The Weekend Sun - 22 December 2022

Joy to the world

The first Santa’s grotto, called ‘Christmas Fairyland’, was born in a Liverpool department store in 1879, spread to Australian and American stores seeking to attract customers – and for five years the tradition has been thriving in Katikati.

The grotto is organised by Katch Katikati – and it promises to whisk you away into a fantasyland of twinkling lights, elves, fairies and enchanting scenery. It’s a labour of love for more than 30 volunteers from six local groups who’ve spent many hours

transforming The Arts Junction Theatre into a Christmas wonderland. It’s ‘Tui’ the Shih Tzu’s second Christmas and she’s been a regular fixture around the theatre watching the grotto come together. Tui’s mum, Kirst O’Rourke (pictured), loves

Christmas and says the grotto will spread some Christmas joy to children and the community after a particularly tough year. Ho-ho-ho to that! We take you inside the Katikati Santa’s Christmas grotto on page 10. Photo: John Borren.

Christmas cake and circumcision

“You poor thing!” – he would get it all the time, all his life.

That’s because of a quirk of fate, a quirk of dates. He was born Christmas Day – the least popular day in New Zealand to be born, only just ahead, or behind Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. And people would say: “Oh, dear, you poor thing!”

People who thought he had been cheated, deprived, or damaged, by his birth date.

Life started cruelly and it carried on being cruel.

Like when he tried to seize back a little normality by having a 30th birthday party, his first and only party, on Jesus’ birthday, for heaven’s sake.

What was this heretic thinking, stealing the limelight from the son of God?

Anyhow he tells the story well. “It was Christmas Day so only the damned, the desperate and the dysfunctional stayed any length of time. Everyone else just popped in on the way to, or from, other important Christmas engagements. It was a disaster.”

The birthday boy never again attempted a birthday

celebration on the day. “Oh dear, you poor thing.” The birthday boy is my brother –he’s #3 of #4. Artistic, clever, successful, happy, kind and lovely to a fault. We actually worked together for many years –same company, different disciplines.

When one woman colleague discovered we were brothers she remarked quizzically “but HE is so nice!” How do you answer that, short of violence?

A permanent scar

The remark left a permanent scar.

I will tell you now that I developed a certain self-centred resentment towards Bro over his birthday. As kids, Mum would ensure he has his moment in the astrological sun.

The Christmas cake suddenly grew candles and became a birthday cake, there were birthday presents and we sang happy birthday. I didn’t share the spirit – all the time I was thinking how dare this cute, little, curly blond upstart commandeer Christmas Day for his own personal gratification? Surely Christmas Day is all about me, my presents, my fun?

While on presents – here’s another sore point for the Bro. “I do find it interesting how easy it is for some people to use the day to ‘give’ just ONE present. Usually there’s a Merry Christmas/Happy Birthday card attached...as if that suffices! Well it doesn’t.

“Hullo Christmas Grinchs. I noticed.”

Can’t you feel the hurt?

“You poor thing.”

Then…THEN… as he points out, he has to wait a full 365 days, a whole year, 366 days in a Leap Year, for his birthday/ Christmas to come around again. I never thought of that. “It’s the longest a human has to wait between these two events.

“I developed patience at a very early age.” “Poor thing.”

My Bro’s uniqueness is supported by the stats. Apparently between 30 per cent and 40 per cent fewer babies are born on December 25 than on the peak production days of the year. September 29 is the biggest. Is it because almost no Caesarean births are set down by doctors for holidays and weekends, even though Caesarean

There was the assassinated third president of Egypt, Anwar Sadat, the ‘Naked Civil Servant’ Quentin Crisp, Louis Chevrolet who co-founded the eponymous car manufacturing company, and Annie Lennox, Justin Trudeau and Boris Johnson. Bro is certainly special amongst special people. And because of Christmas Day, he is still ‘intact’.

Below the belt

Now this part of his story is very personal, very intimate. You may choose to look away, or wince and bear it.

It’s about finding a Mohel on Christmas Day – a Jew trained in brit milah, the covenant of circumcision – or an obstetrician or paediatrician willing to give up Christmas Day to attack someone’s manhood.

sections have increased to record levels during the past 11 years – nearly one-third of all births.

And even with vaginal births, doctors can induce which helps dictate when babies are born. You can bet inductions won’t happen when doctors want to be on the golf course or partying up with family and friends on Christmas Day.

And even though it’s not a public holiday, parents don’t want their babies born on April Fool’s Day to be mocked, taunted and bullied for the rest of their lives.

Bro is one of about 9700 New Zealanders who celebrate their birthday on Christmas Day. And he can take comfort and pride that he sparkles amongst the glitterati also born on Christmas Day. There’s Bogie – actor and cultural icon, Humphrey DeForest Bogart. What a great name.

“My three brothers were all circumcised, including my father.” Too much information I feel.

People will start giving me creepy looks. But carry on…

“The doctor who usually did the operation was already on holiday when I was born Christmas Day and I was home and out of the hospital system when he returned. I therefore escaped this surgical procedure.

“However, my unique ‘uncut look’ in that department was a minor childhood embarrassment within the family experience. As an adult I’m appreciative I have remained ‘intact’ but I still retain that sensitivity to being naked among others.

“What a Christmas bonus.”

Bro is an upbeat kind of guy, always sees the positive. He insists he still enjoys his birthday on his birthday. “Really? You poor thing.” Two presents being couriered to you as we speak Bro.

Broken spirits spirits

Tears streaming and emotions running high is the effect the Cameron Rd roadworks are having on store owners between 11th and 12th Avenues.

“Everybody’s suffering in all the shops. We can’t pay the rent,” says Baljit, whose husband owns Micro Computers and Electronics. When The Sun visited Baljit in her shop it was 11am – there were no customers and she was in tears. The Cameron Rd roadworks are part of a major infrastructural project – including construction of bus lanes and cycleways. Storeowners feel like the roadworks have become a permanent fixture outside their businesses – where cars once parked it is now a sea of orange barricades.

Going broke

The businesses revealed how the prolonged roadworks have impacted store turnover. “We lose 60-70 per cent of business so it’s very hard. We’re even paying rent from our own savings at the moment,” says Davi Singh, who works fulltime at his brother’s superette – Super Clearance & Convenience Store.

Antiques & Collectables owner Bill Sedcole says: “We’re all going broke”. His business is just along from The Cheesecake Shop and has been open 20 years. “As soon as these big barriers came in it was like we might as well not come to work.”

Florist Katie Morris says her store Blooms on Cameron is down nearly 50 per cent in turnover

due to roadworks. “People have had to take up second jobs to pay rent… I don’t think they’ve thought about the people it will effect at all.”

There will be no financial aid for businesses due to the prolonged roadworks. Tauranga City Council’s director of transport Brendan Bisley says: “Council will not be compensating business owners along Cameron Rd as the work being carried out is considered reasonable according to the criteria set out in the Public Works Act 1981”.

This makes Davi’s decision simple. “When our lease finishes – we will be gone.” “This is futureproofing for Cameron Rd but by killing all businesses on Cameron Rd…we don’t think there will be any business here in the future.” Bill adds: “We are here now! We’re trying to make a living”.

Dragging on

“They [council] said it would be finished midOctober but they’re still working here,” says Baljit. Roadworks on Cameron Rd between 11th and 12th Ave began late-June and shop owners say they were told by council the works would take 10-12 weeks to complete. “It’s almost six months now and they’re not even near to being finished,” says Davi. “The work in this area was hampered by several factors, including unforeseen issues that required design changes and reprogramming,” says Brendan. “We recognise that a period during construction work outside a business can be difficult for all of those businesses directly affected.” Read this story in full at: www.sunlive.co.nz Georgia Minkhorst

The

Storeowner Bill Sedcole believes the fate of Cameron Rd is set to match Tauranga CBD with no retailers or carparks. Photo: John Borren.

Adopt a weird creature this season

The Endangered Species Foundation’s new campaign ‘We Love You, Even If You’re Ugly’ asks Kiwis to adopt one of six chosen species from New Zealand’s top 40 most endangered list this Christmas.

People can help our most endangered species by putting something different in their Christmas stockings by ‘adopting’ a weird and wonderful creature. In return you’ll

receive an adoption certificate and link to more information about your chosen species.

Your donation will go towards protecting biodiversity in Aotearoa.

The species are Giant weta fungus, Hamilton’s frog, Chatham shag, Fuzzweed moth, Lowland longjaw galaxias, and Holloway’s crystalwort. Visit: www.endangeredspecies.org. nz/adopt

Tough decisions

LPG REFILL

Mindful water use, whatever the weather

Water demand in Tauranga increases by about 30% during summer.

Even when it’s raining we should use water wisely. If we adapt our habits there will be enough to go around –now and in the future.

Te Puna Community Centre on Maramatanga Park is about to shut its doors for good, closing a chapter on a building that’s been home to many activities and groups over the years.

The decision to close and demolish the centre was made by building owners Te Puna Community Centre committee, with technical advice and support provided by Western Bay of Plenty District Council team.

“An in-depth building assessment on the Te Puna Community Centre was carried out by a suitably qualified independent company,” says WBOPDC strategy and community general manager Rachael Davie. “The report identified areas of black-mold as well as other building and plumbing issues.”

The report also revealed the centre needed extensive and costly repairs including water damage repairs, install of new insulation and moisture barriers, bathroom repairs, new accessibility features, rewiring, roof repairs and new windows.

Sad decision

The repair bill was to start at $1.3 million, with more work likely to be uncovered as things progressed, and questions were asked if the existing building was worth the extensive repair bill, as well as considerable maintenance after that.

Te Puna Community Centre treasurer Doug Morris says the committee held meetings with other key stakeholders to discuss the options with the decision made to demolish the centre for everyone’s safety and because of the extent of work required.

“It’s a sad decision to plan to demolish this large community building that looks from a distance so good. Regrettably safety issues and building defects mean repair and refurbishment costs are

exorbitant,” says Te Puna Community Centre secretary Jeff Brownless. The Te Puna Community Centre, which had a building permit approved on October 29, 1987, is on Western Bay of Plenty District Council land. It was a council building but council went through a process in 1995 to divest the building to local community societies and it was initially leased to the Te Puna Community Centre, which is an incorporated society, then council gifted the building to the society, so the society now owns it.

Jeff says the centre was built in 1986 “by a bunch of enthusiasts”.

“The rumour goes that the foundation was put down before council had done the building consents. The Bethlehem Te Puna Lions were instrumental in funding a lot of it,” says Jeff.

Targeted rate

The centre is still on council-owned land.

Council collects a targeted rate from the Te Puna community for the Te Puna Community Centre and Te Puna Memorial Hall. Every ratepayer in the ‘Te Puna community hall area of benefit’ pays an amount from their rates. For the current year this is $41 towards the Te Puna Community Centre and $6 for the Te Puna War Memorial Hall (exclusive of GST). This is paid by more than 1500 rating units in the surrounding area.

WBOPDC has agreed to an assessment of community facilities in Te Puna through the 20212031 Long Term Plan. “This was in response to submissions requesting greater use of the Te Puna Community Centre on Maramatanga Park and the increased investment required in the building due to maintenance issues,” says Rachael.

“This assessment is currently being carried out and involves engagement with Pirirākau, Maramatanga Park clubs and users, other community facilities such as the Te Puna Memorial Hall, Te Puna School, Te Puna Library

9kg

Te Puna Community Centre treasurer Doug Morris.

Photo: John Borren.

ahead for Te Puna

and with the wider community which will occur next year.”

Rachael says the assessment’s outcome will be considered in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan and includes a fresh look at the concept plan for Maramatanga Park that was developed in 2018.

About $315,000 has been put aside in the 20212031 Long Term Plan to implement this concept plan. This is in addition to the $190,000 grant secured from the Lion Foundation to provide a new playground and flying fox. Council is also working on a cycleway/walkway through the park to improve safety and provide an alternative route for tamariki travelling to/from school.

“To us, this is about identifying what services the community needs so that together, we can plan for better outcomes for everyone,” says Rachael.

Holistic look

“The community facility assessment takes a holistic look at the options available, and what each of the key community stakeholders want.

“This big picture evaluation will help create a clear picture of present state and future options for this site. At present, we’ve allocated the community centre $650,000 over 10 years (agreed with the community through the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan). Any amount significantly more than

what’s been allocated would require us to carry out wider community consultation to determine if the community supported it.”

Cultural hub

Te Puna Community Centre president and Pirirākau representative Julie Shepherd says Pirirākau are now seeking support to build a new facility on the lower field as a cultural hub and shared community open meeting space through bookings. “Location preference is next to a significant puna/spring,” says Julie, who says their plan is to share that space with the Bethlehem Te Puna Lions and the bridge club.

“Also a single build for tennis and jujitsu in the existing location. As hapu we need space in the community too. This is reflected by way of successful submissions to WBOPDC,” says Julie.

Rachael says Pirirākau made a submission to the 2021-31 Long Term Plan regarding development of a cultural hub on Maramatanga Park.

“Council will consider Pirirākau’s plans in the community facility assessment,” says Rachael.

“No decisions have been made on future building replacement or development on Maramatanga Park as we need to go through the community facility assessment process.”

The Te Puna Community Centre is also home to the Te Puna Tennis Club. Photo: John Borren.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

WBOP recycling and greenwaste centre hours

Western Bay of Plenty District Council recycling and greenwaste centres may have different opening hours and days to usual during the holiday period, so make sure to check their website before you go. All centres are closed on Saturday, December 24.

There will also be excess glass dropoff available at Ōmokoroa Greenwaste Centre to help make the big holiday

glass recycling easier. These bins will be available every Wednesday and Saturday, 2pm-4pm from December 21 to January 28 (excluding Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24).

Their mobile recycling trailers finished up for the year on December 17 and will start again Saturday, January 7, at Omanawa Hall and BP Pongakawa, 9am-1pm.

Saving little blue penguins

Local wildlife experts are spending their Christmas break rehabilitating little blue penguins that are washing ashore weak and starving on the beaches of the Bay of Plenty.

This season’s fledglings are being found hypothermic and emaciated, much to the concern of Western Bay Wildlife Trust. “This is likely due to La Niña conditions, which can lead to warmer sea surface temperatures and more frequent storm events,” says the trust’s kororā and mortality research project manager Melissa McLuskie.

Challenging conditions

“Stormy seas are just making it harder and the young ones need good conditions to thrive.

“Little blue penguins already have a high mortality rate and these extra challenging conditions can make it hard for vulnerable birds like fledglings heading out to sea for the first time or birds that have not gained sufficient weight before undertaking their annual moult.”

Western Bay Wildlife Trust monitors seabirds and shorebirds in Mount Maunganui, and offer a

rescue service for the WBOP for penguins. Anyone rescuing a sick little blue penguin from a beach may assume the best thing is to take the penguin home and put it into a tub of water or the bath – but Melissa says this can cause a lot of stress and make them even more hypothermic.

Call for advice

“If you spot a penguin on the beach or during the day or trying to come ashore, please give it space and call 0800 SICK PENGUIN or 0800 DOC HOT for further advice. Do not attempt to put it back in the water or offer any food or water. “Wait with the bird until further advice, and please keep dogs and people away.”

Melissa is caring for two sibling birds. “We found them while doing our routine nest monitoring and check health-checks before they fledge. They had lesions on their flippers, legs and bill. We’re getting them swim-ready and hope to release them this week.” To help support the rehabilitation of little blue penguins, people are encouraged to donate at: www.westernbaywildlife.nz/donate

Some areas of Tauranga, such as Mt Maunganui to Papamoa coast, will be alcohol-free between 26 December 2022 to 6 January 2023.

Find out where you can and can’t drink online at tauranga.govt.nz/temp-alcohol-free or scan the QR code below.

To ensure everyone has an enjoyable New Year temporary alcohol-free areas are in place

Two rescued penguins

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Why the trees were felled...

The trees stood majestically in front of Tauranga’s Holy Trinity Cathedral. They certainly commanded attention and comment.

And so when age, health and safety determined the trees should be felled, it happened under the withering gaze of anyone passing on the busy intersection of Devonport Rd and Third Ave. “Everyone who went by had an opinion,” says Terry Bayley, the Cathedral’s property manager and one of the team who chopped the trees down.

“But that’s very, very understandable.”

After all, it was just three months ago I stood beneath those trees and marveled at them. I was saying goodbye to a deeply loved and respected Brian ‘Rabbits’ Rogers. The light was dappled through the branches, the leaves rustled, people wept and a lone drummer beat out taps. A wonderfully solemn occasion in a perfect setting.

Ownership

The Holy Trinity trees towered over the intersection, had been there for decades, and people saw them, liked them, and felt like they had ownership. So when one local spotted the tangle of branches, the sawed limbs on the ground and piles of sawdust, she messaged The Weekend Sun.

“What’s going on? And why? I am both curious and concerned. Can you find out?”

Yes, we can. There were serious issues with the trees. And the church was happy to explain its hand was forced – it was out of necessity, not choice, that the trees had to come down.

The first of two trees taken out was a Jacaranda and it was dead. “It hadn’t leafed or flowered for a couple of years,” says Terry. “And in the removal process, when the branches fell they just shattered, flew everywhere. That was a no brainer.”

The second tree was a flowering gum.

“It had rotted on the inside and at any time could have toppled.”

The old Pohutukawa

But the tree most people were upset about was a very old Pohutukawa. “The problem is that 30 or 40 years ago someone pruned the tree to protect the old hall. Then the tree threw up these sprouts from each of the pruning cuts and they soared 20 metres in the air, over the hall, which we had done massive and expensive renovations to.”

It was deemed to be ugly, dangerous and threatened to damage the property. “So we took it down bit by bit. It was quite a mission.”

And by taking down that tree, it exposed yet another tree to the very strong winds that battered the city a little more than a week ago.

“It was a beautiful tree, one we were trying to protect,” says Terry.

Read this story in full at: www.sunlive.co.nz Hunter Wells

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The aftermath. The Holy Trinity trees presented problems and had to come down. Photo: Taylor Rice.

ASB Classic cultivating champs

Two young talented Tauranga tennis players will get to taste what it’s to play at the ASB Classic Arena after qualifying for January’s youthfocused tournament.

Eleven-year-old Charlize Cashmore and 12-year-old Cullen Mccashin will take centre court competing in the new tennis tournament – ‘The Road to ASB Classic.’

The tournament is hosted by Jaguar and Lavie Tennis Academy to give upcoming talent the chance to show their stuff at New Zealand’s biggest tournament and win the inaugural Jaguar Cup.

“I’m looking forward to being amongst the amazing tennis stars and playing where they play. There will be so many

people and it will be so much fun to be at such a special tennis event,” says Charlize.

The aim

The aim of the tournament is to develop the depth and breadth of Kiwi tennis talent – with it being more than 100 years since NZ had a player ranked in the world top 10.

“Hopefully I will meet some new pros and play against some other good players from around New Zealand,” says Cullen.

Charlize and Cullen locked in their tournament spots in November. The promising pair train at Papamoa Tennis Club and definitely put in the tennis mahi. “I train almost every day – around seven hours a week,” says Cullen, who also coaches at his local club. “I train

five days a week and also do lots of tournaments,” says Charlize, who has had a racquet in hand since the age of six.

Exciting

Charlize says competing in January’s tournament is an exciting opportunity to learn what it takes to make it to the top in the tennis world. “I just want to take away the experience and know what I can achieve over the next few years if I train and play hard.”

The 32 kids selected from around NZ will play in four matches during the ASB Classic from January 11-14. Hundreds will be watching, as the young talent play ahead of the ASB Classic Men’s Final on Saturday, January 14. Good luck Charlize and Cullen! Georgia Minkhorst

New YEAr'S EvE

Community celebrations

Welcome in 2023 with your family and friends this New Year’s Eve at our community celebrations held across Tauranga.

These free, picnic-friendly events start at 6pm and finish with a 9.30pm fireworks display, except in Greerton where a laser light display will be enjoyed. We look forward to seeing you there!

All events are alcohol and smoke-free. Fireworks can be scary for animals, please keep your pets inside.

Blake Park

Gordon Spratt Reserve

Cullen Mccashin and Charlize Cashmore are both aiming to be professional tennis players in future.

Photo: David Hall.

Stop, share, celebrate, feast

“It’s really lush, it’s really cool.” It’s St Peters in the City free community Christmas dinner.

“Thirty-two chickens, six units of ham at $130… so $800 worth of ham.”

It’s a logistical nightmare for coordinator Julz Marriner, as you could imagine.

A sit-down dinner for 250 guests, and another 50 meals to be packed and delivered to the elderly, the reclusive, the isolated and those who cannot, or choose not to, make it into the church on the evening of Christmas Day. And a team of 100 giving, caring volunteers making things happen, smoothly and with good grace.

Julz is running through the “lush” menu for The Weekend Sun. “Cos salad, potato, salad, ancient grain salad, roast pumpkin, carrots, kumara, broccoli and asparagus, gravy, stuffing.”

The works

But it is ex-Navy chef Tamielle Kahurangi-Monk, who concocted the offering and she’ll be driving things in the kitchen. “Also Christmas pudding with custard, mini pavs.” The works in fact. And live Christmas carols by the whanau of St Peters minister Enosa Auva’a to settle the digestion.

The new-ish minister will be overseeing his first free community Christmas dinner.

The team has been working on the Christmas dinner since last December. “The dinner’s an institution, been going 30 years and it just rolls over – finish one, start another with feedback, new ideas and fresh thoughts.” And the fresh thoughts include the sad realisation that the need for the church Christmas dinner continues to widen.

“People are struggling more than ever. And when we hear of families that are middle to well-to-do, complaining, then life is getting really tough. And if they are struggling, what about the marginalised

– the low incomes families, refugees, new immigrants, large families the disabled, all the demographics we know are struggling even more?”

A Christmas oasis

But on Christmas Day there will be an oasis at St Peters in the City. “If you’d like to join in and not worry about decorations, not worry about dinner and the cost of food; if you’d like to feel the love and wonderful vibes of Christmas, then there’s a safe place in town.”

And attending the St Peter free community Christmas dinner can mean freeing up some money for children’s Christmas presents.

Julz understands not everyone wants go to church. And that is fine. “We just see the dinner as a mechanism to help ease the load on a really special day. Just one day of the year we try really hard to spread the joy. It also helps us as a church to connect with people the rest of the year.”

And connecting with people is important because the dinner would not happen without massive amounts of support and help. “We couldn’t do it on our own,” says Julz. “A lot of the “lush, cool” food is donated and the church has a very good partnership with Good Neighbour.”

And the 100-strong army of volunteers are not all church members. “Many contact us each year and have been coming back year-after-year-after-year from around the city and from all walks of life.”

They are the quiet altruists.

“There are lots of people and groups doing amazing things but we can accomplish so much more if we collaborate, as we do, with other churches, schools and other organisations.”

Back to “lush” stuff – did we mention chocolate brownie and seasonal fruit to finish?

To find out more about the annual St Peters in the City free community Christmas Dinner, phone: 07 975 0207 or visit: www.stpeters.org.nz

Don’t leave dogs in cars this summer

The SPCA is appealing to dog owners to think twice before leaving their dogs in vehicles this summer.

SPCA inspectors have already received several calls from concerned members of the public after spotting dogs locked in cars during spring.

Dogs being left inside hot cars is one of the biggest preventable welfare issues in summer, and SPCA inspector Ben Lakomy says it’s disappointing the message still isn’t getting through to pet owners.

“It is an offence under the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing

signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, drooling or hyperventilation, and trying to seek shade,” says Ben.

“When it’s 21 degrees Celsius outside, temperatures in a car parked in the shade with the windows down can exceed 31 degrees Celsius in less than 10 minutes. In 30 minutes, it goes up to 40 degrees Celsius. On a hot day, the temperature inside the vehicle can exceed 50 degrees Celsius.”

Pet owners, whose dogs are found in this state, can be issued with a $300 infringement notice.

Those who are concerned about dogs left in cars showing signs of distress are encouraged to contact SPCA.

He’s normally out tending his flock – today Reverend Enosa Auva’a was in the kitchen prepping vegies for the St Peters free community Christmas dinner. Photo David Hall.

Hunter Wells

Inside Santa’s Grotto... all are welcome

Gnomes in a floral utopia, elves ‘playing’ on children’s toys, a fairy wonderland, Christmas tree and Santa’s workshop awaits visitors who wander through Santa’s Christmas Grotto in Katikati this year.

The grotto is a free offering, open to all 9am-4pm weekdays and 10am2pm weekends through to Wednesday, December 28, inside The Junction Theatre in The Arts Junction building.

The grotto is organised by Katch Katikati and built from the ground up by volunteers from the groups involved – for 2022 this includes Western Bay Library, Katikati Theatre, Katikati Combined Churches, Katikati Floral Art, Katikati Toy Library and Fairy Wonderland.

Spread joy

Katch Katikati events manager Kirst O’Rourke says more than 30 volunteers from the six groups involved have spent hours upon hours painstakingly creating six magical new displays. “The aim of this event is to spread Christmas joy to children and our community after a tough year,” says Kirst. “And the adults involved in creating the displays just love sharing the festive cheer.”

Kirst says the grotto promises to wow young and old alike with the magic of the festive season. “When you step

into the grotto, you’re transported into another world of glittering lights, fairies and enchanted scenes. It’s a very happy, uplifting place to visit.”

This year a new group to the grotto is Katikati Toy Library, which has created an elves’ playground using toys from their library and hand-crafted festive characters to ‘play’ in the display.

Toy library display

Katikati Toy Library treasurer Toni Connelly says her group is very grateful to have been invited to set up their first grotto display. “We are a non-profit group that focuses on offering more than 600 children’s play resources to loan to our community.

“Toys and kids go hand-in-hand with Christmas so we’re happy to have had the chance to create a display.

“It also suits our toy library ethos of sustainability in the toy space by repurposing and recycling to make play happen – whether it be using recycled materials to make toys or reusing toys through loaning them. We really hope the community loves our first crack!”

Children are well-catered for at the grotto – there’s opportunity to get selfies with Santa at set times daily through to Friday, December 23. Katikati Toy Library has a competition to count the elves in their display with three winners to each receive a 12-month toy library subscription. Katikati Floral Art has a ‘Count the Gnomes’ competition, with

the winner receiving a gnome. Plus, there’s a colouring competition with the winner receiving a Mural Town Colouring Book. The grotto is open 9am-4pm weekdays

and 10am-2pm weekends inside The Arts Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati, to December 28. Admission via gold coin donation into a wishing well.

Kirst O’Rourke with her dog ‘Tui’ inside Santa’s Christmas Grotto in Katikati. Photo: John Borren.

Fantastic Felix! Pesto smashed new potatoes

Felix is a gentle natured, sleek and very handsome 10-year-old boy.

He can be a little shy at first but once he gets to know you he is smoochy and purry.

He loves to sit by the window and watch the world go by and have a scratch on his scratching post.

Felix would do well in quiet, mature household with no other pets. He is looking for a loving home where he can have a warm,

cosy bed, plenty of gentle pats and endless supply of love.

Do you have a quiet household that could give a wonderful retirement to our gorgeous boy Felix?

Apply today, this cutie has so much life to live yet! Call the Tauranga centre on: 07 5780245.

New season potatoes are here, showing their little faces at the farmers market –and I’m very happy about it!

This is a super simple side dish with a simple grilled salmon fillet, or with some poached eggs on top for breakfast.

Ingredients:

1kg new potatoes

Pesto: (Or just use store bought pesto if you can be bothered!)

30g pinenuts, toasted until golden 1 small clove garlic 50g basil, parsley, or coriander.

10g Parmesan cheese plus 10g more to serve Zest of one lemon

Pinch pepper

Extra virgin olive oil

Method:

Add whole washed new potatoes to well salted cold water, bring to the boil. Cook until fork tender. Drain well and tip onto a roasting tray.

For the pesto: In a food processor, blitz all the remaining

running, slowly drizzle in about five tablespoons of olive oil until a pourable consistency is achieved. Tip the pesto on top of the potatoes and toss to combine. Using your palm, lightly crush the potatoes to flatten them slightly. Space out evenly on the roasting pan, and place into hot oven for 20-30 minutes, or until crispy. Top with the remaining parmesan, and serve.

Stay cool but fence the pool this summer

The above-ground portable pool becomes a staple in many backyards in summer.

Tauranga City Council’s Pool Safety Compliance team is asking people to get familiar with pool rules before purchasing an aboveground portable pool.

Pools with side walls less than 1.2m high may require a compliant

pool safety barrier. As a pool owner, you are responsible for maintaining and ensuring the effectiveness of all pool safety barriers on your property, including all doors and windows that may provide direct access to the immediate pool area.

Pools must be fenced, whether permanent or portable – especially pools under 1.2m high. Failing to have adequate barriers will breach

the Building Act 2004, and you may receive a $500 fine.

If you’re filling a new pool, check the Water Watchers Plan for guidelines. Pools that require more than 300 litres will need an approved Smart Water Plan from this month to February 2023. It is free to apply for a plan. Apply at: www.tauranga.govt.nz/smart-waterplan-application

FOR SALE

Bay Dreams and UB40 are nearly here!

Concert-goers can rejoice with back-to-back concerts in Tauranga this summer –with Bay Dreams and UB40 bringing the beats to start off the New Year!

First up is festival favourite Bay Dreams, which is set to be one of the hottest music highlights in Aotearoa for January 2023.

Incredible international acts will headline the festival from Diplo, Sticky Fingers, Denzel Curry and Hybrid Minds performing their live drum and bass show ‘Outline.’

“We’ve spoken about bringing our Outline live show to NZ for years, and it’s surreal that we’re finally doing it. To say we are excited is an understatement, it’s going to be incredible!” says Matt Lowe of Hybrid Minds.

Organiser Mitch Lowe says: “We’ve pushed the boundaries on shows throughout the year, and we will be taking all of our learnings and implementing them at Bay Dreams 2023, to make sure it’s a festival experience that is talked about long after Diplo plays his final tune”.

Playing among these dynamic musical forces will also include onefour, Freddie Gibbs, SG Lewis, Elderbrook, Bou and much more!

Bay Dreams 2023 will be held at Trustpower Baypark, Mount Maunganui on Tuesday, January 3.

The very next day one of reggae’s most successful acts, legendary British band UB40, will grace the stage in Tauranga! In celebration of their 40th Anniversary (2020) UB40 will give audiences

“We always look forward to trips down under,” says the band in a statement about their New Zealand tour. “It’s one of our favourite places in the world to perform, but with so many uncertainties in the world these past two years, we felt it was far more important to focus on everyone’s safety. Now that borders have reopened, we’re finally ready to get back to NZ and perform the show fans have been waiting for!”

Joining these reggae icons on-stage is legendary Jefferson Starship and Australasian heroes Dragon. These smooth reggae sounds are not to be missed this summer!

UB40 will be held at Wharepai Domain, Tauranga on Wednesday, January 4.

Tickets for BayDreams are available at: baydreams.co.nz/ UB40 tickets are available at: www.trademarkgroup.co.nz

a taste of their classic hits like ‘Food for Thought’, ‘1 in 10’, ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘Kingston Town’ and ‘Can’t Help falling In Love With You’.

Georgia Minkhorst

Legends of reggae UB40 is amped to be playing for Kiwi audiences this summer.

Bay Dreams is a ‘summer must’ for any festival-lover.

Travel safe-asTravel

Bay of Plenty Lifeguards are expecting a busy summer volunteering, with the heat of summer upon us.

Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service senior lifeguard Jamie Troughton says last summer’s warm air and water temperatures made a big difference to the number of people going to the beach.

And despite the wet start to this season, he expects similar summer conditions this year too.

“The temperatures were on average 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer over winter so the water hasn’t really cooled down and it’s going to heat up a hell of a lot faster this summer.”

Add the return of cruise ships and overseas tourists and you get a beach-goer boom!

“Our clubs are expecting a really busy summer and there’s also more likelihood of tropical cyclones so it could be the perfect storm.”

Skilled volunteers

Asked if lifeguard volunteers will be ready for the flood of people at hot spots in the Bay, Jamie says: “Lifeguards up and down the coast have all spent a lot of time training over winter”. “They’ve been getting fitter, they’ve been doing their first aid courses, their IRB drivers and crew awards…

so by the time they get to the beach over summer, they’re ready to save lives.”

However, they can always do with more hands on deck – and not necessarily in the water either. “We always need more volunteers, in a number of roles.

“We need people with full driver licences who can lead our roams up and down the coast, people with good radio skills, good communication skills, with sound first aid skills, or just people who are eager to learn that we can train.”

Know your limits

Jamie says often when people get into trouble in the water, the situation is avoidable. “Even when people do get into trouble, there are still steps they can take to stop them getting into further trouble or exacerbating it. The number one thing is to know your limits and then if you do get into trouble don’t panic, keep calm.”

He also says to check in with a lifeguard to point out safe areas to swim before you jump in.

“We’re there to help and guide people and to give them good advice… we love helping people.”

“My big hope is that people have a fantastic summer, catch lots of waves, cool off – but do it in a way that they’re nice and safe, and same with the people around them.” Georgia Minkhorst

BOP lifeguards have been training hard all winter to make sure they’re ready for a full-on summer of volunteering. Photo: Jamie Troughton.

My highlights of the year

Thank you for being in touch with my team in 2022.

It’s been a big year, together we’ve achieved so much! Just a few highlights for me include reducing cost of living pressures, banning more single-use plastics, delivering pay equity for social workers, improving victim support and family harm prevention, increasing dental grants to $1000/year and expanding eligibility to support more people.

We celebrated our Warmer Kiwi Homes programme’s 100,000 insulations milestone since its launch, including 8532 houses in the BOP. We’ve made huge investments to address the housing crisis through our Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, which is expected to enable more than 30,000 new homes across Aotearoa. There are 2580 more homes enabled in

Ōmokoroa thanks to $38.4m funding into transport and 2000 more homes in Tauriko West thanks to $80m into transport and three waters.

There’s no doubt there’s still work to do, with 2023 looking to be another huge year working towards better outcomes for New Zealanders.

For now, let’s relax for the festive season and enjoy spending more quality time than money.

Share the roads kindly, drive safely to speed limits, with seatbelts, patience and a smile. Please stay safe on and in the water. Swim between the flags, know your limits; wear your lifejacket. Log your boat trips by tuning your marine VHF radio to your local Coastguard Radio station or calling *500 from your mobile. Know the fishing rules and limits – leave some for the rest of us!

Take care out there and have fun!

My wife Julia and I want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and holiday period.

We hope that wherever you go you have fun, spend time with loved ones, take some time to rest and recharge and most importantly stay safe out there.

We’re all very lucky to live in the most beautiful part of New Zealand. Tauranga is our best city and the Bay of Plenty region is simply spectacular.

We’ll be taking some time to refresh after what has been a pretty incredible year. They say six months in politics is a long time and I definitely don’t disagree!

I’m loving what I’m doing, I love representing the wonderful people of Tauranga and I am thankful

every day that I get to work hard at making a better NZ.

Thank you to everyone for your support this year.

My family, friends and the Tauranga Electorate have been fantastic, as have all of you out there who support me and our great party.

National is united behind Christopher Luxon and building real momentum.

We reckon 2023 will be a big year.

I will work my hardest for you so that we have the best city to live, work in and enjoy in the country, so we can lead happy and fulfilled lives, and so we can all become the best version of ourselves.

Take care and have fun, Sam and Julia Uffindell.

New Seasons Swimwear

Discovering a parent may have dementia?

A holiday visit makes me think one of my parents has dementia – what now?

Visiting family and whānau is one of the joys of the holiday period, but it might also be the time when you notice mum or dad are not coping quite as well as they used to.

There are unopened letters, bills not paid, an accumulation of mouldy food, dishes building up, clothes not washed and a general clutter that wasn’t there before. Mum or dad may be looking a little disheveled and the cat looks decidedly hungry – what’s happening?

Gentle conversation

These could be the first outward signs that a person is developing dementia.

Your parents may have managed to keep things hidden for a while, but with so many visitors during the holiday period it’s too hard for them to cover up what’s happening.

A gentle conversation is needed to explore what help they need and where to go for that help.

This is a difficult conversation to have and one that I can help you with.

Over the years, I’ve learned never to tell the person that their view on things is wrong or that “you would never have done this before you had dementia”.

Support measures

Deep down the person knows there is something amiss and will be scared of being put into care. Give me a call and we can talk through how to approach the conversation about the changes you’re seeing.

The sooner support measures are put in place, the sooner we can start working on improving the quality of life for the person with dementia. Call me for advice.

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

You may realise parents not coping so well during the busy festive season.

Hairini’s needles of love...

Going “flat out on their needles” is how Betty Higgins describes the tight-knit group who’ve been meeting weekly in her Hairini home.

Every Monday the Daintee Ladies Knitting Group have been busy knitting items for the Tauranga district, in what was once the surgery attached to the house of my great uncle Dr Ray Harvey. Having recently passed through the purly gates, I think he’d have loved to know the legacy he began of showing care for people’s health and wellbeing continues, within the same walls. “We bought the house 21 years ago from Dr Harvey,” says Betty. “The knitting group started back when we were Ohauiti Country Women’s Institute.

“We were asked to knit beanies for the sailors at the Seamen’s Mission about 16-17 years ago.”

Twiddle muffs

Betty says the national institute then asked if the group could make ‘twiddle muffs’ for people with dementia.

“You attach different things onto the muffs, for people to twiddle with,” says Betty. Betty says unfortunately the institute had to close after 40 years, due to people leaving or dying. “I was president at the time. When it closed we wondered what we could do. I have a room out back and we thought we’d keep knitting.”

The group meets every Monday with up to nine ladies and two outworkers who also knit from home. And they’ve extended further afield.

“My daughter brings knitting from a group in Thames. We had our lunch at Oaktree Restaurant on Friday and she brought 26 teddies and two little cuddly blankets. That’s all going to Tauranga Hospital Emergency Department.

Combining forces

Combining forces with the Thames Knitwits, the two groups have donated nearly 1000 knitted or crocheted items this year to Tauranga Hospital, “from tiny headbands to jerseys for 10-year-olds and everything in between”. The group has been more prolific in 2022, completing 977 items. For the past two years the total was 700 items each year. The group meets Mondays 9.15am.

The older person’s bible refreshed

The Eldernet Group is marking more than 30 years of what’s commonly referred to as the ‘older person’s Bible’, by releasing the latest ‘Where from Here He Ara whakamua’ handbook.

The latest edition provides essential information for older people living in the mid North Island, including the Bay of Plenty.

Eldernet Group director Eleanor Bodger says the booklet helps older people find support services that suit their needs. The free handbook is available via health professionals, online at: wherefromhere.co.nz or phone: 0800 162 706.

“Other items will go to the children’s ward and prem ward. We feel the need is here so everything is donated here.”

Monica Altena, Reaha Cole, Ann Moore and Betty Higgins are members of the Daintee Ladies Knitting group. Photos: Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Clothing and toys made by the Daintee Ladies Knitting Group.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Churches Active In Our Community

Jesus, the hope of Christmas

Christmas is the breath of fresh air many people are so desperately looking for, as we draw the year to a close.

School uniforms are traded in for togs and jandals, fast weeknight meals are replaced by afternoon barbecues, and the nine-to-five grind takes a backseat to lazy mornings.

The festivities are fun and joyous for most people – although, I know there might be others who feel more like the Grinch!

But, there is a lot to enjoy as the Kiwi summer

graces us with its presence and we enjoy the family traditions and highlights that Christmas brings.

The only problem is that none of these things last forever. Festive lights can’t brighten the depression that hangs heavily over your heart. Christmas cake cannot combat crippling anxiety or fear. The work Christmas parties cannot lift the brokenness you carry or heal the wounds of rejection you have endured.

All that Christmas brings is temporary; except of course the part that is eternal… Jesus.

He was born in a dirty, dusty stable and came to save us and offer us an eternity in Heaven; after our human lives come to an end. He replaces fear with peace, He trades loss for comfort and He provides hope for the weary soul.

When the trees get packed away, and the lights come down… Jesus is the Hope of Christmas.

Adem Guneyi, lead pastor, Freedom Centre Tauranga

Remove the toll now!

Recently, I drove both to Auckland and Wellington. Driving to Auckland via the 110km/hr expressway, missing both Cambridge and Hamilton, was marvellous. Likewise, using Transmission Gully to enter Wellington allowed the traffic to flow smoothly. Both expressways were toll -free, so why is Takitimu Drive – from Tauranga Crossing to State Highway 2, which is only a Tauranga City internal bypass – still being tolled? It certainly isn’t an expressway, and on much of it you are only allowed to travel at the 1948 legal speed limit of 50m/hr or 80km/ hr. Come on New Zealand Transport Agency, you have punished Tauranga long enough – remove the toll now!

Jim Sherlock, Merivale.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency replies: Tolling can replace or supplement

the funding of new roading infrastructure. In the instance of Tauranga Eastern Link and Takitimu Drive, tolling was utilised to fund the roads much sooner than would have otherwise been possible.

There was considerable public support for the tolling in Tauranga. For example, during 2009, public were consulted on whether they supported Tauranga Eastern Link being a toll road so construction could start up to 10 years earlier. Tolling received significant community support (92 per cent both conditional and unconditional).There are free alternatives routes available for those who do not want to pay a toll for using these roads.

Note: Current modelling indicates tolling on the Tauranga Eastern Link will end by 2040 and Takitimu Drive by 2031.

Assurance required...

My last six-monthly rates bill from Western Bay of Plenty District Council included a Katikati stormwater charge of $409.12, a sewerage charge Katikati of $953.53 and western metered water – treatment and supply – charge of $371.24.

As the Government has told us, the Three Waters bill currently before Parliament will become law before Santa calls again. So can I have an assurance from the WBOP council that my next rates bill will be reduced by $1733.89, as other Santas will be taking over these functions?

Paul

Causing our own destruction...

It has never ceased to amaze me how long humans have taken to realise and/or admit that the absolute worst creature on this planet is two-legged and thinks it is the most intelligent.

In some ways this is true, but unfortunately this same creature is also the most stupid, greedy, selfish, violent, destructive, and many other things that are detrimental to this world and everything in it, including ourselves. Why this should be is quite beyond me.

Whitehead, Katikati.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council corporate services general manager Adele Henderson responds:

Assuming the Water Services Entities Bills are passed by Government, then the effective date for the responsibility transfer to the new entities will be July 1, 2024. So Santa will call one more time before these changes, with council still responsible for the delivery of water services and will be charging rates accordingly.

We encourage everyone to visit our dedicated Three Waters webpage where you can keep up-to-date with the latest Three Waters reform announcements from both Government and council – what’s new, what’s coming up and what it means for the Western Bay of plenty. Visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz/three-waters-reform

Ever since they evolved, humans have never ceased to cause harm/damage to almost everything around them, just getting worse as time goes on, and they become more numerous.

When it will end, and how, is not good to think about, but it is very obvious that if things continue as they are, humans will cause their own destruction, probably taking most other life forms on earth with them.

Every generation is worse than the last, with more humans, more requirements, higher expectations, just leading to more destruction.

Tony Burges-Short, Pyes

Pa.

Lots of different food for thought around the table this Christmas...

As we all sit round the table on Christmas day, pulling at the festive crackers, wondering what will be inside, I bet many a politician will be wondering how 2023 will pan out. They will also quite likely reflect on the year that was...

For 2022 has been a roller-coaster for those at the beehive, full of highs and lows – particularly for some of our local Members of Parliament, as well as those jockeying in by-elections to get in the door.

And the General Election is coming

sometime next year – so does Labour feel it in their waters, that they might return to the helm? Or is ‘the egg’ as I believe he’s affectionately known ready to do business at the top? Maybe Winston will morph into a Phoenix – and rise from the ashes once

Keeping your eyes fixed on Him

In Luke 2 we are introduced to the first witnesses of Jesus’ birth. Shepherds living in the field nearby, watching over their flock, were met with an amazing sight.

In the dead of night, the night sky lit up and a message of hope rung through the dark night. The Saviour of all the earth is born. I can only imagine the amazement and joy as they rushed to see if it were true. On their way to the manger, I imagine there were lots of obstacles to overcome to hold on to the joy. It was dark, maybe raining, cold, and in the manger, it was probably damp and stinky. I wouldn’t have blamed them if they doubted, ignored, and just moved on without going to meet Jesus. I am reminded that in our own lives

there are many things that distract us from the true Message of Christmas.

Today there might be financial problems, sickness, the weather, etc. getting you under and distracting you from the real joy of Christmas.

Jesus Christ is born and there is hope, not only for you and me, but for the whole human race.

After witnessing the birth of Jesus, the shepherds themselves became witnesses of the Immanuel.

Tauranga You are welcome to worship with us each Sabbath (Saturday) St Andrews Church, Dee St, Mt Maunganui Bible Study 9:30am • Worship Service 10:45am Enquiries 021 277 1909

mtmaunganui.adventist.org.nz

again... Will David get the chance to act on his dreams? Will Te Pāti Māori regain the faith of those culturally linked to them? Will the Beehive have a hue of green again? Food for thought around the Christmas table.

Churches Active In Our Community

How can we become witnesses of the good news of Christ’s coming if we allow so many things to steal our joy and distract us from our calling? May we keep our eyes fixed on Him, who came in the dead of night, in the cold, in the manger. May we keep our focus on the light and move towards it despite all the distractions and joy ‘robbers’.

D Benton, Matapihi.

Churches

Philipp Potgieter, minister, St. James Union Church & St Paul’s Cooperating Church

instore from Boxing Day

Bob and Quentin – read all about it!

I’ve got a couple of books for you this week.

It was either that or another column hunting round for suitable New Year’s Eve entertainment. And since a bunch of fine journalistic types are already covering that beat, let’s retreat to the safety of books written by celebrities.

An article the other day told me that for Christmas you should avoid books by celebrity authors. Seems that the trend for every useless C-list reality TV contestant and low-rent celeb is to pen either a selfhelp or children’s book.

So it’s all beauty tips and life lessons and the adventures of Cyril the Angry Spider.

The problem is that ‘proper’ books –books by actual authors who don’t require ghost writers and haven’t recently been kicked off insect-infected tropical islands – are being squeezed out of the market. Celebrities, even minor ones, are dominating online retailers and shop shelves.

Bob’s philosophy

So I guess it’s ironic that the two books I want to mention are both by people who are at least as famous as these temporary chancers. But I don’t count either of them as celebrities since they have always put their work ahead of their status, not the – these days more common – other way round. I mentioned Bob Dylan’s new book a few weeks ago but, rushing as I was, I

hadn’t fully taken on board quite how weird it is. This is ‘The Philosophy of Modern Song’, wherein Dylan examines and opines on 66 songs he holds dear, none of them particularly modern, as well as the artists who performed them.

Meanwhile, film auteur Quentin Tarantino has released an oddly similar book, ‘Cinema Speculation’. In it he examines 13 films he holds dear, none of them particularly modern. In fact they’re all made between 1968 and 1981.

There are also a couple of long pieces about how he discovered movies as a boy and various entertaining “speculations” such as “What If Brian De Palma Directed ‘Taxi Driver’ Instead of Martin Scorsese?”

Pure entertainment

I have to say, if you’re looking for pure entertainment, the Bob-book is pretty funny. He appears to deliberately misinterpret a number of songs just for kicks.

For instance, he describes Rosemary Clooney’s ‘Come On-A

Race to be King or Queen of the Mount!

The King and Queen of Mount Maunganui Race, organised by Athletics Tauranga Inc and sponsored by Miss Gee’s Bar & Eatery, is at Mount Main Beach on Monday, December 26, from 10.30am-1pm.

The junior Race starts 10.30am, with two categories: under-11s and 12-15 years. Participants start on Mount Main Beach, opposite Mount Drury, run part-way up Mauao and back. There’s prizes for first, second and third place for both boys and girls in both categories, plus spot prizes. Entry is $20 entry fee.

The senior race starts 11am. Categories are: 16-19 years, Open,

35-plus years and 50-plus years. The race begins on Mount Main Beach, opposite Mount Drury, and they run to the top of Mauao and back –about 4.5km. Trophies for first place, prizes for first, second, and third place in all categories plus spot prizes to be won. Cash prizes for the first man and woman to the top! Entry is $40. Entries on the day will be accepted from opposite Mount Drury from 9am. The start and finish line is on the Mount Main Surf Beach opposite Mt Drury near Moturiki Island. For more details, see: www.mytauranga.co.nz

My House’ – a pretty sweet ‘n’ innocent record – as “the song of the deviant, the paedophile, the mass murderer”. And the dirt he throws at Jackson Browne’s ‘The Pretender’ is extraordinary: “‘The Pretender’ is a menace to both church and society” is how it begins...

Quentin’s speculation

A friend suggested to me that if

research, talking to directors, writers, and folk I’ve never seen quoted before.

His choice of films is quirky to say the least, running from the successful likes of ‘Dirty Harry’ and ‘Taxi Driver’ to, surprisingly, ‘Daisy Miller’ and Sylvester Stallone’s ‘Paradise Alley’.

But every essay is fascinating in its detail and the breadth of connections made.

He is particularly good at dissecting ‘70s Hollywood and delineating the PostSixties Anti-Establishment auteurs (Robert Altman, Sam Peckinpah, William Friedkin, et al) and the Movie Brat generation that followed them, which included Spielberg, Bogdanovich and Scorsese.

Treasure trove

After the somewhat dubious “novelisation” of ‘Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’ you may be put off Tarantino in print – don’t be. This book is an absolute treasure trove for film-lovers. And the two books do overlap; both write about Bobby Darin.

Bobby Darin actually pops up twice in Bob’s book, for both ‘Mack The Knife’ and ‘Beyond The Sea’ and Dylan gives a good pencil sketch of his frustrated movie career. But Quentin has a better story.

Apparently, Steve McQueen and Darin couldn’t stand each other on the set for ‘Hell Is For Heroes’.

When a reporter later mentioned to Bobby that McQueen was his own worst enemy, the Sicilian-tempered Darin shot back: “Not while I’m alive”.

Quentin Tarantino.

Biggest names in the R&B and hiphop world coming to Tauranga

Tauranga is always a hotspot for a Kiwi summer – and the inaugural Juicy Festival is bringing even more appeal to the city.

Juicy Festival 2023 is a nine-show event that will get underway in January, bringing some of the biggest names in 1990s and 2000s R&B and hip-hop together for nine shows across New Zealand and Australia. In Tauranga, the festival will be held at Trustpower Baypark on Friday, January 6.

Spark nostalgia

The Tauranga show features a star-studded line-up of major R&B and hip-hop hitmakers.

With iconic R&B and hiphop stars such as Nelly, Ne-Yo, Ja Rule, Bow Wow, Xzibit, Pretty Ricky, Mya, Chingy, Lloyd and Twista all set to perform at Tauranga’s Juicy Fest, all performers are sure to spark a sense of nostalgia for the many music lovers in the audience.

Juicy Fest promoter Glenn Meikle says every Juicy Fest artist is looking forward to visiting Tauranga, bringing their own style to the stage and taking in the vibe of our local crowds. “As a location, Tauranga’s coastal vibe and warm weather are always a drawcard for many holidaymakers so it’s no surprise the Bay of Plenty leg of Juicy Fest is one of the most popular on the tour.”

Thousands of tickets have been sold for Juicy Fest Tauranga, with many being sold from outside of the city, which Glenn says is good news for the local economy and tourism.

“Organisers and artists are excited for Juicy Fest 2023 to put on a great show and help get 2023 off to a memorable start.”

Juicy Fest’s January 6 Tauranga show set times for artists are: 1.45pm: gates open; 2.30pm: Twista; 3.05pm: Pretty Ricky; 3.40pm: Lloyd; 4.15pm: Mya; 4.55pm: Chingy; 5.30pm: Xzibit; 6.15pm: Bow Wow; 6.55pm: Ja Rule; 8.10pm: Ne-Yo; 9.25pm: Nelly.

Tickets still available

Tickets for Juicy Fest Tauranga can still be purchased, with options such as GA, VIP and Platinum VVIP available. Festival-goers also have the chance to meet their favourite performer, with meet ‘n’ greet tickets available. To make tickets more accessible payment plans have been offered, allowing music-lovers to pay off tickets in smaller instalments. To purchase tickets for Juicy Fest, and for more information, go to: www.juicyfest.co

A wonderland on Weka St

The Weekend Sun’s Christmas Lights Drive competition winner has been announced!

Roz Irwin’s amazing set-up at Five Weka St stole the show with an immersive, walk-through display. From inflatable light up reindeers, polar bears, penguins and Santa’s – there’s a lot within this twinkling wonderland.

After her children’s father, Ken Irwin, who was into the Christmas light scene, passed away last year, Roz went all out for her 14-year-old-twins Kody and Sammy Irwin. “I thought: ‘You know what, we need to do something to bring a bit of

joy to them’ and they like seeing other people happy so I thought ‘Let’s go for it this year’.

“Everyone has tough times in their lives…if I can bring a little bit of joy to people’s lives I’ve done my part.” Roz won a $250 hamper for her efforts.

Roz Irwin’s lights have come from around New Zealand, America, Australia and China. Photo: supplied.

Enjoy summer’s twilights with music

The Katikati Twilight Concerts are back for the 2023 season with a fabulous line-up that you won’t want to miss.

January 7 will see the Eagles Tribute show, ‘Take it to the Limit’, on stage for the opening concert in the three-show series. They will be preceded by local act Katikatz Dixie band, who will put you in the mood for a great night.

On January 28 Brendon Ham with his band, along with Marian Burns, will put on a rockin’ good country show that will have your toes tapping. Opening act is the lovely Sophie Gibson, who is sure

to wow with her beautiful voice and stage presence.

February 11 is the one for you if you’re into some really cool Jazz. In a show of two halves the Blue Light Trio will entertain in their true professional style with accordion, cajon and electric violin.

A showstopper to be sure.

The second half will see Caitriona Fallon and her band on stage for a

New Year’s Eve free, family fun is back!

Grab your whānau, a picnic blanket and your dancing shoes and head to one of five community New Year’s Eve celebrations taking place across Tauranga on Saturday, December 31.

The family-friendly events will be at Greerton, Tauranga City Centre, Pāpāmoa, Mount Maunganui and Matua from 6pm-9.30pm.

They’ll feature food trucks, local musicians, roving entertainment and more – with most celebrations finishing with fireworks displays at 9.30pm.

Earlier celebration

Tauranga City Council disability advisor Amanda Lowry says for those who experience sensory sensitivities and/or have accessibility requirements, the Matua celebration will have an earlier celebration from

well.” She recommends people with sensory sensitives come prepared.

“Bring along some headphones and something to sit on if you need some time out.”

A fireworks display will kick-off 9.30pm to mark the end of the

Find out more: tauranga.govt.nz/new-years-eve

at events like the Rotorua Jazz Festival.

Come on down to the Haiku Reserve in Katikati with your friends, family, picnic hamper and deck chairs to be thoroughly well entertained for only $25 per person and under 15s get in free with an adult. This is great family entertainment for the whole community. You can purchase tickets from the Arts Junction in Katikati, by emailing: katikaticoncerrts@gmail.com by phoning Dianne on: 07 549 3522 or with cash at the gate.

Season tickets are also available to attend all three concerts for just $60. If wet, the concerts will take place the following day. Check out the website for more information at: www.katikaticoncerts.co.nz

An informative 8-week support group for adults 18+ who have been affected by the suicide of someone they know.

Fireworks at New Year’s Eve Community Celebrations 2017.

Photo: Wayne Tait.

Eagles Tribute show, ‘Take it to the Limit’, will be held on January 7.

Get the kids reading this summer!

Keep the kids busy this summer season with the local libraries’ challenges.

Tauranga City Libraries and Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries are both running reading challenges to keep the kids entertained these school holidays.

Tauranga City Libraries offers their annual Kia Kaha te Pānui Reading Challenge, with awesome prizes up for grabs, free craft activities, and the return of the programme’s legendary finale parties.

Tauranga City Council’s children and teens programme specialist Lauren Jones says the challenge is all about participants having fun and feeling proud of achieving their reading goals.

“We’re excited to be using the free app Beanstack this year. Beanstack provides a really fun and easy way to track your child’s reading, plus keep our young readers motivated.

“The app awards virtual badges to readers throughout the challenge which are kind of like a digital fist-bump to say ‘well done!’”

There’s three categories of Kia Kaha te Pānui: the Mini Reads for ages zero-four, Summer Reads for ages five-10, and the Teen Reads for ages 11-18.

Kids who complete Kia Kaha te Pānui: Summer Reads also receive an invitation to the finale party at Memorial Park, a prize book to keep, and a certificate.

Preschoolers

For the first time, the challenge extends to preschoolers with the introduction of Kia Kaha te Pānui: Mini Reads. This is a simplified version of the school-aged challenge.

Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries is running its BOB Squad programme until January 23.

BOB Squad is a free, take-home reading challenge for primary school-age tamariki with this year’s theme ‘Sonic Sleuths’, putting a sound and music twist on encouraging children to grow their reading skills.

Council’s customer services manager Valeta Duncan says BOB Squad is a much-loved feature

library, where they’ll find 14 interactive missions to complete by January 23. Complete at least one mission or three mini missions to get an invite to one of the libraries’ big finale parties.

BOB Squad missions include making a musical instrument, going on a sound hunt, creating sound effects, vibrations, and soundwaves plus more!

The booklet also includes 25 mini missions plus a reading log with heckboxes for every 10 minutes spent reading. Get your missions stamped at the library by January 23 to pick up an invitation to the finale party at Te Puke (January 26) or Ōmokoroa Library (January 25).

Or check out the Teen Summer Reading Challenge. This is designed for Years 7-13, so get reading and rating! Check out Tauranga City Libraries and Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries websites for more information.

Try out Waihī Beach’s new loop trail this summer holidays

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is excited to partially open Waihī Beach’s new loop trail on Friday, December 23, allowing everyone to try out the new extension during the holidays.

The partial opening allows for remaining forestry operations and trail work in the closed part of the worksite to finish up.

WBOPDC reserve and facilities manager Peter Watson says getting this trail open for Christmas is the result of some hard mahi from the wider team.

“We know people love to get out and walk these

trails, and that at Christmas things get very busy – so we’re happy we can give residents and visitors another walking option.”

The new loop trail connects to the very top section of the existing Trig Trail – so walkers can go in both directions at the top. A return trip will take you about a one-hour-and-15-minute walk, including 300 stairs at the top of the Trig Trail.

The new forest loop walking trail begins on the far side of the reservoir, via the existing Dam loop trail. Carparking is at the Waihī Beach Dam (off Pacific Rd). WBOPDC recommends carrying water and sunscreen, and only tackling it if you’re reasonably fit.

Proudly brought

by Tauranga City Council,

curated by Smokefree Rockquest.

Library team member Daniel Petersen loves that his three-year-old daughter, Wednesday, can take part in Kia Kaha te Pānui: Mini Reads this summer. Photo: Tauranga City Council.