The Weekend Sun - 26 February 2021 by Sun Media

26 February 2021, Issue 1048

Window to the Bay’s past Memorial stained glass windows, thought to have been destroyed and lost forever in a fire that gutted Tauranga’s Holy Trinity Anglican Church 20 years ago, have been found. The originals that were damaged are now restored. “I was in Christchurch for a conference on the night of

the fire,” says Brian Hamilton, who was vicar at the time. “My wife rang me at two in the morning to say the church was on fire.” The next day, he visited the blackened ruins. “It was terrible to see. “The insurance company hired demolition people to

take stuff away and the pieces of glass weren’t thrown out but packed in a box. It was someone’s idea that maybe they could be used again somehow. “I didn’t really think they could.” Story continues on page 4. Photo: John Borren.

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Friday 26 February 2021

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The Weekend Sun is published every Friday, circulating throughout the Western Bay of Plenty, delivered free to 69,062 homes of more than 182,700 residents from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mount NEWSPAPER Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke. Produced by Sun Media Audited Circulation Ltd, an independent and locally owned company based at 31/09/2019 1 The Strand, Tauranga. ABC Audited Circulation 31/09/2019.

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Sun Media Ltd Directors: Claire & Brian Rogers General Manager: Jay Burston Editor: Dan Sheridan Editorial: Letitia Atkinson, Alisha Evans, MacKenzie Dyer, Rosalie Liddle Crawford, Ursula Keay, Mathew Nash. Photography: John Borren. Publications Manager: Kathy Sellars. Advertising: Bianca Lawton, Jo Delicata, Karlene Sherris, Suzy King, Lois Natta, Sharon Eyres, Ian Evans, Sophie Main. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, Kerri Wheeler, Kyra Duffy, Caitlin Burns. IT: Lauren James Office: Angela Speer, Debbie Kirk.

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Taking out the trash It’s funny what gets people’s blood boiling, and fraud is right up there with the most heinous crimes of all.

deposited there by my very own brother, who is staying with us at the moment but he had a very good excuse.

Playing detective

Even thinking about Circulation the various forms The Weekend Sun Combined BOP Times You see there was already a large bag of of fraud makes my face flush with 69,062 circulation of NZME 10,162 circulation rubbish in the bottom of the bin, so he

righteous rage. naturally assumed the bin had not been In fact just this week Mrs Hutch and I emptied yet. were victims of one of the lesser known, Combined BOP Times, Katikati Advertiser Which left the other bag. I was able to but no less despicable frauds and Te Puke Times circulation is p: 07 578 0030 form a fairly good profile of this offender wheelie bin fraud. less than HALF with only 32,138 in total. e: ads@thesun.co.nz based on their penchant for ready meals You see we have a bin and the single empty prophylactic provided by a private wrapper. Alas, I found no proof of contractor and once a week, their identity. first thing in the morning, we So I left it there and vowed to wheel it out and place it by the watch my bin like a hawk next side of the road. week. Maybe even booby trap it Shortly afterwards our worldly waste with a giant fist-shaped jack-indisappears to become one with the Earth the-box. The plan appeased again. We wash our hands and try to be me, but not Mrs better next week. Hutch, who To be fair, we seldom fill also noticed the even half a bin but that crime when she depends on what activities we returned home. have been engaged with. No fewer than Blind fury three neighbours Nevertheless, neighbouring were forced to villains have been taking advantage look in the bin, of our bin in the mornings. No then look her in sooner is the back turned and the eye and deny someone is stuffing their filthy all knowledge. detritus in our private receptacle. Eventually Usually this goes unnoticed, but the police-style when someone simply flings a pot interviews ended, of butter chicken in there or over but we are pretty stuffs the bin so it won’t close, sure we know who it offends our senses and sullies didn’t do it. our reputation. Parking tickets So you can imagine the anxiety Tauranga’s motorists have usually been when not one, but two bags of trash through some sort of trauma on their appeared in the wheelie bin, after it had journey, before they get to the stage of been emptied! actually parking their car. The cheek of these devils knows So, the latest act of fraud to hit the no bounds. streets really is a new kind of low point In a blind fury I slipped a pair for society - fraudulent parking tickets. of safety gloves on and set about a Someone has been printing up fake forensic examination of the trash. I was tickets and placing them on cars in the determined to catch these criminals and hope that motorists who have never had make them pay. It turns out one of the bags was a parking ticket won’t be able to tell

the difference and will pay up. They are almost as bad as real parking tickets. The flaw in this scheme, of course, is that there are no motorists who have never received a parking ticket from Tauranga City Council. Evidence of this was in the guilty eyes of those recently polled by SunLive when asked if they could spot the difference between a real ticket and a fake. Everyone was very confident of being able to tell the difference. Personally I have had half a dozen parking tickets over the past yeast or so, and while I take no pride in this particular statistic, I do feel that if everyone made a similar contribution to the council coffers, there would soon be enough money to demolish the new parking building on Harington St. Once that’s done, the council could then build a new parking building on Harington St, therefore making the lives of motorists - and alternative transport types - that much easier.

Listen and learn

Lastly, and I’m not sure if this fits into the fraud category or not, the commissioners who run the Tauranga City Conundrum (I’m not sure we can still call it a council) made some very promising noises at their first meeting this week. They promised to listen to the public and also had some stern words for council staff about improving the lines of communication on controversial projects. There won’t be any relitigation of previous controversial decisions made though - like the new rubbish system but at least that will put an end to the scourge of wheelie bin fraud once and for all. daniel@thesun.co.nz

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. A single Auckland parking warden issued more than 14,000 tickets, or $744,644 worth, and had more than 400 cars towed in the year ended March 31, 2020.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

Exhausting rental hunt

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Candace Westnedge, pictured with son Braxton, says she is at the point where she wants to give up looking for a property to rent. Photo: Ursula Keay.

A single mum from Tauranga still can’t find a place to call home, despite applying for more than 130 rental properties over the past few months. Candace Westnedge, 30, says she is “beyond exhausted” after spending the past five months trying to secure a house for herself and her 15-month old son Braxton. She was forced to leave her previous Welcome Bay rental in early January when the homeowner’s children moved in. She was given 90 days’ notice. “From the day I was given notice I started applying for rentals and my previous landlord told me she could give me an outstanding reference,” explains Candace. Working part-time as a truck and trailer driver, she is currently living in the spare room with Braxton at her parents’ house. So far she has been to more than 30 viewings. One agency even got as far as offering her a property in Papamoa, but withdrew it soon after. “I just can’t work out what the heck is going on,” she says. “I am looking for properties that cost up to $620 a week in rent all over Tauranga – and I am still getting told no. “I am beyond exhausted. I am at the point where

I feel like I can’t be a good mother to my son because I can’t provide him with a place to live. “I want to give up. How many more times can I be told ‘no’?” Tauranga Rentals owner Dan Lusby says Candace’s situation isn’t surprising. For about 10 days in a row earlier this month, the company had no properties available to rent in Tauranga. “Even now we only have about three properties on the board. They are coming in, then they are just going out straight away,” Dan says. “There are a lot of really good tenants who are missing out.” According to the Trade Me Rental Price Index in January, the median weekly rent in the Bay of Plenty is $550. But does being a single parent impact a potential tenant’s chance of securing a property? Dan says it is hard to know. “In all honesty, I think some people will have a negative perception of solo mums,” he admits. “But we always look at it based on their references, and whether we think they can afford it.” He says many Tauranga renters are couch surfing and bunking down with family members whilst looking for properties. “We know how disruptive this can be for young families,” adds Dan. Emma Houpt

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The Weekend Sun

4 Donald Carter, administrator at Holy Trinity, on the site of the refurbishment. Photo: John Borren.

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That could have been the end of it, because the glass was put away in boxes and forgotten about for nearly 20 years. Planning had already been underway prior to the fire to build a new, larger and more modern church, while retaining the old church as a chapel. However, around midnight on June 29, 1999, an arsonist set the building alight. “We saw the opportunity to refurbish it. We needed to clean out all the hall detritus and that’s when the stained glass windows were discovered.” The caretaker, Hugh Hodson, discovered them by chance while clearing out the hall stage area. “He brought them to me asking: ‘what are these?’” says Donald. “Having done a bit of work on the history, I recognised them as stained glass windows from the old building.” Holy Trinity Anglican Church has been closely associated with the European settlement and establishment of Tauranga for more than a century. Built in 1875, the church was a very

attractive kauri timber building with a fine pipe organ, serving the parish well until the 1990s. The soldiers’ memorial stained glass windows, depicting the crucifixion of Christ, had been unveiled back in 1923, donated by a Mrs McCaw in memory of her husband. Three marble memorial tablets installed below the window recorded the names of the parish’s 43 fallen. Donald and Hugh carefully laid out the pieces of glass, then called Steve Sinclair from Leadlight Expressions who has restored them as a triptych to be placed in the new chapel, enclosed in double paned glass. In a fortunate twist of fate, the architect was called because the new chapel’s design included four windows that were in a zigzag. The size of the stained glass window was the same size as the window spacing that the architect had allowed in the drawings. He had designed it without knowing about Rosalie Liddle Crawford the windows.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

Neighbour disputes artwork claims

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George disputes the claims he is defacing his neighbours artwork. Photo: John Borren.

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The man accused of defacing his neighbour’s artwork claims the allegations are false. The Weekend Sun reported last week that Welcome Bay resident James Parker is claiming his neighbour is rubbing dirt on art he’s painted on his internal fences. However, James’ neighbour George, who did not want his surname used, alleges the accusations are false and James has no evidence. James also said when he first painted the Maori cultural pieces they were painted out by George. George admits to painting out the art the first time, but it was on an easement that they both have the right to use. James then repainted the pictures and George says he decided to leave them. “This happened around two years ago,” says George. He alleges the first time the art was painted it was done to intimidate them. James says he painted the art as a form of protection for him and his land. George claims James is verbally abusive to him and his wife whenever they go there and uses “every word you could think of”.

“I didn’t think it would go this far,” George says. George and his wife bought the land around four years ago and wanted to build their last home to retire in and enjoy the water. But now they say they are afraid to live there. They plan to sell the house they are building when it is finished. He won’t visit the property alone and his wife refuses to go there. “We’ve had four-and-a-half years of hell from this guy and we’ve done nothing wrong except trying to build a house,” says George. “He’s just intimidating us.” George wants to resolve things so they just leave each other alone. “We don’t have to talk to each other, just be polite.” James has filed three complaints with the police for wilful damage. A police spokesperson has confirmed the complaints have been made, with the most recent being on January 31 this year. The spokesperson says the officer in charge isn’t able to provide any further information, but any new information that comes to light Alisha Evans will be assessed.

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Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

Controversial phosphate

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The plant undergoing a clean day. Photos. John Borren.

The latest in the controversial shipment of phosphate rock from Western Sahara is set to arrive in Tauranga this weekend. The IVS Phoenix is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Tauranga on February 27. The vessel is carrying approximately 56,000 megatons of phosphate rock mined in the disputed territory of Western Sahara in North Africa. Mount Maunganui-based Ballance AgriNutrients, who have sourced the material from the region since 1989, chartered the cargo. It is their first arrival of 2021 with an expected annual amount between 150,000 and 200,000 megatons. Previous shipments of phosphate rock from the area have been met with protests in Tauranga due its origin.

‘Blood phosphate’

Western Sahara is a disputed territory in Northern Africa. Morocco has governed the territory since 1975 when Spain gave up colonial rule. The Polisario Front, a national liberation movement representing the indigenous Saharawi people, are seeking independence and consider

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Moroccan rule an invasion of their territory. The United Nations established a mission toward a referendum regarding independence in 1991, but that is yet to materialise. A ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front that had existed since 1991 ended in November. This conflict and the disputed sovereignty of the area in which the phosphate rock has been mined has led to the popularisation of the term ‘blood phosphate’. Ballance strongly oppose this phraseology, labelling it highly emotive and disrespectful. They insist the terminology oversimplifies a complex topic. However, Mike Barton, of Western Sahara Campaign New Zealand (WSC-NZ), stands by the term. “We said plunder and war booty - that is the reality,” says Mike. “I think the companies involved have always had a bit of a corporate guilt about things. I think they know they are on shaky ground.”

Nothing else compares

Phosphate rock is used in superphosphate fertiliser and is considered crucial to New Zealand’s agricultural needs. Ballance suggest agricultural production would be halved without it. Due to its physical and chemical properties, no other alternative is said to offer the same performance as Western Sahara rock. “It’s got a high phosphorous content, which is what is desired,” explains Mount Maunganui site operations manager Charlie Bourne. “The super phosphate, what we produce, is best for New Zealand. It’s also really low in cadmium. “There are other sources of phosphate but they have a high cadmium count. “We could source from other sources but what would end up happening is we would poison the soil. We would not see an immediate impact now, but 300 years from now you have pretty much killed all your kids and grandkids.” Kamal Fadel is the Polisario Front representative to Australia and New Zealand. He suggests the claim New Zealand cannot source from elsewhere is baseless, citing an example of three Australian companies who stepped away from phosphate rock originating from the Western Sahara region. “They have been really intransigent and strongheaded,” claims Fadel. “These companies are just looking at it from a profit point of view and have not taken into consideration the legal aspects or the moral, ethical aspects of this trade.” It is a claim disputed by Bourne. “We pay a premium for the Boucra rock because of the low cadmium. So we could bring in something with a high phosphate content, but it would have that hike in cadmium.” Megan Clarkin, communications advisor for Balance, reaffirms that the cadmium issues remain a key reason behind their continued use of rock sourced in Western Sahara. “That’s the difference,” says Clarkin. “Cadmium builds up over time. It doesn’t go away. That’s what

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

rock shipment due to arrive in Tauranga It is a claim Ballance CEO Mark Wynne strongly denies. “Ballance absolutely refutes the suggestion that any money received from the sale and purchase of phosphate rock from Phosboucraa is returned to Moroccan authorities, the parent company, OCP, or any other entity.” A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade say they

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Mount Maunganui site operations manager Charlie Bourne standing where the shipment will be stored.

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is unique about New Zealand. “It is a tricky thing to get across because other places don’t have the cadmium issue New Zealand has, so for them they can change their source. “We’re always looking at other sources and other ways from around the world but that cadmium content is an issue.”

Seeking a solution

are supportive of the United Nations process in Western Sahara. However, Fadel suggests the nation’s reputation is being harmed, and has a message for ordinary Kiwi citizens. “Our people have suffered from oppression, occupation and they live in refugee camps in dire conditions while you benefit from Mathew Nash our resources.”

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a subsidiary of Moroccan fertiliser company OCP. OCP claim all profits from the operation supplying New Zealand’s phosphate are reinvested in the region. But Fadel disputes that claim, suggesting money will go toward the Moroccan treasury and does not benefit locals. “If you talk to people inside Western Sahara itself, they will tell you they have no benefit - they live in poverty,” Fadel continues. “It is white-washing, window dressing, and not based on reality. It is propaganda.”

Ballance ensure they are working in conjunction with a United Nations framework for operating economic natural resources activities in a non-selfgoverning territory, such as Western Sahara. The framework insists that operations should provide direct and indirect benefits to inhabitants of said territory, including economic advancement. Ballance are keen to point out that there are thousands of Saharawi who live and work in Moroccan-administered Western Sahara. “While all parties seek a solution, the protestors don’t appear to consider the risk of ceasing trade to the livelihoods of the Saharawi who are employed by OCP,” Support our community says Ballance head of before 31 March and get a communications Aimee Ballance. “It is not clear 33.3% tax credit this year. how the loss of jobs in a volatile part of the world would progress the issue of Western Learn more Sahara’s political status.” www.acornfoundation.org.nz Ballance currently 07 579 9839 source their phosphate rock from mining company Phosboucraa,

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Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

Estère brings new album to Tauranga Shayola Oliver, 7, playing T-Ball. Photo: John Borren.

Junior softball is a ball There’s something exhilarating in swinging a bat at a ball and watching it soar over the grass while everyone cheers. It is one of the never-ending summer youth experiences along with bee stings, paspalum grass and cicadas. For school-aged kids in Tauranga there are 16 weeks of glorious softball fun. For those not yet in the know, softball here follows the school year, rather than the summer season. Starting in Term 1, the 2021 season runs until March 20, takes a break for winter, starts again in Term 4 on October 30 and ends with grand finals and prize giving on December 18. “We welcome all schools and players to join us,” says Western BOP Junior Softball coordinator Malcom Mills. Softball is free for all juniors, with no junior playing fee for 2021. Games are played at Carlton Reserve in

Wellington-based artist Estère will soon treat Tauranga listeners to new live music at an upcoming Jam Factory gig. She is set to play songs from her recently-released concept album Archetypes as part of her New Zealand tour, playing in Tauranga on Friday, March 5. Archetypes is a departure from the bedroom beats of her previous two albums. Co-produced with Massive Attack producer, Stew Jackson,

each track on the album comes alive through the deft production. Defying categorisation, her music is a mixture of folk, R&B and electronica. Sounds in this album have been influenced by Algerian, Malian and western folk music. She hopes the live show motivates others to be creative and express themselves however they wish. “That’s what fuels me and how I do things,” she says. Check Eventfinda for more details.

Otumoetai on Saturday mornings at 9am, 9.30am and 10am, and training is held on Wednesdays from 4-6.30pm. For the under eight-year-olds there is T-Ball, under 10s have primary softball, under-13s have intermediate softball and under-15s and under18s have college softball. Western Bay of Plenty Softball would like to hear from any schools or people who may be interested in forming or joining a team. “We are also available to run coaching sessions for any school teams interested in getting started on Wednesday evenings, particularly if you would like to get organised,” says Malcolm. “We welcome all school ages. Bring a friend down and have fun.” For more information visit www.sporty.co.nz/wbopsoftball or the Western Bay of Plenty Softball Facebook page. Alternatively, email: juniorsoftballwbop@gmail.com or phone: Rosalie Liddle Crawford 027 4065241.

Always here to help! Over recent months I’ve given you my views on Tauranga’s big issues in this column: transport, housing, public safety and our CBD. There’s lots more, though, to being a locally elected MP than working on policies on ‘the big stuff’; there’s also the representative aspect or, put simply, helping you personally with whatever issue you may have. Over the years I’ve loved this part of the job - whether it’s been getting a family into housing or helping someone with a rare disorder get a compassionate response from our DHB. Lots of my time of late has been spent assisting locals currently offshore who’ve faced unreasonable MIQ decisions, meaning they can’t come home. In one case a young New Zealander in London needed to come back due to deteriorating

health issues for which they needed family support they just don’t have in the UK. After some wrangling, I was able to help, and I am pleased to say the decision was reversed. There have been a number of cases like this. If you’re a constituent in the Tauranga electorate, I’m here to help you and, since the election, I’ve kicked off a fresh work programme to ensure you know how to get hold of me. Amongst the things I’m doing, I’ve started door knocking the streets regularly – I hope to get to every home this term – and I’m also meeting fortnightly with businesses and community groups I haven’t met with before. If you want me to visit yours, call my office and we’ll make a time. Additionally, I’m holding three constituent clinics each

month (a bit like doctor’s surgeries) in central Tauranga, Greerton and the Mount, which you can drop into for my help. Look out for my adverts in this newspaper, on my Facebook page or website: www.simonbridges.co.nz for the details. In the near future I’ll be getting along to Waikato University’s Tauranga campus to step up my outreach to students and starting quarterly public meetings – the first being on housing (look out for advertising on this as well, which will give you all the details). The main point is this: as your MP for Tauranga I take my role representing you seriously. If you’ve an issue I may be able to help with, don’t be a stranger!

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Friday 26 February 2021

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www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp

‘Avenues Sun Deliverer’s’ new allterrain pushchair - one of the seven they were offered.

Sun readers deliver the goods A letter that ran on The Weekend Sun’s letters page last week has stirred up a flurry of kindness in the community. ‘Avenues Sun Deliverer’, who wishes to stay anonymous, was out delivering The Weekend Sun to the folks on 6th Ave two weeks ago when they found their delivery pram and suitcase had been stolen. In an effort to be reunited with their delivery kit, they wrote a letter to The Weekend Sun appealing for the thieves to return the stolen goods – which also had the papers inside. “My householders are entitled to their paper and your ‘freebie’ is needed to make that happen,” they wrote. The paper went to print as normal and, slowly but surely, the calls and emails started coming in. “I’ve got a pushchair under my house I would like to donate. It’s robust and I can deliver it,” said one. “I’ve got one that was picked up from Waipuna Hospice that we don’t need, I can drop this off for the person in need,” added another. And they kept on coming. “I’d like to buy the letter writer a new pram.”

“I’m wanting to donate $200 to the ‘Avenues Sun Deliverer’ for a new pram so they can keep delivering the paper.” “I’ve got a spare pram I can donate!” All-in-all, by Monday morning, The Weekend Sun offices had five offers to get the ‘Avenues Sun Deliverer’ back up and delivering the community newspaper to our readers. We then received a call from ‘Avenues Sun Deliverer’ after emailing them the good news – and the news got better. “I actually picked one up from a local op shop for $20,” they said. “Then, I found out someone I knew had gone and got me an all-terrain model, which is perfect.” That makes for seven prams. “I can’t believe people’s generosity – I’m stoked.” ‘Avenues Sun Deliverer’ says they’re grateful people are still thinking of their local delivery person. “We’re out there delivering papers, rain or shine, so it’s nice that people wanted to help.” They say that, if you do happen to have a spare pram looking for a home, they’d love to see them donated to Graced Op Shop and Espresso Bar, which supports the running of the Pregnancy Choice Centre, on 11th Ave.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

Hockey Masters comes to Tauranga but equally it is social,” says Krishan. “It is quite a positive environment. Narayan, known as ‘Squid’ around the club, agrees. “It is heaps of fun. We have a good laugh and a good time. It is really social for a lot of people but also kind of competitive and there’s some pretty good rivalries.” Mo is also hopeful of victory with his Kaimai team in the over 65s. He turns 75 in June and has been playing at the Mount since 1984. “You have got to keep moving. You have got to keep playing. Otherwise

once you give it up you’re giving up. “I find the sport really good for me.” Mo’s longevity is something that has left Narayan in something of a predicament. “I said years ago: ‘hurry up and retire because then I can’. I can’t retire before he does and he is still going.” Narayan jokes. “He really enjoys it. He is kicking really well.” The Vantage Hockey Masters runs from Sunday, February 28, until Saturday, March 6, at Tauranga Hockey and Tauranga Boys’ College. Mathew Nash

Krishan, Mo and Narayan Singh at Tauranga Hockey. Photo: Mathew Nash.

The nation’s largest hockey tournament is coming to Tauranga for the first time since 2005. Set to take place at Tauranga Hockey and Tauranga Boy’s College, from Sunday, February 28, until Saturday, March 6, the Vantage National Masters Hockey Tournament will see men and women from various age groups over 35 in action. Clinton Butler, general manager of Tauranga Hockey, says it is “fantastic” for the city to be hosting the games, which, due to its increased size, has not been viable until a recent installation of new hockey turf at Kawaka Street. “This tournament is about hockey but it is also about connection,” says Butler. “I think a lot of people that are involved will be grateful they can get out and play hockey but also socialise and enjoy their week.” Whilst tournament director Kit Rutherford jokes

that it will be a lot of “eating and drinking, with some hockey” he is keen to point out just how competitive the event is as well. “On the field even the over 65s think they are 20,” Kit says. “One thing that happens out of here is that the New Zealand Masters team is selected. “So yes, social, but also very competitive.” One of those over 65s is Mahendra ‘Mo’ Singh. Mo is part of a two generation dynasty at Mount Hockey Club. His two sons, Krishan and Narayan, will also be playing in the tournament in the men’s 45s and 40s pools respectively. “It’s really quite good fun,” Mo says, smiling. “It’s good camaraderie. The same faces come around and there’s lots of beer to drink! “Everybody is looking forward to it because for a lot of them it is their annual holiday as well.” Krishan and Narayan believe it is the perfect blend of a social and competitive atmosphere. “I think there is a strong competitive side to it

Baypark all set for Silver Ferns showdown

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New Zealand’s women will take on the Australian Diamonds as part of the four-match Constellation Cup in the Cadbury Netball Series. The matches are taking place in Christchurch and Tauranga, with the Silver Ferns playing at Trustpower Baypark Arena on Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7. It is the first time the Silver Ferns have played in Tauranga since they beat South Africa 61-37 in September 2018. New Zealand come into the game in fine form after a clean sweep over England in the three-match Taini Jamison Trophy series in Hamilton last year. The number one world-ranked Australian Diamonds will be playing their first international test in over a year. Australia won their last outing

against the Silver Ferns, 53-46, in October 2019, and head coach Dame Noeline Taurua will be hoping for a positive result. “I know the Diamonds will be excited to get back out on court after such a long break from playing international netball,” says Taurua. “We are equally excited to play all four Tests against the world number one netball team on our home soil in front of our home crowd.” The squad includes shooter Bailey Mes, who returns from a serious knee injury, and midcourter Maddy Gordon who could make her Silver Ferns debut. With the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and the 2023 Netball World Cup on the horizon, head coach Taurua decided to take a bigger squad from which she would pick a team of 12 before each match. Limited tickets are still available via: www.ticketek.co.nz

The Silver Ferns are heading to Tauranga next weekend for a double header transTasman netball clash.

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Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

Pie Awards back on the menu TRUSTPOWER IS CHANGING, SO TECT MUST CHANGE TOO. Trustpower announced on 28 January 2021 that it is undertaking a strategic review of its retail business, that includes a potential sale. Trustpower’s decision means that TECT has to change. This is because a sale of Trustpower’s Retail Business to a third party means that, under the TECT Trust Deed, TECT’s beneficiaries will no longer be you - Trustpower’s local retail customers. This means that you would no longer be entitled to receive a rebate.

THE PROPOSAL Trustees have released a proposal that outlines the changes to TECT’s structure needed to meet the purpose of the Trust Deed, and to ensure that the best interests of the Trust and its beneficiaries are protected. This proposal protects the rebate for existing TECT beneficiaries for approximately 30 years. To view the Notice of Proposal, please visit www.tect.org.nz. The steps for change include:

STEP 1 • TECT would retain funds which are sufficient to pay a yearly rebate to all existing beneficiaries (as of Thursday 28 January 2021) for approximately 30 years. • The rebate will be $500 a year for the first ten years, and then will increase after that to take account of inflation. • To receive a rebate a beneficiary must remain a customer of Trustpower or the buyer of the Retail Business (or a subsequent buyer), in the district subject to limited exceptions. If you leave, the rebate stops. • New customers and the current customers of the new business do not become beneficiaries. • On 31 December 2050, TECT must be wound up and its remaining assets will go to the new TECT Community Trust.

STEP 2 The balance of TECT’s funds (including its shareholding in Trustpower) would be transferred to a new long-term community trust focused on grants for local community projects.

CONSUMER INFORMATION SESSIONS The Trustees are holding a series of sessions on the proposal. Beneficiaries are invited to attend these sessions to discuss the proposed changes.

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Club Mount Maunganui, 45 Kawaka Street, Mount Maunganui.

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WANT MORE INFORMATION AND TO HAVE YOUR SAY? Beneficiaries are invited to make submissions on the proposal. Visit www.tect.org.nz for more information on the proposed changes, including the formal notice of proposal and how TECT beneficiaries can submit their feedback. Submissions on this proposal will close on Monday 22 March.

After an unscheduled year off, the largest and longest running food competition in New Zealand is back. Pie lovers around New Zealand were devastated when the 24th Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards was postponed due to Covid-19; so excitement is already building among bakers as to who might take out the Supreme Award this year. Patrick Lam, aka the Pie King of Tauranga’s Patrick’s Pies Goldstar Bakery, has a lot at stake. He’s the current reigning champion, having won seven Supreme Pie Awards, and in 2020 he claimed the first Bakels Legendary Sausage Roll prize to prove he still has what it takes. NZ Bakels managing director Brent Kersel says last year it was like the whole nation let out a sigh of disappointment when the competition was postponed. “We even had Seven Sharp, on their own initiative, trying to create a mini pie awards to help ease the disappointment,” says Brent. “New Zealanders love their pies and it was

Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards celebrity chef judge Gareth Stewart, Lay Phan Ho (Patrick’s wife), Patrick Lam and NZ Bakels managing director Brent Kersel. Photo: Bakels NZ

hard enough that the lockdowns closed their favourite bakeries without losing the Pie Awards as well. “This year we’re thinking positively about how much as a country we have to be thankful for, and the Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards helps celebrate that. So let’s find the best pie in the country and get everyone to try it! “We know people will want to.” Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards competition dates: May 3 – Entries open June 24 – Entries close at 5pm July 22 – Judging Day July 27 – Awards Night

New TECT proposal makes perfect sense Last week’s announcement of the proposed changes to the Tauranga Electricity Consumer Trust is important from a regional, economic perspective.

Readers will probably be aware that Trustpower recently announced a review of their retail business, with the view to a possible sale. The prospect of this sale means that TECT needs to consider the structure of the trust in future. TECT exists for the benefit of consumers of Trustpower living in Tauranga or the Western Bay, and a sale means that those consumers no longer exist. This frustrates the intent of the trust, so action to change the trust is required. The trust needs to benefit future generations, so winding up and distributing the proceeds isn’t an option. The direction that TECT trustees have taken in the proposal is an entirely sensible one in my view. Essentially, the trust will be split into two parts; one to provide the rebate ‘cheque’ to existing Trustpower customers in

years to come, and the other to support wider community services and projects. The structure is a similar set-up to the current one, but the sinking lid nature of the Trustpower customer base means that community investments will be able to be strengthened in future. The proposal balances the needs of all parties well. The prospect of additional support for community projects is heartening. A fast-growing city like Tauranga needs strong investment in all forms of infrastructure, so that we can continue to be a great place to live. I have no doubt that the council changes that we have seen during the last few months will be positive, and unlock much-needed investment for the city. I would also expect ’hard’ infrastructure that supports transport, water and housing to become the highest priorities. TECT plays a valuable role by supporting community-based projects, often with a social or environmental benefit that might not attract funding from other sources. The prospect of increased investment in these areas is much needed, and will go a long way to strengthening the quality of living for people in our city. That is a real positive for businesses and the community in general.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

Aussie partnership 12 months in making “I think as we went through the journey with the guys from 360 we realised that there were a lot of similarities in terms of values.” Whilst some may have reservations regarding the New Zealand company branching out across the Tasman, Denis is keen to point out the Kiwi link within 360 Capital, whose own managing director Tony Pitt is a New Zealander.

Future education

provision in the Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa area

Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty are currently New Zealand’s fastest growing areas. A new primary school, Te Manawa o Pāpāmoa School, is opening in 2022 due to ongoing and projected population growth. This projected population growth will also increase student numbers at Mount Maunganui Intermediate School, Mount Maunganui College, and Pāpāmoa College, as well as other primary schools in the area. We are now engaging with the community to determine how school enrolment zones may look in the future, and how more intermediate and secondary school students can best be accommodated in the schooling network. The opening of Te Manawa o Pāpāmoa School will require amendments to the enrolment zones of other primary schools in the area. Mount Maunganui College will also be implementing an enrolment zone from 2022. The introduction of a zone for Mount Maunganui College will affect the enrolment scheme boundaries of surrounding schools. We are gathering feedback on two things in this process: 1. The proposed enrolment zones for Te Manawa o Pāpāmoa School and Mount Maunganui College, as well

as amendments to other enrolment zones in the area; 2. Potential future options for Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Mount Maunganui College and Pāpāmoa College to accommodate the projected increase in intermediate and secondary aged students. To gather feedback we are holding community meetings. The information we get from these meetings will be summarised into a survey to ensure the entire community has the opportunity to participate. This will help determine future enrolment zones and how intermediate and secondary schooling could be best arranged to meet future needs. More information on this process can be found at www. dandgconsulting.co.nz/tauranga

Public Meetings

Public meetings will be held at the following times and locations: Monday March 15th, 7 – 8pm, Mount Maunganui College Tuesday March 16th, 7 – 8pm, Pāpāmoa College Wednesday March 17th, 7 – 8pm, Trustpower Baypark Stadium

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“If you want to be in business and expand it’s a fact of life,” says Denis. “The founder is a Kiwi, which is a great story in itself, and he and I shared a lot of similarities. “There was synchronicity in terms of how we look at and value things. I think that was important.” PMG’s team will remain the same, while three of the 360 Capital team will join the board. Mathew Nash

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The deal is worth up to $17.5 million and PMG Chairman Denis McMahon, who founded the business in 1992, says it has been a deal 12 months in the making. “To grow the business and protect the investors from uncertain times, particularly after the global financial crisis, it really became clear to me that you have to have very robust structures around

you to survive that sort of thing,” says Denis. “We did, but to take it to the next level an equity partner would have been a very useful thing to have.” Denis says that over the years he has spoken with numerous parties regarding equity partnership, but nothing ever came to fruition. Finally, 360 Capital presented him with a chance to partner with a company who share his core values. “When I formed the business, one of my principles was quite simple,” he says. “If it was good for investors then it would be good for me. The second one was to co-invest with my investors so that I had skin in the game.

Tauranga-based national property funds manager PMG Property Funds Management Limited has announced a 50 per cent equity partnership with listed Australian-based investment and funds manager, 360 Capital Active.

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Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

Vinnies needs more vollies They’re the silent superheros of the community. They’re there when The team at St Vincent De Paul Tauranga are out there you call, they’ll do whatever they can to help, and offering a helping hand to the they do it without judgement. region’s people and they do it

without the expectation of accolades. “We will look at doing anything case by case,” says St Vincent de Paul Western Bay of Plenty area manager Lorna Edlin. “If someone comes to us with a problem or a need, we do everything we can to help them. “We’re supporting the Bay of Plenty in every way possible. “A lot of people think we’re affiliated with a church, but we’re not,” she says. “None of our money goes there; we work more like brother and sister, helping each other out. St Vincent De Paul Tauranga’s Lorna Edlin and David Charlton. “In fact they give us huge support and help.” for school kids through Loaves and Fishes, Lorna says all the money raised from their op working in the vans and more. shops stays in the Bay of Plenty. “We have not There are opportunities to help in any way you been nationalised, all our money stays here.” can, but if you can’t donate your time, Vinnies And Vinnies needs more vollies. won’t turn down donations of cash. “We need people to do everything – from “If somebody needs something and we don’t helping in the shops, which funds our good work have it, we’ll go out and get it,” says Lorna, “so in the community, to more conference members. cash is always gratefully accepted.” “They are our backbone, they engage and visit For more information on volunteering to see how we can assist people,” says Lorna. “A opportunities, email David Charlton on: couple of hours a week can make a difference!” svdp.cam.manager@gmail.com or call: There are a number of initiatives and 027 602 9359. volunteering opportunities with the Bay Vinnies, For more information on St Vincent de Paul, including food truck Fullstop, providing lunches and to donate, visit: www.bopvinnies.co.nz

Cayla-Fay Euinton

The Weekend Sun

Bethlehem Te Puna Lions members Doug Morris and Rob Royce with Te Puna School students, Vamn Bryant and Benjamin Baardsen. Photo: John Borren.

For those keen to explore the Te Puna to Omokoroa cycleway, an exciting family bike day is planned for March. “We’ve run the Te Puna Quarry Fest over a number of years, but because of Covid-19 had to cancel that last year,” says Bethlehem Te Puna Lion member Doug Morris. “This year we want to highlight the Omokoroa to Tauranga cycleway and encourage people to enjoy that section.” The Lions Club of Bethlehem Te Puna, in association with Bike Garage, will be running the Lions Family Bike Day on Sunday, March 7, from 10am-1pm. “We are encouraging people to arrive from 9am for a 10am start,” explains Doug, “and take a relaxed 7.5km family bike ride from Maramatanga Park in Te Puna to Tamahina Park in Omokoroa.” The Omokoroa Lions will run a sausage sizzle with drinks at the Tamahina Park halfway mark. “Then it’s a casual ride back to Te Puna. Once bikers return from the 15km ride, they can enjoy stalls, a kid’s slide, a Jiu Jitsu demonstration, food, barbecue, entertainment and quick-fire raffles.”

Bike Garage will provide help with bike repairs, making sure everyone’s chains, pedals and gears are safe and working. Back at Maramatanga Park there will also be a 16-inch bike race, a puncture repair race and a bike trials demonstration. Doug says there will be prizes of chicken and meat, spot prizes and two big prizes of a weekend for a family of four to Taupo with $100 spending money. “We want to invigorate our local Te Puna community,” says Doug. “Anyone can come. “It’s a community day for locals as well as people from the greater Tauranga and Omokoroa areas.” The entry fees and proceeds will go to supporting Child Cancer. “We’re looking for a good turnout of people to enjoy the new part of the cycleway from Te Puna to Omokoroa.” Registrations on March 7 begin at 9am at Maramatanga Park, Te Puna. The ride starts at 10am and is expected to take approximately two hours. Entry fee is $10 per adult, $5 for juniors (under 15 years) and $20 for families.

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Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

‘Love Your Pet Day’ winners The day went to the dogs and other furry friends last weekend, when I encouraged SunLive’s pet-loving readers to celebrate ‘Love Your Pet Day’ by sending in their pet photos. A story about Brian Rogers and his American silver Labrador Flo set the competition alight, resulting in 104 photos emailed in over two days. The pair have their own special pet-human bond, going back nine years since Flo’s puppy days. From the more than 100 photos sent in, my chinchilla Persian cat Arthur and I chose 20 finalists, focusing on the original theme of the loving bond between human and pet. Ashley Golledge sent in a photo of her father Stephen Golledge and his cat Puss. “This is my dad. He passed away last year on May 15 at the age of 57 from pancreatic cancer. “During lockdown he wasn’t able to see his cat Puss. This was his final

FIRST WINNER Seren Taylor, 17 months, with best friend Johnny, aged 13. Photo: Danielle Taylor.

FaceTime chat with Puss. “Their bond was like no other,” writes Ashley. The winning photo, taken by Danielle Taylor, is of her daughter Seren Taylor with best friend Johnny. Second is a photo of Beau Stewart with family dog Duke rafting on the Rangitiki River. “We take our son and dog rafting every Christmas/New Year,” says Emily Parker. Third prize goes to Haley Kennedy for her photo of kitten Rocky. The three winners have each won a $100 Countdown voucher. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The photo that started it all: Brian Rogers with Flo. Photo: Claire Rogers.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

FRIDAY NIGHT ---- LIVE

ON WHARF STREET

FRIDAY MARCH 12TH 5.30PM – 9.00PM Join us for live music, Circus in a Flash entertainment and spend some time with your hosts – the Wharf Street bars, cafes and restaurants.

SECOND WINNER Beau Stewart, 8, and Duke the beardie/Huntaway dog love rafting trips on the Rangitiki River. Photo: Emily Parker. THIRD WINNER Rocky, a fivemonth-old kitten, loves cuddles. Photo: Haley Kennedy.

Left: Blaze, a rescue goat. Photo: Rochelle Prime.

Saturday 13 March 11 am -2pm

on Wharf Street DO WN TOWN TAU RA NGA

Above: LandSAR Tauranga Search and Rescue volunteer Nick Petry with his German shepherd and LandSAR search dog Kora.

Right: Border collie Bro looking after his human sibling. Photo: Emma Hunter.

Above: Stephen Golledge and his cat Puss having their last FaceTime chat before Stephen died from pancreatic cancer. Photo: Ashley Golledge.

WWW.DOWNTOWNTAURANGA.CO.NZ

Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

Epic star-studded weekend in store for Tauranga The Silver Ferns, the Blackcaps and the White Ferns, as well as the Royal New Zealand Ballet, are all set to shine in Tauranga on March 6-7, providing a huge boost for local hospitality, tourism and accommodation providers.

Their convergence on the Bay will result in one of the region’s busiest weekends, as thousands of out-oftown visitors join locals to soak up all the action. Tourism Bay of Plenty chief executive Kristin Dunne says to have so many high-profile events occur in

White Ferns captain Sophie Devine. Photo: Supplied.

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one weekend proves Tauranga has come of age. “It will be fantastic for our local economy and a great opportunity to showcase our region to a big, televised audience,” says Kristin. “To have three of our premier sports teams compete here at the same time shows we are capable of hosting major events and that the Bay is definitely the place to be!” The big weekend kicks off on Saturday, March 6, when the Silver Ferns take on the Australian Diamonds at Trustpower Baypark Arena. They’ll play again the following afternoon in what will be the final two matches of the Constellation Cup. Fans are expected to travel from across the North Island to watch as the world’s top-two netball teams go head-to-head. On Sunday, March 7, all eyes will be on Bay Oval. At midday, the White Ferns take on

England in a T20 clash, followed by the Blackcaps versus Australia at 4pm. The double header will draw a sell-out crowd and generate plenty of spending across the wider region. Meanwhile, at Baycourt, the Royal New Zealand Ballet will present ‘Tutus on Tour’, offering both a matinee and evening performance on Saturday, March 6. Three ballet favourites (including the ‘White Swan’ pas de deux from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet’s famous ‘balcony’ pas de deux) will be performed alongside two brand new ballets. “The televised cricket coverage always includes great aerial shots of Mauao and our harbour, reminding people just how beautiful the Bay really is. The entire weekend will showcase Tauranga and create a real buzz, which is exciting for us all,” adds Kristin.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

Churches Active In Our Community

Refreshing take on unity Cultivating the attitude of gratitude us her own belief in a unified approach to the future. I would also prefer to tick the ‘New Zealand’ box without the ethnic qualification when asked for my nationality as I believe we will always be a multi-national melting pot and the sooner we accept this the sooner we can stop the infighting. Dan Russell, Tauranga.

Political integrity

politicians’ The public is sceptical of e cause, but du promises and not without vernment to Go the here the latest move by ‘abolish local pass with urgency a bill to is a direct reversal ’ government petition rights se: “Labour mi pro on cti ele n of their ow ns about local isio will ensure that major dec ipation of the rtic pa l democracy involve ful outset”. local population from the ection of rej r ate gre y an Can there be es? ipl nc pri c democrati a. Bryan Johnson, Omokoro

Opposing separatism

‘A house united is str house divided will fal ong, but a l.’ I raise this issue beca use the letter of L Te Waiti Wright (The Weekend Sun, Febr uary 5, pg 27) is so right! They write: “Dame W Cooper strongly oppo hina sed Separatism. She advo cated unity, marriage, and a respect between races.” I believe the team of five million

have achieved this! W e wed, inter-bred, inter are inter-cultural, (everything we use an d do, every day, is our culture). We work together, we together and share all play th of our wonderful coun e benefits try, together. Those who want to separate us are 100 years too lat e! Thank you L Te Waiti Wright, yo and strength is an ex ur wisdom ample to all. Ken Evans, Tauran ga.

Modern-day democracy and Maori wards

Henry Philips (The Weekend Sun, February 12, pg 26) misunderstands modern democracy when he describes Nanaia Mahuta as undemocratic. Modern democracies worldwide now recognise that minority groups have a democratic right to be treated fairly and that majority decisions that treat minorities unfairly are undemocratic. Since 1975 that democratic right has made the Treaty of Waitangi an article of New Zealand Law. That makes it undemocratic for the Pakeha majority to treat

Maori unfairly. If Maori wish to have Maori Wards it is undemocratic for the Pakeha majority to use their majority vote to prevent Maori from having Maori Wards, particularly when Maori Wards do not affect Pakeha at all. Nanaia Mahuta is being completely democratic in preventing the Pakeha majority from treating Maori unfairly. Why on earth are Pakeha making such a fuss about something that does not actually affect them? Peter Dey, Kawerau.

The Weekend Sun welcomes letters from readers. Preference will be given to short letters (200 words maximum) supplied with full name and contact details.

Email: letters@thesun.co.nz For more letters go to www.sunlive.co.nz

Once again, it seems, we have escaped the ravages of Covid-19. A potentially explosive community outbreak has been contained. We have got off lightly and we can return to our highly privileged lives. As Kiwis, we enjoy so many advantages that extend way beyond the reaches of a pandemic.

and discontentment. When we add the word ‘but’ to a statement, we pretty much invalidate everything that has gone before. The focus shifts in a negative direction. The best advice I have received is to learn to be grateful in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians. 5:18) Not ‘for all circumstances’, but ‘in all circumstances’, because giving thanks is the will of God for us. Learning to cultivate the attitude of gratitude has been one of my most important life lessons. It’s the only way to fully appreciate and enjoy all that God has given us.

A friend in Myanmar is heartbroken to once again experience the unwarranted brutal intervention of the military in her country. Another, living in the United States, writes of the severe winter they are experiencing - with ‘snow upon snow’ and a lack of power to keep warm. Yet another has asked us to pray for both parents who now have Covid-19 and they fear for their lives. Fred Dagg said it best: “We just don’t know how lucky we are.” However, if we are not careful gratitude can easily escape us, leaving us cynical and discontented. I wonder if you tempted to add a ‘but’ to my words? Sure, we are lucky or blessed ‘but’ what about all the things we don’t have or haven’t got right in this country? This is the beginning of ingratitude WELCOME WELCOME

It was so refreshing to read Lana Te Wiata Wright’s letter of February 5 (The Weekend Sun, pg 27). She calmly and simply dismissed the “separatist rhetoric“ of the last few years and showed

Rev. Keith Hooker, St Columba Church.

A place of respite in the city Sunday 8am & 10am Wednesday 10am Messy Church - 4pm, 3rd Sunday of the month

09 578 7718

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ALL ALL WELCOME WELCOME SHALOM SHALOM

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

CITY CHURCH TAURANGA Sundays at 9am, 10.30am & 6pm 252 Otumoetai Road, Tauranga

AM SABBATH SABBATH 10 10AM OTUMOETAI PRIMARY PRIMARY OTUMOETAI

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

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ONE CHURCH THREE LOCATIONS

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Holy Trinity Anglican Church

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CITY CHURCH COAST (PAPAMOA) Sundays at 10am Papamoa Rec. Centre, Gordon Spratt Reserve CITY CHURCH NORTH (OMOKOROA) Sundays at 10am Omokoroa Sport & Rec. Centre, Western Avenue

A pla of res in the

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Messy Ch 3rd Sunda

Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

Fayre returns to Greerton The Greerton Village Vintage, Retro and Steampunk Fayre is back this year and we are all so excited.

Sadly, the fayre had to be cancelled last year due to Covid-19, but this year it’ll be back and better than ever. Held at the Greerton Village School grounds on Saturday, March 6, from 10am-2pm, this year’s fayre will

Vintage, Retro

&Steampunk

Vintage, Retro

&Steampunk

Vintage, Retro

&Steampunk

feature plenty of We won’t be closing the road this year, entertainment, shopping, food and more. Greerton Village School will be fundraising with ‘Cake and a Cuppa’ on the veranda, as well as sausage sizzle and candy floss. Historically, these fayres are very popular, so we’re excited to see how many people turn up to enjoy this family fun day out. There will be a best-dressed competition to match this year’s theme of vintage, retro and/or steampunk, for any ladies and gentlemen who would like to show off their fashionable and creative side. The competition will be judged by Labour MP Jan Tinetti, Tauranga Chamber of Commerce CEO Matt Cowley and Tracey Ruddock-Gudsell, Rowan Ford Dawson and Mary the Stiltwalker from Circus who wears many hats. in a Flash. Both will be here again performing at the Fayre. There’s no fee to enter – just turn up in your finery at 11.30am around the rotunda. Cash prizes are up for grabs! but people are still welcome to shine up their This year, alongside entertainment for the vintage and retro cars and park them along kids, there will be something a little extra for the Chadwick Road or outside the school for adventurous adults. people to ogle. A mechanical bull will be operating and those And if you’re interested in selling your vintage, brave enough can jump on the bucking bull for a retro or steampunk wares, there are still a few gold coin donation. Money raised from this will be sites available for stallholders. If you’d like more going to the Greerton Lions. information, give me a call on: 07 571 6347.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

21 news and views for the over 55s

Pyes Pa 65-plus community expands to include care A special feature of the care suite lifestyle at Copper Crest is how residents are grouped into households, to create a homely atmosphere and nurture relationships. “The wellness team members looking after each household are

Don Smith and Jeanette Pettersen.

consistent, so residents get to see the same friendly faces every day,” says Nick. “Our household approach also encourages stronger friendships between residents.” For a tour of Copper Crest, call Moya on: 021 969 482.

Homecare Homecare

Previously focused on independent living, Arvida’s Copper Crest community in Pyes Pa has added two extra dimensions of senior living to its offering. For those looking for future-proofed accommodation arrangements, it means the tempting simplicity of a single address change. When construction is complete in mid-March, new residents will begin moving into new ‘Living Well’ apartments and an innovative type of assisted

living called ‘care suites’. Village manager at Copper Crest, Nick Page, explains the two options. “Living Well apartments are ergonomically designed to make day-to-day living easier for people who need just a little help. They have lovely views, full kitchens, balconies or patios, plus residents get a daily buffet breakfast and weekly house clean. “Care suites are rooms and studios designed for people who need a higher level of assistance. We can offer 24/7 rest home, hospital level or dementia care in our care suites, depending on individual needs.”

Independence is vital to maintaining a quality of life.

Brand new care suites opening soon You and your family can now enjoy peace of mind at Copper Crest. Our wonderful innovative care suites offer the very best rest home, hospital and specialist dementia care - so as your needs change, your home won’t need to.

To find out more call Moya on 021 969 482 or visit coppercrest.co.nz 52 Condor Drive, Pyes Pa, Tauranga.

Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

22 news and views for the over 55s

Consumer NZ calls out unfair terms in retirement village contracts Consumer NZ wants an overhaul of retirement village regulations to protect residents from unfair terms. Chief executive Jon Duffy says its review of retirement village contracts found terms that unfairly favour the village and risk leaving residents out of pocket. “Retirement villages promise the good life in your golden years,” says Jon. “However, the agreements consumers must sign before they

move into a village can have a nasty financial sting. Some also risk breaching consumer law.” A major concern was terms that made residents responsible for the costs of maintaining and repairing items in their unit, even though they didn’t own them. Most retirement villages offer a ‘licence to occupy’, which gives the resident the right to live in their unit but no ownership rights to the property. Despite this, some contracts made the resident liable for repairing the operator’s chattels.

Consumer NZ is calling for an overhaul of retirement village regulations.

Consumer NZ head of research, Jessica Wilson, says one retirement village chain had a wideranging clause in its contract, which gave residents just one month after the agreement begins to advise the company of any repairs needed. After that time, the resident was required to meet any costs, including paying for repairs to the unit’s stove, garage doors, plumbing and electrical fittings. “In our view, these terms conflict with residents’ rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act to expect goods and services of a reasonable standard,” says Jessica. “If the oven in your unit fails, the village should wear the repair cost.” Jessica says many residents also faced significant

financial losses when their unit was sold because they didn’t receive any capital gains, despite paying towards the property’s upkeep. Villages’ retention of the capital gain was a major cause of complaint. In a Consumer NZ survey of 1680 residents, 63 per cent were unhappy their agreement didn’t allow them to get any capital gain when their unit was sold. Consumer NZ’s review of village contracts also found terms that gave the village wide discretion to decide what residents could and couldn’t do. The findings of the review will be made available to retirement commissioner Jane Wrightson, who’s responsible for monitoring the sector.

Apartment living never felt so good.

These are examples of typical Arena Living apartment interiors.

One-bedroom apartments – just two available! 80 Maranui Street, Mount Maunganui

8038/OSV/RE_VILLAS/HP/01

$500,000 licence to occupy. Enjoy life in one of these light and bright apartments in the heart of Ocean Shores Village. Each has been tastefully redecorated and features one bedroom, a modern kitchen, and open-plan living area that’s perfect for entertaining friends. Relax and take in the views, with one apartment overlooking Papamoa Hills and the Kaimai Ranges, and the other boasting an outlook of the lovely village gardens. And if that’s not all, you’ll be close to the beautiful beaches of the Mount. This is retirement living at its best, so come in and make yourself at home.

It’s your life, better.

Be quick! Chances like this don’t come up often. Call Clare on 0800 774 635 or 022 577 6228 to arrange a private viewing. For more information visit arenaliving.nz

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

23 news and views for the over 55s

Missing data features in global report on eye health New Zealand needs more investment in eye health, a global report from The Lancet Global Health has revealed.

Noting that more than 90 per cent of vision loss could be prevented or treated with existing, highly cost-effective

One of the recommendations is for countries to collect data on eye health from national surveys to inform planning. New Zealand is among the minority of countries with no such assessment. The University of Auckland’s Jacqui Ramke, an associate professor in the School of Optometry and Vision Science, was one of 73 experts from 25 countries who contributed to the report, titled The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health. “For now, we can only look at data from other countries to estimate the state of eye health in New Zealand,” says Dr Ramke. A report from the Lancet says almost everyone will experience “For example, a recent national an eye condition in their lifetime. survey in Australia showed that for reading glasses. Additionally, cost-effective Indigenous Australians have far worse access to medical interventions such as cataract surgery and eye care than non-Indigenous Australians - and spectacles can dramatically cut the productivity the same could be true here for Maori and Pacific people, but we just don’t have the data we need to lost globally from eye problems. Some 90 per cent of people living with blindness plan equitable eye services.” or vision impairment are in low or middle-income The report from the Lancet, one of the world’s leading medical journals, says almost everyone will countries, but in all countries there is inequality in terms of population groups able to readily access experience impaired vision or an eye condition during their lifetime - even if that’s just the need eye care.

interventions, the report provides recommendations for countries to enable everyone’s right to eye health.

Yes! It’s time to tell the story of your life. It’s never too early to tell your story but it can easily become too late.

A personal history goes beyond the names and dates on a family tree, it captures stories behind the facts and infuses the past with vitality. • Preserve family stories and memories • Help otherswww.forgetmenotlifestories.co.nz discover the experience that shaped you • Put a human face on historic events and share your lessons We make it easy for you to transform a head full of memories and a box full of photos into an enduring family heirloom. Preserve your life story for generations in an elegant legacy book. CALL YOUR LOCAL PERSONAL HISTORIAN:

Kate McCarthy

P:021 024 54857 or 07 544 5365 E: kmccarthy@lifestories.net.nz

www.forgetmenotlifestories.co.nz

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON $10,000?

“

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We’d live it up all year

Think you might like to try all the fancy restaurants in town, go on a road trip or invest in a new hobby? At Summerset we believe that retirement is your time to do the things you enjoy and deserve. Tell us how you would spend $10,000 and you could get the chance to make your wishes come true.*

*Terms & conditions apply. Competition runs 28 January – 28 February 2021.

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Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

Baypark 27-28 February 2021

Team Gardiner

teamgardiner@harcourts.co.nz Tony 021 145 9205 Melissa 021 145 9212 Jamie 027 852 6435

Tauranga Advantage Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Friday 26 February 2021

ily

FR F E E RN N ET E T ER E R Y Y

Baypark 27-28 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

Seniors & Travel Expo - 2021 BOP Expo Ray Woolf A4 poster [v01].indd 1 Seniors & Travel Expo - 2021 BOP Expo Ray Woolf A4 poster [v01].indd 1

22/01/2021 10:23:35 PM 22/01/2021 10:23:35 PM

Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

Taking asbestos seriously

Asbestos is not something to mess around with, so when the time comes for you to get a survey, make sure you call in the professionals. The Asbestos Consultants team have plenty of experience when it comes to asbestos surveys and more. “Whenever you have an asbestos related issue, make sure you call us immediately,” says owner Terry O'Keeffe. “With many years of working in asbestos removal we know the issues you are likely to face because we know the industry. “We invest in our technology to provide you with the best service possible.” Whether you are a building owner, branch of government, or representing a large corporation, Asbestos Consultants

has built almost 30 years of expertise working with people just like you. The team are totally committed to upholding the very highest standards of safety and client care. “Our expert, friendly team of surveyors are qualified to the highest industry standards,” says Terry. “The team can help you with A and B class clearances and asbestos surveys, consultancies and testing. “We take absolute pride advising our clients – of all sizes and budgets – with total peace of mind in all aspects of asbestos management. “Whatever your situation, health and safety requirements or timescale, we will efficiently supply the tailor made and specialised services you need.” For more information, visit: www.asbestosconsultants.co.nz

No more steamy mirrors Steamed mirrors, condensation on walls and ceilings, slippery floors and mould are year-round, annoying home issues caused by shower steam, which can add significant costs to the upkeep of your house. A dry, warm house is also a healthy house, especially as damp bathrooms are the perfect place for fungus and bacteria to grow, which can cause serious health problems. Showerdome solves all of these problems, controlling steam, reducing condensation and making the house healthier and warmer. A Showerdome shower top consists of a clear acrylic dome that prevents steam from forming when fitted on top of an existing shower box. With no on-going costs it is the most effective investment one can make for a home or rental property. Showerdome also makes mirror demisters and extractor fans redundant, and could save the

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average household around $250 in energy costs alone. To learn more, visit www.showerdome.co.nz The Weekend Sun has one DIY Showerdome kit to give away, valued at $299, for one lucky reader who can tell us how much a Showerdome could save the average household in energy costs. Showerdome installation by a local Showerdome installer is available at standard pricing. Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the competition section. Entries must be received by Tuesday, March 2.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

Property developers and political donations In 2018, political donations from property developers and their associates were made illegal in Queensland as part of an effort to improve transparency and restore public confidence in local government.

Taskforce for Tauranga’, made up of property developers, to a prospective member (asked to contribute $2,500 - $5,000), was leaked by the concerned individual. The group was formed to address Tauranga’s ‘leadership vacuum’ (which, arguably, some of their

Receiving or giving a donation can be punished by up to two years’ imprisonment. It’s legal in Tauranga - property developers have been regular contributors to favoured candidates in both council and government elections, as evidenced by donations declared by the candidates themselves.

Conflict of interest

members helped create!) and lobby both commissioners and government to support growth. Read the letter from UTF in full here: www. facebook.com/SteveMorrisTauranga Who stands for the residential ratepayers these days?

status by Nanaia Mahuta’s advisors. It comes as no surprise that some lobbied to replace councillors with commissioners that have been instructed to fulfil government’s growth agenda.

Lobbying

From Australia to the US, several states and cities have banned such donations because of concerns about perceived conflicts of interest. A council has the power to make a landowner incredibly rich overnight by rezoning land or favouring a particular development proposal. Developers have been accorded ‘key stakeholder’

They also lobbied councillors when council decided to replace Larry Baldock as Deputy Mayor and it looked as though he was going to be replaced by John Robson, a staunch advocate that growth (and developers) should pay for growth rather than existing residential ratepayers. A letter from the newly formed ‘UTF – Urban

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AIR CONDITIONING

Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

1 - 7 March

Protect your hearing We protect ourselves from the sun by wearing sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, and we protect ourselves from mosquitoes by applying repellent, but as we go about our activities, how many of us think about protecting our hearing?

The fact is that many of the activities we enjoy can endanger our hearing if we are not careful. For example, sound levels at outdoor concerts often exceed 100 dB - well above the recommended safe limit of 85. Wearing ear plugs protects your hearing but doesn’t inhibit your enjoyment of the concert. Contrary to what you might think when using motorbikes and speedboats, it’s not the engine noise but the wind noise that can wreak havoc on your hearing. Riding a motorcycle at 100 km per hour can produce wind noise levels in excess of 103 dB. To put it into perspective, that is louder than a chainsaw. Unfortunately, if the sound level exceeds 115 dB, just 15 minutes of exposure can result in permanent hearing damage. When boating, a simple pair of disposable earplugs will suffice to protect your hearing. Enjoy activities but consider the impact of loud noise - particularly continuous loud noise - on the hearing of both yourself and your children. Please don’t allow yourself or your children to become one of the reported 880,000 New

Zealanders who suffer from hearing loss. Hearing Support BOP works in schools providing education to children about the dangers of loud sound. They also provide awareness sessions to clubs, retirement villages and more on hearing loss and what services/equipment is available. They provide free impartial advice and information to members of the public. For more information, contact Hearing Support BOP manager Beverley Stowers on: 07 578 6476, email: tauranga@hearing.org.nz or visit her in Bayfair or Papamoa Plaza this week.

Call Us

Compared your pair? Shop our everyday low prices on hearing aids Find a store near you or to book online visit specsavers.co.nz/hearing NZ_BOP_70

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 February 2021

1 - 7 March

Making a difference The Blue Lagoon Hearing Trust is a registered charity formed 24 years ago from local funds, and assists hearing impaired and deaf people within the Tauranga city area. Anyone, regardless of age, who is affected by hearing loss and requires financial assistance, can apply for help. The Trust’s mission is based on the educational, economic, vocational, physical and social welfare needs and aspirations of the hearing impaired and deaf, including scholarships. Assistive financial grants for hearing aids and equipment for communication purposes is the most common activity.

Grants and scholarships

Since inception, grants and scholarships totalling in excess of $250,000 have been approved. The Blue Lagoon Hearing Trust was recently asked to consider helping 11-year old Jordan Richards, who is profoundly deaf with bilateral ochlear implants.

As a diligent student, he relies on digital devices to support his learning. On his commencement at Tauranga Intermediate School this year, Jordan was accepted into the multi-media class, however to fully participate there he required an Apple MacBook Air laptop.

Enhance and learn

With the support of the Deaf Children NZ organisation, some individuals, and a grant from the Trust, it was possible to purchase the required equipment and give Jordan the best possible opportunity to continue and enhance his education. Other past activities of the Trust include arranging Deaf Awareness presentations and Hearing expos. These expos have provided the public with information on products and services available to deaf and hard of hearing people, and promoted greater awareness of difficulties experienced by these people in everyday life. At the last expo, 200 people received free hearing tests in a mobile testing unit sponsored by a hearing aid supplier. The Blue Lagoon Hearing Trust

John Gaylard, Jordon Richards and Jude Doyle. Photo: John Borren.

(Charities Commission No.CC11079) relies on investment income, donations, legacies and bequests, to undertake its work. Where possible, grants are sought for specific projects.

You can help

They are always seeking support to facilitate helping needy people in our community, and donations can be made through the website on

the ‘support us’ page, or posted to: Blue Lagoon Hearing Trust, PO Box 8354, Cherrywood, Tauranga 3145. Receipts for tax claims rebate purposes will be issued for donations of $5 or more. For further information about this local Trust, visit: www.bluelagoonhearingtrust.co.nz, phone coordinator John Gaylard on: 5761349, or email: info@bluelagoonhearingtrust.co.nz

Microsuction Earwax Removal

SoundSure, the ear clinic with a difference. Our trained ear specialist uses microsuction, the Gold Standard procedure for New Zealand. Customer service is at the heart of our business and with our 30 miniute sessions you can be assured you are being heard and cared for, not just another number! For further information please contact us at, Mobile: 027 207 0876 Email: info@soundsure.co.nz To make your own online booking please visit us at www.soundsure.co.nz

S undSure

Friday 26 February 2021

The Weekend Sun

THE WEEKEND SUN

Saturday 27 February

16th Ave Theatre Show Life, Love & the Choices We Make. A show of plays, monologues & songs. Final night tonight! Go to www.16avetheatre.co.nz for info & tickets Art Cold Wax Workshops New art medium in NZ. Very popular overseas. Workshops at The Artery, Historic Village. Email kiwisuemac@gmail.com Art On The Strand Original art for sale. Weather permitting. 9am-4pm. Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui. Tauranga Society of Artists Association Croquet At Club Mt Maunganui, Kawaka St. Mon, Wed, Sat; 9:15am for 9:30am start. Visitors, new players welcome. Ph Jacqui 07 574 9232 Bay Singles Social Group Join a bunch of over 50s young singles. Weekend dinners, pot-lucks, occasional outings. Have a go! Ph Delia 027 284 8762, Andrea 021 133 0313 Beth-El Messianic Family Celebrate Shabbat the Sabbath (Sat) as Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) & all early believers did. All Welcome 10am Otumoetai Primary Hall. Joel van Ameringen 021 768 043 www.BethEl.org.nz Car Boot Sale Welcome Bay Community Church, 340 Welcome Bay Rd. 8-11am. $5/stall. Sausage sizzle. Cancelled if wet. Fishing Competition Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade’s 19th annual family fishing contest. Tickets $20 adults, $15 children, from Fire Up Sports, Onion & Vege Place, Katikati Building Supplies & Katikati Fire Station. Greerton Hall Market 2nd & last Saturday of each month. 8am-12pm. Stalls inside/outside. Discounts for charity groups. Refreshments at kitchen. Ph/txt for site. Tricia 07 543 1487 or 027 908 2952, www.facebook.com/ greertonhallmarket Jigsaw Library St Stephen’s church, Highmore Tce 10am-12pm. Choose from 500 puzzles. Hire for 50c or $1, for 2 weeks Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd 12:45-3pm

Katikati Lions Garage Sale 8am-11am

behind Caltex, Main Rd, Katikati. Lounge suites, beds, indoor & outdoor furniture, electrical goods, tools, books. Ph Trevor 027 488 1238 Les Misérables Auditions Tauranga Musical Theatre is staging Les Misérables at Baycourt Theatre in September 2021. Auditions are being held 24-28 February. Audition booking info at www. tmt.org.nz Let’s Learn Lifelong Learning www. letslearn.co.nz for night classes, workshops, lectures, courses, clubs of all sorts. Make lifelong learning your new challenge for 2021. Ph 07 544 9557 LOL Laughter Wellness We don’t laugh because we’re happy, we’re happy because we laugh! Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, 11-11:45am. No experience required. Koha. Ph Trish 022 036 6768

lollaughterwellness@gmail.com Otumoetai Tennis Club Adult tennis. Start 1.30pm. Bellevue Park Windsor Road (adjacent to swimming pool). New players & visitors welcome. Ph Victor 027 577 1818 a/hrs. Saturday Night Movie Enjoy a movie at the boutique Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Screening Savage. Tickets $10. Doors open 6pm. 6:30pm screening. Ph 549 5250 Synchronised Swimming Friendly synchronised swimming club based at Baywave. Beginners train Sat mornings. First lesson free. Ph Jo 027 543 1697, www.taurangasynchro.co.nz, Facebook: @taurangasynchroNZ Tauranga Bird Club Sale A sale of birds & accessories. Pyes Pa Hall, 742 Pyes Pa Rd. 10am-1pm, $3pp entry. Refreshments & raffles, so bring cash! Tauranga Farmers Market 7:45-12pm at Tauranga Primary School, 31 5th Ave. Rain, hail or shine. Direct from the producers. Support local.

Tauranga Scottish Society Sequence

Dance, Wesley Church Hall, 100 13th Ave, 7-10pm, $7 incls supper & raffle. Warm welcome Ph 07 218 1318 The Sociables A group of males & females in their 30s/40s/50s that meet to participate in events, dining out or bushwalks. Sat & Sun. 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

Sunday 28 February

A Course In Miracles A powerful

transformational interfaith teaching to find inner peace. Stuck in past grievances and resentments? Get over it! Free Internet forgiveness workshop. https:// jenniferhadley.com/how-get-over-it. Text 021 0274 2502

Brain Watkins House Museum

233 Cameron Rd. Family home for a century. 2pm-4pm, $5 adults, children free. Groups or school classes by arrangement. Ph 578 1835

Bible Seminar 1:45pm Greerton Senior

Citizen’s Hall, Maitland St, Greerton. Title: Has Christianity been corrupted. Bible answers. Interactive, Q&A. All welcome. Mary 573 5537 Croquet Tauranga Domain, Cameron Rd, Sun, Tues, Fri, 12:45 for 1pm start. Beginners welcome. Ph Peter 571 0633 Enjoy Travel? Safe travel with home hosting NZ & worldwide. Noumea, Melbourne 2021. Meetings twice-monthly. friendshipforce. org.nz or ph Diane 027 249 9859, Jonathan 572 2091

Farmers Market - Mount Mainstreet

Held every Sunday 9-1pm rain or shine! Te Papa o Nga Manu Porotakataka (Phoenix Park). www.mountmainstreet. nz Free Skating Lesson Join our class at 10am, Memorial Park skate area. All welcome. Bring rollerblades, helmet & water. We’ll have fun!

All welcome. Weather permitting. adrenalineskatingclub@gmail.com Golf Croquet At Club Mt Maunganui, Kawaka St. Tues, Thurs, Sun; 9:15am for 9:30am start. Visitors, new players welcome. Ph Nev 07 575 5121

Intro Comedy Improv Workshop

Full day workshop to stretch your creative muscles, build confidence, learn the structure of comedy for stage or improve public speaking. Details at honestliarsimprov.co.nz Invitation To Meditate Follow your own meditation practice with Quaker friends during an hour of silence. 10am-12 in hall behind Brain Watkins House, 233 Cameron Rd. Refreshments. Text 021 0274 2502 Katikati Tramping Club Broken Hills. Easy. Ph Gail 027 759 1084 Mah Jong 12:45-4pm Lyceum clubrooms, 8 Palmer Pl Te Puke. All welcome. Learners on Thursday. Gig Green 0274 306 383 Maketu Market Held on the 3rd & 5th Sundays of month at Maketu Village Green. Set up from 7am. Ph Maureen 021 267 1685 Medieval Swordfighting Learn to fight with swords axes, spears, etc. in a controlled safe & fun environment. Memorial park 1:30pm Messy Church Join us for fun activities, faith exploration, celebration time, meal provided. 4-6pm at St John’s Anglican Church, 94 Bureta Rd NZDA BOP Range Day 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 Pahoia Markets Pahoia School Hall, 29 Esdaile Rd, Whakamarama. 10am-2pm. Car boot, arts+crafts, food, produce, plants, etc. All welcome. pahoiamarkets@ gmail.com Papamoa Lions Club Market 2nd & 4th Sunday Gordon Spratt Reserve, Parton Rd, Papamoa. Gates open 7am for stall holder entry. Wayne 027 974 5699 Quakers Invite you to explore your spiritual journey. Silent worship, refreshments, conversation. 10am NW cnr Cameron Rd/Elizabeth St. All welcome. Ph 543 3101 www.quakers.nz Radio Controlled Model Yachts Sun & Thurs 1:30-4pm. Pond behind 22 Montego Dr, Papamoa, sailing “Electron” radio controlled yachts for fun. Adult beginners welcome. Graham 572 5419 Self Help Book Discussion Read & practise The Power of Focus by Ann Cornell. A practical guide to self-healing. Make positive changes in your life. Starts soon. Ph/text 0210 274 2502 Underwater Hockey Baywave Pool. Intermediate age & above. Gear provided & first 3 Have-a-go sessions free. 5-6pm Have-a-go & novice players. 6:157:45pm experienced players. https:// www.sporty.co.nz/taurangauhc

Monday 1 March

Active Seniors Exercise Group

Strength & balance classes Mon & Thur. Intermediate class 9:30, low impact 11am. City Church,

Otumoetai. Friendly classes for seniors Age Concern 500 Cards Friendly fun group gets together 9:30-11.30am (except Public Holidays) at Age Concern, 177a Fraser St, Tauranga. $2 donation Alcoholics Anonymous Open meeting 10am, Tauranga Central Baptist Church, 640 Cameron Rd. All welcome. Ph 0800 229 6757 Argentine Tango in Tauranga The dance that makes you feel! Learn technique, posture & how to move with connection. Ph Denise 0204 006 1340, Facebook “Tango In Tauranga” Art Group Welcome Bay Meets Lighthouse Church 9:30-12. Relax, chat, create, no pressure. All levels of skill welcome. Ph Denis 07 544 6451 Beginner Social Dance Class Mon 7pm or Wed at 8pm, both Welcome Bay School Hall, 309 Welcome Bay Rd. Ph 544 2337 or 027 322 1786 Bethlehem Indoor Bowls Bethlehem Hall. Names in by 7:15pm for 7:30pm start. New members of all ages welcome. Ph John 027 654 1298

Chess at Mount Maunganui

Mount RSA Chess Club, 544 Maunganui Rd. 6-7pm during school term. Late program 7pm onwards. Incl casual games. Ph Helmut 027 414 7254

Dutch Friendly Support Network

Coffee morning (1st Monday of month) 10am- 12noon. $4 entry. Vintage Car Club Rooms, Cliff Rd, Tauranga. Ph Bernadette 07 572 3968 ESOL Free ESOL & Christian Conversation Classes, Holy Trinity Church, 215 Devonport Rd. 9:30-11:30 (except school holidays). Fitness For Over 50s Aerobics, strength & balance class at St Mary’s Church Hall, 33 Girven Rd. 9:15am. 1st class free.

Harmony-A-Plenty Barbershop Singers

Do you like singing? Come & have fun with us. We’ll teach you barbershop. Bethlehem Community Church, Moffat Rd. 7pm. Incls supper. Ph Errol 07 543 4138 Indoor Bowls St Mary’s Church Hall, 33 Girven Rd, Bayfair. Register by 12:20pm. All welcome. $4 entry Indoor Bowls 6:45pm, St Columba Church Hall, Cherrywood. $10 annual subs, $2/evening. Everyone/all levels welcome. Ph Paul 576 6324 Keep On Your Feet Omokoroa 11am12, Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd. Strength & balance classes for older adults. All levels of fitness welcome. Ph Sharnie 021 111 8617 Marching For Leisure Non-competitive activity for mature ladies. Fun, fitness & friendship. For Tauranga teams’ details ph Glenice Dando 027 489 8841 Monday Matinee - Katikati Enjoy a movie in the boutique Junction Theatre @ The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Movie screens 1:30pm. $10 or $7.50 Gold Card. Ph 549 5250 Movie Screening Albatross. Sustainable Backyards event. Gold coin donation. Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Doors open 6pm for 6:30pm screening. Ph 549 5250

Mt RSA Indoor Bowls Rollups each

Mon & Thurs. Entries in by 6:45pm. $3 entry. Newcomers welcome. Ph Joy 027 308 7271

Omokoroa Indoor Bowling Club

Omokoroa Settlers Hall 1pm for 1:30pm start. All welcome. Equipment provided. Smooth soled shoes/slippers please. Ph Anne 548 1636

Recycled Teenagers Gentle Exercise

Mon 9:15-10:45am Tga Senior Citizens Club, 14 Norris St. Tues 9-10:30am St Marys Church Hall, 33/19 Girven Rd. Jennifer 571 1411 or 027 206 077 Silla Taekwon-do Club Taekwon-do classes at Silla TKD Club, Mon & Thurs at Te Puna school Hall, 6-7:30pm. Affordable rates. Ph George 022 437 4403 https://www.facebook.com/SillaTae-Kwon-Do-112414698778951/

Suicide Bereavement Support Groups

1-2:30pm, Papamoa Family Services, 35E Hartford Ave, Papamoa. A safe place to share, support & heal. Ph Amy 578 4480, amy@griefsupport.org.nz Tauranga Bird Club Meetings 2nd Monday of month, incl public holidays. Club night for everyone interested in learning about keeping aviary or pet birds. 7:30pm, Matua Hall, Matua. Tauranga Creative Fibre Today 9:30am, also 2nd/4th Thurs 7pm. Come along & join us to learn knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, dyeing & felting. 177 Elizabeth St. Ph Cathy 07 570 2191 Tauranga Senior Citizens Club CARDS 500 Mon & Thurs. INDOOR BOWLS Tues, Wed & Sat. 12:45pm start.14 Norris St (behind Pak n Save). Entry $3. New members welcome. Tauranga Vision Friendship Club Meets 4th Monday at Citizens Club, 10am. Mixed group. Friendship, fellowship, fun & speakers. Ph Bryan 027 813 5426 Welcome Bay Indoor Bowls Welcome Bay Hall. New members welcome. Names in by 7:15pm. Finish approx 9:30pm. Ph Gordon 07 544 2882

Tuesday 2 March Alcoholics Anonymous

Open Meeting 7:30pm, St Peters Anglican Church, 11 Victoria Rd, Mt. All welcome. Ph 0800 229 6757 Coffee Meetup Nuenergy Healing Take a look at the natural rhythm of life & how it affects you. 10am at Q Cafe, 88 Coast Boulevard, Papamoa. Fitness Fun At Cherrywood Cardio, weights, pilates, floor work & dance. Make new friends. Coffee afterwards. St Columba Church 502 Otumoetai Rd, 9:30-10:30am. Ph Gloria 021 139 2448 Inachord Tauranga Women who love to sing & have fun meet 7pm at Community Church Moffat Rd Bethlehem. New members are always welcome. Musical Director Andrew Braid. Ph Rhonda 027 323 9497 Inner Wheel Tauranga Women working together to help local charities/causes to succeed. Next meeting Mar 9th 7pm. Come join us! Ph Tory 0210 873 1153 Keep On Your Feet Katikati 10:30am-11:30am, Catholic Church hall, 89 Beach Rd. Strength & balance

PHOTO OF THE WEEK FEBRUARY 26 FRI