The Weekend Lifestyler, March 10th, 2023

Joining St John Cadets as a child opened the door for Harrison Tinsel to learn a range of life skills, and he later became a member of the Mangawhai Army Cadets. Harrison then discovered his love of photography and has

merged his three interests together. Often found with a camera in hand, he enjoys capturing memories wherever he goes and plans to carry on his interests by joining the armed forces in the future.

continued on page 12 …

Acknowledging sporting accomplishments

u by Ann van Engelen

The Bream Bay Sports Trust is preparing to celebrate local sporting people at The Trigg Bream Bay Sports Awards set for Friday, March 31, at the Celtic Barn in Waipū.

“We expect up to 300 people to attend with 11 awards up for grabs, including People’s Choice and the Supreme Award,” says trust chair Judy Boult.

“The awards have been going for many years and restarted five years ago. This year our guest speaker is Laura Andrews, who has recently returned from trekking to the South Pole, Antarctica.”

There are 40 nominations for various categories, from Master Sports Person to Community Impact for Sport.

“The awards are a big event on the local calendar and are restricted to people living in or connected to sports clubs in Bream Bay. We get a lot of people who are winning competitions

and groups so people can be enabled to participate.

“Clubs use the funds for various things such as purchasing gear or travel expenses. The awards ensure supporters, managers and players have an opportunity to be celebrated from the playground through to the podium.

“We enjoy seeing more people become involved in sport. A very good example, with the Have a Go day was at least 20 families not panicked by the water of the recent storm to try football. Youngsters tried their hands at different skills, challenges and various matches. The kids and parents prevailed over the Bream Bay United Reps, winning by a single goal.

across the country, and the awards are quite a prestigious thing for people in town, with a dinner and the opening by the mayor.

“To Bream Bay Sports Trust, the whole objective is to encourage excellence in sports and the funds we raise from the evening are given in grants to clubs or to help people be involved.

“We are currently running our Festival of Sport, which has 26 clubs in the area hosting open days for people to try different sporting codes. The trust provides finance for these days too, and we also run performance seminars. It is all about encouraging and providing financial assistance to individuals

“Some budding young players experienced what football has to offer, including walking away with a shiny new pair of boots. Seeing happy people is what we like about the Have a Go festival. Community members of all ages get to try all different sports, and that is what the Bream Bay Sports Trust is all about, encouraging sport in Bream Bay.

“We believe participation broadens people’s social aspect and outlook, and they gain not only from the exercise but the total social participation. Tickets to the awards dinner can be acquired from the Bream Bay Sports Trust website at $55 per ticket with children under 18 and nominees at reduced prices.”

p Nominees on stage at a previous Trigg Bream Bay Sports Awards

“Community members of all ages get to try all different sports, and that is what the Bream Bay Sports Trust is all about”

Storm recovery grants open

Northland businesses can now apply for a grant of up to $40,000

administered by Northland Inc, one of seven agencies delivering the $25 million central government recovery package to cyclone affected regions around the North Island.

“The funding provides much-needed support to address the immediate needs of businesses across Taitokerau,” says Northland Inc chief executive Paul Linton. “The Business Recovery Grants provide us with the opportunity to address immediate cash flow needs of our regional businesses and help position them for a successful recovery.”

Of the overall funding package, $1,775,000 has been allocated to

any mental wellbeing support they may need to access through our partners at firststeps.nz, a website and resource hub for the business community. There is also funding being made available to ensure extra services are available through the First Steps platform.

“Resilient infrastructure will be key in ensuring Northland is positioned to thrive economically into the future. Alongside our regional partners, we have elevated

Northland. Businesses can apply for grants of between $5,000 to $40,000. NorthChamber Board president, Tim Robinson, says support for businesses in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle is important. “Collaboration across agencies at times like this is critical, all playing to our strengths and coordinating vital information. We are pleased to see the support package become available as quickly as it has.

“We also encourage business owners and leaders to reach out for

the need for rebuilding more resilient infrastructure and providing support to those most affected, including general business and tourism industry support.

“Our key priority looking ahead is to keep our region, communities, industries, and businesses connected and thriving post-cyclone and into the future.”

Information on eligibility criteria and the grant application process is available on the Northland Inc website — northlandnz.com/business. ¢

p Paul Linton, Northland Inc CE

“Our key priority looking ahead is to keep our region, communities, industries, and businesses connected and thriving post-cyclone and into the future”

Stihl chainsaws help fire brigades

u by Ann van Engelen

Welton Browne and Kim Jones at Automotive Outdoor and Marine Ltd

Wellsford and Mangawhai fire brigades thanks to Stihl NZ.

“We have a full automotive workshop and do a bit of everything here from servicing vehicles and boat motors to being the local Stihl dealer,” says Welton.

“We work on all small to mediumsized commercial vehicles, inboard and outboard motors — the only thing we don’t work on is motorbikes and big trucks. It has been a family-owned business for about 40 years. Kim’s dad Clive Jones started the company, and I joined him in 1998. Kim and I took over in 2019.

“Due to the recent storms, last week was the third week of us servicing chainsaws all day, every day. Stihl NZ has been amazing and took it upon themselves to donate chainsaws to their dealers to donate to community causes, such as local fire brigades and groups,

which help clear trees and things. It was a Stihl NZ initiative that cost them around $100,000 in sponsorship, and it came from their own business structure.

“We were offered different chainsaws, with some priced at $900. Kim and I chose the local fire brigades because the volunteer brigades are not supported much by the government, and we always try to help them in any way we can. We pay it forward with reduced costs and free labour on their vehicle maintenance but hope we will never need their services.

“It is important to us to help. The paid brigades get supplied with everything, but the volunteer brigades make up 75 per cent of our national system. Through the storm, they were constantly out clearing trees and roads where they were

able, at times to get to jobs they were called to or for people to be able to get out of their houses.

“The amount of damage was intense and widespread. They say we had two months of rain in 48 hours. It was unbelievable and highlights the lack of infrastructure and the state our country is in.

“The guys were really pleased to receive the chainsaws. We have worked alongside Wellsford in the past, and they

already had two, so the third means they can put it in the emergency service van.

“Kaiwaka is much the same. We have fundraised with them in the past, but we found they only had one chainsaw, and Mangawhai only had a little one, so they were rapt to get a new one. These guys have to fundraise themselves for these things because they just don’t get given the equipment they need. Stihl has certainly taken a little bit of pressure off, and we are all grateful for that.”

p Welton Browne from Automotive Outdoor and Marine Ltd in Wellsford handing over a chainsaw from Stihl NZ to Micky Renton at the Kaiwaka Volunteer Fire Brigade

p Saoirse Nesbit from the Mangawhai Volunteer Fire Brigade was thankful for the new equipment from Welton

p Welton, with Tarah Jones and Des Hansen at the Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade, were grateful for the gift

The golden season

u by Liz Clark

Autumn has arrived, and with it, the harvesting of summer vegetables, planting of new crops, trees and some care for the soil and established plants.

This time of the year is when planting can be done. The rainfall is perfect and temperatures are cooler for getting winter vegetables, bulbs, trees and shrubs into the ground. It’s also the time to give the gardens a good tidyup, prepare lawns for resowing and build up the compost heap. The soil will also benefit from new additions of compost, blood and bone ready for the next vegetable crop. Established trees and ornaments will also need a tidy-up and fertiliser in preparation for winter.

Vegetable garden and salad greens

Harvest tomatoes, pumpkins, beans, peas and lettuce. Courgettes and other vegetables will also still be producing at this time of the year. Remove any diseased plants past their best and provide any viable ones with some blood and bone. Sow beetroot, beans,

brassicas, carrots, parsnips, leeks, onions, spring onions, lettuces, mizuna, rocket, radishes, silverbeet and swedes.

Salad greens can be sown in pots using a good-quality vegetable potting mix. Sow continuously for an ongoing supply. Protect your seedlings from slugs and snails using appropriate bait. Use a non-toxic product if you have pets or young children.

Bulbs

Now is the time to get hold of the bulb catalogues from your favourite nursery and pick out the bulbs you love. Some varieties, such as anemones, ranunculus and tulips, will need chilling in the fridge for six weeks. Place in a paper bag to prevent rot from occurring. Check every 14 days; signs of swelling in the base of the bulbs will indicate it’s time for planting out. Other bulbs can be planted now. Ensure a well-prepared

planting bed with good drainage is established before putting in your bulbs. Beds with poor drainage will result in your bulbs rotting before they can put out any growth. Also, ensure to follow the nursery recommendations for planting depths.

Trees, shrubs and ornamentals

Autumn is one of the best times to plant trees before the cold of winter sets in. Always consider the height and width of the tree you are looking for before planting. For instance, you would want to avoid planting a large specimen tree in a small courtyard. Multiply the height by the width of the tree and plant at that distance from your home and boundary; otherwise, problems could occur later. Plant roses, natives, fruit trees and other favourites so the root systems can establish before spring returns after winter. ¢

Lions assist with necessities

u by Ann van Engelen

Lions International has funding available to assist people affected by flooding due to the adverse weather to get food and water.

“Our thoughts are with all those living in Kaipara and the other areas of New Zealand whose lives have been disrupted by the recent weather events,” says Lions’ district governor Auckland and Northland regions Ricky Singh.

“Our District 202K has successfully obtained a US$10,000 emergency grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation, which will be used to meet

Ruawai Lions president Rosemary Webb says many residents from across the area are in desperate need of essentials. The club is also organising a thank you lunch for volunteers who helped and are helping their communities.

“People have roofs leaking and trees down, but the biggest need is accommodation for those who lost everything,” she says.

essential needs. The Wellsford Lions Club has provided food parcels to those impacted in the Mangawhai community, and members of the Lions Clubs in the region are working to assist with other emergency needs.

“While there is a need for initial emergency assistance, the majority of our assistance will be provided over the longer term. We are currently in contact with agencies and clubs in the areas affected, and this will help determine the most effective assistance options moving forward.”

“There are many empty houses that could be rented, yet with the criteria nowadays it would cost owners thousands to get them up to rentable standards. I hope something changes to make it possible to give people a home.

“Many people won’t realise what they have lost and may not appreciate how affected they are. Please be mindful that they could suddenly become extremely tired from the shock. Ruawai Lions were organising the Kaipara Food Festival but instead are hosting a volunteer thank

you lunch on Saturday, March 11. Many people went above and beyond while managing their own devastation, and any volunteers are welcome to join us.

“Here in Ruawai, the Four Square opened without power and ran tabs on trust. I am sure that happened elsewhere, too, and that shows community support. For more information on food and clothing assistance, to enquire for future

funding or to attend the lunch, people can contact me on my Rosemary Anne Webb Facebook page.”

If you need assistance or would like to donate to this relief fund, please contact Dargaville dargaville.lions@gmail.com, Paparoa paparoa.admin@lionsclubs. org.nz, Ruawai jdsimpson@slingshot. co.nz, Waipū waipulions@gmail. com and Wellsford wellsford.lions@ hotmail.com. ¢

p Rosemary Webb, president of Ruawai Lions Club is coordinating assistance for food and clothing and the upcoming volunteer thank you lunch

“Many people won’t realise what they have lost and may not appreciate how affected they are”

ADVERTORIAL

Withstanding the test of time

Davy, owner and operator of New Look Outdoor Living based in Bream Bay, specialises in delivering clients quality structures to go over their outdoor living spaces.

“Having been born and bred in Onerahi and part of a keen diving family, my earliest memories are of being at the beach and enjoying kai moana at every opportunity. After many years away from Northland, in 2006, I returned to this amazing place we live in and settled in Waipū in 2009,” says Mark.

With a background in building and renovation work, Mark gravitated to erecting roofing over decks for various brands, only to see the shortcomings of these structure types in the marine environment.

“I realised there was a need for locally designed and produced structures that would stand the test of time, resist the salty atmosphere and be robust enough to handle the one-in-a-hundred-year storms we seem to get every second weekend these days.

“So, with an aircraft engineering background and an appreciation of the corrosion resistance of aluminium, plus its strength, I have put together and refined framework, which can support the versatile polycarbonate and acrylic glazing systems I now offer. The different panels I offer allow you to sit under a roof on your deck and enjoy being in the outdoors without getting

fried. These are 99% UV resistant, heat reducing and still keeping a high level of light, so the adjoining rooms of your house remain illuminated. Add in marine-grade powdercoating and six-millimetre structural aluminium rivets to tie it all together — you have the best I can offer.

“All local structures have been wind tunnel tested up to 150km/h recently. I am proud to say they all passed the test. So take advantage of my product to enhance your living space and engage me to design the best solution at your place.” ¢

With a proven product designed and fabricated for the marine environment that is our front yard, we are a local business that specialises in building functional outdoor living spaces.

The amazing panels block out the UV and reduce the transfer of heat up to 40% without losing light into your living areas.

Add vertical glazing and/or blinds to further enhance your new space.

Based in Bream Bay, we cater to enquiries around Northland and have plenty of clients who are willing to showcase their structures to interested parties.

Get in touch, to find out how we can create a beautiful outdoor room at your place.

Mark

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A multitude of interests

u by Ann van Engelen

At sixteen years old, Harrison Tinsel has been given a vast range of life-changing opportunities, including participating in both St John cadets and New Zealand Army cadets.

“I grew up in the Waitakeres until my parents, Anastasia and Martin, decided to move to Mangawhai for us to live more of a country lifestyle,” says Harrison.

“I am 16 years old now and am a training manager at McDonald’s in Wellsford. One of my interests is photography, which I began when I was 14 years old by taking photos at the beach. I enjoy catching moments and smiles of people. One of my favourite things is when I hold up my camera, and everyone looks at you and smiles.”

Harrison is also involved in St John and the Army Cadets.

“I joined Mangawhai Army Cadets when I was 13 and enjoy that you meet new people, learn discipline and have to go outside of your comfort zone in a lot of areas. We learn armed forces training and life skills. My mum joined as a leader

and became the unit commander last year, and I am now a cadet corporal and am currently the acting warrant officer.

“In my role, I report to the regional board and keep them up to date with what our unit is involved in. We attend annual regional competitions competing with drills and physical fitness and if you win you go through to the national competitions. It is a lot of fun, and if you win, the nationals, you get a big award and bragging rights for the year.

“We do the same as people in the army with the running through mud and leaping over walls drills. We have a big climbing wall on-site and do as much training as possible, and the kids love it. We learn to use firearms and gun safety. Each school term, we go up to Whangārei and do a shoot with them. At certain camps, we go out with other

units and compete to see who is the most accurate and who has the best target shooting score.

“I enjoy using my photography skills for cadets as well to record what we do. I did photography Level 2 NCEA and have been teaching myself and pairing up with photographers around New Zealand through groups on Facebook.

“You don’t need an expensive camera to be good — you can use a phone if that is all you have. The aim is to get the angles you like and focus on what you find exciting. I recently photographed the Mangawhai Bowl Bash skate weekend, and it was my first big sporting event, and I think it went quite well.

“It wasn’t too hard. It was more about making sure I had the correct settings. I thought I would get lots of blurry photos, but they turned out really

“In the future, I plan on joining the New Zealand Defence Force and continuing with photography there”

p Harrison Tinsel can often be found with his camera in hand when he attends private or community events

well, and that boosted me to try more sports photography in the future. I was able to meet other photographers, too, one was from Australia, and they all gave me some helpful tips, which I really appreciated.

“In the future, I plan on joining the New Zealand Defence Force and continuing with photography there. At present, my main things are family photos, events and weddings. I have taken photos for one wedding and have three more locked in. I enjoy capturing memories that include lots of laughter, friends, family and children. If it is a big event, I ask for a second photographer and work alongside the videographer.”

Harrison has photographed community events such as the Northern Helping Hands Easter Hunt.

“It is a lot of fun being at community events, and at the Easter hunt, there was lots to do with chocolate. It was great seeing the community come together, especially after Covid. With the

recent storms, I was amazed how many people helped each other, from loaning generators to other families to offering people showers and beds.

“I am also training to be a manager at McDonald’s Wellsford. During the storms, it was great to see how the community helped stranded travellers and locals by opening up the community hall. Four Square, Jesters Pies and McDonald’s all donated food, along with a lot of families.

“We live on Te Ārai, and I had never seen such bad flooding. Eight power poles lost their lines, and the line crews worked really hard to get the power back on, but the faults were right across Northland. I wouldn’t have liked to be out in the storm like the power and roading crews were.

“Photographing the storm damage was a different experience again. There was one family outside their house looking at the devastation to their property, and it wasn’t nice to see, so I didn’t take photos. It was sad seeing

houses and farms flooded and things gone and unrepairable.

“Volunteers everywhere have been amazing. It would have definitely been worse if people didn’t pitch in and help each other. I heard people have gone to help in Gisborne, but we don’t hear about that. I think our country is awesome at pulling together when we are in need.

“I have been in St John Cadets since I was nine years old and started at the Wellsford division until my mum started the Mangawhai division in 2016. That year, we won the district competition and went through to the regionals.

“In 2020, I became the Northland District Cadet of the Year. Having the experience of going to regional events helped me a lot. We had to compete against other cadets with our knowledge and handling situations. We had to speak in front of people, know what events were coming up in the region and inform and encourage other cadets.

“St John teaches us first aid, drill and discipline, the importance of respecting

people and not talking while others are talking. We learn different things each term, and we call the various subjects badges. Last term, we focussed on basic first aid and how to help in certain situations. This term, we are learning about animal care, and we are being taught the basic care of animals and how to look after them.

“In the long run, St John can take you many places. I have heard of cadets who became paramedics or volunteer ambulance officers at 18 years old, and there are many other opportunities. It certainly helps prepare you for ambulance work.

“I enjoy meeting new people and the experiences my interests give me. I am able to tie my army, St John and photography interests together and encourage other young people to come along and join us. We meet at the Hakaru RSA with St John on Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm and Army Cadets on Mondays from 6pm to 8pm. It really is a lot of fun.” ¢

“I have been in St John Cadets since I was nine years old and started at the Wellsford division until my mum started the Mangawhai division in 2016. That year, we won the district competition and went through to the regionals”

p Harrison enjoys in using his creative photographic skills to capture memories from all manner of occasions and scenes

p Harrison and St John cadet colleague Hayden Wharfe receiving their Grand Prior Award from Governor-General Cindy Kiro last year

p Harrison joined St John Cadets at nine years old and encourages other youth to consider becoming cadets as well

From shearer to T-shirt creator

u by Ann van Engelen

Mangawhai’s Philip Lees has done time shearing sheep and teaching children and is currently creating T-shirts of his beloved Mangawhai.

“I have been doing different things, including owning Lees Shearing Contractors, which was a very successful business,” says Philip.

“I am usually a school teacher, but I am having time off at present, and thought I’d start something else Mangawhai doesn’t have. I noticed that the T-shirts available are mostly modern designs, and I have never seen one with a beautiful photo of Mangawhai Heads, so I decided to make something.

“My partner JiYeon Lee is a great support. I met her while I was teaching at an International School in Korea. I returned home just before Covid, and she joined me. JiYeon owned five beauty

shops in Korea and gave them all up to come to me. She started Lees Beauty Mangawhai and is now famous for her beauty therapy work — people absolutely love her.

“The T-shirt idea came about because I lost my passion for teaching and was thinking of ways to make money. I felt you work hard with children, and people don’t appreciate it. I am an old-style teacher and feel children’s behaviour is deteriorating, and I think children need consequences for bad behaviour, which we cannot give them anymore, so I took a break.

“At present, I enjoy having the T-shirts as a sideline thing and want to see how

it goes. They are produced through my friend Ron here in Mangawhai. I didn’t realise how difficult screen printing is until I helped Ron for three days. You have to focus so closely on every single shirt.

“Things like, you have to iron print within 10 seconds, and if your belly touches the shirt as you reach down with the iron, you smudge the shirt. It is amazing the work it takes.

“The T-shirts come from Bangladesh and are beautiful to wear. The material is great quality, with 85 per cent cotton and 15 per cent viscose. At present, we have the women’s cut, and they fit nicely on the hips. The men’s T-shirts

will be thicker with a circle on the back and front.

“Helping people to create their own T-shirts for fundraisers or charity events is something I am very keen to do. I can work through ideas with people and help create a unique design. Ultimately, I am loving promoting Mangawhai Heads and Northland through my art.

“It is a simple photo of the heads rock because I think some designs are too flash, and people don’t want flash — they just want to see beautiful Mangawhai Heads rock. When you are travelling, and they see the T-shirt, people look and say, ‘wow I know that rock, I have been there’.” ¢

p Philip Lees wants to help people create their own T-shirt designs for charity or fundraiser events

p Philip and JiYeon created the Mangawhai Heads T-shirts as a way to promote the township and Northland

PUZZLE TIME

Jumbo crossword

Last week’s crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 Steer, 4 Stamping ground, 11 Image, 14 Fatal, 15 Opportunity, 16 Perverse, 19 Sustain, 20 Place, 21 Titillate, 24 Vaccinate, 26 Sketch, 27 Urbane, 31 Metro, 32 Solarium, 34 Operations, 38 Ascends, 39 Zither, 40 Exiled, 41 Visa, 42 Odyssey, 45 Substitute, 50 Seafood, 54 Away, 55 Swoops, 56 Arrows, 57 Derrick, 60 Embittered, 61 Treasure, 62 Quoit, 65 Sponge, 66 Boxcar, 67 Sceptical, 72 Terrarium, 73 Farms, 74 Coasted, 79 Nautical, 80 Saudi Arabia, 81 Creed, 82 Swung, 83 Hard taskmaster, 84 Spark.

DOWN: 2 Teacup, 3 Exact, 5 Type, 6 Moonlit, 7 Intact, 8 Gong, 9 Retailer, 10 Dwells, 11 Inveterate, 12 Acre, 13 Elevate, 17 Pitch, 18 Discipline, 22 Snoop, 23 Palomino, 25 Airless, 26 Samurai, 28 Ceased, 29 Sights, 30 Breeds, 33 Adieu, 35 Stand, 36 Idle, 37 Peru, 42 Orate, 43 Yearbook, 44 Yawned, 45 Scoreboard, 46 Bass, 47 Tractor, 48 Target, 49 Towns, 51 Ewer, 52 Formula, 53 Orchid, 58 Staggering, 59 Erupt, 63 Occupant, 64 Divot, 65 Savings, 68 Compass, 69 Preach, 70 Napalm, 71 Veneer, 75 Strip, 76 Tutu, 77 Adds, 78 Nice.

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