The Weekend Lifestyler, March 1st 2024

A beautifying art

Alana Mennell and her husband Chris had a dream to one day retire to Mangawhai. With the realisation that it was better to establish a life for their family earlier, the couple relocated and discovered it was the best choice they could have made.

With a love of makeup artistry and specialising in eyebrow shaping, nails and lash tinting, Alana opened her salon, The Beauty Lab, at the Wood Street shops, where she continues to forge her career.

continued on page 12 …

P5

In memory of Grace

Five golds for Kirsty

THE

Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville

Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 deb.wright@integrity.nz

Journalists: Ann van Engelen | Amy Fifita | Liz Clark

Advertising: Krystal Carey 027 239 5791

Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey Harrison | Liz Clark

Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz

Distribution:

paradise

u by Ann van Engelen

The staff and volunteers at the Mangawhai Museum are excited to have reading material for everyone as they prepare for the upcoming annual Easter Book Fair.

“We want people to mark their calendars and join in the fun over Easter Weekend,” says museum manager Angela Cook.

“I’m especially excited to attend this book fair as it will be my first as acting manager. As a qualified English teacher, author and avid reader, I don’t think this event could align more with my personal values, and I can’t wait.”

The books sell for $3 and $5 each.

“The event has been running since 2013, longer than the museum has been open. Events like these wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors, and this year, The Warehouse Dargaville

“With our special exhibition of the R Tucker Thompson wrapping up next month, we are preparing a hobbies exhibition starting in March. Our school holidays programme will resume in May, and in June, we have craft events planned.

“It has been a lovely year so far, and it’s great having the cafe back, with the sound of the coffee machine in the background and the smell of the fresh coffee beans going through the foyer.

“It is a buzzing, happy place. In April, we will have an Anzac Day display in the foyer, which doesn’t cost anything for people to come in and see.

“I’m especially excited to attend this book fair as it will be my first as acting manager”

kindly donated us an array of brand new books.

“The sale creates a lovely community feeling. Our lead volunteer, Ron Graham, comes all the way from Dargaville and prepares the books for sale.

The museum is also in the planning for several other initiatives.

“Our team is currently putting together a book to honour and celebrate the museum being open 10 years this December. It documents pre-museum history, the museum being built and present-day accomplishments.

“It honours the people over time rather than just the snapshot of who we are now.

“I am loving my job as museum manager. We hear from Tom Long, my predecessor, on a regular basis as he and his partner Barbara remain friends of the museum. Tom actively promotes us on social media even though they are back in Canada.

“They do miss the area and their life here, but things are going well for them. As his successor, I feel like I have inherited a supportive community because the people at this museum enfold you and make you feel so loved and supported.

“The best part is that I can call these people my friends, and we laugh every day.” ¢

p Angela Cook and Ron Graham with some of the books that will be on sale at the Mangawhai Museum Easter Book Fair

Five golds for Kirsty

u by Ann van Engelen

Ruakākā resident, business owner and mother of two boys, Kirsty Halliday’s determination and resilience saw her rise above adversity to claim five gold medals at the recent New Zealand Masters Athletics event in Christchurch.

“My journey to the podium was far from conventional,” says Kirsty.

Kirsty has battled major injuries, endured multiple surgeries, and wrestled with depression and anxiety. She has faced challenges that would have deterred many seasoned athletes.

“I had a back injury just days out from the championships. I was concerned it would halt my ability to compete. Instead, it fueled a desire to set an example for my sons and inspire women everywhere.”

She refused to let adversity define her or injury stop her.

“This comeback is an apology to myself. I deserve to know what it feels like not to give up oneself. I wanted to show my boys that no matter what life throws at you, with perseverance and dedication, you can achieve your dreams.

“I want my accomplishments to carry a deeper significance and serve as a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity and setbacks, demonstrating that with courage, perseverance, and a steadfast belief in oneself, anything is possible.

“Being told as a teenager and now as an adult that I was ‘built wrong for long jump’, or ‘too heavy for high jump’, I had something to prove when I stepped out on the track.

“I want other women to know that they are capable of achieving greatness, no matter what challenges they may

encounter. We are stronger than we realise, and our potential knows no bounds. Don’t let the words of others deter you from your dreams.

Last December, Kirsty set a new North Island record in the high jump, a feat that had stood unbroken for 37 years.

“Setting that record was surreal for me. It was a testament to the countless hours of dedication and hard work, as well as the unwavering support of my loved ones.

“My sights are now set on the Oceania Masters Athletic Championships in Suva, scheduled for June. I’m excited to represent not only my beloved Northland but also New Zealand on the international stage.

“Masters are retired athletes, but it’s still a cool way to be able to compete. Even with the crap I’ve been through in my life, I am able to compete in a way that I am taken seriously, and I have competition and can represent my country.

“The opportunity to don the silver fern and compete alongside fellow Masters athletes from across Australia, New Zealand and the islands is a dream come true.

“I’m excited, and it gives me something to strive for. It’s an honour and a privilege to represent my country. It is a moment I’ve been dreaming of for years. If I come back with medals, I will be over the moon.” ¢

p Kirsty says it was an honour to represent New Zealand at the Masters

u

Ann van Engelen

With the 2024 Northpower Wild Kiwi approaching, people of all ages

multisport event.

“The Northpower Wild Kiwi has become a landmark multisport event in Te Tai Tokerau in recent years,” says Total Sport’s Mark Fordham.

Mark’s aim is to attract 1,000 entrants to the Whangārei Heads event and he hopes 2024 will be the year his team gets closer to that goal.

“It is a family-friendly occasion, with plenty of distances to choose from and, for the second year, a one-kilometre kids’ dash for the youngsters. Total Sport’s drive is to encourage more Kiwis to get active and outdoors.

“Having a multitude of events at the Northpower Wild Kiwi provides something for everyone. We see the MILD Kiwi as the ideal introduction to multisport that can be tackled in a team or individually. It includes a five-kilometre sea kayak, an 18km mountain bike and a 10km run.”

The Wild Kiwi multisport is for teams or individuals from 14 years and up and comprises a 10km sea kayak, 25km MTB and 14km run to the finish line. Run/walk events include an eightkilometre, 15km and half-marathon (21km) options.

“More than 100 Northpower staff from multiple offices between Wellington and Northland will compete this year,” says Northpower’s general manager of people and capability, Andrea O’Brien.

As a resident of One Tree Point, Andrea says the Wild Kiwi has become iconic in Northland, and she enjoys being part of it.

“I really enjoy the challenge of the event. It is great getting out on the course with so many colleagues, friends, members of the community and visitors to the region.

“Doing events like this is about challenging yourself. It’s such a

beautiful location out at the heads. If people haven’t had a go at the Northpower Wild Kiwi, I definitely recommend it.

“Whether you do it as an individual, in a team or as a family it is such a good vibe and a lot of fun, and there is nothing better than crossing that finish line and enjoying the festivities.

“Once again, people can expect to see a sea of Northpower’s bright orange T-shirts and smiling faces throughout the course and at the finish line.

“Northpower began encouraging staff to enter off-road events in 2018 as a way of improving wellbeing and staff, their whānau and friends have embraced the opportunity, particularly amongst the stunning scenery the Wild Kiwi courses cover in Whangārei Heads.

“We love getting out amongst our community, working with Total Sport to bring a great event to Northland and supporting the Bream Head Conservation Trust along the way. Like Mark and his team, we would love to see a record number of entrants there on March 16.”

Check out the wildkiwi.co.nz/eventstart-times, breamheadtrust.nz or northpower.com for more details. ¢

p Mark Fordham and the Total Sports team are looking forward to the 2024 Northpower Wild Kiwi multisport event

In memory of Grace

u by Ann van Engelen

Kellie Stevenson Border from Wardrobe to Pantry — Waipu is helping local communities to help women in need this month by supporting the Love Grace Handbag Appeal.

“I’m collecting donations for the Love Grace Handbag Appeal to be donated to the Women’s Refuge,” says Kellie.

“This year, for my annual fundraiser, I chose this idea because I want to keep forging my relationship with Women’s Refuge. At our last Wardrobe to Pantry, we raised $1,600 for the organisation.

“Grace Milane sadly lost her life while travelling here in New Zealand — somewhere she should have been safe. She is from England, and her friends and family started the charity in her memory.

running for their lives. It’s up to you what you fill your bag with. It can be full of practical things, more luxurious items or a mixture of both.”

Products can include toothpaste and brushes, washcloths, soap, lip balms, shampoo and conditioner, sanitary products, deodorants, perfume, hand cream and hair ties.

“It can be full of practical things, more luxurious items or a mixture of both”

“The initiative is a fantastic tribute to Grace as handbags are something she loved. The idea is to fill new or preloved handbags with useful and treat items that a woman may need, and the bags are then donated to the Women’s Refuge New Zealand.

“Women’s Refuge then distributes them to victims of domestic violence. Often, when women need to leave a domestic violence situation for safety reasons, they do so quickly and aren’t able to grab essentials. They are often

“So far, we have had a fairly good response, but we would love to have a few more come in. There are some lovely bags in our collection with some very kind and thoughtful contents.

“Over the time I have been doing my Wardrobe to Pantry fundraisers, people in Waipu and beyond have really shown how good they are at getting behind such initiatives. They show how much a community can support everybody by joining together and helping in big and small ways.

“I have always had an amazing response from people, and that is one of the reasons I enjoy doing what I

do. It is great to be able to help other people. Small gestures really do make a big difference.

“In honour of Grace, each donated bag helps to empower victims of domestic abuse. Every bag makes a big difference to a woman in need.

“We are collecting them until March 7 at the Waipu School reception, the Ruakākā Town Centre Post Shop and Rebecca at Swanky Pants on Cove Road is accepting donations.

“We will then take everything to the main drop-off point on March 8.” ¢

p Kellie Stevenson Border is thankful for every handbag that is being donated for the Love Grace Handbag Appeal

Belle of the coast

u by Liz Clark

There’s a real joy about coming across an old-style rose in a garden — the rugosa rose has to be one of the most beautiful.

Rosa rugosa is a coastal species native to eastern Asia, where it is found in northeastern China, Japan, Korea and southeastern Siberia, growing on dunes. Rugosa refers to the wrinkled leaves the plant has. Its flowers are fragrant, ranging from dark pink to white. It forms a suckering habit to produce new plants if left undisturbed. However, it can become invasive if not kept in check.

Still, this heritage species has a better side in being disease-resistant and hardier in comparison to other cultivars in the rose family. Rose breeders have infused those qualities into hybridised plants to create more robust cultivars

for gardens worldwide. Rugosas also produce large edible hips, which can be used in tea or jams. Flowering occurs in spring and continues throughout the growing season. In late autumn, the leaves turn a lighter shade then drop as winter approaches.

Unlike modern rose species, rugosas do not tolerate chemical sprays very well, which can damage the leaves. Their resilience to common ailments afflicting other rose types means spraying of any kind isn’t required. Light pruning should be done in late summer to tidy the plant up after flowering has finished. Remove any dead or damaged canes, otherwise, the rose shouldn’t need heavy

pruning. Older canes can be removed to encourage younger ones to come on in the next growing season.

Soil types vary around the country. As with all roses, give them a good start with a warm site and well drained enough to prevent the roots from being drowned in heavy weather. Plant on a raised bed and stake well if drainage is an issue in the garden. Roses always do best when given regular applications of blood and bone, and other organic matter during spring and summer.

Available cultivars include Frau Dagmar Hastrup, Linda Campbell, Pink Grootendorst, Robusta, Roseraie de l’Hay, Sarah van Fleet and Topaz Jewel.

Exceptional art showcased

u by Ann van Engelen

Last weekend, the 2024 Mangawhai Art Trail saw 42 artists spread across 28 venues from Kaiwaka through Hakaru to Waipu Cove with displays of wooden, metal and copper sculptures, ceramics, paintings using a range of mediums, photography, prints, weaving, jewellery and leatherwork.

“The weekend was a huge success,” said Mangawhai Artists chair Belinda Vernon.

“The event showcases the creativity that is flourishing in and around the wider Mangawhai area. Superb weather on Saturday attracted record numbers of art trailers from across the Kaipara

and as far afield as Auckland. Drizzle on Sunday didn’t dampen the enthusiasm with a constant stream of visitors calling into artist studios.

“We received a constant flow of positive feedback from happy artists and art trailers with people specifically visiting Mangawhai for the art trail.” ¢

p Chris Cowley-Thomson and Janine Brougham with guest exhibitor Lee-Ann Hamilton at The Stylish Collective

p Gayle Forster, with her Pōhutukawa series

p Trail visitors enjoyed discovering the unique works of Nathan Hutchison

p Langs Beach artist Chris den Hartogh had her dog Charlie on hand

Rehearsing

u by Amy Fifita

When grief strikes, having preparations in place can make the process easier for loved ones and family members.

Having a final will is a no-brainer, but sometimes, with death, smaller details are missed. Setting money aside or obtaining funeral insurance will ensure family members don’t have to worry about expenses.

Discussing funeral wishes can be difficult. Writing down or discussing funeral wishes can make the transition smoother for those involved. It may include preferred clothes, music, funeral location, cremation or burial options, caskets and pallbearers.

p Ensuring

your family know your funeral wishes can make their day of grief

Elements of a funeral

There is a trend among the modern generation to feel that a funeral is a waste of time. Why put yourself through the pain and anguish a funeral can cause if you can just avoid it?

On the face of it, it’s a good point, but when we look deeper, we can see the importance of a meaningful farewell. Grief is the inbuilt biological human reaction to the death of someone we love and care for.

We cannot avoid it, no matter how hard we try. Our attempts to avoid grief tend to make us internalise the pain and emotional upset. That, in turn, can cause us to have emotional wellbeing issues further down the track.

The best way to deal with our grief is to embrace it, to expose ourselves to the pain and emotional turmoil that death can bring to us. A meaningful farewell is a point in time when we bring together all the elements that allow us to say goodbye in a positive way.

A meaningful farewell for a loved one will help in the following ways:

Reality

Funerals help us to begin to truly acknowledge the reality that someone has died.

Recall Funerals encourage us to remember the person who has died and share our memories with others.

Support

Funerals bring together people who care about each other in an atmosphere of love and support.

Expression

Funerals allow us to express our inner thoughts and feelings about life and death.

Meaning

Funerals mark the significance of the life that was lived. They help us to find meaning and purpose in our continued lives.

Transition

Ultimately, funerals help us to start the transition from a life with to a life without our loved one. ¢

a trust rating of More if they are LOCAL

73%

Bream Bay is known for many things, such as its heritage, people and beaches; it’s also the home of many avian species.

The scenic reserves along the shoreline offer refuge for many species. People can view the birdlife along the coast or in the water as seabirds frequent the ocean expanse.

Those exploring the area by boat can enjoy the magic of seabirds, including some rare beauties like Cooks, pycrofts and grey-faced petrels. Boating enthusiasts can witness gannets or local shearwaters diving for fish in the water.

Bream Bay Charters features birdwatching as part of the experience heading towards the Hen and Chicken Islands, just offshore, so visitors can enjoy them. Large colonies of seabirds live on the nature reserves on those islands and fly and feed in the bay.

Familiar feathered residents on the shoreline are the likes of the threatened New Zealand fairy tern, variable oystercatcher and the at-risk red-billed gull. Birdwatchers can stroll along the tracks and catch a glimpse of what the area has to offer.

The birds add natural beauty to the area, with local conservation groups pooling resources to nurture the environment. The Wairahi Charitable Trust, Bream Bay Coastal Care Trust,

Piroa Conservation Trust and others care for the reserves and local retreats for birds to nest or live in. Tasks include pest control, weed maintenance, planting and bird protection.

The Ruakākā River mouth is a breeding place for the variable oystercatchers. Other land-based wildlife havens include the Waipu River mouth and Mangawhai. Whether you live in the area or enjoy visiting, many innate wonders that inhabit the area are there to appreciate and look after. Birds surround the area, be it on land or out on the water, for everybody to admire. ¢

p Variable oystercatchers can often be sighted along the shores of the area and although it is at risk, numbers are recovering

SPOTLIGHT ON BREAM BAY

Walkers build community

u by Ann van Engelen

When Lyn and John Mellsop first moved to Waipu Cove, they started walking the beach and were later joined by their neighbours Greg and Karen Shanaghan, and The Cove Walking Crew began.

“When Greg and Karen moved in permanently next door, the four of us decided to go walking on a Tuesday morning at 9am,” said Lyn.

“We invited other people to join us, and the crew grew. We walk for half an hour along the beach to Waipu Cove, and then we turn around and walk back.

“It’s a very casual event, and people come when they can. Some people go quite a distance in that hour striding out their walk, while others walk slower and a shorter distance.”

Lyn says the group is very much a social gathering, meeting at The Cove Cafe at 10am every Tuesday after the walk.

“Some of us have special T-shirts to brighten it up a bit. There is no cost involved for the day apart from paying for your coffee.

“We enjoy meeting other people. Most of the group are retired and come from different areas and walks of life so we have really interesting chats.

“There have been some beautiful friendships formed, which is nice, and that’s why we stay local. Some people only come to the cafe for the social part,

especially if they can’t do the walk. A lot of us didn’t know anyone when we first moved here, so it has been a wonderful way to form new friendships, which can be hard when you retire.

“When you’re younger, you have work, children and school connections. As you age, you just have the two of you, or be a single person, and it’s harder to meet other people.

“I think everyone in the group appreciates the friendships we have built and the fundraising events we have done, such as Pink Ribbon breakfasts

“We have people from Langs, Waipu Cove and Waipu, itself, join us every Tuesday at 9am. We meet on the reserve opposite The Cove Cafe. People just turn up, and we always make a point of introducing ourselves to newcomers to make them feel welcome.” ¢

and our Movember BBQ to raise funds for prostate cancer.

“We put our name down for the Waipu Have A Go Sports Festival with the Bream Bay Sports Trust, and with the $250 we receive this year, we are donating it to the Waipu Cycle Way.

“Last year, we did the same thing and gave the money to the coastal walking track between Waipu Cove and Langs Beach to help the community.

the crew T-shirt adding to the fun of the day

A beautifying art

u by Ann van Engelen

Alana Mennell has helped people with their artistry makeup since she was young and recently opened The Beauty Lab Mangawhai to continue her passion.

“I grew up in Epsom, Auckland, and have always been passionate about makeup,” says Alana.

“When I went out with my friends, I would always do their makeup and went on to do a makeup artistry diploma 14 years ago in Ponsonby.

“I worked at MAC makeup, Fashion Week and television shows, and I was a brand educator for Trilogy, a New Zealand skincare company, for seven years. These days, my focus is on weddings, event makeup and lessons.

“We have three children and thought moving sooner to establish a life now, rather than when we’re older, was a better idea.

“We wanted to give our kids more of an outdoors lifestyle as we’re both active and love fishing, boating, water sports and being amongst nature.

to work once the doctors gave me the all-clear from surgery.”

Alana secured the premises, which Andy Bruce had as a gallery for Elevated Media, at the Wood Street shops in Mangawhai Heads.

“I specialise in eyebrows, lashes, nails and makeup artistry. I love brows and am excited to have recently completed a brow tattooing course.

“I have always been involved in the skincare and makeup realm of things and have covered a broad range of experiences in the industry in that time.

“Around six years ago, my husband Chris and I decided to move to Mangawhai. We met here and always thought it would be nice to retire to the area later in life.

“I like surfing, exercising, hanging with friends and family, camping, cooking and eating. When we were planning to move, I was trying to be realistic in my thinking and wondered, with it being a seaside community, if anyone wore makeup here, let alone paid for it to be done.

“I had always wanted to expand my skill set, so I retrained as a nail and lash technician and worked part-time from home for the first six years.

“Last year, I was off work after shoulder surgery, so I decided to bite the bullet and make the transition to open a salon offering my services. I returned

“For brows, I love creating a shape that suits the client. Too sharp of an arch or too rounded can make or break the face. Shaping a brow to someone’s facial structure can really soften their features.

“I love interacting with my customers … It’s usually women having time out for themselves, and it’s their treat”

“Having an arch instead of something too rounded can modernise the shape, and tinting helps to create brow fullness. People who once over-plucked can now have a hybrid tint, which helps add fullness to the brow.

“It gives a beautiful sharp shape and defines the face and eye area. They always look a little full when you

p With a passion for makeup artistry, Alana enjoys helping others with their makeup, nails, eyebrows and lashes

“Adding a little blush to the cheeks gives a nice fresh look. It’s fun helping with weddings, school balls and other special occasions and seeing people confident with their makeup”

first leave, but they settle in nicely over 24 hours.”

Alana says lash lifts make a lovely difference to people’s eyes.

“Most lashes grow straight, and a lift makes them sparkle without using anything but your own lashes. I stock a product called RevitaLash, which is an amazing serum that helps grow your eyelashes and brows over time and gives you that extra length, so it is perfect for anyone who feels they lack lash length or brow fullness.

“I love doing nails as it provides an opportunity for creativity and colour, which always makes me feel happy. It also helps boost the appearance of the client’s nails and makes them feel confident. Using a good quality cuticle oil along with your treatment helps to keep the nails well looked after.

“When you are gardening, always use gloves and don’t keep your hands in water for too long. Keeping your nail appointments regular is the best way to keep up your nail health so they aren’t at risk of being removed by picking or wear and tear. Often, it’s the picking and

pulling them off without proper removal that creates damage.

“One client was a nail biter and changed to getting gel nails. I recently removed them for her job, and because she maintained them regularly, they’re still beautiful.

“I do lash extensions by applying a single lash, which is a little longer to your lash, and clusters of lighter weight volume lashes to achieve a fluttery look.

“Lash lifts with a product called Yumi from France are beautiful. My customers love it, especially here in Mangawhai when you’re in and out of the water regularly.

“Yumi also has a keratin treatment that I finish with to help fortify and nourish the lashes.

“I love interacting with my customers. At times, it feels like a therapy session. It’s usually women having time out for themselves, and it’s their treat, even if they bring their baby.

“It’s a positive experience, and that’s one of my main drivers being a creative person — putting my creativity into action. Customers leave my premises feeling good.

“I am considering running workshops to teach people to apply makeup correctly. It’s nice to have a group of girlfriends learning together. I do one half of a face and get them to do the other half with me watching.

“You need to understand the brush movement and how it affects the final product. Skin preparation is key, starting with a clean face and a serum or oil. I use oil straight after a shower when the pores are open for my dry skin.

“I use a serum to add hydration so the makeup sits well. Then, I use a primer to create a base for the foundation and longevity of wear.

“The eyes are done first. It helps to achieve a clean finish under the eye because any drop-down can be cleaned away before applying foundation and concealer.

“Eyeliner and mascara are next, and then I apply foundation. I like to use a fluffier brush so the foundation isn’t layered too thick on the skin, and use a concealer so you don’t need foundation too thick all over.

“When you’re older, you’re battling fine lines and wrinkles. I advise people

with mature skin not to go too heavy with their products.

“I focus the coverage on the inner triangle of your face, flat across your eyes and down to your chin and highlighting your cheeks using lighter products at the high points of your face.

“Adding a little blush to the cheeks gives a nice fresh look. It’s fun helping with weddings, school balls and other special occasions and seeing people confident with their makeup.

“Chris originates from England, so for him moving to New Zealand was like finding gold. When we decided to move here, we sold our house in Auckland, brought our house here and the rest is history.

“At first, I thought it would be difficult with all my friends in Auckland, but it was easy to integrate here. People are so welcoming, and with our pastimes, we found people on our own wavelength and have made some wonderful friends.

“Coming to Mangawhai has been the best thing for us. We couldn’t be happier, and we are so lucky we were able to make the transition when we did.” ¢

p Alana and her husband Chris enjoy spending time with their family

p Helping people choose colours is all part of creating a final look for Alana

p Chris and Alana can often be found on outdoor adventures with their children Madison, Georgia and Archie

p With an interest in surfing, Alana loves catching waves when she can

u by Amy Fifita

Melany Brown and Jaz Brocas are part of the Ray White Bream Bay and Waipu team aiming to fundraise more than $1,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities House to House appeal.

“My partner Jared Brownlie and I relocated here nine months ago,” said Melany.

“Jared grew up in the area, and his heart is connected here. We decided to move here so I could become a salesperson and for him to begin Brownlie Builders. We want to settle down here and start our family.

“Children and family are big passions I have. Growing up, supporting my younger siblings has been a great experience, and I adore them.

“Before doing real estate, I worked at an early childhood centre, and I loved being there, helping and watching them

develop their knowledge and abilities. With this job, I am helping families find their forever homes.”

Melany said she loves being a Ray White licensee salesperson. The March fundraiser challenges individuals or teams to run, walk or ride 210, 21 or 2.1 kilometres for donations so families can be hosted by the charity.

“When I heard about this fundraiser, I found it heartwarming, and I jumped on it immediately. My goal is to run 21 kilometres in March. It’s something small but something I know I can achieve.

“Our team’s $1,197 goal will be able to host a family for a full week in one of

the houses. I encourage our community to get involved, whether it is running or donating, even if it is a dollar. It is a great cause.”

Sales cadet Jaz Brocas is also part of the team endeavouring to run 210 kilometres collectively. She says it is her first time doing something like this appeal.

“I have lived in the area for eight years and went to Bream Bay College,” Jaz said. “Many of my family and friends are here — it is my community, too. I love that everyone knows and supports each other. I like how that makes everybody feel.

“Last December, I got my sales licence, and I love it. There have been a few bumps in the road, but it is all part of learning something new. It is my first time doing something like this appeal and I am excited about it.

“What RMHC does is amazing. When your family has a sick child in hospital, the last thing you think about is accommodation and meals; you just want to focus on your child. It is great that we are spreading awareness about this charity to our supportive community.”

To donate to the team, visit housetohouse.org.nz/t/ray-white-breambay-waipu-team. ¢

p Jared Brownlie and Melany Brown relocated to the area to pursue their careers and begin their own family

p Jaz Brocas spent her high school years at Bream Bay College, and is excited to support Ronald McDonald House

Jumbo crossword

again (7)

77 Large bird (3)

80 Dark wood (5)

81 Operate smoothly without a hitch (3,4,9)

82 Concluded (5)

83 Scale (6)

84 Enrol to vote (8)

85 Haggard (5) DOWN

2 Police club (9)

3 Dance (5)

5 Uncommon (4)

6 Factory restaurant (7)

7 Perplexity (12)

8 Balances up (5)

9 Be adequate (7)

10 Citrus fruit (4)

11 Inlaid design (6)

12 Winner’s prize (5)

13 Set off (7)

14 Fine glassware (7)

16 Offered (11)

22 Petty details (6)

23 Sword (7)

24 Limped (7)

25 Messy (6)

27 Of pigs (7)

28 Space devoid of air (6)

30 Speaker’s platform (4)

32 Vends (5)

34 Physical strength (5)

36 Nil (4)

38 Age (3)

42 Chocolate substitute (5)

43 Relating to marriage (7)

44 Unoccupied (4)

45 Linger idly (6)

46 Serious (5)

48 Always expecting the worst (11)

49 Plodded wearily (7)

50 Religious sister (3)

51 Mythical flying horse (7)

52 Gracefully slender (6)

53 Indoctrination (12)

54 Opinion (4)

57 Outcome (6)

64 Topple from power (9)

65 Made possible (7)

66 Railway supporter (7)

68 Sweetened (7)

70 Low temperature (7)

71 Courtroom twelve (6)

72 Velvety leather (5)

74 Singing voice (5)

76 User of oars (5)

78 Wheel cover (4)

79 Inkling (4)

Sudoku

Previous crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 Scald, 4 Cool as a cucumber, 14 Enter, 15 Ledge, 16 Functioned, 17 Spoon, 19 Rag, 20 Balloon, 21 Highchair, 22 Mighty, 25 Cartilage, 27 Diesel, 28 Untrue, 33 Grapefruit, 35 Eel, 36 Reveal, 37 Data, 39 Ewe, 41 Topiary, 42 Tandem, 43 Liability, 44 Maize, 45 Jettison, 50 Ma, 51 Sickness, 55 Circa, 58 Principal, 59 Nudged, 60 Snigger, 61 Ass, 63 Nail, 64 Assist, 65 Ire, 66 Remorseful, 68 Runway, 69 Beacon, 71 Aggravate, 76 Bangle, 77 Librarian, 79 Unaided, 81 Rue, 84 Occur, 85 Nightshirt, 86 Adder, 87 Allow, 88 A drop in the ocean, 89 Expel.

DOWN: 2 Caesar, 3 Legal, 5 Onus, 6 Licking, 7 Slight, 8 Conch, 9 Codeine, 10 Most, 11 Exotic, 12 Story, 13 Fragile, 14 Enchant, 18 Coat of arms, 23 Album, 24 Servile, 26 Appoint, 27 Dilemma, 29 Realise, 30 Groove, 31 Leads, 32 Safari, 34 Thaw, 36 Resin, 38 Abyss, 40 Silk, 45 Japan, 46 Tuition, 47 Itch, 48 Oppose, 49 Treat, 50 Mansion, 52 Contravene, 53 Neglect, 54 Step up, 55 Claimed, 56 Added, 57 Fear, 62 Smirk, 67 Rainbow, 68 Retreat, 70 Chianti, 72 Graphic, 73 Placid, 74 Writhe, 75 Delete, 76 Belle, 78 Right, 80 Index, 82 Trio, 83 Aria. 5x5

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