The Weekend Sun - 28 October 2022

Trick or track?

Memorial Park’s Miniature Railway will be riddled with spooks and scares this Saturday, October 29, for the club’s third Halloween Night Run. If it’s anything like the 2019 run, more than 1000 people will hold onto their seats for some fear- lled fun.

“If you’re driving one of the trains and you go through the tunnels and scary gures appear around the corner, the shrieking and noise is just amazing,” says club vice president Bruce Harvey.

e club has been busy decking the railway

out with creepy props, gravestones and special lighting. “ ere are a few spooky fans in the volunteer crew,” says club secretary Jason Flannery. is includes club captain Joanne Knights, pictured, who will dress as a witch, and her daughter Imogen Knights.

After Covid-19 put a hitch in the tracks last year, the club couldn’t be more excited to see the Halloween Night run return to the rails. “It’s the novelty of something di erent –that’s the fun of it!” says Jason.

Read more on page 9. Photo: John Borren.

Vanilla ice cream and fat green parrots

“Outrageous!!” skrarked the Kakapo. Cos that’s what Kakapo do when in a state of high dudgeon. ey skrark. Onomatopoeic. Sounds as it reads, and skrark reads mean and nasty, aggressive and angry.

It’s the sound you’d expect the Government would make when defending its farm fart tax to the Groundswell movement. And they’d be skrarking and farting into the wind for sure. But back to the issue.

Species discrimination

“Nothing short of species discrimination,” the Kakapo skrarked again, almost gagging on his craw.

“We are a taonga, a national icon and we are being marginalised, devalued.”

So what’s this short, fat, green parrot skrarking on about, 20m up his rimu tree on Cod sh Island, 1200km, as the Kakapo ies, from the bottom of Devonport Rd. Erratum –cos Kakapo don’t y, they walk. But we digress.

“Some bird brain in Forest & Bird has arbitrarily decided that this bird has been excluded from the 2022 Bird of the Year competition,” says Kakapo.

Pardon? A lot of bird words there.

Kakapo calms, unru es his tailfeathers, stops wobbling his wattle, in ates his thoracic air sac and booms his indignation. “Because we are twicewinners, two-time champions of the Bird of the Year competition; because we’re cute and green, friendly and eminently loveable, we’ve been shut out, ostracised, banned. Well, ching to them!!”

Ching cos that’s what Kakapo do too... they make this high-pitched metallic “ching” sound. ey also boom – a deep come-on to the sassy females waiting for love on the mountain ridges. Kakapo’s going through his full repertoire because he is pissed... ‘pissed’ as in agitated, irritated. He’s skrarking, booming and chinging. “Not only have they driven

us to the brink of extinction, they’re denying us another day in the sun.” Which is an odd thing for a Kakapo to want because they are nocturnal...

Ice cream

Kakapo uses ice cream to make his point... “We, from Aotearoa, are the world’s biggest consumer of ice cream – 28 litres per capita per year. I wonder who is smearing my share on their thighs and butts? ere’s a competition to nd the most popular ice cream avour, but the winner won’t be the actual winner. “Hokey pokey will win, followed by

them?” Okay Kakapo, we get the idea little, critically-endangered one.

Underbird scheme

From the level playing elds, the inclusivity of Wellington, where the air space is controlled by manky street pigeons, there is reason from F&B. It’s their new ‘underbird’ theme, raising the pro les of other, lesser-celebrated birds like the Southern dotterel, the Red Knot, and Pīwauwau. “ ere are some fabulous underbirds in the ballot,” says F&B.

“But we’re underbirds as well,” says the little, critically-endangered one. “ ere’s only 252 of us left at last beak count. It smacks of new age kids sport, which is more about inclusion and participation, than the thrill of the kill. Bollocks and skrark to all that too!!”

So, suggests Kakapo, ‘the ballot’ is not a contest but a feel good, learnto-love-us promotion which should rightfully be called ‘Bird of the Year, Including some land Mammals maybe, but not Kakapo’.

“Bit of a crop full, but more accurate,” says Kakapo.

A new ballot

Meanwhile, in a macrocarpa tree at the foot of the Kaimai Range, there is avian anarchy and talk of a rebel ballot.

chocolate and boysenberry. Ching!! But only because vanilla – which is far and away the world’s most popular ice cream avour – is excluded to give other fabulous under- avours a fair lick of the cone.” All a bit extraneous really because Kakapo don’t do ice cream. ey’re herbivorous. Perhaps they could shush the greens up with a few scoops of the indisputable global favourite?

“Imagine the All Blacks being excluded from the Rugby World Cup because they’ve won it ve times? Let’s get to know and love Namibia and Uruguay because they’re fabulous under-teams.”

Well that notion is all u and feathers and won’t y – a bit like the Kakapo really. “And isn’t a competition about taking on the champs and beating up on

‘Immigrant Bird of the Year’ suggests magpie to an audience of blackbirds, sparrows, cha nches and assorted imports. “We maybe exotics but we are an important and desirable part of NZ’s biodiversity. Know us, celebrate us and love us too.”

So a new ballot, a new contest and new no-nonsense rules. “No pampered, protected native species, no ‘fabulous underbirds’, no birds that have featured on coins, banknotes, ags or coats of arms. No birds that y all the way to Russia for the Northern Summer – and especially no nocturnal ightless birds with hairy feathers!”

Skrark, ching, boom to that!! row me a line at: hunter@thesun.co.nz

Jim Bunny

Gumboot up at Mauao

An empty puku, an open mind and some gold coins are all things to bring along to the I Am Hope ‘Gumboot Friday’ event at Mauao next Friday, November 4.

e event is set to raise funds and awareness for youth mental health, with a range of activities organised in part with Te Tuinga Whānau to take place at Mount Maunganui main beach from 12pm-4pm.

Te Tuinga Whānau chief imagination o cer Tommy ‘Kapai’ Wilson believes now is a critical time for the mental health of New Zealand’s youth. “We see kids venting their frustrations in all sorts of ways. Violence, addiction, ram raiding and also taking their own life,” says Tommy.

Feel connected

“We need to be able to understand why this is happening, and what we are going to do as a community. We can’t just leave it to the hospitals and the Police. e biggest thing these kids need is to know they are not ying alone, and for them to feel reconnected.”

Tommy adds it is important for the community to “get involved” with events such as Gumboot Friday – because it helps organisations like Te Tuinga Whānau and I Am Hope to o er support to get disconnected youth reconnected with their community.

“People can also head down to Number One Shoes to pick up a pair of the ‘I Am Hope Gumboot Friday’ Gumboots, where every pair sold will contribute $10 to mental health support.”

According to Tommy, next Friday’s activities planned include mini golf on the beach, a sausage sizzle and a Mount Maunganui gumboot run.

“It’s a really important cause. As founder of I Am Hope, Mike King would say: bulimia and eating habits are the number one cause of suicide for young girls.

Young men

“ e other area we want to start looking at here is young men. Men don’t talk about their problems.

“We need to provide a safe environment for men to talk,” says Tommy.

Tauranga has the rst I Am Hope ‘satellite’ according to Tommy, which he says involves a councillor working out of the Te Tuinga Whānau building providing free mental health support to rangatahi (youth).

“ is happened because there was a need. When Mike King and I went to Tauranga Boys’ College there was 22 kids who said they had considered taking their lives.

“We thought we needed a place for those boys to go to talk about it, which is why with the help of Sir Paul Adams, we have been able to open up this space for them to talk.”

To support the mental health of youth in Tauranga and across the country, visit the Mount Maunganui main beach between 12pm and 4pm next Friday, November 4. Or buy a pair of the ‘I Am Hope Gumboot Friday’ Gumboots at Number One Shoes.

I Am Hope and Te Tuinga Whānau are teaming up to fundraise for youth mental health next Friday, November 4 at Mount Maunganui Main Beach.

Taylor Rice

Bravery awards

following the fatal White Island eruption in 2019 are

as part of the 2022 Special Honours List – New Zealand Bravery Awards.

Kāhu Helicopters chief executive o cer and former SAS soldier Mark Law will receive the New Zealand Bravery Star for his exceptional bravery.

Tom Storey from Opotiki, Jason Hill of Opotiki, Tim Barrow Rotorua, Graeme Hopcroft of Tauranga, Callum Mill of Rotorua, and Sam Jones of Te Puke will receive the New Zealand Bravery Decoration.

On Monday, December 9, 2019, at 2.11pm, an explosive volcanic eruption occurred on Whakaari/White Island in the Bay of Plenty, shooting a massive column of steam into the air and blowing a wave of hot rock, ash, and acid gas across the crater oor.

Surf season

Bay of Plenty surf lifeguards are preparing for what has the potential to become an “extremely busy” beach season. A projected marine heat wave combined with the return of cruise ships, an in ux of backpackers, and a higher than normal chance of a tropical cyclone are just some factors local lifeguards are keeping an eye on.

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service chair Jamie Troughton says they are “wary” of factors culminating to a potential season of bustling beaches. Jamie says the best way to ensure you’re safe is to nd a patrolled area on the beach.

Suicide rates drop

Suspected suicide rates in New Zealand have dropped for a third year in a row.

is is according to the annual provisional suspected suicide statistics released by the chief coroner this week. In the nancial year to June 30, 2022, 538 people died by suspected suicide. e rate per 100,000 was 10.2. is rate is statistically signi cantly lower than the average rate during the last 13 nancial years.

is is the third year in a row there has been a year-on-year reduction in suspected suicide.

Dangerous drug

A drug-checking service is worried about how widespread a dangerous drug could be, now that it has been found in New Zealand for the rst time.

Metonitazene is an opioid in the form of yellow powder. Agencies warn it could also be found as unmarked yellow tablets.

Drug checking service Know Your Stu deputy manager Jez Weston says it’s too early to know how widely distributed metonitazene is within NZ. But its arrival and availability on the black market is concerning as even a small amount could cause an overdose, and it has been responsible for deaths in the US.

Racecourse hearings shifted

Tauranga City Council has made the call to delay hearings submissions for the future of the Tauranga Racecourse Reserve until early next year.

Issues raised by the community on the future of reserve have prompted Tauranga City Council to delay hearing submissions until early 2023, says the council in a statement.

“ e main issues requiring clari cation include sites for a potential relocation of the racecourse and equestrian facilities; opening up the golf course for increased community use and safe access to the Kōpurererua Valley; and clarifying the potential for health services on the site.”

Council asked for community feedback on three options as part of the Greerton Maarawaewae Study in July-August 2022, including a combined health and recreation option, a central park option and an enhanced status quo option.

Outstanding issues

Commission chair Anne Tolley says work to clarify outstanding issues will delay the consideration of submissions until early next year. “Originally the hearings were supposed to take place in November, followed by deliberations and a decision by the Commission in December,” says Anne.

“However, it’s vital that these issues are fully explored before a decision is made so that we can make a fair and robust recommendation to the Crown around the future use of the Tauranga Racecourse Reserve.”

TCC strategy, growth and governance general manager Christine Jones is really pleased that people took the time to make a submission. “ ere was some good korero with the public through the community events that took place at the

WAIPUNA HOSPICE

Mount Maunganui Little Big Markets, Tauriko Crossing, at the racecourse itself and at the Toi Ohomai Campus at Windermere. We welcome all the views that have been provided and will ensure all submissions are provided to the Commission prior to the hearings next year.”

Consultation on the three options generated a total of 897 submissions. People were asked which option they preferred and encouraged to share their reasons for choosing a particular option. e following are the numbers of submissions received in support of each option:

Option A: Health and Recreation (Council’s preferred option) – 201.

Option B: Central Park – 128

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Remembrance Tree Appeal

Waipuna Hospice is looking for volunteers to help people in the community write a special message for someone they love or for loved ones who can’t be here with them this Christmas during our Remembrance Tree Appeal. It's a fun and rewarding way to help your community.

Can you and a friend spare two hours this November and/or December to help at one of our Remembrance Tree sites?

To register please visit www.waipunahospice.org.nz/remembrancetree-volunteer-22/ or call Michael on 07 552 4380 Ext. 315 today.

Option C: Enhanced Status Quo – 548 Other – 15 (these are submissions that don’t fall into any of the above categories).

Deeper understanding

Christine says the comments received through the submissions process have enabled council to get a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities of each option. “ is information has emphasised the need for further investigation, and we will undertake that work so that its outcomes can be considered as part of the deliberations process.”

For more information, including copies of all submissions, visit: www.tauranga. govt.nz/greertonmaarawaewae

Give and help share the joy this Christmas

Tauranga Racecourse Reserve from above. Photo: John Borren.

Carrying the flame together

The rules have changed

Tauranga Police will show their support for our Western Bay of Plenty Special Olympic athletes by carrying the Flame of Hope with them through Tauranga’s city centre this weekend.

On Saturday, October 29, the Tauranga leg of torch run will start at the Te Awanui waka shelter at the beginning of e Strand. Police and athletes will then follow a loop track back to the waterfront along Devonport Rd, Elizabeth and Grey St. e local torch run is part of a nationwide Law Enforcement Torch Run, where the torch will be relayed through New Zealand’s major centres ahead the of the Freemasons New Zealand Special Olympics National Summer Games being held in Hamilton from December 8-12.

Flame alight

e Flame of Hope stands for courage, inspiration, opportunity, equality, and of course, hope. Every year 97,000 law enforcement members from across the world take part in the event. A group of six Tauranga Police will back our special Olympians, helping feed the ame. “For us, it’s about showing awareness for the Special Olympics and just how much of a special event it is and showing our support for our local athletes taking part in the event as well as the

coaches involved helping train them, and the families involved,” says community constable Jason Arnel.

“To have a disability and compete in a sport is such a great achievement and honour, and to be able to represent your community, your town, your district, your country – it’s just special.”

Top athletes

e Tauranga Special Olympics club has 66 athletes heading to the National Summer games this December. Among them is Hayley Little, who will compete in the nationals for the rst time in long distance running, relay and long jump.

She also just found out she’s been selected for the world games in Berlin 2023. “I’m still trying to get my head around it,” says Hayley. “At school, sport wasn’t really a thing of mine and now I just love running in athletics and long jump.”

Being part of the torch run and carrying the ame is a dream, says Hayley. “You watch the Olympics on the TV and you think: ‘Oh I’d love to see what that torch is like and I’d love to be behind them [Olympians]’,” says Hayley. “ is is actually a dream you know, I’m doing it… you dream as a little kid and you never think it would come true and then it does.”

Hayley thinks it’s great that Police are involved supporting them as sporting champions of our region.

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Kellie Wakelin, Tauranga community constable Jason Arnel, Hayley Little, Mitch Brown, Ashley Linott, Cara Galletly and Mount Maunganui community constable Nick Bartlett at Tauranga Domain. Photo: John Borren.

Georgia Minkhorst

Western Bay of Plenty residents will nd voting papers for the TECT Community Trust’s upcoming election arriving in letterboxes from today, October 28.

TECT – now a community trust that provides support for local initiatives, facilities and events – is governed by six trustees who are elected by local residents for a four-year term.

Previously only Trustpower customers were eligible to vote; however, following the trust’s restructure in February, TECT is now a community trust – and trustees are now elected by those enrolled on either the Tauranga City Council or Western Bay of Plenty District Council

electoral rolls.

Terms of appointment of trustees are staggered so three trustees retire every two years. ere are 12 candidates vying for three seats: Mark Arundel, Kate BarryPiceno, Michael Bayly, Pete Blackwell, Don Brash, Kelvin Clout, Annie Hill, Andrew Hitch eld, Paul Hodson, Gordy Lockhart, Ian Pickard, Peter White.

e election is via postal and internet voting using the First Past the Post method. Voting closes 12 noon on Friday, November 25. Election enquiries are to be directed to the Independent Returning O cer on the election helpline: 0800 666 029 or email: iro@electionz.com

Dishing up dinner

It’s a warm summer evening in Papamoa, people line up eagerly in anticipation as the

on the breeze.

After two years of waiting, Dinner in the Domain returns next week, with food trucks ready to ll the community’s belly for the silly season!

Little Big Events director Rachelle Du y couldn’t be more thrilled to have this summer cornerstone back in the Bay.

“It’s such a great feeling because pre-Covid the event was really successful… it was heaving and we were having at least 2000 people turning up.

e menu

“I think all of us have been pretty resilient over the last two years of not being able to do it, so I think we’re kind of going back to our roots really,” says Rachelle. “We’re just making sure that we have got a variety of food and hoping we have beautiful sunshine.”

Rachelle says any type of food you can think of –will be on o er. “We’ve got French food, we’ve got

Mexican, American barbecues, healthy options, and vegan options. We just try and make sure we’ve got a mixture of sweet and savoury.”

Newbies

Asked what food truck she’ll line up to rst, Rachelle says: “It’s such a hard decision because I like them all!” However, she does make note of taco joint, Tacos Tocayo. “ ey’re going to be newbies on the street with us, which is really cool, so I’m de nitely wanting to try their authentic Mexican tacos for sure.”

Rachelle would also like to shine a light on Dinner in the Park, which is exactly the same as Dinner in the Domain – just at a di erent location based in Matua. “We’re also wanting to cater to the needs of our Otumoetai whanau,” says Rachelle. From November 3, Dinner in the Domain is 5pm-8-30pm every ursday until March 2023, at Papamoa Pony Club.

Dinner in the Park is 5pm-8.30pm every Sunday from November 6, until March 26, at Matua Park.

Dreaming of your next great kiwi adventure? Join us this Saturday at the Farmer Motorhome Centre Open Day and explore our line-up of brand new Motorhomes! Grab a co ee on us, enter our competition to be in to win a $250 hamper, while checking out the stylish designs, interiors and technology that the all-new Roller Team Motorhomes and Volkswagen camper ranges have to o er. With our latest stock arrivals and summer just around the corner, now is the time to secure your new motorhome or camper before they are gone. Plus, chat to our team and take advantage of our open day special o er.

Take advantage of our latest stock arrivals and start your great kiwi summer road trip in a new motorhome

The 2022 Roller Team range has just arrived, featuring stylish designs and stunning interiors Join our team this Saturday 29 October from 9am to 3pm and explore these fantastic motorhomes, now is the time to secure before they are gone Contact Henry or Angela on info@farmerautovillage co nz or call 07 578 6017 to make a pre booking Competitive finance available.

Auto-Roller - Zefiro - T-Line - Pegaso - Caddy Camper - Grand California

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Niall Harley, Basti Todd, Shinji Mizamo, Rachelle Du y and Maddie Banks are all eager to see the Dinner Series return to the Bay of Plenty this summer. Photo: John Borren.

Georgia Minkhorst

Thousands of pages of bargains

Community info session at Ōmokoroa

Are you keen to know more about the big infrastructure projects in Ōmokoroa? Western Bay of Plenty District Council is hosting the Ōmokoroa Projects Community Info Session on Wednesday, November 23, from 5pm-7pm at Ōmokoroa Pavilion. According to WBOPDC, the event is to give people the chance to learn more about key infrastructure projects and plans happening across the peninsula.

e council team will be present

to chat about roading, recreation and planning projects and how they’re progressing – including the new medium density housing rules, Pahoia cycleway link and relocation of the old pavilion.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will also attend, with information on projects and the maintenance programme for the Western Bay sub-region.

e event is an informal drop-in session, so people can pop in for a look or a chat at any time.

Booklovers listen up! e Tauranga Harbour City Lions Club is hosting its biggest ever booksale on November 4-6 at Tauranga Racecourse in Greerton.

ousands of books – from all themes of ction through to every category of non- ction – have been sorted by volunteers ready for the sale.

“We have been donated the most books ever – so it will be our best sale,” says Booksale convenor Christine Currie. “We have at least 1200 banana boxes full of books.”

e club has been gifted thousands of highquality books, many brand new and an exceptional donation of a collection of photographic art books.

“ ey’re absolutely beautiful – they are of a quality that you wouldn’t expect to see at a book sale.” e sale – located in the main racecourse building – will run 9am-5pm both Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5. On Sunday, November 6, the sale is open 9am-3pm.

As people wander in the main racecourse building they’ll nd one large room to the left holding non- ction books. ese are sorted into dozens of categories, such as recipes, gardening etc.

e ction books – sorted in alphabetical order –will be in a large room across the hallway.

“ e club would like to thank the stores that have been the collection points for the sale, the public for their amazing contributions and the volunteers who’ve been working for months sorting books,” says Christine.

Funds raised from the annual booksale, which began in 2007, is gifted by the Lions to community groups and projects.

“Every dollar is going back to the community, so to make this sale a success and raise as much money as possible, we invite everyone to come along on November 4-6.

“ ere will be a bargain for everyone. ere is plenty of free parking and Eftpos available, so please get along.”

Merle Cave

Cosmetic Medicine

Volunteers Colleen Trower, Allison Waugh and Christine Phillips. Photo: John Borren.

Don’t be scared of shopping in Greerton

is Saturday at the Greerton Hall, get your spooky shopping done at the Greerton Hall Market.

Hosted on October 29, this monthly market runs from 8am-12pm and has a range of great shopping opportunities.

Lollies will be on hand for kids to enjoy the Halloween season,

and with indoor and outdoor stalls selling hand-made items, second hand goods, jewellery, preserves, fruit and veg, art, books and more, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/ greertonhallmarket

BEST LUNCH SPOTS IN THE CITY CENTRE

NOURISHING BOWLS

From healthy balance bowls to saucy vegan bibimbap, take a look at some of our top nourishing bowls of delicious food for a lunch in the city centre - all under $20 so it won’t break the

Te Puke’s ghostly trail

e Epic Te Puke Ghost Story Treat Trail is set to spook out the town on Monday, October 31, as Te Puke retailers, shoppers and residents join in the fun to win EPIC dollars.

Everyone is being encouraged to dress up as a ghost and follow the trail around the main Te Puke shopping area looking for digital ghosts.

Piper is an advocate for New Zealand writers and literature and is a co-founder of Young NZ Writers – a non-pro t dedicated to providing opportunities for young NZ writers.

“We’re excited that Piper is helping us judge the ghost story entries for the Treat Trail,” says Rebecca. “Well done to everyone who has entered.

“All stories will be on the trail, on Monday, October 31 with ‘digital ghosts’ to collect.”

Haunted hall

VEGAN EATS

Renata works in the city centre and loves to eat out in the weekends for lunch and dinner. She’s got to know the plant-based food options pretty well and has rounded up some of her favourite spots and meals in Tauranga’s city centre that never disappoint.

e trail features local ghost stories written as part of a writing contest run by Epic Te Puke. Each business hosting a ghost is also hosting a local ghost story entry.

“Bring your phone, and be into win $200 EPIC dollars when you scan and collect ve digital ghosts,” says Epic Te Puke’s Rebecca Larsen. “Read the stories while you Trick or Treat for a spooktacular Halloween.”

Digital ghosts

e digital ghosts will be hiding in the stories behind QR codes for people to collect and be in to win $200 EPIC Dollars.

“We have loads of excellent ghost stories now loaded onto our TePukeOnline.nz – blog.”

Local author Piper Mejia, who specialises in horror and sci- genres, is judging the stories that will be displayed around the trail.

Adding to the Halloween delight on the night, EPIC Te Puke has been collaborating with Andy Gowland-Douglas from Tapuika Group, aka Halloween Queen, and Cathy Dale from WPIC Te Puke and Te Puke War Memorial Hall to deck out the local hall for Halloween.

“We’re so excited about this! Enter the Haunted Te Puke War Memorial Hall if you dare,” says Rebecca.

e Te Puke Halloween Treat Trail will start at Nordic Mobility and run around town heading toward Oxford St, crossing and then back to Marigolds Cafe. Spot prizes have been donated by Countdown and McDonalds.

Epic Te Puke Ghost Story Treat Trail runs 3pm5pm on October 31. Start at the Te Puke Library and follow the trail. Read the stories while you trick or treat. Costume theme: Ghosts.

Te Puke is alive with a ghostly Halloween trail on October 31. Photo: John Borren

Riding the spook train

the park,” says Jason. Bruce is looking forward to the colour, noise, and children’s excitement for this Halloween special.

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Canned last Halloween due to Covid-19, the Memorial Park Miniature Railway crew is looking forward to having their Halloween Night Run return.

is will be the third Halloween run for the club and it brings a hair-raising edge to the usual rides with scary props, decorations and lighting planted around the railway. “On the Sunday rides it’s sort of ‘round and round you go’ on the railway but with Halloween, we light up the tunnels and have all sorts of ghoulish e ects,” says club vice president Bruce Harvey.

Colour, noise, excitement Club secretary Jason Flannery says the team were “gobsmacked” with the response from the rst Halloween Night Run in 2019. “ e number of people we had was just crazy. I think we had about 1600 people on the very rst one. e line was from the station to the level crossing on the other side of

“If you’re driving one of the trains and you go through the tunnels and scary gures appear around the corner, the shrieking and noise is just amazing,” says Bruce.

Dress up!

Glow sticks will be handed out too, creating a whirl of illuminated neon as the train goes by. “If you’re standing at the station watching the trains go around, particularly across the viaduct, and the children and the adults all have these glow sticks waving away – it’s quite a colourful sight,” says Bruce. Everyone is encouraged to put on their creepiest get-ups too, says Jason. “ ere are a few spooky fans in the volunteer crew and the public make a very good e ort.” He adds the calibre of costumes have been excellent in past runs. “ e public have really gone all out and come dressed up in all sorts of out ts,” says Jason. In regards to what spooky costume he’ll be wearing, Bruce – the club’s vice president – says with a laugh: “You’ll have to come along to see...“I’ll be out there driving and adding to the noise and confusion!”

e Halloween Night run is at Memorial Park railway from 6pm-9pm Saturday, October 29. Tickets are $2 per ride. See the club’s Facebook page: @memorialparkrailway

Enjoy light parties in the city

Tauranga’s C3 City Church at Otumoetai is hosting a free and safe alternative to Halloween where youngsters will get an opportunity to dress up and enjoy a time of fun, games, entertainment, prizes and of course, lollies!

e free event from 5.30pm-7.30pm on Sunday, October 30 at the church at 252 Otumoetai Rd is for all children up to Year 6 at school. A sausage sizzle will be for sale too.

Being a child-friendly event, please no scary costumes. Parents are required to supervise their children throughout the event. Another Light Party will run at Papamoa’s C3 City Church at 36b Ashby Place. For more details, see: citychurch.nz/events/light-party

Georgia Minkhorst

Club captain Joanne Knights with her daughter Imogen Knights wearing their most witchy wardrobe to celebrate the club’s Halloween night ride.

Photo: John Borren.

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the RRR Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RRRCanine/

Uffindell MP for Tauranga

Serenity within sand

Creating beautiful mandala-styled art on Tauranga beaches brings Kenrick Smith a greater sense of mental wellbeing and a closeness to nature.

Kenrick discovered his love for sand art during the lockdowns of 2020, after drawing around his daughter Ivy when she was sitting on the beach.

“I started drawing a sun around her and she stayed still for half an hour,” says Kenrick. “And a couple days later I tried it again, but I did a bigger design and I was like: ‘Hey this is pretty creative!’”

Taken by tides

Since then his appetite for sand art has grown alongside the scale of his art. His favourite piece to date was drawn at Pilot Bay at the base of Mauao, with Kenrick describing it as a “big banger”.

“It was one of the rst really big ones I did in a public space… everyone just loved it.”

On average it takes Kenrick two hours to create his sand art, where he uses bamboo, a string and a rake. He describes it as on odd feeling when he sees the tide washing away his work. “It’s taught me a lot about the impermanence of life, so the idea that I do this big drawing with a lot of time and e ort... but then it’s gone,” says Kenrick. “So the question you have to ask yourself is: ‘Was it about the drawing or was it about the experience whilst you were doing it?’ which is a key for life.”

Mindfulness

As a person with ADHD, Kenrick says he’s all about active relaxing. “I can’t really sit still due to my hyperactivity, so for me doing creativity and mindfulness whilst walking 2km-5km round and

Learn with purpose

round in circles, actually works really well.” He adds that counting steps and being deliberate about breathing allows for a sense of calmness. “It makes you focus on what you’re doing in the now… I think we don’t slow down enough in modern life,” says Kenrick.

Back to nature

e other bene t Kenrick has found from getting creative on the beach is that it connects him with nature. “We live two streets back from the beach in Papamoa but I wasn’t that engaged in nature,” says Kenrick. “Whereas now I know when the low tide

Bring your popcorn, picnic rugs and pals and enjoy a free outdoor movie experience on Tauranga’s beautiful waterfront throughout summer.

Night Owl Cinema returns for the holiday season for the Tauranga Waterfront Series. Kicking o last Friday evening, about 50 people rocked up for a screening of DreamWorks’ ‘ e Bad Guys’.

Event organiser Caleb Grace says it’s a great event to get along to, free of charge. “Any family can come down bring their own picnic and enjoy

is going to be a week or two out.” He’s also learnt more about beach’s natural landscape.

“We had a big storm two weeks ago so I know the beach has changed so that there’s little islands and not a super at bit of beach – it’s always changing, and that’s awesome.”

Kenrick has started o ering sand art lessons where people can get creative, relax the mind, and connect with nature. e next is this Saturday, October 29. For information and tickets, visit: events.humanitix.com/sand-art-class.

You can see more of Kenrick’s work at his Instagram: @rakehealing. Georgia Minkhorst

a movie without having to spend too much.” e evening sky, with city lights sparkling across the harbour adds to the unique outdoor movie experience too.

“It’s a really nice view out onto the water with the boats moored there,” says Caleb.

With a Disney classic on the radar, get along to a screening of ‘ e Lion King’ at Tauranga Waterfront next Friday, November 4 at 6.30pm.

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/NightOwlEvents

e scale of Kenrick Smith’s work usually ranges from 20-30 metres wide.

Photo: Andrew Lamb.

Kenrick Smith.

Striking a century

e Tauranga Croquet Club is celebrating its centennial anniversary this Saturday and Sunday, October 29-30 – and we are in for some fun.

On Saturday, October 29, the club will host a Fun Tournament followed by a high tea, then a club tournament with a di erence takes over on Sunday to celebrate the momentous milestone.

Tauranga Club president – and longest serving club member – Gretchen Benvie is proud of the organisation’s history.

“Croquet was rst played in the Tauranga Domain in 1902 and at that time was part of the Bay of Plenty Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. It became more formalised in 1909,” says Gretchen, who has spent much time researching the club’s history.

“In 1922 Tauranga Tennis and Croquet clubs split. e ladies in the croquet club decided to run their own a airs and their own club, so the Tauranga Croquet Club was established.”

Very active

Gretchen says the club is very active with regular club days. “Our lawns are used by our club members four days a week – Tuesday, Friday, Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoon.

“Other groups also use the lawns during the week. Plus, we have many tournaments and interclub events with local BOP clubs.”

Gretchen, who joined the club in 1984, says croquet is a sport everyone can have a go at.

“Most people can play croquet to some degree. “It’s very easy to get involved in and very easy to get addicted to.” It’s been said that croquet is a cross between chess, billiards and war. “ ere’s quite a bit of strategy, skills and tactics involved.” ere are many types of croquet but those popular are Golf Croquet and Association Croquet. “We play Golf Croquet at our club which we introduced about 1999,” says Gretchen.

Spectators welcome

“Golf Croquet is easy to learn but there’s a lot of strategy involved. While you’re trying to score a hoop you’re also trying to stop others from scoring it. To draw a parallel, it’s a bit like snookering someone.” Gretchen says spectators are always welcome. “If people are interested in having a go, we do like them to have some introduction lessons beforehand, which we can provide.”

your talent into a career

Study

Simon L Herbst

Tauranga Croquet Club’s Max Hamilton and Gretchen Benvie ready for the centenary celebrations. Photos: John Borren.

A distinct criteria comes to mind when thinking of the perfect, versatile SUV.

Safety, comfort for long trips, and plenty of cargo space together with good tow capacity are all big boxes to tick, and after testing the Kia Sportage LX Diesel AWD this week, I can safely say this vehicle more than passes the test.

Hopping inside the Sportage I was greeted with a beautiful interior, innovative design and next generation tech that is convenient, useful and easy to access.

e integrated 12.3inch infotainment display screen is spearheaded by incredibly clear and precise graphics, ensuring userfriendliness and practicality are at the forefront of the technology.

e ve seats combined with the whopping 543 litres of cargo space in the rear gives

numerous seating and cargo combinations for both passenger comfort, and hauling the family gear to your favourite holiday destination.

Safety in mind

Even more precious than the cargo in the back is the cargo in the passenger seats, and Kia’s safety rst approach stands out like no other from the moment you start driving.

e forward collision avoidance assist, multi-collision braking, and lane keep assist technology all come together to provide an experience that puts the occupants rst, which is key for any passenger vehicle.

It’s no wonder the vehicle boasts a vestar ANCAP safety rating.

If that’s not enough, the rear occupant display will ensure no one is left behind, and the safe exit assist will make sure passengers

are safe from any cyclists or other vehicles before departing.

Power delivery

ere is no shortage of power delivery in the Sportage. e vehicle boasts 137kW of power and 416Nm of torque, meaning you can quickly cruise up to your desired speed while maintaining the smooth ride the vehicle o ers. All that torque makes the Sportage a great tow vehicle with a 1900kg braked and 750kg unbraked tow rating.

Along with keeping everyone safe, comfortable and technologically satis ed, the Sportage also embraces the latest in powertrain technology, making it one of the most e cient and eco-friendly SUVs on the road, sipping 7.3L of diesel per 100km. Its e ciency means there is no government clean car penalty to pay.

If you’re in the market for a versatile, ve-

seater SUV that is safe and fun to drive, then the Kia Sportage is the vehicle for you.

Learn more

For a limited time and only while stocks last, Kia is o ering a pre-registered special on the Sportage LX Diesel AWD of $39,990+ORC. at’s a saving of $7000 o the recommended retail price of $46,990+ORC. Add to that a free threeyear/45,000km Service Plan and you can’t deny this is absolutely fantastic value for money. All Kia Sportage vehicles come with a ve-year/100,000km warranty programme and roadside assistance.

If you want to learn more about why this is the perfect SUV, the team at Tauranga Motor Company will get you sorted.

ey can be found at 100 Hewletts Rd, Mount Maunganui, or phone them on: 07 578 1378.

ww

Taylor Rice

e Kia Sportage LX Diesel ticks all the boxes for the perfect family vehicle.

Photo: John Borren.

Fundraising to celebrate life

Melanie Quin is calling on the community’s help to keep her charity going with the purpose of celebrating life with ‘A Day of Magic.’

As a charity, A Day of Magic was created by Melanie to gift those with a terminal illness one day of amazing experiences, each bespoke to re ect what is magic to them and to enjoy with their loved ones creating those precious everlasting memories before they say goodbye.

Melanie started the charity unexpectedly three years ago after hearing of a local woman her age who found out she had four weeks to live. “I just couldn’t make sense of that,” says Melanie. “If that was me right now, I wouldn’t have enough money, I would have excuses and wouldn’t have managed to do the things I’ve always wanted to do, I’d be gutted and I would have my daughter to leave behind with just nal memories of grief of loss.”

Making magic

To date, Melanie has created ve days of magic lled with thrill-seeking experiences to recreating a wedding. “What A Day of Magic does is it literally just stops time for a moment so a grieving family do not have to think about a thing, money, nothing, and to just have that special time to create those memories together and say goodbye,” says Melanie.

She has recently made some tough decisions to support A Day of Magic. “A few months ago I cut down my 40 hours at my full time job down to 10 hours so I can have 15- 30 hours a week spare to get this charity developed from a little hobby, love project to a growing thing where I can actually handle the demand when the tap turns on and the magic wheels don’t fall o .”

Melanie has put thousands into her charity.

“So $50,000 of my own savings for me and my daughter is now in the charity because I believe in it; four families wanted to celebrate life before they say goodbye, so I helped them to make it possible, and the charity needed that nancial assistance to be where it is now.

“My issue now though is that I’m needing the community’s support. I need additional funding to get A Day of Magic ready for everyone to bene t from.”

Fundraising ra e

Photo: John Borren.

Her solution is a ra e fundraiser, where anyone in the community can win ‘celebrating life’ style prizes and experiences while supporting a good cause. For a chance of $4000 worth of prizes, including a helicopter ight, tandem skydive, a celebration cake and more, ra e fundraiser tickets cost $5. “A lot of people have $5. at’s a co ee so if you buy a co ee a day, this is just one less co ee a week,” says Melanie.

ere is the option to pay $5 weekly and Melanie only needs a minimum of 150 people to subscribe to this to ensure the charity doors can remain open while she continues to fundraise.

“If I can sell 5000 tickets for this one ra e… and the community gets behind me then I can create this into a weekly or fortnightly ra e that just creates a constant funding for the charity without the need for grants and corporate sponsorship,” says Melanie. Without this community funding, Melanie will have to close her charity.

“I’ve done this much work to this point and I just need that little bit of a push to get me to that nishing line so I can help as many people as possible to celebrate life.”

National day

Melanie is also working towards a national celebrate life day to be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, which will be the o cial relaunch of her charity. “Everyone no matter what should be able to have one day to go: ‘I’m awesome, I deserve a day to myself to celebrate my life and everything I’ve achieved and with everyone I care about’.”

e ra e fundraiser closes Friday, December 16. Tickets can be purchased at: www.adayofmagic. org.nz/ra efundraiser

Georgia Minkhorst

Melanie Quin is calling on the community to help keep her charity going with a ra e fundraiser.

Free COVID antiviral medicines are available

Free oral

Benefits of antiviral medicines

Antiviral medicine can help

Who can get antiviral medicines

Eligible people include:

•Māori or Pacific people aged 50 years or older

•everyone aged 65 years and older

•anyone aged 50 years or older who has had less than two COVID vaccinations

•anyone with a severely weakened immune system, Down syndrome, sickle cell anaemia, or were previously in critical or high dependency hospital care from COVID.

•anyone with three or more high-risk medical conditions.

For the full list of high-risk medical conditions, visit Covid19.govt.nz/medicines

Free RATs

Free rapid antigen tests (RATs)

risk

The

reduce the amount

When to get antiviral medications

must be

in the body.

To get the COVID antiviral medicines, all of these must apply: •you have COVID, or you are a household contact and have symptoms

•your symptoms started within the last 5 days

•you are eligible for the medicine.

Your doctor, nurse, hauora provider, or local pharmacy can tell you if you are eligible and may provide you with a prescription. If your local pharmacy does not prescribe antiviral medicine, they can put you in touch with a pharmacy that does.

How to get antiviral medications

If you have COVID you must isolate for 7 days. You can arrange to have medicines delivered by friends or whānau. If needed, pharmacies that provide COVID antiviral medicine can have them delivered to you, for free.

available for everyone, and you do not need to have COVID to get them.

RequestRATS.Covid19.health.nz and collect them at community providers, marae,

can

Upload your

and some

or have someone collect them for you.

MyCovidRecord.health.nz, or call 0800 222 478

New Zealand is working with Labour

As a Government we’re focused on creating jobs, upskilling New Zealanders and supporting more people into work – and the latest gures show that it’s paying o . e country’s unemployment rate is at a nearrecord low and people’s incomes are growing at the highest rate since records began. ere are now less than 99,000 New Zealanders receiving Jobseeker Work Ready – the rst time numbers have dipped below 100,000 since the pandemic began. We’ve also seen the number of people receiving a main bene t continue to fall yearon-year.

All of these indicators give real reason for us to feel optimistic about the future. Having more

people in work, with higher wages, is helping to make both families and our economy strong.

To grow the skilled workforce that New Zealand needs, our Government has been deliberate in supporting more people into education and training. I’m really proud of the fact that more than 200,000 Kiwis have now bene tted from our free apprenticeships and trades training programmes.

When the pandemic hit, we knew that investing in programmes like Apprenticeship Boost, which supports employers keep and take on new apprentices, would be really important. at’s because, without them, we risked losing our apprentices and facing a massive skills shortage, that’s what happened after the Global Financial Crisis.

So it’s great to see that apprenticeships are

more than 50 per cent higher than when we came into government, and that we now have 20,000 more construction workers than a year ago. is means we’re able to continue delivering better infrastructure and more homes for people around the country.

On top of training more New Zealanders with the skills businesses need, we’ve also rebalanced our immigration to make it easier for local businesses to ll gaps by hiring highly-skilled people from overseas.

With more people moving o bene t and into work, unemployment at a near-record low, and wages growing, it’s clear that our plan is working.

Now we need to keep going.

Exciting politics, busy community

OUR WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE FERRY SERVICE IS cONTINUING!

Such is the success of the Wednesday Challenge ferry trial that our friends at Tauranga Water Transport are now set to continue running a Wednesday Ferry service. In addition they will run the same service on the days there is a cruise ship in port right through summer.

A huge thanks to all the Tauranga residents who have bought tickets and supported this ferry trial. It’s thanks to you that we are now able to extend the service and help get people to where they want to go faster and in a more enjoyable way than being stuck in traffic on the harbour bridge and roads.

Now you can travel between Tauranga and the Mount each Wednesday through to the end of November, and on the days the cruise ships are in port.

HERE’S A LOOK AT THE SLIGHTLY REVISED FERRY DEPARTURE TIMES:

We’ve had another very exciting two weeks in politics.

e Labour Government continues to fall apart, with soaring in ation and cost of living, a creaking healthcare system and a spate of youth o ending now just common place. I forgot to mention the potholes too.

e National team, under Christopher Luxon, is looking increasingly like a government in waiting.

I’ve been busy in our community. It was fantastic to see the rst cruise ship back in Tauranga with the Majestic Princess bringing

a wave of excitement and retail spending back to our shores. I was there to greet her early last Saturday and what a sight she was! I had a fantastic time at Tauranga’s Diwali Festival celebrating all the wonderful things and relentless enterprise our Indian community brings.

I also spent two days in Christchurch at the NZ Economic Development Conference.

As Associate Spokesperson in this portfolio I will advocate hard to unlock the economic potential of our region and others around

What’s Your Property Worth?

the country. Extending SH29 and getting it fourlaned and grade separated to SH1 is a key priority to unlock housing and freight access. Another key priority is getting the third birth built at the Port of Tauranga; this needs to begin immediately. Let’s also sort out Hewletts/ Hull/Totara ASAP; that’s crucial for our city, economy and wellbeing.

I hope you all had a fantastic long weekend, enjoyed the sun and got to spend some quality time with friends and family.

Confit garlic

is is not so much of a recipe… more of a process to make an ingredient that should become a staple in your fridge.

Con t garlic is completely di erent to raw garlic. It’s mellow, a bit sweet, and full of umami.

avour bomb!

garlic bulbs

oil

thyme sprigs

bay leaf

the garlic cloves and place in a small saucepan along with bay leaf and thyme. Cover the garlic with olive oil and place over a low heat.

very gently for around 30 minutes, or until the cloves are soft.

Pour into a sterilised jar, and store in the fridge. So long as the garlic is fully submerged in the oil,

should last for ages in the fridge.

Some ideas to use your con t garlic:

the full schedule of Wednesday and cruise ship

dates, jump on our website.

Whether you’re heading to

in the Mount or Tauranga, catching up with friends or colleagues for lunch, or planning some leisure activities, catch the ferry and enjoy a fun and fast way to travel. You might even like to prebook some trips over summer when you know you have friends and whānau staying.

Just make sure you book online. Tickets are selling fast.

Marketing

some spaghetti in very well salted water until al dente, drain, then toss through a few spoonfuls of the con t garlic with its oil. Finish with a load of nely grated Parmesan and ground black pepper.

•Spread the con t garlic over toasted sourdough, and top with sliced tomatoes, pepper and salt.

•Use the oil to make a vinaigrette to dress your salads.

Katikati volunteer urges BOP to support Pink Ribbon Appeal

breast cancer survivor from Katikati

urging people in the Bay of Plenty to support Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal on October 28-29.

Jenny Webb was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, and she’s also seen her sister and many of her friends go through the disease too.

“I paddled in Wellington in the rst mixed cancer dragon boat in the Wellington dragon boating competition,” says Jenny. “I was still having treatment at the time, and I had amazing support from others in the team.

Encouraging others

“I made many friends, but unfortunately I’ve been to many of their funerals. It’s for them that the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal is so very important to me, and I’m encouraging others to get involved too.”

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for New Zealand women aged under 65 – every year around 190 women are diagnosed with it in the Bay of Plenty.

Each October, around 10,000 volunteers take to the streets to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s work in research, education, advocacy and patient support.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner says the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal “is one of our biggest fundraisers but last year it couldn’t go ahead in many places due to Covid-19 restrictions”.

Huge demand

“As a charity that receives no Government funding, that’s taken a huge toll on our programmes at a time when we’re facing increasing demand for our support services.

“It’s only thanks to the goodwill of New Zealanders that we can be there for patients during their treatment and recovery, fund innovative research to nd new breakthroughs and educate women about the importance of early detection.

“So please, show your support by giving two hours to shake a pink bucket, or donate generously to a Pink Ribbon collector near you.”

People can sign up for a two-hour collection shift in their area at: pinkribbonvolunteer.org.nz.

Donate bottles to an artistic cause

Grove installation is something that anyone can be a part of. Kōwhai Grove is a collaborative light-based installation in which thousands of kōwhai owers made from single-use plastic bottles will illuminate the Grey Street Arcade.

e work will slowly take over the arcade in future, but rst Bobbie is seeking donations of a range of single use plastic bottles. To donate, drop o clean bottles to: Envirohub, 31b Glasgow St, Tauranga; or Banana Blossom Cafe, Grey St, Tauranga.

Or, get your community group involved in making kōwhai owers for the installation. Email: bobbiegraydesign@gmail.com for more info.

Hon Jan Tinetti

Western Bay of Plenty residents with single use plastic bottles can now donate them to an artistic cause that will build a stunning art installation of kōwhai owers in the city.

For those who remember artist Bobbie Gray’s Wisteria Lane installation for the After Dark Urban Light Festival, her upcoming Kōwhai

Katikati resident Jenny Webb rst-hand knows the value of the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s work.

Photo: Merle Cave.

Volunteers Talia Cooper and Geneva Gill.

Kai and life skills for our rangitahi

is growing to feed kids more than just cooking skills at the after-school programme.

Starting up a year ago, Welcome Bay Community Centre’s Rangitahi Kai club o ers 10-15 year-olds cooking and life skills.

identifying there was a need for youth to have something to do after-school in the Welcome Bay area, youth worker Sharron Malcom initiated the Rangitahi Kai Club with the community centre.

“[ e club is] open to 10-15 year olds who want to learn some life skills, build some really positive relationships, friendships and who need a bit of mentoring support from positive adults in their life,” says WBCC manager Sacha Harwood.

“We started with cooking because it’s an activity that has good life skills behind it but is also easy to get engagement because kids like food after school.”

Kai and more Sacha says the club is looking to be renamed from ‘Rangitahi Kai Club’ to purely ‘Rangitahi Club’ as it will focus on broader life skills to support the kids’ diverse range of needs.

“We’ve done a little bit of a review in the last couple months and expanded some of the activities to include other creative areas such as di erent types of art,” says Sacha.

“ ey’re doing diamond painting at the moment and they’ll do canvas painting and some sports as well.”

A garden club is also going to start up where kids will learn to grow plants from seedlings, care for growing vegetables and how to use them in food. Engaging kids in their education is another focus of the club, says Sacha.

“If anyone’s having di culties at school, di culties getting into alternative education, or general problems with engagement – we’ll try work with them and their whanau to ensure they have support and can follow that process to get back into being engaged in education.”

Greater engagement

Sacha says there has been amazing success stories with kids re-engaging in education. “Kids who have felt like they haven’t had a voice and seeing them empowered through that process and able to take charge of their life, their direction and goals – that’s been really encouraging to see.”

Sacha says the community centre is low on volunteers and is looking for consistent volunteers to support the club.

“Once we have a really good volunteer base then we can grow and reach even more kids… and provide solid, ongoing mentoring, support and consistency for the group,” says Sacha. e club runs on Mondays from 4pm-5.30pm. For more information on volunteering, email: communitycentre@welcomebay.org.nz

Zippy little Zoe

Zoe is a threemonth-old female with a real zest for life and is always the rst to ask for a cuddle!

She’ll win you over in an instant with a tilt of her head and a ash of her beautiful

eyes.

She can be a little nervous at rst, but it doesn’t take her long

to nd her con dence; with a little reassurance Zoe is soon zipping and zooming exploring new sights and smells – all while wagging her tail and looking to please.

If you think you have the right family for this stunning girl, apply to arrange a meeting. Call the Tauranga centre on: 07 578 0245. Reference number: 554087.

Sharron Malcom with youngsters Hezekiah and Rewi making kai.

Georgia Minkhorst

Roading access has to be improved!

When driving along Totara Street back to the city on Monday, we noted the lack of cyclists using the newly upgraded two-direction cycleways. It is wide enough to have taken another car lane for the many cars who want to get into the city or beyond.

I shall keep a check but on Friday there was one cyclist and one person walking.

I know there are many recreation cyclists in this region and I know how much they enjoy o -road

cycling, which is safe. It is more than time for money to be spent on our roads that desperately need upgrading for this and future generations.

Even State Highway 2’s rst stage, which is years late, is at last underway – but for the Minister to take the Te Puna to Omokoroa SH2 o the 10-year plan is a scandal.

In this growing region, with the best port in the country, roading access has to be improved.

Certainly, we need bus services but they too need decent roads to drive on. ere are too many accidents because our roads just aren’t up to standard. Now we are having to put up with rotten potholes as well. Please, action is needed!

Margaret Murray-Benge, Bethlehem.

***When asked for right of reply, Tauranga City Council declined in this instance.

Pity help the coming generation Strange theories don’t add up!

I’d like to say I am disgusted, but I am thoroughly appalled by the disgusting conduct of the primarily poorlyparented o enders who are a plague on society.

ey failed to su er the consequences of their actions. eir victims certainly do. Ram-raiding, stealing, assaulting and intimidating, you name it. We don’t have a

deterrent presently. I was a victim 20 odd years ago when I was smacked in the teeth with the bolt cutter that gave these three o enders access to my belongings that they wanted. e penalty has certainly been mine. I still su er broken teeth.

e o enders su ered nothing and will have gone on to likely breed their kind and the cycle continues.

Pity help the coming generation. Six of the best worked very well when I was at school, until the do-gooders emerged with their bright ideas that actually don’t work.

Capital punishment for serious crimes proven beyond all reasonable doubt will rarely be utilised as long as they know it is going to happen. It will hover as a serious deterrent, coupled with compulsory military training for all the astonishing range of sexual options presently available, will instil discipline, pride, respect and an appreciation of this special part of this lovely planet we all landed on.

Best wishes to all your law abiding readers.

Barry Anderson, Bethlehem.

David Hardie, in his e orts to debunk global warming ( e Weekend Sun, October 21), displays some strange theories on the properties of water. Like ‘water remains at a constant volume while a liquid regardless of temperature’.

It obviously doesn’t. Or ‘ice oats due to air incorporated’. Nope. It oats because water starts expanding when being cooled, just before it freezes. He asks: ‘Where is the ice to raise sea level by the amounts claimed?’ e answer: Mainly in Antarctica where ice up to 4km thick covers a 97 per cent of a continent much bigger than Australia (capable of raising worldwide sea levels by more than 60 metres if it all melted) and on a smaller scale in Greenland, capable of causing a 6 metre rise. Note that: the process is already well underway, as is the expansion of the ocean as sea temperatures rise. He also claims ‘we are presently experiencing the lowest temperatures for

up to 100 years’.

In fact, NZ and the rest of the world have been experiencing at least three years of the highest temperatures on record despite occasional polar blasts reaching the mid latitudes. is phenomenon is due to a weakening of the polar vortex surrounding both the Arctic and Antarctic, normally ‘ring-fencing’ in most of the cold air where rightly it belongs – the Polar Regions – which have consequently su ered heatwaves of up to an astounding 40 degrees Celsius.

I suggest David Hardie’s version of physics does little credit to his apparent mission of disproving global warming and climate change.

Peter Otway, Omokoroa.

Know the rules of real estate

Are you buying your rst home? Or selling for the rst time? Do you understand key documents used during the real estate transaction?

If you need a refresh on the rules or need to know more, the Real Estate Authority –the independent government agency that regulates the New Zealand real estate industry – has produced consumer guides to help buyers and sellers understand key documents used during the real estate transaction. e guides o er essential information about what consumers should expect during a real estate transaction, plus some key risks and issues to watch for.

Recently, the REA released updated consumer guides on the property buying and selling process. e new guides came into e ect October 14, 2022. Until

November 30, 2022, your real estate professional may give you a copy of either the current or new relevant consumer guide under a transition arrangement.

To know more, or get your hands on the updated guides – which are produced in a number of di erent languages, visit: www.rea.govt.nz/buyers-and-sellers/readour-guides

Achieving real estate success

Selling your home isn’t something you do every day, and can often feel daunting.

With a genuine compassion for people, Rachel Cole makes sure to take the stress away from this process.

As a real estate agent with more than seven years of experience, Rachel brings a point of di erence with the service she provides.

“I o er, free no-obligation market

appraisals with a view to help people see what their property is worth, no pressure and then keep them updated,” says Rachel. She says that she keeps clients fully updated during the selling process so there’s nothing to be stressed about. “I give all the information so clients can make well informed decisions and then achieve real estate success together.

“I’m more than happy to help, so feel free to phone for a chat!”

To get in touch with Rachel, see her advert on this page.

Georgia Minkhorst

Scott

Rachel Cole is ready to chat and help with any of your questions.

Photo: John Borren.

A repaint can really transform the home!

With so much competition in the housing market, it makes sense to make sure your home is looking its best when it goes up for sale. When Deb Gri ths went to sell her rural Te Puna property, she knew she had to extract her own personality from it.

“When I moved in around six years ago, the walls were cream magnolia. I’m a colours person, so I went a little nuts,” says Deb. “I painted the kids’ room dark teal, the lounge ax green, my bedroom dusky pink, and the spare room blue. You get the idea. I loved it but it was a bit of a mad mish-mosh.”

It was Deb’s real estate agent who suggested neutralising the palette throughout the whole house.

First impression

“You only get one chance at a rst impression with potential buyers, so the rst rule of selling a house is to reduce the number of negative marks against it,” says Anton Terblanche. “Neutral colours give you a better chance of broadening your market.”

“I had to remove my personal feelings about the house and think of appealing to as many people as possible,” says Deb. “I didn’t want someone to walk in and think of all the work they’d need to do.”

In fact, Anton suggests you think of re-painting as part of the pre-sale decluttering process.

“Di erent paint colours can make a house feel

busy. Become more objective in your mindset when you’re putting your house on the market.

“You need to present a home that appears cared for so don’t stop at painting the interior; get the exterior and roof water-blasted too to maximise the interest in your property. It really does pay o .”

Great advice

Deb approached local business, Paintvision.

“I liked the owner straight away. Jamie Carey’s measured and professional and had great advice about the colours. He suggested Half Black White for the ceiling and skirts with Dulux Manorburn as the wall colour throughout the house,” says Deb.

“ e light grey is really popular at the moment,” says Jamie. “It looks fresh, clean and modern and ties the whole home together. It makes it easy for both the current owner and the future owner to inject their own personality with pops of colour in

New LBP ethics code comes into force

e Government’s new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners, which had a 12-month transition period, has come into force this month.

E ective from October 25, 2022, the code sets behavioural standards for LBPs to give both the industry and consumers clarity on what is expected from LBPs, and to hold them to account.

e code of ethics will ensure high standards are maintained in the industry, while giving the public more con dence that LBPs are undertaking building work in a safe, legal, and professional way, and that they will take responsibility for their work.

Most LBPs already work to the highest professional and ethical standards, so formalising this into a code of ethics aligns the LBP scheme with international best practice.

It also provides clear grounds for the Building Practitioners Board to take disciplinary action against LBPs who behave unprofessionally.

e code of ethics is made up of 19 standards, which sit under the following four key principles: work safely, act within the law, take responsibility for your actions, and behave professionally.

You can read more about the code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners at: www.lbp.govt.nz/for-lbps/code-of-ethics

Bedroom before.

Bedroom after.

their home furnishings and décor.”

Debbie says Jamie’s quote arrived by email a few days later “and it was more reasonable than I’d expected”. “ e job was initially booked in for four weeks away so I started decluttering, but Jamie and I were in regular contact because he knew I was eager to get my house on the market.

“Sure enough, within days, he was showing his foreman around then two days later, a crew of around six descended for prep day.”

Swing into action

Jamie says he has “a really great team that can swing into action to get the work o to a ying start”. “Day one, we put protective adhesive on carpets, cover furniture with clean plastic and then start sanding. In this case, it happened so fast that the team was painting doors on the rst day.”

Paintvision usually cleans up at the end of each day to allow the homeowner to return each evening to their own home, but Deb opted to stay elsewhere for three nights.

“I work from home, so it made sense to get out of the team’s way completely. Foreman Michael, Jamie and I were in regular communication, so I knew what stage we were up to and they knew which rooms I needed back rst. I also appreciated that Jamie was on-site every day to check progress and make sure I was okay.”

“I can have up to half a dozen jobs on the go at any one time and because it’s my name on the business, I ensure everything is ticking along as smoothly as possible,” says Jamie.

Feels fresh

e result is a home that feels fresh and ready for someone new to fall in love with. “I wasn’t expecting to love the new monotone paint job, but I really do,” says Deb. “Honestly, if I could pick this house up and move it to a smaller property, I would. e quality of nish is fantastic and the house now has a lovely feel to it. e paint job was done within a week and worth every penny.”

Secure your holiday home ahead of summer

Holiday home-owners are reminded to keep their properties secure, with the Christmas festive period fast-approaching.

During summer months, many people will head to their baches to enjoy a break away.

However, these destinations are also a hot spot for o enders looking to commit opportunistic crimes.

e Waikato Crime Prevention Team visited Waihi Beach this month to encourage holiday homeowners to make burglary prevention a part of their summer preparations.

e CPT helps those e ected by residential burglaries, including o ences committed at holiday homes. “ e team works with community around education and the need for vigilance, regarding securing your property,” says Waikato Eastern Area Commander Inspector Mike Henwood.

Safer homes

“ is is a key component of Police’s commitment to achieving its goal of Safer Homes, so the general public can both be safe and feel safe.”

e team also provides property assessments to provide crime prevention advice, which includes speci c security improvement suggestions to help with the deterrence of burglary and crime in general.

Burglary prevention advice for holiday homes is slightly di erent to prevention advice for standard residential homes because items are often left outside and the temperature is a lot warmer, says Mike.

“A common problem we see is bach doors being left unlocked overnight, and prized items like surfboards and wetsuits left out on decks to dry and forgotten about overnight. A little bit of thought can deter opportunist thieves.”

Key things to consider:

• Use of security cameras linked to an app on your smartphone so you can monitor your property remotely.

• Frosting or covering garage windows to prevent others looking in to scope out valuable items such as boats, jet skis, kayaks, surfboards, bikes etc.

• Ensure all doors and windows are locked when you’re not home, including when taking short trips to the shops or beach – it only takes a minute to become a victim of a burglary.

• If you’re leaving your home for some time leave some curtains open and/or set a light timer to come on at night – if it’s obvious no one is staying there your home can become a target.

• Make sure holiday home doors and your vehicles and boats are kept locked. Opportunist o enders routinely try door handles to check if they are locked and quickly move on if they are secure.

• Do not leave bikes, kayaks, surfboards etc on the lawn or on a deck to be easily taken.

Lounge after.

Lounge before.

Cruising the South Island waterways

A trip to Fiordland and the Southern Lakes in the South Island wouldn’t be complete without embarking on a couple of cruises to see the beautiful sounds and lakes from a di erent perspective.

A few companies operate boat trips and cruises and cover several waterways. On our winter tour of the South Island, we chose Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound and Lake Wakatipu for our “on water” experiences.

Doubtful Sound

For Doubtful Sound/Patea, the journey began from Manapouri, crossing Lake Manapouri, which is interesting in itself, and passes by Manapouri Power Station – New Zealand’s largest hydroelectric power station.

Buses transport passengers from the West Arm visitor centre over the attractive and steep Wilmot Pass to the waiting cruise boat on Doubtful Sound.

e trees on the pass inspired Peter Jackson on how to portray the ents in the Lord of the Rings. e 40km Doubtful Sound/Patea has a wild, raw beauty about it, with towering cli s and waterfalls cascading down them.

Milford Sound

Our second cruise was on Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi, which is more accessible and better known.

Dolphins swam alongside us for the rst stretch, which always feels like such a privilege.

It’s inspiring to see the famous Mitre Peak from other angles in all its majestic ruggedness. is sound is a little more sheltered and there is more human activity on it.

e boat stops when the crew spot fur seals or penguins, and we were lucky enough to see both.

At 15km long, there’s time to get to the sea entrance and then cruise back down the whole length.

On both Doubtful and Milford Sound, there’s educational commentary in the geography and history of the area. e captains brought the boats in close under the sheer waterfalls for photos, leaving passengers licking spray from their lips.

Our Lake Cruise was from Queenstown on the TSS Earnslaw, the only Twin Screw Steamer in the Southern Hemisphere.

is iconic steamer has been cruising Lake Wakatipu since 1912 and is lovingly restored and maintained. It burns one tonne of coal and hour!

It’s very nostalgic steaming across the brilliant blue lake, with a backdrop of snow covered mountains.

Some passengers disembark at a high country farm for a tour and are picked up later.

All the cruises were taken on stunning sunny days, which maximised the beauty of the surrounding scenery and they were all spectacular in their own very di erent ways. Catherine Fry

Cruising Milford Sound with Mitre Peak on the left.

Photos: Catherine Fry.

TSS Earnslaw steamer on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown.

A boutique oasis nestled in Bethlehem

very short time. is a beautiful property, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a good size garage –plus all villas have a little o ce tucked into the home, the kitchens are nicely-appointed and have

You are warmly invited to visit and see for yourself this wonderful village that you too could soon call

Located in Bethlehem, the village of 17 architecturally-designed, environmentally-friendly and energy-e cient homes are nestled amongst established park-like grounds while being a stroll away from shops, restaurants, cafés, supermarket, doctor or chemist.

Anne says the ‘boutique’ village is intimate, cosy and friendly – that’s why residents say they love

to them and their neighbours.

“All of the residents get on really well and share ideas, they love being involved with what’s happening around the place.

“ ey are like a big family.”

Woodlands has a clubhouse with a gym, library, lounge area and fully-equipped kitchen that can be used by residents and their families for

Losing hair with age? SRS can help you

It’s a dreaded feeling – seeing clumps of hair in the shower, your bathroom oor, the pillowcase.

Hair loss with aging is very common, and nearly everyone –both men and women – will have some form of hair loss nearing retirement years. During this time the body undergoes changes, and visible e ects can include a reduction in hair volume, thickness and overall quality.

e good news is you don’t have to put up with this. SRS Hair Clinic has more than 30 years’ experience in providing natural hair loss solutions – and the best part is, they’re free of side e ects. People of retirement age have typically reached a point where they’re able to take time out and nally put

their own needs rst – but they still care about presenting a good image.

e old adage ‘when you look good, you feel good’ – that’s still true. It does wonders for our selfesteem and con dence, and our hair is often hugely important to us in terms of self-image.

SRS conducts their original, one-of-a-kind microscopic hair analysis and advises you on ways to protect, nourish and grow hair using 100 per cent natural solutions. Strict safety and dermatological tests carried out in Germany found SRS hair loss products are very safe and harmless even for sensitive skin or allergies. SRS has clinics in Tauranga at 73 Sixteenth Ave, Auckland at 15 St. Benedicts St, and Hamilton at the Anglesea Clinic.

“We are happy here.” at’s what residents of Woodlands Boutique Village tell the facility manager Anne Murphy.

Facility manager Anne Murphy and one of the two-bedroom duplex units for sale at Woodlands Boutique Village.

Photos: John Borren.

Don’t let dementia stop you flourishing

A dementia diagnosis won’t stop us keeping your dreams alive.

A programme tailored to your personal objectives, we enable those living with dementia to remain engaged, happy, healthy and connected to their family, whānau, friends and community.

Acknowledging, but not being defined by dementia www.enlivenplus.org.nz

enlivenplus@psn.org.nz p. 07 547 4349

What is an Enduring Power of Attorney and why do I need one?

Life, for most of us, is hectic enough as it is. Generally we’re too busy living to think about the consequences of our own ill health or incapacity.

But what if you weren’t in a position to make decisions about your own property or care and welfare? Who would do this for you? Your spouse? Family members? Friends?

You may be surprised to learn that only a legally appointed ‘attorney’ can make these decisions for you.

Enduring Powers of Attorney are powerful documents that every adult should consider putting in place. In the event you are no longer in a position to make crucial decisions for yourself your nominated, and trusted people, known as your ‘attorneys’, will look

after you and make decisions on your behalf, both nancially and for your welfare and care.

Without valid EPOAs in place your family will be prevented from working with your banks, nancial advisers, service providers and healthcare providers, amongst others in relation to your property and welfare.

Appointing the wrong attorney could be just as costly as not having EPOAs at all. In recent years changes have been made to the way in which EPOAs are implemented, re ecting the need to safeguard those implementing EPOAs from potential misuse and abuse of their attorneys.

Careful consideration should be given before putting these documents in place and legal advice must be taken to ensure the validity of an attorney’s appointment.

People can flourish with dementia

Contrary to popular belief, with the right support, people can, and do, ourish with dementia.

Studies have been undertaken with people newly-diagnosed with dementia about what is important to them and what they want, now that they have dementia. ere are a few common themes: wanting others to be respectful, but also able to have a laugh as this helps lighten the most di cult situations; wanting others to see the person/ individual they still are and what they can still do and not just see the dementia; and that it’s important to talk about normal day-to-day things, interests, activities and what we and they are jointly going to do and enjoy together.

ose living with dementia have a very clear message for us: ‘I am not dementia… I am me, support me to remain socially stimulated, connected and living my life’. What those with dementia want is exactly what the scienti c research says they should be doing to maintain good brain health, and we need to listen

When you’re in the midst of caring for someone with dementia and coping with the normal day-to-day stu , it can be easy to focus on the dementia. Sometimes a ‘fresh set of eyes’ is needed that resets how the person is viewed, and is able to

I can help you and the person with dementia to look through those fresh set of eyes and start reconnecting them to things they love doing.

Ruth omas, lead specialist care manager, EnlivenPlus. Phone: 07 547 4349.

Harris Tate associate Michelle Carabine.

Harris Tate associate Michelle Carabine.

Locally-improved app to help us age better

An updated app and website have been launched to help people stay stronger for longer and add life to their years.

e free and easy to use digital service, called LifeCurve, helps older adults stay active and independent and is based on international research about ageing.

Users can take the LifeCurve quiz to map how they are ageing based on their ability to do 19 everyday activities – such as reaching their toes to cut their toenails, walking up and down stairs or cooking a hot meal.

ey can then receive a personalised results package with movement routines and hints and tips on how to age better, stay active and improve their position on the LifeCurve.

A goal

Users can also choose a goal such as ‘Take care of myself’, ‘Manage everyday tasks more easily’ or ‘Improve my strength and balance’ to receive personalised advice based on research and knowledge from physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Although developed in the Bay of Plenty, LifeCurve can be used by anyone in New Zealand.

An earlier version of the app was launched in the BOP last year. However, the LifeCurve team at Te

Project lead Kathy Everitt says that getting older does not have to mean losing our abilities or independence.

Whatu Ora knew they had more work to do. Project lead Kathy Everitt says they’ve been working in partnership with Māori through Te Pare ō Toi and a local Te Ao Māori focus group for the last few months to ensure adaptations to the new app are in line with a Māori world view.

A di erence

Kathy says: “It’s about changing our attitudes to ageing – no matter what age we are, small changes like adding more movement into our lives can make a big di erence.”

Users can download the app from Apple or Android (Google Play) app stores by searching for ‘LifeCurve’. Or, nd the link at: www.lifecurve.co.nz.

Apts

- $395,000

Each apartment consists of 1 bedroom with large ensuite, lounge, dining, small kitchenette, heatpump, aircon and mobility scooter parking. Residents also have their own chef to provide their evening meal. And laundry & cleaning services form part of the minimum support package.

- $890,000

Knightsbridge design. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, double garage – rarely available north facing home with views of the Mount. This sunny villa is being refurbished with a new designer kitchen, bathrooms, lighting, carpet, drapes etc. Not to be missed!

- $450,000

Available now, this delightful 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit is north facing, very sunny and has a great view of the Mount.

It is fully refurbished and situated very close to The Lodge and main facilities.

Pro tsto local charities

Mike Garner plays the

Musicians tend to do a bit of everything –but not Mike Garner.

Particularly in a place the size of Tauranga you’ll nd most musicians have played a broad range of music. If you’re a guitarist you’ve probably played in a covers band or three and made music that might range from folk to metal.

is is just the reality of things: it’s a smallish city and options are limited. Many musicians will pursue the style of music they most want to play while dabbling in all sorts of other stu on the side, whether to gain experience, to make a buck, or just for the sheer pleasure of playing music.

In the great scheme of things you might prefer country music to jazz but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a bunch of fun playing jazz while you’re setting up those country gigs...

But not Mike Garner.

Mike plays the blues. Well, sings and plays and writes the blues. For as long as I’ve known him Mike has been a bluesman. He founded the Hamilton Blues Society 30 years ago when he lived there and the Rotorua Blues Club a decade or so later when he switched cities. For the past decade he’s been living in Papamoa.

If you’ve read this column over time you would probably know this since I’ve written about him on and o for years, as he has toured the country continually and released a string of criticallyacclaimed albums.

Headlines

And therein lies a bit of a problem for anyone dedicated to a craft so speci c: ‘Mike Garner Plays e Blues’ is a great headline for the rst story but ‘Mike Garner Plays e Blues (Again)’ isn’t so good. Once you reach ‘Mike Garner Is Still Playing e Blues (Again)’ a certain amount of deja vu is creeping in and, over time, it’s easy to start taking what he does for granted.

is is particularly true for Mike since, between tours, he makes himself so available. Most recently he’s played the Blues, Roots & Groove Festival in Palmerston North and a series of South Island gigs with harmonica maestro, Neil Billington.

blues

But here in Tauranga you can always catch him one Saturday night each month at e Barrel Room in a blues duo for free.

So when he puts on a special ticketed show here I suspect there are folk who rather take it for granted, assuming it’ll be the same thing, the same songs they’ll be able to hear of a Saturday for free...

Well, I’m here to tell you that you’re making a mistake! While those monthly downtown gigs are a generous treat presenting one of the country’s top bluesmen in a relaxed intimate surrounding for free – seriously, what more do you want? – e key word in “special ticketed show” is “special”.

November

At the start of November Mike is “getting the band back together”, recreating a fantastic tour he undertook last year. is is the quartet known as the Ragtime Washboard Kings, with drummer/ washboard player Warren Houston returning from Motueka in the South Island and upright bass player Stuart Lawrence coming back from Dargaville. Multi-instrumentalist (including washboard) Robbie Laven completes the band.

Between them they delve into some of the most entertaining blues ever made, the wonderful sounds of the early Mississippi Delta and other southern states, mainly originating between the two world wars, incorporating acoustic guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, ddle, djembe, cahon, and all sorts of eclectic acoustic sounds as well as, of course, those two washboards.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, a washboard is just that. A corrugated metal, wooden or glass board that people actually used to wash clothes in the days before Fisher & Paykel invented the washing machine. It was a mainstay of early blues and continues today to be a de ning feature of Zydeco music. Search the name Clifton Chenier on YouTube and you’ll see what I mean.

Together the Ragtime Washboard Kings create something special. ey’re at e Arts Junction in Katikati on ursday November 3 and e Jam Factory on Saturday, November 5. Tickets are $25, available from the respective venue’s websites.

By Winston Watusi

Ragtime Washboard Kings.

Creative Conversations for Writers

from outside the mainstream is the focus of the third panel discussion organised by Tauranga Writers, on this Sunday, October 30. e nal Creative Conversation in the series focuses on the experiences of writers from diverse sections of New Zealand society.

include acclaimed local author Annie Rae Te Ake Ake, whose illustrated Māori myths and legends are loved by decades of Kiwi kids; non-binary, pansexual novelist Jamie Sands; published poet Connie Diamondaras, whose poetry re ects her own battles with mental illness; and Hina Cheema, author of poetry and stories about

the everyday lives of Muslims in New Zealand.

“New Zealand is home to a diverse population, but it’s only in recent years that writers from outside the mainstream have been recognised and celebrated for their contribution to the literary landscape,” says Tauranga Writers secretary Carol Garden.

“Fiction and storytelling are great tools to break down divisions in society. When we understand each other, we can celebrate our di erences and help build more tolerant communities.”

e event is in the meeting room at Greerton Library, from 2pm-4pm on Sunday, October 30. Entrance to the meeting room is from the side of the building on Greerton Rd.

Longer window to admireTe Puke art

Local art group, e Te Puke Art Society, is holding its annual exhibition at Constable’s Gallery on Commerce St in Te Puke from November 11-20 – and there will be plenty of Bay of Plenty art to admire.

“Normally, the exhibition runs for a weekend, but this year it is being held for a week-anda-half, to give people more of a chance to come and see the art and crafts,” says society secretary Ali omas.

New art

“ ese very clever ladies have been working hard all year on these beautiful projects,” says Ali.

Floral art

is year there is an addition of a new genre –oral art – done by a talented new member of the Te Puke Art Society. Ali says there will also be tiny paintings on stands and painted rocks for sale. “Eftpos will be available for any purchases, and the prices are pretty reasonable,” says Ali.

ree ra es will be run during the week, with proceeds going towards maintenance of Constable’s Gallery.

e exhibition is on from Friday, November 11 Sunday-November 20, from 9am-4pm.

Come along and enjoy the art, the crafts, the quilting, the oral art, chat to some of the artists and get in the chance to win some lovely ra es.

Mixed

“ ere will be lots of new art on the walls, by members of the Te Puke Art Society within the past year. ere are all sorts of styles and mediums, and subject matter; oils, watercolours, acrylics, inks and resins, to name a few.”

e Quilting Group at Te Puke Art Society will put their amazing quilts, sewing, knitting and crafts into the exhibition as well.

Western Bay of Plenty be warned – it’s your last chance to get tickets to the Comedy Hoedown in Katikati on November 5 – which is the biggest annual fundraiser for Katikati Primary School.

Hampered by Covid-19 last year, the event –fronted by Kiwi funny guy Ben Hurley and two fellow comedians – for 2022 is on Saturday, November 5 at Katikati War Memorial Hall.

Organised by the Parents of the School, president Dannae Baker says every single cent raised from the event goes back to the primary school for much-needed resources.

e event includes a night of laughter and entertainment from Ben Hurley, Justine Smith and Tony Lyall plus a live band, spot prizes, ra es and a three-course meal from 7pm.

Tickets to the R18 Comedy Hoedown on Saturday, November 5 at Katikati War Memorial Hall are on sale now at: www.eventbee.com by searching ‘Katikati Comedy Hoedown’.

‘Writing outside of the mainstream’ is the focus of the next Tauranga Writers panel.

IMC Plumbing is excited to bring more than three decades of experience to Tauranga residents for their plumbing and gas tting needs.

“We are problem-solvers, and we have a wealth of knowledge as we have been in the business for about 31 years,” says IMC Plumbing’s Ian McDermond, who has been a dedicated member of Master Plumbers since 1992 and was also a previous president of the organisation.

“We take care of people’s property, clean up after ourselves and o er a great service.”

Ian McDermond brings

Photo: John Borren.

Ian says winter servicing and maintenance is a “must” for gas heating products to keep your home nice and cosy.

Having escaped the bustle of Auckland, Ian is “enjoying life down here in Tauranga” and “looks forward to working with the residents of Tauranga” with his personalised and friendly service.

For more information, email: Ian.imcplumbing@gmail.com or call: 027 4937 337.

Churches Active In Our Community Beauty, complexity and God

venues

Where does beauty come from?

A beautiful piece of art comes from the mind and hand of an artist. A beautiful house comes from the e orts of designers and builders. A beautiful poem comes from a poet.

Where does complexity come from? A sculpture of a bird comes from the hand of a sculptor. An aircraft is produced by a large team of designers and workers.

An intricate computer is designed and manufactured through human intelligence and ingenuity.

But where, according to mainstream scientists, does the far surpassing beauty and complexity of the natural world wholly emanate from – not a shred of intelligence.

Does it make sense to you a

sculpture of a bird needs a creator, but the rst ying creature didn’t? Does it make sense that the world’s rst lifeform capable of reproducing itself (far more complex than

anything our brilliant scientists can create) came into existence without a maker?

Why, you may wonder, is this great deception widely perpetuated?

I believe it’s simply because many don’t like the idea of responsibility to a Creator whose moral standards con ict with theirs. Like disobedient children, we don’t like being told what to do, so scientists have to engage in the vain task of explaining the awe, wonder and mysteries of the universe without the existence of God.

If we want real and satisfying answers for where we came from, where we’re going, and for solving the world’s problems, all we need do is bring God back into the equation.

David Kidd, Church of God’s Love.