The Weekend Sun - 14 April 2023

A crafty reminder

It’s not every day you see a lady hugging a brightly-coloured tree. But for Tauranga woman Nola Ott (pictured), the 600-plus knitted red poppies adorning this tree on Fraser St have been a labour of love for her and a number of community volunteers. anks to Nola, her great idea, and the craftwork of e Tauranga Ninja Knits – the tree is a poignant reminder of the

sacri ce of Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, con icts and peacekeeping operations ahead of Anzac Day on April 25.

Poppy Day is on April 21, 2023 – and is the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association’s main fundraising activity. Donations collected on Poppy Day help RNZRSA

improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for New Zealand’s veterans of all ages. is year the RSA celebrates 101 years of the Poppy Appeal – with the campaign running throughout the month of April. Learn more about the Poppy tree, Poppy Day and how to donate on pages 20-21. Photo: John Borren.

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The Weekend Sun is published every Friday and distributed throughout the Western Bay of Plenty from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke and available to collect at many stand locations throughout the area. For a full list of stand locations see https://theweekendsun.co.nz/stand-locations.html

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Photography: John Borren.

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Knit 1 + purl 1 = rebellion

I blame Magda Sayeg. “Who?” asked the Doe.

Magda. She started it all. Magda, the high priestess of yarn bombing.

And all the time there’s the infernal racket of circular 5mm steel knitting needles going clackety-clack, licketysplit. All for naked cherry trees and the edi cation of Greerton and the Village Yarn Bomb 2023.

Knitting is not big noise, but there’s a nuisance value. “I think you should know…” said the Doe knowingly, “and I think you should appreciate, the tone and rhythm of knitting are intertwined”.

Rabbit eyes glaze over.

“ e brain might perceive the pattern and propriety of the knitted stitch in much the same way it might perceive music.” I thought she was whipping up some yarn bombing, not composing a sonata.

And did she know the brain might also perceive trouble, Greerton may be in peril, it’s very unique social fabric unravelling. Because an Australian academic’s research tells her yarn bombing is ‘subverting ideals of women as homemakers’ – it’s introducing knitters to ‘rebellion and naughtiness.’

Grief!

And it was Magda who started it, Magda a Texan shop owner, and obviously a disenchanted and dissident one. Magda was unhappy with her bland landscape so she knitted up a doorknob cosy for her shop. It generated curiosity, comment and customers. Magda ever the opportunist, started covering everything with yarn… And kaboom! Bloody yarn bombing was born. “No! Bless her, bless Magda.”

It was like Covid, spreading across the continents. And it became political, knitting needles were weaponised in

rebellion and protest. And Greerton is right in the path, it too could become a hotbed of activism. at’s because our Australian yarn bomb academic, who has explored yarn bombing, says she can sni subversion, protest...and art.

“Bollocks back at you,” said the Doe.

“More conspiracy theories.”

Greerton, she insists, is an oasis of community, where good people living in a good place, make good things happen. Like making lovely Chadwick Rd even lovelier with yarn bombing. “It’s a declaration of pride. Just watch us.”

Clackety-clack, lickety-split.

Knit stitch, garter stitch or moss stitch…casting on 36 for a gauge of 4.5 per inch.

e rub

Now here’s the rub. ere’s a bunch of Australian knitters and they are not benign old dears. ey’re a feisty bunch called Knitting

Nannas who use knitting as a tool for political protest. ey knit up banners and yell and scream against exploration and mining. ey’re trouble.

Okay, the Greerton yarn bombers just want to tart up a few trees, but what other forces are at play here?

Could they be planning to occupy the racecourse with knitting needles drawn to stop it being chopped up and icked on? Or perhaps a sit-down knitting protest at the roading mess that is Cameron Rd? Innocent knit ones, purl ones today, but rebellion and subversion tomorrow. “It’s reclaiming sterile urban environments,” says the Doe, rolling those big amber eyes.

“Not that Greerton is sterile. Greerton has a unique quaintness. It is simple, friendly, where people live in harmony and love.”

ere’s even a school and a library right in the heart of the village which tells you

something about Greerton’s priorities. And excellent cheesy weezies. But our Australian criminologist says yarn bombers can be rebellious: “…subverting the norms of knitting and how it should be employed and enjoyed”.

A contributor to her research told her knitters are using “a very homemaker medium to go out and make a statement and they’re attracted by the naughtiness of yarn bombing because women aren’t supposed to be naughty”.

e academic says there are risk and excitement aspects to indiscriminate yarn bombing, like getting caught and being held to account. What the hell do you think you are doing? Aren’t you supposed to be a respectable person? Our researcher says yarn bombers also embrace peaceful protest and activist ideals around their ‘bombing’ – like political statements or anticonsumerist thoughts. And it’s a way for feminists to feminist stu …like a group of ‘felters’ who make felt cervixes as a campaign against sexual violence.

Beauti cation

But mostly yarn bombing is about beauti cation, giving urban environments a personal touch. Most yarn bombers see what they do as street art. Especially if there is a lot of gra ti, which Tauranga is now prone to. One bomber wanted to show the world that not all “tagging” is bad. Clackety-clack, lickety-split. 4.5 stitches per inch. e Doe twitches her whiskers and knits on. Join her, she says. Get involved! Email: greertonyarnbombing@gmail.com or phone or message 021 209 7008.

crocheted ‘sleeves’

textile artists let their imaginations run

Source: https://www.bayofplentynz.com

Since 2018, Tauranga District Court jury trials have doubled and Tauranga High Court jury trials have quadrupled.

Courthouse hold-ups questioned

Government to “get moving” with the city’s new courthouse development.

Initially set for completion in 2026, the project was put “under review” after in ationary cost pressures post Covid-19. e $150 million courthouse, so far, has cost taxpayers about $27 million, but a business case has yet to be made.

U ndell suggests Justice Minister Kiri Allan expects the business case for the project to be made before the end of the nancial year – March 31, 2024.

“Tauranga is paying the price for this government’s failure to control in ation. At present, the city’s justice precinct faces signi cant constraints and is unable to deal with the huge volume of cases.

“Since 2018, Tauranga District Court jury trials have doubled and Tauranga High Court jury trials have quadrupled. In 2021, then-Minister Faafoi announced over $150 million had been approved to build new courts here in Tauranga. If built, it will increase the number of courtrooms, allowing cases to be heard here in Tauranga instead of being shifted to Rotorua.”

U ndell says completion of the new courthouse by 2026 is looking very unlikely. “ ere are very real fears this Government will signi cantly delay or downsize construction.”

Ministry of Justice deputy secretary, corporate and digital services Tina Wake eld says they expect a detailed business case to be presented to Cabinet “around the middle of this year”. On whether the project will be completed by 2026, Tina says the

estimated completion date “will depend” on the outcome of the business case and the option chosen by Cabinet.

Tina is “aware” Tauranga’s current courthouse is “too small” to meet future demand, particularly with the High Court. “ is is one of the reasons the project to build a new courthouse in Tauranga was started. e buildings will also address the safety needs of all court participants, including victims, be more familyfriendly, and meet physical accessibility requirements for all building users.”

SunLive put the question to the Ministry of Justice on whether the construction will be downsized. “Like all construction projects, costs associated with the new courthouse have signi cantly increased due to in ation and supply constraints. Within this signi cantly increasing cost environment, the Ministry is reviewing the approach to the new courthouse.”

Acting Justice Minister Andrew Little also acknowledges the limitations of Tauranga’s courthouse. “It’s clear the current courthouse is too small to accommodate future demand, and has a number of other challenges that mean it cannot be used to its full potential. ese are all reasons why the project to build a new courthouse in Tauranga was started,” says Little. “A detailed business case will be presented to Cabinet later this year, and the future shape of this project will depend on the outcome of that business case and the option chosen by Cabinet.

“We remain committed to a courthouse in Tauranga that is t for purpose for Tauranga and meets contemporary expectations.”

outcome of the business case and the option chosen by Taylor Rice

Sharing stories before they are lost...

You’re invited. If you qualify?

If you were one of the anointed Limpets? A less-than-elite, uncelebrated, past their use-by-date, local rugby squad…a social or presidents’ grade team which, like their namesake, were permanently cemented to their host, the Tauranga Old Boys Rugby Club, now

Tauranga Sport Club, at the domain.

“Actually, we weren’t that bad,” says Jim Rickard, who’s organising the Tauranga Old Boys Limpets reunion of sorts next weekend. “We won the competition one year.”

Formalities for the gathering are few –just sitting around for a couple of days, like limpets, not moving far or fast, shooting the breeze, watching rugby,

e team of ‘82 – can you identify anyone?

talking rugby, having a beer and telling lies. If not lies, then greatly embellished truths about rugby exploits. Because in the 36 years since the Limpets disbanded, conversions in front will have become match-winning 55-yard penalties into the wind, a collapsed scrum will have become a 25 metre push over, the player who never touched down will have become a try-scoring machine, and tragic losses will have become triumphs.

Comradeship

But with social rugby comes comradeship and even after 36 years it still runs deep. “ ings won’t have changed much,” says Jim. “ at’s pretty much what we did back in the day – play, talk, drink and tell lies. We were just guys who loved rugby. Still do.”

Remember these guys played in an over-35s competition, so they’d already gone to seed when the Limpets were established in 1978. ey carried on

until 1987, through undoubtedly the most tumultuous time in New Zealand rugby...the 1981 Springbok tour which violently divided this country. “Di cult times, certainly,” says Jim, “But we rose above it.”

From old team photos, they’ve managed to contact about 60 per cent of the players who proudly wore the Limpets logo. ey’re keen to catch up with those who slipped through the net before next weekend. “And of course we will remember about 10 of our members who are sadly no longer with us.

“It’s been over 40 years since many of us played together,” says Jim. “So we can’t put this o much longer.” If you can identify any of the Limpets in the team photo of 1982, email: Jim@builtin.co.nz or call Jim on 0274505528. ***FindouthowtheLimpetsgottheirnameandlogo

To bus...or not to bus?

ey’re the sunnycoloured metal wagons that weave through our region, stopping here and there – but which Tauranga folk use them and what do they think needs changing?

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has announced this month that they are looking to use current public transport resources more e ciently and to make bus travel easier as part of proposed changes to the Tauranga bus network.

In a statement, BOPRC transport planning manager Oliver Haycock says an e ective public transport system is a crucial part to Tauranga city’s growth. “ is project proposes changing bus routes and adjusting services to address known challenges experienced by our customers and to meet demand.” e Weekend

Sun hit Cameron Rd and Downtown Tauranga to see what people’s thoughts on our city’s buses services are.

“It’s alright,” says CBD worker Wade Baker. “I’ve caught it a couple of times from Papamoa and it’s equivalent to being on a motorbike because I ride a motorbike, so it gets me to work on time.”

Snobs

“I think a lot of people are snobs,” says Kayce France, who was in town for a library visit. “I mean I probably wouldn’t get on it normally…but a lot of my friends and family they just won’t use it because they just wouldn’t be seen dead on a bus. [However] ey’ve all got beautiful upholstery, they’re all in really good nick, and they’re lovely.”

Tauriko and consistency

“I never use the bus service,” says Tauriko resident Harman Singh. “If they run more services towards Tauriko then I would think about using the bus service more often.

“It’s not reliable, it’s always running late…I think it is a big deal with the bus driver shortages and sometimes they get late or cancel the buses.”

Joy Sadler, who uses a car to get around the city, says: “I think there needs to be a lot more consistency because you’ve got some areas that use buses that used to go there and now they don’t just by going on what some people say”.

New route

One of the project proposals is the new Route 1 service, which would run the entire length of Cameron Rd before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Mount Maunganui. So what do people think of this new potential route? Wade says he’s for it. “If it was like a Friday afternoon drinks and I catch the bus to the Mount then I’d probably carry on to the Mount Mellick.”

Ōtūmoetai resident Graham Stewart says: “As long as it doesn’t clog everything up like it was before”. “ at’s the biggest problem, clogging up all the roads and that and actually getting people on the transport like in Auckland they’re still at half fees and are asking for zero fees in Auckland to support the service.

“I think the biggest thing is trying to get the right timetable. I think our one goes at ten past six in the morning…they need to have it right for the people that rely on buses.”

You can share your thoughts on what the city’s bus services need. Public consultation is open until Friday, April 28. Submissions can be made online at: boprc. govt.nz/bus-network-refresh

Poike Rd could cause delays

Residents and commuters in the Poike and Ohauiti area could experience tra c delays until next Tuesday, April 18, while Poike Rd is closed for essential work on Tauranga’s water trunk main pipeline.

Tauranga City Council advises people to plan their travel ahead of time, while Poike Rd is closed from April 11-18.

Two worksites will be located on Poike Rd either side of Hollister Lane. e road will be completely closed to rightturning tra c out of Hollister Lane outside 107 Poike Rd. Left-turning tra c will have limited one-lane access from 6am-9am. Vehicles wanting to turn right into Hollister Lane from Poike Rd will have limited one-lane access again from 4pm-6pm. Poike Rd will be fully closed 9am-4pm and again 6pm-6am with detours in place.

According to TCC, the water trunk main pipeline located under the ground

on Poike Rd needs to be strengthened before an important retaining wall opposite the corner of Hollister Lane and Poike Rd can be replaced. Work is scheduled for the school holidays to reduce tra c disruption.

All bus stops on Poike Rd and three stops on Hollister Lane will be closed while the road closure is in place.

Temporary stops will be in place on Harris eld Drive near Poike Rd. Baybus will run an additional shuttle bus service from Windermere Drive to Hollister Lane.

ere will still be full pedestrian/cyclist access around both work sites, via the pedestrian footpath.

Construction of the retaining wall will likely start at April’s end, and include a one-lane closure of Poike Rd. More information will be made available closer to the time.

For more information, visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/roadclosures

Georgia Minkhorst

Graham Stewart. Joy Sadler.

Kayce France. Harman Singh.

Wade Baker.

John Bertrand Collectables Buying in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty Next Week

Once again the buyers from Wellington based company John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd are coming to Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty next week. Mr Tony Grant from the company says “This is a great time to bring along those unwanted items you’ve sorted out during the lockdown period and turn them into cash”. Particularly wanted by the buyers are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Old Coins and Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Old Collectables.

“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant. “I’m sure everyone has unearthed something we want in the past few weeks and we would like to see it! Nothing is too small for our consideration.

We are just as happy to buy one item as we are buying 1,000 items”. The buyers will be in convenient locations in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty next week (see details below). As Tony Grant says “if you are in any doubt about any items you wish to sell, take them along for an instant appraisal”

Gold & Silver At Near Record Prices

During these uncertain times we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers.

Tony Grant says “We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.

Interesting Small Collectables Wanted

The buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty next week, are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items.

“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company. “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.

Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes

EarlyNew Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Tony Grant, author of the John Bertrand New Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue. Mr Grant is in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty next week on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One

Collectors Need War Medals

Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars. General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.

Pound banknote from a New Zealand trading bank dated 1932 or before.

Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant.

Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.

Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity

I n lockdown when you sorted out your drawers and cupboards you may have come across some old coins. You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice of Tony Grant from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd is to bring them in to the venues and have them appraised. “We want to see any old foreign coin accumulations. We are quite happy to go through your coins on the spot and give you an idea what we can pay. You just never know what can turn up. We are also particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins for at least 10 times their face value” he said.

JOHN BERTRAND (COLLECTABLES) ARE BUYING NOW!!

WAR MEDALS ETC

• The New Zealand Wars & Boer War Medals

• 1st World War Medals

• 2nd World War Medals, Stars etc

• Orders and Decorations

• Korea & Vietnam Medals

Presbyterian Church Communion Tokens

• Bread Tokens

• Theatre, Cafe, Discount Tokens etc

• Any other tokens relating to early New Zealand

WRIST & POCKET WATCHES

• Gold & Silver Pocket Watches

• Any Rolex Watches

• Omega Gents Watches

• Any Breitling, Jaegar Le Coultre, Vacheron & Constantin, Patek Philippe, or IWC Watches

• Moon Phase Watches

• Chiming or Alarm Watches (Pocket or Wrist)

• Military Watches

• Divers Watches

• All other pre 1950s wind up watches (parts value only)

*No Quartz or Battery Operated Watches Please*

• Antarctic or other Polar Medals

• Fire Brigade Medals

• Lodge Medals

• Shooting Medals

• Military Badges and all other Military Medals

• Gold returning Fob Medals or “Tokens of Honour” from residents of small town New Zealand

HISTORICAL MEDALS

• A&P Show- Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals

• Commemorative Medals & Medalets

• Prize Medals (Gold

Please note: If you sell anything to us, suitable ID is required. Please also bring your bank account details for the deposit of funds for larger purchases.

Mr Anthony (Tony) W. Grant Fellow of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand Incorporated Director and Buyer John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd Author of the John Bertrand NZ Coin & Banknote Catalogue

Students take on town celebs next month

have to keep on thinking ‘Why?’ so your points are fully developed.” Luca says it’s about analytical thinking. “Lots of people go surface-level but you need to break topics down and go deeper and deeper.

I also think con dence is key – you can have good points and know what you’re saying but if you’re not con dent up there it’s hard to get that across.”

No jitters onstage? Saad: “I do – yeah, all the time”. “How do you steady the nerves? “I make intense eye contact with two people in the audience,” says Shiana. “Ahhh...” say the boys.

For all three this is their rst time in the BOP regional debating team. e rst

ey’re kind, relaxed, humorous sitting round the picnic table at school – but when they get behind the lectern to argue the negative or positive of the motion, they’re critical, analytical, cut-throat – even mean!

Meet Saad Aamir, 17, Shiana French, 17, and Luca Ririnui, 16. e trio are the Bay of Plenty’s regional debating team heading to Parliament to take on 13 fellow school teams for the national title late-May.

ey’ve just secured their regional team spots from the BOP round in Tauranga on March 26. And they’ve got an excellent training opportunity at home ahead of the nationals – e Great Debate in the Bay on Saturday, May 13, at Classic Flyers Museum.

e Great Debate pits three teams of students against three teams of adults. e adult teams are split into three categories. Political is Team MMP featuring Labour’s Jan Tinetti, National’s Sam U ndell and Act’s Cameron Luxton.

en there’s Team Local celebs and Team Local business leaders, all squaring o against their junior equivalents, vying to win the Rotary Cup across three

strong debates on the night. e Rotary Club of Tauranga Te Papa has partnered with the NZ Schools Debating Council to rebuild and reenergize school debating within the Bay’s colleges.

e Great Debate is part of this work to support youth ahead of the 2023 New Zealand Schools’ Debating Championship from May 26-29 with the grand nals hosted in Parliament’s Legislative Council Chamber. So why debating? Shiana, Year 13, and Luca, Year 12, both from Mount College, have been debating since Year 9. “Debating is really fun and enjoyable,” says Shiana. “You get caught up in the energy of it. And it’s really good for anything related to public speaking. It de nitely helped me build up my con dence more to speak publically to larger crowds.”

For Saad, who is Year 13 at Tauranga Boys’ College, the regional competition was his rst gig – and he won Overall Best Debater of the night. “You have to kind of be really mean. at’s why I did it,” says Saad, jokingly. “I just really enjoy being argumentative and debating is an awesome way to engage in discourse.”

So what skills do you need? “I think critical thinking is the big thing,” says Saad. Shiana says: “I wouldn’t say you have to be mean – it’s being assertive. And you

time they’ll take part in e Great Debate in the Bay.

eir thoughts? A shout-out to Melissa Connolly. “Melissa is our main coach, she’s great and we’re lucky to have her.”

To see the trio debate live, get to e Great Debate in the Bay on Saturday, May 13 from 5pm-10pm Classic Flyers Museum, 8 Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui. For individual tickets, visit: https://www.event nda.co.nz/2023/thegreat-debate-in-the-bay/mt-maunganui or phone 0800 BUY TIX (289 849). For tables of nine, email: enquire. youthdevelopmentbop@gmail.com

Merle Cave

Saad Aamir, Shiana French and Luca Ririnui, ready for e Great Debate in the Bay. Photo: Merle Cave.

The day God gave Adam Kirkeby a hug

e Sun’s Hunter Wells, a crotchety old southern Presbyterian, continues his privileged encounter with Father Adam Kirkeby and retreads the man’s path of faith into the Catholic priesthood. In this nal instalment, there is the calling, the agonising on the pillow at night, the ‘Shall I? Shan’t I?’ and the Priest’s ultimate joy and peace.

ere was no epiphany, no lightning bolt; no sudden realisation. Adam Kirkeby’s decision to become a priest evolved over many years. It began as a very young boy – play-acting a priest using soft toys as a congregation. “I just love the faith and I wanted to serve God and his people. I love helping people. It’s extremely ful lling.”

He was ready to join the seminary when he left school but was told to go and get some life experience. He did – was a teacher for six years and did a BA. en aged 31, he entered the seminary and emerged

an ordained priest just last year after six-and-half-years of study. “Apart from the academia, you dig deep into yourself, you come to know yourself.”

We are, he tells me, very poor judges of ourselves. “We see ourselves from a completely di erent perspective. e best people to tell us about ourselves are other people.”

Impossible e wisdom there, perhaps, is don’t ask and avoid disappointment. But if you don’t ask you won’t learn.

One of the great Christian festivals has just come and gone – and he loved it. “Easter still has great relevance.

A big, wonderful, joyous celebration.”

But for many of us, perhaps, Easter is a four-day weekend – bach, beach and beers. “I certainly agree a lot of people have passed Christianity o in recent years.”

But it doesn’t mean we are a faithless lot. “It’s impossible to be faithless. Some may not practise religion, but come a crisis and they’ll suddenly be talking about the afterlife.

“ ey may say they’re atheists, but then talk about loved ones being in heaven.”

Let me be your best Buddy!

Hello, my name is Buddy. I’m a three-year-old, medium-large Sta y-cross handsome boy – and man, do I enjoy snoozing on the couch for long periods of time, especially when I’m left alone at home.

I haven’t been left alone outside as I can easily jump a tall fence. But don’t worry, I’ll only jump the fence when you leave the house without me. I love playing with dogs of all shapes and sizes – I’m great on a leash but do get excited when I see other pooches. I poop and pee outside and will tell you if I need to go. Treats are my Achilles heel and you’ve got my utmost

Kia

We know things are tough for everyone right now – inflation, cost of living, recent severe weather events.

We’re facing the same tough economic times. But we’re working hard to support our District, while ensuring we can continue to do the mahi that matters to you.

Our proposed Annual Plan 2023/24 sets out how we plan to achieve this.

Here's

Online (wānanga ipurangi)

For more information on the Annual Plan or to share your thoughts, visit: haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/annualplan

Hard copy (pepa mārō) Feedback forms are available at all our library and service centres.

Email (īmēra)

Send feedback to: haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz

attention with them. I’ll even ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come back’ and ‘lay down’!

To nd out more about Buddy, message the RRR Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RRRCanine/

In person (ā kanohi)

Or come kōrero in person at one of our community information drop-in sessions:

•The Daily Café - 3 Commerce Lane, Te Puke

Monday 17 April, 9am-11am

•Clarke Road Kitchen - 7 Clarke Road, Te Puna

Wednesday 19 April, 9am-11am

Flatwhite Café - 21 Shaw Road, Waihī Beach

Friday 21 April, 9am-11am

Feedback closes 5pm, Sunday 30 April.

Faith, according to Father Kirkeby, is an innate thing. “Everyone will come to know the existence of God.” And, he assures me, that even amid the great challenges of life, amid great su ering, there will be great consolation, great peace and great joy. “It’s a deep happiness.”

Isn’t every day full of challenges for a priest?

Desperate people, sad people, broken people, dying people, pouring out life’s crises?

“It is a privilege to be with people at pivotal times. I am so grateful they trust me when they are vulnerable.” And he especially cherishes being with people at the moment of dying.

“I held my Nana’s hand as she was dying, told her I loved her, I thanked her for everything she had done for me in life. And as I was driving home the sun’s rays were beaming down and it felt heaven and earth were so close.

“God was right there, hugging me, giving me strength.” It was, he says, one of the most beautiful things.

Mother

Father Adam’s mother was totally supportive of him becoming a priest, as was his “not-so-Catholic father” and his siblings. ey’ve even been at the Parish of St omas of Aquinas on match day, for his Sunday mass. “It’s nice, we are all very close.” And if he messed up,

he’s certain he would hear about it.

Now, when he takes o the dog collar after he’s nished God’s work for the day, what makes Adam Kirkeby’s tail wag?

What does a priest read on the pillow at night? ‘Lives of the Saints’ by Father Alban Butler. Now a fourvolume set and the fruit of 30 years’ research and work into the lives of 2565 saints and Christians. “You will be thinking I am some kind of weirdo. Can’t he do anything normal?” Quite normal Father – after all, it’s apparently the most well-known and well-loved Catholic book after the Bible.

Human

Favourite junk food? “Chocolate. I like a burger, nice at the time but you feel sick after it. And Italian and a roast.” Music? “Adele, Celine Dion, Harry Underwood and Enya.” National or Labour? He won’t be drawn into politics. But it’s wine over beer.

He ponders blondes or brunettes? “I’m committed to all God’s people, not just some or other. at doesn’t mean I am not human.”

And in receiving a gift, the most important thing is a meaningful heart behind the giving. He puts a sentimental value ahead of monetary value. “Although money can be useful.”

* ank you for taking the time Father – an uplifting and rewarding encounter. Hunter Wells.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

There’s cool school holiday activities, fun for kids, and a divine new cocktail trail all waiting for you right now in your city centre.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

From Wacky Waffles to Escape Rooms to Waterworld Wipeout and everything in between, there’s a whole lot of fun in store for you in the city centre. Great kids meal deals and kids eat free offers too.

LATEST FASHION MUST HAVES COCKTAIL TRAIL

From must have new fashion looks from Kilt, Bond & Co and Status Clothing to great accessories at Indelible, check out where to shop and what’s hot right now.

Our bars and eateries are ready to mix together a sweet surprise! Discover 18 beautifully curated cocktails to try across our city centre. Check out the cocktail trail on our website.

downtowntauranga.co.nz

Discover what’s new and waiting for you.

HAVE

YOUR SAY

Draft User Fees and Charges 2023/24

User fees and charges are the fixed prices that we charge for using Tauranga City Council services and are set each year.

We are proposing to change our user fees and charges to keep in line with current inflation and help cover the costs of providing services. Consultation is open until 5pm, 24 April 2023 and we would like to know what you think.

To view the proposed changes and make a submission visit: tauranga.govt.nz/feesandcharges

Opposite page: Father Adam Kirkeby, the priest. Here: Father Adam Kirkeby, the pianist of sorts.

Photos: John Borren.

Foundation’s 20 years marked with exhibition

A free, outdoor photo exhibition dotted along e Strand in Tauranga City is here until the end of May to celebrate 20 years of the Acorn Foundation.

Since 2003, thanks to the incredible generosity of more than 600 donors and 425 donor funds, Acorn has gifted more than $13 million to our region, supporting more than 290 charitable organisations in the Western Bay of Plenty and other areas important to their donors.

As such, the exhibition is titled ‘Enduring Connections - Celebrating

20 Years of Giving’ by the foundation. To celebrate their 20th year, Acorn has partnered with UNO Magazine which commissioned award-winning local photographer Alan Gibson to capture 20 images that re ect the work of the foundation.

ese photos acknowledge the enduring di erence that their donors seek to make, and the lasting support Acorn is able to provide to our community on their behalf.

Enduring Connections runs throughout April and May.

Latching on to raise awareness

It’s just a bit of tit – get over it! Today, April 14, thousands of mum’s worldwide will breastfeed their babies at the same time for the international event – the Big Latch On.

“We latch breastfeeding babies on the breast and see how many babies we can have latched on at the same time,” says Tauranga community lactation consultant Alex Deas.

Bay of Plenty mums will come together at Rangiora Health Hub, Fraser Cove Shopping Centre, to raise breast feeding awareness in our community. “ e biggest drive for it really is to make public breastfeeding the norm so if we let people see breastfeeding and make it normal, the more our youth will see it as just an everyday thing – that it’s a baby feeding,” says Alex. “It’s nothing sexual or gross so it’s about moving societal norms and there’s really amazing mums that get together and the collaboration is just a really lovely energy.”

More work

Alex says there is more work to be done in the breastfeeding awareness space. “When you go overseas in the United States the expectation is that you go somewhere private to feed, whereas

women should just be able to breastfeed their baby in a public place and it doesn’t feel uncomfortable. I think NZ has come a long way and it’s becoming a social norm that it’s not something that should be hidden away in private or a public toilet.”

Bene ts

So what are the bene ts of breastfeeding? “In terms of wellbeing for babies it reduces allergies, some childhood cancers, it means babies are less likely to end up in hospital with respiratory or an ear infection. ey’ve also done studies now that you’re less inclined to need braces later in life if you breastfeed because of the jaw development.”

Alex is also part of organisation Māmā Maia, which provides mums with breastfeeding support. “We promote no barriers so is this for women that need support weaning, or bottle feeding – we’d de nitely provide support for that because there are mums that choose either not to breastfeed or they have worked really hard and it hasn’t turned out the way they felt it would, so it’s really important to us that those mums feel really included as well.”

Mums can meet for the Big Latch On at Rangiora Health Hub, Fraser Cove Shopping Centre, from 10am Friday, April 14.

Mum Cherryn Purcell with her three-monthold baby Ruby.

Photo: John Borren.

Dive Crescent off-street carpark off limits

ose heading to Tauranga’s city centre are being advised that the Dive Crescent o -street carpark is temporarily closed until the end of April.

As part of Tauranga City Council’s plans to transform the waterfront, an upgrade of the parking and amenity in the area is taking place.

Construction is progressing with barriers and road cones installed along the western edge of Dive Crescent. Barriers and road cones will remain in place while stormwater installation takes place, plus construction of new kerbing

and channelling along the length of the carpark.

During works, a temporary closure of the cycle lane and footpath on the western edge of Dive Crescent is required. All road users will need to take extra care when travelling in this area.

While the Dive Crescent o -street carpark is closed, nearby carparks on Cli Rd and e Strand will remain open.For a list of city centre parking options visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/parking.

Nonagenarian leads skydive for charity

Charlotte and Jenny Everitt are ready to watch their beloved Jean Crabtree, 95, skydive for charity.

A Tauranga great-grandmother is jumping out of a plane next week to raise money for St John Ambulance.

In fact, 94 year-old Jean Crabtree is making it a family and friends outing. All up, four generations will be part of ‘Skydive95’ to help raise $300,000 for a new ambulance for St John. e full group of 18 is mostly made up of sta and residents from Welcome Bay’s Greenwood Park Village and has a combined age of 1135 years.

Nothing to it

“I did my rst jump when I was 85 and then one at 90,” says Jean. “ ere’s nothing to it. e most uncomfortable part is sitting with your legs in front on the way up. By the time I’ve been doing that for a while, I can’t wait to jump out of the plane.”

Jean decided to do another skydive ahead of her 95th birthday and needed four people to get a group discount. As word spread, participants numbers grew and they decided to form a committee and raise money for charity.

“One day, I saw an ambulance with another retirement village’s name on the side and I realised how badly we’re screaming out for ambulances throughout New Zealand. So we

contacted St John and were told how much was needed,” says Jean.

Hato Hone St John head of fundraising Leanne Tiscornia says the organisation is always very appreciative whenever supporters do something incredible or sel ess to raise money. “As a charity, it means everything to us and the people they will help as a result of their generous fundraising.”

Jean’s grand-daughter Charlotte Everitt is excited to skydive for the rst time and says the addition of a fundraising element comes as no surprise. “It’s classic Gamma and we don’t expect anything less,” says Charlotte. “Gamma has a way of turning things into something bigger and making it about other people. It’s just the kind of person she is. She’s always been active socially and in the community. I don’t know how many people who’ve had hip replacements not that long ago who’d then jump out of a plane. She’s pretty special.” Great grand-daughter Mya Kovaleski, 14, admits to some nerves. “I’ve never skydived before but I think it’s quite a big thing to raise money. It’s for a good cause.”

Donate!

‘Skydive95’ is on April 18 at Tauranga air eld. Donate at: www.skydive95.com

Callout for BOP folks to host a Pink Ribbon breakfast

Broadcaster and Breast Cancer Foundation NZ ambassador Lorna Riley is encouraging Bay of Plenty residents to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast next month to support Kiwis a ected by breast cancer.

e most common cancer for New Zealand women, about 190 ladies in the BOP are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

After going through breast cancer for a second time last year, Lorna, who hosts the daytime show on Coast FM, says Pink Ribbon Breakfast is a cause that is close to her heart.

“ rough my shock diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and beyond, BCFNZ has been there alongside me with support, advice and

wonderful resources. “ e charity doesn’t receive any government funding, so hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast is a chance to help BCFNZ help so many of the women we love.”

Pink Ribbon Breakfast is BCFNZ’s biggest annual fundraising campaign, and people can sign up at: www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz

Debbie Griffiths

Photo: John Borren.

An apprentice builder who won the Tauranga’s regional heat of the New Zealand Certi ed Builders’ annual Apprentice Challenge is encouraging others to enter future events.

Jared Menzies competed against ve fellow apprentices on April 1 and came out on top. e challenge was to construct a child’s fort in eight hours. Jared completed the task with two hours to spare. “I spent so much time at the end sanding it down that the judges asked me to stop because I was lling the room with dust,” laughs Jared.

“I started wondering why the others were taking longer, but the prep and homework I did ahead of time really paid o and put me out in front.”

Jared’s win no surprise to his boss

e 22 year-old now goes on to represent Tauranga against 19 other apprentices at the nationals in Christchurch at the end of May and believes the experience makes him a better builder all round.

“Having to analyse what you’re doing and having people watch really closely makes you more conscious of how you’re learning and what you’re doing on the job.”

Jared comes from a family of builders –his father and brothers are in the industry – and he’s worked for Paul James Builders for more than two years.

“Jared shows a lot of aptitude on the building site. He’s going to go a long way,” says boss Paul James.

“He’s a thinking builder. He asks questions and suggests di erent ways to do things. He’s not just coming to work

Grab a helping hand!

Western Bay of Plenty groups wanting to snap up extra funding for a project can apply to the Community Matching Fund, which opens April 17. e Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s fund aims to support projects led by community groups and not-for-pro t organisations working for the bene t of their communities. Funding of $160,000 is available – $100,000 for recreation, social and cultural projects and $60,000 for environmental. e only catch is groups will need to ‘match’ the cash grant they’re seeking – be it in volunteer hours, cash, or in-kind contributions.

Groups can apply online at: www.westernbay.govt. nz/community-matching-fund Applications close Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

to eat his lunch.” And to Paul, it’s no surprise that Jared took out the top spot in the challenge.

“I’ve judged other competitions and seen entrants crumble under the pressure or not do enough homework ahead of construction day,” says Paul.

“You’ve got judges looking over your shoulder at your maths, accuracy of your angles and economical use of materials and even the condition of your tools and whether you’re working in a safe manner.

“It’s made to be similar to a real-life construction site so those who enter are eager to do well in the building industry.” e forts built by the apprentices will be auctioned o via TradeMe with all proceeds going to KidsCan and Cyclone Gabrielle Relief.

Debbie Griffiths

Cyclone Gabrielle Temporary Accommodation

If your property was impacted during this severe weather event and you need support finding temporary accommodation, we can help.

The Temporary Accommodation Service is assisting displaced people to find suitable temporary accommodation.

Register your details with us and a staff member will call you in a few days to help you find suitable temporary housing. Our staff can also provide guidance on how to access support services such as insurance advice and financial assistance.

There will be a cost for temporary accommodation, but you can contact the Ministry of Social Development to see if assistance is available to meet this cost.

If you are the tenant or landlord of a rental property, www.tenancy.govt.nz has information on your rights and obligations after a natural disaster.

For more information and to register your details, please go to: www.tas.mbie.govt.nz

If you are not able to complete the form online, or wish to discuss your requirements, please call 0508 754 163 Our Service Centre operates:

Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm Saturday–Sunday, 9:00am–5:00pm

Winning apprentice Jared Menzies with boss Paul James on their current worksite.

Photo: John Borren.

Share your views on draft budget

Western Bay of Plenty residents are this month invited to share their thoughts on the district council’s draft budget for 2023/2024.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s draft budget outlines how the council plans to manage its nances and the work it plans to do in its communities during the next 12 months.

WBOPDC states while the draft budget includes a proposed 7.41

Let’s keep contributing, and aiming high!

per cent rate increase, it has done “as much as we can to bring this rate increase in line with in ation as we know things are tough for everyone right now”.

“We’re facing the same tough economic times, but we’re working hard to support our district while ensuring we can continue to do the mahi that matters to you.”

For more information and to share your thoughts, visit: haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/ annualplan before April 30.

I hope you all had a fantastic Easter and took the chance to spend time with family and friends.

I also hope you enjoyed the sun, got a few odd jobs done, ate lots of chocolate and hopefully attended the Port of Tauranga 60th National Jazz Festival! e Strand was absolutely pumping on the weekend; so much so for a moment I thought I was in New Orleans! It was such a good showcase for our city, taking us back to a time when e Strand was vibrant and

people ocked to the CBD. We’ll keep working to revitalise this special place.

On Monday I headed to Jazz at the Mount. Another incredible day, amazing atmosphere and a real party scene. ese weekends are so good for local businesses. Aside from Easter, I’ve been busy rushing around our community lately. It’s been great to meet so many of you at the

Tauranga Farmer’s Markets, Little Big Markets and Bethlehem Markets, talking to folks and hearing how I can help. Our city has put on some great events recently. Tauranga hosted the 2023 NZ BMX Championships, with hundreds attending and enjoying our excellent facilities on Cambridge Rd. And the Tauranga Multicultural Festival really showcased the signi cant contribution our many ethnic communities make to our city. We have a special place here so let’s keep contributing, aiming high and doing what we can to make this NZ’s best city.

Lifting incomes and backingTauranga workers

A number of changes came in at the start of this month to lift incomes and to provide extra support to workers and families.

ese measures won’t x everything but they will help to ease some pressure – and I want to make sure people here in Tauranga heard a bit more about this cost of living support.

supported by

From April 1, more than one million Kiwis started receiving a bit more in their pocket to help make ends meet. is included an in ation-adjusted lift for superannuation, bene ts, veteran’s pensions and student

supports, bene ting many in our community.

People in Tauranga should be con dent that they can get ahead and create the life they want for themselves and their families through hard work. But right now, as global in ation is causing costs to rise around the world, it can feel pretty tough.

To support those workers who are really feeling the bite from the rise in the cost of living, we’ve increased the minimum wage by $1.50 to $22.70 an hour. is

will see a full-time minimum wage worker earning an extra $60 a week and around $3120 extra each year, before tax.

I’m also really pleased nurses in aged residential care, hospices, home and community support services, along with those in Māori and Paci c healthcare, will start receiving up to 15 per cent more in their ‘take home’ pay. is boost to follows the recent historic pay increase for hospital nurses, which made our nursing wages competitive with Australia. ese increases will help to keep nurses in important roles here in Tauranga and across New Zealand, which is good news for everyone in our communities.

Are some of our rivers, lakes or wetlands culturally or traditionally important to you?

Do you take water from a river, lake or groundwater for drinking or irrigation?

Do you swim, fish or gather kai in Bay of Plenty rivers, lakes, harbours or estuaries?

Do you farm, grow kiwifruit, avocados or other crops?

Do you want native fish ecosystems and wildlife in our freshwater to be abundant and healthy? ? ? ? ? ?

If you have answered YES to any of these questions, head to boprc.govt.nz/freshwater to find out about the changes happening for land and freshwater management in the Bay of Plenty.

Ten new CA coolstores boost BOP kiwifruit infrastructure

Construction of 10 Controlled Atmosphere coolstores is underway on DMS Progrowers’ site at Te Matai Road, Te Puke.

e development follows the opening of a new packhouse and four coolstores one year ago and, according to DMS CEO Derek Masters, the CA coolstores further futureproofs the business and inspires con dence with their growers and sta . DMS, a Bay of Plenty kiwifruit and avocado orchard management and post-harvest company, was the rst post-harvest company since 2019 to build a new packhouse in the Bay of Plenty, an initiative prompted by the region’s continued record-breaking kiwifruit crop.

Increased fruit volume

At the time of the opening of the new ‘Rimu Shed’ packhouse on April 6, 2022, New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry was predicted to have annual increases in fruit volume every year going forward as green elds and gold kiwifruit conversions came into production.

“At the time of the opening we anticipated packing volumes, across our Te Puna and Te Puke sites, would increase to around 20 million trays by 2027,” says Derek.

“ e reality was that fruit yield was down in the 2022 season and this season is down again. e industry will pack around 100m of gold and 55m of green for this season.

“ is type of variability is typical in all sectors of horticulture and is one outcome of the volatile weather and growing conditions we have experienced across the country. Reduced sunshine and high rain volume negatively a ected pollination and eventually owed on to fruit volumes. We know, from experience, that the pendulum will swing back – and so DMS is investing in their share of infrastructure to secure their packing and coolstore needs into the future.”

Extra flexibility

Derek says the 10 new $9 million CA coolstores are smaller than conventional coolstores due to the need to pack out the fruit from the coolstore room quickly to ensure fruit quality is maintained through the supply chain.

“Traditionally, fruit comes out of the orchard and is stored under a canopy to cure before it goes into packing. CA coolstores hold su cient fruit for one day’s packing, providing us with new levels of exibility to manage fruit quality and work ow for our team.

“If, for example, bad weather is predicted over multiple days – when fruit cannot be picked –having fruit in multiple CA coolstores means we can open one coolstore and do one day’s packing – that’s 200,000 trays which might not, otherwise, have been possible.”

Derek says construction of the new CA coolstores is underway with a completion date of late-May in preparation for the 2024 season.

“At the same time groundworks have also started at the rear of the Te Matai Rd site for another four conventional coolstores.”

New packhouse, one year on e heart of the Rimu Shed, commissioned last year, is the MAF Roda Packing Machine –one of the largest in New Zealand with 10 lanes

singulating kiwifruit into eight grading lanes after passing through a state-of-the-art camera grader, which takes approximately 30 photo shots of each kiwifruit, ensuring the highest standards of quality grading.

Derek says the rst year of the MAF Roda “was a bit of a shake-down year on how to run the machine for that site but, with a year’s experience behind us, the machine is now performing optimally”.

“We are very pleased and proud of the way our team has adopted and perfected new systems and processes to ensure the best outcome for our growers.”

Our People’s Wellbeing

Packaging being delivered every few hours.

Sustainability

Options’

Home & Curtains wanted before winter hits

If you have good quality, used curtains you no longer need, then Sustainability Options needs you!

e Tauranga-based “altruistic business” provides free environmental and social sustainability advice and assistance to those in need.

“We work with homes in the Bay of Plenty to get them to a warmer, healthier, drier standard,” says programme coordinator Maya Bellass.

“Having good quality curtains that are doublelined is one of the most signi cant ways we achieve this.”

Sustainability Options marketing and communications coordinator Teri Dawson says the biggest area of heat loss in homes is through the windows.

“With double-lined curtains, air gets trapped between the linings where it sits. is is what creates insulation.”

Teri estimates there are currently 29,000 homes in the region that are exposed to unhealthy living conditions.

Tauranga’s

If you’ve got something heavy or di cult you need lifted into place, up high or down in the ground in the Tauranga district – contact Pete Marshall from SkyHooksNZ Tauranga

4X4 Minicranes.

Owner-operator Pete can do lifting and shifting jobs on residential, commercial and industrial sites with his minicrane and tandem trailer.

“From Tauranga Harbour Bridge right back to the Kaimai Range, to Paengaroa and to Kauri Point north of Katikati – if your item’s nal destination is within this zone, I can move it!

“We can deal with anything that’s coming from any part of New Zealand, but the nal destination has to be within our Tauranga district zone.”

Husband-and-wife team Pete and Lynda say their service is ideal for transporting items too hard for manpower and too small for larger cranes. “ is makes us cost-e ective for businesses and the public’s lifting, placement, pick-up and delivery jobs.”

Pete is safety-accredited, has an engineering background and 20-plus years’ experience working on sites large and small, meaning his ‘moving’

“Cold, damp homes negatively impact the health of residents – particularly children, elderly or those with respiratory conditions,” says Teri.

She believes many Bay of Plenty families are feeling the repercussions of increased living costs. e added expense of heating a poorlyinsulated home is also a factor in the company’s urgency to provide curtains to as many homes as possible.

“We visit around 1000 homes annually, and last year our specially-trained housing assessors discovered about 400 of them needed curtains,” says Teri.

“However, we only had enough for one-third of these homes, so that’s why we’re putting the call out now for more donations for winter.”

While Sustainability Option receives funding from Te Whatu Ora, Teri says they are extremely reliant on donations.

“ ese are a gift for someone’s home, and we want

skills extend to all types of places – including large construction projects.

“Watching Pete work, I know it takes intricacy to work out load and placements of items in di cult spaces – that’s a skill in itself,” says Lynda.

She says Pete is very personable, genuine “and we both pride ourselves on our prompt and high-quality service and our relationships with our clients”.

Pete’s two-tonne crane has a 6.8m reach, can handle 500kg at full stretch, and 2000kg at the side – the tandem trailer carries 2600kg

Pete has shifted it all. “Trusses, beams, carpet rolls, spas, pools, garden sheds, home appliances, workshop machinery, rock and tree placement, furniture in and out of multi-storey homes and apartments – the lot!” Pete o ers a free site visit and estimate – and promptly replies to enquiries –so call him now on 021 848 919.

them to feel proud of these curtains.” To donate curtains, drop them at 59 7th Avenue, Tauranga, or the Hillier Centre, 31 Gloucester Rd, Mount Maunganui.

Teri Dawson needs more curtain donations to warm homes.

Photo: John Borren.

Meet

lift and shift job man!

Catherine Sylvester

shift

Pete Marshall is ready for action!

Home &

Decision on elder housing to be made this month

e preferred development option –including the total number of units to be built – at a Katikati elder housing redevelopment will be decided by Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s councillors on April 27.

Katikati’s Heron Crescent elder housing village redevelopment is already underway with the old housing demolished to make way for the new project and WBOPDC managing siteworks, ensuring the numbers stack up and applying for additional funding. According to WBOPDC when councillors decide on the preferred development option on ursday, April 27 the total number of units to be built may vary depending on

whether an application to the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development’s A ordable Housing Fund for additional capital funding is successful.

Most aged 70-plus

Council CEO John Holyoake says his team need to keep moving forward so elder housing tenants can get settled into their new, warm and dry homes as soon as possible.

“Katikati has the most people over 70 years old of all the towns in the Western BOP according to Stats NZ’s population estimations.

“But there’s not enough suitable, a ordable housing available. And as cost of living keeps increasing, so does the need for more a ordable housing. We can’t a ord to wait, we need get on with the things we can now, so we can help the people who really need it.”

e existing units have been removed and foundational siteworks kick o this month. e existing path between Diggelmann Park and Heron Crescent through the village is closed until to July-August, when the new path will be opened.

Community korero

Works to come include upgrading stormwater mains, construction of a retaining wall, earthworks, new wastewater connections and a new paved path to Diggelmann Park. At a council meeting on April 27, councillors will make a decision on the preferred development option for Heron Crescent for the initial design, which will then need to be developed into a detailed design and

build project. In the weeks following that decision, council will invite the community to korero (talk) with councillors and its team on the initial design in detail. “Our team are applying to external funding avenues for additional capital to progress the build, ensuring the redevelopment cost isn’t passed to ratepayers,” says John.

“ e current redevelopment plans are mostly covered by $5.34m from the Government’s ‘Better O ’ funding, but the council team has now also registered a bid for funding through the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development’s A ordable Housing Fund.

“An announcement on the A ordable Housing fund isn’t expected until August, after initial works have begun at Heron Crescent.” For more information, visit:

westernbay.govt.nz/elder-housing

With daylight saving now behind us, hopefully we’ll still get some of the lovely Indian summer days to make up for the dismal ‘real’ summer that nature delivered.

is is an excellent time to take cuttings of roses and most perennials. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and you can nd detailed instructions in any good gardening guide or on the internet. By spring you should have some good-sized plants ready to brighten up your spring and summer borders.

If you’re looking for some interesting colour through winter, you could do a lot worse than plant some members of the grevillea family – a gift from our Aussie neighbours. ere

are types for virtually any open and sunny situation. From large shrubs to ground covers and wall spillers, they thrive on neglect but respond well to a bit of judicious pruning.

A couple of Vireya

Rhododendrons are in ower in my garden now and the wonderful thing about them is that they will ower two or three times again in the next year. Great value for your gardening dollar. Vireyas are tropical Rhododendrons and don’t have extensive root systems so adapt very well to containers. A morning sun or dappled shade situation suits them very well

and an occasional light dressing of a pelleted fertiliser suitable for acid-loving plants is all the feeding they require – but don’t allow them to dry out in summer. Winter is coming so let us enjoy John Keats’ ode to autumn: “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” while we may.

Home & History in roadside photograph

Is it a throw-away memory or an important time capsule that someone’s lost?

Out walking with her gal pals a few weeks ago, Heather Borren came across something lying in the grass around St Michaels Ave in Bethlehem. It was an old, battered photo. “I saw it lying there and I thought ‘that looks interesting what’s that?’”

Looking at the faces, and styling of the people in the picture, Heather believes the photo was taken about 50-60 years ago. “I would’ve thought it’s from the late-1960s maybe or 1970s by the clothes and things. It’s really hard to tell.” ere seems to be about 200 people in the

photograph, in what appears to be a gymnasium or hall. “It’s a huge sta if it is a workplace for a school. It’s a huge sta photo. I just couldn’t think what else it would be.” e question is – is someone looking for this picture or was it intentionally cast aside? “Someone could’ve put it in the dump truck and it’s just blown out for all I know. It could just be rubbish or that someone’s lost it and is going: ‘Oh bugger!’”

If you think this photograph belongs to someone you know or recognise anyone in this photo, please get in touch by emailing: newsroom@thesun.co.nz

Georgia Minkhorst

is photo was found in Bethlehem along St Michaels Ave and is believed to have been taken in 1960s-1970s. Photo: supplied.

0800402402

Pop-up poppy tree a poignant reminder

A Tauranga tree covered with 600 knitted red poppies along Fraser St stands as a reminder to passers-by of Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, con icts and peacekeeping operations.

e idea came from Age Concern Tauranga volunteer Nola Ott – and the extra ngers to help craft it came from e Tauranga Ninja Knits, a group of about 10 yarn artists which meet monthly.

“One lady has crocheted 315 poppies,” says Nola. “Some have done 10 to 12 and some have done 100.

“ ey are all di erent styles of poppies, but that represents all the di erent men involved in the wars.” Nola had the idea in 2022, while visiting an older woman in her home. “We go and visit people who may be lonely or isolated in the community.

“I showed one of the ladies a display I’d made while knitting at her house. My coordinator thought they were lovely, and that we could put them on the tree outside Age Concern Tauranga o ce in Fraser St.

“But it was only three weeks before Anzac Day last year, so during the year when we’ve had time, we’ve made poppies [for this Anzac].”

“We did a call out to the Continued...

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We remember them.

community and people have been dropping o red poppies to Nola,” says Ninja Knits member Wendy Pedersen.

e poppies will remain in place until Anzac Day on April 25.

Poppy Day 2023

Donate on April 21!

Poppy Day is on April 21, 2023 – and is the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association’s main fundraising activity. Donations collected on Poppy Day help the RSA improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for New Zealand’s veterans of all ages.

e RSA was established in 1916 with the aim of taking care of NZ’s veterans and their families as soldiers returned from Gallipoli. While today’s soldiers face di erent challenges, the RSA’s support to them and their whanau continues.

is year the RSA celebrates 101 years of the Poppy Appeal – the campaign runs throughout April and Poppy Day, the RSA’s street collection, is on Friday, April 21.

e rst poppy appeal in 1922 netted 13,166 pounds – poppies were sold for one shilling each. Today’s poppies are sold for a gold coin donation; and the RSA sell close to one million each year. To donate online, visit: at: https://www. rsa.org.nz/support-us/donate/

Lest We Forget

Rosalie Liddle-Crawford

e newlyadorned poppy tree along Fraser St.

The affordable freedom that life brings at Oakland Lodge Village

Oakland Lodge Village is located in the sought-after Avenues in central Tauranga. “We are a friendly, boutique retirement village o ering a ordable, modern and spacious onebedroom apartments which are perfect for those who are now ready to free themselves from the concerns that a larger home can bring in your later years,” says Oakland Lodge’s village coordinator Jamie-Lee Abraham. Oakland o ers a choice of onebedroom apartments with either a balcony or a garden patio.

“ e apartment featured in our advertisement on this page is west-facing with afternoon sun and a lovely green view over the city with even a peep of Mount Maunganui from the balcony. is apartment is very a ordable at $350,000, with all purchases made as an Occupational Rights Agreement as laid out in the Retirement Villages Act 2003.”

Resident Ian Fuller says he chose Oakland Lodge Village after looking at many of the other villages in the area.

“Finding Oakland’s spacious, light and airy well-

At Oakland Lodge Village we care.

At Oakland Lodge Village our residents enjoy the sunny, lightfilled environments that offer independence, security and companionship. Being a boutique village, you are known personally and your family is too.

appointed apartments suited what I was looking for and being in such a central position, so handy to many social, health and shopping areas, it gives you a feeling of still being part of the wider community.”

Jamie-Lee says whatever your requirements are the Oakland team can support you with a variety of services “plus we have an adjoining rest home and hospital complex for added peace of mind”. “Even though we are a small community, we are a fun and happy village where you can be involved as much or as little as you wish. But don’t take our word for it, come and check us out by calling 027 253 2402. I will be delighted to show you through our very a ordable apartments.”

Enjoy breath-taking views from our a ordable one bedroom apartments. Photo: supplied.

Age Concern Tauranga is o ering free ‘Staying Safe’ Driver Refresher Courses for senior drivers.

Age Concern Tauranga manager

Tanya Smith asks seniors to think about when they last had a refresher course for driving.

“Do you know how ageing can a ect your driving? Or are you feeling unsettled because you have a medical coming up to renew your licence?”

is is where Age Concern can help – they are delighted to be working with the New Zealand Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) to deliver the ‘Staying Safe’ Refresher Courses for senior drivers in the Western Bay of Plenty.

Tanya says getting older can a ect our driving in di erent ways “and this theory-based course is an

opportunity for you to refresh your knowledge about driving”.

“We want to help people keep safe on the road and enjoy the independence driving gives them.

“We know senior drivers are involved in fewer crashes than other age groups as they often drive conservatively and travel less distances – but if they are involved in a collision it can be more serious for them as it takes longer to heal and recover.”

Tanya says the Staying Safe refresher course is a good way for senior drivers to refresh their skills and local knowledge in a friendly and welcoming environment “with plenty of opportunities to ask questions”.

See Age Concern’s advertisement on this page for the location and dates of upcoming courses. Places are limited – so call 07 578 2631 to reserve your seat. Group bookings are available.

Age Concern Tauranga manager Tanya Smith. Photo: John Borren.

Third businesswomen speaker series on way

One of Aotearoa’s best-loved media personalities and an internationally-renowned Kiwi entrepreneur are set to inspire hundreds of women at Baycourt this June.

Kerre Woodham and Rebekah Campbell will headline this year’s

Business Women’s Network Speaker Series on Tuesday, June 27, run by Tauranga Business Chamber.

e pair will be joined by fellow speakers Cooney Lees Morgan CEO Cecilia Burgess, well-known disability advocate Amanda Lowry, and leadership expert Sally Dux eld.

Event organiser Anne Pankhurst says the annual sell-out event is

We're focused on helping you achieve your financial goals.

We're focused on helping you achieve your financial goals.

moving to a new location this year in order to allow more women to be inspired and empowered by the line-up of speakers.

Paving the way

“ is remarkable group of women all perfectly embody our theme for this year’s event which is ‘paving the way’,” says Anne.

Tristan Hewett Director, Financial Adviser 021 119 9458 tristan@rapson.co.nz

Tristan Hewett Director, Financial Adviser tristan@rapson.co.nz

a book about searching for love at the same time as launching a global technology business.

Building a community

“From reaching great heights in journalism and entrepreneurism, to exploring the neuroscience of leadership, our speakers have truly paved the way in their respective industries. “ eir stories – full of passion, adversity, and grit – will challenge the way the audience thinks in both life and in business.”

focused on helping you your financial goals.

focused on helping you achieve your financial goals.

focused on helping you your financial goals.

We are a team of financial advisers specialising in mortgage lending of any type including first home purchases, investment properties, up-sizing houses and business purchases.

Director, Financial Adviser 021 119 9458 tristan@rapson.co.nz

Tristan Hewett Director, Financial Adviser 021 119 9458 tristan@rapson.co.nz

We deal with banks on your behalf making the lending process easy and stress-free, and there generally no cost for our services.

We are a team of financial advisers specialising in mortgage lending of any type including first home purchases, investment properties, up-sizing houses and business purchases. We deal with banks on your behalf making the lending process easy and stress-free, and there generally no cost for our services. We can also provide financial advice on your existing loan structure to help with interest rate savings.

Brooke Reynolds Director, Financial Adviser 021 942 320 brooke@rapson.co.nz

connecting

Director, Financial Adviser 021 119 9458 tristan@rapson.co.nz

Tristan Hewett Director, Financial Adviser 021 119 9458 tristan@rapson.co.nz

She rst gained national attention as organiser of the ‘Levi’s Life Festival’ in Wellington at age 20. is third annual Speaker Series event aims to connect Bay of Plenty women in business, with a view to building a community of women all looking to make positive change. “Our attendees love hearing from inspiring women of all di erent elds, and connecting with local businesswomen at varying stages of their careers,” says Anne.

We can also provide financial advice on your existing loan structure to help with interest rate savings.

advisers specialising in mortgage including first home purchases, investment houses and business purchases. your behalf making the lending process there generally no cost for our services. financial advice on your existing loan interest rate savings.

team of financial advisers specialising in mortgage type including first home purchases, investment up-sizing houses and business purchases. banks on your behalf making the lending process stress-free, and there generally no cost for our services. provide financial advice on your existing loan help with interest rate savings.

We are a team of financial advisers specialising in mortgage lending of any type including first home purchases, investment properties, up-sizing houses and business purchases.

easy

Director, Financial Adviser brooke@rapson.co.nz

Brooke Reynolds Director, Financial Adviser 021 942 320 brooke@rapson.co.nz

Director, Financial Adviser brooke@rapson.co.nz

Jacques Pitts Financial Adviser 027 301 7177 jacques@rapson.co.nz

Jacques Pitts Financial Adviser 027 301 7177 jacques@rapson.co.nz

Jacques Pitts Financial Adviser 027 301 7177 jacques@rapson.co.nz

Keynote speaker Kerre is known as a national treasure in Kiwi media. She began her television career on ‘Fair Go’ and has made regular appearances on TV in the 35 years that followed, including ‘Intrepid Journeys’, ‘Heartland’, ‘Ready Steady Cook’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars’. She hosts her own radio show on Newstalk ZB.

Jacques Pitts Financial Adviser 027 301 7177 jacques@rapson.co.nz

Brooke Reynolds Director, Financial Adviser 021 942 320 brooke@rapson.co.nz

Jacques Pitts Financial Adviser 027 301 7177 jacques@rapson.co.nz

Phone 07 577 1209 Visit rapson.co.nz

Phone 07 577 1209 Visit rapson.co.nz

Director, Financial Adviser 021 942 320 brooke@rapson.co.nz advisers specialising in mortgage including first home purchases, investment houses and business purchases. your behalf making the lending process there generally no cost for our services. financial advice on your existing loan interest rate savings. Phone 07

Keynote speaker Rebekah is founder of three successful companies, and author of ‘138 Dates’

“ is year we’re raising the bar further with a bigger venue, and a new expo-type set up to show o some great local businesses and products – all owned by women.” Tickets are available at: https://www.tauranga.org.nz/

Get sound advice in these uncertain times

Phone 07 577 1209 Visit rapson.co.nz

ere’s some real uncertainty in interest rate markets lately. ere’s talk of further interest rate increases with a potential recession the outcome from those O cial Cash Rate increases. Now is the time to talk with a nancial adviser who can provide advice around whether to x, oat, restructure or maybe re nance.

Banks are falling over themselves to try and get new clients, with new mortgage registrations continuing to drop. Banks are providing signi cant cash contributions and some very favourable interest rates if you re nance to them. We’re also seeing cash contributions for our clients when we ask the banks if they want to keep their clients. ey know their clients are at risk when we ask the question, and hence give us the best rates and cash contributions available. If you have a

loan coming o its xed rates, reach out to us for a discussion. With interest rates heading

to the highest level since October 2008, now is the time to talk with a nancial adviser. If you go direct to the bank, they’re not able to provide you any advice around what you should do in your situation.

A nancial adviser knows what’s happening in the interest rate market, and can provide you with sound advice. We take into consideration your goals and plans for the future and help you with the decision of whether xing, oating or a restructure might suit you situation.

We know your situation is unique – and so is our advice!

Kerre Woodham. Photos: supplied.

Rebekah Campbell.

So much music coming our way

Easter is over. e Jazz Fest is done. But there’s always more music around the corner...

First of all though, hats o to the organisers of the Jazz Festival. What a splendid event, fully tting of a 60th anniversary. We try to look ahead here at e Sun so I won’t dwell at any length, but a big hats o to Marc Anderson, the festival director, and to Liam Ryan, who corralled the biggest contingent of youth bands to ever attend the festival.

While the main event was celebrating 60 years, and the Rodger Fox Big Band 50 years – yes, Rodger was a mere teenager when he started it – the Youth Band Competition quietly turned 45 and had to be extended to an extra day to accommodate the glut of entrants.

One factor in this

increasing success is the very inclusive decision to reduce the registration fees for those attending. is allowed for much greater participation from lower decile schools, who proved that lack of funding in no way means lack of talent. But music never stops, and rarely even pauses, so let’s glance ahead at next weekend...

Next Friday, April 21, at Totara Street sees Salmonella Dub Soundsystem nally making it to Tauranga after an elaborate tour meant to celebrate 30 years was destroyed by Covid-19. Now Salmonella Dub originator Andrew Penman, AKA DJ Rude boy, is bringing Tahoe soul diva Whirimako Black to lift the roof with the Mighty Asterix and Salmonella Dub’s horn section. is tour launches ‘For All ings Alive’, Salmonella Dub’s long overdue double digital album.

Delays

e band started writing material for it in January 2012, the week of their nal Kaikoura Roots Festival; it was nally nished, with the last vocal take from Troy Kingi, in Whakatu on the day of the September 2021 lockdown. e plan was to launch ‘For All ings Alive’ at the end of 2021 o the back of a 37-date tour. e tour ended up being cancelled after three shows.

So this album has taken 10 years to make and three years to release. It should be a magni cent show: tickets are $40 (early bird) or $45; things happen at 8pm.

e following night AutoMatic 80s return to Tauranga for the eighth time. I have been told this is consistently the most

popular touring show at Totara Street. ey “deliver the smash hits of this unforgettable and exciting musical era”.

Well I bloody hate the eighties. Take your big hair, padded shoulders, and eye-straining fabric colours and as far as I’m concerned stick them where the sun don’t shine. However, if you disagree, tickets are $45; the show starts at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile, over at e Jam Factory there’s a whole bunch of music being released.

ursday April 20’s double-header sees retro rock band Zephyr Love team up with Americanborn singer/songwriter Jennifer K. Austin. Both acts have recently recorded at e Lab Studios in Auckland; Tauranga is stop number six on their nationwide tour.

In Jennifer’s case it’s an EP and single called ‘Cards’, with Zephyr Love it’s an album called ‘Homage’, the title track of which has even sneaked into the charts. I’d describe both of them as “radio-friendly mainstream rock”. Tickets are $10, doors open at 7pm.

Soloist

e following night, Friday, April 21, local out t We Will Ride Fast releases new album ‘Army of Invisible Zombies’. We Will Ride Fast is in fact psychedelic post-punk solo artist, singer/multi-instrumentalist, Kyle Sattler. e 10-track album, is out digitally and on 180 gram red 12 inch vinyl and is a follow up to 2021’s gloom rock album ‘Emotional Molecules’. is is interestingly strange and eccentric music and, with support from Edward Gains and Doubler, it could be a night to remember.

Tickets $15, show, 7pm And one last local show. On Sunday afternoon at Jack Dusty’s Ale House in Bureta, e TJS Blues Band is playing. ey are Trevor Brainiac (guitar), Stefan Brainiac (drums) and Julian Clark (bass). Together they play classic electric blues from New Orleans, Texas, Chicago and Britain. Trevor is as good a blues guitarist as you could hope to hear and it’s free. What’s not to like? Music kicks o at 3pm.

Salmonella Dub.

A great race in a great valley

Map reading, puzzle solving, and mountain biking are the ingredients that go into making the Great K Valley Cycle Adventure a whānau friendly fun day out.

Set in the Kopurererua Valley Reserve and run by Tauranga Sunrise Rotary, the event will be held on this Sunday, April 16.

“ e scavenger hunt is environmentally-focused, takes entrants to areas that are usually unexplored, and highlights what an asset the valley is to the community,” says the club’s director of the environment committee, Michele Beaton.

Cyclists set o between 10am and 12pm on April 16 – and funds raised from the event will go to the Graeme Dingle Foundation which supports children in many ways, including the school-facilitated Kiwi Can programme.

Michelle says the valley is the biggest wetland restoration in New Zealand

and is home to a wide range of species. “Wetlands are amazing. ey suck up greenhouse gasses, are somewhere for excess ood waters to go, and are a real hidden gem that many people don’t even realise are there.” e combined Rotary Clubs of Tauranga have been assisting Tauranga City Council with regeneration of the valley since the millennium, with annual planting, rat trapping and fundraising e orts.

Highlighting the long Māori history of the area, Michele says: “It’s important for people to know that Ngāi Tamarāwaho is mana whenua of Kopurererua Valley”.

“ ey’ve done a lot of work in partnership with the council in the valley and with its river, and also in raising awareness of Puketoromiro Pā located towards the southern end of the valley.”

For more information and to enter, see: www.eventspronto.co.nz

Event to empower Tauranga’s youth

Jammin’ in the Park is part of Tauranga Youth Development Team’s 100% Summer Series and it’s shaping to be an unforgettable event –empowering youth to be themselves, overcome challenges, and groove to some amazing tunes by local performers.

It’s all going down this Saturday, April 15 from 3pm-6pm at Carlton Street Reserve in Otūmoetai. And guess what? It’s absolutely free to attend!

e line-up is stacked with incredible talent, including college bands and local musicians like Sophie Maude, Unit 51, Seaside Jams, Cybele Chapman, and Blah Blah Uh Huh Boo Hoo.

But Jammin’ in the Park is not just about music – it’s about celebrating uniqueness in this digital age where social media and peer pressure can sometimes be overwhelming.

Tauranga Youth Development Team general manager Erika Harvey, Erena Lagas and Rebecca Kit have been working with their youth advisory panel since 2022 where the concept was created. “We’ve been fortunate to work with some wonderful students who’ve been open in sharing many of the struggles they’re facing today. We wanted to create a festival where everyone can just be themselves and have a blast embracing who

they are.” Sophie Maude, a super-talented Tauranga musician who has overcome challenges with Autism, ADHD, OCD, and Tourette’s syndrome, will perform and spread an important message of self-acceptance and hope.

Sophie, whose latest single ‘Take Me Away’ topped the NZ Hot 40 Singles Chart, is stoked to perform in a welcoming and inclusive environment where she can connect with audiences and jam out on-stage with her guitarist. She believes in being real about her struggles to inspire others and make them feel welcome, just like she wished she had felt growing up on the spectrum.

Artist Sam Allen will create a collaborative art piece on-site that you can join in on. ere will be roaming performers, food trucks, a chill-out zone and giant outdoor games.

So mark your calendars for Saturday, April 15, gather your squad, and head to Carlton Street Reserve for a fun, safe, and sober event.

Erika gives a shoutout to Matt Bodman and Otūmoetai College for providing the back line for the event “Events like this can have a huge impact on young people, giving them a chance to showcase their musical talents and connect with their peers in a positive and supportive environment. Teachers like Matt play a vital role in making these events a success.”

Catherine Sylvester

Tauranga musician Sophie Maude.

Bay’s biggest art expo is on this month!

Tauranga Society of Artists is once again hosting a large and prestigious exhibition this month at Tauranga Boys’ College Gymnasium.

Attendees to the exhibition on April 20-23 can expect to see more than 400 pieces on display, along with ‘live art’ in action, card and prints, a guest exhibitor group and the chance to vote for the People’s Choice award.

“ is will be a memorable Art Expo – so make sure you don’t miss out. Experience beautiful, creative and a ordable art – all displayed in the very spacious and well-lit gym of Tauranga Boys’ College,” says Tauranga Society of Artists’ Robin Purllant.

With more than 200 members, Robin says the society is the largest group of artists in the Bay of Plenty. “ e society participates in a wide range of art genres and mediums, producing an astounding variety of original artwork.”

As such, the exhibition – open 9.30am-5pm daily from ursday, April 20 through to Sunday, April 23 – will have something for everyone. “ e People’s Choice award gives visitors an opportunity to vote for their favourite painting. At the last exhibition more than 1000 people voted, so participate to be in the draw to win an original artwork!”

is year’s guest exhibitor is the Bethlehem Pottery Club – and, society members will again be demonstrating their tremendous range of skills by providing ‘live art’. “ e ‘Art in Action’ will

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa

MajorFundnowopen

Applications for the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa

Major Fund are now open until Monday, April 24.

Sport Bay of Plenty is proud to be managing the major fund on behalf of Sport NZ in our region, with up to $40,000 available to help tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth) get active through play, recreation and sport.

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa provides funding for programmes or projects delivering play, active recreation and sport experiences for tamariki and rangatahi. ese may be new or already operating.

Up to

is available to help

or programme.

include

di erent mediums – oils, acrylic, watercolour, pastel and many more.

From portrait drawing to painting, sketching to illustrating, all will be demonstrated at various times throughout the four days. So come along to meet our talented artists!”

Always popular and to be repeated this exhibition is the display of cards and prints, which many society artists produce from their artwork.

Robin says the society o ers members daily opportunities – including workshops, open sessions, tutorials and friendship at their base Art Room in Elizabeth Street East.

“All activities are designed to complement and build upon the creativity and skill that goes on in their own homes and studios.”

is developing skill and creativity will be on show April 20-23 at Tauranga Boys’ College Gymnasium, corner of 14th Ave-Devonport Rd, Tauranga City from 9.30am-5pm. Entry is free.

Research shows some groups, such as young women, young people who experience high deprivation or young people with disabilities, are more at risk of low levels of physical activity because they face barriers to being active.

erefore, programmes or projects that reach these groups will be prioritised for funding.

e major fund is targeted at larger scale projects with up to $40,000 potentially available per project

Since Sport BOP began managing the major fund on behalf of Sport NZ in the 2020-2021 nancial year, 13 organisations have bene tted with an overall funding tally of $458,635.

An organisation must be a legal entity to apply and examples of eligibility for Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding are available online at: www.sportbop.co.nz/ funding/tu-manawa-active-aotearoa/ Applications for the major fund are open until Monday, April 24.

Major Fund Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa

$40,000

tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth) get active through play, recreation and sport. Photo: supplied.

Artist Robin Purllant will display his artworks at the Art Expo on April 20-23.

Photo: John Borren.

Pride and prejudice...

We as a nation are reported as being open-minded, tolerant of others’ views and opinions, accepting of others cultures/beliefs, respectful and supposedly having freedom of speech.

Something Posie Parker’s brief visit to our country highlighted was that these attributes only apply to some groups and not others. Has anyone else noticed that there seems to be partiality and preference shown to far left groups and that tolerance and acceptance appear to be onesided?

It would be nice to see balance brought back into our society, where the views of everyone are heard respectfully without antagonism.

Perhaps we are too quick to jump on the media bandwagon, with anti comments and partiality spurring hate speech and violence towards people, including Posie Parker who is being attacked for putting up a poster stating the fact a woman is

an adult female, and for being prowomen.

Certainly the wheels fell o the proverbial wagon recently with certain demonstrators’ appalling behaviour. Posie Parker didn’t deserve that. Where was the tolerance, self-control, respect of others etc then, that we pride ourselves on as a nation?

Carol Oliver, Tauranga City.

The climate has always changed!

Re: ‘ e hidden culprit of climate change’ ( e Weekend Sun letters page, April 6, 2023.

Relax Ken, the earth is not going to turn into another moon.

According to Dr Geo Du y, an Emeritus Professor of chemical and materials engineering at the University of Auckland, 99.8 per cent of all greenhouse gases in NZ are from natural sources.

In other words, only .2 per cent of all greenhouse gases in this country are man-made. If anyone thinks they can change the climate by

reducing that .2 per cent they are delusional.

e Mediaeval Warm Period was warmer than today, and the Little Ice Age temperatures were cooler. e climate has always changed. We should be looking at mitigation and protection measures rather than giving billions to the lost cause of trying to change the climate. I suggest you read ‘Global Warming – A counter-blaste to the Man-made Global Warming Hypothesis’ by Dr Kelvin Duncan for a good overview.

Paul Grimmer, Papamoa.

A cavalier attitude of the top level incomes...

Re: ‘Rising wages and falling sales’ article on page 3, e Weekend Sun, March 31. In this article one phrase in particular stuck with me. Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley said: “ ere are opportunities to have very targeted marketing to get the right types of customers in” for small businesses. I wonder what type of people he thinks are the “right type”?

Perhaps he meant a uent folk with expendable income. For those who are on stricter budgets in order to keep the four walls secure – food, utilities, housing and transport – the luxury of hiring a cleaner or

buying ready-made food at a bakery has gone by the wayside long ago.

ose who used to be on what was considered a “good wage” remain on the same wage and dealing with the increased overheads, while those on minimum have experienced pay rises to help them catch up, but it’s still not enough. Now both categories of income can rarely a ord such. at wee throwaway phrase shows a cavalier attitude of the top level incomes, that is disappointing to see.

Andrea McIntyre, Ohauiti.

Scraping the bottom of the barrel...

Re: White CIS males. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson seems to have scraped the bottom of her insult barrel to come up with that. Stretched her credibility too. I can’t help thinking that ‘white’ is a slur used in this manner.

To me, male and female, man and woman, need no pre x, because that is our gender when we are born. It is normal in the sense that the

majority are happy with their gender. It doesn’t mean that everyone else is abnormal the way it is commonly used. Just that they are di erent to the norm.

If Marama could be happy with that instead of conjuring up persecution, she and her friends could lead the life they want. Just look at her achievements, she is the equal of any other person.

Dan Russell, Welcome Bay.

I would like to just send a message saying how thrilled I am that my friend’s trinket has been found by the lovely lady who tried her best to nd the owner. Yes it had a big sentimental value and I am so happy for her. ank you for having it on SunLive where a couple of her friends saw it and let her know.

Marilyn Schoeman, Bellevue

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Churches Active In Our Community Of sheep and shepherds…

e heart of Christianity is about being in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and this relationship has often been described in the Bible through the imagery of sheep and shepherds.

Many of us will be familiar with the 23rd Psalm, which begins: ‘ e Lord is my shepherd’. We often hear this psalm read at funerals, but it is more than a funeral psalm, it is a psalm for our living also.

Back in that time sheep knew their shepherd. ese sheep were kept primarily for their wool, and so they remained in the ock all their lives. is meant each sheep would have a relationship with their shepherd, which would span many years. And of course the sheep would get to know their own shepherd’s voice and would follow them to their daily pastures.

e shepherd would guide, protect and care for them all their lives.

is is why this imagery is used throughout the Bible to describe God’s relationship with us. It shows a sense of relationship, of intimacy, of trust between the shepherd and the sheep. Likewise, the Lord invites us to enter this relationship with Himself. He is your shepherd, who guides you through life and then nally ushers you into eternity.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23)”. May God bless you all.

Sandra Warner, St Columba Presbyterian

Tauranga

Church

Churches

BETH

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SABBATH 10AM

OTUMOETAI PRIMARY

SABBATH 10AM OTUMOETAI PRIMARY

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

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021 768 043

ALL WELCOME SHALOM info@bethel.org.nz

ALL WELCOME SHALOM info@bethel.org.nz

BETH - EL la tyb Messianic Family bethel.org.nz

EL la tyb Messianic Family bethel.org.nz

COME & SEE OUR NEW Design & Build Showhome in Ōmokoroa

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At Classic Builders, we understand that when it comes to building a home, you want something that expresses your lifestyle and taste.

Working with local architects alongside the Classic Builders in-house design team, the Design & Build option is surprisingly affordable and can work for various budgets. Our team love a creative challenge and has built homes of all shapes and sizes over the last 26 years.

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Dreaming of your new home? Come in and see our latest Design & Build Showhome and meet our local team at 19 Ridge Drive, Omokoroa and let’s bring your dream to life.