The Weekend Lifestyler, February 17th, 2023

Communities pulled together

Northland faced the effects of cyclone Gabrielle with not just emergency services pulling together, but community members jumping on board to help. We have flooding, power lines taken down by fallen trees, coastal areas hammered by waves and communication networks struggling. Local chief fire officers say

that people did well in preparing for the storm, and it is at times like this, when you can’t rely on help arriving, that you see strength in working together. They ask people to stay safe and avoid putting rescuers in danger by sightseeing stormdamaged areas.

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

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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.

Art trail approaches

u by Ann van Engelen

Focussing on artists based in the Mangawhai/Kaiwaka area, the Mangawhai Art Trail is set for next weekend, February 25 and 26.

The art trail covers 32 artists across 17 different venues from Kaiwaka to Mangawhai, with nine artists clustered around Kaiwaka, seven at Mangawhai Village and 16 at Mangawhai Heads.

“The art trail is a must-do for those wanting to see artists in their own work environments or who have come together as collectives,” says Mangawhai Artists chair Belinda Vernon.

“We also have timely coffee stops marked along the way. A special feature of this year’s event is a Kaiwaka hub and the viewing of the short film ‘One

“We hope people will start the art trail in Kaiwaka, enjoy a coffee and pastry at La Nonna’s and then follow the trail to Mangawhai. A hub of artists is based around the Mangawhai village and another is closer to the heads.

“The artists cover a diverse range of work including ceramics, photography, painting in oils, watercolour, acrylics and all forms of sculpture. One of the more unusual exhibits is at Devich Road where the work includes lead

Moonlit Night’ in two free viewings at Mangawhai Movies at midday and 2pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

“The film tells the story behind the acclaimed 2018 community art project Magical Mangawhai Goes Bush led by Rosina Kamphuis.

“A collective of eight artists, Danielle Adams, Deva Prem, Edie Chappell, Jay Allen, Lynley Bradnam, Mike Hooton, Mel Juer and Peter Bradburn have created the Kaiwaka Art Studio.”

The group will be exhibiting in the collection of shops at 1925 State Highway thanks to the generosity of the owner of La Nonna’s bakery. Peter Panyoczki will be exhibiting nearby at his studio on Gibbons Road.

“We are thrilled to bring together so many talented artists in one place,” says

drippings, modified rusty steel and sand cement sculpture.

“The Stylish Collective, exhibiting at the Stylish Homes show home on the corner of Molesworth and Estuary Drive in Mangawhai, returns to show an array of styles including pallet knife paintings, collages and giclee prints covering landscapes, life musings and pop art.”

The Mangawhai Art Trail is a free event. To find out more go to mangawhaiartists. co.nz for information including venues, artists and downloadable indicative maps. Copies of the trail will also be available from Mangawhai Artists Gallery and selected locations in Mangawhai and Kaiwaka. The Trail is open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, February 25 and 10am to 3pm on Sunday, February 26. ¢

Mel Juer, coordinator of the Kaiwaka Art Studio.

p The Stylish Collective artists and regular art exhibitors Andrea Gardner, Marion Bilton, Shirley Emerson, Janine Brougham, Ann Connew and Chris Cowley-Thomson

“We hope people will start the art trail in Kaiwaka, enjoy a coffee and pastry at La Nonna’s and then follow the trail to Mangawhai”

Communities pulled together

u by Ann van Engelen

Volunteer firefighters, emergency services, Northpower staff and community members joined forces this week as Northland battled cyclone Gabrielle.

Waipū Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Chris Westlake said his area was reasonably lucky compared to some others.

“It was a lot worse when the rear of the storm hit us. We had multiple trees down and thankfully no one was injured.”

Kaiwaka chief fire officer John Domar said every volunteer across Northland worked extremely hard to help in the situation.

“Every brigade was busy looking after their own patch. I think our community behaved very well. It was a crap time and everyone mucked in. We are fortunate to have Kraig Steiner on our team as a dedicated chainsaw operator. We had four chainsaws moving trees.

“We evacuated one family from Oneriri due to a tree blocking them in. The winds were 60 knots coming off the Kaipara

harbour and we met them at their drive and took them to safety.”

Ruakākā chief fire officer Darrell Trigg said he found people were reasonably well prepared and resilient.

“They weren’t calling for everything and anything. At times we had to tell people we couldn’t cut a tree as our priority had to be to look after life and property in danger. Mainly life. Once the wind changed to westerlies the weather wasn’t stuck in the Ruakākā River, which was a relief.

“We had people driving into flood water and their cars stalled. Driving into flood waters is a very bad decision. Your car gets picked up and towed away and if you get out of your car debris under the water can snag and drown you. Even a ute is not big enough to drive through floods.

“The water is contaminated so not a good playground and you can get very sick. People who think it is a good idea put our safety at risk as well. It is frustrating when people put themselves in unnecessary danger because it puts rescuers in danger too.

“The wave reader buoys recorded 15and 22-metre waves. There is a lot of damage on the coast and people need to be careful as you could stand on grass that collapses underneath. In a

big event like this, you can't expect help from anyone else.

“Yesterday we had a lane blocked on SH1, and no one could come. I called the council but the reply I got was they don't start until daylight, so I know someone with a bobcat and we did it ourselves.

“We all have to take our hats off to the Northpower team, they did an amazing job and were in the thick of it and still are working hard to restore power.” ¢

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A GP referral can be helpful but is not essential.

p Travis Cullen from Mangawhai Bobcats was busy clearing roads

p The Kaiwaka Fire Brigade assisted the Kaiwaka Fitness Centre ceiling collapse

A tailored fit

Peter and Tricia Cox have owned and operated Clever Endeavours for the past 26 years from Wellsford with a customer-first approach to service.

“We cover a vast and specialised range of products and services. We have a big range of sewing merchandise and run a commercial embroidery service. We have also been Justices of the Peace since 2004 and were the first husband-and-wife-fawned JPs in New Zealand. This service is available during opening hours,” say owners Tricia and Peter Cox.

“We have recently purchased an Amara long-arm quilting machine. Come into the shop to see the machine working and talk to us about your quilting project.

“The team takes pride in providing the best customer service they can offer you and are happy to share their knowledge with you, should you need it.

“There is a selection of beautiful quilting fabrics for you to choose from either in the shop or online. The shop offers a clothing repair and alteration service.

“Our team can repair and replace zips, hems on skirts and pants, and shorten items of clothing. Bring in your items and see

what can be done to redeem your wellloved garments.

To add to our range of skills, the shop has an embroidery service where you can send in a jpeg file of your desired image to our email address, which is to be used on your chosen garment or towel.

“It is ideal for work or school uniforms, corporate and sports teams. This service is also a great gift idea for those wanting to give something personal to their family and friends.

Common items to be embroidered as presents are towels, aprons, bed linen and unveiling cloths.

“If you want to source some of our beautiful quilting fabric from the shop, contact us so we can assess your requirements and the price.

“We offer a repair and service option for domestic sewing machines.

“If you are keen to buy one, the shop has a selection of machines for your needs. It has models of sewing machines and overlockers

15 Heawa Road, Aratapu

p Clever Endeavours has a range of sewing services and products for all your quilting and haberdashery needs

and we sell the brands Husqvarna, Brother and Baby Lock.

“We have something for you, whether you need some work done or require fabric and sewing-related items.”

If you are interested in Clever Endeavours’ wide range of products and services, pop

into the shop at 1 Worker Road, Wellsford to talk to one of the team. The opening hours are 9am–5pm from Monday to Friday. Alternatively, give the team a call on 09 423 8219, email cleverend111@gmail.com or visit www.cleverendeavours.co.nz for online orders and further information. ¢

Finishing touch’s being done, tiled bathroom and kitchen, 2 bedrooms, covered deck, carport, 1700m2 section, room for the shed and gardens, $435k inclusive. Private Sale.

Sculpture honours bird rescuers

u by Ann van Engelen

Northland Rescue Helicopter pilot and bird sculptor Sue Dinkelacker has joined forces with portrait sculptor Dell Pryor to acknowledge Whangārei Native Bird Recovery Centre founders Robert and Robyn Webb.

“We are making a sculpture in bronze called Moment of Release to honour Robyn and Robert for their lifetime of volunteer work saving birds,” says Sue.

“I am privileged to collaborate with Dell who is a master of her art. The gift of this sculpture to the people of Whangārei has been five long years of planning.

We are very grateful to Peter at Gallery Helena Bay for covering our funding shortfall. Peter’s gallery hosts work from many artists across Northland.”

Moment of Release is facilitated by Creative Northland, and Sue says it is also thanks to donations from sixty individuals, one bequeath, and contributions from Robinson Asphalts and Tūtūkākā Marina Trust.

“The sculpture is of Robert releasing Albert the albatross. In 2005 Albert had a damaged wing and Robyn and Robert fed him fish and tended him for weeks until he was able to be released from the coast guard launch at Tūtūkākā marina. Dell has captured Robert’s portrait and I am making Albert. The moulds will be sent to a foundry and joined in bronze. The wings are made from solid tōtara milled at my home from a fallen tree.”

Upon completion, Moment of Release will be installed as a public sculpture at the Tūtūkākā marina green with the blessing of the local hapu and council.

“Albatross are remarkable in many ways. With a wingspan of 3.2 metres, they need wind speed to take off. They

can’t flap like normal birds because their wings would hit the ground. What inspired me is people don’t realise there is such a centre here in Maunu, or that you can help an injured bird.

“The Webbs have worked tirelessly for 30 years and I have such enormous respect for the volunteering they do helping birds of all types that find themselves in trouble. The more people who know about the rescue centre and how knowledgeable they are, the better.

“They are getting elderly now and still constantly work. If there is an unwell bird, they are there for it. Robert is really good at what he does, including working with the kiwi programme, collecting eggs and returning young ones back into the wild.

“He has one kiwi named Sparky that couldn’t be released because it only has one leg. He takes it to schools and lets children interact with it. He and Robyn are such advocates for conservation, they deserve to be acknowledged in a public sculpture.

“Without Peter at Helena Bay Gallery’s sponsorship, we wouldn’t have been able to do this and we are extremely grateful. People can follow our journey at the Moment of Release sculpture Facebook page.

“We think a sculpture depicting Albert’s release would tell Robert and Robyn’s story for many years to come. I believe they are the unsung heroes of our city.” ¢

p Sue and Dell with Whangārei Native Bird Recovery Centre founder Robert Webb

p Artists Dell Pryor and Sue Dinkelacker with the Moment of Release sculpture they are working on

Sweet tropic treats

u by Amy Fifita

Hugh and Pauline Rose grow a variety of exotic fruit, including lotus, pineapple, passionfruit and banana, at The Land of the Lotus in Maungatapere.

“I was a rural pom and moved to New Zealand 45 years ago,” says Hugh.

“We bred cattle and heard that banana plants naturally suck nitrates from the soil, and cattle enjoy eating the whole plant, so we decided to grow them. The Land of the Lotus is five years old now and is an old hunting reserve.

“When we first arrived, we cleared away rocks, started planting lotus in the ponds and worked on the pineapple and banana beds — all are going extremely well. Pineapples are a freak of nature. They are part of the bromeliad family and are a conglomerate of berries joined together with tiny black seeds under their scales. If you find the seeds you can grow them.

“We grow five varieties, but there are hundreds out there. The best is the Queen, which is a small plant with a big golden yellow pineapple. The red variety is a big plant with a medium fruit and is also nice. I think they make great biosecurity around your fences and under your windows, as the leaves are very prickly.

“Anyone can grow pineapple, as long as they have sunshine. They are almost identical to kūmara farming as the machine requirements and set-up is very similar, and the Kaipara climate in particular is perfect.”

Hugh learned to grow pineapple from Owen Schafli at Whangārei Heads.

“Owen is originally from South Africa and is the pineapple guru. Recently he had a few pineapple growers from Australia come to learn from him. Growing here means we don’t rely on imports, and ours are spray-free and have minimal food miles to get to market. New Zealand-grown are naturally ripened, unlike the imported ones that are picked green and artificially ripened, making them stringy and sour.

“Our pineapples are like liquid sunshine, and you can eat the whole thing — even the stalk melts in your mouth. What more could you want? Once you try a locally grown pineapple, you never buy from the shops again.

“Pineapple peel is full of natural yeast and sugars. If you add water and extra sugar to the peel, you can make beer or kombucha. Pauline also makes pineapple crumble. We love creating something to share with other people. That’s the nicest part for both of us, and we enjoy watching things grow daily, because what we do is something a little different.”

From builder to artist

u by Ann van Engelen

When Dylan Harris-Oliver, a builder from Waipū injured his back in an accident, he never dreamed the situation would turn him into a woodwork artist.

“I was brought up in Kaiwaka and when I hurt my back I had to leave the building industry,” says Dylan.

“One day while I was in rehab, I decided to make some wooden serving boards and breadboards to keep myself busy and my brain active. I began experimenting with resin and really like what I have achieved, and Native Designs was born.

“To me, my woodwork has turned a bad situation into a good one and I am

opportunity to turn it into something beautiful. I often look on YouTube and other sites for tips and ideas. It has certainly been a learning process and I have had a lot of trial and error, but it has been interesting seeing what people like.

“I get the wood and shape it to the design I want, clean and level it, sand it back and then if I do a resin I make my timber mould. Each piece is finished with linseed oil and I have a laser I use to etch designs on. I love using native

now in the process of creating my boards full-time.”

Dylan sources his timber from places like local mills, Trade Me and, at times, receives donations from people who have slabs of old wood in their sheds.

“The timber I use is all air-dried and ready to use. Sometimes people have bits of native timber they were going to use laying around because they never got around to using it, so I get the

timber and at times I do custom designs for people.

“The resin goes very hard and I often use paua shell and coloured resins to make and decorate. The paua shell has beautiful colours and comes up very well. The boards make great gifts and I can design to the size, shape and pattern people want. It is just a matter of sourcing the timber if they have a request for certain wood.

“Every board is food safe. Some people buy them as serving boards for cheese and crackers and things, and you can also use them as a chopping board. You can use one for serving and one for chopping. They make great gifts.

“People can follow my Native Designs Facebook page. I am really proud of how far I have come. From having a serious injury and not being able to build again, to using my tips and tricks from the building trade to do something creative, has been an amazing journey.” ¢

p Dylan at times uses paua shell or coloured resin to make each board unique

p Dylan Harris-Oliver enjoys taking a piece of wood and turning it into a functioning serving board

“I get the wood and shape it to the design I want, clean and level it, sand it back and then if I do a resin I make my timber mould”

Bringing it to your door

u by Andy Bryenton

We all love convenience, and enterprising souls have sprung up with business ideas to satisfy the human need for all manner of things delivered door-to-door over the years.

While an electrician, plumber or builder is a godsend to have at the end of a telephone line, there are more bizarre and esoteric trades which have all flourished as an ‘on call’ service through the years.

Old England was a ripe source of on-call tradespeople who are sadly no longer represented in modern times. Professionals could be called to come to your home for all kinds of reasons in the age before automation.

Knocker-uppers would tap on your bedroom window with a pole to wake you up early. Tanners’ Mates would come to take away your dog’s litter box, as the contents were prized in the leather trade. The ‘honey wagon’ smelled of anything but nectar, as it went about by night collecting out-house buckets from taverns and homes; the liquid collected went into gunpowder manufacturing.

Then again, if you lived in Taunton in the 1800s, you could call a wizard to come to your house on the job. Billy Brewer offered his services as a breaker of curses, spiritual healer, fortune teller and, if that failed, a merchant in secondhand rope and rags. Dressed in a long robe, sombrero hat and velvet gloves, the ‘West Country Merlin’ did

house calls up until his death in 1890. Superstitious locals refused to touch his coffin for fear of his ‘death curse’; two passing tramps finally did the duty, to no ill effect.

In the middle ages in Europe, and to this day in South East Asia, professional mourners added gravitas to a funeral, for a fee. Families who wanted a big sendoff for their loved ones could hire these actors to impersonate long-lost relatives and friends, ensuring that the right mood was set.

New Zealand’s claim to fame for bizarre ‘on call’ jobs goes to the world’s toughest pest exterminator. When a giant wasp’s nest housing millions of

insects was found in Waimauku, West Auckland, in 1963, bug busters were called in to tackle the infestation. It was so large that it fell from its tree during the operation, and measured 5.5 metres across, a world record.

Perhaps the most odd on-call professional who comes to you is Key Largo, Florida’s scuba diving pizza man. Guests at Jules’ Undersea Lodge can look out their windows to see tropical fish pass by, but the only way in and out is via a diving suit. This doesn’t get in the way of ordering takeaways; with a watertight case and an aqualung, the local pizza men Daniel Blezio and Rob Doyle deliver the goods. ¢

p Jules’ Underwater Lodge is only accessible by divers, but that doesn’t stop the world’s most dedicated pizza delivery service

Memories for a lifetime

u by Ann van Engelen

Photographing the Waipū Art and Tartan+ Wearable Art Awards last year is an event Nimmy Santhosh says opened her eyes to the incredible talent Northland has.

“I was born in Kerala, in South West of India, and grew up in Mumbai,” says Nimmy.

“At 10 years old, I went to boarding school and when I completed high school at 18 decided to come to New Zealand.”

Nimmy arrived in the country alone and gained employment at Reyburn House in Whangārei. In 2017 while she was doing her Bachelor of Applied Arts degree, Nimmy took an interest in photography.

“I did various photography jobs and now work at the Whangārei Art Museum. I now capture weddings, do portraits, and do commercial work. Documenting exhibitions is all part of what I do and I am currently archiving Yvonne Rust’s work, which is on display at the museum until this Sunday, February 19.”

Nimmy was invited to photograph last year’s Waipū Art and Tartan+ Wearable Art Awards through a friend.

“The opportunity to work at the event was a great experience. Every entrant put in so much effort. There was so

much talent and some spectacular outfits on display. I was super impressed with the kids’ creations. Some of them are incredibly young and I was amazed at how they came up with such detailed ideas and costumes.

“I love this area. Last weekend I helped my photographer friend Sarah Marshall as the second shooter at a wedding at the Te Hana marae. The setting was beautiful and I learnt a lot about the local history.

“New Zealand is a beautiful country and I love how homely and welcoming Northland is. We have such a vast art scene as well with lots of galleries, museums and creative opportunities to be involved with. I got lucky when I was initially invited here to work at Reyburn House.

“I enjoy doing all types of photography and am available for everything from weddings and engagements to family

photos and corporate work. I love capturing family portraits. Going to farms or the beach is all a part of the fun of photographing people in their everyday lives.

“People can get hold of me through my website bynimmy.com. To me, photographing people in the moment is what gives life-long memories. Kids grow up and things change quickly so I encourage people to get family photos on a regular basis. We are lucky to be able to make the most of life here.”

Like Robin Williams the actor once said: “Today’s special moments are tomorrow’s memories.” ¢

p Nimmy Santhosh enjoys the photographic opportunities she has been given since she arrived in Northland, including the Waipū Art and Tartan+ Wearable Art Awards

Photo: Sarah Marshall

Denise

I believe that selling real estate is an art within itself and is achieved by using the right mixture of a proven established process, together with; guidance, honesty, knowledge, experience and commitment, then mixing it with passion and a desire to achieve great results.

Being involved in the community of Tomarata and

since 2002 means I have a wealth of local knowledge and can pass the benefit of this onto my clients, providing you the professional assistance, guidance and enthusiasm to ensure your experience is as stress free as possible.

My goals are your goals!

WHO’S WHO ON EAST COAST

Takahiwai players turn international

u by Ann van Engelen

Poly Barbers team members Klies Kaiarake and Richie Levita, along with Takahiwai Rugby League Club teammates Eroni Biukoto and Ed Shelford are spending the rugby league season in Canberra, Australia playing for the Cooma Stallions Rugby League Club.

“I am so proud of the boys being asked to play in Australia,” says Poly Barbers owner Nokisi Kaiarake.

“Richie is my cousin and Klies is my brother. They started working with me when I opened Poly Barbers here in Ruakākā eight months ago. Richie and I began barbering together in 2016 and worked at the Chop Shop in Kamo. We had a break and did other jobs for a few

and everything remains confidential. The guys have all worked hard.

“Richie and Klies have really proven they can focus and be good players and barbers. I now need more part-time and full-time barbers so if anyone is qualified or interested in learning, I welcome them to come and see me at Head First Hairdressing next to Two Birds Cafe in the Ruakākā Town Centre.”

years until I came home and started my shop last year.

“The boys joined me and we have had a lot of fun together. We love meeting people and being able to communicate and have open conversations with our clients. Most importantly we have created a safe space to speak, and whatever is said in the shop, stays in the shop. People talk to us about anything,

Ed, Richie, Eroni and Klies travelled to Canberra together last Saturday to begin their new venture.

“I originally got involved in soccer when I was at school in Auckland and made mates with some boys who played league,” says Richie.

“I played for Waitemata Seagulls until I moved here and joined the Takahiwai club. I enjoy the culture of the club and

the sport. We link together well. Everyone is positive and inclusive, all the boys are welcoming and good to be around.”

Richie originally went to play in Canberra in 2020.

“Covid hit so I returned home and I got called recently to see if I was keen to come back over. I jumped at the opportunity and am excited to be able to upskill and gain experience.

“I enjoy my barber work and meeting different people. Cutting hair is also a skill I can take travelling with me. When you are cutting, you interact with a lot of kids and we encourage the local boys to play in the junior league grades if they are interested and don’t already.

“Our first training here in Canberra was on Monday. It was great to meet the team and I hope to have a successful

“I enjoy my barber work and meeting different people. Cutting hair is also a skill I can take travelling with me”

p Takahiwai Rugby League Club team mates, Klies Kaiarake, Richie Levita, Eroni Biukoto and Ed Shelford

season and make it to the grand finals and win.”

Eroni grew up in Auckland and played his junior league years at Pakuranga.

“I moved north to finish off my schooling and didn’t know anyone until I met Richie at school,” says Eroni.

“He took me along to the club and I haven’t looked back. Joining Takahiwai was like being back at my old club. It is very family orientated and our coach Shane Hool is really encouraging. Last season there was no competition in Northland because the other clubs pulled out, so we joined the Auckland comp. It was a great experience and we made the grand finals but just lost.

“We have all been playing since we were about eight years old and Ed, Eroni and I are now 21 and Richie is 22. I think starting so young got us where we are today. It has been a lot of hard work, commitment and putting in extra on the field and off the field. I played in Brisbane in 2021, for the Fortitude

Valley Diehards and we won the grand final that year then I moved home. I have realised we are now representing not just our club, but our country and family back home too so we need to do the best we can in all areas of our lives. It is great to have this opportunity with the boys.”

Klies had never been overseas before this opportunity to play league in Australia.

“When Nokisi opened Poly Barbers, I jumped at the opportunity to help him and learn,” said Klies. “I have a passion for league. It brings more to your life than just sport and is good for you mentally and physically and can be positive financially too. When I play, I run and tackle hard. Tackling hard helps put down the opponent. I encourage parents to let their kids play if they are interested because it gets them outside and they mix with people from other cultures. You make good friends and learn social skills.

“By listening to the coach’s instructions you learn so much, gain discipline and

develop skills. The guidance coaches pass on is integral to playing better. You also learn the importance of teamwork and how to be a team player.

“My ultimate goal is to make it big in rugby league. I am excited to learn how Australia players work as they are similar to New Zealand but different. It is weird being away from my family, but the guys are good supporters, especially since it is my first real time being away from home. I have lived half my life with Richie, Eroni and Ed and this is a good way to grow up a bit and mature.”

Ed has lived in Ruakākā his whole life.

“I grew up in Takahiwai and my mum is a teacher at Bream Bay College. I love living close to the beach and started rugby when I was four years old and changed to league so I could play for Takahiwai.

“I played for Rock Hampton in Queensland in 2020 and returned home because of Covid. I hope to make a good name for myself and represent

New Zealand and am looking forward to learning more. In Australia it is a faster game and you have to have your wits about you.”

Nokisi believes the passion the four young men have for the game will see them succeed.

“I think the boys’ talent and passion to play well will see them excel. Kiwi boys are known for hard running compared to the Aussies, they are a lot more intense and aggressive. The Aussie boys are at times fitter, whereas the Kiwi boys are often bigger and at times run out of steam, so this will be a good experience.

“Having them go from our small beachside town of Ruakākā to play in Canberra is a huge achievement. They have a dream to one day play in the National Rugby League, and that all stemmed from playing in our little Takahiwai club. They are putting us on the map and our community is proud of them.”

“We have all been playing since we were about eight years old and Ed, Eroni and I are now 21 and Richie is 22. I think starting so young got us where we are today”

p Richie is able to take his barbering skills with him as he travels for his sport

p Eroni Biukoto says he is thankful to Takahiwai club coach Shane Hool for his encouragement and training

p Klies Kaiarake is looking forward to upskilling his game through his experience in Australia

Sharing the training space

Cara Coats, Brad McKegg, Siobhane Charlton are training for

them every Saturday morning at Marsden Point.

“The three of us run up to seven kilometres on a regular basis to prepare for marathons as part of taking care of our mental health,” says Brad.

“We decided it would be nice to encourage other people to run with us and we started the Marsden Runners group to help people get active. Having a team to exercise with always makes it fun and helps get you motivated. Exercising in a group is great because you can rely on other people turning up.”

Runners of all ages and abilities have joined the group.

“Some people are ultra marathon runners while some are just starting out and trying to get healthy. We are here to support each other so speed is not important and it doesn’t matter what you wear, or how big or small you are.”

Marsden Runners has a set route that includes running along Marsden wharf and along the waterfront.

“At one point we do laps and give each other high fives. Siobhane, Cara and I

run marathons for our mental health. Running a marathon may be something that is not in your belief system, but it certainly challenges you and the training brings order to the rest of your life.

“As you progress you think ‘wow I am in control’ and the endorphins kick in. You eat better, feel healthier and think clearer; as you stay committed, you get better at running. You have little increments where you feel proud of your accomplishments.

“I think right now mental health is a huge thing because everybody is under strain. Things being reported by some media aren’t helping at all because it is so negative. As humans, we need positive input. We don’t need to be hearing negative all the time; it adds to making you feel down and then you can lose sight of moving your body, which doesn’t help.

“Anybody can join us on our Saturday morning runs. It is nice to mix up who you are with, and some people feel much safer in a group. Being in a pack gives you energy and motivation rather than having to grind away by yourself. It gives variation and you meet new people.

“Our group is all-inclusive, there is no ego, it is not a race and there is no first prize. We don’t want anyone to feel embarrassed if they are just starting out. We welcome people who want to come along and try with us.

“We meet at 8.30am every Saturday outside the playground at Marsden Bay unless it is absolutely awful weather. If it's dangerous we don't run. It honestly is nice to see people getting fitter, running a bit further and making new friends. That in itself is good for your mental health.”

p Brad Kegg, Cara Coats and Siobhane Charlton are often seen running at Marsden Point as they train for marathons

u by Ann van Engelen

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

Last week’s crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 Equal, 4 Turn up one’s nose, 11 Ounce, 14 Baton, 15 Partnership, 16 Superior, 19 Granite, 20 Frisk, 21 Egomaniac, 24

Principle, 26 Sonata, 27 Liquor, 31 Dogma, 32

Criteria, 34 Beginnings, 38 Ostrich, 39 Intact, 40 Cliche, 41 Lane, 42 Alleged, 45 Cradlesong, 50 Halcyon, 54 Grab, 55 Evened, 56 Berate, 57 Tribute, 60 References, 61 Rush hour, 62 Allot, 65 Spouse, 66 Legacy, 67 Fortitude, 72 Embellish, 73 Faith, 74 Alarmed, 79 Sanskrit, 80 Insecticide, 81 Roomy, 82 Rower, 83 Fair to middling, 84 State.

DOWN: 2 Quarry, 3 Acorn, 5 Utah, 6 Natural, 7 Please, 8 Nose, 9 Swinging, 10 Equine, 11 Operations, 12 Nail, 13 Earlier, 17 Sting, 18 Smothering, 22 Diary, 23 Quandary, 25 Remorse, 26 Startle, 28 Morsel, 29 Errand, 30 Eighth, 33 Tuner, 35 Skein, 36 Acne, 37 Echo, 42 Auger, 43 Leapfrog, 44 Diving, 45 Cinderella, 46 Adds, 47 Liberty, 48 Stress, 49 Notch, 51 Airs, 52 Cobbled, 53 Option, 58 Dressmaker, 59 Musty, 63 Bassinet, 64 Stilt, 65 Sponsor, 68 Optical, 69 Relief, 70 Wasted, 71 Hermit, 75 Roost, 76 Snow, 77 Term, 78 Eden.

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