The Weekend Lifestyler, March 15th 2024

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Designing

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fresh
Children
enjoy
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a young girl, Veronica Merkel enjoyed sewing and would make Barbie clothes that she sold to her school friends. She now uses her talents to create fashion statements for people’s much-loved cats and dogs. Using recycled materials, Veronica now has a range of pet jackets, bandanas and bow ties that she sells at the Mangawhai School and Waipu Boutique markets.
An animal playground
As
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pet fashion

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COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS NEWS YOU CAN TRUST

Waipu artists Tracey Coakley and Deb Hunter-Whitlock have joined forces for the upcoming Touch of the Wild art exhibition, which opens this Friday at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery.

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“A random post on social media was the catalyst for Tracey and Deb connecting and the result is a unique and captivating exhibition,” says Mangawhai Artists chair Belinda Vernon.

“On entering the first gallery space, visitors will walk through Deb’s atmospheric wild landscape paintings and go on a journey of places that feel familiar, but also, somehow, different.”

Deb paints places she has seen, photographed and resketched, removing houses and any human footprint.

Moving to the second gallery space, viewers will experience Tracey’s woodland creatures. Paintings of children’s heads adorned with furry animal hoods, from fawns, foxes, bears and bunnies.

“The idea is about children heading to becoming self-conscious teenagers,” says Tracey.

“It’s reminding them to dress up and have fun, to put on a hood and play. The aim of dress-ups for any age is for a person to let go and be a little bit wild.

“This exhibition was inspired by seeing my children go through the stages of developing their individual personalities and realising their place in their world.

“It’s reminding them to dress up and have fun, to put on a hood and play”

“The series of works I’ve created for the exhibition are landscapes painted in oils,” says Deb. “I like the idea that somehow these landscapes don’t completely represent an exact place but could be anywhere throughout New Zealand. The landscapes pull you into the works themselves to, perhaps, a different time. Having the title in my mind while painting has been a great way to maintain focus on the content of each painting. The first one, titled Wild Gorse and Pigs, appears to be a very tame painting and not wild at all but it does have a touch of the wild within.

“You could say it’s slightly on the wild side in terms of farming, with pigs roaming quite freely amongst a fair amount of gorse. Each painting after Wild Gorse and Pigs progressively becomes slightly more on the wild side.”

“Seeing them wrestling with the belief of staying unique to themselves but also feeling the pull to fit in. Dressing up in costume seems to allow a person to let themselves be ‘free’ like a mask.

“This animal hood series is loosely based on the children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are, escapism, using imagination to go to a magical land filled with wild things.”

Touch of the Wild is open from 10am to 3pm Friday, March 15 until Wednesday, March 27 at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, 45 Moir Street, with a celebratory opening event at 6pm on Friday, March 15. ¢

2 March 15 2024 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
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A touch of the wild
p Waipu artists Tracey Coakley and Deb Hunter-Whitlock are excited about their combined exhibition, Touch of the Wild, at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery
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Children enjoy fresh

Tomarata School students have kicked off their Garden to Table programme for 2024, seeing all involved enjoying freshly harvested fruit and vegetables grown on-site.

“Our school joined in with Garden to Table as a way to tie in with the resources and support that the programme offers schools,” says principal Chris King.

“We also recently reached out to the community to see what is important to them in things we do at school. We established that spending time outdoors, being active and having the opportunity for hands-on learning is really important, and we enjoy being able to offer that to our students.

“We believe in fostering a sense of whānau and collaboration, and the Garden to Table programme is the perfect way to do that to grow, learn and share together.

“What makes this programme even more special is that we’re embracing the tuakana/teina model. This means our senior leaders will be taking the lead, showcasing their emerging leadership skills and acting as inspiring role models for our younger tamariki.

“Every week, our whānau house groups are diving into exciting projects around the school, harvesting fresh produce from our gardens and trying their hand at some delicious cooking.

“Moreover, because we do it in whānau house groups, our year eight children are able to work alongside our year one and two. The older kids enjoy having the chance to show their

leadership skills and the young ones love having the opportunity to be with the older kids. Being out in the garden area gives the students time to interact in a different social setting while being outside in the garden area. Last week we were picking apples and cutting them up fresh from the tree. They have strawberries and tomatoes, too, which they have to find ways to use.”

The students take turns cooking things like muffins, fritters and quiche.

“We plan a dish that we are going to cook based on what we have and then share it together at school. Having the vegetable gardens, an orchard and chickens here on our grounds allows

us to stretch out. The students are also learning how to make compost and how worm farms work. During terms one and four we are able to get outdoors in the sunshine more which is also important to our children’s learning.

“The whole school is proud of how the grounds look, and the children enjoy cooking and harvesting. There is great satisfaction from picking fruit off the trees or out of the garden and being able to share what you grow with your friends.” ¢

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p Tomarata students Inga-Lill, Sabina and Ella enjoying freshly picked apples
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p Isabella taking note of a bean she picked in the garden

Easter Hop looms

The Mainstream Mangawhai Easter Hop 2024 team is preparing for the upcoming show as they raise funds for the Mangawhai Surf Club and the Mangawhai Domain.

“In 2018, Bryan May and the Mangawhai Muscle and Classic Car Club thought that a car show in Mangawhai might be a great idea for the community,” says Mangawhai Domain Society’s Renee Hanley.

“They followed that dream, and the event has evolved into the Mainstream Mangawhai Easter Hop.”

Hosted by the Mangawhai Domain Society and organised by the Mangawhai Muscle and Classic Car Club admin team, this fundraiser event is a drawcard for car enthusiasts from around the country.

“It is possibly the only car show on Easter weekend, and there will likely be

plenty of participants arriving from all over the North Island. With hundreds of classic and muscle cars, live music, food trucks, market stalls, a fashion show and rides for the kids, it is an excursion for all to enjoy.

“The classic and customised vehicles will certainly draw a crowd with rows of gleaming chrome and polished paint expected to be on display. At the last show, a hard-earned patina graced a classic Chevrolet, alongside modern muscle cars, and a Dodge Hellcat boasted immense horsepower direct from the factory. Bonnets were open for engines to be admired and a Ford

Cobra sealed the reputation of legendary designer and racer Carroll Shelby with a host of variants delighting fans of racing history.

“The Ford Mustang lineage spanning many generations, including a fine example of a turn-of-the-millennium era V8, was also exhibited.

“The proceeds from this year’s car show will go to the Mangawhai Surf Life Saving Club and the Mangawhai Domain Society, which is a registered charity.

“The hop is a community event that supports the Mangawhai Domain Society, with groups such as cricket,

rugby, soccer and tennis using the grounds, and the surf club needs help more than ever this year after being red-stickered from the storm. These are some of the reasons we keep hosting the hop.”

The Mainstream Mangawhai Easter Hop 2024 is set for Sunday, March 31, at the Mangawhai Domain, 73 Moir Street, Mangawhai. Starting at 8.30am, it is cash entry at $20 for each car, including occupants, and $5 walk-in entry.

For more information, email the Mangawhai Muscle and Classic Car Club at bryancorvette@gmail.com or visit mangawhaidomain.org.nz. ¢

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p Pin-up girl contestants at a previous show brought sparkle and flare with them p A large variety of cars will be on display at the Mangawhai Easter Hop

The local experience

The Brynderwyns may be closed, but along with other businesses, the Waipu Scottish Migration Museum and gift shop is open and ready to welcome all visitors from near and far.

As locals travel across the district through the various routes, shopping local when you can is all a part of supporting the hard-working people in your area, whether for gifts, meals or taking time to enjoy the different museums and parks in the small townships.

“With critical restoration work currently underway on the Brynderwyns and SH1 closed, we would just like to put out a reminder that we are open and welcome all visitors from near and far,” says manager Sandra McKay.

stocked. You will be guaranteed to find the perfect gift for any occasion or just simply treat yourself.”

In the gift shop, you will also find a wonderful arrangement of tartan and Scottish items, so call in and see if you can find your tartan.

“We are home to many things Scottish, including the exclusive Glen Appin, Harris Tweed collection.

“The winning costume from the last Art n Tartan show is still on display and can be viewed as you walk in the front

“The winning costume from the last Art n Tartan show is still on display”

“It is the ideal time to come along and discover the unique migration story about a hardy group of Scottish Highlanders who migrated to Nova Scotia and then finally settled in Waipu. In 2016, the collection and story were internationally acknowledged when they received the UNESCO Memory of the World inscription.

“Barbara and Joanne take pride in purchasing local and New Zealand-made items in the gift shop and are extremely dedicated to ensuring it is beautifully

entrance. The detail in the garments is amazing and made by the talented designer Carole Hebberd. It was modelled in the show by Robert Spriggs and Marilyn Humphrey. We are pleased to confirm the next Art n Tartan Show will be in July 2025.

“We would love people to come in and browse our beautiful, well-stocked gift shop. We are also an information centre and are here to assist people in any way we can. We will be pleased to see you.”

The Waipu Scottish Migration Museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm and easily be found at 36 The Centre, Waipu.

Also happening in Waipu, in collaboration with the Whangārei District Council, Promote Waipu is hosting a free

outdoor movie on Saturday, March 16 at Waipu Primary School. The community event commences at 5pm with Smooth FM compèring, local music and dance entertainers, and food stalls available. The movie Brave will begin at 6.30pm running until 8pm. ¢

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p Waipu Scottish Migration Museum volunteer Barbara Russell in the gift shop
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The giant’s fruit

As the climate changes, parts of the country are warm enough to grow many subtropical and tropical fruit varieties, including the hefty jackfruit.

Originating from the Western Ghats in India, this tropical fruiting tree has been cultivated in many Asian countries for centuries and used in many culinary dishes. A single jackfruit can weigh up to 55kg. Still, with a cooler climate here in New Zealand, the fruit is of less significant proportions.

The tree’s introduction into the diversity of the botanical world for gardens resulted from the increased multiculturalism that has flourished in the country since the 1990s. Since then, this species has become a culinary favourite in many sweet and

savoury dishes. Jackfruit is more suited to areas of the North Island, such as Northland, Auckland, Western Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.

While many subtropical and tropical plants have adapted beyond their geographical locations, jackfruit requires much planning and nurture to see the tree to maturity and fruiting. The right location is essential. It has to be warm and sheltered away from strong cold winds in a frost-free position, with plenty of exposure to sunlight. The tree should also be kept well away from areas where pipes and cables are located, as the root systems can be extensive.

The soil must be free-draining and rich in organic matter with a pH of six to seven. Young trees should be protected with windbreak and frost cloth to promote robust growth and get well established before the first winter sets in — plant in spring after the frosts have passed. If there are issues with drainage, such as clay, planting on a raised bed well above the base soil layer is the only option. Layers of thick cardboard, followed by a mix of compost and topsoil, will give the young tree a good headstart.

Regular applications of a wellbalanced fertiliser will help with growth and fruit development when

the tree is mature. The first fruit is usually produced around four years after planting.

Deep watering throughout the hotter summer months will encourage the roots to go deeper into the soil. Overhead watering should always be avoided to prevent the leaves from being attacked by fungal diseases. When harvesting the fruit, it should always be supported and cut off using a pruning saw.

Jackfruit trees are available through specialist growers. Look online for your nearest nursery or talk to your local garden centre professional. ¢

An animal playground

Camille and Dylan Greenfield enjoy spending their days at Baldrock Kennels and Cattery in Kaiwaka, where they look after other people’s cats and dogs.

“We moved from north of Auckland some six years ago to buy our first property,” says Camille.

“Eventually, we ended up here in Baldrock Road, Kaiwaka when my inlaws found this spot. I was a vet nurse and absolutely love animals. I breed American Labradors, and we have two King Charles Cavaliers that we will breed in the future.

“Dylan did work with dogs in the past, too, and we decided this was a good opportunity. We operate a small kennel and cattery, so every pet who stays with us gets as much care, attention, love and

exercise as they need. We expanded to offering doggy day stays to help people with their needs during the day while they are at work or to have a break. The dogs come and have a good run around and play before going home nice and tired and exercised.

“When pets come to stay with us, they are treated as if they are one of ours. We live on-site, with the house situated near the cattery, overlooking the kennels. It is a beautiful setting.”

The dogs get to play in the paddocks, swim in the water holes and hang out with their K9 friends.

“We don’t use a lot of toys as you don’t know if some dogs will react or fight over them, so we encourage natural dog play. Dylan takes the larger animals to one paddock area, and I have the smaller and quieter large dogs with me.

“There are tunnels and drums and things for the dogs to jump up onto. It is nice to see them playing with each other and enjoying the paddock walk, too. Once they are in a pack, they tend to stick together.

“Our cattery is small, and we have no more than 12 cats staying at a time. There are four private areas, with single

areas for cats that are on their own and a family room for people who may have a few cats so they can have their own space.

“They have a communal area, too, so up to four cats can play and they have a patio area as well. We love animals and working with them at home. It’s nice that we can have them in a big space for them so they can get to know each other.

“People can check out our Baldrock Kennels and Cattery Facebook page or baldrock.co.nz to see what else we get up to.” ¢

THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER March 15 2024 7
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p Dylan Greenfield spends quality time with the animals in his care at Baldrock Kennels and Cattery p Dylan and Camille look after dogs and cats of all sizes on their property
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“We strive to deliver something that the customer desires but doesn’t believe until it happens — they can’t believe fixed price and on time is possible,” says managing director Jacob Pille.

To find out more about how Generation Homes makes building easy — contact our team today. Call Vynka Short at 021 120 1163, email vynkas@generation.co.nz, or Shayne Mudford at 027 247 2792, email shayne.mudford@generation.co.nz. ¢

10 March 15 2024 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER ForaFREE Consultation &Quote, Contact 0800 ECOPOD |sales@ecopod.co.nz Custom-built &eco-friendly PrefabricatedHomes &Offices Our plans range from 10 to 100 SQM! /ecopod.co.nz Engineering Northland Since 1952 www.RSEng.co.nz 09 438 3273 Civil Structural Geotech New Zealand Made Greenhouses Design and Manufactured right here here in New Zealand, our greenhouses are built to last. New Zealand’s Leading Manufacturer of Innovative, Award Winning Residential, Architcetural & Commercial Quality Greenhouses & Accessories www.WinterGardenz.co.nz 0800 946 837

Experience helps students

Rodney College is calling for businesses that can give Gateway students work experience for their future.

“I’m a past student of Rodney College and have been in this role for 20 years,” says coordinator Colleen Wright.

Gateway is tertiary education while students are at school so they can try out the real world and have work experience.

“I started early in the intake around 2004. The programme was a government initiative and is going from strength to strength. Back then, I thought this would be great for students. People I know would have loved it and left school with more confidence.

“Students are from Year 11 to Year 13 age group. I started with 20 students who went out into workplaces and received training.”

Rodney College is interested in businesses from Wellsford to Mangawhai that may be willing to hire a work-ready helper to gain experience one day a week for the future.

“The community has been awesome in supporting us, with 70 Gateway students per year participating in the programme. We’re happy for people to interview the students or have a trial to see if they’re suitable for the position they have on offer.

“Many youth will also be looking for apprenticeships and use Gateway

to trial prospective employees. We’re thankful for the opportunities that have been offered to us because this area doesn’t have a lot of training providers.

“The programme works really well, especially if there is training already going on in the company. Some businesses have had a student every year. They don’t always take on an apprentice because they can’t, but they come forward and help give kids training.

“Being a smaller school is lovely. I see our students up to five times a day, get to know them and find placements, knowing their personalities. Some of the students I got jobs for in the past are now helping me get other kids jobs.

“We’d also appreciate anyone who has training of types, such as health and

safety, that is available to come along and help us.

“Our young people get to try out a job, which helps create seamless transitions from school into the workplace. At least 20 kids go straight into work from the programme. It can be any type of work. If a business has a need for

help for one day a week, that would be fantastic.

“Some students will see a job and want to try it. Other kids have no idea what they want to do and I can offer them choices with what we have available.

“We’ve had bakers, accountants, and golf courses come forward. We’re excited about our successes and look forward to more. They aren’t little kids at school — they’re people we know.”

For more information call Colleen on 021 1854 754. ¢

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

BUILDING DREAMS WITH DEDICATION — A DECADE OF EXCELLENCE AT STONEWOOD HOMES WHANGAREI

Marcus

under his belt his knowledge of the industry and attention

been to treat every house I have built as if it were my own,” he says.

are a small dedicated team and pride themselves

ideas. Every care is made to make sure that your build is everything you’re

what sets Stonewood apart and the results speak for themselves.

Julie Scott 021 930 310

Lisa Simpson 021 644 757 whangarei@stonewoodhomes.co.nz

29 Lower Tarewa Road, Morningside 0110

THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER March 15 2024 11 Aaron Cossill Owner aaroncossill@gmail.com 021 224 6886 • Line pump Cossill Concrete Pumping
Bracey is
owner of, and hands-on builder for the Northland Stonewood Homes Franchise. With many years of home building
to detail is evident in every home he builds. “My philosophy has always
Marcus is involved in every build and many of his homes have gone onto
including recent category and gold awards. Stonewood Homes Whangarei
good relationship with clients, many of whom are repeat. As well as having a wide
to suit the individual, clients can also approach the team with their own design
hoping for. Working with clients to achieve their dream home is
the
experience
achieve success in the Master Builders House of the Year Awards,
on their
range of plans available for perusal which can be customised
BUILT WITH HEART 10 YEAR
2024 Stonewood Homes Quality Excellence Award p Students are often able to secure work through their time learning on the job

Designing pet fashion

Veronica Merkel grew up in various locations across New Zealand and now calls Mangawhai home, where she creates her delightful pet accessories range.

“My husband Paul and I brought our house here around 12 years ago and moved permanently four years ago,” says Veronica. “I was a sales representative for Delmaine Fine Foods covering up to Kaitaia. I enjoyed driving around and chatting with grocery buyers and others.

“Eventually, I left and decided to do my own thing. I’m passionate about dogs, design and upcycling and enjoy making things out of items that people don’t want, and I started making dog bandanas.

“I love all dogs, but am passionate about poodles. When I thought about my dogs and creativity, this idea ticked all the boxes. You can go a little crazy and be a little arty with animal fashion.

“I started with bandanas over summer and now have jackets and bow ties that I make from recyclable materials such as woollen blankets, jeans and shirts.

“Polar fleece is sweaty, and I prefer nice cotton. It’s fantastic to recycle things like men’s shirts because you can get beautiful patterns. When I make my denim dog jackets I add studs and patches to give them a bit of attitude. Dogs of all sizes look great in them.

“I recently took a stall at the Mangawhai Community Market on Saturdays at the Mangawhai Beach School.

“The denim items can be treated like jeans and change with age like jeans”

“Ever since I was a child I have loved sewing, and used to make Barbie doll clothes when I was in school even though I never owned a Barbie. I’d sneak up and use my mum’s sewing machine manually at night and sell the clothes at school. I’ve made wedding, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, too.”

Veronica uses her 4 Velvet Pets design label for her pet accessories.

“My three black poodles, Violet, Freddie and Paris, each have a bandana, so I can tell who is being naughty or good. They are quite convenient for that. We now have two newborn puppies as well.

“I don’t use good woollen blankets because I believe they should keep people warm, not become a craft item. If there’s a hole in the fabric, I crochet a pattern or add a patch. I love using old jean material for the collars to make them a bit jazzy.”

Veronica prefers natural fibres rather than polar fleece type materials.

“I chat with people and they tell me what their animals are up to, and often buy things for their friends’ dogs as well to make a fashion statement.

“Everything I make is a one-off. I also have themes, such as rugby and car racing, and I have men buying them for their muscle dogs. They certainly add style and flair.

“It’s nice to see people with their little buddies dressed up. Dogs love attention, and these accessories certainly give

12 March 15 2024 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
p When travelling the country, Veronica enjoys stopping at op shops to find materials to upcycle for her animal fashion
“Everything I make is a one-off. I also have themes, such as rugby and car racing, and I have men buying them for their muscle dogs. They certainly add style and flair”

them that. One elderly couple brought a bandana and the gentleman turned as they were leaving and said to me, ‘We just love our dog — he means everything to us’. That makes what I do extra special.

“One custom-made jacket was for a golden retriever, a retired guide dog. The owner wanted the dog to shine for a Christmas party, so I used a dusty rosepink velvet jacket with tulle. It certainly added a fun element to the event, and they achieved their goal.

“I was also commissioned to make a biker-style jacket for a bull terrier in the United States because their dog was shivering from the cold where they live.”

Veronica says, at times, dogs can take a bit of getting used to wearing an item.

“Others love wearing their fashion statement immediately. With there being so many ‘oodles’ now, the coats are useful because these are dogs that are crossed with poodles and need to be groomed and trimmed.

“People find having a jacket is very helpful with the transition period from lots of fur to minimum.

“I’m always looking for ideas and am starting flannelette-lined woollen blankets so the pets don’t get itchy. Having wool means they will remain warm, and the natural fibre is certainly better for them.”

Veronica is currently considering making booties for dogs to protect their paws from the heat and other impacts when out walking.

“People often don’t realise how hot a dog’s paw pads can get and that they blister. Booties help them not to burn and make walking comfortable. Even hot sand can be bad for burning paws.

“Before moving here, Paul and I lived in an apartment in Britomart, central Auckland, and lots of dogs wore booties to help keep them protected when out walking.

“The denim items can be treated like jeans and change with age like jeans. They mould to the dog’s body shape just like jeans mould to the body of the wearer, and the bow ties are fun on collars.

“I love the design part of what I do — it keeps me up at night thinking of new

ideas. When we travel, I stop at op shops along the way and have found old school uniforms are often made from beautiful woollen fabric. I made one outfit from my old school uniform and am very pleased with it.

“I like looking for items that can be restyled. I do extra small sizes for cats and am starting to do more tartan bandanas with denim tips and a little stud, which makes them look that much more classy.

“My other interests include cooking, upcycling old furniture, art, redesigning clothes, collecting Crown Lynn and interior decorating.

“I especially enjoy Mediterranean foods and yummy salads and am planning to go to Paris one day because I love everything French, including my French poodles.

“Initially, Paul helped me set up the markets until I got used to doing it. I do the Waipu Boutique market as well on the second Sunday of every month and hope to do one or two more.

“The markets are a great social event, and I’ve made some lovely friends. Local

markets are places where people can meet, bring friends and family who are visiting and find local products.

“There’s always yummy food and lots of things that you may not find elsewhere. You’re often buying directly from the vendor and can ask questions and get more information about the products.

“I’m getting a lot of repeat business and really appreciate that. At times, people will buy a bandana as a starting point, and then add a jacket, which often turns into a collection.

“I made one jacket with a gorgeous denim collar that I loved. When a lady purchased it, I almost pulled it back because I didn’t want to sell it, so I have two more on the go now.

“When I see some of the jackets I first made, I realise how far I have come with my creations.”

Veronica has also made Mangawhai patches to add a personal touch.

“We love living in the area. It has everything — surf, sand dunes, islands, the Brynderwyn hills and the water. It is a wonderful place to live.” ¢

THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER March 15 2024 13
p Veronica’s poodles, Freddie, Violet and Paris, along with their friends, are often found modelling her 4 Velvet Paws brand creations p Veronica Merkel is a regular attendee at the Mangawhai School and Waipu Boutique markets with her range of pet apparel p Coming up with new designs and ideas is an exciting part of Veronica’s day p Veronica’s husband, Paul is a big supporter of her interests and was on hand to help her set up her first few market days

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING

Are you looking to unwind? Do you want to learn something new? Adult and community education classes offer a chance to learn something new, upskill for work, discover a new hobby and meet new people.

Tackle a new project in an upholstery workshop, unleash your creativity in an art class, take time-out in a yoga session, sign up for a wellbeing class, book in for computer lessons, discover a new language or learn how to sew. Learning never stops.

Community Education Whangārei (CEW) creates opportunities for adults to engage in second-chance learning, encouraging a lifelong thirst for knowledge. It helps keep people connected to their community and provides a space to meet likeminded individuals.

CEW provides an accessible venue with friendly tutors and a relaxed atmosphere. The majority of classes are held at Kamo High School with night classes and weekend workshops available. However, Andrea Nagy is offering workshops in Whangārei and Dargaville on how to use your tablet and smartphone. Visit cew.ac.nz/business-computers.html.

Andrea runs a family technology business in Dargaville repairing mobiles, tablets, and

p Andrea

small home electronics. She has an extensive knowledge of handheld devices and enjoys offering digital workshops to empower you to make the most of your devices. Learn how to confidently use technology in a beginner’s guide to using your tablet and smartphone, suitable for iPhones and Androids. Explore essential features and get the most out of

your device. Join Andrea as she patiently explains the basics. Phone 09 435 0889 to register.

Adult learning is about fostering personal growth and equipping people with a variety of tools and skills. CEW encourages adults of any age to participate in the courses on offer. Learn something new today. ¢

14 March 15 2024 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 0800 466 793 Closing date for classified advertising for the March 22 2024 edition is Wednesday, March 20 2024 ENTERTAINMENT At the old church just up from the Mangawhai Museum To book go to www.mangawhaimovies.com Adults $12 Under 15s $5 FERRARI Saturday 23 Mar 7pm 2023 | Sport/Thriller 2h 11m | R16 Saturday 16 Mar 6pm 1977 | Documentary/Musical 1h 37m | G BA BA THE MOVIE - THEME NIGHT PERSONAL SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE PLUMBING UPGRADES & renovations. Contact James 021 0263 9558, Plumb Hub Northland Ltd. Servicing Hikurangi to Mangawhai. SHOW HOME POP-UP SHOW HOME 1-3pm Saturday 16th March 27 Beach Road Dargaville TL B ILD INSPIRATIONAL HOMES Ltd Learn something new
ADVERTORIAL
BUY,EAT, WORK , PLAY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS – NEWS YOU CAN TRUST
LOCAL

Jumbo crossword

71 Beaded counting frame (6)

72 Chicken-heartedness (9)

74 Declares positively (7)

76 Hair-setting cream (3)

79 Fence steps (5)

80 Bicycle user (7)

81 Nabbed (8)

83 Wound up (5)

84 Grey tin alloy (6)

85 Scarce (2,5,6)

DOWN

2 Cutting tooth (7)

3 Sailing vessel (5)

4 Zero (3)

5 Lather (4)

6 Vulgarly showy (12)

7 Unquestioned belief (5)

8 Boy’s name (7)

9 Hankering (4)

10 Mass departure (6)

11 Trainee (5)

12 Under (7)

13 Chill (11)

14 Set apart (7)

20 Raising to a higher standard or rank (9)

23 Heightened (8)

24 Amaze (7)

26 Flower (7)

27 Pock-marked (6)

29 Litter (7)

30 Call off (6)

32 Deep sky-blue (5)

34 Forest clearing (5)

36 Tempo (5)

38 Clipped grass area (4)

43 Sandhills (5)

44 Taking a break (7)

45 Handy (4)

46 Motor (6)

47 Navigation aid (5)

48 Spanish dance (8)

49 Boots with blades (3,6)

50 King Arthur’s town (7)

51 Come after (5)

52 Of the Devil (7)

53 Legacy (11)

54 Mild (6)

55 Hard brittle sweet (12)

64 Recovery setback (7)

65 Badly behaved (7)

67 Happen again or repeatedly (7)

69 Porridge ingredient (7)

70 Light volcanic rock (6)

71 Solo (5)

73 Condescend (5)

75 Kit out (5)

77 Departed (4)

78 Skin mark (4)

82 Liquid from infection (3)

Sudoku

Previous crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 Speck, 4 Add insult to injury, 12 On, 15 Odour, 16 Eiffel Tower, 17 Symbolic, 20 Blossom, 21 Dried, 22 Carefully, 25 Objection, 27 Brewer, 28 Miners, 32 Fable, 33 Trebling, 35 Meticulous, 39 Limited, 40 Flagon, 41 Riding, 42 Rice, 43 Shampoo, 46 False alarm, 51 Camphor, 55 Nave, 56 Addled, 57 Cognac, 58 Escaped, 61 Concoction, 62 Rotating, 63 Fever, 66 Trendy, 67 Assist, 68 Off colour, 73 Dynamited, 74 Toast, 75 Isolate, 80 Effluent, 81 Stockbroker, 82 Scarf, 83 So, 84 Golden opportunity, 85 Plays.

DOWN: 2 Puddle, 3 Clues, 5 Drip, 6 Inferno, 7 Sullen, 8 Lion, 9 Teenager, 10 Joyful, 11

Rebellious, 13 Nucleus, 14 Old, 18 Moved, 19 Referendum, 23 Stork, 24 Demolish, 26 Belgium, 27 Begonia, 29 Banish, 30 Singes, 31 Picnic, 34 Balsa, 36 Spear, 37 Nero, 38 Aria, 43 Sonic, 44 Advanced, 45 Oddity, 46 Fellowship, 47 Lads, 48 Excerpt, 49 Legato, 50 Roast, 52 Also, 53 Plateau, 54 Opened, 59 How do you do, 60 Knock, 64 Sidestep, 65 Blast, 66 Tablets, 69 Festoon, 70 Gained, 71 Sorbet, 72 Stormy, 76 Local, 77 Aft, 78 Echo, 79 Beat.

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

THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER March 15 2024 15 PUZZLE
TIME
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. All puzzles © The Puzzle Company www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz 188 ACROSS
Speak carefully after due thought (4,4,5) 8 Spoiled (6) 14 Reflection (5) 15 Deliberately sunk (8) 16 Big cat (7) 17 Traverse (5) 18 Day before (3) 19 Narrow connecting land (7) 21 Single (9) 22 Throat (6) 25 Information to mislead or persuade (10) 27 Boxing (8) 28 Laundry stiffener (6) 31 Yacht harbour (6) 33 Flier (7) 34 Worldwide (6) 35 Bird scared to the ancient Egyptians (4) 37 Every one of (3) 39 Revered mentor (4) 40 Take into account (7) 41 Stone fruit (9)
Feared (7) 43 Gardened (anag)(8) 48 Drew back, as with fear or pain (8) 52 Not going (7) 56 Sentimental remembering of things past (9)
Do like (7) 58 Maximum (4) 59 Tree (3) 60 Mix with spoon (4) 61 Showing favouritism (6) 62 Give the right to (7) 63 Assassin (6) 65 Lump of gold (6) 66 Sick headache (8) 68 I notice art (anag)(10)
1
42
57
5x5
DPS NN VSA TE TAS DUPES INANE VISTA OTTER BAH AL ODR IE DES BRASH LADLE ODDER OILED DIETS 6 1 92 7 43 1 5 8 5 1 2 28 7 3 1 3 8 8 7 56 98 371 6 6853 714 92 9276 483 51 1349 256 78 7 5 3 8 1 9 2 6 4 2985 647 13 4612 379 85 8 4 2 7 5 6 1 3 9 5164 938 27 3791 825 46 93 5 8 483 29 75 1 9 34 2 9 1 8 635 8 19 8 62 3 7 2 8 4 1984 3 27 4 71 6 9673 541 82 4836 129 75 5127 896 34 2 5 9 1 3 7 4 6 8 6345 287 19 8719 462 53 7 2 6 8 9 3 5 4 1 1984 653 27 3452 718 96 MEDIUM Previous solution Previous solution
Previous solution
16 March 15 2024 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER Come and talk to us about our design and build process and get your new home on time and at a fixed price. Visit www.generation.co nz or contact our friendly sales consultant today Vynka Short 021 120 1163 vynkas@generation.co.nz Shayne Mudford 027 247 2792 shayne mudford@generation.co.nz DE SIGN AND BUIL D MADE e a sy soon OSALES FFICE OPENING NORTHLAND 17 - 21 Station Road Wellsford 09 525 0767 www.summitscaffolding.org.nz • COMMERCIAL & CIVIL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL • PROPPING & SHORE LOADING • EQUIPMENT HIRE/SALES Delivering projects to the highest standards across the whole range of scaffolding requirements.

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