The Weekend Sun - 12 March 2021 by Sun Media

12 March 2021, Issue 1050

A forest of food

Nestled in the Lower Kaimai is an unassuming property with sunflowers lining the fence and a modest house with a couple of sheds. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like the home of a large-scale

organic farm that supplies Tauranga stores and restaurants, six Auckland supermarkets and a weekly stall at the Tauranga Farmers Market. They also offer veggie box subscriptions for good measure.

In total, Six Toed Fox Organics boasts 10km of garden beds across five acres, with a large number of fruit trees dotted around the farm. Story continues on page 10. Photo: John Borren.

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper. 70,500 copies to the homes of 182,700 residents throughout TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI, PAPAMOA, WAIHI BEACH, KAIMAI, KATIKATI, TE PUKE, PAENGAROA, OTAMARAKAU and all RDs

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Friday 12 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

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 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.

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, Nadia Glover. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, Kerri Wheeler, Kyra Duffy, Caitlin Burns. IT: Lauren James Office: Angela Speer, Debbie Kirk.

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A right royal argument Nobody should have to go through about Blenheim Airport is the old Argosy parked across the road. that. Yes, I’m talking about the The claim to fame is that its two pilots Meghan and Harry interview this saw what they believed to be a UFO over week and I did go through it - all 82 Kaikoura in 1978. minutes of it, plus ads. BOP Times The Weekend Sun Combined Circulation

Avocado bashing

I did this for you.ofSomeone to sit circulation 69,062 circulation NZME had 10,162 However, I did get an appreciation

through it to make sure the Western Bay of the madness of royal life. Even at of Plenty was clear of any allegations. this innocuous event there were about Fortunately, Combined we are notBOP part of the Times, Katikati Advertiser 20 other photographers lined up. For ‘Institution’ and there is Puke no obvious and Te Times circulation issome, it was their life’s work to simply p: 07 578 0030 link to the whole flower girl dresses follow one man around the world and less than HALF with only 32,138 in total. e: ads@thesun.co.nz thing that drove a wedge between Kate photograph his every move. and Meghan. I’m not sure if this is what the argument was about, but I think if you are going to go plain white on the dresses, then perhaps the flowers could have had a splash more colour in them. Just saying. I almost cried tears of anger when I heard that Archie’s colour might be an issue, even before he was born. I don’t see it matters one iota how ginger he might be? Frankly, if that ghastly gingerphobe puts one foot in Scotland they are in trouble. Then there was the whole media circus thing that is very stressful for royals and other famous people.

A royal in Blenheim

I’ve actually got a confession here I once paparazzied a member of the royal family. It was Harry’s brother William, who visited during the British and Irish Lions tour of 2005. I was ordered by my superiors at The Press to stake out Blenheim Airport. Sure enough, William finished his whale watching trip or wine watching or whatever it was and was ushered onboard a small executive aircraft. I got an extremely blurry photo as his face appeared briefly in the gloom beneath the wing. I felt dirty afterwards - like an assassin. The photo never actually got used, as there were too many high quality photos of him actually doing something interesting. Fair enough, the most exciting thing

And in Meghan’s case, this insatiable appetite for royal news has also dragged the very heart and soul of the Western Bay into its slathering maw. Avocados – yes, you heard it here first folks. Meghan somehow managed to become a victim of avocado bashing. Her crime? Well, she ate one. I’m not sure if it was one of our avocados, but this is how this act of avocado on toast was reported in the Express British tabloid in 2019: “The pregnant Duchess of Sussex and so-called ‘avocado on toast whisperer’ is wolfing down a fruit l

inked to water shortages, illegal deforestation and all round general environmental devastation.” The same paper ran a story about Kate and an avocado in 2017, and this was the introduction to that story: “Prince William was given one of the green fruit – wrapped up in a bow – by a little boy whose mother is suffering during her pregnancy too... He said he’d take it to [Kate] and see what happens – and said good luck for [the boy’s] mummy.”

Case closed

Now, up until this point I was not sure which side to take. After all, we were only getting one side of the story plus some surprised expressions and big eyes from Oprah. She actually thanks Meghan for the invitation to her wedding at the start of this less-than-probing interview. However, attacking someone for eating avocado on toast is just low down and dirty as far as I’m concerned. So, the case is closed. Meghan is a victim of avocado bashing at the very least. Let’s hope the invisible forces of the evil institution don’t get any closer than that to our peaceful place. While we are talking about America and rich people arguing with each other, it’s time to talk about the America’s Cup. The USA doesn’t actually feature in this event – only us and the Italians – but it’s another specialist subject that I have put considerable thought into, albeit with no actual sailing experience whatsoever. I did once go on an overnight fishing trip on a yacht, but we never got to the point of actually raising the sail. Anyway, I’ll take one for the team and will keep an eye on the racing over the next few days on your behalf. It’s the least I can do. daniel@thesun.co.nz

New Zealand’s Quietest Heat Pumps

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. In 2017, with the price of avocados in the United States rising, three workers on an avocado farm in California stole up to $300,000 worth of the fruit, and were arrested on a charge of grand theft of fruit and vegetables.

The Weekend Sun

Saving dogs one sign at a time Walking your dogs in parks and reserves just became much safer thanks to the efforts of a Papamoa woman. Misha Gildenberger has been warning people on social media recently about the toxicity of karaka tree berries for dogs. But she felt like this wasn’t enough, and has raised money to have warning signs printed and put up in areas where the trees are. After getting permission from Tauranga City Council, Misha put signs along the Waikarei walkaway in Papamoa and also handed them to people in Welcome Bay and Omokoroa to raise awareness in those areas. Through her social media posts, Misha met a woman whose dog died from karakin poisoning in December. Holistic Vets also reported a recent case where a dog died after eating the berries. The pip of the karaka berry contains a powerful neurotoxin and alkaloid poison, karakin. When eaten by dogs it can cause weakness and vomiting and can progress to paralysis, convulsions and death. Misha moved to Papamoa from Auckland six months ago and realised there is a lack of awareness about the berries in Tauranga. In Auckland there are warning signs in parks and reserves that house the trees.

3 Misha Gildenberger wants to put karaka berry warning signs throughout Tauranga. Photo: John Borren.

“When I came here and I started walking around the area, I saw many, many trees and absolutely no communication,” says Misha. She owns Roma Pet Minding and comes across a lot of trees during her dog walking. “It’s not as simple as training your dog not to eat the berries. Some dogs will eat them, so people need to be aware about the dangers.” If Misha takes dogs to a new area, she scans for problematic or poisonous plants and recommends other people do the same. Holistic Vets director Liza Schneider says sometimes there is a one-to-two day delay between a dog eating a berry and showing symptoms, which means it’s often too late because it has been in their system for so long. “Sadly, it progresses quite severely and dogs often don’t bounce back from it.” The veterinarian says people need to be vigilant and proactive by watching their dogs during walks and keeping them on the lead if they are near a tree to ensure berries aren’t eaten. The karaka tree has bright orange berries up to 4cm long. It can grow up to 15 metres and has thick, dark green leaves. The fruit ripens and falls from the trees from January to April. Misha wants to put signs all over Tauranga and is raising money through a Givealittle page. For more information, search ‘karaka tree warning’ at: Alisha Evans www.givealittle.co.nz

Friday 12 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Elders living in fear of Covid-19 Help us shape a future where transport is safer, greener and more connected to the community where you live, work and play.

Have your say at www.boprc.govt.nz

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is wanting your feedback on the draft Regional Land Transport Plan.

Tauranga social gerontologist Carole Gordon says New Zealand needs to restore social connectedness for our elders, who are anxiously limiting their lives because they fear Covid-19.

Tauranga people aged between 70 and 98 years were interviewed by Carole, including Maori and Pasifika participants. The report includes several recommendations for government, while recommendations for Western Bay of Plenty authorities include a project to develop an All 26 people who have died elder wellbeing centre for in New Zealand from Covidcommunity-based services, 19 were older people. and that SmartGrowth and Carole undertook research Tauranga City Council commit into the impact of Covid-19 to Covid-19 recovery policies on elders from October to that include the wellbeing November 2020, finding that of ageing and growing while elders felt safe and wellcommunities. informed during the 2020 CEO of the Western Bay of lockdowns, they are still afraid Plenty PHO, Lindsey Webber, to go out, are limiting their says the PHO welcomes the lives, and are experiencing opportunity to share insights high levels of disconnectedness from this research internally and hardship. and across its network of “Elders did so well managing general practices. that long period of social “In a time of significant isolation,” she says. health system reform, the “Now there is a challenge importance of active listening, to reconnect.” authentic co-design approaches Tauranga social gerontologist Carole’s report: ‘Safe? The to health service configuration, Carole Gordon. Impact of Covid-19 on and a greater understanding of Elders’, calls for urgent investment in restoring the real issues for elders will be hugely valuable,” elder social connectedness and is expected to says Lindsey. be presented to the Covid-19 Group in the Executive director of Allied Health at the Bay of Department of the Prime Minister and cabinet. Plenty District Health Board, Dr Sarah Mitchell, The report also makes local recommendations for says the stories that have come out from this piece achieving elder social connection and wellbeing to of work are powerful and lessons clearly need to the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Western be learned. Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation and “It is really important to recognise the value that Tauranga City Council. elders have in the community,” says Dr Mitchell. Around 30,000 people over 65 live in Tauranga “This work clearly aligns to the work we are city, with projections this will increase by nine undertaking in the DHB around supporting percent in the next 10 years. people to age well in our communities.”

The Weekend Sun

Friday 12 March 2021

Batsman Taylor on a high

Taylor Bettelheim smashed a double century against Waikato Valley last month. Photo: Luanne Bettelheim.

Since the Bay of Plenty’s first representative game in 1932, only three players have managed to earn double-ton bragging rights. The most recent inductee into this illustrious club also happens to be the youngest. At just 19-years-old, Taylor Bettelheim is a name New Zealand cricket fans would do well to remember. He crafted an impressive 211 not out against Waikato Valley at the end of last month, joining Alex Lees and Joe Carter as Bay of Plenty batsman to have smashed a double century. The fact that it followed a century in his previous innings just further highlights this run-scoring opener’s talent, as he also claimed the February BOP Cricket Player of the Month Award. Taylor is fairly modest when discussing the feat. The Tauranga Boys’ College alumnus, who also spent time at Saint Kentigern College in Auckland on a cricket scholarship, simply smiles when remembering his impressive recent knock. But whilst humble, Taylor is also clearly ambitious when it comes to his future. “The dream is to play for the Blackcaps,” says Taylor. “But first I am just trying to make the Northern Districts Knights and go from there.”

Immediately, comparisons to Kane Williamson spring to mind when thinking of a free-scoring batsman from Tauranga. Taylor admits that it would be “really cool” to one day play alongside the Blackcaps captain at the Bay Oval. “Obviously Kane Williamson is the main one I model my game around.” But BOP coach Daniel Flynn, himself a former Blackcap, believes Taylor is forging his own path. “He’s got his own way of going about things,” says Daniel. “He’s got a real solid technique, but it is also unique as well, which is good. “He is not trying to imitate anyone. He just goes about his own business.” Taylor and the Kiwi sporting star do share one trait in common, other than being prolific at the crease. Taylor is not afraid to work hard, and recently put his higher education studies on hold to focus on his cricketing dream. “It is pretty impressive to watch the way he goes about things,” admits Daniel, “and his form this season is a pretty good reflection of the hard work he has been putting into his game. The next step for Taylor is to establish himself in the Northern Districts set-up, and he hopes to be making his first-class debut soon. “Hopefully, in the next couple of years, that would be ideal,” says the teenager. Mathew Nash

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Friday 12 March 2021

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The Tauranga Branch of Rural Women New will lead the friendly dragons. Zealand is looking for a rural woman with Each successful entrepreneur will have an houra fantastic business idea to nominate for the 020 2 long session with the experts, which will include 7 201 RWNZ Activator Programme. the opportunity to explain their concept and plans G

s ara u t a joint project between RWNZ ge s & Sle e pois The initiative and the Ministry for Primary Industries, aimed at 020 helping rural women entrepreneurs and innovators 7-2 to accommodate 1 0 Whether it’s a growing family you need 2 Whether it’s a growing family you need to accommodate develop and grow their businesses. Ga s t r ag or to add your current property, pou e s & Sle eproperty, ora adesire desire tovalue addtovalue to your current Nominations from RWNZ branches around Versatile Tauranga has the solution for you. the country will be considered, with a small Whether it’s a growing familyhas youthe needsolution to accommodate Versatile Tauranga for you. number of rural women selected to take part in a 020 2017-2 our display Monday toproperty, Friday, 8am-4.30pm desire to addcentre: value to your current it ’s aorgarVisit session on March 24 in Wellington or March 25 o w 30-32inFifteenth Avenue, or byfor appointment. ar g in Christchurch. Versatile Tauranga has the solution you. f ag a Visit our display centre: Monday to Friday, 8am-4.30pm m s t e s & S l e e pou e to addTauranga, 07 578il8898 y yo u n e “The experience will be like being part of e d to ac valueFifteenth 30-32 Avenue, or by appointment.a friendly to centre: tauranga@versatile.co.nz c y o TauraVisit Dragon’s Den,” says RWNZ chief o m our display Monday to Friday, 8am-4.30pm u r c ur ren m o da te ngaTauranga, h t a 07 578 8898 executive Liz Pennington. p s r t o 30-32 Fifteenth Avenue, or by appointment. h per t y, e s o lu t io 0800 VERSATILE “Our rural entrepreneurs will have a session n f o Tauranga, 07 578 8898 tauranga@versatile.co.nz r yo u. splay ce versatile.co.nz with a panel of experts who will advise on how n t r e : nth Avtauranga@versatile.co.nz to take the next steps to bring their business ideas Monday enu0800 e, VERSATILE t o to reality.” F r iday, 8am VERSATILE 578 80800 o r by a p 898versatile.co.nz - 4.30pm The friendly dragons, who come from a range p o versatile.co.nz in t m r satile.c en t . of backgrounds, will be lead by Marian Johnson, o.nz chief awesome officer at the Ministry of Awesome. Ga s r ag ut e s & S l e e po

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and where they are up to in achieving them. The entrepreneurs will then work with the experts on identifying any existing or potential obstacles that might impede their progress and the next steps for their business. The last part of the session will involve creating a plan to move the business forward and identify ways and means of supporting the entrepreneur to achieve this. This plan will be specific to each candidate, their business and what tools or connections or planning they might need. Financial assistance to cover travel and accommodation costs to enable the successful rural business women applicant to be part of the RWNZ Activator Programme will also be available. Rural women are invited to apply by sending a brief summary of their business/innovative idea to: rwnztauranga@gmail.com

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Friday 12 March 2021

Energetic Pixie!

Ray Lowe shows Tony Pearce and Bryce Dinneen his custom made fishing rod holder in front of the 18m catamaran.

Meet Pixie, our energiser puppy! Pixie is a lovely, five-month-old girl who is full of fun, eager to please and absolutely loves tummy rubs. Pixie was sadly surrendered to us along with her brother when the owner experienced a change in circumstances. Pixie is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross American Bulldog, and we expect she may grow to be a big dog so we’re looking for a family for her with previous experience raising large breed dogs. Being a large dog, Pixie will require good training either from yourself or a trainer/ puppy training classes, to ensure she is easy to handle once she grows into her big paws. If you are interested in meeting her, or learning more about her, please contact her caregivers on: 07 5780245 and quote reference number: 489432.

Photo: John Borren.

Accessibility cat nears completion A 14-year dream, in the form of a mammoth boat, is coming to fruition for Bryce Dinneen. The boat, named Wish 4 Fish, is an 18-metre, custom built catamaran designed to provide access to the ocean for the one million New Zealanders living with illness and disability. Bryce dreamt up the boat whilst lying on his back in the Burwood Spinal Unit in 2007, after a shallow water diving accident severely damaged his spinal cord. His wish is to enable people to wake up at Mayor Island and watch the sunrise, regardless of their disability or illness. Now, in the next six-to-eight weeks, it will all become possible when the alloy high displacement cat is launched for the first time. Bryce says it will be a game changer for people living with physical or mental illness and disability. “It’s going to break down barriers for those people,” he says. “It will empower them and their family members and give them some quality of life back.” The $2.5 million boat is designed with wheelchair access in mind; the bathroom and kitchen provide full access, and there is a lift to the fly bridge so people can spend time with the skipper and enjoy the view. It has space for up to 25 people with varying levels of disabilities and is able to be customised for day trips or overnight stays for four disabled people and their carers.

The stern is decked out with custom-made fishing equipment that enables independent angling for those with disabilities. Wish 4 Fish will have screens on the main deck and fly bridge that connect to cameras on the mast and bow, to show marine life they encounter and dolphins playing in the bow wave. Bryce says project manager Ray Lowe has done an amazing job of trying to understand what it’s like living with a disability and accommodating for it. “We’ve tried to make it so that the chair is king or queen of the boat,” says Ray. “The boat is all about experience for people who may never have been on a boat before and may never go on a boat again. “It’s all about giving people the total experience.” The build began in May last year at Alloy Cats in Mount Maunganui, and Bryce is looking forward to having it on the water. Wish 4 Fish is named after the charity Bryce started in 2011 that provides people with access to the ocean, mainly through fishing trips. Currently they take around 100 people a year on charters, but once the boat is launched they hope to be able to increase that to 1000. Although the boat is based in Tauranga, it is designed to travel the country and built to withstand New Zealand’s coastal conditions. It will also be available for commercial charters, with all proceeds going towards running costs. People interested in a trip or charter can contact Wish 4 Fish general manager Tony Pearce via: Alisha Evans tony@wish4fish.co.nz

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Diving into the backyard Divers collected 300 kilograms of rubbish from Pilot Bay in 2019.

A festival in Pilot Bay next Sunday will have a high fun factor and hopefully a low waste factor.

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While divers jump into the harbour to go diving and hunting for any rubbish and waste, back on land there will be free live music and entertainment for those who want to come and help clean up the beach. “Come and join us for a day on the water’s edge and underwater, to thoroughly clean up our harbour,” says Envirohub projects manager Liesel Carnie. “There will be kids’ games, live music, educational stalls and activities, and entertainment. “We will be having a beach clean-up happening at the same time as the dive, to clean up the waste that blows into the ocean from our city. “There will be a sand sculpture competition with a twist for the kids, and we have fantastic prizes up for grabs.” The last harbour clean-up event was held in 2019, as it had to be cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2019, divers collected 300 kilograms of rubbish from Pilot Bay, with debris found including old dive tanks that may have fallen off boats, to coathangers, watches and general household rubbish. Rubbish can come from the local area, or end up in the harbour after being blown or carried across the ocean. Only qualified divers can participate in the underwater clean-up, and must pre-register with Dive Zone Tauranga via: www.divezonetauranga.co.nz , while anyone can come along to the free festival on the beach. The event is just one of many Sustainable Backyards events planned for March. As well as beach and reserve clean-ups, there are forums on climate change; workshops on topics like making kombucha, waste free parenting, water quality monitoring and worm farming; tours of backyards, marine life, holistic pet and wildlife care, and learning about trapping. The Underwater and Land Clean Up Festival will be held from 12–2pm on Sunday, March 21, at Pilot Bay. The event is free. For more information visit: www.envirohub.org.nz

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Friday 12 March 2021

Outstanding balance Surfer Gilly Athanazio is used to walking the line. At least twice a week he literally walks the line - a slackline.

Carpet brings liquid joy A non-slip carpet is making a world of difference at CCS Disability Action Bay of Plenty, thanks to a NZ Community Trust grant. The $1100 grant means greater safety and enjoyment for those with mobility issues wanting to use the swimming pool at 14th Ave. “Through the support of NZCT, our organisation has been able to purchase and install non-slip carpet

material around the side of the swimming pool at our premises,” says national manager of marketing, communications and fundraising, Mel Gamble. “This flooring will reduce the chances of a user slipping, particularly youngsters or those with mobility issues. It will also mean that people using a wheelchair can move around the pool more easily.”

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Gilly Athanazio started slacklining for fun. Now he enjoys the health benefits as well. Photo: John Borren.

Gilly surfs, skateboards and does capoeira - a Brazilian martial art - so thought slacklining would be easy when he first discovered it eight years ago. The skill involves walking, running or balancing along a suspended length of flat webbing that is tensioned between two anchors – often trees. He tried it a couple of times but felt it was too hard so gave up, but then 18 months ago he decided he wanted to master the sport. It took four weeks of practicing every day before he could walk the full distance of a 15-metre line. “I was really frustrated in the beginning,” says Gilly. “I was trying it every day and I couldn’t do it.” He knew it wasn’t impossible, so kept trying until it clicked. “You just realise that it works. The balance is there in the body and the mind connects.” At first Gilly was doing it for the fun of it, but he quickly realised it builds strength and provides a really good workout for your core and legs. “It also has mental health benefits, thanks to the need to focus and connect your mind and breathing,” he says. “Keeping the balance and keeping breathing in and out - it is really meditational.”

Slacklining in Tauranga is also really social; a group of around 20 people get together regularly to exercise, chat and try each other’s lines. “I’ve met some great people doing it and it’s something that attracts attention as well.” If they’re slacklining at the beach, often people will stop and chat to them about it and ask if they can give it try. “It's a good way of meeting people too because people are curious and then they want to try it.” The group meet at different spots, including McLaren Falls Park, the Mount main beach and parks with trees far enough apart to string up the line. Gilly says you can do it anywhere where there’s trees with five-to-15 metres between them. The longer the line, the harder it is. His advice for people that want to give slacklining a try is: if you see people doing it ask them if you can have a go because they’re all “nice and easy to approach”. “Slacklines aren’t very expensive, and it’s something you can do solo and almost anywhere,” says Gilly. “It is fun, good exercise, is good for the body and good for your mind. So I would say, just go for it.” Alisha Evans

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Growing a better Earth Brad Harding spent most of his working life in horticulture and was working in a nursery near Katikati when, alongside partner Rachel, they decided to do something themselves.

He grew up in rural Pyes Pa, and his family always had a veggie garden. Turns out they were organic all along without knowing it. Brad and Rachel set up just

Brad Harding and the Six Toed Fox Organics team are “repairing the earth a little bit at a time” at their farm. Photo: John Borren.

under an acre of market gardens in Te Puna. Then, two-and-a-half years ago, the Omanawa property became available. When they first took on the lease it was overgrown pasture, so extra sheds were built, irrigation systems set up and garden beds made, all while production continued in Te Puna. Initially the plan was to start small, but an organic grower in Pukekohe closed down leaving a gap in the market for Six Toed Fox to fill. Brad takes satisfaction in feeding people good food and leaving the earth in a better state than before. “We’re repairing the earth a little bit at a time,” he says. When asked why organic, his response is simple one. “Why non-organic? Because that’s how everything used to be until the 1940s”. After six years in horticulture, Brad realised what he was doing to the environment with sprays and chemicals was “not great at all”. “I’ve had a few moments of terror about what I’ve done to the earth,” he admits. Compared to conventional growing, there’s a lot more manual labour with organic - especially manual weeding, says Brad. “It’s harder to start with, but once the soil starts improving your crops get better.”

Brad and Rachel decided to start their first farm when their third child Fox was a week old. He has six toes, and so the name was born. “We decided to change the name to match the inspiration,” says Brad. Five-year-old Fox spends a lot of time helping on the farm and bossing everyone around, he says. A staff of six spend their days harvesting, planting, cultivating the soil, weeding and packing the produce. Brad and the team are also passionate about educating people. They hold workshops and are taking part in Open Farms day on March 21. The day is about reconnecting Kiwis with their food and farmers. In essence, people get to experience where their food starts. Now in its second year, Open Farms is a grassroots initiative that supports farmers to host open days for urban Kiwis. The first event saw 3500 people visit 45 farms across the country. Project founder Daniel Eb says: “We built Open Farms because we believe that every Kiwi should have access to a genuine on-farm experience.” There are two more Bay of Plenty premises taking part in the day – Bay Park Orchard and Parker farm. For more information visit: www.openfarms.co.nz Alisha Evans

The Weekend Sun

Friday 12 March 2021

Climate change network launches When do we start taking climate change seriously? The answer, according to Climate Change Commission Chair Dr Rod Carr, is “yesterday”. Baychange, a new network to assist people in working together on engaging with Bay of Plenty climate change challenges, has launched this month. Hosted and organised by the Tauranga Carbon Reduction Group, the forum launch included a variety of significant keynote speakers, both online and in-person. They included Dr Carr, who began with a summary of the commission’s advice to government and issued a warning that the current policies were inadequate to meet the agreed targets. Those targets, he says, were inadequate to meet New Zealand’s commitments. “Big changes are needed,” says Dr Carr. He was followed by four speakers who each outlined programmes delivering progressive change to the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty communities. “We want to realise the potential of people in the Bay working together to make a difference on climate change,” says coordinator Gray Southon. “People learning from each other, sharing their

Baychange coordinator Gray Southon and Ian McLean.

experiences, finding ways to cooperate, understanding and working together.” “Climate change is a direct threat to Tauranga,” says Baychange’s Ian McLean. “There’s no question in my mind. So any ambition which focuses on minimising that threat is a good thing and I’ll support it.” At the forum, Tauranga City Council’s Sam Fellows outlined a city programme designed to dramatically reduce wasteto-landfill. “Waste generates enormous amounts of methane,” says Sam. Bay Conservation CEO Michelle Elborn addressed water, biodiversity and ecosystem services.

She applauded the effort made by voluntary groups, and outlined the crucial role of nature in climate change. Farmer David Jensen described efforts being made by farmers across New Zealand to reduce on-farm methane production and fuel use, while Neil Mason, managing director of Vitruvius, focused on the 30-year transport plan for Tauranga. The launch of Baychange came at the start of Sustainable Backyards, which is a dedicated month of enviro events supporting both sustainable living and conservation. Another forum will be held at the end of March, while details about the forums can be found at: www.envirohub.org.nz

Dear Reader, Hi, I’m Shelley, Volunteer Coordinator at Waipuna Hospice. I’ve been tasked with coming up with a creative, appealing way to draw the attention of kind, considerate, and hardworking people to come on board as volunteers; as we really need the help right now. You have no idea how hard this is. Firstly, because every one of our volunteers has a sincere reason for supporting us. Some know our service first-hand, some would like to meet new friends or learn new skills, while others just like shopping. These are very valid reasons to help. I considered sharing a story about the impact that our volunteers have on the lives of our patients and their families, but there are so many heart felt stories that it was too hard to choose just one. There is of course the effect COVID-19 has played on our service. People who are dying have it tough enough, but now they can’t get a hug when they need it, family from overseas cannot say goodbye and we are restricted by visits, PPE, and medical care just looks different. It’s not fair. Not fair at all; and it’s no one’s fault. However, the news can be positive “team of five million”. We have and will get through this. New Zealand is lucky. Our patients hear this...but it won’t help them.

So, how can you help them? Volunteer at our shops and depots, all we need is one morning or afternoon of your time. Our shops are fun, vibrant, and buzzing with excitement. We have roles to suit everyone, from being on the till, sorting, pricing, displays, stacking shelves, the list goes on! Come join our team of five hundred! We will change the lives of others, both leaving this world and being left behind. Kia Kaha. Shelley

P.S. Have questions? Call me on 07 552 4380 ext. 319 and let’s chat about how you can help.

Help your community by volunteering! Our Charity Shops Fraser Street | Depot | Greerton Katikati | Mount Maunganui Papamoa | Te Puke

Why Volunteer? Teaches you new skills Helps you stay active Fills empty spaces on resume Can be therapeutic Can help improve social skills Can be relevant work experience Helps you make new friends

How to Volunteer Please complete our form online: www.waipunahospice.org.nz/volunteer Alternatively email: volunteers@waipunahospice.org.nz For more information call 07 552 4380

Friday 12 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Our new Mobile Library bus

The new Tauranga City Libraries Mobile Library will be on the road and visiting a neighbourhood near you! It’s colourful, comfortable and carrying a range of the best books, magazines and DVDs. Plan your visit today, view our timetable online. www.library.tauranga.govt.nz

The Weekend Sun

48 hours of manic filming Some 18 Bay of Plenty teams competed in the Vista Foundation 48Hours film competition last weekend, with moments of pure ecstasy, absolute exhaustion, extreme bonding and meltdowns. It is New Zealand’s largest guerrilla film-making competition, with teams aiming to make the best short film in just 48 hours. Filmmakers don’t know what genre they will be shooting until the start of the competition. All writing, shooting, editing and soundtracking must occur within the 48-hour window, beginning on the Friday evening at 7pm and ending on Sunday at the same time. To add to the mayhem, they must also include some random elements.

Dhaivat Mehta setting up the camera ready to film for Apex Endeavours.

This year there were 11 different genres. Many Bay of Plenty teams that have competed before were back, including Nutty Mosquitos, Good As and Tinker Tailor, who were the 2018 BOP winners. Actor, screenwriter and production manager Larissa

Downey was part of Taurangabased team Eddie Page Productions, while across the road, working from a makeshift production office at Priority One, was the truly international Apex Endeavours. The Great Lake Film Society of Taupo were given the particularly poignant ‘race again time’ genre. “The location and theme to our film were unintentionally symbolic,” says team member Kerence, “as two of our team are undergoing treatment for cancer at the moment and are literally fighting for their lives. “One of our lead cast, who was thrown around the ring all day, was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. We’re so grateful for the good times that 48Hours provides.” Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Meaningful Maori representation at all levels

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The Local Electoral (Maori Wards and Maori Constituencies) Amendment Bill passed recently, giving councils the ability to create Maori Wards which will give Maori a more equitable say in how our local communities are run. This change was championed by local government organisations all across the country, with staunch support from Maori. A big thank you to all of the submitters from the Western Bay who believe in meaningful Maori representation at all levels.

It was great to see that the Emergency Management messaging of ‘if it’s long and strong get gone’ really was taken to heart, after the recent tsunami warning affected those in coastal areas. What a relief that the impact wasn’t too serious. It is, however, a great opportunity to review how prepared you and your whanau are. Take some time to make sure you have your emergency supplies up to date and make a plan for where the whanau will meet if you are separated.

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Friday 12 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Bay footballer’s Olympic dream Not many defenders in world football can claim to have stopped Erling Braut Haaland, but there is one Bay of Plenty youngster can lay claim to this accolade. Considered one of world’s best young strikers, 20-year-old Haaland has been a goalscoring sensation for German side Borussia Dortmund since netting a 23-minute hat-trick on his debut in January 2020. But Rotorua’s Nando Pijnaker

HT TO N I G

helped shut out the forward as New Zealand defeated Norway 2-0 at the Under-20 World Cup in May 2019. Three days later, Haaland scored nine goals in one game as Norway hammered Honduras 12-0. “At the time I remember getting told to watch out for him and was told he was worth $8 million,” Pijnaker jokes. “Although I would never have believed you if you’d told me he would be one of the best players in the world a year later.

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“Looking back we joke about it sometimes, since he’s scoring so many goals for Dortmund. But he wasn’t able to score against New Zealand.” Born in Brummen, a small town in Holland, Pijnaker moved with his family to New Zealand when he was threeyears-old. The family settled in Rotorua where Pijnaker attended Kaharoa School. “It was great growing up in Rotorua,” says Nando. “I lived out in the country in between Nando Pijnaker (front row, second from left) with Ngongotaha AFC. farms and went to a country primary school, so I was always outside regarding current All Whites star and Te Puke playing with friends. There was always something native Ryan Thomas’ big move to Europe, to do.” Marianne enquired about the Olé Football Academy in Wellington. Football from a young age The Porirua-based academy has developed New Zealand was also the country where his some of New Zealand’s best footballing talent, father, René, cultivated his love of football. René including Thomas. Just two days into a one-week was also a talented footballer before pursuing trial, the then 15-year-old Nando was on his way swimming at a national level in the Netherlands. to the capital. ...continued Nando’s mother, Marianne, believes this, along with his grandmother, is where Nando got his sporting talent. “His grandmother’s 89 and still playing tennis and biking and doing weights at the gym,” says Marianne. “She's amazing, so we think it's a combination of the two.” In 2012, Nando’s father had a full-sized goal built for him at their Rotorua property. As mum Marianne attests to, it still has pride of place in the paddock. “My dad was the first one to get me into football, along with my friends from school,” says Nando. “From as young as I can remember I was kicking a ball around. It wasn’t always a football, but that was the one that stuck.” From a young age, he began playing for Ngongotaha AFC, and it was there he got the chance to play in familiar orange – the famous colour that the Dutch national team play in. Nando admits he still keeps tabs on his old club. “I still follow them on their social media platforms and always want them to do well,” says the 21-year-old. “Whenever I go home to New Zealand, I go to the club for a kick around or training. There were many people and players that I looked up to and respected, so it always brings back good memories to go back.” Soon enough, Nando’s talents were outgrowing the Rotorua area. Upon reading an article The defender still follows his old club Ngongotaha.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 12 March 2021

15 chance to see much of Portugal yet.” Nando has not been back to New Zealand since last June, after seeing out the worst of the 2020 Covid pandemic in Europe back in Rotorua. Calls back home are now a regular occurrence. Sadly, his father passed away in 2018, but his mum has tried her best to keep up to date with football. When Nando calls home, however, it appears football is far from his mind. “I’ve had to step in and do my homework behind the scenes,” admits Marianne. “I rang Nando once and said ‘oh, do you know about so-and-so?’ and he said ‘Mum, I liked you more when you didn’t know anything about football’. He doesn't always want to talk about it. “I think when he rings his mum he wants to talk about something else other than football.”

“It’s always a dream to play for your country. Ever since I was young I wanted to play for the All Whites, so being able to make my senior debut was special. “I won’t forget that moment. “Not many people can say they’ve gone to the Olympics, so to have a chance at going would be a great experience.” Marianne is also hopeful Nando will play in Tokyo this summer, but overall she is just proud of her son

for following his dream. “I’m incredibly proud because by nature he’s quite shy – painfully shy actually,” she says. “It seems like football takes over and that’s just his love. “I admire that. You give up everything to go to a strange country on the other side of the world, where they speak a language you don't know, and all without mates. “I’m really proud of him.” Mathew Nash

Olympic ambition Being the globetrotter he’s become, Nando has acclimatised to life away from Aotearoa. “I wouldn’t say that I get homesick nowadays. “Back when I first moved out of home I was a little, but I’m used to it by now,” he says. “The first time I arrived in Portugal was difficult because it was the first time living in a country where I didn’t know anyone or speak the language, so that sure took some time to adjust to.” Nando’s success has even garnered senior international recognition. In November 2019, he made his senior debut for the All Whites and now has his eye on an Olympic medal at the truncated games in Tokyo this year.

Nando made his All Whites debut in 2019. continued...

“It was the best thing we ever did,” says Marianne, “but it was a big step at the time and he was terrified. So were we.” It was at Olé where Nando was transformed from a left-winger into a ball-playing centre-back under the coaching of former Mount Maunganui player Declan Edge and Ben Sippola, who Marianne describes as her son’s surrogate father during his Wellington days. Spells playing first-team football with Western Suburbs and Eastern Suburbs followed before he made the jump to Europe in 2019, joining Declan at Swedish outfit Torslanda IK. From there, Nando had a brief spell with Swiss side Grasshopper before he made a big move last summer, joining Portuguese top-flight side Rio Ave.

Building a stronger community together Support our community before 31 March and get a 33.3% tax credit this year.

Overcoming barriers

Compared to the colder climates of Sweden and Switzerland, Portugal is much more similar to his Bay of Plenty upbringing, even if Covid-19 and the language barrier has proved something of a stumbling block. “I’m enjoying it,” he says. “I live close to the beach, and the weather is usually pretty good. In a way it’s similar to New Zealand. But obviously with Covid and lockdown I haven’t had much of a

Learn more www.acornfoundation.org.nz 07 579 9839 Nando Pijnaker in action for Rio Ave.

Win everything you need to watch the rugby. And do the cleaning up.

We’re giving away five Super Rugby prize packs, worth over $10,000 each. The lucky supporters will win: a La-Z-Boy Lounge Suite, an LG 65” TV, Brooklyn Entertainment Unit and Coffee Table, Haier Bar Fridge, Sunbeam Toastie Maker, and LG Stick Vacuum. To enter, visit smithscity.co.nz SCWK50TS1

Friday 12 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Futureproofing Cameron Road Stage One Construction from Harington Street to 17th Ave starting mid-2021.

Artist’s impression

Cameron Road is one of our city’s busiest roads. It is an important through route connecting people in Tauranga’s southern suburbs to the city centre, and a destination for many with schools, homes, businesses and the hospital being located along it.

We will also be improving some of the side-road intersections connecting with Cameron Road and upgrading underground pipework.

We are Futureproofing Cameron Road to:

Consultation closes at 5pm on Saturday 10 April.

Make Cameron Road safer

We’d like to hear what you think. Your feedback will be used to help develop the design in more detail.

You can share your thoughts about the project using the following ways:

Provide more ways to travel

• In person at one of our open days

Make Cameron Road more attractive

• Email us at cameron@tauranga.govt.nz • Call us on 07 577 7000

We will be keeping the existing traffic lanes while adding a new part-time bus lane, two-way cycle way, room for outdoor dining, more community spaces and planting more native species.

• Online visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/cameronroad

Community Information Days

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These events are pending COVID-19 alert levels. Visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/cameronroad for updates.

Tauranga City Council Office

PAK’nSAVE

Tauranga Baptist Church

Tauranga Farmers Market

306 Cameron Road Monday 22 March 7am until 7pm

476 Cameron Road Tuesday 23 March 12 noon until 6pm

640 Cameron Road Thursday 25 March 12 noon until 6pm

Tauranga Primary School, 31 Fifth Avenue Saturday 27 March 7:15 am until 12noon

The Weekend Sun

Friday 12 March 2021

Is Tauranga starved of ratepayer money? The indefatigable Western Bay Mayor, Garry Webber, has unapologetically pushed for neighbouring Tauranga City Council to adopt a high rates agenda for years, but has he had his facts wrong? Last week, Mayor Webber provided a table to the Bay of Plenty Times portraying Tauranga’s rates as lower than other cities. However, as you’ll be aware looking at your own rates bill, he underestimated

TCC rates in every case. As well as underestimating TCC rates, he significantly overestimated Wellington’s by more than $1000 a year for properties with a $500,000 capital value and by more than $2000 for those valued at $1 million. The table gave the false impression that Tauranga is somehow starved of ratepayer money. The NZ Taxpayers’ Union was less kind, criticising the table as “nonsense on stilts” because it compared “apples with oranges” and that it “would make Enron’s accountants blush”. The table failed to recognise that Tauranga residents pay water rates separately and that WBOPDC, Wellington, Hamilton and Dunedin

residents don’t. Neither was there an allowance for rubbish, which residents of other major cities pay for through their rates, but Tauranga and WBOPDC don’t (until July at least). When I asked the reporter why she didn’t check the numbers before publishing, she said she expected those in a position of authority to

know what they were talking about. Not a totally unreasonable expectation, but with the international rise of fake news and alternative facts, it’s more important than ever to ensure that transparency, truth and accurate information is reported about local councils.

Hon Jan Tinetti Labour List MP

For appointments and assistance please phone: 07 571 2492 jan.tinetti@parliament.govt.nz @jantinetti

Authorised by Hon Jan Tinetti MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

The life of a bustling city This week I want to go through a few of the things I’m seeing that fit all those descriptions. The good. Last week I enjoyed having a stand at the Mount Market. It’s a great wee market and Mounties really support it. This Saturday I’m looking forward to going to the opening of Abundant Life Church’s new building on Sutherland Rd, Judea. It’s a magnificent building that shows what our community can do with hard work and dedication. It’ll be a great asset for this part of Tauranga. The bad. You may remember me writing a column at the end of last year asking Labour Party Minister Kiritapu Allan to reverse Green MP and former Minister Eugene Sage’s decision to refuse permission for a Marine Research Centre in

conjunction with Waikato University to happen down on Reserve Land at Sulphur Point. Regrettably – and despite all local MPs, red as well as blue, saying it should happen – Minister Allan has followed Sage’s barmy decision and declined permission again. If Labour can’t even let this happen, forget about the development of significant new roads and housing. The ugly. In helping constituents I’ve been helping a number of longstanding WOF stations around our city where the government’s NZ Transport Agency has come in and suspended their licences to operate. I fully understand safety is paramount but, as I have said to the NZTA in support of these hard working small businesses, the approach being taken in the Bay is much harsher than elsewhere in New Zealand, and in the way it’s been done it’s overbearing and bully-like behaviour. Finally, the indifferent – well, actually there is nothing in this category. I care too much for Tauranga to ever be indifferent about it.

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Friday 12 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Good times at Love the Western Bay Fun Days Having a say on the future of the Western Bay couldn’t be more fun.

Have your say

What Climate Change projects should we fund?

Whakaekea tēnei waka! Join our journey

www.boprc.govt.nz/ltp

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is hosting a line-up of free family fun days and night movies next month that will celebrate the district and help shape the final 2021-2031 Long Term Plan. The Love the Western Bay Fun Day series is coming to a neighbourhood near you at Jubilee Park, Te Puke on Saturday, March 20, Te Puna’s Maramatanga Park on Friday March 26, and Waihi Beach Community Centre on Saturday March 27. All events start from 4pm and are completely free to attend. The events feature fun fair-style The days run activities plus food stalls from from March local vendors and community 20-27. groups. There will be heaps of fun for the kids, including balloon twisting, face painting and a bouncy castle. Council has also teamed up with Night Owl Cinema to end the night with a movie under the stars at each location. Jubilee Park will have the 2019 animation Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs, Maramatanga Park will feature Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Waihi Beach Community Centre will be showing Storm Boy. The fun fair-style activities will relate to key topics that council wishes to have a chat about as part of its Hello Future District community conversation, to shape and deliver key projects and

services across the district for the next decade. Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber welcomes people along to have a chat with elected members and enjoy the activities. He says it is important for elected members to get out in their communities and talk about what matters to residents. “We all love living in the Western Bay,” he says. “So come along and share the good times, laughs and popcorn. “As people will be making the effort to see us and have a chat, the least we can do is say thank you with an event that will bring residents together to share ideas, enjoy some delicious food and take in an outdoor movie. “We’re looking forward to welcoming family and friends at one of our three Love the Western Bay Fun Day events. Hearing from as many residents as possible will help us plan for the next 10 years.” Council’s 20212031 Long Term Plan Consultation Document is out for public feedback now, until Friday, April 9, and features six key proposals about maintaining the roading network, walking and cycling, swimming pools, community halls, CCTV and elder housing. The Long Term Plan will be formally adopted in June. For more information on the Love the Western Bay Fun Day series, visit: www.facebook.com/westernbaycouncil/events

The Weekend Sun

Friday 12 March 2021

The value of kiwifruit in the Bay of Plenty March in the Bay of Plenty means that the kiwifruit season is about to kick off. Many readers will be aware that this is a big industry for our region and the country. While kiwifruit is grown in several regions across both islands, the Bay of Plenty harvests around 80 per cent of the crop. Kiwifruit is a relatively unique product; the industry has managed to grow volume as well as value

consistently – not an easy task in a world filled with commodity fruit. It can do this because of a smart and well organised marketing organisation in Zespri and a focus on high value. This has seen heavy investment from Zespri, alongside Plant and Food, in proprietary plant varieties that deliver to both commercial and customer needs. Being a healthy, nutritious product certainly hasn’t hurt over the last year either. This time last year we were a bit nervous for the kiwifruit industry. Harvest coincided with the onset of the Covid lockdown, with high levels of uncertainty around employment but also a lack of foreign labour to help the industry out.

as a minimum, with picking jobs expected to attract around $24 per hour. This will undoubtedly attract It was pleasing to see some staff re-employed on orchards and in packhouses. Labour is an ongoing area of focus for the industry; the nature of horticulture means that there is a peak to labour requirements for picking and packing. The industry has come under fire occasionally for the number of foreign workers it employs under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme. While desire to employ Kiwis is understandable, it is unrealistic to expect people to flock to a job for only a few months – the RSE scheme is a very pragmatic solution and is common across New Zealand. The rate of pay has also attracted attention at times. It is very encouraging to see the industry work together to lift minimum pay rates this year. NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated reports that nearly all packhouses are adopting the living wage ($22.10 per hour)

more Kiwis into the industry and will be an additional boost for the local economy.

Ngā Pou Whakawhirinaki o Aotearoa

Celebrating 50 years serving the community The Citizens Advice Bureau is celebrating 50 years of service in Aotearoa.

“We take the time to listen,” says Kim, “and aim to ensure that you get the information you need. “Whether it’s about your rights in a particular situation, or to find a specific service, we will find a way forward.” This year, CAB Awareness Week runs from March 8-14.This is a chance to celebrate and promote what the CAB does in communities around New Zealand. There are more than 80 CAB locations throughout the country. For more information, and to find your local CAB, visit: www.cab.org.nz

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This means countless hours of advice to the public, providing information on everything from housing and consumer rights to immigration and employment. Now is the time to recognise the thousands of skilled CAB volunteers and staff who dedicate their time to providing free confidential advice and access to the rights and services people need. “We are proud of the legacy the CAB has created and for the future it will forge,” says Kim Saunders from CAB Tauranga. “We want to remind everyone that our service remains free, trustworthy and confidential – where people can pop in and visit, call us on the phone, or contact us via our website by using live chat or sending a message.” CAB volunteers are dedicated to giving back to their community and undertake an intensive training process that ensures they are ready for queries and issues and provide options based on research.

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Friday 12 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

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 Zealand speed climbing record holder Sarah Tetzlaff, watched by Abby Gebert. Photo: John Borren.

competitors from last year.” A tall wall towering above Blake Park is at the centre of a national event today, as speed Richard says that speed is quite a new event for New Zealanders. climbers attempt to take out “And we’re finding our way in finding athletes some top prizes. who may want to specialise in that as a discipline,” “We’re looking at having about 70 competitors,” says Climbing NZ president Richard Waldin. “It will be fantastic. A lot are coming up from Christchurch and Wanaka.” Open to all grades and all climbers, the event will crown the New Zealand national champions, as well as provide a chance for national speed climbing records to be set. Rob says Friday’s speed climbing competition at Mount Maunganui will be followed with a lead competition in Rotorua on Saturday and Sunday. “We’ve tried to organise the speed competition so that competitors from around the country who will be already in the Bay of Plenty for the Rotorua competition can do this as well,” says Rob Moore from Bay of Plenty Sport Climbing. “We’ve only had the wall up at Blake Park for two years, and we’re 50 per cent up on

he adds. “For the Paris Olympics, speed will become a separate event.” The Tokyo Olympics will debut sport climbing this year. It will be held as a combined event with lead climbing, speed climbing and bouldering. “It’s nice to see that speed is having its own medal for Paris,” says Rob, who is hoping to see some growth over the next couple of years in the sport. “We have some of New Zealand’s top world cup climbers here competing this weekend.” Athletes who are considering speed as part of any international competition in 2021 will be expected to be climbing on Friday. This includes competing in speed at World Cups, Youth World Championships and Oceania events. Athletes are grouped according to age. The competition on Friday, March 12, and begins at 9am with warm ups and practice climbs.

T HE PERF ECT O F F I CE AT HO ME

• 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.

SUBMIT FEEDBACK 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.

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The Weekend Sun

Home &

Friday 12 March 2021

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DesignFest postponed Those planning to travel up to the City of Sails later this year to indulge in a spot of garden therapy may be disappointed to read that The Auckland Garden DesignFest has been postponed. Originally planned to take place in November 2021, the event will next be held in November 2022. “As Auckland’s premier designer garden showcase, we would have loved to welcome visitors into some of our most fabulous designer gardens again this year,” says Auckland Garden DesignFest chair Deb Hardy. “Our two-day event involves in excess of 12 months planning. “This time is not just expended by

the event management team, but also our garden designers and the generous garden owners who put considerable commitment, energy and expense into ensuring their gardens are ready to delight and inspire the 200 or more people who regularly attend our event and help us support our charity partners. “It would be heart wrenching for all concerned if our event had to be cancelled at the last minute. “This, combined with a dry summer and water restrictions, has thwarted gardeners’ efforts which would ultimately impact on our ability to showcase the very best examples of garden design excellence. We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you in 2022.”

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Friday 12 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Home &

Tauranga City Council are rolling out new kerbside collection bins New council kerbside bins for rubbish, recycling and food scraps are being delivered from Monday, March 15, ahead of the first collections that begin in July.

Tauranga City Council manager sustainability and waste Sam Fellows says delivering 165,000 bins to 55,000 households is no small job. “We’re starting deliveries early to ensure all households in our city have their new bins in advance of the new kerbside collections starting from July 1,” says Sam. “The timeframes are estimates, and we’ll be providing regular updates on our website on how the roll out is going, including what suburbs will be receiving their bins in the upcoming week.” With the new service, each household will receive a rubbish wheelie bin and a recycling wheelie bin – as well as a small food scraps bin – to use alongside their current blue glass recycling bin. The bins are being rolled out in stages, with central suburbs (Tauranga Central and South, Otumoetai, Matua, Bellevue, Brookfield, Bethlehem, Judea, Gate Pa, Parkvale and Greerton) being the first to receive their bins between

New kerbside collections will start from July 1.

March 15 and early April. Tauranga City Council say the new kerbside collection service has been introduced to make reducing waste easier, more accessible and more affordable

for the community. To find your estimated delivery date, Tauranga households can visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/ bindelivery or call the council on: 07 577 7000.

New hub promises plenty of property data The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand is delighted to announce that it has launched DataHub - a new central hub for property data analytics. The REINZ DataHub brings together information around their new data capabilities, including the multiple sources of data that are combined to create insights and analytics, in one place. “REINZ has been a trusted source of data for years now,” says REINZ chief executive Bindi Norwell, “and part of our strategy has been to build and grow our capability in the analytics space, so we’re excited to be bringing the new REINZ DataHub to the market. “It makes property data more accessible and understandable for those who want to get a good handle on the New Zealand property market, and

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will now make it easier for customers to find out information about what data is available in order to help them understand the market. “This is just the first iteration of what we eventually anticipate will be a one-stop shop for property data in New Zealand,” says Bindi. “Over the past few years, we’ve invested heavily in our statistics platform, and this investment will enable us to ‘slice and dice’ the data and view it all in one place over time.” REINZ DataHub is designed to provide more information to those that want a greater understanding about New Zealand’s property data and receive relevant analytics and insights. The services are already used and trusted by industryleading economists and business professionals, both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit: www.reinz.co.nz/datahub

The Weekend Sun

Friday 12 March 2021

Home & March planting guide The days are getting a wee bit colder, night comes a bit sooner and, sadly, the growing season is slowing down.

The veggies

For your veg garden, get ready to plant cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, beetroot, bok choi, broccoli, coriander, kale, celery, leek, onions, parsley, lettuce, mesclun, rhubarb, rocket, silverbeet, brussel sprouts, spinach and spring onions. Now’s the time to harvest your basil, beetroot, beans, broccoli, cucumber, courgette, coriander, chilli, capsicum, carrots, sweetcorn, tomatoes, spring onions, spinach, silverbeet, eggplant, lettuce, mesclun, parsley, potatoes, pumpkin and squash, rocket and radish. If you want to get your garden ready, now’s the time to start harvesting and pulling out your summer crops. If you have garden spots that are

The fruit

For fruit gardeners, plant your blueberries, Chilean guava, feijoas, lemons, oranges, mandarins and limes for a citrusy winter harvest. This is the time to harvest your apples, pears, grapes, Chilean guava, passionfruit, blueberries, strawberries, apricots, peaches and plums. When it comes to maintenance for the fruit garden, remove any runners from your strawberry plants and pot in a strawberry mix to prep them for planting in winter. Remember, when it comes to planting, fruit trees like to sit in the sun, and shelter from prevailing winds is preferable. Use netting to protect your tasty grapes from greedy birds. Bunches of grapes will be ripening, so get pruning back any excess leaves to allow more sunlight in. Once your nectarines, peaches and plums have finished fruiting, get pruning! Prune to shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.

The flowers

If you love your flower garden, now’s the time to start planting Alyssum, gerbera, lobelia, polyanthus, flowering kale, primula, snapdragon, wildflowers, sweet William, calendula, chrysanthemum, daffodil, tulips, hyacinth, impatiens, marigold, pansy and viola, poppy, sweet pea, snapdragon, daisy, delphinium, dianthus, lavender and forget-me-not. It’s the perfect time to pick Marguerite daisy, leucadendron, scabious, Peruvian lily, Japanese anemones, roses, coreopsis, echinacea, strawflowers, dahlias, lilies, gladiolus, sweet peas, gypsophila, cosmos, zinnia, cleome, agapanthus and hydrangeas.

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For your flower garden’s maintenance, apply bulb food to any bulbs you’ve already planted and plant new bulbs as soon as the soil cools down. Happy planting!

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But there’s still plenty to do in the garden during March, including the best part of gardening – the harvest. If you’ve got an edible garden, it is likely to be filled with crops such as tomatoes, sweetcorn, beans and beetroot, which are now all ready to be picked, bottled, preserved and popped aside to use during the colder months. Autumn is the major harvesting time for both your fruits and your vegetables, so now’s a great time to get some of those winter crops in the ground ready for some harvests in the cooler months ahead. And if you grow from seed, dry some of your seeds from your tomatoes, melons, beans and cucumbers to store and sow next spring.

empty, consider taking some time to revive the soil with a new layer of compost or sheep pellets.

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Friday 12 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Community Boards for Tauranga The staff triumvirate of Grenfell, Johansson and Jones seems to put all the blame for the wrong decisions that have been made over the last couple of decades on the elected representatives of those times. Is that fair? The Bella Vista debacle alone suggests otherwise. Council staff, developers, Tauranga Chamber of Commerce and other business-orientated groups are having their say about what should be the way forward and all of them are expecting residential ratepayers to foot the huge bill not the commercial ratepayers, despite the fact that Tauranga’s commercial rates are the lowest by far of all the major centres. Little interest is being shown in finding out what residents want.

When the council’s representation review is held in June, it must consider if Community Boards should be established in Tauranga. Currently there are 110 boards in New Zealand, but Tauranga councils have so far avoided having them established here. Board members must be elected by the community they serve, and their job is to listen to residents’ views. They are protected by law and have the authority to advocate for residents before the council. Grab this opportunity; when the review proposal comes out, call for a board in your community. Barry Scott, Papamoa Beach.

Counting the cost of cancellations I can only echo the sentiments of Priority One’s Nigel Tutt in his last Weekend Sun column (March 5, page 12), and offer up some sympathy for the many Bay businesses that were left counting the cost of last weekend’s sporting cancellations. I dread to think how many food trucks, bars and cafés filled up on supplies, only to see both the international cricket and netball events moved and what should have

been one of the biggest weekends of the year in the city abandoned. There’s no doubting the reasons behind the decision to move the cricket to Wellington and the netball to Christchurch – they are well-documented and completely understandable from a public safety perspective. But spare a thought for those left out of pocket last weekend, who most likely had March 6-7 circled on their calendars as the weekend they made up for lost time and a bit of lost revenue. Don Lawson, Tauranga.

Religions and parliament There are many religions in New Zealand today, which have many and varied beliefs. This tolerance for various religions is something I value in New Zealand. But there are some religions that, depending on how far they are taken, are harmful.

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Maori fairness and equity

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In the 1980s I was totally opposed to separatist New Zealand rugby teams touring South Africa, and remain totally opposed to any form of separatism today. I have swapped letters before in this paper with Peter Dey, who called me racist, and when I asked him to kindly stop ‘name calling’ and deal with the subject, he did not respond. Dr Lesley Lyons McAdam rants on about equity as opposed to equality. Equity means being fair and impartial. When swapping letters with a Maori councillor (not local) she claimed Maori are under-represented in politics. How can that possibly be correct when currently 36 of the 120 New Zealand politicians identify as Maori, which equates to 33.3 per cent of New Zealand politicians or double the number of Maori in New Zealand (16 per cent)? How can it possibly be fair and impartial to give one section of the population rights no other sections have, be they local Maori Wards or Maori seats in parliament? Jan Hill, Tauranga.

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Humanist teaching, for example, quite reasonably advocates for environmental care and endeavours to achieve peaceful conflict resolution. However (taken to extreme) the control of social conflict is obtained at the expense of silencing opposing views. The Labour Party, for example, has

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intentionally ignored the Catholic Church, Muslims and the concerns of the majority of ordinary New Zealand parents when implementing its humanist gender education. It has also implemented religious censorship laws relating to sexual relationships and gender that are typically

the domain of religions and personal choice. The extreme humanist ideology in parliament is not wanted by the public: not in New Zealand education, neither in politically correct censorship. Andrew Clow, Te Puna.

Working together

I believe that Margaret Murray-Benge (The Weekend Sun, March 5, page 19) is misleading us with her comments about Article 3 of the Treaty of Waitangi. Article 3 granted Maori the rights of British citizenship, but that was in addition to and did not take away the partnership rights granted to Maori in Article 2. Ms Murray-Benge is suggesting that when Maori became equal British citizens that they could not be Treaty partners, which would be

ignoring Article 2. That seems wrong, and parliament and our courts have agreed. Maori partnership rights are now New Zealand law. We are not one people, and the Treaty does not say that we are one people. Maori have separate partnership rights that other ethnic groups do not have because the Treaty was signed only with Maori. Maori have their own separate identity. We are not one people but two people working together. Peter Dey, Kawerau.

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The Weekend Sun welcomes letters from readers. contact details.

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

Vintage, Retro

TOMO

&Steampunk

RROW

The Weekend Sun

Friday 12 March 2021

MUSICPLUS

By Winston Watusi

Reviews, gigs, gossip – get it here I have all sorts of titbits for you this week: reviews, gigs, gossip... yep, it’s more actionpacked than an Oprah interview. First up, let’s revisit the past couple of weeks, during which I've written about Grant Haua and the band Electric Universe, both of whom are making waves with extraordinary online numbers and, in Grant’s case, sales and praise across Europe for his new album Awa Blues. It has now occupied the top spot in both Germany and the Netherlands’ blues charts while being chosen as Album of the Week in France’s Rolling Stone magazine. Being a public-minded type, I inserted the RS review into Google translate with the thought of sharing it. I figure this could be instructive – a view of how well-heeled Europeans see us poor Antipodean cousins. The whole thing is a bit long, but here's the second half: Elevated and haunting, the 12 songs that make up Awa Blues mix blues roots, rock groove and Cajun music. His fluid playing and his virtuosity on the neck of his six strings, inspired by Albert King or Robert Cray, made of clawed riffs and resounding slaps, naturally prevail on ‘Got Something’ or ‘Addiction’. His texts tattooed with a hot iron, haunted by Maori culture, stick to your skin (‘This Is Place’), carried by a powerful voice that harpoons you in a lap, like the meeting of Tom Jones and John Hiatt. An ‘old-fashioned’ blues-rock record, masterful and stunning that is already rising to the level of the best songwriters of the genre. Definitely essential.

Tom Jones?

Wow. That’s a helluva review. The French are certainly poetic in their praise. Tom Jones? Hmmm... But I was particularly struck by “a powerful voice that harpoons you in a lap”. What? I've listened to the album more than a few times so far and have yet to be harpooned in my lap. Better put it on again, just in case. Meanwhile, Electric Universe are amassing praise and extraordinary listener numbers online, with their two current 70s-inflected hard rock singles being viewed and listened to many thousands of times. And Rock Hard Mag gave second single Right On Time a five-star review. This was their verdict: Reeks of Deep Purple and some nice clean old school production techniques... Nice work

MEDIUM

SUDOKU

5 3 9 7

No.2079

Ozi Ozaa.

from down under. The band are barely pausing for breath and are releasing a third single, Sometimes, on the 26th of this month. Watch for the video. Okay – a coupla gigs. This weekend, March 14, the wonderful Caitríona Fallon is at the Entertainers Club. If you haven't heard her you really should. Originally from Ireland, Caitriona began her singing career in Riverdance, performing lead vocals with the world touring company. That’s pretty high cotton whoever you are. Her band comprises Leon Gray (piano), Aaron Wright (guitar), Wayne Melville (bass) and Marc Anderson on drums, which is a pretty impressive ensemble.

7 8

SUDOKU 7

1 4 4 5 3

6 9

16 8 4 1 9 3 45 2 39 7 2 8 5 2 9 4 1 8 9 Solution No.2071 8 2 4 6 3 9 7 5 1 1 5 3 7 8 2 6 9 4 7 6 9 4 1 5 2 3 8

2 5

2 9

1 8 9

Tauranga Citizens Club

A mix

It’ll be a mix of a little Irish plus popular covers, but the band’s approach is pretty classy with some

How to solve Sudoku!

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains No. 1719 the Across digits 1 to 9 5. Unfresh (5) 6. Kind (10) 7. River (SI) (5) 8. Beyond (4) Solution No.2078 (4) How to solve 13. Cinder (3) 9. Relative 1 5 6 7 2 9 3 4 8 Sudoku! 14. Tool (7) 10. Pub (5) M No.2079 3 4 9 6 8 5 1 7 2 15. Aptitude (5) 11. Reverberation (4) 7 2 8 4 3 1 5 6 9 17. Sailor (6) 12. Forest (Wellington) 4 8 1 5 9 2 3 7 6 Fill the grid so that (9) 18. Dog (6) 2 6 3 8 5 7 4 9 1 every row and every 19. Colour (6) Town (9) 3 4 9 1 7 16. 2 8(SI) 5 6 3x3 square contains 1 7 4 9 (4) 8 5 6 3 2 20. 21. Brag (5) Snivel the digits 1 to 9 5 7 4 2 9 8 6 1 3 22. Coromandel beach I N T E R I S L A N D E R 8 9 1 5 6 3 7 2 4 (5) D F W O O O I M R R I N A E D I C T C T R E A S O N 23. Expensive (4) Solution Solution No.2078 No.2078 A E G C O K E L N V C P D How to solve 1 5 6 7 2 9 3 4 8 L U S T R E G K A R O R O 24. Prima donna (4) S B C A U S G T I J R E M 3 4 9 6 8 5 1 7 2 25. Rascals (10) Sudoku! No.2072 Y I D E A L G D OW D Y O 7 2 8 4 3 1 5 6 9 Down S X I D E I G E P A K L V 4 8 5 9 1 6 2 3 7 1. Shoot full of holes P O P L A R G B E E T L E 2 6 3 8 5 7 4 9 1 WD I S N I H L N Fill the grid so that (6) RA RV OL M 9 1 7 3 4 2 8 5 6 C A D O N I R E N E every row and every 2. Iterate (7) N MM L R E T A N E F V E 6 3 2 1 7 4 9 8 5 3x3 square contains G R A N D D A U G H T E R 3. Disturb (6) 5 7 4 2 9 8 6 1 3 the digits 1 to 9 Solution 1718 8 9 1 5 6 3 7 2 4 4. Grant (6)

really interesting arrangements lifting them above regular cover band fare. This show has been postponed twice now, but looks like it might sneak in this time between restrictions. It starts at 5pm, upstairs at the Citz Club on Cameron Road. Cost is $15 on the door.

And here’s another show – one that I reckon will be sensational. At the Jam Factory next week, on Saturday, March 20, are Yaw Asamadu and Ozi Ozaa. You might be thinking... what? Here’s a snippet from Phil Jackson, BBC specialist music presenter, describing Yaw Asamadu, who is a master drummer, composer, African flautist, bass guitarist and xylophone player: “A joyful and jaw dropping fusion of afro-grooves and jazz that hits you like a burst of sonic sunshine”. In 2018, Ghanaian master musician Yaw Asamadu moved to New Zealand and formed a new band, which is a nine-piece outfit revelling in funk and jazz along with highlife grooves and traditional African rhythms. Led by Yaw, the band members’ CVs include Batucada Sound Machine, The Jews Brothers Band, Mamaku Project, The Scribes of Ra and many others. Things will kick off at 7pm and cost a mere $15 via Eventspronto.

Corner of 13th Ave & Cameron Rd Ph: 578 7023 | www.tgacitz.co.nz

Friday 12 March 2021

Katikati date for orchestra

Greerton Fayre is full steam ahead The Greerton Village Vintage, Retro and Steampunk Fayre will be held, weather dependent, in the Greerton Village school grounds on Saturday, March 13, from 10am–2pm. Stalls selling all things vintage, retro and steampunk will be alongside food vendors, a free giant kids’ slide and a mechanical bull for the big kids. The stage will pulse with live music from Cleverwood,

The Weekend Sun

playing favourites from the 60s to 80s. Roving entertainers, a ‘cake and a cuppa’ served on the verandah, and a steampunk parade will all be topped off with the Best Dressed competition at noon. The competition matches 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 Auckland Youth Orchestra.

Experience the thrill of 75 talented young musicians, aged 16-26, performing together with energy, precision and passion! The Auckland Youth Orchestra presents an exciting symphony concert, coming to Katikati on March 21. Hear famous works written by American, English, French and Russian composers, all performed by talented young people. AYO is a full symphony orchestra comprised of some of Auckland’s most talented young musicians. The orchestra toured Germany and Slovenia in 2018, and received standing ovations from capacity audiences at all six of their performances.

Starting the violin at the age of seven, soloist Jim Wu has received tuition from various teachers, including Elizabeth Holowell, former senior lecturer in violin at the University of Auckland, and Dimitri Atanassov, former concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Jim has played with various groups, including the Auckland Youth Orchestra, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra National Youth Orchestra and Bach Musica NZ. AYO will be performing at the Katikati War Memorial Hall on Sunday, March 21, from 2pm. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Tickets are available at the door on the day or via Eventfinda.

How long is it since you read the Road Code? If you’re a senior driver and it’s been a while since you read the Road Code, don’t worry.

WHAT’S ON

Age Concern Tauranga are offering free driver refresher workshops specifically designed for senior drivers. Staying safe on our roads is important for everyone, but getting older can affect our driving in various ways, and having a firm grasp of the rules

of the road will help to counter these changes. “Senior drivers have the advantage of experience, but how certain are you of the road rules?” asks facilitator Ian Lee. “In terms of driving skills, there may be some things you’ve forgotten and some that you never knew. “These workshops are an opportunity to refresh your knowledge and

understanding of the road rules in an informal setting.” The workshops, which are free and classroom-based, are available to anyone aged 70 or older. They last for four hours and are conveniently located at venues around the Bay of Plenty. Booking is essential. Please contact Age Concern Tauranga on: 578 2631 for more information about the refresher.

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The Weekend Sun

Caitríona Fallon and band to perform Originally from Ireland, Caitríona Fallon, aka ‘Cookie’, began her singing career in the infamous Irish show Riverdance, performing lead vocals on their world tour. A singer-songwriter, she also toured music venues and theatres around Ireland with her band at the time, Cookie and The Vaudevilles, performing at the renowned Cork Guinness Jazz Festival as well as the Cheltenham Jazz festival in the UK. Caitríona is known in Tauranga for her performances in Tarnished Frocks and Divas, after which The Breeze described her version of Snow Patrol’s Run as “the song that blew everyone away”. With a fabulous five-piece band, comprising of Leon Gray on piano, Aaron Wright on guitar, Wayne Melville on bass, Marc Anderson on drums and Caitríona on vocals, she has played at The National Jazz Festival, Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival, Totara Street, Tauranga Pride, Gincredible and A Night Before Christmas, and says they’re are looking forward to their return performance at The Entertainer’s Club. The show will feature some original tunes and, of course, the brief nod to Cookie’s Irish heritage,

Caitríona Fallon.

as well as favourites from artists such as George Harrison, Tom Waits, Eva Cassidy and Elton John. The mood will move from quiet, pin drop moments with just voice and piano, to tasty guitar and lush bass solos to full band, foot tapping, head nodding energy! Tickets are available at Tauranga Citz Club reception, priced $15. Caitríona Fallon and live band will be performing on Sunday, March 14, from 5-8pm. A full bar and meals will be available.

Putting a focus on local musical connections Tauranga Musica are delighted to partner with Bayleys to bring you their up-and-coming concert Tauranga Connections, featuring four well-known and talented local artists. Stunning marimba player Yoshiko Tsuruta is joined by saxophonist Michael Jamieson. Yoshi is well known to Tauranga audiences thanks to her exquisitely musical marimba playing. She will be joined by Michael, one of New Zealand’s most sought-after saxophonists, whose expertise and wealth of experience makes for a wonderful combination. Bay of Plenty Symphonia conductor Justus Rozemond is joined by fellow clarinettist Andrzej Nowicki to complete the line-up. Both are accomplished clarinettists having studied at the New Zealand School of Music with Debbie Rawson and Phil Green. Together they make an outstanding and exciting duo. The concert will be held on Sunday, March 21, at

Sweet Everly If you’re looking for a loving pet to join your family, you’ll fall in love with Everly! She is just over four months old and loves to chill out after some playtime. She’s a pretty smart girl and knows how to sit and fetch a ball – when she feels like it. She’s also fantastic with kids and other dogs, although maybe a little shy to begin with as everyone is so much bigger than her, and likes being able to go for a walk and experience new sights and sounds. To find out more, please message the RRR Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/RRRCanine

4pm at Tauranga Park Auditorium, 383 Pyes Pa Road. Tickets can be purchased from: www.tgamusica.co.nz or on the day.

The Weekend Sun has one double pass to see Tauranga Connections on March 21 for one lucky reader who can tell us what instrument Yoshi plays. Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the competition section. Entries must be received by Tuesday, March 16.

Friday 12 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

10 - 27 MARCH

Tea-riffic and organic BY DEVON WILLIAMSON

Annie's in-laws are outlaws... and her mother-in-law has hired a mad group of assassins to kill her! Outrageous, laugh out loud comedy! www.iticket.co.nz 0508 iticket Live at Detour Theatre www.detour.co.nz

Tauranga Citizens Club

Chantal Organics is the nationwide distributor for the premium, organic and Fairtrade Clipper Tea range. Founded in the UK, Clipper Tea is the world’s largest fair trade tea brand, and the number one name in organic, fair trade tea. It boasts the world’s first plastic-free and non-GM unbleached tea bags, with most packaging being fully recyclable or biodegradable. Even the string on the tea bags is made from 100 per cent certified organic material. Clipper Tea is committed to being organic across their entire range, with teas expertly blended from ethical, high quality, pure and natural ingredients. They don’t use anything artificial, and consistently strive to make things better for the planet and its people, especially in regard to improving their packaging and the welfare of their workers. They support more than 114,000 producers and their families, helping them to access education, medical care and help in old age. Four of their biggest selling flavours of tea – Organic Pure Green Tea, Organic White, Organic

Earl Grey and Organic English Breakfast – have recently launched in New Zealand in larger packs of 40 tea bags, giving tea lovers the flavours they know and love with exceptional value. The Weekend Sun has one set of Clipper Tea, including their Organic Pure Green Tea and their Organic Earl Grey Tea, for one lucky reader who can tell us where the tea brand was founded. Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the competition section. Entries must be received by Tuesday, March 16.

Dance fever to hit Western Bay of Plenty!

Some of the region’s would-be dancers are being shoulder-tapped to get their shoes dusted off and on their feet for a charity event later this year. Be it the tango, the foxtrot or a waltz, there’ll be something for everyone when Life Education Trust Western BOP presents Dancing for Life Education in December. Performing to support Life Education on the night will be those who have no previous dance experience and will be tutored by dance teachers. Organisers aren’t yet revealing which dancers will be taking part at the event on December 4, however Astrid Martin, Life Education Trust WBOP chairperson, says many local identities have already been shoulder-tapped. “All of our dancers will have a great profile and a personality to match,” says Astrid. “It doesn’t matter that they have no dance experience, that’s all part of the deal. We like to think of the dancers as community heroes supporting children’s wellbeing.” After 15 weeks of training, the 10 local couples will hit the dance floor at Baypark to fundraise for Life Education Trust, supported by fantastic live entertainment, auctions and delicious food and beverage.

Winners Demi Arbuckle and Ollie Dobbin perform their winning jive. Photo: Troy Baker.

Astrid says there will be an opportunity for any persons interested to potentially take part. “A public audition will be held in May, where the final two competitors will be chosen. “We are also still looking for a few other businesses or organisations who might like to be involved in this very high profile event.” All funds raised will stay in the local region and support Life Education Trust WBOP to continue educating local children. Today Life Education Trust is the largest independent provider of health education for primary and intermediate aged children in the country.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 12 March 2021

THE WEEKEND SUN

Saturday 13 March

Otumoetai Tennis Club Adult tennis.

A Course In Miracles Are you stuck in

past grievances & resentments? Get over it! Free internet forgiveness workshop that transforms your thinking from fear to love. https://jenniferhadley.com/how-getover-it Text 0210 274 2502 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 Art Painting Cool abstract way to paint with cold wax art medium. Workshops at The Artery. Email kiwisuemac@gmail. com to find out dates & more info 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 Christian Healing Meeting St Enoch’s Church Hall, 134 16th Ave, 10:30am5pm. All welcome. Gospel Meeting Teachings of Jesus from the Bible. 4:30-5:30pm Sat/Sun at Welcome Bay Community Hall. Everyone welcome. Enquires/transport ph Rachel 027 841 3652 Genealogy Informal Group Researching your family? Come along for discussion & help. 1:30pm Hall behind Brain Watkins House, 233 Cameron Rd. Ph Janet 576 8835 a/h 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 Invitation To Meditate Follow your own meditation practice with friends in 1 hour of silence. 10am-12 in hall behind Brain Watkins House, 233 Cameron Rd. Refreshments. All welcome. Txt 0210 274 2502 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 12:453pm

Katikati Lions Moggies Market

8am-12 Memorial Hall Main Rd. Live music, crafts, handmade goods, books, plants, produce, cafe, sausage sizzle & more. Ph Sharon 022 218 0196 Katikati Tramping Club Pauanui Trig Loop. Moderate walk, 5hours. Ph Laraine 021 073 7084

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 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

a controlled safe & fun environment. Memorial park 1:30pm 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 Papamoa Lions Club Market 2nd & 4th Sunday Gordon Spratt Reserve, Parton Rd, Papamoa. Gates open 7am for stall holder entry. Wayne 027 974 5699 Racing Centre Launch Day Official launch of NZ’s largest VR & Sim Race Centre. Food, drink, entertainment, sick cars & epic prizes & giveaways. https://www.facebook.com/ events/1149572782157465

Start 1.30pm. Bellevue Park Windsor Road (adjacent to swimming pool). New players & visitors welcome. Ph Victor 027 577 1818 a/hrs. Rotary Tauranga Book Sale Today & Sunday 9am-5pm at Seeka Coolstore, Harvard Way, Mt. Huge selection to view & buy 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 Farmers Market 7:45-12pm at Tauranga Primary School, 31 5th Ave. Rain, hail or shine. Direct from the producers. Support local. Te Puke Scottish Society Monthly dance, Memorial Hall, Jellicoe St, Te Puke, 20th Mar, 7-10:30pm. Live music, air conditioning, light supper, friendly atmosphere, raffles. $7 entry. Ph Valerie 573 7093 The Rvmes Band Eclectic band weaving together Latin, Gypsy Jazz, Funk, Rock n Roll & Reggae 27th Mar 7pm, Jam Factory, Historic Village, 17th Ave. Book @ www.theincubator. co.nz. 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 Two Ladies The women behind the most powerful men in the world take centre stage. Baycourt show 2pm & 7:30pm. Jennifer Ward-Lealand CNZM against Anna Jullienne & features Rena Owen! Go to www.baycourt.co.nz for tickets 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

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 15 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

Sunday 14 March

Bible Seminar 1:45pm Greerton Senior

Badminton Club, Aquinas College

Citizen’s Hall, Maitland St, Greerton. Title: The water of life, A Bible focus. 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 Estēre Concert New interpretations of age-old tales. Electric blue witch-hop, electronic, folk, R&B. 28th Mar 7pm, Jam Factory, Historic Village, 17th Ave. Book @ www. theincubator.co.nz

7-9pm, Aquinas College Events Centre. Seniors & Year 11 upwards. Casual players welcome, $8pp. Club racquets available. Ph/txt Noel 027 622 9797 www.sporty/taurangabadmintonclub. co.nz 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

Farmers Market - Mount Mainstreet

Chess at Mount Maunganui

Held every Sunday 9-1pm rain or shine! Te Papa o Nga Manu Porotakataka (Phoenix Park). www.mountmainstreet.nz Mah Jong Te Puke All players welcome 12:45-4pm. New player lessons on Thursdays. Lyceum Rooms, 8 Palmer Pl, Te Puke. Ph Gig 027 430 6383

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

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

Friends Of The Library Greerton Library Book Group, 10:30am. Each month has a different book theme. Just come along or ph Marian 544 2624 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 Indoor Bowls Matua Primary School Hall (Clivedene St entrance) 7:15pm. New members welcome. Come along & give bowls a go. See you there or ph Karen 576 0443 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 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 Parents Support Group 10am-12 for parents/caregivers & 0-2yr olds. Upstairs, Bethlehem Birthing Ctr, 1 Te Paeroa Rd. Hosted by Project Generate. Ph 07 549 4522 Pickleball Keep fit having fun! Mount Sports Ctr, cnr Maunganui & Hull Rds. 9:30am-12. Equipment available. Ph Bob 027 478 6282, Viv 021 162 3342

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/Silla-TaeKwon-Do-112414698778951/ 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 Scottish Country Dancing

Beginner Classes 6:30-7:30. General dancing 7:30-10, St John’s Church Hall, 94 Bureta Rd. Ph Heather 021 1855 747

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 16 March

Alcoholics Anonymous Open Meeting 7:30pm, St Peters Anglican Church, 11 Victoria Rd, Mt. All welcome. Ph 0800 229 6757 Badminton Keep fit & have fun at our friendly club. 9am-11:30 Tues & Thurs, Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, 71 11th Ave Tauranga. Bob 027 478 6282, Melissa 027 307 6800 Celtica High-octane modern Irish Dance show! Baycourt 7:30pm. Go to www. baycourt.co.nz for tickets. 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. Conversation Cafe 10-11:45am, Dee St Presbyterian Church hall. Varied program, morning tea. Aimed at seniors. All welcome. $5 pp or $5 couple. Make new friends. Ph 544 0951 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 Katikati Parents Group 10-11am. Welcoming all parents, caregivers and 0-2 year olds. Plunket Rooms, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. Hosted by Project Generate. Ph 07 549 4522 Keep On Your Feet Katikati 10:30am-11:30am, Catholic Church hall, 89 Beach Rd. Strength & balance classes for older adults. All levels of fitness welcome. Ph Sharnie 021 111 8617 Merge Social Connections A social group of new residents to Tauranga. Meet 5pm 1st & 3rd Tuesday of month. Email Karen at merge.tauranga@gmail.com Mount Morning Badminton 9:30-12, Mt Sports Centre, Blake Park. Social, all ages, racquets available, beginners welcome. $5/day. Ph Maxeen 575 016 Ocean Running Fun Run Enter Mount Ocean Sports Club , Pilot Bay from 5:15pm.Walkers start 5:40pm, Runners 6pm. $6 entry includes free drink & spot prizes. Ph Phil 021 383 354

PHOTO OF THE WEEK MARCH 12 FRI