Mahurangi Matters_Issue 268_18 March 2015 by Localmatters

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March 18, 2015

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

NZ First and National go head-to-head what’sinside Northland By-election March 28 pages 12-15

Ecofest North Full programme pages 20-25

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Plus Omaha Classic pages 40-42 There are 11 candidates in the Northland by-election, but most pundits agree it’s a two horse race. Coverage, pgs 12-15.

Playground merry-go-round in Matakana Auckland Council bureaucracy is being blamed for the scaling down of a $190,000 playground in Matakana to a slide, swing and junior jungle gym, which will be installed next month. Three pieces of playground equipment costing $69,000 will be installed – a 10-metre slide ($36,000), a junior module ($20,000) and a tyre swing

($13,000). The balance of the budget has been allocated to earthworks, retaining and silt fences ($71,000), and professional services and consenting ($48,000). Community group member Chelsea de Berry says she suspects the latest design, which is “nothing like what the community envisioned”, is the

result of the budget being exhausted on consultancy fees, resource consents which Council did not envision it would need, and other internal processes. An early design for the play area, on reserve land beside the wharf, featured a 9.5-metre slide, a mai mai fort, tunnels, jungle gym, terraced sand play area and bird nest swing. Pedestrian

connections around the village were discussed as part of the project, as well as landscaping and fruit trees which volunteers were prepared to help with. School students and the wider community contributed their views, and it was hoped work would start before Christmas 2013. continued page 2

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Mahurangi Matters

March 18, 2015

contacts Issue 268

General enquiries: Call 425 9068 PO Box 701, Warkworth 0941 17 Neville St, Warkworth 0941 Editor: Jannette Thompson 021 263 4423 editor@localmatters.co.nz Reporter: George Driver 425 9068 news@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Cathy Busbridge 022 029 1899 advertising@localmatters.co.nz Monica Mead 022 029 1897 local@localmatters.co.nz Graphic Design: Clare Woods localmatters@xtra.co.nz Digital Editor: Cathy Aronson 425 9068 online@localmatters.co.nz

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Playground fiasco Work was still “imminent” in May last year but by October, the playground features had been scaled back to include three pieces of play equipment which were ordered from Germany. Community group chair Simon Barclay says the community is totally frustrated with the current situation. “We have met with Council’s chief executive in the hope that we can find new ways to work with Council on delivering community projects because the current system is completely inadequate,” he says. “If the funds had been vested in the community we could have leveraged that and had a vastly improved facility and funded other projects.” Chelsea says the community had designed a playground for older children, which was not in the latest design. The involvement of local contractors had also been an important part of the early negotiations, but had also been ignored. However, Rodney Local Board chair Brenda Steele says the Matakana Community Group changed its mind on the project and asked the Board to re-direct the money to Jubilee Park, on Matakana Valley Road. She says she received an email in December asking for the playground project to be re-assessed because it was “a waste of money”. “Park staff met with committee representatives, explained the process and the fact that if the design was

from page 1 commentonline

This is what a $13,000 swing looks like.

localmatters.co.nz Is $190,000 too much to pay for a simple playground?

changed, then it would result in the project being put back to scratch,” she says. “Re-directing the money to Jubilee Park is not an option. The plan is to build the playground that was agreed to by the whole community.” Dr Barclay says the suggestion of redirecting the funds to Jubilee Park was more a question than a request. “When the project still hadn’t started in December, I had a conversation with consultant Sarah Jones and (Board member) Greg Sayers along the lines that perhaps the money would be better spent at Jubilee Park,” Dr Barclay says. “They made it clear that this wasn’t an option so I said ‘forget it’ because we didn’t want to

do anything to jeopardise the project. That decision was reaffirmed at the group’s meeting last month.” The playground project has been marred by continued delays and redesigns since first being mooted in 2013. Former Rodney Local Board member June Turner, who was instrumental in securing the $190,000 for the project, says she can understand why the community feels let down. “It was always understood that Matakana wanted an exciting play area and that they wanted to be involved,” she says. “The way Council allocates money to projects lacks balance. Too much is being spent on consultants, plans and consents.”

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March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Matters

Grange retail footprint downsized Oaks village awaits The first stage of the Grange retail and commercial development being built at the southern approach to Warkworth, on State Highway One, has been scaled down. The developer, Square and Mainstreet, has applied for a variation on its resource consent which will shrink the initial footprint by one-third. The total lettable area will decrease from 6860m2 to 4621m2, with a number of larger buildings at the southern end of the development removed from the plans submitted with the consent application. The number of carparks correspondingly reduces from 235 to 172. The plans also show that the majority of the tenancies will shrink by about 20 per cent and larger tenancies have been divided into smaller tenancies. However, developer Colin Reynolds maintains that the total area of retail space will not change, but the development will be completed in two stages. The first stage is expected to be finished this year, with the second stage completed by the middle of next year. “We are physically not going to be able to build it all this year so we have split up the construction,” Mr Reynolds says. But the consent variation application states, “overall,

the extent and scale of buildings will decrease from the approved land use consent”. The application said the decision for an alternative layout was made “following further engagement with the market” and due to “operational and commercial requirements”. Mr Reynolds says interest in the larger tenancies has been slow. The development has about 30 tenancies, including McDonalds, BP, Coffee Club, St Pierre’s Sushi, Tank juice bar, a childcare centre, liquor store and a 24-hour gym. The developer was granted a nonnotified resource consent in October. Reports on noise levels, pollution and traffic submitted with the variation application found the changes would not increase the impact of the development, but further acoustic screens were recommended. It said the development would improve amenity for adjacent residential properties when compared with the existing site. Landscaping would create a visual buffer from neighbours, trees and climbing plants would reduce the dominance of buildings, and a swing bridge and riparian planting would enhance the stream running beside the development.

Rubbish gets competitive Competition is coming to Rodney’s rubbish collection service as Auckland Council announces plans to start its own waste collection service. Council plans to introduce a wheelie bin refuse service across the region from 2017, which will be phased in over 18 months. Solid waste manager Ian Stupple says they are still deciding how the system will be charged, but it is likely to be based on emptying frequency rather than weight. It is the first time Council has competed against the Mason Bins service. Company director Ray Lambert says he is unconcerned. “We know from areas where Council already operates a waste collection service that they are much more expensive than us,” Mr Lambert says. “I struggle to understand why they would want to do something the

private sector is already doing well.” Mr Stupple says the move is to standardise waste services across the region. But Mr Lambert wants Council to allow people to opt out of all Council waste collection services to allow competition in areas such as recycling. “We think we could provide a recycling service for half the rate Council charges, but people are forced to use their service. Without competition, people are getting ripped off.” Currently, each Rodney property pays a waste rate of $87 which covers household recycling services, subsidises rural refuse collections, recycling and hazardous waste drop-off points, and part of the cost of running the Helensville refuse transfer station. In addition, each property is charged a general rate for refuse for ‘public good’ services such as

illegal dumping, litter bin clearing from town centres and community areas and waste minimisation programmes. But the targeted rate is set to rise to $92 to pay for a raft of new waste collection initiatives to be phased in over the next two years. The introduction of an inorganic waste collection service, originally scheduled for July, has been delayed pending feedback on Council’s Long Term Plan. The pre-booked service is now likely to start within the next year. Council also plans to rollout 240-litre wheelie bins for recycling to all areas by July next year and an organics collection is planned for urban areas of Rodney in 2017.

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Construction of the Oaks on Neville retirement apartments is set to start this month with the first stage expected to take 18 months. Project manager Dave Stott says the building consent and a variation on the resource consent are expected to be granted this month. Construction has been delayed due to negotiations on the consents relating to protected trees, minor changes in the design and issues with stormwater and groundwater. “The delays mean we have to build it differently,” Mr Stott says. “The earthworks season is closed from April 31 to October 31, so we are going to build the structure of the apartments first and excavate the basement at a later date. “We are removing three or four of the oak trees that are in a poor condition, but we are conserving all other protected and non-protected trees where practicable. “There will be a large revegetation programme in spring which will include planting more oaks.” The first stage involves construction of two apartment blocks with a total of 80 to 90 units. A third building, which will be a 29-bed care centre, will be constructed at a later stage. The historic Warkworth Hotel is currently being developed to temporarily house the Warkworth Tavern. The bar will move into the hotel at the end of next month. The tavern building will then be demolished to allow trucks to access the Oaks site during excavation. The full refurbishment of the hotel won’t start until after the completion of the apartment blocks and is expected to take nine months. The tavern will then move temporarily into a site on the ground floor of the new apartment block and will move back to the hotel when renovations are finished. The carpark behind the hotel will be closed soon to allow surveyors to map out the structure, affecting about 40 parking spaces. The first stage of construction will involve pile driving for the first two apartments. “There shouldn’t be much disruption to traffic until excavation work begins next summer. We are using bored piling so the noise levels will be minimal.” The resource consent for the village was granted in May 2013. The consent allows for the construction of an 83-unit retirement village spread over three multi-storey blocks, a 29-bed care centre, retail shops and a café, gym and pool.

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Mahurangi Matters

March 18, 2015

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OFF THE RECORD Colour blind

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

Council’s reckless spending I am very fed up with the linguistic dishonesty that has become a hallmark of public sector thinking here and Cr Penny Webster’s column (MM Mar 4) is yet another good example of the genre. “Alternative funding” means raising more by subtler and more nefarious means. The working group Ms Webster is chairing is a simple admission of failure. For reasons beyond my simple comprehension, local governments seem to think they have licence to spend far more than their income. The end result of Ms Webster’s “hard” work will be rates will go up. Or, to use the public sector euphemism, “changed”. Ms Webster’s group will in all probability find even more ingenious ways of charging more on top of rates for various spurious “services”. Cr Webster may once have had an honest living milking cows, but since she became the unchallenged electee for Rodney she seems to have succumbed to that peculiar public sector disease of assuming the little peasants can simply pay more. The idea of being “smarter and more efficient with what we do” is merely extra platitudinous jargon. In a household you have a budget and you keep to it. In a Local Council, or outof-control super-slum (Auckland), it seems the priorities are very different.

In a responsibly elected democracy we could expect the public sector to set a good example and demonstrate fiscal thrift by budgeting correctly. As it is they have condemned future generations to interest charges stretching to infinity to cover their recklessness. Maybe it is the price we pay for allowing these monolithic organisations to become so completely self-serving. The idea that the cloth must simply be cut to fit seems anathematic in contemporary public sector philosophy. Crispin Caldicott, Warkworth

Warkworth footpaths How many in the community, young to aged, when walking, pushing a buggy, riding a mobility scooter, standard or motorised wheelchair, have had difficulty negotiating the footpaths, especially on/off mountings? Recently I have been reduced to a motorised wheelchair and have been out trying to work out the safest route so that I can maintain my independence to reach doctor, dentist, supermarket, even enjoy a coffee. My biggest stumbling block is the state of the on/off ramps, as well as the uneven state of many footpaths. I would like us, as a community, to fight for an improvement so that we can all move round safely. I’ve started the ball rolling by submitting a complaint to the Auckland Council

and our MP, Mark Mitchell, whom I have also spoken with, our Local Board, and the Warkworth Area Liaison Group. If you too feel strongly about this problem, please bombard our Council with your complaints. Maida H Cook, Warkworth (to see a video of the Mahurangi Matters’ tour of Warkworth on a mobility scooter go to localmatters.co.nz/opinion)

Unsealed maintenance I agree with Dr Theuns Henning (MM, Mar 3) that we should be advocating for better maintenance of unsealed roads rather than sealing more roads as a more cost effective option. As anyone living on an unsealed road in Rodney can tell you – the level of maintenance we currently get is next to nil (no wonder it’s so cheap)! Dr Henning states: “Believe me, it’s better to live on an unsealed road than an unmaintained sealed road.” Well, how about an unmaintained unsealed road? Fleur Auber, Warkworth

Names that stick What interesting things we read about in Mahurangi Matters. The article about former post office worker, Colin Carr (MM Mar 4), caught my eye, as my father, Harry Best, came to Warkworth in 1936 to take up the position of continued next page

Rodents’ revenge The image of cats as lean, mean mice-catching machines has been sorely tested at one local home. Despite having two cats in residence, the signs of visiting rodents were everywhere. But the straw that broke the proverbial pussycat’s back was the discovery that the mice (or rats) had gnawed their way through a thick plastic bag to feast on the cats’ food. “If we got rid of the cats, we’d probably get rid of the rats,” the somewhat disgruntled homeowner huffed.

Fuzzy photo This newspaper always appreciates the effort community groups go to to supply us with good quality photographs of local events and activities. We know it’s not always easy to capture the moment when there are a hundred others things happening at once. Therefore, we had complete sympathy when we received a very fuzzy photo recently with the following explanation … “Sorry the photo is not that good. I took heaps, but because I had to do my first public speech ever, my hands were still shaking far too much to take photos. Sorry. Will try to do better next time.” Off the record contributions welcome. Email to editor@localmatters.co.nz

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The media who gathered in Wellsford for Winston Peters’ campaign launch this month were a little confused when what they thought was Mr Peters campaign bus came trundling into town with the word ‘Mana’ painted boldly on the front. The passengers on the regular coach service north must have wondered what they had done to merit the attention of the TV crews and press photographers who lined the footpath. Interestingly, Mr Peters’ bus, which came along shortly afterwards, was not black & white as predicted, but a very National Party looking blue.

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

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telegraphist at the post office. He was called up and went overseas with the 2nd NZEF in 1942, so Mr Carr must have filled his shoes. I was surprised to hear that the postmaster of the day was Frank Otway, as I never heard my parents call Mr Otway anything else but â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hercâ&#x20AC;?. I checked the records at the Warkworth Museum and found that the postmaster from 1933 to 1944 was F.D. Otway. I then contacted Phil Copestake, who also worked in the post office during the war years, and he enlightened me. Mr Otway boasted that he was as strong as Hercules, as he could bend a threepenny piece in his teeth, so he was always known as Herc. Maureen Young, Warkworth

Fairy terns How many years of work and worry and how many thousands of dollars

have been invested in saving these endangered birds apparently to no avail? The birds that are still with us would have cost in excess of $100,000 each by now but it appears we are making no progress.

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The amazing thing to me is that even the few still out there now have survived as long as they have considering they apparently have absolutely no natural survival instincts. We may assist by trapping predators or relocating eggs and tend them like newborn babies but they are still vulnerable to all the events that Nature sends, over which we have no control.

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Consultation for the Long Term Plan (LTP) is well underway with Rodney events completed in Helensville, Kumeu, Warkworth and Wellsford. This plan forms the basis for what Auckland Council will spend over the next 10 years. The discussion around transport is of particular interest as it is clear that we still do not get good value from Auckland Transport. The outstanding area we live in is held back by the shocking under investment in our rural roads and the appalling State Highway connections at Hill Street in the north and Waimauku in the west. No-one wants to pay higher rates but we do want to have Council provide services and maintain the amenity we enjoy. The Local Board continues to advocate for more funds to be spent in this area but, at times, it is extremely frustrating as most of Auckland does not understand the issues we face over scale and land area. The issues we have are very local and often items that would not feature in urban environments are top of our lists. The LTP process is an opportunity to have your say about what is important and where money needs to be spent over the next 10 years. If you have an opinion, now is the time to express it. Our roads still need attention but we have been spared the debilitating dry and extreme wet we have had other years. That said, I regularly drive our rural roads and dust and poor overall condition remains a concern. It will be another step in the right direction to finally have the Matakana Valley connection with Whangaripo Valley Road sealed. If the Leigh/Pakiri Road was also done we would we see further improvements to the movement and retention of tourists around the region. Would people be inclined to visit Te Hana for the Maori culture experience in addition to a visit to Goat Island or a surf trip to Pakiri? The connections between our rural communities and iconic attractions are hugely important. There are some great events being held in the area this time of year, too. These bring people, action, energy and diversity to our area and should be embraced. Get out and enjoy watching (or even better participating in) some of the sports events or art displays or go and visit one of our regional parks, go on a bike ride over the Matakana cycle trail, take a ferry ride to Kawau, make the most of what we have. We live in a great place and if you get out and about in it, it will be even better. I look forward to seeing you on the trail or out on the bike. And please remember to keep 1.5m from those of us brave enough to be out cycling on what are, in some places, marginal roads.

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March 18, 2015

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Warkworth iSITE coming under Matakana management Matakana Coast Tourism (MCT) is expected take over the management of the Warkworth iSITE on April 1. The building is run by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), an arm of Auckland Council and Rodney Local Board is expected to approve a license to occupy the site this week. ATEED will give MCT $215,000 over three years to employ a fulltime staff member who will act as both a regional tourism coordinator for MCT and manager of the iSITE. There will also be two part-time paid staff. It is expected the iSITE will be selffunding at the end of the three years. Rodney Local Board has requested a 90-day notice of termination clause which will allow the board to evict MCT if it requires the premises for another purpose. The board also requested ATEED conduct a review of the operation before the end of the three-year license. MCT, which represents nine business groups from Puhoi to Pakiri, is not planning any major changes to the iSITE, but the building will act as headquarters for the organisation. MCT chair Warren Kitchin says the move will strengthen the promotion of the area and help put the iSITE on a financially sustainable path. “We see it as a huge opportunity for the region where we are able to get funding for a regional tourism group while also retaining the iSITE,” he says. Four out of the six of the iSITEs

Matakana Coast Tourism says it will not change the face of Warkworth iSITE, but will take a more commercial focus and feature more local goods.

in Auckland are running at a loss, including Warkworth. Head of corporate and Council relations Steve Armitage says the new model will provide a clear and scheduled roadmap for reducing the operating cost to ratepayers. “ATEED has successfully employed a similar model in other areas of Auckland, such as Great Barrier Island, which has demonstrated that

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local involvement and drive are key enablers of tourism growth in local areas,” Mr Armitage says. The regional tourism coordinator position will be advertised in the near future. Mr Kitchin says the opening hours and the size of the space will not change and staff will be retained where possible. “But we want to create a more

commercial approach and provide a better range of services and products which showcase the region. “We want more coordination with the local travel, accommodation and tourism industry.” The Matakana Information Centre has recently joined MCT and Mr Kitchen says the centre will work closely with the iSITE. “The Matakana centre has successfully developed a purely voluntary service and we are interested to draw on what they have learned.” Board member Steven Garner says the board had concerns about the function of the iSITE being maintained, but after discussions with ATEED and MCT they support the change. Members of the Warkworth Area Liaison Group are concerned the deal was done behind closed doors and the community wasn’t consulted. MCT approached ATEED last year about taking over management of the iSITE and negotiations have been continuing this year. But Mr Kitchin rejects that there was any secrecy involved. “When MCT launched last year we said we were in discussion with ATEED and it was signalled in the WABA newsletter this month. I don’t think there’s any other entity which could have achieved what we have in this timeframe and maintain the benefits of keeping the iSITE running.”

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localmatters.co.nz

March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Matters

Motorway crews on site A forestry contractor will join drilling crews along the proposed Puhoi to Warkworth motorway this month as geotechnical investigations start in a large area of commercial forestry located north of Puhoi. The drilling and forestry teams will use helicopters to transport equipment in and out of the area, as well as establishing metal access tracks. The geotechnical investigations in the forest will continue until the end of May, working generally from 7am to 7pm. Auckland and Northland Highway Manager Brett Gliddon says there has been no change in the configuration of the Puhoi interchange. He says the project will only provide access to and from Auckland, between Puhoi Road and the Johnstone’s Hill tunnels. “But the design won’t preclude access to the north in the vicinity of Pūhoi Road at a later date,” he says. Mr Giddon says construction staging, including where the project will start, will not be known until a contractor has been appointed to complete the detailed design. NZTA is aiming to start construction on the $760 million road between 2016 and 2019. About half of the 50 properties required along the route have been acquired. “We’re aiming to have all properties purchased before the end of next year.” Mr Giddon says there are several

different ways the NZTA can progress the detailed design and construction: Design and construct: NZTA would hire and pay a construction company to design and build the motorway. Many of the motorway projects constructed in the early part of the 21st century were procured using this method. Alliancing: NZTA becomes a participant in an alliance of several companies who will design and build the motorway. This may include companies with different areas of focus such as design, construction and tunnelling. The alliancing approach has delivered several successful projects including the replacement of the Newmarket Viaduct and the Northern Gateway Toll Road. Public Private Partnership: A PPP, as they are known, is a long-term contract between NZTA and private companies, and covers the financing, construction and operation of a piece of infrastructure. “PPPs allow large and complex projects to benefit from private sector innovation and funding which can increase certainty of delivery and drive better value-for-money. There are also savings to be had on all aspects of the project – design, build, maintenance and operational management.” Residents can call the project team on 0800 729 6982 or email puhoiwellsford@nzta.govt.nz if they have any questions about work happening on or near their property.

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selit rebmit lyniV www.flooringxtra.co.nz tepraC

YOU R M ODE R N A F F OR DA B L E L O C A L AC C OU N TA N T S

local roots mean m

Mahurangi Matters

localbusiness

March 18, 2015

CHANGING PLACES n

Warkworth BNZ

Peter Gasston

modern image of BNZ.” The new BNZ is custom-built to the bank’s specifications. “It’s light years ahead of the old building. It has a more spacious customer area, free wifi and open style offices. We will also have an ATM for the first time. We were denied one before as we could hardly put a hole in the wall of a historic building.” The BNZ has been in Warkworth since 1857, originally opening in a building in Queen Street which has since been torn down. It moved into the existing BNZ building in 1929. “We’ve found a lot of old banking records from those early years, written in beautiful calligraphic handwriting.” But Mr Gasston intends to retain some links to the BNZ’s heritage by keeping the old records. The old building is being restored and will re-open as a restaurant, possibly within a month.

At the launch of the new kiosk promoting Puhoi products and attractions are, seated from left, Gillian Seymour, Ron Holland and Larry Mitchell. Standing, Alex Kirichuk.

Kiosk greets Puhoi visitors One of the world’s leading yacht designers Ron Holland was a special guest at the low-key launch of a dedicated tourist and information office in Puhoi this month. The kiosk is located in the grounds of the Puhoi Hotel and will be run by the Puhoi Gifts Co-op. Group spokesperson Larry Mitchell says the office will be staffed by volunteers and will showcase locally made goods and souvenirs. The proceeds will help fund a plan to build a model village on land owned by the Seymour family, on Ahuroa Road. Larry says plans are still in their infancy, but he hopes the development will be done in conjunction with the

new museum. A blacksmith workshop, with a working forge and diorama, will be the first stage of the project, which will also include a pioneer’s cottage, riding trail and performance area. Larry says the blacksmith shop will be a replica of the one owned by Rauners, which he believes closed around the 1950s. It will be built with a combination of sponsorship, volunteer labour and the donation of the site. Larry says he would like to see the shop built within the next 12 months. The co- op is now busy sourcing products for the new kiosk, which it hopes to open at Easter.

3474_MMT192

It is the end of an era for the BNZ in Warkworth, which has moved from the historic building in Neville Street, its home for 86 years. Bank manager Peter Gasston says the new, modern site next door more than makes up for the loss of heritage ambience. The BNZ building was one of the oldest original buildings still operating as a BNZ bank in New Zealand, but Mr Gasston says more stringent earthquake strengthening regulations made the move necessary. BNZ banks need to meet strict building code requirements and as tenants it was not viable to strengthen the building to that standard, he says. “I love the old building. When I first saw it when I started in Warkworth two years ago I thought ‘this is so beautiful’,” Mr Gasston says. “We will miss its quirks and charm, but it was a bit run down and we needed a building which reflects the

BNZ Warkworth. Proud to be part of the Auckland community for over 150 years. Got any banking questions? Ask us today. We are open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm

0800 275 269

bnz.co.nz

localbusiness

March 18, 2015

INTR ODUCING n

Countrywise There are many choices when it comes to borrowing money, whether it’s to buy a home, consolidate debt or invest in a business. Financial advisor Grant Clifton, who opened a Countrywise office in the RMA Building in Warkworth this month, says just about any project can be funded if you know where to look for the money. “I come across a lot of people who have got themselves into a financial pickle,” he says. “But no matter how bad the situation might be, I believe there is always a solution. “I love helping people and am always willing to lend an ear to talk through their own situation.” Grant has been in the financial industry for just over 26 years and has been involved in more than $750 million worth of financial transactions. With the level of growth predicted for the Mahurangi area over the next decade, he says setting up an office in Warkworth will see him well-placed to help a lot of people into home ownership. “Changes to Kiwisaver, which will allow borrowers to access their funds after three years, will be a real gamechanger.” Grant, his wife Yvonne who runs Rummage on Matakana Road, and their two daughters moved to Matakana from Auckland just over

Local finance expert now based in Warkworth!

With over 20 different lenders to choose from, ensure you are getting the best deal in town!

Grant Clifton

three years ago. Grant is on the Matakana School Board of Trustees and chairs the school’s main fundraising committee. He is also a member of Warkworth BNI and when time allows, can be found out fishing. Prior to starting a family, the couple spent a year in Rarotonga where Grant ran a commercial fishing company for a client he met when he was a manager at Westpac. “We air freighted the fish to Japan and the US. We loved the Cook Islands lifestyle, it’s a lot like living in the Mahurangi area.”

Home Loans First home buyers using Kiwi saver Business, Construction & Build loans Asset loans (cars/trucks/diggers/equipment) Debt restructuring & Consolidation

Call Grant Clifton

Registered Financial Advisor Mobile 021 440 143 Anything to do with finances personal or business I am here to help Over 25 years’ experience Countrywise Financial Ltd E: grant@countrywise.co.nz or Call in: RMA consultant’s office Ground floor Kowhai House, 4 Warkworth St. Mon-Thurs 10am – 3pm

Mahurangi Matters

March 18, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

Submissions on Auckland Council’s 10-year-budget came to a close this week. Mahurangi Matters sat in on one of four Rodney Local Board public meetings on regional and local priorities to hear what a sample of the community had to say.

Board hears community views on LTP As the Saturday morning meeting at Shoesmith Hall in Warkworth came to an end, Rodney Councillor Penny Webster encouraged the dozen Council staff, who were only slightly outnumbered by residents, to take a drive to enjoy one of the region’s beaches. “Then you can see how long it takes to battle your way out onto the State Highway when you leave again,” she said. Inevitably, after two hours of discussions around tables, facilitated by Council staff writing on large post-it paper whiteboards, the four groups reported back that improving local roads was a priority. Many appeared to back up the Board’s proposals including developing Warkworth Showgrounds, planning for a swimming pool and upgrading the Town Hall. Snells Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association committee member Mauri Hooper said there was a lack of planning and funding for infrastructure and facilities to support Warkworth’s forecasted growth as a ‘satellite town’. He was particularly interested in the link road to Matakana. Warkworth residents Sidney Markowitz and Bonnie Cohen were concerned about the lack of public transport to accommodate growth. Sidney is a software engineer and has to drive to Auckland three times a week. They had to drop their teenage children at

Residents and ratepayers, Council staff and Rodney Local Board members talked for two hours around tables with their feedback scrawled on large post-it paper whiteboards.

Albany to use public transport. Pohuehue resident John Nealie came to vent, saying rural communities were being left behind, with hardly any Council services and only increased rates. He had been to many ‘speak fests’ before and wasn’t convinced it would make any difference. Others attended to push a specific cause. Surf Life Saving’s Matt Williams had been to 17 meetings throughout Auckland trying to get club facility upgrades back on the budget. While he was careful to let the locals speak,

MARK MITCHELL

he had a good feel for the wider issues put to each table about rates, transport, housing and development. Rodney Local Board chair Brenda Steele says the public seemed to support the local projects identified as priorities but many residents were justifiably frustrated at what they were not getting. Auckland Council say the feedback will help inform final decisions on both the 10-year budget and the Regional Land Transport Plan, due in June 2015.

Warkworth BID team hits streets Business-by-business, the Warkworth Business Improvement District (BID) team has started introducing itself and compiling an up-to-date database of business owners and landlords. Project manager Murray Hill says he’s taking a ‘softly softly’ approach to meet business owners and listen to their concerns. “It’s my role to make sure people understand what a BID is and how it could benefit Warkworth,” Murray says. The Warkworth BID will encompass the town centre, Hudson Road, the Woodcocks Road industrial area including Mega Mitre 10, and the new Grange development. Murray plans to hold a meeting towards the end of next month to introduce the BID and talk about the advantages other centres have achieved as a result of forming a BID. Anecdotally, he says most people he has spoken to have been positive about the idea. Murray has been involved in setting up and running a number of BIDs on the North Shore. “BIDs provide a more professional approach to running a business association, with measurable outcomes so that businesses can see if they are benefiting from their membership.” Before a BID is formed, all businesses within the BID boundary will be asked to vote for or against it. The date for the vote has not yet been set.

MP FOR RODNEY

Meet Mark Mitchell, Mitchell, 10am–2pm 10am-2pm:

For appointments and assistance please call

30th February, March, 7 Tamariki Ave, Monday 16th 7 Tamariki Ave,Orewa Orewa

Orewa: 09 426 6215

Friday 10th April, 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa Monday 23rd February, 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa Tuesday3rd 14th April, Warkworth Warkworth Council Offices, Baxter BaxterStreet Street Tuesday March, Council Offices, Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Mark Mitchell MP, Tamariki House, 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa.

Warkworth: 09 425 8603 Email: mp.rodney@parliament.govt.nz Website: www.markmitchell.co.nz www.national.org.nz

localmatters.co.nz

March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Matters

WARKWORTH WEEDBUSTERS War On Weeds

Weed of the Month Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

There is a $1500 reward for the return of George, a muchloved rescued Arapawa Sheep.

Plea for lost sanctuary ram A $1500 reward for the safe return of a pet sheep belonging to the Matakana Animal Sanctuary has so far failed to turn up any fresh leads. Sanctuary founder Shawn Bishop is convinced that George’s disappearance on February 14 isn’t a random act of theft. “The paddock he was in was not visible from the road and two gates were destroyed on the night he went missing,” she says. “The sanctuary is a shelter for unwanted and abused animals, and some of these animals come from homes where there is domestic violence. “We believe that locals were involved and we’re hoping that the offer of a reward will motivate someone to come forward.” Shawn says George is a loving pet sheep, who is more like a dog in his behaviours. “He can’t be bred from because he’s been neutered. We’re desperate to get

him back.” Since news of George’s disappearance surfaced, Shawn says she has received numerous calls from people who have lost pet farm animals in similar circumstances. “Some of the stories have been horrific. A number of people said they had found their animals disembowelled and slaughtered on site, and one woman found her house cow dismembered by someone who had used a chainsaw. “We’ve rung the police, but it seems ‘property’ thefts like this receive very little priority.” As a result of George’s disappearance, the sanctuary has installed extensive security measures to ensure they are alerted immediately of any intruders. If anyone has any information, contact Shawn Bishop on 422 7322; 027 489 4991 or animalsanctuary@xtra.co.nz

This vigorous evergreen climber invades disturbed forests and forest margins, and outcompetes other plants by smothering them. It can spread up to 15m a year. Its oval leaves are a mid-green and slightly paler underneath; in winter & lower light situations they can look jagged. The fragrant flowers are white or yellow and in pairs, present from September to May, followed by black berries. Japanese honeysuckle is frost, drought and wind tolerant. It is found in shrublands and forest margins, coastal areas and wetland margins, offshore islands and roadsides, as well as home gardens. It is well adapted to low light conditions. The seed is spread by birds; it can also spread by garden dumpings. berry

Sites usually remain clear after treatment, but it is hard to kill. For small infestations, cut the vines and dig the roots out, or you can paint cut stems (5g metsulfuron/1L water, metsulfuron gel or Picloram gel). Large vines can be cut at head height & sprayed below this summer- autumn (5g metsulfuron + 10ml penetrant/10L water). Don’t spray around trunks of desirable trees. When using any herbicide or pesticide PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed. For more info on the Warkworth War On Weeds contact us at warkworthweeds@gmail.com or call 021 0849 3214

Introducing

African Queen wallpaper furniture accessories 12 Mill Lane Warkworth

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Mahurangi Matters

March 18, 2015

follow the campaign at localmatters.co.nz/Features/Northlandbyelection

VOTE Northland March 28

All eyes on Northland electorate campaign Key dates The national spotlight has been shining on Northland this month in the lead up to the by-election on March 28. As senior politicians hit the electorate, with the nation’s media in tow, everything from one-lane bridges to oil exploration have made the headlines. The usually safe blue seat is up for grabs after National MP Mike Sabin resigned for personal reasons earlier this year. The National Party has backed first time candidate Mark Osborne, a Taipa based businessman and Far North District Council asset manager. Prime Minister John Key has hit the campaign trail with Osborne in local spots like the Mangawhai markets, and made election promises from the pulpit of Parliament. The by-election got even more attention when veteran politician and NZ First leader Winston Peters threw his hat, or should we say ‘signwritten bus’, into the ring. Peters has been travelling around in the bus reminding the electorate he was born and educated in Northland, growing up on farms.

11 March

Advance and overseas voting starts 27 March

Enrolments close 28 March - Polling Day

Polling places open from 9am to 7pm Preliminary results released progressively from 7pm on electionresults.govt.nz 8 April

Official results declared

What’s at stake?

Local government issues dominated the Northland by-election candidates meeting in Wellsford on March 12. Members of the audience repeatedly asked questions about Mangawhai’s failed wastewater scheme and subsequent rates fiasco, and north Rodney’s inclusion in the Auckland supercity. About 300 people attended the meeting which was organised by the Landowners and Contractors Association.

There are 11 candidates in the race including Labour’s candidate WillowJean Prime, a Pakaraka based Far North District Councillor.

You can find out more about the candidates and what they think are the key issues for Northland on the following pages.

It’s more than egos and Northland’s needs at stake in this by-election. If National does not win the seat it would reduce its majority. It would not overturn the Government, but National would require the support of other parties to pass legislation. National would be left with 59 seats out of 121 and would require two votes from either the Maori Party’s two seats, or both the single votes from Act and United Future. The Northland electorate includes the Far North, Kaipara and a small part of Whangarei. Wellsford became part of the electorate in 2008.

On March 28 vote

Willow-Jean Prime

for Northland. Hardworking. Honest. Local.

Authorised by Tim Barnett, 160 Willis St, Wellington.

by-electionfeature

March 18, 2015

VOTE NORTHLAND March 28

Mahurangi Matters

Names were drawn from a hat to determine the order of the candidate profiles on the following pages.

Willow-Jean Prime

Winston Peters

Adam Holland

It was while working as a solicitor in Wellington that Willow-Jean Prime felt the call home to Northland. Determined to make a positive difference, she established a consultancy business servicing community projects and volunteered her skills for various community organisations. Encouraged and supported by many Northlanders, she was only 30 when elected to the Far North District Council in 2013. WillowJean grew up in Moerewa and attended the local college before qualifying in Arts, Law and Maori/ Pacific Development at Waikato University. She lives rurally in Pakaraka (Bay of Islands) with her husband Dion and their young daughter.

Winston was born and educated in Northland, growing up on farms. He was educated at Whangarei Boys High School and Dargaville High School.

Adam Holland was born in Dargaville in 1935 where he grew up in a family of 11 brothers. His family had it rough in those days, his father owned the local sawmill where the family would work without payment to help the local community. He worked as a volunteer fire fighter up until 2011 when he fell from a twostory building during an aftershock, shattering his pelvis. At the age of 75, doctors told him he could no longer put his body on the line. He emotionally retired, deciding he could best serve the community through political campaigning.

Labour Party

NZ First Party

Key issues for Northland I am focusing my campaign on three core urgent issues: jobs, infrastructure and vibrant communities. Northland has some of the highest unemployment in the country and we need more government investment in regional development to create jobs and grow our businesses. Our roads are in a very poor state and need urgent attention. The government has cut $35 million from our roads and we need to restore that funding and begin urgent repairs and invest in new projects to make transport in the North faster, safer and more reliable. As a District Councillor, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of having a government that is going to back our communities. I will fight for more government support for local groups and facilities, so that we can have a proper partnership. That is going to make Northland a better place to live, work and play.

Key issues for Northland There are many economic and social issues facing the Kaipara district but the immediate one is the appalling validation of the scandal behind the Kaipara district cost blowout. I attended the Mangawhai protest as well as the court hearing in Whangarei long before I had any intention of standing in this by-election. New Zealand First was the only party to oppose this validation legislation. No other party did. Northland’s best economic opportunity for further growth lies in the traditional farming, forestry and maritime pursuits, as well as tourism.

Where to Vote For a list of election day and advance voting places visit elections.org.nz Northland voters outside their electorate can vote in advance at Electoral Commission Wellington and at Registrars of Electors offices around the country weekdays during office hours. Northland voters outside their electorate on Election Day March 28 should vote in advance, because voting places will only be available inside the electorate on election day.

Independent

Key issues for Northland • Not sending troops to Iraq. • Not sending troops to Afghanistan. • Creating a five per cent flat tax, but only for residents of the Northland electorate, the rest of the country should be paying more tax, not us Northlanders. • I will not change the New Zealand flag as John Key would. • I will increase the power teachers have over children in our schools. • I will work in Parliament without payment because I’m a wealthy man and do not require the money. • I will hold binding referendums on every single issue where there’s not at least a 66 per cent majority.

‘Send them a message’ Authorised by B. Harris, 84 Mills Road, Brooklyn, Wellington 6021

Mahurangi Matters

by-electionfeature

March 18, 2015

VOTE NORTHLAND March 28 Bruce Rogan

Maki Herbert

Independent

Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party

Rueben Taipari Porter MANA Movement

Bruce Rogan is 69-years-old. Rueben is from Ahipara He was born in Takapuna and Maki’s father was born in and has strong affiliations educated in Auckland. His Rawene and lived in Pawarenga. to Whangaroa. His wife father was born in Northland In the 1990s, she became is from Motatau, north of in 1919 and lived in Glinks the Pawarenga Kohanga Reo Whangarei, and his three Gully. His Great Grandfather administrator before moving tamariki have a strong sense of was Judge Rogan of the Maori up the ladder to oversee seven identity in Northland. Land Court. He has owned his property in Mangawhai for 20 years, built his own Kohanga. After that she did commercial Rueben is comfortable with being described as a ‘Maori home and has lived there for the past ten. Bruce was cleaning and was in-charge of 40 staff members. Maki environmental activist’, as he loves his culture and got her qualification in hairdressing in 2004 and had a Kaipara District Councillor from 2001 to 2004, defending the environment for the benefit of children. where he unsuccessfully fought against “the eventual her own hairdressing business for three years. She This comes from a strong responsibility to protect the MANA ANA NA MANA A ANA NA MANA A MANA PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY CUSTOMER: PARTY CUSTOMER: CUSTOMER: CUSTOMER: CUSTOMER: CUSTOMER: CUSTOMER: CUSTOMER: CUSTOMER: CUSTOMER: CUSTOMER: CUSTOMER: MANA MANA MANA MANA MANA MANA MANA MANA MANA MANA PARTY MANA PARTY MANA PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY PART PART PAR PAR CUSTOMER: MANA PARTY PROOF TIME 11/03/2015 4:09:14 p.m. Mangawhai Ecocare disaster”. Since then he has then looked after her 90-year-old grandmother, as land and sea. Rueben is also an organic farmer. her caregiver. During that time she found out about worked in the community trying toREP uncover issues 2 N102 02 102 2 N102 02 102 N102 REP REP REP REP REP ID: REP ID: REP ID: REP ID: REP ID: REP ID: REP ID: ID: ID: ID: ID: N102 N102 N102 N102 N102 N102 N102 N102 N102 N102 N102 N102 REP ID: N102 LASTID: RUN: 03/12/15 9950619AA surrounding the Mangawhai wastewater scheme. medical cannabis and became involved in GreenCross. His other work is as a chairman for Te Ahikaaroa SIZE: 10X3 Trust, a Northland housing provider, which Bruce is chair of the Mangawhai Ratepayers and Maki entered politics in 2011 by standing in the Te Tai addresses social housing issues in Northland. Residents Association. Tokerau by-election and general election.

Key issues for Northland

• Northland is a social and economic basket case, solely as a result of neglect and exploitation. This has to be fixed. • It has some of the worst health statistics in the world. Its dental health is third world, its renal health is even worse. • Its population has been denied access to decent paid work for generations. • To survive, a completely alternative economy has evolved, placing thousands of people at risk on a daily basis. • Many of the problems are traceable to corruption and incompetence at local government level. Those need to be a) exposed, and b) fixed. • The economy can be restored by infrastructural investment - in roads, two-way bridges (not superhighways), rail and our port at Marsden Point. • All the work should be done by Northland companies, employing Northland people.

Key issues for Northland Northland has an opportunity to become the cannabis capital of New Zealand if it is legalised for industrial, medicinal and recreational purposes. Industrial hemp will revitalise the economy in rural areas, creating jobs and allowing for the manufacture of a range of environmentally friendly products. These include biofuel, textiles, building materials, foods and cosmetics. Medical cannabis can improve the well being of thousands of patients in Northland. Cannabis can treat a range of conditions from chronic pain to epilepsy to nausea and even cancer. Doctors should have the authority to prescribe cannabis and pharmacies should supply it. Millions of dollars will be brought into the Northland region if locals are allowed to grow and sell the plant legally, within a licensed and regulated framework. An age-limit will be established and taxes from cannabis sales will fund local schools and hospitals.

Key issues for Northland Stop Statoil. Statoil has confirmed that there are no jobs for Northland, or any investment into Northland. John Key has also removed accountability for any environmental damage to our sea and coast. This is detrimental for our economy and environment. Northland’s stable environment is our greatest asset. In 2004 the Labour government’s Foreshore and Seabed Act opened the door for the foreign oil companies to come here and take our resources. The TPPA issue is another John Key led concept that gives foreign companies control of the market and removes our choices of what to buy, sell and grow. We have been exposing these issues for more than 10 years. This Government needs to be held accountable. This country is not their personal asset to spend and use as they choose. We need principles to be brought back if we want a stable future as a legacy to pass on to our next generation.

STOP FOREIGN STOP STOP company STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP control STOP STOP STOP STOP FOR FOR FOR FO FO FO FO FO F F F STOP STOP STOP STATOIL. STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP There’s STOP STOP STOP nothing for us ST ST ST ST ST ST ST ST A ST A ST A ST A TO A TO A TO A TO A T A T A T A STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP TPPA. STOP STOP STOP Removes STOP STOP our choice TPP TPP TPP ofTPP trade TPP TPP TPP TPP TPP TPP TPP A. A. A. A. A. A. A. A. Re A R A S R A S R S AND VOTE MANA MOVEMENT VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOT VOT VOT M M M TO PROTECT TO TO TO TO TO our TO TO stable TO TO TO environment PROTECT TO PROTEC PROTEC PROTEC PROTEC PROTE PROTE PROTE PROTE PROT PROT TO PROTECT our civil rights TO TO TO TO TO TO TO TO TO TO PRO TO PRO PRO PRO PRO PR PR PR PR P P VOTE MANA NORTHLAND VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOT VOT M M M M

RUEBEN TAIPARI PORTER Northland MP 2015

authorised by Rueben Taipari Porter 60 North Rd Kaitaia

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by-electionfeature

March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Matters

VOTE NORTHLAND March 28 Joe Carr

Adrian Bonner

Mark Osborne

Joe Carr has been actively involved in governance and community affairs since 1998 when he stood as a Councillor in the Far North District to “represent a community that rejected the top down imposition of a district plan”. Since 1998 he has been on various Northland Regional Statutory Committees, including 12 years on the Regional Land Transport Committee, six as an NRC Councillor. He says he is a hard worker and is well grounded in the realities of living a productive life in Northland, as he and his wife Kate farm near Okaihau.

Adrian Bonner is a 56-yearold beekeeper, who has lived in Kaiwaka for 27 years.

Mark Osborne is a proud Northlander, based in Taipa. He and his wife Jodi moved to the north in the late nineties. They are co-founders of their own successful local business Doubtless Beauty, and their two daughters are both at school in the community. Mark has served in the community as a local school board trustee and a Far North Coastguard and sea rescue volunteer. He was General Manager of the Te Ahu Charitable Trust, leading the development of Kaitaia’s Te Ahu Community Centre, and most recently he has been an asset manager for the Far North District Council, overseeing some of the region’s most critical strategic infrastructure.

Focus New Zealand

Key issues in Northland

National Party

Key issues for Northland I would like to see heavy logging and freight trucks off our roads, and taken by rail between Auckland and Whangarei, also with a view to reintroducing passenger rail services using a double track system. I believe that the tar sealing for metal roads could be done cheaper using new innovative techniques developed overseas and that too much is being paid for sealing and road maintenance. I believe the punitive system whereby beneficiaries are penalised if they earn over a certain amount should be scraped.

What are the enrolment deadlines? If you were enrolled by 23 February you will get an EasyVote pack in the mail a week before election day. People who enrol after this, but before the final deadline of Friday 27 March, will need to cast a Special Vote.

Can people on the Maori electoral roll in the Northland electorate vote? No. The by-election is to select the Member of Parliament for the general electorate of Northland. Only those people on the Northland electoral roll are eligible to vote. If you are Maori, and enrolling for the first time, you can choose whether you go on the Maori roll or the General roll. If you enrol now and choose the Maori roll, you will be in the Te Tai Tokerau electorate and won’t be able to vote in this by-election.

Key issues for Northland We need to build on the record growth and 7500 jobs already added to Northland’s economy in 2014. National’s plan is achieving more jobs and growth for the north by: • Attracting more investment and opportunities with the Northland Regional Growth Study. • Building the Puhoi-to-Wellsford motorway to link Northland to our biggest market, Auckland. • Reforming the RMA to reduce the costs, delays, and frustrations that are holding Northland back. • Building on National’s $750m investment in local roads and highways. • Rolling out faster broadband across Northland. • Accelerating treaty settlements so Northland iwi can invest to create jobs. • Backing Northland’s primary industries through the Primary Growth Partnership. • Introducing the Maori and Pasifika Trades Training Scheme. CUSTOMER: REP ID:

Northland’s key issue is our lack of influence at government and headwind settings like exchange rates. These marginalise our electorate’s great productive potential, and deter investment in increased manufacturing and processing. The spectre of another council reorganisation with no consideration of the costs of centralisation (negative multiplier effects) as council business withdraws. Take one primary job and three follow. What the Northland electorate loses, the Whangarei electorate gains. We need policies to reverse the current transfer of wealth and opportunity and youth from our predominantly rural electorate to cities. Rural and provincial NZ is increasingly marginalised. Until this by- election occurred the Northland electorate was such a National fortress that our needs were largely ignored. Like him or not, the entrance of Winston Peters, for whatever reason, has changed this. Example, Matakohe bridge construction.

Independent

ELECTIONS - JOE CARR N102

28 March 2015 The Day Northland gets heard in Wellington.

www.focusnz.org.nz

Approved by Bruce Rogan, 29 Alamar Crescent Mangawhai 0505.

9951696AA

Authorised by Les King Ohuri Rd RD3 Kaikohe

9/03/2015 8:48:31 p.m. 03/12/15 14X6

VOTE JOE CARR FOCUS: THE RURAL AND PROVINCIAL VOICE

Take this chance to vote for change Let’s get Northland working again. Only two candidates in this campaign have shown they care and use their brain One is me who fights for thee And the other’s initials are W. P. It won’t help much to vote for me But a tick for Winston might set us free, And restore our local Democracy! . Vote, and Vote for change on March 28 PROOF TIME LAST RUN: SIZE:

MESSAGE TO NATIONAL STOP THE BOOM BUST ECONOMY CITIES BOOM AND WE BUST

Mahurangi Matters

March 18, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

Wenderholm - Auckland’s first regional park turns 50 Auckland’s first regional park at Wenderholm will turn 50 this month without fanfare. An Auckland Council spokesperson says the budget won’t stretch to mark the occasion. The park was purchased by the Auckland Regional Authority (ARA), the precursor of Auckland Regional Council, on March 31, 1965, and is now administered by Auckland Council. It was the start of a network which has expanded to include 26 regional parks covering over 40,000 hectares, which represents about 8.5 per cent of the entire Auckland region. Principal ranger parks north Matt Vujcich, who has been working at Wenderholm for 30 years, says the park is the quintessential regional park. “It’s got everything – beaches, idyllic picnic spots, a boat ramp, an estuary, kayaking, walks, a historic homestead and archaeological sites,” Mr Vujcich says. “It’s the only regional park that has it all in one compact, easily accessible location.” The ARA bought the 127-hectare property for £186,800 to protect it from subdivision. It was officially opened on December, 18, 1965 by Rodney MP William John Scott and 41,000 people visited in its first six weeks. It now attracts around 200,000 people annually. Forested areas were fenced off from stock to allow them to regenerate, which has left a legacy of maturing re-growth forest and encouraged a healthy native bird population.

WARKWORTH 3b Wech Drive

Matt Vujcich has been working at Wenderholm for 30 years.

View more photos online localmatters.co.nz

In the early days ... day-trippers enjoy Wenderholm Regional Park in 1973.

Conservation is now a key focus of the parks network. “When I started there was a team of gardeners who would trim and weed the parks to keep them tidy. It was a very traditional, urban-focused approach and there was no emphasis on native plants. Now there is a much more holistic approach, focused on restoring the natural environment to create habitats for native birds. We do a lot of native plantings using ecosourced seeds, growing from seeds taken from natives in the area.” Possum control started in the 1980s after numbers were threatening the pohutukawa. “Ever since we’ve had an annual possum programme and now we are

OMAHA 8 Tuatua Lane

SNELLS BEACH 18 Snells Beach Road

lucky to get half a dozen.” A rat and stoat control programme started in the early 1990s leading to a boom in tui and kereru numbers. Beachfront erosion is now one of the biggest issues. Boulders have become exposed for the first time and the beach isn’t being replenished. “Our strategy is to retreat. We’ve taken all infrastructure from the shoreline.” But the biggest threat has been political, not environmental. In the 1980s, a group of local body politicians calling themselves the New Deal, lead by Takapuna Mayor Fred Thomas, investigated selling the parks or charging entry fees. “There was strong support from the public to retain the parks and they

OMAHA 22 Shamrock Crescent

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got kicked out after one term. It was a huge vote of confidence for our work.” In 2002, the park expanded with purchase of the 34-hectare Shischka property for $2.4 million and a small campground was developed. A new campground was opened last summer with a further 160 sites, which will expand to 200 next summer when the old campsite is closed. “It has reached capacity within 12 months, which is incredible. We are going to close the old, smaller campground and use that as our hub for managing grazing stock.” The next focus is on developing nearby Te Muri Regional Park, which lies on the other side of the Puhoi River. Water treatment and fencing along streams is currently underway, but it may be about three to five years before the park is fully open. At present, the public only has access to the waterfront. “There’s a lot of investment required, particularly to allow vehicle access from State Highway 1. It could be as popular as Wenderholm so we have to plan for hundreds of thousands of visitors.”

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localmatters.co.nz

March 18, 2015

Hall costs outrage Board Auckland Council staff have been called to account for the mounting costs associated with the maintenance of community halls, which is costing more than $800,000 across Rodney this year. Work such as installing new toilets, heating, upgrading kitchens and replacing roofs is being completed on 23 Rodney halls. At last month’s business meeting, Rodney Local Board members said they believed the costs were far above market rates. Member Phelan Pirrie asked Council officers why the cost of replacing a water tank at Pakiri Hall nearly doubled from $8000 to $14,000. “I’m gob smacked. Someone’s having a laugh at our expense and we are wasting ratepayers’ money,” Mr Pirrie said. “We made it clear we think the original budgets were extremely expensive and now the costs have doubled with no explanation or consultation.” Member Thomas Grace said he had just installed a water tank for $2700. Senior community facilities advisor Peter Loud explained the extra money was for a water purification device for

the water tank. Mr Pirrie said there should be a process to check quotes against market rates and suggested the Board receive a full breakdown of costs for any project over $10,000. Mr Loud said a project had to be over $100,000 before it went to tender, otherwise Council’s preferred suppliers completed the work. Member Steve Garner suggested that projects for similar work, like toilet upgrades, be lumped together to break the $100,000 barrier so they could go to tender which should drive down costs. “We asked for this to be done months ago, but nothing has happened.” A new $24,000 kitchen in Kourawhero Hall, on Woodcocks Road, also came under scrutiny, with members asking whether the work was excessive for a hall with a capacity of 30 people. “We tell the community we’ve got no money for other projects, but we are throwing money at things that don’t need to be done,” Mr Grace said. The Board has a further $65,000 to spend on community facility projects before June 30 or it will lose the money.

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March 18, 2015

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out & about... localmatters.co.nz

March 18, 2015

The Matakana-based choir Matakantata handed over a cheque for $1500 to the Warkworth Town Hall fundraising committee last month. The funds were the proceeds from concerts held in December. Pictured, centre, with the choir are its director Susan Hayday (left) and town hall trustee Raewyn Morrison.

Ruth Shepherd (right) and Donna Tannion feeding alpaca.

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Kowhai Lions back rescue service Coromandel should feel very safe that we have this wonderful service a phone call away,” club publicity officer Olwyn Hill says. The club’s donation will buy half a pair of specialised goggles or provide two hours flying time. “It is but a drop in the bucket for what is needed to run the helicopters that save lives daily in our area.” Anyone who would like to donate can do so at chopperappeal.co.nz.

SALE

Matakantata donates to town hall

Westpac Rescue helicopter pilot Herbie Barnes was the guest of the Lions Club of Kowhai Coast recently when the club handed over a cheque for $6000. The funds were raised from Treemendous Christmas Trees and a raffle. Herbie, who has been with the service for 20 years, gave an informative talk about the choppers and how the service is run. “Anyone from Te Hana to Mere Mere and the

Mahurangi Matters

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Wellsford Probus extends invitation The Wellsford Combined Probus Club is extending an invitation to retirees in the area to join the club, which meets on the fourth Friday morning of each month. Club activities include monthly speakers and an annual trip to a local location. Last month, members visited the Kerdon Alpacas in Maungaturoto, hosted by Kerry and Donna Tannion and their “extremely friendly and well-behaved” alpaca. Previous trips have included the Goat Island Marine Centre and the Te Hana Te Ao Marama Maori Cultural Centre. Speakers cover a broad range of subjects from local businesses to health, welfare, cultural and environmental issues. “We welcome anyone in the area who is keen to keep an active interest in what’s happening around them, especially for those new to the area, to join,” spokesperson Bev Davidson says. Info: Beth Shepherd on 423 8640 or Bev on 423 9552.

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ecofestfeature

March 18, 2015

Matakana, Leigh & Warkworth

- Event Listings Sat Mar 14: Feeding the Fish and Invertebrates. Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre 11am.

Sun Mar 29: Tours of the Sculptural Habitat. The Protea Patch, Warkworth 10am

Sun Mar 15: Beyond Organic NZ Tour Launch with Stefan Sobkowiac. Matakana Village Hall 10-4pm

Sun Mar 29: Feeding the Fish and Invertebrates. Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre, Leigh 2pm

Sun Mar 15: Research Presentation: Factors Affecting Crayfish Catchability. Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre, Leigh 11am

Wed Apr 1: The Kowhai Park Project Weed Working Bee. Warkworth 9.30-12noon

Wed Mar 18: The Kowhai Park Project Weed Working Bee. Warkworth 9.30-12noon Sat Mar 21: Rock Pool Tour at Low Tide. Goat Island Beach 2.30pm Sun Mar 22: Lobbying for the Environment: Day Workshop with Nandor Tanczos. Matakana Village Hall 9-4pm Sun Mar 22: Rock Pool Tour at Low Tide. Goat Island Beach 3pm Wed Mar 25: ‘Love our Ocean’ Book Launch and Talk with Steve & Riley Hathaway. Lifeway College Hall, Snells Beach 7pm Thurs Mar 26: Ecofest Film: Bidder 70. Matakana Cinemas 6.45pm Sat Mar 28: Tours of the Sculptural Habitat. The Protea Patch, Warkworth 10am Sat Mar 28: River Trip on the Jane Gifford Scow with Eco Commentary. Warkworth Wharf 2pm Sat Mar 28: Living Sustainably Family Activities. Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre, Leigh. All day.

Wed Apr 1: Ecofest Film & Director’s Talk: The Man from Coxs River. Matakana Cinemas 6.30pm Sat Apr 4: Beach Clean Up with Marine Discovery Centre. Goat Island Beach 2pm Sat Apr 4: A Celebration of Pacific Cuisine with Robert Oliver and Cath Dunsford. Mahurangi River Winery, Warkworth 6-8pm Sun Apr 5: Research Presentation: Sharks. Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre, Leigh 11am Sat Apr 11: Feeding the Fish and Invertebrates. Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre, Leigh 11am Sun Apr 12: The Good Life Tour: Visiting Eco-Homes & Gardens. Various locations 9-3pm Sun Apr 12: The Kowhai Park Project Weed Working Bee. Warkworth 9.30-12noon Sun Apr 12: Goat Island Coastal Walkway Guided Walk. Goat Island 11am

Sun Apr 12: Research Presentation: Whale Sounds in the Hauraki Gulf. Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre, Leigh 2pm

SEE FULL INFORMATION AT WWW.ECOFEST.ORG.NZ

ecofestfeature

greenliving

March 18, 2015



Mahurangi Matters

FEATURE

Trish Allen

Lessons in sustainability EcoFest is an annual festival aimed at helping people to live more sustainably – at home, across the neighbourhood, at work and in the community. Northern coordinator Trish Allen says the festival programme presents a whole range of different opportunities for people to experience and learn something new and become more environmentally aware. “Our aim is to make it fun and by doing so we hope to engage people and inspire them to change something in their lives to become more sustainable,” she says. “Anything we do that is good for the Earth is ultimately good for ourselves. “We can all make a difference.” Trish says one of her favourite quotes is from Oscar Wilde, “anyone who thinks they’re too small to make a difference has obviously never spent a night with a flea”. “There’s something for everyone in the Ecof est programme and I’ve been blown away by all the amazing places we have in our area and all the dedicated people doing great work.”

By working with the natural contours of the land, property owners can protect their soil and provide valuable habitat for native wildlife.

Water management a question of design By CALEB CLARK & KIM BUCHANAN Morphum Environmental, Warkworth

Water sensitive design (WSD) is an approach to water resource management that addresses both water use and conservation, and water quality issues. By integrating natural water systems with built form, WSD promotes a more resourceful use of water and helps to protect the mauri (life force) of water. Based on holistic management of the integrated water cycle, WSD works to protect and enhance the health of receiving waterways, mitigate flood risk and create spaces that harvest, clean and recycle water. Designs incorporate key elements such as protecting bush and wetland areas, harvesting rainwater, reusing greywater, minimising impervious surfaces, and using vegetation to assist in trapping sediment and pollutants. The basic concept of WSD is to mimic how rainfall behaves in a natural bush forest by reducing the amount of runoff (volume), slowing

the speed of the runoff (flow rate) and not increasing the frequency of runoff. In this way, soil erosion and stream erosion, slumping and scouring are reduced which helps maintain natural habitats. Households that embrace this method of sustainable design, bring more native flora and fauna into their areas, improve the attractiveness of the environment and create sustainable, resilient communities. Good water management of farms can help improve soils, drainage, crop yields, animal health and productivity. Examples of WSD technology include: Rain gardens which are the opposite of raised beds. Runoff is allowed to drain into the garden where it is used by plants and eventually soaks away, thereby reducing erosion and discharge of sediment. Tree pits are similar to rain gardens – a large hole with the right soil media and species can help compensate for developing hard, impervious surfaces such as carparks and driveways.

Require an environmental assessment of your property? About to sub-divide? Need assistance to meet compliance requirements? Drop in to see the friendly Morphum Environmental team at our Warkworth office. We would be happy to discuss your project needs.

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Swales and water tables along roads, and even access ways and races, can slow the flow of stormwater, trap pollutants and replicate nature. Importantly, these can be planted or have the grass kept long for added water management. Green roofs (vegetation covered roofs) can provide surprising benefits including increased insulation and energy efficiency, delaying stormwater runoff, biodiversity and noise reduction. Simple ways you can benefit from WSD on your property include: • Rainwater tanks to harvest water for irrigation, grey water or car washing. • On rural properties, consider the natural land contours to ensure that water flows to vegetated areas rather than directly into streams. • Use plants that require less water in landscaping and in summer gardens. • Preserve, fence (and plant) wetlands and watercourses to keep stock out and provide shade to streams. • Sustainable Land Development and Planning • Civil and Three Waters • Environmental Services • Sustainable Management

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Mahurangi Matters

ecofestfeature

March 18, 2015

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Bidder 70 is a film about Tim DeChristopher, the college student who derailed an illegal oil and gas lease auction in 2008.

Young activist makes a stand Some people stand in front of bulldozers to protect the environment, while others are prepared to scale condemned kauri trees. In the case of Tim DeChristopher, he was prepared to disrupt a highly disputed gas and oil lease auction in Utah to safeguard thousands of hectares of pristine land that were slated for oil and gas leases His story is told in Bidder 70 which will screen in Matakana on Thursday March 26, as part of the Ecofest North programme. Bidder 70 is a feature film length documentary on civil disobedience that has won 20 major film festival awards. Not content to merely protest outside the auction hall on December 19, 2008, Tim registered as bidder #70. He outbid industry giants on land parcels which, starting at $2 an acre, were adjacent to national treasures like Canyonlands National Park, winning 22,000 acres of land worth $1.7 million before the auction was halted.

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Two months later, incoming Interior Secretary Ken Salazar invalidated the auction. DeChristopher, however, was indicted on two federal felonies with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and $750,000 in fines. Patrick Shea, former BLM director for President Bill Clinton, represented DeChristopher pro-bono. DeChristopher was sentenced to two years gaol. Bidder 70 was produced and directed by Beth and George Gage. They say they hope Tim’s commitment to future generations, his evolution as a leader and his willingness to courageously accept the consequences of his action will inspire and motivate a new generation of activists. “Tim is a young man with a message that needs to be heard,” they say. “Climate change is upon us and there is nothing more important to work for than a livable future.” The movie will screen at 6.45pm.

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March 18, 2015 Robert Oliver is passionate about genuine Pacific Island cuisine using organic local ingredients.

Mahurangi Matters

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Graham rauner owner/operator P 09 425 9639 • M 021 525 073

Pacific flavours inspire chef The author of the ‘Best Cookbook in the World’ in 2010, Robert Oliver, will join Cath Dunsford at a presentation at Mahurangi Winery on Easter Saturday, April 4. Robert is a New Zealand chef who was raised in Fiji and Samoa. He has developed restaurants in New York, Miami, Las Vegas and Sydney, “farm to table” resorts in the Caribbean, and food programmes feeding homeless people and African immigrants with AIDS in New York. He returned to the South Pacific to write his first book Me’a Kai: The Food and Flavours of the South Pacific. The book was written with a mission to connect Pacific agriculture to the region’s tourism and won the top prize at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Paris, considered to be the

Pulitzers of cookbooks. Robert was on the tasting panel of My Kitchen Rules NZ and has also given Ted talks. Ecofest North coordinator Trish Allen says she is thrilled that he will be in the Mahurangi as part of Ecofest. “I just love Robert’s philosophy, ‘I seek to create a food product that supports our well-being, validates culture and empowers local agriculture and community’,” she says. Entry to the event is by donation, and there will food and wine to purchase. Food will be from Robert’s books and will be cooked by the Mahurangi River Winery’s chef Kahui. Cath Dunsford will do readings from her book Kaitiakitanga about growing food and Robert’s presentation will be about cooking it.

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Mahurangi Matters

March 18, 2015

ecofestfeature

Snells Beach explorers share world beneath the waves Following the hit TV series Young Ocean Explorers, Snells Beach father and daughter documentary makers, Steve and Riley Hathaway, are launching a book this month, which will soon be available in every school in the country. Steve says the new book Love Our Ocean is an expansion of the TV series which showcased New Zealand marine life with a commentary by Mahurangi College student Riley. “It’s about making education entertaining,” Steve says. “The book covers some of the same things like sharks, stingrays, orca and dolphin, but in more depth and written from Riley’s perspective. “It’s got an environmental message, but the main aim is to get kids intrigued with how magnificent the ocean is. I want it to be something that inspires kids around the world. “We’ve already had teachers using the DVDs in classes in Australia and China.” The book features photographs from award winning photographer Richard Robinson and artwork from musician Jamie McDell. “We’ve had an exceptional team behind us. It’s taken months of work.”

Love Our Ocean will be launched at Lifeway, Snells Beach, on March 25 at 7pm. The launch will feature a talk by Steve and Riley, with behind the scenes footage of Young Ocean Explorers. Love Our Ocean and a DVD of series one of the Young Ocean Explorers will be distributed to every primary school in the country in August after a generous donation from the Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation and a KickStarter campaign, which raised $32,000 last year. Steve and Riley are currently filming a second series to be released later this year and have just returned from filming in the Kermadec Islands. “It was unbelievable. It takes three days to reach the islands by boat and more people get to the summit of Mount Everest than set foot on the Kermadec’s each year. Very little research has been done on them because they are so remote. “When Riley first got in the water she had 12 Galapagos sharks swimming around her. We also filmed a white tip reef shark, which is just the second sighting of the shark in NZ waters.” The series will also feature marine life in Australia and the United States.

bookgiveaway

Mahurangi Matters has a copy of Love Our Ocean to giveaway. Just write your name and daytime contact phone number on the back of an envelope and post to Love Our Ocean Competition, Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth or send us a message Facebook/mahurangimatters with the subject line: Love Our Ocean. Competition closes March 28.

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The release of a second book is planned for November, but Steve’s next project is filming part of a new series of the BBC documentary Blue Planet. The book Love Our Ocean is available through youngoceanexplorers.co.nz.

A celebration of Pacific cuisine with Robert Oliver Mahurangi River Winery is proud to host a celebration of Pacific cuisine with Robert Oliver and Cath Koa Dunsfield. Easter Saturday, April 4 from 6pm Bookings essential

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March 18, 2015

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The tour will include four eco-houses and gardens.

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Sustainable lifestyles on show Sustainable lifestyles is the theme of a home tour on April 12 which will finish in Matakana. The Good Life Tour will visit four eco-properties, starting on the North Shore and working north. The first stop will be at a 1950s section with lots of space, some fruit trees and a huge water tank – the perfect place for a backyard community garden where some young dedicated gardeners who don’t have space at their own homes assist the elderly owners. The amount of produce from the site is impressive. The second stop will be at a home where the owners moved in just a year ago. The property had established fruit trees, space for a garden, a large

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and unshaded roof for water capture and solar, and offered opportunities to improve the building. The owners used the Homestar rating system as a guide, had it rated, and incorporated other ideas. Visitors will be able to visit Homestar “stations” around the property, which will also be used as the basis for a short walk and talk. The next stop is at a quarter acre section that has been turned into a food forest and the last stop is at Trish Allen’s home in Matakana where she has created an edible landscape around her eco-house. Spaces on the tour are limited. To book, contact Toni atfestival@ kaipatiki.org.nz

T! SCHOLARSHIP ALER in 2016

For Years 9 & 10 students

The Ministry of Education have released a number of ‘Aspire’ scholarships for 2016 to enable students from lower-income families to attend private schools such as Wentworth College in Gulf Harbour – Rodney’s only private school. Scholarship winners receive free tuition PLUS up to $1500 each year towards school related costs - not just next year, but for the remainder of their schooling at Wentworth! Places are limited. Applications close on April 24, 2015.

HIGH SUCCESS RATE! For information and application packs contact Jahna 09 424 3273 enquiries@wentworth.school.nz • www.wentworthcollege.school.nz

Mahurangi Matters

hockeyfeature

March 18, 2015

turftastic



FEATURE

Hockey turf opening heralds strong future For the first time in over two decades, Mahurangi hockey players will be able to play on their home turf this season. The $1.7 million turf will open at the Warkworth Showgrounds site on State Highway 1, on March 22, just in time for the start of the hockey season. The Minister for Sport and Recreation Dr Jonathan Coleman will open the turf at 11am, followed by a series of short games featuring Mahurangi teams. The Hockey Fields Trust chairman Brett Illingworth says it has taken more than five years and thousands of hours of volunteer time, but the end result is fantastic. “It’s been an arduous task. It’s consumed my life. Some volunteers have put in hundreds of hours,” Mr Illingworth says. “The turf is already booked five nights a week and we are trying to start a local hockey league. “We are trying to get teams started from as far as Tomarata and Tapora. There used to be dozens of teams in small rural towns in Rodney, but since the game moved to turfs in the early 1990s a lot of them have disappeared. “We’ve also had lots of interest from people who don’t want to travel to North Harbour to play or who have never played hockey before. It’s great the turf is reinvigorating interest in the game.”

Mark Illingworth can finally jump for joy after five years of planning and fundraising for the hockey turf.

The future of Mahurangi hockey is looking stronger now that Warkworth has a home turf.

The turf is using an online booking system and can cater for most ball sports, provided players wear the correct footwear. “We designed it as a multi-sport facility that everyone can use.” While Auckland Council contributed $700,000 for the turf foundation, the balance was raised by the trust which received a $300,000 grant from the ASB Community Trust, a $355,000 grant from Lottery, and donations from the community. “In order to apply for an ASB grant you first have to raise one-third of the money you are applying for.

One person, who wishes to remain anonymous, pledged $100,000 at an early stage. If it hadn’t been for him, we wouldn’t have got off the ground. “The Mahurangi Junior Hockey Club gave about $15,000 and Sky City contributed $10,000. Regular raffles, events and comedy nights then got the project over the line.” Junior Hockey Club president John Bettridge says the new turf will see more young people get into the sport. The club has about 170 primary school players in the region who have been playing on fields at Shoesmith Domain and an old netball court at

Mahurangi College. “It means they can play on an international-quality surface in all weather,” Mr Bettridge says. “They won’t have to worry about mud and can develop their turf skills from an early age. “Having a wide range of ages playing on the same turf will also provide inspiration and motivation for the younger players.” Mahurangi Hockey Club has about 120 members and president Graham Buchs says he expects numbers to grow. The trust plans to build a second turf within the next 10 years.

March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Matters

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The LED lighting system at the Warkworth hockey turf is the first in Australasia.

Hi-tech solution lights up turf The Warkworth hockey turf has become a showcase for the future of sports field lighting with a new LED system sparking interest nationally. Davco Electrical director David Morrison says Warkworth is the first sports field in Australasia to be lit with the modern LED lights, which last longer than traditional metal-halide lights, use a fraction of the electricity and reduce light pollution. At first, David admits he was sceptical about using LEDs, but Hockey Turf Charitable Trust chair Brett Illingworth was adamant it was the way to go. “I didn’t think it could be done, but Brett kept hounding me,” he says. “I did some research and found the only company that produces suitable lights, AAA-Lux, is based in Holland and wouldn’t sell them to NZ.” However, last year David found the company had started trading in Australia and he flew over to investigate the lights. “They have started using them on tennis courts over there and they are working really well.” The lights cost about twice the price of traditional lights, but last about 20 times longer. “They’ve got a minimum lifespan of

50,000 hours, or about 20 years.” They also use half the amount of electricity, costing about $10 an hour, and can be run at half-power for junior games and training. The low energy use means the turf won’t be charged commercial electricity rates, saving thousands of dollars each year. Each light uses a lens which focuses each LED onto the turf, reducing the amount of light pollution around the turf and in the sky. The system is also far more flexible than conventional lighting. “The lights don’t need any warmup or stand-down time. We can also control every light using a smartphone and the power usage of each light is constantly monitored.” Auckland Council is investigating using the lights for the new Warkworth netball courts. “We’ve been flooded with calls from councils and consultants,” David says. “It’s the future of lighting sports fields in NZ. We are the sole distributor for the lights here and there’s nothing else like it.” Dave is also pitching the idea to be used at Ports of Auckland. The lights are currently used at the Port of Amsterdam.

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Warkworth Hockey’s all new winning hockey pitch TigerTurf have just completed the full build and installation of a new, world class hockey pitch at Warkworth. At last the hockey players of Mahurangi Hockey Club have their own international facility on their doorstep; an important step in developing hockey in the region. TigerTurf, meeting the expectations of hockey’s elite. TigerTurf New Zealand Ltd Freephone 0800 804 134 E NZinfo@tigerturf.com | tigerturf.com

Mahurangi Matters

hockeyfeature

March 18, 2015

& REHAB GYM Putting hockey players back on the field with specialised sports care & rehab. Robyn Weston

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Mark Carrell (wearing a poppy) joined a Rodney College hockey team on a visit to Les Quesnoy Memorial in France last year. The town was liberated by New Zealand soldiers in 1918. Streets have been given NZ placenames and a primary school bears the name of a Kiwi soldier. The memorial was designed by Dunedin sculpture A.R Fraser.

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The players visited memorial sites throughout France and Belgium, playing tournaments near battle sites in the Somme and Passchendaele. “My grandfather fought right through there and three or four of the students had relatives buried there. We found the graves and made sure they had a poppy put on them. “We really got an appreciation for how bad things had been for those soldiers. The students were very thoughtful when they came back.” The team has been invited back to the tournament next year and plans are forming for a French hockey and rugby team to visit Rodney. The Rodney College teams currently play in the Northland competition based in Whangarei but with the completion of the Warkworth hockey turf, that is being reassessed. The teams are also looking at practising at the Warkworth turf rather than at the sand turf in Mangawhai.

hockeyfeature

March 18, 2015

Showground development accelerates The development of the Warkworth Showgrounds is picking up pace, but the construction of a multisport complex on the site is still years away. About $2.7 million has been spent on the showgrounds in the past six months while over $4 million is earmarked for projects in the near future. New netball courts, including facilities for basketball and tennis, were completed in October, costing $400,000. There are five full sized courts, one doubling as a multi-use court which caters for basketball. “They are beautiful. It’s a real move forward for the club,” Warkworth Netball Club secretary Toni Broughton-Johnson says. Initially, the courts will be used for training, but there are plans for tournaments in the near future. The club used to train at courts at Mahurangi College. “The competition we are in has a lot of teams from north of Wellsford, so it makes sense for our games to remain at the Wellsford courts.” The courts will be opened at a ceremony on March 21, at 10.30am, with a powhiri and speeches from Rodney Local Board members. There will be two rugby games between Wellsford and Mahurangi teams in the annual Clash of the Dome challenge, a Mahurangi Gym Sports Club demonstration and netball and soccer trials. New public toilets were completed in January, costing $480,000 while a $15,000 wastewater treatment study to determine potential treatment

Netball Shoes Cushioning Comfort Support Grip

options was completed in December. Stage one of a three stage landscaping and plantings programme was completed in October for $100,000. The $1.7 million Warkworth hockey turf will be completed this month and a new $90,000 playground is expected to be completed in April. Later this year, floodlights will be installed for the netball courts and sports fields, costing $400,000. A new on-site wastewater treatment will cost $320,000, and around $270,000 will be spent on landscaping, planting, fencing, the entrance and signage. Budgets are subject to confirmation in Auckland Council’s Long Term Plan. The much-awaited multisport complex is not expected to be completed for about another five years. The Mahurangi Sports Collective, a joint initiative between hockey, rugby, netball, soccer and gym sports clubs,

has put the breaks on the development. A feasibility study completed last year found the complex would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in ongoing maintenance costs and the collective is focusing on boosting memberships to make the development viable. “It scared everyone,” Mahurangi Rugby Club vice president Bernie Kose says. “It made us all take a step back.” But Sports Collective chair Mark Illingworth says the netball and hockey clubs are expected to grow substantially. “After a year we will have a better idea of our membership base and whether the multisport complex is feasible,” Mr Illingworth says. Currently, the clubs have a combined membership of about 1000 people. As a first step forward, the clubs have decided to test the waters and share facilities. The Mahurangi Rugby Club is renaming as the Mahurangi Rugby and Sports Club and will share facilities with the netball and hockey clubs. The clubrooms are being refurbished, including women’s changing rooms and a new roof. The multisport complex is expected to cost between $5 to $8 million depending on the size, design and function of the building. Council has earmarked $1.4 million for design and construction, with a further $1.9 million towards earthworks, upgrading sealing and lighting the carpark, and forming walking tracks and boardwalks.

Completed Netball courts - $400,000 Public toilets - $480,000 Waster treatment and disposal study - $15,000 Landscaping and plantings $100,000 Hockey turf - $1.7 million

Under development Playground - $90,000 Lighting for netball courts and rugby fields - $400,000

Allocated in 2015-17* Multisport complex - $1.4 million Wastewater feasibility study and construction - $320,000 Landscaping, planting, fencing, the entrance & signage - $269,000 Multisport complex earthworks, carpark upgrade and walkways $1.9 million *Budgets subject to confirmation in Auckland Council’s Long Term Plan

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Mahurangi Matters

March 18, 2015

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

Specials play Whangateau Some of Lyttleton’s most talented folk musicians will appear at the Whangateau Hall on Tuesday March 24. The three-piece band The Lonesome Pine Specials consists of fiddle player Flora Knight, better known for her role playing in string band The Eastern; Hannah Harding, aka Aldous Harding; and multi-instrumentalist Ben Woolley, who plays alongside globe-trotters such as Delaney Davidson, Tami Neilson and Marlon Williams. The Lonesome Pine Specials describe their sound as an old-time music revival. The songs are steeped in the musical tradition of Southern Americana, reminiscent of the Carter Family. At times you will want to throw your feet to the boards and at others you will want to be still and listen to every lonesome lyric. Australian bush poet, Archer, will open the show. Born in North Carolina, just short an hour from the Appalachian mountains, Archer has busked his way across Australia and currently resides in the Victorian countryside. This

The Lonesome Pine Specials

lifestyle has given rise to his country bush-blues sound, which is strippedback and sparse to spotlight one big, booming voice and stories of his journeying. The concert starts at 7pm. Tickets $15 available at the door.

ticketgiveaway

Mahurangi Matters has a double pass to giveaway. Just write your name and daytime contact phone number on the back of an envelope and post to The Lonesome Pine Specials Competition, Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth or send us a message Facebook/mahurangimatters or news@localmatters.co.nz with the subject line: The Lonesome Pine Specials. Competition closes March 23.

Warkworth Music presents APO’s concertmaster and NZ pianist from NZ Trio

ANDrew Beer & SArAh wAtkiNS a dazzle in programmes of Beethoven, De Falla, as well as Good, Lilburn and Vitali.

SUNDAY 12th April at 4pm At Mahurangi College, Warkworth

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

Plume, the vineyard restaurant, Matakana is a must visit destination on any Matakana wine or food journey. Plume also provides a spectacular setting for all couples taking that next step in their journey together or even a special event. Your day will benefit from the special atmosphere we have created. Plume, proudly the house of Runner Duck Wines.

For current opening hours please call or visit www.plumerestaurant.co.nz 49a Sharp Road | Ph: 09 422 7915 | reservations@plumerestaurant.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Matters

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Stephen De Pledge, Edith Salzmann and Leo Phillips will be on stage in Warkworth this week.

Seasoned chamber music trio performs in Warkworth Internationally renowned New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge will team up with two of leading figures in chamber music, violinist Leo Phillips and cellist Edith Salzmann, for an unforgettable evening of piano trio music at Mahurangi College Hall in Warkworth, on Sunday March 22, at 4pm. Edith Salzmann has studied in Germany, as well as in the United States with Janos Starker. She has recorded extensively for Stradivarius, Milan and maintains a busy performing schedule as a chamber musician, soloist and teacher, both nationally and internationally. She is senior lecturer at the University of Auckland and the artistic director of the Pettman National Junior Academy and the International Akaroa Festival. A dedicated chamber musician, Leo Phillips was a founding member of the Vellinger String Quartet and leader of the internationally regarded Nash Ensemble of London. While with the ensemble, he toured extensively

and made many critically acclaimed recordings and broadcasts. Phillips has appeared as soloist with many orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata and L’Orchestre de Chambre de Geneve, and as leader or concertmaster with many more. New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge is one of the most exciting and versatile musicians of his generation. He studied at the University of Auckland, and then with Joan Havill at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He won the Gold Medal from the Guildhall and the NFMS Young Concert Artists’ Award, and has since maintained a diverse performing schedule, as soloist, chamber musician and song accompanist. Tickets at the door are $30. As the concert is being brought to Warkworth on behalf of the University of Auckland School of Music, the usual member and student concessions will not apply.

Warkworth Music

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presents on behalf of Auckland University School of Music An unforgettable evening of piano trio music

De PleDge - Salzmann - PhilliPS Internationally renowned NZ pianist Stephen De Pledge teams up with violinist Leo Phillips and cellist Edith Salzmann

SUnDaY 22nd march at 4pm At Mahurangi College Hall Warkworth

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Mahurangi Matters

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

March 18, 2015

The bookshop adventure for booklovers

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Expect the unexpected when DVA performs at the Leigh Sawmill later this month.

OPEN: Daily 11.00am - 5.00pm or by appointment

Czech duo DVA will perform a combination of acoustic instruments, electronica and vocals at the Leigh Sawmill Café on Thursday March 26. Bára Kratochvílová and Jan Kratochvíl formed the duo in 2006 and have toured the world, playing at Eurosonic and Incubate in The Netherlands, Fusion in Germany, SXSW in the US and OFF in Poland. This is their first time in New Zealand. Their soundtrack for the computer game ‘Botanicula’ scooped the main prize at Independent Games Festival awards in San Francisco, and was nominated for the UK Sound &

Czech montage visits Leigh

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localmatters.co.nz/whatson

March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Matters

l at i o n

The annual Mangawhai Walking Weekend at the end of this month will feature four walks over private land, which are seldom accessible to the public. There will be 29 walks in total over the three days, from March 27 to 29, as well as an Arts Trail on March 28 and 29, and a Food & Wine Festival. The walking programme offers a range of choices from coastal, bush and rural walks, to walks based on history and geology, art walks and even a special doggie walk. Two of the walks on Saturday will cover Henry’s bush and farm and Thornleigh Farm where walkers will hear intriguing tales about the history of the farms, the discovery of a long abandoned waka, restoration and protection of bush blocks, and birdlife. A bush walk through the Marunui Conservation Block on Sunday will highlight the regeneration of native bush and its conservation programme. Walkers will see areas where kiwi have established and there will be a demonstration of the listening devices used to monitor the kiwi health and behaviour. A new walk is ‘10 acres in 10 years’ which will feature talks from four landholders on managing wind, drought and restoring fertility to the land. The old favourites will take in Tamahunga and the Brynderwyns walks, Tomarata Lakes, and the

Mangawhai walkers explore region’s trails

5pm Sun 22 March Leigh Sawmill Café sawmillcafe.co.nz 5pm Sun 22 March Door sales only

Mangawhai’s natural attractions will go on show during the annual Walking Weekend.

picturesque coastlines of Pakiri, Mangawhai and Waipu. The Troubadour Trail on Friday afternoon involves a ramble around the picturesque Mangawhai estuary. The Food & Wine Festival will be held at the Olive Grove, Insley Street, opposite the school, on Saturday afternoon. Producers of local food and wines will provide a selection to enjoy, and there will be entertainment by the Mermaids Dance Band. Tickets can be purchased at Bammas and Mangawhai Books and Gifts, in Wood Street. All events and walks can be booked online. Leabourn Transport will be operating a shuttle from surf club to the venue between 2.30pm and 7.15pm. Info: mangawhaiwalkingweekend.co.nz or call Dorothy Freeman 431 5950.

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Mahurangi Matters

health&family

March 18, 2015

Homebuilders Maria Collins, Help Desk Advocate www.homebuildersfs.org

Meeting essential needs Low income earners are entitled to a one-off payment for an immediate need for an essential item through Work and Income. An immediate need is the ability to buy food, certain medical costs and bedding which has worn down due to a long-term illness or disability. For emergency dental treatment or emergency medial treatment, certain criteria must be met. There is also help for anyone who needs a birth certificate to apply for a benefit. In fact, assistance is available for any special circumstances that Work and Income deems necessary for you or your family to avoid serious hardship. As a low income earner your gross income before tax would need to: Family circumstances

Gross income (maximum)

Single 16-17 years Single 18+ years Sole parent with 1 child Sole parent with 2+children Married with or without children

$24,496 pa $28,154 pa $34,163 pa $35,993 pa $40,892 pa

The North Rodney/Otamatea Family Violence Prevention Champions, back from left, Libby Jones, Pat Curtis, Lynette Gubb, Gregg and Jeanette Nathan, and Eddie Peters. Front row, from left, Glo Ramsay, Melanie Mayall-Nahi, Nicole Walker, Te Hira Mayall-Nahi and Michelle Nahi.

March marks campaign end

There is a cash limit for the recoverable assistance payment but you can still apply if your cash assets are less than $1007 for a single person with dependent children or $1678 for a married/civil union/sole parent. However, there are some general rules that apply to all payments and each payment has its own criteria. Work and Income must look at: • whether a payment would best meet your immediate need, • your ability to meet the need from your own resources, • any assistance that might be available from other sources to meet your need; • your existing level of debt, • the effect on you and your immediate family if the need is not met and when that effect might be expected to impact on your family. Applications can be made at the Warkworth Service Centre. Ask for the Recoverable Assistance form, fill it out stating the amount you need and why. Get the form date stamped and make an appointment to see a case worker. Work and Income will require proof of the cost of the item or service. You will also need to take a bank balance print out and two forms of identification to the appointment. Please contact Homebuilders Family Services on 425 7048 if you have any further queries.

A march against family violence was held in Wellsford last month to mark the end of a locally-run family violence awareness campaign. The three-month long campaign has been promoting the message that “It’s not OK – but it is OK to ask for help” and was spearheaded by 12 local ‘Family Violence Champions’. “The march was a celebration of the work

Arthritis workshop A Pain Management Workshop run by Arthritis New Zealand will be held at the Hibiscus Coast Community House, corner Hibiscus Coast Highway and Centreway Road, Orewa, on Wednesday March 25, from 1pm-3pm. The workshop will address the issues of awareness, confidence and motivation. It is free, but numbers are limited and bookings are essential. Info: 0800 663 463 or jane.messer@arthritis.org.nz

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Kathy Carter-Lee 09 425 6749 021 425 115

Sue Wynyard 09 425 8912 0274 934 491

Lydia Miller 09 425 7555 027 555 1629

Nicky Snedden 09 425 8249 021 662 393

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Louise McLaughlin 09 422 3750 027 242 8830 Photo, left-right, Sally Wilson, Sue Wynyard, Kathy Carter-Lee, Lydia Miller, Rebecca Hay, Louise McLaughlin, and Nicky Snedden.

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done by the champions, and was a way to cap off a really constructive and positive community campaign” Homebuilders coordinator Quentin Jukes said. The champions were featured in a series of posters promoting the message and also visited a wide of range of community organisations including church and sporting groups, to promote the “It’s not OK” message.

rurallife

March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Matters

Effluent treatment system turns poop into produce A Whangaripo Valley inventor has created a system which turns dairy effluent into compost and edible fruit, and significantly reduces water usage. Coll Bell says his Clean Cows system treats wash-down water from diary sheds using plants, such as tomatoes and rhubarb, to absorb nitrogen and filter and soak up water, while worms turn the solids into compost. Any left over water is recycled to wash down the stock holding yards. He has been trialling a prototype on a Whangaripo farm with about 200 cows for about four months. It uses a similar system to one he designed for household wastewater, which he has been installing for about 10 years. “On a standard dairy farm, the water used to wash down the cowshed is stored in an effluent pond and then irrigated on the land, but in the Clean Cow system the effluent is put into a series of tanks which separate the water from the solids,” Mr Bell says. The water is used to irrigate a series of glasshouses which grow fruit or vegetables that are disease resistant and absorb a lot of water. They also might need a good wash before being eaten. The water from the effluent acts as a hydroponic fertiliser. The nitrogen is taken up by the roots of the plants and filtered by the woodchips that they grow in. The result at the end of the season is a nitrogen-rich fertiliser. Any remaining water is filtered and pumped back to the cow sheds to hose down the yard.

View more photos online

The effluent flows to a series of tanks to filter out the solids which are then processed by worms, while liquids are piped to a glasshouse and filtered and absorbed by plants.

localmatters.co.nz

The end result – a nitrogen-rich compost and (relatively) clean water, which Coll Bell says can be reused.

Meanwhile, the solids from the system are processed by worms, producing a compost with little odour which can also be used as a fertiliser. “The idea would be to have a manager who can run the system on 10 farms and can sell the compost, fruit and vegetables, and the worms.” The system also reduces the water needed to clean cow yards by using a water blaster, which is about three times more efficient than a hose. The water blaster can recycle the water used to wash down the dairy plant, which is relatively clean and requires minimal treatment. “The average small dairy operation uses between 6000 to 8000 litres of water per milking to clean the

yard and milking plant. This system reduces that to about 1000 to 2000 litres, which is then recycled. “The more water you use, the more waste you create and at certain times of year farmers aren’t allowed to irrigate effluent because of the risks of run-off, so there are a lot of benefits to using less water.” It would also future-proof farms from Council-imposed water charges. The system reduces non-compliance issues and reduces run-off from farms bordering rivers and streams, he says. “It means technically you don’t need a resource consent because there’s no effluent discharge. But I don’t think Council will see it that way. “It will also save farmers costs

associated with irrigating effluent from large storage ponds.” The system costs about $50,000 and is designed for small farms of 100 to 200 cows. “Larger operations have automated systems and it becomes too expensive.” Mr Bell presented his idea at the Mystery Creek Field Days last year and got an encouraging response. He has received a grant from government research and development wing, Callaghan Innovations, to cover about $30,000 of costs. He is going back to Field Days this year to introduce the system to the market and find investors. “With the bit of fine-tuning, the system is ready to go.”

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Mahurangi Matters

March 18, 2015

Gardening

rurallife

Andrew Steens

Harvesting weeds

HELPING YOU FIND BETTER SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR TREES

In the veggie garden, March is usually the month where I start to change over from summer crops to autumn and winter crops. I’m ahead of the game this year, but only because I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been able to plant some of my normal later summer crops like my favourite Italian flat beans (which go by the delightful name of Fagiola Rampicante SuperMarconi) and late potatoes. Half of my beds are therefore already empty and waiting for crops such as broccoli, carrots and cauliflower to go in. However, as always in nature, bare soil provides opportunity, so every time it rains or the sprinklers go on, up pop a myriad of weed species. Amongst the weeds though are a bonus for busy gardeners; new plants for the garden. I often let the last of a crop go to seed, a boon to beneficial parasites and predators, who feed off the pollen and nectar, particularly from crops with small flowers like parsley, carrots, brassicas, onion and garlic. Best of all though, I now have self-sustaining populations of rocket, purple carrots, mustard greens, Italian parsley, cherry tomatoes (these are the only ones that I don’t bother picking off the ground if they fall), several varieties of lettuce, marigolds, calendula and NZ spinach. As each season passes, I notice more crops popping up, but as some of these come from hybrid plants and are, therefore, not true to type, I remove these, preferring the certainty of production from older varieties that grow true from seed. Aside from making weeding much more interesting as I now go slower and observe more, there is little work involved in producing these seedlings. If they pop up in a useful spot I leave them be. If not, they are easily moved with a clump of soil to another part of the garden. If I already have enough, they are ruthlessly weeded out along with the other unwanted plants. I occasionally use the weeds themselves in our salads and green smoothies (there are lots of recipes online, just don’t type in “weed smoothies” they might not be what you’re after). Weeds provide an amazing amount of goodness to your food, as they are packed full of vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, fibre and sometimes, essential fatty acids. They are the original (and free) superfood. Harvest when young and tender, otherwise the taste can be too strong and also the leaf stalks get quite tough and inedible. There are a huge number of edible weeds. The easiest to start with, and most common, are fat hen, chick weed, sow thistle (Puha), nasturtium, watercress, cleavers and dandelion. Have a nibble next time you are weeding. You will be amazed at the range of taste sensations these weeds produce. Best of all though, you will have an impeccable and ‘oh so very trendy’ reason for your garden looking a mess.

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Environmental spend calculated Dairy farmers are being surveyed on how much money they have invested on environmental initiatives on their farm. Federated Farmers initiated the research on farmers on-farm environmental spend in the Horizons region last year. The results showed that from 900 dairy farmers, 166 had spent a total of $18.5 million on environmental initiatives on-farm. The nationwide survey is being supported by DairyNZ. Chief executive Tim Mackle says it has been difficult for the industry to quantify all the investment that has been made across the 12,000 dairy farms in NZ in areas like effluent systems, stock exclusion from waterways and riparian planting. Farmers are being urged to complete the survey by the end of this month. The survey can be found at surveymonkey.com/r/L8KHK8M

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rurallife

March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Matters

CountryLiving Julie Cotton

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We took a bit of a gamble on the farm last year, on the back of two consecutive droughts we needed to further “drought proof ” our property by growing an alternative food source to keep our stock in condition over the lean months. We decided to grow a cereal crop (barley) and harvest the grain. Sounds quite simple but cereal crops are usually grown on the irrigated plains of South Canterbury and it was certainly a rare sight up here in Northern Rodney. The crop was sown in November and, as luck would have it, the perfect amount of summer rain came before Christmas which meant that our crop just “flew” out the ground. Fully grown and ripened by February, that field of barley truly was the prettiest sight to behold. Its rich golden colour changed when the wind blew and it created an illusion of ripples on a pond. Our next dilemma was how to get this crop harvested? Not too many grain harvesters cruising around this neck of the woods so we took another punt and trawled the internet managing to find a very old one in Masterton. Having never seen her work, we crossed our fingers and shipped her up on a big truck. Getting her to the farm was the easy bit, now “how on earth do we use it?” Enter stage left, the amazing Mr Bruce Paris, from Kaipara Flats, who had had years of experience driving these machines in South Canterbury. In he hopped and just like the perfection of a Beethoven symphony, away that big old lady went pouring tones of liquid gold (grain) into the storage facility. Yay! We had pulled it off and in doing so zipped the lips of the “nay-sayers” and “dooms-dayers”. But wait there’s more! The by-product of grain harvesting is fluffy bales of golden straw, and quite frankly I am in love with the stuff. It has always been my preferred option in the garden over mulch, but it doesn’t look as good as the black stuff (but who even cares anyway?). First I give it to my chooks to “root” around in for a couple of months then it goes on my garden very thickly. It’s water retention and weed suppression qualities are simply amazing. Finally, I rounded up my children to come for a drive with me to help the men cart in the straw. My young son, having never been exposed to little square bales before, surveyed the field dotted with hundreds of little squares and turned to me and said “Wow! Mummy … how did they grow?” Priceless!

Your local Sales Contact: Richard Wallington 0274 430780 • richard.wallington@norwood.co.nz

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Mahurangi Matters

rurallife

March 18, 2015

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Autumn farm budgeting They say we are motivated by one of two things, either to avoid something happening or to achieve an outcome. Within the business environment, financial constraints often affect the choices we make and revisiting the original reason for action or decision is often worthwhile. The reduction in dairy milk payment has many farmers reporting that their costs are greater than their income. This is an unpleasant situation to be in and with the holders of the money bags (banks) and the decision-makers, thinking is not always aligned. Budgeting income and expenditure is a necessary evil. Use the budget as a discussion document. Most lenders’ main goal is to ensure that businesses identify their income and expenditure. They want to understand the financial decision-makers ability and hence their lending risk. Two big expenses for dairy farmers, for the second half of the season, are fertiliser and dry cow therapy. Grass needs to be fed well to grow well. Putting moisture to the side in the discussion, fertiliser decision-making will affect how much grass is harvested from autumn through to mid spring/early summer. Resetting the udder’s somatic cell count, by clearing subclinical mastitis infections, can only occur in the dry period. Both these decisions will get delayed results and should be considered carefully. A little financial pain now is potentially a lot better than a big financial pain later. The problem of increased mastitis and no grass to feed cows, has no quick fix option when they occur. Many farmers are considering dropping autumn fertiliser applications to meet financial constraints when only considering farm Olsen P or phosphate (P) fertiliser levels. Nitrogen, sulphur and potassium all leach (move through the soil profile with water) whilst P does not. All four elements are important for pasture growth. Just because your farm’s Olsen P levels are good this does not mean that not applying the other three will achieve the same result. Putting less in, normally means getting less out. Good benefit to grass growth can be achieved by applying autumn elemental sulphur (S) and potassium (K or potash). Most farmers recognise the benefit of applying Ammo36 or equivalent for the sulphur content in early spring yet few understand that S can be applied as elemental S in the autumn at a fraction of the price. Care is required when applying K in the autumn as pasture plants will preferentially take up K+ and reduce the content of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the plant. More supplemental causmag Mg2+ is required to prevent milk fever with autumn potash (K+) application.

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rurallife

March 18, 2015

Wine

Gary Heaven, President, Matakana Winegrowers

How’s the vintage? This is the time of year when the most common question is some variation of “how has the vintage been?” Here, in Matakana, we have learned not to count our chickens too early and, generally, we offer a cagey response – even if the weather has been obviously good. The 2015 vintage is no exception. As I write, the weather has been generally very good when it matters. By this, I mean that we had a moderately wet December that was coupled with some good winds. This has provided a good base for the growing season of the vines and the wind has dried out the leaves and plants quickly and thus reduced the potential for disease. The long, warm summer that followed has not only been fantastic for the holiday makers in the region, it has been good for the vines, too. Harvest generally starts in Matakana from the second week of March with the white varieties such as Albariño and Chardonnay, and generally ends with the late ripening reds such as Cabernet and Syrah around Anzac Day in April. We are now entering what I believe is the most critical part of winemaking. The decisions taken in the two weeks either side of harvest have the most significance on the quality and volume of the final product. Leading up to harvest, we are eagerly waiting for the sugars, acids and flavours in the grapes to balance. At the same time, we are carefully following all the weather forecasts including but not limited to the Met service, MetVUW, watching the cats wash behind their ears and listening to Granddad’s complaints about sore knees. The viticulturist and winemaker negotiate on the final picking date for each crop – the viticulturist generally wanting the crop off the plants so they can relax and the winemaker after the best possible fruit. Once the grapes are off the plant, the hard work begins in the winery – particularly for the red wines which make up the bulk of Matakana local wines. The process commonly used in the region is to destem the red grapes and then ferment the whole berries in open top vats. The fermentation process generates lots of gas and heat, the gas makes the berries float to the surface in the vats. The winemaker needs to come and plunge down the floating cap every few hours and maintain the temperatures otherwise the process of the wine converting to vinegar would quickly start. This is all done by hand and around the clock. I can assure you that this is hard work. It is the winemaker’s equivalent of changing a new-born’s nappies. I can assure you that you will not see any local winemakers at the cafés between now and May. This is an exciting time of year to visit our cellar doors. If you are lucky, you will be able to see the harvesting and winemaking processes in action and may even get the chance to smell the smells and sample some partially fermented grape juice hot out of the vat.

Mahurangi Matters

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Mahurangi Matters

supfeature

March 18, 2015

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Paddleboard champions make waves in Omaha Around 300 competitors are expected to converge on Omaha Beach for the National Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Championships and Festival on March 28 and 29. Some of NZ’s top SUP riders will attend the annual event including the women’s world number one champion Annabel Anderson, of Wanaka, and Olympic sailing gold medallist Jo Aleh. In the men’s division, last year’s winners Australians Paul Jackson (12’6”) and

Trevor Tunnington (12’6” junior), and Kiwis Shane Murrell (Masters) and Jeremy Stephenson (technical unlimited) are all expected to be on the beach to defend their titles. As well as Australia, the organisers are expecting competitors from Tahiti. Winners and placegetters at Omaha will be eligible for selection for the NZ ISA World SUP Championships, which will be held in Mexico in May. SUP is a relatively new competitive

sport and this is only the fourth national championship. Previous events were held at Ohope, Orewa and Takapuna. Saturday will be the distance racing day with a 4km and 8km race in the harbour in the morning, and the elite offshore 15km race in the afternoon, with the course set on the day depending on prevailing conditions. On the Sunday, the focus will be on technical racing from the beach which

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includes the battle-of-the-paddle style racing. NZ SUP secretary Kristin Percy says there will also be opportunities to join a ‘have-a-go’ one lap race for those who would like to try this style of racing but don’t yet feel quite up to the full multi-lap format. “There will be plenty of other fun stuff going on, including a team relay race,” she says. The event will start with a powhiri.

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supfeature

March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Matters

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Among the competitors at Omaha will be women’s world number one champion GO OVERBOARD WITH YOUR OUTBOARD, BE ON TOP Annabel Anderson.

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Mahurangi Matters

supfeature

March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Marine

BOAT SHOW

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225HP – 250HP = $2,500 SPLASH BACK

hit $500 this year.” The Omaha Classic was first run in 2010 and is a major fundraiser for the Matakana Primary School. Electronic timing will be introduced this year and there will be two prizes of $500 if the winners of the men’s and women’s 10km events can set new course records. Current records stand at 35min40sec for men and 40min45sec for women. There’s also a new team category in the 10km and 5km events. The team with the fastest average time will win a trophy and a $250 donation to the charity, school, sports team or community group of their choice. Rob says the Omaha Classic is all about fitness, fun and community.

A new athletic youth scholarship is up for grabs at the Omaha Classic on Saturday March 28. The winner of the 5km youth race will take home a cash prize to put towards training, entry fees, coaching or sports gear. “The Omaha Classic Youth Scholarship is a fantastic way to support an aspiring young athlete,” event spokesperson Rob Anderson says. “If you want to be the best, you need to compete against the best, but it can be hard for families to meet the costs of coaching, sports gear, entry fees and travel.” The scholarship is crowdfunded through Dreamfunda, an online fundraising platform connecting athletes with their supporters. Race entrants and members of the public are invited to add to the kitty and organisers hope to see it go even higher by race day. “We would love to see the scholarship

New Zealand's largest and most popular Boat Show is on at the Auckland ASB showground’s Thursday 15th - Sunday 18th May. Honda Marine will have a stand displaying the full range of outboard motors and will be offering a SPLASH BACK promotion.

Terms & Conditions: SPLASH BACK offer applies to all new retail outboard sales from 2.3HP - 250HP . Offer applies to floor stock, consignment stock and new unit purchases. This SPLASH BACK offer overrides all other promotions ie: Units purchased between the period 15th May - 30th June do not count towards the quarterly unit rebate scheme. How does the SPLASH BACK promo work? Every outboard purchased during this period will be invoiced to Dealers at normal dealer buy excl GST LESS the SPLASH BACK amount Incl GST. Dealers discount for the customer the RRP excl GST by the SPLASH BACK amount off the outboard. Dealers need to supply Honda Marine with a copy of customer invoice to receive a Dealer SPLASH BACK rebate on sales of existing floor stock and consignment stock. Dealers must also order a replacement engine of similar HP. This replacement unit will also receive the SPLASHBACK rebate. (Not applicable to new units sales as SPLASH BACK amount will automatically be deducted). Advertising and Promotional material: Each Dealer will receive SPLASH BACK point of sale to display on showroom stock.

Mahurangi Marine Ltd 330 Mahurangi east rd, Snells Beach

425 5806

Info: omahaclassic.co.nz To support the Dreamfunda campaign, visit dreamfunda.com/Campaign/ OmahaClassic#home

SAVE UP TO $500

SMALL OUTBOARDS. BIG POSSIBILITIES.

ON MERCURY 2.5 - 40HP FOURSTROKE & TWOSTROKE OUTBOARDS OFFER ENDS 20TH MARCH, 2015. *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY.

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Mar 18

Mar 19

Mar 20

Mar 21

6:05am 3.2 12:36am 0.6 12:06pm 0.7 7:02am 3.4 Tide 6:28pm 3.2 1:04pm 0.5 7:28pm 3.3 Times 7:21am 7:36pm

Sun Fishing Guide Moon

Auckland Area Sea Watch Matakana Marine Seawatch

7:22am 7:35pm

Best At

11:12am 11:41pm

1:32am 7:58am 1:59pm 8:25pm

12:09pm

2:25am 8:51am 2:52pm 9:18pm

7:23am 7:33pm

Best At

0.4 3.5 0.4 3.5

12:37am 1:05pm

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Mar 23

Mar 24

Mar 25

Mar 26

Mar 27

Mar 28

Mar 29

Mar 30

Mar 31

Apr 1

Apr 2

Apr 3

0.3 3:16am 3.6 9:43am 0.2 3:44pm 3.6 10:09pm

7:24am 7:32pm

Best At

Sun

Mar 22

7:25am 7:30pm

Best At

1:33am 2:01pm

0.2 4:07am 3.7 10:35am 0.2 4:34pm 3.6 10:59pm

7:26am 7:29pm

Best At

2:29am 2:57pm

0.3 4:57am 3.6 11:25am 0.2 5:24pm 3.6 11:49pm

7:26am 7:27pm

Best At

3:25am 3:53pm

0.3 5:49am 0.5 12:39am 3.4 1:32am 3.6 12:16pm 3.4 6:41am 0.6 7:37am 0.3 6:13pm 0.4 1:07pm 3.3 1:59pm 7:04pm 0.6 7:57pm 3.5 7:27am 7:26pm

Best At

4:20am 4:48pm

7:28am 7:24pm

Best At

5:15am 5:42pm

6:09am 6:35pm

2:27am 8:35am 2:54pm 8:53pm

7:29am 7:23pm

Best At

3.2 0.8 3.1 0.7

7:01am 7:27pm

3:24am 9:34am 3:50pm 9:53pm

7:30am 7:22pm

Best At

3.1 0.9 3.0 0.9

7:31am 7:20pm

Best At

7:52am 8:16pm

3.0 4:22am 1.0 10:32am 2.9 4:48pm 1.0 10:53pm

7:32am 7:19pm

Best At

8:41am 9:04pm

2.9 5:18am 1.0 11:27am 2.8 5:45pm 1.0 11:48pm

7:32am 7:17pm

Best At

9:27am 9:50pm

2.9 6:10am 2.9 12:38am 0.9 1:22am 1.0 12:18pm 1.0 6:58am 3.0 7:42am 2.8 6:39pm 2.9 1:04pm 0.9 1:46pm 7:27pm 2.9 8:11pm 1.0 7:33am 7:16pm

Best At

10:12am 10:34pm

7:34am 7:14pm

Best At

10:55am 11:17pm

7:35am 7:13pm

Best At

11:38am 11:59pm

0.9 3.0 0.9 3.0

Best At

12:21pm

New First Moon Quarter Rise 4:23am Rise 5:33am Rise 6:45am Rise 7:56am Rise 9:07am Rise 10:15am Rise 11:21am Rise 12:24pm Rise 1:21pm Rise 2:13pm Set 12:42am Set 1:35am Set 2:29am Set 3:23am Set 4:17am Set 5:11am Set 6:05am Set 5:55pm Set 6:37pm Set 7:18pm Set 7:59pm Set 8:40pm Set 9:24pm Set 10:09pm Set 10:58pm Set 11:49pm Rise 3:00pm Rise 3:42pm Rise 4:20pm Rise 4:55pm Rise 5:28pm Rise 5:59pm Rise 6:30pm *Not for navigational purposes.

Good Fishing

Fair Fishing

Not So Good

www.tidewiz.com

www.tidespy.com

www.ofu.co.nz

Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd.

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

MATAKANA MARINE AUTHORISED MERCURY AND VOLVO PENTA AGENTS Phone 09 422 7822 • Email matakanamarine@xtra.co.nz • www.matakanamarine.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz

March 18, 2015

Mahurangi Matters

water

& ESIAN SOLWA T Y AR fILTEREd

WATER

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE ONLY $59+GST* PER INSERTION

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

0800 638 254 OR 09 422 3700

ABSOLUTE CONCRETE House & Section Maintenance & Improvements Gardening, Decks, Fencing Painting, aCleaning & more.

Mark - Phone 022 639 4726 Lysa - Phone 021 122 7895

BAXTER CONSTRUCTION NEW BUILDS RENOVATIONS LANDSCAPING

021 323 879

miles.williams@xtra.co.nz

Phone: 09 425 7510

We specialise in: • Vantage Aluminium Joinery • APL | Architectural Series • Metro Series

Fax: 09 422 2011

Master builder/30 yrs experience coMprehensive reports pre purchase/sale inspections third party agent info@bhis.co.nz • www.bhis.co.nz

0800 080 713

sales@absoluteconcrete.co.nz

 Registered Registered CHIMNEY CHIMNEY & FLUE SWEEPING  & FLUE SWEEPING Certified SAFETY SAFETY INSPECTIONS & REPORTS Certified INSPECTIONS Authorized SERVICE SERVICE & REPAIR AGENTS & PARTS  Authorized  & REPAIR AGENTS  Licenced Licensed FIRE INSTALLERS WOOD FIRE & HEATING TECHNICIANS  HEATING TECHNICIANS Insurance Receipts – Bird Proofing - Installations  SALES  OF WOODBURNERS, COOKERS, FIREPLACES

Keeping families Warm & Safe for 40 years Phone 09 423 8945 – Text 027 273 0512 Phone 09 423 lynz.c@xtra.co.nz 8945 – service all areas EMAIL:

COUNTRY CHARM

FURNITURE 2008

Timber Furniture Specialists with quality workmanship guaranteed Specialising in antique, new furniture & all other timber surfaces. Furniture Restoration • Re-spraying • Special Finishing • Colour Matching Insurance quotes • Furniture repairs • Custom made – Recycled or new timber • Modifications • Upholstery

Phone Grant or Lesley 23b Foundry Rd, Silverdale | 09 426 2979 www.silverdalefurniturerestorations.co.nz 09 426 8412 | www.countrycharm.co.nz

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

09 4312211

Licensed LBP

carpenter Trevor Jull Tel: 09 422 5292 trev@3dbuilders.co.nz Mob: 021 734 460 www.3dbuilders.co.nz

COMPOSITE JOINERY Ltd Composite Joinery Ltd 7 Glenmore Drive Warkworth 0941

WATER TANKS

New Homes, Renovations & alterations

FROG POOL FARM Gifts Furniture Homeware amps Leadlight L ilt Bu Custom en s ch it K

GROUND CARE • Mowing - Residential & Lifestyle Blocks • Garden Maintenance • Weed Control Spraying - Farms & Domestic • Mini Digger Hire & Tractor Hire

0800 276 7726 or Don 425 8501 - 021 527 017

Free New Zealand Consumer Web Design Guide Avoid costly mistakes and make an informed and intelligent decision, get it now at www.geekfree.co.nz

Dome Valley 5 min past Warkworth • 425 9030

Rodney’s Independent Property Management company

0800 171161 info@igniteproperty.co.nz

Julie Beaumont

LOCAL SECURITY COMPANY

0800 66 24 24 www.insitesecurity.co.nz

• Alarm & CCTV Installation and Servicing • Alarm Monitoring • Patrols/alarm Response • Free Design and Quotation

PO Box 487 Warkworth

ON WHITE ON RED

WE CAN •Sand•Metal•Shell•Pebble•Scoria •Mulch•Garden Mix•Topsoil•Compost

DELIVER! •Tirau Gold•Pine Chip•Cambian Bark

183 SANDSPIT RD, WARKWORTH • OPEN 7 DAYS! Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm Sat: 7am-4pm Sun: 9am-3pm

Mahurangi Matters

09 945 0097

info@lambertaccounting.co.nz www.lambertaccounting.co.nz

March 18, 2015 We can offer you a personal, affordable and professional bookkeeping service for small businesses, rentals and individuals. If you would like a quote, or more information about the service we can provide you, contact Lambert Accounting today!

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

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

THE MATAKANA

CARPENTRY CO

Small Jobs • Renovations • Bathroom Makeovers Decks • Pergolas • Plastering

SERVICING: OMAHA, LEIGH, MATAKANA & WARKWORTH

Adding value to homes since 1980

For an obligation free quote Ph 021 085 12024 or mcc_enquiries@xtra.co.nz

MICK BERGER CONTRACTORS Phone: 09 422 0688 • Mobile: 0274 930 806

43 years experience Kitchens | Bathrooms | Laundries entertainment units | WardroBes & offices Dams ● Winching ● Bulldozing ● Driveways House Sites ● Landscaping ● Earthmoving ● Sub Divisions

Parker Tree Care.com

Contact Neil 09 425 7017 or 021 070 0643 neiltcabinetmaker@xtra.co.nz • cabinetmakeranddesign.co.nz 16a GLenmore drive, WarKWorth

QUANTUM

Do you know who they are?

M A T A K A N A

Call for a discussion today… Call Louise

Call Roland 021 102 2594 • 09 422 5109 parkertreecare@yahoo.co.nz

email louise@profitsense.co.nz or visit www.profitsense.co.nz

Installation & Repairs

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

0800 70 40 10

info@northglass.co.nz • www.northglass.co.nz

What is the value of your customer base if you sold your business today?

Tree and Hedge Work Pruning and Thinning Removals Free Quotations Fully Insured 26 Years Experience

Digital Freeview Satellite

WINDSCREEN REPAIR OR REPLACE GLAZING SERVICES MIRRORS • SPLASH BACKS • SHOWERS

09 422 6285 021 681 005

LANDSCAPES

L T D

Landscape & garden design • Digger hire & earth works Project management • Palm & tree installation & removal Decks, fences, paving • Water features & dams • Wetland design & planting

T O TA L L A N D S C A P E S E R V I C E S

JAMES 021 756 001

Household Water Deliveries

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

Rodney Aluminium Joinery

0800 747 928

09 425 7367 or stop by 74A Hudson Road, Warkworth www.rodneywindows.co.nz

mobile: 027 556 6111

TV AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES Denis 021 945 498 Joel 021 422 592

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

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

BRATTY UTES WE SPECIALISE IN UTES UP TO $25,000

Peter & Wendy Bratty ph: 09 425 6467 / mob: 027 499 8168 / email: bratty@xnet.co.nz

Freeview Sales & Installation TV & FM Aerials GAVIN BROUGH

SNELLS BEACH

PHONE 09 425 5597

Ph 09 425 5495 Mob 0274 766 115

PICTURE PERFECT TV

Domestic and Commercial Glazing Glass Showers Splash Backs Mirrors • Cat Doors Windscreen Replacement and Chip Repair

arkworth lass & lazing

20 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth 09 425 8678 • 021 952 077 wwglassandglazing@xtra.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

March 18, 2015

Advertise your classifieds and church notices here for only

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

FOR SALE

HOME MAINTENANCE

RAWLEIGH Products. Ph Pat 423 8851 Please note new phone number HAy - NEW SEASON $10 - $12 a bale. Phone 09 425 7479 or 027 497 0980

WATER PuMPS Low water pressure? Get it sorted. Sales, service and installation. Work guaranteed. Steve 09 945 2282 ww.purewaterservices.co.nz

BuSINESS SERvICES

ADJuSTABLE BEDS - for your wellbeing ADJuSTABLE BEDS - for a better lifestyle ADJuSTABLE BEDS at Drummers Home Store Wellsford 09 423 9077

ACCOuNTING, BOOKKEEPING AND PAyROLL SERvICES

Friendly and affordable specialising in small businesses. Contact Dennis 021 338330

PLANTS Quality groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Large and small grades. Wholesale direct to the public. Contract growing and pre-orders welcome. Liberty Park Native Tree Nursery, 90 Jones Road, Omaha 09 422 7307. FIREWOOD Dry, ti tree, gum, macro, pine. Free delivery Warkworth area. From $70m2. Ph 425 7942

CARS WANTED CARS WANTED dead or alive. Top dollar paid. $100 to $700 for any small car. $500 to $5000 for vans, utes, 4WD & trucks. Free removal 0800 33 33 98

FREE LIvESTOCK FEED

SuPER COMPOST

Malted Barley and Wheat grain post brewing. Approx 600 - 1000kg Dry Matter per week. For 1 – 2 collections per week ex Leigh. Only interested in somebody taking the entire quantity every week. If interested please call Sawmill Brewery 09 422 6555

Untreated wood shavings & duck poo. Per Bag $10, Bulk $75/m3. Enquire about delivery. Ph 422 5042

Diploma Therapeutic Massage NZ College of Massage

Occupational Therapy Services for children & adolescents - 18 yrs exp in physical & mental health. WW based. Ph Sarah 09 425 8291 - 027 861 802

FOR LEASE SMALL uPSTAIRS OFFICE TO LET

Central Warkworth location. Phone 027 430 8440.

S2 udok4 u

Post-Graduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy Practice, NZROT.

Robert Kendall Hudson

HOME MAINTENANCE

Remembrance is a golden chain death tries to break, but all in vain. To have Loved, and then to part is the greatest sorrow of ones heart. Time may wipe out many things but never the memory of those happy days when we were all together. How you liked to have family get-togethers on the 18th birthdays of your Grandchildren at Valentine’s – celebrations that happened because of you. Dearly loved husband & best friend of Phyl; respected & much-loved Dad of Ian, John, Cindy, Peter and Vicky; & Poppa Charlie to 11 Grandchildren.

PLuMBER Semi retired for small jobs. Point Wells 09 423 0193 or 027 490 2054

the numbers game

1 8

9 4

March 13th 2005 - 10 years

MARKETS

5 2

HARD

8 8 6 SOLUTION PAGE 46

FILL IN THIS GRID SO THAT EvERy COLuMN, EvERy ROW AND EvERy 3x3 BOx CONTAINS THE DIGITS 1 TO 9.

www.sudokupuzz.com

PuBLIC NOTICES

BINGO, BINGO, BINGO!

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

WOuLD NIvEN LOWRIE Of 2104 SH1 Kaiwaka (last known address) please contact Mason Containers within 7 days of publication of this notice or your goods in storage may be sold to defray expenses incurred to this date. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of above named is asked to bring this notice to their attention. Any queries to the manager, Mason Containers on 09 425 7799 or 0274 933 323

KOWHAI FESTIvAL AGM

7pm, 24 March RSA Committee Room Come along and have your say on this iconic event. You need not be on the committee unless you wish to be, but your input would be welcome. For further information contact Murray Chapman 027 496 6550 murraychapman@vodafone.co.nz

MAHuRANGI GyMNASTICS CLuB ARTISTICS & RHyTHMIC GyMNASTICS CLASSES

Ages & Stages Ltd

BOuNCy CASTLES : Kids events Warkworth Area Ph 021 665 800

LAWN MOWING rubbish removal, hedges, small tree removal. WW & beach areas. Ph Jeff Hatfull 027 425 7357, 425 7357 GARDENER Knowledgeable & experienced (30 yrs). for a high quality efficient job Ph. Rebecca - 021 879 819 422 6532 INTERIOR/ExTERIOR ROOF PAINTING & HOuSEWASHING Husband & wife team. Quality Workmanship. Competitive quotes. Ph 021 022 08727

Massage For Health

FOR HIRE

WATER FILTERS Underbench filters & whole house Ultra violet filters – Kill and remove ecoli/bacteria. FREE site visits. Ph Steve 09 945 2282 or visit www.purewaterservices.co.nz

Massaging locally for 18 years - Qualified Relaxation, Deep tissue, Pregnancy Home clinic/Mobile. New clients welcome Ph Evelyn 09 - 425 6479 Mob 021 148 1779

NATuRAL HOOF TRIMMING Starting, trailer loading & horse transporting. Ph Nathan Duffy 027 678 3865

TANK WATER TESTING Find out what bad-bugs are in your drinking water. We collect, test and report. Ph Simon at 09 422 9345 or tankwater@xtra.co.nz

IN MEMORIAM

HEALTH SERvICES

EQuESTRIAN

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

A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P

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

Mahurangi Matters

MuSEuM SuMMER MARKETS 1st Saturday of the month, 8am, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, Warkworth. Enquiries Warkworth 425 8391

Contacts: Artistic Gymnastics Liz Davie-Martin elizabethdm10@gmail.com Mob 0273316355 Rhythmic Gymnastics Margaret Woolf margaretwoolf@xtra.co.nz Ph 09 473 8971 Term 2 registrations are being taken. AGM Monday 30th March 6.15pm Mahurangi College Gymnasium

SuPPORT SERvICES

Grief & Loss Support For All Ages

Seasons™ offers groups for those

experiencing loss, grief or change in their daily lives. This may be due to separation/ divorce, the death of someone close or other major family changes. Groups are available in both Warkworth & Wellsford. For more information or to receive a flyer contact - Seasons Co-ordinator

021 0813 3586

seasonswarkworthwellsford@gmail.com

PuBLIC NOTICES REWARD FOR LOST RING is waiting for the finder who hasn’t returned my treasured ring lost in WW New World, Waitangi Day. Ph 027 733 5484

Phone 425 9068 or email localmatters@xtra.co.nz to book a classified ad.

Mahurangi Matters

March 18, 2015

localmatters.co.nz

History

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PuBLIC NOTICES

Lyn Johnston, Albertland Museum

WELLSFORD INDOOR BOWLING CLUB AGM Te Hana Hall Wednesday 25th March 7pm All welcome New members welcome We are a vibrant enthusiastic club going places Sandra Watkins Secretary 09 4237079 SITuATIONS vACANT

TuITION

ON CALL HOuSEKEEPING An on call housekeeping position is available at Matakana Motel. Some Week days and Weekends required. This position would suit someone who has time on their hands and can be available at short notice. Who takes pride in a job well done and has the initiative to go that bit further. Ph: 422-7497 if this sounds like you.

www.hungrycreek.ac.nz

BuSINESS SuPPORT ROLE IN A DyNAMIC, BOuTIQuE REAL ESTATE OFFICE

Professional Installation of Satellite Dishes and Freeview UHF Aerials. Wall mount TV Installations, Multi-room Solutions. Audio and Home Theatre. TV Tuning Services. Phone 425 5431.

Do you have a way with words? Organised, enjoying process and structure? Technology savvy? We are a 7 day a week business with a full time/permanent position for a candidate that will support our business, reporting to the business owner. You will be responsible for: property advertising content and pagination; property internet text; database input, management and developement; administrative and reception duties. Remuneration commensurate with the role. Ray White Mangawhai is a leading modern office within a dominant international brand. We welcome your written application including CV - please email to kaye.mcelwain@raywhite.com

TuITION PIANO TuITION Practical and Theory. Beginners to advanced. Warkworth area. Phone: John 09 425 9669

Nanny & More! Quality full-time local courses for nanny & childcare careers Call Amanda now for free info! 424 3055 nannyacademy.ac.nz

Art, Craft & Jewellery Full & part time courses

Puhoi & Albany Campus

09 422 0752

NZQA Reg

Tv SERvICES & SALES

AERIAL & SATELLITE DISH INSTALLATIONS

FREEvIEW TV, Audio, Installation, Faults & Supply. Andrew 021 466 394 or 422 2221. Tv SERvICES Aerials, Dishes, Freeview sales, installation and service. Extra outlets serving the area for 18 years. Phone Gavin 027 476 6115.

WANTED TO Buy CASH PAID TOOLS & MACHINERy, Shed & Garage Clearouts. Call/txt 021 161 5139.

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

Sudoku

solution

www.albertland.co.nz

First lady of Port Albert Mary Ann Wilkin (known as Polly) was the fifth daughter of a relatively prosperous Fen Country farmer. Born in 1846, Mary Ann had a happy childhood on Primrose Farm. She and her sisters helped with chores which included killing, plucking and dressing the large number of fowls raised as a main source of income. Then Mary Ann met Alfred Neal and they became engaged. He was already planning to follow his brother to New Zealand so Mary Ann’s parents sent her to work in a restaurant in London for six months, to get her used to being away from her sisters. Mary Ann and Alfred married in Little Downham Church on 12 June 1866. Mary Ann’s sister Hannah wrote on their wedding day, “You have today, Darling Sister, entered into quite a new course of life – you have been united to one in whom we all have the greatest confidence. Dear Pollie, rest assured we shall not forget to pray daily that God be pleased to grant you a safe voyage and we must all look forward with this, the pleasant hope that at some future period in our life we may share the unspeakable pleasure of meeting again.” When Mary Ann married, her waist measured 18 inches. Her wedding dress was sky blue silk (the traditional colour for brides of that era) with a crinoline skirt and bodice trimmed with military style cream braid and tassels. Only the bodice has survived along with a piece of its matching blue parasol. One week after their wedding Alfred and Mary Ann sailed to New Zealand aboard Winterthur. Mr Wilkin was at Gravesend to farewell them. He later wrote, “My dear Polly, I shall never forget the last few moments that I had to spend with you, on that ship, at Gravesend, I waved my white handkerchief, until I could not see you no more.” Like so many other young emigrant women, Mary Ann never saw her family again. The Neals first home was a nikau whare on 40 bush-covered acres in Waitakere. There Mary Ann gave birth to her first six children in seven-and-a-half years, never leaving the farm. In 1874 Alfred inherited his brother’s property at Port Albert and the family set off on the difficult journey north. Mary Ann rode sidesaddle to Helensville carrying the five-week-old baby in her arms with bundles of clothes tied to the front and back of her saddle. Alfred led another horse with a boxes tied on each side and two little heads peeping out of each box. Their furniture and household goods came on a bullock wagon. The oldest boy walked or rode on the wagon. A scow took them from Helensville to their new ‘Primrose Farm’ on the banks of the Oruawharo River. The farm prospered, selling butter, eggs and mutton to the local mill workers and when scows came for timber their captains were glad of fresh produce. Mary Ann kept 50-60 chooks, even in her later years. A legacy enabled Alfred to add an adjoining property to Primrose farm. The couple raised 14 children and descendants are still in the Albertland district. Alfred and Mary Ann were staunch Christians and helped start the Methodist Church in Port Albert. A Minister rode from Warkworth once a month and local preachers, including Alfred, took turns the rest of the time. The couple celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in 1916. Three years later, Alfred died aged 75 years. After his death Mary Ann continued doing all she could to help the church. Mary Ann (Polly) Neal died on 7 May 1922, aged 75, while brushing her hair before leaving for church. She is buried beside her husband in Port Albert Cemetery. Source, Neal family histories Note: Polly’s wedding bodice will feature in an upcoming Museum event.

localmatters.co.nz

March 18, 2015

what’s on

March

AWNING SOLUTIONS

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

Fashion Parade, Caroline Eve, Warkworth, starts at 5.30pm. Tickets available from the store. Fundraising event for the Warkworth Town Hall upgrade 20 Warkworth Primary School Fiesta, 3pm-7pm 21 Local Vocals choir workshop with Carol Shortis, Wellsford Community Centre, 9.30am-5pm. Info: 423 9393 21 Warkworth Artisan Market, old Masonic Hall, Baxter St, 9am1pm. Stallholders contact Kathy Roscoe at kathn3@hotmail.co.nz or 422 2204 21 Ahuroa School Fair and Fireworks, 4pm-8.30pm 21 Monster Auction, Maungaturoto School grounds, from 9am 21& 22 Rock Pool Tour, Goat Island, 2.30pm 21 Warkworth Playcentre Fun Day and fundraiser, 9am-12pm. facebook.com/warkworthplaycentre 21 Warkworth netball courts opening, 10.30am. Powhiri and speeches followed by netball and soccer trials and rugby games from 1pm (see story p29) 21 Liam Finn solo show at Leigh Sawmill, 9.30pm, $15 21 A Guide to Autism two hour workshop, Mahu Vision Community Trust, 5 Pulham Rd, Warkworth, 10am-12pm. Info: autism.org.nz 22 Warkworth hockey turf opening, 11am, Warkworth Showgrounds (see feature pg 26-29) 22 Jubilation, Leigh Sawmill (see ad p33) 22 Nandor Tanczos workshop, Lobbying for the Environment: Understanding How Parliament Works, Matakana Village Hall, 9am-4pm 22 Free guided-snorkel day at Matheson Bay, 10am-3pm. Info: kim@emr.org.nz 22 Piano trio with De Pledge, Salzmann, Phillips at Mahurangi College, 4pm warkworthmusic.org.nz (see story & ad p31) 22 Storehouse (blues), Matakana Vintage Market, 10am-3pm 23 Free guided-snorkel day at Goat Island, 10am-2pm. Info: kim@ emr.org.nz 24 The Lonesome Pine Specials, Whangateau Hall, 7pm, $15 (see story p30) 25 Love Our Ocean book launch and talk, Steve and Riley Hathaway, Lifeway College hall, Snells Beach, 7pm. 26 Ecofest film Bidder 70, Matakana Cinemas, 6.45pm 26 DVA, Leigh Sawmill (see story p32) 27-29 Mangawhai Walking Weekend, 29 walks to choose from. Info & bookings: mangawhaiwalkingweekend.co.nz (see story p33) 28 Northland By-election (see feature pgs 12-15) 28 Mangawhai Food & Wine Festival, The Olive Grove, Insley Street, 3pm-7pm Info: mangawhaiwalking.co.nz 28 Tours of the Sculptural Habitat, The Protea Patch, Warkworth, 10am 28 Eco-commentary on the Jane Gifford, Mahurangi River, 2pm. Departs from Warkworth Wharf. 28 Living sustainably family activities, Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre, all day 28 Omaha Classic, Omaha Beach (see story p42) 28&29 SUP National Champs, Omaha Beach (see story pgs 40&41) 29 Stretch and the Bootlegs (alt country), Matakana Vintage Market, 10am-3pm 29 Czech Market, Puhoi 29 Kaipara Hunt school/practise day, Starvalley Farms, Satellite Station Rd, Warkworth, from 12 noon. Some tuition and trek over farm. All welcome. Info: Albert 431 2059.

Mahurangi Matters

Ecofest events

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

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

Running & race eventsof spoRTs acTiviTies in THe disTRicT a Roundup • Omaha Classic beach run, March 28, Fraser Reserve, 8.15am. 10, 8, 5 & 2km options. info@omahaclassic.co.nz or omahaclassic.co.nz • George Heaven Te Hana Road Race 5.5kmsponsoRs run. Sun April 19, ToTalspan Rodney pRoud of1pm School Rd, Wellsford. Registration 11.30am at Wellsford Primary School. $5 entry. Info: 423 7191 • Tawharanui Coastal Challenge April 25. 6, 12, 17, 22 & 32km races available. Register at the Albany Total Sport Office on April 24, 4-8.30pm or at the event. Info: coastalchallengeseries.co.nz/tawharanui aKawau Roundup of spoRTs Bay Fishing Club ladiesacTiviTies open contest in THe disTRicT March 28 & 29. 1st prize a trip for two to Rarotonga. Weigh in at Salty Dog, Snells ibus omnimolum 4-5pm March 29. Dinner 6pm, muscius prizegiving 7.30pm. Info: 425 5125 IsBeach, quas vendipsantus sint restincti blaborr umquisi idipitae la et qui nus Wellsford autatur sanissit,Soccer conseri onsequi denimod magnametur? Qui omnimet as magnima gnihil il ilictati te nam qui Saturday, blaboria is amusanitio. Nam9-11am excepelenis poreAlbert etur? Soccer Grounds. Registration Day, March 21, atnima thecon Port Derum andia perfernatem qui dit auditi cum eum vendusant volupta quam Free est sausage sizzle forfugit registered players. evelit ipitessum aut ut am. Wellsford Squash Club simusci Primaryllabo juniors, Mon 3.30pm. College juniors, Tues 3.30pm. Mixed games on Tues 9am. Ucimporrum lautat rerum renduciaThurs voloreiur, comniendel ipis et volorrupta sumor chris_dip@xtra.co.nz Men’s, Wed 4pm. Ladies, 4pm. Info Christine 432 7149 voluptatus am eum quis abor aut aut ut dit, nem dolliciurem fugiate moluptus Tomarata Rugby Club doluptaquis quosant iorepro volor aut inullab orrovitae eosam, soluptas volore ea delis Registrations are opencus, for ommoluptat juniors. Practise on Thurs evenings quam, optis erum faccaborest, aliquis di quiam eat arum serianda in April. Info: Edwina 423dolut 9266 quiCame si reptium quooret johncame@ubernet.co.nz haruptature parit, officiunt ex eat quatus, que pro optasim oluptat ut restiistrum Junior Hockey nit et alitias pietus enihil ium sus. Funsticks Yrs 0-2, 8.30am Sat. Yrs 2-6 Term 2 at new Warkworth hockey turf. Info: oTaTuR coRum Nikkiexeri 425occabo. 9183 tegan.2@clear.net.nz Nonsed Parciendania sendio omnimus nonet est et qui sae pera endipitatur aut expereperum restrum harum atur reperumet dipid millibus vel int occae Indoor Bowls doloriorumet et excearciis omnihil molut od earum quis del magnis Community Centre,atibusa Snellsntibeati Beach at 7pm Thurs or 1pm Mon with monthly matournaments. pra volori ipienieFees, niatus $2. plibus quia Peter veniatibus. as imusam Info: 422Illorit 9903 or 027voluptatem 291 2744sitio officidel ium int a consequi nis rae int vidundae perferum nonem corum. Rodney Rams league and netball ga nempeRnaTis ToTalspan Rodney Register now. Contact Mike Lima 021 992 694 or rodneyrams@outlook.com

THE scorEBoArD

229 sTaTe HigHway 1 news@localmatters.co.nz List sports news FREE by emailing waRkwoRTH ToTalspan Rodney TOTALSPAN RODNEY 09 422 3149 229pHone sTaTe HigHway 1 Ad eic tem reiunt volut porate ped ma non niendi arum eumque.

229 State Highway 1,

waRkwoRTH Warkworth Phone 09 422 pHone 09 422 31493149

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Mahurangi Matters

March 18, 2015

localmatters.co.nz Follow the Ryburn brothers’ journey on the Mahurangi Matters Facebook Page, starting on April 1.

viewonline

localmatters.co.nz Watch a video of the Warkworth Trolley Derby action.

Everything including the kitchen sink was used to make trolleys.

The ute has been sign-written in prepartion for the Pork Pie Run, which leaves Kaitaia on April 2.

Mahurangi Pork Pie entry ready to roll Tom Hodgins’ replica Mason Contractors truck ‘Mason Mitzy’ didn’t reach top speed but it did make it down in one piece to win Best Decorated Trolley.

Normally seen on the water, this up-cycled kayak cut a mean streak on dry land.

There were plenty of thrills and only a few spills at the second annual Warkworth Trolley Derby recently. The Derby attracted 33 competitors from Warkworth and further afield with trolleys made from everything from a canoe to a bathtub. Derby committee member Galvin Milich says it was a perfect day and while there were a couple of minor dings, everyone walked away safely. “Some of the kids went firing down the hill with massive smiles on their faces, it was the best thing to see. If we were judging the day by the grin factor,

then the kids won.” Alex Wiggans officially won the fastest time, at 62km/hr, which was recorded by a NZ police speed radar gun. The event also brought about 2500 visitors to the industrial area in Morrison and Glenmore Drives throughout the day-long derby on Sunday March 8. Derby goers were also treated to a lunchtime demonstration from a Mclaren 1971 M8FP Cannam, from Mortimer Racing in Matakana, and the Hibiscus Coast Hot Rodders turned up in force to support the community event.

Trolley derby thrills and a few spills

The days are counting down until Warkworth raised brothers, Willie and Sam Ryburn, set off on their epic trip retracing the route of the infamous movie Goodbye Pork Pie. From Kaitaia to Invercargill, they will stop at many of the spots in the movie including National Park, Whanganui, Kaikoura and Greymouth, and will do a lap of the Invercargill Cemetery where the final shoot out took place. “Stress levels are running fairly high just trying to sort out logistics,” Sam says. “There isn’t a whole lot of room left after we have squeezed ourselves in.” The brothers are raising money for Kids Can, which provides food, clothing and basic health care in schools for disadvantaged Kiwi kids. “We were a last minute entry when one of the other teams cancelled, so we are a bit behind the eight ball with our fundraising. Sponsors are rolling in, but more help is needed to reach our goal.” To donate, go to www.givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/ foowhataye

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

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

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

Wellsford Birthing Unit

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

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