The Weekend Lifestyler, March 17th, 2023

A world-first for author

As a five-year-old, Dee Jones knew she wanted to become a counsellor and help people. Upon completing her psychology degree, Dee spent 30 years reading, studying and specialising in autism. With many clients wanting to be able to take her simple explanations

of autism home, Dee took on the project of writing a book to help people, and The Aspie Book was born. To her knowledge, it is the first book of its kind to be published worldwide as an easy, understandable read.

continued on page 12 …

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

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7,780 copies, distributed on Friday to every residential and rural home throughout the district including Whangārei, One Tree Point, Ruakākā, Waipū, Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Wellsford.

Dancing creates happiness

u by Ann van Engelen

Rhonda and Kevin Wilson are line dancers with many years of experience and enjoy showing other people how easy dancing is at the Ruakākā Community Hall on a weekly basis.

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“We call our classes the Four Fs, representing Fun, Friendship, Fitness and Footwork,” says Rhonda.

“Kevin and I find our classes are as much a social event as a dancing and an exercise class. Everyone comes and starts chatting, and sometimes I sound a siren to stop the chatter and get dancing.

“Originally, we were doing square and round dancing with friends, and in 1994, they started line dancing, so we joined in. We then had a 10-year break until a new dance section started at the Kamo Club and we were on the committee, and haven’t stopped dancing.

10 years’ time, while those who learn quickly forget.

“Dancing helps with memory and coordination. They say an hour of line dancing is like completing a gym circuit, but you don’t think you are exercising because you are enjoying the music.

“There are line dance groups all over the world, and we travel Northland to different dances and often learn new dances at the events. We do line dancing from 4.15pm to 7pm on a Wednesday night at the Kamo Club, and then we carry on with rock ‘n’ roll and sequence dancing, which is like couples’ oldtime dancing.

“We give lessons at the Ruakākā Community Hall, on the corner of State Highway One and Sandford Road next to the school, on Tuesdays from 9.30am. Some Kamo girls come each week as helpers, and Ruakākā people come to the Kamo night dances.

“It is something men and women look forward to getting out of the house. Men usually make great dancers because they like to get it right and compete with the women. After the beginner’s class, we carry on for the more advanced and learners stay for that too.

“I like teaching new people and seeing their faces when they realise they got it, especially if they can’t dance. It is all about time and repetition. It doesn’t matter if they are slow learners because they will probably still remember it in

“You don’t have to be fast, and you just sit it out if it’s too hard. Every topof-the-charts song someone writes a line dance to — it is amazing. You can find them on YouTube.

“The sessions at Ruakākā cost $5 to cover the hall hire and equipment. The classes in Kamo are $2. We welcome everyone with children starting from 10 years old. It is fun watching the dancers in Canada and the US on YouTube. They are extremely good, as are people from Korea, Singapore and Japan.

“You don’t need to wear special clothes, but social events often have a theme like needing a cowboy hat. People can check our Kamo Line Dance Junkies Facebook. We love meeting new and old dancers from around the area.” ¢

p Rhonda and Kevin Wilson enjoy teaching people to line dance at the Ruakākā Community Hall every Tuesday

“I like teaching new people and seeing their faces when they realise they got it, especially if they can’t dance”

Yellow rose for commitment

u by Ann van Engelen

Mangawhai’s Belinda Vernon received the Zonta Yellow Rose last week in acknowledgement of her tireless community work.

Zonta’s Rose Day, March 8, is celebrated along with International Women’s Day as a time to reflect and give tribute to individuals who have empowered the women in their community.

“Belinda deserves this award because she is involved in a wide variety of different groups,” says nominator Karen Clarke.

“She has exceptional leadership and organisational skills, and all the tasks she undertakes are done with reliability, integrity and enthusiasm. Belinda has the respect of everyone in the groups that she works with and supports others by being encouraging.

“Belinda was the National MP for Eden Epsom from 1996–2002 and has lived in Mangawhai since 2001. She is a Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust trustee, the Mangawhai Artists chair, co-organises the open water swimming group called Salps. She volunteers for Piroa Brynderwyn Weed Action group and is a Walking Weekend guide and committee member among other things.”

Belinda says she never expected to receive the Zonta Yellow Rose Award.

“You don’t do things for recognition — you do community work because you enjoy it,” she said.

“It’s not just me that is accomplishing things — it’s lots of other people as well. Being retired means I have time to be involved in many groups, and I enjoy being with people. I am just one of the team in everything I do. Whether it is a small or large group, it is all about building community.

“Most things I am involved in are outside in the environment because I have become very aware of needing to take care of our surroundings. I enjoy creativity, although I am not a creative person, and I enjoy our swimming group. It started with two of us, and we now have 20 people in the ocean four times a week. No matter if it is rain or shine, we always come out of the water and say — ‘wasn’t that wonderful’.

“It is people supporting each other. The Walking Weekends are the same, as is the Piroa Brynderwyn Weed Action group. It is all about the environment and encouraging people to step out and look after what we are very lucky to have, including reserves and the land around us.

“I was surprised to receive the Yellow Rose. You forget how nice it is to be acknowledged, and it’s a good reminder to say thank you to people when they do things, no matter how small. I am very

appreciative but am also very aware I am just one little cog in a very big wheel.

“The work Zonta does is incredible. They are very strong in supporting women and girls and enabling them

to be successful, be safe and achieve things. The work they do in terms of ‘Say no to Violence’ is a very powerful campaign, and I thank them for the award and the work they do.” ¢

p Belinda Vernon receiving the Yellow Rose Award from Zonta’s Karen Clarke

“Whether it is a small or large group, it is all about building community”

Sharing a cultural experience

u by Ann van Engelen

On Thursday, March 2, Rodney College prepared a hāngī and hosted the inaugural noho marae overnight stay, for this year’s Year 9 students and their families.

“The purpose of this event is to support the induction of our Year 9 students into the wider Rodney College whānau,” says head of Social Science Pip Walters.

“Students participated in a variety of activities organised around the four pou — values of our school; Manaakitanga, Ako, Whānaungatanga and Hauora. Activities included cake decorating, team building games, singing waiata, learning about our local area, sleeping the night in the school marae and practising the school haka.

“The highlight of this event would have to be the student’s whānau sharing a delicious hāngī with us. The hāngī was

provided by Year 12 and 13 hospitality students who planned, sourced and prepared enough food for 250 people. We hope to continue this great event in years to come.”

Student Evah Pirini says with the duty of organising and producing the hāngī, the students tried to incorporate the four pou into the night.

“The hāngī preparation and organisation took a week with us staying behind after school to dig the hole and ensuring that everything would be ready on time.

“Because of Cyclone Gabrielle’s aftermath, we had one week to organise, prepare and complete the

task successfully. The process was greatly facilitated by the students and staff who volunteered to stay behind and help.

“We had a busy day organising the table arrangements, making sure we could accommodate the number of guests we were anticipating, and most importantly, lighting the wood on fire to prepare the hole for the hāngī to be cooked.

“The turnout was incredible, with around 250 people attending with parents, siblings and other whānau members. The noho marae experience was definitely a huge success, with many praises given, and it made all

the hard work throughout the week worth it.

“The students from the hospitality class learned a lot about the culture and the meaning behind the word tikanga, which is the correct procedures and customs. This was a huge experience for everyone, and we are extremely grateful and proud of the outcome of this experience.

“We are very thankful to our two local Four Square stores who donated goods for the event and also to the families who donated and supported us on the night. We appreciate all the people that contributed in the background to make the night a success.”

Denise Pearson

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

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

My goals are your goals! Denise Pearson

p Rodney College students prepared the hāngī from start to finish for the Year 9 students, staff and whānau

p The four pou representing the school values of Manaakitanga — hospitality, Ako — study, Whānaungatanga — kinship, and Hauora — health

Another successful Wild Kiwi event

u by Ann van Engelen

Last weekend saw more than 600 people, some from as far away as Wellington, flock to the 2023 Northpower Wild Kiwi multi-sport event at Whangārei Heads.

“A late surge of entries last week and on the day boosted numbers immensely,” said Total Sport’s Mark Fordham.

“There is something really special about the vibe in Northland, and we were stoked to get over the 600-mark, given the challenges faced in the leadup to this year’s event. Next year we will be gunning for 1,000 participants and hope that the weather plays ball this time. Everyone I spoke to said they would be back next year.

“We had more than 80 children in the Kid’s Dash alone, which was awesome, and when we were holding prize-giving later in the day. When Paul Austin, who competes in his full fire suit in training for the Sky Tower Stair Challenge, crossed the finish line, there was plenty of cheering for him.

“I was also really impressed with the finishing times of so many primary and secondary school contestants. Total Sport is grateful for the sponsorship and support of Northpower, DOC, Bream Head Conservation Trust, local landowners, volunteers and marshals.”

As a volunteer firefighter currently working at the old refinery, Paul Austin completes the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge each year.

“We fundraise for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ, and the WIld Kiwi is a

harder challenge to put yourself through, so it is good practice,” says Paul.

“I carry two photos with me. One is a girl called Florence London, who is recovering from leukaemia, and another is a friend’s daughter Josephine Dun who died of brain stem cancer, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma — DIPG.

“It is the kids that give me the motivation to do these challenges, and completing 21km in a hot suit is tough, but not as tough as the things they and their families and friends go through.

“This is something small I can do to give back, and I love knowing that Florence gets a kick out of the medals I send her for each event we enter.”

Northpower’s general manager of People and Capability, Andrea O’Brien, is very pleased with the day and says the company is already looking forward to getting behind the 2024 Northpower Wild Kiwi.

“Our staff just love this event, and they get their whole families involved, so there is a really strong whānau feel to the day. We had a mix of staff returning to the event and plenty of newbies who enjoyed it,” says Ms O’Brien.

“I believe being outdoors and active is so important for the wellbeing of us all.”

For results or to find out more go to the wildkiwi.co.nz. ¢

p There were more than 600 people in attendance at the 2023 Northpower Wild Kiwi multi-sport event last weekend

p Kathi Jeeves completed the challenge in good time

Not just for the baboons

u by Liz Clark

Native to the Cape Province in South Africa, Babiana stricta or the baboon flower, has been developed by horticulturalists into an array of attractive cultivars available to gardeners.

Babianas in their native habitat are eaten by baboons, which led to the subsequent common name. However, these days with hybridisation, these hardy spring bulbs have become an ideal alternative for difficult-to-plant areas, such as banks, or where there’s limited space.

These hardy plants produce mainly violet-blue or mauve flowers — white and yellow are also produced. The flower spikes grow up to around 20cm in height. Growers recommend babiana as an ideal starter bulb for

beginning gardeners since they can still thrive even with neglect and flower throughout the spring growing period. Since they’re low-growing, use the bulbs as a border on the edge of your flower garden. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Add in generous amounts of compost and other organic matter using a garden fork and mix in with the existing soil. Then apply blood and bone, plus a good quality bulb fertiliser, so your plants will have a good start when the soil temperatures are warm enough again in spring.

Plant the bulbs at a depth of five to seven centimetres but no deeper; otherwise, they will fail to sprout and will rot in the soil. Space them at 10 centimetres apart. Once the bulbs sprout, keep them lightly watered and apply a layer of mulch to protect the soil from drying out due to wind or intense sun. It will also help keep the roots of your plants cool on hot days.

Continue lightly watering and fertilising until the flowers and foliage have died off. Once they are dormant,

you have the option of lifting the babiana bulbs or leaving them in place ready for the next growing season. Babianas can also be grown in pots. Using a pre-prepared bulb mix, plant the bulbs at the same depth and spacing as for a garden situation. Ensure regular watering and liquid feeding are carried out while the plants are in active growth.

Talk to your specialist bulb grower about the availability of cultivars for your garden, or visit your local garden centre. ¢

A show within a show

u by Andy Bryenton

Tickets to the 2023 Dargaville Wearable Arts extravaganza have gone on sale this week, with the highly anticipated return of the creative festival to the stage causing a stir.

The show’s evolution and its concept has seen new technologies adopted, new ideas brought forward, and new challenges surmounted to deliver something unique in May this year. The forthcoming Dargaville Wearable Arts will be a ‘show within a show’, framing the creative expressiveness of a cadre of contestants within a psychedelic visual and auditory experience of its own.

It begins with the enduring appeal of Victorian-era fantasist Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The theme of

acclaimed tech artists AwhiWorld, who return to the Dargaville Wearable Arts with fresh ideas and genre-disrupting creativity. The last time they were in Dargaville, they turned the century-old municipal chambers into a psychedelic landmark, and they have more surprises in store for 2023. Meanwhile, a whole crew of entertainers will expand on the Wonderland theme, framing the art of the competitors.

There’s no constraint on the vision of these artists. While the first layer

this year’s wearable arts showcase is Down the Rabbit Hole, a reference to the British author’s classics. This theme forms the first layer of spectacle, which envelops the wearable arts competition like the wrapping paper on a gift, visually stunning, and serving to make the surprise all that much sweeter.

Advanced digital projection mapping, soundscaping and animated art will transform the giant runway stage. Light, colour and music are the palettes of

of the show embraces the world of Alice and the Mad Hatter, there’s been no requirement for wearable arts creators to dip into Carroll’s work for their inspiration. Previous shows have debuted the wild, whimsical, starkly beautiful and mind-bogglingly complex, with characters from myth, imagination and heritage all walking the same stage.

The calibre of wearable artworks on display in former years has been outstanding. Some very talented

competitors are giving it their all to make this year another unforgettable engagement. Their show, nestled within the framework of Down the Rabbit Hole, celebrates local creative power, talent and vision, brought to the runway during months of painstaking

preparation, and given life by a group of dedicated models.

There will be only three performances, including a weekend matinee, so show organisers encourage you to secure your tickets now. There’s truly no show like it — for 2023, that counts for double. ¢

p Dargaville’s Wearable Arts presents a feast of creative vision, with the competition to design a masterpiece framed within a further multimedia spectacle

Previous shows have debuted the wild, whimsical, starkly beautiful and mind-bogglingly complex

Make the most of Autumn

Autumnal appreciation

u by Andy Bryenton

The change of seasons is here, and for many of us, it’s time to enjoy all the good things about autumn and take care of pre-winter tasks around the home.

Don’t let the end of summer get you down. There are plenty of good reasons why autumn is a season to savour.

Some will appreciate the end of humidity and a farewell to mosquitos. Still, the true delight of autumn is in its ancient position in the calendar as the time of harvests, feasting and nights spent around the fire with good food, company and drinks.

While there’s nothing wrong and everything right about a summer barbecue, the crisp chill in the air and the perfect timing of dusk with dinnertime set the stage for a whole new menu in autumn. Traditionally, northern hemisphere customs dictate that this is the season for gathering fresh produce and preparing for a cold winter. In the absence of snow in Northland we can keep the best part of this lore and leave out the icicles.

The autumn table is home to darker, richer, heartier fare. A chill in the air is the perfect excuse to serve up some of our best local specialities, such as roasts

with hand-glazed vegetables and proper gravy, warming seafood chowders, soup made from mushrooms, red wine, garlic and cream, and home-baked bread steaming from the oven.

It’s still warm enough to congregate outdoors with the added appeal of a brazier or open fire, and there’s something just right about dining as the first stars come out after a proper Northland sunset.

Not that any excuse is needed, but autumn is also a time redolent with the smoky scents and food-match aromas that hint at the enjoyment of a drop of whiskey.

Alternatively, the fine old northern tradition of mulled wine can add warmth to a frosty evening. Then again, there’s a balance to be had between the hot and hearty meals of the season and a cold draught of craft beer made to match autumn’s fare.

The berries of autumn also make for some sweet inspiration when it comes to desserts. The time for hot, home-made

fruit pies, decadent cheesecakes with home-made compote and the kinds of puddings associated with the refectories of British universities is definitely upon us.

It’s not all about culinary indulgence, of course. The recipe for enjoying all of this largesse in the kitchen and keeping

out of hibernation mode is to make the best use of the colder days and get outdoors. Walking the trails through the forest and beachfront is much nicer when it’s not boiling hot and the gentle light of autumn frames some picturepostcard views out there this time of year. ¢

p Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the new season’s best with friends; Kaipara’s local delicacies make for a hearty menu

A librarian’s world

u by Ann van Engelen

For Ann Talbot, volunteering at the Mangawhai Library has been a four-year adventure of helping people with books while assisting her community.

“I had always wanted to volunteer for something, and as soon as I stopped working, I put my name forward to help at the library because I love books,” says Ann.

“The thing I enjoy the most is the people we meet. There are some very interesting people, and you get to know people you may not have met before while giving back to the community. Our little library we have here at the village is beautiful, and the committee has just refreshed the children’s area to make it more cosy for families.

“Books are very much alive and well in people’s lives. Like me, I think people like to hold something tangible right in front of you, rather than staring at a screen. Some people like Kindles, like my daughter when she travels, but she still has lots of hard copy books.”

Ann says it is easy to join the library, and staff show newcomers how the library works.

“We show people around the various sections and teach them how to find the books they may like or need. They can join online, or we can sit with them and help them join up electronically at the library and issue them a card.

“The library is absolutely free, and you can loan a book for three weeks and easily renew it if need be. We can also put books on hold if you want one

that has already been borrowed or source books from other libraries in the area — Dargaville, Waipū, Kaiwaka and Maungatūroto.

“If someone tells us what they like to read, we can assist and suggest authors. We have a real mix of fiction and nonfiction available, including DVDs and audiobooks. We have a couple of people who come in, and they go straight to the non-fiction area. I am sure they have read every book in that section.

“We offer three to four hours of our time a month, sometimes more. Volunteering helps the whole system, which is funded by the ratepayers and

council. I think people enjoy coming into the library, because living in the community, we often know. It’s like the sitcom Cheers, where someone knows your name.

“A lot of children come through, especially families who are homeschooling, and they pick up a whole bag of books at times, and that’s

so nice to see. One child, who comes in after school, I have been teaching how to return the books to the shelves and check books out for people. That is all part of being involved in a small community — we all have a good time together.”

p Ann Talbot, Jill George and Sharron Scarlett volunteer at the Mangawhai Library and encourage other people to join the team

A world-first for author

u by Ann van Engelen

Well-known counsellor Dee Jones has launched her much-requested book called The Aspie Book, written to help neurodivergent and neurotypical people better understand themselves and each other.

“Professor Tony Attwood wrote the foreword. He is one of the top three Aspie specialists in the world, and I am honoured that he read the whole book and wrote the foreword,” says Dee.

“My mum said when I was three, she often found me talking to people who were struggling. When I was five, someone explained what a counsellor was, and I knew then that that was what I wanted to do with my life. I was one of

She volunteered at Lifeline and started more honours and master’s papers.

“I had a very sick child and had to choose between study and my child. Of course, my child won over completing a thesis. I started my first clinic in March 1993 in Whangārei. I offer all types of counselling for people from Wellsford to Cape Reinga and beyond.

link between severe autism and people who didn’t behave neurotypically but functioned in every other way.

“Hans appears to have cooperated with the Nazi regime to destroy defective children. He found a group of different children and kept them to observe their behaviour because he was fascinated by them.

the lucky people knowing what I wanted to do. People absolutely fascinate me. Some kids want to know how a hair dryer works and take it apart to see. I wanted to find out how people work.”

Her father disapproved of psychology so when Dee finished school at 17, she moved out of home, worked in the bank and studied for a psychology degree at night, eventually registering as a counsellor. Back then there was no counselling degree.

“Psychopathology was my main elective, and I completed levels one, two, three and honours. It is the study of everything that is abnormal, and I was completely fascinated by autism. In 1981, paediatrician Lorna Wing launched a paper on autistic personality disorders as her daughter was diagnosed autistic.

“Lorna had discovered the papers Hans Asperger wrote and realised the documents described her daughter, and I read her paper in the early 1990s. It explained many clients and the missing

“These children had symptoms of what is now called Asperger’s. Because

of his negative connotations and reputation for destroying many children, the name was changed from Asperger’s and renamed Autism Spectrum Disorder or Condition.”

Neurotypical describes individuals with typical neurological development or functioning. Neurodivergent is a non-medical umbrella term describing people with variation in their mental functions and can include conditions such as Autism Spectrum Condition.

“It is the study of everything that is abnormal, and I was completely fascinated by autism”

p Dee Jones is delighted that the launch her last week is a tool that many people will be able to use

“I spent the last 30 years reading, studying and specialising in ASC, previously called ASD. My clients would try to read books on the subject and found them too academic. They said I explained it so clearly that they wanted to take me home and asked would I write down what is in my head for them.

“In 2019, I began writing my book explaining the academic stuff in very simple language. My clients kept asking, ‘how’s the Aspie book going?’ So that is what I called it — The Aspie Book.

“There are drawings to describe a moment, and I was gifted the drawings in the first chapter. Examples of difficulties people face include one tradesman I worked with who was excellent at his job, providing his structure was perfect. His van was so well organised his workmates would get what they needed from his vehicle.

“They messed up his structure, even if it was just three open boxes, and he would get behind in his work because he could take two hours to sort his van again. I showed him a picture, and he said, ‘that’s me — you captured me

completely. It was such a precious ‘wow, you got me’ moment, and he understood himself better. We were able to discuss how he could talk to his employer about his situation.

“I wrote a letter to one man’s boss explaining ASC. They knew he had it but didn’t understand it, so I broke it down for them because Aspies are valuable workers. Their work capacity is phenomenal, but it isn’t understood when they are overwhelmed and not functioning. I have seen very professional people resign and be replaced by three people to do their job.”

ASC isn’t a mental health condition — the brain works differently. Autism is a social development disorder in which people on the spectrum operate differently from neurotypicals.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings. I have ASC people asking how neurotypicals work because they feel they keep stuffing things up, and the neurotypical people ask me how neurodivergent work.

“My job became a translator between people, and my book explains each other

to each other. One of ASC’s key features is called a social development disorder. A baby is born and appears like any other baby, but the social part of their brain doesn’t develop or develops poorly. They can learn social literal rules like ‘put your plate on the bench when finished’, but they miss social cues.

“In neurotypicals, only 10 per cent of our communication is actually words, while 90 per cent is tone of voice, body language, word choice, the emphasis of where words land and so on. Neurodivergence, plus the common lack of eye contact, means that children have difficulty observing, learning and absorbing social cues.

“Neurodiverse ask me to teach them the neurotypical secret code because they just don’t understand. For example, a child may be in the playground sitting on his own having his lunch. A bigger boy, with his thumbs in a belt loop, walks across with a stare on his face and takes the child’s lunch. Then it happens repeatedly because the child doesn’t pick up the social behaviour and doesn’t know to run.

“The book is written so people can look at the pictures and read the case studies or explanations. It is very understandable, and there is very little reading between the lines. I don’t think anyone has ever written on neurotypical people, and those on the spectrum want to know how they work.

“Each chapter is self-contained with a little bit of criteria at the beginning of what to look for. There is a beautiful chapter at the end where Aspie people wanted to help others and give their stories. They have been raw, real and open in their personal experiences.”

The Aspie Book by Dee Jones can be ordered online at Amazon, The Nile and other websites or purchased from bookstores nationwide.

“Professor Attwood said he recommends the book to his colleagues in all professional disciplines with autistic clients. To have finally completed The Aspie Book doesn’t feel real. It certainly was a journey, and I hope that it will make a world of difference to everybody affected in one way or the other.” ¢

“They messed up his structure, even if it was just three open boxes, and he would get behind in his work because he could take two hours to sort his van again”

p The Aspie Book is the result of Dee’s clients asking her to write down her simple explanations of autism

p Dee with her therapy dog Storm, who has spent many years working alongside her

p Spending time in the garden, doing puzzles or at the pool are three of Dee’s ways to relax

Show set to please

u by Ann van Engelen

Waipū playwright Neil Troost is preparing to present his play Penalties, Pints and Pirouettes ballet to help raise funds for the historic Waipū Coronation Hall from April 20–29.

“I wrote the play about 18 years ago, and it is being directed by actor Blair Strang,” says Neil. “Blair lives locally and was on Shortland Street about 20 years ago as ambulance driver Rangi Heremaia. He was also a main character in Nothing Trivial.

“Waipū is a fantastic place, and I’ve lived here most of my life, the latter half as a dairy farmer. About 20 years ago, I auditioned for a play on a whim. I had never acted but had always been interested in theatre and got the lead male role, and it turned out I could act.

The experience gave me the idea to write my own play.

“Penalties, Pints and Pirouettes is about rugby, beer and ballet. It is fully cast now, and we are in the thick of rehearsals. The Waipū Coronation Hall committee approached me about putting the play on again as a fundraiser because it was first performed 15 years ago, and they thought it would be good to see it again.

“It is important to me to support the hall because this is my hometown. My experience has now gone full circle

as that very ballet presented by the Waipū Rugby Club was held there as a fundraiser 20 years ago, and my play had its very first production in the hall.

“Blair is doing a fantastic job, and the cast is mostly local and 100 per cent dedicated for it to be a great show. The actors have a variety of experience and it is a very good mix. A lot of people are putting themselves outside their comfort zone, and with Blair’s guidance, they are doing very well.

“I am looking forward to my children seeing the show for the first time. They

are now nine and 12 years old, and I haven’t done any acting since they were born. They think it is funny seeing me in my pink tutu on all the billboards around town.

“I encourage people to buy their tickets early because it is selling out fast. It really a great community project and a hilarious show with sharp direction. I love that our community pull themselves together for a good cause.”

Tickets to Penalties, Pints and Pirouettes can be purchased online at mybooking.com. ¢

p Neil Troost is looking forward to his ballet Penalties, Pints and Pirouettes showing at the Waipū Coronation Hall from April 20–29

p The cast has a mix of experience, with actor Blair Strang directing the show

Jumbo crossword

36 With the addition of (4) 38 Tree (3) 42 Irritate (5)

43 Cry out (7)

44 Throw (4)

45 Drooped (6) 46 Sketched (5) 48 Self-conceited

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Deals, 4 The hair of the dog, 14 Inlet, 15 Volvo, 16 Battleship, 17 Canal, 19 Wet, 20 Mundane, 21 Pirouette, 22 Stress, 25 Knowledge, 27 Serene, 28 Watson, 33 Chocolates, 35 Lie, 36 Afghan, 37 Hang, 39 Rum, 41 Squeaks, 42 Alkali, 43 Excessive, 44 Fused, 45 Neurosis, 50 Of, 51 Invasion, 55 Scalp, 58 Buttercup, 59 Enough, 60 Ignored, 61 Inn, 63 Edit, 64 Impact, 65 Ill, 66 Repetition, 68 Midday, 69 Jetlag, 71 Camembert, 76 Eiffel, 77 Imbalance, 79 Regress, 81 Say, 84 Tulip, 85 Admittance, 86 Sniff, 87 Ouija, 88 Sword of Damocles, 89 Realm.

DOWN: 2 Exodus, 3 Livid, 5 Heal, 6 Hitting, 7 Icebox, 8 Ochre, 9 Tipster, 10 Etch, 11 Ornate, 12 Flaws, 13 Station, 14 Illegal, 18 Snowflakes, 23 Dents, 24 Snagged, 26 Nuclear, 27 Sheriff, 29 Swahili, 30 Cheque, 31 Cloak, 32 Cancan, 34 Solo, 36 Amass, 38 Green, 40 Asia, 45 Noble, 46 Untried, 47 Owed, 48 Income, 49 Habit, 50 Opening, 52 Vegetables, 53 Shooter, 54 Ocelot, 55 Speaker, 56 World, 57 Agar, 62 Upped, 67 Taffeta, 68 Mission, 70 Lumbago, 72 Archaic, 73 Yellow, 74 Bantam, 75 Useful, 76 Eyrie, 78 Armed, 80 Rinse, 82 Spar, 83 Ache.

Last week’s crossword solution 5x5

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

possible.

VISIT US

TAKE TIME OUT

THE GALLERY

The Gallery has a wide-ranging collection of art by established and emerging New Zealand artists, many of which are Northland based – this includes contemporary Maori and Pacific artists. There is an outstanding selection of paintings, wood art, handmade furniture, sculpture, jewellery, glass and ceramics. Our catalogue changes frequently, so please make an enquiry and we’ll confirm with you.

GALLERY HOURS: OPEN SEVEN DAYS, 10AM TO 5PM

CONTACT PETER 09 433 9616 | PETE@GALLERYHELENABAY.CO.NZ

THE CAFE

Discover the Cafe on Helena Bay Hill, along the Secret Coast Route. We’re ready to serve fair-trade coffee and tempting homemade goodies from our cabinet or delicious meals from our menu. Relax in the ambiance of spectacular ocean and bush views and a warm atmosphere with the camaraderie of attentive and personable staff. It’s not just another cafe, it’s an experience!

OPENING HOURS:

MONDAY - SUNDAY OPEN FROM 10AM KITCHEN OPERATES UNTIL 3PM

CONTACT JANET 09 433 9934 | HELENABAYCAFE@GMAIL.COM

THE GARDENS

One of the highlights of a visit to the Gallery and Cafe Helena Bay Hill is the beautiful garden setting. You are welcome to wander and relax in the garden during your visit. You’ll find many sculptures placed among the subtropical plantings, giving inspiration for your own landscaping ideas.

1392 Old Russell Road, RD4 Hikurangi