The Weekend Lifestyler, September 8th 2023

Growing up in her grandparents’ care, Sharon Kemp was a sickly child who was taught by her grandmother to pray. With years of experience in the social work sector, she now helps mentor women to make better life choices for themselves, which, in turn,

often changes their family dynamic. Sharon says she loves seeing people discover that with the right support and care, they can achieve their dreams and aspirations and realise that there are many positive options available in life.

continued on page 12 …

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Inspiration at gallery

u by Ann van Engelen

Painter Robert Looker and sculptor Kim Logue’s exhibition Home Ground begins at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery this Friday, September 8, with the opening event starting at 6pm.

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“Home Ground is a powerful exploration of the meaning of home,” says Mangawhai Artists chair Belinda Vernon.

“Kim relocated to the family farm in Tomarata after completing her BAA in 2012. The rural home imbues Kim’s work with conversations around family history, geology and conservation. Home and belonging have become central elements in Robert’s work.

“Robert’s paintings have been described as abstract expressionist and are often painted ‘in the moment’, after recalling a memory of a place or event.”

His exhibition earlier this year featured abstract landscapes painted after visits with his wife to her place of birth in the Seychelles.

“Sydney is one of the great art cities of the world, and having access to the National Art School and so many amazing galleries and artists has been hugely beneficial to my painting.”

Kim’s artistic practice includes traditional casting methods of lost wax, which is the process by which a duplicate sculpture is cast from an original sculpture, enabling intricate works to be created.

“She pushes boundaries, creating innovative techniques to cast obsidian pieces and forge mixed media one-off compositions,” says Belinda.

Kim’s artistic endeavours are featured in prominent art awards, including winning the UNICUM 2018 Award in the IV International Ceramic Triennial.

area adjacent to the rest home offers eleven rental units and fourteen ‘own your own’ villas. A medical Centre, operated by Coast to Coast Healthcare, provides convenient onsite care for all residents.

“Since returning home to New Zealand, I’ve been exploring a new painting language that will reflect my new environment,” says Robert.

“I describe myself as a figurative artist who prefers to paint from my sketches and memories of a place or experience. Painting from memory naturally pushes you into a more abstract practice.”

A talented art student Robert was encouraged to pursue a fine arts career.

“Everyone else was saying I should get a proper job, so at 18, I left school and started work in advertising. This led to a 40-year career, including a move to Sydney in 2000, where I visited the Sydney Biennale and met artists who encouraged me to resurrect my love of oil painting.

“I always end up with shells in my pockets every time I walk Te Ārai beach, resulting in treasures to cast in bronze, solidifying that memory of a paradise enjoyed,” says Kim.

“The farm orchard sits in a paddock next to the bush, much to the delight of kererū and possums alike. This has inspired a work of cast glass fruit with native timbers and nail inclusions.

“Kauri cones collected from the forest floor after recent storms have been moulded and cast using the lost wax process. These small collectables are handheld objects for contemplation.”

Home Ground is open at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, 45 Moir Street, from 10am to 3pm until Wednesday, September 20. ¢

p Robert Looker with some of his artwork at his studio

“Everyone else was saying I should get a proper job, so at 18, I left school and started work in advertising”

Repurposing helps charity

u by Ann van Engelen

Kellie Stevenson-Border and her team are preparing for the second Wardrobe to Pantry event in the Waipū School hall, with this year’s charity being the Women’s Refuge.

“Last year, I had an idea to take clothes that we no longer wear and turn them into food and necessities that others can use by swapping for items of food,” says Kellie.

“I called it the winter warmer sale, and it was very successful. The idea began when I was going through my seasonal clothing clear-out. I was a single mum raising my daughter alone for many years, including while I was at university, and I understand how hard it can be for parents and caregivers.

“Wardrobe to Pantry is my alternative idea when I was considering selling the clothes I no longer wear and donating the money to charity or using the money for a food bank. Last time, no money changed hands and clothes were traded for pantry staples.

“Our local communities are a great place to start helping each other, and our school principal kindly offered the school hall again for the event. The gap between people who have things and don’t have things has got much bigger yet again, and that’s no one’s fault — it’s just happening.

“I’m pleased with the items that have been donated. Some are still in the box or with labels on, and there is clothing for all age groups of people available. We have again received

incredible support from the school staff and community.

“This time, it’s going to look a bit different as I will be selling tickets on the door for $20. That gets each person a drink on entry and four items of clothes. You can also purchase additional clothes too.”

There will be platters of nibbles for shoppers to enjoy as they find items to take home.

“The primary reason for this is to make money for a great cause that is really close to my heart. Everything raised this year will be going to the Women’s Refuge. I look at it as women helping women by having a fun night shopping with friends. What could be better?

“The secondary reason is to keep clothes out of the landfill and practise sustainable shopping, and lastly, I do it so people can get a good deal on new clothes for their wardrobe.

“There are a lot of sizes and styles, so it’s a good time to get out of the house, sip and shop as you support the refuge. I am very excited and grateful for the support we have received to help raise funds for the Women’s Refuge as they are a very worthy cause.”

Wardrobe to Pantry is on next Friday, September 15, from 6.30pm, at the Waipū School Hall. ¢

p Kellie Stevenson-Border is excited to be holding her Wardrobe to Pantry event at Waipū Primary School next week

“Our local communities are a great place to start helping each other”

The art of sign language

u by Ann van Engelen

Alycia Gaston established the Mangawhai New Zealand Sign Language Club two years ago to help the deaf community and people interested in practising sign language to share time together.

“I decided to take up the challenge because the closest deaf club is in Whangārei,” says Alycia.

“When I was an intern at pharmacy school in 2017, I spent a month at a hospital for experience. There were posters encouraging people to sign, and one of the pharmacists was speaking in sign language, and it interested me.”

That colleague helped Alycia find online resources and gave her a book on signing in the workplace.

Alycia can now talk to customers about their medicines instead of having to communicate through writing.

“I have big conversations with one elderly gentleman and discuss his medication and life in general. It has really opened a door for him to communicate. Two years on, we have several regular members who come along to our monthly club and chat about our days.

“The book showed me how to sign basic words like boss, hello and lunch. Having been involved in dance since childhood, I found sign language is like dancing with my hands. It’s very pretty, and that made me want to keep it up.

“Sign language is like learning a new vocabulary with a different grammatical structure. Some of the words make complete sense, like waving means hello. Working at the Mangawhai Pharmacy gave me a lot of opportunities to connect with people and help them because a few of our customers use sign language.

“For our first birthday in July last year, one of our members made us a beautiful cake. I’m looking at better spaces to use now, but as Merge NZ, which promotes NZ Sign Language week wants to do pilot classes around the country.

“I’m not a teacher, but people will be able to come and learn by a virtual tutor. Merge NZ hopes to have this set up early next year, and I would like to facilitate that. Our club is about practising together, and in the future, I would like to do more regular weekday events like the Whangărei club do. I’m happy that people learning sign language can join us. I can recommend

resources, both free and paid, to help people learn. We’ve made our club full immersion, which means no voice use because if you are thrown into it, you learn faster.

“We meet at the Mangawhai Tavern on the last Saturday of the month from

3pm to 5pm. The people coming along enjoy their time together. It’s great to see interest in the community with people wanting to learn together. Sign language really is a beautiful art.”

For more information, go to the Mangawhai NZSL Club Facebook page. ¢

p Alycia Gaston has run the Mangawhai NZSL Club since 2021 for people to practise sign language together

“Some of the words make complete sense, like waving means hello”

Helping the critical gap

u by Ann van Engelen

Since founding Heart Place Hospital in 2017, Jacqui O’Connor has seen her vision to have accessible care for exhausted front line workers such as teachers, medical professionals and first responders come to fruition.

“We take care of the carers to our most vulnerable citizens so they can stay in the roles they love and support New Zealand to thrive,” says Jacqui.

Jacqui is a pioneering philanthropist and visionary system disrupter, leading a dimensional healing, health and education movement.

“We now have commercial consent to fit out the first physical Heartplace Hospital in Mangawhai and are a New Zealand registered charity.”

Jacqui recently co-authored the book with 22 international nurses, Letters to a Future Nurse, which is available on Amazon and has won multiple book awards, including Amazon’s International Book Award and the Indie Reader Discovery Award.

“Heart Place Hospital awakens healers and amplifies their power to create a simple and sustainable health and education system. The hospital is bespoke to each individual’s needs and available online or in person for frontline workers.

“Front-liners come in-person for healing with a support person because that person is usually in burnout too, and they collectively remember what they learned together. It’s about remembering the power they have within them, that

they aren’t sick, our systems are sick. Heart Place Hospital is disrupting the system to rebuild a health system away from an illness system. We have over 80 service providers onboard locally, nationally and globally, so we can help people all over the world starting in Mangawhai.

“We’re going really well in spite of many publications and scientific studies from our mainstream health and education system still not adopting the basic understanding, much less practise of what helps us make our bodies and minds right for magic and miracles.

“At present, we’re encouraging people to vote for us through My Giving Circle to help get funding to support accommodation, programmes and products for the service providers and further expansion.

“Heart Place Hospital is a dedicated, pioneering institution. Our approach addresses a critical gap in the education and health care system, making it a vital investment in sustainable education and healthcare.

“Everyone heals differently, and we support each visitor to reach the best version of themselves through bespoke solutions tailored to their unique needs. We work with the power

we’ve all had within us all along, offering individuals the latest and most effective treatments.

“Business and individual sponsorship directly impact our ability to continue our mission. Our service provides cutting-edge modalities through a team of experienced health and education professionals. To nominate Heart Place Hospital to share in $500,000 worth of

grants, go to mygivingcircle.org/heartplace-hospital. It’s free and only takes 30 seconds.

“Our carers are committed to their own healing and growth and are experts advocating for themselves and others. We know that you have your own personal magic and power and want to ignite your awareness of it, so you can achieve the best possible outcomes.” ¢

p Jacqui O’Connor and her team at Heart Place Hospital are passionate about helping front-line workers who need healing from exhaustion

A sweet treat indeed

u by Liz Clark

Who doesn’t love to have a plum or two in the shade under a big tree in the heat of summer?

No matter the garden size, large or small, we can have a plum tree and eat the fruit too. Plums come in several varieties and sizes. Some are self-fertile, while others require a pollinator.

The best time for planting these deciduous fruiting trees is during the winter. Still, if gardeners are keen, they can be planted in spring and summer, but require much care to get them established. Fruiting occurs two to four years after planting, depending on the variety.

Before heading off to the garden centre to pick up your plum tree, site placement is a prime consideration. Choose a warm, sunny site that has exposure to full sun for a minimum of six hours daily. It’s important for photosynthesis and, once the tree is mature, the fruit to ripen properly. Soil is the other consideration. Plums can handle clay soil but must have some form of drainage to prevent the tree from drowning in winter from heavy rainfall. The best method is to build up a raised mound of clay, add a 50–50 mix

of compost and soil in the base and then plant on top. Ensure there is plenty of soil to cover the root ball. Water the tree first before removing it from its planting bag. Stake beyond the tree’s drip zone and secure firmly with appropriate tree ties you can obtain from your local nursery. If planting in sand or other soil, use the same soil/compost ratio as with clay. Dig a square hole twice as deep and wide as the planting bag. Add sheep pellets or aged cattle or horse manure to provide extra nutrients for robust and healthy growth.

As your tree grows, keep it regularly fertilised with a balanced general fertiliser, as well as blood and bone; it will also help with fruiting later. Pollinators such as bees are affected by insecticides, so avoid spraying the trees while they are in blossom. As the fruit ripens, drape the tree with bird netting to prevent opportunist avians from picking ripening fruit to pieces.

Talk to your local garden centre about which plum variety best suits your garden and needs. ¢

All about relaxation

u by Ann van Engelen

Marcus Banks moved to Ruakākā four years ago for a fresh start away from the city and changed his career to gardening and now offers Tai Chi classes to help others relax.

“Growing up, I did a bit of martial arts and sport, and in my late 30s, I searched for something that didn’t need a team, equipment or uniform,” says Marcus.

“I wanted something that could be done anywhere for the rest of my life, and yoga or tai chi came up in my research. I tried both, but tai chi suited me straight away. Every part of it has so many positive attributes — physically, mentally and spiritually.

“I don’t think anything comes close to it. Your body gets a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, but then it gets better and better. People in New Zealand don’t

really know much about tai chi and think it’s for old people to help balance, but it’s for everyone.”

Marcus says tai chi isn’t only about the movement — it helps internally as well.

“Each movement is slow as you are combining principles and letting go of all unnecessary tension. Recently, I read that every emotion is stored in our body, but anxiety cannot live in a fully relaxed body. If you learn to relax your body and muscles, you let things go, and there’s no excess tension.

“The exercises reduce all sorts of stress and anxiety, and balance your

health. A lot of people don’t know how to actually relax, but you can learn to relax anywhere. It has helped me in every way.

“When I moved to Ruakākā from Auckland, I changed career to do gardening and garden maintenance, and I am now looking forward to helping others bring mindfulness to their lives through tai chi.

“My partner Mai does Thai massage at the Soulflux Lakeside Yoga Studio and I started my classes there this week. I’ll be doing five classes a week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday to start with.

“People can follow my Expression of One Facebook page for more details. Tai

Chi really is life-changing — everyone can benefit from it. I practise first thing in the morning. It means being quiet inside and relaxing, my whole body feels like one entity, and it’s a good way to spend time with myself before battling the day with everyday things.

“It’s also called standing meditation, but you’re moving your mind through your body. You don’t dwell on anything other than relaxing. We’re loving being here in Ruakākā — people are a lot more relaxed and friendly. It certainly was a good move, and I look forward to helping people relax through the art of tai chi.” ¢

p Marcus Banks is looking forward to teaching people the art of tai chi to help them relax p Marcus performing the single whip tai chi move

Children and parents read

u by Ann van Engelen

For the last three years, Kaiwaka School has had a focus on improving our students’ literacy skills.

“Our new vision is Nurturing children to fly/Mā te huruhuru rere te manu,” says principal Sharlene McCormick.

“It comes from our staff and board’s commitment to the learning of our tamariki. We aim to grow strong, capable learners to have success in the future. Part of our strategic plan is to support our students in developing a love of literacy.

“Part of our journey has been for seven teachers to take university papers in the science of reading. We now have fully qualified teachers in the teaching of literacy in the school. We have grown our resources and skills as well as knowledge in the teaching of reading and writing as you know they are both linked in how they are taught and learnt.”

Literacy is the way that we communicate with each other.

“We’ve seen our students take off and fly in their learning of literacy. One teacher reported to me that in any spare time they have, her students choose to practise their new skills in writing stories. Quick writes are a favourite in our senior

school using our new writers’ tool from the writers’ toolbox.

“Three of our junior school teachers expressed a desire to support our new parents in what they can do at home to support this new way of learning. Together, as a team, they have developed the Huataki Kotahitanga/Starting Strong Together programme.”

The programme takes the form of four comprehensive workshops: using picture books at home, developing phonological awareness skills, how to help with school readers at home (beginning readers), and working towards developing fluency.

“The programme will be offered each term to junior school parents with spaces for 16 people. The workshops will take place once a week over four weeks. They will take place after school, and childcare will be offered. How we teach literacy has changed from when we were children, and as a school, we feel that these workshops will set parents up so they can support their child’s learning at home. To attend our workshops — please contact the school.” ¢

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p Tamariki at Kaiwaka School have been focussing on their literacy skills

New model, boots and all

u by Andy Bryenton

Whether you wear gumboots, army boots or steel-capped work boots, you likely know and respect the Toyota Land Cruiser.

The big 4x4 has utterly dominated all competition for many years, leaving a slice of the luxury market for Range Rovers and big Volvos while otherwise

crushing all kinds of terrain and global markets, beneath its knobbly tyres. In the Aussie outback, for example, the Land Cruiser is something you’d never leave home without, like your trousers.

Now, there’s a new Land Cruiser on the way, and the folks in Toyota’s design department have decided to take a leaf from the book of their German counterparts over at Porsche. No, they haven’t decided to make the LC70, out in 2023, look like the 2003 Cayenne. They have, apparently, been musing on the 911.

A great car, that. It’s not the world’s most impressive 4x4, though there was that singular Paris to Dakar escapade. No, what the Toyota designers have done is take note of the single most defining characteristic of Porsche’s speedy twoseater. It’s always looked like a 911.

In that vein, the new LC70 looks exactly like a Land Cruiser. Pointedly, it looks like a classic ‘landy’, and not in the way that the old FJ Cruiser rendered a loving homage. No, this thing looks as if it had burst through a time portal

Do you need to replace a door latch, or redo all the wiring and plumbing aboard? Are you planning a fishing trip or a holiday with the family? At

and launches from Anchors to Zincs and everything in between. We also offer dive refills.

from the 1980s. It’s fantastic. Those big chrome letters on the grille, those round headlights, that crisp, purposeful side profile with fewer curves than an origami lobster; it fits.

“The Land Cruiser 70 has a loyal following in New Zealand, and the new vehicle represents a ‘back to the roots’ concept in terms of design. It truly can go anywhere. It’s the ultimate representation of the outdoor Kiwi working vehicle, of making the inaccessible parts of New Zealand accessible,” says Toyota NZ CEO Neeraj Lala.

Helpfully, there’s the heart of the new Hilux ute under the hood, meaning that the LC70 is more economical than ever while still promising to be an absolute beast when it comes to slogging, trekking, towing, farming and adventuring.

Better yet, you know you’ll look great doing it. This is one machine that you know off-road tuners will lavish with 24-carat attention to detail, making some beautiful monsters. Alternatively, take it right to the farm. It’ll look brilliant with mud on it, too. ¢

p Toyota’s latest update to the Land Cruiser takes a retro turn while switching up engine and drivetrain technology for efficiency — torque is up, too

Summer sailing preparation

u by Amy Fifita

Before planning a fishing trip on the pristine New Zealand seas as the days continue to become more temperate, ensure the boat is ship-shape for being out on the water.

Often with pleasure comes responsibility. Experienced boaties will know that doing a safety and maintenance check of your craft is advisable.

All engine-powered vehicles require upkeep. Most likely, the vessel was out of use during winter or at least minimised how frequently it has been seabound. Ensure the fuel tank and hose connections have been checked before the engines are started — that will prevent any complications from stale fuel.

Any existing oil and the oil filter will need replacing. That should be done before the boating weather begins. Once all the mechanical work is achieved, get it purring again by turning over the engine to see if it runs smoothly.

Guarantee that the power supply is sound and that the connections are secure. That includes inspecting and charging the boat’s batteries and

cleaning the terminals if needed. Check for damage on the hull. The job will be simple on land for the winter, and while that is being done, take the opportunity to antifoul it too.

Safety is essential on the waters, so ensure the communication equipment works and is set to the correct frequencies.

Check for damage on lifejackets and replace the ones that have to be discarded. Determine that the bailer and bilge pumps are in working order and ensure that the onboard fire extinguisher has been serviced and accessible.

With all maintenance and safety checks completed, the interior and items like curtains, bait stations and so on can be cleaned. Also, consider the boat trailer warrant of fitness and registration, insurance and learning updated rules. Now, the vessel is fit for summer endeavours and enjoyment. ¢

p Antifoul the hull while you are checking it for damage for a clear view and get two tasks done simultaneously

Creating bright futures

u by Ann van Engelen

Sharon Kemp grew up in Otamatea and is now focussed on helping women change their lives for the better.

“When I was born, I was a very sickly child, and the doctors told my mum I wasn’t going to live long,” says Sharon.

“I wasn’t strong enough for my mum to look after as I had two siblings, so she gave me to my grandparents to be cared for. My grandmother wasn’t a christian but believed in God, and she told the doctors they were lying and I would live.”

From a young age Sharon suffered from pneumonia and bronchitis.

Rātana, I never knew, so I started asking questions.

“In 2015, I visited Kaiwaka Revival Church, and it was life-changing for me. I felt the Lord say, ‘welcome to your new home’. It was like he was standing at the door inviting me to enter, saying, ‘haere mai’ this is your home, and I loved it.

“I never slept on a bed — I always slept in my grandmother’s arms. If she needed to do something, my grandfather held me. Once I got better, they didn’t want to give me back to my mum, so my grandmother brought me up.

“She was Rātana but taught me to pray and told me if I needed anything, to ask the Lord about it. As I grew older, I wanted to know more about who Jesus Christ was because, being

“I’ve learned so much since going there, and I am now involved in the children’s ministry as well as Legacy for women. The cool thing is they don’t push you into anything — they let you be who you are. I’ve been elsewhere, and you’re expected to do this and that.

“Last year, Cheyne and Ana Hakaraia came to our church and Pastor Tawhiri Littlejohn and Pastor Paul Tautari invited Cheyne to do Man Up as he was a facilitator. Man Up is a programme that helps men identify, expose and understand the core root issues of why they experience dysfunctions.

“They’re supported, heard and loved without any judgement or shame. It’s a place to belong and build meaningful relationships with other men. All the things going on with Covid, in the world and around the country, affected the mental health of a lot of people, and they were looking for hope, not knowing what was going to happen, so starting Man Up was very timely.”

Ana facilitated Legacy for women.

“It’s a self-empowering programme designed to help women share their problems and what’s in their hearts in a confidential and trusted environment. I went to Legacy because I was looking for hope and loved it.

“It was a 15-week course, and Ana was very encouraging. You didn’t have to share your story. You could come and listen, and we learned many selfhelp tools. We learned who we are, what potential we’ve got and what

“I had counselling myself when I had children and love working with people”

p Sharon Kemp is a mother, grandmother and mentor to many women who attend the Legacy Sisterhood for women programme in Kaiwaka

issues we had that we needed to get rid of.

“I’ve done social work for a few years with children, community and youth. I helped people to find the tools to make a better life for themselves, and love Legacy.”

Sharon’s spent years working in the community, helping people and learning their stories.

“I had counselling myself when I had children and love working with people. I did social services for Te Uri o Hau, the primary school and Rodney College alongside a voluntary services team. We worked on making things better for our Māori students as kids were getting expelled, and the schools wanted to learn how to bring the Māori kids back into school.

“Out of everything I’ve learned, I know the core of the issues going on in life is really what’s in our heart. When you find out what your dysfunctions are and where they come from — we can deal with them.

“They’re called strongholds and are like a captain. When you understand

what the stronghold is, such as depression or addiction, you can tackle it head-on. They’re like little soldiers, and once you get rid of that — it’s a big relief.

“Social work and counselling doesn’t always deal with heart issues. It’s like having a bandaid on a sore that’s always going to be there. I found Legacy really empowers you.

“Men who go to Man Up learn the tools for them, and if they have stuff going on in their home, they can teach their family how to change things. Kids take notice of everything — they watch their parents and what they do. It’s a light going on.

“When the ladies come to Legacy, they learn how to help themselves. Often, when they first come in the door, you see the sadness and burden on their faces, but each week, their faces lighten up.

“They hear stories of other ladies and realise they aren’t alone. Then you have a group knowing how to get rid of their burden and begin healing their past. Legacy has the tools to help them get

to where they are meant to go. I think being in a safe, confidential environment helps people to open up when they are ready to.

“They’re listened to and helped, and it becomes a sisterhood where they can talk to each other. It’s now a 10-week rotation, and we end with a graduation and celebration. I was encouraged to facilitate Legacy prior to Cheyne and Ana relocating to Hawke’s Bay to help with the floods after Cyclone Gabrielle.

“Elizah Fairburn and Fiona Paikea have been helping me as I have been unwell. Elizah put on a beautiful pamper night for the last celebration, along with a dinner. We decorated the church and had hair, makeup and foot massages. The ladies had a lovely day.

“I love that we support people and know that we have each other’s back. I love seeing the amazing changes, especially for people going from drug or alcohol addictions or living with abuse. They are not church-goers and have, at times, had a hard life, and they change their lives, their families’ lives and their children’s lives.

“It’s lovely seeing people realise how important they are and that they have a purpose and a plan with beautiful things ahead of them. They learn how much God loves them, and we talk about their dreams and aspirations, and that gives them hope. Legacy is every Wednesday night at 7pm at Kaiwaka Revival Church, opposite Eutopia Cafe on State Highway One, Kaiwaka. People can just turn up or check out the Kaiwaka Revival Church Facebook page.

“We’re here to help the community and it’s a privilege to have people coming from Wellsford Orewa, Paparoa, Ruakākā, Waipũ, Mangawhai and beyond. It’s like when I used to work for Whānau Ora, helping people to achieve their goals like getting their driver’s licence.

“We discussed what they need and what was stopping them, then made a strategic plan to achieve their goals, and that’s what I do with our Legacy ladies. We deal with their issues and explore their dreams and aspirations. I love seeing people make positive changes to their lives.”

“When the ladies come to Legacy, they learn how to help themselves. Often, when they first come in the door, you see the sadness and burden on their faces, but each week, their faces lighten up”

p Meeting each week is a way the ladies learn positive life skills and build friendships

p Sharon enjoys spending time with her sisters Doreen and Mihi

p After each Legacy rotation, the attendees often enjoy a celebration event together

p Attending church is an important part of Sharon’s week

A thrilling ride

u by Amy Fifita

The inaugural Ruakākā Sand Beast event will be hosted by the Whangārei Motorcycle Club, catering for various skill levels this weekend at the Ruakākā Motocross Park.

“I grew up in Mata, and I am still here,” says WMC president Logan Hewlett.

“I love the area — the beach is close by, and it is centrally located to most places. My motocross journey started when I was 11 years old, but I don’t ride much anymore, although two of my children do and keeping them going takes up most of my energy.

“I enjoy the adrenaline rush, the speed, the jumps, the sound and the two-stroke smell of the fuel and oil mixture. That is a little bit old school now because many bikes these days are four-stroke.”

Logan has been the president of the Whangārei Motorcycle Club for a year now.

“At first, I joined the committee and began running the mini motocross for the children. When the last person stood down mid-term, I was keen to pursue it, and here I am.

“Our race secretary, Vicky Evans, had the idea to hold the Sand Beast, and the whole committee jumped on board. There will be more than 200 competitors across the weekend, with the youngest competitor at four years

old and our oldest, more than 50 years old.

“We have designed the competition to attract a higher class of riders to the area because the distance makes it challenging to get them to come to Northland. The central North Island is loaded with tracks, and many events are staged centrally. However, we have an exceptional track at the Ruakākā Motocross Park, and we want to showcase it.

“There are five races across two days, to make it worthwhile for people travelling and that has attracted many current champions, such as Hamish Harwood, one of New Zealand’s top riders.

“We are super excited, and because it is our first one, we are starting it off with a bang. Motocross is a familyorientated sport, and many people are camping since it is a two-day event. Some people are staying for the weekend, so we’re having wheelbarrow races on Friday night for the children, and on Saturday night, we’re having a blow-up movie theatre, if the weather is good.

“Everyone is welcome to check it out because it will be a high level of motocross. We have a huge host of sponsors, and we are incredibly grateful to them. Our main sponsors are Yamaha

Whangārei,

The Ruakākā Motocross Park is at Lakeside Park Road, Ruakākā. Follow the Facebook page for more details. ¢

Manaia Scaffolding and Manaia Crane Hire.”

p Logan has been doing motocross since he was 11 years old; it is a sport that two of his sons enjoy too

PUZZLE TIME

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Appal, 4 As old as the hills, 14 Roads, 15 Staid, 16 Trespasser, 17 Tinge, 19 Emu, 20 Piquant, 21 Kilometre, 22 Refund, 25 Espionage, 27 Temper, 28 Medley, 33 Irreverent, 35 Inn, 36 Gauged, 37 Prod, 39 Goo, 41 Dewdrop, 42 Sneeze, 43 Turbulent, 44 Lanes, 45 Neurosis, 50 No, 51 Asbestos, 55 Unite, 58 Reception, 59 Gambol, 60 Loyalty, 61 Spa, 63 Yank, 64 Oldest, 65 Tun, 66 Assembling, 68 Flying, 69 Agates, 71 Departure, 76 Arrant, 77 Orchestra, 79 Scratch, 81 Eel, 84 Spilt, 85 Absorption, 86 Alias, 87 Gloss, 88 Davy Jones’ locker, 89 Cycle. DOWN: 2 Putrid, 3 Adieu, 5 Sore, 6 Lasting, 7 Amazon, 8 Taste, 9 Eardrum, 10 Into, 11 Landed, 12 Jaded, 13 Estuary, 14 Reduced, 18 Indigenous, 23 Anger, 24 Deducts, 26 Slender, 27 Tangelo, 29 Largest, 30 Breeze, 31 Libel, 32 Learns, 34 Tune, 36 Going, 38 Dates, 40 Sure, 45 Nervy, 46 Uncanny, 47 Oops, 48 Icicle, 49 First, 50 Negates, 52 Broomstick, 53 Smaller, 54 Outing, 55 Undergo, 56 Amend, 57 Rota, 62 Essay, 67 Undress, 68 Foreign, 70 Tornado, 72 Erratic, 73 Angina, 74 Astral, 75 Scrawl, 76 Allot, 78 Haste, 80 Alloy, 82 Stay, 83 Robe.

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

be possible.

VISIT US

TAKE TIME OUT

THE GALLERY

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

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

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

THE CAFE

Discover the Cafe on Helena Bay Hill, along the Secret Coast Route. We’re ready to serve fair-trade coffee and delicious snacks from our cabinet.

We also have a small menu available during weekends! 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: THURSDAY - MONDAY FROM 10AM TO LATE AFTERNOON.

CONTACT CAFE 09 433 9934

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