Prime Feb/March 2021

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February / March Issue

Hamilton & Tauranga

The lifestyle magazine for those in the Prime of their lives!

Butter Chicken Across The Strait

Chimp Troop Back On Display

The Origins of Valentine’s Day

Eye Health in Later Life

e d i s n i also

ur, s, Humo ice, e p i c e R History, rd, Events, Adv , • Trivia, g o C ro s s w e w s , G a rd e n i n , s e z i r P N ars, inment, Enterta sers, Health, C a Brain-Te d Much More!

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e m o c l e 2021

Hi there Prime Readers

Well into the hot summer we go and the housing market continues to run hot too. With rock bottom Interest rates continuing at least for now, and the lowest listings in many years, Vendors continue to receive above expectation results, we call it the “champagne price” doesn’t that sound inviting.

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing or perhaps moving to one of the amazing Lifestyle Villages available, there isn’t a better time to get maximum equity from your lovely home and guarantee your future than now.

There are many, many Real Estate options available in Tauranga of all shapes and sizes, but two “must have”qualities become obvious. AUCTIONS and TRUST. The best results are almost always from Auctions and we believe our Auctions are the best in town (and Free). Secondly Harcourts has been voted NZ’s most trusted Real Estate Company for the past 8 years, and our personal referrals make us feel proud.

While the market continues to boil, take the safe option and call us with all your Real Estate questions for us to answer. We look forward to meeting you and helping you on your journey to the next step in your life.

Our message While we are always pleased to achieve a good result for any of our vendors or purchasers, we are especially pleased and proud of the reputation we have grown for our work and results with the more mature market.

WE ARE YOU We are very aware that as we or our parents and relatives approach the twilight years and perhaps contemplate a lifestyle change, the most important word is TRUST. We believe that our reputation in this area is your guarantee that both you and yours will receive the levels of service, trust and results referred to below. We have many, many more to share with you anytime. We offer a totally free advice package of recommendations of tradies, gardeners, legals who offer quality work we have experienced, at competitive prices. We believe our Harcourts totally FREE AUCTION MARKETING PROGRAMME (valued at over $3000) is unparalleled and includes exclusive social media exposure, along with photography, top property websites, publications etc.

You do not spend a cent.

Team for the times In the challenging times we now live in it has never

been more essential to deal with Reputable Trusted Companies. Harcourts is New Zealands biggest Real Estate Company and has been voted New Zealands Most Trusted Company for the eighth year in a row.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU Advantage Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008 2

What customers are saying Michelle and Tony thank you for your wonderful service as you helped us prepare for the sale of our house, the way you laid things out for us and the actual sale going through so quickly and flawlessly. Thank you also for the wonderful gift voucher for the meal at Harbourside Restaurant - we have been very spoilt. Thank you.

- IRENE, TRACEY & BRETT Hello Michelle and Tony, I would like to thank you both for the excellent job that you did for selling my section at a good price. The price that you achieved for me is not only higher than the CV of my section but also better than my expectation. Your hard work, professional expertise and systematic friendly approach made the whole process such a breeze for me. I was very pleased with your friendly communication and providing clear and accurate information. I also commend you for your good ethics, honesty and sincere advice. I have had a pleasant and happy experience with you I will have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone who would like to buy or sell any property.

Kind regards and best wishes.

- FAQIR GUL

Michelle and Tony Hutchby Marketing Consultants

M 021 901 504 or 027 442 7678 DD 07 579 9023 or 07 577 1336 E michelle.hutchby@harcourts.co.nz E tony.hutchby@harcourts.co.nz

Team Hutchby . Your Team .

Disclaimer

Welcome to

The views expressed in the articles and advertising are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Prime Hamilton and Prime Tauranga.

Prime Hamilton and Prime Tauranga reserve the right to accept, edit or reject editorial and advertising material. All endeavours will be made to ensure accuracy at time of publication.

Neither Prime Hamilton and Prime Tauranga accept responsibility for omissions or consequences that may arise from information published.

For any queries regarding information that is published in Prime Hamilton and Prime Tauranga, contact names and information pertaining to that article is usually printed or supplied.

Prime Hamilton and Prime Tauranga are happy to hear feedback regarding publications but will not accept abusive or derogatory correspondence to any staff or persons connected.

Contact

Romano Manuel – 022 045 4892, romano@ manuelmedianz.com, www.manuelmedianz.com PRIME HAMILTON | PRIME TAURANGA

From the Editors

Most of the northern Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas are currently experiencing extreme drought conditions and Hamilton has moved to water alert level two. Water restrictions are also in force in the Bay of Plenty. Over the Waitangi weekend, we spent an enjoyable time in the Coromandel visiting the beautiful Onemana Beach described as “a little gem of coastal paradise – it’s likely you will love it so much you won’t want to leave.” We certainly enjoyed the long, hot, lazy summer evenings and the scenic walks to various secluded bays.

We also enjoyed “Gourmet in the Gardens” on the night just before the new covid-restrictions were announced. It was great to see so many Hamiltonians supporting this event and enjoying themselves having family picnics on the lawn.

I’m also reminded of the quotation “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” While it’s hard to say goodbye to summer warmth and fun, there’s a whole lot to look forward to in autumn. With fall comes crisp breezes, and golden evening sunsets where every fallen leaf is a flower.

We trust you will enjoy this month’s edition with articles from our regular contributors and advertorials from our advertisers. We trust you will stay safe and follow the health guidelines in order to keep our communities covid-free.

Romano and Lisa

Providing professional house washing and commercial cleaning New Zealand-wide.

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If you're interested in our exterior house washing and cleaning service, we offer a free quote which you can visit www.washrite.co.nz or call us on 0800 101 216.

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Butter Chicken Across The Strait

EXTEND YOUR LIVING WITH A CONSERVATORY OR CANOPY ROOF

During the recent summer holiday season more than 10 000 ice creams and nearly 30 000 punnets of hot chips were consumed by holidaying Kiwis on the Cook Strait ferries.

But, surprisingly, the most popular dish ordered on the Interislander ferry in December and January is the more than one tonne of butter chicken.

Interislander executive general manager Walter Rushbrook said it continues to be the bestselling meal on the ferries.

“Between Christmas Eve and January 8th alone, passengers travelling with us ate around 5 000 servings of butter chicken.”

Although passenger numbers were down about 20 percent due to the lack of overseas visitors, he said New Zealanders had shown their support for the Interislander carrier and its floating restaurants.

Sunday, January 3 was the busiest day of the summer season with the ferry transporting 6 108 passengers and 7 000 dogs across the Cook Strait.

Throughout December and January ice creams and hot chips were also crowd favourites, and just over 3 500 packets of sushi were sold. Ginger beer seems to be the favourite drink with about 4 000 sold.

Looking For An Opportunity To Meet People And Learn About The Magic Of Theatre?

Then take advantage of this generously subsidised opportunity, to be involved, meet new people, and enjoy a taste of the performing arts in a live community theatre for only $5 per session.

This programme is using wellqualified and entertaining tutors.

The sessions are for people aged 60+ who want to have fun and like work-shopping ideas.

The workshops include working with a script, characterisation, stagecraft, acting and learning about aspects of putting on a show.

The sessions are inclusive and respectful of people’s ideas with a supportive environment to give things a try. Please wear casual comfortable clothing that does not prevent movement.

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Jane Barnett is the course coordinator, with 40 years’ experience in directing, acting, and managing productions, along with being a qualified tutor.

For further information and enrolment: Email janesbtt@gmail. com by March 31st.

CONSERVATORIES BY DESIGN are the design and build specialists with over 30 years experience 100% Locally owned and operated Call Adrian for your FREE no obligation quote Phone (07) 307 9187 Mobile 027 438 7146 conservatoriesbydesign@hotmail.com www.conservatoriesbydesign.co.nz

Seniors (60+) Acting and theatre skills, classes for beginners, 2021 Give it a go! Try out some fun acting and theatre skills at the Riverlea Theatre, 83 Riverlea Road.

Classes for seniors (60+) run on Wednesday afternoons at Riverlea Theatre from 1-2.30pm starting from April 14th. $5 per session. The sessions are otherwise subsidised*.

Fun, meeting others and learning in a relaxed and encouraging environment.

Email janesbtt@gmail.com

by March 31st for further information and enrolment.

83 Riverlea Road, Riverlea, Hamilton.

*Funding provided with thanks to Ministry of Social Development, the Community Capability and Resilience Fund (CCRF)

Government Supports More Low Emission Vehicle Options The Government is giving more support to clean up how New Zealanders move around with approval for 22 new low-emission transport projects, announced by the Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods.

A community electric bike and car share scheme, additional EV charging stations, as well as five hydrogen trucks and a demonstration electric truck, are some of the latest projects to get Government co-funding.

Projects include Christchurch’s Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust’s initiative, which is giving its tenants the opportunity to share, rather than own transport through: • secure e-bike storage for a community bike share for its tenants (the Trust is funding the bikes itself), and • two second-hand Nissan Leafs for a community car share scheme.

Fuso and Hyundai Motors New Zealand secured funding for both electric and hydrogen demonstration trucks, respectively.

Dr Woods also noted that the growing charging network should give New Zealand households and businesses thinking of purchasing EVs the confidence to do so, in the knowledge the infrastructure is increasingly available.

Why Choose Rotorua Duck Tours?

The Rotorua Lakes district has one of the most distinctive natural landscapes in the country with the 18 sparkling crater lakes being considered a treasured asset or Taonga to New Zealand and the Te Arawa People. Lush natural landscapes, stunning lakes and unique hot pools make the area a must visit.

Many people who visit Rotorua don’t get to see the lakes district due to lack of transportation or simply just not knowing where to go. At Rotorua Duck Tours we will guide you on a spectacular journey through natural landscapes, travelling on land and lake in New Zealand’s only genuine WW2 amphibious landing crafts. The combination of our Ducks and the scenery make this one of the most unique Rotorua sightseeing tours.

Our guides are an attraction themselves and deliver a commentary that is both informative and entertaining. All ages and backgrounds find value in our commentary.

Our drivers have proven time and time again that they are our most valuable asset, delivering interesting facts as well as historical stories and they do it all in a way that has people of all ages laughing along the way.

For an unbiased opinion check out our reviews on TripAdvisor.

explore rotorua on NZ's only genuine wwII landing crafts!

Travel in volcanic craters of Rotorua Informative and entertaining commentary Incredible lake and mountain scenery 90 and 120 min tours available Perfect for groups, All Weather phone 07 345 6522

www.ducktours.co.nz 5

1957 FORD ZEPHYR MKII The 1956-62 Mk II Zephyr was the second generation of these UK built, 6 cylinder cars. Compared to the Mk I, the Mk II was completely restyled, it was longer, wider, and more refined.

The MkII Consul, Zephyr, and Zodiac were a useful modernisation of the original car, adding fins and chrome to the equation as well as more interior room. Ford’s advertising referred to them as the ‘Three Graces’, implying a feminine, graceful nature. The Mk II was also built in Australia at Ford Australia’s factory in Geelong and assembled in New Zealand and South Africa. Supplies were restricted due to strict import licensing rules in place at the time and demand always exceeded availability; it was not uncommon for buyers to wait two to three years for their new big Ford.

The Zephyr and its luxury variant, the Zephyr Zodiac, which appeared in 1954, were the largest passenger cars in the British Ford range from 1950 till they were replaced in 1972 by a larger Ford Consul and Granada. Armed with Ford’s innovative McPherson Strut suspension and a lusty short-stoke six-cylinder of 2553cc, the model also showed a lot of potential for competition, and it was not long before this stylish new Ford was proving itself in both rallying and circuit racing.

The Zephyr Mark II was one of the first cars used in the British Touring Car Championship and between 1958 and 1962, the Zephyr was raced 42 times, taking 10 wins. The top speed of the Zephyr was 142 km/h and it could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 10 seconds. There are currently only 46 of these Ford Zephyr Mk II’s left in New Zealand.

Hamilton Vintage & Classic Car Club The February’s Classics Car Meet and Classics Boot sale at the Classics Museum/ Jukebox Diner Frankton got off to a slow start, probably due to the fact that being in the middle of a long weekend folks were hoping for a sleep-in.

However, as the morning progressed there was a constant trickle of cars into the car park.

By mid-morning the number had grown to what was considered an above-average turnout.

As usual, the monthly gathering covered a broad range of classic makes and models including a vintage fire engine.

The Classics Boot sale vendors numbers were also up on previous months with some reporting good sales.

The JukeBox Diner was also well patronised with its buffet breakfast and coffee.

The JukeBox Diner car of the day was awarded to a 1985 Mustang. Classics Museums cash prizes were to also awarded 1967 Austin Mini and to a very nicely presented 1980 Ford Falcon.

The prize for the youngest classic owner went to a young gentleman driving a 1952 Ford Prefect.

Richard Moore, President HVCCC

IT’S TIME TO SWITCH TO In 2021 you’ll need to have your SuperGold Card concession loaded onto your Bee Card to continue to receive FREE travel during off-peak hours. To add your SuperGold to your Bee Card, visit beecard.co.nz. You can also visit us at the Hamilton Transport Centre counter during opening hours (Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm).

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REMEMBER TO TAG ON AND TAG OFF

Tauranga

THE HOTEL, KATIKATI (TALISMAN HOTEL) (c. 1910s N) (c. 1910’s) –

TAURANGA (STRAND FROM REDOUBT WITH CANO

(Tauranga City Libraries Image 20-099)

to 1930s) –

(Tauranga City Libraries Image 20-189)

OCEAN BEACH MOUNT MAUNGANUI

(c. 1910s to 1930s) –

(Tauranga City Libraries Image 20-121)

“S.S. MAINDY COURT 7,700 TONS AT MT MAU NGANUI WHARF OCT 1922” (1922) – (Tauranga City Libraries Image 20-188)

CLEARING THE TAURANGA CHANNEL, VIEW FROM THE MOUNT (c. 1910s to 1930s) – (Tauranga City Libraries Image 20-128) UNDS, KATIKATI (c. 1910s to A CORNER OF THE RECREATION GRO 1930s) – (Tauranga City Libraries Image 20-162)

Images courtesy of the Tauranga City Library. You can visit their website by following the link: https://paekoroki.tauranga.govt.nz/ 7

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON $10,000?

“

I’d learn to capture all the beautiful things

”

Think you might like to invest in a new hobby, get the latest gadgets or live it up all year long?

At Summerset we believe that retirement is your time to do the things you enjoy and deserve. Tell us how you would spend $10,000 and you could get the chance to make your wishes come true.*

*Terms & conditions apply. Competition runs 28 January – 28 February 2021.

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SUM2779_FP

Enter now for your chance to win $10,000 summerset.co.nz/win

The Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival returns this summer with a program that celebrates the best music, theatre, dance and cabaret in New Zealand!

The Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival has been Waikato’s premier arts event for well over 20 years. This vibrant outdoor festival showcases an exciting collection of the region’s creative community and a curated selection of national touring shows. Predominantly staged within the magical setting of Hamilton Gardens, the Festival runs from 20-28 February.

Artistic Director Bronwyn Bent says the events of 2020 played a big role in informing the direction of the 2021 program.

“Every one of the shows in this year’s festival has something to say about where we are in the world at the moment, whether it’s a family-friendly picnic, unlikely collaborations between classical and jazz musicians, theatrical reflections on the nature of community, or a big joyous celebration of local community talent.” says Bent.

Headlining the festival is the inimitable Tami Neilson. Described by Rolling Stone as a “firebreathing belter on her own terms”, no one forgets the first time they saw Tami Neilson.

She can hush a room with an original song that channels the hurting spirit of Patsy Cline, melt hearts with the sensuality of Peggy Lee, or bring the audience to its feet on a rockabilly raver.

Elsewhere Julia Deans (Fur Patrol, The Adults) will take on Joni Mitchell’s legendary songbook in Both Sides Now and audiences will be treated to an evening of fun filled afro-funk and jazz with the Thabani Gapara Project.

Classical lovers are also spoilt for choice with some of the finest young opera singers in the country performing in the magical Chinoiserie Garden for Opera Botanica.

Festival goers can enjoy a theatre show celebrating the legacy of Kiwi comedy icon Billy T. James, or simply relax at two of Hamilton’s most beloved and iconic events, Sunset Symphony and Gourmet in the Gardens.

With 58 shows to choose from, there’s something for all tastes. Discover a world of arts in your own backyard! To purchase tickets head to hgaf.co.nz

Six Ways to Avoid a Stroke Stroke is New Zealand’s second single biggest killer and the leading cause of serious adult disability with over 11 000 New Zealanders having experienced a stroke in the last year – that’s one person every 45 minutes. A stroke is a brain attack – a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain causing it to stop working and eventually damaging brain cells.

Here are the six most important factors to help us avoid having a stroke: 1. Low Blood Pressure

4. Drink in moderation

By far the biggest factor in helping avoid a stroke is keeping your blood pressure low.

Each single point of lower blood pressure has a huge impact on stroke risk. The tricky part of hypertension (high blood pressure) is that many times there are no accompanying symptoms, so it is important to be tested often for this very treatable condition. Statins, aspirin, and other methods are easy fixes for this dangerous disease.

A little alcohol may actually decrease your risk of stroke but overdrinking will sharply increase your risk. One alcoholic drink per day is the recommended amount (or no drinks). This translates to only a 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce beer, or a 1.5-ounce glass of liquor. Red wine is preferable because it contains resveratrol, which may protect the heart and brain.

2. Healthy Weight

5. Don’t Smoke

Obesity increases the risk of stroke, and even just losing a few kilos can have a big impact on lowering the risk. Achieve this by: watching your calorie intake, generally no more than 1500-2000 per day depending on your activity level, and increasing your exercise.

Smoking both thickens your blood and increases plaque build up in the arteries, leading to an increased risk of having a stroke. Smoking cessation is one of the most powerful lifestyle changes you can make both to avoid a stroke and for your overall health.

3. Exercise

6. Avoid Loneliness

While we’re on the subject of exercise, it stands by itself as a way to reduce your risk of stroke.

The recommended goal for exercise is moderate intensity for 30 minutes, 5 times per week. Take a walk, take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further from the grocery store than necessary – all are ways to improve your activity level and are helpful when combined with real exercise, which should cause you to breathe hard but still talk.

Depression, stemming from loneliness, is now thought to be a significant stroke risk. A full 52% of women over 80 live alone, and that number is growing. Living alone by itself can be fine when paired with an active social life. But living solo can easily lead to isolation, serious loneliness, and depression, especially in the elderly population because it’s generally harder for them to get out.

It’s important to note that the speed with which a stroke is diagnosed and treated significantly affects the eventual outcome. So it is imperative to act quickly if you even suspect a stroke. The acronym for the signs of stroke is FAST: Is their face drooping on one side? Can they smile?

Is one arm weak? Can they raise both arms?

Is their speech jumbled or slurred? Can they speak at all?

Take action.

Other signs of a stroke include: facial numbness, severe headache, vision loss, weakness on one side of the body, numbness and tingling, and unsteady walking.

So if all the steps of prevention didn’t work and you even suspect a stroke, get it checked out, and as my doctor says, “Get over your embarrassment – you’d rather be safe than sorry.”

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BRAINFIT® FOR LIFE NEW ZEALAND

Why attend a Brainfit® FOR LIFE Workshop?

H E R E A RE 5 REASO N S WHY...

1.) PREVENTION As we get older, we need to intentionally work on our memory skills to prevent the natural decline that is often seen with aging. If you find you are getting more forgetful and you worry about staying mentally fit into your old age - this is for you!

2.) INTEREST Are you interested in facts and scientific research findings? Do you want to know what is really the truth about age related memory loss and how our brain works. How we can continue to improve our mental agility and memory well into our 90s?

3.) GROUP PARTICIPATION Do you enjoy being part of a group of like-minded people?

Do want to have fun in a meaningful way that supports one another and builds new friendships - along with a supportive and knowledgeable coach to lead the way?

4.) TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE Is your health important to you - this includes physical, emotional and intellectual? Learn about a lifestyle that will support your brain's fitness, health and vitality. We also provide follow-up support to keep you going on this journey.

5.) REVERSAL Research have shown that people who practice the 6 key strategies for memory - can improve and even reverse typical age related memory lapses. We cannot not cure Dementia, but keeping your brain in tip-top condition for as long as possible - that what we do!

FO R M O R E I N FO R M ATION TO JOIN YOUR LOCAL CL AS S: Your Coach: Sanél van der Merwe Phone: 027 725 5195 Email: sanel@brainfit.nz Website: www.brainfit.nz 10

www.memory.foundation

Do you lose your car keys, or your glasses all the time or forget the names of people as soon as you are introduced? Many older people live with the fear of losing their memory – but they don’t need to.

My name is Sanél van der Merwe and I am one of New Zealand’s accredited Brainfit® for Life coaches.

Brainfit® for Life was created by Auckland sisters Dr Allison Lamont (Psychologist, researcher, and memory expert) and Gillian Eadie (well-known Educator) after they’ve had firsthand experience of the devastating effect of Alzheimer’s disease in their family.

If you find yourself walking into a room and forgetting what you went in there for or forget to take medication – you might worry you are having a ‘senior moment’ and might be losing your memory. But it’s more likely your memory powers have dulled simply because your brain (and maybe your body) is no longer in tip-top shape. Brainfit® will take your brain to the gym and motivate you to keep it fit.

This course helps those over 50 to understand how the brain works, which memory types are more at risk to decline with age and what strategies to put in place to compensate for the memory changes that can appear with age.

Indeed, our brain volume does begin to shrink as we hit middle age, but, thanks to recent research technologies such MRI imaging, we now know you can actually re-grow brain connections at any age and improve your memory. Brainfit® for Life shows you how you, and anyone, can learn to do it, at any age!

I have trained as an Occupational Therapist in the 1990s and have worked in the field of Neurodevelopment for 21 years. I have seen how amazing the brain is created to accommodate growth and compensate for damage, disease, and trauma.

I am now excited to work in a field where it is about prevention and empowering people to make their brainhealth a priority. The Brainfit® course is offered in a relaxing, friendly group environment. You will grow in your confidence and make new friends along the way as you attend 4 sessions of 90min each, over 4 weeks.

The results will surprise you!

For more information about Brainfit® for Life, please visit www.brainfit.nz and for more information about courses in Tauranga/Papamoa, please email me at: sanel@brainfit.nz

Consultation Opens on Bus and Train Fares for Waikato Waikato Regional Council is proposing its most significant change to bus fares in more than five years, with public consultation closing at the end of February.

HAMILTON: Te Huia to Launch in April The launch date for Te Huia – the new passenger rail service between Waikato and Auckland – has been confirmed as Tuesday, 6 April 2021.

There will be two return services on weekdays to get commuters to Papakura in time for the start of the workday. It is envisaged that this service will transform the way people in the Waikato travel between Hamilton and Auckland.

And opens the possibility for expansion to other Waikato communities in the future.

According to Waikato Regional Councillor Hugh Vercoe (chair of the Regional Transport Committee) all stations are ready to go and there will be public open days on 27 and 28 March, giving families the chance to walk through the carriages to inspect the facilities.

The service timetable has now also been confirmed. From Monday to Friday, Te Huia will depart Frankton at 5.46am and 6.28am, stopping at Rotokauri and Huntly.

The return service will depart from Papakura at 4.42pm and 6.25pm.

Bee Card fares are $12.20 from Hamilton and $7.80 from Huntly.

Cash fares are available.

For the first few months, Te Huia will operate on select Saturdays only, starting with 17 April due to limited availability of the rail track as a result of Auckland rail project and Metro maintenance work.

Each of the two trains has four carriages with free wifi, air con, heating, a café bar and be able to carry 150 passengers. There is a toilet within each carriage and plenty of tables, power and USB points on board to allow for productive working spaces.

Interim bus fares were introduced when the Bee Card was rolled out in the Waikato in July last year.

During this time 95% of bus users (more than 30 000 people) are using Bee Cards the Council has decided that it is time to set fares going forward. As a result of the changes the Council is proposing, some fares will become cheaper than pre-COVID levels, and some will increase slightly.

To make public transport more accessible for everyone, the Council is also looking to introduce fare capping which will make fares cheaper for regular bus users.

Once you spend a certain amount each week on your Bee Card (from Monday to Sunday), all further bus travel in that zone is free.

Under the proposal, it means the maximum an adult will pay per week is $20 in Hamilton, and for people 18 and under the maximum will be $15.

Fare capping is also available across zones – for example, people travelling through three zones, like Huntly to Hamilton, the maximum weekly travel cost will be $40, and for people 18 and under it’ll be $30.

Bee Card fares are also being proposed for the new Te Huia train service, due to start in April.

For more information and to provide feedback on the changes coming in mid-2021, an online survey can be completed by visiting busit.co.nz/farechanges or calling by 0800 205 305.

(Waikato Regional Council)

HAMILTON you're on Sprinklers Alternate Days 6 - 8AM & 6 - 8PM

Hand-held hosing any time

smartwater.org.nz 11

Prime Crossword Across 8 Wainscot (4) 9 Oddballs (10) 10 Draw (6) 11 Operations (8) 12 Used to tie a shoe (4) 13 Luscious (10) 17 Cain’s brother (4) 18 Combination (abbrev.) (5) 19 Jupiter (4) 20 Specified as a condition (10) 22 Expunge (4) 23 Thorny shrubs (8) 27 Appointing (6) 28 Astronomers tools (10) 29 Where birds live (4) Down 1 Hare (10) 2 A city in Canada (8) 3 Organised (10) 4 Missile (4) 5 Picnic animals (4) 6 An ointment (6) 7 Glance over (4) 14 Extent (5) 15 Overcast (10) 16 Beauty (10) 19 A court decision (8) 21 Strike with the fist (6) 24 Bobbin (4) 25 cottish for “Lake” (4) 26 French for “Seven” (4)

Answers page 23

Do Dogs Dream?

Whether or not dogs dream isn’t known with scientific certainty, but it sure is difficult to imagine that they don’t. We’ve all watched our dogs demonstrate behaviours in their sleep that resemble what they do in a fully awake state. Paddling legs, whining, growling, wagging tails, chewing jowls, and twitching noses inspire us to wonder what our dogs are dreaming about.

What we know about dogs and dreams While our knowledge on this topic is very limited, the following known information helps us believe that dogs do indeed experience dreams. According to MIT News, Matthew Wilson, a professor of neuroscience at MIT in 2001, have studied the relationships between memory, sleep, and dreams. They found that when rats were trained to run along a circular track for food rewards, their brains created a distinctive firing pattern of neurons (brain cells).

The researchers repeated the brain monitoring while the rats were sleeping. Low and behold, they observed the same signature brain activity pattern associated with running whether the rats were awake or asleep. In fact, the memories played at approximately the same speed during sleep as when the rats were awake.

Can we apply this to dogs?

Can we take what is known about dreaming in rats and humans and apply the information to dogs? Wilson believes that we can.”My guess is – unless there is something special about rats and humans – that cats and dogs are doing exactly the same thing.”

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It is known that the hippocampus, the portion of the brain that collects and stores memories, is wired much the same way in all mammals. According to Professor Wilson, “If you compared a hippocampus in a rat to a dog; in a cat to a human, they contain all of the same pieces.”

He believes that as dogs sleep, images of past events replay in their minds, much the same way people recall experiences while dreaming.

In people, it is known that most dreams occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

Dogs also experience periods of REM sleep.

Psychology Today’s website says that during REM their breathing becomes more irregular and shallow. There may be muscle twitching during REM and, when one looks closely, rapid eye movements behind closed eyelids can often be observed. It is during REM sleep that behaviours thought to be associated with dreaming (legs paddling, twitching, vocalizing, etc.) are most commonly observed.

What we want to believe about dog dreams When we observe our dogs as they sleep, it’s just about impossible to imagine that they are not dreaming. Just like the rats studied by Wilson, it is tempting to believe that our four-legged best buddies are re-enacting their recent experiences; playing at the dog park, sniffing in the woods, chewing on a treasured bone, and chasing squirrels.

Sigmund Freud theorised that dreaming was a “safety valve” for our unconscious desires. Perhaps he is correct, and, when our dogs sleep, they dream about catching the neighbour’s pesky cat, continuous belly rubs in conjunction with unlimited dog treats, and stealing the Sunday roast from the dining room table.

Prime Walks

By Ceana Priest

MORRINSVILLE RIVER WALK – great little walk in Morrinsville

This trail is hidden in a valley with waterfalls and stands of native trees and winds its way along the banks of Waitakaruru Stream.

It’s walk with everything! Enormous trees, waterfalls, shallow stream rock formations for clambering over in summer and a real feeling that city life is miles away. Older kids will enjoy exploring the exposed river bed in summer. The path meanders under mature natives, with the reserve also having a significant stand of native tōtara.

In winter after heavy rain, the river turns into a raging torrent which is super impressive to see so it’s worth visiting throughout the year.

Although there is an alternative path further up the bank that runs parallel, the main route follows the river. These often connect so there’ll be no issues with choosing the wrong one. As the walk is not a loop, perhaps try both – lower path one -way, and upper course on your return. After your adventure, enjoy a picnic at the recreation grounds and kick a ball around.

FACILITIES: Nearest toilets are in town.

TIME: Allow 60 to 120 min Winners

(3.6km) for a leisurely explore.

of the Kid-friendly Adventures Auckland" guidebooks: MarieClaire (Hamilton), Gillian (Cambridge), Jaydene (Papamoa), Tish (Mt Maunganui)

Prime Recipe

ACCESSIBILITY: Dirt and gravel paths. It’s a leisurely stroll, but the trail does include stairs, steep ledges and occasional narrow paths. This walking track is not suitable for buggies or bikes.

DOGS: Yes.

In just under an hour these tasty meatballs can be on your plate. We’re not sure if they’ll last long there, though!

INGREDIENTS FRUIT FILLING • 500g Beef Mince • 1 Egg • 1 cup (70g) fresh breadcrumbs (made from day-old bread) • 1 brown onion, coarsely grated • 2 tsp finely chopped rosemary • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 3 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tbs olive oil • 1 brown onion, extra, finely chopped • 1 carrot, peeled, finely chopped • ½ cup (125ml) red wine or chicken stock • 400g can diced tomatoes

• 1 cup (250ml) tomato paste • cup (80ml) thickened cream • 60g Spinach or silverbeet • ½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella • Salt and pepper to taste BASIL OIL • ½ cup basil leaves • 1 garlic clove, crushed • cup (80ml) olive oil

HOW TO GET THERE: Morrinsville

Recreation Grounds entrance on Avenue Rd, or from Studholme St. There is more parking at the Grounds.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ceana is

a Hamilton mum raising an explorer called Finn who adores bugs and splashing in forest streams. After struggling to find accessible adventures, she has published family-friendly guidebooks for Auckland and Hamilton & Waikato. www.outdoorkid.co.nz

Cheesy Skillet Baked Meatballs

METHOD STEP 1: Place the mince, egg, breadcrumbs, grated onion, rosemary, half the garlic and half the paprika in a large bowl.

Stir until well combined. Season.

STEP 2: Line a baking tray with baking paper. Roll 1-tbs portions of mixture into balls and place on the lined tray.

Place in the fridge for 15 mins to chill.

STEP 3: Preheat oven to 180°C. Heat half the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for 5 mins or until brown all over. Transfer to a plate.

STEP 4: Heat the remaining oil in the pan. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, remaining garlic and remaining paprika.

Cook, stirring, for 5 mins or until onion softens. Stir in wine or stock. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 min or until the liquid reduces slightly. Add tomato paste and cream. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer. Remove from heat. Season.

Add spinach. Stir to combine.

STEP 5: Arrange meatballs over the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake in oven for 20-25 mins or until meatballs are golden brown and the sauce thickens slightly.

Set aside to cool slightly.

STEP 6: To make the basil oil, place the basil, garlic and oil in a blender. Blend until smooth. Drizzle over the meatballs.

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Hamil�on

HAMILTON FOUNDERS MEMORIAL THEATRE (1962) – Founders Theatre at dusk. People arriving to see “Where’s Charley?” (HCL_07618)

NURSES AT WAIKATO HOSPITAL (1960’s) – Four nurses on the grounds of Waikato Hospital in front of the new Hilda Ross Nurses Home (built 1962).

(HCL_07729)

HAMILTON LAKE (c. 1935) – Lake Rotoroa, This is an image from a postcard showing the eastern side of Hamilton Lake (Lake Rotoroa) with bathing huts on the left. These huts have since been demolished. (HCL_07977) COBHAM BRIDGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION (1960) – Cobham Bridge under construction, Roose barges (HCL_07634)

land BRIDGE – The old Bank of New Zea BANK OF NEW ZEALAND, CAM ge. brid Duke Streets, in Cam building, on the corner of Victoria and der, and opened in 1917. buil l loca a It was built by Fred Potts, (Cambridge Museum Reg Buckingham

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Collection)

AERIAL VIEW OF HAMILTON (c. 1963) – Looking northwest over Cobham Bridge towards the lake. Bader, Hayes Paddock, Waikato Hospital feature.

An aerial view looking northwest over the under construction Cobham Bridge.

The suburb of Bader is on the left; Hamilton Lake is in the middle distance; and the area known as Hayes Paddock is centre right. (HCL_07661)

Want to Play Together

Hamilton Square Dance Club Formed in 1975, the Hamilton Square Dance Club has been offering a mix of Fun & Friendship Set to Music to people ranging from the young to the young at heart.

What is Square Dancing?

Petanque is a fun, non-impact and competitive sport that couples can play together.

Join us at Tauranga Petanque: • Tuesday 4pm till late • Thursday 11am • Saturday 1pm

Think of it as “Team Dancing”. You dance in a team of eight people – four men & four women – set up in the formation of a square (approx. 4 metres x 4 metres). From this formation we also dance in lines and circles but it is all “Square Dancing”.

While learning to Square Dance you become familiar with the square dance terms. From that time on, you simply follow the calls or directions of the person at the front of the hall (a bit like “Simon Says”). This person is the “Caller”.

There is no “fancy footwork” and has been described as “Rhythmic Walking” by some of our members.

As a rule we dance a bracket of dances called a “tip” lasting around 15 minutes and then rest a bit before dancing again. The music comes from a wide range of genres from the classics through to modern day including 60’s, 70’s and Country plus many more. Although traditionally the dress included petticoats and bolo ties (and lot of members still love to wear this), these days we are a lot more relaxed and smart casual is the order of the day!

Located at the Mount Club, 45-47 Kawaka Street, Mount Maunganui.

Boules and all the help you need are available ALL we ask is that you wear fully covered shoes 022 309 9143 petanquetauranga@gmail.com Tauranga Bay of Plenty Pétanque Association

Why should I Square Dance? The reasons are many and varied!

Today’s

SQUARE DANCING Modern Music Casual Dress Fun & Challenging The New Social Network

WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE IT …..

TRY SQUARE DANCING TODAY! Free Introductory Evenings 2021 Frankton School Hall, Rifle Range Rd

Recreation: When you enter the square dance hall you leave your cares and worries of everyday life behind you.

Intellect & Challenge: Your brain, as well as your feet, will be kept active.

Square Dancing stimulates your thinking and the challenge results from not knowing what the caller will call next!

Health & Fitness: Square Dancing will keep you fit, both mind and body. During an evening of dancing you could walk 5 kilometres, and the best part about it is that you probably won’t realize you have done it!

Other Reasons: Friendship, Team Effort, and general social interaction.

Modern Square Dancing is a world wide recreation which was standardised in the 1970’s so that you can “Learn Here – Dance World Wide”, and the dancing is “called” in English no matter where you are in the world – Japan, Sweden, Germany……..USA.

How do I learn?

During March the Hamilton Square Dance Club is offering three FREE introductory nights (Thursday’s March 4th, 11th and 18th) where you can come and ”Give It A Go”. These nights will be followed by a 10 week course starting Thursday March 25th. All nights are in the Frankton Primary School Hall on Rifle Range Rd, starting at 7.30pm and going through to 9.30pm.

If you would like to see what Square Dancing is all about come and see us at the Hamilton Gardens on the Round Lawn between 1pm and 3pm on Sunday March 7th & 14th . We look forward to seeing you there!

For more info phone 0800 8 2 Square or find us on Facebook Hamilton Square Dance Club.

Thursday’s March 4th, 11th & 18th 7.30pm to 9.30pm See You There!

Phone 0800 8 2 Square Hamilton Square Dance Club 15

Chimp Troop Back On Display Hamilton Zoo’s popular chimpanzee troop is back on public display from after completion of a major upgrade to their enclosure.

The chimpanzee area has been closed to the public since work began in February 2020. Construction was delayed during COVID-19 lockdown, but the chimps were introduced to their new upgraded outdoor enclosure in mid-December.

During this time Sanda – already mother to fouryear-old Chiku – gave birth to her second daughter just 24 hours after the chimps were given access to their new space.

“Sanda’s successful conception and pregnancy while the troop was off display, and the birth after she was introduced to the new space, are testament to the robust enrichment programme our primate team runs with the chimpanzees to ensure they’re happy, healthy and safe,” said Dr Fleming.

Answers on page 23

“With the arrival of a precious new addition to the troop, we made the decision to give the chimps time to adjust to their new space before reopening the path and new visitor viewer to the public.”

(Zoo Director Dr Baird Fleming)

The troop has settled well into their new spacious outdoor area and has more shelter so the chimps can enjoy spending time outside comfortably, whatever the weather.

The enclosure project has also delivered a new state-ofthe-art fence and improved public viewing areas. It is part of the Zoo’s ongoing renewals programme.

During the upgrade, the troop lived between their chimp house and a purpose-built outside area. More play equipment and hammocks were added to the house to increase opportunities for climbing, exploring, and resting, and the outside area meant they had plenty of exercise and fresh air.

“People will be thrilled to see the chimps back in a much better space than before and so obviously thriving. The zoo really is a wonderful asset for Hamilton and a visit makes for an unforgettable day out.” (Hamilton Mayor, Paula Southgate)

1. In what year was the first-ever Wimbledon Championship held?

6. Which natural disaster is measured with a Richter scale?

2. Which boxer was known as “The Greatest” and “The People’s Champion”?

7. Who is often credited with creating the world’s first car?

3. What settlement is known as Hamilton’s ‘seaside town’?

8. How many times does the heart beat per day?

4. Which email service is owned by Microsoft?

9. What is the national dish of Spain?

14. What is the name of the thin, but a long country that spans more than half of the western coast of South America?

5. Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize (in 1903)?

10. What is the name of the army camp near Palmerston North?

15. Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, means what in English?

11. Which bone are babies born without?

12. What kind of carved object is a wakahuia?

13. What is the common name for dried plums?

WHO'S YOUR HERO? Grab your cape and your running shoes to honour, remember, and celebrate the heroes in your life with the Waipuna Hospice Walk/Run. Calling all super heroes in the community. It’s time to dust off your masks and capes for the Waipuna Hospice walk/run to honour, remember, and celebrate the heroes in our lives – both past and present.

By signing up to register for the Waipuna Hospice Super Hero Walk/Run you will be a hero yourself, as you help raise much-needed funds to care for people in our community facing a life-limiting illness and support for their families.

In our lives, each of us has someone who holds a special place in our hearts and is looked to as a ‘hero’. The Waipuna Hospice Super Hero Walk/ Run encourages people to embrace their “Super Hero” by celebrating and acknowledging the heroes in their lives, and walking or running in celebration and remembrance of them.

With superheroes taking on either a 3.6km walk or a 6.4km run, spot prizes, costumes, and more, Saturday 27th March will be an eventful day and a meaningful and fun way to celebrate life!

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Register for the Waipuna Hospice Super Hero Walk/Run and have a blast while you raise critically needed funds to help the terminally ill in your community. Tickets are $10 for an individual (over 18 years), $5 for Waipuna Hospice volunteers and members, or come as a group of five individuals for the discounted price of $40. Children (under 18yrs) can attend for FREE with a paying individual (18yrs or over).

A family fun event for all ages.

Be the superhero our community needs and register now at www.waipunahospice. org.nz/super-hero-2021/ or email events@ waipunahospice.org.nz or call (07) 552 4380 ext. 211 for more information.

Tauranga: By-elections Cancelled By-elections for the positions of Tauranga City Council Mayor, At Large Councillor and OtumoetaiPyes Pa Councillor have been cancelled following the appointment of four Commissioners to replace the Council’s elected members.

Local Government Minister, Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, last week announced that a Commission consisting of Anne Tolley (Chair), Bill Wasley, Stephen Selwood and Shadrach Rolleston would undertake the Council’s governance responsibilities through until the next local government elections in October 2022.

The Commissioners took up their roles in early February.

The publication of an official gazette notice confirming the appointment of the Commission effectively cancels the planned by-election process for the three vacancies and all candidates nominated for those positions have been notified that the by-elections will not proceed.

The Origins of Valentine’s Day I researching the origin of Valentine’s Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day I came to the conclusion that, not only does this holiday have competing origin stories, but there are at least two different saints who might be its namesake.

Here’s what we actually know about Valentine’s Day.

Tauranga Water Restrictions Sprinkler and irrigation system ban now in place.

Following peak water usage combined with low flow in rivers that supply our drinking water and a hot, mostly dry weather forecast, we are asking residents to stop using all garden sprinklers and irrigation systems until further notice.

What the ban means: • All sprinklers and irrigation systems are banned.

• No hosing of hard surfaces (paths, driveways, concrete or paved surface) at any time.

• You can still water carefully by hand between 5am and 8am, and 7pm and 10pm.

RUN AND

!

WALK OR RUN TO HONOUR, REMEMBER, OR CELEBRATE A HERO IN YOUR LIFE

SATURDAY 27TH MARCH 9AM 9 AM 9A A M - 12PM 1 2P 12 2 PM PM

CORONATION PARK MT MAUNGANUI Adults $10 | under 18 free Group of five $40 Register before 15th of February to get your free Superhero Gift Pack!

Her uni o t and e! Bri es ng fam frie fun ily nds al d cha ay out ong fo nce ra i s to nclud ing w i ns priz pot es.

while stocks last

WWW.WAIPUNAHOSPICE.ORG.NZ/SUPER-HERO-2021/ events@waipunahospice.org.nz | (07) 552 4380 ext. 211

It has been suggested that the holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I forbid the celebration of Lupercalia and is sometimes attributed with replacing it with St. Valentine’s Day, but the true origin of the holiday is vague at best.

Britannica online reveals that the day may have taken its name from a priest who was martyred in about 270 CE by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus. According to legend, the priest signed a letter “from your Valentine” to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended and, by some accounts, healed from blindness.

The priest was beheaded.

Another account hold is that it was St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop, for whom the holiday was named, though it is possible the two saints were actually one person. Another common legend states that St. Valentine defied the emperor’s orders and secretly married couples to spare the husbands from war.

It is for this reason that his feast day is associated with love.

This St Valentine too was beheaded on the orders of Emperor Gothicus.

The love connection probably appeared more than a thousand years after the martyrs’ death, when Geoffrey Chaucer, author of “The Canterbury Tales” decreed the February feast of St. Valentinus to the mating of birds. He wrote in his “Parlement of Foules”: “For this was on seynt Volantynys day. Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.”

It seems that, in Chaucer’s day, English birds paired off to produce eggs in February. Soon, natureminded European nobility began sending love notes during birdmating season. For example, the French Duke of Orléans, who spent some years as a prisoner in the Tower of London, wrote to his wife in February 1415 that he was “already sick of love” (by which he meant lovesick.) And he called her his “very gentle Valentine.”

Even Shakespeare embrace this idea of February mating as lovestruck Ophelia spoke of herself as Hamlet’s Valentine.

In the centuries that followed, Englishmen and women began using February 14 as an excuse to write and send verses to their love objects. Industrialisation made it easier with mass-produced illustrated cards adorned with sycophantic poetry. Then along came Cadbury, Hershey’s, and other chocolate manufacturers marketing sweets for one’s sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Today, shops everywhere decorate their windows with hearts and banners proclaiming the annual Day of Love. Merchants stock their shelves with candy, jewelry and Cupid-related trinkets begging “Be My Valentine.” For most lovers, this request does not require beheading.

It seems that the erstwhile saint behind the holiday of love remains as elusive as love itself. Still, as St. Augustine, the great fifth-century theologian and philosopher argued in his treatise on “Faith in Invisible Things,” someone does not have to be standing before our eyes for us to love them.

And much like love itself, St. Valentine and his reputation as the patron saint of love are not matters of verifiable history, but of faith.

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February IN YOUR GARDEN

Daffodils can be planted any time from late February to the end of May. Early planting gets them off to a great start, as they will begin to develop their roots and settle in ready for spring growth. Daffodils need full sun and well drained soil.

Flower Garden Prepare winter flower beds for planting with Garden X Compost, and Sheep Pellets or Poultry Compost.

Feed ornamental trees, garden shrubs and plants with Tui Novatec Premium Fertiliser.

Plant your favourite winter flower seedlings like pansy, viola, primula, polyanthus, calendula, cineraria, lobelia, poppies, alyssum, stock and snapdragon.

Around the Yard Apply a layer of Tui Lawn Force Fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and to help sustain everyday wear and tear.

Autumn is natures planting time as the ground is still warm and the first of the rain helps new plants, trees and lawns get established.

Bulbs

All of your favourite spring flowering bulbs are now in store.

For more inspiration and gardening advice head to PALMERS.CO.NZ

In warmer areas some bulbs need a ‘chilling period’ of at least six weeks, which provides close to a natural dormant climate and improves growth. Place your bulbs in a paper bag and chill in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before planting.

Anemones and Ranunculus are great value and easy to grow. With very little effort they can reward you with up to 6 months flowering by stagger planting.

Hyacinths are the essence of spring. The heavily scented trusses are a most welcome sight after a long winter.

Best planted in March/ April in a cool spot.

Slugs and snails are the main pest of bulbs especially when the leaves are just emerging from the ground. Use Quash Slug and Snail Pellets to control this problem.

Protect new plantings against slugs and snails with Quash Snail & Slug Pellets and give them a good start by watering them in and liquid feeding with Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic.

Herbs to plant in autumn: parsley, chives, rosemary and mint.

Prepare the soil for your winter edible patch with Garden X Compost, and Sheep Pellets or Poultry Compost.

Edible Garden

Pull out any summer herbs and vegetables that have finished producing and add to your compost bin.

Citrus are heavy feeders. Feed with Tui Citrus Food for healthy green leaves and better growth, flower and fruits.

Plant seedlings of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beetroot, winter lettuce, brussel sprouts, spinach, carrots, leeks, silverbeet and winter herbs.

Autumn is the ideal time to sow or repair your lawn so it can establish over the winter months.

For more inspiration and gardening advice head to PALMERS.CO.NZ

Grow a smoothie garden in pots on your deck – plant kale, spinach, pak choi, and beetroot for green energy!

Giving your vege patch a rest over winter? Add nutrients back in to the soil by sowing a crop of blue lupin or mustard seed which adds nitrogen and improves soil structure.

All our plants are of the highest quality, but if something fails to grow in your garden, we’ll simply replace it for you – that’s our Palmers Promise.

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Provided by

Cooler temperatures are the ideal time to plant a hedge. If you want flower and fragrance, plant Fairy Magnolia Michelia’s or for something hardier try the Aussie Westringia varieties.

An Electric Future Ahead Prime Recipe So you have all heard the latest details around the climate change targets the government has set for New Zealand?

When they do get to the end of their useful life as a battery to drive your car between 100kms and 500kms then we reuse them, up cycle them into solar installations for domestic and commercial solar setups.

The question is how can an EV or electric car help achieve this?

Let me dispel a few myths and “tall stories” that I have been told over the last few weeks.

Nicholas J Down "Electric Cars are expensive” – No they are not, total We haven’t had a power bill on the investment starts from $9,995 and farm now for seven years, in fact this includes a FREE WOF and a every year we get a check back, just FREE service every year for life. in time for Christmas normally.

“The batteries need to be replaced every five years”… Absolute rubbish!

They are good for between 15 and 20 years on average and considering kiwi’s change vehicles every 3.5 years, this isn’t even a consideration.

So think about how much money you can save if you switched to an EV, plus and I am yet to be proven wrong, driving an EV will change your life, they are amazing and so simple to drive, it’s like riding a magic carpet.

Apples and feijoas make the most amazing filling for this crumble, however when it’s not feijoa season you could also use; pears, rhubarb, apples or most other fruits that stew up well.

INGREDIENTS FRUIT FILLING • 600g apples, peeled, diced • 450g feijoas, washed, sliced CRUMBLE • 90g rolled oats • 10g cornflakes • 25g raw nuts, except peanuts • 25g raisins (optional) • 75g dates, dried (optional) • 150g flour, wholemeal • 5g baking powder • 1 egg • 30ml vegetable oil

Apple and Feijoa Crumble

METHOD FRUIT FILLING: Place apples and feijoas in a pot with the lid on and cook over a low heat until soft.

CRUMBLE: Put all ingredients into a food processor and blend until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

BAKING: Heat oven to 175°C. Place fruit in the bottom of an oven proof dish. Sprinkle crumble mixture over the top.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until hot through and brown on top.

www.hamiltonev.co.nz

Electric Vehicle Specialists Have you ever thought about an Electric Vehicle?

JOIN THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE REVOLUTION Imagine the freedom of never having to go to a petrol station to fuel up again Recharge your vehicle easily at your home.

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PILLARS OF WELLBEING Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate says the time is right to have a broad community conversation about the role of Māori and Māori heritage and culture in the city’s future.

The Hamilton Council is seeking public feedback on He Pou Manawa Ora – Pillars of Wellbeing a draft strategy that aims to achieve better outcomes for Māori and all Hamiltonians.

He Pou Manawa Ora outlines Council’s vision for a city that celebrates its whole history, including its unique Māori heritage, and ensures everyone has a voice in developing its future.

HAVE YOUR SAY

ON ITS FOUR PILLARS (POU)

CLOSES 4 MARCH RESTORATION

PROSPERITY

UNITY

HISTORY

The draft strategy has been developed with input from local iwi and other Māori stakeholders.The Strategy recognises Māori as key partners in determining Hamilton’s future. It covers issues ranging from city artworks to Council policies. It is also based on Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti O Waitangi) principles of Partnership, Protection, Participation and Prosperity.

These inform the Strategy’s four ‘pillars’ or ‘pou’ of wellbeing: History, Unity, Prosperity and Restoration. As a result, the Strategy will help guide a new partnership between Council, Māori and the wider Kirikiriroa/ Hamilton community.

Mayor Southgate says that this is an opportunity for Hamilton to work in partnership with iwi and the wider community and have a wider debate about issues of culture. We have an opportunity to decide what we as a city want to achieve and then put in place plans to do that.

U3A Tauranga Beachside

You are invited to our General Meeting Date: Tuesday, 2th March Time: 09.45 for 10.00 am start to 1200

Arataki Community Centre Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui $5 entry fee • Morning Tea

The mayor also stated that what is good for Māori is good for all of us and that there are some really exciting opportunities we could be looking at in the future.

Public consultation on the Strategy’s four pillars is open until Thursday 4 March 2021 (5pm). The document and feedback/survey form are available at Council’s offices in Garden Place, Hamilton, at public libraries or online at hamilton.govt.nz/haveyoursay

Two years ago Sam Vye and Cam Baker started a company, ECT Ltd, dedicated to researching & developing solutions to help the conservation, biosecurity & environment battle, this talk will be a fascinating insight into the workings of a small, but innovative Mt Maunganui business, www.ectech.co.nz/

www.u3atauranga.kiwi.nz

Strong & Confident

We can Live Stronger! Did you know that strength, balance & coordination can be improved at any age? You might also be surprised how much confidence is gained from being more stable on your feet. With more confidence you are more likely to get out, do more things you enjoy, increase interactions with other people and improve your quality of life.

So, let’s find a strength & balance class near you and get moving! The class leader is there to help you exercise safely and at your own pace, seated & standing options are provided, and you will be guided through the most effective strength & balance exercises.

It’s also a fun way to meet people.

Visit www.livestronger.org. nz for the list of approved classes. Click on ‘Find a class’ then search within the Waikato for your town. For more information, please call Steph on 027 419 0068.

Strength & Balance Classes Improve Fitness Increase Strength Gain Balance Have Fun To find a class near you phone Steph 027 4190068 livestronger.org.nz

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Eye Health in Later Life Keeping your eyes healthy can be a growing concern as you get older.

They are very sensitive and important organs that help you appreciate the world around you. Here are some brief pointers to how to keep them healthy and things to look out for: Cataracts

Dry eyes

One of the most common eye complaints, cataracts can occur at any time of life but are most common in the over 40’s. A cataract is a misty film in the lens of the eye and can lead to distorted vision and even blindness if left untreated. They can occur in one or both eyes and can be treated in several ways, including surgery and glasses.

Dry eyes can be caused by a range of environmental and health factors. Even heating and air conditioning can affect your eyes as they remove humidity from the air. Consider using a humidifier to put moisture back into the air. Eye drops can also be used to rebalance the moisture in your eyes, as can specifically designed sprays and warm eye compresses.

Conjunctivitis

Food and drink

Signs of conjunctivitis include discharge around the eye, redness, and itchiness.

It can be caused by bacteria and viruses or can be part of an allergic reaction. Eye drops can be used to treat the allergic reaction, reducing and soothing swelling and redness. To treat the viral or bacterial version, you may be prescribed antibiotics, among other treatments.

There are plenty of nutrient-rich food and drinks that contribute to the health of your eyes, as well as benefiting the rest of your body. Foods to add to your daily diet include Omega-3 rich fish, eggs, leafy greens, and nuts. The calcium and protein in dairy are also great for maintaining eye health, so try and incorporate products like milk and yogurt into your day. Water is obviously another great and essential liquid to help your whole body to function properly.

If you cannot make these additions for whatever reason, you may find vitamin tablets and supplements more beneficial.

These are just a few pointers and tips to give you an idea of how to maintain your eye health and what to look out for if you feel something may be amiss. It is very important to get your eyes checked regularly and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

The Forgotten World War II Backlash Against Vera Lynn Christina Baade (Associate Professor in Communication Studies, McMaster University)

Dame Vera Lynn’s latest album, National Treasure – The Ultimate Collection, was released in 2014, the week of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. The album, filled with over 40 of her wartime hits, is yet another confirmation of her status as a living symbol of the British effort in World War II. Lynn, who passed away in June 2020 at 103, is remembered as the forces’ favourite, the ordinary East End girl with an extraordinary voice, whose broadcasts over the BBC sustained the nation through the darkest days of the war.

Aimed at troops overseas, each Starlight was rebroadcast several times. “Her beautiful voice quality was unmistakable, her fan mail immense,” Cecil Madden, who led OEU, later recalled.

But behind this story is another, more interesting history of wartime broadcasting and stardom. Lynn was an extraordinarily popular performer, but she was more of a controversial figure than we might now imagine. Central to the wartime debates about sentimental music on the BBC, not everyone agreed that her music was good for morale at the time.

Sincerely Yours

At the start of the war, Lynn began recording and touring as a solo performer in Variety.

Having come to prominence as a broadcasting dance band singer, she took the microphone with her when she filled the halls as “Radio’s Sweet Singer of Sweet Songs”.

The microphone was key. It allowed singers to use a nuanced vocal palette and remain audible while sing softly. Many perceived this sort of singing – labelled “crooning” – intimate, romantic. Crooners were popular, but they were also accused of being insincere, too American, and (in the case of men) effeminate.

Lynn used the microphone and the style, but she kept her clear English diction. With her intense lyrical focus, no one could accuse her of insincerity.

In the autumn of 1940 – during the London Blitz – Lynn’s broadcasting schedule picked up.

The BBC had noted her popularity, especially with the forces. She started appearing regularly in Starlight, a 15-minute show that featured a singer “in an intimate setting”. Lynn would arrive at the BBC’s Overseas Entertainment Unit (OEU) studios, in the underground Criterion Theatre, before the Blitz started and then sleep until her rehearsals for the 2.30am broadcast.

Lynn’s best-known wartime series, Sincerely Yours – Vera Lynn, went on air in late 1941.

It differed significantly from Starlight, having dialogue, as well as singing. Structured as “a letter to the men of the Forces from their favourite star”, it was built around Lynn’s girl-next-door persona. It also reached a large home front audience on the Forces Programme, a domestic wavelength created for the troops but heard by a majority civilian audience.

Sincerely Yours was a hit. Throughout its 12 episode run from autumn 1941 to spring 1942, it attracted audiences of more than 20% of the British population. Listening on Sunday nights, after the increasingly grim war news, many were comforted by Lynn’s reassuring dialogue, the weekly lullaby, and hits like “Wishing”.

But the show also became a target for criticism. An influential minority blamed the BBC’s “sickly and maudlin programmes” for significant British losses in North Africa and Southeast Asia. Sentimental popular music, they argued, had a “drugging effect” on the troops and undermined their masculinity and will to fight. Just because Lynn was the “Forces’ Favourite” did not mean she was actually good for their morale.

To help calm this rather wild criticism”, the BBC’s leadership decided to “rest” Sincerely Yours. Lynn, whose career was flourishing, still broadcast, but it was 18 months before she had another solo series.

Crooner bans The BBC at home also announced a “crooner ban” in July 1942. The new Dance Music Policy Committee was tasked with censoring “slushy” songs, male crooners, and insincere and over-sentimental female singers. Ultimately, the committee banned more than 30 singers and cautioned nearly 60 more. But Lynn remained untouched. By this point she was too popular – and too sincere – to ban.

Meanwhile, Madden and the OEU continued to promote women in broadcasting for overseas troops.

Lynn’s radio work became the model for several shows built around “croonerettes” with “girl” producers and announcers. Madden believed that “radio girl friends” had a special ability to connect with overseas forces.

Predictably, there was another backlash against crooning and women announcers – but only when their shows reached home audiences in early 1944.

Today, the idea that Dame Vera’s contributions to the nation’s morale were ever questioned seems ludicrous. But the stakes were serious: could popular tastes be trusted? Did women belong on radio? Could a working class girl be taken seriously?

The fact that (at least in Dame Vera’s case) the answer is an unequivocal yes was the result of her talent, artistic vision, and long commitment to her audience.

But it is also the result of the complex social legacies of the war.

Her “Ultimate Collection” album rightly includes Dame Vera’s most iconic songs of the war: We’ll Meet Again, Yours, The White Cliffs of Dover. But the album’s other wartime hits – That Lovely Weekend, Goodnight Children, Everywhere, and others – tell a fuller story.

When you listen to the album, look past the icon to the heartfelt performer making thoughtful, and sometimes controversial, choices.

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10 - 27 MARCH

BY DEVON WILLIAMSON

Give-away

Competition Be in to win tickets for the Opening Night!!

Email to: inlaws.comp@gmail.com

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Annie's in-laws are outlaws... and her motherin-law has hired a mad group of assassins to kill her! How will Annie outwit the best of the Italian, Russian and Irish contract killers?

Outrageous, laugh out loud comedy!

Conforming Non-Conformists Ah, Gentle Reader, it does one’s heart good to see amongst the rainbow of black hues that surround each and every one of us, the daring few who step outside the less than imaginative current norm that has created the concept of the Black Nation. There is certainly a place for black, shoes in particular, dress trousers, socks and, if one understands the nomenclature correctly the “LBD” for those who can wear them, let alone anything else that might occur to one.

However, this gentleman is rather a fan of brighter colours, especially red, as in uniform tunics or combat t-shirts, but also the rest of the colour wheel as well.

There is something oddly Orwellian about a crowd of people in unconsciously uniform garb; picture penguins waddling with purpose for the ocean, then intersperse them with gentlemen escaping offices – the parallel is frightening if you accept the penguins will be consuming fish, whilst he gentlemen may well be consuming sushi – almost nothing alike at all. One feels the need to applaud those courageous souls who wear brightly coloured ties or waistcoats, bright jackets or scarves, silks, satins, wool-blends, cottons or anything that breaks the mould and declares them as independent individuals: certainly not numbers, but free, and capable of choosing to conform if they wish. Or not, as the case may be.

Whatever the case may be, one heartily approves of non-conformity, for from non-conformity have come amazing things like social conscience, environmental awareness, art, music, dance, theatre, religions both great and small, freedom; all things we often take for granted, and all things that start with that first rebellious soul that wants to either be different, or more importantly, to make a difference to their community.

Very much a case of think globally, act locally.

It is humorous to consider that as a people, we New Zealanders, Kiwis if you will, often think of ourselves as mavericks, and yet we can so often fight tooth and nail to remain “part of the herd” – it starts early, too. There is something quite liberating to being the square peg with no interest in fitting the round, triangular or otherwise-sided hole. To being so obviously different that people in the street either cannot take their eyes from you, or instantly avert their gaze to avoid the possibility of infection with dangerous ideas – of course by then it is just too late, so best would be to roll with the outlandishness and see what amazing new experiences you fetch up in.

Perhaps this is why so many of us join clubs of similarly difficult folk … so we can be part of a different herd.

And now that the year has turned, we really must get together for a coffee next time you are down this way!

So, Gentle Reader, let one exhort you in the strongest terms to be daring, to be different, to take that all-important calculated risk, to take that first step along the way to non-conformity; for that way lies not madness, but the possibility for creative greatness. Or perhaps just a good deal of FUN!

Humbly Yours

By Chris Packer

Humble Gifts & Collectible was established many years ago around the principles of recycling, restoring, and reinventing and it has always been a pleasure to meet people who are taking this philosophy to heart, like the present trend to restore old caravans back to their original state and to then enjoy family holidays in them.

Today such a family bought retro dining ware and a tablecloth to set the meals in their caravan. Mum found old scales to use when baking (pounds and ounces on the dial but as she said “a quick search on Google will give the conversion to kilos and grams”). Ha-ha modern technology helps out.

At times Humble finds broken items of furniture that get snapped up by someone who sees how they can be restyled and reused. A set of turned kauri table legs went to such a person recently and I’m waiting to see photos of what they created. At present two huge legs of carved mahogany are waiting in the shop for someone to be inspired into making a spectacularly decorative item.

One remains, as ever, Your Most Obedient Servant, Major Blunder, Officer Commanding Fifth Waikato Dragoons Regiment Northern Command, Alf’s Imperial Army Humour in Uniform.

Phone 07 855 3851, email alfs@hnpl.net, www.alfsarmy. hnpl.net

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On my travels throughout NZ I have met wonderfully creative and joyfully quirky people producing unique recycled art and crafts, like the Steam Punk couple in the South Island combining old copper plumbing and vintage china to produce large decorative pieces.

And the mother and son team creating colour and fun in elevated art forms made from whatever they find.

Recently, on my day off from the shop, I enrolled in a class for reinventing jewellery items from recycled goods. The tutor Connie Takarangi also creates costume design from recycled clothing. It was a very inspirational and fun morning.

Humble is considering running some workshops during the winter months. I’d like to know your thoughts and ideas for this new venture.

Humble Gifts & Collectibles (the little shop in the corner of Cafe Fresca garden), 78 Alison Street, Hamilton Lake. Phone 0210 2334 7606. Open WedSun 10-4 and Thursday until 6pm when Cafe Fresca is open late. Follow us on FACEBOOK.

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20 21 COMING OUT OF THE DARK

In challenging times, we turn to music for comfort and hope. It’s more than just an escape; we recognise the need to illuminate the darkness and pierce the silence with beauty. Our 2021 season embraces the night, and the gifts it brings. The lullabies and dreams, the thrills of nightlife and trickery of shadows, the heaviness of what has been and hope for a new day.

YOUR HAMILTON SEASON: Transfigured Night 10 March Nocturnes 10 April Quartet for the End of Time 27 June Fantasy & Romance 2 August Another Night in Vienna 7 September All concerts take place at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts

For more information or to book, call us on 0800 CONCERT (266 237) or visit chambermusic.co.nz

Core Funder