Tauranga is about to immersed in unfamiliar sights, sounds and flavours at the Indonesia Culture and Culinary festival this month. Bay of Plenty’s Indonesia community is excited to share their country’s diverse cultures at this free-entry
festival that will run from 11am-5pm on Saturday, February 18. “Indonesia consists of more than 17,000 islands and it’s the fourth most-populated place in the world as well, so there’s a lot people don’t know about Indonesia,” says event organiser
NOW WITH A FREE CHARGER �
Syully Dobson. At the festival opening ceremony the traditional yellow rice dish ‘Nasi Tumpeng’ will be cut. “We usually use this dish to celebrate our independence day and the celebration of a birthday,” says Bay of Plenty Indonesian community
leader Mona Zielviana. The festival will be bursting with traditional Indonesian music, authentic dance, art, cooking demonstrations and much, much more. Read more on page 5.
Photo: John Borren.2023
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“I am not amused.” No, it’s not the po-faced but deceptively waggish matriarch Queen Victoria this time.
It’s 45-year resident of Gate Pa, Colin Lamond, who is “not amused” and having a jab at me, a jab at ‘Striking a blow for what’s right’, kicking the fluffy bobtailed butt.
I thought I was just a politically-neutered, Pakeha, white-collared service professional. But Colin reckons I am a “woke leftie” promoting an “elitist Maori agenda”. Ouch!! That’s worse than a bout of flystrike for a rabbit.
I have been getting it from all sides, so on the back of this latest indignity I have retreated; I have gone ‘goblin mode’. For the uninitiated, The Oxford defines ‘goblin mode’ as a type of behaviour, which is unapologetically selfindulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.
“Embracing depravity,” I read in ‘The Guardian’, “the kind of opposite of trying to better yourself”.
curtains, turning off the lights and activating ‘goblin mode’. I was embracing my primal inner self, reverting to a very basic stage in my evolutionary development.
The biggest decision I had to make last weekend was whether to attack the 3.2 billion bacteria, which have taken up residence in each square inch of my dunny bowl, or take the staphylococcus aureus germs, which have claimed squatter rights over my bedclothes, to the Tenancy Tribunal.
Goblin mode dictates I do neither.
Besides, the jeans and tee-shirt I have been living in for three months, are now also my pyjamas.
The front of the tee is encrusted and would make good soup stock.
I pong like a homeless person in a heat wave.
Papamoa
2nd Tuesday of each month
10am - 11:30am Papamoa Family Services
35e Hartford Avenue Papamoa
Tauranga
3rd Tuesday of each month
6pm - 7:30pm
Grief Support Services
147 Chadwick Rd Greerton
We warmly invite you to our safe space to find and offer hope and make connections with others who understand grief after loss to suicide.
Suitable for age 18+
Amy Colonna 021 0903 9568 amy@griefsupport.org.nz www.griefsupport.org.nz
Aerobic bacteria have seized control of my refrigerator. The various organisms warm as they work to break down my food – they’re thriving. My Haier two-door, bought as a $2400 appliance to artificially cool food and drink, is now an internal compost. Goblin mode has made my fridge a live, exciting and busy place.
Food particles trapped in my beard are going rancid. There’s moldy dinner plates under the sofa – some naturally occurring organisms and spores are reveling in the damp unventilated undergrowth that is now my living room floor.
I spend all day on the sofa, scrolling the sad depths of social media, snacking on chip fragments found under the cushion, giving myself a pedicure with a pencil end, mining the wax deposits in my ears,
and only leaving the house to get another trough of cheesy-weezies. And Coke of course. I have gone full, industrialstrength Goblin mode. And it is a liberating experience – I am done with stress, wokeness and humiliation.
I became a whiffy, unapologetic, trail blazing apostle after ‘goblin mode’ was Oxford Dictionary’s 2022 ‘Word of the Year’. Before you start sneering, ‘goblin mode’ goes much deeper than sucking raw pasta through dirty socks.
pans, snatching pyjamas off the sleeping, moving furniture around – that would be irritating. Then after thumping on the walls and doors, they bugger off. Mischievous but loveable.
Traditionally at year’s end, we make resolutions for the New Year. But the ‘resolutions’ are usually non-specific, not measurable and not achievable. They’re set up to fail, and we fail.
However, the Word of the Year is identified by dictionaries based on search data, with the winning word considered to “reflect the mood or preoccupations of the year”. And if you choose just one such guiding word, like ‘goblin mode’, it’s a positive and achievable way of anchoring your intentions for the New Year. I think I have got that right.
The word guides your actions and brings together all your goals.
A release!
STUFF:
It has its origins during the pandemic when we demonstrated our resilience with cottagey stuff like home preserving, knitting, baking, sewing and the like, to fill long, boring, unfulfilling lockdown days. We tried to make the best of a bad thing. It was fun for a while, but only for a while. As the pandemic wore on, and on, and bloody on, we got sick of keeping up appearances. We just gave up and some people, like me, went ‘goblin mode’, we embraced depravity and abandoned social norms. I digress, but those poor goblins…did they get bad rap, or what? They live in grottoes, hang around houses banging on pots and
I was going to say “now excuse me please” while I return to my couch, to cold left-over cheezy-weezies, to the organisms and spores, to warm, flat Coke. But apologies and social niceties aren’t part of my new goblin mode depravity. It’s such a release – having spent life being responsible, honest, hardworking, loving, loyal and trustworthy, and boring, along comes goblin mode. It’s purging – you discover a mischievous inner self you probably didn’t know you had. The good thing is you can switch it off anytime. There you go Colin. Whimsical enough? Normal service is restored. hunter@thesun.co.nz
Source: www.britannica.com/art/goblin
Maungatapu School students understand the importance of a name more than most.
For two years they’ve been working to rename a local park to recognise its Māori heritage.
Now, their mahi (work) has paid off and Rotary Park in Maungatapu will be named Ōpūpū –Rotary Park.
The Commissioners approved the dual naming of the park at a Tauranga City Council meeting on Tuesday. Maungatapu School student KaidaMiharo Weti, 10, told the meeting the local hapū know the park as Ōpūpū named for the abundance of pūpū or periwinkle sea snails.
Fellow student Frankie Te Kani, 11, says: “Our school of the often uses Ōpūpū as a place of study and learning”. Work to change the name started with the students writing letters to council in 2021, says Frankie.
Those students had since left the school but they were continuing on their work, he says. “We’ve come too far to not carry on with our mahi.”
Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston says the dual naming was an “easy decision to make”. Speaking after the meeting, Frankie told Local Democracy Reporting getting the park renamed was “cool as because we could rename it back to the name that our tīpuna (ancestors) gave it when lived over there”. “We could acknowledge our history.”
Kaida-Miharo says it was great they were
able to carry on the work started in 2021 and “improve things”.
Maungatapu School principal Tane Bennett says:
“It’s a beginning of how we can shape and add value to our communities”.
All 560 children at the school know the park as Ōpūpū but they questioned why the sign didn’t reflect the name, he says.
“The dual naming can go down in history as well.
“And these students are the ones that pushed this kaupapa across the line and they are the voices of those that have started this mahi.
“It’s empowering them and giving them a good feeling that their voice is heard and they feel value in themselves. They are the future generation that’s important to me. They probably don’t realise it, but later they’ll understand how important today was for the community as a whole.”
Deputy principal Teraania Ormsby-Teki says elders and hapū leaders had attempted to get the name Ōpūpū recognised in the past.
“It takes the kids to move it, that’s a memorable part for me today. It’s all part and parcel of the unified effort.”
The signage of the park will now be changed and storyboards will be displayed sharing the history of the park.
The Maungatapu School students hope to be involved in designing the storyboards.
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
The Sun went wandering to gain people’s views with the General Election looming this October 14, and Local Body Elections next July 2024. So what do Tauranga locals think is the biggest priority for our city looking forward?
“Well I’m going to give you my personal opinion because I’m walking around with a back brace on because we hit a major pothole on the Kaimai Ranges and I’ve got a crushed vertebrae,” says Shona Rutherford, who’s in a back brace for six weeks to heal her injuries.
“So at the moment we need better roads.” Improved roads seemed to be a reoccurring trend when The Sun reporter and photographer chatted to city folk. “I’ve lived here my whole life and the roads – although population increase – the roads have gotten worse,” says Tracey McCready. “Cameron Rd used to be two lanes all the way. Now we’ve got more cars on the road, more people live here and we’re down to one lane. It’s just a disaster.”
Adding to the subject of roads being Tauranga’s biggest priority was ex-Aucklander Haley Falamoe. “There’s new builds going up everywhere but the roads are obviously still lagging behind because the new builds are going up so quickly.” Haley has lived in Tauranga for six years now. “It’s becoming like a semi-Auckland because of all the traffic and everything; and I think the roads are a huge part of that.” On the environmental front, Jay Harawira think our city’s main priority should
be on rubbish and littering. “Tauranga can be on a bit on the messy side and I think handling rubbish would be something to be taken care of. “I constantly see how people always litter when they’re only like two feet from a bin.”
Katie Tie lives with health problems and thinks our city needs another hospital or a 24-hour accidents and emergency centre – particularly in the Papamoa area due to its growth. “We used to live in Papamoa and because I’ve got health issues that need to be dealt with fast, we moved up this end (Tauranga Central) because now we’re only minutes away from the hospital.”
If you’d like to share your thoughts on what our city needs, commissioner clinics are held each month where you can speak face-to-face with a commissioner. To book a clinic time, email executive assistant Maree King at: maree.king@tauranga.govt.nz
Roads, rubbish and medical centres are among some Tauranga residents’ thoughts on what our city’s biggest needs are.Shona Rutherford. Jay Harawira. Tracey McCready. Haley Falamoe. Katie Tie.
As a traditional celebration food dating back more than 17,000 years, ‘Nasi Tumpeng’ will take centre stage at the Indonesia Culture and Culinary Festival in Tauranga this month.
Next Saturday, February 18, the festival – at Tauranga Waikato University on Durham St in the CBD – will be a feast of diverse and vibrant Indonesian culture and food.
There will be authentic Indonesian dance performances, interactive music performances of the bamboo instrument ‘Angklung’, cooking demonstrations, Indonesian film and much more. At the heart of it all will be Nasi Tumpeng – a yellow mountain-shaped, turmeric rice dish surrounded by side dishes.
“The meaning is to represent the glory of god and the side dishes is to show the ecosystem and the nature and harmony of life itself,” says Bay of Plenty Indonesian Community leader Mona Zielviana. “We usually ask elders or respected people to come to the front and cut the top of the Nasi Tumpeng and give it to honoured guests.”
Batik
Normally prepared for celebrations such as Indonesia Independence Day and birthdays, the BOP Indonesia community is excited to share Nasi
Tumpeng at their first ever festival! Something Mona loves most about Indonesia is the beautiful dresses. “Batik is our traditional material that we wear.” The festival will show batik demonstrations, which involves dying cloth with wax. “We use a special wax in the material you can’t find in NZ.”
Artist Dali Susanto from Indonesia’s art capital, Jogjakarta, will have his bold and distinctive paintings on display at the festival. Since living in NZ from 2007, Dali’s work has been exhibited across Hastings, Napier and Taupo. Now, the Bay has an opportunity to see his work up close! He’ll have an exhibition at The Incubator Creative Hub from February 19-March 4.
Event organiser Syully Dobson says the festival will highlight Indonesia’s diversity – sharing the country’s different languages, cultures, foods and traditions. “Indonesia consists of more than 17,000 islands and it’s the fourth most-populated place in the world as well so there’s a lot people don’t know about Indonesia and our mission is to promote other parts of Indonesia,” says Syully, who is from Manado, North Sulawesi, of Indonesia. “There’s more than just Bali.”
The festival is 11am-5pm Saturday, February 18, at Tauranga Waikato University, Tauranga CBD. Free entry.
If you have a creative community project in mind, apply for the Creative Communities Fund.
Applications close 28 February, 2023 www.tauranga.govt.nz/creativefund
Everyone listen up – the Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival is back this Easter for its 60th year, promising to be as fresh, funky and focused on fun for audiences of all ages as ever.
“Some people come to our festival every year, others visit every few years – my advice is don’t miss this Easter’s jazz festival,” says organiser Marc Anderson. “Get to this one – or you’ll seriously regret it.”
The festival is celebrating six decades of jazz in Tauranga City from April 1-10 with a spectacular line-up of music, showcasing some of Australasia’s best jazz musicians, with something for everyone!
Things kicks off April 1 in Katikati with a street party. Then comes ‘Unforgettable – the Nat King Cole story’ concert at 16th Ave Theatre on April 1-2 and on April 4-5. The 45th National Youth Jazz competition is April 4-6.
On April 6-9 is the Baycourt Concert Series –where 11 acts will serve up sounds for all musical tastes from classical jazz, swing, rhythm and blues, to acid jazz and heavy funk. “If you’ve never been to a Baycourt Concert Series show before – pull it out of your bucket list and into reality by booking one now,” says Marc. “They’re an unforgettable experience.”
This year’s series offers ‘The Jac is Back’ by eight-piece ensemble The Jac; ‘Rodger plays Rodger’ – marking the Rodger Fox Big Band’s 50th anniversary; ‘The New Caledonia’ psychedelic rock band; Shirazz and Scott Harrison’s ‘Piping Hot Dixie’ gig; ‘The Michal Martyniuk Trio with Dixon Nacey’; Allana Goldsmith and composer pianist Mark Baynes perform their album ‘E Rere Rā’; ‘The 60th anniversary Gala’ celebrating the best BOP jazz artists from 1963-2023; the ‘Tauranga Big Band Showcase’; the ‘Blue Train Reunion’; ‘Sassy and
the Blue Riders’; and soul and grooves meets galactic funk ‘Black Comet’.
Allana Goldsmith (Ngati Porou/Ngai Tai) has attended the festival since the age of 17 and always wanted to perform on-stage – her most recent jazz festival gig, in 2019, sold out. This time Allana will perform original material from her and Mark Baynes’ new album, ‘E Rere Rā’, in te Reo Māori.
Allana appreciates the chance to be able to bring original music “and branch out into things people aren’t so used to; into music people don’t realise could be in another language”.
“I enjoy pushing the boundaries of what people are used to hearing and letting them discover jazz sounds great in te Reo Māori. It’s about a bit of education with the audience but mainly people having open ears to music in general.”
Drummer Stan Bicknell, who lives in Papamoa but plays for big names worldwide, will be home at Easter to play drums for ‘Black Comet’ and ‘The
New Caledonia’ in the Baycourt Concert Series. He thinks some of this year’s acts will offer fresh flavours for audiences to absorb and add to the festival’s vibe. “I think it’s an awesome move to bring in some fresh sounds.
“I know from the community I live in that people talk about the jazz festival in very high regard... being the 60th year, and with so much history to the festival, adding new energy has to be handled with respect. It’s an exciting move and I’m super-honoured to be part of it.”
On Easter weekend, the two-day Downtown Carnival is on April 8-9 with musicians performing outside and amid bars and restaurants along The Strand, Wharf St and Red Square.
‘Jazz at the Mount’ returns Easter Monday, April 10, with an 11am Vintage Car Parade on Maunganui Rd, then a display at Coronation Park.
For a full programme of events and ticket purchase, visit: ticketek.co.nz Or: jazz.org.nz
Opus Orchestra needs our help to present a vibrant programme of musical masterpieces this Easter season. It’s a project close to their heart ‘Tukua te wairua kia rere –
Let your Spirit Fly’.
“Help us present musical masterpieces that explore the sorrow, hope and exultation of the Easter story to audiences in Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua,” says orchestra general manager Gillian Houser.
In each city, Opus Orchestra will collaborate with the local civic choir for Vaughan William’s deeply moving Mystical Songs. The programme includes the premiere of Waikato composer David Griffith’s Parable of the Vineyard.
The concert opens with Haydn’s reflection on Christ’s final words from the cross and his dramatic evocation of the earthquake that followed his death. It ends with Mozart’s ‘Prague Symphony’ written at the same time as Don Giovanni and sharing its strongly dramatic character.
“Join us to explore a profound exploration of human suffering, of hope, of joy and exultation.
“As the final Mystical Song has it ‘let all the world in every corner sing’,” says Gillian.
Opus Orchestra is the professional orchestra for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, bringing exceptional performances of live orchestral music to audiences across the region. For this project, Opus will be conducted by music director Peter Walls, and joined by Tauranga-based baritone Chalium Poppy, the Hamilton Civic Choir, Tauranga Civic Choir and Rotorua District Choir.
They aim to perform the ‘Tukua te wairua kia rere – Let your Spirit Fly’ on March 17-19, 2023.
Opus is crowdfunding through Boosted NZ to raise money to help pay the artists involved in this project. They need our help to raise $10,000 to ensure the Easter programme can take flight.
They have a generous donor who will match dollar-for-dollar the first $4000 raised.
“We can’t wait to share a vibrant programme of musical masterpieces with you. We truly appreciate your support, every donation helps no matter how small,” says Gillian.
The campaign ends on February 27.
Donate at: Boosted.org.nz/projects/let-yourspirit-fly, and help spread the word.
“There is beauty in unloved things.” That’s what Katikati resident Phil Hannagan wants people to take away from his first exhibition ‘Unexpected Journeys’ –which is aptly named.
“You can find it, you can make it – and anyone can achieve it,” says Phil, who admits he’s always been a “doodler”, but only got “bitten by the art bug” in the last two years.
A pewter dung beetle rolling ‘dung’ – a ball of recycled computer circuitboards – catches the eye first at the exhibition at The Carlton Art Gallery inside The Arts Junction.
But there’s more to ogle – Phil dabbles in different materials and mediums to bring life back to old, unwanted or unused items, including those that never had much of a life to start with.
There are pewter insects, birds and fish; a bonsai tree crafted from copper wiring; plywood
repurposed into a coffee table with sofa legs from a junk shop, a gas bottle ground into a Halloweenstyle pumpkin.
He believes the life of materials and consumer goods is often very predictable. “They’re used for their designated purpose and when they are no longer of use, they’re discarded.”
He uses unloved things and materials to create new. The journey of the item takes an unexpected and irregular diversion from its usual fate. Each piece is thoughtfully created, painted, carved, sculpted, or even twisted into a unique artwork. My favourite is a pewter short-finned Mako, a roughly-shaped piece of reclaimed pewter, slowly ground down, filed back and shaped into the meticulous details of the fish.
We leave the rest of Phil’s eclectic offering a surprise. ‘Unexpected Journeys’ is at the Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati, 9am-4pm weekdays and 10am-2pm weekends to February 26.
There’s never a dull moment at Summerset by the Dunes in Papamoa Beach. At our upcoming Open Day, we’ll be hosting some of our favourite Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic players.
Bring along the grandkids, hear some stories and grab a selfie. We’ll have merchandise to give away and you can also enter the draw to win tickets to an upcoming game to see the team in action.*
And if you’re curious about village life, you’ll also have a chance to tour our wonderful village and the brand-new homes we have available.
Love the life you choose
Open Day
Wednesday 15 February, 10am - 2pm, Meet the Magic, 11am - 12pm
Summerset by the Dunes
35 Manawa Road, Papamoa Beach
07 542 9082 | papamoa.sales@summerset.co.nz
Eyes will be on them. Famous eyes, influential eyes. Eyes that could change lives and take them places they have only dreamed of.
They are the eyes of New Zealand rugby league legend Shaun Johnson.
“One hundred per cent man,” Johnson told The Weekend Sun.
“I will definitely be on the sideline watching.”
“Yeah? Shaun Johnson. Really?” says a quietly incredulous Hohepa Chandler, a Tauranga Boys’ College rugby player dabbling in league.
“That’s daunting.”
Hohepa has been selected for one of three Coastline age-group rugby league teams invited to join a new NZ Warriors and Auckland Rugby League initiative – a competition involving the best young league talent that Auckland, Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty can muster. Coastline, which draws its players from Whakatane, Kawerau and Tauranga, will be represented by Under-16 and Under-18 boys’ teams, and a girls’ Under-17 team.
Shaun Johnson played his first game of league aged four, and growing up never dreamed of having a competition named after him. But this month the Under-16s will play for the Shaun Johnson Shield.
The Coastline teams were chosen from trials and started training together last weekend. This weekend they’ll be cast into the fiery cauldron that is the Auckland league scene.
Shaun Johnson knows the feeling well. “I grew up north of Auckland and whenever we crossed the harbour bridge to play the Auckland-based kids we knew we were in for it.” But he also has some calming advice.
“The Coastline guys should be more excited than anything. It’s just an exciting time.”
Jasper Dobson, a rugged 15-year-old prop out of the Ngongotaha Chiefs, is up for it. “Played in Auckland last year and we shook the boat. Gave them a good run.”
“Everyone wins really,” says Coastline District
Rugby League’s coaching and development officer Rob Taingahue. “We’re reinventing league’s youth space, giving our rangitahi, our youth, something to strive for.”
And this competition is the best way of doing that. “Not just for the young players, but for coaches, managers, trainers and hopefully local referees – right across the game.”
That’s the big picture, but for the best of the district’s age group leagues, and the good sprinkling of talented cross-coders drawn into the mix, they’ll be exposed to some tough, toplevel competition.
“I play both codes because just one is boring,” says 14-year-old Ronan Byford from Whakatane. “And it means more game time.”
And more game time means more opportunities to showcase talents and express themselves in a fun way. “Just enjoy it because you never know where it will lead you,” says the 202 NRL game vet Shaun Johnson.
The Coastline boys’ teams will play six games against four Auckland teams and one each from Northland and Waikato. Two games will be played at home at Mitchell Park and the top two teams will play off in a final.
The girls will play four games for a cup named for captain of the NZ Warriors women’s team and vice-captain of the NZ test team, Georgia Hales.
“The NRL women’s game is exploding,” says Under 16s coach James Nicholson. “They’ll be needing good players and so this new competition is a chance for our women to put their hands up.”
There are five teams, including Coastline, in this inaugural women’s competition.
Sun 12th, Wed 15th, Sun 19th, Wed 22nd
February 10am - 2pm or contact our Village Coordinator
Jamie-Lee Abraham on 027 253 2402 to make a time that suits you.
At Oakland Lodge Village our residents enjoy the sunny, light-filled environments that offer independence, security and companionship. Being a boutique village, you are known personally and your family is too. We have a variety of accommodation options to choose from - either a garden apartment with patio or an apartment with balcony and lovely city views. Take a tour of Oakland Lodge Village and see for yourself.
We look forward to seeing you there! Residents can include services such as:
She is the quintessential home industrialist –the lifeblood of any A&P show.
At the moment Anne Baldock is completing a crochet entry for the Te Puke show one chain stitch, one half treble, one double treble and the odd triple treble at a time.
She’s also just whipped up a batch of date scones for morning tea, and there’s a pile of Louisa plums stacked on the kitchen bench waiting to be preserved. The weather’s been conspiring against her, and her Louisas. “No sunshine means no sugar, means no taste.” The same “bloody weather” which cancelled the Katikati A&P show last weekend.
She’s praying for shine for the 117th running of the Te Puke A&P Lifestyle Show at Paengaroa tomorrow, Saturday, February 11.
“There are eight sections in crocheting and I like to have an entry in each,” says Anne. She’s an achiever, she likes to do stuff, get stuff done.
Anne has a mortgage on the impressive Mrs L.Jamieson silver salver for crocheting at the Te Puke A&P show.
“You want me to count the times I have won?”
Yes, go on Anne. She starts at Mrs A.Baldock 1984 which is engraved on the rim of the salver.
“So one, two, three, four…..”
Anne wouldn’t care a triple treble if she didn’t retain the salver this year. “I’d welcome some competition.” It would mean there was someone else out there doing some work. “15, 16, 17, 18.”
Crocheting, it seems, is a dying art. Like knitting and sewing. “That makes me a bit sad.”
But then she puts out a rallying cry for home industries. “It needs people to get to and do it. Put down their phones for a while, create something;
make something beautiful.” So why did Anne start teaching herself to crochet back in 1971? Her story may serve as inspiration, help breath some life. “I got stuck in a farmhouse all day and needed something to occupy my time – otherwise I would have gone crackers.”
She grabbed a crochet hook. Meanwhile – “22, 23, 24, 25.” So Anne has won the Te Puke A&P Show silver salver for crocheting 25 times since 1974. “They should just give it to me now.” She has a point – there’s not much engraving space left.
Anne grabs her weapon of choice, a crochet hook, purses her lips and executes a ‘shell’ stitch. Those fingers are 82 years old, they’ve done this hundreds of thousands of times, and they’re as nimble as ever. She can do it with her eyes closed. “It’s about creating something beautiful, watching it develop, you can see it and touch it.”
Then she gives it away to someone deserving. It can be both rewarding and tragically sad.
“I was making a shawl for a pregnant woman, but the little girl didn’t survive.” Anne continued stitching and the shawl was still gifted to the mother. “You just never know.”
Anne’s handiwork – one knitted article and 10 crocheted – will be on show at the Te Puke A&P Lifestyle Show on A&P Showgrounds Rd, Paengaroa, tomorrow, February 11.
Covid reduced last year’s show to just horse events. But this year, weather gods permitting, they’re back to a full card – a fun dog ring, strongman and strongwoman competitions, dairy calf and cattle sections, horse and pony rings, truck and tractor pulling, gumboot throwing and mechanical bull rides and lots of other attractions.
Gates open 7am, show begins 9am. Hunter Wells
A winning team –Anne Baldock, the silver salver and weapon of choice, the crochet hook.We’re on hand to help and are working as fast as we can for the many customers that need our support. We’re prioritising our vulnerable customers and those in urgent need of help. In the meantime, please stay safe, visit our website for guidance, and lodge your claim when you can. We’ll get you back on your feet as soon as possible.
Lodge your claim online at ami.co.nz or call 0800 100 200.
It was a turbulent start to February with wild weather, flooding and landslips. There would be few people in the Bay who were unaffected by the weather bomb of Auckland anniversary weekend. Many businesses and homes were badly affected by floodwaters, and so were many cars. The clean-up after flooding is not at all fun and my sympathies lie with those still trying to engage with their insurers while waiting for tradies to help with repairs.
But the hardest hit, the people I most felt for, were the residents of Maungatapu whose homes were destroyed by a landslide on to Egret Ave. I visited the neighbourhood last weekend and was simply stunned at the damage. Whole houses were moved by the mud slide and so badly damaged it was a miracle no lives were lost.
Personally, and on social media, I’ve been impressed by the community spirit in our city. People who dropped everything
and ran to help the Egret Ave families and those in Tauriko, Welcome Bay, Omanawa, Hairini, as well as Waipuna Hospice which had to evacuate. In their time of need, our community stepped up with practical help and continue to do so financially via Givealittle. My thoughts are with all of you needing help and, to those of you providing it, thank you. My team and I remain available for constituents who are struggling to connect with aid and support agencies. Please email: todd.mullerMP@ parliament.govt.nz or call our office on: 07 542 0505 if you need help.
Our thoughts are with community members affected by the recent deluge, especially families who have lost their homes.
We are thankful they weren’t injured. Our neighbours in the Coromandel have declared a state of emergency, giving emergency services additional power to respond and our services faster and greater access to national resources.
The Prime Minister has announced a new direction with the Government’s focus on the cost of living. The minimum wage has been increased by rate of inflation to $22.70 from April 1.
The TVNZ/RNZ merger will stop entirely. The social insurance scheme will not proceed this term; and neither will the Human Rights Amendment Bill, which will be referred to the Law Commission for guidance. The biofuels mandate will be stopped, and the Government will consider changes to Three Waters in coming weeks.
This year’s Waitangi Day dawn service at Te
BOP List MP
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania at Waitangi.
Whare Rūnanga with our new leader and line-up was poignant. Raised in Northland, I’ve been going to Waitangi since I was a little nipper. The day Te Tiriti o Waitangi was first signed is always a time to reflect, listen and consider the relationship between the Crown and Māori. I consider how blessed I am to have benefited from my people coming here and our lineage being entwined in the various whakapapa of Aotearoa. With this privilege comes a duty to ensure equity. I’m optimistic that moving forward unity will be a theme in Aotearoa that we can look ahead to a collaborative future.
Rudolph just wants you as his family. Do you want to come and meet him?
You’ll fall in love just instantly. He’ll give you a life of love, just you wait and see!
Rudolph is a three-month-old Labrador Retriever-cross-Huntaway. He and his siblings were born in the rescue. Like all puppies, he’s full of energy, so will require further puppy training and socialisation to
help him channel his energy into positive behaviour for growing up into a wonderful dog.
Rudolph is sleeping through the night in his crate, and working on toilet training. With work, positive reinforcement and consistency, he’ll make the perfect family dog.
To find out more, please message the RRR Facebook page: www.facebook.com/
RRRCanine/
Tiger the pussycat is a male about five months old.
He is an inquisitive kitten, who can be a little shy at first but once he gets to know you he is a smoochy, friendly boy.
With his striking tiger stripes and his huge heart, Tiger is a winning combination. Tiger loves pats and snuggles from his
favourite humans. He will roll around in front of you to ask for attention. He loves to play and
Tiger can find fast or loud movements a little scary, so he’s looking for a quiet, mature household – cat-savvy teenagers may suit. Apply to meet this cutie today! Call the Tauranga centre on: 07 5780245. Reference 561692.
Labour List MP
For appointments and assistance please phone: 07 571 2492
jan.tinetti@parliament.govt.nz
@jantinetti
Ditch the car keys, leave the car at home and ‘get on ya bike’ this coming Wednesday, February 15, is the message to residents of Tauranga City.
Tauranga City Council’s Travel Safe team is hosting the event – which
encourages everyone to head to work or school on a bike next Wednesday between 6am and 9am. Participants can stop by one of the pitstops across Tauranga for a free treat. See: www.facebook.com/TravelSafeBOP
Our experts are working as quickly as they can to support the many customers in need. We’re prioritising our vulnerable customers and those in urgent need of help. In the meantime, please stay safe, visit our website for guidance, and lodge your claim when you can. Rest assured, we’ll get everyone sorted. Lodge your claim online at state.co.nz or call 0800 80 24 24.
state.co.nz
Re: ‘Tauranga Stadium lunacy’ (letter by Rob Paterson, Ohuaiti. The Weekend Sun, December 16, with right of reply from Tauranga City Council Commission chair Anne Tolley). So, Commission chair Anne Tolley thinks she will deflect my attack on the proposed new stadium lunacy. Well for openers she hasn’t challenged anything I said, so my assessment must be stand. She simply comes up with a fatuous, lame excuse Tauranga needs more amenities and facilities – like what? New Olympic pool and events centre at Memorial Park, a CBD convention centre/hotel, a velodrome, concert venues and perhaps a three-ring circus but hey isn’t that TCC itself?
As for Tauranga tennis, bowls, croquet clubs proposals why are TCC wasting money with Priority One whose recent meeting with Tauranga Lawn Tennis achieved nothing, as the main promoters were silent, producing no draft business case, nor even an estimated cost of relocating. Take it from me, relocation costs would be around $10 million-plus with no other suitable land available unless Memorial Park, Marine Park
or Pemberton Park are targeted.
Unsettling and severely disrupting these clubs, which are long established and a good fit on the domain landscape, is unjustified and replacing them with a white elephant concrete jungle for only five NPC Rugby games and a couple of concerts a year is ludicrous.
Stop baying at the moon Commissioners, and get on with the day job other than creating traffic chaos. Ostensibly Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta installed Commissioners to put things right, not to ruin Tauranga with the likes of obscenely priced civic precinct at $304 million, on liquefaction-prone reclaimed land. Consultancy will be non-existent just like the 2023 Annual Plan and Long Term Plan.
Transparency and integrity go together. That is not happening in this case. I challenge the Commissioners to fully publish in this newspaper
the feasibility report and draft business case as far as they go at present and publish regular updates as they come to hand.
It’s two years since our elected Councillors and Mayor was sacked. A lot of resentment and money could have been saved by keeping the councillors, who weren’t a bad bunch, and electing a new Mayor. For the sake of democracy, that’s what should have happened... So how are they doing? I’ve never seen Tauranga so scruffy. The berms are largely neglected, very few edges have
been trimmed, most of the cesspit grates are covered, weeds are growing out of footpaths, kerbs, traffic islands, and, in places, roads. There is rubbish everywhere, bent and broken street signs, squatters in parks and roadsides. Traffic lights haven’t been brought up to date, Cameron Rd still isn’t finished, Maunganui Rd, ditto. Everyone happy? I’m not.
Dan Russell,Welcome Bay.
Re: Jim Bunny’s Page 2 column ‘Striking a blow for what's right’ (The Weekend Sun, January 27). My question is who decides ‘what’s right?’.
Funny Bunny’s comments, in my view, are clearly racially provocative.
To dispute his comments, should I travel from Whitianga to Wellington via Kopu/Hikuai highway (before it was closed) through Matamata, I will travel through at least 50 villages, towns and areas with Maori names. Should I travel through Whangamata and Tauranga to reach Wellington, I go through about 42 villages, towns and areas to reach Wellington.
Has Jim Bunny ever heard anyone complaining about those names? I never have.
Silly Bunny’s final paragraph wishing that the sooner the ‘older generation’ (my term of referring to wise persons) along with their ‘entrenched views’ shuffle off this mortal coil is in my view appalling, unwise and racially biased.
Clearly Jim Bunny is unable to research all of NZ’s written history but would prefer to believe the ‘created and creative’ cultural verbal history.
Maureen J Anderson, Pyes Pa.Rob Paterson, Ohuaiti.
***TCC replies: The Tauranga Community Stadium proposal is being led by Priority One. A business case for this project is under development and its findings will be shared with the community when it has been completed.
Jim Bunny’s proposal to change the names of some of Tauranga’s streets set me thinking. Why stop at streets? The most obviously inappropriate name is Tauranga itself. Hardly anyone knows what it means and its pronunciation can be confusing. Most New Zealanders say ‘TOWERwrong-a’, stressing the first syllable, while visiting Continentals say ‘Ta-RONG-a’ as in Sydney’s Taronga park/zoo. Should a go-ahead city of the 21st Century be saddled with such a name? Since most Tauranga residents are of British descent and all of us speak English it seems unfair not to give this beautiful city a more mellifluous and pronounceable name. My suggestion for a new name is Seamount, thus incorporating its two main geographical features in a way that all of us can understand and relate to.
John McLean, Wellington.
While exploring parts of South Canterbury I was surprised to learn there are hundreds of examples of early Māori rock art. The Waimate region provides a fascinating record of early Māori occupation displaying a continuum extending from moa hunting to European contact. On the walls of
caves and natural shelters around NZ are many remarkable works of art by generations of Māori, from the first Polynesian settlers who arrived over 700 years ago, to their descendants who witnessed European arrival. The earlier ‘Moa Hunter’ period, was a time when almost all of the country was heavily forested –especially around where the rock drawings are now found.
Reportedly about 90 per cent of recorded rock art is in the South Island, but there are bound to be more undiscovered sites in both islands.
Mostly painted, and sometimes drawn, the art is also carved, cut or scraped from rock. Mythical as well as everyday objects are depicted such as birdmen, taniwha, dogs, lizards, birds, sharks, seals, moa, sailing ships, horses. Also people – paddling a waka, poling a raft, holding a spear or simply being there, hollow-bodied and stick legged, caught in an expression of motion or mysticism.
Ranging from single motifs to murals 20m in length, geometric designs are also common.
There are nearly 600 rock art sites within the iwi’s South Island boundaries, with 250 in the Timaru area, many on private land. They extend on to harder surfaces of schist, sandstone, greywacke and marble as well as limestone.
I’m told elements of South Island rock art are similar to the rock art found across the Pacific, from Hawai’i to Easter Island.
As Polynesian navigators sailed across the world’s greatest ocean, they took with them a palette of motifs, with the tiki – or human form – being the most commonly depicted. Pigments were often carried from the South Island’s east coast in ketes by nomadic Māori, as they travelled inland to lakes for summer, living a ‘hunter-gatherer’ existence. Their regular expeditions along well-trodden seasonal hunting and fishing routes involved taking basic stone tools and food, sheltering under rock overhangs of mostly limestone, building fires, and eating food they had brought and cooking
what they had gathered. As they trekked through Waimate and South Canterbury, they’d stay over at rock walls and caves, initially using charcoal from their fires, and then red ochre or hematite or iron oxide which they had brought with them.
This is limestone country, with unusual shaped outcrops sculpted by wind, rain and rivers. For around 800 years, these outcrops served as both shelter and canvas for generations of Māori passing through or stopping over, hunting, fishing, feasting. The first drawings may have been mostly road signs, or markers, serving as a navigational function for other travellers. It is thought they were gradually elaborated on to depict local mythology and perhaps the ancestry of the sites’ visitors.
The Ngāi Tahu Whānui-owned Te Ana Rock Art Centre in Timaru is run in conjunction with guided tours of old Māori rock art sites around the region. It houses pieces of rock art cut from their cave by early scholars of a century ago, who were keen to preserve them.
At the time of writing, if the heavy rain continues into February we may have to consider planting rice in the paddy fields of our back lawns! Hopefully, by the time you read this, your gardens will have recovered and there won’t be too much serious damage to your plants. Looking at local gardens to see what has come through the deluge still holding itself together, a few summer flowering climbers have
ticked all the boxes.
Campsis ‘Madame Galen’ with large clusters of pinkish-orange trumpets, Plumbago ‘Blue Cape’ – a sprawling semi-climber with sky blue clusters and, of course, bougainvilleas in various colours but most spectacularly, the red ‘Scarlet Ohara’.
In my own garden Pandorea jasminoides ‘Lady Di’ is smothered in large open white blooms with a yellow eye and has stood up to whatever the weather has thrown at it.
If you grow some of the tough common blue hydrangeas, now is the time to pick some heads for drying. Choose blooms that are just beginning to show a few brownish florets, signalling they are just about to pass their peak and place them in a vase of water in a shady spot indoors.
Allow them to take up all the water and given a little luck, they will then dry off and hold
their colour for a year or more. Very shortly, spring bulbs will be appearing for sale. If you wish to grow tulips successfully in our warm climate, store your bulbs in the fridge in a paper bag for six-eight weeks. Then plant deeply – up to 20cm – and only use a special bulb fertiliser as recommended on the packet.
The Sun is publishing a series of no-egg-required recipes to satisfy the sweet-tooth and baking-lovers among us with the egg shortage expected to continue as farmers get their laying hen numbers up after January 1’s new rules came into force banning egg production facilities using conventional cages, known as battery cages. Do you have a no-egg, family-orself-created recipe you’d like to share? If so, please email: merle@sunmedia.co.nz with the recipe, your name and contacts details – and if possible, photos of the baked item. We will endeavour to print them if copyright allows.
Ingredients
2 cups self-raising flour
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup brown sugar
75g butter, chopped, plus extra for butter wash
1 small green apple, cored, chopped
¾ cup milk
Method
Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease and line an oven tray with baking paper. Sift flour and ground cinnamon into a medium bowl. Stir in brown sugar. Using fingertips rub butter into flour mixture. Stir apple through, reserving two tablespoons to go on top. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture.
Pour in milk and mix to a soft dough. Turn onto floured surface and gently knead into a 13cm square, about 4cm high. Using a floured knife, cut into nine squares.
Transfer to the oven tray. Brush with a little melted butter, sprinkle with reserved apple and cinnamon sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until scones are well-risen and golden or until cooked.
Transfer to wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with jam and yoghurt or cream.
“We work from 8.30am to 10.30am-11am – then have morning tea as everybody turns into friends,” says Jo.
Each Tuesday is harvest day – rain or shine. Afterwards a foodbank van pulls in to collect the vegetables – which feed families who need
assistance in this high cost-of-living world. “Last year we sent 516 banana boxes of vegetables from the garden to the foodbank,” says Jo proudly.
If you’d like to help out on Tuesday or Friday mornings, call The Hillier Centre at The Mount for details. Phone: 07 575 9709. Merle Cave
Bayfair Gardens grows oodles of vegetables for local people doing it tough – and the volunteer team do it on the smell of an oily rag. The only catch? They are short of helpers to make this possible. Can you help?
“I am really short of volunteers,” says Jo Stock, who has been running Bayfair Gardens since 1996. “Last Friday I had 11 people, which was better – but really I need more.
“I took four trays of seedlings, totalling 320 seedlings, which I raised at home, to the gardens last Friday – but, with the helpers I had, we only got two trays in.
“Really, I need all those seedlings in the ground because they’re getting a bit big and we’re running a bit behind due to all this horrible wet weather.”
Jo says Bayfair Gardens began in 1994 – and today it solely grows vegetables to supply to the Tauranga Community Foodbank. “We only work to grow vegetables for the foodbank,” says Jo. “And we survive on about $1000 annually –we’re not funded.”
Seeds
Jo is gifted sample seeds by a commercial seed company in Tuakau, which couriers them to her. She plants the seed in a glasshouse at her home, then with helpers transplants them into the Bayfair Gardens’ 700m2 plot.
Jo is gifted seeds to grow cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, pak choy, parsley, zucchini, pumpkin, kale, spinach, silverbeet, spring onion, capsicum, lettuce, red onions, leeks, tomatoes, beetroot, cucumber, sweetcorn, celery, eggplant, buttercup,
butternut, climbing, dwarf and broad beans as well as snow peas. Chokos grow on perimeter fences. Compost is made onsite, as is worm wee for nutrients. An underground aquifer supplies the gardens with water. Many plots get covered with netting to stop pests, but no chemical sprays are used “so our produce is organically grown”.
Friday mornings is for garden maintenance.
Jo says helpers are needed for “everything you can think of” in the garden – from planting, weeding, harvesting, digging and more. “All of those garden jobs.”
Right now the garden is flourishing with summer vegetables – and as with most gardens, the offerings change with the seasons. “The only thing we don’t grow is tomatoes.”
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.
The brakes were put on for two years – now, the engines are about to rev up once more as Tauranga’s Car, Bike & Truck Show returns to The Strand.
The 2023 Tauranga Auto Extravaganza is this 9am-2pm Sunday, February 12 on The Strand –and is wheeling up a display of cars, trucks and bikes for petrol-heads to view, natter about and drool over.
After being stopped in its tracks by the pandemic for two years, organiser Neville McKay says the event is “back, bigger and better than ever!”
This year there will be cars – from vintage models to hotrods – vintage tractors and bikes on display.
“Plus, we have some logging trucks parking up, some Thundercat racing boats to view – and even a heap of Speedway cars coming. There really is something for everyone to enjoy – and we hope to give out as many spot prizes as we can.”
Neville says his organising team has been to blessed to receive so much support from local Tauranga businesses, and business further afield too, so they can offer mystery spot prizes.
“The public who visit the extravaganza – they could just be walking along when they get a tap on the shoulder and get gifted a mystery spot prize.”
There will also be fun activities for kids, music, static displays, food stalls “and people can grab food at all the nearby restaurants and eateries, which will be open while the event is on”.
Neville says unfortunately, due to health issues, Kenny Smith can’t make it – but he’s found a new special guest to appear at the show. “I’ve got former Tauranga City councillor and motor racing champion Tony Christiansen coming – we call him ‘Toenails’ as he has no legs but still races cars.”
Raising funds, supporting CBD
Neville’s has two top drivers to host the event. The first is that supports Downtown Tauranga’s economy. “Downtown Tauranga is the very reason we host this event – it brings so many people into the CBD and supports many of the surrounding businesses.”
Secondly, and just as important, is the event raises funds for St John Tauranga. Neville himself knows how valuable St John is, receiving twice-weekly visits at one stage due to ongoing post-surgery issues. “We are very passionate about St John and I’m giving back what they’ve given to me.”
Public entry to the event is gold coin donation, under-fives gain free entry, and show vehicles cost $5 each including the drive. Find more at: www.downtowntauranga.co.nz/tauranga-autoextravaganza Merle Cave
Sleek, stylish and incredibly smooth to drive. The 2004 Toyota Soarer is a total silver fox of the highway and it could be yours!
Tony Hammond Motors will be giving up this V8 Rear Wheel Drive bad boy at this Sunday’s Tauranga Auto Extravaganza on February 12.
With a hard top convertible, this vehicle definitely gives an air of sporty flare. “It’s a really special car and a real collector’s item,” says Tony Hammond Motors’ general manager Lachlan Hammond.
The Toyota Soarer will be sold as part of a charity auction at Sunday’s extravaganza, with all profits being donated to St John’s charity and the Welcome Bay Lions. “We’ve been a
business in Tauranga for more than 35 years now and have always been a big supporter of our local community.”
If you’re after new vehicle, head to Tony Hammonds Motors dealership on 48 Burrows Street,
and check out their immaculate indoor car dealership. “What we provide is a really nice, VIP, boutique experience.” Lachlan says it’s not your typical caryard at Tony Hammonds Motors. “We’re all indoors; you pull up here, it’s one-onone and we operate by appointment for our
Lachlan says their focus is on excellence. “We sell unique, individual and high quality New Zealand new vehicles.”
Check out their Toyota Soarer at the Tauranga Auto Extravaganza this Sunday, February 12 on The Strand – and meet the friendly Tony Hammond Motors team for some car chat. Tony Hammond Motors is open 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on Saturday, or Sunday by appointment.
weekends, which include Ōmokoroa, Mount Maunganui and the fishing club near the harbour.
Now Keith and Lisa can’t wait to show off the wheels again at Tauranga’s Auto Extravaganza, an exciting display of Tauranga’s finest cars, trucks and bikes this Sunday, February 12, on The Strand.
It’s been called off for two years, but Keith and organiser Neville McKay both say it’s “back, bigger and better”
this Sunday Neville says all proceeds are donated to St John, and will be handed over by the Welcome Bay Lions Club.
Attendees will not only get to see the Sawyer’s award-winning car, but have the chance to win one of the many spot prizes from event sponsors.
Tauranga’s Auto Extravaganza is on The Strand in the CBD this Sunday, February 12 from 9am-2pm. Entry is a gold coin for the public, and $5 for exhibitors.
Tauranga’s Auto Extravaganza features many cars, with many origin stories. Here is one of them.
It was 2017 when self-proclaimed petrol head and “obnoxious car enthusiast” Keith Sawyer came to his wife with an ultimatum.
“We can renovate the kitchen and bathroom, or I can build you a hotrod,” Keith told his wife, Lisa Sawyer. She responded and surprised everyone – except her husband. “Of course she chose the hotrod,” says Keith.
Work began shortly after, when Keith purchased a 1930 Model A Coupe, and set out to create a stunning Marilyn Monroe ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’ themed vehicle for Lisa.
It was three years later Keith finally got the vehicle road ready. He distinctly recalls taking the
car to show his wife for the first time, who was just finishing a hard day’s work.
“She had nine mile wide smile, I dropped it off for her and she took it home. She was wrapped.”
The excitement this vehicle brought the couple didn’t end there either. Keith says he and Lisa took the car to Beach Hop 2020 where they were able to show it off for the first time. “It’s really a treat to see the genuine reactions from people. The waves, the photos, it’s really special.”
16 trophies
According to Keith, the car has since won itself 16 trophies at different car shows for its amazing display, including one people’s choice award, which was a “rewarding” achievement for all of Keith’s work. The couple now try to take the car out to their favourite Tauranga spots most
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After last week’s glut of live music I thought this time we’d look at recent recordings from local musicians.
But there’s a gig I also wanted to mention, so I’ll do that first. If you’re gagging to find more about two new instrumental albums, one rock guitar, one jazz sax, then skip ahead...
The gig, and it’s one I’m most excited about, is at the Mount’s Totara Street next Friday, February 17, featuring Sydney’s larger-than-life brass collective, the Hot Potato Band.
The band was built through a 10-year history of street performances and includes three drummers, a sousaphone and five horns, none of whom I’m going to name here. They do, however, provide a “beautiful harmonic cloud”, as the band describe it, for their singer, Ben Goldstein, to float above.
The band is a reinvention of the New Orleans street brass band, though their music wanders freely, with soul, Creole, reggae and all sorts of influences. What unites it all is that everything sounds like party music. The Hot Potatoes have released only one album but there has been a steady stream of two or three singles a year for nearly a decade, so there’s plenty to listen to online should you choose. Tickets are $32, things happen 8pm and it’s an R18 show.
Okay. Recently released music.
Virtuoso Tauranga guitarist Sean Bodley has unveiled his latest collection of jaw-dropping guitar instrumentals. A companion piece to last year’s release, this is ‘Past Present and Future Volume 2’, eight tracks of meaty guitar work-
outs, most of which have been released as singles in the past year.
Of particular note is the opener ‘Five Alarm Funk’ – with its popping bass and horn section – but everything impresses with both the musicality of the compositions and the sheer inventive wildness of the guitar playing.
When speaking to Sean, he seems a little disillusioned by the constraints of Tauranga’s music scene and I feel for him. For someone working at such a high level in such a specialist field it must get lonely out here in the wops. I suspect he might bugger off eventually to more creative climes, and who would blame him? In the meantime, check out his music and be amazed...
Also displaying virtuoso musical chops is saxophone monster Oscar Lavën whose debut album under his own name, ‘Questions In Red’ is getting high praise all over the world. “You could drop the needle on any spot of ‘Questions in Red’ and find satisfying, thoroughly involving music,” says the ‘London Jazz News’, while Scottish newspaper ‘The Ileach’ states: “It’s not hard to see why Lavën is noted as such an innovative force within
Wellington resident Oscar – who holds the tenor sax seat in the Rodger Fox Big Band – is the son of two Tauranga musicians, Marion Arts and Robbie Lavën, and has in recent times become the firstcall sax player in Wellington. He’s also in high demand for his trumpet and clarinet work. I’ve heard a number of albums Oscar has contributed to and they are hugely varied, from guitar-led Gypsy jazz to brilliant neo-trad guerillas the Wellington Shake-Em-OnDowners, who have appeared at Tauranga jazz festivals.
He even played here on a number of songs by local artist Dave Roy. So this one could have gone in any direction.
As it turns out, the line-up is reminiscent of the famous ‘50s cool be-bob bands, a five-piece including piano, fronted by the twin leads of Oscar’s tenor sax and Mike Taylor on trumpet. As with be-bop bands, most tunes open with those two playing the melody/head in unison or close harmony before improvisation occurs.
Occasionally I feel completely out of my depth in reviewing certain styles of music. This is one. However, I can report it isn’t scary at all. For hard jazz it is both melodic and welcoming. The tunes are complex but accessible and the playing is simply wonderful, an absolute pleasure to listen to. While there’s only one song on Spotify – the lovely ballad ‘Ile De Batz’ –you can hear (and buy) the whole thing on Bandcamp. Highly recommended.
Rev the engines and get ready to relax with this year’s VW spectacular ‘Run to the Sun’.
A special car meet that gives Volkswagen enthusiasts a chance to show off their ride, Run to the Sun will be at Qualitat European Motors Show’n Shine at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui, from 10am2pm tomorrow, Saturday, February 11.
After the Show’n Shine, drivers will cruise down Mount Main Street, tooting horns and bringing smiles to locals and visitors, before settling at the Mount Maunganui Campsite for the Show’n Shine awards, pizzas and a movie night.
With two cruise ships due to dock at Mount Maunganui, a good crowd with good vibes is expected.
Entry to the Show’n Shine is gold coin donation with no Eftpos available. All funds raised will go to this year’s nominated charity, Wish4Fish. For more information, search ‘Run To The Sun 2023 Fri 10th - Sun 12th Feb’ on Facebook.
Air Chathams’ DC-3 ‘Kaitaia’ is the perfect chance to enjoy a relaxing flight without worrying about getting to a destination.
Rolling off the production line in 1945 on the same day that Russia overthrew Berlin in World War II – the Douglas DC-3 was born on an incredibly historic day.
Now nearly 80 years later, Air Chathams is offering the chance to enjoy a unique 30-minute scenic flight in this iconic aircraft. “We fly you all around the Western Bay of Plenty, up and around Mount Maunganui, towards Waihi, Katikati and back down again. It’s a really nice experience because you’re flying in a classic warbird,” says Air Chathams chief operating officer Duane Emeny.
“The flight is great for people who are reminiscing from the early days when they used DC-3 for their domestic flights all up and down
the country.” And although the DC-3 may have been before their time, Duane adds: “It’s really cool for the kids too because it’s got big engines and they make a bit of smoke when they start up and they’ve got a beautiful noise. Kids love that!”
The DC-3 has been kept safely in the air by the dedicated Air Chathams team and provides a historically accurate aviation experience. “It’s an old-school classic aeroplane so the pilot has to fly it. “There’s no automation and there’s no autopilot.
“It’s just bare basic instruments and equipment that’s used to fly this aircraft.”
Taking flight in association with Classic Flyers on Saturday March, 4, 11, 18 and 25, the Air Adventures are on offer for $99 per person. Visit: airchathams.co.nz to book your flight!
Tauranga Riding for the Disabled offers equine therapy to more than 150 riders per week.
They are passionate about offering equine therapy to better the lives of people in need within the community.
“Our volunteer team of 100 are at the heart of our organisation and provide us the support to operate at a high level,” says Tauranga RDA general manager Elisha Olds.
“Volunteering with RDA is fun, rewarding and confidence building.
“No matter your age or background – there is a volunteer role for you at Tauranga Riding for the Disabled.
“No experience is required to become a volunteer, and training is provided.”
Riders ride eight weeks of each school term, and during this time volunteers have a variety of jobs and sessions to choose from.
Come along to the Volunteer Open Day on this
The Black Caps test squad will be assembling in Tauranga this Sunday, February 12, as they prepare to face England in a twotest series.
The series will start with a PinkBall day-night test at Bay Oval in Tauranga from Thursday, February 16-Monday, February 20.
The Black Caps 14-player squad was announced recently, with Bowler Kyle Jamieson returning after being forced out of last
year’s England Test Tour with a back injury.
The second test of the series will be held at Wellington’s Cello Basin Reserve from February 24-28.
New Zealand Cricket will continue to theme weekend days of test matches this year with Saturday remaining a ‘Dress Up’ day when prizes will be on offer, and Sunday is as ‘kids go free’ day with an adult. See more at: tickets.nzc.nz
coming Wednesday, February 15, to find out more about volunteering for Tauranga Riding for the Disabled. For more details on volunteering and the Open Day, see Tauranga RDA’s advertisement on this page.
Delight in an awesome 30-minute scenic experience and spectacular views over the Bay of Plenty. Learn about the history of our unique aircraft and take a very special trip with our dedicated crew. Taking off from Tauranga in association with Classic Flyers on Saturday the 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th of March 2023 .
Painting your roof can significantly improve the appearance of your home, adding value to your largest asset. We can revive your roof to give it a new look and longevity.
What’s more, repainting with a highquality paint coating system is an important part of property maintenance that, if completed at the right time, can add many years to the life of your roof.
The Specialized Painting team of Dulux-accredited experienced painters will check the roof carefully, in case repairs are needed before painting.
Then they will do a thorough roof wash followed by meticulous preparation, which will include any required specialised coatings for rust and carefully prime all areas if required.
Finally, they apply two coats of high-quality paint coating system from trusted brands.
“We paint all types of roofs, residential and commercial, including concrete tiles, decramastic tiles and metal/iron roofing,” says managing director Shane Dudson. Contact the team now for your free, no-obligation quote.
bible digest
CONSIDER THE BLAMELESS, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.
(Psalm 37:37)
curriculum vitae
CVs THAT STAND OUT. A C.V. For
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ABLE GARDENER, experienced, efficient, knowledgeable, highly qualified. Maintenance, pruning, hedges, shrubs, roses; disease/ pest control, lifestyle blocks, garden renovations; design & plant. Ph Tita 027 654 8781 or a/h 542 0120
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AC PETFOODS collect injured & unwanted cows & horses.
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SPCA 07 578 0245
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BRYCE DECORATING interior and exterior painting, wallpapering.
Have your powdercoated windows faded? Can be cleaned and restored like new! Plastic car bumpers faded? Can be restored too! Quality work. Showroom finish. Ph Wayne 021 162 7052
BUILDER AVAILABLE repair maintenance, decks, pergolas, fences, all housing work. Ph Roger 022 121 3356
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Many think Shakespeare, Dickens and Rowling are great writers. However, their works pale in comparison to the Bible. Take the inspired Psalm 22 for example. It begins with the famous cry: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” uttered by the dying Christ more than 1000 years later.
Just as they ridiculed Christ: “He saved others, but can’t save himself,” the same ridicule is aimed at the one afflicted in the Psalm.
Before his terrifying ordeal intensifies he is identified as trusting in God even from the womb, reminiscent/prophetic of Christ who was conceived of the Holy Spirit. Then he’s surrounded by men, poetically described as ‘dogs’ and ‘bulls,’ just as Christ was set upon by a Roman garrison who brutally whipped Him.
The Psalm says the afflicted one was poured out like water, had his bones out of joint, his
tongue clinging to his jaw and his bones could be counted; things all characteristic of a bloody, painful and thirsty death of one hanging naked on a cross.
He meets the dreadful fate of having his hands and feet pierced. Verse 10 also says they cast lots for his clothes, as happened to Jesus.
The Divine inspiration of this prophetic Psalm is undeniable and exemplified by the fact crucifixion wasn’t even invented in 1000 BC, the time of the Psalm’s writing.
The Psalm concludes with the afflicted and no doubt deceased one being resurrected to life and the ends of the earth worshipping him.
No wonder the Bible’s by far the world’s bestselling book. No other writing comes close in terms of inspired brilliance. Christ’s life was forecast extensively because God wants us in no doubt Christ is the way to Him!
David Kidd, Church of God’s Love
BETH
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Joel & Sharon van Ameringen - EL la tyb
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worship
SABBATH 10AM OTUMOETAI PRIMARY
SABBATH 10AM OTUMOETAI PRIMARY
021 768 043
021 768 043
ALL WELCOME SHALOM info@bethel.org.nz
Messianic Family bethel.org.nz
ALL WELCOME SHALOM info@bethel.org.nz
Messianic Family bethel.org.nz
