The Weekend Lifestyler, March 3rd, 2023

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

Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz

Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville

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

Journalists: Ann van Engelen | Liz Clark

Advertising: Olivia Green 027 264 2391 | Monique McKenzie 027 559 3773 Betty Willetts 027 525 8197

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

Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz

Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME

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.

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS NEWS YOU CAN TRUST

Mini with a big job

u by Ann van Engelen

Mangawhai’s Dave Henderson is embarking on the six-day journey to Invercargill in the South Island, raising funds for the KidsCan charity as part of the Pork Pie Charity Run convoy.

Dave, a school bus driver for Leabourn Passenger Services, along with co-pilot son Mark, are Team Hendo. The pair will be departing Paihia on March 31 along with the other competitors to complete 2,500km of the iconic Goodbye Pork Pie movie route driving Hazel H, their 2009 Mini Cooper named after Dave’s mum Hazel.

“We hope to raise $10,000 for KidsCan and are going well so far with more than $7,000 raised,” says Dave.

“I am very humbled by the support we have received. Our friends are all checking in with one another to see if they have donated yet. KidsCan is a great charity that provides food, jackets,

asking and manage to elude police on an epic road trip to the deep South. We should be in Invercargill on April 5.

“I have owned nine Minis over the past 50 years, and joining the Pork Pie Run has been on my bucket list for some time. It’s not easy to get into with limited spots, so you put your hand up and hope you are chosen.”

Team Hendo will be joined on the adventure by family members and Dave’s partner Karen, who is in charge of social media updates. Karen will fly to Christchurch to meet up with the family.

shoes, and health products to schools and early childhood centres across New Zealand. It is very rewarding when you think of a child getting shoes or a brand-new raincoat that they have never had before — that makes all the effort worth it.

“The convoy will stop at various townships on the way to Invercargill, with the first break at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park in Hamilton. Some drivers will have a blat around the course before heading to Taupō.

“There are 50 Minis of all models travelling the route based on the 1981 Kiwi adventure comedy film about a national manhunt and the hilarious mishaps of the Blondini Gang, who borrowed a Mini in Kaitaia without

“My daughter Amanda is coordinating our run from Sydney, Australia, and will join us in Queenstown to celebrate on Easter weekend. Local businesses are very supportive, with the Mangawhai Club gifting an undisclosed sum to our fundraising page and Jackson Brown automotive and marine donating $5 from every WOF they service through until the end of March to KidsCan.

“We are also hosting a ‘mini Mini’ drive from Mangawhai to Parua Bay Tavern in Whangarei for lunch on March 11. We are leaving the Mangawhai Club at 10.30am, for more information text 021 528 170.

“Wouldn’t it be amazing to actually raise $10,000 for KidsCan together, and we are already more than halfway there. To follow our adventures and to donate, visit porkpiecharityrun.org.nz/ page/HazelH.” ¢

p Dave Henderson with Hazel H ready for the upcoming Pork Pie Charity Run supporting KidsCan

“I have owned nine Minis over the past 50 years”

Time on the green

u by Ann van Engelen

Members of the One Tree Point Bowling Club are encouraging community members to pop along and join in the game.

“We just had our 60th anniversary last year,” says club secretary Angela Moon.

“We have an all-weather green and a grass green as well. I love bowls and think other people would too. It is a very competitive game, and you meet lots of people through the club as well as playing other clubs.

“When I started about five years ago, I played Business House Bowls for two years and ended up joining the club, and now represent Northland in competitions as a junior club member. Last week with Business House Bowls, we had a lot of people taking membership forms because they discovered it is actually a very competitive game and quite addictive.”

The club has roll-ups on Mondays at 12.30pm, and Sunday roll-up is at 1.30pm for people to give bowls a go, with senior members volunteering to help newcomers with coaching to get started.

“We have Business House Bowls running for six weeks at the moment on a Thursday night with 16 teams of local businesses competing against each other. Some teams have played in this event for four years. It is such a fun atmosphere to listen to all the new people having their first bowl and being addicted after one night.

“We host tournaments with other Northland teams and domestic tournaments for our club members,

including championships for our members. The winners go on to qualify for the Northland Championships and then the national championships. Our club has five Northland representatives, two junior and three premier players.

“Lawn Bowls is a low-impact sport and great for your mental health. The longerplaying members enjoy teaching people the correct etiquette, so they know the proper way to perform on the green.

“I personally play three times a week around Whangārei, and everywhere you go, it is the same bowling community. I

enjoy socialising at the different clubs, and I love the competition. You don’t always win, but the competitiveness is great.

“I volunteer as the secretary and bar manager because I believe it is important to do everything you can to keep these community clubs functioning. At present, we have had storm damage to our greens and hope to have everything up and running in the near future. People can follow our One Tree Point Bowling Club Inc Facebook to keep up to date.” ¢

p One Tree Point Bowling Club Women’s Championship Fours winners Angela Moon, Lynn Springett, who has been a winner of all club championships in this year’s Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours, Judy MacKenzie and Sue Dean

p Club member Dave Springett on the green

The road to recovery

u by Dr Emily Henderson, MP for Whangārei

The scale of the cyclone-wrought devastation around NZ is weighing on us all, yet at the same time many of us are also dealing with significant damage locally.

We will be dealing with that damage for some time, so it was good to take the prime minister around Whangārei last week to show how we have been affected here.

I am very conscious of the struggles of those out on the coast, especially at the Heads and for those living near Cove Road and other SH1 detour routes,

who are feeling the brunt of the impacts as we work on the Brynderwyns’ slips, which require remediation.

We estimate it will be several weeks before normal access south resumes but Waka Kotahi hope to have conditional and controlled access prior to this.

One of the big questions highlighted by the cyclone is how we prepare better

for the next time. With global warming, it is now inevitable that extreme weather will become more common.

The crisis highlights the need for greater resilience in critical infrastructure like telecommunications, electricity, roading, water and drainage to insulate us from the multiple threats of extreme weather.

It also highlights that our eggs can’t be all in one basket: rail and

coastal shipping are vital alternative lifelines. We are working on plans to build resilience with local government and business.

While the cyclone has highlighted the difficult decisions ahead, it also highlighted the extraordinary strength and goodness of our community. In the coming weeks, it’s going to be hard to hold onto that spirit but never forget that it is there. ¢

Cyclone Relief

Financial support is available to those who have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. If you have been evacuated, unable to work, are a food producer or farmer, or your business has been impacted, help is available.

If you are in financial difficulty and looking for guidance on what help is available to you, please get in touch.

p Langs Bridge after damage from severe weather event

p Prime Minister Chris Hipkins with Northpower Network CEO Josie Boyd and Emily Henderson MP for Whangārei

Sleepover solution for storm

u by Ann van Engelen

Children and teachers had an impromptu sleepover at Kaiwaka School last Friday night due to the flooding of roads around the area.

“The rain was heavy, and we started to realise that it was going to be an issue when the parents from Valley Road and Browns Road started arriving to collect their children early,” said principal Sharlene McCormick.

“Those roads often flood, so the parents are good at judging when they will be unpassable. We put on Facebook that we would look after children if they couldn’t get home. One amazing parent was at the Four Square and realised that if the children couldn’t get home, they

started dinner for everyone, and later that night, the Four Square came to check if we needed anything more.

“We then realised that the Otamatea High School students were being dropped off by the bus at Kaiwaka School and that their whānau would not be able to come and pick them up either. All the roads out of Mangawhai were now blocked. One of our teachers went to the bus stop to get the students, and Adrian Cooling, the deputy principal of Otamatea High School who

would need afternoon tea. She turned up at school, offering to help with bags of apples and chips. We still hadn’t realised how bad it was going to be.”

The school bus couldn’t get through to Mangawhai, and parents started arriving to collect their children.

“We were getting concerned phone calls from parents and whānau who couldn’t get through, and we said we would stay with the children all night if needed. At 4.30pm, we went to the Four Square to get food to cook for dinner. Our Parent Teacher Association and teachers who chose to stay and help

had followed the bus to ensure they were safe.

“We all had dinner, and then we realised that we were here for the night and put a call out to the community for bedding. The community were amazing and turned up with lovely warm blankets, sheets and pillows. We contacted Te Pounga Marae, and they turned up with mattresses for us to use.

“The rain was bucketing down, and the high schoolers ran down and brought them up for the kuia, trying to keep the mattresses dry, and two parents went back to the marae for more. We were

so lucky to have this wonderful support from our community.

“We ended up with five Kaiwaka students, six Otamatea students, four parents and six teachers. Due to the support we received, our tamariki slept peacefully all night, safe and warm. As adults, we were a bit more vigilant,

waking up every time the fire siren went off, but we were warm and safe too.

“This was a very difficult and worrying time for our whānau, who had to spend the night apart from their children, but we all felt good, knowing that we could keep them safe, fed and warm with the support of the Kaiwaka community.”

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

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

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

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

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

25 year warranty on roof panels that create shade without losing light

p Students Amber, Leo, Michel and Phoenix watching a movie before bed, after a yummy dinner of chicken, sausages, salad and rolls bought from the local Four Square and cooked up by teachers and supportive parents

“We all had dinner, and then we realised that we were here for the night and put a call out to the community for bedding”

The belle of climbers

u by Liz Clark

If there is an aristocrat of climbers with its standout blooms, then Lapageria rosea or the Chilean bellflower is the choice to make.

The climber is the national flower of Chile. It is now propagated worldwide in various colours, mainly red and white, with variations in shade, markings and flower shape.

In its natural habitat, the plant is found growing throughout tree canopies, shrubs and uncultivated areas. It was introduced into cultivation in Europe at Kew Gardens, England, in 1874.

Chilean bellflowers require deep, moist soil conditions rich in organic matter and good drainage. Before planting, prepare the soil

with generous amounts of compost and potting mix if you have marginal conditions such as heavy clay and poor drainage.

These plants prefer to grow in shaded to semi-shaded light conditions rather than full exposure to the sun. Direct sunlight can cause burning of the leaves and flowers — avoid planting in exposed areas. The vines cannot tolerate heavy frosts, so shelter is essential.

The strong, supple stems grow from underground rootstock and can reach up to five metres long. Its root system requires an unrestricted area to ensure

strong, healthy stems for future growth. Many horticulturalists have noted these plants are difficult to establish. However, it’s also notable that Chilean bellflowers have been established in New Zealand gardens nationwide.

In spring, rosy, crimson flowers with white spots appear and continue on throughout the summer and autumn.

The distinctive, bell-shaped flowers are up to eight centimetres long, with six long, heavy, waxy petals hanging singly or in clusters from leaf axils on the upper part of the plant. Flowers usually appear on old wood and will last

several weeks on the vine. Lapageria can be propagated from seed or by layering. However, it takes three to four years or more before the first flowering occurs.

Ensure a strong support frame is provided to withstand strong winds and adverse weather conditions. Concrete any posts into the ground and use a professional if you’re unsure about how to go about it.

Talk to your local garden centre about options and the various colours available to enhance your outdoor setting. ¢

Storm didn’t deter art trail

u by Ann van Engelen

The Mangawhai Art Trail proved to be a welcome escape from the current storm situation for hosts and art trail visitors last weekend.

“With the big storm and dump of water on Friday night, we waited to see how Saturday morning was rather than cancel the event as it was forecast for fine weather,” said Mangawhai Artists chair Belinda Vernon.

“The morning dawned a beautiful day, but people were very shellshocked from the flooding experience. We encouraged people to visit the art exhibits near them rather than travel. Although numbers were slow on the Saturday because of the road closures, it picked up. Unfortunately, poor Howard on Devich Road had very few visitors, because mid-afternoon, the bridge was closed.

“On Sunday, the group at Kaiwaka had a really good day with visitors, and the local community went out to support the eight artists there. They were really pleased with Peter Panyoczki having about 30 guests at his studio.

“The feedback was really positive as people had recovered from the shock of Friday and enjoyed getting out. The storm was dreadful, and it was obviously very focussed on a particular area. I got the first message about flooding in Kaiwaka and Settlement Road at about 2pm, but it was fine in Mangawhai, with nothing happening, and then, an hour later, it started to rain.

“It came down very heavy at 6pm, and the flooding was really bad. I hunkered down, and then we got a message from the council through the Antenno App asking for donations of bedding for people who were stranded.”

Antenno is a free mobile app that sends you notifications and alerts.

“We were like an island. Marooned people congregated at the golf club and were relocated to stay the night at the Christian Camp over the road from the golf club. It was wonderful to see the number of people dropping everything and taking gear to the camp to help. Teachers pulled together and housed students for the night, and a lot of billeting went on too.

“The Kaipara has really taken a battering, and it is wonderful to see

communities coming together when they need to. The roads are very sensitive at present, so you don’t want a whole lot of non-essential travel while they are trying to get them fixed. I had to travel and was really impressed how quickly the

council got out and graded the roads, assessing the bridges and checking the roads. I think they did a good job getting there quickly.

“The art trail was definitely a success despite the challenges. There is something about art and creativity being good for mental health and wellbeing. I think people enjoyed a little bit of creativity after having been through a pretty scary time.” ¢

For all your Wastewater System requirements:

We can provide you with the latest technology in Wastewater Treatment Systems. Phone us for a no obligation site inspection to evaluate your requirements Mobile: 021 628 847

Email: enquiries@cleartechinstallations.co.nz Or visit: www.cleartechinstallations.co.nz

p Gayle Forster presented a vast selection of her work for art trail visitors to enjoy

A mechanical mind

u by Amy Fifita

Beau and Lauren Roughton started Roughton Industries as a way out of the stress of shift work and

“Beau has always had a knack for the more spatial, creative and mechanical side of life. He is insanely creative and can literally make something out of anything,” says Lauren.

“He was exposed to engineering in his early teens, having worked at Refining NZ on a shutdown. With a father in this line of work, Beau thought he might try his hand at it and sought his apprenticeship.

“We both grew up in the Whangārei area and met when we were in our late teens and early 20s. It was around the time that I completed my trade qualification in heavy fabrication via Culham Engineering.

“After I finished university, we took off to Australia to work in the mines for one year. We saved and returned home to purchase our first home. Beau returned to work at Culham Engineering.

“We got married in 2013, and Beau applied for and got the job at Refining NZ, where he worked as a petrochemical operator for the last nine years. In May, with the closing of Refining NZ, Beau was made redundant.”

Beau and Lauren decided to pursue the idea of starting their own engineering business.

“With four children under our belt and a big shed at home, we decided now was the time to start,” says Beau.

“We had often talked about it and knew we wanted to leave shift work in time. We had a view to a more balanced lifestyle and giving our children the time they deserve. We share the load and have long and short days each depending on who has what on, and we manage the school and kindergarten drop-offs and pick-ups between the two of us.

“We can do any sort of engineering really. Since starting our business, we have engaged in a wide variety of design, fabrication and welding of mild steel, stainless, aluminium and corten.

“The highlights have been literally walking out the front door to get to work, job satisfaction at the end of each day and the work-life balance — being able to pick kids up and make their school events. My favourite type of engineering

is custom jobs that are designed, fabricated, welded and installed all by us. I enjoy working closely with clients. It adds an extra element where I get to be creative in my designs from a functional perspective.

“It often involves troubleshooting and using different ideas to solve a problem

and achieve an outcome. Engineering is cool because of the vast array of skills it provides as a base. I enjoy it because, after a day at work, I feel like I’ve achieved something. It provides a lot of satisfaction, and recently, we have been chucking around the idea of hiring an apprentice.” ¢

p The Roughton family consists of Beau and Lauren Roughton and their four children

EVEN IN THE RAIN, SALADS ARE BETTER DRIZZLED WITH OUR FRESH, TASTY EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Recovering from the storm

u by Amy Fifita

By now, you would likely know what needs to be rebuilt, replaced or repaired after Cyclone

We are in recovery after the impact of recent weather events that devastated crops, belongings and property. It would be easy to make do or do it yourself but ask yourself an honest question. Wouldn’t you prefer an expert in their field to come in and save you the stress?

It’s important to get the jobs done right the first time and, hopefully, better than before the storm that ravaged the country. Take this as an opportunity to be prepared for the next deluge or as a chance to improve your living situation.

The storms would have shown you weak points in your property, or perhaps you’ve had a ‘should have done x, y or z’ moment. If you sort that out now, then you will be in a better position.

Upgrade the items or damaged property and keep in mind how you could be better prepared in the future. Things are starting to go forward as normal, and

businesses are there to support your requirements, whether it be building a new shed or getting your deck repaired. If you need a new septic for your property, now is the opportune time to request quotes. It may be more costeffective to get it done with other repairs. Maybe you need to consider a new build — there are experts for that too. There is no harm in calling a business and having a discussion about your needs or situation.

Communities rallied together in the midst of Cyclone Gabrielle, and the aftermath recovery will be no different. Getting the right team or qualified individual to carry out your work also

helps local businesses that may have been affected by the recent storms. You might even want to ask how you can possibly stormproof your house for future events and have your gutters and roof checked.

When calling in an expert for your particular job, they will be able to assess other damage that may need to be sorted, saving you from further costs in the long run. Whatever you need done, talk to a professional so you can find the solution together. ¢

p Check what repairs or upgrades what you need done on your property after recent weather events

From a land far away

u by Ann van Engelen

Originally from Serbia, Vesna and Marko Tanaskovic moved to Mangawhai not just for a lifestyle change away from war zones but for Marko to follow his dream of working in the beekeeping industry.

“We have a friend who came here as a beekeeper three years ago,” said Vesna.

“In Serbia, Marko was working two jobs and started beekeeping as a hobby three years ago, and often helped our friend with bees until our friend moved here for work. We often talked about how beautiful the area is — we don’t have the ocean where we came from.

“After many discussions, Marko decided to apply to be a beekeeper

here too and was successful. We applied for our visas and were shocked to be packing up and moved within 18 days, and we arrived last August.

“I was a cello teacher in two cities for 16 years, and it was a really nice life but the situation with Europe is a bit tense, and we needed to make a change. We had a lovely life in Serbia,

with large families and lots of friends, but our country has had two wars in the last 30 years. That is how life is there.

“It was difficult adjusting at the beginning, but New Zealand is good for our daughter Lena. We have enjoyed meeting new families and have found a few people who have come from places like Europe and South America.”

As a cello teacher Vesna has decided to continue teaching.

“When I was young, I played the accordion for three years but didn’t enjoy the instrument. When I was little, I watched some concerts while playing accordion, but I found the cello very special. My father sent me to a special boarding school that specialised in teaching string instruments. I began playing cello and never looked back.

“I was at the school for eight years and loved it. We had lovely teachers that taught differently from other schools. I love everything about the cello, it is a beautiful instrument, and I then studied at university for a master’s in cello. To me, the instrument is nicer than all the other instruments. It is similar to the human voice with a warm sound, and it can sound like a violin too.

“Playing cello is not easy, you have to practise more than other instruments, but it is really beautiful. I was really happy when I started teaching children to play, and I am now teaching adults as well, which is something new for me. With Lena at Mangawhai Beach School, I hope to be able to start teaching more children in the future.”

“Playing cello is not easy, you have to practise more than other instruments, but it is really beautiful”

p Vesna Tanaskovic boarded at a music school when she was a child and developed her love of the cello and has played in orchestras throughout her life

The cello looks like a large violin and the player sits while playing.

“When I was at the school, we played together and entered a lot of competitions. We grew up together and made friends for life as we lived there, and we were in the chamber of music and travelled together a lot. I played in the orchestra for kids and then another when I was in high school. When I finished university, I was in another orchestra for 12 years.

“I met Marko in 2011 and got married. We had our daughter Lena, and I didn’t play so much for the last five years but I am back into it now. I love the instrument my father brought me in 1990. It was 40 years old back then, and I have had it for 30 years. I finished my schooling and university with it, but I left it in Serbia because my friend’s got broken when travelling, and I was afraid mine would get broken too. Once a cello has a break, no matter how you fix it, it never sounds the same. I bought a new one and like it

very much, but it’s not the one my father brought me.”

Vesna says to care for a cello, you keep it in the case, out of the rain and away from humidity.

“You clean it with a soft cloth and never put water on a cello. I wipe mine every time I play it and take care it is not in a warm spot, as heat can unstick the glue. You can learn more about how to care for your instrument on YouTube.

“Musical instruments are like having another child. Sometimes students laugh and introduce their cellos by saying, ‘this is Suzy or Leo’.

“To me, a child can start learning from nine years old, but some begin at seven. I feel if they are really young they don’t have the concentration, and the first two or three years is when you see what a child needs to learn. You have fun with them and get them to focus. After the first three years, they are able to have 45-minute lessons or more. I started learning cello when I was 11 because

of my accordion lessons. I think for anything in life, if you have some talent and willpower, and you like it,and love it. It’s not hard — you will do it with ease.

“Sometimes parents want their child to play cello, but the child doesn’t find it easy. My job is to help them fall in love with the instrument and enjoy it, but if I see the student really doesn’t want it, I tell the parent because it is not fair to the child.

“It is hard to tell the parents, and sometimes I suggest they try piano or flute, and the child then happily finds an instrument they like to play. I now have three students who have finished music at university. One is finishing in Germany, and a past student is now working with my students overseas.

“When I play the cello, I feel very relaxed and happy. It is a special feeling and something I especially love at home with my daughter listening to me. She starts singing the same melody, and that is beautiful and makes me smile.

“I like that I can play with friends and enjoy music together. When we rehearse, it is not only playing, but it is having fun, talking, smiling and joking, and I am looking forward to doing the same here with people. People can find me through my Vesna Tanaskovic Cello Facebook page if they would like to learn more.

“We love being in Mangawhai. It has been like a big holiday since we arrived compared to Serbia. Lena is happy, and as a family, we enjoy the beach and the playground, and she has made beautiful friends.

“We lived in a city of 300,000 people, and we enjoy that Mangawhai is a small place where everyone says, ‘hello, how are you’ and smiles. Yes, we miss our friends, parents and family, we are not that young, and it is a big change, but it is nice and we are adapting well.

“We are thankful we have been welcomed into the community and have met many friendly, kind people. We appreciate that.” ¢

“When I play the cello, I feel very relaxed and happy. It is a special feeling and something I especially love at home with my daughter listening to me”

p Marko applied to become a beekeeper alongside his friend in Mangawhai and was delighted to be accepted

p Marko and Vesna’s daughter Lena also enjoys the instrument

p Vesna enjoys everything about the instrument and studied for a master’s in cello and is now a cello teacher

p Having moved from Serbia, the family now enjoy time at the beach

AUTO, MARINE & OUTDOOR

The world’s safest

u by Andy Bryenton

Modern vehicles continue to strive for more and more safety, adding features to mitigate damage in a crash and prevent accidents altogether if possible.

Most new cars strive for the coveted five-star ANCAP rating. It is awarded to vehicles that pass a rigorous regime of tests to destruction and, as of this year, even more, stringent tests of electronic aids such as autonomous braking and steering systems.

The good news from within the ANCAP testing facility is that cars are evolving to be safer. This trend is borne out by evidence from emergency services worldwide. For example, a long-term survey of the safety of 2011 model year cars sold in the US showed that there were no less than nine models of cars which had suffered zero driver deaths in serious crashes. The chances of a fatality in a crash in a late-model vehicle had dropped by 41 per cent since 2008, the last time the study was undertaken.

Among the list of super-secure cars was the global leader in this field, the Volvo XC90 SUV. Since its launch in 2002 to the end of the model run in 2018, not a single driver or passenger in an XC90 ever died as a result of a crash. More than 50,000 were sold worldwide. The secret to its success may be down to an innovation ANCAP is testing more regularly now than ever;

AEB or Autonomous Emergency Braking.

The big Volvo was one of the first cars to use this system, which reacts faster than a human driver and hits the brakes if it looks like a crash is imminent. Early systems could slow or stop XC90s, and other AEB-equipped machines if they were headed for another big vehicle or a barrier. Newer systems can lessen the blow for pedestrians, cyclists and motorbikes too.

Thatcham Research, UK-based auto safety specialists, have called AEB ‘the

most important safety invention since the seat belt’.

Of course, it’s standard equipment in the replacement for the Volvo XC90, the EX90 electric SUV. In November 2022, the prototype of this new machine broke cover with a new kind of smart laser-radar scanning system on board.

Teamed up with optical, ultrasonic and conventional radar sensors, this can detect a pedestrian on the road up to 250 metres away. Should the driver not react accordingly, the EX90 can take its own action to mitigate the impact.

“No one chooses to be distracted or tired, but we know it can happen,” said Lotta Jakobsson, Volvo senior technical specialist in injury prevention. “We’re all human, and distraction is a fact of life. With the help of cutting-edge technology, we’ll support you when you’re not at your best.”

p Volvo’s XC90 attained a reputation for next-level safety during its production run; now, a new electric version is even more sophisticated

PUZZLE TIME

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Cavalry, 4 Talk turkey, 9 Cabaret, 13 Upon, 14 Tanned, 15 Inlaid, 16 Rectify, 19 Eyewitness, 20 Outdated, 21 Coach, 24 Backer, 25 Steady, 27 Apologise, 32 Assassin, 33 Spread, 34 Bicycle, 38 Anaconda, 39 Oldest, 40 Eyes, 41 Auger, 42 Tilts, 45 The happy couple, 52 Agate, 55 Scent, 56 Peer, 57 Palace, 58 Problems, 61 Starred, 62 Models, 63 Sorcerer, 66 Greyhound, 68 Hooves, 69 Silage, 73 Shaft, 74 Progress, 76 Adroitness, 81 Obesity, 82 Safari, 83 Attain, 84 Pair, 85 Failure, 86 Underneath, 87 Robbery.

DOWN: 1 Crude, 2 Violence, 3 Yearns, 4 Tunes, 5 Lids, 6 Trilogy, 7 Relate, 8 Erica, 10 Axes, 11 Actions, 12 Effect, 17 Dimensions, 18 Feels, 22 Magnolia, 23 Again, 24 Blatant, 26 Test, 28 Plateau, 29 Bandit, 30 Arctic, 31 Client, 33 Sheep, 35 Young, 36 Hall, 37 Well, 43 Incite, 44 Tenor, 46 Heed, 47 Harpoon, 48 Pepper, 49 Yolks, 50 Occasion, 51 Earned, 52 Abbreviate, 53 Aped, 54 Essence, 59 Kenya, 60 Free, 64 Board, 65 Namesake, 67 Refusal, 68 Hessian, 70 Phobia, 71 Debate, 72 Copier, 75 Grain, 77 Ditch, 78 Spray, 79 Stir, 80 Saga.

Do you need a cover over your boat? Your caravan? Your deck?

Available in Bay of Islands, Wellsford, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai, Waipu, Ruakaka, Maungaturoto, Paparoa, Ruawai, Dargaville, Baylys, Whangarei, Hikurangi and surrounding areas.

P: 021 705 837

E: brett@barnbuildersnz.co.nz

W: www.barnbuildersnz.co.nz