The Weekend Lifestyler, February 3rd 2023

With years of experience in the art and business world, Patsy Montgomery recently celebrated fulfilling her dream of turning the Baldero Cottage in Waipū into a home and art gallery. Patsy loves

the fact that her daughter Lucy and granddaughter Pearl are on-site, and the family are able to enjoy the new space together.

continued on page 12

Gumboot Friday team challenge

u by Ann van Engelen

Mike King, Richie Barnett and the Gumboot Friday team are travelling across the North Island with the Due Drop Hope Challenge and will be at the Land and Sea Cafe at One Tree Point on Thursday, February 16.

The challenge is a 16-day swim/bike/ run relay starting at Cape Reinga on February 14, and ending at the Beehive in Wellington. Triathlete Rick Wells, cyclist Ian Jones and the Blue70 athlete crew have joined Mike and Richie.

“The aim is to connect with communities, raise awareness of I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday and start conversations while facing our own fears,” says former professional rugby league player Richie.

“Ian approached Mike with the Due Drop Hope Challenge idea to start conversations. Mike couldn’t swim 25 metres a year ago — now he is managing two to three kilometres in the water. Ian had been knocked off his bike not long

and interact with nature and used to do everything like fish and hunt, not constantly be on our devices. Motion creates good emotion. If you are stagnant, you fall into a certain behaviour that has a negative effect on your mind.

“We also need to encourage children to have more physical play, ride their bikes or climb trees. At each area along our route, we will bike, swim, run and take our Little People, Big Emotions programme to schools.

ago and had to get back on, and I had a huge fear of swimming in the ocean.

“People know me best through playing rugby league. I have known Mike for a long time, and when he invited me to join him, I jumped at the opportunity. I have been a life coach and mentor for seven years and truly believe people are going through tough times, and I don’t like to see others suffering.

“My first official ocean swim was two to two and a half kilometres, and I was super pumped to break the fear and push myself outside my comfort zone. Without the team, I would not have accomplished it. Our aim is to encourage people to start a conversation because counselling is just a conversation, and our nation needs to have more.

“We need to get our bodies moving and active. We were made to move

“Some weeks, the foundation gives more than $100,000 worth of counselling sessions to people 25 years old and under, including our tamariki. Gumboot Friday doesn’t discriminate against who uses our free counselling service. We are not an organisation at the bottom of the cliff. We want people to get help before a crisis point because a crisis point is tough to get out of when you are in that place.

“Mike is feeling really good, and our networks are amazing, and we have had an extremely positive year so far. The Due Drop Hope Challenge Facebook page has more about the challenge, dates and locations.

“We will be at Land and Sea Cafe at Marsden Cove on Thursday, February 16, at 6.30pm.

“Entry is by donation, and we will be sharing our stories and speaking about mental health. To book a table, call 09 432 7097. We will be at the Four Square Marsden Cove from 4–5pm.” ¢

p Richie Barnett, with the Land and Sea Cafe team Rauamoa, Carys, Alana, cafe owner Sue and Mike King preparing for the upcoming Due Drop Hope Challenge visit

“We also need to encourage children to have more physical play”

Walking weekend approaches

u by Ann van Engelen

Organisers of the Mangawhai Walking Weekend have set the date this year for March 18 and 19, encouraging people from near and far to join the fun, guided walks while exploring the beautiful Mangawhai beachside community.

“This year’s theme is beach, bush and beyond,” says Mangawhai Walking Weekend Trust chair Trish Whyte.

“The weekend showcases the very best of Mangawhai’s ocean, estuary, bush and wider hinterland.

“The event was established by Jean Goldschmidt in 1999 to create business for bach owners to rent out their accommodation and bring people to Mangawhai. Jean was keen to get people out on the walking tracks in the area.

“I have been involved for 10 years, and the early years were incredible. In the early days, 700 people attended, and the opening mornings were fantastic, with people doing stretches and warmups. On the Sunday, everyone would have a big breakfast together before starting out.

“When the Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust began, the two initiatives went hand in hand with the trackies creating amazing tracks, and the walking weekend grew. We rely on volunteers to run the event, and each walk is fully guided, normally by trackies or community members who know the area well.

“The funds raised go to the Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust to 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. In Daring Venture, one of the new short

walks, we are pleased to partner with the Mangawhai Museum and the Daring Trust to share some of the secrets of the 160-year-old schooner Daring.

“Returning to the walk programme is the beautiful Thornleigh Farm walk. This farm has been nurtured by the same family since 1860, and walkers will hear about the changing times to survive and their sustainable farming success, current and future.

“The Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society hosts a boat trip to the distal spit, stories of the history of the Big Dig, the planting programme, and the ongoing efforts to secure a functioning harbour and protection for birdlife.

AIR EQUIPMENT SERVICES

“The Estuary Explore Walk closely follows the ‘round the harbour’ walkway that so many have long dreamed of accomplishing. The fertile hinterland of Mangawhai is showcased on the Tastes of Tara and King, where the owners of avocado, wine and olive orchards share their passion, practice and knowledge.

“A total of 14 walks are available this year, ranging from easy to difficult. We would love to see more local people coming, along with visitors from other parts of the country, to experience what we have to offer.”

Bookings are essential as numbers on each walk are limited. Full details can be found at mangawhaiwalking.co.nz. ¢

p Mangawhai Walking Weekend founder Jean Goldschmidt with her husband Don at their farewell in

p The weekend provides a rare opportunity to be guided across the amazing landscape of the Mangawhai Spit and hear about the infamous Big Dig and ongoing restoration

The pet beautician

u by Ann van Engelen

Kelly-Jo Tilby celebrated opening her Pretty Paws and Claws Salon this week, catering

other small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

“I grew up in Whangārei but was at the beach 24/7 because my father was a fisherman,” said Kelly-Jo.

“We would visit all different beaches, but I always knew I would end up here in beautiful Ruakākā. I am based at 17 Seaview Ruakākā and have been here for just over two years. I started grooming when I was 16 years old as after school work. I had moved out of home and was on an independent youth benefit, trying to study and I had to pay for my School Certificate exams and things.

“I was offered a job at the Grooming Room as the dog bather. Within six months and doing my first Christmas rush, the main lady who had done

amazing amounts of work offered me an apprenticeship working alongside her.

“There was a lot to learn, and I spent the first year de-matting and blow-waving animals and observing the hairdresser work to learn. Poodles alone have seven different cut options, so you have to see what works for your technique and perfect your brushing and handling of dogs. You have to pass each section before moving on to the next step.”

Kelly-Jo also had to learn to handle cats, rabbits, birds and horses.

“I enjoy that you can see a dog may be nervous or angry about the whole process, but because I know what I am doing, the dog relaxes.

“Later when it sees its owners appreciating their groom, the dog has a look of pride, and it is like, ‘oh my gosh — you love me’. It’s like a romance rekindling, and the dog wags its tail showing off how good it looks.

“It’s cute when they look at themselves in a window, smile, raise their tail and walk on proudly saying, ‘wow yup that’s right — it’s me’.

“Half the reason I went into business is so I can make the cuts more affordable. I understand people don’t always have spare money to spend on their pets in the current climate, so I suggest a maintainable cut and claws

done every two months. I have worked at the SPCA kennels and learned how to put them at ease for the grooming process. Taking time with aromatherapy and massage treatments introduces pets to the grooming process, especially if they have had a bad experience.

“It is all about being mindful of everything. I do a dental examination and recommend a vet visit if necessary from anything I see, and I also look for things like stuck grass seed while grooming.

“People can follow me on my Pretty Claws and Paws Salon Facebook page for more information.” ¢

p Kelly-Jo and her daughter Izzy with dogs Poppy and Creeper, Cookie the guinea pig and Autumn the kitten

p Kelly-Jo is able to relax animals in her care, ensuring they have a pleasant experience

Teaching a tune or two

u by Ann van Engelen

With a lifetime of musical experience behind him, Howard Skinner, aka The Music Man, moved to his little slice of paradise in Ruakākā seven years ago with his wife, Ann.

“I grew up in Auckland and have been interested in music since I was a young child,” says Howard.

Howard joined his first band at 14 years old and plays a variety of instruments, including mandolin, keyboard and guitar.

“Music is the love of my life. I enjoy most genres and play every song you can imagine in all styles, including classical. The last band I played in was The Berries. We were a resident band at the Mondesire Hotel in Takapuna in the early 1990s–2000s before it was pulled down.

“I decided to offer affordable lessons in keyboards, guitar and vocal harmonies so I can pass on my knowledge to others now. I teach a simple and easy method. You don’t need to be able to read music, learn scales, or know Mozart’s seventh symphony to play. If you can count to 12 and know your ABCs, you will be able to learn any song you like. I also teach vocal harmonies.

“For keyboards, I have developed a new way of teaching. I don’t teach the traditional scales, and a million black-and-white notes of music, and my students don’t practise forever or have to learn Mozart. They don’t want that — they often simply want to play a song.

“Back in the day, the keyboard was the lead instrument and played melody. But now the

vocals are the melody, and I can teach people to literally play any song they like in six months. I don’t care what people say — I don’t know anyone else in the world who teaches like I do. It is a new method, and I have seen amazing results because instruments are mechanical and follow patterns.

“The Beatles and U2 don’t necessarily read music. You don’t actually need to be a great musician. I teach how to play, and I see people’s lives change.”

Howard formulated his teaching style while helping his granddaughter learn to play.

“She is now amazing, writes her own music, did a music degree and has a website where she writes music for movies. She is a huge success story.

“Ann and I love being here in Ruakākā — it is an absolute paradise. I am The

Music Man NZ on Facebook or can be contacted on 027 261 9775. I play many instruments, and go to people for lessons or offer classes at home.

“I love seeing my students’ lives change as they quickly build confidence and do their own thing the way they want to play and sing. That to me is extremely rewarding.” ¢

p Howard Skinner enjoys nothing more than teaching people of all ages how to play musical instruments

“I grew up in Auckland and have been interested in music since I was a young child”

Where dragonflies delight

u by Liz Clark

The presence of a peaceful pond full of flowering lilies, lotus and other greenery can have a calming effect after a long day working.

water

Even the smallest space can have a pond or deep, wide pot growing water plants in one form or another. You don’t need a grand garden to enjoy a water feature and provide a ready-made home for frogs, dragonflies and other aquatic creatures. If you have goldfish, the addition of aquatic plants will provide shade from the hottest part of the day. They also provide protection from predators and oxygenate the water.

First of all, decide on the type of pond you would like to have. Most are pre-formed with pockets for marginal plants. Alternatively, if you have a larger area, a more natural type of pond can be dug. The minimal depth in artificial and natural ponds should be at least 30cm or more to accommodate deepwater plants and provide cooler growing

conditions. In natural waterways, pond plants grow at various depths, creating a balance between each plant species. Variable-level planting also ensures the water pH level is kept suitable for ornamental pond fish. Pond plant types include:

• Deep water 30cm–1.2m water depth — suitable for flowering plants with floating leaves such as lilies and lotus

• Deep-water oxygenators — swordleaved type plants, which are essential for fish

• Marginal water plants — these grow at various levels on the pond edges depending on the species

• Floating plants — these float on the surface without rooting into the base or sides of the pond

Creating a pond takes some planning. Allow for the planting of larger species, such as ferns, around the outer edges to provide shade at one end of the pond. Choose your plant sizes carefully to avoid removing them later because they’re too big. Dense planting will help prevent weeds from coming up and overtaking the pond.

It’s also important to be aware that some pond plants have become a serious problem in New Zealand waterways. NIWA has produced a comprehensive list of pond plants that can be used safely for pond plantings — visit niwa.co.nz/sites/niwa.co.nz/files/ import/attachments/aquarium_low_ risk.pdf.

For more information and advice, visit your local garden centre. ¢

A passion for flavour

u by Amy Fifita

Baker Yasmin Glynn has the desire to create joy for others from her Wellsford-based Whisk and Sieve Bakery as part of her lifetime adoration for making sweet treats.

“My mother is Irish, and my father is Iraqi. The two different cultures influenced my baking, but my passion was from watching my mother bake,” says Yasmin.

“I’ve always baked, but I never started off there professionally. I studied as an architect and travelled overseas, living in the UK and the United Arab Emirates doing various jobs.

“As a child, I lived in Iraq, and you had to make everything from scratch and couldn’t buy ready-made items. Baking struck my attention because I have an indulgent sweet tooth like my mother and grandmother.

“My mum collected cooking books, and I grew up flicking through recipes

and pictures of beautiful-looking cakes and pastries. It was a challenge to myself — can I make things look as pretty as those pictures?”

Yasmin first visited and secured a home in New Zealand in 2007 and was coming and going between here and the United Arab Emirates.

“I moved here permanently in 2015. Once settled, I pursued my love and trained as a pastry chef at Auckland’s Manukau Institute of Technology. I had the opportunity to add to my knowledge and train with pastry chefs from Germany, Ireland, Holland and New Zealand.

“Something my lecturer said has always stuck in my mind — people will

buy with their eyes, but they will come back again for the taste.

“When I dip into different cultural cuisines, it is an interesting combination. I add Middle Eastern flavours, such as citrus, when I cook pastry fillings, and my Irish influence covers doughs and pastries and uses ingredients like potatoes.

“I am also passionate about combining textures. I love creating tarts with soft fillings and crusty pastry, and baked cheesecakes with a crumbly base and creamy topping. Another interest is cake decorating. I find joy in zoning out into a different world of fondant or buttercream. Cakes are often a centrepiece for occasions that create

happiness. My friends and I frequently exchange tips, and they challenge me to create certain products like a Middle Eastern bagel.

“I kept on trying and perfected it with an authentic taste. When my friend’s mother tried my bagel, she said that it took her back 30 years and reminded her of home. I liked hearing that because I believe that food evokes memories.

“It is diverse and exciting. I plan to continue expanding Whisk and Sieve bakery and envisage taking on an apprentice. I want to teach someone who is passionate about baking and wants to learn more so I can push them forward to their next step.”

Glenn Jonas

p Baker Yasmin Glynn has many culinary influences from various cultures

p Yasmin bakes various goods from cakes to tarts and incorporates different flavours to appeal to people’s palettes

An echo from history

u by Paul Campbell

Sitting aside State Highway One as the gateway to Kaipara, Kaiwaka is a handy break in road trips northwards or southwards with thriving town businesses and amenities, while towering above the town is a massive landmark guarding the memory of pre-European conflict still holding a strong place in iwi lore today.

Bald Rock, which once hosted an annual expedition as a fundraiser and is now off-limits to climb, was the scene of an 1825 battle when as many as 1,000 fell before musket-wielding Ngāpuhi invaders in the intertribal New Zealand Musket Wars of the period.

Northern rivals Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua led the fighting, but the fallout from firearms supplied by European traders was such that fighting became too costly in fallen fighters as well as family carnage that economic competition soon replaced more primitive conflict. Land sales and economic exchanges with incoming settlers became a more settled norm.

Kaiwaka became a trading and commercial centre from the late 1850s, and later, as the kauri timber and gum industries declined, dairy farming became established.

From the 1880s, steamers provided regular service to Kaiwaka from the Otamatea River extension of the Kaipara Harbour and these continued well into the 20th century. The town was also a port for Kaipara fishermen harvesting

snapper and flounder resources to supply the Auckland and wider markets.

State Highway One is the main arterial route today but, in fact, was only a line on a map for much of the 19th century. Attempts were made to improve the road from 1895, and by 1900 the worst places on the route between Kaiwaka and Whangārei were metalled.

In 1911 the government’s Lands and Survey Department took over large blocks of unproductive land and developed them in the 1940s when these were balloted to soldiers returning from the second world war in the early 1950s.

With a population growing by the day as a general drift northwards from Auckland continues, Kaiwaka is part of the Kaipara with a hotel and truck stop, service station, dairy, several cafes and eateries and a supermarket as well as a thriving sports club and other community activities.

Not the least of the latter is the town’s annual feature attraction when it becomes the ‘little town of lights’ after dark, with Christmas time providing an

exceptional display. The town is also worth a stop to stretch the travel legs, with two new footbridges connecting the

two ends of the town for pedestrians, following funding from the council and the Provincial Growth Fund. ¢

Car show date change

Due to the current weather situation, the Waipū Lions Club has rescheduled the date of the Northpine Waipū Car and Bike Show at Caledonian Park to Saturday, February 25.

p The scene of ancient battle — Bald Rock towers over Kaiwaka

A dream come true

u by Ann van Engelen

In the historic Baldero Cottage on the edge of Waipū Village, opposite the Pizza Barn, local artist Patsy Montgomery has proudly opened her new art store Patsy Montgomery Design.

“I grew up in Auckland and spent a lot of time on my uncle and aunt’s farm situated between Warkworth and Wellsford,” says Patsy.

“When I was 22 years old, I could see how Auckland was growing and decided to move before I established my place of earning as I didn’t want to be trapped in the city. I trained as a teacher and found some children were brilliant in ways that our education system couldn’t cater for, so I decided to change career.”

Patsy became a self-employed artist and took up screen printing and printed things like clothing, tablecloths and wall hangings.

“I have been in Waipū for nearly 50 years now. My partner at the time and I found Waipū by accident. We were going to look at land in Hokianga but broke down on the Brynderwyns, got towed

here and never left. There was no ready employment here, so we established a little craft shop and then set up a studio. In 1975 we created the Waipū Tile Studio and made tiles with New Zealand themes, and by the 1980s, we were employing eight part-time people. We won a Best Souvenir tourism award in 1991.

”The tiles went all around the world as gifts and souvenirs, and we had outlets in the UK and Australia. I left the business around 1997, and my partner at the time, Rod, kept operating it until he retired.

“I enjoy the journey of painting and the fact that you don’t quite know what the end result is going to be. I remember being in preschool as a child and drawing on the blackboard for hours. When I was young, I intended to go to Elam School of

Fine Arts but went to university instead and studied English and History.

“For a time, I felt sad that I didn’t study fine art and work in that field but I came to appreciate that I could incorporate everyday things on the tiles that people enjoyed, and that proved to be very satisfying. I carried on producing things that people relate to and found that New Zealanders enjoyed them too, and that gives me a lot of satisfaction. The first place I sold my work was Cook Street Market. It was a really famous Auckland market in the late 1960s and 70s.

“The cottage I now own was originally built in Kaiwaka and then moved to where some of the gum diggers lived near the Waipū cemetery. It was like a general store, and around 1920, it was moved again by a bullock team to its current location and,

“I have always enjoyed making designs that look like fabric prints”

p Since she was a young girl, Patsy has enjoyed painting and working in the art and craft industry

from what I understand, it became a haberdashery.

“Mrs Baldero ran it, and after that, it had a very chequered career, including operating as an antique shop, rental accommodation for young people, a permanent residence and finally, most recently, a natural health clinic.

“One of the previous owners built another residence behind the cottage where my daughter Lucy and granddaughter Pearl now live, so the property is perfect for us.

“Over the years, I had wondered about buying it many times. I spent 18 years in the Waipū hills on a 10-acre bush property with my partner of 23 years, Bob McNeely. Lucy worked in the film industry and moved in with us when she had her daughter Pearl. After Bob died, we decided to move closer to the village.

“We recently heard that the cottage was coming up for sale, and Lucy and I moved heaven and earth to purchase it. I knew that I wanted it and that we could have the shop in the front.

“After leaving the tile studio, I continued painting and developed a technique to make art prints, and I have been doing that for the last six years. I had also taken on the job of managing the Waipū Museum and was there for a decade until 2016.

“I have always needed to make things, even as a child. I can’t be happy if I am not making something and began making prints again in around 2014. My first prints have native birds amongst garden plants, both native and nonnative, reflecting plants to be found on my property in the hills.

“In particular, I found it intriguing to see what native birds like to eat. I have always enjoyed making designs that look like fabric prints, so it was wonderful to be on a property with so much bird and plant life. More recently, I created a range of prints to feature the coastal scenery around Waipū and the local area.

“From 2013 on, we had a joint business at the Black Shed, which

also sold my work. Then I was selling at the Mangawhai markets, which I loved attending, but markets are very demanding physically, and I reckon age has got the better of me to carry on with all that lugging and lifting.

“Since we moved here, I have been renovating the cottage to have a boutique shop/gallery, and I am proud to have had a soft store opening on Saturday, January 14. We have had lots of people coming through already. I have my own art on sale as well as works from other artists, some ceramics and a small selection of homewares.

“Years ago, my screen prints were always hand drawn. We used a type of light-sensitive film, and for every colour in the print, you had to have a separate layer. I still do everything by hand and develop it layer upon layer, based on the same system as screen printing.

“I think I began my life with markets when I was about 22 years old, and during the 1980s and early 90s, we attended a lot of craft shows. It was a

time when New Zealand had a large number of people working in craft. My children grew up being carted off around the country to craft shows where people were producing great stuff. We had a lot of fun back then.

“Once The Warehouse opened up, the economy changed, and it made it more difficult for people to earn a living from a craft.

“I am a great believer in incorporating beautiful handmade objects and artworks into the domestic environment, which is why I quite enjoy combining art with interesting homewares. My new shop is the fourth I have set up in Waipū, including the shop at the Waipū Museum, along with Barbara Russell, who is still involved with it.

“Patsy Montgomery Design is open on weekends. I am very excited to be able to offer people a selection of art, including the work of Helen Perrett, who won a second place at the Portage Ceramic Awards in November last year.”

“I am a great believer in incorporating beautiful handmade objects and artworks into the domestic environment, which is why I quite enjoy combining art with interesting homewares”

p Patsy makes wooden blocks from her prints that are created to be wall decorations or can take heat as a placemat

p Patsy’s granddaughter Pearl enjoys being able to spend time with her grandmother

p Patsy’s handmade prints reflect various aspects of living in the area

Game of strategy expands

u by Ann van Engelen

Tina Smith founded the Mangawhai Chess Club two years ago and has now started a club in Maungatūroto with Otamatea Christian School hosting the weekly games.

“Our little chess club has grown, and the game has become very popular, especially through the school holiday chess tournaments,” says Tina.

“This year, we decided to play in Maungatūroto so more children can be involved. Mr Bell, the principal of Otamatea Christian School, loves the game and has been very positive and supportive about giving students the opportunity to play and learn at the school.”

Whangārei and Warkworth join us. This term at Mangawhai being summer, we are holding outdoor chess undercover at Mangawhai Heads behind Coffee Collective and Gringas restaurant on a Tuesday from 4.30pm–7pm. It is $10 per game, and on Sundays, we have public games in the outdoor courtyard for a gold coin donation from 5–7pm.

“At the club, we do training, challenges and competitions. We have prizes every week, and at the end of the

The school is located behind the Good News Church, on Hurndall Street East, State Highway 12, and the club is on Thursdays from 3pm–5pm.

“It is a convenient location for youth attending Otamatea High School and Maungatūroto Primary to join us, and local residents might like to bring their other children to play as well.

“The Mangawhai club already services Waipū, Maungatūroto, Kaiwaka and Wellsford. There are not many chess clubs around, and at our last tournament, we had people from

term, we have a prize-giving celebration with the top players receiving medals and trophies.

“We do things like teach the rules and appropriate social skills, and have board set up challenges and teach chess etiquette helping the students learn manners and other fun things.”

Tina says as a game of strategy, chess gives children something to do that’s not on devices.

“In saying that, they can play online and upskill, but it is also easy to take the chess set anywhere with you. It is a very

social game, and that is why we do the Sunday chess, so people can pop along and enjoy the afternoon.

“It brings people together, and children learn to sit nicely, in a civilised way and behave well as we are very strict on the etiquette. We are often invited back to the North Shore chess competitions, and our players are always respectful, neat and always tidy up after themselves.

“People can check the Mangawhai Chess Club Facebook page for more details or call 021 689 988. It is a nice family environment, and our club families do things like visit the zoo and other fun things. It’s not just chess — it’s friendship and it is very rewarding. We look forward to meeting new families at the Maungatūroto club as well as Mangawhai.” ¢

“I like the “getting out and going for a walk” aspect. Gets me outside and do a little physical activity”

Walkers have spoken

WANTED

• Reliable distributors wanted for part-time work delivering circulars/local newspapers into household letterboxes.

• No experience necessary - really!

• We would prefer if you had a smartphone.

• Materials to be delivered are dropped right to your door.

• Regular delivery days, great way to earn $ and keep fit.

EARN EXTRA CASH, GET YOUR DAILY EXERCISE & EXPLORE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD!

APPLY NOW! Please visit: reach.nz/walker-signup

p Mangawhai Chess Club members Luke and Kyle Smith, along with Ryan Smith and Luke Rout, look forward to meeting members from the newly formed Maungatūroto club based at Otamatea Christian School

“At the club, we do training, challenges and competitions”

We specialise in Driveways, Floors, Subdivisions and all forms of Concrete Construction

PUZZLE TIME

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

Last week’s crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 Knots, 4 Sporadic, 9 Orchid, 14 Waive, 15 As straight as a die, 17 Odour, 18 Ire, 19 Pageant, 20 Potential, 21 Rested, 24 Maharishi, 25 Chewed, 26 Snatch, 29 Casablanca, 31 Van, 32 Stairs, 33 Opal, 35 Awe, 37 Stud, 39 Thickened, 40 Liverpool, 41 Argue, 42 Corridor, 47 Athletic, 51 Units, 55 Explosion, 56 Cautioned, 58 Role, 59 Boa, 60 Rout, 61 Versus, 62 Let, 63 Sacrosanct, 66 Rhesus, 67 Warped, 69 Rootstock, 72 Organs, 73 Irritated, 75 Pirates, 77 Pet, 80 Newel, 81 As pleased as Punch, 82 Guest, 83 Crisis, 84 Tendered, 85 Ready.

DOWN: 2 Nostalgia, 3 Title, 5 Page, 6 Rations, 7 Disbelieving, 8 Cadet, 9 Operate, 10 Crop, 11 Ironed, 12 Timid, 13 Beneath, 14 Writing, 16 Annihilated, 22 Brunei, 23 Debacle, 24 Meander, 25 Canada, 27 Top coat, 28 Cravat, 30 Asks, 32 Serge, 34 Lilac, 36 Oral, 38 Too, 42 Clear, 43 Rupture, 44 Idol, 45 Olives, 46 Limbs, 48 Hydroponics, 49 Earmark, 50 Ill, 51 Unusual, 52 Scaled, 53 Subterranean, 54 Fibs, 57 Nicest, 64 Coalesced, 65 Pungent, 66 Rampage, 68 Perhaps, 70 Oversee, 71 Answer, 72 Other, 74 Input, 76 Abuse, 78 Plus, 79 Idle.

Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid

solution

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E: brett@barnbuildersnz.co.nz

W: www.barnbuildersnz.co.nz