The Weekend Lifestyler, April 28th, 2023

Genealogy group thriving

u by Ann van Engelen

The Mangawhai Genealogy group prides itself on keeping the history of local people and their families alive for current and future generations.

“The group meets at the Mangawhai Museum on the third Thursday of every month from 10.30am–noon,” says group member Janis Speer.

“The monthly genealogy meeting is for anybody. We often have people new to the area come along to do their family history. We know the places to look for the best information, so when people ask for help, we can point them in the right direction.

“Louise Taylor began the group. She belonged to the Wellsford genealogy group, and we were keen to set one up here to cut down our travel when I first got involved with the museum 12 years ago. I was involved with collections and digitising the old photographs as we

they are young rather than let them discover an untruth later in life.”

Louise has been interested in genealogy since she retired and moved to Mangawhai.

“I wondered what I was going to do with myself, so I started looking into my father’s family history as his father died at age 26, when dad was a baby,” says Louise.

“We now have 41 volunteers, and at the meetings, someone usually comes in with a problem or to discuss what they have been doing. I help gather people together so they can share their experiences. We help with what websites to go to and how to start a family tree and discover your whakapapa.

were transferring the information from the old museum onto the computer.

“Along the way, I became interested in creating family trees and researching the local early settlers’ genealogy. We check family and birth records, but sometimes incorrect information has been added, so you have to do your homework. Also, at times, people won’t add information if there is a scandal, such as an illegitimate child, so you have to go into research with your eyes open.

“It’s amazing what comes up. If I am helping someone, I let them make some discoveries themselves. Because of the shock at times, I think it would be far better if there is something unusual in your family to tell people the truth when

“It’s great knowing about the people who have gone before you and placing them in history. Sometimes you think, ‘my goodness is that what happened’. The detective work finds skeletons in the closet like bigamy, adoption and family secrets that can be very exciting. We had one girl who discovered she had Prussian ancestry. There’s no such place now, and she managed to find her relatives.

“Genealogy keeps us occupied and awake at night, considering where we can go next to find information. It’s all free, and we love sharing our knowledge so people can create their stories to pass on to their family. We have seen many lovely discoveries.” ¢

BY PROFESSIONALS IN YOUR COMMUNITY NOT “EXPERTS” ONLINE

p The Mangawhai genealogy group celebrating Ivan Urlich’s book of a Croatian gumdigger

“Genealogy keeps us occupied and awake at night”

A place for respite

u by Ann van Engelen

Elizabeth Becroft grew up near Tomarata and took on a farming career before returning to the area, offering respite care at her quiet country location using her ambulance officer skills.

“I believe we are here to help others and always wanted to look after the sick and disabled people,” says Elizabeth.

“Caring for people is what I like to do. I went nursing when I left school and then was an ambulance officer for 20 years. I managed thousands of cows as a sharemilker over the years, and now I have a variety of animals on my property.

“When I returned here, I looked after a friend for more than 10 years with 24hour care in my self-contained respite accommodation. I do home-made meals and transport them to appointments if necessary. They have a bedroom, lounge and dining area with a sliding glass door, so I can see them and don’t have to be in their space all the time.”

Elizabeth has a hospital bed, a lifter and other caregiving necessities on hand.

“My prices are affordable to help people. I look after clients to the level of care needed and have a nurse friend who can help if necessary. People can come for as long as necessary if

I have the space. Some people come for a couple of hours while their carers have a break, while others stay for longer periods.

“If the person has special needs that require my full attention, that is what they get. I play Andre Rieu music, which they love, and have activities on hand such as jumbo cards, colouring in and outings.

“After looking after my friend for 10 years, I thought there must be other

Leabourn Passenger Service is looking for School Bus Drivers to join our team based in Dargaville/Ruawai.

Are you looking for a the ideal part-time job?

As a school bus driver, you’ll build great relationships with your community and its young people, and have plenty of time every day to pursue other interests. As well, there is charter work available from time to time too.

We are a family business with an experienced team of drivers focused on our passengers. If you are a safe and reliable driver we want to hear from you.

A Class 2 license with a P Endorsement is desirable, however assistance to gain these qualifications may be available for suitable applicants.

If you are interested and would like to find out more please call Louise on 027 497 5842 or louise@leabourn.co.nz to discuss this vacancy.

people who needed the same service as I found respite hard to find for myself during that time. There wasn’t anyone in the community that I could leave her with for a day if I needed to have a break or get to my own appointments.

“I have cared for people with dementia, and we had a lot of fun. I’d bring my miniature pony in to see them, or we’d go outside and go for walks. They loved those stimulating times and always had a great day.

“People can contact me on 021 499 076 with any enquiries. I enjoy

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doing what I do for people of all ages. Some people come to convalesce after an operation, and I like helping the elderly too.

“To me, the older generation is just as important as the young. We often

p Elizabeth with her grandchildren James and Kane enjoying time with her pony

“To me, the older generation is just as important as the young”

Two artists combine

u by Ann van Engelen

Artists Elena Nikolaeva and Fleur Mitchell have joined forces to present a miscellany of work, combining the unusual and eccentric with colour and humour at their Chalk and Cheese exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery.

“It will bring a smile to the face of everyone who walks through the door,” says Mangawhai Artists chair Belinda Vernon.

“The two artists met many years ago as tutor and student and have since formed a warm friendship which is evident in their joint exhibition.”

Elena says Fleur is a very talented artist.

“We developed a nice creative harmony during lessons, and our art has similar vibrations. It reflects our vivid nature, optimism and humour. It made sense to exhibit together. Fleur has her own distinctive artistic style.

Her paintings are full of light. They are colourful and quirky in their own way.”

Elena is well-known for her unique, quirky sculptures created from found objects. This exhibition also includes photographs.

“I use different bits and pieces from the New Zealand environment — interesting driftwood pieces, leftovers from the building industry and various other found objects. I think our civilisation is very wasteful. We throw away a lot of good stuff. I try to give some of these neglected items a second life as a piece of art. I have fun blending, mixing and transforming elements of

the traditional arts with non-artistic materials to create quirky mixed media pieces. Some of them are freestanding sculptures, and some are wall pieces.

“For me, there are no strict borders between different forms of art. The main goal is to create a visual expression of my inner emotional state, and it usually involves a touch of humour. It’s a new direction for me, and I’m excited to show them to the public for the first time in my life.

“My intention is for my art to celebrate life and the joyful experience of living. This shows through my vibrant and playful paintings. Finding time to paint is always a challenge, so I find myself painting most evenings in the family lounge. My subject matter varies from

moments in nature, beautiful flowers and my beloved animal friends.

“I currently have a new theme where I’m exploring my ideas about the psyche and how we are affected by words, thoughts and intentions. Major influences vary on any given day, but Henri Matisse, Gabriele Munter, Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee are enduringly influential in my practice.

“My current medium of choice is acrylic on canvas, which is versatile and washes out of the lounge carpet if you move fast enough.”

Chalk and Cheese opens at 6pm Thursday, April 27, at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, 45 Moir Street, and is then open daily, 10am to 3pm until midday Wednesday, May 10 2023.

p Elena Nikolaeva (left) and Fleur Mitchell with their work

Trust announces donations

u by Ann van Engelen

The recent Mangawhai Walking Weekend has resulted in a $5,000 donation to the Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust, also known as the Mangawhai Trackies.

This year’s theme was beach, bush and beyond. The weekend showcased the very best of Mangawhai’s ocean, estuary, bush and wider hinterland.

“We are thrilled to make the donation to the Mangawhai Trackies reflecting the net proceeds from the Mangawhai Walking Weekend,” says Mangawhai Walking Weekend Charitable Trust chair Trish Whyte.

“The Trackies do outstanding work in and around Mangawhai, creating and maintaining a range of walking tracks for our enjoyment. These tracks enable us all to get out and about to enjoy the environment we are so lucky to live in.

“The Trackies worked long and hard hours in the aftermath of the various February weather events to ensure the tracks in the Tanekaha network could be included in the walking weekend. We are pleased to see the proceeds from the weekend support the work of the Trackies.

“The event was established by Jean Goldschmidt in 1999 to create business for bach owners to rent out

Spit were able to appreciate the wildlife and sand dunes

Adam Gaston their accommodation and bring people to Mangawhai. Jean was keen to get people out on the walking tracks in the area. In the early days, 700 people attended, and the opening mornings would see people doing stretches and warm-ups in preparation for the day. The walking weekend is now an established

annual event on the Mangawhai events calendar, attracting walkers from all over New Zealand. The funds raised help with maintenance and developing more tracks. The programme is a mix of old favourites and new experiences, with all walks focussing on sharing local knowledge. Joining the most

popular walks from previous years, the new Jurassic Walk explores a fascinating ancient limestone karst landscape inland from Waipū.”

A feature of the event is the number of walks that take place over privately owned land, enabling walkers to explore areas they otherwise would not be able to access.

“The donation will go towards the reconstruction of the popular Back Bay boardwalk, which was severely damaged as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle,” said chair of the Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust, Gordon Hosking.

“The project promises to be challenging and costly. We are very appreciative of this generous donation.”

Trish says the group is pleased to announce the 2024 Walking Weekend will take place on the weekend of March 23 and 24, 2024.

“Mark the dates in your diary now and keep your eyes peeled for the new walks we will be offering in 2024.

“They will be advised later in the year on our website mangawhaiwalking. co.nz.” ¢

p Walkers at Distal

Photo:

Beneath the boughs

u by Liz Clark

Bluebells are excellent for naturalising under the trees if you are looking for something different during bulb planting season.

These simple but attractive plants produce delicate flourishes of bell-like violet-blue flowers in spring, hence the common name. Scilla is also used to describe these flowering bulbs.

However, the common name is more favoured by nurseries. Two varieties are available in New Zealand from growers, namely English bluebells and the more commonly grown Spanish species. The Spanish variety is easier to grow in Kiwi gardens than its English counterpart.

Spanish bluebell varieties are available in a range of flowering colours, including pink, white, light and dark blue. This cultivar is the larger of the two species grown, with the flower stalks growing to a height of 30–40 centimetres. The bell-shaped flowers are prolific on each stalk and make perfect cut flowers. Ensure these are cut in the early morning rather than later in the day if used for indoor arrangements.

The English species is similar in appearance to the Spanish type. However, the flowers grow to a lower height, around 20–30 centimetres and lean to one side. These also have a sweet fragrance and bloom earlier than the other variety.

Bluebells thrive in sun and semi-shade, preferring moist, nutrient rich and welldrained soil conditions. They are ideal for planting under established trees and shrubs and can be left to naturalise as with daffodils and freesias.

If it’s a situation where clay is an issue, then build up the soil around the tree or shrub you intend to plant the bulbs beneath. Use a mixture of good-quality compost and potting soil to build up above the ground level. Ensure the tree trunk isn’t touched by the soil mix to prevent rot affecting the bark and cambium layer, which could result in its death.

The soil should be loosened to a depth of at least 15 centimetres. Plant the bulbs at 10 centimetres deep, pointed side up, spaced at 10–15 centimetres apart to allow for extra bulb development. Talk to your local nursery or garden centre specialist for more information. ¢

Barbers support fire brigade

u by Ann van Engelen

Local Ruakākā barbers, Jimmy from Jimmy’s BarberShop and Lome, the Villy Barber, gave Marsden Fit open day visitors the chance to have a haircut for a koha, donating the funds to the Ruakākā Volunteer Fire Brigade.

“Lome and I work together in the same building at 9 Takutai Place as individual barbers,” says Jimmy.

“I got a message from the owner of Marsden Fit asking if we’d like to be a part of the open day. She said we charge for cuts, but that didn’t feel right to us as it was a community event, so we thought it’d be a great chance to raise funds for a charity.

“We cut one of the firefighters, Bucky’s hair, and knowing that the volunteer brigades don’t get much government financial help, we decided to support the awesome service they provide. Being barbers, we are lucky to be in the position to be a part of these community events, and this was a great opportunity to give back.”

Lome and Jimmy raised $254 for the Ruakākā Volunteer Fire Brigade through their koha cuts, which they presented to firefighter Bucky Lewis.

“It was a great day, and we did cuts for a koha, with every penny going to the brigade. It felt good having a reasonable amount to donate. I have

been a barber for around 10 years and have been in Ruakākā for more than seven years.

“I haven’t always done barbering — it was a deliberate choice of career when we moved here. I deliberately chose something I thought I would enjoy, and would suit my personality. I guessed what it would look like, and it turned out just like I thought. It’s an easy-going community here, and having Lome work alongside me is great.

“I had advertised for someone who could keep the shop open for me over

the Christmas period, and he offered to do it. I am really grateful it worked out for both of us. It’s the first time I have had a second self-employed barber with me, and we get along really well. Lome brings a great vibe to the shop.

“We are enjoying supporting the fire brigade together too. Such groups need local support. Even with the upcoming Sky Tower Challenge that they are doing on Saturday, May 20, to raise funds for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand is impressive.

“Rahul from the local La Nonna Italian Bakery is representing the Ruakākā Brigade this year by himself, and that shows the type of attitude these guys have. He is a volunteer and is taking

time to train and then run up the Sky Tower stairs in full uniform. That shows the sense of fun and commitment the teams have, and that in itself deserves us backing them as communities.”

p Barbers Jimmy and Lome presenting their koha to Ruakākā firefighter Bucky Lewis

“We are enjoying supporting the fire brigade together too”

Before you do it yourself

u by Amy Fifita

If you are looking at getting work done on your house or some luxurious additions for the winter months, it’s time to call in the tradespeople.

Doing electrical, plumbing and garden work yourself can save money and provide a learning experience, but what happens when things go wrong?

Let’s face it; some jobs should be left to the professionals.

It gives you peace of mind too. Talk to an expert first and see what insurance, such as public liability and certificates they hold and what they and you are liable for. If they cannot provide proof, then,they could be untrained — avoid using them. You can also ask for references or if they have been put in front of a tribunal for poor workmanship or other issues.

Bringing a professional in would ensure the task is done safely, with the added benefit of it being done correctly. It saves the time you may have spent browsing multiple YouTube tutorials looking for the right fit for your situation. You will have a gauge of what you know you can do or have done before. Calling an expert opens up the possibilities.

If you are adding home comforts to your property with features such as a spa or jacuzzi, talk to your local specialist about options to suit your needs. A spa technician can safely get your warm water luxury running so you

and your family can enjoy it during winter.

The jobs you need done could be simple maintenance like having a new garage door installed to keep the leaves out and to secure your car and other stored items. Enlist the help of a garage door maintenance person who knows how to fit it properly.

Ensure that all electrical work completed is done by a certified electrician and that it has a safety certificate of compliance. Call a plumber to do major tasks such as refitting and laying pipes. The professionals will know all the necessary permits for the job at hand and are up to date with the current standards.

If you want some outdoor work done, a landscaper may know easier ways to achieve the vision or help you build on your ideas. The company will have an experienced team that works

well together and knows what should happen with specific tasks and when they should happen.

The professionals already have resources covered and know where to get quality materials at a reasonable price. Although, if you know a cheaper option, they may allow you to source the

products you want, specialised materials or items.

Tradespeople or workers can give you practical advice on how to maintain the item or feature. Once it is finished, you can enjoy your new home feature without the possible frustration of doing it yourself. ¢

p Bringing in someone with the know-how of performing certain tasks like wiring or installing your electronic garage door can help you avoid the mishaps of doing it yourself

FIREARMS LICENCE HOLDERS THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ‘THE ROAR’AND GAME BIRD SEASON

Information

from

Te Tari Pūreke - Firearms Safety Authority

If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll need to know about changes to the storage and transport rules for firearms and ammunition, and changes to the seven rules of firearms safety.

Regulations were updated in February 2022, and to help Kiwis make sense of those changes, Te Tari Pūreke, the new firearms regulator, published a Secure Storage and Transport Guide.

You can download a copy of the Secure Storage and Transport Guide from www. firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety

Storage and transport for firearms and ammunition, key points

Transportation

If you’re driving to a hunting location, your firearm needs to be inoperable during your travel and, ideally, concealed from view. This means removing the bolt or an essential part (or if that’s not possible, applying a trigger or cable lock), or transporting the firearm in a locked carry case.

The ammunition needs to be separately and securely stored in a locked glove box or similar storage area, if practical.

And please, whatever you do, once you’ve finished using your firearm, lock it away. Never leave any firearms in your ute, shed, home or vehicle unsecured at any time.

The only exceptions to the firearms and ammunition transport rules are if you’re using the firearm on a farm for farm-related activities, or you’re doing legally-authorised hunting or pest control (such as a regional council employed pest controller) and the licence holder is in the vehicle or the immediately vicinity of the vehicle with the firearms in it.

Make sure you read or download a free copy of the storage and transport guide to keep up to date with the details of the changes: www.firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/firearms-safety/storagetransportation

The 7 rules of firearm safety

Rule 1

Rule 2

Rule 3

Rule 4

Rule 5

Rule 6

Rule 7

Ammunition

All ammunition must now be stored in a locked container. You can now only store ammunition with firearms in a gun safe that has a separate lockable compartment with a different key than the key for the gun safe. You must keep these keys separate.

If your safe doesn’t have a separate lockable compartment, you need to store ammunition in its own secure storage container with a key, combination, or padlock, or in a stout locked cupboard.

Taking a break when you’re travelling with firearms

For those who travel with firearms to hunt locations, your inoperable and secured firearm can be left in your vehicle unattended, for example during a break in a journey, for up to 60 minutes. But you need to lock your vehicle and stay within the immediate area or vicinity of the vehicle and meet other conditions.

Read the storage and transport guide for full details: www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/ firearms-safety/storage-transportation.

Under no circumstances can firearms, ammunition or other arms items be left in a vehicle overnight.

Treat every firearm as loaded

Always point firearms in a safe direction

Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire

Identify your target beyond all doubt

Check your firing zone

Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely

Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms

The seven rules of firearm safety have changed.

Get ahead of the changes to firearms safety rules with the Firearms Safety Code.

Buy the book from www. firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/firearms-safety and have it shipped to your door or download a PDF copy for free.

Firearms licences online

Apply for a firearms licence and update your contact details online using MyFirearms: a secure, online portal available at www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz

There will be no charge to registering your firearms.

Te Tari Pūreke and the Firearms Registry

We want to enable the legitimate use of firearms for feeding our whānau, conservation, farming and recreation while keeping our communities safe. This involves making sure firearms licence holders are fit and proper to possess firearms and are meeting the obligations of their licence. New Zealand will have a firearms registry from 24 June 2023. The Registry is one of the ways we are strengthening how firearms are managed in New Zealand.

Stylised to your desires

u by Amy Fifita

With winter coming, your time will likely be inside, and you can work with an interior designer to help make your home functional to your needs and visually appealing.

What you surround yourself with affects mental health. Hiring an interior designer may help lift your mood when you are amongst your belongings. They can assist you in brightening the inside of your home and make it a workable space to flourish in and enjoy.

Interior designers go beyond what a decorator can do. They can have input into various areas, including flooring, electrical layouts and plumbing fixtures. It is a benefit if you are having a new build or gutting an existing home.

There are various approaches. Some prefer a minimalist design without clutter, while others might like a livedin area filled with photographs and knick-knacks. You can even suggest a sustainable living arrangement. There are vintage and antique options that could add warmth to your home.

Depending on what you like, a designer can help you choose styles, furnishings and other items that best suit how you live. They will be able to assess and implement how to use the natural lighting you already have with other helpful items such as lamps, light fittings and colour choices.

If you are a trendsetter, you probably know what ideas are in fashion right now or have some of your own ideas. To create depth and detail in your spaces, you could use textured fabrics on pillows or upholstery. You can bring a breath of fresh air by adding nature into your house with potted indoor plants. They can add a splash of colour, not just green, with flowers of various colours.

Your interior designer can help sketch your dreams into reality. Once it is on paper, you’ll have a clearer idea of the future design of your home, and you can

rearrange or change what you want. They can suggest trendy storage options like craft draws or hidden compartments in items such as footrests or bed bases.

After creating the design of your desires, they will be able to give you an estimate of how much it will cost and how long it is expected to take. They will work alongside you to create a plan for your needs and wants in a way that is unique to you.

The result of hiring an interior designer is that your indoor space will reflect what you want and work to your

personal needs and preferences. It will give you a hold on what you want your lifestyle to look like so you can better enjoy your home. If you want to create

a more personal living space, contact your local interior designer to chat about what you envision for your inside area and make your house more homely.

p With the help of an interior designer, you can create a space that is functional and reflects your individuality

You can bring a breath of fresh air by adding nature into your house with potted indoor plants

Memories of service

u by Ann van Engelen Hakaru

Returned

Services

Association member Neville Andrew has many memories of his days in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and was one of thousands taking time to commemorate Anzac Day this week.

Neville joined the air force in 1959, retiring as a warrant officer in 1987 and later moving to Mangawhai.

“I was born in Hamilton, and my family moved to Maungatūroto in 1952,” says Neville.

“In 1954, we moved to Dargaville, and once a month, Mustang fighters would fly overhead, and I thought, ‘I want to be a part of that’. We moved to the North Shore in Auckland in 1957, and I attended Northcote College. Career advisers came to school, and I took some forms home to join the air force.

“My parents weren’t very happy as the second world war had only ended 14 years earlier and it was still fresh in their minds, but I joined the air force at 17. I attended the boys’ entrant school at Woodbourne in Blenheim and did 18 months training in basic engineering and

military-type training, including basic drills and school work. It was fantastic living in the barracks with 18 boys my age.

“Our course had two flights made up of 39 students. My flight was engineering, working on aeroplanes and engines, with the other class doing avionics — electricians and radio. I then trained as a safety and surface technician, learning spray painting, upholstery and fabric covering in the old aeroplanes. It was very interesting.”

Two years later, Neville completed a safety equipment course.

“Serving your country is very special. I packed parachutes and serviced life craft, survival equipment and flying clothing and was posted to Whenuapai, and painted planes and components. It was a trade considered not necessary for overseas exercises, so we fitted

updated gear into the aircraft that lasted the time necessary.

“I missed a posting to Singapore because New Zealand pulled out as I was due to attend. We joined the armed forces to serve our country, and people who were drafted to Singapore looked forward to it. Only the pilots went into battle, while the ground crew serviced the aircraft. Someone losing their life is always sad. I lost friends in

traffic accidents. Military funerals are something else — the defence force does funerals really well to honour the person. It didn’t matter if you were a returned service or served overseas, you still got a military funeral if the family wanted it, but not all families wanted a military funeral.

“I knew a lot of people, and we are still friends today. We meet up at reunions and things. I enjoy putting historic photos

“Anzac Day is about remembering the people who put their lives on the line for everyone”

p Neville Andrew served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force for 28 years

Photo: Harrison Tinsell — Harrison’s Photography p The flag pole with crosses and wreaths honouring those who died through war

on the Hakaru Facebook page now and I go to museums and aircraft shows at places like Ardmore Airport and collect information from other people to enjoy.

“A lot of former armed forces personnel hold history very dear as a reminder to the generations today and in the future about the importance of the Returned Services Association. New Zealand has a lot of ex-service people that don’t belong to the RSA, but we’d love them to join because we have great camaraderie and support. It is for them and their family. The benefits through veteran affairs are amazing for people who served and their families.

“Our RSA president Buck Shelford is currently looking for another acknowledgement day for all servicemen and women, past and present. I agree with that because not everyone who served died, and that is important to note.

“I ended up at the top of my trade as a warrant officer down at Ohakea, in Palmerston North, for the last three years of my service. I commuted with

my family based in Auckland. There was a shuttle run that ran the length of the country as a navigation exercise for the pilots to keep training, and the flight was a way to transport people as well. I’d hop on at Whenuapai on Monday morning and arrive back on Friday night. It was good but hard on my wife and family.

“I joined the air force when we first started getting new Hercules, Orions and helicopters, and morale was really good. I hope with them currently replacing the old aircraft with new, morale will improve again because new equipment makes things so much better. Having old equipment is like trying to keep a Morris 8 going in today’s world — it isn’t easy.

“I am very annoyed that Helen Clark scrapped our strike force because everybody now thinks we don’t have an air force, but we have a very good capability. Our transport 40 squadron is one of the best in the world. We used to have excellent Orion search and rescue that went everywhere.

“I am not classed as a veteran but wore a uniform for 28 years, yet people

in Australia, America, England and Canada get recognition. New Zealanders wore uniforms and put their lives on the line. To young people, I say, ‘respect your veterans’. Take note of what they have been through.

“Some veterans are still young people. They have been through wars like Afghanistan and East Timor. They are the people we need to remember. It is tragic for families who lost someone, and lots of those families don’t realise the RSA is there to support them as well, not just the soldier. We have a cadet unit here at Hakaru too. Cadets are our future, and what they learn sets them on the right track through life, especially with discipline, which is what a lot of kids need. They don’t get discipline like we used to with a clip around the ear for misbehaving, you can’t do that now, yet it worked very well in my day.

“If I was young enough, I would join again. We were told we were not soldiers but technicians in uniform, but we learned battlecraft because if it came to the pinch, we’d have to protect the

airfield. We were taught it all, and the training in all three services — the army, navy and air force is amazing.

“Anzac Day is about remembering the people who put their lives on the line for everyone. A lot were conscripted, and most people don’t understand what they went through. I never went into a war zone, so I am not classed as a veteran, but I have the greatest respect for those people.

“The RSA is very important because it is a place to get support and join others for a beer and chat about life or issues you may be having. Just like builders talk about building and office people talk about the office, we get together and talk about service life. Anzac Day is remembering those who gave their lives for us.

“I don’t think people should ever be allowed to forget the wars and what our military did for us or those who lost their lives. I still encourage young people to get involved in the armed forces. It is one of the best things that ever happened to me.” ¢

“Serving your country is very special. I packed parachutes and serviced life craft, survival equipment and flying clothing and was posted to Whenuapai, and painted planes and components”

p An Anzac Day parade attendee chatting to Neville

p A Four Square Kaiwaka customer donating to the Anzac Day Poppy appeal Photo: Four Square Kaiwaka

p Four Square Kaiwaka staff members Hannah and Chantel with Neville on Poppy Day

Photo: Four Square Kaiwaka

p NZ Hercules flying with two US air force MC-130 J aircraft on a mission Photo: Air Force Museum of NZ

Sneakers get new life

u by Ann van Engelen

Mangawhai resident Sara Allan is encouraging people to donate their unused sneakers and sports shoes to the Lazy Sneakers initiative.

“The team at Lazy Sneakers had a post on their Facebook page in 2021, calling for people’s discarded sneakers to pass on to other people who can’t afford them,” says Sara.

“I am a physiotherapist, and the idea resonated with me because I go through a lot of sports equipment and shoes that still have a lot of life in them. Being a physio, I deal with people who have injuries from not having the correct footwear for the activity they are doing.

“There are a lot of people of all ages who can’t actually afford the correct footwear, so they can’t be involved in the sport they like. Lazy Sneakers made me think about my own clothing and not

be wasteful as I like low or zero waste in my life. I decided to pass on my things and realised other people may want to be involved as well because people often have sporting apparel sitting in their closet that can be gifted to someone else.”

Sara did her first Lazy Sneaker collection in 2021 and was pleased with its success.

“Those shoes were distributed in Northland, and I loved seeing where they were dropped off and who to. I love that people in need are helped and that we are able to collect sneakers that are in good condition on behalf of Lazy Sneakers.

“The initiative is all over the country. The journey of the shoes is quite amazing. There is a process for the footwear to be quality checked by the volunteers, and they have open days and events at schools promoting people of all ages to go along and choose a pair to take home.

“It is an awesome idea and reduces one of the main barriers of exercising. Even though the shoes are preloved shoes, there is a lot of benefit in having the right shoes for the activity you are doing to reduce injury. Some footwear is donated new and some is hardly used.

“Getting people moving is really important, and having the right footwear

means they can try new activities as well. Sport and exercise are a fundamental part of life, and passing on equipment helps others get involved with others while exercising, which is good for the mind and body, physical and mental health. We collect rugby, soccer and hockey shoes too.

“We have another collection happening until May 31 with a collection box outside Fit 365 Mangawhai, the gym behind Wyatt Landscapes at 127 Mangawhai Heads Road. We appreciate every pair of usable sneakers that we can get to help others. Please tie the shoelaces together to keep them as a pair, and let’s get collecting.” ¢

p Sara Allan delights in supporting the Lazy Sneaker initiative to help people be able to get involved in exercise or sport

p The sneakers collected for Lazy Sneakers at the Fit 365 gym in Mangawhai are distributed to people need

PUZZLE TIME

ACROSS: 1 Split, 4 What the Dickens, 11 Seams, 14 Speed, 15 Smokescreen, 16 Dressage, 19 Flotsam, 20 Ended, 21 Encounter, 24 Priceless, 26 Liners, 27 Launch, 31 Angst, 32 Criteria, 34 Repetition, 38 Squalid, 39 Renown, 40 Ocelot, 41 Snag, 42 Leather, 45 Crossroads, 50 Distant, 54 Nile, 55 Aisles, 56 Outfit, 57 Olympus, 60 Dermatitis, 61 Rhodesia, 62 Elver, 65 Bricks, 66 Cannon, 67 Accessory, 72 Erroneous, 73 Final, 74 Harmony, 79 Conquest, 80 Anaesthetic, 81 Crypt, 82 Duped, 83 Pick of the bunch, 84 Shard.

DOWN: 2 Pupils, 3 Inert, 5 Home, 6 Takings, 7 Hostel, 8 Dire, 9 Cleaning, 10 Shrink, 11 Systematic, 12 Away, 13 Stealth, 17 Fancy, 18 Hoarseness, 22 Alarm, 23 Insignia, 25 Restart, 26 Learner, 28 Unique, 29 Arrows, 30 Beyond, 33 Their, 35 Night, 36 Mire, 37 Iota, 42 Lined, 43 Allergic, 44 Raisin, 45 Culminates, 46 Oust, 47 Sporran, 48 Option, 49 Drive, 51 Idle, 52 Tumbler, 53 Nausea, 58 Background, 59 Fired, 63 Innuendo, 64 Assay, 65 Bounced, 68 Chateau, 69 Gossip, 70 Virtue, 71 Sniper, 75 Mirth, 76 Snap, 77 Left, 78 Disc.

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

Jumbo

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