Mahurangi Matters_Issue 209_15 August 2012 by Localmatters

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15 August 2012

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

Inside this issue Oaks on Neville

An update on the Warkworth retirement project

page 9 General Notes:

Revisions: Rev: Date:

Notes:

Client:

THE OAKS ON NEVILLE LTD

Project:

THE OAKS VILLAGE SCHEME SEVENTEEN

Design:

Drawing Title:

PHOTO MONTAGE VIEW 7

(REVISION 04-07-12)

Job No:

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File Location:

Advice on how to lighten your environmental footprint

pages 20 to 23

Fathers’ Day September 2

Members of the Kawau Coastguard Crew 1 weren’t afraid to lead by example at the annual Winter Plunge. From left: Morgan McKenzie, Geoff Kerr, Simon Yates, Peter Nash and Joshua Illingworth. Photo, Nina King.

Transport spend bypasses Rodney Rodney’s share of a $10 million allocation from Auckland Transport has been described as “appalling” by Auckland Council’s Rodney Ward representative Cr Penny Webster. Rodney will receive just $369,261 to Rodney has the largest roading network. “Some inner city boards will struggle spend on local board priorities, which Strategy and Finance Committee chair to spend their allocation – it’s equates to $250 per km. This was the Cr Webster says the decision to allocate ridiculous,” she says. “The funds smallest allocation per kilometre of any the money based on population was should have been allocated on a needs continued page 2 of the 21 board areas, despite the fact that “completely inequitable”.

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Mahurangimatters is a locally owned publication, circulated Rodney bypassed Issue 209

twice a month to more than 12,350 homes and businesses.

Next issue is September 5 Following issue is September 19 – Advertising deadline September 5

Enquiries: ph 425 9068 • fax 425 9088 • PO Box 701, Warkworth 0941 17 Neville Street (corner Neville & Alnwick Streets) Warkworth localmatters@xtra.co.nz • www.localmatters.co.nz Editor: Jannette Thompson • ph 425 9068 • editor@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Cathy Busbridge • ph 431 4966 • advertising@localmatters.co.nz Renee Monds • ph 425 9068 • local@localmatters.co.nz Views expressed in Mahurangi Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the editor is prohibited.

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basis. It’s just another example of the difficulty city-based councillors have with understanding the Rodney district. They remain very public transport focused.” In a presentation to the committee, Rodney Local Board representatives Steven Garner and Thomas Grace suggested that the allocation should also reflect road length and the value of the roading asset within a Local Board area. However, their arguments for a better deal for Rodney were ignored. Mr Garner says under the adopted allocation, Rodney will receive just $250 per km of discretionary funding. By comparison, Albert-Eden, DevonportTakapuna, Henderson-Massey, Kaipatiki, Mangere-Otahuhu, Manurewa, Maungakeikei-Tamaki, Orakei, OtaraPapatoetoe, Waitemata and Whau all receive more than $2000 per km. The average across all Local Boards is $1381 per km. “We have more than four times the length of road and almost three times the asset of the average, and yet we will receive just 3.7 percent of the allocation,” he says. “We suggested reducing the allocation to 17 of the 21 Local Boards by 10 percent and re-distributing that amount to Rodney and Franklin. A fairer allocation for Rodney would have been $832,334, which would have equated to $564 per km.” Mr Garner says while Great Barrier and Waiheke received dispensation because they have relatively low populations, Auckland Transport once again gave no consideration to the geographic area encompassed within the Rodney Local Board area. “The obvious connection between road length and value has been missed completely.” He says Rodney has historically spent a large proportion of the rates collected on roads and a large number of smaller projects, which possibly would have been funded by this capital allocation. “Investment in roading projects makes a significant difference to people as communities develop.

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Cr Penny Webster says the funding formula has to be changed before the next allocation.

Mrs Webster said she would be working “very hard” to ensure the formula for allocating transport funds for discretionary spending by local boards was changed. In April, Mayor Len Brown proposed that $10 million of the Auckland Transport capital budget be set aside for local board priorities which were local in nature and not part of the funded programme, providing that the projects were deliverable, met transport safety criteria and did not compromise the network. Examples of appropriate projects included cycling and walking networks, public transport, seal extensions, safety and carparking improvements. Auckland Transport’s own figures put the costs of sealing a rural road at roughly $450,000 per km. Meanwhile, Mr Garner says the Rodney Local Board is still awaiting figures from Auckland Transport on what the capital and maintenance spend will be in Rodney this financial year. “I appreciate that we are ‘one’ Auckland now and budgets are spread across a wider geographic area and perhaps it isn’t appropriate to identify specifically what will be spent on a board-by-board basis. However, it makes it difficult to get perspective or make any comparisons.

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New era dawns for Mahurangi Technical Institute Briefs Warkworth’s private tertiary training provider, Mahurangi Technical Institute (MTI), will soon be in new hands. Details of the sale of MTI to the Manukau Institute of Technology were being finalised as Mahurangi Matters went to press on August 10. While both facilities confirmed the sale was imminent, they said they would prefer not to comment until it was official. The fate of MTI has been under threat many times over the past few years as it has struggled to survive under changed Government funding arrangements. In 2009, it

was no longer able to access funding through its partner, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, cutting off about 80 percent of its funding. At the time, founder and major shareholder Paul Decker said the funding changes had “cut MTI off at the knees”. MTI is one of Rodney’s largest employers and the area’s only targeted youth training provider. It specialises in maritime education and freshwater fish research, and these lines of study are expected to continue and possibly expand under Manukau’s stewardship.

Auckland considers new urban boundary A new development boundary replacing the current metropolitan urban limits will be introduced to ensure Auckland has 30 years supply of greenfield land for residential and business growth as targeted in the Auckland Plan. The Auckland Plan Committee has endorsed a programme to investigate key greenfield areas of Auckland and consult widely with stakeholders, local boards and communities prior to defining a rural urban boundary (RUB) to be incorporated in the Unitary Plan. The RUB will define the maximum extent of urban development in 2040, enveloping all significant urban areas including the existing urban core, satellite towns, and rural and coastal towns. It will potentially allow for up to 40 percent of new dwellings to be built outside the current metropolitan urban limits. “We’re looking at a 30 year timeframe and this work is vital to the success of the Auckland Plan in meeting the She says it will be important to achieve yy North - Warkworth, Silverdale West housing and business land needs of balance between development and yy South - Pukekohe, Drury South Karaka, Paerata our rapidly growing city,” deputy environmental and rural protection. Initial areas for investigation are: yy West - Whenuapai, Kumeu-Huapai mayor Cr Penny Hulse says.

Community split over Sandspit spit investigation Residents from Sandspit and the lower Matakana estuary are petitioning the Rodney Local Board to rescind a decision to investigate a project to raise the level of the spit. The board last month agreed to a notice of motion from board member Steven Garner that the appropriate Auckland Council officers be asked to investigate the issues around sea level rise on the spit and the effect on associated structures and amenities.

The board endorsed the suggestion that there were potential environmental advantages in using excavated material from the planned Sandspit Marina project locally. The board was also keen to utilise a Sandspit Yacht Club Marina Society offer to allocate capital, which would otherwise be spent on transport and material disposal elsewhere, towards the spit project. However, residents who are concerned

about the scope and potential impact of the spit project were planning to present a petition to the Local Board this week. The petition calls for full consultation, involving all affected parties and community groups, before any further investigation is done. The residents say the rationale and impact of the project need to be thoroughly examined before scarce Council funds and resources are committed to an investigation.

Dog policy hearings The first of several public hearings on Auckland Council’s proposed bylaw and policy on dogs will be held at the Auckland Town Hall on August 17. Draft proposals released earlier this year attracted more than 10,000 submissions. One of the major proposals includes making seasonal access times and dates for dogs on beaches and parks the same across the region. Other proposals include a requirement to neuter dangerous, menacing and uncontrolled dogs, and standardising access rules for playgrounds, sports surfaces, streets, car parks and campgrounds. The final policy and bylaw will be adopted in November. Info: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Drop, cover and hold A nationwide earthquake drill will be held on September 26 at 9.26am. The NZ ShakeOut campaign aims to build awareness and help people learn about what they need to do during an earthquake in their workplace, school or home. Between 10,000 and 15,000 earthquakes are recorded in NZ every year. Although the Auckland region lies in one of the lowest earthquake activity regions, quakes of varying magnitude are likely to occur at some stage in the future. Everyone in NZ can participate by registering. Info: shakeout.govt.nz

NAIT consultation New proposed regulations governing the National Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme are provided in a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) discussion paper which is out for public consultation. The proposed regulations are for infringement offences and for establishing a panel to consider applications for access to the NAIT information system. The discussion paper sets out 12 proposed infringement offences. Submissions must be received by 5pm on September 5. The discussion paper incorporating the proposals includes details for how to make a submission and is available on the web at www.mpi.govt.nz

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OFF THE RECORD Really?

Outrageous rates Mayor Len (Council rates notices mailed’ MM Aug 1) espouses the virtues of the new “fairer” rating system and highlights the average increase of only 3.6 percent across Auckland and, according to Len, a 1.99 percent average decrease in Rodney rates. He obviously forgot to include our rates assessment in his number crunching. We have been hit with a substantial increase of 18.5 percent. No, that is not a typo – it is an eighteen-point-five percent increase. Kindly, the Auckland Council has capped our payment at only a 10 percent increase for this year, with the remaining 8.5 percent and any other subsequent increases to be paid next year. I’m looking forward to that invoice already. Aside from the outrageous increase (which is, quite frankly, unsustainable for our family) I also fail to agree with the Mayor’s statement that: “The single rating system will mean that properties of equal value will pay equal rates, no matter where they are in the region, which is much fairer for everyone”. Perhaps that would be fair if those properties of equal value had equal access to equal council-funded services and facilities. However, last time I checked, I didn’t see a community centre, public pool complex, adequate sports grounds/facilities, hockey turf, public transport system or reasonable sized library in Warkworth. And don’t get me started on the lack of a footpath so that our children can walk to school safely. I suggest Mr Brown take off his

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

central-city-rail tinted glasses and read my dictionary, which states: “fair – not exhibiting any bias and therefore reasonable and impartial”. Sandra Dick, Warkworth

Garner imprecise There are a number of disappointing elements in Steve Garner’s response to Allison Jones’ letter (MM Aug 1). The first is that he continues to publicly disparage members of his constituency who do not share his enthusiasm for a marina at Sandspit or for an illdefined proposal to “future-proof ” the spit by utilising some of the dredgings from the marina. The second is that his comments are imprecise. As an original submitter in favour of the marina and with access to Auckland Council documentation, Mr Garner ought to be properly informed. Interim consent for land-based aspects of the Sandspit marina has been given subject to a number of matters still to be determined by the Court. The third is the undue haste with which Mr Garner and others are pursuing the proposal to raise the spit, prior to consultation with the Sandspit community. A proper consultation process should not be bypassed simply to satisfy the timelines of the Sandspit Yacht Club Marina Society or any other organisation or person. Chris Rowe, Sandspit

Assessing real needs Christine Rose writes a valuable article under Environment (MM Aug 1).

Her arguments are persuasive that the future of mankind on this planet requires us to restrain our wants and give more attention to our real needs. It is an argument, which politicians and business leaders have chosen to ignore in the hope that it will come home to roost only after their term in control has ended. They continue to preach GDP as if production increases were solutions to our problems instead of inevitably contributing to them. We, as citizens, look at this mantra of Gross Domestic Production as a magic formula, which is understood only by the initiated. We forget that production follows consumption, not the other way round. And while we may not see our way to control GDP, we each know and understand GDC, Gross Domestic Consumption, because we, the consumers, directly run it. But it must be admitted that these figures are at least national if not global and one person’s restraint will not save the world but in the aggregate we are in control of consumption and producers are forced to follow. Christine omits a factor we fear to mention – human populations. We have increased and filled the Earth as instructed but to overflowing and yet increasing our numbers 100-fold from Biblical times. Since gross consumption is my lifestyle multiplied by seven billion, restriction of population growth, and indeed negative growth, must be the alternative to deprivation. Whether it be by natural increase or immigration, it is the one painless factor we never applaud. John O’Neill Kaiwaka

Perilous pace Olympic gold medallists Nathan Cohen and Joseph Sullivan may have been the ones in the hot seat during the men’s double sculls, but their last minute charge to victory set hearts racing around the country. The pulse of one post-operative patient, watching the race unfold from his hospital bed, spiked so high it set off an alarm that brought nursing staff running. Luckily, a gold medal was just what the doctor ordered and things settled down once the race was won.

Penny who? There’s no chance of Rodney Councillor Penny Webster getting a big head. Well, not if Auckland Council’s customer service section has anything to do with it. On making a call to Council recently and asking to speak to Penny, the response was: “Who?” The operator then followed up with: “Sorry, we don’t have a number for her.”

Mayoral moobs Auckland Mayor Len Brown said one of the most challenging things about his recent trip to Samoa was the thought of being asked to go topless in order to don ceremonial dress. “It’s a bit of a disaster down there,” he admitted, indicating his chest area.

Mayor or tagger? A recent Council press release was headed: ‘Mayor to launch city-wide graffiti plan’. Perhaps they meant anti-graffiti?

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The University of Otago, Auckland Transport, Pasifika Injury Prevention Aukilana and Auckland Council are this week’s joint winners of the Stating the Bleeding Obvious Award. According to their media release: “A new study suggests that young people who do not drive cars choose buses, trains, cycling and walking because they are more affordable and convenient transport options.” What, we wonder, are the alternatives – horses, piggyback ride or maybe pogo stick?

Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 5

Your voice for Rodney New artwork for reserve A new mosaic in the park locally known as Donkey Hill in Algies Bay is now on display for the community to enjoy.

Mayor Len Brown listening to the Wellsford Sports Collective’s presentation, which covered the history of the site and sports complex, its strategic position and Auckland Council’s engagement.

Sports collective fights for Wellsford multi-use facility

Fighting to save the Corry Block, the Wellsford Sports Collective went eight rounds with Auckland Mayor Len Brown on August 4. The collective set up a boxing ring park already attracts a large number inside the A&P building at Centennial of sporting activities – it is not a case Park, Wellsford, and presented Mr of build and they will come, they are Brown with eight rounds of speakers already here.” expressing why they want the Corry Collective chair Wendy Crow-Jones Block, on SH1, taken off the market. said the new library in Memorial Park Collective coordinator Julie Hawkes was being built in the only green space said the block had huge potential to be in Wellsford. utilised as a northern gateway attraction. “Help us to develop this incredible “The space could be used for our opportunity for Auckland using vision to build an incredible multi-use Wellsford’s Council-owned land,” she said. facility,” she said. “We want to make Wellsford a “The collective is willing to work destination for sport, recreation, and collaboratively and raise the funds for the health. The Centennial Park complex project. We ask you, Mr Mayor, to stop would be an invigorating community the sale of the Corry land and give the hub that offers organised sport, free land clearance for this complex, support activities, school holiday programs, the development with resource consents walking and BMX tracks, as well as and permits, and supply the expertise to health and rehabilitation facilities. The turn this vision into a reality.”

Competition winner Congratulations to Colleen Julian, of Warkworth, who won a double pass to the Nightchoir show at the Leigh Sawmill on August 10.

The artwork was installed by the Higheld Garden Reserve Advisory Committee and unveiled by the Rodney Local Board last month. The Rodney Local Board supported the local project by providing funding for the artwork, created by artist Joy Bell. Rodney Local Board members June Turner and Steven Garner joined the advisory committee and guests for the unveiling. “It was a wonderful event and the Rodney Local Board is very pleased

Rodney Local Board member June Turner, Higheld Garden Reserve Advisory Committee chairman Peter Caccia-Birch, Rodney Local Board deputy chairman Steven Garner, and artist Joy Bell unveil the mosaic.

to be involved with this project,” says Mrs Turner. “The advisory committee do a wonderful job taking care of the reserve, and the mosaic is beautiful.”

Arts projects to benet from funding round The Rodney Local Board has allocated $316,000 towards signicant arts and cultural projects taking place in the Rodney area through the ARST Fund – here are the recipients. • Manuhiri Omaha Kaitiakitanga Ora (MOKO) Trust Board - Manuhiri Arts on the move - $53,000. • Spinning Sun/Ann Dewey Patriot and Knave dance performance - $33,620. • Kahurangi ki Kaipara Trust E Wahi Ana – Sharing the Memories book project - $49,070. • New Zealand Dance Advancement Trust - New Zealand Dance Company: Language of Living Tour and Workshop - $50,000.

• Brick Bay Sculpture Trust Temporary artist project - $5,000. • Matakana Community Group Inc Matakana to Point Wells Omaha Walkway public arts projects - $36,000. • Point Wells Community Ratepayers Assn - Te Papa Ara/ The Paper Road public art projects - $36,000. • Friends of Mahurangi East Library Snells Beach Hamatana Road toilet block mural - $3,245. • Albertland and Districts Museum Incorporated mural programme - $25,100. • Muriwai Arts Incorporated Muriwai Arts Trail 2012 - $25,150.

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think global

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Supporters take the plunge

Northern Parks principal ranger Mathew Vujcich (left) and TOSSI vice chair James Ross present Kara Stones, winner of the ‘100,000th tree produced and planted at Tawharanui’ prize.

Despite a strong north-easterly and a forecast of heavy rain, the Coastguard Kawau Midwinter Plunge went ahead as planned on Sunday July 29 at the Sandspit Yacht Club. Almost 50 hardy souls registered, St Johns Ambulance staff and accompanied by a healthy contingent Coastguard crew kept an eagle eye of supporters. on proceedings with a small flotilla of Among the swimmers was the Coastal rowboats also patrolling the course. Vets netball team, two local boys-in- Certificates and spot prizes were blue Kevin Blair and Paul Barrett, handed out with a $150 gym voucher several bikini-clad young women, and from The Circuit Room in Matakana many of the Coastguard Kawau’s own going to a regular participant who volunteer crew in various attire. swims in uniform, local policeman Lisa Patterson of The Circuit Room Kevin Blair. Two super hampers from Gym, Matakana, warmed up the Warkworth New World and a selection of books from Penguin added to the crowd for the event. A small number of mainly younger bonus of participating. participants led by Chloe Sutherland, Chocolate bars, a sausage sizzle and 8, set the event off with a plunge from hot drinks soon restored energy to the a pontoon a few metres away from the participants and made for a sociable yacht club boat ramp. conclusion to another successful event.

Plantings stack up

Management ties strengthened

By Sharon Kast

The August planting day saw the completion of Tawharanui’s planting programme for this year, although small infill plantings will occur later in the year. To date, some 19,000 plants have been put in and the major planting at Anchor Bay completed. There was also a smaller planting along the south coast. The planting of the 100,000th tree produced by TOSSI’s own nursery enhanced the satisfaction of completing this year’s planting. Paul Williams established the nursery six years ago in order to increase the number of trees available for revegetation within the Tawharanui Regional Park. Earlier plantings were limited to around 6000 trees a year while projected tree numbers for the proposed revegetation programme was more than 200,000. Once the nursery was constructed, an enthusiastic group of volunteers was soon producing 20,000 trees a year. Not only has the quantity of trees available for planting increased but the quality of stock has also improved and planters frequently comment on the vigour of trees planted. To mark the production of 100,000 trees, prizes were awarded to the planters. Prizes included the book NZ Native Trees, by Dawson and Lucas, which was supplied by The Village Bookshop, and a voucher for the Tawharanui bach. Among the planters who won prizes were members of the Green “S” group from Northern India. This group is predominantly students who involve themselves in community environmental activities. Overseas visitors and recent immigrants are frequently present for our plantings, which is encouraging for the future protection of our natural heritage. Production of plants for next year will start soon and anyone interested in volunteering for nursery work would be welcomed. Further enquiries can be made by phoning Paul Williams 425 9877 or through the TOSSI website. Save the date: The TOSSI annual meeting will be held on Sunday September 2, following the normal volunteer workday. Meet at the Woolshed at 9.15am for work assignments on the park, enjoy a complementary BBQ at noon and join the TOSSI committee for the annual meeting at 1pm. All welcome.

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an historic milestone for the Kaipara hapū’s role in managing its natural and physical resources,” Mr Nicolson says. “The plan, alongside a proposed habitat and wildlife strategy for Mangawhai/ Te Arai wildlife areas and today’s MoU, are all great initiatives from Te Uri o Hau.” Te Uri o Hau chairperson Mihi Watene says one of the key issues is the ongoing management of the Kaipara Harbour, which sits within the Northland and Auckland regions, and is impacted by the land use rules of at least five different councils. “The MoU will enable us to look at synergies in planning regimes and provide for better cooperation in the management of the harbour as a whole,” Mrs Watene says.

Sweet success

About 100 people attend a recent Decadent Dessert evening, raising $1700 for the Mahurangi Underwater Hockey squad. The funds will go directly towards the club’s trip to Wellington to attend the Underwater Hockey Schools National competition in September. Event organiser Sue O’Reily says that due to its success, the event will be held again next year. The following sponsors were thanked for their support – Ben Kloppers of Bayleys Real Estate, Puhoi Valley Cheese, Rush Coffee Wellsford, Feast Catering Company, Bin Inn Warkworth, Charlies Gelato Garden Matakana, McEntee Hire Warkworth, New World Warkworth and Imago Institute for Relationships Warkworth.

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The Northland Regional Council and Te Uri o Hau have signed a special agreement giving the Kaipara hapū a more active role in the management of its tribal area. The Office of Treaty Settlements recommended a number of parties enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ngati Whatua subtribe as part of the settlement of a Treaty of Waitangi grievance claim by Te Uri o Hau in 2003. Regional council chief executive officer Malcolm Nicolson says the memorandum comes off the back of the recently released hapū environmental management plan – Te Uri o Hau Kaitiakitanga o te Taiao. “The new environmental plan marked

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CARNIVAL SPIRIT From October 2012 cruising the Pacific and New Zealand

9 nights from $1,299 pp share twin Bonus: Book a balcony cabin by 17 August and receive a $A200 on board credit Auckland Council biodiversity coordinator Paul Duffy (left) and Woodcocks developer Michael Webb-Speight discuss planting locations for the Kauri Project.

Hospice kauri ready to plant Volunteers will plant up to 235 special kauri trees beside the Mahurangi River on August 21. The seedlings are the first to be planted beside the Stockyard Falls commercial in the Mahurangi Kauri Project, a development in Woodcocks Road. campaign launched at the end of last The Mahurangi Kauri Project has been year to raise $20,000 for Warkworth coordinated by Woodcocks subdivision Wellsford Hospice and create a legacy owner Michael Webb-Speight, and forest in a new Warkworth reserve. is sponsored by GJ Gardner Homes, Hospice is inviting people to buy a kauri Kauri Park Nursery, and Warkworth seedling to add to the forest. In return New World, which is selling the kauri for a $20 donation, supporters receive a certificates on Hospice’s behalf. certificate stamped with a number that Anyone interested in helping with matches the number on ‘their’ tree. Up the planting on August 21 can to 1000 kauri will eventually be planted contact Lesley Ingham at Warkworth on the southern banks of the Mahurangi Wellsford Hospice, phone 425 9535, River, off the end of Mansel Drive and or email lesleyi@hospicehouse.org.nz

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Show seeks community support Sponsors, stallholders and entertainment providers are being sought for this year’s Wellsford Country Show event at Centennial Park, on November 24. Organisers say sponsorship is a crucial part of the show and will help keep costs down. Sponsorship options are $100, $250 and $500 each with different perks for the sponsor such as free tickets, lunch and acknowledgement. “We welcome enquiries from anyone who would like to be a part of the day. Info: wellsfordcountryshow.com

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Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 9

Oaks retirement village re-design reflects feedback C 30-06

A 30-05

9.0

B 30-05

A meeting of the Warkworth Area Liaison Group on August 1 was told that design changes to the proposed Oaks on Neville retirement village will reduce the visual impact. Company director Chris Murphy said based on community feedback, one of the three buildings that will make up the multi-million dollar complex, has been lowered. “A preliminary report from Auckland Council earlier in the year made a number of recommendations,” he said. “Council provided a fresh perspective on the development and, in hindsight, the changes make sense. We’re happy to accommodate them and they will improve the outcome.” The proposal to build three accommodation apartment blocks plus 10 retail shops, a rest home/hospital facility, café and leisure facilities, including a private gym and swimming pool, behind the Warkworth Inn in Queen Street was submitted to Auckland Council for resource consent in June last year. Council received 161 submissions on the Oaks resource consent application, of which 138 were in support of the proposal, 22 were opposed and one was neutral. Mr Murphy said the height of the buildings, the trees and the historic nature of the Warkworth Inn To view an image had always been issues they had to try and overcome. slide show of the proposed “The site is difficult and we have endeavoured to development visit localmatters.co.nz settle on a mix which finds a balance between these RESOURCE CONSENT issues, community wishes and what is needed to would also be a care facility, which could accommodate Mr Murphy said the developmentAMENDED would - 23 JULY take 2012 make the venture financially viable.” about two years to complete, although there were 29BROWN people, each with their own bedroom. THE OAKS ON THE OAKS VILLAGE DAY GROUP GROUND FLOOR NEVILLE LTD ARCHITECTS issues with the redevelopment plans for R10-03 the The other major change has been to bring the access Mr PLAN 9 QUEEN STREET Murphy said the building façade was changed to some WARKWORTH Warkworth Inn, which was a protected building. from Neville Street closer to the Picnix lunch-bar. make it more attractive and lighter colours would be The plans were to extensively renovate the main “This means we do not need to remove as many of the used to soften its impact on the town centre. structure and move the smaller tacked-on building, large oak trees, which are a feature of the development.” The developers were optimistic that construction which currently housed a bar and TAB, off site. This Neville Street would be the only access to the could start in a year’s time. would allow better access from Queen Street. underground carpark, which was for residents and An Auckland Council resource consent hearing would However, the Historic Places Trust was currently staff vehicles only. Any retail and public traffic be held before the end of the year and, if granted, the opposing this removal. Discussions were continuing. would enter via Queen Street. “We may have to consider encasing some aspects of The new design had three fewer units. The complex building consent would be lodged soon afterwards. would now include 83 apartments – 29 one-bedroom, “All going well, tenders will be called around the the building, such as the historic staircase, in glass if 46 two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom units. There middle of next year.” we can’t remove it.” 7.0

8.0

6.0

Rubbish

RETAIL

9.0

.0 13

RETAIL

AREA 89m²

DOCK

NT AURA REST

PREP

14.0

COOK

PATIO

20:1

UNIT NUMBERS - RMA UNIT NUMBERS - REVISED RMA 1Bed 2Bed 3Bed 1Bed 2Bed 3Bed LEVEL 1 9 3 2 LEVEL 1 5 9 0 LEVEL 2 11 9 4 LEVEL 2 8 13 3 LEVEL 3 10 9 4 LEVEL 3 9 13 2 LEVEL 4 7 6 3 LEVEL 4 5 7 2 LEVEL 5 3 5 1 LEVEL 5 2 4 1

19m High

k Oa 11

6:1

k Oa 10

21m High

TOTAL 40 32 14 TOTAL 29 46 8 GRAND TOTAL = 86 UNITS GRAND TOTAL = 83 UNITS CARE UNITS = 30 CARE UNITS = 29

7.0

k Oa 9

k Oa 6

k Oa 3

SEATING AREA

6:1

D YAR

MPS L PU POO

k Oa 8

k Oa 2

k Oa 1

14 .0

23.5m High

18m High

5900

RY LIBRA

SPA

7.0

GYM

10 .0

7 12.0

k Oa 7 18m h Hig

k Oa 5

S IARD BILL

STORE

k Oa 12

k Oa 4

CAFE

RECEPTION

OFFICE

POOL

k Oa 13 k Oa 14

k Oa 19

14m High

13.0

PLANT ROO M

17 9.0 16

k Oa 15

k Oa 22

11.0

RETAIL

AREA 55m ²

k Oa 16 k Oa 17

k Oa 18

k Oa 20

6:1

C/S

k Oa 21

H WAS

RUBBISH

8.0 20m High

LAUNDRY

DISPLAY

RETAIL

AREA 55m ²

LIN 22EN

BLOCK ON E

P C/S

LOBBY

S TANK

7. 0

RN TAVE

ES POKI

MAINTEN ANCE

AREA 40m²

BLOCK TW O

BLOKES SHED

12.0

D 30-06

RETAIL

AREA 68m²

10.0

16m High

RETAIL

AREA 48m²

BLOCK THREE

RETAIL

AREA 71m²

RETAIL

AREA 98m²

AREA 57m ²

11.0

RUBBISH

RETAIL

AREA 43m ²

8.0

20:1

9.0

General Notes:

BROWN DAY SOMERFORD WRACK

Revisions: Rev: Date: Notes: A 8/6/11 RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATION ISSUE B 6/7/11 COUNCIL QUESTIONS C D E F

Client:

Drawing Title:

Project:

Design:

Job No:

Original size:

27/4/12 DESIGN CHANGES 9/7/12 REVISED DRIVEWAY 23/7/12 RESOURCE CONSENT AMENDED 3/8/12 RESOURCE CONSENT AMENDED

Date:

1686 A2

Drawn:

THE COPYRIGHT OF THIS DRAWING IS THE PROPERTY OF THE ARCHITECT.

Checked:

Scale (A2): Scale (A4):

1:200

Drawing No:

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10 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

Viewpoint with James Rolfe, Rodney Local Board, Auckland Council

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There has been plenty of media attention around central Government’s plans to sell state assets in the form of power companies. This has caused substantial controversy, hand wringing and upset. It is interesting to see, however, that Auckland Council is also planning to sell significant amounts of assets. Buried in a footnote to the financial statements, we discover that these ‘assets’ are actually land which is deemed to be surplus. Deemed by who I do not know. Nobody has asked the Rodney Local Board in any case. Presumably land is surplus if it does not fit within Council’s already hugely city-centric strategic plans. Where this becomes a real issue of cross-regional equity is in how the money from the sale is to be applied. There is no policy around this, as such cash just goes into the consolidated pot to bring down Council’s rates requirement – code for being poured into certain pet projects of certain politicians I imagine. There is no guarantee, and I would say it is highly unlikely, that money generated from a local land sale will be spent locally. This can be illustrated by a block of land in Wellsford known colloquially as the Corry Block. It is presently on the ‘for sale’ list, as surplus land. However, it adjoins the Centennial Park recreation reserve and there is significant community desire to have the land retained and added to the reserve to provide for future growth of sports fields and an improvement of facilities there. This doesn’t sound like surplus land to me. Council has budgeted to raise $186 million over the next 10 years from these types of disposals, without yet identifying which parcels of land are specifically being considered. I don’t doubt that there are areas that are truly surplus to requirements. For whatever reason, local authorities seem to have acquired all sorts of odds and ends around the place. However, where a community need can be satisfied, at no cash expense, the proposal should be fully investigated. More concerning is the likelihood that the vast majority of “surplus” land is likely be situated in peripheral communities, the sale of which represents another transfer of service from the outer areas into the city centre. It has been said by prominent Councillors: “You can work with us or against us”. This, it is becoming increasingly evident, means “you can acquiesce to what we are doing or you can fight it”. Support the businesses that support Mahurangi Matters.

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Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 11

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Z brand supports local causes Four worthy Warkworth causes have benefited from more than $5000 donated by Warkworth’s Z Energy to mark its re-branding from Shell at the beginning of June. Manager David Wilmot says the Harbour Health Trust $700. charities were selected to represent a St John Warkworth chairman Alan cross-section of community services Boniface says all of the groups were and the funding split was based on deserving and he’s appreciative of the thousands of votes cast by local fuel support of the public and Z Energy in purchasers over about five weeks. awarding St John the largest share. St John Warkworth came out on top with $2000, Kawau Volunteer He expects a large portion of the funds Coastguard $1350, AIM – Adults in will probably be spent equipping and Motion $1000 and Rodney North educating St John cadets.

Scrap metal drive benefits school Maungaturoto Primary School, in conjunction with Alexander Scrap Metals in Silverdale, is running a scrap metal drive during August and September. The school is accepting large-scale metal items such as old dishwashers, refrigerators or water heaters. Fundraising coordinator May Seager says the scrap metal drive is a great way to help the local community recycle and dispose of their unwanted items while raising money for a good cause. Info: 431 8106

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12 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

Flower show invites entries Licensed under REAA 2008

REAL ESTATE (Warkworth) Ltd

I NEED YOUR PROPERTY TO SELL We have buyers waiting. I can give you a FREE Appraisal. I have had contracts on some of our listed properties within the first week of listing.

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RODNEY NOW IN NEW PREMISES Offering more selection of

Green-fingered residents will have the chance to show off their talents at the Snells Beach Garden Circle annual flower show at the Mahurangi East Community Centre, Hamatana Road, on Saturday September 1. Divisions include spring bulbs, garden flowers and vegetables, as well as everything from specimen blooms to creative arrangements. Young gardeners are encouraged to take part in children’s divisions, presenting a saucer arrangement and/or a small bunch of flowers. Full schedules are available from the libraries in Snells Beach and Warkworth or from Helen Whiteley on 425 5516. Entries will be accepted from 9am to 10.30am, and the hall will be open to the public from 1pm to 4pm, after judging is complete. Other features of the day include a plant stall selling seedlings, plants and vegetables, raffles and afternoon tea. New members and guests are welcome to Garden Circle meetings, which are Bouquets and held in the Community Centre on the more will be on second Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm. display at Snells The group regularly hosts speakers and Beach flower show. enjoys outings and an annual picnic.

wine • beer • grocery deli • vegetables

Trivia quiz to keep kids dry Snells Beach Kindergarten is inviting the public to a fun Trivia Quiz night at Salty Dog Inn, Snells Beach on August 17 from 7.30pm with the serious aim of providing an all-weather outdoor space for its children. Proceeds from what is the kindergarten’s major annual fundraiser will go towards a $6000 project to extend a canopy over the kindergarten deck area and install retractable blinds. Parent Becky Gallagher says the improvements will make a big difference to children, teachers and parents, enabling the children to be more active on wet days and avoiding “cabin fever”. The night will include a range of spot prizes, raffles and a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses. Fancy dress is optional and nibbles will be provided. Tickets $15 a head, available at the kindergarten or at the door on the night.

Parking and back entrance available for customer convenience 175 Rodney Street, Wellsford • Ph 423 8238 Many thanks to the staff for their assistance during the shift

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Ascension removed from sale Ascension Wine Estate will remain under the continued ownership of the Soljan family. The business was put out to international tender earlier this year after owners Darryl and Bridget Soljan signalled they were ready for new challenges. However, they say that despite local and international interest, the process of selling gave them an opportunity to take a different look at the business. “Winemaking is in our family’s blood,” Darryl says. “It was my great grandfather who planted our first grapes in Henderson almost a 100 Darryl Soljan: “My ‘mojo’ is back!” years ago. At the heart of that business was a passion to grow the very best As a result, the couple have decided to grapes, make the finest wine and spend more time front-of-house. to share it with friends and visitors They will also introduce a more casual alongside traditional food from ‘the and affordable epicurean-style dining, old country’. starting on August 25. However, the “Bridget and I intended to emulate vineyard and winemaking operations this when we established Ascension in will remain unchanged. 1996. Over the years, as the business Ascension will also continue to host grew, I became more focused on concerts with some exciting acts management and less on what I love planned for the upcoming summer – working on the vines, winemaking including The Village People and the and talking to my customers.” Classic Hits Winery Tour.

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ASB Trust sets funding priorities The ASB Community Trust is holding a meeting for community organisations in Whangarei on Friday, August 24 to explain its funding priorities for the next five years. The meeting, at Kensington Park’s ASB Lounge, will outline the trust’s new funding approach, which will make things clearer and simpler for community organisations applying for grants. Trust chief executive Jennifer Gill says the aim is to support innovative projects, focusing on outcomes rather than outputs. Funding information will be available and the latest funding information will also be on the trust’s website by mid-August: www.ASBCommunityTrust.org.nz. A similar meeting was held in Auckland on August 13.

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14 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

History with Lyn Johnston Albertland Museum

www.albertland.co.nz

Priceless correspondence I recently spent an afternoon filing letters written to my great-grandmother, Bessie Marsh, by family and friends These date from the 1870s until her death in 1907. In our age of instant messaging and emails, we don’t realise just how important these old letters are; they breathe life into everyday events in a way no other form of communication can. William Armitage, an Albertlander – Armitage Road in Wellsford is named after the family – married Mary Jane (Minnie) Brookes, daughter Each entry $10. of the Reverend E. S. Brookes Snr. Minniesdale Chapel, in Wharehine, is Send cheque to: North Rodney Community Arts Council, named after her. Their first child was PO Box 243, Warkworth. born in Wharehine before the family Entries close on 24th August 2012 moved to Christchurch where their next three children were born. About Minnie Armitage (nee Brookes) on the 1882, William became manager of left, visiting her friend Bessie Marsh at Old Masonic Lodge the Port Albert Co-Op branch store at Wharehine in 1903. Marsh Collection, Thursday 13th September between 11.30am - 2pm Whakapirau, or Old Wellsford, then Albertland Museum and Heritage Centre. bought 100 acres in Wellsford. Friday 14th & Saturday 15th September 10am-4pm We all know how difficult pioneer life was, particularly for women. Childbearing Sunday 16th September 10am-3pm could be a risky process at the best of times. One letter in my collection, written by Reverend Brookes, illustrates this vividly. It was 1885 and there were seven Armitage children. Minnie, aged 35, fell pregnant again and in December, she Norman Nelson 09 425 8804 or nelson.norm.lor@gmail.co.nz went into labour in her seventh month. Bessie sent her daughter Ella to the Mona Townson 09 425 6121 or monat@xtra.co.nz Rev. Brookes, asking how Minnie was, and he wrote to her explaining that Mrs Armitage had been confined with twins. She had spent 28 painful hours in labour but Rev. Brookes said that there had been one ‘amusing’ incident. After the baby girl arrived at 9am, Mr Armitage went to the store, possibly thinking it was all over, and when he returned in the evening he was surprised to find “two nurses and two new babies”. Rev Brookes underlined these words. He wrote that both babies were very small. The boy was born eight hours after the girl and was coming feet first so had to be turned around. Then the little fellow put his hand over his eyes and that had to be moved to his side so he could ‘see the light of a new Los Angeles • San Francisco • Yosemite National Park world.’ A friend and neighbour, Mrs Grand Canyon • Las Vegas Hunt, acted as midwife and helped This revolutionary holiday experience promises freedom from the reassure Minnie when the doctor said hassles of travel to ensure a completely unique and authentic the babies might not survive. journey. Feel like a true VIP aboard your private plane, and enjoy However, survive they did. Leonora the luxury of private airports, luggage delivered straight to the married a Jack Smythe and I believe door of your premium hotel and many fine meals. she died in childbirth. Whitfield, known as Bee, was killed in action USA WEST COAST at the Somme in World War I, aged 9 days about 30. Minnie had two more from children after the twins, the last in 1891. She and Bessie Marsh remained great friends for the rest of their lives, per adult share twin keeping in touch with cards, notes and Departures weekly May - Oct 2013 letters. How very precious these are.

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Dateclaimer: A new exhibition will open at the Albertland Museum next month as part of the Auckland Council Heritage Festival. This exhibition is called Auckland - Images by Albertlanders and will display photographs primarily from the Marsh Collections but a few others as well.

Schools catch Olympic fever

Funding for arts and cultural projects Creative Communities Scheme

Auckland Council invites applications for funding under the Creative Communities Scheme. Funding can support projects that: Primary schools around the district got into the Olympic spirit by holding their own Games-inspired events and activities. The events ranged from small opening ceremonies to hat parades and shared lunches. Tomarata School held an Olympic Day on August 3 which included an opening ceremony. Students were then divided into 12 countries, where they participated in six games in muddy conditions. Each competitor was presented with a medal for their efforts. Meanwhile, Ahuroa School had an Olympic lunch with food from Brazil, Jamaica, Canada, South Africa and China. Mahurangi Christian School encouraged their students to decorate a hat to represent a country participating in the Games and plan to hold their own Olympic Day in the coming weeks. Pictured is the Tomarata School Olympic Games medal ceremony held earlier.

New index tracks farm prices

• support the diverse arts and cultural traditions of local communities • enable and encourage young people to engage with and actively participate in the arts • create opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in arts activities Information sessions and application workshops are being held in your local area. Applications close Friday 5pm, 24 August 2012. Find out more: phone 09 301 0101 or visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/funding

A new Farm Price Index introduced by REINZ aims to provide a more accurate guide to changes in farm sale prices. Developed in conjunction with the 2.1 percent over the last five years and Reserve Bank, it adjusts for property 7.4 percent over the last 10, they are specific factors such as location, size still down 24.8 percent from their and farm type in measuring changes peak in October 2008. in farm prices. REINZ Rural Market spokesman Brian With a major shortage of listings in Peacocke says the index will take into account macro-economic variables our area - now is the time to sell! including interest rates, exchange rates, commodity prices, farm input prices So - why wait until spring to list and other items, which typically account for a third of the price trend movement. and sell your property! REINZ will continue to publish monthly median price per hectare data, commonly used to assess the SOLD SOLD SOLD initial value of properties. However, larger farms tend to sell for less per hectare than smaller farms, which could skew sales values and the price per hectare can also be influenced by a large number of sales in one region. SOLD SOLD “By correcting for these factors, and others, the REINZ Farm Price Index indicates the direction of farm prices rather than reflecting the mix of Call me today, for professional, friendly advice and service! properties being sold in any particular period,” Mr Peacocke says. Jane Hibbert-Foy The index indicates that for the three mob 021 0263 3047 months ended in June, farm prices work 09 425 7949 Licensed under REAA 2008 REAL ESTATE (Warkworth) Ltd were 2.4 percent lower than the same home 09 422 7674 Situated in the heart of Queen Street, Warkworth time last year. Although they have email j.hibbertfoy@gmail.com www.unitedrealestate.co.nz shown compound annual growth of

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Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 15

the

16 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

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Take Note rebrands

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Jennifer and Thomas Chang (right) have rebranded Take Note in Winscombe Mall, Warkworth, to become Paper Plus after the previous owner of Warkworth Paper Plus sold the brand. Originally Books and More, the store became part of the Paper Plus Group as Take Note when the group bought the chain in 2005. While the store at 3739 Queen St is getting a revamped interior as part of the rebranding, Jennifer says it will be business as usual, with continuation of Kiwi Bank and postal services, and the community information window. She says the move is to a bigger brand with better deals and more promotions for customers.

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A total of 25 Rodney businesses will compete for supremacy in this year’s 2012 Westpac Auckland North Business Awards. They are among the 143 entries understanding of the importance received from an area spanning from of quality service and product Pakiri to just north of the Auckland advancement. Harbour Bridge. “The awards programme is a superb The highest number of entries way to recognise and celebrate business came in the Mitre 10 Excellence in success as well as inspiring others to Customer Engagement and Massey strive for similar feats,” she says. University Excellence in Innovation “Businesses can learn so much about and Improvement categories. their own strengths and potential just Auckland Tourism, Events and by entering, so it’s wonderful to see so Economic Development (ATEED) much enthusiasm coming through the general manager business growth entries this year.” north, Ngaio Merrick, says the focus Finalists will be announced next on the customer engagement and month, followed by an awards innovation categories shows a mass ceremony on October 26.

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Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 17

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INTR ODUCING n

Handy Hardware

Ma’Tack’ana Equestrian Boutique

New Wellsford store Handy Hardware aims to be just that – saving locals a time-consuming round trip to Warkworth for basic hardware supplies. Owner Michael Rudd formerly ran Wellsford ITM, before it was taken over by Carters, and is now keen to fill the gap in the market that has left locals in the lurch. His stock includes hardware consumables such as silicones, glues, nuts, bolts, nails, hand tools and paint supplies that are frequently needed at short notice. However, it’s not just a store for hardware. Homebrew and winemaking supplies, cheese-making kits and preserving equipment reflect the growing interest in craft beers, organic produce and self-sufficiency. In the absence of a local DVD store, he’ll offer around 120 DVD rentals that will be changed every couple of months and he has also indulged a personal interest with a section for books. “It’s a bit incongruous, but I had a gap and a second-hand book section satisfies a long-standing want of mine,” he says. “If hardware or another part of the business takes over, I’ll find room for the books out the back.” Michael also previously owned and operated a Wellsford garden centre

An interest in horses spanning more than 40 years has prompted Pauline Colclough, of Kaipara Flats, to open Ma’Tack’ana Equestrian Boutique at the Matakana Country Park. Joining Pauline in the new business is her husband Phil, a commercial IT consultant, and family friend Tegan Brady. Together, the three have transformed an area behind the Craft Co-op Shop into a retail store selling top quality apparel for horse and rider. Pauline says she couldn’t have found a better location for the boutique. “The shop complements the park’s existing equestrian facilities,” she says. “Whether you are a casual rider or a competitor, we cater for all equestrian needs from riding apparel, footwear and competition clothing to equestrian gear such as bridles and bits. There is also veterinary and grooming supplies, and safety equipment.” Pauline says she has gained a lot of knowledge about equestrian products over her 40 years as a rider. She is also a riding coach for the Warkworth Pony Club and a member of the Warkworth Dressage Group. She says her passion for horses comes from her father. “He spent most of his life working with

Michael Rudd

and hire outlet, but says he’s been in virtual hibernation for the past few years, since his wife died of cancer and he simultaneously suffered two broken heels in a fall from scaffolding. For him, Handy Hardware is not only a job close to home, giving him flexibility as a parent and a place where his eight-year-old son Issac can come to do his homework after school, but a renewed commitment to the district that has supported him. “This community has been great to me and my son, and I strongly believe in it. We’ve got a great school and good people, and I would like to be part of bringing more business and industry to the town if I can.”

Pauline Colclough

horses and was a natural with them. I got my first show pony, a palomino named Jacob, when I was 10 years old and eventing became my passion, competing at intermediate level whilst in the UK. When Phil and I moved to NZ in 2008, we brought my thoroughbred Mister Macaulay with us and two years later, we bought Rock IT Man, a thoroughbred from NZ renowned equestrian rider Kate Wood.” Pauline competed on Rock IT Man at several A&P shows last year and qualified for this year’s Horse of the Year event. Rock It Man placed sixth in the Debutante Show Hack of the Year class and Pauline placed fifth in the Best Presented Horse and Rider category. Ma’Tack’ana Equestrian Boutique will be officially opened on August 18.

HandyHardware Wellsford’s shop for Hardware bits bobs, odds and sods

Also stockists of products from

imake

Handcrafted Foods & Beverages

For fine home brewing equipment and supplies, cheese making kits, preserving products, and coming soon the Fresh Sausage making kit, everything you need to make sausages at home yourself.

Starter special this month is the Copper Turn starter brewery kit, all you need to make your own beer for $99, and receive a free BeginnerS itAliAn CHeeSe Kit (RRP $39.90)

Why not feed your mind & read a book from our range DVD rentals & movies now available (updated regularly) New releases $8 (overnight) all others $6 each or 2 for $10 (48 hrs) Membership forms available.

165 Rodney Street, Wellsford • Phone 09 423 8773 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5.30, Sat 9-2 Before driving through the Dome, try closer to home

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18 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

Heavyduty Dropcloths Bulk Rags 12x9 Calico .......... $

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THE PAINTERS GEARHOUSE

Tradextra Extra for the trade

3 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth (Opposite Warkworth Wreckers)

Phone 0800 425 800

Now recruiting candidates

Hospitality – Barista, chefs, front of house, food & beverage service Must be able to work in New Zealand Send CVs to: Michelle Rooney (Director) Email: michelle@snaprecruitment.co.nz • www.snaprecruitment.co.nz In association with Terence Cox & Associates www.terencecox.com

WE’VE MOVED! To all our wonderful clients, colleagues and friends we are pleased to announce that our Warkworth office has moved to 17 Neville Street, Warkworth, as of 6 August 2012.

localbusiness CHANGING PLACES n

Warkworth Engineering A move to new premises in Glenmore Drive will mark an expansion in services for Warkworth Engineering. The company, which has been owned by Chris and Michelle Buxton for the past four years, has relocated from 16 to 24 Glenmore Drive. The building has a 35-year history in engineering and was one of the first tilt slab buildings in Warkworth. Chris, who has more than 25 years experience as a machinist, says Warkworth Engineering is proud to carry on the tradition. At 545 square metres, the new premises are more than twice the size of the former workshop and will still accommodate Michelle’s business Kowhai Accounting Services. Warkworth Engineering specialises in general and specialist machining, light fabrication and machinery repairs. However, the range of services has expanded following the appointment of Mike Heaven, who has 25 years experience in fabrication. New services include certified welding repairs for COFs, aluminium/stainless steel welding, construction fabrication and site welding. “We have always done truck and digger work but the extra space means it’s a much better working

Michelle and Chris Buxton.

environment all round. “We can do anything from refacing your engine head to fabricating your house beams or repairing your spade. We are also involved in design and build projects. For example, we were recently asked to design and build a hinge system for one of the leading campervan companies to use in the American market. This required the supply of 100 initial units.” Michelle says the business strives to be friendly, affordable and as prompt as possible, with a focus on the local community. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our existing customers for their continued support.”

This is an exciting step forward for our business and we look forward to continuing to assist you with all your property and commercial needs – be it the sale & purchase of real estate, your business, relationship property agreements, Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Trusts or Estates.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Due to the enormous growth in our Warkworth business we are looking for clever, passionate and talented people to join our awesome team. If you would like to be part of an exciting and forward thinking firm then send your CV in confidence to constance@ppetal.co.nz.

Phone (09) 425 7701

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Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 19

Wine

Majorlook Productions Ltd. email craig@majorlook.co.nz

with Robin Ransom www.matakanawine.com President, Matakana Winegrowers Inc

mob 021 123 3725 ph 422 5877

Department of not-so-silly questions

Policeman’s story The Mahurangi Chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship will host a breakfast function at the Mahurangi East Community Centre on August 25, starting at 7am. Guest speaker will be Australian police Inspector Gary Raymond. Known as the Sheriff of Cabramatta, Gary will tell his story of the personal price he paid for career success and how, at the point of desperation, his life was miraculously transformed. Members of the public are welcome to attend, but bookings must be received by August 22. Info: Graham Turner on 425 6276.

EA fo Ca SU r a ll n R FR ow E & EE Q U O TE

www.majorlook.co.nz

Balustrade

Our balustrades now comply with the New AS/NZS 1170 Building Codes.

The sorts of questions people ask at our cellar door sometimes remind me that knowledge about grapes and wine is not as widespread as I, in my state of exalted ignorance, might assume. How about this one: “How many crops of grapes do you get a year?” Silly question? Maybe not. While grape vines are a truly deciduous plant that originated in a temperate climate, I understand they can be coaxed to produce more than one crop a year in tropical climates. Related to this: “Can we see the grapes now?” – sometimes asked when the punter has a clear view of dormant winter vines. People reading our cellar door wine notes, with their often comprehensively inventive flavour descriptions, may ask: “How do you get all of those different flavours into the wine?” The first response to this is that we are not permitted to add any ‘flavour’ components – it is all in the grapes. Like all fruits, grapes contain complex chemical aroma and flavour compounds, and some of these are also found in other fruits. Hence, for example, the peachy flavour some people detect in chardonnay, pears in pinot gris and blackcurrant in cabernet, some of the more commonly observed among dozens of examples. “Why does chardonnay or red wine give me a headache?” One answer could be: “Maybe you drink too much of it”, but you have to know your punter before using that one. That aside, this one really has me stumped. Is it a self-fulfilling prophecy, an over-active imagination or maybe some people really do have physical reactions to some wine styles and not others. “Why can I only drink European wine?” This can be the result of a misapprehension about preservatives, possibly combined with an over-active imagination about their impact. Some people think that because they are not mentioned on the label, EU wines do not contain preservatives, which is incorrect. Very few wines anywhere in the world are made without preservative. In fact, many cheaper EU wines are likely to contain higher levels of preservative than NZ wines because EU winemakers are prevented, by regulation, from mentioning use of preservatives on their labels, whereas in NZ, it is compulsory to specify their use. “Is rosé wine made from a mixture of red and white grapes?” True rosé is made solely from red grapes and the pale colour comes from the fact that after crushing, the grape juice and skins are kept together for just a few hours – long enough for only a small amount of red pigment to infuse into the juice from the skins. When red wine is made, the juice and skins are generally kept together until well after fermentation has finished, and this can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. This length of time, along with the heat generated during fermentation and the solvent effect of alcohol, help to effectively and efficiently infuse skin pigment into the wine.

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20 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

G R E E N S C E N E FE AT UR E

don’t w a s te it

Free advice encourages sustainable approach in homes

A free Auckland Council service is helping residents to incorporate sustainable design into new homes, extensions and retrofits through ready access to comprehensive, independent advice. Eco design advisor Eion Scott works with homeowners, builders, designers and the trade, helping them to build healthy, energy-efficient, water-efficient houses, with better quality indoor environments, lower-impact materials and less waste. The service is currently run at six councils and deals with all kinds of housing, from new, high spec eco-sensitive homes, to old and sometimes historic buildings, that he says wouldn’t come close to meeting modern building code standards. Top interventions nationally are ceiling insulation, underfloor insulation, bathroom extractors, energyefficient lighting, solar or heat pump hot water systems, and double or secondary glazing, while Aucklanders are also particularly interested in reducing dampness. Eion says getting houses up to reasonable health and comfort levels often involves a combination of measures, and independence is key, as conflicting information from companies vying for trade can lead to misconceptions. “People often think a single $3500 system can solve all their problems when, in fact, it can’t,” he says. “We look at the whole building and how various aspects of it interact and affect each other.

Te Hana’s Katherine Wescott checks out the underfloor insulation that’s helped to improve her health.

“Usually a number of things should be done. “When we give advice, we prioritise what people want to do within their budgets and how they can best solve their problems to achieve the dream green home that they want.” Te Hana’s Michelle Donald got help with two homes

on her property, one built in 1845. She says Eion’s site visit enabled her to discuss options without the pressure of “a hard sell”. The result was ceiling and underfloor insulation, installed at no cost to her under the Snug Homes Scheme, which has made continued next page

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ASON BINS

A DIVISION OF NORTHLAND WASTE LTD

 

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Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 21 GREEN SCENE FEATURE

don’t w a s te it TILE CLEARANCE Free Council advice a significant difference to comfort levels, reducing both heating needs and the asthma symptoms of her adult son and daughter. A report also recommended other improvements which could be made over time and can potentially be funded through Council’s Retrofit Your Home scheme. Eion says generally, the more you invest up front, the lower the running costs will be and the less carbon you produce over the building’s lifetime. The earlier advice is sought the better, especially if building or renovating.

from page 20

“We even like to comment when you’ve just bought a section and we can see a clean slate and help to design something perfectly, as much as the section will allow.” Auckland residents and designers can receive up to two hours of free information and advice. Time can be any combination of meetings on site, at the council, the designer’s or client’s premises, and email or phone time. For more details and useful internet links see this article online at www. localmatters.co.nz or visit www. ecodesignadvisor.org.nz

Plant a notion Going green doesn’t have to mean making radical life changes. Sparing a thought for the environment during everyday tasks can make a big difference. yy Turning computers off instead of leaving it in sleep mode can save up to 40 watt-hours per day, adding up to four cents a day or $14 a year. yy Unless the oven is being used to make bread or pastries, don’t pre-heat it. Instead, turn it on when placing a dish in. yy Nearly 90 percent of plastic water bottles are not recycled, instead taking thousands of years to decompose. Buy a reusable container and fill it with tap water. yy Most lighters are made out of plastic and filled with butane fuel, both petroleum products. Since most lighters are considered ‘disposable,’ more than 1.5 billion end up in landfills each year. When choosing matches, pick cardboard over wood. Wood matches come from trees, whereas most cardboard matches are made from recycled paper. Source: 50waystohelp.com

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22 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 GREEN SCENE FEATURE

don’t w a s te it

Recycling practices nothing new for scrap metal industry

One of the oldest forms of recycling or resource recovery is the scrap metal industry. Warkworth Auto Wreckers, in Glenmore Drive, have been in the business for 25 years and process about 200 vehicles annually. However, coowner Nick Sharp says what a lot of people don’t realise is that they also take all forms of whiteware, old batteries, corrugated iron and boat trailers. “In terms of the cars, the first step is to remove anything that can be re-sold – lights, batteries, radiator, window glass, mag wheels and so on,” he says. “The vehicle is also drained of all fluids. We send away around 1000 litres of waste oil a month and most of it’s used to heat greenhouses. “What’s left is sent to Sims’ shredder in Auckland and reprocessed into products such as construction-type steel and fencing wire.” Nick says the range of models on the road is a challenge for wreckers’ yards. “There’s about three million licensed vehicles on the road today, with more than 65,000 variations to makes and models. Twenty years ago there would have been around 10,000 variations.” To help solve the problem of such a wide range, Warkworth Wreckers is part of a parts network that links around

Recycling facts and figures:

Unlike most other recyclables, scrap metals have an almost never-ending life cycle, allowing it to be recycled over and over again. Pictured in the Warkworth Wreckers yard is co-owner Nick Smith.

300 wreckers nationwide. Prices and availability can be checked, and the part couriered overnight if necessary. The scrap metal industry is also one of New Zealand’s largest export earners, valued in excess of $100 million a year. Recycling scrap metal has some major

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benefits for the environment. It helps to cut greenhouse gas emissions, saves energy and protects the depletion of natural resources. Significantly less energy is required to produce steel products from recycled scrap metal than from virgin ore.

yy Aluminium can be recycled indefinitely as reprocessing does not damage its structure. Aluminium is also the most costeffective material to recycle. yy Recycling 1kg of aluminium saves up to 6kg of bauxite, 4kg of chemical products and 14 kWh of electricity – enough to power a TV for three hours. yy Two-thirds of all cans on supermarkets shelves are made from steel. They have a very thin layer of tin that protects the surface of the can. yy Every tonne of steel packaging that is recycled saves 1.5 tonnes of iron ore and reduces air emissions by 86 percent. yy Steel scrap is essential in the process of making new steel and can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality. Most new steel products use at least 25 percent of recycled steel in their production. yy Copper products such as spouting, hot water cylinders and cable are the most commonly reported stolen scrap metal items. However, manhole covers and even rubbish bins have also been targeted. Source: Scrap Metal Recycling Assn NZ

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Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 23 GREEN SCENE FEATURE

TREE REMOVAL AT HOME & BACHES

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• Tree felling • Pruning • Hedge Trims • Chipping • Bamboo removal • Driveway Clearing

The ability to save money by producing food at home is fuelling an increasing interest in permaculture, according to Sustainable Habitats landscape designer and environmental consultant Daniel Tohill. Daniel, who is based at the Kaiwaka Organics Heritage Garden Centre, has worked for more than 20 years as a landscape designer and environmental consultant. He says as the cost of living has increased, more people have taken an interest in learning how to live a more sustainable lifestyle. “People are becoming more health conscious and are starting to pay attention to where their food comes from and how it is made,” he says. “They are also interested in saving money by producing their own food.” Daniel says permaculture is a holistic approach to living a sustainable lifestyle. It incorporates many elements such as growing produce commercially, home gardening, architecture, understanding ecological and biological systems, alternative economies and technologies, agriculture, soil science and how all of these are interconnected. It also includes ecological design and engineering, which model natural ecosystems. “I work with a lot of farmers who are looking for alternative ways to make money from their land. It’s about effective land management.

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Graham Rauner Owner/Operator P 09 425 9639 • M 021 525 073

MPL Landscape Supplies & Recycling Centre Daniel Tohill

“However, it isn’t restricted to those who have a large piece of land. People who live in urban areas can also take small steps to live more sustainably. Permaculture provides people with a number of life skills. Being a producer instead of a consumer is very empowering.” Daniel’s work takes him all over the country and current projects include working on the concept design of small permaculture farms in Kaiwaka and Christchurch, as well as a land production plan for market gardens on the Waikato River. He is a member of the Permaculture Institute of NZ and runs educational courses at the Kaiwaka garden centre and other locations. The centre is offering a number of courses over the next few months including cheese making, gardening for beginners, bee keeping and how to build a pizza oven. Info: www.kaiwakaorganics.co.nz

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DAY clAsses stArting soon Level 3

TOOLS FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE A popular part-time course in Organic Horticulture, delivered by Agriculture New Zealand, is now being offered in Warkworth. (A second course may also run in Helensville if numbers permit). The course explores the latest trends in sustainable farming, both internationally and in New Zealand. The overall aim is to build ecosystems, promote biodiversity, increase soil and plant health, and avoid the use of artificial fertilisers and sprays. A science-based approach is used to separate myth from fact, while exploring a wide range of organic techniques and systems. Topics covered include organic principles and philosophies, soil management, soil food-webs, composting, companion planting, crop rotation, green manures, organic weed, pest and disease management, general plant knowledge and an introduction to Permaculture. This knowledge can be applied not only to food crops, but also to the cultivation of any plants - from suburban gardens to pastures, orchards, shelterbelts or woodlots. The course will therefore appeal to gardening enthusiasts of all ages as well as growers, farmers, orchardists and lifestyle-block owners. Organic philosophies also embrace principles of kaitiakitanga - which may interest Tangata whenua involved with land management. As well as attending lively and interactive tutorials, the chance to network between organic growing enthusiasts is an added bonus to joining this course. The course is based on NZQA unit standards and successful students will gain a formal qualification. In addition to attending tutorials, workshops or fieldtrips once a week, students will need to complete practical and theory assignments in their own time. For more information phone Agriculture New Zealand at 0800 475 455 or visit our website www.agnz.co.nz

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24 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

ruralrodney

Quad bike rollframe invention designed to save lives

Warkworth’s Harvey Carran has tackled the high incidence of quad bike deaths and injuries head on with the invention of a protection frame entered in this year’s National Fieldays Innovation Awards. Quad bike accidents are the biggest support bar that aids rider weight cause of on-farm injuries and deaths transfer for better handling on hills, in New Zealand, killing an average and a removable windscreen to cut of five people and injurying 850 each down rider chill. Harvey incorporated year. However, Harvey says many more alloy to keep weight down and accidents, like his own two experiences chromoly steel, as used in car rollcages, for flexible strength. of rolling an ATV, go unreported. While a flexible rear-mounted ATV “It’s a balancing act between making it rollframe created by Dargaville’s strong and making it heavy. I’ve tried to Vernon Suckling took top honours keep weight down so it doesn’t become in the Fieldays competition, Harvey top heavy and reduce stability.” still considers his own design to be the While ATV manufacturers strongly most practical solution for farmers. oppose roll bars, which they claim Being front mounted, it is in sight pose added risk to riders, Harvey to avoid getting hooked on trees and says their assumptions are based on prevents riders being “clotheslined”, misleading, self-funded computer suffering serious injury when they simulations using poorly designed, inadvertently ride into electric fence rear-mounted rollbars. tapes put across stock races, he says, His current design is an improved as the frame either breaks the tape or version of a roll bar he entered at pushes it safely over the rider’s head. Fieldays last year and he will continue Harvey Carran with his potentially life-saving quad bike protection frame. The wide structure incorporates a to test and refine his product, aiming most ATV makes and enable more Info: Contact Harvey 425 8221 or bullbar and leaves room for a spray for a universal style that will fit streamlined, cost-effective production. email hcarran@ihug.co.nz. tank or similar to be mounted in front, keeping the back free for a wide range of Kaipara workshop uses. It also provides a vital protection The Kaipara Harbour Management Group will host an on-farm field day on August 20, from 9.45am to 2pm. The area, to prevent crushing of riders as ‘paddock-to-harbour’ workshop will look at best-practice on-farm management strategies using flagship sites across the the bike rolls and may help to halt the Kaipara Harbour. The harbour suffers from the cumulative effects of sedimentation and eutrophication, with the source of sediment and nutrients derived from its massive catchment of 654,000ha. The workshop will be held at Streamlands bike’s momentum on flatter terrain. Other advantages include a front Suffock, West Coast Road, Ahuroa. Info: Leane Makey at lmakey@slingshot.co.nz

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Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 25

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Greater participation sought in farm plastic recycling

More than 670 tonnes of plastic farm waste has been recycled nationwide during the past year but organisers of the Plasback scheme want more farmers north of Auckland to get involved. Plasback operates Agpac’s product stewardship scheme to recover used farm plastics for recycling. This scheme was the first to gain Ministry for the Environment accreditation and a $130,000 award from the Government’s Waste Minimisation Fund which was used to fund an awareness programme. It supplies more than 1000 recycling bins to New Zealand farms, and collects agricultural plastics such as bale wrap, silage wrap and covers, agrichemical containers and crop bags. tonnes and Waikato’s 239. Scheme manager Chris Hartshorne “To their credit, more and more farmers says the voluntary user-pays scheme are joining. The first year we started we is convenient and affordable, with only collected nine tonnes out of the on-farm collections and pick-up costs whole country and now it is 677, so it’s kept at just $40 a bag of up to 150 better, but there’s still a long way to go. wraps, since it started in 2006. About 4000 tonnes of new wrap goes He acknowledges that farmers have out in the market every year and a difficult job and need sustainable, much of it still ends up being burnt or long-term solutions. buried, he says. “The more people that do it, the easier The used farm film is sent to China it is to have a collection and keep the for recycling into another plastic film cost down.” and is welcomed by recyclers because it However, at just 19 tonnes of the is UV stabilised and, unlike the mixed nation’s 677 tonnes collected in the nature of supermarket plastic scrap, is a year to June, Northland is well behind consistent product, which is the same as other areas like Southland at 168 farm film received from other suppliers.

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26 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

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Animals with Rachel Blackie

A frog on the hoof When we talk about a horse’s frog, we aren’t talking about a horse’s amphibious friends. A horse’s frog is located under the animal’s hoof. The old saying is “no hoof, no horse”, and I think the new saying could be “no frog, no hoof ”. So, what is it, why is it so important and how can we look after frog health? The frog is the triangle of tissue on the underside of the hoof and is akin to the digital pads on a dog’s paw. The length of the frog is generally about two-thirds the length from heel to toe of the hoof. A healthy one, with no smelly crevasses, will have a hard, calloused outside and a firm inside. Why is this structure important? The frog has three main functions: yy It is a sensory device. This means that the horse uses the feeling he gets through each frog to determine how to travel over certain surfaces, a bit like how our fingertips can tell us the texture of a surface. yy It is a traction device. Just like a dog’s pads on his paws help with traction, a frog helps the hoof not to slip. yy It is a supportive device. With increasing research into the function of the equine foot, it is becoming more obvious how the centre of the hoof, right below the bones inside the hoof, is supported in part by a big healthy frog. This is why we should try hard not to trim the frog callous; it should be encouraged to grow by keeping it healthy. Frog tissue generally takes longer to build than hoof wall so if the frog is unhealthy, it can take a while for it to grow back. Winter is a great time to remedy this, to get hooves ready for summer riding. Now we know how important frogs are, how can we look after them? To start with, trim hooves regularly to keep the horse comfortable and landing heel first with each step. This ensures proper circulation of blood to the frog and hoof tissues. Make sure you treat thrush – a destructive disease of frog tissue signalled by foul smelling black “goo”, crumbly soles and tender frogs. Use vetadine foot scrubs or veterinary treatment creams if there are deep clefts. Ensure that your horse has a dry place to stand when it is wet such as lime rock where the hay is fed. Use properly fitted hoofboots or pads for riding if the frogs are tender, again to ensure heel-first landing. And last, but not least, encourage daily movement. This is the most important thing for the frog, the hoof and the whole horse. Every step your horse takes, is a step towards a healthier frog and hoof. Happy trails!

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Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 27

with Wendy Schick

www.tumbleweed.net.nz

Old favourite returns It may seem like an odd time of the year to talk about hydrangeas, but winter is when they need a little maintenance to keep them looking good throughout summer. Although these high performing, yet undemanding, deciduous shrubs were a little out of fashion for a few years, they are enjoying a much deserved resurgence and are increasingly finding their way back into our gardens. They are also a very popular item as a cut flower. The most common variety of hydrangea in New Zealand is the pink or blue hydrangea macrophylla, also known as the mophead. Mophead flowers are round in shape, rather large and are reminiscent of the head of a mop. Other hydrangeas, commonly known as lacecaps, have flowerheads with less pronounced, flatter flowers. Hydrangeas are easy to grow and will adapt to most conditions. However, they will perform their best when given some dappled afternoon shade and plenty of water when it is hot and dry in summer. Plants will respond to pruning and feeding. The colour range includes shades of white, cream, blue and pink, and these colours can be intensified and controlled with fertiliser. Hydrangeas vary in colour according to soil acidity or alkalinity; blue colours can be retained with aluminium sulphate and pink or red colours with an application of lime. This needs to be done every two weeks prior to flowering, starting in winter. Prune heavily in July/August, cutting back by half to a pair of swollen flower buds. Remove last year’s flowered stems, leaving those which have not yet flowered. Don’t be too worried about what you prune as they will adapt well. Flowering from early spring right through to late autumn, hydrangeas are one of the toughest plants for any garden. They do particularly well in coastal gardens and are ideal for mass planting, low screens, borders and even containers. I have seen a fabulous display of blue hydrangeas completely covering a bank on Kawau Island. All hydrangeas are deciduous and range in size from 60cm up to 1.5m. Happy gardening.

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28 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

n FAM I LY H E A LTH & B EAUT Y

healthmatters Adults in Motion thanked their supporters from the Rodney Health Trust, Warkworth RSA, Wellsford Lodge and Rodney MP Mark Mitchell

AIM celebrates five years at premises Rodney MP Mark Mitchell manned the BBQ at the Adults in Motion (AIM) fifth anniversary celebration on August 8. Volunteers, supporters and clients celebrated at their “AIM provides life skills to our local kids with premises in Glenmore Drive, Warkworth. AIM disabilities and it is important that we help to raise programs manager Lucy Conroy says the dream is to their profile to attract funding,” he says. “Community one day buy their own premises. support is vital to keep this organisation operating.” “We are really pleased to have the support of our local Adults in Motion is a not-for-profit organisation MP Mark Mitchell,” she says. “Earlier in the year, which was set up in 2006 by a group of concerned Minister for Disability Tariana Turia and Mark gave caregivers and parents to provide day services for us a visit and we told him about our upcoming event young adults with an intellectual disability in the which he offered to come along to and support.” Rodney area. Programmes are community based and Mr Mitchell says since his earlier visit, AIM’s has provide participants with opportunities to develop life and employment skills received an additional $6000 in funding.

A chance to explore Rodney on foot Six new guided trails have been added to this year’s Warkworth Walks event including the opportunity to visit Hauturu/Little Barrier Island. Other new walks include Te Muri-Mahurangi Heads and vineyard, Kaipara Back Country and Hoteo River, Pukapuka Panorama and Glorious Glorit. There will also be the chance to visit the Gibbs Farm, home to a large collection of sculptures bordering the Kaipara Harbour. A majority of the walks allow for passage through normally inaccessible areas such as private land. Member of the management team Ross Aitken says the new walks tend to sellout first. “We had 293 people participate last year and a large majority of those people will be interested in what new walks there are this year,” he says. “The walks have a limited capacity. Therefore, we recommend people book as early as possible.” Ross says the event has doubled in size since first held in 2008 and participants have come from as far afield as Dunedin. “As well as the six new walks, we have the old favourites such as the Artists in Residence, an opportunity to visit the private workshops and studios of renowned local artists, and the Vineyard Trail, visiting Matakana’s popular boutique vineyards. “The walks vary in grades, so there is something for everyone. It is important that people take note of the grade of the walk when booking to ensure they are fit enough to participate and enjoy their day.” Info: www.warkworthwalks.co.nz

great progress at summerset falls Open Day Sunday 19 August, 11am – 3pm Things are really coming together at Warkworth’s newest retirement village. Every day the Village Centre gets closer to taking on its final shape. Come along to view it for yourself on Sunday. For more information please call Steven Garner Artist’s impression of our Village Centre

on 09 425 1202, or visit us at 31 Mansel Drive.

Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 29

FAMILY HEALTH & BEAUTY n

healthmatters

Medal winning performance for Pt Wells Hospice dinner The annual Point Wells community dinner for hospice reached Olympic proportions this month, beating its own personal best by $10,000. The dinner made $26,150 for Warkworth Wellsford Hospice, with tables sold out well in advance of the event and names on a waiting list. Nearly 150 diners packed the Point Wells Hall, many dressed to represent one of the countries competing in the Olympics, and prepared to go for gold to support their local hospice. Coordinator Meralee Simpson says the dinner’s success is largely due to the generosity of businesses and individuals Madame Raewyn and Monsieur David who donated auction items. Astbury were happy to represent “It’s a tough business environment France. and many of the individuals and a ‘Masterchef ’ immunity pin for organisations who assisted us also back his efforts in presenting a menu other charitable causes,” she says. “The with tastes from Italy, New Zealand, quality and range of goods available at France, India, Britain and others. auction also encouraged those present to open their wallets wide and they Funds from the dinner will support were very generous with their support.” the work of Hospice with patients and families living with any progressive, Donated items included a 1960 life-threatening illness. The Warkworth Vauxhall Velox that closed for $5000 Wellsford palliative care nurses, on TradeMe the day before the dinner. counsellor and social worker visit Warkworth Wellsford Hospice patients from Puhoi to Mangawhai, manager Kathryn Ashworth presented providing care, support and each member of the dinner’s complementary therapies right from organising committee with a gold the point of diagnosis, with the aim of medal from the Point Wells Olympiad reducing pain, anxiety and stress, and 2012. Chef David Read also received making life as ‘normal’ as possible.

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30 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

HOMEBUILDERS FAMILY SERVICES 5 Hexham Street, Warkworth • Phone 425 7048

TERM 3 FREE COURSES – PLEASE ENROL AS PLACES ARE LIMITED

An introduction to Work and Income entitlements: A free 2 hour course providing information

about the rules around who can receive the Disability Allowance, Advance Payments and Special Needs Grants from Work and Income. This course will provide details about the criteria for each of these sorts of grants and discuss who is eligible to apply and what these payments can cover. This course is suitable for anyone on a low income or on a Work and Income benefit. Tutor: Quentin Jukes. This is a “Money Week” Seminar. The Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income is developing the first annual Money Week to help New Zealanders learn about everyday money. Date: Thurs 6th September 12:30 to 2:30, Anglican Church Hall. IMPORTANT NOTE: No childminding creche will be available for this course.

Cooking with Chris Pedersen Series at the Snells Beach Church Hall Supported by the Waitemata PHO and the Snells Beach Community Church

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– her CV includes being head-chef at a large retirement village, catering for TV crews on locations ranging from exotic to challenging, and working in the restaurant business. Chris is a versatile cook, with a good understanding of costing and budgeting and has some nifty short cuts to share. Her enthusiasm for growing and cooking makes her classes an enjoyable experience for cooks of all levels.

• Fakeaways: When you’re feeling tired after a long day and the family is hungry, you need

something that is quick and easy, healthy and economic, and most of all, popular with the kids. Date: Monday 10th September, 9:30-12:30 at the Snells Beach Church Hall.

• Back to Basics – Main courses: Nostalgia for old favourites and granny’s ability of making ends meet will be demonstrated in some updated oldies but goodies. Date: Monday 17th September, 9:30-12:30 at the Snells Beach Church Hall.

• Back to Basics – Baking & Desserts: Chris will enjoy sharing some of her affordable and healthy baking and pudding recipes that will delight the family and fill those hollow legs of growing children. Date: Monday 24th September, 9:30-12:30 at the Snells Beach Church Hall.

All courses free of charge, free childminding is available if you request it when you enrol with child’s name & age. For more information or to enrol please call Homebuilders on 425 7048 or email homebuilders.courses@hotmail.com

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Dr Mark Donaldson of Eye Doctors and team perform the first cataract operation in the Rodney Surgical Centre, July 2010.

Dr Donaldson, cataract specialist now performs surgery in Warkworth. He offers: • the latest technology locally at the Rodney Surgical Centre • a team of experienced local theatre staff • no need for patients to travel No referral necessary. Phone Eye Doctors on 09 520 9689 to make an appointment to see Dr Donaldson at the Warkworth Medical Centre and the Rodney Surgical Centre.

healthmatters

FAMILY HEALTH & BEAUTY n

Small savings pay off By Anne Taylerson, Warkworth/Wellsford Budget Service

It’s only August and Christmas is ages away. Right? Well, it’s about 20 weeks away, which for many people is 10 pay days. If that sounds a little scary, you’re not alone. Christmas costs can build up very quickly and that can be a problem if you haven’t budgeted for it. A simple solution is to put aside a small amount each week. If you put $10 a week into a savings account starting from now, you will have more than $200 by the time you need to do your Christmas shopping. That $200 could go a long way. However, most of the clients who use our budgeting service would struggle to find $10 a week, every week. We saw more than 238 clients last year and the average debt was around $59,145 so their priority was repaying these debts as quickly as possible. For many, Christmas is a small event by necessity. Here are a few tips to ensure this Christmas does not blow your budget: yy Check last year’s bank statements to add up what Christmas cost. In this way, you will know what you will need to have available for the coming year. yy If possible, put aside a small amount each week into a Christmas savings account. Don’t touch this until you do your Christmas shopping. yy Plan early to take advantage of sales. If you know what you’re getting someone for Christmas, you can keep an eye out for when that item comes on sale. It’s possible to save a lot of money by shopping this way. yy Visit a budget adviser to ensure your budget is realistic. The Warkworth/Wellsford Budget Service is affiliated to the NZ Federation of Family Budgeting Services which offers free, confidential, non-judgemental budgeting advice. This year, the local service has organised a poster competition (see story below) to help promote Money Week, which runs from September 2 to 8. Information about money week and budget advice can be found at www. sorted.org.nz. The Budget Service is always keen to hear from people, particularly in the Warkworth/Snells Beach area, who might be interested in becoming a budget adviser. The next training programme will start next month so if you are interested, please don’t delay in calling our coordinator Jo on 423 7123. Free seminar Homebuilders Family Centre is also contributing to Money Week by holding a free two-hour seminar at the Anglican Church hall in Warkworth, on Thursday September 6, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. The programme will include an overview of Work and Income entitlements such as disability allowances, advances, special needs grants, temporary additional support and so on. A budget adviser will also attend the seminar to outline different ways of managing your money. Phone Homebuilders on 425 7048 to book.

Poster competition

As part of Money Week, which will be held from September 2 to 8, the Warkworth/Wellsford Budget Service is running a poster competition. Service coordinator Jo Walker says the idea of the poster is to stimulate and encourage young people to think about how to manage their money. “The younger children learn to budget and make good financial decisions, the better.” The competition will be judged in two age categories – nine to 12 years and 13 to 18 years. Post entries to Warkworth/Wellsford Budget Service, PO Box 90, Wellsford 0940 by Friday, August 24. Winning entries will receive $75 and runners-up $25. A selection of the posters will be displayed at New World Supermarket in Warkworth during Money Week.

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Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 31

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From left, Andrew Wilks from Mission Without Borders, with Leigh knitters Cathie Smith, Roz Lovegrove and Ruth Gardiner.

Winter warmers head north Knitted items from Leigh are on their way to various eastern European countries following a dedication service on July 29. Members of Leigh Craft Group have some of the recipient countries. been knitting for Operation Cover The craft group meets at the church Up, a group responsible for sending hall on Wednesday afternoons from warm clothing and blankets to 1pm to 3pm finishing with a cuppa. countries such as Romania, Bulgaria Embroidery and other crafts are also and Albania. practised, and a local dog is sporting Blankets, cardigans, sweaters, beanies a warm winter vest as a results of the and ponchos were displayed at the group’s efforts. New members are dedication, and Mission Without welcome and tuition is offered for Borders representative, Andrew Wilkes, those who would like to learn the talked about the work being done in basics of knitting and crochet.

Crafty wine bottle designs welcome Crafts people interested in knitting and crocheting are invited to enter a fun competition to design a wine cosy. Organiser Sharleen Greer says the purpose of the competition is to cheer the end of winter with a fun/frivolous project. The categories are: Best knitted cosy – technical; Best crocheted cosy – technical; Most outrageous cosy; The cosy that best depicts a local wine brand or vineyard. Wine cosies can be left at The Vintry in Matakana. Entries close on August 31.

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32 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

FAT H E R S’ DAY FE AT U R E – S E PT E M B ER 2

thanksdad

Aviation interest in the blood Spanning nearly a century, four generations of the Stevenson family have followed a career in the NZ aviation industry. From the NZ Royal Air Force Special Service Squadron to flying the police Eagle helicopter, they have done it all and 19-year-old Greg Stevenson is the latest to continue the tradition. Greg recently completed his private pilot licence, following in the footsteps of his father Roger, grandfather Neville and greatgrandfather Richard. He says having grown up around helicopters, he couldn’t imagine pursuing any other career. “Flying is in our family’s blood,” he says. “I love the rush of adrenaline you get when you take off. I left Mahurangi College in 2010 to start my private pilot licence, which is the first step to learning to fly. As well as being taught by my father and grandfather, Rodney Aero Club chief flying instructor Rod Miller was a huge influence.” Greg, who can fly private fixed-wing aeroplanes and has a type rating for a Cessna 172R, is now studying for his commercial helicopter pilot licence, spending five days a week at the Ardmore Flying School and working for his father on weekends. “I study six subjects which includes law, human factors, principles of flight and navigation. It is pretty intense but will be worth it. I am lucky to be able to complete the required flying hours with my dad at home and to live so close to Kaipara Flats airfield, one of the last aero clubs in the country.” Roger says he could not wait to get into the pilot’s seat after growing up with a father who flew helicopters for 30 years. The Stevenson family name has been associated with helicopters since the 1960s. Representing three generations

24 SALOE % . N NOW 30

WINTER

continued next page

are, from left, Greg, Roger and Neville Stevenson.

W A R K W O R T H

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Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 33 FATHERS’ DAY FEATURE

thanks dad Family’s flying tradition “I had two paper runs to finish before I could go flying with dad,” he says. “I would get up at 2am to be ready to go out by 5am.” Neville Stevenson started in the aviation industry in 1965, working for Barr Brothers in Kaipara Flats, as a loader driver. “It was an easy job but, with four kids to support, I wanted to earn a better living,” he says. “Barr Brothers, which was later bought by Marine Helicopters, had bases from Ardmore to the north cape. They stationed me all over the place and put me through my commercial helicopter licence. I worked for them from 1969 to 1996. “After I’d completed my commercial pilot’s licence, I found out my father Richard had been in the NZ Royal Air Force Special Service Squadron. He never spoke about his time in the squadron, but my mother showed me a photo of him when he was 17.” Roger got his commercial pilot helicopter licence in 1987. After

Super day for Dads

from page 32

working for Air Work NZ taking mail from Auckland to Wellington, he got a job with Vertical Flight Management flying the police Eagle helicopter. “They offered me the chance to purchase one of their helicopters which I did and, subsequently, started Skywork. It seems we were all born into the industry. If we aren’t up in the air, we are thinking about the next time we will be.” Neville says that while the qualifications and required flying hours have become stricter, the principles of flight are still the same. “You need to be committed, fit and confident – you fly the aeroplane, it doesn’t fly you.” Skywork undertake a wide range of work throughout the northern North Island, from jobs in forestry and agriculture to tourist flights, power line work and firefighting. They have been called in to help with track work for the Department of Conservation, relocate endangered fauna, boat salvage and to help with emergency service repairs.

New World Warkworth is holding a special Dad’s Day on Saturday December 1, from 10am to 6pm. Prices on lots of “Dad items” will be “rounded-up” and there will be tastings, a children’s colouring in competition, a special discount offer for children making a Dad’s Day purchase, free gift wrapping and hot in-store specials. Shoppers can also go into the draw to win a New World Fathers’ Day Hamper.

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FOR THE BEST SLEEP OF YOUR LIFE!

34 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 FATHERS’ DAY FEATURE

thanks dad Rugby legend fronts river protection cause Get creative for Former All Blacks captain Anton Oliver is throwing his weight behind a new environmental cause – protection of the country’s outstanding wild and scenic rivers. Although now based in London, Oliver says on recent visits back to New Zealand he’s been staggered by the rate of decline of many of our country’s rivers and waterways. “I’m like many Kiwis who love and have a great affinity for our rivers – I grew up swimming, playing, and fishing in crystal clear water that you’d drink without any fear of sickness or pollution,” he says. “Living in the UK, I see the promotions aimed at luring tourists to New Zealand – the land of crystalclear waterways. In my opinion there is a large and growing discrepancy between the marketing ‘clean green’ rhetoric and the reality of what’s actually happening on the ground. “My concern is that we are fooling ourselves if we think New Zealand’s natural world is pristine and untouched – it’s a concept that is difficult for us to accept because it challenges a part of our national identity. “We’re not doing enough to protect these special natural features, and consequently the highly lucrative ‘100% Pure’ brand that relies so

Oliver has been outspoken on environmental issues – including the mismanagement of New Zealand’s freshwater resource – and his credentials include the completion of a Master’s degree in Environmental Policy from Oxford University, UK.

heavily on wild, scenic rivers and clean water.” Oliver is fronting efforts to preserve

and even strengthen the use of Water Conservation Orders (WCOs), which confer status akin to National Parkprotection over some of the country’s most iconic and pristine wild rivers. “WCOs are the highest level of protection that can be afforded to any freshwater body in New Zealand, yet lots of people have never heard of them. “We’ve only got a finite number of wild, free-flowing rivers left in this country and many are protected by WCO. It’s time to get WCOs to the fore and ensure the average Kiwi understands how precious they are.” There are currently 15 WCOprotected waterways throughout New Zealand (for a full list visit www. OutstandingRivers.org.nz). “When a WCO is granted it provides National Park-type status, protecting its outstanding natural values for all freshwater fish, wildlife, outdoor recreation and present and future generations,” Oliver says. So, when a WCO is put in place it protects a river from damming, altering its course, or other environmentally damaging in-stream impacts, he adds. Fish & Game NZ, through their efforts to preserve and enhance habitat for species such as trout, salmon and a variety of waterfowl, have led the majority of applications for WCOs.

a special Dad

He’s one of a kind, a jack-of-alltrades, a provider and a protector, and on September 2 he deserves to be celebrated for all his efforts. Fathers’ Day is coming and while many men won’t want a big fuss, there are a number ways to show Dad how much he is loved and appreciated – without getting too mushy. Most dads have a sweet tooth so why not cook up some fudge, bake a cake, or whip up some man-sized cookies. For the handyman dad, take a plain photo frame and decorate it with nuts, bolts, nails, latches and odds and sods from his workshop, and pop in a nice family photo. If he is a sports nut, make a sports logbook so he can keep track of his favourite teams. Make headings on each page for the date, opposition, venue, and columns for points and penalties. Decorate the front cover by cutting out pictures of his favourite sport, team or players. For the petrol heads, the Fathers’ Day Drags are on at the Fram Autolite Dragway in Meremere featuring American and Aussie V8s, from 7am. Tickets are $20, children under 12 are free. Info: framautolitedragway.co.nz

FATHERS DAY GIFT IDEAS Fill these with Dad’s favourite nibbles NUTS • CHOCOLATES • CHIPPIES

Interflora

Says it best. Shop 5, Riverside Arcade • 62 Queen Street, Warkworth Phone 09 425 9418

0800 FOR FLOWERS • 0800 367 356

GRAND C OPENING It’s Getting Colder Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 35

sweet appreciation

Part of the largest Liquor Chain in NZ

GRAND but CHRISTMAS our Specials OPENING! are Getting Hotter!

Congratulations to Karen Woolley from Karen’s Fitness Centre in Te Hana who is this month’s recipient of a hamper from Chocolate Brown Warkworth. Karen was nominated by Jean Crombet-Beolens. Jean writes:

Jameson 1L

Chivas Regal 700ml

Jameson 1L

Martineau Brandy 1L Wild Moose Canadian Whisky 1L

Jim Beam bourbon 1750ml

Bombay Sapphire Gin 1L

Russian Standard Vodka 1L

Won’t Teachers be hard to Spot $ Whisky 1L.99 Canterbury Cream

Lindauer Special Reserve

Jack Daniels 1L

M B W

Jim Beam bourbon 1750ml

$ .99 I would like to nominate Karen 700ml “BEST SPOT FOR YOUR FAVOURITE DROP” $ Woolley from Karen’s Fitness $ .99 $ $ $ 2 FOR $ .99 $ .99 57 44.99 $ .99 32.99 42.99 29 13 $ .99 49 $ Centre in Te Hana because of 33 20 Corbans the kindness and understanding Corbans White Teachers Corbans Speights Gold Monteith’s Summer Ale 12s Smirnoff Ice Double Black 7% 335ml Bottles White Steinlager Pure Steinlager Classic Seagers Medal, Waikato, Speights G Label Range Whiskey Label 330ml 15s she shows to others. Karen not 330ml 18s Lion Red 24s White Gin Chardonnay, Merlot, 1ltr Medal, Waik $ .99 $ .99 only works with fit and healthy 1ltr 22 Label Reisling, 24 Jo’burg $ .99 $ $ Lion Red 2 6 28.99 32.99 people at the centre, but also Muller-Thurgau NZ Pure 330ml Woodstock 8% 4pk NZ pure Summer Ale 330ml with people who struggle with Black Heart / Cruiser Jim Beam Black 8% 330ml KGB / Wild Moose 330ml 12s 330ml 12s $30.99 physical and mental disabilities. $34.99 $ $ 10.99 18.99 $ $ $ $ 19.99 $$ 21.99 21.99 Karen always has a smile, a joke 7.99.99 or a word of encouragement for Wont be hard to Spot everyone. Apart from running the Black Heart Jim / Cruiser Martineau gym Jameson and aqua she does Beam Martineau 1L aerobics,Jim KGB / Wild Moose 33 Bombay Beam Lindauer Russian Brandy 1ltr 330ml 12s Teachers 1125mls Jack Jack Brandy 1L a lotChivas of good work in bourbon the local Sapphire Special Canterbury Regal Standard Daniels Daniels 1L Wild Moose OR Whisky 1L farming700ml community, which often goes unnoticed. A group of us,Ginwho 1L have beenVodka 1L 1750ml Reserve CreamOR 1ltr Canadian Makers Mark 700mlBlack attending the centre for the past couple of Whisky years, 1L think she works so hard she $ .99 700mls Heart deserves more than a thank you. Rum 1ltr Chivas Regal 700ml

Part of the largest Liquor Chain in NZ

GRAND CHRISTMAS OPENING!

Part of the

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.

.99

33 chocolate brown $

.99

29.99

only the good stuff... Steinlager Classic

Corbans White Label

Speights Gold Steinlager Pure Medal, Waikato, 330ml 15s Red 24s CafeLion / Chocolaterie / Gifts

6.99

28.99

Stil Vodka 1ltr

Monteith’s Summer Ale 12s

NZ Pure 330ml

from Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. Send your nominations to: editor@ localmatters.co.nz (subject line: Sweet Appreciation) $or post .99to: Sweet Appreciation, $ $ .99 Mahurangi Matters, PO Box 701 Warkworth.

$12.99

18.99

19.99

20 $32.99

Jim Beam Black & Cola Gordons G&T 8% 250ml $ Cans.99 8% 8 pack 6-pack $ Cansvalid .99 Specials until 31 December 2011. All specials may not be

$31 NZ.99 pure Summer Ale 330ml

Know someone who deserves a big “thank you” for their community spirit? Tell us and

Black Heart / Cruiser Jim Beam Black 8% 330ml KGB / Wild Moose 330ml 12s they 330mlwill 12sreceive acknowledgement in Mahurangi Matters and an amazing hamper

2 FOR $

$41.99

Smirnoff Ice Double Black 7% 335ml Bottles

330ml 18s

Phone 09 422 2677 No 6 Mill Warkworth $ Lane, 32.99 www.chocolatebrown.co.nz

32.99

13.99

.99 49 51.99

Steinlager Pure Bottles 15s

Wont be hard to Spot

Treat Dad to wine by our fire

Woodstock 8% 4pk

$19.99

.99 10Cody’s

Bourbon 8% 250ml bottles 12-pack

Part of the

$31.99

$21.99

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.

D A I LY 1 0 A M - 1 0 P M

Tui, Export Gold, DB Draught Bottles 15s

Woodstock 5% 330ml Bottles 18-pack

$31.99

$23.99

2 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana, NZ • p: (09) 423 0251

Open for dinner from Thursday to Sunday night until 9pm



open 7 days 6.30am-5pm

Free Glass of Wine for Dad when you dine in on Sunday 2nd September Bring in advert to redeem. Only valid on Sunday 2nd September, 2012.

09 423 7549 or 021 859 098 • 171 Rodney Street, Wellsford

Carlsberg 5% 330ml Bottles 15s

$25.99

Wild Moose 5% 330ml Bottles 12-pack

$21.99

WELLSFORD LIQUOR SPOT 133 RODNEY ST, WELLSFORD | 09 423 7913 Specials valid until 31 July 2012. 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 15 August 2012

localentertainment

Flight of fancy touches down in Wellsford Kiwi comedian

A play based on an original modern in Wellsford next month. The production is a collaboration between the Magic Earth Theatre Society and the Wellsford Drama Club. Nearly 40 children and many of their parents are involved in the show, written by Kaipara Flats playwright Deneice Gannoway. Deneice says the play Magic Feather is based on the struggle of the kokako, a forest dweller who is better at singing than flying, and explores the solutions that will help with their recovery from the brink of extinction. “Through dance, song and movement, the play takes a looks at the wider ecosystem and the impact that humans have on the environment,” she says. “The kokako is the heroine of this story. Years ago, kokako were a valued resident of the bush at Port Albert but have since disappeared.” Deneice says the cast members, who range in age from five to 70 years, have had a wonderful time during rehearsals. “With a month left until the opening performance, it’s getting really exciting. We hope the wider community will come and support our efforts.”

mythical legend about NZ’s endangered and extinct birds will be presented Magic Feather, based on NZ’s endangered and extinct birds, will be on stage at the Wellsford Community Centre next month.

Magic Earth was founded in 2006 and exists to produce plays that offer participants the opportunity to develop skills as performers, but also to raise awareness about environmental issues.

An afternoon with

Gary McCormick and

Sam Hunt

Sunday 9th September @ 3pm

The first show will be on September 21 at the Wellsford Community Centre at 7.30 pm, followed by a performance on September 22. A matinee will be held on September 23 at 2.30pm.

hosts auction

Comedian Ben Hurley is helping Matakana School raise money for its modern Information Centre by hosting one of the their main fundraising events. The annual Matakana School Auction evening will be held on September 1 in the school hall. Organiser Helena Ujdur says with Ben as MC, the night will be “a blast”. “Tickets are $15 which includes a complimentary drink on arrival, entry into the door prize, finger food and entertainment,” she says. “Ben is sure to have everyone in hysterics. It will be an inexpensive, fun-filled night out and best of all, it’s for a great cause.” Last year’s event raised more than $10,000. “A variety of goods and services will go under the hammer in both silent and live auctions. Wine, art, cosmetics and two iPads were the main sellers last year along with the opportunity for a student to be ‘principal for a day’ and advertising on the school’s water tank.” Doors open at 7pm and tickets may be purchased at the school office, on Eventfinder or at the door.

Show Tickets $35 Non-reserved seating

Special Package $59

Includes glass of wine on arrival + antipasto plate + show + seat at tables closest to the stage.

Get your tickets at:

www.AscensionWine.co.nz/shop or stop at the winery. Phone bookings 422-9601 ext 2 ($5 booking fee per transaction for phone sales)

480 Matakana Rd, Matakana, Ph (09) 422-9601 www.AscensionWine.co.nz

Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 37

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Choir tunes up in Wellsford

Residents of Wellsford are being given a rare opportunity to participate in a professionally facilitated singing programme. Supported by funding from Creative Communities, Sally Randall and Anna Pendred are starting a local community singing project. The aim is to provide an affordable opportunity for adults in the area to get together and experience the joy of singing in a group. “People from 16 to 86 are welcome,” Sally says. “No experience is needed, just a desire to sing.” Professional choirmaster Max Maxwell, of Auckland, will speahead the new venture, bringing years of experience and expertise. Practices will be held at the Wellsford Community Choirmaster Max Maxwell. Centre on Sunday afternoons, beginning later this month. August 26, between 3pm and 5pm. The 10-week group singing Choir members will be encouraged to programme will cost singers a gold coin continue group singing practices after donation per session. The Wellsford the 10-week programme ends. It is Community Choir singing project hoped this will enhance the community will finish in November, ending with a and strengthen community spirit. performance for the community. “Singing is so good for general health “It is hoped that a broad cross-section of and wellbeing, and lifts the spirits.” the community will register on Sunday Info: Phone Sally on 09 423 9393.

Creative cupcake fundraiser

Get creative for a cause and register for this year’s SPCA Cupcake Day. The annual fundraising event held on August 27 helps the Auckland SPCA care for animals in need of assistance and for the hundreds of animals at its Animal Village. Enter for the chance to receive prizes for the most cupcakes baked, most money raised and for the most creative cupcake. Info: spcacupcakeday.co.nz, or phone Catherine Davies 09 256 2520 catherine.davies@spca.org.nz.

Community Foot Services

Snells Beach Garden Circle Flower Show Saturday 1st September from 1pm - 4pm

Clinic: Snells Beach Medical Centre Corner Dalton Rd & Mahurangi East Rd

Phone (09) 425 5055

Mahurangi East Community Centre Hamatana Road Snells Beach

Phone Helen 425 5516

farm fresh produce and other goodies

good service | great value | excellent produce

order online at www.nicksmar ketplace.co.nz home deliveries CNR SHARP RD & MATAKANA RD MATAKANA 09 423 0008 | www.nicksmarketplace.co.nz

38 | Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012

localentertainment

SOS! Help us! Save our socks

Fundraising Trivia Night Friday 17th August 7.30pm @ The Salty Dog Inn

Buy a ticket & join in $15 per head (nibbles included) - Teams of 6-8 or come along Fancy Dress • Spot Prizes • Silent Auction • Raffles • Door Sales (Limited)

Snells Beach Kindergarten 15 Hamatana Road | 425 6330 | snellsbeach@aka.org.nz

Warkworth Music Society presents

‘Strangers in a Strange Land’ John Wells - Piano Introduces and performs works of Classical composers who lived and worked far from their country of birth.

Sunday 16th September, 4pm at Mahurangi College Hall, Warkworth Tickets at door Adults $25 STudenTS free • Info: Ph 425-7313

HURRY!

Only a few tickets left for Mary Poppins

Saturday 27th October Matinee – “Mary Poppins”

The Supercalifragilistic Musical The show at the top of every theatregoer’s “must see” list

LEABOURN

Phone 423 7416 for details

PA S S E N G E R S E RV I C E

www.leabourn.co.nz

Xavier Garneau-Roughan plays Bugsy to Eden Adam’s Blousey in the Mahurangi College production.

Gangsters take over college

Gangsters, splurge guns and a toe-tapping speakeasy will be the new game in town when Bugsy Malone comes to Mahurangi College next month. The 1920s, prohibition-era show is More than 70 students from Years 7, 8 the latest junior production to feature and 9 are involved in the production at the school and follows the antics which is currently in rehearsals. of one-time boxer Bugsy Malone, The show, which will run from who is neither completely honest nor completely crooked, caught in the September 3 to 7, is being produced and directed by Craig Taylor. middle of a gangland feud. Complicating things is his budding The season will include three matinees relationship with country girl Blousey for local schools and three evening Brown, who is newly arrived in the city. public performances.

facebook.com/mahurangimatters

Small Group Tour

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City WE WILL BE CLOSED 19th, 20th, 21st AUGUST

GET A FREE CHOCOLATE COCONUT SLICE

Departing 22 September 2012 & 20 October 2012 14 days from $3,895 per person ex Auckland

TO TANTALISE TASTE BUDS & AWAKEN THE SENSES New exciting menu New decor Same superb coffee

WITH EVERY COFFEE/TEA PURCHASED from our qualified baristas Valid on Wednesday 22nd August only Talia and Aimee Winter hours: Mon-Fri 8-4, Sat 8.30-3, Sun 9-3 1 Queen Street, Warkworth • Phone 425 8749 SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE FROM THE TEAM AT QUEEN ST CORNER CAFE

Warkworth Going further, staying in touch 42 Queen Street, Warkworth T: 09 425 8009 E: info@warkworthtravel.co.nz www.warkworthtravel.co.nz Conditions: Prices are per person sharing a twin room and subject to availability, fuel surcharges and currency fluctuations. Spaces are limited. Please ask your World Travellers Consultant for our full terms and booking conditions.

Mahurangimatters 15 August 2012 | 39

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