The Weekend Lifestyler, March 8th 2024

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 | Amy Fifita | Liz Clark

Advertising: Krystal Carey 027 239 5791

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

Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz

Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME

7,500

u

One Tree Point, Ruakākā, Waipū, Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Wellsford.

“We moved to Kaiwaka in 2022, and now my sons live in Mangawhai. My daughter Robyn is a police officer at the Henderson station,” said Eddie.

“My sons, Jonathan and Julian, are inspiring people. They are incredible young men and always train. Jonny has been in about 10 fights, and recently, won his first International Federation of Mauythai Associations rules (Mauy Thai rules) fight — they could use their elbows in that fight.”

Qualified electricians each working for Mangawhai-based companies; Jonathan is 23 years old, and Julian is 22.

“Martial arts gave me wisdom. We have all been through negative experiences. I see the effects of that in children and young parents who are without support. Training helps us stay balanced.

“I want to make a positive impact on youth. I enjoy working with young people and also don’t let them get out of line or talk back to their parents — the parents love it. The people I coach allow me to train them hard, and we have a loving, supportive environment. We also do a gratitude meditation where we stand in a circle and give each other praise.”

“I have seen martial arts create big changes in people’s lives”

“It is difficult finding matches for them because they are so good. I introduced them to combat sports when they moved in with me at the start of 2015. I began taking my sons to kickboxing lessons, and they asked me to coach them. It was at the Panmure Fighting Fit Academy, and I coached them for their first fight.

“After that, they started training with Wimbledon Mauy Thai in Howick with Wimbledon Jai. He is a real champion and has been in more than 200 fights.”

Eddie now runs Noble Fight Systems, doing training sessions in Mangawhai. He has been involved in martial arts, practising judo, karate and kickboxing for more than 20 years.

Eddie uses the hero’s journey approach by challenging those who train with him. It is the pattern that a majority of stories follow.

“The fighters come from the real world to my gym to be challenged before going back to their normal life, changed. I have seen martial arts create big changes in people’s lives. Their health and eating improve, they use fewer substances and they become good-quality people.

“All they have to do is to volunteer to face their demons. It is designed to help discipline people and build mana and purpose. You have to have good, strong women to deal with the bad ones.” ¢

p Julian and Eddie Jensen supporting Jonathan at his first Muay Thai rules fight

Climate action film

Ann van Engelen

years

“Climate crisis is scary, but there are a lot of people in Te Tai Tokerau taking action,” says coordinator Anna Harding.

“This film competition is for youth Northland-wide with 9–13 year olds and 14-18 year old categories. We held our first competition last year and had a great time. There were seven entries, and we were very pleased with the results, and we hired out the Whangārei cinema to show the films.”

The organisation is looking for stories or documentaries about positive things that are already happening in Northland.

“Entries can be from individuals, schools, youth groups, friends and families.

“Young people may know of groups doing environmental stuff, recycling or regenerative planting. Maybe their parents’ business is trying to do a zerowaste initiative. These are the things we want to hear about, any positive actions happening through the power of storytelling.

“We have two categories, 9–13-yearolds and 14–18-year-olds. We want to see films that positively inspire others, foster hope, and show pathways to action, to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change in Tai Tokerau.

“Entry forms are on our website. It is easy to enter. Think of a topic that you want to make a film about and go from

there. People are welcome to reach out to us on the website for help or advice, and we have a ‘how to make a film’ page as well.

“Our team is also looking into doing a workshop on how to make a film. If any teachers or youth leaders want someone to come and chat to their group and talk through ideas they can contact us through the website or email events@ northlandclimatechange.org

“Each film needs to be five to seven minutes long, sharing the story of the project you choose or actions people are taking. There are many options available, such as an activist, scientist or artist who is up to some awesome climate action

things. It’s all about being creative. You can use music, animation, documentary and avant-garde, as long as your film is inspiring and clearly shows how people in Te Tai Tokerau are working to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

“Find out how to apply and check out the northlandclimatechange.org page to help find loads of info about climate action, film-making and topic ideas.”

Entry is free and will be shown on the large screen.

Go to northlandclimatechange.org/ filmcompetition for more information.

Entries must be in by midnight, Sunday, July 14, with prize-giving being held on Saturday, July 20. ¢

p Some of last year’s Climate Change Action Film Competition 9–13-year-old entrants Nakita Gardiner, Nerali Appelhof, Eden Flood and Bailey Thomas, Aorangi Epiha, Rily Tzanadarkis, Trinity Pickford, Leah Niha, Bronson-Jaye Shortland, Dillon Henare, Nicole Harding, Alexis Smith and Mikaere Smith with coordinators Anna Harding and Lexi Laybourn and Climate Change Te Tai Tokerau Trust members Peter Bruce-Iti and Carol Peters

p Last year’s Climate Change Action Film Competition 14–18-year-old winners and people’s choice award winners for the film Collapse Josh Stenbeck, Benjamin Butler, Oli Lasenby and Locky DeMars with Carol Peters and Peter Bruce-Iti

Cove music continues

u by Ann van Engelen

Tahamoana Angora goat farm owners and Classics at the Cove hosts Dave Brown and Debi Walters-Brown have yet another evening of Rock n Blues lined up on Saturday, March 16, in Waipu.

“This is around the 10th year of hosting our musical events at 566 Cove Road,” says Debi.

“Dave is a goat farmer and is the third generation owner of our property, and still farms Angora goats. Our music events began about 10 years ago when Karam David, one of my drama students, was going overseas to pursue his musical career.

“We started Classics at the Cove to help him raise funds and send him on his way. Our concerts continued from there, and he is back now, continuing his career in New Zealand.

Joel Amosa will be back along with other really good singers. We are delighted with the people who come back and perform at our shows.

“Over the last year, we had six concerts planned, but most were cancelled due to the storms and things. So far this year, we have had Sirrah play in January and a lovely jazz picnic on Waitangi Weekend.

“We had such great responses with people requesting more music, and we are looking forward to having Caged, a Whangārei favourite covers band. Beats Working 24 will be the opening act.

“It is such a pleasure to have our local talent come and showcase their music along with other musicians”

“Karam’s friend Chris Dent, the lead singer of Albi and the Wolves, was also in my drama class and his band has played here, too. They are incredibly well-liked. It is such a pleasure to have our local talent come and showcase their music along with other musicians from near and far.”

Over the years, Dave has worked on the property himself to create the perfect scene and concert ambience for the events they host.

“Classics at the Cove will be back this Labour Weekend with Opera North, and

“Beats Working 24 is a four-piece blues band. The gates will open at 6pm, with music starting at 7pm.

“We have had four weddings and other events now on the property. It is lovely that people ask to use the beautiful spot that Dave has created.

“Rock n Blues is an R18 event because we want grown-ups to come and have a night out for themselves, and we are looking forward to it. There is ample parking on-site, comfortable facilities, covered seating and large tiered grass seating in front of the stage.

“There is also room for campers who pre-book their space.” The shows cost $38 tickets a person and are

available from eventfinda.co.nz/2024/ rock-blues-in-waipu/Whangārei and at the gate. ¢

p Beats Working 24 is the opening act for the upcoming Rock n Blues concert at Tahamoana Angora Goat Farm

Lifeguards gain experience

u by Ann van Engelen

Mangawhai Heads Junior Surf recently had 18 participants in the 2024 Surf Life Saving NZ Oceans Festival in Mount Maunganui.

“It was an epic week for these 18 Mangawhai Heads junior surf members,” says junior surf coordinator Vanessa Fulton.

“With more than 700 junior members from 44 surf lifesaving clubs competing at the festival, the four-day event is a celebration and showcase of the amazing hard work and training young athletes ages 10–14 from all around New Zealand have been putting in all season.

“Oceans is a true endurance event, requiring unequalled grit and resilience to complete multiple races a day for the four days. To get to a final means backto-back heats, quarter and semi-finals in tough conditions on the beach and in the ocean. The young athletes compete in a number of disciplines on the beach and in the ocean. On the beach, they battle it out in sprints, beach relays and the hotly contested beach flags.”

Out in the water, athletes put their surf skills to the test with a surf swim, board paddle, diamond, swim and board paddle combined, run-swim-run, board relays and the rescue events, tube and board.

“It was a game of two halves, with the weather throwing a few curveballs for the event organisers. Heavy shorebreaks, onshore swells and high winds made things difficult for organisers and competitors alike. However, these youngsters’ determination saw them rise to the challenge.

“To make it all the way to a final means then going on to see who is crowned the ultimate winner. To make a final is an accolade in itself.

“Oceans is more than just a competition. It is an opportunity to connect with other young clubbies who share the same passion for surf sports.

“Throughout the competition, the teams not only pushed their individual

limits but also built on teamwork and camaraderie. Lola Wood brought home a bronze medal in the U11 Female Beach Flags, Ryder Sax gained a bronze in the U11 Male Diamond event, and Finn Andrews, Sienna Purcell and Eden Donaldson-Gosden won a silver medal in the U14 Beach Relay. I’m super proud of all of the kids for their determination, attitude and resilience.

“These are our lifeguards of tomorrow, and wow, they are going to be more than ready by the time they take on the challenge of sitting their Surf Lifeguard Award.”

If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more information on joining the junior surf programme, visit mangawhaisurfclub. org.nz. ¢

p The Mangawhai Heads Junior Surf team: Sienna Purcell, Eden Donaldson-Gosden, Finn Andrews, Arlo Smales, Inez Fulton, Emma Lay, Zoe Farmer, Ane Pienaar, Ethan Purcell, Oliver Harvey, Dallas Fulton, Jordyn Hollows, Brydee Dixon, Jack Fickling, Lola Wood, Lara Lay, Ryder Sax and Bekker Pienaar

Rolled up sunshine

u by Liz Clark

A friend on a large farm recently mentioned finding a random peach tree growing in the middle of a paddock loaded on every branch with fruit.

It was an old tree and hadn’t had the tender loving care enjoyed by stone fruit trees grown in a well-cared-for garden. Despite that, a bumper crop of peaches gathered in buckets was on the agenda.

From autumn onwards, planting a favourite peach variety is recommended. Fruiting occurs in summer, and late cultivars ripen in autumn just in time to preserve if one is keen on having their own bottled peaches. Many nurseries sell trees nationwide, including heirloom varieties, which are usually bare-rooted. For the smaller garden or

large tub, dwarf cultivars are available and produce just as well as their larger cousins.

Choosing the right site to plant your new tree is essential. Peach trees need shelter from strong winds, a warm, sunny site, and well-drained organic-rich soil. If you want a miniature orchard, prepare your chosen site before heading to the nursery to pick up your tree or trees.

If drainage is an issue, plant above the base soil layer in a raised bed using a mix of topsoil and good-quality compost. Once your tree is planted, ensure it is firmly staked to prevent the

roots from being wrenched in strong winds. If planting several, spacing should be four metres or two metres for smaller cultivars.

Mulch your trees during the drier summer months and keep them watered. If the first 10cm of the soil is dry, then water. It’s always best to give peach trees a single heavy watering once or twice a week rather than a light sprinkling. This method encourages the root system to go deeper into the soil and develop better. Regular mulching in spring will help build up the soil layer and encourage earthworm

activity beneath as it breaks down, improving drainage.

Feed the soil around your trees with sheep pellets, blood and bone or a commercially prepared fertiliser from your local garden centre. Keeping your tree nurtured will encourage plenty of blossoms in spring. Larger peach varieties are self-pollinating, while dwarf varieties will need a pollinator to ensure fruiting. To prevent disease and branch breakage, one-third of immature fruit should be removed from the branches. Use bird netting when the peaches are ripening on the tree. ¢

Horsemanship shows talent

u by Ann van Engelen

Last week, Bream Bay College students Isabel Allingham, Abby Johnson and Shay Johnson competed in the School Equestrian at Barge Park, with draft rider Alyssa Bishop from Ruawai College joining the team.

“The girls did themselves and Bream Bay College proud at the show jumping event,” says teacher Megan Carran.

“Abby and her pony, Idaho, had two fantastic wins in her two classes while Shay and Sharna had a second in her first class. Their team took third place overall out of 22 teams.”

Abby also won the Northgate Lodge Winter Show Jumping series on Idaho, and Shay came second in the Show Hunter Winter series.

“Abby won a year-long scholarship with Joanne Thomas of Northgate Lodge and won the Futurity series at Woodhill GP Show.”

Isabel has been riding for years and developed the passion and commitment from her mum.

“She also has a passion for the rodeo side of things and belongs to Mid Northern Rodeo Club, where she does barrel racing.” ¢

p The Bream Bay College Show Jumping team, Isabel Allingham, Abby Johnson and Shay Johnson

p Shay Johnson and Sharna show their skills

–

Quiz helps youth

u by Ann van Engelen

The youth group at Lifepoint Church, One Tree Point, is preparing for its quiz night as it fundraises for the upcoming Easter camps.

“We want people to bring their family, friends, neighbours and the random stranger you just met and come down for an epic quiz night,” says youth worker Helen Erceg.

“It will be a great time, with great food and prizes to be won as we raise funds for our upcoming youth Easter camp. This is my third year in the youth role, and I absolutely love being with the young people.

“We are connected within the Bream Bay, Ruakākā and One Tree Point communities, and my biggest joy is hanging out and doing life with them. The people here are awesome.

“With our youth group and camps, all youth are welcome to attend. For camp, Year 9–13s will be going to Mystery Creek in Hamilton, and the Year 7–9 age group will be going to Findlay Park, at Lake Karapiro in Cambridge.”

The camps are a celebration of the Easter story.

“There are a lot of different activities. At Findlay Park, they have archery, go-karting and water activities on the lake, with lots of team events and games. Mystery Creek is very similar, with things like mud pits and activity courses.

“The main focus is to celebrate the Easter story with our young people. It’s a great place for them

to make connections and build their sense of community. It’s also about understanding their identity, and we see many friendships formed over the weekend across the various ages and year groups, which is important.

“Our youth groups run fortnightly on a Saturday Night during term time, and we have small group time every Sunday afternoon during term. Lifepoint Church is at 300 One Tree Point Road.

“Quiz night is set for Saturday, March 16, with doors opening at 5.30pm for a 6pm start. It will be a lot of fun with an auction as well. We have some epic goodies up for auction, including a family photo shoot, six six-hole mini golf day hire and up to five hours of babysitting.

“Entry is $10 per person, and dinner will be available to buy, along with drinks, snacks and dessert. Youth ages 11–18 are gold coin entries.

“All proceeds go to getting our youth to Easter camp. We would love anyone in the community to come along and join in. We will have all the classic categories for the quiz with sports, music and trivia, basic and general knowledge.”

Contact Helen on 021 0814 3675 or youth@ lifepoint.co.nz to book a table/team or just turn up on the night. ¢

p Helen Erceg is excited about the upcoming quiz night at Lifepoint Church as a way to support the youth group Easter camp

The taste of Bream Bay

u by Amy Fifita

With the Brynderwyns closed, many businesses are relying on local customers to purchase

It goes without saying that purchasing items from nearby shops helps stimulate the local economy. At the moment, with the Brynderwyn Hill closure, many cafes and restaurants are struggling with traffic being diverted to other areas. Some travellers have to take the Paparoa-Oakleigh or Dargaville-

Whangārei detour, bypassing Bream Bay completely.

Grabbing a coffee and a cake at the town cafe or treat your loved ones to an evening out enjoying locally made delicacies. Customers can expect a more personal experience from community businesses.

Bream Bay is full of reputable eateries that welcome customers and showcase

Treat your loved ones to an evening out enjoying locally made delicacies

what the area represents. At the Porthouse Bar and Eatery, visitors can select from a variety of platters, starters, steak meals and salads or choose from the favourites menu.

McLeod’s Pizza Barn shows off the town’s Scottish heritage with a menu that offers meals from salad to pizzas and snacks to children’s food.

The restaurant provides people with gluten, vegan and dairy-free options to suit any palette. Customers can also quench their thirst with one of the McLeod’s Breweries award-winning beverages.

The Cove is another favourite for many townspeople and visitors. Passengers and drivers from light vehicles allowed on the Cove Road detour can sample the delightful selection of meals, sides and desserts.

For patrons who prefer a cafe setting, the bay has many local haunts for coffee

and a bite to eat. Ruakākā has The Bach Cafe, which caters to all your barista needs — espresso, americano and other caffeinated beverages.

In Waipu, taste the award-winning food and coffee at Logan MacLean. People will discover plant-based options with items like The Behemoth burger, salads and slaw. Customers can take their meals away to enjoy at home, one of the Waipu beaches or parks. There are plenty more options within the Bream Bay area that locals can experience and support. ¢

p Indulge in the local treats at a neighbourhood cafe and support your local stores

Words between family

u by Amy Fifita

Kerry Watson is inviting people to join her and her mother, Jill Hosking, at the Scrabble group at the Wellsford Library, 13 Port Albert Road, at 1pm on Thursdays.

“I have been in Wellsford for 11 years, and my mum has been with me here for a couple of months. We live rurally. Wellsford is a friendly town where people still meet and chat on the street. You get to know your neighbours better in a small town,” said Kerry.

“I wanted to find something mum could do locally, so I asked if anyone was keen to play Scrabble on the community Facebook page. I’ve played it since I was a child.

“Mum would beat me every time, and I hated it. Many years later, I started playing with her again, and now I win sometimes.

Sometimes, Jill and Kerry play up to three times a day.

“My mother was in the land army during the war. When the men went to war, the women had to take charge of the farm jobs, so she worked on several farms when needed. She married my dad Sid Menteath when he returned.

“Mum is almost 98 years old and has played it her whole life”

“We have some excellent games. Mum is very sharp and still comes up with wonderful words like sevenletter words on a triple word score. She was with a Scrabble club when she lived in Whangārei with my sister, and she got the best word in their paper.”

Jill used to be a keen gardener. Since she cannot do that as much, Scrabble has become the preferred activity.

“She had 10 children to keep on her toes. Mum got dad to play it with her after everyone had left home. He played Scrabble with her sometimes, but he cheated. He used to have a look in the letter bag and pick out the highscoring tiles.

“Mum is almost 98 years old and has played it her whole life. My grandmother, Rita Hosking, started playing it with her.

“Mum likes playing whether she wins or loses; she enjoys the game. She loves finding new words, and I enjoy winning.

“Her memory is amazing. The years of her doing Scrabble and puzzles like Sudoku have kept her mentally active,

which helps ward off Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

Kerry said that time and day may change depending on what suits most people. So far, two people have attended, and they are expecting more next time.

“I have been playing for a long time, but it is a skill that you learn. You get better at it and learn the sneaky highscoring two-letter words that could help win you the game. Your vocabulary grows, so you have more of an opportunity to win.” ¢

p Jill Hosking and Kerry Watson play Scrabble daily, sometimes three times a day

A colourful life

u by Ann van Engelen

Karine Clairsinvil from Mangawhai has many hats, including wife, mother, artist, poet, fashion consultant and model.

“I grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and left home to study fine arts in Montreal, Canada,” says Karine. “I visited my sister in Switzerland and ended up studying there after meeting my husband, Pascal.”

Karine has a bachelor’s degree in art and media and a master’s degree in fine arts from the Zürich University of Arts. She has exhibited in Switzerland, France, the UK, New Caledonia and New Zealand.

“While studying, I had two of my three children. We then moved to London, and later decided before they started school to settle somewhere else and moved to New Zealand.”

in Mangawhai. We think Mangawhai chose us because we wanted to return to Devonport, but it was one disappointment after another. This house came up five days away from our moving date.

“My main focus is now my poetry, and I’m currently preparing my first book for publication. I started writing as a way to escape the pressure of time and space in my artwork.

“With the help of a doctor in French literature from the Victoria University in Wellington translating part of my poetry book, I will have a voice here by publishing some of my poems in literary magazines.

“I’m about to submit my manuscript to a publisher in Montreal. In the future, I wish to publish in English, German and Creole.

“I have written poetry since I was a teenager and it will always be a part of me”

Pascal is a cyber security specialist and designs security solutions.

“We travelled extensively due to his work, and when we arrived here, our kids said, ‘Oh, this is where we’re staying forever’. We arrived in December 2016 and lived in Devonport and later Matakana. The house in Devonport sold overnight in 2020, and we arrived

“I normally do large-scale paintings but don’t have enough space at present, so I started expressing myself through writing. In the beginning, I thought it was something for me, but as the collection grew, I realised my writing is meaningful, and it’s important to share with others.

“I write in French, my mother tongue, so I can’t really share my work with my peers or the wider New Zealand literary community. At times, I felt like a mute poet. So, I explored how to translate your voice to others if you can’t directly communicate.

“Poetry is a very powerful communication tool for expression. Through my words, I take the reader on an emotional journey of my experiences or the position I have regarding the world system.

“My topics include slavery, motherhood and birth, my country and the complexity of our situation in Haiti, leaving room for the reader to relate and feel my emotions.

“Every word you put out comes from inside you and your thinking. You can’t touch the words, but they carry emotion and meaning, so other people feel you.”

p As a poet, Karine enjoys spending time reading and being inspired while out in nature

p Karine loves colours and believes in creating her own fashion style, mixing and matching items in her closet Photos: NinaG photography and Karine Clairsinvil

“I learned modelling in Haiti at the Academy Perfection run by Magalie Racine and then worked as a model in Haiti, Canada and Switzerland”

Karine is also a former professional model.

“I learned modelling in Haiti at the Academy Perfection run by Magalie Racine and then worked as a model in Haiti, Canada and Switzerland.

“I did a lot of fashion photo shoots and shows, TV and billboard advertisements, and appeared in music videos, and was the face of the Haitien Film Festival commercial in Montreal.

“I did editorial in magazines and was in the Campus Girls calendar representing the Lucerne University of Art and Design.”

Karine stopped modelling once her family moved to New Zealand as travel was a problem.

“Modelling was something I really enjoyed doing and loved developing my own style. Last year, I decided to challenge myself, and other people to use what we have in our closets rather than purchase new clothing.

“I started to take photos of myself with what I have in my wardrobe. It’s all about matching what you have rather than buying new. You just need to understand what you already own to create amazing looks.

“There is no one-style-fits-all recipe in styling — it’s always a one-to-one exploration adventure.

“I love bright colours and am currently working in collaboration with Nina at NinaG Photography on a project aiming to merge our respective skills in styling and photography.

“I want to bring awareness around fashion consumption and offer an alternative to fast fashion. I do things like wear odd socks, mismatched shoes and tops backwards to totally change the look. It is about playing and wearing things in your personality and style.”

Karine attends the monthly Mangawhai poets night to hear other poets speak.

“When it comes to emotions, writing is always my favourite way of expression.

“Mangawhai is the birthplace of my poetry book, and my current project merges my two passions — visual art and poetry. I want to exhibit my poems, not just have them on paper to be read.

“A daily run between the village and the heads is part of my writing ritual. I have some verse inspired by our new

bridge and mangrove. I write in my head while running and will stop from time to time to catch my words and save them on my phone.

“My poems address themes such as the intricacy and power of words, love, exile, struggle and resilience. It is all wrapped in emotion, with a disarming sensitivity that leaves the reader face to face with themselves between words to lean on to build their own point of view.

“I would love to enable people to walk in my poems. This will help me communicate directly with my audience as they will experience my words and be able to live, feel and see the essence of my poems rather than literally read them.

“I want to explore and innovate with a creative approach to reading that lifts the language barrier and takes my words further than a book. My concept is a multi-sensorial art installation exhibition.

“Two of my poems will feature in a special episode of Poetesses on Spotify, a beautiful podcast about poetry written by women.

“I admire the Māori spoken word poet Stevie Davis-Tana. I admire her work on

identity and the impact of colonialism on her people generations later.

“I understand where she’s coming from as we have been colonised as well. I understand the impact over generations that is experienced by the living generations.

“Living here is definitely very different to how I grew up. I am who I am today because I grew up in Haiti — that is where my heart grows my words.

“It is a different world — it’s so complex, and, having been in many different countries, there are always new experiences and things to discover.

“In New Caledonia, I did research for one of my works. It was very interesting for me to discover more about the native people there, their culture, and the way they see me coming from Haiti, the first nation that became independent from slavery and the wishes they have for their nations.

“It’s very interesting to see the different aspects of where you stand. Every time you change your position, you have a different vision.

“I have written poetry since I was a teenager and it will always be a part of me.” ¢

p Karine has exhibited her large artworks in Switzerland, France, UK, New Caledonia and New Zealand

p An artist of many talents, Karine loves her life in Mangawhai

p Karine’s poems address themes such as love, exile, struggle and resilience

p The written word is an important part of communication to Karine

Rescue chopper appreciation

u by Ann van Engelen

The team at the Northland Rescue Helicopter spent time last week visiting the Northland Field Days, giving members of the public the opportunity to meet the staff and get up close and personal with the choppers.

Reaching more than 187 flights this year, marketing manager Jan Hewitt says she is blown away by Northlanders’ generosity 36 years after the service was established.

“Despite an economically challenging 2023, Northlanders still dug deep recently, donating more than $302,000 to the 2023 Northland Rescue Helicopter annual appeal with fundraising.

“Some highlights of the 2023 annual appeal included the MoreFM Northland All Day Breakfast, which raised $81,000 in just 12 hours and the Northern Wairoa golf tournament, which raised $26,000.

“Year in, year out, our local community supports us in the most

amazing way, whether it’s doing a fundraiser on our behalf, donating some coins or cash, or sponsoring us in some way.

“We couldn’t do our jobs without our loyal media partners, local businesses, ambassadors and staff who help fly the flag for the operation and assist us with fundraising events and presentations to community organisations, schools and businesses.

“It’s also important that people are able to meet our team and see what a lean operation we run. There are only three of us in the fundraising team, and we’re tasked with finding around $2 million annually, which is no mean feat. That’s why getting out and about

at iconic events like the Northland A&P Show and Northland Field Days is so important. We also really enjoyed having people drop by our field days stand with Northland Federated Farmers and hearing stories of when they were injured or ill and needed the help of one of our rescue helicopters.

“Those interactions are often very emotional and are a good reminder of why the work of our engineers, pilots, paramedics and office staff are crucial to running a life-saving charity like ours so well.”

The rescue chopper service has been caring for Northlanders for more than three decades, and in that time, they have carried more than 25,000

people to safety. Whether they’ve been locals, Kiwis holidaying in the area or overseas visitors to the region, the team answers the call for help when they are needed.

At the field days, the team ran raffles, which was an exciting way to raise funds. There were many other fundraisers onsite, such as the Mini Mack rides and the sunflower patch selling flowers for a gold coin donation. Between the two, they raised more than $500 for the chopper service.

People wanting to donate can do so at nest.org.nz/donate. To find out what the Northland Rescue Helicopter team is up to — visit facebook.com/northland. rescuehelicopter. ¢

p The Northland Rescue Helicopter team appreciate the community support they receive annually p Attending the Northland Field Days was a highlight for the Northland Rescue Helicopter team

Jumbo crossword

shares (11)

82 Neck warmer (5)

83 Thus (2)

84 Very favourable chance rarely occurring (6,11)

85 Acted dramas (5)

DOWN

2 Rainwater pool (6)

3 Hints (5)

5 Fall in drops (4)

6 Conflagration (7)

7 Morose, brooding (6)

8 Big cat (4)

9 Adolescent (8)

10 Elated (6)

11 Recalcitrant (10)

13 Kernel (7)

14 Antique (3)

18 Changed location (5)

19 Public vote (10)

23 Long-legged bird (5)

24 Knock down (8)

26 European country (7)

27 Flower (7)

29 Exile (6)

30 Burns superficially (6)

31 Dine alfresco (6)

34 Modeller’s wood (5)

36 Pointed weapon (5)

37 Roman emperor (4)

38 Opera solo (4)

43 Of sound (5)

44 Moved forward (8)

45 Quirk (6)

46 Camaraderie (10)

47 Boys (4)

48 Selected passage (7)

49 Smooth and connected (mus)(6)

50 Cook in oven (5)

52 Too (4)

53 Level highland (7)

54 Unlocked (6)

59 Introduction greeting (3,2,3,2)

60 Bump (5)

64 Dodge (8)

65 Explosion (5)

66 Battles (anag)(7)

69 Decorate elaborately (7)

70 Profited (6)

71 Flavoured ice food (6)

72 Tempestuous (5)

76 Neighbourhood pub (5)

77 Towards the stern (3)

78 Reverberation (4)

79 Stir vigorously (4)

Sudoku

Previous crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 State, 4 Crucible, 9 Salami, 14 Cower, 15 Turn over a new leaf, 17 Miser, 18 Rug, 19 Schools, 20 Realistic, 21 Biased, 24 Hindrance, 25 Useful, 26 Hamper, 29 Unobserved, 31 Met, 32 Sultan, 33 Drum, 35 Ice, 37 Fell, 39 Realigned, 40 Squeezing, 41 Yells, 42 Candidly, 47 Impotent, 51 Parts, 55 Repulsive, 56 Verdigris, 58 Ulna, 59 Vie, 60 Brim, 61 Behave, 62 Lei, 63 Washington, 66 Silent, 67 Pursue, 69 Whirlwind, 72 Subdue, 73 Egotistic, 75 Iterate, 77 Emu, 80 Ebony, 81 Run like clockwork, 82 Ended, 83 Ascend, 84 Register, 85 Drawn.

DOWN: 2 Truncheon, 3 Tango, 5 Rare, 6 Canteen, 7 Bewilderment, 8 Evens, 9 Suffice, 10 Lime, 11 Mosaic, 12 Award, 13 Trigger, 14 Crystal, 16 Volunteered, 22 Trivia, 23 Cutlass, 24 Hobbled, 25 Untidy, 27 Porcine, 28 Vacuum, 30 Dais, 32 Sells, 34 Might, 36 Zero, 38 Era, 42 Carob, 43 Nuptial, 44 Idle, 45 Loiter, 46 Grave, 48 Pessimistic, 49 Trudged, 50 Nun, 51 Pegasus, 52 Svelte, 53 Brainwashing, 54 View, 57 Result, 64 Overthrow, 65 Enabled, 66 Sleeper, 68 Sugared, 70 Iciness, 71 Jurors, 72 Suede, 74 Tenor, 76 Rower, 78 Tyre, 79 Clue. 5x5

Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down.

More than one solution may be possible.