The Weekend Sun 12 December 2014 by Sun Media

12 December 2014, Issue 730

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper.

64,980 copies th

to the homes of 159,700 residents throughout TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI, PAPAMOA, WAIHI BEACH, KAIMAI, KATIKATI, TE PUKE, PAENGAROA, OTAMARAKAU and all RDs

Flying festivity p22

Welding creativity p45

Parading about p63

Road to Christmas It’s that festive time of year again – and many joyful folk are doing overtime, offering a raft of Christmas events to the community. The combined churches of Tauranga are hosting the fourth annual Carols on the Waterfront this Sunday night. With their donkey, Bella Broadmore and Callum Jefferies, playing Mary and Joseph, will lead residents from No.1 The Strand to the Edgewater Fan for Christmas carols at 6pm. See page 11 for more. Photo by Kathy Sellars.

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The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun is published every Friday, circulating throughout the Western Bay of Plenty, delivered free to 64,980 homes of more than 159,700 residents from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke including rural and residential mailboxes. The Weekend Sun is produced by Sun Media Ltd, an independent and locally owned company based at 1 The Strand, Tauranga.

Sun Media Ltd Directors: Claire & Brian Rogers Editorial: Andrew Campbell, Hamish Carter, Letitia Atkinson, Dan Sheridan, Elaine Fisher, Zoe Hunter, Luke Balvert, Merle Foster, David Tauranga, Hunter Wells. Photography: Tracy Hardy, Bruce Barnard. Advertising: Kathy Sellars, Suzy King, Lois Natta, Rose Hodges, Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon, Tasha Paull, Lucy Pattison, Bianca Lawton, Nikki Lean, Cath Jump, P. Rogers Nelson. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, James Carrigan, Sarah Adamson, Kerri Wheeler, Kyra Duffy, Amy Bennie. Digital Media: Lauren McGillivray, Jay Burston Office: Julie Commerer, Melanie Stone, Kathy Drake.

Rabbit re-heated: A selection of RR highlights from Christmas columns over the decade.

’Tis the season of joyful Christmas messages may just suffer nasty injury, such as the people who broke their arms while attempting to pull Christmas crackers. Or the 18 who suffered burns while trying on new jumpers with lit cigarettes in their mouths. No, the biggest threats are the ones you can’t see coming. Chopping boards swarming with bacteria from uncooked meats that then transfer via the board to salads; germies hitch-hiking on knives from uncooked things; even exploding cans of pickled onions. Well, they haven’t actually warned us about that one yet, but it sounded quite good so I think they should. The whole kitchen is fraught with hazards. It’s a wonder any of us survive till new year, considering the death traps that lurk on the bench, the fridge and around the cutlery drawer.

Christmas is a wonderful time of traditions and rituals, none more heartwarming than the annual issuing of PR messages from officials notifying what will kill us in the next few weeks. If the highway doesn’t get you, or the paralytic shellfish poisoning (still with us in 2014!) global warming will. Sea levels will rise faster than you can run frontwards wearing flippers. The Christmas decorations seem harmless enough, but don’t be fooled, like the 19 people who have died in recent years from eating the ones that looked like chocolate.

Lit up like a tree

Then there’s the 30 poor souls who perished in the UK in the last decade, by watering their Christmas trees while the fairy lights were plugged in. And even if you aren’t killed outright, you

Taylor Burley

Kleiman

Top 5 presents we’d rather see

And speaking of Christmas, a toy company releases every year its version of the ‘must have’ toys for Christmas. So here at Rogers Rabbits we’ve countered some of the spin and produced the list of top toys we’d like to see: 1. The Hot Wheels Trick Tracks or 7. Th Com Impounded Dotcom Garage Set. one 2. Botox Barbie: Has no facial driv s he e features left at all. frus y 3. Action Man out of the 8. ﬁgu closet: He’s not going back in boy 9 there unless he can take Ken cia with him. Includes wardrobe yo in of dreamy pastels and matching accessories. 4. Ken’s Home Detention Kit: Complete with ankle st bracelet and parole applicalarly Kit: 11. tion form. rs, Immi 5. New for 2014: Ken’s dency and a jo paedophile jail kit, passport 12. Po to Brazil, guard bribe cash what y F*** and selection of hair pieces. 13

A lot of the deadly threats come from poultry. Campylobacter, which many people mistakenly believe is a homosexual boy racer with his car stuck in reverse, is in fact a Latin word that translates to mean “my folding beach chair mechanism won’t stay locked in the upright position” – a real threat to holidaymakers. Then there’s Gastroenteritis – a repetitive strain injury of the gut from ﬁts of hysteria at inane editorials. Related to hysteria is Listeria – laughing to death after one side of your lilo deﬂates, causing you to roll sideways in a pool. Other hazards are E-Coli and P-Diddy, both which can make you feel quite ill just from listening to them. In some cases, threatening organisms are associated with the wrappers.

Chips are down

But probably the scariest food-can-kill-you

story this year is that of the Italian grandmother who bought a sack of spuds at her local market and discovered a live grenade among them. “I found a bomb in the potatoes,” exclaimed 74-year-old Olga. “I went to the market to buy some potatoes and that’s where the bomb was. But this bomb was covered in dirt, and I put it in water and got all dirt off. And then I realised it is a bomb.” Police said the grenade, which had no pin and was still active, was the same type used by US soldiers in Europe in World War Two. It is thought to have been harvested along with the potatoes from a farm in France. Maybe there’s potential for the exploding pickled onions after all? brian@thesun.co.nz

Caring for Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour

IMPORTANT STUFF: All material is copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Sun Media makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information and accepts no liability for errors or omissions or the subsequent use of information published. Little known versions of carols: Bipolar Disorder (Manic Episode) - Deck The Halls And Walls And House And Lawn And Streets And Stores And Ofﬁce And Town And Cars And Buses And Trucks And Trees And Fire Hydrants And....... Alzheimer’s Disease/Senile Dementia - Walking In a Winter Wonderland Miles from My House in My Slippers and Robe.

The Weekend Sun

Diana Marriott slept through it all.

The true cost of a burglary It was the dead of night and Diana Marriott was dead to the world. She was in a deep, deep sleep and by right, deserved to feel safe and secure – but she wasn’t. Right outside her bedroom door two complete strangers, two burglars were violating her space, violating her privacy and in doing that, violating her. They ransacked her house as she slept. “I keep thinking about it and it makes me sick to the stomach – I could have been hurt or worse.” The two alleged 15-year-old perpetrators took cash and left a mess – but burglars can also leave a trail of emotional damage. “The thought someone can come in – through a door I accidently and stupidly left unlocked – went through my house, cupboards and wardrobes while I was alone and asleep is very, very disturbing,” says Diana. The incident may appear as just another blip in the crime statistics, but research shows burglary victims experience emotional turmoil

because their sense of security and safety has been compromised. It’s not just a crime against property and should not be underestimated. “Basically what Diana is exhibiting are elements of post-traumatic stress disorder when your life has been threatened or perceived to have been threatened,” says psychologist Keith Crosby of Bay Counselling. “While her life wasn’t literally threatened, she obviously believed anything could have happened to her.” And the thought of a complete stranger entering your personal space and rummaging through their personal things can leave people afraid, confused and angry. Some victims go through a period of depression days after the crime and suffer chronic anxiety and insomnia. “It may be the burglars never intended to do anything to harm

her. But it’s not an over-reaction for her to think death might have been the outcome,” says Keith. The textbooks say victims like Diana often experience emotions similar to those of victims of assault and other violent crime. Psychological effects of a break-in can include constant, overwhelming fear; anger that overrides aspects of a victim’s life; grief over lost belongings; lost feelings of safety, security and peace of mind; and feelings of failure and guilt. Diane is now kicking herself. “The stupid thing is I’ve been a chronic insomniac for years and have recently completed a course in hypnotherapy. When my home was invaded it was my second night of successful self-hypnosis. I slept through it, maybe for the best.” To read the full story, go to SunLive.co.nz and search ‘Burglary’s emotional cost’.

By Hunter Wells

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4 A selection of some local breaking stories featured this week on...

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Toxic shellﬁsh poisons six people

The Bay of Plenty District health Board has received reports of six people suffering from toxic shellfish poisoning this week. Medical Officer of Health Dr Jim Miller says each person affected had eaten shellfish collected from the coastline which has a current health warning. Jim is fervently reminding the public the health warning due to shellfish toxins along part of Bay of Plenty’s coastline from Mount Maunganui to Whakatane Heads in Eastern Bay of Plenty is still in place. “I’ve had reports that people have been continuing to eat shellfish and have felt unwell after doing so.”

Norovirus hits cruise liner Passengers on a recent cruise ship visit to Tauranga had to be conﬁned to their cabins thanks to an on-board outbreak of the norovirus. The Dawn Princess passed through Tauranga on December 3, but many of her 1500 passengers weren’t allowed to disembark before departing for Napier the same evening. More than 200 passengers remained restricted to their cabins with the vomiting and diarrhoea bug on Monday, while the ship headed towards Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound in Fiordland.

Macrons looming The decision over whether Otumoetai will be spelt as Otūmoetai following the addition of macrons is awaiting ministerial approval from Land Information NZ Minister Louise Upston. Whether she will follow the LINZ recommendation is unknown, and LINZ media spokesman Andrew Bristol refuses to speculate, or say what the recommendation is. “It is waiting for the Minister to make a decision,” says Andrew. “In the past couple of weeks she’s received some advice from us on that.”

Students left by the roadside A Western Bay of Plenty school’s decision to cut students attending Tauranga City schools off its bus route has one mother accusing the school of “ludicrous” attempts at bolstering its roll. Last week Te Puna School parents were informed from Term 1 in 2015 there will be no bus to other intermediate schools, for Year 7-8 students, from the area surrounding Te Puna School. Standard to Ministry of Education policy, intermediates can only transport students on ministry-funded buses out of a transport entitlement zone if permission is granted from the zones aligned school.

Bus caught out by GPS unit A Pavlovich bus carrying passengers returning from Tauranga to Auckland found itself on a road to nowhere last weekend. It appears the GPS system led the driver down an unsuitable route for a bus which got marooned on the corner of Waitawheta and Swetman roads near Waihi. It’s reported the bus was carrying passengers on a day trip to Tauranga and was making the return journey to Auckland. No-one on board was injured in the incident but the road was blocked and trafﬁc diverted for several hours.

The Weekend Sun

Surfing towards freedom For most of 15 Bay of Plenty residents participating in tomorrow’s Disability Surf Day at Mount Maunganui it’ll be the first time they’ve had the chance to ride a wave or touch the sand. The inaugural Mount Main Beach event for physically disabled people is being hosted by Halberg Disability Sport Foundation as part of the Flight Centre Foundation Halberg Surf Programme from 10am-2pm with surfing, beach games, activities and a sausage sizzle. Halberg disability sport adviser Cherryl Thompson says 15 people, aged nine-65, have signed up – and she suspects it will changes their lives. “For some participants it’ll be the first time they’ve ever surfed – for others it’ll be the first time touching sand. “For example, a visually-impaired person might walk the beach but just not be confident enough

Halberg disability sport adviser Cherryl Thompson tests a beach wheelchair with Bay Trust Coach Force Parafed BOP development ofﬁcer Zane Jensen for tomorrow’s Disability Surf Day at the Mount. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

to go surﬁng by themselves. “But there’s others who’ve no way of getting onto the sand because their chair doesn’t go on sand; they only get to sit on the dunes looking down at the beach.” Cherryl’s trained 30 volunteers to help to make tomorrow a reality, saying they’re crucial for the event to work. “They’ll be trained on how to assist each person onto a board and into the water, as well as how to communicate with the person,” says Cherryl, who says Hibiscus Surf School and Mount Boardriders are helping deliver the day. Cherryl says it’s quite “a little army” of volunteers. “You have land marshals in charge of from the beach into the water. In the water is a team leader and that person is a qualiﬁed surf lifesaver or surf instructor.

Then there’s a qualified surfer on the back of the board. “We’ll have one blind participant, one person with muscular sclerosis who has very little use of her limbs – so she’ll need to be lifted into everything – another boy with muscular dystrophy, a boy with spina bifida, and a girl with cerebral palsy, to name a few.” Tomorrow’s range of people with different disabilities means up to four boards will be out at one time, with teams of six-eight volunteers with each surfer depending on their needs. “Or they’re could be one rider surfing who needs all 30 volunteers at one time.” Cherryl says two types of beach wheelchairs – catering for different-size people and levels of abilities – will get people to the waterline “plus we have beach wheels to fit wheelchairs”. “We also use 10 foot 10 inch boards because we have a qualified surfer on the back, so it’s more like a tandem ride.” “And we can use paddle boards because they’re much lighter.” Cherryl says the hardest hurdle for participants is getting to the water and onto the board. “Once they’re on the board they can’t believe how free they are.” Feedback from Northland’s Tututaka disability surf day is positive. “They felt it was the best day of their lives. They felt free, now they want a join a surf club. “And this is what it’s all about – we’re trying to empower the community to assist disabled people to get out and do what By Merle Foster everybody else does.”

Beating the bullies He’s a black-belt karate practitioner and a pre-eminent world authority on anti-bullying. Professor Keith Sullivan’s bringing that amalgam of expertise to Tauranga this weekend. He’ll share his strategies for dealing with bullying with parents and young martial arts exponents at the Tauranga Martial Arts Academy. The National University of Ireland education professor and the TMAA are collaborating on ways of integrating his internationally acclaimed ‘Anti Bullying Handbook’ into their martial arts syllabus.

Bayhopper network changes from Monday Tauranga’s Bayhopper bus network users are being asked to check their routes before they travel from Monday, December 15, with changes planned for six routes. Changes to routes 1, 30, 33, 36, 62 and 70 will take place – consisting of either route or timetable changes, or both. In addition, a new route to service The Lakes, Route 52, will be launched. To get information about the changes, people can visit www.baybus.co.nz to download maps and new timetables or call 0800 4 BAYBUS (0800 4 229 28). New timetables are also available on Bayhopper buses.

Free city parking on Saturdays People visiting Tauranga City on Saturdays this month will enjoy all-day free parking. On-street, off-street and parking buildings in the CBD will be free for Saturdays. During the week all on-street parking will be free after 3pm.

The Weekend Sun

When the knife strikes Think knives, think avoidance and stay alive. Avoidance is the ﬁrst principle of survival when confronted with a knife, according to Christine Young, a 20-year accredited self-defence trainer at the Tauranga Martial Arts Academy. “A weapon, a knife, changes everything. Unless you’re trained to react very quickly, it’s very dangerous. Get away – use your intuition and get yourself out of that tight spot.” Christine offered up this advice after yet another knife attack in Tauranga. In a late-night knife ﬁght in Ohauiti on November 30 a young man had his hands and face slashed. Christine also has some sage advice for the “really very stupid young men” for whom knives are their weapon of choice and a Saturday night fashion accessory. “If you carry a knife it suggests you’re prepared to use it. I just don’t think people realise how dangerous the knife is. “I suspect it would probably be the highest cause of death with a weapon.” The Bay of Plenty features ignominiously in knife crime statistics. • In August a knife-point robbery of a Gate Pa butchery. • In 2012, 57-year-old Robyn Anne Prole of Judea is repeatedly stabbed in the throat chest and stomach and dies. • In 2011 Sandra Rachael Brown dies in a frenzied knife attack in Bellevue. • In 2010 Ravneet Sangha is stabbed 100 times and her two-year-old daughter Anna is stabbed 10 times

in the face and neck. • In 2010 Charles Williams is jailed after he left his victim with a punctured lung and nicked his spinal cord. The litany of knife crime continues, but Christine has advice to stem the statistics. “Distinguish between two types of aggressors – it’s either ego-based, which usually involves two guys squaring off to prove who is the toughest.” In that case the self-defence strategy is de-escalation. “You de-escalate by saying sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you; I just want to go home.” If that fails, create some space, create a barrier between you and the knife – a chair or a prop of some kind and yell for someone to call the Police. “But if someone is crazy with a knife then 99 per cent of the time you’re going to get cut” says Christine. If it’s ego-driven, generally people don’t want to ﬁght. “But if it’s a criminal event, they want your money or your phone or your designer clothes; and if they present a knife then you have to ask yourself whether your phone is worth risking your life for. “I seriously recommend you give them what you want.” And that’s the message Christine wants out there. “Recognise if your ego is in play. Are you are just being stupid standing up to the knife-wielder where it might be better and safer to say ‘sorry buddy’ and bolt with your life intact.” And the ultimate cost? One man dead and the other in jail on a murder or manslaughter rap and all for an act of bravado or a cellphone. By Hunter Wells

The Weekend Sun

Bay’s science hothouse grows Tauranga is ‘hot-housing’ young potential scientists who might one day become the new generation Nobel Laureates like Ernest Rutherford, Maurice Wilkins and Alan McDiarmid. And the rest of the country is watching and is impressed. The new breed are blowing things up at extracurricular science programmes after-school and they’re queuing to do forensics, food technology and the like during the holidays. “Science is fascinating,” says Chris Duggan the bio-chemist cum teacher cum director of the House of Science, an after-school science experience for young enthusiasts based at the Coastal Marine

Field Station at Sulphur Point. “Science is all around us, it explains how the world functions – it explains why the sky is blue and why water runs downhill.” And that’s what the kids are really getting. The House of Science was set up earlier this year to ﬁll a void, to encourage children with a bent for science, one of the great under-resourced aspects of

our education system. “These are often kids that are not in sport, not into music or art. This is one thing they’re passionate about and parents are excited about a worthwhile after-school educational programme.” Science is neither unfashionable nor uncool. “There’s no kid aged ﬁve, six or seven who will say science isn’t exciting. “At secondary school a lot of kids will say they’re no good at science but that is just because they’ve had very little exposure at primary school which is badly resourced.” And the growth of the House of Science concept suggests science is ‘cool and fun’. It started in February with one weekly after-school programme and 15 children. “Now we have three programmes a week with 60 children and it

House of Science students Victor Limmer, 9, Poroaki McDonald, 10, and Sayuni Weerasiri, 9. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

doesn’t stop at the holidays.” And the House of Science is engaging minds around the country – new Houses of Science will spring up in the Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Eastern Bay of Plenty in February 2015. Each area will have their own unique ﬂavour, reﬂecting the House of Science motto of ‘resourcing and connecting the local science community’. “We are blown away by how we’ve struck a chord with students, teachers

and industry.” The house gets them young and gets them interested. It supplies 43 schools with resource boxes filled with science experiments and equipment – delivered on Mondays with a worksheet and picked up Fridays. There’s the forensic box – finger printing, fibre analysis, powder differentiation. To read the full story, go to SunLive. co.nz and search ‘House of Science grows By Hunter Wells new labs’.

Pin Up Pet of the Week My name is Bonny and I’m a gorgeous ﬁvemonth-old female heeler cross. I came to the SPCA as a rescue from the pound. I’m a really sweet, happy little girl who adores people, other dogs and life in general. I’ll be a fantastic puppy for a family, as I love to run and play and I can’t wait to have a family to do all those fun things with. I’ll need a little training to learn the basics but because I’m such a clever girl who loves to please I’ll learn those basics easily and a whole lot more if you want to teach me. I also love to play in water and with the hose. Please come to meet me if you’d like to add an awesome, full of fun puppy to your family. Or call 07 578 0245 for more information. Ref no. 20848

The Weekend Sun

Student art draws attention

Bay of Plenty visual art students are showcasing their artwork at Tauranga Art Gallery this summer. Photo by Ella Anderson, Te Puke High School.

The Level 1 and 2 NCEA Visual Arts Folio Display is opening tomorrow, drawing a lot of attention at Tauranga Art Gallery this summer, with Bay of Plenty visual art students’ best artwork on display. Year 11 and 12 visual art students from Tauranga Girls’ College, Tauranga Boys’ College, Otumoetai College, Mount Maunganui College, Bethlehem College, Te Puke High School and Katikati College are showcasing their masterpieces until January 25. The art gallery’s media co-ordinator Katherine

Hoby says the event is held traditionally each summer to showcase some of the best of the Bay’s student art from design and photography to painting and sculpture. “It’s a really great opportunity for the students and their families to see their work on display at the gallery,” says Katherine. “Plus also for some of the younger students to see what they might aspire to when they come into that level of study.” Open from 10am to 4.30pm daily, the Level 1 and 2 NCEA Visual Arts Folio Display is at Tauranga Art Gallery until January 25. By Zoe Hunter

The Weekend Sun

How about keeping a kitten?

Love at Arataki

This is one of many kittens that have come to ARRC recently. Once kittens are old enough for adoption ARRC have them vet-checked, de-sexed, wormed and de-ﬂead, vaccinated and micro-chipped. To help cover some of this cost ARRC asks $105 to adopt a kitten. The centre has different colour and gender kittens, which is always changing as some get adopted and more come available for adoption. If you’re interested in having a kitten to join your family, please contact ARRC’s foster carer Teena on 07 552 5028.

Retiring Arataki School principal Dean Langley loves gaining respect from his students.

He retracts, reconsiders and suggests they were “behaviourally challenged”. That’s Dean Langley’s style. The outgoing principal of Arataki School cares even for the ‘bad ones’ – perhaps ‘wayward’ would be more PC. And this principal is more of a spiritual head because not only does he shape little lives and cram little heads with knowledge but he leads, he inspires and he cares deeply. “I love these types of children,” he declares, with 70 per cent of his roll of Maori descent. “They are genuine, loving and respectful. The kids care for each other, the parents care for the kids and the school cares for everyone.” This near 60-year-old is almost smug with pride. “I don’t know what it’s like at other schools, but that’s how it is at Arataki.”

How it is Arataki is decile 3 – this is a low-income neighbourhood of state houses where you can buy a year of education with all the frills for just $15 a pupil or $25 a family. “Their learning is certainly not disadvantaged – the system and the school serves them well.” Dean went to school when he was five and never left. If he wasn’t being taught, he was doing the teaching. “I have a reputation for being a nice guy.” Dean is obviously very comfortable in himself. “I am not a nasty old bugger and my kids aren’t scared of coming to this principal’s office.” He’s rounded, almost cherubic, wears a shock of white hair and a face that exudes kindness – a kind of Santa without the suit. And he gets treated like the ‘jolly old fat man’. “I can wander the playground and get hullo here, hullo there, hullo everywhere. I get spontaneous cuddles from the kids because they feel comfortable with me.” Dean finishes at Arataki at the end of 2014. To read the full story, go to SunLive.co.nz and search ‘Dean retires from Arataki’. By Hunter Wells

What I’ve learnt from Waka Maori

Volunteering offering all outcomes

A couple of his students ended up in prison – but the good teacher still can’t bring himself to call them “ratbags”.

On any given week, people approach Tauranga City Council with new ways we can do things better. I’d hate to live in a city that relied solely on elected members for ideas to progress the city. I want to encourage more people to suggest ways council can do things differently to get better outcomes for the city. The now infamous proposal to put Waka Maori (aka the ‘plastic waka’) on the waterfront was seen as a solution to bringing more people into the CBD. Rightly or wrongly, external people who proposed it stopped it once the business case was known.

Last week I attended the opening of ‘Historic Tauranga from Above 1946-2006’ at Creative Tauranga. Alf Rendell has captured Tauranga’s history with his amazing photography for more than 70 years. The exhibition runs to January 5, 2015. Not only is Alf an amazing photographer, but he also volunteers at Te Puna Quarry Park on a regular basis. I attended the Volunteer of the Year award this week. Volunteer Western Bay of Plenty is located at the Historic Village and run by Theo Ursum and his team.

Read these columns in full at www.sunlive.co.nz

festive season

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The Weekend Sun

Familiar title tilt A summer minus Baywide Cup bragging rights is one thing, but happening for three consecutive years is another for Greerton Cricket Club captain Shane Wineti.

Tomorrow Shane and his charges square off against defending champions Mount Maunganui at Blake Park from 11am, intent on ending the Mount’s dominance. The two ﬁerce rivals have been the frontrunners of the annual pre-Christmas tournament for the last ﬁve years – this year’s no different. Along with collecting the silverware and the Bay of Plenty ND Club Championship berth, the sides will want to go one better than their drawn result last weekend.

Mount Maunganui Cricket Club captain Peter Drysdale and Greerton Cricket Club captain Shane Wineti prepare to square off in this weekend’s Baywide Cup Final. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

“We know each other inside and out as we’ve had the same teams for the last three or four years. “It’s just about who turns up on the day,” says Wineti. “They [the Mount] have won the last four years in a row so they have a lot of experience. Having said that we have a lot of talent and know what we have to do to win.” Bolstered by a strong squad including a handful of Bay of Plenty representatives, the all-rounder is confident his team will use familiarity of the Mount’s tactics and weaknesses to their advantage. Mount Maunganui Cricket Club captain Peter Drysdale has other ideas on the title changing hands, despite fielding what he admits will be a weakened 11 – with bowler Tony Goodin away on Northern Districts duty. Drysdale is quick to deflect the ‘favourites’ tagline heading into

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By Luke Balvert

Touching hearts in the community An article published in last week’s The Weekend Sun has prompted Papamoa Coast Kindergarten to donate $200 to Heart Kids Bay of Plenty. The article told readers about seven-year-old Mount Maunganui boy Jack Dunkerley, who was diagnosed with early stages of heart failure in 2007. To celebrate the ﬁfth year of his open heart surgery, Jack thanked the organisation for their support with a Heart Kids Burpee Challenge at Mount Drury. Papamoa Coast Kindergarten has since donated $200 raised from its annual Eco shop.

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tomorrow’s match, labelling Greerton’s line-up the strongest on paper in the city. And with both sides picking up batting and bowling points last weekend, strategy is sure to be heavily relied on in the title-decider. “Last weekend that was the only reason Greerton decided to field first, was because of the points. It gave them two bites at the cherry [batting and bowling points],” says Drysdale. In other finals in the city, Mount Maunganui and Katikati will contest the WBOPCA Reserve Grade First Round title and Cadets face Katikati in the B Grade final. At secondary school level Aquinas College is chasing a third Western Bay of Plenty First XI Cricket title in 12 months when they meet Bethlehem College in the Term 4 title-decider at Ferguson Park.

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Nobody deserves to be a victim of crime. Not here in the Bay, not anywhere in the Coromandel electorate and not anywhere in New Zealand. Since 2008 the Government has been working hard to put victims at the heart of our justice system, because we know they deserve and need our support. Laws can’t change the past, or take away the pain victims may have suffered, but they can provide protection and support services. So I was pleased to work on and support the Victims of Crime Reform Bill during my time as Chair of Parliament’s Justice select committee.

Read this column in full at www.sunlive.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

Singing Christmas on the waterfront Cover story

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The combined churches of Tauranga are working together to host Carols on the Waterfront for the fourth year running this Sunday. The free event encourages the community to focus on the importance of family and the celebration of the true spirit of Christmas rather than what appears under the Christmas tree. St Peters Church senior minister and master of ceremonies Simon McLeay says the event attracted almost 1000 people last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to be working with St Marys, St Enochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Wesley and Holy Trinity Churches to bring the community event back again this year.â&#x20AC;? The combined churches work together each year to bring the musical event to the waterfront, with a prime focus on the heart of the Christmas story and a chance for young and old to have a singalong. Carols on the Waterfront is on this Sunday, December 14. To join the processions, meet at No.1 - The Strand at 5.30pm. Children are encouraged to dress up as angels and shepherds and follow Mary and Joseph as they make their way to the Edgewater Fan on Downtown Taurangaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waterfront. Christmas carols start at 6pm. Look out for the carol lift out in Bella Broadmore and Callum Jefferies as Mary and Joseph. this issue of The Weekend Sun.

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The Weekend Sun

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Tauranga City Council is being accused of applying “band aids” to what some staff fear are serious ongoing contamination and health issues at the civic administration building in Willow St.

They’re also accusing TCC of “inaction and under-stating” the impact of the contamination scare. TCC’s CEO Garry Poole admits toxic black mould discovered in the building has made one TCC worker sick while 35 others had been moved to a safer working area. But testing could prove the problem is much bigger. A TCC document leaked to The Weekend Sun says its looking into other ofﬁce space, to temporarily accommodate 40 to 120 employees depending on the building tests results. Sources, who wish to remain anonymous, have told The Weekend Sun several staff who normally have good health have suffered rhinitis – an irritation and inﬂammation of the mucous membrane inside

the nose. Symptoms are a stuffy and runny nose. It’s usually triggered by airborne allergens – like mould spores. Others have suffered unusual bouts of earache, headaches and respiratory problems. And people who normally wouldn’t get sick started going to the doctor with “awful ﬂus and bronchitis”. The Weekend Sun has been told these people worked in the affected area. Just recently one developed sores on their legs. Garry says TCC only became aware of the health issue recently, when just one worker became ill and raised the issue that his work area contained mould. The area was tested and it came back positive for stachybotrys black mould. Depending on the length of exposure and volume of spores inhaled or ingested, stachybotrys can manifest all symptoms reported by staff including eye irritation,

Chris Andrews & David McMahon Registered Funeral Directors

How sick is our civic administration building?

mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and throat, sneezing and chronic coughing. Severe cases can have nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose. Garry says the test report shows carpet and underlay presence of stachybotrys, an abundance of active growth and other fungal spores. TCC consulted Bay of Plenty District Health Board, the Medical Ofﬁcer of Health and Worksafe NZ. Garry says TCC acted swiftly and appropriately when discovering the contamination, with 35 staff in the affected area immediately given the option of going home, working from home or being moved. They all chose the latter and were assured in the leaked memo council “was doing everything we can”. TCC staff were reluctant to talk to The Weekend Sun because they fear for their jobs but say there was discrepancies over when and how the problem was discovered. To read the full story, go to SunLive.co.nz and search ‘Toxic building woes ongoing?’.

By Hunter Wells

The Weekend Sun

Carols galore ALL READYMADE

CURTAINS 25 TO

Simon McLeay from St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church practising his carols for Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Carols on the Waterfront event

Those who love to warble their way through a decent Christmas carol will be spoilt for choice this weekend, when many festive events full of the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s songs unfolding across the region. Tonight from 6pm-9pm is Greertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Variety Concert at the Village Square, jampacked with local entertainers to perform and dance the night away with event-goers. Greerton Village Community Association chair Carol Garden says a range of local artists young and old will perform, including singer-songwriters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to showcasing them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the event will be compered by Jacqui Clarke, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also perform.â&#x20AC;? Carol says the 2013 event attracted 2500 people â&#x20AC;&#x153;so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re expecting a good crowd again â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be lighting up our big Christmas tree to conclude the nightâ&#x20AC;?. The event is free but people can bring a can of food to donate to foodbank. Tomorrow night from 5.30pm the Te Puke Combined Churches is hosting its Christmas in the Park event at Jubilee Park. The drug-free and alcohol-free event will feature entertainment, with special guest Steve Apriana, plus a ďŹ reworks extravaganza â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a collection will be taken for the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foodbank.

If rains occurs the event will be held at the Orchard Church, Te Puke. On Sunday night the Christmas Carols on the Waterfront event invites families to dress up as angels or shepherds and follow Mary and Joseph on a donkey from No.1 The Strand to The Edgewater Fan, where they can join in a chorus of festive carols. Master of ceremonies Simon McLeay says the free event is to bring the focus back to the heart of the Christmas story and a chance for a sing-along. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This event helps people to focus on the importance of family and the celebration of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for us, rather than what we get.â&#x20AC;? Christmas Carols on the Waterfront is on Sunday, meeting at No.1 The Strand at 5.30pm, with people gather at the waterfront for carols at 6pm. On Sunday, Carols on the Lawn event at Mount Maunganui is on from 6pm at 6 Dee St. Entertainment starts 5pm, with the show at 6pm. There will be a free sausage sizzle, bouncy castle, face painting, candy ďŹ&#x201A;oss and a games alley. Special guest artist is Steve Apriana, and a collection will be taken for the city foodbank. The Road to Bethlehem 50-minute nativity walk also starts Sunday night, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, running nightly until December 17 at Tauranga Adventist School, Moffat Rd. See page 54 for more on this event.

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The Weekend Sun

Lifesavers have street appeal It’ll be the distinctive jingle of donation buckets, rather than Christmas bells, ringing loud and clear this weekend as Bay of Plenty surf lifesaving clubs make their one community push for vital funds.

Omanu Surf Life Saving Club nippers Bella Etherington, 9, and Willow McBride, 10, will be out shaking a bucket this weekend. Photo by Tracy Hardy. From today the city will be awash with the distinctive yellow and red of surf lifesavers as they seek donations towards the not-for-proﬁt organisation. Launched this month, the Surf Life Saving New Zealand annual summer appeal runs to February 28, 2015, allowing the nation’s 74 clubs to undertake fundraisers and activities across the busy season. For the Mount Maunganui, Omanu and Papamoa clubs today is the big focus with a lifeguard presence on city streets. Not only will the clubs be door-knocking but they’ll be at Tauranga’s Red Square and Bayfair – each club taking a day at the shopping centre between Thursday and tomorrow. Omanu Surf Life Saving Club volunteer patrol captain Mike Swan says with funding getting harder to ﬁnd every year this a key time to both strengthen

the organisation’s proﬁle and raise vital funds. Donations go directly to the clubs, allowing them to train more lifeguards, increase patrols and buy essential equipment to help save lives and prevent injuries. “It’s an easy charity to collect for if you like because we are non-proﬁt and visible in the community,” says Mike. “People see a direct result of what they’re donating to.” Mount Maunganui Lifeguard general manager Glenn Bradley hopes the community will continue its strong support. “It’s really important for us to get funds to enable us to perform our core duties of lifeguarding out there on the beach. “Summer is starting to kick in. The beach is really busy so it’s important for us to get that community support so we can provide that service to beachgoers.” By Luke Balvert

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The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

Croon some carols at Maketu

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Jetsprint thrills return When the V8 jetsprint boats power their way into Mount Maunganui’s ASB Stadium again in 2015 – Tauranga’s Ken Goebel is guaranteed to be there front and centre.

There’s no way he’s going to miss two days of fast-paced, highoctane racing and entertainment at Baypark speedway on Auckland Anniversary weekend. “When they brought it to Baypark last year, I was there front and centre and it just brought it all back,” says Ken. “It’s reignited my passion for the sport.” The 61-year-old was on the committee of the New Zealand Jet Boat Association’s Northern District’s branch about 20 years ago, helping

run what he believes was the ﬁrst professionallyrun jet sprint competition at Stevenson’s Quarry, Kaiaua. So to see jetsprints come to Tauranga means a lot to Ken. “You know you’re a Kiwi when you dig up your rugby paddock to run a jet sprint course, then you put it back again a week later.” The event, on January 24-25, features Round 2 of the PSP New Zealand Jetsprint Championship on Saturday and the inaugural international ENZED Stadium Jetsprints Cup on Sunday. Up to 60 teams from NZ, with

guests from Australia, the US and Canada, will compete in three classes, with the Suzuki superboats reaching speeds of more than 125km per hour – and an impressive zero to 100km in 1.8 seconds. There’s also a dedicated kid-zone and an opportunity to check out the boats and meet race teams in the pits area. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $75 for a family pass and are available from www.eventﬁnda.co.nz “Avoid gate queues and book online today and save $10 on the gate price,” says event organiser Pip Minnell. “It’s a perfect gift for Christmas.” By Zoe Hunter

The Weekend Sun has two Gold Class tickets, worth $180, to ENZED Stadium Sprints at ASB Baypark on January 24 to give away to lucky readers who can tell us how fast the Suzuki Superboats can go? The package includes premium allocated undercover seating and a gourmet picnic box, with drink vouchers. Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section. Entries must be received before Wednesday, December 17.

Summer school for performance skills Tauranga’s aspiring performers are encouraged to learn new skills this summer, when Steps Performing Arts’ Summer School for Musical Theatre returns in January.

Following the successful production of ‘The Little Mermaid’ at Baycourt in November, Steps is offering a Summer School for Musical Theatre at the dance studio at 24 Dive Crescent on January 19-24. The summer school is offered to juniors, aged seven-10, from 9am-12pm daily, while 11-16-year-olds senior classes run from 1.30pm-4.30pm daily. This is the third year Steps has offered a summer school that director Paula Harrison

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says has been a great success. “It’s been lots of fun and a great opportunity to learn new skills in performance.” The theme of the 2015 summer school is centred on a variety of musical theatre skills featuring, vocal training, singing, dance/movement, drama, make-up session, costumes and the technical aspects of putting on a show. A performance of the students’ work will be on Saturday, January 24. For more information, or to enrol, visit the Paula Harrison Steps Performing Arts website, Facebook page, or email paulaharrison@ xtra.co.nz Steps Performing Arts’ Summer School for Musical Theatre returns in January.

The Weekend Sun

Surf on land before Night Owl Surfer Matt Bear is proving you don’t need water to ride the waves this summer – all you need is a tarpaulin and a skateboard. Bringing his love of surfing to streets, New Zealand soda company Bootleggers brand ambassador Matt Bear is sharing his new-found talent with Tauranga residents at the Night Owl Cinema’s screening of surf action film Point Break at Mount Drury this Saturday. “The waves are a little flat this time of year,” says Matt. “So we decided to Tomorrow’s Night Owl Cinemas has a special make our own waves so to speak.” pre-event - tarpaulin surfing. Photo by www.pushinguppixels.co.nz In collaboration with the Night the four categories: grommets, open secMatt, who’s Owl Cinema and the Little Big tion (age 18-plus), masters (age 40-plus) encouraging Markets, the event is the second of all ages to join and wahine (women’s section). five outdoor cinema screenings hapThe Night Owl Cinema event is at in. pening until March 2015. Mount Drury on December 13 from “If you can Before the film screens at dark, Matt 6pm to late. comfortably ride is inviting event-goers to ride the 7m There’ll be food trucks and music a skateboard in a by 20m barrelling tarp wave, donated A tarp surfer trying out available before the screening of ‘Point straight line then you by fumigation services – Genera, for the the black wave. Break’ about 8.30pm, when darkness can tarp surf.” Mount’s inaugural tarp surfing competition falls. Entry by gold coin donation. Spot prizes will be given away to tarp from 5pm, weather dependent. By Zoe Hunter “It has a crazily similar feeling to the real thing,” says surfers with the best ride from each of

Pool party in Katikati

Katikati’s ﬁrst MPOWA youth event is happening this weekend in the form of a pool party at the Dave Hume Pools. The pool party for those aged 13-18 is on tomorrow night from 7pm-9pm at the Dave Hume Pool. Entry is $2. For more information, call Katikati Resource Centre on 07 549 0399.

Shear the Sheep

Mount Maunganui man Caleb Oakes will be shaving his head and beard tomorrow to raise funds for Depression Support Network, an organisation providing a network of community support services for people aged 15-plus living with depression. The 22-year-old, nick-named Sheep, will be shaving his blonde curls and beard at the Tauranga Fish and Game Club at 8pm and invites anyone to come along. To donate see www.givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/shearthesheep

See where the kiwis like to play this summer

The team at Rainbow Springs say the kiwi is encouraging people to visit the incubation rooms, where the eggs are brought to from the wild. People can wander through to the brooder room, where baby kiwi stay as their health and eating habits are monitored, before they head outdoors to grow. Rainbow Springs is offering the tour for a $10 per person entry ticket upgrade, with all proceeds

friendly parrots, then test going back into saving your skills at Kahu’s more kiwi. Rescue Laser Don’t forget Maze, before to come relaxing in back at the café,” night to says the see the team. kiwi “Or in the cool down outdoor with a ride encloon The Big sure, Get up close with Splash, or be with just a kiwi at the world’s entertained in our knee-high fence largest hatchery. free-ﬂight bird show.” between you and the This summer Rainbow Springs is birds. offering a special deal and Christ“While you’re walking around, join in on one of the many interac- mas gift to all visitors with its KidsGoFree promotion. tive encounters. It’s valid for visits from December “Learn about the tuatara, or 15-February 1. help the wildlife keepers feed the

Children get free entry with a full-paying adult to Rainbow Springs – valid for a maximum of three children per two fullpaying adults.

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The Weekend Sun

Modern automotive offers customers chance to win “Exhaust mount, rear and front shocks, rear spring eye bushes – oh, and a rust warning.” Despite the mechanic speak round the Harman Automotive workshop, owner Mark Harman is proud of this modern, welcoming and environmentally-friendly workshop. Harman Automotive has a good feel, it has a pleasant waiting room, good coffee and a workshop that’s clean and tidy. It would put your mother or grandmother at ease when dealing with

a male-dominated industry. “It’s certainly not the old style grease pits,” says Mark. And he’s right. It’s immaculate. You could eat off the blue ﬂoor. Harman Automotive is a one-stop shop for car issues “and if we can’t ﬁx it we will get it sorted with the best professionals and the best practices available”. “Or we will give you the best advice,” says Mark. “So I’d probably send my mother or grandmother there.” Mark is talking about The Weekend Sun Shop ‘n’ Win entry box at his

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shop. It’s brimming with entries and Mark would just love to give the $5000 cash bonanza to one of his loyal customers. “There’s a great sense of community here in Papamoa. It gave me a growth opportunity and they helped me trade back so I will always be grateful.” Trade back? Yes, a couple of years ago Harman Automotive was razed in an after-hours ﬁre. But they’ve risen from the ashes and now boast a bigger and better facility complete with a Bridgestone tyre outlet which caters for all your tyre and wheel alignment repairs. Harman Automotive does it all. It’s also a local business with a local commitment – recently a class from the local primary school popped by to see

Harman Automotive mechanic Hayden Fail and owner Mark Harman. what they were about. Cars on hoists, spanners and men in blue Harman Automotive overalls rushing about is apparently good theatre for youngsters. And what goes round, comes round. Mark Harman supports the local school gala and the Lions and the community; and that’s probably why his workshop is full of cars waiting for service. Harman Automotive was once upon a time a small, one-man band. Now, 11 years

down the track, it has eight employees and a credit to the local business strip on Enterprise Drive. Suddenly a loud buzzer sounds, blue overalls appear from nowhere and lunchtime is over at Harman Automotive. The Papamoa Shop ‘n’ Win $5000 cash bonanza will be drawn on Monday, December 15 and the winner will announced in next week’s The Weekend Sun. By Hunter Wells

The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

Go sky high flying this Christmas People seeking the thrill of soaring aand viewing the city from one kilometre above ground are encouraged to try the sport this Christmas. Tauranga Gliding Club has been offering trial flights Ta to kkeen aviators for more than 50 years – and club pre president Mark Arundel says there’s no better time h now to gift yourself the opportunity this festive than season. Mark says the club’s introductory packages include up to three further instructional flights at club rates for aspiring pilots to try the sport during three months. “Our introductory flight packages are tailored to give people hands-on experience so they can decide if they want to further their aviation interest, or tick it off the bucket list. “This is a great opportunity to try the sport and

decide if it’s an interest you want to pursue or not.” The club is well elll el equipped with a fleet of seven sailplanes and ess two tow planes an ngaa based at Tauranga Airport. Members nth huinclude an enthusiastic team of strucqualified instructors and tow-pilots on-hand ready to introduce people Tauranga Gliding Club president Mark Arundel is to their sport on encouraging keen aviators to try flying this Christmas. Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesday afternoons and public gliding in New Zealand may be more holidays – weather permitting. accessible to people as a form of aviation And the view from up there is simply than anywhere else in the world. By Zoe Hunter stunning, says Mark, who believes

Christmas traditions disappearing The majority of Kiwis will make do with artiﬁcial Christmas trees, won’t send Christmas cards by post and will be happy with gift vouchers rather than presents this year.

ALWAYS WANTED TO FLY?

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Give yourself the opportunity this Christmas!

These are among the insights from the latest Colmar Brunton research indicating while 93 per cent of Kiwis celebrate Christmas, some traditions we associate with it are disappearing. Colmar Brunton CEO Jacqueline Ireland says it’s not that we’re becoming a nation of Christmas grinches but times are deﬁnitely changing. “We’re still into Christmas as a nation. Our survey shows 75 per cent either like or love Christmass and only eight per cent aren’t fussed or hate it,” says Jacqueline. “But we are seeing some broader trends affecting the way we approach Christmas.” Two in ﬁve Kiwis will not send Christmas cards or messages this year. For those who do, Christmas cards are still preferred over the likes off email and Facebook. Those

living in the upper North Island and older people without children are most likely to send Christmas cards. “While 23 per cent of New Zealanders will opt for a real Christmas tree, almost two-thirds of us, about 63 per cent, will go with the convenient, reusable, artiﬁcial option and 15 per cent won’t bother with a tree at all.” Giving and receiving gift vouchers makes 54 per cent of those surveyed happy and even 28 per cent of those who don’t like giving gift vouchers are happy to receive them. Just 11 per cent prefer to avoid giving or receiving them. “With an unlimited range of gift vouchers available today, many of which can be purchased online, and the possi sibility of bargains in post-Christmas sales, gift vouchers have become an option that most of us are happy to give oor receive,” says Jacqueline. W Whe When it comes to gifts, Kiwis rate their parents, with 40 per ra ccent, e and partners, with 34 p per cent, as the best Christmas present-givers. But when asked about th the worst parents topped this list as well with 18 per cent followed by in-laws with 14 per cent. For a few tips on what not to buy this Christmas, Colmar Brunton asked Kiwis what is the worst Christmas present they’d ever received. Responses included a Jar Binks tooth brush, an ironing board, a ﬂy swat, a Spice Girls CD and tea towels. But socks, handkerchiefs and underwear were by far the least popular gifts. “The trend of men spending more than women on presents for their partners came through again this year with men planning to spend an average of $190 compared to women on $150,” says Jacqueline. “The Christmas traditions that haven’t changed are about spending precious time with family and enjoying a Christmas feast at lunch or dinner.”

The Weekend Sun

What’s hot and what’s not He didn’t understand at the time but Ken Donald McDonald had committed the most egregious blunder of this, his second marriage.

This man, my mate, gave his wife and mother of his three babies a shoe rack for Christmas. It was a tangle of string attached to a wooden coat-hanger with cardboard shelves. “Some assembly required.” He got change out of $20 after a closing-time dash to Briscoes on Christmas Eve. He also bought himself a lot of grief. “Why Ken? Why?” wife number two blubbered – and understandably. If Christmas gifts are the benchmark for how people feel and know and love someone then Ken, the self-absorbed $300,000-a-year insurance executive, wasn’t showing much love. The shoe rack was cast on the deck in a show of pique on behalf of all womanhood. And not much later Ken was cast onto the marital scrapheap...again.

Then there is the thoughtful and obviously-besotted new generation man in the ofﬁce for whom the ideal prezzie for his partner, and I suspect wife-tobe, has been a year-long labour. Every time his vision of loveliness says she likes something, he furtively records it in his diary. So by the year’s end he has a list of dead certs – not just ideas. He knows he’s on the money whatever he chooses from the list. In this case it was the vegetable spiraliser – something that turns vegies into spaghetti. Who would have thought? If that had been gifted to me it would have joined the shoe rack. The obvious question is what makes the spiraliser a heart-winner and the shoe rack a heart-breaker? It’s simply because she wanted the spiraliser. Oh – and the necklace with a cat pendant to set it off…that was on the list too. And all for not much more than 70 bucks. She probably would have also liked a holiday on the Costa del Sol but

Dig deep for Christmas Gift appeal With only 13 days to go until Christmas, The Salvation Army and Kmart Bayfair are asking for Bay of Plenty residents to dig deep and share the love this holiday season for those who need it most through the annual Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. This year New Zealand’s largest Christmas gift appeal hopes to collect more than 45,000 presents from generous Kiwis, a 15 per cent increase on last year’s target. This week’s halfway point of the appeal has a tally for Kmart Bayfair at 644 gifts – a ﬁgure prompting a call for the BOP community to pitch together and dramatically hike this ﬁgure in the lead-up to Christmas. The Salvation Army’s secretary for

Swapping food for fun in Katikati Katikati residents can receive free yoga, Zumba dance and spinal examination by donating food to the town’s foodbank tomorrow at The Awakened Healing Centre. The centre is hosting foodbank drive at their main street premises tomorrow. A spinal exam and adjustment between 11am-2pm will cost ﬁve food items. A Hatha yoga class from 11.30am-12.15pm will cost three food items. And a Zumba dance class from 1pm-1.45pm will cost three food items. Donated foods items need to be non-perishable.

social services Major Pam Waugh says Christmas can become an especially hard time of year when families feel the strain of not being able to afford something special for their loved ones, so appeals are all the more important. “What’s surprising is that the need for assistance around Christmas doesn’t just include those receiving a beneﬁt or pension. “More than 12.5 per cent of the 35,000 people assisted by The Salvation Army in our last quarter to September 2014 were ‘working poor’. These are people receiving an income but are still struggling to make ends meet.” Bay residents can simply choose a gift suitable for the recipient’s gender and age, and place it under the Wishing Tree at Kmart Bayfair. Donations can be made up to Christmas eve.

because she wanted the spiraliser and the cat necklace she is a happy camper. And if the partner is happy, we’re all happy. However, I believe it’s a bit like cricket’s third umpire – it removes the guesswork, it removes the human frailty and the thrill of the punt. There’s nothing like being unsure about a present and then seeing your loved one melt with raptures on Christmas morning. Anyhow, there’s a lesson there blokes. There’s a lesson there Ken, although I suspect it’s lost on you buddy. By Jim Bunny

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The Weekend Sun

Junior Tall Blacks spot on the line

Tauranga Intermediate student Tyzak Rhind, a regional representative in multiple sports, has been trialling for the under 13 New Zealand Basketball team in Wellington during last month.

Tyzak’s been selected to represent the greater BOP region in basketball, rugby, rugby league and touch rugby, as well as New Zealand in athletics. He clearly shows promise in all codes and is being chased by all organisations in an attempt to obtain his Tyzak Rhind is multi-sport rising star. ervices exclusively.

But he’s not ready to choose what he wants to concentrate on yet, and at 12 nor should he be. He’s recently been awarded the Peugot Cup recognising his abilities as part of the Tauranga Intermediate Sports Academy. By modern day standards Tyzak comes from a large family being one of four children including two older brothers, so he’s used to battling for his spot at the dinner table. He attended Greenpark School, playing just about every sport you can imagination. He played club rugby for Greerton Marist, making the Western BOP Ellis shield team

last year and the Tai Mitchell West team in 2014, then was selected for the BOP Roller Mills team. Tyzak’s a regular with the navigators Tauranga Basketball programme and has now pushed on looking for further honours. He’s a tough small forward, sometimes centre, who mixes it up, rebounds well and isn’t scared of taking a charge. The trial process has been a real learning opportunity for Tyzak. “The players that went down there were amazing,” says his mother Michelle. Athletics is another of Tyzak’s pursuits. He’s competed for NZ in

a 2013 trans-Tasman competition placing fourth in the 400 metres as an 11-year-old. At the North Island championships he placed second in the 400m. He competes in 800m and high jump but the 400m is his preference. The ﬁnal under 13 Basketball team is named in January following the last trial. For those good enough to be selected, the highlight is an American tour in July. By Josh Hoskin

Do you know a super achiever in their chosen sport that would make a great story? Pass on their details by emailing merle@thesun.co.nz

Outlook good from the kayak Wow, what a difference the weather makes to a kayaker’s outlook on life. During the last seven days we’ve had a glimpse of summer and everyone’s feeling positive again. Last weekend saw a mix of reasonable weather and the kayak ﬁshermen were hitting it hard to catch a feed. The early run of spring snapper appear to be in hiding but luckily they’ve been replaced with gurnard. Big carrots, weighing more

Mark Nijssen is the winner of last weekend’s NZ Kayaker Snapper Snatcher Competition, with this 1.51kg fish. jerk shad or squid vicious shapes. than 1kg, were the This one colour accounted for all main catch during the of the fish in the competition last NZ Kayaker Snapper weekend. Snatcher last Sunday. Tim’s Tip for the week: These fish appear to be Schools of squid are holding out in on the sand in 10-15m. 20m of water. Take a squid jig to There are also some entice these critters, and put a live big tarakihi still holding on the one on your hook for the ultimate traditional snapper reefs out from snapper or kingfish bait. Papamoa Beach. Until next week, paddle hard The best softbait at the moment everyone. Tim. if the Gulp newpenny in either

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A Disclosure Statement is available from TSB Bank Ltd. Offer available only to new personal customers who join the bank between 12-31 December 2014. New transactional, savings and investment accounts, as well as new lending taken out during the promotional period will be given one entry into the prize draw to win a 16GB iPhone 6, valued at $999 RRP. TSB Bank’s standard product and lending terms and conditions apply, including minimum deposit and loan values. See TSB Bank for full product and lending terms and conditions. The prize draw will take place on Monday 12th January 2015. See prize draw terms and conditions for full details. Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc. Apple is not a participant in or sponsor of this promotion.

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Starting tonight is the Change Point’s annual Christmas Lights display at the church’s Poike Rd church in Hairini.

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Changes are being made to Papamoa routes. i Papamoa Route 30 will now service Papamoa College instead of Dickson Road, and Gloucester Road instead of Grenada Street. i Papamoa Route 33 has been changed to service the growing population in Golden Sands. i Papamoa Route 36 has been shortened and will now turn near Papamoa College. Bethlehem (Route 62) buses will now leave 10 minutes earlier to improve the service to Bethlehem school. The Lakes and Greerton will have a new bus route (Route 52) that will link with services to the CBD and the Mount. There are some other small changes to improve network performance.

For more information about the changes go to the news page at www.baybus.co.nz

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they’ve put up around the church for the last 14 years. A live choir will also be at the church for audiences to watch or sing along with, if they felt inspired, says Ruth. “Each year we get up to roughly 7000 people come down to visit the This Christmas will church and it’s a wonderA waterfall has been specially created by mark 200 years since the members of Change Point Church for a live DVD ful thing. arrival of the gospel and to presentation celebrating the arrival of the gospel “This is a free event celebrate Change Point has which is child-friendly in New Zealand back in 1814. erected a special display at and open to absolutely change from year to year. its Hairini church, starting everyone and anyone.” “This year members of our tonight. Change Point Church’s Christchurch have created a forest and Christmas lights coordinator mas Lights and 200 Years of the a little lake out of polystyrene to Ruth Tuiraviravi says the display Gospel display starts tonight make our auditorium look like will feature a seven-minute DVD and runs 8.30pm-11pm daily to which will touch upon the gospel’s what NZ would have 200 years December 21. ago.” two-century history in NZ. The church is at 131 Poike Rd, Ruth says the DVD presentation Hairini, Tauranga. For more infor“We’ve been showing DVD’s in will run alongside their annual our auditorium each Christmas mation, call 07 544 2713. By David Tauranga Christmas lights display, which for the last ﬁve years and they

On December 25, 1814, in the Bay of Islands Anglican cleric Samuel Marsden conducted the ﬁrst Christian service ever held on New Zealand soil.

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The Weekend Sun

Festive baking this Christmas It seems every year is the same – all of a sudden there’s a slight panic when you realise how close Christmas is. There’s always lots to do – and for some reason it all has to be done before the big day. When it comes to festive baking, cakes are often already made by now and shortbread and fruit mince pies are the next item on the agenda. Thoughts of all the Christmas’ past and all the countless turkey, ham, sherry triﬂe, steamed puddings and pavlova that I’ve devoured remind me of how repetitive traditional festive food is. So to change things up this year I’m doing a few dishes from another country’s traditional festive baking. Honey cakes from Greece contain some of my favourite products – honey, yoghurt and olive oil. And since we grow fabulous macadamia nuts here in the Bay I’ve changed from using the traditional walnuts to macadamia instead, with a great tasting result. This week’s recipe will make about 30 small honey cakes so you can solve some of the presentbuying problems by wrapping them some up in cellophane and gifting them to some of your sweet-toothed friends.

DESSERT

Greek honey cakes

Ingredients 1 cup melted butter 1 cup light olive oil 1 kg self-raising flour 1 cup sugar 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp ground cloves Grated peel from 2 oranges 1 small tsp baking soda 1 cup plain Greek yoghurt 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts Syrup ingredients 2 cups sugar 3 cups water 3 cups honey Juice from one lemon Cinnamon and nuts for sprinkling Method In a large bowl place the flour and sugar and make a well in the middle. Whisk up the butter with the oil then mix in, adding the spices, grated orange peel, baking soda and the yoghurt. Knead well on a bench to form a pliable dough, then add the chopped nuts and divide up the dough into even pieces. Roll these into small cigar shapes and place well apart on an oven tray and bake at 170 degrees Celsius for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Prepare the syrup by boiling the water and sugar and lemon juice together for 10 minutes, add in the honey and simmer for two-three minutes then keep warm. Only once the cakes are well cooled can you dip them, a few at a time, with a slotted spoon in the hot syrup then transfer to a cooling rack and finish with a dusting of cinnamon and chopped macadamia nuts.

Christmas farmers’ market Katikati collects for foodbank Tauranga Farmers’ Market’s once-a-year festive-ﬁlled event is on tomorrow at the usual location for those wanting to meet Santa. The Christmas market is on from 7.45am-noon at Tauranga Primary School, with Santa on-site from about 9am-11am. The market’s Christmas hamper – raising funds for the city’s Hairy Maclary waterfront sculptures project – will be have three entries drawn at 9am, and another three at 10am. See www.taurangafarmersmarket.co.nz

Katikati Pakeke Lions Club will be collecting food for the annual Foodbank Christmas Collection today and tomorrow. The Lions will have a sausage sizzle outside Katikati’s Countdown and Katikati Four Square from 10am-4pm on December 12-13. The Lions are encouraging local shoppers to add one or two items to their shopping lists to donate to the collection. Katikati Pakeke Lions look forward to the same spontaneous generosity Katikati is well-known for, again this year.

Gourmet market goes festive The Gourmet Night Market’s Christmas market next Friday will be full of festive entertainment along with the food stalls and a boutique farmers’ produce. Two Tauranga choirs and two live bands will entertain the public as they explore about 60 stalls at the Gourmet Night Market’s – A Community Christmas – at Coronation Park from 5pm-9.30pm on December 19. Entry is free. The alcohol-free event is at Coronation Park. For more information, visit www.gourmetnightmarket.co.nz

Ph 0508 KIWIFRESH (0508 549 437)

The Weekend Sun

Loving Christmas and the mince pies that come with it For those of you who’ve been reading my recipes for a while you will know I like no fuss – quick and easy. With our busy lifestyle sometimes we don’t get a chance to soak fruit for Christmas or follow some of those old traditions. I’m still making Christmas cakes and mince Pies two weeks out! I have to say this is the best part of Christmas for me; I just love Christmas mince pies, they are my absolute favourite! I have my limit down to one every few days. And these make great Christmas gifts.

Ingredients 250g raisins 250g sultanas 250g currants 65g mixed peel 125g butter, softened 250g peeled and finely chopped granny smith apples 250g brown sugar Grated rind of 1/2 lemon Grated rind of 1/2 orange 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 pinch nutmeg 1 pinch allspice 1 cup brandy Pastry ingredients 125g self-raising flour 125g plain flour 125g butter 2 Tbsp icing sugar 1 egg yolk 3 Tbsp cold water

Method Make sure all ingredients are ﬁnely chopped to around the same-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix all the fruit, chopped apples, butter, orange and lemon rinds and spices together until well combined. Dissolve the sugar in the brandy and pour it over the mixture. Cover and let it stand overnight. The next day stir the mixture and place back in the fridge for a few more hours while making the pastry. To make the pastry sift the ﬂours and then either rub in the butter or combine in a food processor. Add the sifted icing sugar then stir in the egg yolk and water and mix it all to a dough. Work into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap then put in the fridge for one hour.

Crafty making of masterpieces nitely not new to cake creating. She’s been doing it for years and loves seeing her edible creations bring a smile to people’s faces – that’s the icing on the cake for Dawn. “It’s a great feeling creating something special for each customer,” says Dawn. “If somebody comes in wanting advice on a cake, I’ll show them No cake is classed what utensils to use so as normal at her they can get the result Grange Rd busithey’re looking for. ness, where the pair “Touch wood, so can mix, bake and Cake Craft’s Dawn Bowden with her tasty creations. far I’ve not had one decorate basically disappointed customer. anything their customers request. We also have a good reputation for the ﬂavour and “People have asked for everything from 3-Dimenmoistness of our cakes.” sional animals to a tea pot,” says Dawn. Re-decorated with a romantic and French-look inte“We made a rotary engine a while ago – we can do rior, the business sells cakes for any occasion. Check almost anything. Everything is different.” out their range of Christmas cakes in store now. By Zoe Hunter Dawn may be new to the business – but she’s deﬁ-

From a simple, yet elegant, onelayer cake to a four-tier eatable masterpiece – Dawn Bowden and Pamela Barker at Cake Craft in Otumoetai believe they can create it all.

www.flaveur.co.nz

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a 12-hole muffin tin. To assemble roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 2mm thick. Cut out shapes to fit the muffin holes, fill each tart with a generous teaspoon of mince, but don’t overfill.

Cover the top of each tart with another circle of pastry or use biscuit cutters to add different shapes to the top. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes then remove to a rack to cool off.

The Weekend Sun

The power to heal (Part 2) Today we look at a person with long-term asthma and sinus problems. The question was whether we could get an improvement by changing her diet and adding various supplements.

John Arts is a qualiﬁed nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz

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Medications for these conditions are mostly based on reducing symptoms by opening airways and adding steroids to reduce tissue inflammation. The nutritional medicine approach is very complementary with orthodox medicine. Our target is not so much symptom reduction but to help address the real problem of immune system dysfunction. The cells that line airways have an army of residentimmune cells to protect against invaders. Our respiratory tract is, of course, open to the outside world with all its threats such as viral, bacterial and fungal infection. Sometimes immune cells needlessly react to harmless things like pollens. Sometimes they create inflammation for no particular cause. A specialised immune cell called mast cells can decide to over-produce histamine, which can lead to all sorts of inflammatory problems. Our goal then is to treat the immune system and help to normalise immune responses.

The first step is to ensure vitamin D levels are maintained towards the top of the normal range. This is essential for immune function. We then add plenty of vitamin C, bioflavonoids and grape seed OPC as these help prevent mast cell histamine leakage. Omega 3 from fish oils and flax seeds are really important as are botanical antioxidants to reduce airway tissue inflammation. For three months my client noticed little change, though others remarked on how well she looked. It wasn’t until the next three months she noticed what she described as major improvements in her respiratory health. The body really has the power to heal, but only if you give it what it needs. Give me a call if you need more information. Join my full weekly newsletter at www. abundant.co.nz

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Are you waking up tired? Mrs A wakes every morning feeling like it’s the morning after a big night out – and she doesn’t even drink.

Deanna Way (Naturopath in-store) bookings essential.

Firstly, getting out of bed is difﬁcult as her whole body feels heavy and fatigued. To add insult, she has a banging headache which won’t relent unless she takes some painkillers, only giving her short-term relief. Her tummy feels bloated and sore and she alternates between diarrhoea and constipation – not a great way to start a day you’re thinking? The foggy head and lack of clarity cap off a typical set of autoimmune symptoms when combined with a body that feels painful over multiple sites. Mrs B is a typical example of what many people with autoimmune conditions experience every day – particularly those with

ﬁbromyalgia, polymyalgia, rheumatoid and chronic fatigue sufferers. In the clinic we see many patients with these arrays of symptoms and it’s important not to look at them singularly, but to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. Most clients have tried multiple treatment solutions which are mostly aimed at singular, symptomatic relief. This, in my opinion is where the problem begins because unless you treat the underlying cause you’ll never manage these conditions effectively. The gut is the centre of the autoimmune universe – and

deficiencies here are largely responsible for creating the fatigue, inflammatory pain, poor digestion and food intolerances that accompany these problems. Our treatment approach focuses on the balance between diagnosing the cause of the gut issue, finding the food triggers and treating the symptomatic fatigue, pain and headaches.

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says the practical experience she gained working in the polytechnic’s on-site beauty salon prepared her for the client interaction that’s a key component of her new job. The 19-year-old has just graduated “You need to be able to build your with a level 4 Certificate in Beautician own client base.” and Cosmetology from Bay of Plenty Laura has always been interested Polytechnic and has started a part-time in beauty. She spent a year working beauty therapist job at Tauranga’s Black in a café after leaving school before Champagne Salon and Spa by Goldfinger enrolling in the polytechnic’s level 3 during the summer months. Laura Peacock. National Certificate in Beauty Services. Laura is planning to further her training The foundational course inspired her with the level 5 Certificate in Beauty to aim for a career as a qualified beauty therapist and Therapy next year and hopes the short-term job will she’s enjoying the challenge of continually learncontinue, so she can boost her finances while she ing new skills. Enrolments for 2015 across all three keeps studying. beauty certificates are now open. Visit www.boppoly. She enjoys using the nail, massage, facial and ac.nz or phone 0800 BOP POLY to find your future. waxing skills she has learnt during her studies and

Laura Peacock is turning her long-time interest in beauty into a satisfying new career.

By Julie Torrey

Rheumatic fever features in online short films Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Pacific Peoples Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga say a collection of short films will help raise awareness about rheumatic fever. “Rheumatic fever is a serious disease which starts with a sore throat and can lead to life-long heart, joint, skin and nerve problems,” says Jonathan. “The Government has set a target of reducing the rates of rheumatic fever by two-thirds by 2017. To achieve this we’ve invested more than $65 million over six years to fight the disease. Jonathan says the collection of short films project is a partnership between the Ministry of Health’s Rheumatic Fever Prevention Programme and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs. The short films – available on YouTube – have been made by students.

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On the way to a flying quest Otumoetai College student Callum Riddington has been awarded an AMP Study Start Scholarship worth $10,000 to further his quest to become New Zealand’s ﬁrst unmanned aerial system drone engineer.

Callum Riddington believes developing and innovating drones will help put New Zealand on the map.

Why engage youngsters in science Science and nature – also known as putaiao. When children are engaged in learning about science and nature they’re also learning strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning and developing working theories for making sense of the natural, social, physical and material worlds. Science and nature can help children to discover how nature works, learn the correct names for animals, plants and nature, care for the wellbeing of others and the environment, and learn to question and investigate. You can support children in their exploration by creating an environment that promotes observation, exploration and explanation, asking open-ended questions such as: “What do you think might happen?” or “What do you see happening?”, supporting children to

touch, taste, listen, see and smell the items, and encouraging them to come up with their own explanations. At home, you can provide resources for children to touch, feel and smell by displaying a range of items – such as nonpoisonous herbs and vegetables, stones and feathers on a low table. You can enhance this experience by adding a magnifying glass, magnets and books on science and the natural world. You might also go on a nature treasure hunt to gather additional items for your science table. Learning about science also involves activities such as preparing and cooking food, caring for plants, playing with water and ice, recycling, or even taking apart old equipment to see how things work inside. For more science and activity ideas, visit Nurtured at Home’s Facebook page.

Callum is one of 15 recipients who received an AMP National Scholarships Awards at the ceremony on December 5 at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Callum has been researching and developing a complete unmanned aerial system for his college for the purpose of aerial filming at school events, search and rescue following natural disasters in the Pacific and agricultural and environmental monitoring. Ready to take his knowledge to a wider audience the AMP Study Start Scholarship will enable him to study engineering, with a major in software engineering. His secondary study course will be in computer science so he can gain more knowledge and build innovative solutions. Last year Callum was awarded his NCEA with merit and was number one in electronics and programming, attaining straight excellence results. “Developing and innovating drones will help put New Zealand on the map and I look forward to helping support NZ’s growing drone innovations,” says Callum. “Drones have so many applications and can be used in many fields such as search and rescue, agriculture and environmental monitoring.” AMP’s chief customer officer Jeff Ruscoe says AMP loves innovation “and to be able to provide a committed student such as Callum a helping hand towards furthering his career is rewarding and we look forward to his research and efforts being of significance to our country in years to come”. For more information, see doyourthing.co.nz

Santa stops at Bethlehem Santa Claus is arriving at Bethlehem Town Centre on Monday, December 15 – and he’s sticking around to spread some Christmas joy until December 21. Families will be able to visit Santa in his workshop and have photographs taken with the jolly fellow. There’s plenty to see and do in Santa’s Workshop, as well as gorgeous gift wrapping. The workshop is open 10am-5pm daily, and Santa will be visiting midday-4pm daily until December 21.

The Weekend Sun

Local study the key to local jobs

Mechanical engineering graduate Stefan Burgi has just returned from a work trip to Italy and the UK with his employer Trimax Mowing Systems. with new technologies. building local connections. There is a nationwide Employers often approach the Two thirds of this year’s NZDE shortage of engineering polytechnic when they’re looking mechanical students were snapped technicians – but you for new recruits and all of the 2014 up by employers before they wouldn’t know it by graduates now working have found graduated this week, while other employment in the Bay of Plenty graduates have decided to crossscouring the daily job region. credit the diploma towards the advertisements. Graduate Sean Latham is looking University of Waikato engineering forward to his new role at Rotodegree they will carry on with next It’s an industry which still rua’s Patchell Industries, working year. largely recruits new employees via as a design and compliance assisTutor Graydon Cooper says the word of mouth, so anyone who tant producing milk tankers, polytechnic course covers a wide wants work would be wise to logging trailers, cargo and waste range of topics which develop the enrol and learn via the Bay of carriers. analytical skills manufacturing Plenty Polytechnic New Zealand He says the knowledge gained companies need to keep pace Diploma in Engineering to start during the course in topics such as material strengths is directly applicable to the decisions he has to make in his new role regarding load capacities and design speciﬁcations. Enrolments for the 2015 New Zealand Diploma in Engineering courses are now open. Visit www.boppoly.ac.nz or phone 0800 BOP POLY to ﬁnd your future. By Julie Torrey

Teachers’ ideas can gain funds Applications are now open for the new $10 million teacher-led innovation fund as part of the Government’s Investing in Educational Success initiative, worth $359 million, to help raise students’ educational achievement. The fund will provide teachers with time and resource to develop new ways of helping young people succeed by undertaking practical research with other teachers; working with academics and researchers to test ideas; and sharing what works with others. Applications close February 20. See www.education.govt.nz

The Weekend Sun

New online staff tool

By Zoe Hunter

The government has released a new online tool to help small and medium-sized businesses understand the cost of employing staff. Developed by business.govt.nz at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the tool estimates the fixed and discretionary costs of hiring new staff. Fixed costs include salary, ACC levies and KiwiSaver, while discretionary costs include recruitment, training and office equipment. The aim is to help SMEs make confident hiring decisions based on realistic and reliable projections. For more information, see www.business.govt.nz/employeecostcalculator

Learning the English language Migrants will not only learn English at the Papamoa class - they’ll be learning about New Zealand life.

New migrants to the Bay of Plenty are encouraged to enrol in a free fulltime English literacy and language course starting in the New Year. Enrolments are now open for English Language Partners Bay of Plenty’s class in Papamoa for permanent residents to learn reading, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary and grammar. English Language Partners man-

ager Philippa Cairns says most importantly they will be learning about New Zealand life. “English is so important for everyday life. You need it to do the shopping, get a job, to study, talk to your neighbours or the doctor; everyone needs English. “If you can’t understand much, you can’t really join in.” The full-time class, starting February 9, offers new migrants who speak little English the opportunity to learn NZ language and culture at the community centre

at Papamoa Library for up to 20 hours a week. That’s a total of 250 hours free of charge. The non-profit organisation is also offering the NZQA Certificate in English Language Level 1, consisting of 360 hours of fulltime study, starting on July 20. “It’s a great opportunity for somebody at a lower level of English to get a recognised qualification,” says Philippa. Formally known as English Literacy and Language BOP, English Language Partners BOP is one of

22 centres nationwide, according to Philippa, who says English Language Partners NZ is the largest settlement agency in NZ. To check out more courses available at English Language Partners BOP, or to enrol, contact Philippa today.

Design Develop Dream

New Maori innovation fund opens A new $2 million Maori innovation fund has opened to receive application for funding. The Te Punaha Hiringa: Maori Innovation Fund will support Maori collectives to realise the economic potential of their assets and is aligned with the goals of He kai kei aku ringa, the national Maori Economic Development Strategy. Maori collectivesare deﬁned as trusts, incorporations, runanga and trust boards, postsettlement governance entities and mandatediwi organisations It’ll enable new businesses to be established and existing businesses to become more productive. It’ll also help collectives engage more effectively with the wider business and innovation systems to identify and develop opportunities. Applications close 1pm Thursday, December 18. To apply, see www.msi.govt.nz/ get-funded/get-helpto-build-your-business/ te-punaha-hiringa-maoriinnovation-fund/

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The risks are real - insurance does pay off they receive? If death wasn’t caused by accident they’d receive very little ﬁnancial assistance. They may qualify for $23 per week accommodation supplement. If Bill dies, Jan would receive $3.98 per hour for children aged under 14 in approved childcare. We looked at a situation which runs like What options do they have? The this. Bill and Jan are both aged 32, both in %\ 3HWHU *ULIÀ Q IURP KiwiSaver could be unlocked? administration jobs, and have two children 3ODQZLVH )LQDQFLDO 6HUYLFHV Selling their home and renting will under age 18. only help if the move is a big downgrade. Move in Bill earns $6000 per month and Jan earns $4000. with relatives? If either of them was temporary or They own their own home with a mortgage of $2500 permanently disabled, the accommodation suppleper month. Both are signed up to KiwiSaver. ment would be $41 a month, a disability allowance Starting with death. There’s a 17 per cent chance of $32.28. But it would be a struggle. What can be either of them will die before age 65. learned? They need to save more or insure. Saving So they would lose one income – a budget shortfall doesn’t create a cash cushion fast enough. You need of between $4000 and $6000. The living expenses insurance and a bigger emergency fund. would only reduce somewhat. So what help would

People do get sick, disabled or die and need help. How much state help is coming for the most serious contingencies?

the

Things look good heading into Christmas Parliament has ﬁnished sitting for the year, and does not sit again until February 10. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to spend some time with the family during the Christmas period. It was great to be able to attend the opening of the Kathleen Kilgour Centre last weekend. This centre will provide state-of-the-art radiation treatment for both public

and private right here in Tauranga and means about 500 patients will no longer have to travel to Hamilton. It will also help achieve the Government’s new target of having patients receive their ﬁrst cancer treatment within a maximum 62 days of their original GP’s referral. Last week I was pleased to see the New Zealand Transport Agency has

approved $5.4 million in funding for the initial design of the Bayfair to Baypark link. The plan involves two ﬂyovers; one over the Maunganui-Girven Rd intersection and one over the railway line and Te Maunga intersection. This project will improve efﬁciency and safety and maximise the movement of freight to and from the Port in particular. It’s essential the Bay’s roading infrastructure matches our growing population and economy.

Read this column in full at www.sunlive.co.nz THE MOUNT

DRYCLEANERS

The Weekend Sun

Mazda 3 motors ahead to Car of Year Mazda sales in Tauranga are expected get a boost following Mazda 3’s naming as New Zealand Car of the Year.

The judges, which included AA motoring experts, considered styling, performance, handling, economy, comfort, interior design, build quality and ﬁnish, practicality, value for money and the importance X-factor. AA Motoring Services general manager Stella Stocks says the Mazda3 has become a Kiwi favourite with a wide range of models to suit a broad range of motorists. “With the Mazda3 we have an outstanding all-rounder with a wide model range and some great

safety technology. “It’s also a mainstream car that carries an air of desirability because of many features and creature comforts that would normally command a premium price tag,” says Stella. The Mazda3 also took out the Compact Car award ahead of other top contenders the VW Golf and Ford Focus. Motoring Writers’ Guild president Liz Dobson says the Mazda3 is a head-turner, winning for its

Ultimate Motor Group new Mazda sales manager Chrissie Donaldson is delighted with the car’s success, saying it backed up all the good feedback she’s heard about its smart design and top safety features. “The focus on safety and the improved design are what make it stand out,” says Chrissie about the model which has been one of her top-sellers. Among the appealing safety features are blind spot monitoring, a reversing safety camera and a rear cross trafﬁc alert to help avoid vehicles or pedestrians approaching from the side. “Mazda buyers are very loyal and I’m sure this will attract more to the Mazda family,” says Chrissie. The compact car beat the nine other ﬁnalists to take the ultimate New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild award last Friday, coming out on top of a pack of six Ultimate Motor Group new Mazda sales manager Chrissie Donaldson SUVs, a small and large car with New Zealand Car of the Year Mazda 3. and a performance car.

combination of styling, fuel economy, numerous safety features and value for money. “Since its launch here, guild members have been impressed with the Mazda3 and it’s sure to be a popular choice with the New Zealand buying public.” Best in Class results: • Small car: Honda Jazz • Compact car: Mazda3

• Medium/large car: Mercedes-Benz C-Class • Luxury car: Mercedes-Benz S-Class • Small/medium SUV: Mazda CX-5 • Large SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe • Luxury SUV: BMW X5 • Sports/Performance car: BMW M3 and M4 • Utility: Ford Ranger • Safest car: Mercedes-Benz C-Class By Hamish Carter

The Weekend Sun

Bumper car sales in Tauranga continue Record car sales continue to be set in Tauranga with some dealers expecting the strong sales trend to continue next year. Ebbett Tauranga dealer-principal Craig Innes says it will be a record year for the dealership and he’s enthusiastic

about prospects for 2015. “November was another great month and there’s no sign of a slowdown, so I’m expecting it will continue,” says Craig. Like many dealerships Ebbett’s – with its top seller the Holden Colorado – has beneﬁted from the particularly strong commercial vehicle sector,

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which has seen annual national sales for 2014 reach a new record before the end of November. Motor Industry Association CEO David Crawford remains upbeat about sales, saying it’s a great boost to have sold more commercial vehicles than ever before “with one month of 2014 to go”. The previous highest year for new commercial registrations was 2013 with 30,881 units sold. In 2014 to date 33,920 new commercial units have sold, which is 19.2 per cent, or 5464 units, ahead of this time last year. Paciﬁc Toyota general manager Mark Mills is pleased with the year, with sales on par with last year’s record ﬁgures and the dealership earning the marque’s prestigious Triple Crown award as leader in passenger, commercial and total new vehicle sales in the region. Mark hopes the sales trend will continue, but accepts it could be threatened by a low dairy payout and a housing market slowdown. “We’re always looking for growth, but there a lot of issues at play so it’s hard to predict the market.” Total new vehicles sold in November also broke a new record, reaching 11,176 up eight per cent, or 788 units, on the previous record set last year. For the year to date there have been 117,758 new vehicles sold – up 13 per cent, or 13,237 units, on this time last year. Toyota remain the overall

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market leader for November with 22 per cent share, with 2431 units, and Ford second on 12 per cent, with 1324 units, and Holden a close third also with 12 per cent but 1322 units. Toyota’s dominance saw Corolla the top national seller in November with 605 units, followed by the Ford Ranger with 566 units and the Toyota Hilux with 560 units. Toyota remained the passenger car leader in November with 21 per cent share, with 1708 units, with Holden on 12 per cent, with 987 units, and Ford with nine per cent, with 695 units. Toyota also led the commercial vehicle market with 23 per cent, with 723 units, followed by Ford at 20 per cent with 629 units and Holden third at 11 per cent with 335 units. By Hamish Carter

The Weekend Sun

Riding her way to motorcycle licence success Following from my story last week, having done the basic handling skills and loads of pre-study on Chris Welch’s website, I applied for my learners theory test and passed!

proud to support

A commotion of cheers and joy came about in Mount Maunganui VTNZ as I frolicked around and made quite a performance. This week I’ve been practising on a learner-approved motorcycle. Being so light and easy to ride, unlike my partner’s Ducati 999 and GSXR 1000: this little number is perfect for starting out.

Western Bay Driving

Valuable skills

I thought with all the practising I’d done I would ace the restricted training. But I had to think again. With another slice of apple humble, I learnt many more valuable skills to apply to my riding. In my opinion Chris, based on her experience and qualiﬁcations, is the highest qualiﬁed instructor in the Bay of Plenty. If you’re planning on applying for your motorcycle licence, or even just a refresher course, it would be my highest recommendation that you choose Chris as your instructor through Bayride.

Chloe Brown at BayRide Motorcycles. Chris is thorough with her training; teaching her students more than standard riding skills. She cares about her students’ riding future and looks after them properly, giving them the conﬁdence to ride well.

Restricted goal

This week my goal is to practise hard and prepare for my restricted test. Then I’ll be heading down to Bayride to get

advice on a bike choice, plus more. Watch this space to ﬁnd out if I pass my test. Western Bay Driving uses Bayride Motorcycles as its contact motorcycle centre, which is open from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday. Training is available seven days a week, so come in and speak to one of their specialists. By Chloe Brown

Bayride works alongside Christine Welch, to help educate and equip new motorcycle riders as well as those returning to this enjoyable and affordable mode of transport.

337 Cameron Road, Tauranga P 07 571 3040 info@bayride.co.nz www.bayride.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

Driving towards summer roadies With the silly season upon us and people making road trip plans for their Christmas holidays, The Weekend Sun has a few tips to help make the journey a bit smoother for the car and family.

Fuel savers

Vehicle Service Centre

Thinking about taking a road trip this festive season? Here’s some advice on how to save on fuel. For all the speedy drivers out there – slow down. The faster the drive, the higher the fuel consumption. Just relax and enjoy the ride – and remember to use gears wisely. Check the tyre pressure. Tyres with lower pressure have more rolling distance, which increases fuel consumption. So it’s a good idea to pump those wheels up. When ﬁlling up with fuel – there’s a trick. Don’t squeeze the trigger of the nozzle too hard. Petrol evaporates fast and you want as much fuel in the tank as possible. If you’re pumping fuel in fast, some of the liquid that goes into your tank may become vapour. Park in the shade. It will take less time for the car to cool down before you start the car again. Finally, clean the car. Remove unnecessary excess weight. An extra 50kg in the car can increase fuel consumption.

Smarter travel choices

Before hitting the highway this silly season, do you want to know whether there’s anything that could delay your arrival time? Check www.sunlive.co.nz regularly for traffic reports, accident scenes to avoid any other possibles delays. New Zealand Transport Agency’s OnTheMove website can help with making smarter travel choices and give travellers a heads-up before they hit the road. The fully customisable travel information service provides information to motorists via email prior to their journey about road and driving conditions, incidents and road works taking place on New Zealand’s state highways. Visit www.onthemove.govt.nz to register, then plot your favourite routes or regions on the map. Once a route or region is saved, motorists will receive an email at their chosen time and date of travel if there’s a significant hold-up or need for caution on the state highway they’ve selected. While minor incidents and general traffic congestion won’t be sent out as alerts, major events that may disrupt state highway traffic or require caution will be reported to you.

Tips for buying a car

If a new car is on the Christmas list this year, it’s important to know what to look for when buying a used vehicle. The risk you take when buying a second-hand car is its history is unknown. The NZTA has some tips to help reduce the risk of buying an unsafe vehicle. Take your time to carefully examine everything you want to see – not just what the seller shows you. The older and cheaper the car, the more likely there could be something wrong, including engine wear and rust – particularly once it’s done more than 100,000km. Know what is ﬁxable and the cost of having work done. Check the paper work for a current Warrant of Fitness and registration – and ask the seller for any service or repair history. Get a professional inspection for a full check over before purchasing any used car.

The Weekend Sun

Appraised Used Vehicles

The Weekend Sun

Spot the showhome differences in Papamoa There’s been plenty of changes to Oceanside Homes’ showhome in Papamoa – and residents are invited to come and spot the differences. Sales and marketing manager Shane Raymond is inviting potential home buyers to come and see what their showhome brand – Lockwood – looks like today. Shane says the Tatahi Cove showhome has a brand new furniture layout, a fresh lick of paint on the exterior – and an eye-catching water feature posed outside. There’s also the excitement of new art work arriving at the showhome’s art studio, with the introduction of

resident artist Toni-Marie Hood. Art sales go towards supporting Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club. “Come in and spot the differences,” says Shane, who is encouraging residents to take this opportunity to view the showhome that could soon be coming on the market. Shane says the company’s show home in Papamoa is lighter,

quieter and brighter, pushing aside the old-fashioned persona that’s sometimes perceived. He encourages people to come and speak to the home design specialists about their ideas and what can be created, with the Papamoa showhome open daily. “Come and share your creative ideas with us. We have a very clever team here and we’re always happy to help.” With the showhome perhaps about to hit the market, the experienced team are also looking at creating something special in Papamoa in the New Year. By Zoe Hunter

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Oceanside Homes sales and marketing manager Shane Raymond.

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Welding up creativity for the home would sit nicely on a coffee table and other larger Need a piece of art to brighten up the garden or pieces like a standing weather vane, flower sculptures the coffee table? Then head along to the ‘Get Fluxed’ and abstract pieces – several students have made fire exhibition showcasing 16 Bay of Plenty Polytechnic braziers. students’ creative welding attempts. Vivian says welding tutors Bruce McQueen and Student Vivian Keenan says the group, made up of Richard Macfarlane have taught the students basic artists and those wanting to learn about the world of welding skills with tutor sculptor Nic Clegg covering welding, have spent four weeks on the the creative side. Creative Welding course making The ‘Get fluxed’ exhibition is opening artworks. tonight at 7pm in the old premises “There’s quite a wide variof Stufkens and Chambers Archiety of students with some of tects at 92 2nd Ave. Then it’s us full-time working artists to open tomorrow and Sunday, school-leavers – and people December 13-14, from having a look to see if welding is 10am-4pm daily, with some their thing.” students on-site. Vivian says more than 30 pieces, “It’ll be worth a visit just big and small will be on show, created to see how an inexperienced from an interesting assortgroup of students can ment of scrap students produce work of a high collected from scrapyards. Jane Rayne with her steampunk dirigible made standard in a very short “Some very original from found objects and mild steel which will be time,” says Vivian. “Come sculptures are taking form. Photo by Tracy Hardy. on display at the exhibition. and be inspired.” There’s small things that

Fresh and fun furniture to target The Target Furniture store in Tauranga promises to have residents enjoying the ease of furniture shopping. The store layout showcases fresh and current furniture ranges in conceptual rooms so customers can see how it can be set up in their home. Store manager Shaun Jameson says these home designs create a more relaxed and more inspiring shopping experience. “The sensation of sitting in our New Zealand-made lounge suites whilst seeing an overall decorated

room is an experience only available in-store.” Shaun says buying a new bed has also been made easy with Target Tauranga’s ‘sleep centre’. “A range of specialist mattresses are displayed together so you can test which level of comfort is perfect for you. “The Target stores always feature the latest sleep surface technology including latex or memory foam, combined with multi-zoned pocket spring systems, so ﬁnding a suitable bed will Enjoy the ease of furniture shopping at Target Furniture this Christmas. always be a dream.”

Building ways to new home satisfaction Statistics tell us about 90 per cent of homeowners are “fairly satisﬁed” with the outcome of their newly-built home. However, when we start to unbundle the layers of issues the picture is not so rosy. Seventy-three per cent of dwellings required a call-back of some kind; and of these, 27 per cent of homeowners reported the process to rectify was a pretty painful experience. I think the high level of “fairly satisﬁed” owners is due to the fact they expected there to be some degree of defective work. The closure of a project is often an emotional and demanding time for both parties involved and so it comes as no surprise one in six end with a dispute. The cause for these disputes is usually due to a mismatch of expectations, often coming to a head as

the project draws to completion. And this only adds to the complexities of redress. The owner is thinking and expecting one thing; and the builder is thinking and delivering another. But you can bring these expectations in line before the project even gets off the ground, through a good building contract. A building contract is a combination of a collection of communication and promises made. Start with detailed quotes or estimates, the client’s scope of works, project timelines, plans, speciﬁcations and engineers’ reports – all which are used to establish cost and level of deliverable services. These all bought together, by that document with all the legal clauses in it, we call the building contract.

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Furniture for the outdoors Living close to the beach may pose outdoor furniture problems – but Furnish owner Callum Wilkinson says the furniture and décor store has the best quality products that won’t rust, corrode or fade. The Cameron Rd store has doubled in size from 400m2 to 800m2, which has allowed Callum and his team to introduce a new and exciting range of dining, lounge and occasional furniture for outdoors. “Our outdoor furniture is the best quality in the Bay of Plenty, with materials including marine-grade stainless steel and Sunbrella and Batyline fabrics,” says Callum.

Furnish owner Callum Wilkinson at his store.

“The furniture is perfectly suited to the Bay’s summer, beach lifestyle by using materials that won’t rust, corrode or fade.” The new extension to the building has also allowed Callum and his team of furniture specialists to add to their top quality leather and New Zealand-made fabric furniture ranges. Callum says one of the most exciting additions is the top quality Italian leather sofa brand – Natuzzi. “Natuzzi is a premium quality leather lounge suite brand using Italian leather. It’s just gorgeous.” The Tauranga-owned and operated business

also offers an extensive range of leather, fabric and occasional furniture, as well as dining, homewares and décor, soft furnishings and home office products. Callum says the aim of the business is to provide their customers with furniture and accessories that are a perfect fit for their homes. “We pride ourselves in offering our customers a wide range of leather and fabric lounge suites, chairs and occasional furniture. “If you have a certain space to fill, then our custom-made leather and fabric furniture could be just the fit for you.” By Zoe Hunter

Jennian’s first two years in home building If Jennian Homes Bay of Plenty directors Shane Lye and Matt Mackay had to describe the ﬁrst two years in business using one word – that word would be ‘active’. Although Matt says one word can hardly detail the journey a building company goes through

during days, weeks and months – he says it’s important to keep active, keep moving forward because customers and competitors keep challenging you to do better. “As you raise the bar, so to speak, then our customers’ expectation is raised.” They say it’s been exciting to see the changes inside Jennian Homes nationally, even during such a short period of time. “All of our franchises are consistently looking at improvements to their businesses which in turn enhance their customers’ experience. “This also means we have a national wealth of knowledge and proven systems to tap into. This is great for us locally as we are ﬁrm

Jennian Homes BOP new homes consultant Jo Lye and director Shane Lye.

believers in shared knowledge and experience to help our business grow and do better.” Looking forward to the future, Shane says 2015 is shaping up to be a busy one for the building company both in the Bay and for the whole industry nationally. “Locally we have a number of amazing projects to start from high end architectural designs on tricky sites, to an earthy solar passive home, as well as some exciting ﬁrst-home projects and much more. “Nationally, with the changes proposed in the Building Amendment Act 2013, building companies will have to up their game even more, which can only be good for everyone.”

Sustainability – so what is it really? I was asked to present to a conference the other day to a number of tutors related to the building industry who were much more intelligent than I. They asked me to talk about sustainability. After all, that’s what we do – advise people on sustainability. But, sustainability is such a big topic – how does it relate to building? We’ve been speaking at a good number of functions and events during the last two years; schools, community events, tertiary institutions, banks, business, homes. So what is sustainability to us? The advice we share about sustainable living is based on considering four areas and four key points: energy efﬁciency, water conservation, waste minimisation and ecological care. Points: Will it help leave a better world for my children’s grandchildren? Will it prevent

Find us online, call us (07) 578 2214 or visit our showroom at 1 Koromiko Street, Tauranga

or minimize any wastage, and therefore save money? Does it help my home to be healthier? Will it last longer? I realise sustainability is much more than this – but when we consider how to help people in their homes and businesses, these are the points and areas that we consider. We ﬁgure in these areas and points there is something for environmental sustainability, social sustainability and community sustainability. We’ve visited hundreds of homes, implemented lots of workshops and spoken to lots of people about sustainability. We do it for free because we feel the information is worth sharing. My reason for writing this is to share what sustainability means to us. So if we can share what we know with you, please ask us. We do it for free, for our desire to serve our community.

straight-up ﬂooring people.

The Weekend Sun

as!

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The Weekend Sun

Beautiful memories of daisy Re: ‘Tough and reﬁned’ article by Jim Bunny (The Sun, December 5). I just wanted to let Jim know that there are others who knew Daisy very well. She did have an opportunity to walk the boardwalk and I recall how very “chuffed’ she was to have it named after her while she was still alive. Daisy was a well-known lady and I spent many weekends at her homestead in the Mindens. We would weed together and I’d be fascinated by the assortment of wondrous plants and ﬂowers we came across during our time in the garden. Daisy also painted, and I still have etched in my memory the gorgeous backdrop painting she had in

the garden internal walkway that led to her front door. The birdlife was also prolific, encouraged no doubt by her many plantings and the flowers they produced. Jim, you hit the nail on the head about Daisy; tough, strong, resilient and yet at the same time a beautiful woman of elegant stature. I was fortunate to have her in my life. She’s placed firmly in my heart and was one of the few “constants” available to me when I grew up. Your article drew tears to my eyes, I miss her. Daisy Hardwick was my grandmother. Paula Wyness, Bethlehem.

Ignoring traditional communication? I do not have a computer (except the one I was born with), which sometimes gives me quite enough trouble, without adding a manmade one. As a result, it seems that because I choose to write the old proper type letters, the people that receive them have developed a new way of dealing with anything that they cannot reply to with the modern electronic methods. They simply ignore them or so it seems. Six to eight weeks ago I wrote to a large organisation in this country, which, if I named it, everyone would recognise. As I now believe in going to the top in these matters,

I addressed the letter to the CEO. I’m a customer with this outﬁt, paying them a regular income every month and I also had an idea that could have increased their profits. I’m still awaiting a reply. I’ve also observed this seems to happen with Government departments now, along with many other companies. My question is: Is this just me being silly or are the older people in our society noticing this too? Perhaps I may get some return comment or perhaps the rest of us have just given up in disgust and no longer care. R McGuinness, Tauranga City.

Greerton swimmers to make big splash Greerton Swimming Club has 22 swimmers competing in the Bay of Plenty Long Course Championships in Rotorua Aquatic Centre this weekend. The event brings swimmers aged 12 and under from across the BOP together to celebrate the beginning of summer and ﬁnd out who’ll reign supreme as champions in their respective events. The term ‘long course’ signals the pool’s length of 50 metres, as opposed to 25m. RAC is the only 50m pool available in the BOP. In normal circumstances the longer course would mean slower times than in a 25m pool, but with these young athletes rapidly improving you never know what might happen on the day. Greerton coach Tai Daniela thinks junior swimming is about developing new skills “and mastering execution of current ones”. Greerton is looking for their swimmers to gain conﬁdence with positive results, but how each swim-

Edward Fuller is one to watch at the BOP Long Course Championships. mer holds their form, concentrating on body position rather than just outright results, is more important. The club’s belief is longer term, with development of the right skill base, each junior athlete has the best chance of achieving their full potential once they’ve matured. Each school term presents an opportunity for young swimmers to improve – Tai’s looking for her swimmers to make small improvements in endurance plus signiﬁcant skill improvement across all strokes. Leading up to the Bay Junior Championships, the squad’s put more emphasis on race day skills such as starts, turns and ﬁnishes. In swimming, where places are decided by hundredths of seconds, these skills make all the difference. The BOP Long Course Championships start 9am tomorrow and Sunday at Rotorua Aquatic Centre. Ones to watch are Connor Farrell, Jessica Martin, and Madison and Edward Fuller and Louis Fitzjohn.

By Josh Hoskin

The Weekend Sun

Taxpayer sponsoring parents’ chosen poverty There’s a lot of talk of ‘children living in poverty’ these days. And it’s interesting to read and hear how we choose to understand poverty. And we’re all different. As someone who has been fortunate to see a bit of the planet, I can tell you we don’t actually have real poverty in New Zealand. We create ‘relative poverty’ by how we think and act. Living life is always about choice. Having children is a blessing. Especially when they’re planned and you can afford them. And as most parents will tell you, children are some of the most expensive things there are. Having children when you have no way of looking after them or offering them the chances

Be very afraid The amalgamation debate is heating up following the decision by the Local Government Commission that the Wellington councils can decide on amalgamating. Be very afraid Tauranga residents, as it seems we’re being led down a similar road with what seems to be an orchestrated campaign, by those in favour of amalgamation, with the expected result that it’s going to happen. Tauranga ratepayers are currently funding an expensive study into amalgamation - it almost makes the $31,000 spent on the failed waka venture look insigniﬁcant - and then we bring back a former CEO, of the TCC, Stephen Town to also support the proposal. This is the man who resigned from the TCC and took up a role with Transit and is now the CEO of the Auckland City Council. What else can he possibly say or contribute other than to support the status quo in Auckland as that’s his employment role. Some Auckland City ratepayers are facing rate rises of more than 25 per cent and this is exactly what Tauranga ratepayers face, as some of us remember the outcome of the enforced merger of the Mount Maunganui Borough Council and Tauranga City Council in 1989. Be very afraid or it’s going to happen without our say. Mike Baker, Bethlehem.

Got something on your chest? The Weekend welcomes new letters. Letters should be 200 words, supplied with author’s full name and contact details. Email: letters@thesun.co.nz

in life they deserve, is what I call, creating relative poverty. Initially poverty of choice, followed by poverty of parenting know-how and skills, then poverty of opportunity and poverty of just about everything else thereafter! Not only do these people create their own poverty by their own poor decision-making, but worse still, they lock their children into the same downward spiral. As I said, NZ poverty is not to be confused with real poverty, in places like India or the Philippines or Indonesia or any one of 100 other countries I could name. Can we solve relative poverty in NZ? Yes. How? By making better decisions when we are

young (come in parents), and by not being serially stupid, foolish or dumb. Created poverty, as we know it in this country, started in the early 1970s and is now beginning its third generation. We need to change the mind set of people who choose poverty as a lifestyle. It doesn’t work, for the individual, for the family, for the communitity or for the nation. The NZ taxpayer has sponsored ‘chosen poverty’ not only in this country, but also in many others; and seriously folks, it has to stop. Otherwise we’ll all be ‘down the swanny’ without a paddle, and there’ll be no getting back. It can be done. If there’s a will. Is there a will? G Martin, Otumoetai.

The Weekend Sun

( 1 7 ( 5 7 $ , 1 0 ( 1 7 G U I D E The Weekend Sun’s ever popular guide to ‘What’s On’ in the Bay.

Friday 12 December Christmas in Greerton

Greerton Village Christmas Concert at Village Square 6pm, compered by Jackie Clarke. Great acts, solo artists, dance groups & more. No charge, but donation for foodbank appreciated.

The Sociables

MUSIC

SPECIAL EVENTS

OUT THERE

News, reviews and opinionated raving on the music scene.

Community events and occasions across the Bay.

Stories, snippets, strangeness, and general entertainment.

Kiwi Camping Tent Sale

morning tea followed by a group walk suitable for all abilities, bring your dogs along too. Jennifer 574 3099

Massive 2 day sale Dec 13 & 14 at Mt Maunganui College, Maunganui Rd. Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 3pm. 0800 22 67 68

Messianic Weekly Meetings The Way meet in the Kingﬁsher Room, Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui 10am. 542 1438

Last meet up for the year. Ring now to secure your seat at the dinner table for Dec 13. Returning Jan 18. 30’s/40’s age group of males & females that meet up once a week to socialise by dining out or participating in local activities & event. 022 012 0376

Multicultural Language of Christmas

Saturday 13 December

Night Owl Cinema

Alcoholics Anonymous

Women’s meeting at St Andrews, Dee St 10-11am. Children welcome.

Christmas Dance At Greerton Hall, 1247 Cameron Rd 7.30pm. BYO drinks & nibbles. Supreme Dance Centre 544 2337 or 027 322 1786

Christmas in the Park Presented by Te Puke Combined Churches at Jubilee Park from 5.30pm. Special guest: Steve Apriana, plus ﬁreworks extravaganza & collection taken for community’s foodbank. Drug & alcohol free event.

Christmas Dance Wear a touch of Christmas. Ballroom, sequence & old time. Live band, good company & special supper. At Mt Maunganui Sports Centre, cnr Hull & Maunganui Rds 7.30-11pm, entry from 7pm. Entrance $7. Organised by Mount Scottish Soc. Elizabeth 544 5633

Concert on Wheels NZ At Baycourt 1.30pm & 7.30pm.

Dame Lynley Dodd Book Signing Session At Tauranga Art Gallery, cnr Wharf & Willow Sts 10-11.30am. Please note: All books to be signed must be purchased from the Tauranga Art Gallery Shop - receipt may be required as proof of purchase. Admission: Free.

Healing Rooms Fashion Island Papamoa, next to Esquires Coffee Shop 1.30-3.30pm. No appointment necessary, no charge. Christian prayer for healing. www. healingrooms.co.nz facebook.com/ PapamoaHealingRooms 022 120 5406

Multicultural Tauranga celebrates the year’s end with songs, poems, dances & stories from children at the region’s 8 language schools. Wesley Church Hall 6pm. Bring a plate of food to share. 571 6419 Mount Drury Park, Grace Ave, Mt Maunganui 6-11pm. Tonight: Point Break. www. nightowlcinema.org.nz Steve’s Vision Photography - Pop Up Gallery Open 12-6pm every day until Dec 21 at Bethlehem Shopping Centre opp Columbus Coffee. Up to 50% off all existing stock - come & grab a bargain! Steve Bolt 021 128 6781 or www. stevebolt.co.nz

Tai Chi Qingong

Every Sat in Memorial Park between mini golf & playground 10am. Free. All welcome.

Tauranga Farmers Market

Tauranga Primary School cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd every Sat 7.45am 12pm. Fresh & artisian produced food. Christmas hamper tickets available at market $2 each. Drawn Dec 13 9am & 10am. You must be present to claim winning hamper. Trixie 552 5278 or www.taurangafarmersmarket.co.nz

Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild

(Note change of day.) At club rooms, Yatton St, Greerton 1pm. Visitors & interested people welcome. Geoff 579 3637

Te Puke Scottish Soc

Dec 20 - Christmas dance with extra special Christmas items at Te Puke Memorial Hall, Jellicoe St. Entry from 7pm. Good company, live band, quality supper. Entrance $7. Organised by Te Puke Scottish Soc. Valerie 573 7093

Waikato BOP Open Athletics Meeting Tauranga Domain all weather athletics track 3pm. Registered athletes $5, non registered athletes $10.

Sunday 14 December Carols on the Lawn

St Andrew’s Church, Dee St, Mt Maunganui from 5pm (show starts 6pm). Special guest artist Steve Apirana. Free family entertainment & food, including a games alley, face painting, sausage sizzle, bouncy castle.

Carols on the Waterfront Downtown, the Waterfront on The Strand 5.30-7pm. Join the combined churches in a beautiful celebration of the spirit of Christmas. See Mary & Joseph arrive with the donkey, then join in singing Christmas Carols. The procession will leave from No. 1 The Strand & travel down the Strand to the Edgewater Fan. Free event.

Czech School Last session of the year at Arataki Community Centre 10am – 12pm. Baking traditional Christmas biscuits. www.facebook.com/csclubtauranga, email csclubtauranga@gmail.com or Jana 579 3918.

Falun Dafa Simple exercises to liberate your mind & energise your body. Free to learn. At Memorial Park by the fountain 1st & 2nd Sundays 9.45am. Judy 576 9683 or txt 021 0425 398 en.falundafa.org

Foraging for Edible Weeds Weeds are more nutritious than store bought veges, learn all about them, collect some & make green smoothie. 352 Woodlands Rd, RD2, Waihi 10am - 1pm. $40 incl ebook. To register Julie 0274 308 471 or info@ juliasedibleweeds.com

Golf Croquet 1 day Robt Cook Handicap Doubles at Tauranga Domain.

Masonic Park Family Fun Day Presented by The Phoenix, 67 The Strand, Tauranga 11am – 2pm. Lots of entertainment including face-painting, bouncy castles, bucking bull challenge, ﬁre engine rides & a visit from Santa. Free entry, but donation toward Variety Children’s Charity welcome.

Master Athletics

Katikati Mural Tours

Walk the Talk

At Tauranga Domain 12pm. Spectator welcome, no charge. Ray 579 1039

Every Sat & Sun departs 11am from the Katikati Info Centre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. $10pp. For group bookings ph 549 5250

Held 2nd Sat of month at Mount Chiropractic, 2a Tui St, Mt Maunganui 9-10.30am. Fun, sociable, informative with a short health related talk & health

Every Sun in Phoenix car park 9am - 1pm. Fresh fruit & veges, breads, cheese, oils, plants & more. All home

Mount Mainstreet Farmers Market

grown & home made. 575 9911 mountmaunganui.org.nz

Papamoa Lions Market At Simpson Reserve 7am – 12.30pm. Stalls must be set up by 7.30am. Great range of goods for sale including fruit & vege, arts & crafts. Fundraising stalls to support needy causes. $10 per car space. 542 2559 a/hs

Radio Controlled Model Yachts

Meet Sun 1.30pm & Thurs 5.30pm at pond behind 24 Montego Drive, Papamoa, to sail electron & similar 3ft long yachts for fun. Beginners welcome. Graham 572 5419

Road to Bethlehem

Dec 14 - 17 at 19 Moffat Rd, Bethlehem. Experience a 40 minute outdoor walk-through theatrical experience that brings to life the story & meaning of Christmas. Tours depart approx every 8 mins between 6.30-9.30pm. 929 4292 or www. roadtobethlehemorg.nz

Scholars Pro Musica

Present Nine Lessons & Carols, a famous advent service from King’s College, Cambridge. Come to sing & listen to your favourite Christmas Carols at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Victoria Rd, Mt Maunganui 7pm. Free event.

Spiritual Club, The Psychic Cafe

Greerton Community Hall, Greerton 7pm. Group of 8 or more spiritual, psychic & healing practitioners to share & enjoy, learn & discuss. Door charge $10, everything else free. 578 7205

Stranded Sundays

Live music & things for children to do, with The Phoenix, Comida, Macau & Cornerstone Pub hosting activities. The Strand closed to trafﬁc 11am – 2pm between Wharf & Hamilton Sts.

Tauranga Acoustic Music Club

GUIDE The Weekend Sun’s guide to who’s playing and where.

Theosophical Society End of year pot-luck meal & gathering at the Theosophical Society Library from 2pm. June, 576 6106

Traditional Carol Service At St George’s Anglican Church, Gate Pa 6pm. Get ready for Christmas & come & sing your favourite Christmas Carols, with some new ones thrown in. Also children’s nativity play, followed by supper.

Monday 15 December 500 Card Games

Most nights. Free & social, some experience preferred. Chris 572 3834

Body & Soul Fun Fitness For over 50’s, social events & guest speakers. Mon & Fri Greerton Hall Cameron Rd. Tues Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave. Weds City Church cnr Otumoetai Rd/Sherwood St. Thurs at Tauranga Senior Citizens Hall, Norris St behind Pak n Save. All classes 9.1510.15am. For men & women. Last class for 2014 is Dec 19, bring a plate. Merry Christmas & a blessed New Year. Dianne 576 5031 Qualiﬁed Instructor/ Cardiac Care leader.

Citizens Advice Bureau Free, conﬁdential info & advice about anything call in Mon - Fri at 38 Hamilton St, Tauranga 9am - 5pm or free-phone 0800 367 222 or 578 1592. JP service every Mon 1-5pm, Weds & Thurs 9am - 11.30am. Weds CAB service at Welcome Bay Community Centre 9.30am - 12.30pm, Fri at Mount Library 11.30am 1.30pm. No appointment necessary.

Junction Mental Health

Peer support & advocacy: coffee & chat 10am – 12pm. 579 9890

Leisure Marching

Blackboard concert second Sun at Cherrywood Arms, 44 Cherrywood Dr, Tauranga 2pm. Paul 579 2346

For exercise, fun & fellowship. Ladies 50+ required. No experience necessary. Coreen 570 0172

Weekend activities for over 60’s. Walks, dinners, day trips & good times. Richard 578 3894

Free classes Mon 10am & Weds 7.30pm. Find peace, spiritual awareness & the meaning of your life. David 576 9764

Tauranga Friendship & Social Club

Tauranga Night Market Bayfair Every Sunday in the Bayfair undercover carpark 5.30-11pm. All weather, fully undercover. Fresh produce, gifts, fashionware, antiques, live music & more.

The Christmas Show

A unique blend of crazy Christmas fun for the whole family! At City Church Tauranga, 252 Otumoetai Rd 9.30am. Sharon van Ameringen 6pm. www. citychurchtauranga.org.nz

Meditation

Omanu Bowling Club

Twilight bowls every Mon 6-8pm. Flat shoes essential.

Santa Claus is coming to Town

Actually...Bethlehem Town Centre from Dec 15. Visit Santa in his workshop & have your photo taken. Plenty to see & do as well as gift wrapping. Workshop open 10am - 5pm daily & Santa visits from 12-4pm until Dec 21.

The Weekend Sun Steady as You Go Falls Prevention Classes Every Mon at Accadia Manor, 101 Edgecumbe Rd, Tauranga 1.302.30pm & 2.30-3.30pm. Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui 11am - 12pm. Every Tues at Acacia Park, 134 Hamurana Rd, Omokoroa 10.30-11.30am. Hodgson House, 51 Botanical Rd, Tauranga 2.30-3.30pm. $2pp per class. 578 2631

Tauranga Civic Choir

Every Mon at Wesley Church, 13th Ave, Tauranga 7.30pm. New members welcome. Heather 575 9092

Tauranga RSA Indoor Bowls

Mon report 12.45pm for 1pm start. Fun day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; closing day. Weds 3.45 for 4pm start. Fun day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; closing day. Leanne 570 0154

Twilight Bowls

Welcome Bay Lions

French Connection

Support your local community along with lots of fun. Meet 2nd Tues at Greenwood Park Village 6.30pm. Jim 544 1248

For lovers of all things French. Come & meet like minded people over a relaxed drink. Meet every second Thurs at Comida between 4.30-6.30pm. Email Andrea: agohns@yahoo.co.nz

Wednesday 17 December Age Concern Walking Group Meet at Banks Ave bus stop 10am, Christmas lunch at Kwang Chow after walk 11.30am. All welcome. 578 2631

Baywide Community Law Service Drop in clinic every Weds at 63 Willow St 5-6.30pm. No appointment necessary. Free legal assistance. 571 6812. Every Tues morning at Te Puke Clinic. For appointment 573 5614. Every Thurs morning at Katikati Clinic. For appointment 549 0399

Every Mon at Omanu Bowling Club, Golf Rd, Mt Maunganui 5.45pm for 6pm start. Jim 572 1983. Also at Bowls Matua, 108 Levers Rd 5.30pm start. 576 9980. Bowls & tuition available for new bowlers. Flat shoes essential. $5 fee.

Bipolar Support Group

Water for the Soul

Friends of Tauranga City Libraries

Do you feel spiritually isolated & seek relationship with like-minded people? Join us for biblical study, shared meals, relationship, celebration & social times. All things working together for good. 571 5188

Book group meet at Papamoa Library 10am. Visitors & new members welcome.

Healing Rooms

Tuesday 16 December 2014 @ The Clothesline

Quality pre-loved clothing babies adults 50c - $2, & prayer for the sick. 36D MacDonald St, Mt Maunganui 10am - 2pm.

Alcoholics Anonymous Mt Maunganui

Open meeting every Tues at St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall, 11 Victoria Rd 7.30pm. For more meetings & assistance 0800 229 6757

Altrusa Club of Tauranga

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community service group. Dinner & business meeting 2nd Tues. Social programme 4th Tues monthly. Interested? Denise 570 3134

Anxiety Support Group

For people with an experience of anxiety 1-2pm. Ph Junction 579 9890 for info or if you need a ride.

Home Instead Senior Care

Community music event 1st Tues of month, Greerton Hall, Cameron Rd, (opp McDonalds) & at Otumoetai Church of Christ Hall, Ngatai Rd (near Cherrywood roundabout) 3rd Tues of month. From 10-11.30am. This week: Christmas event cancelled. $4 entry & rafďŹ&#x201A;e. Morning tea & music.

Junction Mental Health

Peer support & advocacy: coffee & chat at Papamoa Community Centre (Papamoa Library) 15 Gravatt Rd) Papamoa 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12pm. 579 9890

Ocean Running Club

Every Tues 5k family fun run & walk. Registration at Sport Fishing Club, Pilot Bay 5.30pm, starts 6pm. $5 entry, free drink & spot prizes. Phil 021 383 354

Otumoetai Toastmasters

Leadership skills, speaking skills. At Lyceum Club rooms, 68 1st Ave 7.159.30pm. Allan 544 5989

Tauranga Acoustic Music Club

Cherrywood Arms, 44 Cherrywood Dr 7.30pm. Friendly jam sessions. Sing, play or just listen. Paul 579 2346 or www.tamc.org.nz

Tauranga Toastmasters

Tga Lyceum Club 7.159.30pm. ConďŹ dence building, speaking skills, leadership skills. Alan 544 5989

For people with bipolar 1-2pm. Junction 579 9890 for info or if you need a ride.

Bowls Indoor: Every Weds & Fri at Mt Maunganui Senior Citizens, 345 Maunganui Rd 12.45pm. 575 4560

At Bethlehem Town Centre, cnr shop behind PO/Bookstore, Christian prayer for healing. Weds 1-3pm. 021 110 0878 www.healingrooms.co.nz

Kiwi Toasters Learn to speak with conďŹ dence & grow leadership skills. Meet 2nd & 4th Weds at Te Puke Hotel 5.30-7pm. Guests welcome. Chrissy 543 9493 or c.meyer@xtra.co.nz

Mount Healing & Spiritual Centre Fellowship & celebration for the Christmas special at Omanu Bowling Club, Golf Rd, Mount. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Door charge by way of tin/packet donation for Food Bank & a plate for supper. All welcome. Janet 027 264 0226

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sequence Dancing Dec 31 at Greerton Hall 8pm midnight. Live music. Men $7, ladies a plate please.

Tauranga Embroiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guild Every Weds at Tauranga Rowing Club rooms, Memorial Park 10am 2.30pm & 7-9pm. Juniors 4-5.30pm. Beginners & experienced stitches welcome. Nancy 544 4778

Tauranga Mid-Week Tramping Group Waihi Beach to Homunga Bay. Grade moderate, approx 5.5hrs. Pat 544 0670

Toastmasters - City Early Start Improve communication, leadership & teamwork skills. Every Weds at Classic Flyers Avgas Cafe 6.458.15am. Toastmasters is the answer for building conďŹ dence & leadership skills. To ďŹ nd a club near you email: LaniDTM@ gmail.com or 571 1545. http://cityearlystart. toastmastersclubs.org

Thursday 18 December Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Salvation Army, Eversham Rd, Bayfair 7.30-8.30pm.

Awesome Clothing Sale Good quality, all sizes & styles. Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, shoes, sheets, duvets etc. Only $2 a bag. You pick. Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga 9.30-10.30am. Organised by Turning Point Trust 578 6934

Dine Down at the Village Historic Village, 17th Ave open on Thursday nights 5-7pm. Dine, shop, relax.

Relationolicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anonymous for Women Are you forever ending up in unhealthy relationships? Do you keep wishing & hoping he will change? Join this group for self development & support. Every Thurs at Hanmer Clinic, 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton 10-11.30am. Ph/txt Liz 0274 362 800

Schizophrenia Support Group For people who have a diagnosis of schizophrenia 1-2pm. Ph Junction 579 9890 for info or if you need a ride.

Simplee Cre8ive Every Thurs at Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui 9am - 2.30pm. Ladies craft day, bring the craft that you do. $5. Jenny 572 5396 Smiths Sports Shoes Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Run & Walk Until Dec 18. Walkers start 5.45pm & runners 6pm with registration from 5.15pm. 3km & 5km options starting Maxwells Rd Reserve. $5 adults, $3 students. $100 Smiths Sport Shoes voucher each week.

Tai Chi Qingong Every Thurs at Ohauiti Rd, Settlers Hall 11am. Class takes approx 1 hr. $1pp. All welcome. Eric 577 1988

Tauranga Model Railway Club Meet every Thurs & Tues evening 7.30pm. Ed 543 1108 www. taurangamodelrailwayclub.co.nz

The Village Junction Event Featuring entertainment, stalls & childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities at the Historic Village, 17th Ave from 5-8pm.

Toastmasters - Kickstart Club Have fun while learning to speak conďŹ dently. Breakfast meeting at Alimento Cafe, 1st Ave, Tauranga 7-8.15am. Guests welcome. Helen 571 6181

Friday 19 December Alcoholics Anonymous

Open meeting every Fri at Hamner Clinic, 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton (behind Bridgestone) 7.30pm. 0800 229 6757 for more meetings or assistance.

Bowls Friday twilight games until Dec 19 at Gate Pa Bowling Club 5.306.30pm. Open to anyone to have a go. Flat shoes. Sausage sizzle. Tim 027 577 3560

Chess Tauranga

Every Fri at Tauranga RSA, Greerton 6pm & 7pm onwards for the whole family. Werner 548 1111 http://www. westernbopchess.weebly.com/

Free Immigration Assessment

By Licenced Immigration Adviser. Tauranga Multicultural Ethnic Council, Historic Village, 17th Ave. For appointment ph Iryna Stewart 543 9125 or 021 0226 2619

Free Immigration Clinic

Every Fri - legal advice & information on immigration issues. For appointment, Baywide Community Law 571 6812

Gay/Bi Men Support Group

Do you need a trusting person to talk to? Discretion assured. For meetings & locations ph/txt Alex 027 358 5934

Te Puke Late Night Shopping

Until 8pm. Street entertainment, festive atmosphere & the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lucky Shopper - $2,000 Te Puke Dollarsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drawn by Nathan Harris (All Black) outside the Te Puke Post OfďŹ ce 6pm.

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS OUT! PLEASE NOTE: Christmas & New Year Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On and Gig Guide deadlines. Send through your items by 3pm Monday 15 December for Friday 19th edition toâ&#x20AC;Ś

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Onâ&#x20AC;? is a FREE VHUYLFH IRU QRQ SURÂż W FOXEV & organisations.

(PDLO MXOLH#WKHVXQ FR Q] RU Fax 571 1116 or post to 32 %R[ 7DXUDQJD

'HDGOLQH SP 7XHVGD\V Contributions should be less than 20 words.

52 0 8 6 , & 3 / 8 6

The Weekend Sun

By Winston Watusi

Time to look at albums releases from the year Not all of them of course. Nothing like that. Not even enough for a Top Ten list. So much music is constantly released that even pretending I’ve listened to enough to create a Top Ten would be foolish. And I listen to quite a bit. Folk Roots mag (online) just released their Top Ten Folk albums for the year. If you did nothing but listen to folk music that might be possible. (By the way,

Number One was the UK’s Martin and Eliza Carthy who played in Hamilton in October. Damn, I wish I’d gone!) But we’ll leave favourites till next week as there’s still pre-Christmas local music emerging.

Waihi outﬁt

First up is an album that I’ve been enjoying immensely over the past month called ‘Sitting On Something’ by a Waihi outﬁt calling themselves The Line Up. I happen to think that’s a terrible name for a band, but it’s about the only thing I don’t like about this. ‘Sitting On Something’ had its genesis with singer/guitarist Bill Young and bass player Glenn Potier who got together jamming on some original songs a couple of years back. They had played together in various bands and recorded an album with the Psychedelic Cosmic Cowboys – who will be out gigging again this summer – and Bill has a home studio, so they enlisted the services of drummer Graham Potter and harmony singer Willy Postma (she’s also a Cosmic Cowboy) and set to doing it all themselves, writing a few new extra tunes as recoding progressed. The result is a terriﬁc laid-back album of bluesy country with extremely cool cover art and design courtesy of Jade Culton. Things kick off with probably my favourite song, a sprightly blues tune called ‘Red Wine by the

Fire’ featuring several layers of understated guitar and a nice groove. JJ Cale would be proud. Elsewhere there are instrumentals (‘I Wanna be a Cowboy’) and bouncy little hoedowns (‘Heading to the Snow’), while the title track hints at reggae. It’s a very pleasant album, with lyrics staying low-key and local – literally in the case of bureaucratically-focused closer ‘Local Bodies’ – good arrangements and an easy-listening sound. ‘Sitting On Something’ can be download through Ampliﬁer, iTunes and Amazon. The physical CD is available from oceanviewstudio23@gmail.com. Meanwhile Threat.Meet.Protocol don’t deliver anything as user-friendly on their new six-track EP, Pretentious, but that’s not their mission. Threat.Meet. Protocol are a three-piece, featuring another of Tauranga’s second generation musicians, drummer Stefan Braunias, son of one of the town’s most respected guitarists, Trevor Braunias (Trevor, aside from being a staggering guitarist, runs Music Planet at the Mount where he has aided generations of musicians).

Ridiculously talented

In fact the entire family seem ridiculously talented, but that’s a story for another time... Stefan plays some serious drums here and is

joined by singer/bassist Austin Cunningham and keyboard player Luke Turner. Things start off with an introduction. It’s called ‘Introduction’ and it sounds like...well, an introduction: two-and-a-half minutes of slowly-building ominous piano. But that’s just to soften you up.

Wild opening

Things really kick off with the wild opening keyboard of ‘On Even Ground’ and, yes, the album’s ﬁrst screamed lyric indeed starts with an ‘F’ and comes with an R18 warning. From there it’s onto ‘Mongoose’ which leans towards an infectious CBGB’s early punk dance beat. Of the six tunes here there is the intro, a 30-second closer and three sub-three minute songs. Then there’s ‘Elephant’. At nearly nine minutes, running on a hypnotic bass groove, ‘Elephant’ is rather magniﬁcent. As the repeated choruses – “We’re hiding from the elephant/we run from the elephant/ we’re scared of the elephant” etc – roll over you with increasingly manic energy it is at once absurd, threatening and invigorating. Fantastic! Threat.Meets.Protocol are part of an eclectic stable of bands on Tauranga’s underground record label Savant Garde, which has recently also released an album from Super Narco Man and a fairly funny Christmas single by Liberated Squid called ‘Do They Know It's Suxmas?’ They’re all available for download from bandcamp.com. Threat. Meet.Protocol can be found at taurangamusicsux.bandcamp.com/album/ pretentious – the others can be reached from there. There are also physical CDs available from their Facebook page.

The Weekend Sun

Win a double pass to 7 Days Live The jokers from TV3 hit comedy satire show ‘7 Days’ will be returning to Baycourt Theatre in Tauranga for a sold-out show on December 17. If you missed out on a ticket and are feeling gutted, turn that frown upside down because The Weekend Sun has a double pass to give away to one lucky reader. Now into its fourth year, the 7 Days Live Tour takes news and current affairs off the telly screens and into venues across New Zealand.

It will feature host Jeremy Corbett and team leaders Paul Ego and Dai Henwood, who will be joined by Kiwi comedians Ben Hurley, Urzila Carlson, Jeremy Elwood and Josh Thomson. If you’re not in the know, ‘7 Days’ is a weekly comedy satire show where the best stand-up comedians take the mick out of the news, each other and everything in between. Live shows involve a quick-ﬁre stand-up comedy from each of the players before Ego and Henwood battle it out in front of the audiBy David Tauranga ence, with Jeremy Corbett as the quizmaster.

The Weekend Sun has one double pass for the 7 Days Live Tauranga show to give away to one lucky reader who can tell us how many years the tour has been running for? Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section. Entries must be received before Monday, December 15.

The Weekend Sun has one double pass to give away to the December 17 sold-out ‘7 Days’ live show.

Titans tour tickets The Clash of the Titans Tour featuring Dragon, The Exponents and The Feelers is heading to Mount Maunganui and Coroglen this month. The Weekend Sun has a number of prizes to give away including the Mega Prize Pack, which includes a double pass, sports towel, jandals, sunblock, and a CD from all three bands. The second prize includes a double pass, sports towel, jandals and sunblock, while two runners up will also receive double passes. To enter write in to The Weekend Sun and tell us which band doesn’t know why love does this to them? By David Tauranga

Enter online at www. sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section. Entries must be received before Wednesday, December 10.

Dining out at Papamoa Hungry residents are invited to take the night off from cooking and have a bite to eat at Papamoa’s Dinner in the Domain instead. The weekly artisan food market is on every Thursday from 5.30pm-9pm at Papamoa Domain on Papamoa Beach Rd. There are also weekly food demonstrations starting from 6.30pm and entertainment while you eat. Admission is free.

The Matua Mount RSA Sunday 14 – Aaron and Alice Friday 12 – Che Orton 7.30pm. Sea 3-6pm. Saturday 13 – Emmerline Mini Wednesday 17 – A Taste of Show Abba 7.30pm. Country Night 7.30-10pm. Sunday 14 – Tim Armstrong 4.30pm. Welcome Bay Bar Friday 12 – Xmas Factor Karaoke The Crown and Badger Competition from 8pm. Friday 12 – One One One. Saturday 13 – Live music with Saturday 13 – One One One. “Chubby Renata” from 4-7pm.

Last nights of mischievous musical in the city

Time is running out for Tauranga residents to view a night of witty and risqué entertainment at Tauranga Repertory’s 16th Avenue Theatre. Finishing tomorrow ‘Scarlett Women – Come Again’ promises to take audiences on a journey to a world of humorous, naughty songs punctuated by quotes and anecdotes from the ladies of theatre and show business. Directed by Jan and Merv Beets, the sequel to the sell-out season of Scarlett Women in 2012 is on until December 13. Tickets cost $27 for adults, $23 for seniors and students and $20 for members. Tickets are available at www.eventﬁnder.co.nz

Across 6. Region (SI) (10) 8. River (East coast NI) (4) 9. Booze (4) 10. Sea (5) 11. Wise (4) 12. Nerve-racking (9) 16. Fraction (9) 20. Trees (4) 22. Scrounge (5) 23. Maori neck ornament (4) 24. Single-handed (4) 25. Snapshot (10) Down 1. Vegetable (6) 2. Reel (7) 3. Salivates (6) 4. Writing desk (6)

No. 1401 5. Religious songs (5) 7. Phase (5) 13. Glacier (SI) (3) 14. One hundred years (7) 15. Sailing boat (5) 17. Under cover (6) 18. Shake (6) 19. Native seabird (6) 21. Extent (5) K I S M E T Y R E F O R M

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The Weekend Sun

On the Road to Bethlehem Residents are encouraged to take a step back from the fast-paced festive season and remind themselves of the reason for the celebrations by travelling the Road to Bethlehem. The biblical story will come to life on December 14-17 when the Seventh Day Adventist Church – with supporting churches across the city – stages its interactive tour in a real-life re-telling of the Christmas story. Road to Bethlehem committee chairperson Tricia Dobson says the 50-minute nativity walk gives people the chance to experience the birth of Jesus Christ by walking through several scenes, on the journey from Nazareth to the village of Bethlehem at the time. “Along the way, they will encounter an authentic, busy marketplace from the era, loyal shepherds, the wise men, angels and Roman soldiers, before encountering baby Jesus in the ﬁnal scene.” Tricia says more than 200 volunteers from Christian groups across Tauranga are involved in the re-telling of the story that she says aims to take people back to the time baby Jesus was born.

Melissa Burrows as Mary, George Murcott as Joseph and Marika Dacker, two months old, as baby Jesus. Photo by Tracy Hardy. “We had more than 5000 people come through last year. People just keep coming back, it’s wonderful.” The Christmas story will be told during four evenings from Sunday to Wednesday, with walking tours beginning every eight minutes from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. The free event is at Tauranga Adventist School, Moffat Rd, on December 14-17. To avoid queuing, people are encouraged to book their tour online at www.roadtobethlehem.org.nz

By Zoe Hunter

Santa Claus is coming to downtown The annual Masonic Park Family Fun Day is back by popular demand for the second year running this Sunday. The Phoenix and Comida on The Strand have combined to bring Tauranga families a fun-packed day out at the annual family event at Masonic Park on December 14. The Phoenix owner Mark Lawrence says there’s plenty of fun, festive activities for all ages. “Children can enjoy activities including face painting, bouncy castles, a bucking bull challenge, ﬁre engine and lawn mower rides, crafts, a lolly scramble – plus, there’s even a visit from Santa himself at 2pm.

The Phoenix owner Mark Lawrence gives children a ride on the mower at last year’s Family Fun Day at Masonic Park. “Mums and dads can enjoy an up-close and personal look at some classic motorcycles on display courtesy of the Tauranga Ulysses Club.” Mark says most activities are by gold coin donation, with proceeds raised going towards Variety Children’s Charity Bay of Plenty. “They do an amazing job by helping Kiwi kids living without the basics in life.” Mark is inviting families to The Strand between 11am and 2pm on December 14 to enjoy some “good times” at the Masonic Park Family Fun Day, where By Zoe Hunter “you can make a difference”.

The Weekend Sun

Christmas performers take to the stage “Last year Noah was a shepherd and this year he has a key role in the stomp group playing the drums. He’s a very talented little drummer.” While lapping up the entertainment, families are invited to bring their own With one week to go until the stage picnics, buy food from the wide range ﬁlls with talented performers on of vendors, or go upstairs to Mills December 20, music director Sean Reef for an exclusive dinner and Embling is thrilled with the way show experience. rehearsals have been going. Debuting at Mills Reef, the event “I’m looking forward to the wide is offering a dinner and show packrange of people of all ages who will be age at the winery’s restaurant for stepping under the spotlight $65 for adults and $22.50 for those next Saturday. aged two-10, with an exclusive “I’m particularly excited to see the viewing option – but people have to children’s choir take to the stage book in advance. who will be joined by a local stomp People are encouraged to make a group.” booking for the exclusive dinner A key performer alongside this Tauranga’s seven-year-old Noah and show package by phoning 07 year’s stomp group is Tauranga’s seven-year-old Noah Stuart, who will Stuart is a key performer for this 5768800 before tonight’s deadline. The event at Mills Reef winery year’s stomp group. be showing his talent on the drums.

It’s lights, camera, action in Bethlehem as preparations for the upcoming ‘A Night Before Christmas’ event at Mills Reef winery are in full swing.

on December 20 opens 5.30pm, with the main event from 7.30pm-9.40pm. A spectacular ﬁreworks display will end the night.

For all details, including parking options, visit www. anightbeforechristmas.co.nz By Zoe Hunter

Free training for women’s tri This one’s for the ladies. It’s time to slip on the runing of a 400m swim, 10km cycle and 4km run or walk, ning shoes and start training for the 2015 Generation is for women of all ages and ﬁtness abilities. Homes Women’s Triathlon in February. “Close to 500 women took part in last year’s event,” But don’t worry – you says Miranda, who says there’s plenty don’t have to do it alone. of spot prizes up for grabs too. We women stick together “So far there’s about $17,000 worth – so event organiser of spot prizes to give away, which Miranda Clark has set up means there’s one spot prize for every a free 12-week training two people. programme for beginners. “Now that’s value for money.” “Thanks to our talented Women can register for the 2015 and amazing coach Generation Homes Women’s TriathKathy Miller, we have a lon, on February 22, as individuals, in free beginners’ training a team, as mother and daughter, or a programme available for three-generation entry. you to download from the Women are encouraged to start training To register and download training website.” programmes, visit www.trichicks.co.nz for the 2015 Generation Homes There’s also free Tri By Zoe Hunter Women’s Triathlon in February. Chicks Novice Triathlete training sessions for the gals to train together. The free sessions, starting January 13, invite women to join in some fun, non-competitive weekly – sometimes twice weekly – training with other novice women triathletes. “The focus is all about learning new skills and gaining the conﬁdence you need to complete this event,” 400m Swim, 10km Cycle, 4km Run/Walk says Miranda. If you’re worried you may not be able to complete a Sunday 22 February 2015 triathlon – don’t fret. This gals-only triathlon, consistPilot Bay, Mount Maunganui

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Win some natural home care products

There’s no better home care products, made from natural organic New Zealand ingredients, than those from Pure Blend. Pure Blend has a huge range of products to cover most cleaning requirements, including products for your pets. Founder Kelly Willoughby wanted to make an organic and natural range of body and home care products that are not only affordable but also used high quality ingredients. All products are fresh and made in small batches to maintain quality – and Kelly doesn’t use sodium lauryl sulphate, petrochemicals, parabens, artiﬁcial colours or fragrances, caustic soda, bleaches or animal products and the products are not tested on animals. The Weekend Sun has two Pure Blend prize packs to give away to lucky readers who can tell us where Pure Blend ingredients come from? Enter online at www.sunlive. co.nz under the competitions section. Entries must be received before Wednesday, December 17.

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The Weekend Sun

trades & services

Opening the door to Christmas

Restoration of front doors is the couple’s specialty after working with wood for more than 30 years as furniture repairers and restorers. “No door has beaten us yet,” says Quinton. “Some look past the point of no return, but we bring them back to new again.” The doors are sanded back, stripped and re-polished before being brought back to life with a four-coat process. The ﬁrst coat is an anti-mould and

Jan and Quinton at Exterior Timber Restorations. fungicide followed by three ultraviolet-resistant top coats, with only top quality tried and true products used. Sidelights and framework, as well as large garage doors, are completed on-site if required – and brassware is polished and lacquered if needed. Quinton and Jan also offer a restoration and repair service on selective items of furniture. For a no-obligation free quote and guaranteed workmanship, give them a call. They’re open during the Christmas and New Year period. By Zoe Hunter

The ‘valet professionals’ When they detail your car inside and out, the result isn’t the same as a car wash – the team at Wax Attack are valet professionals. Co-owner Sean Briggs has 15 years’ experience in the vehicle trade and has an eye for detail, leaving customer’s vehicles looking almost brand new again. The Fraser St valet’s gold class service includes a full interior and exterior clean, a three-stage cut and polish, engine bay and wheels cleaned and your carpets and upholstery cleaned with a wet vac, which is also offered as a standalone service. Wax Attack’s extra services include headlight restoration, bumper scrape repairs, paint touch ups, three-stage cut

Wax Attack co-owner Sean Briggs. and polishing and water spot removal from glass. They also offer pencil re-touching, where Sean will match the paint to the colour of the car and touch up any scrape marks on the exterior. The team believe what sets them apart from other valets is their range of services. It’s Sean’s experience in cut and polishing from his automotive spray painting background that makes the vehicles’ paintwork look “outstanding”. “We also offer free pick-up and delivery and have Public Liability Insurance.” Open during the festive period, Wax Attack offers gift vouchers – “the perfect Christmas gift”. By Zoe Hunter

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WEDDINGS, PARTIES, MEETINGS etc. With stunning Harbour views, fully licensed bar & kitchen onsite. Restaurant open every Friday from 5pm & 6XQGD\ IURP SP 7DXUDQJD Fish & Dive Club, 60 Cross Rd, 6XOSKXU 3RLQW 3K RU WH[W 027 318 5760 www.tfdc.co.nz

wishes 7KH &ODVVLÂż HG team wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. Take care out there!

Selling during Christmas? The number of new listings on the residential property market surged by 32 per cent in October after a slowish September. Figures released by Realestate.co.nz, New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest online database of homes for sale, shows 13,765 new homes came onto the market nationwide in October. With the election, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the usual spring rise in homes for sale, but the strong rise in October brings us back close to long-term ďŹ gures, according to Realestate.co.nz Yes, people do buy and sell houses during the holiday period â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I know â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we are all rushing headlong into Christmas and have plans for the festive seaso. But even if you get a contract on your house during the next few weeks itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely for things to complete and settle before the end of January. Even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going

away your agent could well be onboard to show people through â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to have someone keeping an eye on the place while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re away. If an offer comes in, the electronic media of scan-

ning and emails allow for transactions to take place remotely and more solicitors are on-board these days, between public holidays, if required. So if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to change your address donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the festivities put you off; you could well attract one of the many visitors to the beautiful Bay of Plenty who are considering making our bit of paradise their home too. By Shirley Wells, Crockford Real Estate

The Weekend Sun

Best Christmas is spent with community www.

.org.nz

Christmas. It can be so busy running around doing one million things, trying to keep everyone happy. As a pastor it gets even busier as I try to write meaningful messages and craft cool services. We try to appeal to the older folks, who have done it all before, and the children for whom this will be their ﬁrst Christmas. Of course in the middle of all this I also want to look after my mum and make sure my children have a great time. Last year it was all such a rush and then I turned up at the Tauranga Free Christmas Dinner. I was there to help out and give a short

talk, but I had such a ball! We had a huge range of people, single older people, big families, some of the guys who don’t have accommodation at the moment and they were all enjoying dinner together. To me the dinner was the highlight of Christmas, we’d had some great singing and a wonderful time at home, but coming out and sharing with the wider community was just the best. We welcome people to come as guests to the dinner 5pm on Christmas day, please ring us to tell us you’re coming, and volunteers are also welcome. Call St Peters Ofﬁce on 07 578 9608. Why not start your countdown to Christmas with Carols on The Waterfront this Sunday from 5.30pm? By Reverend

Simon McLeay

Undervaluing Christmas I love Christmas, it’s a wonderful time of year. For many the notion of Christmas brings to mind thoughts of time with family and holidays and joyful celebrations. Those are good things but if that’s all that excites us about Christmas then we’ve seriously undervalued the signiﬁcance of the season. Christmas is about a sin-

gular and unrepeatable event in history – God became a Baby. John sums this up so brieﬂy and clearly in his Gospel: “And the Word became ﬂesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The eternal God who cannot be contained by this universe chose to be contained within the fragile, helpless body of a baby.

You and I could not invent a God like this – a God of staggering humility, mercy and grace. And yet this was His choice and His alone. Jesus Christ – fully God and fully Man – was born a babe in Bethlehem. He lived a perfect life, preached a Gospel of repentance and faith and went to the cross of Calvary. And there, holy and sinless God bore the sin of the world so that the Father would be gloriﬁed and so you and I can be saved. If this Christmas time is lost in a whirl of mince pies, carols and presents then we’ve missed the point and robbed God of glory. Spend this Christmas time focused on the God who became a Baby and tell your family about how great He is! Merry Christmas to all from Bay Bible Fellowship. By John Kerr,

Bay Bible fellowship

The Weekend Sun

63 Reserve clean-up

Te Puke and Katikati Christmas parades

It was Te Puke and Katikati’s turn to bring festive cheer to the region with the jolly white-bearded man visiting each town last Saturday.

Greenpark and Gate Pa Primary school students cleaned up the Wylie and Jones St Reserve for the second time in six months. Students, such as Greenpark School’s Shayla Harris, 10, parents, teachers and council employees all chipped in to collect a large amount of rubbish to cart away on December 4. The school excursion, designed to teach children about stormwater, may have also taught returning youngsters some people never learn.

Gatsby Night’s glory

Main act The Electric Swing Circus – a six-piece band of full-time professional musicians from the United Kingdom – played live electro-swing for the night.

Waipuna Hospice brought song, music and dance from the 1920s to Tauranga last Friday night, with its cabaretstyle show fundraiser ‘Gatsby Nights’ at Classic Flyers. Guests were encouraged to dress up 1920s era style for night of entertainment and fundraising.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, Waipuna Hospice fundraising manager Trish Rae, Legacy Funerals director Mike Savage and hospice CEO Richard Thurlow at Gatsby Nights.

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The Weekend Sun

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