The Weekend Lifestyler, March 31st, 2023

A hands-on healing choice

As a child, Keeley Dunn knew she had a special gift and, for many years, worked as a Native American Indian shaman healer. After losing her father, a friend suggested she investigate a Māori medicine course to help her with her grief, and that was the beginning of merging the two

cultural healing systems together. Upon completing her training, Keeley began Trails End Rongoā Māori Healing Clinic, and those who see her are appreciating the holistic approach to helping restore wellness to many areas of their life.

continued on page 12 …

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Opportunity to upskill acting

u by Ann van Engelen

Mangawhai Players is presenting Creative Communication and Theatre Skills Workshops with several respected expert theatre professionals for the next six months.

“The group is delighted to be back in action,” says Mangawhai Players spokesperson Susan Dugdale.

“It has been three and a bit years since the successful production of Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas. We had always intended to do more. However, Covid intervened, and it now seems safe to pick up where they left off, and the workshops are a great beginning.

“We want to equip people with skills and techniques to enable them to share the most meaningful moments of their lives in powerful, transformative and unforgettable ways.

“The principal goal of the first workshop with Isabel Fish is to enable participants to experience the joy of

from 16 years old is welcome, and no prior experience is necessary. She currently travels from Auckland to teach weekly theatre classes for youth and a Healing through Movement — Stretch and Strengthening class for adults at Mangawhai.

“The second series of workshops are set for June with a focus on movement. The June classes will be led by Mangawhai local Nick Blake on June 14, 21 and 28. He will explore how an actor uses their body to create believable behaviour and vivid characters ranging from everyday realism to the heightened world of the clown.

telling stories well. Isabel has directed, produced and taught performance arts since the 1970s.

“She’s worked in schools, universities, dance/theatre and business organisations such as the Auckland District Law Society and has trained thousands of people from all walks of life to become powerful communicators and performers.”

The three two-hour sessions on storytelling led by Isabel are set for April 2, 23 and 30 from 3pm–5pm at the Community Hall, Fagan Place, Mangawhai.

“As Isabel says, ‘Storytelling is a universal and ancient art, a potent communication tool. Who knows what magic will emerge?’ Anybody

“Nick has had a long career as an actor and director creating a wide range of original theatre. He trained in circus and mask performance, taught at Toi Whakaari, the NZ Drama School and was an acting and movement coach on The Hobbit.

“He has performed diverse characters in street theatre, on film, television and radio. Anybody over 16 wanting to develop their creative imagination, physical comedy skills and a child-like sense of play is most welcome.

“A third workshop on theatre sports with hilarious confidence-building improvisational games has been tentatively planned for July/August.”

The cost is $35 a person for each workshop. For more information or to reserve a place, email susandugdale@ gmail.com. ¢

p Jo Lewin, in the production of Under Milk Wood, will be attending the storytelling workshops

Photo credit: Nina Gastreich

“Storytelling is a universal and ancient art, a potent communication tool”

Surf lifesaver crews compete

u by Ann van Engelen

Waipū Cove turned on perfect conditions last weekend with the sun shining and good surf, allowing the rescue boat crews to perform at their best for the 2023 BP Surf Rescue North Island IRB championship.

“There were 19 surf clubs competing at the cove,” said Waipū Cove Surf Life Saving Club captain Kath Manning.

“The BP Surf Rescue New Zealand Championships has a proud history of being one filled with hard, fast, and action-packed racing. It is the largest Inflatable Rescue Boat racing competition on the surf lifesaving calendar, with crews from throughout the country lining up to showcase their surf skills, fitness and experience amongst their peers.

“We love hosting events like this, a real positive sports experience for everyone.

The teams all showed outstanding sportsmanship, camaraderie and support of each other with clubs cheering on each other, and just happy to be there. The surf was good, and the racing was fast.

“With the recent weather events, many surf lifeguards were involved in IRB rescues in floodwater, with clubs and communities also facing big losses and damage to their clubrooms, so this was a bit of light relief after a stressful few months.

“We had 73 crews from 21 clubs make their way to the championships. It

was great to see new crews from Baylys Beach, Omaha, Whakatāne and Whiritoa and the Mairangi Bay crews returning after a few years’ hiatus.”

The clubs competed in a variety of team, individual and age group races, including tube rescue, mass assembly, and mass rescue races. It was Sunset Beach who took out the overall award.

“The competition includes several events, requiring varying levels of technical skill and physical fitness. With surf and weather conditions constantly changing, the competition has proved to

be one of the most exciting competitions of the surf lifesaving calendar.

“Waipū Cove is building young teams ready to compete next season, as we love being part of the buzz. IRB racing not only helps strengthen our rescue skills but helps with team building, spirit and club morale.

“My daughter and I qualified as IRB drivers this season, so I am looking forward to watching her compete in the future too.”

The BP New Zealand IRB Championships will be held at Waihi Beach on April 15 and 16. ¢

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p Ruakākā team — Alysha Ahrens, Jess Andrews and Ava Dainty won a bronze medal for the Open Women’s Single rescue Photo: Lana Jennings

p The event is the largest Inflatable Rescue Boat racing competition on the surf lifesaving calendar

Photo: Agustin Marin

Cupcakes support KidsCan

u by Ann van Engelen

One Tree Point School student Sarah Cooper got behind the KidsCan charity last week, making cupcakes to help with the charity’s flood appeal.

“We have family in Auckland, and Sarah’s big cousin Jessica lives in Muriwai and was evacuated by the army on the night of the storm in a Unimog and still can’t return home,” says mum Deborah.

A Unimog is the large all-terrain vehicle used by the army.

“Jessica is a very important member of our family and said the experience was very scary. She was actually moved more than once that night. Her neighbours’ homes have all been redstickered. We used to live in Muriwai, and Sarah wanted to give money to our old community, but as they already get support, I suggested there may be other children who need help.”

Deborah went online to find a suitable cause for Sarah’s idea and found KidsCan’s $15 for Floods appeal.

“KidsCan is helping children and families right across the country, so we set to work making cupcakes. Sarah’s grandma and I did the baking, and Sarah iced them all for the school market day. We used the KidsCan sign so everyone knew what the money was going to, and Sarah would call out that

the cupcakes were to help KidsCan flood victims.

“The winners of the day were the double chocolate flavour and the lemon with lemon icing. Sarah now has a good understanding of what KidsCan is and that they help children who have issues with not being able to have what the basic necessities in life, particularly through poverty and no fault of their own.

“KidsCan step in to help families with things such as footwear, school lunches, clothing and other necessities of life. Straight after the floods, they

stepped up to help and create the $15 for Flood appeal.

“We encourage other people to kidscan.org.nz and donate any way they can. They don’t just cover one area, they cover the whole of New Zealand, and all towns will be looked after at different stages.

“Keep an eye out as they will be doing more fundraising for household items as well to help those who have been affected by the floods and are struggling to replace everyday items. It is such an important charity, and looking after families is what they do. The more

people who get behind the $15 appeals, the better, and you never know when you, or someone you know, may need the help.

“Sarah made $150 through her cupcake sales, and we are really

proud of how much that will help. I explained to her that she donated for 15 people, so when we sent the money in, we named it Sarah and OTP Community because it is a community thing.”

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p One Tree Point School student Sarah Cooper donated $150 to KidsCan for the flood appeal through her cupcake sales

“KidsCan step in to help families with things such as footwear, school lunches, clothing and other necessities of life”

Excited for Easter showcase

u by Ann van Engelen

The Bream Bay Combined Arts Group is preparing an Easter exhibition to show the local community what goes on at The Art Cottage in Ruakākā.

“The Art Cottage is a great asset for anyone who is art orientated or likes to be involved with the art scene in the Ruakākā area,” says organiser Colin Coutts.

“We had a show on Labour Weekend last year, and it was very good with a lot of visitors and sales. It allowed group members to put their work before the public, and it raised our profile as a lot of people never realised that we were here.

“We have just about finished an extension to the property, so we will

have more display space for Easter. We want people to come along and see what happens at this special venue. The various sessions include fibre design and construction, such as wet and needle felting, spinning, weaving and knitting, and pottery and photography.

“Our photography group learns tips with practical tuition. It is a great group of people. Members learn various forms of painting, and pottery classes come in the form of hand-building or working on one of our five pottery wheels. You

are able to glaze and have your work kiln-fired on-site. The Art Cottage now has its own gallery, which is growing in popularity as it gets known about by the public. The Bream Bay Combined Arts Group hosts two exhibitions each year with members’ work on display and for sale.

“The next exhibition is being held on Easter Sunday, April 9, from 10am to 4pm. Directions are signposted from the Ruakākā Shopping Centre, and the event is a must-see for all art lovers.”

For more information, contact Colin at 027 492 3353 or email bbcombinedartsgroup@gmail.com. ¢

p Heike Leman can often be found with her camera in hand

p Artist Annie Hemsley working on her elephant painting

A tropical tang

u by Liz Clark

After finally getting out into the fruit trees, now settled weather has arrived, this rather neglectful writer encountered her rather forlorn yellow guava tree buried under weeds.

There were a few lessons to be learned from that experience. Fortunately, the neglected tree was persisting, despite the lack of light. A quick tidy-up and some fertiliser have seen it put back to health and growing happily.

Guavas come from the South American regions and are grown commercially in tropical areas. The fruit size ranges from cherry size to sizeable round fruit. However, most available cultivars in New Zealand are the smaller ones, such as the red and yellow cherry varieties.

There is a caveat, though, where the red cherry guava is concerned. In some parts of the country this particular species is considered invasive, especially in the Auckland region. Check with your

regional council before heading to the local garden centre to obtain one so you’re not disappointed.

Guavas grow well in the warmer regions of the country and are cold hardy. Young trees are prone to frost, so they should be protected during the first two years after planting. Once established, they will fruit prolifically. Nurseries recommend two trees for each household for abundant vitaminC-rich sweet, tangy fruit. Trees are selffertile and will produce throughout the spring and summer growing seasons. They grow to a height from three to five metres but can be kept at a manageable size lower with pruning.

Before planting, find a sunny, sheltered situation with good drainage

available. If poor drainage is an issue, create a raised mound out of the existing soil, then add a good layer of compost and soil mix, and add in some blood and bone as a starter.

If planting directly into the ground, dig a square hole twice the width and depth of the planting bag. Place sheep pellets or other manure in the base, add a layer of compost, followed by good quality fruit tree mix, then plant your guava. Ensure the soil is well watered after planting. Staking your tree will ensure it won’t be wrenched or blown over during inclement weather. Water and fertilise regularly while the tree is fruiting. Prune lightly after fruiting in autumn to maintain shape and height requirements. ¢

Calling acoustic musicians

u by Ann van Engelen

Mangawhai musician Brent Morrissey is encouraging people who play acoustic instruments to join him for musical get-togethers and experiences.

“My wife Rosemary and I have a little bush block that we have had for 27 odd years and we retired here 12 years ago,” says Brent.

“I have been involved in music since I was a child, and over the years, I have played in many groups, but lots of people no longer have any club connections, especially acoustic players. We had a great little group here up until a few years ago, but people evolve and move on.

“We have always had good musicians in the district, but we have more retired and semi-retired people here now, with no regular meeting place. I thought it would be good to start something locally again.

“In the past, I had a four-piece band called Otherwise Fine. We had a mandolin, banjo, fiddle and guitar, and were mainly bluegrass style. The band was really popular with regular gigs at the Mangawhai Hotel, markets and A&P shows. Lately, I have been doing a few Irish gigs, and people are really enjoying them.

“Getting older, you have to ‘meet the market’ as they say, and my market is a bit greyer now. I hope to meet some older musicians who are looking to have a bit of fun. We have got to the stage where no one’s going to be famous or have great cheque books, but we can still produce good music.

“As a kid, I sang in choirs and went into formal choirs as an adult, including a barber shop choir run by a woman called Gloria Jenkins, who was well known in the 90s and 2000s. That evolved for me into quartet singing for 16 years. It was a really good musical group, and we made wonderful music at places like the Bay of Islands Jazz festival. That group was called Otherwise Fine as well, but members retired or passed on.

“When I came here, I was approached to play and sing, and by then, I had taken up the mandolin, which I found fitted in with lots of other musicians’ styles.”

Brent plays the guitar and banjo too.

“It has been a great life as a hobby musician, and once you are bitten by

the bug — it won’t leave you alone. I am looking forward to meeting people who want to connect and make time to get together and play.

“We visited a retirement village on St Patrick’s Day and sang a set of Irish songs, which the residents really enjoyed. In this community, there are

many opportunities. Sometimes you play for money, sometimes, you play for nothing. The real payment is seeing the look of delight on peoples’ faces, that’s what I love, and that’s what I do it for.”

For more information — contact Brent at brent.morrissey@gmail.com. ¢

“I have been doing a few Irish gigs, and people are really enjoying them”

p Brent with Tom Donaldson on guitar

Photo credit: Joel Cayford

Out and About for Easter

The annual Easter art show

u by Ann van Engelen

Newly joined artists are exhibiting alongside established members at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery until April 12 at the annual Easter Members’ exhibition, where more than 28 artists are exhibiting work.

“Over the last year, the membership of Mangawhai Artists has grown by almost a third, with more than 50 new members joining,” says Mangawhai Artists chair Belinda Vernon.

“New member artists exhibiting for the first time include Anu Mangat, Ash Ellis, Robert Looker, Desmond Burdon, Raewyn Torrie and Debbie Nancekivell. We are looking forward to seeing work contributed by both new and long-standing members at the forthcoming exhibition.

“The exhibition will cover a range of 2D and 3D work. Two-dimensional work will span acrylic, oil, watercolour and aquawash print, while 3D work will include ceramics, mosaics, cement sculpture and lead drippings.

“Cement sculpture has recently been the subject of one of the workshops offered through Mangawhai Artists. It’s exciting to see this work now being exhibited. The exhibition will include several artists who have recently hosted exhibitions at the gallery.

“New exhibitions are hosted every fortnight, ensuring regular visitors enjoy a constantly refreshed space. Several

artists in the Easter exhibition have shows coming up over the next couple of months.

“The Easter exhibit is an opportunity for those who missed out on the Art Trail, which took place on the weekend of the devastating Kaiwaka/Mangawhai extreme downpour, to see work by those same artists, including Howard Esler in Devich Road and Lynley Bradnam in Kaiwaka, who were isolated by bridge and road closures.

“Howard Esler will be exhibiting work from his lead dripping series, while Lynley specialises in portraits, and Wayne Whyte’s corten steel garden sculptures are always popular.”

Kay Airey and Lena Nelson work in ceramics and have recently led two workshops sharing their skills.

“Those who know the work of Steve Marsh will also not want to miss the opportunity to see his craftsmanship.

Jocelyn Friis is one of the artists with work on display in the reception area of the Mangawhai office of the Kaipara District Council.

“With the gallery’s changing exhibitions introducing the Mangawhai

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community to new artists on a fortnightly rotation, we know that people have developed their favourites! This is the chance to pick up a piece of work from your favourite artist or from one you have yet to discover.”

The Mangawhai Artists Gallery Easter Members Exhibition is open daily from 10am to 3pm, and until midday Wednesday, April 12, at 45 Moir Street.  ¢

p Anu Mangat is one of the new Mangawhai Artists Gallery members with work on show at the Easter exhibition

Out and About for Easter Arts trail set for Easter

Whangārei Heads Arts Trail will stage its 12th vibrant event showcasing the works

The work will be exhibited in locations spread along 35km of beautiful Whangārei Heads coastline. It is a rare opportunity to see such an impressive collection of work embracing such a diverse and exciting rang of media all packed into one easily accessible route.

Exhibitors in 2023 include painters, potters, jewellers, photographers, flax weavers, woodworkers, sculptors and textile artists. With 11 new exhibitors and 19 returning favourites, there will be lots of new work on show. With contributions ranging from happy amateurs to nationally known artists, there is something for everyone’s taste and everyone’s pocket.

“The event has met with great local support and enthusiasm, both from sellers and buyers,” chairperson Sheila Blackburn said. “In establishing

our event, we have tried to foster a policy of inclusion for all; that includes both those making and those buying beautiful things.

“Our most serious rule is all work is hand made by the artist/artisan. Nothing can be brought in or bought in. We look for unique work in a world of mass production, and many, many people seem to understand the value of this.”

30

artists, many based in and around Whangārei.

Our visitors range from enthusiastic locals interested in a great day out to serious buyers who have learned it’s a fantastic place to shop for quality artwork at good prices. To most buyers knowing the provenance of the work they are buying is very important, and there is no better way to learn about that than to meet the artist. From the artist’s point of view, a great deal of the pleasure in

producing and selling comes from the appreciation and enthusiasm the buyer shows when they find something perfect for them.

Entry to all studios will be free. For more information, email wh.artstrail@yahoo. com or visit whangareiheadsartstrail. org.nz. ¢

p Jos Polman — weaver, with his looms

“The event has met with great local support and enthusiasm”

Ahands-on healing choice

u by Ann van Engelen

For Trails End rongoā practitioner Keeley Dunn, helping people with their health issues is an important part of her life calling.

“I am Māori but was brought up in Pākehā ways and was a hairdresser for many years,” says Keeley.

“I found my whakapapa five years ago and have since transitioned myself from 33 years of Native American Indian to Māori beliefs. I have always been very spiritual and practised as a shaman for many years.

“When I was three years old, I had a knowing, and at 18, I had spiritual reading done, and that led me to research American Indian ways with meditation and systems. I found an Indian prayer book, and that is what started my journey off as a shaman healer.

“I was going through the loss of my father, and a friend suggested I do a Māori medicine course and learn about rongoā remedies. I laughed because I wasn’t into plants, but I took my friend’s advice and jumped on a marae-based wānanga learning programme.

“I trained with the education service and completed my Level 3 and 4 Romiromi last year and am ACC registered. I was guided by my tūpuna, my ancestors, as I am wairua, spiritbased and driven and was handed on the knowledge of how to make my balms, tonics and remedies. Once I completed my training, I founded Trails End Rongoā Māori Healing Clinic in Mangawhai.”

Keeley has been doing mirimiri massage and romiromi for two years now and combines her American Indian and Māori healing methods together.

“I deal with a lot of people with mental health problems, too, which I find very rewarding, as helping people is why I do what I do. A lot of Māori healing is traditional, so I had to learn everything, including marae protocol.

“Native plant-based remedies are an integral part of rongoā treatment, and I had to learn the correct method

of harvesting and making them too. For Māori, rongoā is a part of the culture from Tāne, the God of the forest, and to practise, a practitioner must become a part of the world of Tāne. This means connecting and immersing in the forest beyond the physical elements of the trees and plants.

“To me, the proof is in the pudding. At the time I discovered rongoā, my daughter had a kidney disease and was at Starship Hospital, and I kept getting drawn to a plant called kūmarahou. It is good for the kidneys, and I prepared her a wai rākau tonic and took it to her. The next time I visited her, the doctors said her disease was in remission, and they took her off her medications.

“My father’s property has a big virgin bush, and I didn’t realise what a gold mine I was sitting on. Every type of plant for healing that I need grows there. What

“Each plant has its own purpose and can be used to treat anything from fractures and wounds to sore throats”

p Keeley has successfully blended both her Native American Indian and Māori healing beliefs

Marae photos used with permission of Kōhi Henare

I do is a gift given to me, and everything is koha, donation-based.

“I work in Mangawhai, out of Oruawharo Marae, my husband Matiu’s marae, and at Active Northland in Whangārei alongside 40 other occupational therapists. Rongoā is very sought after, but there are not many practitioners.

“I make a tonic and five different balms. As a tohunga healer, spirituality is a very lonely road, and I often get judged by people, and it took me 50 years to find the right man to walk alongside because he understands me.

“I use a combination of rongoā rākau native herbal remedies, mirimiri physical therapies, including massage, and karakia for prayer and spiritual guidance. I treat patients by first understanding the events that led to them having ill health and addressing all aspects, including spiritual, psychological, cultural, environmental and physical.

“Using only natural ingredients found in the ngahere, the native bush on my father’s property. The balms are made from scratch using raw beeswax and

plants such as harakeke, kawakawa, and mānuka. Each plant has its own purpose and can be used to treat anything from fractures and wounds to sore throats.

“With more people opening their eyes and minds to a more holistic approach to their health, I have been very busy. As kaitiaki, we have an obligation to care for mother nature, and humans are part of the natural world.

“Rongoā is comprised of diverse practices with an emphasis on the spiritual dimension of health. Mirimiri helps you manage stress and provide a better emotional and spiritual balance. It utilises a holistic approach to restoring wellness to the mind, spirit, body and emotional wellbeing.

“Physically, it works on the central nervous system and spiritually helps to balance mauri, our life essence, with wairua, our spirit. Initially, I went for a noho, overnight stay, at Oruawharo Marae, and while I was there, I went for a walk down the hill, where I found a little school.

“That is where I learned my pepeha, genealogy, from a map on the wall and

the principal helped me to understand where I was from with the passing of my father. When I went back to visit my marae in Taranaki, I learned it was built for a healer, and that clicked for me because I never knew where my gift came from.

“I do feel sad that I never learned about my own whakapapa in Taranaki, Waikanae and Whakarongotai earlier.

I am amazed that I now live two doors down from the Oruawharo Marae after recently marrying Matiu Dunn, who is a kaitiaki guardian of the marae.

“Matiu and I married at the Garden of Seven Stones in Rarotonga on my birthday. It is where the seven canoes, the Tākitimu, Tokomaru, Kurahaupō, Aotea, Tainui, Te Arawa and Mataatua left for New Zealand. The place had a lot of spiritual significance to us, and we were the first wedding there ever, which was extra special. We will have another wedding to share with our whole marae here in July.

“I am amazed that I am married to a potential kaumātua and tohunga. It is all very humbling to me, and my life

is now complete. Matiu is my warrior that I have always been searching for. We met through ACC. He was one of my clients, and the day he came to see me, he didn’t have an appointment, and we connected.

“Matiu does tā moko tattooing and whakairo carvings and is going to open a tā moko studio in the near future. He is going to pass his knowledge on to my daughter, which is very special. He is a line of the Māori king and has a big connection to Taranaki, where my family are from, through Rātana.

“The rongoā had died in the area, and I am classed as a gift because I am bringing it back and giving it back to the people. Matiu and I are walking side by side, and I am honoured to be welcomed here with him.

“People can find me on the Trails End Rongoā Māori practitioner Facebook page. I love that I help people to help themselves, their family and friends at home so that the knowledge of those gone before us is passed on so it doesn’t die and tradition is kept alive.” ¢

p The recipes to the remedies Keeley makes are made from natural ingredients

p Keeley has specific protocols she follows in preparation for her clients’ sessions

“Matiu and I married at the Garden of Seven Stones in Rarotonga on my birthday. It is where the seven canoes, the Tākitimu, Tokomaru, Kurahaupō, Aotea, Tainui, Te Arawa and Mataatua left for New Zealand”

p Keeley Dunn studied for six years through a marae-based wānanga learning programme, completing her Level 3 and 4 Romiromi last year

p Matiu and Keeley Dunn were the first couple to get married at the Garden of Seven Stones in Rarotonga, where the seven canoes left for New Zealand

The act of giving

u by Amy Fifita

Volunteers Janet and Anouk run the Ruakākā-based Bream Bay Food Bank out of St Paul’s Anglican Church and give parcels to community members in need.

“I was a teacher for 47 years and didn’t have a lot of time to volunteer in the community. When I retired and moved to Ruakākā, I became a member of St Paul’s Church,” Janet says.

“The food bank was started by Des Olney, the priest in charge at the time. He ran it with his wife, and I took over running the food bank six years ago.

“Des wanted to give it up due to illness. I kept thinking that I could do

Janet says that Anouk, one of her neighbours down her street, evolved into the role of helping at the food bank.

“Janet asked me if I’d be interested in helping. I have enjoyed it, and it has been very rewarding,” Anouk says.

“I used to work for one of the major banks and moved up here for a quieter life, and it has been lovely helping Janet and people locally. The food bank is a helping hand when needed.

that, but I won’t. When he asked the third time, it felt like I had been hit around the head by a piece of four by two, so I stood up and said yes, I’ll do it.

“He did about 20 parcels a year; we are up to 23 already this year. As more people moved into the area and the cost of living became tighter with the prices of food and rent going up, the more people applied.”

“You realise how hard some people have got it. It is often not of their own making, and it opens your eyes to issues that you often don’t think of.”

Janet and Anouk say ideal items to donate are tinned foods, pet food, packaged goods, sanitary-care products and toiletries.

“One issue is that we have only enough storage for four parcels, but we are yet to collect another freezer, and

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that will make a massive difference,” Janet says.

“It is quite a small food bank run out of the church, and we give parcels for people mostly from Ruakākā, and they are generally grateful. We have a practice of trying to limit the parcels to two per family or person because we

don’t want to create dependency. We are always grateful for any donations from the community that come our way.”

The food bank is supported by parishioners and the Waipū Anglican Op Shop. You can donate to the Bream Bay Food Bank at St Paul’s church. ¢

p Janet and Anouk in front of a freshly stocked pantry, ready to offer assistance to the growing community

“You realise how hard some people have got it. It is often not of their own making, and it opens your eyes to issues that you often don’t think of”

PUZZLE TIME

ACROSS

1 Spherical map (5)

4 In perfect condition or health (2,5,2,1,4)

11 Drugged (5)

14 Fixed gaze (5)

15 Mapmaking (11)

16 Blows up (8)

19 Earth at surface (7)

20 Fabric from flax (5)

21 Climbed by Jack (9) 24 I met Moses (anag) (9) 26 Young cow (6) 27 Inhabit (6) 31 Very angry (5) 32 Postal containers (8) 34 In advance (10) 38 Come into (7)

39 Sculpted likeness (6) 40 Turn upside down (6)

41 Big cat (4)

42 Ability to resist seasickness (3,4)

45 Spectators’ building (10)

50 Atomiser (7)

54 Mountains (4)

55 Hard

30 Embarks (6) 33 Subsequently (5) 35 Blood-giver (5) 36 Chinese dynasty (4) 37 Pre-euro Italian money (4) 42 Jargon (5)

43 Letter sequence (8)

44 Batten down (6)

45 Embellishing (10)

46 Skater’s jump (4)

47 Increases twofold (7)

48 Using a keyboard (6)

49 Mettle (5)

51 Skin hole (4)

52 Decline to vote (7)

53 Come forth (6)

58 Ritualistic (10)

59 Teams (5)

63 Famous smiler (4,4)

64 Assaults with a knife (5)

65 Badly behaved (7)

68 Educational institution (7)

69 Maturing (6)

70 Creamy dessert (6)

71 Break out (6)

75 Young sheep (5)

76 Parched (4)

77 From Bangkok (4)

78 Interlace (4)

Sudoku

Fill

ACROSS: 1 Snippet, 4 Gay Gordons, 9 Descend, 13 Rink, 14 Tycoon, 15 Twinge, 16 Sharpen, 19 Accentuate, 20 Overtime, 21 Pills, 24 Random, 25 Spooks, 27 Dalliance, 32 Golf club, 33 Within, 34 Persian, 38 Turnover, 39 Merino, 40 Ears, 41 Fleas, 42 Risky, 45 The good old days, 52 Erase, 55 Actor, 56 Tuba, 57 Fooled, 58 Hyacinth, 61 Kennels, 62 Circle, 63 Loophole, 66 Serenaded, 68 Hangar, 69 Stable, 73 Tread, 74 Kindling, 76 Thermostat, 81 Lullaby, 82 Social, 83 Unique, 84 Pops, 85 Sawdust, 86 Assessment, 87 Diverse.

DOWN: 1 Syria, 2 Innocent, 3 Tryout, 4 Grout, 5 Yank, 6 Options, 7 Drivel, 8 Night, 10 Echo, 11 Cardiac, 12 Needle, 17 Entomology, 18 Small, 22 Sombrero, 23 Cameo, 24 Reactor, 26 Pale, 28 Aniseed, 29 Affect, 30 Stroll, 31 Harass, 33 Weird, 35 Solar, 36 Iris, 37 Prey, 43 Inched, 44 Known, 46 Haul, 47 Granite, 48 Office, 49 Ozone, 50 Dwelling, 51 Scythe, 52 Escalation, 53 Acne, 54 Enhance, 59 Sleet, 60 Rota, 64 Panic, 65 Abattoir, 67 Enabled, 68 Haggles, 70 Trauma, 71 Divide, 72 Ground, 75 Dross, 77 Hoist, 78 Taste, 79 Ebbs, 80 Pure.

crossword solution 5x5

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

Jumbo crossword

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