The Weekend Sun 22 December 2017

22 December 2017, Issue 887

Cricketing Christmas crackers!

Inside

Kevin’s adventure p4

Exploring our backyard p11

Saving fuel tips p21

A huge summer of cricket got underway at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval last weekend, and as the weather hots up, so do the fixtures, with some of the game’s biggest names heading to the region over the next few months.

Two Twenty20 internationals usher in the New Year, with New Zealand’s Black Caps going head-to-head with current World T20 champions the West Indies, before Pakistan and England provide the opposition in January and February.

The venue, which featured their all-new floodlights for the first time on Saturday, also plays host to a number of ICC Under-19 World Cup clashes next month and two White Ferns T20s in March. For dates, times and ticket information, visit: www.bayoval.co.nz

Iconic Night Markets p33

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Friday 22 December 2017 1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga Phone 07 578 0030 www.theweekendsun.co.nz ads@thesun.co.nz newsroom@thesun.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

2 The Weekend Sun is published every Friday, circulating throughout the Western Bay of Plenty, delivered free to 66,811 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 General Manager: Jay Burston Editorial: Andrew Campbell, Letitia Atkinson, Elaine Fisher, Merle Foster, Hunter Wells, Ryan Wood, Cayla-Fay Saunders, Kerry Mitchell, Sharnae Hope, Sam Gardner. Photography: Bruce Barnard, Nikki South. Advertising: Kathy Sellars, Bianca Lawton, Leah Rogers, Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon, Lucy Pattison, Jo Delicata, Tinesha Lupke, Karlene Sherris, Danielle Jensen, Kerry Moriarty. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, James Carrigan, Kerri Wheeler, Kyra Duffy, Caitlin Burns, Karen Raikes, Amy Bennie. Developer: Kendra Billington Office: Kathy Drake, Chris Waddell, Debbie Kirk.

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Mancooks rule supreme on Planet Advertising Women have a long way to go to reach equality with men in the field of outdoor cooking.

At least that’s the impression we get, after seeing how it is repeatedly portrayed on Planet Advertising.

According to the delusional world of advertising, only men cook barbecues and in the outdoors.

Rogers Rabbits has conducted exhaustive research into this phenomenon and concluded that women in advertising are vanquished to the nearby comfy chair.

Their role is to marvel admiringly at the rugged and creative ability of the mancook … and look good for the camera.

A prime example is the latest promotional flyer from a marine retailer, the cover of which is a camping scene where the male mancook is doing some manly outdoor cooking on the outdoor stove.

When you look closely, it appears he is attempting to tenderise and fry the nearby rugby ball and soccer ball that are lined up next to the stove. The skinny female (if this was real life and she sat watching all

the cooking, she’d be a big heifer) is posed demurely nearby in a camp chair, enjoying a drink alongside from a blue bottle which is likely the meths.

She’s going to need it before she samples the cordon ball. Both hands are up to her ears. She’s either plugging them in

expectation of the explosion, or is on a cellphone to the fire brigade.

Similarly in adverts for barbecues. For some reason these are seen as the domains of men only, usually with a stubbie or two and some male posturing with a spatula with built in bottle opener. You can guarantee the minute the cooking operation goes back indoors, those gender roles are reversed.

There may be a line of thought out there, that the men are just giving the wimminfolk a well-deserved interlude from their allotted role of Usual Cook.

Unchain them from the kitchen for a break. Here at RR we think that’s nonsense.

This is all just sexist tripe and instead is playing to some ancient antiquated stereotyping that lurks deep within our psyche, and our wallets.

Or should that be purses?

Wouldn’t it be great if advertising could be brutally honest, or even enlightening? For instance, why not show couples enjoying the cooking together, as happens often in our house. Or the children partaking in the cooking duties, with some parental oversight of course. brian@thesun.co.nz

Christmas goodwill comes unwrapped It was an early Christmas present.

Not one that comes wrapped, but one that comes with lashings of goodwill and one that continues to delight days later.

It happened in the lunch queue at a place called Raft - a popular eatery on Chapel Street in the city.

A woman digs into her bag, pulls a loyalty card and discovers that not only would her coffees be free, but there’s a $10 voucher to be redeemed whenever.

The man behind jokingly suggests that, on the back of her good luck, she might like to pay for his order.

“Yes, I would like to do that,” she says.

“What are you having?

The man says he was going to have a savory scone, long black and a sparkling

water. But now he might have a couple of glasses of wine.

“Too early,” says the would-be benefactor. But she insisted on paying for whatever else with her voucher. The now embarrassed man is squirming out of the deal. “I was joking, I was joking.”

The lady walks away and the cashier tells the man that the lady meant what she said. His order came to $12 and with the lady’s voucher, he had just $2 to pay.

So the man flicks the cashier $10 and asks for it to be passed to the lady. And if she won’t take the money, then the guys behind the counter should pay it forward, keep the goodwill rolling and make someone else’s day.

Okay, it wasn’t a helluva lot of money, but that reinforced the fact that a present doesn’t have to be worth a $1 million - it’s

the spirit in which it’s given that counts.

I was told later that the woman is a regular at Raft and is “just lovely. All the time she is just lovely”. And that was from a likeable hard case young bloke behind the counter.

The “lovely lady” in the orange jacket taught us a few things, and The Weekend Sun hopes she has the wonderful Jim Bunny Christmas she deserves.

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.

Santa Claus must travel 218 million miles on Christmas Eve, which means he must travel 1,280 miles per second to reach everyone. Researchers calculate that if Santa is to reach every child on Christmas Eve, he has only a millisecond to go down each chimney, eat cookies, and distribute presents.

Santa’s sleigh would weigh over 400,000 tons if it carried enough toys for all the children in the world. To carry that much weight, Santa would need over 360,000 reindeer.

Friday 22 December 2017

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Simon reflects on a busy year

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The Weekend Sun

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges is looking forward to spending more time in his electorate this parliamentary term. Photo: Ryan Wood.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges is back home for the summer, and has a little more time on his hands now he’s in opposition for the first time.

The former cabinet minister now has to get used to three years of challenging government, rather than being a part of it. But he’s pretty philosophical about the September election defeat.

“It wasn’t as if things didn’t go well,” he says. “We received a higher share of the vote than Labour ever did under Helen Clark, but we accept the outcome.

It’s a valid government, but also an unusual situation – we’re the biggest opposition in history.”

He enjoys campaigning, and says it’s a lot of fun to mix with the local community. “It’s going to be different in 2020. This time we were coming off nine years in government. Next time we’ll be a lot fresher.”

This is the fourth term in parliament for Simon, making him one of the National Party’s most senior MPs – certainly among those from the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

“I feel like I’m hitting my stride now,” admits the 41-year-old. “I know what I’m about, and I don’t just give people the answers they want.”

In 2018, he’s looking forward to holding the government to account and connecting with his constituents.

“One thing that surprised me about being in opposition is how effective you can be. You have a real pulpit to speak from, and an ability to influence.

“Next year I want to spend a lot of time with Tauranga businesses and community organisations.

There’s no reason for doom and gloom. We think things are going well, especially in Tauranga. There are a number of local projects, including a museum and university that I want to keep pushing as well.”

He also wants to see infrastructure projects announced by the then National government continue.

“We promised two roads of national significance – the Northern link, and four-laning the Waikato expressway up to the Kaimai Range.

I want to see these happen.”

This summer, Simon intends to spend more time with his family, which includes wife Natalie, their sons Emlyn, 5, and three-year-old Harry. And, of course, there’s their newest addition, daughter Jemima, who was born a couple of weeks ago.

“She’s very precious,” he says. “She’s only been in the world for a short time, and already I think she’s going to be better behaved than her older brothers.

“It’s been great seeing Emlyn and Harry dote on her, though. She’s a great Christmas present.”

Simon’s young family began more than 10 years ago, while he was studying for his Masters in Oxford. There he met Natalie, who was studying romantic poetry, and a year later they were married, moving to New Zealand in 2005.

For now, he’s looking forward to a Kiwi summer, and catching up on the father-son activities.

“The boys have been asking me to take them fishing for ages, so we’ll probably be Ryan Wood doing a bit of that.”

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Friday 22 December 2017 A selection of local breaking stories featured this week on...

Life’s one long adventure Kevin Jeffares has been robbed in Rio, robbed in Buenos Aires, robbed in La Paz and stranded in Caracus.

The only local daily news source you need, constantly updated, seven days a week

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Man dies at Lake Wanaka

A man whose body was recovered from Lake Wanaka this week was from Tauranga.

He was 26-year-old David Barry Fisher, police say.

David went missing on Friday afternoon from Stevensons Island, Lake Wanaka.

He was on Stevensons Island when he swam out to retrieve a drifting boat, but then got into trouble.

Another person swam out to help him, but was unable to locate him.

The Police National Dive Squad found David's body at 3.30pm on Saturday, not far from where he went missing. The death has been referred to the Coroner.

The 80-year-old has certainly had his share of scrapes and high excitement.

He’s jumped out of aeroplanes - “an adrenaline rush, at least until the parachute opened,” he says. He’s also been white water rafting and zip-lining in Costa Rica – a flying fox 700 metres long, 100 metres high and all done at 95 km/h.

Some of the excitement has been foisted on him, some of it planned and paid for.

“As long as I am doing something that grabs me,” says the thrill-seeker, “I don’t mind spending good money on it.”

So no-one, absolutely no-one, including his kids, was the slightest bit surprised

Fire permits suspended

December's dry weather has forced Fire and Emergency New Zealand Rural Fire Authority to place an immediate suspension on all openair fire permits in the Western Bay of Plenty.

Deputy principal rural fire officer Alan Pearce says current conditions have made it too dangerous to light open air fires.

“We are attending one or two fires a day where control has been lost,” says Alan.

The authority is now actively considering imposing a total fire ban if conditions do not improve in the next seven-to-10 days, he says.

Mega-liner to return

The 168,666 GT engineering and technological marvel Ovation of the Seas will arrive in Tauranga on December 22 for the first time this season.

Having successfully made waves with Ovation during her maiden visit in 2016/17, Royal Caribbean has upped the ante this summer with the megaship set to make 29 port visits in New Zealand, up from last season's 16.

Dunedin is set to benefit the most from the extended second season with seven visits, while Tauranga will enjoy three visits from the US$1billion ship.

Boat capsizes in Harbour

Three people were tossed into the water when a boat capsized in Tauranga Harbour last Saturday.

Police were called to reports of a capsized boat at 5.24pm.

A police spokesperson told SunLive that a boat capsized at the entrance to the port and three people went in the water. “They made it to shore and an IRB was deployed,” they said.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

SunLive Comment of the Week Comment of the week: “Awesome Elizabeth”, posted by TheCameltoeKid on the story: ‘Elizabeth’s push to the summit’.

“You go girl! Keep up the good work! The view’s so worth the effort of getting to the top.

Well done.”

The Weekend Sun

4

Another adventure ticked off – Kevin Jeffares in the L39.

when Kevin saw a newspaper ad in February and declared: “I’ve gotta do that!”

What “grabbed” Kevin this time was a half-hour, 750 km/h romp in a decommissioned military jet fighter – a taste of G forces, 50 degree banking, lowish level flying, vomit-inducing loops, a buzz and buzzing the control tower. And from Tauranga to Rotorua in six minutes flat – the bus trip would take one hour and 35 minutes.

So when Kevin’s four score years clicked over recently, he decided to give himself a nice present - a $2990 present at that. “A lot more than I expected,” admits Kevin, “but if it’s something I want to do, then I will do it.”

“It’s pretty intense,” says Craig Mossman, CEO of Fighter Jets.

“It’s not a case of chugging around the sky in a light aircraft.” No, chugging

would not have grabbed Kevin.

“The aircraft’s red line is 900km/h, but it will tap out in straight level flights at 750.” That’s fighter jet speak for quick.

So Ken pottered out to the airport, climbed into a khaki flight suit and levered himself into the passenger seat of the L39 Albatross – a Czech-developed high performance jet trainer. “It was bit cramped,” he says. “It’s not first class, not even economy, so I’m glad I’m no bigger than I am.”

Let’s remember Kevin’s 80 – many of his peers are grumpy mobility scooter jockeys who have afternoon naps and play indoor bowls. Kevin’s tanned, lean and fit with a wicked boyish smile, and he’s looking for yet another way to challenge his time on this planet.

His career path goes someway to explaining his personality and lifestyle.

He joined the navy at 16, fixed radios and radar, ran a coffee bar, ran a nightclub, ran a taxi and a motel, then lunch bars and a laundromat in Sydney. Life has been interesting and varied.

And he would be playing golf if it wasn’t for his dicky shoulder. That’s Continued...

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2017

5

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Continued... another thing; he shot a hole-in-one on Sunday, February 27, 1966. It was the first card he submitted for a handicap and he remembers it well. “I’ve had nothing since though,” he admits, although he’s been within six inches. And that’s the likeable thing about this man – despite his age, he doesn’t discount the possibility of another ace one day.

But back to jet fighters. Kevin did consider the top gun flight, the full aerobatic thrill. His doctor gave him a warrant of fitness, but Kevin opted for something called “The Thermal Recon” – a low level blast over the lakes.

He wasn’t frightened and didn’t feel sick, but he did lose perspective of where he was a couple of times. “I shouldn’t have looked up at the sky during the rolls.”

“And with some of the drivers I have travelled with, I have experienced more G forces in a car.”

But as far as an experience, the L39 Albatross blast was right up there for Kevin. And the enduring memory will be trees. Yes, trees. “It was amazing to see how much forestry there is around Rotorua, and

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just how much has been cut down and replanted.

You wouldn’t get to see that otherwise.”

Even at 750 km/h and just shy of $3000.

The L39’s powered by a rear fuselage mounted, single turbofan engine - a Soviet made Ivchenko Al-25TL which we’re all familiar with, of course. It had Kevin Jeffares purring just like the engine itself.

“The plane sounded beautiful. It was very quiet in the cockpit – powerful without the noise.”

Kevin Jeffares is only 80, and still has many miles and many more adventures to run.

So what will “grab” him next?

Perhaps the Inside Passage – a sea route from southeastern Alaska to western British Columbia – a more gentile experience with bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises and whales.

Or maybe the Trans-Siberian railway?

Kevin Jeffares suffers from terminal wanderlust.

“There’s just so much to do and so many places to go,” he says.

When The Weekend Sun told him the L39 was built in the Czech Republic he answered: “Been there, just this year.”

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Friday 22 December 2017

The Weekend Sun

6

Christmas comes early to Te Puke Santa will be making an early appearance at Te Puke’s Christmas in the Park event this weekend, which will double as an appeal for the Empowerment Food Bank.

Christmas in the Park will take place at Jubilee Park next to New World on Saturday, December 23, from 3-7pm.

The fun-filled family event will include a market, food stalls, entertainment, kids’ rides and, of course, an appearance from the man himself.

Entry is by donation of a non-perishable food item for the Empowerment Food Bank Appeal.

Retail giants urged to sort out their service Consumer NZ’s survey shows you will receive more retailer satisfaction in smaller stores.

If you’re craving a pleasant shopping experience this Christmas, you’re more likely to find it with the little guys than at the big chain stores.

Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin says its latest retailer satisfaction survey found smaller players often out-performed retail giants when it came to keeping customers happy.

“Harvey Norman, Godfreys, PlaceMakers, Specsavers, Bunnings, The Warehouse and Warehouse Stationery all dragged the chain for overall customer satisfaction in one or more of the eight product categories we surveyed,” she says Sue singled out Harvey Norman and Freedom Furniture as especially lacklustre performers.

“Harvey Norman returned below-average results in five product categories: large appliances, home technology, computing, mobile technology and furniture and bedding,” she says.

“Shoppers were also more likely to report encountering pushy salespeople at the store.

“Freedom Furniture’s performance was the worst of the lot, earning the lowest overall satisfaction score of any retailer in our survey at 44 per cent.

Top performers included 100% Appliances, which

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returned strong results in both the appliance and home technology aisles.

More than 80 per cent of those surveyed who purchased white ware or a kitchen appliance from one of 100%’s franchises said they were very satisfied with the experience.

“Consumer members said 100% was better than other stores at providing expert advice about TVs, game consoles or home theatre systems, and less likely to have pushy staff,” says Sue. 100% Appliances has People's Choice accreditation, along with Stihl Shop, which once again earned an above-average satisfaction score.

Among big-box DIY stores, Mitre 10 had the edge on others when it came to expert advice and hasslefree returns and exchanges.

Bunnings, PlaceMakers and The Warehouse all ranked below-average for satisfaction in this category.

Consumer NZ’s survey also covered optometrists and the results were crystal clear.

Those who used an independent, local optometrist reported very high levels of satisfaction (82 per cent), frequently saying they received good, friendly advice.

While Specsavers was tops for price, it only scored 61 per cent for overall satisfaction.

One in five shoppers reported encountering a pushy salesperson at the optometry giant.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2017

7

Highest honour

Funds raised to battle MND

Omanu lifeguard Haven Bellamy has achieved the highest award for lifeguarding in New Zealand.

The 25-year-old gained his Advanced Lifeguard Award while attending Surf Life Saving New Zealand's National Lifeguard School in Taranaki last weekend. Of the 19 lifeguards who took part, Haven gained the top candidate award for the school.

He was presented with a plaque on behalf of the 21 Club from Todd Velvin and a rescue tube by Surf Life Saving New Zealand president Brian Velvin.

Haven says he found the course really pushed him out of his comfort zone - not just physically, but mentally as well.

“I really enjoyed being at a different beach with people I had never met or worked with before,” says Haven. “It was a great networking experience and I truly have made friends for life.

“We constantly shared stories and experiences, which was really eye opening as we all come from different backgrounds.”

He says highlights included advanced Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) training, learning to navigate in a different environment and rescue helicopter work.

Earning the honour of top candidate means a lot not just to him, but his club too.

“I am honoured to receive this award and it will inspire the next generation of lifeguards from my club who follow on behind me,” he says.

“I'm very proud of my achievement and I will definitely not be stopping here.”

This year, eight of the 19 candidates came from Surf Life Saving’s Eastern Region.

Throughout the weekend they were tested on a number of tasks from advanced IRB training, rock swimming, helicopter jumps, search and rescue and patrol scenarios.

“All lifeguards have to be at a really high level just to be selected,” says Surf Life Saving New Zealand member development manager Belinda Slement, “so topping the list is an outstanding achievement.”

better for longer.

There’s no cure for MND, which causes the death of the nerve cells or neurones that control the muscles that enable us to move, speak, swallow and breathe. With no nerves to activate them, these muscles gradually weaken and waste away.

This causes progressive loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.

To find out more about MND and the Association, please visit: mnda.org.nz or call the national office on: 09 624 2148.

They walked to raise funds for research into a disease which claims the lives of 100 New Zealanders each year.

By the time they’d finished, the Otumoetai Lions and the Bay of Plenty branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association of New Zealand had raised $11,000 with their ‘Walk 2 D’Feet Motor Neurone Disease’ walk and auction at Fergusson Park.

On top of that, over $250,000 was raised nationally.

Some of the money will go towards funding support services to help people living with MND to live

Haven Bellamy was one of eight candidates from Surf Life Saving’s Eastern Region.

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*Fares are per person twin share. *Fares are cruise only, per person, in NZD, in complete twin accommodation, based on lead category staterooms as specified available at time of publication, inclusive of all discounts, taxes, fees, and port expenses (which are subject to change). Supplements apply for other stateroom categories. Cunard has set aside a reasonable number of staterooms which are available at these fares. Once this allocation is exhausted, fares may revert to a higher fare, but may also be discounted. Some Oceanview and Balcony staterooms may have an obstructed view. Valid for new bookings and not combinable with any other offer. All offers are subject to availability. ~Comparison launch fares are based on fares launched into the market April 2016 and April 2017. #Pay $300 per person deposit when you book, and pay the balance on final payment of the booking. >Complimentary Gratuities offer is based on pre-payment by Cunard of suggested gratuities in the amount of USD13.50 per person per day when booking Grill Suites, and USD11.50 per person per day when booking Britannia staterooms. Complimentary Gratuities offer is not available for third/fourth berth guests. ^On board spending money is in USD, per person, applies to the first two guests in a stateroom, is non-transferable, and cannot be redeemed for cash or be used at the medical centre or casino. Amounts vary by sailing and stateroom. Offer ends 1 April 2018, but may end earlier if sold out. Offer is not transferable, not redeemable for cash and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. To be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions contained in the latest Cunard brochures and available at http://www.cunardline.com.au/Documents/AU/Cunard_AU_Booking_Conditions_2017.pdf which passengers will be bound by. A 1.1% surcharge for Visa and Mastercard and a 2.3% surcharge for AMEX applies to direct bookings made through our call centre and website. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. Travel agents may charge additional fees - check with your travel agent. Please check with Cunard at the time of booking. Carnival plc trading as Cunard ABN 23 107 998 443.

Friday 22 December 2017

8

The Weekend Sun

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2017

9

Keeping safe on Bay beaches Now summer is well and truly upon us, Surf Lifesaving has some crucial safety tips for Bay beach goers planning to spend time in or around the water this festive season.

National lifesaving and education manager Allan Mundy says one of the biggest beach safety issues is rips.

“Rips are calm, deep patches of water close to shore that can sometimes have waves breaking to the side,” he says.

“Rippled, discoloured or foamy water with debris can also mean there is a rip present.”

As a rule of thumb, he suggests ‘if in doubt, keep out’.

Bay Dreams is one of five gigs lined up for the bay.

Bay lines up summer gigs The Bay is all set and ready for a jam-packed summer, boasting some of the nation’s most iconic music festivals and events.

Kicking it all off are Kiwi favourites Katchafire and the Black Seeds, who open at Mount Park on December 30 where a crowd of over 2000 is expected.

Hot on their trail is Bay Dreams at Bay Park Stadium on January 1-2, and festival promoter Pato Alvarez says the crowds can expect an even bigger and better year this time around.

More than 40 artists from around the world have joined the line-up, including DJ Snake, Big Shaq, Machine Gun Kelly, Kehlani, Foster the People and Flatbush Zombies.

“We’ve come up with a new layout for the venue, extending its capacity to allow around 5000 more people in,” says Pato.

“Around 20,000 people attended last year, and we’re expecting about 25,000 this year.”

An extensive traffic management plan has also been

put in place for the festival, with five park-and-ride stations established at spots around the city.

Final tickets are still on sale and more details about the event are available at: baydreams.co.nz Hot on the heels of Bay Dreams in Haitian/ Canadian DJ, Kaytranda, who headlines Bay Park on January 4.

“His last show sold out within 24 hours of being announced at the Power Station in Auckland,” says Pato.

“He has a very loyal fan base and we’re expecting a lot of support for the event.”

This is followed by the highly-anticipated Bryan Adams gig on January 5, and to conclude a great summer is One Love, which takes place on January 27-28. Tickets are still available for both shows.

Pato says the events would not be possible without the support of his A team, alongside business partners Mitch Lowe and Toby Burrows.

Official after-parties for each event will be held at Sam Gardner Bahama Hut and Flow Bar.

S T H G I N

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KNIGHTS V STAGS, BAY OVAL WED 27 DEC, 7PM

“If you get caught in a rip – don’t panic,” he says. “Stay calm and put your hand up and wave it side to side. Even on unpatrolled coastline, this will attract considerable attention, alerting the emergency services.

“Try to fight the urge to swim against the current; this will use up energy that you need to stay afloat. Most can float for a lot longer than they can swim.”

Allan says preparation is a key to staying safe.

Always choose a patrolled beach and swim between the flags. You can find the nearest patrolled beach in your area at: www.findabeach.co.nz

Friday 22 December 2017 A selection of New Zealand and international stories featured this week on...

The Weekend Sun

10

Phone your GP day or night for advice Phone your GP day or night for healthcare advice. That is the message going out to Bay of Plenty residents this Christmas and New Year.

Your one stop shop for the nation’s local news

www.newsie.co.nz News tips: newsdesk@newsie.co.nz

Tauranga roads flooded A deluge of rain left Tauranga roads flooded and dozens of spectacular storm photos captured on camera on Monday.

Thunderstorms rolled across the Bay of Plenty from around 7-9pm.

Fire and emergency services fielded around 25 calls, mostly to houses in the region, but a few were to commercial properties.

There was surface flooding in Cameron Road, Fraser Street and Eleventh Avenue all the way through to Greerton.

Tauranga Airport recorded around 14mm in the space of an hour and a Poike resident says his rain gauge measured around 70mm of rain after the storm hit.

NZ net wealth $1.5 trillion New Zealanders’ wealth rose at its fastest pace in a decade, mainly driven by rising property values, Stats NZ says.

New Zealanders’ net worth rose $136 billion to $1.5 trillion in the year to March 31, 2016.

The total net worth is equal to about $330,000 per person, mainly reflecting the value of property ownership.

“Net worth is the balance of what New Zealanders own over what they owe, and this is the biggest increase experienced in the last 10 years,” national accounts senior manager Gary Dunnet says.

Change in building rules The government is making it easier for people to understand and apply best practice when designing and constructing buildings with the launch of a new building system search engine.

It is also sponsoring five commonly-used building standards and a handbook.

“The online search engine, Building CodeHub, helps people locate the latest building rules and guidance information for designing and constructing buildings.

It’s the definitive source of up-to-date rules and guidance from a range of sources,” says Minister for Building and Construction Jenny Salesa.

“We hope to see improved compliance with the Building Code and, even more importantly, safer homes and buildings.”

Binge drinking straining EDs Extremely drunk people are putting a burden on New Zealand's strained emergency departments, despite a drop in numbers from last year's surge.

A survey by the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine surveyed 117 EDs across Australia and New Zealand, asking how many patients were there because of alcohol.

Across the 17 New Zealand EDs, this year's survey found about one-in-eight patients were there because of alcohol, down from a quarter last year.

Waikato's emergency department head John Bonning, who is also the country's ACEM chair, says last year's survey figure was horrendous and this year's was more in line with what emergency departments usually saw.

A nurse triage service was introduced to answer after-hours calls for all 30 of the Western Bay’s GP Practices last year and was already in place for Eastern Bay practices prior to that.

“The service helps people get fast, effective advice any time of the day or night,” says Dr Joe Bourne, a GP for Nga Kakano Foundation in Te Puke.

“It is very simple - for medical advice you need only remember the phone number of the GP Practice you are registered with. If the call is after-hours it will automatically re-direct to a qualified nurse who will discuss your

treatment options with you.”

Phoning their GP first would mean patients received expert medical advice immediately, helping them get better sooner, adds Dr Bourne.

“It’s a good idea to save your GP’s number to your mobile phone so it’s handy when needed,” he says.

“The call could save you time and money. For example, you could save yourself a potentially long wait in the Emergency Department for an issue which could be treated at the pharmacy.

And if it’s a simple case of buying medicine over-the-counter, this could save you the cost of a consultation.

“So if you’re sick, save time and money and phone your GP first.”

If the issue is a medical emergency the triage Dr Joe Bourne says people should call their GPs day or night for service will be able to connect patients with expert healthcare advice. an ambulance.

Workshops aim to help kids get coding It’s a learn to code taster – free, two-hour workshops designed to introduce children aged 8-13 years to early-stage computer programming principles.

The first runs from 1-3pm on Wednesday, January 24, at Vector Group, 16 Oxford Street, Te Puke. To register go to: www.businessaxis.nz/Itctastertp.

The second is at Katikati College, 33 Beach Road, Katikati, on Thursday, January 25 from 1-3pm.

Register at: www.businessaxis.nz/Itctasterktkt

And Codebrite’s one-day learn to code workshops are on again these school holidays on January 22-23. Children can participate in one or both days as the second day enables them to build on skills covered on day one.

The workshop runs from 10am-3pm at the Basement at Basestation, 148 Durham Street, and will be followed by a half-hour showand-tell for parents. Codebrite is suitable for children aged 8-13 years and spaces are limited to 20 participants. To register go to: www.businessaxis.nz/codebrite0018

A gift that gives year-round If you’re currently shopping for the person that has it all, you’ll be having a hard time trying to find something unique and thoughtful.

Fortunately there’s an easy fix, even for those that are notoriously hard to buy for - gift subscriptions.

If you’re new to the wonderful world of subscription boxes, you’re in for a treat. A subscription box is a mail service that allows you to receive a ‘mystery’ box or item in the mail, typically once a month.

And there’s a subscription for every interest – from sock subscriptions, snack boxes and pet treats to sticker packs, stationery subscriptions and beauty boxes.

With a subscription for nearly everything, the odds of finding a subscription that fits the bill are high.

The subscriptions vary in price and length – some will allow you to pay month-by-month and cancel whenever you like, while others offer a one-off payment for a set number of deliveries.

There are a number of subscriptions available in New Zealand and Australia, but plenty more are available from the United States.

And there are a few out there that will deliver to New Zealand even if they ship from overseas – but you will likely have to pay additional shipping charges.

The Weekend Sun

11

Friday 22 December 2017

Mixing it with emergency services A group of 26 young people in the Bay of Plenty have this year received hands on experience with emergency services like St John, Police, Coast Guard, Red Cross and Search and Rescue.

Some 11 students, aged between 16-and-19, graduated in Maketu and 15 in Katikati as part of the YES, or Youth in Emergency Services, programme.

“Almost all students stayed the course,” says community relations advisor Ben Wilson.

Exploring our backyard:

Waihi Beach Everyone has a favourite beach and Waihi Beach is mine. The nine kilometres of golden sand is described as the gateway to the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.

My grandparents retired here so I spent most of my summers on the beach as a child. My husband had ties here too so we got married on the north end of the beach. While the day was bathed in sunlight, the storm of the day before had washed up mounds of green sea lettuce on the beach. An ‘aisle’ was cut through it for me to make my grand entrance.

My parents took ownership of their bach the day before the wedding and have now retired there also, so my children have grown up in the waves here too.

While Waihi Beach has undoubtedly grown over the 35 years I have been going there, it still retains its familyfriendly, beachside town atmosphere.

You won’t find the hordes of people that flock to Whangamata or Mount Maunganui.

The area is well-served for accommodation with three camping grounds – two at the north end and another at the south end at Bowentown, as well as plenty of motels and bed and breakfasts.

But Waihi Beach is probably best known for its baches, many of which are rented out over the summer. Some are quite grand these days, but you can still find a few basic ones, surrounded in tents and caravans as families pack in as many people as possible on-site.

The village is a great place to find boutique shops and grab a bite to eat.

I recommend a visit to The Secret Garden – a Balinese-inspired oasis ideal for escaping the heat of the day with a coffee, smoothie or an ice-cream.

There are also plenty of quality restaurants to choose from, including The Porch, Flatwhite Cafe and the bistro at the Waihi Beach Hotel. Gunners Restaurant at the Waihi Beach RSA is also an affordable place to take the kids for some simple, yet hearty fare.

The best thing about Waihi beach is, of course, the beach. While it is a surf beach and is very ably patrolled by the Waihi Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, its

easy access makes it possible to take the kids for a paddle almost anywhere.

And there is plenty of surf for the keen surfers out there.

If you’ve had enough of the surf you can take the kids to the very calm Anzac Bay, just inside the Bowentown entrance to the Tauranga Harbour. This is also a popular spot for fishing off the rocks, kayaking and launching jet skis and small boats off the beach, although many have got cars stuck in the sand here so it is advisable to use the boat ramp at the Bowentown Boating and Sports Fishing Club for a small fee.

The walks in Waihi Beach are numerous, and the area is flat so easy for cycling from A to B. More adventurous cyclists can head over the hill to Waihi and tackle the Waihi to Paeroa leg of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

One of my favourite walks at Waihi Beach is from the north end of the beach and over the hill to Orokawa Bay. It takes about 45 minutes and the ocean views are stunning. Surrounded by sea and native bush, it’s a relaxing place to enjoy a picnic but the beach isn’t considered safe for swimming due to the steep grade of the sea floor. You can also extend your walk from here to neighbouring Homunga Bay and William Wright Falls.

A new walking track opened in December 2016 that also has spectacular ocean views. The ‘Trig Walk’ is a 3km return walk, largely through bush. Entry and car parking is at the end of Pacific Rd. There are always plenty of events to attend in Waihi Beach over the summer, including the annual New Year’s Day beach sports, fun run, ocean swims and sandcastle competitions, and live bands at the Waihi Beach Hotel. The Waihi Beach Summer Fair is a relatively new event on the summer calendar and will be held again on January 5, 2018.

Less than an hour’s drive from central Tauranga, Waihi Beach is perfect for a day trip, weekend escape or an Kerry Mitchell extended holiday.

Above left: Tranquil Anzac Bay at the Bowentown end of the Tauranga Harbour.

Above: The golden sands of Waihi Beach looking out to Mayor Island.

Friday 22 December 2017

The Weekend Sun

12

Gift card hacks There is no better present than one that keeps on giving. For me, that present is a gift card.

A common belief I hear among people in my circle is that a gift card is a ‘lazy’ present; the kind of gift you get when you ‘can’t be bothered’ putting in the effort to actually think of what a person might actually want.

It’s a belief I disagree with.

Though I do fancy a good Cherry Ripe, nothing kills me more at Christmas time then having to feign excitement over unwrapping endless boxes of Cadbury Favourites, but gift cards on the other hand get me excited, because no one knows me, or what I want, better than me.

If you take the time to strategically think about it, when it comes to redeeming that haul of gift cards and vouchers you accumulate over Christmas, then you truly can maximise what you get out of your spend.

My first advice would be to spend them at places that

offer reward systems. My favourite loophole in any retail system is when you spend money that was never yours (from a gift card) and end up with more money that still isn’t yours (a rewards voucher) to buy more stuff, for you.

Another piece of advice is to use your voucher on things you need but would rather not spend your own money on – things your mum would approve of you buying: towels, sheets, batteries and light bulbs. This leaves you with more of your own money to spend on things you actually want for yourself.

Finally, another hack I suggest is to spend it on those things you’ve always wanted but are just too many digits too long of being a justified purchase. One of the best ways you can you use a gift card or voucher is as a subsidy to your own cash, to help pay for those luxury treats.

Sam Gardner

Making Dad’s Christmas gift count Dads can be pretty hard to buy Christmas presents for.

Mums are easier of course – they love whatever their kids give them, but they also tend to enjoy things like massages and spa days a lot more than their male counterparts.

Kiwi dads in particular can often be closed books.

So what do you get that gruff fellow in the recliner chair?

Well, there’s always books.

Dads often enjoy reading nonfiction, particularly biographies of

great men, who can be anything from generals and politicians to football managers and successful entrepreneurs. If they do dip their toes in fiction’s murky waters, dads will often prefer a Jack Reacher-type thriller, or perhaps a crime story. On occasion they may indulge in some historical adventures – the ‘Sharpe’ series, about a rifleman during the Napoleonic Wars, is great example.

If your dad is spry enough, why not shout him a round of paintball? There are few men who

would turn down the chance to shoot hard pellets of paint at each other. Or for the less militaristic father, perhaps a trip to the driving range, or a day of fishing in the Coromandel, will be more his thing. These ‘experience’ gifts, although intangible, can have lasting significance.

Because he’s spending time with his children, this is the greatest gift of all.

Failing that, there are always vouchers from The Warehouse.

Take your pick.

Go out of your way for Mum this Christmas Last year, I really went out of my way to surprise my wonderful mother for Christmas.

For a long time she had made do with a cheap plastic birdbath in the middle of the lawn. She had always meant to upgrade it at some point, so I decided to take care of the matter myself.

Visiting the local garden centre, I picked out a heavy, cream-coloured stone birdbath with a sort of lacquer finish. It looked elegant and timeless, without being too flashy – just my mother’s style.

On Christmas Eve I hid it on the neighbour’s property, before rising early on the morning of our Lord’s birth and rolling it carefully into place. It now sat proudly where it’s plastic predecessor had once stood, and was eventually discovered by my mother when she was pulling the lounge curtains, much to her delight.

This is a classic way to surprise your mother. It doesn’t have to be a birdbath – perhaps she has a favourite painting or piece of art she’s been eyeing for a while.

Imagine her surprise upon waking Christmas morn to find it hanging in the hallway!

The thought and care implicit in such a gesture can be a gift in itself.

Failing that, there are always the classic options, such a gift vouchers for spa treatments, massages, or manicures/ pedicures. These are the little luxuries most mother’s would love, but would never treat themselves to.

Alternatively, you might buy her a magazine subscription – another treat she might enjoy, but would never shout herself. And the best part is, it’s the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.

Either way, it’s best to let her know you love her, even if you don’t always say it.

Merry Christmas Mum!

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2017

13

What's On AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM

Eves Surfbreaker Triathlon

27 Mount Main Beach

DEC

May

g B ro w n l e s s o r G re

28 Speedway International Midgets DEC

Well, it is hard to believe that it is already time to say merry Christmas, happy holidays and happy New Year to our residents and visitors. This past year in Tauranga has been busy and full of many accomplishments that support our growing city.

It’s lovely to see the summer weather settling in after what has seemed like a very long wet winter. While you are going about your celebrations, I urge you all to take note of the city’s alcohol restrictions. Let’s do our bit to ensure everyone has a safe Christmas and New Year’s Eve. We’re all very lucky to be residents of Tauranga at this time of the year. We have the most beautiful beaches right on our doorstep and the perfect weather to enjoy it. After the busy Christmas

period is over I invite you to join me on The Strand for our New Year’s Eve celebrations that will include fireworks at the familyfriendly time of 9.30pm. This event is always a fantastic night out for the family and I hope to see you there. And at midnight, fireworks will be launched and visible across the city.

On behalf of my fellow Councillors and all the staff at Tauranga City Council, I would like to wish everyone in our community all the peace, joy and happiness of the season. Take a moment to consider those who are less fortunate and be sure to embrace the spirit of Christmas within your local community.

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

ASB Baypark

30 Katchafire, The Black Seeds & more DEC

Soper Reserve

01 Blackcaps v West Indies – 2nd T20 JAN

Bay Oval

02 Bay Dreams JAN

ASB Baypark

03 Blackcaps v West Indies – 3rd T20 JAN

Bay Oval

04 Beast of a Feast JAN

COMMUNITY

Soper Reserve

COMMUNITY

C E L E B R AT I O N

C E L E B R AT I O N

05 Bryan Adams JAN

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your neighbours.

Enjoy the entertainment including the Mayor’s BBQ, an amazing glow show, a visit of the Batmobile and more – finishing with 9.30pm fireworks.

Join us and enjoy the entertainment including kid’s rides, music, a Frozen show, yummy street food and more. Grab your bike or kid’s scooter and come on down to Gordon Spratt Reserve for Pap East’s own community celebration. Don’t forget a picnic and enjoy the celebration with your local community.

Bring your own picnic, try one of the yummy dinner options on offer or grab a meal at one of the many amazing restaurants on The Strand.  6pm to 9.30pm  Central city waterfront, The Strand, Tauranga

 6pm to 9.30pm  Gordon Spratt Reserve, Papamoa

ASB Baypark

06 Sol3 Mio - Summer in the City JAN

Wharepai Domain

11 Six60 with Nico & Vinz - JAN The New Waves World Tour Wharepai Domain

These are alcohol and smoke-free events.

k www.mytauranga.co.nz r a m k o o B

COUNCIL OPENING HOURS Your Call Centre advisors will be available 24/7 right through the holiday period on (07) 577 7000 and info@tauranga.govt.nz The Customer Service Centre on Willow St will be closed on 25 and 26 December 2017, and 1 and 2 January 2018.

Find more info (rubbish, libraries, pools etc.) at tauranga.govt.nz/holidays

Subscribe to our online newsletter at www.tauranga.govt.nz to keep up to date with what’s happening in your city

ENSURING YOUR SAFETY OVER SUMMER IS TAURANGA CITY COUNCIL’S MAIN PRIORITY. Your summer holidays are one of the most exciting times of the year. Not only for you, but also for your friends and family.

Stick with

YOUR

MATES

REMEMBER There will be no organised event at Mount Maunganui Main Beach on New Year’s Eve. To create a safer environment Tauranga City Council and NZ Police will put enhanced safety measures in place. There will be extra lighting along the beach, medical assistance, private security teams and the Red Frogs in and around Mount Maunganui on the night.

Find out more at mytauranga.co.nz/staysafe

Friday 22 December 2017

The Weekend Sun

14

Keep cats like Hairball cool this summer He’s called Hairball - a ginger and white tom with torn ears and freckles on his nose who dribbles when he purrs.

He arrived one day, seemed to like it and stayed.

There’s been no formal adoption process.

He’s a casual member of this family and mostly keeps his own company, requiring minimal intervention and shunning love, attention and especially patting.

It costs just one can of Whiskas a day to keep a token cat. Hairball is a good deal.

Now summer is here, Hairball is spending 20 hours of his day asleep. He will wisely nap more on a hot day, rather than amble about getting even hotter. But Hairball can only do so much for himself – we, as his carers, still have a special responsibility to Hairball.

As all of us with cats do.

Hairball enjoys the warm weather, but he still needs to keep cool like any other animal. He will naturally slope off to a cool tiled floor or seek out a draught from a doorway. Identify some of these places in your home for your cat.

It must be unspoken etiquette amongst cats to have their water placed away from their food.

Cats need to keep hydrated, so if the cat isn’t

drinking from its water bowl, put it away from where they eat. Some cats prefer running water and you can buy pet water fountains which will encourage drinking.

Not for Hairball. Looking at running water just makes him more tired.

Iced water in glasses and bowls around the house can work because cats will drink from any bowl they find. And some pointers for special love – you can stroke your cat with a damp cloth. It’s a great way to keep them cool.

The best places are their paws, bellies and outside of their ears.

I suspect hairball would draw blood if they tried the canine equivalent of water boarding.

Brush your cat regularly. Matted fur insulates, and your cat will over heat more easily. If you have a long-haired cat and decide to give them a haircut, leave at least a full inch of fur to prevent sunburn.

Check the rules before parading your pooch If you are thinking about taking your favourite four-legged fur baby with you on some of your ultimate summer adventures around the Bay, you might want to check the rule book first.

Tauranga dog owners are being reminded that rules and regulations remain in place for some public areas around the region.

Tauranga City Council Animal Services team leader Brent Lincoln says dog owners can exercise their pets almost anywhere in Tauranga as long as their animal is under control.

“As we all know, Tauranga is growing, and with more people comes more dogs,” says Brent.

“We ask our community to do the right thing and Flying this summer exercise their dogs on our beaches within the rules for $99 per seat – that is, control their dogs effectively, dispose of their droppings properly, keep them on leads when required, and keep them away from restricted areas.”

Call the crew 07 572 4000 He says for safety reasons, dogs must also or book online www.airchathams.co.nz remain on a leash.

Boarding at Classic Flyers Call the crew 07 572 4000 “Even the best trained dog can be unpredictable or book online www.airchathams.co.nz at times, so owners should put their dog on a lead

Flying this summer

for $99 per seat

Boarding at Classic Flyers

whenever approaching another animal or person and then release it again when safely past.

“We get a lot of complaints about dogs being allowed to run up to people. Even though the dog may not do anything, this can still be intimidating and is not acceptable dog control.”

There are some places where owners aren't allowed to take their dog for ecological reasons or because the areas are used intensively by the public.

The Weekend Sun

15

One of the homes that has benefited from Habitat for Humanity Tauranga’s help.

Putting in the hard yards for families in the community For many, even the basics of shelter are out of reach, but with the help of Habitat for Humanity Tauranga, many families’ are achieving their home ownership dreams.

Habitat for Humanity Tauranga are currently looking for families to partner with who meet the following criteria: They must have a charitable need, such as vulnerable children, psychosocial challenges, or extreme hardship and have serious housing needs.

Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to give Their income must be low, although the people who are struggling to pay bills, buy need to raise a mortgage after five years, food or afford medical care a hand up to “...families also means the family will need to have an fill their basic needs for housing. income able to service a mortgage. have to have a Tim Maurice from Habitat for The families also have to have a Humanity Tauranga says by putting willingness to willingness to partner and put the in 500 hours of sweat equity to help build the home, families help partner and put the work in as well as have lived in the area for two years or more with at least themselves get into their own home. work in as well” two dependent children.

“If they keep to their umbrella If you know anyone who may qualify agreement, we will credit the net rents, after and might be interested, please contact deducting for costs rates, insurance, repairs, to Habitat for Humanity Tauranga use as their deposit on the purchase of the home. for a pre application form on: 07 5715052, “This then enables the family to raise a mortgage email: tauranga@habitat.org.nz or check their for the balance, and complete their journey to home ownership.”

Facebook page Habitat Tauranga.

Friday 22 December 2017

Friday 22 December 2017

The Weekend Sun

16

Fundraising for boats

Boating in crowds Last summer more than half of the country’s population may have taken to the water in boats.

Driven by good weather, Maritime NZ says 51 per cent of New Zealanders went recreational boating in summer 2015/16.

And that figure on recreational boating during summer was driven by the weather, says Safer Boating Forum chair and Maritime NZ deputy director Lindsay Sturt.

“In what was one of our hottest summers, we had record numbers on the water in boats, kayaks, paddleboards and all sorts of craft on at least one day.”

“Most summers, about 30 percent of Kiwis take part in recreational boating. [So] What likely caused the jump to 51 per cent was the weather.

More people probably had an occasional boating trip with family or friends because there was more great weather.

“New Zealand is a nation of boaties. It seems about one-third to half of our population takes to the water in one million recreational craft.”

The big numbers mean boat safety is really important, as it means more occasional boaties on the water not understanding how to be safe, and without the right equipment.

“Last summer we found fewer people reported wearing a lifejacket all the time they were on the water. “We do not know if they did not have

lifejackets or if they just did not wear them,” says Lindsay.

The rules in the Bay of Plenty region are the skipper of the boat must ensure there is a correctly-sized lifejacket or buoyancy aid for each person on board at all times. If they are not being worn they must be stowed so they are at hand and immediately available.

People in boats are legally required to wear lifejackets at times of heightened risk; while crossing bars, in strong tides or in rough water for the size of the boat or in an emergency.

Then there’s the five knot rule. Power boats cannot go faster than five knots – or 9.26km/h – within 200m of the shore or a structure, within 200m of any boat flying the blue and white dive flag, or within 50m of another boat, raft or person in the water.

Bow riding or hanging legs over the side of the boat is also forbidden at speeds more than five knots.

The driver of any powerboat capable of more than 10 knots must be aged 15-plus.

Boaties are advised by the Safe Boating Forum to take some simple steps before going on the water: Prep the boat, check the gear; know the rules, which are on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website.

Prep – service the engine, check and change the fuel, check the battery and just generally give the boat a good onceover.

Disabled sailing organisation Sailability is fundraising to buy its own fleet of specialty dinghies after being in operation for little more than a year.

A recent $48,000 TECT grant represents around half the money needed for the fleet of four Hansa 303 dinghies, a new patrol boat and a new outboard for the patrol boat currently in use.

The charitable trust still has to raise the other half, says funding organiser Jim McCrone.

“We are waiting to hear from Bay Trust for two of the dinghies and we are in the process of sending an application in to Grassroots (Trust) for the other two,” says Jim. “We are chasing Pub Charity for the engine and the patrol boat.”

Sailability Tauranga is currently working with two hired dinghies, but the group’s growing popularity in Tauranga means it needs more boats.

The boats, intended for use by disabled sailors, feature armchair-style seating with the two passengers in the boat instead of on the gunwale. They are steered by a joystick and the centre board weighs 38kg, making them almost impossible to capsize.

The class is international and is sailed in the para-Olympics.

Sailability is run by volunteers and provides people with any disability the opportunity to sail safely, to experience adventure and freedom, and to build mobility and self-confidence through achievement.

Sailability Tauranga’s aim is a fleet Sailability has 55 sailors registered and of four Hansa 303 dinghies. will be able to increase that number when Photo: Susan Ludbrook. it has more boats.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2017

17

Mount Maunganui Phoenix Car Park 123 Maunganui Road

Satellite i-SITE in the Mount

m U s r o f n E p o

The Tourism Bay of Plenty satellite i-SITE in Mount Maunganui.

Tourism Bay of Plenty has launched a satellite i-SITE in Mount Maunganui to help direct the flow of visitors over the summer period.

The satellite i-SITE is prominently located in central Mount Maunganui, and is predicted to draw in a lot of foot traffic from visitors.

It will provide information, bookings for accommodation providers, attractions and activities and some branded retail and service items. It will also be resourced with permanent qualified Tauranga i-SITE staff, casual staff and volunteers.

“With many in our city welcoming friends and family to stay over the holiday period, the i-SITE is a great resource to find out what’s in our own backyard,” says CEO of Tourism Bay of Plenty Kristin Dunne.

“The i-SITE is a useful place to direct your visitors to talk to a friendly local for ideas on things to see and do while in the Bay. “It’s also a fantastic spot to buy gift vouchers for experiences.”

The new temporary i-SITE is supporting tourism operators and local businesses by way of directing and booking visitors to their services and making them known.

“If you’re lost for great ideas on what to do while visiting, or what to give these holidays, please remember there’s a team of friendly locals who would love to help out,” adds Kristin.

The Mount Maunganui satellite i-SITE opened on Monday, December 4 in Phoenix car park at 123 Maunganui Road, and will be open daily until April 3 2018, from 10.30am – 4pm (closed Christmas Day).

42 Dive Cres, Tauranga | 07 571 1161

r e m

Visit the Mount Maunganui i-SITE and ask a friendly local for what to experience and see in the Bay of Plenty.

Our team can help with travel advice, bookings, and mementos.

y a d i l Ho

Friday 22 December 2017

18

The Weekend Sun

Venture around the Bay in an ex-military jet View the Bay of Plenty from above in an ex-military fighter jet with Fighter Jets NZ.

Owned and operated by Craig Mossman, Fighter Jets NZ’s adventure flights have been in hot demand since being certified by the New Zealand

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Customer Wim Vissor and pilot John ‘JC’ Mathewson.

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Civil Aviation Authority.

Fighter Jets NZ is based in Tauranga and is NZ Civil Aviation-approved to conduct adventure flights in ex-military jet aircraft.

The aircraft is an L-39 Albatros Jet, capable of speeds in excess of 750 km/hr, which originally flew in the Ukraine Airforce before being imported to the USA by a private owner.

The pilots that fly the jets are all highly qualified and fly long-haul aircraft for Air New Zealand.

One of the pilots, John ‘JC’ Mathewson is an ex-Royal NZ Airforce-trained fighter pilot who flew the A4 Skyhawk for many years.

“Many flights are purchased as gifts for family members for occasions such as

birthdays and Christmas,” says Craig.

“We offer three main flights: an introductory 20-minute flight; an exhilarating 30-minute flight around the Rotorua and Rotorua Lakes area; and the most popular, for those wanting to experience more aerobatic and military type manoeuvres, is the ‘Top Gun’ flight which provides that and more.”

Fighter Jet NZ’s facility at 15 Dakota Way provides for all family and friends that accompany the passenger. There is also a great viewing platform that allows first-hand, close-up viewing of the jet as it departs and arrives.

All flights are preceded with an extensive pre-flight briefing. Allow two hours for the whole experience.

For more information go to: www.fighterjets.nz

y a d i l o H Highlighting fishing ‘gems’ in the Bay of Plenty The Weekend Sun

The highlights of summer for the crew and passengers of Blue Ocean Charters are the trips to Tuhua (Mayor Island).

Blue Ocean Charters offers day reef fishing trips, stopovers on the island for the day and also overnight or extended stays with cabin accommodation.

Raewyn Ensor from Blue Ocean Charters says you can also take your own tent and enjoy camping next to the beach under the huge pohutukawa trees.

19

“Tuhua has fantastic opportunities for bird-watching and tramping, swimming, snorkelling and free-diving, as well as catching big snapper, tarakihi, trevally, pink maomao, porae and kingfish.”

Venturing further out, you can also fish the deep drop-offs for elusive hapuka, gemfish, bass and bluenose.

This trip is not for the fainthearted as the depth fished on these specialised trips is 300-400 metres.

Electric reels are available to assist those less able to wind a fish up from that depth.

Blue Ocean Charters also offers half-day, evening and full-day inshore reef fishing trips.

The shorter trips are ideal for a family 'take a kid fishing' experience. Currently, all kids fishing trips are half price.

Don't have your own fishing gear?

No worries, Blue Ocean Charters can supply everything you need and its experienced skippers can teach you how to do it.

If you have booked a fishing trip it is essential to phone the evening prior to check for any changes to the itinerary or cancellations due to weather.

The handiest vehicle rental service in the Bay The team at Handy Rentals Tauranga are experts when it comes to finding the best possible vehicle to suit your needs.

Locally-owned and operated, owners Doug and Jo Perry and the team pride themselves on being friendly, flexible and offering a personalised service for their customers.

Founded in New Zealand in 1989, Handy Rentals has a long history of finding the best possible vehicle for any and every situation.

Staff enjoy talking through your transport challenge and booking the best solution possible.

Handy Rentals is conveniently located at 34B Chapel Street and is close to the city and arterial routes for quick, handy pick-ups.

A wide range of vehicles is available, including people-movers, mini-buses, cargo vans and box trucks. All vehicles are automatic and can be driven on a standard car licence.

“Our range of quality vehicles enables us to provide many different solutions to your transport requirements,” says Doug.

“We are always looking at updating our fleet to meet our customers’ needs, for example we have just

added a five-door Toyota Hiace high-top cargo van due to demand.”

“Our team will always do their best to be as flexible as possible to meet all reasonable requests.”

So when you have something to move, whether it be people, boxes or furniture, call Handy Rentals Tauranga on: 0800 47 48 49 or visit: www.handy.co.nz to book direct online.

The team at Handy Rentals Tauranga.

For more information about Blue Ocean Charters go to: www.blueocean.co.nz phone: 0800 224 278 or text Raewyn Ensor: 027 477 3366.

Friday 22 December 2017

One of the two Blue Ocean Charters boats.

Friday 22 December 2017

The Weekend Sun

20

GIVE THE GIFT OF CHOICE THIS CHRISTMAS WITH A

The Weekend Sun

21

Friday 22 December 2017

Fuel-saving tips for summer road trips With worries of a Christmas fuel shortage and petrol prices on the rise, Canstar Blue has been looking at ways to get the best from your tank of fuel as you head away for the holidays.

Turn off your air con when you don’t need it. Your vehicle has to use more energy to power it. Air con can reduce your fuel economy by 10-25 per cent.

Close your windows or sun-roof when driving on the

highway. If you’re driving at 80km plus per hour, you’re creating serious drag which means your car has to work harder.

Watch the road ahead and anticipate slowing or stopping. Braking suddenly forces your engine to exert more energy to stop.

Chances are you’ll then also try to get moving again quickly. Bursts of energy from your engine has a negative effect on fuel economy.

Ditch the roof rack when you’re not using it. Firstly, any additional weight

means your engine has to produce more power to move your car. Secondly, that’s a lot of drag stuck to the roof.

Check your tyre pressure. If you’re not sure of the correct tyre pressure for your car, check the driver’s door, fuel flap or manufacturer’s handbook for a sticker/ plate that should have the details.

Keep up to date with servicing and maintaining your vehicle.

If things are not working as well as they should be, chances are your vehicle is having to work harder, resulting in poor fuel economy.

Summer fun in Holiday parks New Zealand’s holiday parks are more popular than ever, but Kiwi holidaymakers should still be able to find room in all but the most popular destinations.

Holiday parks hosted a record 545,000 guest nights in October, up 77,000 (16.4 per cent) on the same month in 2016.

"This was a bigger increase for October than for hotels, motels or backpackers. Holiday parks have a growing appeal to a wide range of travellers – families, grey nomads and young road trippers," Holiday Parks New Zealand chief executive Fergus Brown says.

HPNZ has 300 member parks around New Zealand.

"The great weather we have been experiencing

around the country offers perfect conditions for a New Zealand summer holiday. A few holiday parks are already booked out over the peak Christmas/ New Year period but most have plenty of room to welcome more visitors," says Fergus.

"The annual occupancy rate for holiday parks is under 20 per cent, so there is seldom any problem finding sites for guests in campervans, motorhomes, caravans and tents in a holiday park."

The growth in guest nights is partly due to the increase in the range of accommodation and facilities available at holiday parks, which gives visitors plenty of options. Many parks have invested considerably in new motel apartments, cabins, communal facilities and leisure facilities such as swimming pools, says Fergus.

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Promoting sustainability in the Bay of Plenty Upcycling junk, restoring beach dunes and foraging for edible weeds are just some of the activities Western Bay of Plenty residents can take part in each year as part of Envirohub Bay of Plenty’s Sustainable Backyards programme.

Sustainable Backyards happens in March each year and Envirohub is inviting registrations from people interested in registering for the 2018 programme.

Last year there were more than 100 free or low-cost workshops and activities supporting sustainable living and conservation, including growing your own food, beach/estuary clean ups, consumer choices, cooking, solar home seminars, bush walks, exhibitions, farmers/night markets, kids events and movie screenings.

Envirohub project manager Lindsey Bowles says Sustainable Backyards aims to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of people in the community.

“Sustainable Backyards provides a mechanism for communities and organisations in the Bay of Plenty to have a voice in the protection of their environment and people,” says Lindsey.

“Any ideas are welcome, including current initiatives or something in the works. It might be a talent or skill you have that you might like to share with people. It’s all about collaboration, education, inspiration and advocacy.”

Registration for events for the 2018 programme is open until January 12 and can be made via email: projects@ envirohub.org.nz or online at: envirohub.org.nz/sustainablebackyards

Cleansing, nourishing and replenishing, Goat milk products have amazing healing effects – good for your skin, and your own sense of wellbeing.

Locally made in the Bay of Plenty.

Soap bars, body lotion, body oil, healing balms, liquid soap, lip balms, hand cream, and more!

To see how our products can benefit your skin, give them a go today!

Julia Sich has been a regular participant at Sustainable Backyards over the years with her workshops on foraging for edible weeds.

Combat colds and flu with natural defences There are ways of increasing natural defences when you know you are prone to colds and flus.

For further information or to purchase our products please visit our website www.udderlypure.co.nz or phone 027 482 3344

The givens are having ample rest and a healthy diet throughout the flu season. But consider drinking a medicinal tea – keeping the mucous membranes moist and feeding the body immuneenhancing and antimicrobial herbs boosts the defences.

If you feel a cold coming on, act

smartly. The quicker we get in with the anti-microbial and immune boosting herbs, the less chance the pathogen has to take hold. Keep a dose of anti-viral and infectionfighting herbs handy to take at the first sign of a cold.

Being a martyr isn’t smart – care for yourself and your work colleagues by staying at home, especially in this antibiotic resistant world.

Rest and recuperation is an

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obsolete concept, but people need a period of time to recover and get the body back up and running efficiently. Even when back at work you should support your system with food like homemade, nutrient dense soups, and lots of fluids and rest.

Keep on with the plant medicines until you feel your body has mended. This will reduce the risk of a relapse or chronic illness.

The Weekend Sun

23

Friday 22 December 2017

Friday 22 December 2017

The Weekend Sun

24

Dealing with Christmas over-indulgence Tis the season to be merry. Very merry.

Because a quarter of us will over-indulge with alcohol at Christmas.

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New Zealanders will swill 136 per cent more sparkling wine, 40 per cent more beer and 44 per cent more cider.

And, as a consequence, condom sales spike 25 per cent. And even if there’s no love, sales of pain relief tablets jump 20 per cent and digestive care products peak 20 per cent above normal at Christmas.

So prepare yourself and try to avoid the festive hangover. Get some food in first.

A wholegrain cheese sandwich is ideal – it has the protein and fat you need, and GI bread will delay absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.

Don’t drink while readying yourself for a night of Christmas cheer. Leave a glass of water by the bed in anticipation of a bottom-of-a-birdcage

mouth when you roll in.

Take a juice or a water between alcoholic ones when celebrating. It also slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, counters dehydration and helps dispose of toxins.

Choose your tipple carefully.

Clear spirits like vodka and white wine have least congeners – toxins produced during fermentation. Researchers have found that the darker the drink – red wine, whisky, dark rum, brandy and the like – the more congeners they contain and the worse your hangover will be. Choose fruit juice mixers as fizzy drinks increase the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.

Extra ice is a menace as it encourages gulping rather than sipping.

Avoid cheap plonk – the better the quality, the fewer toxins and less risk of a thumping head next morning. And the better the quality, the better the taste.

Avoid topping up – it’s too easy to lose track of your consumption.

Beware of rounds – it means keeping up with the fastest drinker. And you are less likely to opt for a sparkling water when you are paying for someone’s

single malts.

Drink water at the end of an evening and again before you go to bed. It gives the body a head-start on the road to recovery. Or have a glass of milk before bed. Milk is an antidiuretic, so it stops the kidneys producing urine which means you can rehydrate without waking up to go to the loo.

The morning after take paracetamol, which doesn’t irritate the stomach, and antacid to settle nausea. A rehydration sachet will replace lost minerals and salt. Regular sweet and fizzy drinks will only give you a sugar rush and you will crash.

Have breakfast. Eat a slow-release carbohydrate for sustained energy, such as scrambled, poached or boiled eggs on wholegrain toast. Eggs contain cysteine which breaks up acetaldehyde, a hangover-causing toxin, as well as essential fatty acids needed to help the liver heal your body.

If you can’t face a cooked breakfast try yoghurt and honey. The yoghurt restores the equilibrium of natural bacteria to your intestines to prevent you being sick.

Something for the barbecue table One of the only other things that can mark summer better than a funky jandal tan line is a good old classic Kiwi barbecue.

In my opinion, some of the key foods that truly make a barbeque what it is are the ones that don’t even go near a grill.

As someone who’s far from Jamie Oliver’s level of cooking, literally one of the only dishes I am capable of bringing to the barbeque table is a kumara salad.

Ingredients: 2 decent-sized kumara 1 capsicum 1 red onion ¼ cup Best Foods/good quality mayo Dash of olive oil Salt and pepper

Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. 2. Peel and cut kumara, onion and capsicum into bite-sized pieces.

Keeping the kumara separate, drizzle a generous amount of oil over the top of the vegetables.

Season with salt and pepper.

3. Place kumara in the oven for 20 minutes.

4. When kumara pieces become tender (about 5 minutes before they are done) add onion and capsicum into the oven. Grill for 5 minutes.

5. Remove vegetables from the oven and let cool.

6. Combine vegetables together in a bowl with a generous dollop of mayonnaise.

7. Season to taste.

Sam Gardner

@thefncpapamoa

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2017

25

Five healthy habits to pick up this summer It’s the time of year where toning and detoxing becomes part of the everyday, but will it make you feel good in the long-term?

you’re part of something can be a huge boost.

Give back

Knowing every drop of sweat, aching muscle and early wake-up call is for a good cause makes staying motivated easier and helps you feel good, too.

Here, the New Zealand Automobile Association’s Directions team is offering a guide to wellness – by employing both physical and mental-based techniques..

Stay connected

Find meaning

Whether it’s group sports, an exercise class or even a walk with a friend, feeling like

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘do what you love’, but what about ‘do something meaningful’?

Doing something meaningful work by helping fuel your happiness.

Continual learning

The brain like any other muscle needs to be used – and regularly. There’s nothing that stretches it like learning a new skill or taking a different approach to a problem like looking after your health.

Stay active

Probably the most wellknown way to happiness and wellbeing is by staying active. Whether it’s walking, running, gardening or taking on a weekend festival of yoga there’s plenty of ways to find something that suits you and now’s the time to look.

The latest summer issue of ‘AA Directions Magazine’ can be seen at: www.aa.co.nz/ directions

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One Christmas day beat Santa round the block There’s a myriad of reasons why you shouldn’t, you can’t, or you won’t.

We’re talking Christmas exercise. But it seems if we can’t wrap it, eat it, or drink it, then it just ain’t gonna happen this Christmas. Time is at a premium.

There’s last minute shopping, there’s food prep, there’s driving, there’s family commitments. All very good reasons for not exercising around Christmas, especially if you don’t take pleasure from it, but they’re also very good reasons for exercising.

It’s difficult to avoid stress at Christmas – from Santa-charged kids to a house full of guests. Exercise will help release stress and prepare you for

any further stress that awaits you on Christmas Day. It will make you a nicer person. During the Christmas break we tend to eat less fibre and more foods that can hinder our normal bathroom routine.

A good exercise regimen can assist the digestive processes. If the added Christmas indulgences cause a bloated feeling then exercise will help alleviate it.

We also tend to eat a lot more and so a rigorous 30 minutes of exercise will keep your metabolism revved and help burn a few hundred extra calories.

Christmas means more celebrations and later nights than at any other time of year so energy levels can be a bit depleted. Even when tired, some exercise can provide a boost. Christmas also

Tom Hannah Love is the key ingredient needed to make Christmas a special time for each of us, and when we add tolerance to the mix it intensifies the depth of acceptance we give to each other.

Christmas is about accessing wonder

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– the purest form of pleasure that helps us connect back to the whole reason for Christmas, – and basically that is to recognise that love will always triumph over anything that is small-minded or unkind. If you would like to know more phone Mary Parker, The Fast Track Coach, on: 07 577 1200/021 258 2145 or visit: www.thefasttrackcoach.co.nz

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Happy Christmas “Tolerance and celebration of individual differences is the fire that fuels lasting love.”

means alcohol, sugary sweets and fatty foods. Exercise is a natural detox because it help sweat out toxins. It will make you feel better faster.

It might take a mindset. So focus on the positive – a 30-minute Christmas morning jog may sound terrible, but focus on the benefits. Make your Christmas day exercise something you enjoy – walking, stretching and dancing all count towards exercise. Make it a family affair – maybe an early morning walk before presents.

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I’m feeling overwhelmed!

Diabetes is no big deal...

Diabetes Help Tauranga - Desmond Programs 2018 When: Tuesdays 23rd Jan, 20th March, 22nd May, 25th Sept, 27th Nov* Venue: St Enoch's Church Hall, 134 Sixteenth Ave, Tauranga Time: 0900- 1600hrs Contact the friendly team at Diabetes Help Tauranga to book your place: Ph: 07 5713422 TXT: 0278 830 158 E: info@diabeteshelp.org.nz *dates/times/venue, subject to change DESMOND Australia in collaboration with DESMOND UK

Book online or email ask@bayhealth.nz or phone 07 571 3226

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Friday 22 December 2017

The Weekend Sun

26

Water restrictions are now in force in Tauranga

That means all

residential sprinklers are banned, as

well as hosing hard

until further notice

surfaces such as

You can still water your garden and lawn carefully by hand between 5am and 8am, and 7pm and 10pm.

paths and driveways.

To find out more, go to tauranga.govt.nz/water-restrictions

TIPS TO SAVE WATER

Use mulch to keep soil moist

(07) 577 7000

info@tauranga.govt.nz

Collect water from your shower to water your garden

tauranga.govt.nz

TaurangaCityCouncil

Let your lawn die off; it can grow back

@TgaCouncil

The Weekend Sun

27

Friday 22 December 2017

Road safety charity appeals to partygoers Road safety charity Brake is appealing to partygoers and organisers to ensure everyone in their group gets to and from festive celebrations safely.

With work Christmas parties and other celebrations in full swing, and with many people planning parties for this weekend, Brake is reminding everyone to plan their travel, and if you’re driving to events, making sure the designated driver stays sober.

Brake’s ‘Not a Drop, Not a Drag’ campaign urges drivers not to drink any amount of alcohol or take any drugs before getting behind the wheel.

The charity also urges family and friends to speak out and stop a loved one drink or drug driving.

Figures show that in 2015, alcohol

Brake is calling on members of the public to play and/or drugs was a factor in 88 fatal their part in making roads safer by signing the and more than 1100 injury crashes, Brake's Pledge at: www.brake.org.nz/pledge resulting in 90 deaths and more than 1500 injuries. Research shows that drinking any amount of alcohol can affect your driving. Brake’s key messages on drink driving: Never drink any amount of alcohol if you’re driving, and never drink if you’re driving early the next morning.

Plan ahead and make sure you can get home safely by using public transport, booking a taxi, or having a sober driver who sticks to soft drinks.

Don’t accept a lift from someone who’s been drinking.

Take responsibility for others never buy a drink for someone who is driving, speak out to friends who plan to drink and drive, and if you’re hosting a party help your guests to plan a safe way home before the party starts.

Mighty midgets at Baypark Some of America and Australia's top midget car drivers take on New Zealand’s best at Baypark Family Speedway on Saturday, December 28.

Also racing are the best sprint car divers in New Zealand, as well as F2 Midgets.

Gates open at 5pm, with racing starting at 6.30pm. The public are welcome to come along early to walk through the pits, meet the drivers and get an

up-close look at the cars.

Tickets can be purchased via the Baypark Family Speedway website at: www.bayparkspeedway.co.nz or at the gate on the night.

Prices: Adults $25, seniors and children aged 5-15 years $10, family (two adults plus three children) $60.

Children under five attend free.

Friday 22 December 2017

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116 Hewletts Road, Mt Maunganui www.FarmerAutovillage.com

Friday 22 December 2017 The Weekend Sun welcomes letters and photographs from readers. Preference will be given to short letters (200 words maximum), supplied with full name and contact details. Photos are best in high resolution, jpeg format. Email: letters@thesun.co.nz

Read more letters at www.sunlive.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

30

Drought does cause problems D Hardie (The Weekend Sun, December 15) makes claims and half-truths he cannot substantiate. Fact: Brisbane, Queensland and most of Australia has the Equator on its back doorstep, a far cry from little old NZ that rests closer to the South Pole.

Fact: farmers do not cope well in extreme weather conditions as the taxpayer is first on the scene to help out, as well we know.

Fact: drought causes

all sorts of problems like lack of water, can’t grow crops etc, as well as health problems such as heat stroke and skin cancers.

However, I do agree droughts are a fact of life just like rain, but sir, you miss the point completely and I guess you would be the first to whinge when you can’t take a shower when you want, or buy the food you would like, nor water your garden or fill your pool. Prolonged droughts will be a problem in the future for all of us if these professors are right.

Fact: tread with caution or move to Queensland.

R Stewart, Te Puke.

Water upgrade needed now We have finally returned to peak water demands that were common before the introduction of water metering. Over this 15-year period thousands of new houses and families have been added to the Tauranga consumer base. Those new houses have been levied for plant capacity increases and those levies should have been applied to installing more filtration units at existing plants, or the construction of the new Waiari Treatment plant.

Council and staff gambled on not proceeding with capacity upgrades and have now lost that gamble.

Ratepayers should be venting their frustration at council and demanding an immediate start to this work. It should be given priority over any ‘nice-tohaves’ such as the museum.

B Richardson, Parkvale.

REST HOME

Not all NZers enamoured Jim Bunny’s open letter (page 2, The Weekend Sun, December 15) raises a couple of points worth investigating further.

The first is, I am sure there are many more than Don who are tired of the use of Maori on what is generally accepted as an English programme. It may be hard for some people to accept but not all New Zealanders are enamoured with te reo Maori, nor are some convinced that the millions of taxpayer dollars spent in trying to preserve the language is the best use of the money.

The second point is why would “an ocker” (Jim Bunny’s word) use te reo Maori when reciting the oath of allegiance rather than English or NZ Sign Language, which is also an official language. I can’t help thinking she had an ulterior motive. Maybe I just have a suspicious mind.

P Burrell, Katikati.

Te reo more than well-served

Mr Bunny, your criticism of Dr Brash (page 2, The Weekend Sun, December 15) indicates that you did not hear the radio interview or lack the mental acuity to understand what was said. Dr Brash did not criticise te reo but only the ego trip of Guyon Espiner, who exceeded his professional duties at National Radio by speaking in a language incomprehensible to his audience without the grace to translate.

With 21 radio and two television stations, and a budget exceeding $50 million for the part-Maori 14.9 per cent of the population, te reo is more than well-served.

B Johnson, Omokoroa.

The Weekend Sun

31

The true meaning of Christmas We’re losing the plot. Jesus was born in a manger to give peace and goodwill to mankind. Instead mankind is doing the exact opposite of what God planned. Man is stressed out, financed to the hilt, tired, buying stuff that doesn’t really enhance life, and when it does, it is only temporary. What is happening to our world?

Man has tried to take over the power God had planned for man’s good/ betterment. This was to better man and give him an understanding of the meaning of life. So we have become selfish, striving, never satisfied, wanting more and more, and so it goes on. God must think we’re

nuts because we’ve caused it all ourselves.

The power and love of God is missing and that is the only reason for Christmas. Not drunken parties and huge mega gifts for the shops to advertise.

When the world stops and starts to realise the true meaning of Christmas, then things will change but the way mankind is progressing I can’t see that happening for a long time.

Let’s experience peace and goodwill to man by actually putting it into practice in our own neighbourhood, church etc. and then see the change that it does bring about.

M Cure, Te Puke.

Ratepayer revolt Maori wards ‘positive move’ The recent letters on the subject of Maori local body representation are deeply concerning. R Prince (The Weekend Sun, December 15) uses a lengthy quotation from a Dr Brian McDonnell to reinforce his argument. What Mr Prince failed to do was repeat the full text, which includes the Dr’s reference “Maori people have been marginalised in the past, and there are specific wrongs to be righted”. Political marginalisation is one of those wrongs.

N Mayo similarly fails to justify his position.

Relying instead on erroneous terminology such as apartheid and separatism, terms used by local representatives M Lally and M Murray-Benge, in a completely non-contextual way in order to inflame passions. Surely we are better than this.

On a personal level I support Maori wards. Not because it gives any advantage, but because it helps to reinstate justice. It takes nothing away from non-Maori, rather it adds different perspective and includes our co-founders in a meaningful way. N Mayo sees that as tokenism: he is right, but it’s not the negative tokenism he implies, it is a positive move that will improve all outcomes for Maori and by extension all of us.

R Bell, Omanawa.

Site of massacre

The museum site is a massacre site that is, in fact, a gravesite of treachery. See pages 190-191 of R D Crosby’s ‘The Musket Wars’.

Whatever is put there, be it museum or building, should tell the story and reflect the short lives of those who were massacred there in 1828. Seven hundred lives reported lost in an inter-tribal utu action is substantial.

D Mackay, Papamoa.

Ph 0508 KIWIFRESH (0508 549 437)

I agree wholeheartedly with K Evans, A Bourne and B Faulkner (The Weekend Sun, December 8) regarding the proposed museum for Tauranga. I also agree with R Paterson regarding the important things like roading, infrastructure, car parking, Turret Road etc. TCC has continued to make poor decisions, from the route K debacle and tidal steps, to continued loss of carparks both in the Tauranga CBD and Mount CBD. These same councillors then try to dream up ways of attracting people back to the CBD. I, for one, will not go where I can’t reasonably expect to find free parking. Re: A Bourne’s letter (The Weekend Sun, December 15). Perhaps instead of waiting for the election, those of us who disagree with TCC’s spending history of ratepayer funds and future intentions can stage a ratepayer revolt. Let’s see who, and how many ratepayers actually support a museum. That should sort fact from fiction.

A Forlong, Hairini..

Friday 22 December 2017

Friday 22 December 2017

The Weekend Sun

32

The Weekend Sun’s ever popular guide to ‘What’s On’ in the Bay. Pg THE WEEKEND SUN

More than three good things

Swamp Thing.

the ultimate rock, blues and soul cover band

- new years eve bash at the -

black sheep bar & grill tickets

$25

includes canapes and a complimentary glass of champagne

tickets are available from the Black Sheep

for more info ph: 07 578 6767

Trinity Roots.

They say good things come in threes.

I don't know why.

It’s just as likely that bad, or even indifferent things would come in threes, unless it's a throwback to the times when everything referred to the Holy Trinity.

If that seems unlikely or exaggerated, let's not forget there was once a time when the Christian church banned all music played in 4:4 time (which includes most modern music) because it was considered impure.

The only “pure” time signature was 3:4 (waltz time) because the three represented the Trinity.

Strange but true.

And, dammit, I already seem to be off on a tangent.

Let's start again. They say good things come in threes, so this week I have various threes that might be of interest over the coming days.

I should mention, of course, that no inducement whatsoever has been received to mention these places/events/things, but anyone wishing for future consideration should deposit bit-coins directly into the Watusi Country Club account.

Three new places to eat

1) Bamboo: This new spot on Maunganui Road, close to Burger King, offers pan-Asian sharing plates and a wide variety of summer-themed cocktails from Wellington restaurateur Matt Yardley. Hip, fresh and perfect for The Mount.

2) The Cider Factorie: Cider seems a natural fit for the Bay (I mean apple cider of course, not those sweetened fruit abominations) and Te Puna's Cider Factorie make a few, particularly in drier English styles. Sharing plates and platters range from vegetarian and gluten-free to solidly meaty and complement the lovely sea views.

3) Ramen Chidori Japanese Noodle Restaurant: Tauranga is finally coming of age with its own Ramen restaurant. It's small and sweet and just opposite Farmers. Great soup stocks, fresh noodles and dailymade dumplings. Yum!

Three New Year’s Eve gigs

Despite the council doing all they can to bury the New Year’s celebration in the Bay, there are still a few places

New Years Eve in the Citz Restaurant Celebrate New years eve with The Shadz Tickets available at reception: $35pp Includes a buffet dinner

where you can have fun and make a bit of noise. Try these: 1) Trinity Roots at the Papamoa Tavern. At the newlyreincarnated tavern, things kick off at 5pm with beats from DJs Ayesha and Mr Bambolocat. Wellington’s Trinity Roots are a wonderful blend of reggae, funk and jazz and the whole shebang costs $45.

2) Swamp Thing at The Island Brewery. The powerhouse duo will be raising the roof at Papamoa’s Domain Road venue. The party starts at 7pm and there are limited $22 tickets available.

3) Spikey Tee at Astrolabe Brew Bar. If live music isn’t your bag, the notorious jungle house DJ and UK hiphop pioneer and founding members of The Sindecut headlines a night of dancing and wild grooves.

Three films from 2017

1) The Handmaiden: South Korean erotic psychological thriller directed by Park Chan-wook (Lady Vengeance, Old Boy), adapted from the novel Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. Previously made as a UK TV series, this version channels Hitchcock, Clouzot and even Greenaway. Gloriously twisty and twisted.

2) Blade Runner 2049: Many people hated this film.

It is long, slow, thoughtful and also ambiguous. None of those things helped it find an audience, but Roger Deakins' cinematography is stunningly beautiful and at least it attempts to reach for the profound.

3) Get Out: Racial satire? Comedy horror? A smart socio-political examination of so-called post-racial America that doesn't really have an ending but revels in ideas and jolts both humorous and chilling.

A Christmas cocktail

To encourage only moderate drinking, and to continue with the annual tradition, I'll keep it to a single Christmas cocktail. This one's quick and easy and a bit of a classic.

1) Gin Bramble: add the following to ice in a cocktail shaker – 45ml gin, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml sugar syrup (50/50 - sugar/water). Shake well, strain into an ice-filled old fashioned glass. Pour over 15ml Crème de Cassis or Crème de Mure. The former is blackcurrant, the latter blackberry. Both are delicious. Enjoy!

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2017

33

Discover Tauranga Night Markets It’s no secret that Tauranga is home to many iconic night markets.

Whether you’re making a family night out of it, going on a date night or just filling time, nothing symbolises summer better than being out on one of those cooler nights, basking in the ambience and the culinary delights of a great night market.

As a lover of night markets, I have compiled my favourite night markets from around the city to help out other frequenters of these scenes.

One night market that is a particular highlight of my summer is The Gourmet Night Markets at Coronation Park in Mount Maunganui.

The market runs every Friday from December 1-March 16 (except for January 19, 2018), 5pm until dark and is the perfect way to spend your night and wind down after a long week.

Coronation Park provides the most serene

location to lay down your picnic blanket and gather together as you enjoy a huge range of irrestible dinners, scrumptious desserts and ambient live music.

Plus dogs are allowed here (as long as you keep them on their leads) – always a bonus!

Another favourite for myself and many is, of course, the Bayfair night markets which run during the weekends from January 30 - February 28.

As a first-timer to these markets a few years ago one of my initial responses was how much they reminded me of the Queen Victoria Night Market I had visited in Melbourne, only done on a smaller scale and iconic to Tauranga.

These markets are a great night out for the family, and the undercover location means it’s an all-weather event. The kids can experience food from other cultures, hear live music and watch performances. Buskers, magicians and, at some events, dance troupes provide additional entertainment.

Cristina Orcy at the Gourmet Night Market.

Being in such a convenient location too means that if you don’t fancy tucking in to those delightful eats at the venue, then dinner during sunset on Mount Maunganui beach is only a short walk or drive away. Sam Gardner

Best art folios and Future Island

WHAT’S ON

A celebration of the region’s secondary school artistic talent has opened at the Tauranga Education Studio.

The best art folio boards, showcasing local secondary school students, will be on display until January 14, 2018.

The exhibition features more than 30 works produced by students from Papamoa College, Mount Maunganui College, Katikati College, Tauranga Girls' College, Tauranga Boys' College, Otumoetai College, Te Puke High School, Bethlehem College, and Aquinas College.

The boards were created as part of the students' National Certificate of Educational Achievement in Visual Art studies during 2017.

Also in January there will be an opportunity to see “Future Islands”, New Zealand’s official entry into the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale.

It’s a story about New Zealand, told through 55 architectural projects on 22 island-like forms, floating through the gallery space. The exhibition presents real and imagined projects that show the diversity of our architecture and the exciting possibilities for architectural adventure in our fast-changing world.

Produced by a creative team led by Charles Walker of AUT and Kathy Waghorn of the University of Auckland, Future Islands was an evocative and lyrical presence at the world’s leading architecture event.

Future Islands is about the practice and promise of architecture in this country – a small, open society that is diverse, changing and economically and seismically vulnerable. In the exhibition, a grouping of floating forms – light, tough shells fabricated by a boat-building company – occupy a sea of space.

It is designed as a navigational experience; an installation to be moved through. Visitors are free to make their own inter-island connections – there’s no prescribed route. Future Islands is on from January 20 to March 18.

THE MICHAEL JACKSON HISTORY SHOW

KELVIN CRUICKSHANK – SOUL FOOD

Tue 13 Feb 8pm

Fri 09 Mar 7pm

Showtime Management AU

Open Eyes Exclusive

Addison Theatre (Music Tribute)

Addison Theatre (Medium) R16

KEVIN BLOODY WILSON ALMOST AWESOME TOUR

TUTUS ON TOUR

MOSCOW BALLET ‘LA CLASSIQUE’ – THE NUTCRACKER

Sat 24 Feb 8pm

Wed 04 Apr 6:30pm

Wed 02 May 7:30pm

Pacific Entertainment Ltd

Addison Theatre (Comedy) R18

The Royal New Zealand Ballet

Grand International Concerts Ltd

Addison Theatre (Ballet)

Addison Theatre (Ballet)

HEATH FRANKLIN’S CHOPPER – BOGAN JESUS

FOSTER & ALLEN

Tue 01 May 7:30pm

Fri 13 & Sat 14 Apr 7pm

Laughing Stock Promotions

Event Entertainment Limited

Addison Theatre (Comedy) R15

Addison Theatre (Music)

www.ticketek.co.nz | 0800 TICKETEK Baycourt Box Office – Ensure you are buying through Ticketek outlets only.

Friday 22 December 2017

The Weekend Sun

34

THE WEEKEND SUN

Saturday 23 December Bay Networking Singles Club

Social activities 55+. Dining, BBQs, outings.

Facebook on Bay networking Singles Social Group or Ph Mary-Anne 027 207 1690 or Jonathan 07 572 2091

Beth El Messianic Family

Come celebrate family life with Jews & Gentiles who meet & worship as Yeshua (Jesus) & all the early believers did. 10am Otumoetai Primary.

BethEl.org.nz

Dragon Boating - Womens

Give it a Go Paddling Sessions held weekly Mon/Thurs 5:30pm & Sat 7:30am, Sulphur Point. RSVP by Txt Brooke 022 078 2308 for info pack.

Gate Pa Junior Tennis

Saturdays: 9am 5-8 years, 10am 9-11 years.

Thursdays: 4:30pm Intermediate & College ages. Coaching included. Enquiries Graeme 0274 520 600 or web/facebook.

Katikati Bowling Club

8 Park Road. 12:45-3pm. Ph Phil Green 549 5344

Kevin Bloody Wilson Show

Almost Awesome Tour R18 comedy show. Sat 24 Feb at 8pm. Addison Theatre, Baycourt. More info at www.baycourt.co.nz

LOL Laughter Wellness

Discover the joy & health benefits of hearty laughter. 11-11:45am Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui.

Koha. Call Trish 022 036 6768 Email lollaughterwellness@gmail.com

Mount Mainstreet

Head to Mount Mainstreet for a relaxed, unique shopping experience. Free Pepi Toot trains rides & Santa will be there today & Christmas Eve.

Otumoetai Tennis Club

Adult Tennis on Saturdays at Bellevue Park, 75 Windsor Road, Bellevue. Start time 1:30pm.

Enquiries Fred 544 5088

Petanque Tga/BOP Club

Club Mt Maunganui. Tuesdays & Saturdays 1pm start. All welcome. Try a new sport!

Equipment available, all coaching given. Ph Jo Ann 578 3606

Qigong With Michael

Classes: Mon 1-2pm (weekly) Whisp Alternative Health Club Shop 24 Piccadilly Arcade, 43 Devonport Rd Sat: 9:30am-10:30am (weekly) Health Quarters 67 Willow St. Bookings 021 735 798 www.michaelgoodhue.com

Tauranga Friendship Social Club

Walks, dinners & outings for the over 50s.

Couples & singles all welcome. Barbara 544 7461

Tauranga Rotary Easter Booksale

Please donate books, records, Cds, Dvds, Jigsaws & Sheet music for next Rotary Charity Book sale. Ph Anne 543 5350 or Ross 544 0817

The Sociables

30s/40s/50s age group of males & females that meet once a week to dine out or participate in activities & events. Ph 022 012 0376

Village Radio Museum

Community Radio broadcasting nostalgic music & Community Notices seven days on 1368 KHz AM Band.

Radio Museum open from 10am.

Request line 571 3710

WANTED Books/CDs/DVDs/Puzzles

For Mount Lions & Lioness Clubs Book Fair.

Drop-off points or collection ph Pip 543 2175 or Stella 575 0685 or text details to 021 033 0795

Zee Market Christmas Party

Come along & have a photo with Santa, find that last minute unique gift, handmade, handcrafted, 169 Elizabeth St, 10am-2pm. Come have fun!

Sunday 24 December Computer Help for Individuals

Need help to use your computer, iPad, tablet, eReader, phone or other device. Contact the Library to book a lesson with one of our tutors.

Every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

Ph 577 7177

Croquet

At Tauranga Domain, Cameron Rd, Sun, Tues, Fri, 12:45pm. Beginners welcome. Peter 571 0633

Farmers Market - Mount Mainstreet

Held every Sunday 9-1pm rain or shine!

Right in the middle of Mount Mainstreet at Phoenix Car Park, Maunganui Rd. www. mountmainstreet.nz

Historic Village Market

Sequence Dance

Matua Hall, Levers Road. 7:30pm.

Keen to learn about breeding & exhibiting birds? Sheryl 027 216 3568

Monday 25 December

Practice Monday, 7:30pm, Wesley Church, 13th Ave, Tauranga. For more information please visit our website. www.taurangacivicchoir.org.nz Enquiries welcome. Heather 575 9092

Active Adults Fun Fitness

Cardio Strength Stretching Aerobic activity for heart, Weights for strength,Yoga for balance & flexibility. All fitness levels. 9-10am $7 Arataki Community Centre. Lynda 029 230 0162

Argentine Tango

We meet every Monday 9am-12pm at 68 1st Avenue. New members very welcome. Ph Annie 543 2108

Open meeting every Monday & Friday mornings at 10am. Wesley Methodist Church, 13th Ave & Cameron Rd. Ph 0800 229 6757

2nd & 4th Sunday Gordon Spratt Reserve, Parton Rd, Papamoa. Gates open 7am for stall holder entry.

Wayne 027 974 5699

Papamoa Outdoor Bowls

All welcome to our Roll Up’s. Sun & Wed. Register at 12:30, commences 1pm. Come & experience OUTDOOR BOWLS Geoge Spratt Reserve. Ph 574 0177 anytime.

Quakers in Tauranga

In hall behind Brain Watkins House, cnr Elizabeth/Cameron Rd 10am for an hour of mainly silent worship followed by tea/coffee & talk 544 0448 www.quaker.org.nz

Radio Controlled Model Yachts

Sundays 1:30pm & Thursdays 5:30pm, in pond behind 24 Montego Drive Papamoa, sailing Electron Yachts for fun. Adult beginners welcome. Graham 572 5419

YOGA With Nic -Bethlehem

Classes are: Mon & Thurs nights 7-8:10pm; Wed & Fri mornings 9:15am-10:25am; Tues afternoons 1:15pm-2:25pm. Stretch, lengthen, strengthen, reset. Contact Nic: 021 124 2598 www.sweetyoga.co.nz

Body+Soul Fun Fitness

Zonta Tauranga

Breakfast Challenge

Tuesday 26 December

For over 50s, occasional speakers, social events.

Monday to Friday various venues. All classes 9:15am-10:15am Qualified Instructor. Dianne 027 431 4326 or 576 5031.

5 Day Healthy Breakfast Challenge. We’ll help you get healthy summer. TXT Svetlana 027 616 2124

Heath Franklin’s Chopper

Welcomes New Members. Come along & learn how to play lawn bowls Coaching available. Mixed Roll-ups 9:15-midday. Phil 549 5344

Papamoa Lions Club Market

Womens’ Art Group

The dance that makes you feel” Come challenge your senses. *FREE Intro classes. *No partner required...(extra guys needed).

FB/”Tango-in-Tauranga or Ph/Text Denise on 020 4006 1340

Maketu Market

NZDA BOP branch run public open days last Sunday each month at their 300m range in TECT All Terrain Park. 9am-3pm $20 bring firearms licence

Tauranga Creative Fibre

Alcoholics Anonymous

Bogan Jesus comedy show. R15. Tues 1 May at 7:30pm.Addison Theatre, Baycourt. More info at www.baycourt.co.nz

NZDA BOP Range Day

Tauranga Civic Choir

From 9:30am 177 Elizabeth St. Learn & share spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, felting.

Margaret 571 3483

Special Christmas Eve Market 8-12 at 17th Ave. Christmas shopping from our variety of stallholders & Father Christmas & bag of sweets for the kids. A Bethlehem/TePuna Lions project.

Every 3rd & 5th Sundays at Maketu Village Green. Enquiries to Pat 07 533 2687 or Fennis 0274 282 862

Tauranga Bird Club

New Years Eve, Sunday Dec 31. Greerton Hall, Cameron Rd, 8pm till midnight. Entrance $8pp.

Supper provided. Excellent programme & music.

Prizes, raffles. Goodbye 2017, welcome 2018.

Katikati Bowling Club

Let’s Learn

Wanting to learn something new? Check out the wide variety of classes, workshops & activities listed on www.letslearn.co.nz or Ph 544 9557.

Become a lifelong learner today!

Meditation for Introspection

Mon 6-7pm (weekly) Whisp Alternative Health Club Shop 24 Piccadilly Arcade, 43 Devonport Rd. Bookings 0204 494 477 or whispshop@ gmail.com

Piloga Classes

A fusion of Pilates & Yoga movements. Mondays & Fridays 10:05-11:20 at Arataki Community Centre. $15 per class. Mel 022 187 1295 or Claudia 021 192 7706

Plunket Car Seat Clinic

Championing Women’s Causes welcomes you to meet others likeminded. Great speakers, a fabulous meal & fun at Tauranga Club. Every 2nd Monday 5.30pm. Call Suzy 021 2665 044

Alcoholics Anonymous

Open meeting, St Peters Anglican church, 11 Victoria Rd Mt Maunganui 7:30-8:30pm. All Welcome. Ph 0800 229 6757

BOP Linux Users

Share and learn about the Linux computer operating system 1st Tuesday 7-9 pm L J Hooker, Cnr Cameron Rd, 8th Ave. Experts and beginners welcome. $2

Cards 500

Mount Senior Citizen, 345 Maunganui Rd, Tuesdays, Thursdays 12:45pm. Further info Garry 576 3033

Greerton Lions Club

Meet 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 6pm at Fairway Lounge, Tauranga Racecourse. Ph Bill 543 4424 or Alison 543 4928

Housie Te Puke

Housie is held at Te Puke Bowling Club every 2nd Tues 6:30pm sharp. Full details Ph Te Puke Club 573 9709

Junction Coffee & Chat

Junction Coffee & Chat 10am-12pm St James Church, Greerton, Tauranga. Come & meet others for support & friendship. For details call Junction 543 3010

Michael Jackson History Show

Is your baby’s car seat safely installed? 471 Devonport Road, Tauranga. Monday & Thursday 10am-2pm. Ph 578 7813 no appointment necessary.

Music tribute show. Tues 13th Feb at 8pm.

Addison Theatre at Baycourt. For more info go to www.baycourt.co.nz

Silver Singers Choir

Otumoetai Tennis Club

Require bass voices for their choir. Practices are every Monday at St Stephens Chapel Brookfield Tce. Pat 579 1036

Adult Midweek Tennis Tuesdays & Thursdays at Bellevue Park, 75 Windsor Road, Bellevue.

Start time 9am. Enquiries Pam 570 0302

as ire ylinder SERVICES

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2017

35

THE WEEKEND SUN

Otumoetai Walking Group

Meet at 9am at Kulim Park. Ph Jim 576 7339

Overeaters Anonymous

Do you or family members/friends have a problem with over or under eating? Meet Tue & Fri Ph 544 1213 or 022 064 2186

Petanque Tga/BOP Club

Club Mt Maunganui. Tuesdays & Saturdays 1pm start.

All welcome. Try a new sport! Equipment available, all coaching given. Ph Jo Ann 578 3606

Pilates Classes

11:15-12:15 at Arataki Community Centre. $12 per class. Claudia 021 192 7706

Plunket Car Seat Clinic

Is your baby’s car seat safely installed? 13 Queen Street, Te Puke. 3rd Tuesday each month 10am-2pm. No appointment necessary.

Singles Social Coffee Club

60+ Looking for something new to do or make new friends, this could be it. Gayle 027 439 3267 or 578 1878 E: mixandmingle@xtra.co.nz

Steady As You Go

Exercises at St Johns Church Hall Bureta, Weds 2-3pm EXCEPT 1st Weds each month. Improve balance and overall wellbeing. Contact Alison 576 4536

Table Tennis Tauranga

Memorial Hall 12:45-3pm mixed doubles social grade 7:30-9:30 club night all grades. Friday 1-3pm social grades 3:30-7 Junior club 7-9 club night.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi Community class Wed during school terms. Bethlehem Hall 1-2pm Qualified Tutor Trish 021482842 communitytaichinz@gmail.com

Tauranga Embroiderers Guild

Scrabble

Meets EVERY Wednesday at the Tauranga Rowing Club, Devonport Road, Tauranga 10am-2:30pm 7:30pm-9:30pm. Beginners very welcome. Ph Jenny Williams 07 219 7740

Tai Chi

Toastmasters City Early Start

Tauranga Scrabble Club 8:50am 3 games $3 Tauranga Bridge Club Ngatai Rd. New players very welcome Ph 544 8372 Otumoetai Sports Club Fergusson Park 1:30-2:30 $8 Suitable for beginners to advanced. Beautiful surroundings, friendly group, all welcome.

Taoist Tai Chi

Tai Chi Classes Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 1-2:30pm. Come along to 15 Koromiko Street, Tauranga.

Kay 021 668 468

Tauranga Acoustic Music Club

Greerton RSA 7pm. Friendly get-together, all instruments, all levels of ability. Come in & enjoy some live music. Grant 578 6448

Tauranga Patchwork & Quilters

Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 7pm & 2nd & 4th Friday at 10am. At Tauranga Art & Craft Centre, 177 Elizabeth Street. Ph Helen on 0274 177 581

Welcome Bay Lions

Welcome Bay Lions meet every second & fourth Tuesday of the month at Greenwood Park. All welcome.

Please Ph 544 8625

Yoga for Introspection

Improve your emotional, mental & physical wellbeing.

Tuesdays, 11-12noon at Omanawa Hall. Contact Chatelle on 021 647 205 or chatelle.jeram@gmail.com

Wednesday 27 December Bolivia Card Game

Every Wednesday 1-4pm Lyceum Club, 8 Palmer Court Te Puke. Entry $3 includes refreshments. Beginners welcome. Marie 573 9219

Bowls Indoor

Mount Senior Citizens, 345 Maunganui Rd, Wednesdays & Fridays 12:45pm. For info Ph Ernie & Nancy 575 4650

Easy Dance Tuition

Basic Ballroom, Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot.

Modern Sequence. Beginners welcome. $5 St Johns Hall, Bureta Rd. 7pm. Ph 576 2403

Fernland Spa Water Exercise

10:45-11:45am. Held rain or shine, not during school holidays. Qualified instructor & lifeguard. New participants Ph Jennifer 571 1411

Heart Foundation Walking Group

Join us for a walk on the first Wednesday of each month @ 10:15am followed by morning tea at the Heart Foundation RSVP Ph 575 4787

Katikati Bowling Club

8 Park Road. Mixed Roll-ups 12:45-3pm. Ph Phil Green 549 5344

Moscow Ballet ‘La Classique’

The Nutcracker ballet. Wed 2 May at 7:30pm.

Addison Theatre, Baycourt. More info at www.baycourt.co.nz

Mount Maunganui Lioness Club

Meetings 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month.

New members welcome. Meet new friends & enjoy community services & social activities Phone Christine 575 2144

Mt. Maunganui Menz Shed

Wednesdays & Thursdays 9am at 6/45 Aviation Ave. New members welcome. See www.menzshed.org.nz or Ph Keith Dickson 021 0259 6454

Otumoetai Tennis Club

Adult Twilight Tennis on Wednesdays at Bellevue Park, 75 Windsor Road, Bellevue 6:30-8pm. Visitors welcome $5. Ph Pam 570 0302

Papamoa Outdoor Bowls

All welcome to our Roll Up’s. Sun & Wed. Register at 12:30, commences 1pm. Come & experience OUTDOOR BOWLS Geoge Spratt Reserve. Ph 574 0177 anytime.

Improve communication leadership teamwork skills. Join a motivated & enthusiastic group at Classic Flyers Avgas Cafe 6:50-8:15am email LaniDTM@gmail.com Text 021 044 5654 www.cityearlystart.co.nz

Tutus On Tour

The Royal NZ Ballet. Wed 4 Apr at 6:30pm Addison Theatre, Baycourt. More info at www.baycourt.co.nz

Thursday 28 December A Place to Bee

Welcome Bay craft group meeting at Lighthouse Church 11-12:30pm. All Welcome! All crafts! Great company! Ph Mel on 027 576 3105 for more info.

Bay City Rockers

Social RocknRoll Dancing, Neon Moon, Rnr Waltz 7-9:30pm at Senior Citizens Hall Norris St. Includes Supper. $3 entry. Gavin 027 643 6222 or Steve 027 277 9569

Baypark Family Speedway

International Midgets, F2 Midgets, Sprint Cars and more, gates open 5pm, racing 6.30pm. Tickets from ASB Baypark, at the gate or online www.bayparkspeedway. co.nz

Baywide Housing Advocacy Services

Having hassles with housing, landlords, flatmates, NZ, Govt Departments? FREE drop in Clinic, Thursdays 5:30-7:30pm at Baywide Community Law Offices 63 Willow Street, Tauranga.

Craft Club

Ladies, all crafts are welcome. 9am-2.30pm. For a friendly social day at Arataki Community Centre Bayfair.

Ph Jan 021 062 3660

Drop-in Meditation Classes

Beginners welcome. Classes are self-contained so you can start on any date. Cost: $15/class.

At Greerton Library, 139 Greerton Rd. 7pm-8:30pm www.meditateintauranga.org

French Connection

For lovers of all things French. Every second Thursday, La Mexica 4:30-6:30. Contact agohns@yahoo.co.nz for info

Junction Coffee Group

Join us for friendship & support at Junction Mt/ Papamoa Coffee & chat every Thursday 1-2pm. Ph 543 3010 for details.

Katikati Bowling Club

8 Park Rd Rummikab 1-4pm, $3 entry. Phil Green 549 5344

Mainly Music-Holy Trinity

9:30-10. Corner Devonport Rd, 3rd Avenue. Music & dance for preschoolers & mums, Nans, Carers. $3 per family. Morning tea incl.

Meet the Missioner

Discuss any topic that is important to you. First 4 receive a FREE coffee 11-12pm at Gana Cafe Papamoa Julie 0274 205 375 http://www.communityofstaidan.com/

Mount Papamoa Coffee Group

Junction Coffee & Chat 1-2pm Papamoa MacDonalds. Come & meet others for support & friendship. For details call Junction 543 3010

Papamoa Coffee Chat

Mount/Papamoa Coffee & Chat 1-2pm. Ph 543 3010 at Junction Mental Health Peer Support & Advocacy for further information. Transport available if required.

Papamoa 500 Card Club

Every Thursday at 12:45pm. At Gordon Spratt Reserve.

Ph Dave 575 5887

Pilates Classes

11am-12pm at Omokoroa Settlers’ Hall. $12 per class.

Claudia 021 192 7706

Spiritual Development Psychic Craft

Foster & Allen

Spiritual development, meditation psychic craft 7-9pm. Open group. Tutor Kevin Reed 25years experience. Ph 578 7205 email kevinreednz@gmail.com

7pm Fri 13th Apr & Sat 14th Apr music show in Addison Theatre, Baycourt. More info at www.baycourt. co.nz

Square Dancing Fun

Kelvin Cruickshank Medium

Easy walking dance. Learners welcome. Club night 7:30pm.

Frontiersmen’s Hall, Elizabeth St. Other sessions ph 543 1063.

Facebook Orange City Squares Rounds.

Tai Chi in the Park

Memorial Park next to Mini Golf on 11th Ave. No charge. 9:30am

Tauranga Creative Fibre

Every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 7pm. Learn and share spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, felting. 177 Elizabeth St, Margaret 571 3483

Fri 9 Mar at 7pm. R16. Addison Theatre, Baycourt. More info at www. baycourt.co.nz

Singers Wanted

Ladies Singing Group. Meet at TePuke Lyceum Club. 10am. Ph Bev 573 4943

Te Puna Speed Shear

Te Puna Speed Shear 13th January 2018 from 5:30pm Top Shot Bar Te Puna Rd. Money raised on the night will go to Assistance Dog NZ

Tauranga Lyceum Club

Womens Friendship Club at 68 1st Ave. Numerous activities include painting, bridge, & catered dinners with interesting speakers. New members welcome. Margaret 543 3244

Tauranga Model Railway Club

Meets at 7:30pm in club rooms, corner Cross Rd & Mirrielees Rd, Sulphur Point. Ed 543 1108

From the What’s On Team

Womens’ Singing Group

Beginners very welcome. We meet every Thursday 11am at 68 1st Avenue. Ph Marie 576 1300

Friday 29 December Cards 500

Senior Citizens Te Puke every Friday 12:45-3pm. Lyceum Club, 8 Palmer Court Te Puke. New members welcome.

Brian 573 8465

Counselling

Need to talk? First Session free at Arataki Community Centre. Every Friday. To book your appointment, please Ph Karen 021 579 249

Embrace Dancing WCS

Learn West Coast Swing.

A smooth, fun modern dance. First Class is free. 169 Elizabeth St Community Centre from 6:45pm Vero 021 191 1601 embrace. dancing@gmail.com

GIGGUIDE & ENTERTAINMENT MOUNT SOCIAL CLUB Fri 22nd Out of The Woods 6pm – 9pm Wed 27th Jazz Night from 7.30pm Thur 28th Jam Night – From 9pm THE BARREL ROOM Fri 22nd Alice Sea at 8pm Sat 23rd Christmas party with Toner, Franks & Beano at 7pm Sun 24th Les Robinson at 5pm MT RSA Fri 22nd Tony Wellington – From 7pm Sat 23rd Coopers Run – From 7pm Christmas Day - Closed

Friday 22 December 2017

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The Weekend Sun

Six million ways to die I marvel at the many strange and bold Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah that Jesus amazingly fulfilled.

JOIN US FOR

AT

CITY

CHURCH

24TH DEC - TGA 9.30AM O HOLY NIGHT

24TH DEC - TGA 6PM

Whilst contemplating the prophecies concerning Jesus’ death, I googled ‘how many ways to die’. A common answer was six million, but it was suggested there’s an infinite number of ways.

The prophets successfully predicted the way Jesus would die. What’s especially astounding is that when they wrote it hundreds of years before Jesus’ crucifixion, that way of putting someone to death was not even in use.

They predicted the Messiah would die a public death - a death involving being lifted

up high, hands and feet being pierced, shame, humiliation, nakedness, mockers, mobs and the involvement of the official authorities.

They predicted a death producing thirst, breathing difficulties, great disfigurement and pain – a very bloody death involving bruising, wounds and whipping.

The prophecies of Christ’s crucifixion are indeed inspired of God. Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 are great examples to consider.

The reason for Jesus suffering and dying in this way was also prophesied. He did it for you and me to pay the great price for our sins.

If you’ve never deeply considered the inspirational Messianic prophecies, I urge you to do so as they have inspired the faith of many.

You’re welcome to get my free booklet ‘Countdown to Faith’, which deals with the greatest fulfilled prophecies about Jesus Christ.

David Kidd - Church of God

CAROL SERVICE

The Christmas paradox

THERE WILL BE NO SERVICES ON 25TH DECEMBER

Have you ever found a good riddle in a Christmas cracker? Most of us enjoy a clever joke, especially if it appeals to our sense of humour.

TGA : 252 Otumoetai Road, Tauranga WEB : w w w. c i t y c h u r c h . n z

• L I F E ZO N E C H R I ST M AS 2 01 7 •

SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 @ 9.00AM 7 OAK LANE JUDEA TEL 571 6525

of Hope theWorld

of Hope theWorld Christmas Eve

5pm Children’s Service

Christmas Eve 10.30pm Christmas Cake

5pm Children’s Service 10.45pm Carols & Service 10.30pm Christmas Christmas Day Cake 10.45pm Carols & Service 8am – Traditional

10am – Families Christmas Day

8am – Traditional www.holytrinitytauranga.com 10am – Families

www.holytrinitytauranga.com

“Why did the turkey cross the road? What did the big candle say to the little candle? Who? When?”

There is a riddle in the Christmas story, too: “Where is the baby born to be king?”

However, the eastern astrologers who asked the question were quite serious, and tyrannical king Herod, who felt threatened, didn’t find it a joke.

It made sense to ask at the palace for the whereabouts of a new-born prince, but the Christmas story is full of paradox.

The baby born to be king was found amongst poor peasant people and the Prince of Peace lived at a time of political turmoil and unrest.

Mary’s birth pains, and the shepherds’ fear, turned to joy. Those waiting for God to act found hope. Those with closed doors opened their hearts to others.

Enjoy riddles from Christmas crackers and meals together, and why not find time to reflect on the Christmas story, maybe through carol singing or at a church service?

At Wesley Methodist Church, 13th Avenue, our Christmas Eve services include carols on the lawn, with music and carols, candles and puppets at 8.15pm.

Here is a short prayer if you prefer to light a candle and reflect at home: “Hope in our despair, peace in our turmoil, joy in our sorrow and love in our self-centredness, lead me to the one whose birth we celebrate this Christmas.”

Viv Whimster Wesley - Tauranga Methodist Parish

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Friday 22 December 2017

Becoming familiar with Christ this Christmas

People working long hours in low paid jobs and insufficient affordable housing, while well-healed world travellers buy the most expensive Christmas gifts and despotic world leaders destroy innocent lives. Is this a picture of our world today? Actually, it’s the Christmas story!

The lowly shepherds who sought to find something better in their lives, the innkeeper who had no room for the greatest guest ever, the wise men who travelled from far away seeking to bring precious gifts to the new-born king, and Herod, who planned to kill the Christ child.

The shepherds sought the babe in the manger and, on finding him, were so excited that they glorified and praised God (Luke 2:20).

The wise men sought the Saviour of the world and, on finding him, were overwhelmed with joy (Matthew 2:10). The innkeeper appears to have missed out on what was happening at his own doorstep. And Herod?

He was blinded to the truth by his own desires.

Things don’t change all that much, do they? Many people still miss the greatest event in history even when it is right before their eyes, while others are blinded to the truth of Christmas by their own desires, but all who seek God’s Son are sure to find Him and, as happened for the shepherds and wise men, when they do they will not be able to contain their excitement!

It is our hope that everyone will seek Him this Christmas because, to quote C.S.Lewis: “Look for Christ and you will find him. And with him, everything else.”

Major Heather Kopu - Tauranga Salvation Army

BETH - EL la tyb

Messianic Family

ALL WELCOME SHALOM SABBATH 10AM OTUMOETAI PRIMARY Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

021 768 043

info@bethel.org.nz bethel.org.nz

Doing the things that matter at Christmas The sun is shining, the gifts are wrapped, the barbeque has been scrubbed up and the decorations that the kids made at kindergarten many years ago are now adorning a tree that appears in our lounge at this time of year.

I love Christmas - the gifts (you can never have too many socks), the endless amount of wrapping paper that fills the floor, the noise, the food - I even love to sing along to Snoopy's Christmas as it is plays in the supermarket.

However, more importantly I love the fact that in this ever-increasing, fast-paced world, it is one day a year that we all get to stop, reflect and enjoy the company of family and friends.

For over 15 years The Orchard Church in Te Puke has made time to celebrate Christmas. For 10 years there was the Christmas Star event.

More recently, each Christmas Eve, the doors are flung open for anyone and everyone to enjoy a Kiwi style Christmas.

The Orchard was built for people - it’s kind of like the people’s church, so come and join us and take time to stop, breath and enjoy being with others on Christmas Eve. This event will truly be a Kiwi Christmas Celebration with Christmas carols, items, a party atmosphere, donkey rides for the kids, great coffee and live music in our funky cafe.

Why not start this Christmas with the things and the people that matter? See you at The Orchard from 7.00pm this Christmas Eve. Jocelyn Elen - The Orchad Church

WESLEY CHURCH CHRISTMAS EVE – 24th DECEMBER 9.30am MORNING WORSHIP Advent 4: Love Led by Rev Leigh Sundberg 4.00pm FIJIAN LANGUAGE SERVICE 8.15-9.15pm CAROLS ON THE LAWN (Inside if wet) Please bring a low chair or blanket.

Candles and carol books provided. ALL WELCOME CHRISTMAS DAY: 9.30am SERVICE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES Led by Rev Leigh Sundberg Minister: Rev Leigh Sundberg 100, 13th Avenue, Tauranga ph: 578-8493 http://www.wesley.co.nz

ST STEPHENS CHURCH 9.30am MORNING SERVICE Led by Margaret Birtles 1.00pm TONGAN LANGUAGE WORSHIP CHRISTMAS DAY: 9.30am SERVICE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES Led by Rev Ralph Vickers Deacon: Margaret Birtles Brookfield Terrace, Otumoetai ph: 576-4961

ST JAMES UNION CHURCH CHRISTMAS EVE: 9.30am CAROL SERVICE CHRISTMAS DAY: 9.00am FAMILY CHRISTMAS SERVICE Carol Singing and Celebrating the birth of Jesus Minister: Rev Simon Cornwall Cnr Devon & Pooles Road, Greerton ph: 541-2182

Friday 22 December 2017

Churches Active In Our Community

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CLASSIFIEDSECTION

trades & services

PH: 07 928 3042 or email kerrym@thesun.co.nz these pages can be viewed online at www.sunlive.co.nz

COMPUTER PROBLEMS? Relax!

Tauranga Computers Ltd

SKYLIGHTS b TM

Phone 0508 777 222 www.suntube.co.nz

From $399.00 + GST

AAA

MASTER

PAINTERS TAURANGA

REE FELLERS BIG OR SMALL - WE DO IT ALL

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2017

39

trades & services

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bop

xterior wash

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• • • • *finance available

Specialising in:  Trees - topped, shaped, climbed, felled, crown thinned & lifted

 Qualified Arborists  Clean tidy job Guaranteed  Chipping up to 10 inch

Phone Warren 0274 777 588 or 552 5215 treeworx@xtra.co.nz  www.treeworx.co.nz

We Specialise in: • Continuous Spouting • All Metal & PVC Spouting systems • Long-run Roofing • Fascia • Repairs & Leaks • Spouting & Roof cleaning • Moss & Mold control

doors • windows locks • hinges handles conservatories

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RENOVATIONS

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07 571 4491

Friday 22 December 2017

The Weekend Sun

40

trades & services

health & beauty

entertainment

memoriam

mobility

deceased

Live the independent life you choose • • • • • •

mobility scooters mobility equipment daily living aids disability advice equipment hire we can come to you

Part of Life Unlimited Charitable Trust 160 Devonport Rd, Tauranga lifeunlimitedstore.co.nz

0800 008 011 W M EH OV AV ED E

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2017

41

funeral services

real estate

lost pets

for sale

Purple Patch From

$1799

Incl GST

public notices

NEED MORE

SPACE? Ideal as an extra bedroom or home office Three convenient sizes: standard 3.6m x 2.4m - $75pw large 4.2m x 2.4m - $90pw xtra-large 4.8m x 2.4m - $110pw Fully insulated with lockable ranchslider, large window, power, security lights, curtains, carpet, smoke alarm & even a small deck.

Minimum 6 month rental period.

Visit our display cabin at: 17 Plummers Point Road, WHAKAMARAMA or 159 Jellicoe Road, TE PUKE or call for a free brochure.

funeral services

public notices

We wish you a Merry Christmas.

Todd Muller and Simon Bridges wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Our offices will close on 22 December and re-open on 15 January.

Todd Muller MP for Bay of Plenty 07 542 0505 Todd.MullerMP@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Simon Bridges MP for Tauranga 07 577 0923 TaurangaMP@parliament.govt.nz

Funded by Parliamentary Service and Authorised by Hon Simon Bridges (35a Third Ave, Tauranga) and Todd Muller (3/9 Domain Rd, Papamoa)

s

Friday 22 December 2017

RUN ON LISTINGS accommodation HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Romantic, separate, selfcontained accommodation with a touch of luxury. Rural location 5 minutes from Hobbiton. Sleeps up to four. Continental breakfast included. Ph 021 0595 185

bible digest “BLESSED BE THE God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”.

cars for sale CAR FAIR – buy or sell any vehicle every Sunday at 1150 Cameron Road, Gilmours Carpark 9am-noon. Ph for more information 027 733 9686 or www.taurangacarfair.co.nz

computers COMPUTER GETTING you down? Problems, viruses, upgrades, internet, new or refurb PC’s tuition, or advice. Ph Bruce for a no obligation chat or quote 576 7940 or 021 260 9183 FREE ON SITE DIAGNOSIS & quote. We come to you.

Pensioner discounts. Ph Kyle at Tech Solutions 027 828 7078

curriculum vitae NEED A C.V. FOR THE NEW YEAR? Don’t let your C.V. get lost amongst all the others. I can help you stand out on paper. A C.V. For You can provide you with a personal and professional touch.

From scratch or updating existing ones. Check out samples on www.facebook.com/acvforyou or Ph/text on 021 27 27 912

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entertainment TAURANGA TANDEM SKYDIVING best buzz in the Bay! Gift vouchers available.

Ph 574 8533 today

finance

5K FROM $37pw, over 48 months incl interest at 17.95% + credit fees. Unsecured loans and car loans. Maxloans.co.nz 0508 629 5626

for sale CHRISTMAS EVE BAGS. The one present you can open the night before Christmas!

Children will light up with excitement in anticipation for Santa and his crew. Includes Milk Bottle, Big Time Cookie, Bell, Key, Stop Here Sign, Bedtime Story, Reindeer Food, Colouring In sheets, all for just $20 and you only need one per household. See sample on FB https://www.facebook.com/ Bagged-1891045684243665/ or contact 021 2727912

gardening ABLE GARDENER, experienced, efficient, knowledgeable, highly qualified.

Maintenance, pruning, hedges, shrubs, roses; disease/pest control, lifestyle blocks, garden renovations; design & plant.

Ph Tita 027 654 8781 or a/h 542 0120 HANDYMAN HOME AND GARDEN SERVICES Tree pruning, weeding, hedges, waterblasting, home maintenance, rubbish removal, affordable rates. Ph Philip 027 655 4265 or 544 5591

www.sunlive.co.nz/classifieds.html lost & found

gardening PALMS GARDEN CENTRE is in the beautiful rural setting of the lower Kaimai next to the lovely Kaimai Café. Great new giftware for Christmas. Local unique art and crafts. OPEN Fri, Sat, Sun & Mon, 10am until 3:30. Ph (07) 218 1616. Merry Christmas!

health & beauty NATURAL NEW ZEALAND Health Products & Clinic.

Something for everyone.

NZ Registered Natural Therapies & Natural Medicine Practitioners. Opposite BP Te Puke. Ph 573 5533 www. naturaltherapiesnz.com and www. naturalpetremediesstore.com

livestock AC PETFOODS collect injured & unwanted cows & horses. Ph 0800 369 6269

lost & found FOUND KITTENS VARIOUS Colours, Ages, Sex, Various Areas, PH SPCA 07 578 0245 Found Adult Tabby/Torti Female Cat, Judea Area, Ref: 110564 Found Adult Tabby/White Male Cat, Mount Maunganui Area, Ref: 110074 Found Adult Tabby Female Cat, Welcome Bay Area, Ref: 109881 Found Adult Grey Female Cat, Te Puke Area, Ref: 110117 Found Blue Budgie, Oropi Area, Ref: 110095 Found Adult Black/White Female Cat, Te Puke Area, Ref: 108579 Found Adult Tabby/White Female Cat, Welcome Bay Area, Ref: 110455

Found Adult Grey/Tabby/White Female Cat, Lakes Area, Ref: 110609 Found Adult Grey/Tabby/White Male Cat, Lakes Area, Ref: 110606 Found Adult Tabby/White Female Cat, Lakes Area, Ref: 110607 Found Adult Chocolate Point Female Cat, Lakes Area, Ref: 110608 Found Adult Tabby/Torti/White Female Cat, Lakes Area, Ref: 110610

mooring for rent MOORING FOR RENT at Omokoroa. Rated for 15 metre vessels. $30 per week. Phone Tony 027 426 1408

trades & services APPLIANCE REPAIRS For service of all Fisher & Paykel, Haier and Elba appliances, Ph 0800 372 273 for your local technician.

BOAT BUILDING repairs and maintenance. Timber & fibreglass trade qualified, boat builder. Ph Shaun 021 992 491 or 07 552 0277

trades & services

travel & tours

travel & tours

MASON, PAINTERS & decorators, interior-exterior, waterblasting. All work guaranteed. Book now for 2018.

Ph David or Ellamae on (07) 544 5578 or 027 204 1254

“AAA” (Tour 1) DISCOVER THE CHATHAM ISLANDS (Tour 2) Hinterland South Island Tour + Main Highlights.

(Tour 3) Mrs. Brown’s Boys Show LIVE (Tour 4) North Island Train Trip & Te Papa Museum (Tour 5) Old Motu Road (Tour 6) Lake Waikaremoana, Plus much more….. Door to Door service. Phone HINTERLAND TOURS: (07) 575 8118

Islands. (3) February 22nd 6 days; Bay of Islands Summer Retreat at Paihia. (4) March 1st 4 days; Glorious Golden Bay & Farewell Spit, Free Door to Door service, Day Trips, Shows & Free beautiful colour catalogue: Ph. No 8 Tours team on 579 3981 or Email info@no8tours.co.nz

PAINTER/DECORATOR Interior and exterior. Quality workmanship, friendly service.

Over 25 years specialising in residential and more. Quality paint at trade prices. For your best advice in all areas.

Ph Shane Mount/Tauranga Decorators (07) 544 6495 or 021 575 307 PLASTERER A1 TRADESMAN with 30 yrs experience. Quality finish with friendly, reliable service. I specialise in interior walls & ceilings with no job too small. Strip your own wallpaper and I will skim your walls ready for a modern paint finish. Repair cracked walls & ceilings using proven carbon-fibre technology.

Call Murray now for an obligation free quote 027 266 5657

ELECTRICIAN, 18+ years experience, NZ registered.

Residential & commercial, maintenance & service, new builds, renovations. Fast, friendly service. Ph Andrew 022 354 1960

ROOF REPAIRS Free quotes for all maintenance of leaking roofs, gutter cleaning & repairs.

Chimney maintenance & repairs. Registered roofer, 30yrs exp. Ph Peter 542 4291 or 027 436 7740

HANDYMAN CAN-DU. Bathroom renovations, decks & stairs, pergolas, small plastering & painting jobs, waterblasting. Free quotes. Ian The Fix it Man. 45 years tradesman. iansands2017@ icloud.com 021 670 770

TREE, SHRUB and hedges trimming, topping, rubbish, palm pruning or removal, satisfaction guaranteed free quote. Ph Steve Hockly 571 5958 or 027 498 1857

WEDDINGS, PARTIES, MEETINGS etc - The perfect venue. With stunning Harbour views, fully licensed bar & kitchen onsite. Restaurant open every Friday from 5pm & Sunday from 4.30pm, kids under 12 years dine free with every paying adult. Tauranga Fish & Dive Club, 60 Cross Rd, Sulphur Point. Ph 571 8450

Merry Christmas and happy new year

from the run on team

financial

CASH LOANS $200 - $20,000 3/212 Chadwick Road, Greerton Tauranga IF23004TWS

situations vacant

NO 8 TOURS NEW ZEALAND’S SENIOR TRAVEL CLUB – Join our Club today for Free to receive all our VIP Members Benefits exclusive to No 8 Tours. Wishing you a MERRY XMAS & Happy Summer Holidays. (1) January 22nd 5 days; Summer Escape to Nelson, Spectacular French Pass & Abel Tasman Cruise (2) January 30th 4 days; Hauraki Gulfs Rangitoto & Kawau

venues FOR WEDDINGS, FUNCTIONS OR MEETINGS+ check out No.1 The Strand, a beautiful historic setting. Email: bookings@no1thestrand.co.nz or www.no1thestrand.co.nz

Are you looking?

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Friday 22 December 2017

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FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

SERVICES AVAILABLE TO YOU

It’s

all ab

out the rid

e

as as

ire

ire

ylinder ylinder as SE ESS S RV E RVIIC CE ire ylinder S E RV I C E S

Merry Christmas! supported by

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The Weekend Sun