The Weekend Lifestyler, April 21st, 2023

THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY MEDIA, A PRIVATELY OWNED NORTHLAND COMPANY.

Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz

Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville

Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 deb.wright@integrity.nz

Journalists: Ann van Engelen | Liz Clark

Advertising: Ruth Webb 027 525 9172

Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey Hansen | Liz Clark

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7,780 copies, distributed on Friday to every residential and rural home throughout the district including Whangārei, One Tree Point, Ruakākā, Waipū, Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Wellsford.

A commercial experience

 by Ann van Engelen

Growing up in Tuvalu, close to Fiji, George Esela has been involved with fishing his whole life and can often be found launching his small boat from the One Tree Point boat ramp to harvest in his commercial catch.

“I originally came to New Zealand to be with my grandad, who is from Tokelau,” says George.

“My wife Joane and I moved to Ruakākā two years ago with our children, and we love it here. I am a contractor in Auckland installing fire sprinklers, and I also have my commercial fishing licence.”

George can often be found launching his small boat from his Nissan X-Trail at One Tree Point.

“The main fish I net for is piper or garfish. There are strict rules we need to abide by as commercial fishermen. Some people think I am not meant to be using my net as they think it is too big, but it is OK. I work within the law of my commercial licence.

“I love being on the water, catching fish to feed people. When I wasn’t

recommend. Even if you think you are safe, you never know when you may break down or something goes wrong, and you need help.

“I have a quota of fish I can catch, and every time I go out, my permit is with me and I carry a GPRS global positioning system tracker and my phone with the eCatch app in a waterproof bag for recording my details. The fish goes to market in Whangārei, where it is weighed and sold.

“It is good to keep an eye on who else is fishing too and what’s going on in the water. It’s one way to keep people safe. You should always check the weather and tides in advance and ensure everyone on your boat wears a lifejacket.

commercial, I often gave food away to my neighbours and other people to ensure they had food. That is an important part of life, but my commercial catch goes into the market.

“You need to check your boat has enough fuel before going out and ensure you keep up the services, especially before summer. Being a coastguard member is also something I highly

“At One Tree Point, it is important to know that some of the currents close to the boat ramp can be bad. They get very strong on the outgoing tide because the channel is close to the boat ramp, so you must keep an eye on people, especially the children and elderly.

“Joane and I often go out together and have fun on the water with our children and teach them as well. We love the area, it is lovely and quiet, and we have great neighbours. It is a great community here.”

 Growing up in Tuvalu gave George the opportunity to learn to fish from a young age

“The main fish I net for is piper or garfish”

Preparing for Sky Tower climb

 by Ann van Engelen

It’s that time of year again where firefighters are out training for the annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge raising funds for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

La Nonna Cafe manager at Ruakākā Rahul Gupta, aka Roy, is representing the Ruakākā Volunteer Fire Brigade.

“This is the first time I am attempting the challenge, and I am the only participant from our brigade this year and proud to represent our team,” says Rahul.

“I love my bakery job and interacting with customers and meeting new people. I am really passionate about my work and love living in the area.”

Rahul joined the Ruakākā brigade for almost four years.

“I joined the brigade because I was motivated by watching what firefighters do on television, and I wanted to support the local community. A very good friend in the brigade invited me to a Monday night training session to see what they do and introduced me to the station. I enjoyed it so much that I went back the following Monday to sign up.

“Where I come from, no one was a firefighter, and becoming a volunteer firefighter was the best decision I ever made. In a couple of months, I will be doing the Qualified Firefighter Course as a stepping stone in my career.

“The local teams are awesome to work with. Every call-out and fire is different, meaning you never know what you are going to attend so the bond we form with our co-workers is important. The brigade is like a big

family. It is amazing, and I am very lucky to have built wonderful friendships and get to help our community with other passionate people.

“I am excited to help raise funds and awareness for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand. Every day people in New Zealand are being diagnosed with various cancers, and blood cancer receives very little government funding.”

So far, Rahul has raised more than $4,000 for the cause.

“The event is the brainchild of Tony Scott, who has been part of both Northland and Auckland Airport Fire Rescue Service since 1988. The Sky Tower is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and has 51 flights of stairs and 1,103 steps in total to climb up the 328 metres.

“It’s a race to the top while wearing full firefighting gear, including breathing apparatus, the same as we wear into a structure fire. I hope to raise a couple more thousand dollars to help the cause.

“It is a very special day, and people often have a personal reason for signing up to the event, whether it be to support a friend or family member or in memory of someone who has passed. We appreciate every dollar people can give to support us.”

To sponsor Rahul, go to firefighterschallenge.org.nz/ rahul-gupta. ¢

Such as troublesome bleeding; menopause concerns; abnormal smears; pelvic pain; pain or irritation ‘down there’; fertility issues; non–surgery options for prolapse and bladder problems. Many of the common problems can be treated with simple minor procedures done either at the clinic or at Kensington Hospital.

The emphasis at the clinic is on making sure women have as much information as possible about their own health on which to base their decisions as to the type of treatment that is best for them.

Dr. Rachel Moss, the specialist gynaecologist, can see you to make a thorough gynaecological assessment and discuss options for treatment.

A GP referral can be helpful but is not essential.

 Rahul in his firefighter’s uniform at the Ruakākā Volunteer Fire Brigade

Horses and riders show skill

u by Ann van Engelen

The Wellsford District Pony Club members showed their equine skills at the recent Waitamata Rodney Area Pony Club Interclub Team Show Jumping competition.

“The Wellsford District Pony Club connects Hakaru and Albertland pony clubs,” says Wellsford District commissioner Jo Bullock.

“We sent three teams to compete in the 65cm, 80cm and 95cm jump competitions at Kaukapakapa, with around 10 districts competing. It was a well-run competition, and our riders did fantastically. They were lots of fun, and it was a supportive day even for those who didn’t get great results.

“A lot of work goes into competing with horses — it takes weeks, months and years to prepare. You have to ride regularly to train a horse or pony and develop the relationship between horse

and rider. The good thing about pony clubs is the support you receive. It’s one thing to be riding at home and another to be out in the competitive field.

“This was the first event since Covid, and we had a draft rider too. The 65cm class were all under 13 years old. The 80cm class were 15 years and under, while our 95cm class our riders were 10 and 12 years old and a 21-year-old.

“My daughter, Abi Lonergan, did particularly well and got Overall Champion rider in the 95cm and Champion Reserve equal in the 80cm ring, and our team were second-best overall. They won the 80cm team in the

An extra COVID-19

overall team’s event and the 95cm as well. It was a real team effort across the riders who contributed, and everyone had individual placings as well.

“Some have ridden most of their lives, while others have only been riding for a year or two. We had some girls experience their first show, which was very special because competing gives them goals and something to progress toward. As you go up the heights, your relationship with your horse improves as well.

“When you compete, you are on display and the only one jumping in the ring. So you have to deal with nerves, anxiety and other things to do the best

for your horse, team and pony club. Riders also learn to support others and encourage each other.

“We are coming to the end of the main season as we head into winter, and the competition was a good high point to start to wind down on. The parents and supporters on the day were amazing as well.

“Sometimes at competitions, people are out for themselves, but this one was all about team spirit and having fun. Wellsford District did themselves proud in so many senses, including how the kids conducted themselves as well as the supporters. Team spirit was alive and well, and we are proud of that.” ¢

p The 95cm (24 years and under) team Rebekah Chandler Bruce, Abi Lonergan (overall champion) and Cooper Lonergan

p The 65cm (13 years and under) team Ayla England, Indie McGregor, Erika Savage-Serrano and Ruby Weatherall

Teaching children to fish

u by Ann van Engelen

The Waipū Boat and Fishing Club is excited to present its annual Take a Kid Fishing event this Sunday, April 23.

“The first event was held in 1993 with 60 children fishing, and we are excited to celebrate 30 years of giving children the experience of fishing,” says club secretary Linda Glibbery.

“Take a Kid Fishing was a promotion of the New Zealand Future Fisherman Foundation, a charitable organisation set up to involve children in the sport of fishing.

“A number of newspaper articles of the day reported on how the Waipū Boating and Fishing Club hoped the event would be held annually.

“Although the foundation may no longer exist, here we are continuing to encourage the next generation to take up the sport. It’s a fun time for children up to 13 years old to try their luck catching fish from the pontoon and around the clubhouse area alongside the Waipū River.

“There’s a chance for both girls and boys to catch the biggest sprat and the biggest fish with activities and special prizes along the way. We are grateful to our major sponsor, Saltwater Connection Whangārei. They are extremely supportive of helping children with their fishing journey and every child will receive a goodie bag.

“The children have so much fun. The excitement when they catch a fish

is through the roof. It is so enjoyable seeing them come up to the club official to show their fish and run back down to release it and try again for another. Last year, one little girl Pippa Harding was back and forth all day in her gumboots.

“We couldn’t do it without the support of parents, grandparents and extended whānau who do so much to help the children have a wonderful day. There’s nothing like the beaming smiles and joy on a child’s face when they catch

a fish for the first time. It’s also fun to watch competitiveness amongst friends and siblings. It is due to the late Terry Jarrett that a record of our club’s history from 1990–1995 remains today, filled with photographs, club news, and newspaper articles.

“Thanks to those records, I was able to read the news articles reporting on the 1993 Take a Kid Fishing event. The club’s coordinator of the inaugural event and key to its success on the day

was the late Peter Gerulaitis, another life member.

“The event is at the Waipū River pontoon, and area around the club house this Sunday, April 23 at 100 Nova Scotia Drive from 11am–3pm. There will be club members on hand to help with baiting and technique to help everyone try to catch a fish. There is a $2 registration fee per child, which includes a sausage sizzle, ice block, a drink and goodie bag to take away.” ¢

p The Waipū Boating and Fishing Club has held the Take a Kid Fishing event for 30 years

Avoiding the demolition crew

u by Liz Clark

How often has a gardener gone outside hoping the newly planted seedlings for the winter vegetables haven’t been shredded out of existence by shelled nasties?

Probably, too often. In the autumn the first ones out to shred the garden are the slugs and snails. It’s never a happy result when one goes out to the garden and finds everything ground down to nothing more than tiny green stumps and little else left to save. So it’s back to replacing and replanting with the bait down and hoping for the best. However, not everyone wants to use the standard slug and snail bait. A non-toxic alternative bait is available for those with pets and children or using an organic approach.

Then, there are other methods to keep the shelled enemy away from the defended seedlings, such as coffee grinds. We have tried this method in the past and surprisingly, it worked. The trick is to keep the supply topped up around the plants but it’s not 100% infallible. Others swear by egg shells, beer traps, wool, sawdust and salt. Salt, while effective, can also kill your plants if overused. One of the most effective controls is going out at night with a torch and removing slugs and snails by hand. If done regularly, the snail and slug population is reduced significantly in a relatively short period. White butterflies are another bane. Of course, they head straight for the brassicas and lay their eggs on the leaves. Next, an army of little green monsters is steadily munching its

way through the broccoli, cabbages and cauliflowers. Commercially prepared insecticides are available to deal with the caterpillars. With the movement towards more eco-friendly alternatives, neem oil is a natural solution to controlling these pests. Always spray at night to avoid killing beneficial insects such as bees and other pollinators. Alternatively, hand control methods can also be effective. If you have older children, employ them to catch the caterpillars. Backyard chickens soon make short work of the wriggling nuisances. Squashing the eggs on the leaves also helps reduce the infestation rate.

Lastly, shield bugs, those awful green creatures sucking the life out of the sunflowers and other plants, are challenging to eliminate. Many swear by the dishwashing liquid and water method to rid the garden of these persistent bugs.

However, it can also cause problems with leaf damage and fungal disease. Hand removal is again the most effective. Wear gloves to avoid the strong smell shield bugs produce when handled. Have catch-a-bug time with the family. It’s fun, and it keeps those nasties at bay.

For more solutions, look online for suggestions and tips you can utilise to keep garden pests under control.

The giant named after an engineer

 by Liz Clark

Back in the late-1930s, the Brynderwyn deviation was constructed under the supervision of civil engineer Roland Harry Packwood (1892–1972) the district engineer for the Public Works Department on the project which took around two years to complete.

He had been engineer-in-charge of the first dam of the Waitaki hydroelectric project, which opened in 1934. During the first world war, he saw active service with the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company, and then in the Middle East and India in the second world war.

He was awarded an OBE (Military) in 1942 for his services and the rank of colonel when he retired from the army. Later, he was appointed the PWD District Commissioner of Works in Auckland. Packwood passed away in 1972 while living in London.

Two kilometres past the Piroa bridge on the right, a sizeable mature kauri had been left teetering in a precarious position after the Brynderwyn road completion.

At the time of its official opening in September 1938, a suggestion was made that the tree should be named the Packwood Kauri in recognition of Roland’s achievements. In 1940, the name was made official.

However, with continuous slips undermining its roots, by 1946 the landmark tree was in danger of falling. Guide wires had been attached to its truck to prevent its tumble on to the road below. The kauri was on an exposed bluff without the required

 The Packwood Kauri was a landmark on the Brynderwyns until 1965

shelter to prevent its eventual demise.

In 1965, the Ministry of Works decided to have the tree removed before it posed a danger to passing traffic. A correspondent at the time reported:

‘The tree was felled because it was considered dangerous.

‘As had been expected, the trunk was partially hollow. Its age is estimated at between 400 and 500 years.’ The felled

trunk was taken to the Waipu-based mill owned at the time by Jack Barrott and its wood later used in the vessel Callisto, which is still on the water today as a launch. ¢

Garden addition ideas

 by Amy Fifita

Weather permitting now might be a great opportunity to get out into your garden or outdoor spaces and make them shine.

There are various benefits of heading outside to spruce up your property. One is that you can catch some vitamin D in the sunlight. It is also physical activity, but instead of hiking, you get to improve your outdoor area.

A quick tidy-up will give you a fresh slate to build on. Assess where you want to make upgrades and what works best for you. Add the details that you have always aspired to, like a birdbath. Making small additions like that promotes wildlife in your area. You may enjoy watching the birds bathe because sometimes it is the small things that can optimise your happiness.

Have a clear plan about what you want your garden or patio to look like, and then move from there. Do you want to clear an area for a relaxation space? Winter is coming up, so think about shelters and firepits to keep warm and dry.

Maybe you want to make an artificial pond to put in fish or other aquatic animals. You could either get a professional to do it or you could get stuck in and do it yourself. Look for plans online and talk to an expert and

the council before you begin — you don’t want to dig into water pipes or other underground infrastructure.

For something less energetic, you could add some garden ornaments after clearing the garden. You can look online, go to your local garden centre or even pick something up from garage sales or local artisans who make outdoor art.

You could even make your own if you enjoy sculpting, and it might be fun to get your children or grandchildren involved. Repurpose old flower pots to paint and add items to them or paint pebbles and hide them in the garden for the children to find.

If you have children, you could build a hut, or buy one, and decorate it with them. It can be a fun haunt for them to play, draw or hide in. Another idea is to have a sheltered sandpit — they can have fun outdoors and remain dry.

Simple things like planting seasonal flowers can make your garden more attractive or if you want to cut the cost of your food, plant a vegetable garden. Add a splash of colour from a vibrantly decorative plant pot or art pieces. If you want a garden path, make a mosaic path

or use coloured concrete to lead to some of your favourite garden spots. Whatever you decide, by the time you have finished, you can enjoy the

improvements you have made. The additions will add to the memory bank of fun-loving time with you and your family. ¢

 Mosaic art could add some vibrancy to your garden if you want to add some colour

Open your ears to the music

 by Andy Bryenton

Some wish to create an oasis of tranquillity to listen to their old favourites, while others want to push audio fidelity to the outer edges of what’s possible with technology.

Yet others have the need for a room where they can make music of their own and want that room to be a haven away from the background noise of the outside world. No matter what you want out of a listening room, the concept is a hot one right now, with modern interior design embracing a kind of indoor space not truly appreciated since the term ‘chamber music’ was coined in the 1700s.

Back then, stately homes had special rooms for listening to the harpsichord, string quartet, violin and that new invention, the piano. Nowadays, even modest suburban homes often come with a multi-purpose ‘office space’; the new trend is to turn this into a room for appreciating what they’re calling ‘curated sound’. The theory is that all of the disorganised noise of the modern world is stressful.

Switching it all off to be in the moment, listening to something beautifully composed drops those cortisol levels and feels like a refreshing break.

The simplest way to create a listening room is to use thick insulation inside the walls, install a door that’s similarly not hollow, and install a good quality

sound system and a comfy array of seating. Do away with anything that could rattle or vibrate when the music gets loud; the purpose of such a room is to immerse oneself in the many tones and frequencies of your favourite artists. That often means hanging artwork differently by bolting it firmly to the walls and forgoing end-table clutter. Very serious listening room builders will even have minimal windows, as large areas of glass can resonate, like the back window of a souped-up car with a big bass speaker inside.

Selecting the right sound system is an art in itself, and the sky is the limit when it comes to absolute audio fidelity. For some, this means building the kind of speakers that would have graced the studios of their favourite bands at the time of recording. Imitations of the beautiful warm, rich sound the Beatles would have enjoyed at Abbey Road, for example. Others may wish to capture the acoustic tone of traditional instruments with speakers crafted from fine wood. There’s a whole hobby and industry to unpack here; suffice it to say that expert advice will be needed for those looking to push the boundaries of sound.

Dig, Grade, Roll

The size and shape of the room can be important enough, acoustically, that some audiophiles want to start from scratch, setting up just the right space to create a harmonic resonance. There are some nest tools available at jhbrandt. net/resources; these guys know sound and are willing to share the tools they use to craft superb audio spaces.

Then again, for most listening room users, it’s all about comfort and having a space to ‘be present’ while enjoying the full power of an artist’s musical vision. For this kind of listening room, the perfect decor is muted yet personalised, with big, comfy chairs and an unobtrusive little bar fridge for snacks and refreshments.  ¢

 The all-encompassing noise of modern life is switched off, and your favourite artists come to life within the calm space of a listening room

Unique companions at farmstay

u by Ann van Engelen

Based in the hills near Waipū, Pav and Mark Stacey delight in sharing the experience of interacting with their herd of alpaca with visitors to their farm stay.

“Mark and I have ten male and nine female alpacas,” says Pav.

“I was born in England and came to New Zealand in 1996 to start a new life because when I was young, I decided I didn’t like England. I lived in West Auckland and fell in love with the bush. It was wonderful — I thought it was magic.

“I have always loved animals and dreamt of being a vet when I was young. When we did biology at school, we had to put a knife through a dead frog, and I realised being a vet wasn’t going to happen. I couldn’t cut the frog even though it was dead, so I gave up the thought.”

bush, so there was no question of having them, but I couldn’t get them out of my mind.

“In June 2003, Mark suggested I join the Alpaca Association thinking I’d get them out of my system, but I didn’t. By January 2004, I had visited some alpaca farms in Christchurch and bought my

“Mark and I married in 2001. I wasn’t looking for a partner when we met through an adventure club. I worked as a computer software sales representative and had clients in the farming business. Myself and a colleague went to the Fieldays to catch up with clients and look for prospects when I saw some alpacas on display, and it was love at first sight.

Pav then decided she’d like a small holding with animals but never thought it would be possible, but now has Kandiah Alpacas and Farm Stay.

“Alpaca originate in South America, mainly Peru. They are gentle, intelligent and easy to handle, each with its own personality. When I saw them at the Fieldays we only had a quarter-acre

first pregnant female, paying for it to be looked after.

“Initially thinking I was going to have a few for my retirement, I purchased two more, but my herd grew, including having babies. We still had no land because Auckland was out of our price range, and we were paying for other people to care for them, so we decided to look at land

I have always loved animals and dreamt of being a vet when I was young”

p Mark and Pav Stacey have 19 alpaca on the farmstay property based in the hills at Waipū

in Ngunguru and stopped at Waipū for a coffee and liked the town.

“We started considering Waipū, and this property popped up for sale as bare land. It had everything we wanted — paddocks, pasture, privacy and bush. Mark wanted to build a house based on passive solar, so we put the barn up first, and I moved into it with our 13 animals that winter.

“I had never been a farmer, so attended workshops on animal care, and suddenly I was doing things like giving their annual vaccinations and drenches for internal parasites. Mark still had his business in Auckland and would come up for three to four days a week. He built the house using timbercrete in the blocks, and it’s wonderfully cool in summer and warm in winter.

“Eventually, I started selling some animals, but I stressed and worried about them, so I began selling locally, so I could check on them. They are actually very low care and would return annually for shearing, mid-year drenches

and toenail clipping. I then began a bed and breakfast alpaca experience. Mark thought it wouldn’t work, being 12km to the beach, up a gravel road and steep driveway, but I said, ‘we have alpacas — people love them’. I built my Kandiah Alpaca website and advertised in tourism, and people came from places like America, Europe, Japan, Canada and Korea. Mark had to bite his words as it was successful.

“Our guests loved the photo opportunities, and it was amazing hearing their tales of world travel. At the time, I belonged to an alpaca breeder group, and we’d meet monthly and share our knowledge. One day we met at a house in Ngunguru, and each took an alpaca beach walking. It was fantastic, and later, I decided to offer people the opportunity at Uretiti Beach. People went crazy and loved the experience.

“It was fabulous back then. The beach was empty of people, but unfortunately, about two years ago, the beach got busy, and we had to stop. We were concerned

if a dog ran up to the alpaca, they would run from fright, and we’d never catch them, and kids on bikes would get too close as they never understood animals could scare.”

Covid also hit, and people couldn’t travel, so Pav started farm stays with Kiwis visiting.

“We do farm tours, and people also see Mark’s electric and steam cars, which are his passion. He has a 1922 Stanley Steamer from America, which he is working on getting it going properly.

“We do a full bush walk, and Mark talks about the native trees and their uses. We feed the alpaca, share our animal knowledge and show people what fleece looks like straight off the animal. People don’t realise they carry exquisite fibre. Once shorn, we send the fleece to Auckland to be washed and carded. It is a valuable item that hand spinners love. I also felt the fleece on to pure silk fabric and make scarves.

“Alpaca are a herd animal and stick together. They don’t like being separated,

and each has a very independent personality. They are very curious. We went into a paddock with a post hole borer to dig a hole once and thought they’d be terrified, but suddenly, the herd gathered with a look of ‘what are you doing?’

“If they see a bucket, they come screaming around with a look of ‘that must be food’, even if it’s tools. They love watching people and stick their heads up to look inside the house if there’s movement.

“When they walk past the house and see themselves in the windows, they stop, and it’s like they are saying, ‘oh, my goodness, an alpaca’.

“People can find out more at kandiah. co.nz. It’s a great place for a getaway, even if you are local. Being with alpacas is a calming experience. We offer free tours for special needs children. They love interacting with the alpaca, and the elderly do too. The animals seem to sense that they are more vulnerable and treat them accordingly. It’s just lovely. ¢

“Our guests loved the photo opportunities, and it was amazing hearing their tales of world travel”

p The alpacas were often seen walking with guests along Uretiti Beach

p Pav processes her alpaca fibre into felt on silk fabric to create scarves

p Originating in South America, alpacas are herd animals that like to stick together

Raising Gumboot Friday awareness

u by Ann van Engelen

The team at Four Square Marsden Cove was integral in hosting Mike King and the Gumboot Friday Due Drop Foundation challenge team last week, raising awareness of Gumboot Friday.

“The Due Drop Challenge team kicked off on April 11,” says duty manager Shannon Brown.

“It is a run, cycle and swim challenge — one step, one arm stroke, one conversation at a time. Mike contacted us and explained that he and his team were starting the Due Drop Challenge at Cape Reinga and going down the east coast all the way to parliament. They are raising awareness of Gumboot Friday and The Hope Walk while fundraising to continue providing free counselling for our youth.

“Our store owner Murali opened up the space here for Mike. They had to postpone the challenge due to the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, and it’s great to see them underway now. Myself and my sister Jewel heard of Mike through our mum. We lost our brother to suicide and have been following Mike’s work for five years now because of the hope he brings for mental illness and suicide awareness. To us, this is important mahi, and his journey is important.

“His team are passionate Kiwis, including some well-known former athletes who are participating in a gruelling physical and mental challenge. It was amazing to see them here, hear their stories, and share the experiences they have had.

“Mike’s group swam from Whangārei Heads to One Tree Point, and they had a lifeguard following them. He towed them part of the last section as they weren’t moving forward due to the current, but

they swam into the marina. We were a bit in shock to see how far they had come since starting at Cape Reinga on Monday.

“It was amazing. When he got out of the water, he was overwhelmed to see how much support he has here. It was beautiful to be a part of this historic moment.

“We had the sausage sizzle, and he gifted us some of his children’s books, TR & Mack. The story helps children to cope with feelings. It was phenomenal to meet the team in person.

“What they are doing is phenomenal, and we really thank Mike for his time, energy, love and support. He has a fantastic team supporting him, his cause, determination and passion. They are like a big family. He explained he only started swimming one year, he was scared of the water, and one of his bucket list dreams was to swim from Paihia to Russell, and he did that last week on his 61st birthday.

“What he does makes a huge difference in so many people’s lives. He talks to everybody and anybody of all colours, ages and backgrounds. We will be talking about his visit for some time to come. We hope to see him again in the future.”

To donate, go to hopechallenge. co.nz. Track Mike and the team at hopechallenge.co.nz, follow the Gumboot Friday Facebook page or @duedrophopechallenge for @ gumbootfriday with @iamhope_ nz Instagram. ¢

VEHICLES | TRACTORS | CARAVANS | DIGGERS | BOATS | TRUCKS

Mention: WEEKEND LIFESTYLER

p Marsden Four Square team with Mike King — Joshua Henare, Jewel Henare, Mike, Shannon Brown, Chevy Harris, store owner Murali Krishnamurthi and Bradley Taylor

p The team’s lifeguard was on hand for the swim from Whangārei Heads to One Tree Point

“What he does makes a huge difference in so many people’s lives”

36 Boggy ground (4)

37 Ninth Greek letter; jot (4) 42 Internally coated (5) 43 Hypersensitive (8)

Dried grape (6)

In muscatel (anag)

Kick out (4)

Highlander’s pouch

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Develop, 4 Circuitous, 9 Crushed, 13 Rice, 14 Retain, 15 Shabby, 16 Strayed, 19 Enthusiasm, 20 Retracts, 21 Tufts, 24 Choked, 25 Satire, 27 Spherical, 32 Euphoric, 33 Appeal, 34 Piccolo, 38 Diatribe, 39 Pierce, 40 Earl, 41 Avoid, 42 Digit, 45 As safe as houses, 52 Ingot, 55 Space, 56 Jeer, 57 Oblige, 58 Executed, 61 Vitriol, 62 Oddity, 63 Numbered, 66 Glorified, 68 Mishap, 69 Astute, 73 Ferns, 74 Distract, 76 Mechanical, 81 Flouted, 82 Exiled, 83 Iguana, 84 Sign, 85 Swedish, 86 Answerable, 87 Enhance. DOWN: 1 Dirge, 2 Vocation, 3 Precis, 4 Coats, 5 Rung, 6 Upsurge, 7 Traits, 8 Umbra, 10 Rota, 11 Spatula, 12 Elects, 17 Bureaucrat, 18 Steer, 22 Mischief, 23 Timid, 24 Crowded, 26 Airy, 28 Plateau, 29 Phobia, 30 Speech, 31 Albino, 33 Aorta, 35 Coven, 36 Fang, 37 Urge, 43 Impair, 44 Incur, 46 Shed, 47 Abridge, 48 Erotic, 49 Salty, 50 Organist, 51 Sextet, 52 Increasing, 53 Gate, 54 Tadpole, 59 Hoard, 60 Emma, 64 Affix, 65 Junction, 67 Languid, 68 Matador, 70 Yellow, 71 Sallow, 72 Chance, 75 Toxin, 77 Elude, 78 Lance, 79 Pets, 80 Limb.

and five down. More than one solution may be possible.

VISIT US

TAKE TIME OUT

THE GALLERY

The Gallery has a wide-ranging collection of art by established and emerging New Zealand artists, many of which are Northland based – this includes contemporary Maori and Pacific artists. There is an outstanding selection of paintings, wood art, handmade furniture, sculpture, jewellery, glass and ceramics. Our catalogue changes frequently, so please make an enquiry and we’ll confirm with you.

GALLERY HOURS: OPEN SEVEN DAYS, 10AM TO 5PM

CONTACT PETER 09 433 9616 | PETE@GALLERYHELENABAY.CO.NZ

THE CAFE

Discover the Cafe on Helena Bay Hill, along the Secret Coast Route. We’re ready to serve fair-trade coffee and tempting homemade goodies from our cabinet or delicious meals from our menu. Relax in the ambiance of spectacular ocean and bush views and a warm atmosphere with the camaraderie of attentive and personable staff. It’s not just another cafe, it’s an experience!

OPENING HOURS:

MONDAY - SUNDAY OPEN FROM 10AM KITCHEN OPERATES UNTIL 3PM

CONTACT JANET 09 433 9934 | HELENABAYCAFE@GMAIL.COM

THE GARDENS

One of the highlights of a visit to the Gallery and Cafe Helena Bay Hill is the beautiful garden setting. You are welcome to wander and relax in the garden during your visit. You’ll find many sculptures placed among the subtropical plantings, giving inspiration for your own landscaping ideas.

1392 Old Russell Road, RD4 Hikurangi