Most of all, Council must actively to some form of time warp, while the rural activities and provide income other improvements from occurring, support the development and vitality urban areas develop into “the world’s streams while having minimal impact it is worrying that the Unitary Plan of our rural areas. most liveable city”. on the infrastructure, are considered will provide an excuse for Council The Unitary Plan all but bans any non-compliant in most rural zones. to not invest in rural roading — and Mayor’s assurance rural subdivision and instead proposes They are bundled in with largerit’s clear that Council does not feel Members of the Landowners and scale visitor accommodation such as that undeveloped existing titles be there is a need to develop our roads.

Contractors Protection Association motels and hotels. But surely, as well built on. Many such titles are locked This is a total contrast to the vast have received an assurance from as benefiting the surrounding rural away and without additional land developments it is promoting in Auckland Mayor Len Brown that community, they provide one of the becoming available it is inevitable urban areas. the process for filling Local Board few meaningful mechanisms whereby that any properties coming on the Council needs to take a quite vacancies will be reviewed after the city folk can “play” (to use an market will be purchased by those local government election in October. different course with the rural overused word in Auckland planning) with the most money — generally The association met with Mr Brown sections of the plan. It should: and have a moderately authentic people wanting to move from the to discuss issues which arose when the y y identify how rural areas adjacent rural experience. Such issues could city whose amenity view of rural Rodney Board appointed “a suitable to overseas cities are allowed to be addressed within the draft Unitary property values far-and-away exceeds person” to fill a Wellsford ward vacancy. develop (but excluding those any productive value. Over time, land Plan on a case-by-case basis, but what A member of the delegation, Gordon countries where farm subsidies exist about activities that no one has yet prices will rise dramatically and land Levet, said this was a departure from as these distort farm activities too considered? The Unitary Plan should will move from genuine farmers to the standard practice of filling such a much), and communicate these be enabling such activities, subject to gentleman farmers who will live on vacancy with the next-highest polling findings to rural residents; meeting reasonable standards, rather blocks that are highly unlikely to be candidate. “Mr Brown said that a yy establish a vision and policy based profitable. Maybe this is an inevitable than putting up resource consent similar situation had occurred in the barriers. on overseas best practice as to consequence of living adjacent to a Manurewa area, which had also caused large city but as a plan there is no how the rural areas can thrive — Council also wants to limit a public outcry,” Mr Levet said. infrastructure development. As vision as to how to take advantage of including diversification into non-

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Wellsford residents wary of Council’s 30-year growth plans Auckland Council has earmarked large chunks of Wellsford for future growth in its draft Unitary Plan but local residents are worried about losing the town’s country feel.

Mel Dowson, 77, has been a resident for 45 years and says people will move from the city to lifestyle blocks, but the land won’t be as productive as it has been.

“In subdividing you’re taking a certain amount of production away from the

Tracey Martin MP

country’s economy ... People are feeling the older people who come here to Wellsford is losing its identity and downsize. There’s lots of small shops being swallowed theSpokesperson city.”

New Zealand by First for: but they only last for six months.

They’re not getting the volume of MrCommunications Dowson says the &town’s population | Research, IT | Education Science & Technology needs to increase but| Youth he can’t see how patronage to make it viable.”

Women’s Affairs Affairs thisSelect can happen without a big business Committee: Education and Science Karen Phillips says Wellsford will die to hire workers. without a growth spurt. “We need Auckland Office:agrees a focus on more sections and smaller lifestyle Marjorie Prictor 157A Kitchener PO Box Milford coming Aucklandon but the council industry is neededRoad, to make the 31-119, plan blocks P 09 “Otherwise 489 8336 | we tracey.martinmp@parliament.govt.nz viable. won’t generate needs to put their money where their the volume of people other than mouth is and limit compliance costs.”

Parliament Office: Freepost, Private Bag 18 888, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011 P 04 817 8361 | tracey.martin@parliament.govt.nz twitter.com/traceymartinmp | facebook.com/ tracey.martin.16144 nzfirst.org.nz

She says Wellsford is an area you can comfortably get to from Auckland – and is more attractive than Warkworth for some people because it is cheaper.

“Wellsford will be at the end of the motorway and it’ll still have the rural aspect. We’ve got four farm suppliers and the stockyard and railway station will still be there, but it’ll be better if shops don’t keep closing down and people aren’t struggling.”

Tracey Martin New Zealand First List MP Talk to Tracey – Saturday 27 April

Richard Prosser

9am-10am Whangaparaoa Library, Pohutukawa Room 10.30am-11.30am Orewa Community House 1pm-2pm Totara Park Lounge, Warkworth Brendan Horan

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Please phone Karen at my office to make an appointment or just pop in.

TraceyMartinMP@parliament.govt.nz facebook.com/traceymartinmp twitter.com/traceymartinmp

Phone 09 489 8336

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Andrew Reid with his award and his 97-year-old grandmother, Minna Constantine.

Humble hero recognised

A “very special act of bravery” has earned a Leigh man a rare award from the Royal Humane Society.

Builder and surfer Andrew Reid was attempted to pull the boat to shore. presented with the award by Auckland He had been in the water for 20 Mayor Len Brown this month, for minutes when help arrived in the form his rescue of a man hanging on to of two lifeguards and the president of an overturned boat at Whangateau the Omaha Beach Surf Club.

Harbour a year ago.

Mr Brown said Mr Reid had Even though he was recovering from undoubtedly saved the man’s life, and the flu, Mr Reid headed out 200m noted that only one such award was into the surf to rescue the elderly generally made each year across the Asian man, who has not been heard of Auckland region. since. He alerted police to the man’s Mr Reid’s 97-year-old grandmother, plight, but fearing there was little time Minna Constantine, and other members for rescuers to arrive, he took a board of his family attended the presentation. from his vehicle and headed out into Mr Reid said he was very grateful for the the surf, despite strong crosswinds and award, but also paid tribute to Omaha metre-high swells. senior lifeguard Clinton Toi. He pulled the man onto his board “Without Clinton there, I don’t know and managed to flip the boat, then what I would have done,” he said.

Warkworth Music present

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Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 9

Remembered by a bronze bell A bronze bell honouring the wartime effort of women has been donated to Wellsford’s Albertland and District Museum.

The Women’s Land Service was a Government initiative to bolster the rural workforce in the war years, and saw more than 2700 women placed on farms between 1940 and 1946.

They wore uniforms and badges and helped with general farm work such as cleaning drains, gutting rabbits, whipping stock and training dogs.

Their mantra was “just get on with it”.

Wellsford woman Joan Butland, 87, signed up when she was 17 and worked on farms at Onewhero, Taipuha, Whakatane and Mata. Two years ago, Dunedin-based art student Jai Hall contacted her with the idea of creating 16 bronze bells to commemorate the women and educate people on what they did.

“She wanted contact with people and sheep stations in the South Island.

The bells are being placed around the country and she gifted one to me to give to the local museum.”

Mrs Butland became national Wellsford resident Joan Butland has organiser of the Women’s Land Service given a bronze bell in remembrance in 1974 and organised reunions in of the Women’s Land Service to the Whangarei from 1974 to 2005. At Albertland and District Museum. one stage there were 36 members in Albertland Heritage Centre chairman Northland but now only three are left. Peter Marsh says the museum has The Wellsford resident compiled and many items relating to both world edited a book called NZ Women’s Land wars in its collections. “The Women’s Service in 1980 from stories told by Land Service bell commemorates land service members at reunions. yet another chapter of the war effort The bell was handed over at a museum which largely went unnoticed and committee meeting on April 8. unrecognised.”

Team members Blake Sandford (left) and Lloyd Gravatt with assistant principal Hugo Vaughan.

School team heads to South Africa

A team of 42 students, parents and staff from Mahurangi College leave this week for a two-week tour of South Africa.

Although rugby is the main item on their itinerary, the tourists also have a full programme of sightseeing ahead of them.

Tour leader and assistant principal Hugo Vaughan says the aim is to give the Mahurangi First XV development squad the opportunity to play abroad and experience another culture.

They will play three games altogether, including one against Selbourne College, East London, which has had a sports exchange programme with Mahurangi College for the past 12 years.

Sightseeing will include some large rugby stadiums, big game parks, a car manufacturing factory and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 20 years.

“We hope the boys will gain a maturity

and appreciation of the opportunities they enjoy as New Zealanders,” Hugo says. “I’m sure it will be one of the highlights of their school life.”

Hugo shifted to NZ from Port Elizabeth, in South Africa, 15 years ago. Accompanying him on the tour will be his son Daniel.

“It’s been 10 years since we were last there so we are looking forward to returning.”

The tour team has been fundraising for the past 20 months, managing parking at major events, running raffles and sausage sizzles, haymaking and chopping firewood.

“The community and businesses have been fantastic and we really thank them for their support.”

The team is due to fly to Cape Town on April 18 and return from Durban on May 5.

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10 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

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with June Turner Rodney Local Board, Auckland Council It’s great news that at last works for carparking and a new practice field will soon begin at the Showgrounds, with the contract being given to our local contractor, Wharehine. A new, much-needed toilet facility will also be built shortly. This is indeed important work for the progress of the Showgrounds for which everyone has shown immense patience.

NZTA expect to commence works on the Hudson Rd intersection upgrade at the end of this month, so it’s again work that has been long-awaited. This will give safe access to the Showgrounds and also for Hudson Rd where a right-hand turn will be given from the north. This will be used to access Hill St in future from the north, NZTA say.

The launch of the Kowhai Connection bus service has been an amazing plus for the east of Warkworth. I encourage people to use it as it will continue only if it is supported. This is the opportunity so please spread the word. A huge thank-you to Auckland Transport, Bevan Woodward and the Hikurangi Trust for the great planning and provision that is apparent. We are very grateful. Bus timetables are in the libraries, iSites and some shops, including Mahurangi Matters.

Puhoi’s 150th celebrations have been a huge success thus far. The re-enactment of the arrival of early settlers on a flotilla coming up the Puhoi River to be greeted by MP Mark Mitchell and iwi, with crowds on the river surrounds, was a sight to behold. I congratulate Larry Mitchell for spearheading the Puhoi wharf projects because these have given Puhoi something so special. Things happen when communities work together towards a common goal.

The $3.9 million library for Wellsford is soon to open. Wellsford does need to realise that out of the whole of Rodney they are the only ones who have received an asset of such magnitude, in both size and dollars. The Local Board has supported this project right to the end, despite extra costs for this, that and the other. I really hope the Wellsford community will appreciate just what has been done for them by the board. This asset has the ability to attract people to come and live in Wellsford. Watch and see.

The Unitary plan is out. Please attend information meetings and submit your thoughts. It is very important to let them be known. The Rural Urban Boundary is the border inside which you wish to see growth contained. Please give it serious consideration and submit feedback.

May all the winter sporting codes have a great season with fields that will last the distance. Good health to you all over the winter season.

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Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 11

WARKWORTH BRANCH NOW OPEN Zarna Jones (left) with NZ First MP Tracey Martin, and fellow Mahurangi College students Liam Bates and Lana McCarthy.

Speaking out for Rodney’s youth For most people, public speaking is something to be avoided. But for 16-year-old Zarna Jones, speeches are something she cannot get enough of.

“I just love arguing,” she laughs.

Combine that with her commitment sports centres for youth.” to community service, and it’s The Year 12 student, who is a probably no surprise the Warkworth member of Mahurangi College’s teenager has been chosen as one of senior advanced debating team, is 122 young people across the country considering a career in fields related to who will get a taste of national politics either law or politics. “By going down this year as a Youth MP. to Wellington I’m hoping of course to Zarna beat two other Mahurangi represent Rodney and debate on issues College students, Lana McCarthy and that relate to us, but also gain some Liam Bates, to be chosen to accompany insight into a completely different New Zealand First MP Tracey Martin world, and see whether it’s something to Wellington, to take part in the sixth I’d like to do as a job.” triennial Youth Parliament in July. But She admits she has little idea how Ms Martin was so impressed by the other Parliament actually works, but can’t two finalists as well that she has asked wait to learn more. “I don’t understand them to become youth representatives politics at all. I just know what makes me angry and what I agree with, so I on the Rodney Local Board.

The students were invited to write know I’ll learn a lot.” an essay on the issues facing Rodney youth, and deliver a speech about their concerns. “My main concern is that we need more youth apprenticeships,” Cabinet & Furniture Maker says Zarna. “I think there should be Unique Pieces Designed & Crafted more opportunities, because school isn’t for everyone, and quite often  Bookcases  Tables these people are so good at practical  Drawers  Sideboards work. And it’s so hard to get a job  Wall units & fitted cabinets nowadays, no matter who you are.”  Repairs & Alterations She would also like to see more leisure facilities made available for For that special piece of furniture young people in the district. “In Phone 422 0032 or 021 511 887 Warkworth, we have no real public

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12 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

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The road less traveled

It’s interesting to see how different our roads are now compared to the originals used by our ancestors. Many long-disused roads are still marked on Council maps and are often still regarded as open. The focus originally was to provide access to places where supplies could be obtained, such as the wharf at Port Albert, community centres, church gatherings, social events and schools. The coming of the railway, which changed the focus from water-based transport to rail and then roads, meant that many early roads became unnecessary.

Our earliest newspaper, the Albertland Gazette, mentioned the Highway Roads Boards – these were formed in each district as needed to form and maintain early access routes. In the years between 1865 and 1870 the Auckland Provincial District Highway Assessment Rolls were undertaken to tax landowners at the rate of one farthing (1/4 of a penny) per pound of property value to fund these roads. The work was let out to locals who dug ditches by hand and laid ti tree fascines which were then covered with clay and, if possible, some metal. These were surprisingly effective, as were larger culverts made of kauri slabs, one each side of the drain and one on top. We had several of these on our farm and only replaced them when the timber decayed, although they must have been at least 80 years old. Roads like JV Grant Rd, where the Grant family lived, were such that in winter, the only means of travel was by horseback. The family kept a section and garage at Underwood Rd where they housed their car and changed from horses to travel further.

GPS-based navigation services – that modern convenience so much in use today – are often tricky when travelling in country areas. The mapping programmes must in some cases have been taken from county maps which show all the disused roads.

This has led to some strange detours by drivers. One occurred last year when a truck-and-trailer unit in excess of 44 tonnes took the route to Tapora via Underwood and JV Grant roads. It couldn’t negotiate the first rise it came to on the latter road and ended up having to be rescued by local farmers, after blocking the route for some hours. The driver said his GPS unit showed this track as the quickest way to Tapora.

We’ve had similar instances of milk tankers doing the same thing, despite this road being narrow, winding, heavily corrugated and downright dangerous. It remains the only route that oversize trucks can take if either of the bridges at Tauhoa or Wharehine are out of commission. Yet we are told that it’s not of sufficient importance to repair, despite the school bus, metal trucks, stock trucks and fertiliser trucks, as well as many locals, travelling it daily, fighting their way through a wall of dust in the summer and sticky mud in the winter. Some things never change.

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Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 13

think global

act local

Going dotty over dotterels

Tossi is fortunate to have two members, Alison Stanes and Sharon Kast, who have a great passion for the NZ dotterel (Charadrius obscurus) who call Tawharanui home. These small, endangered birds build the flimsiest little nest — just a small depression on the shoreline sometimes — in the path of the incoming tide. The nest must be defended for a month while the eggs are incubated, and the newly-hatched chicks, looking rather like spotty balls of fluff with long legs, are quickly on the move. The parents guard them, but they must find all their own food. When danger threatens, the chicks run to the nearest cover and freeze, crouching low and keeping still until the parents sound the all-clear.

Cats, stoats, hedgehogs, rats and black-backed gulls are common predators of eggs and chicks. Where the dotterels nest on the shoreline, beyond the pestproof fence-ends, they are susceptible to cats that come down to the beach. The shoreline nests are also occasionally washed away by big tides and storms. The birds will re-nest up to four times in one season if their nest and eggs are lost.

Life can be tough for these wee birds.

Chicks can usually fly by the age of six- to seven-weeks, and most breed for the first time at two years. In late summer, the Tawharanui birds leave and get together in flocks at Omaha estuary for the autumn and early winter, with 70-80 other birds.

These flock sites are socially important; birds that have lost partners during the breeding season can find new ones, and young birds pair for the first time.

The dotterels have coloured leg bands attached by Dr John Dowding, which allows each individual dotterel’s movements, survival and behaviours to be studied.

Alison and Sharon have been monitoring the dotterels now for eight years, and know all of the Tawharanui birds on an individual basis. They watch them year after year and share their triumphs when they successfully nest, and their disasters when a partner or a nest of eggs is lost. They see birds looking bewildered and wandering aimlessly about when a partner is lost and the solo bird is then unable to look after a nest on its own. Their devotion to these birds has earned them the nickname “The Dotterel Chicks”, and their efforts are greatly appreciated by the Tossi team.

The drought has been tough on both the plants and animals at Tawharanui.

In the bush, the new seedlings of hangehange and coprosma are wilting and stressed. Bigger trees such as taraire on the outer edges of the forest have become stressed beyond recovery. The next Tossi Sunday in the Park will be Sunday May 5 and planting will begin again. All welcome. Info: www.tossi.org.nz.

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14 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

Anzac Day Services

Thursday 25 April

Warkworth

Matakohe

Wellsford

6am dawn parade, starts at the band rotunda, Church Hill Rd, followed by free breakfast at the RSA for returned servicemen. The Civic Parade starts at 10.30am, also at the band rotunda, finishing at the RSA with light refreshments. Warkworth Lions will be holding a sausage sizzle in the downstairs carpark. A special unveiling ceremony will be held at the anti-aircraft gun in the carpark around 12 noon, followed by entertainment by the Mahurangi College Kapa Haka group upstairs, from 12.30pm.

There will be a combined service of Paparoa Returned Servicemen’s Association and The Kauri Museum, starting at 10.30am, with fall-in at the Matakohe War Memorial Hall. The march will halt at the Cemetery Flag where poppy detail will be held at Gordon Coates’ grave, the flag will be lowered and the Last Post sounded. The march will then proceed to the Gun Memorial, the War Memorial Hall and the museum’s Volunteers Hall where a service will be held followed by a cup of tea. A new permanent display at the museum, on the North Auckland Mounted Rifles, will be opened as part of the Anzac Day programme (see story p15).

6am dawn service at the Memorial Gates, Port Albert Road, followed by refreshments and a champagne breakfast at the Wellsford RSA. Bookings required.

Phone 423 8870 or 423 8172.

Assemble in Harbour View Rd, opposite Kowhai Terrace, at 10.50am, for march to Leigh Cemetery at 11am for service and laying of wreaths. Guest speaker will be former Army chaplain Sherri Weinberg. Refreshments will be served at the Leigh Bowling Club after the service; all welcome but please bring a plate. Wet weather option is the Leigh Hall. Info: Sheryl Corbett 422 6001.

Kawau Island

The NZ Navy will hold a dawn service at Lidgard House, on Kawau Island, at 6am, as well as participating in a full Anzac Day ceremony at the Kawau Island Yacht Club, at 12 noon, or later if the 10.30 ferry arrives late. Naval personnel will travel to the island on two 40ft Chico sail training yachts.

Members of the public welcome, bookings necessary for the ferry. Refreshments will be available at the club afterwards. Info: 422 8845.

Maungaturoto A Dawn Service will be held at the Lawn Cemetery, View Road, Maungaturoto. Attending will be Warrant Officer Tony Johnstone, from the Ministry of Defence in Wellington. Assemble at 5.45am, parade at 6am. The ceremony will be followed by a light breakfast at the RSA. An Anzac brunch will be held from 11am, with an ode reading at 12 noon.

Info: Noel Smith on 029 4752 601.

Assemble at Hakaru Returned Servicemen’s Association, at 10am, march to flag at 10.20am, followed by an outside service at 10.30am. The inside service will start at 11am, with guest speaker Roi McCabe who is ex-NZ Army and a former police officer. Light refreshments will follow. Visitors are advised to arrive early as large crowds are expected.

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. Info: Sue East, Silverdale RSA, on 424 9026.

Tomarata School

A Remembrance Ceremony will be held at Tomarata School on Thursday April 25, starting at 9am. The ceremony will include the laying of a wreath, a roll call of names on the memorial, and readings.

Morning tea will be served in the staffroom afterwards. All welcome.

OG_AC1854_RT

Leigh

Hakaru

Lest we forget... Anzac Day Services - Thursday, 25 April Helensville All residents are invited to attend a Citizens Commemorative Service to be held in the War Memorial Hall, Commercial Road, Helensville at 11am.

The parade will assemble at 10.45am outside the former Rodney District Council office on the corner of Commercial Road and Rata Street.

Wreaths will be laid at the War Memorial Hall prior to the service.

Parakai Parakai residents are invited to a dawn parade at 6am at the Cenotaph in Parakai Domain, followed by a short service at the Serviceman’s Cemetery in Helensville.

Riverhead Riverhead residents are invited to a memorial parade which will take place at the Riverhead War Memorial Park gates at 9.00am. Any person or group wishing to lay a wreath is welcome to do so.

Waimauku Waimauku RSA invites residents to a service at the Memorial Hall, Waimauku at 11am. A march back to the RSA will be at 11.30am for a wreath laying ceremony. If you wish to lay a wreath you are welcome to do so.

Warkworth Members of local organisations and residents of the Warkworth area are invited to attend the following Memorial Services on Anzac Day.

OG_AC0890_RT

Civic Service and Parade.

At 10.30am the parade officials will meet the Officer in charge of parade at Anglican Church.

To find out more about the parades and services, please phone 09 301 0101 or visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Church Hill, Warkworth.

At 10.35am parade fall in – Anglican Church. At 10.40am parade will march to War Memorial, Church Hill. At 10.45am Service at War Memorial. In the event of wet weather, these events will be held in the Warkworth Fire Station.

Dawn Parade.

A service will take place at 6.00am at the War Memorial Church Hill, Warkworth. Any person or organisation wishing to lay a wreath is invited to do so.

Silverdale Silverdale and Districts Returned Services Association (Incorporated) extends a warm invitation to all kindred clubs, associations and public, i.e. Silverdale and Manly Fire Brigade, Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Women’s Division, Girl Guides, Brownies, Scouts, Sea Scouts and Cubs, Youth and Service organisations and local schools and colleges, to join them in their Anzac Day parade and church service.

A special invitation is extended to dependents of deceased veterans to march wearing the medals of their late family members.

The parade and march past the Cenotaph is scheduled to commence at 11.00am at our Vipond Road property. The church service is to be held inside if the weather is wet.

If you wish to take part in the parade, or lay a wreath, please contact us on 09 424 9026. *NOTE. The RSA Clubrooms will remain closed from 10.15am until after the parade and church service are finished. Please bring a bottle of water and sun hat in the event of hot weather.

Silverdale War Memorial Park Wreath-laying Service. 12.15pm.

Wellsford Wellsford area residents are invited to attend the Anzac Day parade at 5.45am at the Wellsford Memorial Domain gates. If you wish to lay a wreath you are welcome to do so.

Leigh Leigh area residents are invited to attend the Anzac Day Ceremony at the Leigh Cemetery at 11am. If you wish to lay a wreath you are welcome to do so.

Remembrance Reserve, Orewa Remembrance Service. 12.40pm Upper Waiwera Cenotaph Service This service will be held at Upper Waiwera at 2.30pm.

Coatesville All residents are invited to attend a Citizen’s Commemorative Service to be held in the Settlers Hall, 4 Mahoenui Valley Road, Coatesville at 7am Kaukapakapa All residents are invited to attend a Citizen’s Commemorative Service to be held in the War Memorial Hall, 947 Kaipara Coast Hwy SH16, Kaukapakapa at 2pm.

Poppy Collection day is Friday, 19 April 2013; please support us on this day.

Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 15

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Mounted riflemen remembered

A new permanent exhibition, which recounts the exploits of the North Auckland Mounted Rifles, will be officially opened at The Kauri Museum, in Matakohe, on Anzac Day. The base of the display has come from be resourceful and tough, used to hard the 3rd Auckland and Northland work and looking after themselves, as Battalion Trust, and local memorabilia well as being good marksmen. from the museum’s collection.

“The South African War (1899-1902) “On Anzac Day, we often hear visitors inspired a wave of patriotism and say that their grandfather was a member volunteers formed five companies – of the North Auckland Mounted the Marsden Mounted Rifles based in Rifles,” museum chief executive Bet Whangarei, the Otamatea Mounted Nelley says. “We hope the exhibition Rifles based in Maungaturoto, the will help answer their questions and Northern Wairoa Mounted Rifles will ensure future generations are based in Dargaville, the Mangonui aware of the tremendous sacrifice Mounted Rifles based in Mangonui, made by the mounted riflemen.” and the Hokianga Mounted Rifles Mounted Rifles differed from ‘cavalry’ based in Waimamaku. Later additions forces in that they dismounted were from Kawakawa, Mangakahia undercover and fought on foot with and the Scottish Horse Mounted Rifle rifles and bayonets. Other support Volunteers from Waipu. often came from horse artillery and Some companies joined contingents machine guns if they were available. that went to South Africa. Then, with “Men from Northland’s rural areas, who the onset of World War I, squadrons had lived on farms and grown up with were involved with the NZ Mounted horses, often joined the Mounted Rifles. Rifles, many going to Gallipoli, Sinai These men were generally known to and Palestine.

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16 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

OUR VILLAGE CENTRE IS OPEN AND RESIDENTS SAY IT’S GREAT

Open Day Saturday 20 April 11am – 3pm Our Village Centre has been open only two months and it’s become the real heart of village life.

Whether it’s attending a special occasion, or just dropping into Divine Café for a cup of tea and a chat, the building has brought residents even closer together, and they’re absolutely loving

“This has been a fantastic day, people can now see why you come to live in a village like this” Resident at the opening of the building, February 2013.

it. Wednesday bowls brings out half the village, Sunday Roasts pack out the café – as do the new resident welcomes.

We’d love you to come and see the Village Centre for yourself this Saturday. Have a good look around and make sure you try the coffee – it’s great!

For more information call Steven Garner on 09 425 1202. You’ll find us at 31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth.

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Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 17

lifematters

FAMILY HEALTH & BEAUTY n

Health offer restores quality of life for Rodney patients A simple varicose vein operation, undertaken at the Rodney Surgical Centre in Warkworth, has made a world of difference for a local mother who is caring for an invalid husband and raising a family.

The woman is one of 142 residents between the North Shore and Whangarei who have so far benefited from a Northlink Health scheme, which provides free or subsidised day surgery operations.

The woman’s condition was deteriorating while she waited for an operation at a public hospital.

Gardening — one of the main ways she subsidised the invalid’s pension the family relied on — was becoming increasingly difficult.

Northlink Health chief executive Wendy Hawkings says the woman’s case is typical of the circumstances a lot of local families and individuals find themselves in.

The offer specifically targets people who are on a public health service waiting list, who are constantly being downgraded as higher priority cases take precedence.

“Every week we receive thank-you cards, letters and phonecalls from patients and their families,” she says. “It feels very good to be in a position to help people in this way.”

Northlink launched the scheme, believed to be unique in NZ, 18 months ago with a $750,000 commitment.

So far $420,000 has been spent, with a further $100,000 approved. The most common procedures include hernias, veins, skin surgery, cataracts and knee surgery.

The funding largely comes from the rent generated from a housing project in Mangawhai and is one of many community projects funded by Northlink

Northlink Health chief executive Wendy Hawkings and board chairman John Evans sort through a box of cards and letters of appreciation – most are from people who have benefited from the day surgery scheme but they also include small donations from others supporting the scheme.

(formerly the Rodney North Harbour Health Trust) since it was established more than 25 years ago.

Mrs Hawkings says the Northlink Health Trust was motivated to introduce the scheme not only to improve people’s quality of life, but reduce the Waitemata DHB’s waiting list. The scheme has been so popular it has been extended to cover parts of Northland.

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“I don’t know if people know how lucky we are to have the centre in Warkworth. We just want to do everything we can to ensure people know about it and use it.”

She says the board will make a decision on whether to continue the scheme in July. “It will depend on what funds are available.”

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18 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

localbusiness INTR ODUCING n

INTR ODUCING n

Tasty rolls, sandwiches and other “tradie”-type food can be found in Matakana with the opening of Lunches Mata.

The business is the brainchild of local woman Sharon Hubbard, who operated Matakana Country Park’s Country Kitchen Café for three years until 2009.

Ms Hubbard spent four years in Australia before returning to New Zealand in May and checking out changes in the market.

“I saw a gap for a lunch bar serving good-value home-prepared ‘tradie’type food. I love food and the people side of the industry and I was motivated to make it happen.”

She explains there aren’t many places in the area where you can get healthy, affordable takeaway food and Lunches Mata’s 6am opening time has tradesmen in mind. No food item is over $10.

A shop was rented on the eastern side of the village and friends and family gave advice about the menu.

“It’s been hard starting with a blank canvas but the fit-out has gone well.”

Customers can purchase sushi, Oxford pies, home-made cookies and “the best value coffee in Matakana”.

“You can get a bap with a minutesteak, or a filled roll with hot lamb and mint jelly, or hot chicken and mayonnaise,” Ms Hubbard says.

Those learning to get behind the wheel will have more options to choose from with the opening of the Warkworth Driving Academy.

The school has been running for six months and is operated by Mahurangi College technology teacher Neil Collings.

The former Welshman moved to the area five years ago with his wife and three children and decided to start up a driver training school after noticing a gap in the market. Only one other driving school had been serving Warkworth and an increasing number of people were failing their tests after changes to the regime.

Mr Collings is trained to meet the latest NZTA standards and can teach people to drive a car or motorbike.

He says aspects of the full driving test are now in the restricted test and it is recommended people have at least 120 hours of driving time before going for their restricted.

“I suggest you go to an instructor right at the start to get the basics. Then learn to drive with someone experienced or Mum and Dad and come back. It’s a more economical and safer way to drive rather than me having to undo bad habits.”

Students repeat this until they’re ready.

“It depends on how much driving they’ve been doing and whether they’ve got support from someone at home to reinforce it.”

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Sharon Hubbard (right) with manager Philicia Murray.

Sandwiches can be self-designed or set themes can be chosen including Mighty Mata, Gourmet Mata and Classic Mata.

“We’ve got a big salad bar where you can choose from wraps, rolls and Turkish pides. You can pick a filling and choose from salads and sauces.”

Fresh salads will be offered until the weather gets too chilly. The menu is displayed on a large digital TV and coffees can be ordered via text message.

Philicia Murray, who worked with Ms Hubbard at the Country Kitchen Café, will manage the lunch bar. It has plenty of parking and is open from 6am to 2pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 2pm on Saturday. The eatery can be found in the first set of shops on the left as you drive into Matakana from Warkworth.

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The first step to getting a motorcycle licence is for drivers to pass a basic handling test. Given Mr Collings is an NZTA-recognised motorcycle examiner, he can carry out training and tests in Warkworth so people don’t have travel out of the area.

Mr Collings supplies all his trainees with information about what to expect in their tests, what they should do to drive well, and things they shouldn’t do.

The teacher says the lack of public transport in the area means driving a car is vital. He has noticed a number of young people driving with adults without displaying “L” plates or driving on their restricted licence with passengers.

“As a community we need to get people passing tests and not turning a blind eye.”

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Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 19

ruralrodney

Farmers urged to review Unitary Plan zones Mahurangi farm-forestry trail receives funding boost

Farmers in Rodney have been urged to look closely at how new rural zones, contained in the draft Auckland Unitary Plan, will affect their properties.

Federated Farmers senior policy advisor Richard Gardner says that under the Rodney District Plan, farming land was classed in a general rural zone. This has now effectively been split in to four zones, excluding countryside living. These are rural production, mixed production, rural coastal and rural conservation.

“The rules in the rural conservation zone seem particularly harsh,” Mr Gardner says. “In some cases, established dairy farms have become a non-complying activity.”

Farmers are being advised to check the new rural zones, as it may will affect Mr Gardner says the change affects their properties. farms located in dune lake zones such as Wanganui, Canterbury and Otago.” between the two in this way.” as at Tomarata and South Head.

“The rules in the rural coastal zone also Overall, Mr Gardner says Federated On the issue of fencing off streams, seem more stringent than expected. Farmers believes the draft plan is a Mr Gardner says Federated Farmers has been working with Council on a For instance, bush clearance has been “useful start”. reduced from 250m to 25m. This “We’re optimistic of getting a good long-term strategy to improve water compares to 2.5 percent of any given result at the end of the process but it is quality. area in the rural production zone. in need of some fine tuning.

“What’s in the plan might look different, “Building restrictions also seem “We’re pleased to see Council trying but it really isn’t a huge change from the harsher with a 7m restriction in to make processes simpler, rather than rules that are currently in place. If you’re the rural coastal zone for accessory more complex. For instance, in its farming moderately intensively – around buildings, compared to 12m in the approach to nutrient management it’s 18 stock units or more per hectare – rural production zone. At the end attempting to control what’s going on then the rules will apply. However, this of the day, these are all just rural the farm rather than what’s coming off. is likely to be mainly dairy farmers who production areas and there doesn’t This is far easier to understand and assess are already required to meet the Clean seem any point in differentiating than the rules being used in places such Streams Accord anyway.”

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The trail starts at the Parsley Pot Café on Sandspit Road and travels through private property, ending up at the oneway bridge on Hamilton Road.

It cuts through plots of totara trees being grown in different ways. Totara seedlings will be planted into an existing native trial plot, which will act as a nursery. Another plot will use pine trees as a nursery.

Landowner Shelley Trotter says when the pines get to a certain size they will be removed to allow the totara to grow by themselves.

“Pines provide shelter and a better environment for the seedlings to grow in.”

She says the focus is on totara trees because they are considered one of the most commercially viable native species. The walk takes an average person around an hour.

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Revive, replenish, replace, replant While we may have had one of the most stunning summers for years, the resulting devastation to some gardens and lawns is phenomenal, particularly in coastal areas where it is predominantly sand. At Omaha Beach I would estimate 90 percent of the Griselinia littoralis plants have died. Some have been planted for 10 years or more, so you would have thought they were hardened to the conditions, but it is not so.

Lawns have developed some very large cracks over this dry period, and it is important to fill these before we get some serious rain. Any deep cracks that have appeared on your property need to be filled with topsoil, avoiding the possibility of erosion. Without this, when we do get a heavy rainfall it will underscore the soil, causing drainage problems and, in some cases, slips.

Autumn is the very best time to sow a brand new lawn or renovate a patchy area. April provides ideal conditions for sowing lawn seed because warm soils combine with autumn showers and, unlike springtime, there are relatively few weeds sprouting.

If you are starting a new lawn from scratch, the soil needs to be in the best possible condition to give lawn seed the best chance of germination. The area should be weed-free. Spray the area with glyphosate to kill existing grass weeds and moss. If there is time, wait another two weeks to allow any weed seeds to germinate and then spray again.

Topsoil may be a worthwhile investment, especially on new building sites, and it is essential on sand. Make sure any topsoil you buy is good quality. The seedbed for a new lawn should ideally have a good 10-15cm of topsoil.

The next task is to create a level and compact area for your lawn by raking, rolling, removing and filling in where needed. Sow seed on a fine day at the rate set out on the packaging. Scatter seed in an east-to-west direction, then a northto-south direction, to ensure an even spread. Rake in and lightly roll, making sure that the seed is in contact with the soil.

During the germination stage it is important to water your newly sown seed daily, or up to several times a day in hot or windy conditions. Apply water gently with a fine mist and avoid puddles.

Don’t be tempted to mow your new lawn straight away – wait until it has grown to 5cm so the root system has had time to develop. Leave the lawn clippings on the lawn for the first three or four cuts. After three or four mows, a light application of fertiliser will encourage lush, thick, green growth in your lawn.

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Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 21

ruralrodney

 DROUGHT FEATURE

Drought takes its toll on Rodney farmers’ wellbeing Rural Support Trust has received more than 1000 phonecalls for help in the past month, including one from a young farmer who tried to commit suicide.

Co-ordinator Julie Jonker says the enquiries have exceeded those taken during the 2010 drought, with most coming from dairy farms on Rodney’s west coast, between Helensville and Dargaville.

She says dairy farmers are worst affected because they usually milk through to May but are having to dry herds off early.

“Their milk cheques stop, yet they still have to feed animals and bring in expensive supplements … To date the drought has cost them around $10,000 in lost income and increased costs.”

Dairy NZ has been telling farmers to put a line under this season, work on getting condition on their cows and get as much pasture as possible.

Ms Jonker says when the trust receives a call for help one of seven facilitators is sent out to talk to people, make them realise they’re not alone, and help them access Government assistance. If they need it, counselling is arranged through Victim Support.

Fonterra has brought payments forwards and increased the milk payout by 30c, and banks have been coming up with packages, which have helped, Ms Jonker says.

“It’s important to make sure people get off the farm once a week and do something different. Sometimes they can get so caught up in day-to-day things they don’t see the bigger picture.”

The Rural Support co-ordinator says the aim is to prevent suicide. “We want people to realise they’re

Rural Support ag-facilitator Roger Taylor

not alone. It will end. Farmers are productive people.

Three droughts in four years is a step in a difficult direction, but they will cope.”

Former Taipuha dairy farmer Roger Taylor is a Rural Support ag-facilitator and says he makes sure people are making decisions and doing budgets.

“Lots don’t know where they are today, let alone in three months’ time. They might need to take their budget to an accountant and revise their tax

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situation. The next thing is to talk to your bank manager.”

Accountants and bank managers are busy people who don’t have time to ring up farmers and ask them how things are going, so the approach has to be from the farmer, he says.

Mr Taylor says it’s mainly women who make the “cry for help”, as men are usually too proud. “When you talk to them about stress their eyes glaze over.

Women are the ones that recognise the stress in both parties and call us.”

He says he makes sure husbands and wives are together when he visits because most are in the business together. “It’s important they communicate and plan together. If stress gets too much, people close down and all sorts of problems happen.”

Mr Taylor says he talks about his own situation with the last drought. “I got to a stage where I couldn’t do it anymore. I literally fell over. I got counselling from then on. They understand it when another farmer talks about something they’re experiencing.”

He says some people get on, do the planning work, make the best of the situation and help themselves, while others face a more serious struggle.

“I’ve been working with a young man with a young family, who tried to commit suicide twice. His dreams and aspirations have been shattered by the position he’s ended up in. It’s been too much for him but we’re positive we’ll bring him out of it.

“The key thing is to remain positive and communicate and do planning so you’ve got light at the end of the tunnel … If you can’t see where you’re going, that’s the danger.”

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22 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

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Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 23

ruralrodney

 DROUGHT FEATURE

Drought kills wildlife at Tawharanui Regional Park Dehydration has taken a toll on birds at Tawharanui Regional Park, with 18 North Island robins, seven pateke and a kiwi succumbing to the drought in the past two months.

Fish, plants and soil have also been affected but it is hoped the extended dry weather is a one-off and nature will bounce back.

Auckland Council’s open sanctuaries coordinator, Matt Maitland, says a kiwi the size of a tennis ball was found in the middle of a paddock during the day in early March.

It was around 40 days old and weighed 300g, below the standard 450g-500g for a bird of that age. “Our farming co-ordinator noticed it and thought it was unusual,” Mr Maitland says.

“I picked it up and felt its spine. It’s usually padded around the vertebrae but it was just sharp rigid bone. You could feel every lump and bump.” The infant was taken to a Warkworth vet and given fluids, but died overnight.

Mr Maitland says kiwis probe for food with their beaks but the ground has been so hard it’s like “banging your nose against concrete. As they struggle to find food to gain weight they become less efficient hunters and start using more energy than they’re packing on. It starts a downward slide, leading to starvation and death.”

Many of the estimated 100 kiwi at the park have given up their second nest of the year and moved to the southern coast of the peninsula which is more damp and less exposed to sunlight.

Pateke have also become victims, after a pond housing a family dried up.

Seven dead ducklings were found.

“All the bugs in the mud have retreated deep down or perished, so their food has been disappearing. They use their body fat then suck reserves out of their marrows before using every other available reserve. They’re

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This 40-day-old kiwi was found dead and alone in a paddock in the middle of the day at Tawharanui Regional Park.

Photo: Mark Paterson / TOSSI member

weak. Sometimes they get entangled in something or become victim to a harrier hawk or eel attack.”

The pateke deaths won’t impact the park’s overall population of 32 pairs as the birds produce large numbers of young and only need a couple of birds to replace themselves.

North Island robins produce three nests a year and their third nests, made after New Year, have been failing. “We found around 18 dead babies in their nests with heavy mite infestations,” Mr Maitland says.

Meanwhile, a dam supplying reticulated water to the park is lower than normal, making it impossible for banded kokopu and long- and shortfin eels to wiggle their way up the waterway to find spawning grounds.

Plant life has also taken a hit, with taraire fruit trees showing dieback,

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manuka browning off in patches, and coprosma trees not going into fruit.

“The fruit drops before it’s ripe so there’s no staggered food resource for the birds, and the seeds inside will be non-viable.”

The council worker says soil moisture deficit is approaching permanent wilting point, meaning some trees won’t recover, and large cracks are appearing alongside tracks and fences.

“They can run for 30-40cm. They’re 6-8 inches wide and up to 5 feet below the ground and create tunnels for pest

incursions. Fences can become loose and drop out.”

Despite the damage, the Mangatawhiri wetland and ecology streams are still flowing and livestock have full troughs of water.

“Provided oncoming years aren’t too hard, we should be fine,” Mr Maitland says. “We’re always planting habitat trees and maintaining pest security, which lets natural processes heal. It’s the young that’ll be the hardest hit.

They don’t have the fat reserves and are still trying to grow.”

Drought Breaker Lunch Federated Farmers has organised a Drought Breaker Lunch in Whangarei on April 18. It will be held from 10am to 2pm at the ASB Leisure Centre in Western Hills Dr. Guest speakers include comedian Te Radar and Jacqueline Rowarth, professor of agribusiness at Waikato University. Info: Louise Wilson phone 09 401 9331 or email wilsoncon@farmside.co.nz

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24 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

 DROUGHT FEATURE Farms Farm lease rentals

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With the whole North Island now officially declared in drought, farmers of my generation find ourselves in a situation we have never before experienced.

Our older, wiser counterparts recall the horror droughts of the 1970s. But for those of us who were carefree children then, this is unlike any drought we have seen – due in a large part to its widespread nature.

Unlike a one-off flood or snow event, the dry is a slow, creeping force. It eats away at soil moisture levels so very gradually, that quietly your feed supplies dwindle and stock water begins to dry up. Early on, just as the first sign of prolonged dry begins to niggle at the edge of your consciousness, farmers try all sorts of strategies to make it rain.

However, North Island farmers are now well past such strategies. The situation is serious. Workloads have doubled, as we feed out to stock that would normally be self-sufficient at this time. And issues around feed levels – such as de-stocking and ensuring sufficient stock water – have put families and staff under significant pressure. Add in the considerable financial implications of both the drought and dismal stock prices and it

would be fair to say that farmers’ levels of stress are a real concern.

Estimates that the drought will cost NZ around $2 billion do not feel outrageous, as I look out the window at the various shades of brown that represent our farm.

There is no doubt this is going to bite, in both lost production and unspent dollars in the short and medium term.

The flow-on effect for rural servicing and general spending will be significant and it will ripple out into urban New Zealand, as it always does.

Sheep and beef farmers now, more than ever, need to be talking to each other and their advisors – bankers, accountants, vets and consultants – about strategies for managing the drought’s effects. Plans made now will impact on production for next season.

Bringing the team together will inform the big picture decision-making process and allow the problems to be shared.

Beef + Lamb NZ’s “Extreme Dry Management and Planning Toolkit” won’t make it rain, but it is a useful resource that might trigger some helpful thinking at a time when worry can cloud normally sensible thought processes.

In the meantime, is that rain I hear on the roof or is it that overflowing cylinder again?

Withers & Co Ltd CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Practising in Warkworth since 1969 Specialists in Farm and Business Accounting Our long established firm has three partners and eight staff all of whom are experienced and ready to take on new clients immediately. We have farming and business clients from Kaitaia to Bluff. Call us for help with your drought related problems.

Pictured (L-R): Grant Dixon, Simon Withers & Grant Blackbourn

23 Neville Street, PO Box 113, Warkworth Phone: (09) 425 8599 Fax: (09) 425 7565 admin@withersco.co.nz www.withersco.co.nz

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Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 25

ruralrodney

 DROUGHT FEATURE

Drought relief package disappoints farmers The Government’s drought relief package contains virtually nothing new for farmers, says Warkworth accountant Grant Blackbourn.

Mr Blackbourn says he is yet to come across a farmer who has benefited.

“The Government is saying: ‘We’re bailing you out’, but actually there’s nothing in it.”

While there is an “ambulance at the bottom of the cliff ” in the form of WINZ payments, these are essentially an unemployment benefit for farmers who are seriously desperate, and very few farmers will receive them, he says.

“It wouldn’t be a saving grace and pay overdraft and feed bills — it’d just cover food for the family.”

Another part of the package is tax relief, allowing farmers to re-estimate provisional tax payments, but they can already do that, he says. They can also already negotiate instalment arrangements for overdue tax, and reestimate their income for Working for Families tax credits or child support.

An allowance for adverse events, which lets people spread income across further years, is also already available.

The only item peculiar to drought relief is the ability to withdraw funds from an Income Equalisation Scheme.

“If a farmer has funds in an IE deposit it can usually not be withdrawn until it has been on deposit for a year. Under the Drought Relief measure it could

Grant Blackbourn

be withdrawn earlier, as needed.”

He questions why “one small concession” required a public announcement. While banks have been helping clients with additional overdrafts, that is just “banks doing their thing”, he says.

The drought has impacted businesses other than farmers and yet there is “nothing for them”. When farmers realise the drought package is just “smoke and mirrors”, they will dismiss it as no use at all, Mr Blackbourn says.

“Most farmers have been through this type of thing before. Unless they’re at death’s door they’ll soldier on and somehow survive. Most will just consign it as a another Government announcement that doesn’t do any practical good.”

Wharehine sheep and beef farmer Peter Burford says Ministers have been dishonest by giving the impression that cash handouts are available.

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“I get irritated by the perception.

My city friends ask me why they should be subsidising me, yet there’s none of that at all.”

Matakana dairy farmer John Vivian says the Minister of Primary Industries went on TV promising farmers benefits, leading the public to assume farmers would be getting extra money for feed and living costs. “Everyone thinks we’re getting this and that, but there’s really nothing. Only real hardship cases or people who are virtually bankrupt qualify for anything.”

He says the drought package is misleading the public and is nothing more than “politics to make it sound like the Government’s doing a lot.

They need to be straight up with people and say 99.5 percent of farmers won’t get anything.”

Notice is given of the Rural Support Trust Northland AGM Wednesday 15th May 2013 at 10am at the BNZ Conference Rooms, Bank Street, Whangarei.

All welcome to come along for the annual and financial reports, appointment of account reviewer, general business.

Nominations in writing are invited for two trustee positions due to the rotation retirement policy of the trust. They should be received in writing by The Secretary, PO Box 77, Whangarei 0140 by 8th March 2013.

For more information contact Julie Jonker 021 429 092

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26 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

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Water storage welcomed by NZ Federated Farmers Federated Farmers has welcomed confirmation from the Government that it supports large-scale irrigation projects.

The comments are exactly what drought-stricken farmers need to hear, says Federated Farmers national president Bruce Wills.

“It is great to see Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy publicly reiterating the Government’s commitment to investing up to $400 million to encourage thirdparty capital investment in regional water storage projects to better insure farmers against droughts such as the one currently ravaging the North Island,” Mr Wills says.

“We need these schemes because no matter how many on-farm water dams farmers build, they will never have enough capacity to see us through droughts like this one.”

It is not just farmers who will feel the

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3

effects of the prolonged dry season, he says. “The entire New Zealand economy is set to take a $2 billion hit, which will affect everyone, from all walks of life, everywhere in the country.”

The Minister has “hit the nail on the head” when he says improved water storage capacity would be good for the economy and the environment.

“Imagine the good which could be done if, through the better water allocation which water storage projects would allow, we could boost exports by $4 billion a year by 2026.

“More wealth coming into this country means more jobs and higher wages for all New Zealanders and farmers who are doing well financially have more money available to spend on environmental protection.”

Federated Farmers is delighted the Government continues to see the issue as a matter of national importance, he says.

3

Do you need to find grazing or supplementary feed? Or do you have some available? Federated Farmers have activated their 0800 DROUGHT line (0800 376 844) which primarily provides information to farmers about who has feed available and who is in need of feed. At this stage Federated Farmers are organising the logistics of bringing feed up from the South Island so give them a call to register on their website database. This is available to all farmers.

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Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 27

 DROUGHT FEATURE

Trees a back-up plan for drought Farmers are being encouraged to plant trees to help get them through the drought. Federated Farmers says palatable trees can be used as a feed source for stock and should form part of drought resilience plans.

The organisation says trees such as poplars and willows also make valuable shade and shelter trees, as well as performing soil conservation and water quality improvement roles.

Both poplars and willows are resilient and respond well to the removal of branches by growing more. They can be used as regular suppliers of stock fodder, with mature trees capable of sustaining pollarding.

The feed value of poplar and willow is well above stock maintenance requirements.

Cattle will eat trimmings up to 10mm and sheep up to 5mm in diameter. Both cattle and sheep will strip and eat the bark.

It takes just one feeding to condition stock to eating tree fodder in drought.

Massey University research found that 5-10-year-old trees yield up to 22kg dry matter per tree of edible forage and that poplars and willows are similar in nutritive value.

Willows leaves are particularly high in zinc and magnesium, which are important animal health minerals. Salt levels can be low in willow leaves though, and if little or no pasture is on offer, a salt

Willow trees are in focus as a back-up plan for feed in drought conditions.

block should be provided. The tree bark has good nutritive value, too. Researchers also found an improved lambing percentage for stock fed on poplar and willow forage, compared with stock fed on drought pastures alone.

Mature poplars and willows shed a large quantity of leaves in autumn and early winter. Once trees are about five years old, leaf fall can provide 60kg or more of dry matter per tree.

Special pruning chainsaws are available with their blade partly covered by a plastic guard that prevents the blade reaching your body. They run at much higher revs so cut through the branches much more quickly. Federated Farmers says large branches are dangerous to fell, so it is recommended to use safe methods and make sure re-growth is never left longer than three to four years before re-pollarding.

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Watercare is asking all Warkworth residents to save water as the dry summer and autumn have reduced the Mahurangi River to a level that puts pressure on the town’s water supply.

Warkworth residents should adopt the following water saving initiatives: •

Avoid watering the garden

•

Avoid washing your car, boat or other vehicles

This shortage only applies to Warkworth as the town is totally reliant on water from the Mahurangi River for its supply.

Snells Beach, Algies Bay and Wellsford are supplied by separate water sources and are not impacted.

For more water saving tips visit our website: www.watercare.co.nz (09) 442 2222

28 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

Wine

Animals with Rachel Blackie BSc, BVSc

with Ben Dugdale mardale@clear.net.nz Chairman, Matakana Winegrowers Association

How to prevent a horrible death

Hoping for a cracker harvest

Recently, I had a case where a 6-week-old pup had her first vaccination for parvovirus, but later died at 13 weeks. She never left the home property and the property didn’t have a history of parvo, but she didn’t have her booster vaccine at 10-12 weeks. This still sounded a bit strange to me because parvo is usually contracted from the ground or an unvaccinated dog, so I did a little digging.

It turned out that two out of the three adult dogs on the property were unvaccinated, and regularly go away with the owner. This is one way that the virus could have come in; they must have brought it back in from another area, or it was transported in on someone’s shoes or another soiled item. Another pup from the litter has since caught the virus at the time of writing this article and I am not sure whether he will make it.

So what is parvovirus? Well, it’s a virus, so antibiotics do not kill it. In my 15 years’ veterinary experience in Northland, I’ve seen it kill pups up to 6-8 months. Parvo causes severe enteritis with dysentery, which means the stomach and intestines become so upset that vomiting and watery bloody diarhhoea occurs. The disease progresses so that anything the young dog drinks will come straight back up. This — along with the profuse watery scour — quickly leads to massive dehydration, the blood turns to sludge and stops moving around the body, and death follows.

During the progression of this disease, a pup will go from happy, bouncy and eating well, to not eating with vomiting, to tired and slow, to collapsed and unconscious.

This may occur through a 24-hour period, or may take up to a few days, depending on the individual’s size, breeding and general health prior to infection.

The treatment offered for parvo is centred on keeping the pup alive until the virus runs its course. Deaths occur due to severe dehydration. If oral fluids cannot be kept down and the pup is getting dehydrated, we inject (intravenous or subcutaneous) fluids during the course of the disease, for 48 hours and up to a week. This intensive care comes at a cost unfortunately and, even then, there can be no guarantee we can beat parvo’s race to dehydrate and destroy the young dog. They can literally scour out the entire lining of their bowel.

Preventable? Yes. Make sure all dogs in your care are vaccinated for parvo. Ensure breeding bitches are up to date with vaccinations prior to breeding. Make sure pups follow the vaccination course recommended by your vet, and don’t let them on the ground away from home, or contact unvaccinated dogs, until they are fully vaccinated.

The 2013 harvest is well underway. Sugars have been high, acids balanced and, more importantly, flavours have begun to show in the past 14 days or so. Producers have been very happy with what they have harvested thus far and look forward to the flavours and characters emerging from the ferments in the weeks ahead. Most varieties relish the dry, warm conditions and a key component of this season is a distinct lack of disease pressure and picking grapes unhindered by weather issues.

The rain which has recently appeared actually helps the grapes ripen. It also gives the vines a bit of a burst before the winter dormancy. After harvest, the leaves will turn a golden yellow or bright red, giving the region a patchwork quilt of colour before the chill of winter blows them away. After a few weeks, teams of labourers will begin the prune, cutting out the spent canes and laying down new buds for the 2014 harvest. There is always something to do in a vineyard.

I recently attended a tasting of local, national and Australian syrah wines at The Vintry in Matakana. An Auckland-based hospitality magazine came up to Matakana to hold the tasting and thought the delightful setting of The Vintry would be ideal. It proved to be an excellent location for the three-hour tasting, with several local winemakers in attendance with celebrated writer Keith Stewart and industry stalwart David Batten. I was pleased to see the local Matakana wines pulled no punches when tasted alongside some cracker wines from Hawke’s Bay and Australia. I felt the locals cheerfully sat alongside the top quarter of the wines tasted, and really did the region proud.

In the next couple of weeks, I will have the opportunity to present a selection of Matakana wines to media at the 2013 Trenz conference (New Zealand’s premier tourism trade event) in Auckland. The Matakana Winegrower Association is actively seeking opportunities within Auckland to market and promote their products and we have long known of the tourist and visitor pull that vineyards have. As such there may be opportunities to have local (by this I mean from Puhoi to Pakiri Beach) food producers tag along with us at various promotional events. Those interested should contact me via email (mardale@clear.net.nz).

Lastly, Robin Ransom sent me a link regarding how wine consumption is declining in France. In 1965, per capita consumption was 160 litres — about 213 bottles per person per year. Today, that number has declined to 57 litres – a mere 76 bottles a year, or barely 1.5 bottles a week. NZ, by contrast, consumes a miserly 12 litres per capita per year. I will not encourage you to consume more – just ensure that it is of excellent quality. Cheers.

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Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 29

localentertainment

Collection puts wind in sails

Warkworth Music present their

2013 Concert Series Sunday 12th May @ 4pm Auckland Youth Orchestra Saturday 8th June @ 4pm Jason Bae Sunday 21st July @ 4pm V8 Vocal Ensemble Saturday 3rd Aug @ 4pm NZ Guitar Quartet Friday 27th September @ 6pm Lazarus String Quartet Sunday 3rd November @ 6pm Category Five Reed Quintet PlEASE noTE TimES & vEnuE cAREFully: 12th may & 8th June ....... Mahurangi College 21st July & 3rd Aug ........... Ascension Winery 27 Sept & 3 nov .................. old masonic Hall

A fascination for windmills has led a Warkworth grandmother to start a fundraising venture for the Starship Foundation. Dorothy Butcher, aged 82, started collecting windmill souvenirs about two years ago after visiting Foxton, where the De Molen windmill – a working Dutch windmill – was under construction. “I used to have a bit of a feeling for lighthouses, but this surpasses that,” she says. “I don’t have any Dutch connections, but there’s just something about windmills and their history that I find intriguing.” Dorothy’s collection includes china plates and cups, a coffee grinder, tea towels, kitchen containers, photographs, embroidery, egg cups and much more. Some of the items were purchased new, while others are secondhand, and some were received as gifts. She is now putting them on display for groups of up to 25 in return for a small donation for Starship. The tours include a cup of tea and a windmill biscuit. Info: Phone Dorothy on 425 7026.

Variety for classical music fans Warkworth classical music concerts promise to be more varied in every way this year.

A programme of six very different voice Ensemble V8, and in August the concerts has been organised by NZ Guitar Quartet plays at the same Warkworth Music Society, using three venue. very different venues.

September has the society moving yet The season opens on May 12 at again to the Old Masonic Hall for a Mahurangi College with the full- programme by the Lazarus String blooded sound of the ever-popular Quartet and the season is due to finish Auckland Youth Orchestra performing there in November, with the reed the Beethoven Violin Concerto and quintet, Category Five. other works. The next concert is also Warkworth Music Society is delighted to performed at the college — a piano recital present this programme for the district’s by the upcoming soloist, Jason Bae, in a enjoyment at very affordable prices. programme of Chopin and Liszt.

Info: www.warkworthmusic.org.nz, July sees concertgoers at Ascension or Elizabeth Clark 425 7313, or Winery for a vocal recital by the eight- Beverley Hicks 425 7015.

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Warkworth 425 8730 Wellsford 423 8246 www.kowhaikids.co.nz or like us on facebook

For more information visit www.warkworthmusic.org.nz or phone 9-425-7313 or 9-425-7015 See article thiS page Tickets at door: Adults $30 • Students FREE Discount for members Brochures at: Warkworth i-SITE and Matakana Cinemas

30 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

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Otamatea Rugby Club is holding a 25th year.

The club was formed in 1988 when the Maungaturoto and Eastern United (Kaiwaka) rugby clubs amalgamated.

It managed to win the Premier Championship the following year, and has had plenty more successes since then.

The reunion will be held at the Kaiwaka Sports Complex on April 19 and 20. It kicks off on Friday evening with a casual Meet and Greet, with several matches planned on Saturday, including JMB (Maungaturoto vs Eastern United), IMB and seniors

reunion this month to celebrate its (Otamatea Hawks vs Hora Hora).

There will also be a Golden Oldies match at 11am, Old Boys vs Manaia, that will be televised by Grass Roots TV. A dinner is planned in the evening.

More than 400 former players, coaches, managers and executive committee members have been invited, and attendees are being asked to bring along any memorabilia they have for display.

Info: Cheryl Anderson on innesa@ quik.co.nz.

New date for Mangawhai run April 21 is the new date set for the Mangawhai Heads2Hub Run/Walk.

The annual event, organised by Sport Northland and this year sponsored by Jeff Oliver Print, has previously been a mid-winter event in July.

As well as a shift in date, a new distance of 5.5km has been added to the usual 8.5km event. “This is only the second event in the 2013 Sport Northland Run/Walk Series so it is good to make a more achievable distance for the newcomers,” says Sport Northland’s events team leader, Hayley Overton.

Pompallier College student Harry Linford will be trying to continue his great run of form having completed the 2012 Sport Northland Run/Walk Series at the top of the leaderboard.

Similarly in the women’s division, last year’s series winner, Carolyn Younger, was first across the line in the 9km event to take the top spot on the 2013 women’s leaderboard.

The 5.5km event will start at Sail Rock Café on Wood St for either a run or walk at 8.30am, while the 8.5km event will start at Mangawhai’s Ocean Beach for a run, walk or pram stroll at 9am. Both courses will link onto Molesworth Drive and continue to the finish line at The Hub. Prizes up for grabs from sponsors include a Telecom mobile phone, an iPod from Gen-i, Fullers Great Sights vouchers, ASB and Asics merchandise, plus the major prize, a bike from AvantiPlus Whangarei.

All Northland adults who compete in the event will go into the draw to win the Suzuki Splash car sponsored by Pacific Motor Group which will be drawn following the last event in the Run/Walk Series, the Fullers GreatSights Kerikeri Half Marathon on November 16.

The next event in the series is the Jennian Homes Mother’s Day Fun Run/Walk on May 12.

Thousands of dollars in prizes are on offer in the annual Matakana Seagull Race on April 20.

The Matakana Pub co-owner Duncan Anderson says only 30 boats can be accommodated on the river and spaces are filling fast.

As in previous years, craft must be powered by a Seagull outboard no bigger than 4.5hp and only two people per engine.

“There will be plenty of fun and competition, but there’ll also be an emphasis on safety this year,” Duncan says. “Everyone on the water has to wear a life-jacket and the decision of race commodore and judge Rob

Mackisack will be final.”

Duncan hopes the race and associated raffles and activities will raise between $8000 and $10,000 for the Omaha Surf Club, Matakana Volunteer Fire Brigade and Kawau Volunteer Coastguard.

While boaties will be racing for cash prizes, landlubbers will be able to enter the draw for numerous lucky prize grabs which will include a trip for two to Fiji and a Viking Profish fishing kayak. Comedian Leigh Hart will compere entertainment throughout the day and entertainment will include a live local band.

The race starts at the Matakana Wharf at 2pm.

Matakana seagulls set to fly

Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 31

Undefeated run ends for Warkworth football teams

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A roundup of sports activities and events in the district Table Tennis

yy Play has resumed at Matakana Hall on Tuesday nights, starting at 7.30pm. Suitable for all ages, beginners welcome. $2 adults, $1 students. Info: George Anderson 423 0424 or Mary Perkins 425 8146.

Soccer

yy Warkworth AFC (NRFL2) vs Tauranga City Utd (NRFL2) will take place at 2.45pm on April 20, at Shoesmith Reserve 1. yy The football season at Port Albert starts on May 11 and the Wellsford Soccer Club is fielding teams across all grades. New players and volunteers welcome. The club practises at the Port Albert grounds on Thursdays.

Info: Lee on 423 8831 (a/h) or Leigh on 423 7179.

School holiday swim classes

yy Aquakidz Swimschool is offering a Swim Intensive from April 29 to May 3, for all levels. Morning half-an-hour classes at the Mahurangi College pool, $69 for the week. Info: Cindy on 021 1635050, or aquakidz@ hotmail.com.

Badminton

yy Warkworth Midweek Badminton is held in the Mahurangi Community Centre, Snells Beach, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9.30am -11.30.

All players welcome, rackets available. Ph Rhondda 422 3565 or Brian 425 9277.

List sports news by emailing editor@localmatters.co.nz

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On April 6, Warkworth hosted Western Springs at Shoesmith Domain.

Springs were going to be a huge test the Warkworth boys, it was not long for the Warkworth boys and signaled after this that Western Springs were their intention to become one of the able to break the deadlock. Midfielder top clubs in the country at the start Sam Burfoot rushed the Warkworth of the year with the appointment of defense and was able to steal the ball former Premier League player and All and compose himself to slot the ball White assistant coach Neil Emblem as past Borich in the Warkworth goal. their director of football and first team The goal saw the game open up and player coach. the home side pushed forward to The Mitre 10 Mega Warkworth try and get an equalising goal. New Reserve team had enjoyed a perfect signing Patrick Baker twice hit the start to their season with two wins from post and the efforts of Cody Piper and their first two games. They were keen then Matt Taylor following up were to test themselves against a very strong deflected by Springs defenders. In the Springs team that boasted a number search for a second goal, Warkworth of players who have previously played were caught pushing forward and at a very high level. Unfortunately for Borich was called on to thwart the the boys, they were never really able away team with some great saves. This to get into the game and conceded was especially the case when Springs some early goals that put them on were awarded a second penalty. Again the back foot. Despite some periods the home team felt hard done by, as of solid play, our boys suffered their the ball appeared to be out of play first loss of the season but enjoyed the before the challenge was made, but challenge of playing such a strong side it didn’t matter as Borich saved his and were buoyed by the fact that Neil second penalty of the match.

Emblem came on in the second half – The game finished 1-0 and Simon surely the first time a former English Borich’s effort in saving two penalties Premier League player has played for a and making a number of other great saves saw him gain the man of match NRFL Division 2 Reserve team.

By the time the Borders Real Estate honours at the Bridgehouse Lodge Men’s First team was ready to kick off, a after the game. Their next home good crowd had gathered at Shoesmith game is against Tauranga on April in support of our local team. The 20. The players really appreciate the game started with Springs on the front great support they have received at foot but Warkworth’s dogged defense Shoesmith so far this year and hopefully led by captain Gareth Southcombe this will continue throughout the year. was able to repel their attacks and as Borders Real Estate Golden Boot: the game went on, Warkworth were Jamie McGookin 1, starting to frustrate their more fancied Cody Piper 1, opposition. A controversial moment Cameron Gray 1, late in the first half appeared to turn Michael O’Flaherty 1 the game on its head when a Springs striker was allowed a clear run on goal. Mitre 10 Mega Golden Boot: Warkworth keeper Simon Borich Matt Taylor 2, come out to challenge the on-coming Andre Gaensicke 1, striker and brought the player down, Kyle Deans 1, resulting in a penalty. The Warkworth Bryce Lowe 1. players and fans felt hard done by The Withers & Co Warkworth as the striker appeared to be offside. Women’s First team went down 1-3 to However, the penalty was well saved Forest Hill in the first league game of

by Borich and both teams went into the season on April 7, and are already the break with the deadlock yet to be finding the step up to the Women’s broken.

Conference division two considerably The second half saw the Borders Real more challenging than the local Estate men’s team looking the more Northern Football Federation division dangerous of the two sides. Only one league they competed in last year. some good goalkeeping by the visiting The Warkworth Surveyors Women’s keeper kept the scores level. Springs Reserve team have also stepped up responded by bringing on Neil a division to the local Northern Emblem to try and get more stability Football Federation Second Division, in the middle of the park as the home and they lost their opening match 2-5 team were on top. Unfortunately for to Birkenhead.

32 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE ONLY $48+GST* PER INSERTION

Phone 425 9068 for more information or email your advertisement to localmatters@xtra.co.nz *for a three insertion contract.

COMPOSITE JOINERY Ltd Composite Joinery Ltd 7 Glenmore Drive Warkworth 0941

Phone: 09 425 7510 Fax: 09 422 2011

64 Hamatana Road, Snells Beach

We specialise in: • Vantage Aluminium Joinery • APL | Architectural Series • Metro Series • Internal and External Timber Joinery

0800 70 40 10

sales@compositejoinery.co.nz www.compositejoinery.co.nz

Ph 09 425 5025 • www.autohaus.co.nz

YOUR LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE CENTRE

WINDSCREEN REPAIR OR REPLACE GLAzING SERVICES MIRRORS • SPLASH BACKS • SHOWERS info@northglass.co.nz • www.northglass.co.nz

TV AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES Freeview Sales & Installation TV & FM Aerials

Good food that’s Gluten Free

GAVIN BROUGH

18b Glenmore Drive, Warkworth 425 9593 • elocinfoods@xtra.co.nz www.elocinfoods.co.nz

Ph 09 425 5495 Mob 0274 766 115

GOING DIGITAL NOW

RODNEY ALUMINIUM SS OC I

IO AT

WA O

ND

N

OF

• New Residential & Architectural Joinery • Replacement Windows • Specialty Units

WIN D

Producers of top quality aluminium joinery

NE A W Z E AL

MEMBER

74 Hudson Road, PO Box 259, Warkworth

Welch Painting & Decorating Mark Welch

Rentals

Cars from

$25 per day*

• Painting • Paper Hanging • Spray Painting • Water Blasting

Gary Barber 425 7599 or 0274 836 660 41 Woodcocks Road, Warkworth

David Just Developments Ltd Bathroom and Kitchen renovations Over 25 years experience References available from past clients

David Just • Ph: 0274 753 574 justdevo@farmside.co.nz

Mob: 027 240 8330 A/h : 422 2678 • Fax: 422 2676

AUTHORISED AGENT

Pumps / Water Tanks / Filtration / Treatment Spa & Pool Shop / Pool Valet Service Water Blasters / Sprayers Hose & Fittings / Mobile & Workshop Service 31 WOODCOCKS RD - WARKWORTH - PH 425 9100

dens@xtra.co.nz PO Box 193, Warkworth

Foundations • Floors • Drives • Paths • Digger & Truck Hire Concrete Specialists backed by over 30 years experience Established since 1984

Warkworth Car & Truck

Long & short term rentals

p. 425 7367 f. 425 7368 e. rodal@ihug.co.nz www.rodneywindows.co.nz

Denis 021 945 498 Joel 021 422 592

0800 METAL 4 U

• Metal supplies • Landscape supplies • Topsoil • Bark & mulch • Truck hire • Bulk haulage

183 Sandspit Road, Warkworth Phone 0800 638 254 (0800 Metal 4 U)

Household Water Deliveries 0800 747 928 mobile: 027 556 6111

water

IAN & SOLW TE S AY R fILTEREd A

WATER

0800 638 254 OR 09 422 3700

BICYCLE MECHANIC Shimano approved Fully equipped workshop Road Bikes Mountain Bikes Full Suspension BMX Bikes Parts & Accessories

Matakana Bicycle Hire | 09 423 0076 951 Matakana Road, Matakana info@matakanabicyclehire.co.nz

DRINNAN CONTRACTORS

Household Drinking

WATER

0800 GET H20 4 3 8 4 2 6

Formatting of books / journals (complete to print-ready pdf); Graphic and Web Design

Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 33

Writing a book?

Need a website?

Need graphic design?

Ph: 422 5797 diane@designoptions.co.nz www.designoptions.co.nz

Skilled in Word, Excel and Adobe software

Focus Fencing Farm & Domestic Fencing  Post & Rail Post Driving  Cattle Yards  Retaining Walls  Wooden Farm Gates & Hardware  

Contact Jeff mobile 021 996 713 a/hrs 09 423 7310 stevies.fencing@xtra.co.nz

Digital Freeview Satellite Kitchens ▌ Bathrooms ▌ Entertainment Units Laundries ▌ Wardrobes and Offices From design to installation we’ve got you covered Contact Neil 09 425 7017 or 021 070 0643 neiltcabinetmaker@xtra.co.nz www.cabinetmakeranddesign.co.nz NOW AT 16A GleNmOre Drive, WArkWOrTh

Installation & Repairs

SNELLS BEACH

PHONE 09 425 5597

146M

MECHANICAL

Servicing

Services

Field services Repairs, Servicing & Maintenance on Tractors Hydraulics Earth moving Diesel Engines NZ Trade Qualified Mechanic Phone 022 129 8512 or email: pagoda12@gmail.com

TV • Video • DVD Tuning Additional TV Outlets Phone David Redding 09 422 7227 or 0274 585 457

Installation Maintenance

CONNECTED

New Homes

Electrical Solutions

Industrial • Commercial • Residential REGISTERED ELECTRICIANS

Renovations Control Systems

Contact Linus Wood

Light & Power

Ph: Sacha Vroegrijk 022 4444 006 Ph: Kyle Dowsett 021 369 738

Switchboards Alarms

Email: kaiparaconnected@gmail.com

www.treecontracts.co.nz

FROG POOL FARM

The Tree

Bears Tree Trimmers

For General Tree Work • 300mm Chipper P. 021 492 939 • AH. 09 425 0252

Gifts Furniture Homeware amps Leadlight L ilt Bu Custom en Kitch s

Dome Valley 5 min past Warkworth • 425 9030

Tickidi Boo

BOB CAT & TRUCK HIRE – PJH CONTRACTING –

180mm - 300mm 450mm - 600mm

Property Management

Your one stop Cleaning and Maintenance shop

Local roots mean more

Carpet, Vinyl, Cork, Ceramic Tiles, Wood & Laminate

09 422 2275 21 Glenmore Drive www.flooringxtra.co.nz 146M

• Trenching • Laser Level • Compactor

Home 09 4250995 Peter 021 912805 Annie 021892467

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR ONLY

$48+GST* per insertion Phone Cathy or Shona 425 9068 or email your advert to advertising@localmatters.co.nz *for a three insertion contract

027 527 6990 or 422 4933 a/hrs

Sudoku the solution

Big jobs, little jobs odd jobs, all jobs Just call to ask

• Landscaping • Site Works • Driveways • Post Hole Drilling

6

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34 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING BUSINESS

FITNESS & WELLBEING LAVENDER HOUSE - LUNCHTIME GUIDED MEDITATIONS 12.15pm-

12.45pm, 27 Lilburn Street, Warkworth.

Mon, Wed & Fri $5 per session. Starting May 1st. Info: lightways@xtra.co.nz

FOR HIRE PUHOI CENTENNIAL HALL Capacity

200, reasonable rates. Phone Kathy on 422 0891 or puhoi.hall@hiko.co.nz

FOR LEASE LAVENDER HOUSE

FOR SALE FIREWOOD 1.5mtrs $100+gst.

Assorted - pine / backwood (FREE DELIVERy OMAHA) ph 027 454 0444.

RAWLEIGH PRODUCTS Phone Patrick 425 8851.

available.

GARDENING / PLANTS PLANTS, Quality groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Large and small grades. Wholesale direct to the public.

Liberty Park Native Tree Nursery, 90 Jones Road, Omaha 09 422 7307.

FLIGHTS

SCENIC FLIGHTS 30 mins $55; 20 mins $40; Min. 3 passengers. Trial flights $79. Gift vouchers available.

GREAT BARRIER FLIGHTS. Special stopover up to 4 hours. Return $110.

Min. 3 passengers. One way flights $115 each. Min 2 passengers.

NORTH CAPE FLIGHTS $395 each.

Min 3 passengers.

Rodney Aero Club 425 8735 or Rod Miller 425 5612

HEALTH SERVICES COUNSELLING Professional Experienced. A powerful way to gain perspective and effect change in our lives. Contact Phillipa Reeve 09 423 0483 or 021 0271 8621.

MARkETS

TRAVEL

TIME LINE HEALING/ PSyCHIC DEVELOPMENT workshop Sunday 28th April 2013- 10am to 2pm. $90 Silverdale- www.makingachange.co.nz Ph 09 4268361.

MUSEUM SUMMER MARkET 1st Saturday of the month, 8am, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, Warkworth.

For enquiries phone Warkworth on 425 8482.

GLORIES OF TURkEy TOUR – 14 Days including Accommodation, meals, transfers and sightseeing.

From $2060pp Twin Share. Contact Kelly at World Travellers Warkworth Ph: (09) 425 8009 or email kelly@warkworthtravel. co.nz

PHOBIAS? STRESS? ANXIETy? Hypnotherapy with Scope Hypnosis.

Phone 0508 SCOPE ME (726 736) or email: lisa@scopehypnosis.com

PHOTOGRAPHIC & DIGITAL PRESERVE yOUR MEMORIES Videos, slides & old 8mm films all on to DVD. Ph TeTotara Video (09) 422 5710.

HOBBIES & RECREATION PICTURE FRAMING & SUPPLIES

Horse riding WarkWortH

Family Fun Scenic farm & forest rides Quiet horses & ponies • Birthday rides Lessons • Suit beginners & experienced riders & people with Disabilities Social, Language & School Groups

Book Now 1hr $40 • 2hrs $75 Phone 425 8517



OFFICE OR CLINIC SPACE WARkWORTH Large open area with facilities and parking.

Info: lightways@xtra.co.nz

HEALTH SERVICES



STOP LOSING SALES! Get Your Name In Front Of Prospects & Clients 24/7. Guaranteed More Business Using Our Professional Websites and Strategies – Or Your Money Back! Free Recorded Message 0800 MESSAGE or visit www.geekfree.co.nz

Advertise your classifieds and church notices here for only

$2.95+GST per line or $8.85 per/cm+GST for boxed adverts.

42 Kaipara Flats Road, Warkworth www.come.to/horseriding HOME MAINTENANCE

HANDyMAN – THE MAINTENANCE MAN Your one stop fix-it-man. Phone Jim 422 3725 or 021 254 2048 or visit www.themaintenancemanjim.co.nz LAWNMOWING & SECTION MAINTENANCE SERVICE Rubbish removal, weed control, water blasting, decks, drives, paths, fence painting & repairs, raised garden construction.

Warkworth - Matakana & Beaches. Jeff is reliable and punctual. Phone 027 425 7357 or 425 7357.

STEVE’S MAINTENANCE lawns, hedges, waterblasting, rubbish removal, section clearing, property maintenance. No job too big or small.

Phone Steve 029 770 7101 or 09 425 9966. Serving Warkworth, Snells, Matakana, Sandspit.

TANk WATER TESTING Find out what bad-bugs are in your drinking water.

We collect, test and report. Phone Simon at 09 422 9345 or tankwater@ xtra.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.purewaterservices.co.nz WATER PUMPS Low water pressure?

Get it sorted. Sales, service and installation.

Work guaranteed.

Phone Steve 09 945 2282 or www. purewaterservices.co.nz

Your One Stop Shop for all Professional Art & Custom Framing Handcrafts, Diplomas, Medals Repairs, ReFraming, ReGlazing Plus more & all those bits & pieces PROTECT YOUR PHOTOS, PICTURES, and all Art with , ‘PLEXIGLAZE’ the Ultimate in UV Protective Glazing Clarity, Safety, any Size or Shape YOU NAME IT! WE FRAME IT! OREWA PICTURE FRAMING Shop ‘E’ Tamariki Plaza Cammish Lane,

Orewa, Phone 427 8124.

PUBLIC NOTICES

BINGO, BINGO, BINGO!

Come and join the fun, 1st Monday of month, Upstairs New Masonic Lodge, Baxter Street, Warkworth, 7pm.

Proceeds to Warkworth Museum.

SITUATIONS VACANT HOLIDAy HOME MANAGER – Work is mainly PT and seasonal but year round.

You live in Leigh, enjoy cleaning and meeting people with great attention to detail and have computer, internet and mobile phone. Be part of a growing business. Suits semi-retired couple or person returning to the work force.

Email: gemma@bachcare.co.nz

TRAVEL

TENDERS BUILDING FOR REMOVAL Pavilion at Tomarata Domain. Highest or any tender not necessary accepted for more information please ring Peter 09 4238055.

TV SERVICES & SALES ALL FREEVIEW INSTALLATIONS Dish, Aerial, Additional Outlet .. THE TV MAN IS THE ONE! FREE QUOTE Call JIM THE MAINTENANCE MAN 021 254 2048 or visit www.themaintencemanjim.co.nz

TV SERVICES Freeview, dishes, aerials, boxes. Sales, installation and repairs.

Phone Gavin 027 4766115.

TUITION TIME LINE HEALING/ PSyCHIC DEVELOPMENT workshop Sunday 28th April 2013- 10am to 2pm. $90 Silverdale- www.makingachange.co.nz Ph 09 4268361.

WANTED CASH PAID Tools & Machinery, Shed & Garage Clearouts. All things considered.

Call or txt 021 161 5139.

WORk WANTED

Residential design & dRaughting

turn your ideas into reality see geoff alexander (ndat) lBP at archwright design ltd

FLIGHTS TO EUROPE – on selected European destinations.

Departures between 1st May to 30th November 2013. From $2299pp. Contact Kelly at World Travellers Warkworth Ph: (09) 425 8009 or email kelly@warkworthtravel. co.nz

• New builds • Alterations/ additions • From concept to full consent documentation • Prompt service, latest technology

MACHU PICCHU & THE SACRED VALLEy – 3 day Tour from Cuzco including accommodation and a guided excursion to Machu Picchu.

From $917pp. Contact Kelly at World Travellers Warkworth Ph: (09) 425 8009 or email kelly@warkworthtravel.co.nz

PO Box 172, Leigh Email: alex.g.h@xtra.co.nz

NEW CALEDONIA MARATHON & HALF MARATHON – escorted tour departs 15 August 2013. Packages from $1,999 per person share twin including flights, transfers, accommodation, entrance fee, pre and post race massage, race briefing, experienced tour and race escort (running with you). Contact Kelly at World Travellers Warkworth Ph: (09) 425 8009 or email kelly@warkworthtravel.co.nz

Call 09 422 6624 for a free Consultation REID EQUESTRIAN ENGINEERING, Wellsford. Float rebuilds, horse truck conversions, etc. Dog kennels made to measure. Quality work. Ph Ron 423 9666.

VEHICLES PARk & SELL Gull Snells Beach. Weekly rates. Great exposure. Phone 425 4092

Classified deadline for May 1 issue is april 23

Phone 425 9068 to book

Part of the largest

GRAND CH OPENING! Great Value Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013 | 35

what’s on

Part of the largest Liquor Chain in NZ

Part of the largest Liquor Chain in NZ

April 2013

GRAND CHRISTMAS Autumn OPENING! Heart Happiness Meditation Group 7-8.30pm, Hibiscus Coast Warm-ups!

Jameson 1L

For links to more information about some of these events, as well as listings through to the end of the year, visit the What’s On calendar online at www.localmatters.co.nz

17

Jim Beam bourbon 1750ml

Chivas Regal 700ml

Jameson 1L

Martineau Brandy 1L Wild Moose Canadian Whisky 1L

Won’t be hard to Spot Teachers

Martineau Brandy 1L Wild Moose Canadian Whisky 1L

Community House. Info: Julienne Rose 09 945 0940. $ $ .99 57.99DROP” $ .99 44 “BEST SPOT FOR YOUR FAVOURITE 18 Ladies Night, Mitre 10 Mega Warkworth, with auction for 33 57 44 32 42 29 13 49 33 20 Warkworth Wellsford Hospice. Register at Mitre 10 Mega.

Corbans The Ned Corbans Seagers Black Decorate a cupcake while wearing gardening gloves, plus Speights Gold Bernadino White Sauv Blanc/ White Gin 1ltrWaikato, Heart 1ltr Medal, heaps of other fun activities and great prizes.

Label Pinot Gris Label 22 24 Lion Red 24s 6 28 32 19&20 Otamatea Rugby Club reunion, Kaiwaka Sports Complex. Info: Cheryl Anderson on innesa@quik.co.nz (see $8.99 $32 .99 $29 .99 .99 .99 $14.99 $ $ .99 10$ 18 story p 30).

19 86 21 21 32 each Wont be hard to Spot 20 Leigh Coastal Walk and Fire Brigade Open Day, walks leave Black Heart / Cruiser at regular intervals from marine laboratory from 9am to KGB / Wild Moose 330ml 12s 330ml 12s midday. Fire brigade demonstrations at Leigh School from 2.30pm. Prizegiving at Leigh Fire Station from 3.30pm. Rain $ $ .99 21 day: April 27. Register online at www.leighbythesea.co.nz, $10 Riverstone 21 Cody’s 8% McKenna per person and $20 for families.

250ml Pinot Gris Bourbon 1ltr Cans 18pk Wont b 20 Seagull Race, Matakana River, starts 2pm. Entertainment $29.99 afterwards at The Matakana (see story p30).

2 FOR $35.99 $17.99 20 Warkworth Ranch Horse Club ‘give it a go’ open day, Warkworth Rodeo grounds, 10am start. Cattle cutting, Specials valid until 31 December 2011. All specials may not be available in so games, cowboy challenge, barrel racing; horses available or 4 DAYS ONLY Wed 17th - Sat 20th April bring your own. Info: Marty Westlake on 431 4158 Kahlua 20 Lauraine Jacobs launching her1Lnew book, Everlasting Feast, at Martineau Jameson Canadian Smirnoff Jack Bombay Jim Beam Lindauer Russian Teachers OR Jack Brandy 1L Club Standard Vodka 1ltr The Village Bookshop, Matakana, midday.

OR Jim Sapphire Daniels bourbon Special Chivas Regal 10am to Whisky 1LMalibu Canterbury Daniels 1L Wild Moose Beam 1ltr Gin 1L 1750ml Reserve 1ltr Cream 700ml Vodka 1L 700mls 21 Tomarata Golden Oldies Hockey Festival, Port Albert Canadian 700ml Whisky 1L Domain, 10.30am. Info: Pat Came 423 7129 or email $ patcame@ubernet.co.nz.$ $33.99 .99 $ $ $ .99.99 $ 57.99 44.99 .99 32.99$ .99 $2 FOR 42.99 $38 $$49 .99 29 13 $ .99 49 33 20-23 NZ Farm Forestry Conference, Orewa. Info: www.nzffa.org.nz/ each 29 20 each conference.

Corbans Speights Gold Monteith’s Summer Ale 12s Smirnoff Ice Double Black 7% 335ml Bottles White Steinlager Pure Steinlager Classic 21 Mangawhai Heads2Hub run/walk, 5.5km starts at SailWaikato, Rock Medal, Asahi 330ml Oranjeboom 330ml Label 330ml 15s Southern 330ml 18s Steinlager Pure Lion Red 24s Café 8.30am, 8.5km starts at Ocean Beach 9am. Great prizes Bottles 12s 12pk Bottles 330ml Bottles 12s Comfort $ 1ltr to be won. Enter online at www.runwalkseries.co.nz, or at a $ .99 22.99 24 $ .99 office (see story p30). $ .99 Carters store or Sport Northland $ .99 6 28 32 $238% .994pk $25.99 NZ Pure 330ml$18.99 24 Mahurangi East Library school holiday programme, pirate Woodstock $ .99 NZ pure Summer Ale 330ml and princess stories plus make a treasure box, 10.30am.

36Black 8% 330ml Black Heart / Cruiser Jim Beam KGB / Wild Moose 330ml 12s 330ml 12s 24 Cartooning workshop for ages 9 and up, Mahurangi $ 18.99 Tui, Export $10.99 $ .99 $ .99 Presbyterian Church hall, 10am-midday, $30. Info: Andy $ .99 19 21 Lion Red, Speights 21 Griffiths 431 2029 or www.tooniversity.org.

Gold, DB Summit, Waikato Draught 330ml 330ml Bottles 15pk 25 Anzac Day (see district dates p 14).

Wont be hard to Spot Bottles 15pk Part of the 24 Quiz night, fundraising for the Puhoi Centennial Hall, 7.30pm.

Raffles and optional dress-up (as the place where you or your $23.99 ancestors came from). Tickets $10. Info: Fran 422 0835 or $23.99 Specials valid until 31 December 2011. All specials may not be available in some stores. Specials only available at Liquor Spot each Stores detailed above. No Trade Sales. each e-mail jenny@hiko.co.nz.

26 Warkworth Library school holiday programme, session on Vodka Cruiser Monteiths Range wartime animal heroes and Sir Edmund Hillary, 11am.

5% 330ml 330ml Bottles 12s Bottles 12pk 27 Spear-fishing competition, Omaha boat ramp, $2000 in $20.99 or 8% 250ml prizes to be won and charity fish auction to follow. each Cans 12pk Starts 7am, weigh-in at 5pm. Info: In store at NZ Diving or $23.99 each www.nzdiving.co.nz.

Smirnoff Ice 28 Puhoi Ethnic And National Origins Celebration, Puhoi Market, 5% 250ml 9am-1pm. A range of costumes, flags, artefacts, music, dance $21.99 12pk Cans Canadian and food will be showcased.

Club & Dry 10pk 30 Cheese-making demo. 7-9pm Wellsford Co-operating Parish Hall. Make halloumi and mozzarella, plus Over the Moon $21.99 Coruba & Jim Beam cheeses available for tasting. Booking essential, tickets $25. each Cola 5% & Cola $23.99 Fundraiser for CanTeen. Info: Geraldine Taylor 431 4909.

Jim Beam bourbon 1750ml

Chivas Regal 700ml

$

$

.99

.99

$

Corbans White Label

$

.99

$

$

$

.99

Speights Gold Medal, Waikato, Lion Red 24s

Black Heart / Cruiser 330ml 12s

Bombay Sapphire Gin 1L

Steinlager Pure 330ml 15s

$

$

$

$

.99

$

Whisky 1L

Canterbury Cream 700ml

.99

2 FOR $

$

.99

Smirnoff Ice Double Black 7% 335ml Bottles

Steinlager Classic 330ml 18s

$

.99

Monteith’s Summer Ale 12s

$

.99

NZ Pure 330ml NZ pure Summer Ale 330ml

Jim Beam Black 8% 330ml

.99

Lindauer Special Reserve

Jack Daniels 1L

.99

$

.99

KGB / Wild Moose 330ml 12s

.99

.99

Russian Standard Vodka 1L

$

.99

.99

Woodstock 8% 4pk

.99

$

.99

Part of the

KING Part of the largest Liquor Chain in NZ HITS Specials valid until 31 December 2011. All specials may not be available in some stores. Specials only available at Liquor Spot Stores detailed above. No Trade Sales.

GRAND CHRISTMAS OPENING!

Cans 10pk

May 1

Public meeting to discuss Auckland Council’s Rural Urban Boundary for Warkworth, 7pm, Old Masonic Hall.

Email your events to editor@localmatters.co.nz

330ml Bottles 10pk

WELLSFORD LIQUOR SPOT

133 RODNEY ST, WELLSFORD | 09 423 7913 Specials valid until 30 April 2013. All specials may not be available in some stores.

Specials only available at Liquor Centre Stores detailed above. No Trade Sales.

Part of the

36 | Mahurangimatters 17 April 2013

Vintage tractors go on parade in Mangawhai

A cavalcade of classic and vintage tractors drove to the Mangawhai Domain on April 14, to raise funds for the new Mangawhai Museum.

Tractors on display included a John Deere Model M (far left, with driver Brian Mason), a very rare 1946 Minneapolis Moline (middle), a Leyland (top), and a 1959 Fordson Major (with driver Alvin Browne, below).

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

CLINICS

For further information and new enrolments, please contact any of our clinics Snells Beach 145 Mahurangi East Road 09 425 6666

Mangawhai 4 Fagan Place 09 431 4128

Paparoa 1877 Paparoa Valley Road 09 431 7222

Matakana 74 Matakana Valley Road 09 422 7737

Maungaturoto 138 Hurndall Street 09 431 8576

Wellsford 220 Rodney St (Cnr. SH1 & Matheson Rd) 09 423 8086

Phone 09 423 8086 for 24/7 after hours urgent service Delivered twice a month to 12,350 homes & businesses throughout north Auckland