The Weekend Lifestyler, April 7th, 2023

For Marilyn Dunn, becoming a teacher was a childhood dream. Once her career began, she realised that as a school principal, she could have a much bigger impact on the staff and children in her care. Her journey at

Ruakākā School started 18 years ago, and after many happy years, the time came for her to retire, and last week, saw the school celebrate with her as a person and muchloved principal.

continued on page 12 …

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Bowls help football club

u by Ann van Engelen

The Mangawhai Bowling Club held their annual Charity Drawn Triples tournament last week, an event raising funds to support local organisations.

“This year, the Mangawhai Junior Football Club was our club of choice, and $1,000 was raised and donated to the club to foster the beautiful game in our community,” says club president Barbara Pengelly.

“On hand to receive the donation was Aidan Salmon, a co-president of the Mangawhai Junior Football Club. Aidan assured us the donation would be well received and help immensely with assisting the youth of our town to play.

“There was a full contingent of teams over both the club greens on the day with some exceptional bowls being played. It was pleasing to see teams entered

the winner was none other than our own Denise West, with Ally Connery as runner-up.

“Our community is important to us, and we receive sponsorship from local businesses for the tournaments. Every year we pick a different charity, with past organisations being the Mangawhai Community Patrol, the Cancer Society, Helping Hands to help get people to appointments and the surf life saving club.

“Aiden is a coach of one of the teams and spoke at the tournament. He was very good at telling us what it is they do in the community. People think Mangawhai

from Warkworth, Onerahi, Paeroa and Kensington, and we look forward to hosting them in the future.

“Tom Gowie, Ross Ruddle and Mike Burke from Warkworth won, with John Pullman, Kevin Lockley and Bob Graham from Paeroa coming in second place. John and his team have travelled to take part in our tournament for the last three years and we really appreciate their support. Third place went to Dave Hopper, Errol Edwin and George Lyddiard from Kensington.

“The highlight of the day was the ‘Corner to Corner’ event. Bowlers pay $2 to bowl from one corner of the green to the other to get closest to the jack, and it is much. A fierce competition ensued, and after dozens of attempts,

is a wealthy area, but actually, we have a lot of hardship here, and families are doing it tough. The children outgrow their uniforms, and the club was delighted to be chosen as it will help the families.”

Aiden says the club is really appreciative of the donation.

“The football club has 200 children playing, and we, unfortunately, have to turn people away, so this will help with future growth,” he said.

“The support we get from our community is really important to us. As a club, we struggle with funding, and this money will be used to help buy equipment and uniforms to run our children’s programmes. Having this support from the bowling club is very much appreciated.” ¢

p The Mangawhai Junior Football Club is grateful to receive this year’s Mangawhai Bowling Club sponsorship from the annual Charity Drawn Triples tournament

The cream of community sport

u by Ann van Engelen

The Bream Bay community celebrated its sports people and supporters last Saturday night at the annual Trigg Bream Bay Sports Awards with Antarctic explorer Laura Andrews as a guest speaker.

“Sport is one of many parts of our lives which has had constant interruptions over the past two years,” says Bream Bay Sports Trust chair Judy Boult.

“Games were cancelled and seasons cut short. This is what made it all that more special to be back together again, celebrating sporting excellence. The guiding philosophy of the Bream Bay Sports Trust is to support access and opportunities within the community to reach their sporting goals.

“The awards were a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of sportspeople, administrators, supporters and managers within a continuously changing environment. There was an air of excitement in Waipū’s Celtic Barn as people arrived and an audible hum in the

room as everyone gathered for the big night greeting finalists and supporters.”

For Judy and her committee, it was the culmination of many hours of hard work to make the night happen.

“Our sponsors and supporters really ensure we are able to support our sporting community. They make the difference between what we wish we could do and what we can do. Over the past year, Bream Bay Sports Trust has helped clubs and groups with grants. This has meant providing boots, helping with travel, and getting an emergency beacon for the tramping club.”

The hard work of the trust was recognised last week by Sport Northland as a finalist in the Community Impact Award.

“The key speaker for this year’s awards was Laura Andrews. It was a homecoming for the Waipū local who was born, educated and got her start in sport in Bream Bay. Laura took the audience on a journey of her recent adventures over the frozen landscape of Antarctica.

“She shared the highlights and the lows as well. Her personal philosophy shone through as Laura explained how saying yes to opportunities had taken her places she would never have dreamed possible.

“The theme of ‘give it a go’ and saying ‘yes to possibilities’ was present with the other guest speakers as well. In Sports Talk, both league’s Lui Anderson and rugby’s Sam McNamara agreed

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that starting out, they would never have envisioned where their sport has taken them.

“North Harbour Sport Volunteer of the Year Brad Boult said he had been volunteering for 25 years in rugby. He never expected when starting out as a parent that years later, he would be the substitute kit manager for a touring Irish Rugby team.

“All in all, sport was definitely the winner on the night. The awards went out to some truly inspiring people and many different sports.” ¢

p Ventry Reid receiving the McLeod’s Brewery Service to Sport Award from Geoff Gwynne p Marsden Metals People’s Choice Award winners Pulse Dance striking a pose

The art of public speaking

u by Ann van Engelen

With the aim to help people gain confidence with public speaking, Wayne Freeth and Susan Dugdale are presenting an introduction to public speaking course at the old school building at the Mangawhai Museum.

“It is an opportunity for people to learn how to put a speech together and deliver it with confidence at any occasion,” says Wayne.

“We started a speakers group about three years ago when we were both relatively new to the area. We are both ex-Toastmasters, and there weren’t clubs in the area, and we wanted to be involved in the community and find others to work with on communication. We thought we could form a Toastmasters club but didn’t have enough people, so we put together an introduction to public speaking course.

“We’ve had a good variety of people come along and love it. When the course ended, they asked what was next, so we kept meeting in each other’s homes and worked toward a mix of goals. People invited friends, and we grew to a membership of 12 people meeting on a fortnightly basis.”

As friends, Wayne and Susan then decided to run a community course.

“We want to contribute and have the experience ourselves to teach other people,” says Susan.

“People learn how to put together a speech for work, a social event or a eulogy. They learn how to give a toast for a special occasion or speak on the spot impromptu. We teach how to master your thoughts, coordinate how to use their voice, deal with public speaking nerves and deliver words effectively to their audience.”

Wayne joined Toastmasters with some strong feelings and passions from his experience as a teacher.

“I was keen to progress in my profession, and my wife suggested I attend Toastmasters. I did and it was quite transforming for me. Within six months, I gained a principal’s position. It is an empowering skill to have.

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Susan and I have seen people change a lot in their own lives. It is amazing seeing our group learn to speak, think, communicate and listen.

“As a young man, so many times I felt things but had no skills to say what I thought. So now, I am passionate about passing my knowledge on to advance the lives of others. We hope to see people come along and have fun — it is certainly inspirational.

“Learning to speak in public helps people of all ages. Speaking is one of the first skills needed in leadership to

communicate clearly and inspire people. Attendees learn to prepare, present their speeches, analyse their work and give feedback to others on their speeches. We are happy to support people beyond the three-week course.”

The event is at the old Tara School building at the museum historic village on Saturday, April 15, 22 and 29, from 9.30 to noon. To register or for more information, phone Wayne on 022 406 8095 or Susan on 027 282 2252. The cost is $10 a session to cover the hall hire. ¢

p Wayne Freeth and Susan Dugdale have joined forces to help the community gain public speaking skills

“We’ve had a good variety of people come along and love it”

Camp builds student confidence

u by Ann van Engelen

Rodney College Year 10 students attended their annual camp at Tāwharanui Peninsula recently, taking the opportunity to experience nature at its best.

“Tāwharanui as it is a great Auckland Council regional park, and we have held our camp there for the last couple of years,” says teacher Pip Walter.

“It is a marine reserve and pestfree protected natural area, which ties in nicely with some of the learning we are doing around kaitiakitanga, guardianship, and protecting our environment. There are kiwi and takahē and other wildlife at the park. It is a very special environment, and we consider it part of our rohe, which fits with our local curriculum and experiencing our own area.

“Camps are all about personal growth and what we call whakawhanaungatanga, relationship building. These experiences help students connect with each other

and their teachers. We challenge ourselves as well with outside activities that encourage the kids to work together through team building because it’s really important to support our rangatahi in self-development.”

Upon arrival at camp, the students prepare their site, set up their tents and cook their own dinner.

“We take all our own food, which is divided up to be cooked in small groups on camp stoves. There are no showers, and there are long drop toilets. The students are good Kiwi kids and love it and get stuck into the activities. We went swimming twice a day, and that covered the showers.

“The big thing for them is gaining independence, confidence and positive

connections with teachers and fellow students. It connects with things they are learning in class too. In my social studies class, it shows them that learning isn’t just in the classroom and what they learn is relevant to their wider world and community.

“These days, we are constantly competing for students’ attention due to technology, but on camp, we disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other. As teachers, we are paid to be in classrooms, and going on these camps is all a part of what we do for the good of the students. That is what matters to us as part of our job, and the kids love it.

“Sometimes there is a little bit of homesickness, but they love being

with their mates, playing spotlight and exploring. The whole point is building relationships, and if the students know you care, they love it. If you look back at New Zealand school camps over the last 50 years, some things haven’t changed.

“It is like a cultural expression, and to us, as teachers, the extra work is all worth it. We are in camp clothes, not teacher clothes, and that helps build a bond, and I think that is what we do really well at Rodney College.

“We know all the kids — that is a strength of our school community. You get to see a different side of some of the students who struggle in the classroom environment. Camp is their time to shine.”

p Rodney College Year 10 students and teachers appreciate their time camping together at the Tāwharanui Peninsula

p The students did a variety of activities at camp, such as bush walks and kayaking together

Rhapsody comes in blue

u by Liz Clark

Throughout the spring and summer growing seasons, fruit and berries are abundant — blueberries are a must-add.

Native to North America, blueberries were used by First Nations people for centuries before European settlers arrived. Later, the shrub was developed as a commercial crop throughout the Americas, Australia and New Zealand. No longer the sole domain of commercial orchards, the blueberry is now an established berry species available nationwide to home gardeners.

Blueberries grow as a shrub up to 1.5 metres high. They can be trimmed to a uniform height of one metre, especially if being used as hedging for an alternative and edible solution. For hedging purposes, space plants at one metre apart and mix varieties for good cross-pollination when flowering.

Planting is year-round. Choose a warm, sheltered site where possible to plant your shrubs. Prepare the planting area well in advance with an addition of compost and other organic matter and fork into the soil. Good drainage is essential for your blueberry shrubs to grow well. Create a raised mound and plant it above the ground surface if drainage is an issue.

Blueberries grow best in slightly acidic soils, preferably pH 4.5–5.5. Do a pH test before planting and amend the soil conditions accordingly by adding lime, if too acidic, or organic matter, if too alkaline. Dig a square hole rather than a round one. Place sheep pellets or well-rotted horse or cow manure in the bottom, add a good layer of mixed

soil and compost, then place the shrub in the centre. Ensure it is watered before removing it from the pot. Leave the roots undisturbed; they will find their way into the new soil. Pack the hole with the balance of the soil and stake well to reduce movement in high winds. Protect from frosts during flowering.

Northern Highbush cultivars Bluecrop, Dixi and Duke are best suited to temperate regions of New Zealand and require chilling for flowering and berry set. The Southern Highbush varieties grow well in warmer areas. These fruit from late spring until February.

Rabbiteye varieties also thrive in the more northern regions. Visit your local nursery for options, or search online for more information. ¢

Keeping the food bank alive

u by Ann van Engelen

The team at the Kaiwaka Op Shop and Food Bank pride themselves in ensuring people in

“This community is made up of so many very good people who help and contribute to ensure people who are struggling can get help,” says Te Pātaka o Kaiwaka — The Storehouse of Kaiwaka committee member Ant Pedersen.

“Rau and Maria Morgan led the food bank in the beginning for many years until they made the decision to step aside for personal reasons in mid-2021. They did a fantastic job for the time they were there. Milly O’Leary was working in the op shop and put her hand up to take up the reigns of both, as 100 per cent of the shop profits go to support the food bank.

“Around the same time, a committee was formed with Jean Mcleash, Pam Lawson and myself to support Milly with a small amount of governance. Kaiwaka is bigger and busier, and both the organisations were getting busier, too, so we wanted to support what is happening in that space. That is also when we created the umbrella organisation called Te Pātaka o Kaiwaka — The Storehouse of Kaiwaka.

“We thought Te Pātaka o Kaiwaka — The Storehouse of Kaiwaka was a fitting title for both the op shop and food bank as they are there to support and help the local community. We are a couple

of years down the track now, and it is going really well.”

People give donations of food, money and household goods, including linen, clothes, shoes and small items of furniture, to support the organisations. The shop often needs babies’ and children’s clothing and shoes, towels, cooking pots, knick-knacks, good pillows, toys and pot plants. Anything in saleable condition is very much appreciated.

“Our volunteers give their time to help Milly ensure things run well. It is Milly and her team that are the heroes.

The op shop operates Tuesday to Friday, and the food bank side is intermittent throughout the year.

“It is a very special organisation, and I think the people of Kaiwaka can be really proud of how it runs because of the community’s help and contributions to help others in their time of need. We just play a small part and are proud of what Te Pātaka o Kaiwaka stands for.

“If anyone needs help with food, please be proactive and contact Milly sooner rather than later so she can organise what she needs to. There is

have access

in times of need.

no judgement — Milly and her team are here to help.

“The phone number is 022 028 9256, email tepatakaokaiwaka@gmail. com, call into the shop at Kaiwaka/ Mangawhai Road opposite the Four Square, or check out the Te Pātaka o Kaiwaka — The Storehouse of Kaiwaka Facebook page.” ¢

p Milly O’Leary (centre) with team members Marg Came and Pam Lawson at Te Pātaka o Kaiwaka — The Storehouse of Kaiwaka

Hot for autumn

u by Andy Bryenton

The New Zealand autumn corresponds to the northern hemisphere spring, a time when design and decor experts unveil the latest trends defining the year’s look.

Of course, there’s the motivation of spring renewal for our friends north of the equator, while for many here in the antipodes, it’s a time to think of warmth, comfort and indulgence rather than the kind of chilly minimalism which creates airy, cool space in summer. Nevertheless, design trends from the US and Europe will have their influence. These are some of the top ones noted in international magazines or in hot demand with interior decorators.

The first is the demand for rustic woodwork. Gone is the distressed look of patina and paint, replaced with a new desire for sustainable but attractive woods and artisanal joinery. The hot trend in furniture from the northern hemisphere for 2023 leans toward handmade wooden tables, chairs and furniture made with no nails and intricate joinery visible to the eye under a coat of warm, honey-coloured satin stain. Some of the examples look positively mediaeval drawing from the woodworking traditions of many cultures, including those of Scandinavia, Celtic Western Europe, China and Japan. Accompanying this new appreciation for

wood grain and clever carpentry comes a complimentary return to plaster, lending the look of Spanish or Mediterranean architecture to interior spaces. For many, it’s the hand-formed antithesis of massproduced panelwork.

“It has a distinction that sets it apart from hard metal finishes, and it adds a comforting quality to a space that clients are responding to these days. If it’s plaster, it’s all or mostly made by hand, and clients are recognising the value that adds. There’s an artistry involved, and it creates a story to tell,” said Katie Paulsen, Maestri Studio’s lead interior designer, on the trend taking hold in the US.

The palette for 2023 involves saturated colour for feature walls and entire feature rooms. Cool shades of blue, green and teal are big in bathrooms, breaking up the acres of white porcelain. Fittings for functional rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens are moving away from chrome to variants such as brushed copper, matte black and fauxverdigris. Also flying new colours is a new range of ‘indestructible fabrics’, often made from recycled plastic drinking

bottles. These materials tick all the boxes for sustainable eco-credentials, formed from waste that would otherwise clog up landfills. However, they are indistinguishable from traditional fabrics until they are dirtied or stained. Then, they can be washed and cleaned with ease, and those stains come right out. Curtains and rugs that can be water-blasted outdoors, drip-dried and replaced unscathed are a reality.

The last quirky trend in interiors for 2023 is the rise of the listening room.

It is a room entirely built to enjoy music at the highest fidelity possible. It’s a rejection, perhaps, of tinny mobile phone speakers and compressed MP3 files. A room with great acoustics fitted out with comfy chairs and an impressive, possibly vintage or fauxclassic hi-fi. Racks of vinyl albums and musical instruments make this a haven for drinking in beautiful sounds or indulging in the whole experience your favourite artists intended when they hit the studio. ¢

p Bold but cool hues, unique artisan-crafted woodwork, rustic plaster and new materials dominate the hot trends for autumn; note the colours in this modern ‘listening room’

From their home to yours

u by Amy Fifita

Many are familiar with working remotely, which was necessary during Covid-times, and there was already a market for it — the cottage industry.

It’s an industry where people create products from the comfort of their homes to sell and pass them on to you. Sometimes it is a starting point for a developing business idea — everyone starts somewhere.

Explore the various home businesses throughout the east coast that offer various services from home baking to artistic designs. Laureen Medcalfe, who owns and runs Bluebell Market Bakery in Mangawhai, talks about her experience in the cottage industry.

“I cook from home, which has a registered kitchen, and is a grassroots cottage industry. I love the contact and the people that come and make friendships. They can bring their dogs,” says Laureen.

“Many locals come, and we are still getting new people turning up. You get the early morning powerhouse girls who come on Saturdays before work to get their coffee. It is really lovely getting to know people and a privilege being part of their Saturday morning ritual.

“We started in the craziness of Covid. Two of my friends painted bluebells on the caravan. My business morphed into getting a coffee machine and putting up

a cabin so people could sit there in the winter. It has really evolved and continues to.”

If you want to sit down and indulge yourself with home-cooked food, Bluebell Market Bakery is open on Saturdays from 9am–1pm at 148 Devich Road, Mangawhai. Laureen says she tries to use produce she grows from her garden and seasonal items. Her husband helps to maintain the property so it is a welcoming place for visitors.

“It is for all sorts and all ages. It is a place for all to feel welcome without judgement. It is a place for belonging for the community and for people to enjoy.”

The industry is not limited to food. There are various services and crafts being made, such as boutique florist Anna Alison who used her love of flowers and gardening to open Flourish Bream Bay.

There’s Mangawhai Artists’ Britta Conrad, who admired traditional Māori flax weaving and was mentored to create baskets, backpacks and kete. Waipū is home to woodturner Denis McCartain, who crafts wood into vases and bowls for people to showcase or use.

If you want to pamper yourself, Naturalis in Ruakākā has various home skincare products or you can enjoy a facial treatment on-site at its salon cabin and relax. Maybe you want to use your skills and passions to join the industry. You could explore your area and connect with the various talents hidden in houses and garages. ¢

p Laureen with customers at Bluebell Market Bakery

A lifetime in education

u by Ann van Engelen Ruakākā

School students, teachers and community farewelled principal Marilyn Dunn last week due to her retirement after 18 years at the helm.

“I arrived here in 2005 when there were four classrooms and 78 students,” says Marilyn.

The school now has 16 classrooms and 320 children enrolled.

“I grew up in Hikurangi milking cows, looking after the calves and tending the family garden and orchard, but I always wanted to be a teacher. Hikurangi Primary and Kamo High School were the only two schools I went to before attending Teachers’ Training College in Auckland for three years.

“My first teaching position was back at Hikurangi School. It was great starting my career in my hometown. Then I moved to Raurimu Avenue School in Onerahi, where I was a senior teacher for two years and the deputy principal for 11 years before accepting this position.

“I found I wanted to be a leader, not just a teacher and felt as a principal, I could make a bigger difference. When

I came here, Ruakākā School had an office lady, myself and a caretaker. We have been in a state of constant growth since, and I have become pretty savvy with building projects. We are currently finishing extensions, and the school will boast 21 classrooms and 350 students by the end of this year.”

Marilyn says you can achieve great things with the right people behind you.

practises and values guide and support us on our school journey.

“The school is also inclusive, and doesn’t turn children away that are in our zone. Our students are wonderful with the high needs children and include them. Even if they are in wheelchairs, they are very much a part of what we do. Four high needs students went on camp last week, and it was magical.

“I have always been very particular with choosing staff. I look at combinations, their skills and how they will fit the culture of my school. My staff all have different personalities but follow the school culture and make it tick.

“We started bilingual class and now have five full immersion te reo Māori classes from new entrants through to year six. Those classes solely learn to read and write te reo and are an integral part of what we do. The tikanga, Māori

“We have always been an Enviroschool and part of the Garden to Table programme. I employed whānau to prepare the food for our Food in School programme because that gives them a job. We have meals like pulled pork rolls, butter chicken wraps, sandwiches and other healthy food daily.

“The kids love it, and everyone eats the same thing. Those with allergies get a special meal, too. In the beginning, they turned noses up, but then they gave it a go. We adapted our choices,

“I found I wanted to be a leader, not just a teacher and felt as a principal, I could make a bigger difference”

p Mrs Dunn celebrating her retirement with her two daughters Larelle and Nicky

and now the children love trying different foods.

“I love the kids and the joy that we can bring them daily. Our values are SHINE — showing respect, being helpful, being inclusive, never giving up and being environmental guardians. Everyone here has permission to shine. That is what I tried to give them every day. I want the children to shine in their own ways and give them the opportunities to do just that.

“Last week was a celebration week, making my retirement memorable for everyone. Each day I was presented with an envelope with a surprise challenge. On Friday, two staff members picked me up at my house in a Mustang car. We did a big tiki tour with the owner, and it was amazing, and so much fun.

“On Thursday, our caretaker brought his Harley Davidson motorbike to school, and I had to go for a ride. The kids absolutely loved that and screamed with excitement. On Wednesday, everyone dressed up as me with long necklaces, matching shoes and bright colours. The outfits they came up with were incredible.

“On Tuesday, they presented me with a set of old jackets that were screen printed with the years on and, on Monday, I was interviewed at the local radio station. It was a phenomenal last week for us.

“It was very strange walking out on Friday afternoon. I wasn’t a boss — we are more friends than colleagues. They knew how far they could push things, but they felt heard, and I know they will continue on as they are and progress from here. I have seen many children go through the schools I have worked at, and some that I first taught are now coming with their own children. When that happens, it is time to go. I look forward to popping in and checking on them from time to time.

“I have absolutely no regrets and am so proud of every single staff member as they give 150 per cent to the children. My career has been wonderful, and I am leaving the school super happy and super proud of what we have achieved in my time here.”

Deputy principal Jo Irvine says the reputation of the school has totally

changed for the positive since Mrs Dunn arrived.

“Ruakākā School is now a school of choice and well supported by the community,” said Jo.

“We love her sense of humour and often joke at how Marilyn handpicked all the staff, but with happy staff, you have happy kids. It all starts with leadership. It doesn’t matter if you are the cleaner, office staff or a teacher, we are all equal, and staff are retained because we feel valued.

“She is leaving big shoes to fill as she has been an amazing boss and encourages us all, and she realised we all have families and worked with us when we needed support. We could go to her with whatever issues we were having.

“It is really hard to find a fun, fair boss who makes sensible choices. Marilyn is going to be greatly missed but we know she will enjoy fishing and having more time with her grandchildren and her sisters.

“When she arrived on the Mustang last week, the children formed a guard

of honour with crepe paper streamers and chanted Mrs Dunn, Mrs Dunn, Mrs Dunn. They always complimented her on her dress, shoes and necklaces. Having a leader like Marilyn helps create student confidence for the future too.

“We did so many things together. She had always wanted a new office, but it wasn’t completed in time so she will miss that. She is now going on a welldeserved overseas trip with her sister as she has been getting up at 5am for years to start her days.

“Our new principal Helen KingseyWhiteman starts next term. She is currently the associate principal at Tauraroa Area School, and we are very excited for the future of the school, but Mrs Dunn will be really missed.

“When we asked the children what they think of Mrs Dunn they said things like, ‘she is the best principal in the world; she is an amazing shining principal who gives you a high five if you’re brave and keeps us safe. Mrs Dunn made our school a beautiful place’.”

“I have seen many children go through the schools I have worked at, and some that I first taught are now coming with their own children”

p Marilyn going for a ride with school caretaker Jimmy Shirkey on his Harley Davidson motorbike

p Children showered their retiring principal with streamers, hugs and words of thanks

p Marilyn with Vicky Johns, Adrian Carswell, Sarah Sade and Bruce Paton

p The staff at Ruakākā School say that Mrs Dunn was more of a friend than a boss, who created a healthy workplace environment

Just a glass or two on Sunday

u by Liz Clark

Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Ruakākā and Marsden Point were magnets for gumdiggers from many nations, including Dalmatians, then called Austrians by many.

As with many gum fields around the Northland region, the Dalmatian population was significant, with many working collaboratively. They earned their money and left either for a new field or headed back overseas for their home country. However, life for the gumdiggers, no matter their nationality was never easy or straightforward. Problems with drinking, accidental deaths and poor living led to many leaving more destitute for the experience.

One incident, recorded in 1887, was the accidental burning of a gumdigger with the surname of Olsen. According to the account given, he had returned to his tent in a drunken state carrying a candle, and set himself, the gum he had stored and the tent alight resulting in lifethreatening burns. The unfortunate man was so badly burned that Dr Carolan the attending physician, felt it unwise to move him to a hospital. Olsen’s eventual fate is unknown.

Drunkenness was a common issue on the gumfields and often drew the unwanted attention of the temperance movement, which the sly grog sellers did not want. Illegal alcohol was rife in the gum fields in the area.

One letter writer noted in 1889: ‘The gum is sold every Sunday morning, and then the men indulge in a glass or two of whiskey, and some of them get dead drunk and finish up the Holy Sabbath with fighting, which was a most disgraceful thing to see. Then the poor men would be walking about half dead and not able to do any work. I have known some men walk to Waipū and stop there two or three days, and then come back without a penny. Could anyone side

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with such carryings on as these. As a rule, the Waipū whiskey is very strong, and I was told during my stay in Waipū that a certain Kamo gentleman got so much whiskey that he tried to go, but his legs said no, and afterwards was picked up from the roadside and taken care of till next morning by a Waipū gentleman.’

Prejudices prevailed when it came to non-British gumdiggers coming on to the government gum reserves. The Dalmatian contingent, in particular, seemed to draw the ire of many a

resident. In 1900, the Dalmatians, numbering 150 at Ruakākā, were accused of flying their national flag on the gum reserve, then illegal under New Zealand law. Constable Abrams was called by the local gum buyer Mr Campbell. The pair went to the site together and Campbell unceremoniously tore down the offending flag.

As with many industries associated with kauri, the gum reserves were eventually transformed into sites for large-scale projects such as the nowclosed Marsden Point Oil Refinery. ¢

WALKERS WANTED

p Life on the gum fields was harsh and unrelenting

PUZZLE TIME

ACROSS: 1 Globe, 4 As sound as a bell, 11 Doped, 14 Stare, 15 Cartography, 16 Enlarges, 19 Topsoil, 20 Linen, 21 Beanstalk, 24 Sometimes, 26 Heifer, 27 Occupy, 31 Irate, 32 Mailbags, 34 Beforehand, 38 Inherit, 39 Statue, 40 Invert, 41 Lion, 42 Sea legs, 45 Grandstand, 50 Sprayer, 54 Alps, 55 Scarce, 56 Umpire, 57 Trusted, 60 Grapefruit, 61 Lingerie, 62 Baggy, 65 Needed, 66 Whoops, 67 Accepting, 72 Congenial, 73 Koala, 74 Obelisk, 79 Horrific, 80 Sightseeing, 81 Smear, 82 Yodel, 83 Give a wide berth, 84 Usher.

DOWN: 2 Lotion, 3 Birds, 5 Swab, 6 Outline, 7 Nugget, 8 Ajar, 9 Athletic, 10 Length, 11 Deadlocked, 12 Page, 13 Destiny, 17 Cider, 18 Undeserved, 22 Cigar, 23 Audacity, 25 Oatmeal, 26 Hastens, 28 Trance, 29 Tartan, 30 Boards, 33 Later, 35 Donor, 36 Ming, 37 Lira, 42 Slang, 43 Alphabet, 44 Secure, 45 Garnishing, 46 Axel, 47 Doubles, 48 Typing, 49 Nerve, 51 Pore, 52 Abstain, 53 Emerge, 58 Ceremonial, 59 Sides, 63 Mona Lisa, 64 Stabs, 65 Naughty, 68 College, 69 Ageing, 70 Mousse, 71 Escape, 75 Lambs, 76 Arid, 77 Thai, 78 Knit.

the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.

Jumbo crossword

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