The Weekend Sun - 12 May 2023

Singing out for singers!

“It’s like a drug and it’s so good for your health.” at’s how one member of a Tauranga barbershop singing group describes the talent. “With barbershop you get a chord with four parts, four notes and when you get them right you get what they call an overtone and the chords ring – you can

hear it ringing and it goes right through you.” Despite the wondrous feeling, Tauranga’s men’s and women’s barbershop singing groups are only just surviving. e men’s group, ‘Harmony-a-plenty’ used to have 20 members – now they’re down to six. Pictured is four of

them – Ralph Morse, Frank King, Grant Dengate and David Walpole. And so David and his wife Erica, from the women’s group, are making an appeal for new members –male and female. Read more about their story on page 7.

Photo: John Borren.

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Sun Media Ltd Directors: Claire & Brian Rogers Editor: Merle Cave Editorial: Letitia Atkinson, Alisha Evans, Rosalie Liddle Crawford, Taylor Rice, Georgia Minkhorst, Hunter Wells

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Tuck the shower curtain in the bathtub

is is about a rogue bra, a hotel baron, a tarnished reputation, ponds of greywater on the oor, mobile phones and common sense.

All the ingredients for an industrial strength moan. We all enjoy a moan –so come for the ride. My bitching and bellyaching might make you feel better about your lot.

It starts with a bloke called Conrad Nicholson Hilton Snr who ran pubs. ere are more than 584 Hilton branded hotels across six of the seven continents, so he was pretty good at it.

Now, apart from being good at stocking a mini fridge, tucking in the corners of bed sheets, and making squillions, Conrad was a profound chap.

Quote: “We have no greater God-given responsibility than that of extending a helping hand to our fellow man”. Noble stu , but he did back the talk with the walk? Last year his charity donated NZ$700 million to the impoverished and disadvantaged. at would have paid for a pretty ash stadium for the Tauranga Domain, which has got to happen. And with the change, a museum on Cli Road, which should have happened. But let’s not stir the pot.

But perhaps Hilton Snr’s deepest utterance, his most meaningful gift to mankind, at least in my mind, was this titbit. “Remember to tuck the shower curtain inside the bathtub.” Doesn’t everyone? Did we need be reminded? It should be the eleventh commandment, and violators sentenced to an eternity in Hamilton.

Consequences

But it seems not to have occurred to many fellow gym bunnies that if you leave the shower curtain outside during a shower, there will be consequences. Any water that strikes the shower curtain will drain onto the oor. I thought any adult could gure that. At worst there will be a ood of Ark proportions, and at best there’s still an unholy mess that the next user has to wade through. ey never mop up, they just walk out with impunity and

leave us to wallow in. Lovely!

I asked one o ender if he would do this at home? He just said: “I’m not at home”. Very droll! He won that with a good comeback.

Perhaps all the other animals in his farmyard behave the same way. I wonder what the oors like in their throne room? No, I don’t want to wonder.

And all that before we concern ourselves with athlete’s foot, wart viruses and a nasty bag of HPV viruses that ourish in the wetness of shared showering facilities at a gym. And something nasty called

identical bag, but I had grabbed the wrong bag. I hadn’t paid attention, didn’t attend to the small things...didn’t tuck the shower curtain.

I get back into my kit and do the walk of shame with some unsuspecting women’s bag to the front desk. I looked guilty, behaved guilty, and was found guilty, because the receptionist didn’t quite buy into my explanation about how I came to be ri ing through a female member’s gear bag.

Oh the shame! I went to the gym for a workout and emerged with a very public fetish disorder and Conrad’s wisdom ringing in my head.

For weeks after I walked sheepishly into the gym, sure they were still gossiping about the dodgy old guy who hankers for lacy white bras. Well, I don’t. I prefer pastel ones.

Now let’s forget the metal heads, the dead lifters, who drop weights from a great height, sending seismic shocks through the gym. No-one’s impressed.

methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant to antibiotics. Very nasty. e body’s ripped, shame about the viruses.

Any-hoo, I suspect Conrad was thinking big picture when he made the shower curtain in the bathtub comment – when a bank collapses, when a car company goes belly up, when an airline folds, it’s always because someone didn’t attend to the small stu rst. Someone didn’t tuck the shower curtain inside the bathtub.

A white lacy bra

I ‘didn’t tuck the shower curtain inside the bathtub’ when I grabbed my blue Nike gear bag from the shelves after a gym workout and headed for the infested swamp that is the shower. I opened the bag to get the body wash and there it was…a white lacy bra. And it didn’t belong to this bloke. Right kind of bag, an

Gym protocols

And if you research gym protocols –something you could do if stuck in tra c on Hewletts Rd – there’s not a tness establishment in the world that condones idle mobile phone activity in a gym. Okay – here are two schools of thought. Mobiles can be a tool for workouts, but there is no place for Facetiming while on the treadmill. I remonstrated with one young ‘o ender’, who after ve minutes of tortoise-like walking had called two mates to explain she was having a ‘workout’. Workout? e only thing working out were her ngers and her yappy gums.

“RUDE!” she red back at my rolling eyes and deep sighing. Uh uh – only one rude person here young lady. Now you can understand the big issues impacting my life this week. I hope it makes you feel better.

an inn for traveling salesmen. By 1915 he was president and partner in the A.H. Hilton and Son general store. Source: https://www.britannica.com

Risking lives for years to come

ey say the roads were promised to be made safer by the year’s end. Now, a Belk Rd resident says people will have to take State Highway 29 gambles for at least another two years.

Last month, a forum designed to aid Western Bay of Plenty’s “signi cant infrastructure de cit” was launched. Titled Western Bay of Plenty Infrastructure Forum, the launch was attended by Finance Minister Grant Robertson, local government, business leaders and community representatives. Grant stated: “[ e region] is now clearly at a scale and size now where a plan like this is absolutely essential”.

Promises broken

Included in the projects identi ed needing investment and prioritisation is short-term improvements to State Highway 29, Tauriko, set for completion in 2025. Yet Belk Rd resident of 40 years, Leigh Neilson, says the 2025 date isn’t good enough. “ ey promised us this year [2023 end]. Why has it been deferred? Haven’t they got any money? I think that’s the issue right. ey can’t even x the potholes so that’s not our problem. ey need to cut back somewhere else…it was committed.”

Key elements of enabling roadworks include closure of the existing SH29 Belk Rd intersection, a new intersection with tra c lights on SH29 at Tauriko, upgrades to SH29/ Cambridge Rd intersection including tra c lights, and a new roundabout at SH29/Redwood Lane.

e project is estimated at $258m. “Since 2017 Belk Rd residents, Tauriko, have been promised safety enhancements to the road intersection with SH29.” After the learning of the forum’s action plan timeline,

Leigh says it was “shock horror”. “It’s totally shameful.” e Sun asked Waka Kotahi NZTA why they’d gone back on their 2023 completion project date and pushed it out to 2025? “As part of public engagement in mid-2022, Waka Kotahi and Tauranga City Council have communicated that construction is expected to start in 2023,” says Waka Kotahi regional manager of system design Jess Andrew. “ is timing is subject to the approvals being obtained under the Resource Management Act 1991 and nalisation of all aspects of funding. e RMA approvals are currently being processed by TCC.”

Delays and risks

WBOP councillor Margaret Murray-Benge is supporting Belk Rd and SH29 residents. “For the people who live in the Kaimai Ranges, their challenge is they have to enter and exit this highway – and doing so is unnecessarily dangerous,” says Margaret. “ ey take their lives in their hands every day.”

e Sun asked TCC, which is working on consents, if they could fast-track this project? “Project delivery is being led by Waka Kotahi in close consultation with TCC, with the goal to move into construction in late-2023,” says TCC structure planning and strategic transport team lead Alistair Talbot. “ e outcome of the current consultation and statutory consenting processes will in uence how soon the SH29/Belk Rd intersection closure project can be delivered – works cannot proceed without consents being approved.”

Margaret has organised a public meeting for SH29 residents, with Waka Kotahi and National’s transport and infrastructure spokesperson MP Simeon Brown to attend. e meeting is 7pm Tuesday, May 23, at the Kaimai School Hall, 1853 SH29. Georgia

Minkhorst

WBOP councillor Margaret Murray-Benge and Leigh Neilson at the Belk Rd/SH29 intersection.

Photo: Brydie ompson.

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Erosions and river discoloration

Multiple slips and erosion in the upper reaches of catchments across Bay of Plenty are washing sediment into rivers and estuaries and causing them to discolour.

At sites measured by Bay of Plenty Regional Council there’s been an average of 200 per cent of normal rainfall in the last three months – this means catchments are receiving around twice as much rain as usual.

BOPRC compliance team leader Trudy Richards says after rain events council’s Pollution Hotline often receives reports of sedimentation or discolouration of streams, rivers, and estuaries. Trudy says while there are construction sites downstream in Tauriko, the compliance team has con rmed the river is discoloured before it reaches the earthworks.

New council hub

A hub designed to connect the Mount community with the council is o cially open. e Mount Hub o cially opened its doors Monday.

Commission Chair Anne Tolley says the new community collaboration space at 9 Prince Ave will make it easier for Mount locals and visitors to connect with council, to learn more about what’s happening in the area, and share their thoughts on projects and initiatives. “ e Mount Hub will allow the community to get a better awareness of work happening in the area, connect with sta , provide feedback and attend workshops and engagement events.”

Missing lids

Fire hydrant lids have become “hot property” in the Western BOP leaving the council puzzled by their disappearance. ere have been six lids taken from re hydrants and valve boxes in three separate incidents, with two in Te Puke and one in Paengaroa.

WBOPDC network team leader Peter Edwards says it’s “a relatively new situation, with the public reporting the missing lids in the last week”. “We’re not entirely sure why these lids have all of a sudden become hot property, but suspect selling the metal to scrap metal dealers may be a motive.”

Bridge solution

Construction on a new bridge connecting Coromandel Peninsula communities is expected to start in June. A bridge has been touted as the fastest and most resilient way forward after State Highway 25A was washed out back in January.

e Kopu-Hikuai highway was closed after formation of deep cracks and slips following Cyclone Hale. Rebuild costs are being nalised, however the estimated cost is $3040m. is work is being funded through the Government’s $250m top-up to the National Land Transport Programme fund to support the recovery. Completion is early-2024.

Locals’ ideas for national budget

Amid unpredictable economic times and severe weather events, it’s time to think money.

Minister of Finance Grant Robertson will present the 2023 Budget on ursday, May 18. e Weekend Sun took to e Strand to discover Tauranga’s hopes for this year’s Budget.

ough most individuals e Sun encountered in Tauranga’s City Centre weren’t aware the Budget was rapidly approaching, once enlightened locals had a passionate interest in its prospects.

Scott Lockhart has priorities: Hospitals, schools, housing. Scott would like to see the budget “ease the housing crisis” and provide “more teachers, teacher’s aids and what not” for schools.

Liz Cooper and Serena Bentley shared Scott’s interest in hospital funding. Serena said bluntly: “Paying nurses more.” Liz would like “for the healthcare system to be supported so that…they’re all paid and remunerated well, so we actually have people working in that industry”.

ey anticipate the bene t this Budget could potentially have on health patients too. Liz says: “I put my back out… I did do a bit of a gulp when they presented me with the bill”. Amongst a cost of living crisis, Serena says: “If people are tossing up whether or not to go to the doctor, whether they can a ord to go to the doctor, there’s something wrong”.

Healthcare

Serena fears that healthcare is una ordable. “Ideally, you know, as someone who has friends on lower incomes, it shouldn’t cost you 50-60 dollars to go to the doctors.”

e cost of living crisis was also a hot topic for Tauranga’s Budget discussions with e Sun. Liz had the idea to adopt the UK’s VAT system, “where you only tax the kind of luxury foods” to soothe the grocery bill.

Realtor Clark Mazey wants infrastructure improved. “I think

roading is a key thing.” Clark asks: “Why not put a public train system right down Cameron Rd from Pyes Pa, shuttle people in? is would improve Tauranga’s parking.” Clark continues: “parking’s a real issue”. “Really frustrating for me, it adds up.” After what Liz describes as “a horrendous few months of weather” she agrees that road infrastructure “is probably an important one as well”.

ough discussing the Budget –which details the Government’s annual spending plans on a national level –Tauranga residents want attention shone on their city’s centre. Clark thinks the city should open up bars and shops on the water. “I just think that it would be nice to see more people in the city.”

And while a nationwide Budget is unlikely to favour Tauranga speci cally, a nationwide infrastructure boost would bolster city life, says Clark.

e arts

“It would be nice to see more people in the city… how do you get them in? Have things they want to come to, less parking issues, more public transport.”

Liz and Serena, appropriately found outside Tauranga Art Gallery, are in the arts, and would like the budget to bene t “the arts of course!” Chavelle Gardiner thinks Tauranga could bene t from such culture, as she wants money dedicated to “livening up Tauranga, actually. Looks ugly”.

SH2 delays to continue

Motorists are advised peak-time congestion on State Highway 2 between Ōmokoroa and Bethlehem is set to continue.

Waka Kotahi says this highway stretch is very sensitive to any changes in tra c ow and having 500m between Wairoa Bridge and Bethlehem reduced to 30km/hr at Taniwha Place in the past few weeks has caused peak-time delays. “Tauranga City Council apologises for recent delays due to kerb and channel work being done as part of the Wairoa Cycleway project and has negotiated to complete construction earlier than planned.”

TCC director of transport Brendan Bisley says the construction team is working hard to have the work completed by the weekend. is work has to be done before major resurfacing by Waka Kotahi in the next two weeks. Waka Kotahi will also do resurfacing work from Wairoa Bridge to the Bethlehem roundabout – unrelated to the cycleway – from May 14 to June 1.

Clark Mazey.

Liz Cooper and Serena Bentley.

Scott Lockhart.

Chavelle Gardiner.

Chloe Davison

Road safety heroes!

Responsibility, reliability and good listening is what it takes to keep their fellow friends safe on their school’s road.

Road Safety Week kicks o next week, from May 15-21. Coordinated by road safety charity Brake and sponsored by Waka Kotahi, this year’s theme is ‘Be a road safety hero’.

“It’s about raising awareness to the public and how everyone can play a part in making our roads safe but it’s also recognising people who are already making our roads safer,” says Brake’s director Caroline Perry.

More than 100 schools across Aotearoa will take part in the week, with a special day honouring school road patrols. Caroline says school road patrols are an important part of getting to and from school safely.

“To recognise that, we’ve invited schools to participate in a road patrol superhero day which celebrates the work of road patrol students that keep us safe, and students will be dressing up as road superheroes or superheroes.”

Papamoa Primary School will be among schools

taking part and will thank their own road safety heroes with a special morning tea. Two of the school’s road patrollers Cooper Whitaker and Locky O'Leary Measor gave the lowdown on what it takes to be a good patroller.

“It takes responsibility and reliability turning up early every time. You have to want to be helpful,” says Locky, aged 10. “You need to know the rules of the road and know when to put out the signs. You also have to be a good listener,” says Cooper, aged 11.

e Sun asked the patrolling pair how they feel being seen as road safety heroes? “Good. It’s exciting and makes me feel happy to help people,” says Cooper. “I feel proud. It’s fun being a role model and I have a baby brother Boston and he looks up to me so I want to be a hero,” says Locky.

Caroline says Brake is really grateful for all the work that schools do with their road patrols and the students and the sta that support them “so we want to thank them as part of road safety week.” Road Safety Week runs nationwide from May 15-21. To get involved, visit: http://www. roadsafetyweek.org.nz

Papamoa Primary’s road patrollers Mia Silvester, Locky O’leary-Measor, Pacey Joseph, Cooper Whittaker, Rakei Te Riini, and Tate Hilleard. Photo: Brydie ompson.

Georgia Minkhorst

Swap – don’t shop Tauranga! Swap – don’t shop Tauranga! – shop

Western Bay of Plenty residents are invited to ditch their fast fashion addictions this month and shop sustainably instead at an Autumn Clothes Swap hosted by Envirohub BOP.

Envirohub BOP project coordinator Milly McHardie says the event on Friday, May 19 at 31B Glasgow St, Tauranga City, is a chance to freshen autumn-winter wardrobes at an a ordable price while helping to save the planet.

“So fast fashion as a whole, it is not great for the environment,” says Milly.

Fast fashion

Fast fashion is replicating recent catwalk trends and high-fashion designs and mass-producing them at a low cost for retail stores quickly

while demand is at its highest. is encourages shoppers to continually buy clothing to keep up with fashion – with the excessive consumption detrimental to the environment with many items ending up dumped.

Milly says one way to curtail production of new clothing is swapping what is already produced – hence the clothes swap on May 19 at the Envirohub BOP base.

“Second-hand shopping and swapping is a great opportunity and a low-cost way to try out di erent clothing styles without having an impact on the environment.” e swap is free on May 19, from 6pm-8pm. “We ask people to turn up at 6pm with a maximum of ve clothing items – they can have a free drink and nibbles while we hang the items.”

At 6.30pm the swap begins –where individuals can swap as

many items as they brought along. “We encourage participants to bring gold coins in case they nd more pieces than what they’ve brought,” says Milly.

Turning Point

Milly says all donations will be given to e Turning Point Trust. “Please note your items may sell even if you don’t nd a swap. So only bring pieces you’re ready to part with.”

While people can bring any clothing they want to swap – with winter approaching Milly asks for trans-seasonal pieces.“I wouldn’t suggest bringing a bikini going into winter. Last swap I brought a top I’d had for ages and never wore – now my co-worker wears it regularly.” For more information on this event, see: https://envirohub. org.nz/event/autumn-clothes-swap/

Envirohub’s Laura Wragg, Cathy Donnelly and Milly McHardie with clothing ready to swap next Friday, May 19.

Photo: Brydie ompson.

Merle Cave

Singing out for new members!

It’s like a natural high as the sound reverberates through your body, giving a boost to your senses!

is is the power of barbershop singing, according to Tauranga’s Erica and David Walpole, who are part of their own men and women’s barbershop singing groups. “It’s like a drug and it’s so good for your health,” says Erica. “With barbershop you get a chord with four parts, four notes and when you get them right you get what they call an overtone and the chords ring, and you can hear it ringing and it goes right through you.”

Members needed

Despite the wondrous resonant feeling that barbershop singing gives, Erica says: “We’re only just existing”.

Erica’s women’s group ‘Keynotes’ is down to 13 members. “Our members have dropped over Covid-19,” says David. His men’s group, ‘Harmonya-plenty’ used to have 20 members – now they’re down to six. “We haven’t even got a hall or a venue…we’ve still got some money but we haven’t got surpluses.”

So they need the numbers to keep the music alive,

with hopes to see their memberships get into the 20-plus range. “You can have a barbershop quartet with just four people but our groups are bigger than that, so it needs four parts so you get the harmony,” says Erica.

Sing outs

Both Keynotes and Harmony-a-Plenty do regular ‘sing outs’ for the community. “We go into the resthomes and retirement villages, and give an hour’s entertainment pretty regularly,” says Erica. “We sang at the Mount with about 20 young mothers at their hen’s party. It was a joyous occasion,” says David.

“ e lads often get Valentine’s Day requests too – and I was lucky enough to be serenaded by Harmony-a-Plenty, performing ‘Breaking up is hard to do’ by Neil Sedaka. e delightful acapella sounds make it hard to keep a smile o your face,” says Erica.

ese barbershop boys are hoping to get members up in time for the Barbershop Harmony New Zealand’s Pan Paci c Convention in September. If you’d like to try barbershop singing for yourself phone David on 07 576 0578. Keynotes meets ursdays from 7pm-9.30pm at the Wesley Church, 13th Ave, Tauranga City.

NZ’s best value hearing aids.

Georgia Minkhorst

Ralph Morse, Frank King, Grant Dengate and David Walpole love to sing barbershop-style. Photo: John Borren.

Buy art where your dollar helps youth!

A rare opportunity to buy impressive artworks from some of the Western Bay of Plenty’s more prominent artists, while supporting local youth programmes, is coming up this month.

e Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise’s Treasured Art Exhibition and Auction returns to Tauranga on May 18-20. Nearly 90 pieces of art will be on show from ursday, May 18, to Saturday, May 20, at Tauranga Yacht Club.

e fundraiser, run by the club since 2012, has raised more $325,000 for charities supporting youth initiatives – primarily the Graeme Dingle

Foundation, says an organiser Kathy Webb.

Pieces of art – including some well-known artists such as Anita Blanchett and Arthur Dagley –will be on sale from May 18-20, with hopes of raising muchneeded funding for Kiwi Can, a Graeme Dingle Foundation programme that aides youth development programmes in schools.

Kiwi Can

Kiwi Can is an energy-packed primary school programme aimed at children aged ve-12. It teaches values such as integrity and respect, helps build resilience and delivers fun- lled learning to

schools all around the country.

Well-known artists to feature include consistent donor Anna Blanchett from Queenstown. “Her work is exquisite and very soughtafter.” Other regulars are Peter Wallers, Rob McGregor, Yana Meech and Lynne Brown.

e 2023 event is at Tauranga Yacht Club. Artists who’ve applied to be in the Treasured Art Exhibition and Auction event go through a selection process. ey agree to either donate their work 100 per cent, or to share the proceeds 40 per cent to charity and 60 per cent for their work.

“ is year we’ve included a couple of photographs that have been enhanced and are particularly

beautiful. Also some more quirky items such as a copper-enhanced surfboard, and a copper wall piece along with a wood and pounamu greenstone sculpture by past WBOP Mayor Garry Webber.”

Free exhibition entry

“ e exhibition is free for all to enter, but we need to ticket the auction to ensure we keep the numbers under 250,” says Kathy. e exhibition is 10am-6pm ursday, May 18; 10am-4pm Friday, May 19; and 10am-noon Saturday, May 20. e action, by ticket entry, is 6pm-9pm May 19. Tickets at: https://treasuredart-onthe-harbour.eventbrite.co.nz

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Artist Timo Rannali hard at work.

Photo: Brydie ompson.

“I can’t tell you why, but I wasn’t surprised when it came back and they said that I had cancer… It just showed up through the mammogram,” says Jan Tinetti comfortably over the phone from Wellington.

e Labour List MP for Tauranga, and Government Minister, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 after a routine check-up. She had “no lump”.

Today she’s healthy – in fact, she’s walking at 5.30am daily in support of a service that helped her through her personal battle with the big C. Jan had breast removal and reconstruction surgery, and now has regular specialist check-ups.

100ks in 30 days

Tauranga Breast Cancer Support Services was there in Jan’s time of need – now she’s there in theirs. She’s participating in the 100ks in 30 days fundraiser, which is back for 2023 after TBCC debuted the event last year.

Tauranga residents are being asked to walk, run, cycle, or swim 100ks during May – and gain sponsorship for TBCC on the way.

Jan – one of TBCC’s more high pro le recipients – had a mastectomy in November 2019, and says the bright spot within her battle was Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga.

“I was taken by surprise when I was diagnosed with breast cancer…I probably didn’t cope with it mentally very well at all,” says Jan. “But, the local breast cancer support people and Tauranga support base there were amazing. ey were my lifeline.”

e 100ks in 30 days fundraiser has been extended this year to support breast support services in Northland, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, and nationwide charity Shocking Pink.

MP walks 100ks for ‘lifeline’ service

Jan is a newbie to the event, and will walk her 100ks – on top of her substantial parliamentary workload as the Minster for Women, Education, and Child Poverty and Labour List MP for Tauranga. “ is morning I was up at half past ve, and I’m in Wellington, and I was walking along the waterfront.”

Jan reveals she’s drawing her strength for this challenge from her cancer battle. “I kind of feel that’s the commitment I want to show. It was a big ght going through breast cancer, so doing a month of walking is…it’s nothing compared to what I did to have to ght cancer.”

e fundraiser enables Breast Cancer Support Services to continue to care for individuals like Jan, who says you quickly realise how important the support agencies are once you’re diagnosed. “ ey reached out to me, they gave me the support that I needed. And I want them to be able to keep being able to employ those people, to keep having the resources.”

Regular mammograms

Jan encourages all wahine to undertake regular mammograms too. “It is, particularly for women, a really, really important aspect of taking care of themselves. I didn’t really understand that until I was diagnosed, and everywhere I go I encourage women to make sure they keep up with your mammograms.”

Community centre celebrates 30 years

The Katikati Community Centre – formerly known as the resource centre – is celebrating 30 years of supporting the community with an open day on May 20.

e community open day

is on Saturday, May 20, from 10am-2pm at the centre on Beach Rd, Katikati, and will have food, games, Pasi ka and kapa haka performances, live music, face painting and much more to enjoy. Everyone is welcome!

SPOIL MUM IN DOWNTOWN TAURANGA

Mother’s Day only comes once a year (Sunday 14th May), but Mums never stop. Mother’s Day gives us the opportunity to say thanks – whether that’s with breakfast in bed, dinner at one of the delicious eateries here in Downtown Tauranga, or perhaps with one of the treats below...

SPOIL MUM

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to wine, celebrate and show the special women in our lives just how much they mean to us. We’ve curated some treats to spoil Mum right here in Downtown Tauranga….

HIGH TEA IN THE CITY CURATED COAT COLLECTION

Treat Mum to the beloved British tradition of high tea right here in the city centre. Indulge your taste buds in an afternoon of sweets and savouries with tea and champagne while enjoying each others company. Find out where….

Prepare for the weather and add an extra layer of warmth and comfort to Mum’s wardrobe with our curated collection of on-trend coats, with pops of colour, texture, patterns and prints for everyone this winter.

downtowntauranga.co.nz

Discover what’s new and waiting for you.

Davison

Jan urges others take on the 100ks in 30 days fundraiser. “I think it’s really important people get involved – whether that’s donating or whether that’s taking part themselves, I encourage everybody to get involved for their mothers, their sisters, their daughters, and their family.” Registrations, sponsorship and donations, can be made at: 100kin30 days.nz Chloe

List MP and Government Minister Jan Tinetti walking up a fundraising storm at home in Tauranga.

Three BOP board appointments

ree key appointments for the Tourism Bay of Plenty board have been made by Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District councils.

e appointments follow retirement of current board chair Laurissa Cooney, and trustee Gwendoline Keel, who’ve both served a maximum two terms on the board.

TBOP deputy chair Russ Browne is reaching the end of his rst three-year term and is appointed board chair for three years, to April 30, 2026.

Russ has extensive governance experience as a director at PKF Tauranga, chair at Tauhara North Tourism Limited and chair of TBOP’s

Audit and Risk Committee.

Two new and highly-experienced board trustees, Janine Tulloch and Peter Blakeway, have been appointed to the board for three years too.

Janine has held various governance roles and has a real passion for tourism, most recently being director of Tourism Waitaki.

Peter has extensive experience in governance roles and is academic leader of tourism and hospitality programmes at Te Pukenga - Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.

Last year, Peter was awarded the Supreme Award in recognition of his service to the hospitality industry at the Bay Hospitality Awards.

Eulogy to former loyal

of Islands.

She was born to work. And she did for 79 years.

She was even named for work – ‘Waitere’ meaning to serve, and she did. Tirelessly.

And now she is gone. Violently and sadly.

‘Waitere’ was the Faulkner Bros’ ferry which plied between Tauranga’s Coronation Pier o the end of Wharf Street and Mount Maunganui’s Salisbury Wharf. She was built in Picton 1944 especially for the job.

Back and forth at eight knots, day in and day out, all weathers, at one shilling and six pence a return voyage thank you, half an hour from wharf to wharf – about 3.25 miles, 5.23km.

“She wasn’t pretty,” says Tauranga sailor Bill Faulkner. “A beamy thing, a workhorse, a classic ferry, nothing elegant about her.” But a boat of her era.

Memorable times

She was a xture on Tauranga Harbour until the harbour bridge came along in 1988. People knew her and loved her. ey depended on her and she delivered. Waitere had a deep but unglamorous connection with this city.

As a child in the 1980s, Alisha Evans crossed the harbour from Mount Maunganui in the Waitere for “nana-granddaughter” days in the city. “Special times, memorable times – a fun boat ride, shopping, a café and then home again on the Waitere.” en last month she came to an undigni ed end. e old lady sank six-eight metres to the bottom of the Bay of Islands after a collision ve minutes into another crossing from Russell to Paihia on April 13.

“My immediate thought was ‘bloody hell!’” says Bill. “Something must have really whanged it. It was built like a brick s***house and I would have thought a battleship must have hit it to sink it.”

No, not a battleship but an Auckland-registered sport shing boat. Passengers told rescuers they saw the boat bearing down but were expecting it to veer away. It didn’t.

It rode up and over the Waitere’s carvel planking and substantial wooden belting around the hull and into the wheelhouse, the strongest part of the vessel, demolishing it.

A rescuer told e Weekend Sun that if Waitere had been struck a couple of metres further astern where maybe a dozen passengers sat in the sun

e Waitere in happier times at the Bay

Photo: Elliot Bexon.

‘servant’ of Tauranga

“we would have been pulling bodies from the water”.

Miraculously, only the Waitere’s skipper and owner, 77-year-old Bill Elliott, was injured, although he su ered severe head and spinal injuries.

e nal indignity for the proud old performer

Waitere was being re oated from her resting place and assisted like some aging and in rm matriarch all the way across the bay to Opua.

It was like a funeral cortège, a guard of honour – with locals, boaties and long-time ferry users lining the shore to watch and pay respects to a servant of the people that had died on duty.

Waitere, the workhorse, is now wreckage, history. But the memories remain.

e zeddies

As a kid, the old salt Bill Faulkner raced a ‘zeddy’ – a Z class. It would “go like hell on a reach with a single lu kite”.

On a Sunday morning, if a westerly was running, they’d wait for the Waitere to pull out from downtown. “She had a big counter stern –

a big round bum that would drag a big wash.”

e boys on their Zeddies would put up a kite, sit on that wash and be carried all the way to the Mount…all the time waving to the girls on the Waitere.

If Alisha was a transport planner for Tauranga there would still be a Waitere working the harbor today. “It was a good system, it worked well. Always there, always operating, always a pleasant way to commute. And you never had to go the long way through Maungatapu. Today a good ferry service would take hundreds of cars o the road at peak time including mine.”

Waitere disappeared o Tauranga’s harbour about the time the $25 million harbour bridge opened March 1988. Waitere was e ectively made redundant. e bridge killed the ferry.

Local boaties say the Bay of Islands is where old Tauranga boats go to die.

Waitere followed that passage. And now we salute her. Waitere 1944-2023.

Hunter Wells

e Faulkner’s B Fleet headed back to Tauranga, with the Waitere second from left, circa 1960s.

Photo: Brian Worthington.

A ‘really whanged’ Waitere shortly before she sank.

Photo: Elliot Bexon.

Friday 12 May 2023

Make space for Muriwai

Meet Muriwai! is bundle of energy was left in a park with his litter, but is thriving now in the rescue.

He is still young, so when he nds his new home he’ll need to continue puppy training and socialisation.

Muriwai is so adventurous and just loves exploring every nook and cranny of the garden. He’s very playful with his siblings, and the older/larger foster dogs.

As a mixed-breed dog, we believe he will grow to be of medium size, but we cannot guarantee this. He needs a home of love, understanding and patience so he can settle in and learn how to be the perfect dog.

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

YOUR FREE GUIDE TO

Be� herearing

Tongue-in-cheek for 70 years

ey may argue about arguing, but 70 years on Jean and Ron Browne are still very much together and banter to their hearts’ content!

Jean, 92, and Ron, 97, will celebrate their platinum 70th wedding anniversary next week at the Mount Maunganui RSA.

It’s tting, as an RSA is where this love story began in Silverstream, Upper Hutt, more than seven decades ago. “ e rst time we met was at the RSA. I worked in a shop and I had to be home by 9pm and I had to catch the bus at 8.45pm –so when I left work, I ran to the RSA and had a dance,” says Jean.

“[Ron] asked me for a dance and he said I turned him down. But I say I couldn’t have because my father taught me never to turn anybody down dancing unless they’re drunk.”

“I don’t think I was drunk when I met her,” says Ron. Even if some details are blurry, Ron and Jean were married two years later on May 16, 1953 in a Presbyterian church in Upper Hutt.

Two homes, one love

During their 70 years of marital bliss, Jean and Ron have only ever lived in two homes. A farm house in Te Poi, and their home of the last 30 years nestled along Ocean Beach Rd with stunning sea views. During their Te Poi days, they had three children, Annette, Mark and Andrew. “Ron was a J Force and he got a rehab farm. We farmed in Te Poi for 42 years, which is where we went from our wedding day; to the farm,” says Jean. “And we’ve been working ever since,” says Ron. “I have. I don’t know about you,” quips back Jean.

Of course I had to ask Jean and Ron the classic

question. What’s the key to a lasting marriage like theirs? “Arguing!” says Jean with a laugh. “We have our di erences in opinions.”

Ron? “I would say understanding actually. Trust and understanding coming together I think,” says Ron. “I don’t believe anybody could go through 70 years and not have an argument. at’s just silly isn’t it?” questions Jean. “I can’t remember having an argument,” says Ron. “Don’t you darling? Oh that’s good!” And there we have it, 70 years married and this tongue-in-cheek pair are arguing about whether they argue!

e mushy stu

On the romantic side of things, Jean asks Ron if he loves her? “Well, yeah, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” answers Ron. “You don’t take my Jeanie for granted.”

And for Jean? “He’s lovely. Quiet but I love him.” She says their 70 years together has been “pretty good”. “It was contentment. We helped each other with things.” Ron says: “She’s a better golfer than I was. at’s the only resentment I have”. I deduced that Ron misheard contentment, but close enough! Ron says he and Jean still have a few more years left together but Jean isn’t so keen. “Ron said to his doctor: ‘I want to live to 100’, and I said: ‘I’m sorry darling but I don’t want to look after you for two more years’…you’re allowed tough love aren’t you?”

“I get organised by women all my life,” says Ron. Jean asks her hubby: “How would you get on if I wasn’t here?” He replies: “I’d most likely be dead.” “When you say you’ve had a good life, you’ve had a good marriage,” says Ron. Beautiful!

Jean and Ron Browne with their wedding photo from 1953.

Photo: Georgia Minkhorst.

Georgia Minkhorst

Take a tour at our Bay of Plenty Open Day

Your country club retirement

Set across 42 generous acres with ample space between homes, and easy walking distance from the local shops, retirement is a world of enjoyment here at Greenwood Park. For a limited time, we’re offering 12 months FREE village fees on all apartments*

Greenwood Park Open Day

Wednesday 17 May, village tour at 10am 10 Welcome Bay Road, Tauranga

Stay for a complimentary lunch at Greenwood Park, then join our tour of The Avenues at 1pm.

Resort-style retirement year round

Looking for a sophisticated and elegant retirement? With Memorial Park on our doorstep and popular shopping and eateries within walking distance, The Avenues is a destination for retirees who enjoy the finer things in life.

The Avenues Open Day

Wednesday 17 May, village tour at 1pm 10 Tenth Avenue, Tauranga

FEATURES AND FACILITIES

Double-lounge library with 5000+ books

15-metre indoor heated pool

Croquet green, pétanque terrain, garden allotments, residents’ shed and workshop

Award-winning Quail Trail with native trees and wetlands

Shops, medical centres and city bus route right on your doorstep

From $550,000^

Sun drenched

Two-bedroom apartment with spacious living and sunroom for all day sun, close to facilities.

FEATURES AND FACILITIES

Architecturally designed luxury apartments

Superior-quality village facilities including a heated indoor pool, library, theatre, pétanque, bowls and more

Sweeping views and manicured grounds

Boutique premium care home

From $650,000^

Luxury lifestyle

Sophisticated, independent apartments overlooking beautiful gardens.

Waipuna pushes donation drive ahead of winter

As winter approaches, Waipuna Hospice charity shops are asking for donations to keep their six stores across the Western Bay of Plenty stocked with a ordable, good-quality items.

Waipuna Hospice has charity shops at Te Puke, Papamoa, Mount Manganui, Greerton, Fraser Street and Katikati that sell a huge range of quality pre-loved goods to raise funds to keep the hospice’s palliative care service free to the community.

Waipuna Hospice general manager of retail Jace Dowman is running a donation drive – asking the community to dig deep into their shoe boxes, closets, storage and anywhere else laden with unwanted items and donate them to the hospice charity shops.

“All items donated just have to be of a saleable quality.

Donations received have to be of a standard good enough to be sold –otherwise we have to dump unsaleable items.”

With winter knocking, Jace says the shops would like warming and heating items that patrons are looking for in-store.

“We’re after

blankets, warm clothing, furniture, beds etc. We do receive electrical goods – and we have them certi ed before they hit the shelves.”

However, Jace does reminds people that they cannot accept electric blankets, electric fan heaters or gas-bottle-powered heaters – due to safety and legal requirements.

If donors are unsure if their goods are saleable –they can call the donation hotline on 07 281 1755.

“People can also contact us through our website and attach photos of items to show us.”

Plus, there’s a free collection service 9am-4pm Monday-Friday, to request items be picked up from your residence. Or drop donations

o at Unit I, 4 Brook St – just

o at Unit I, 4 Brook St – just behind the Fraser St shop.

Jace says the hospice’s core service is providing end-of-life palliative care to our WBOP community. “Our shops are a source of funding to ensure we keep our core service free. Our shops’ motto is ‘turning second-hand goods into rst-class acre’ –so please donate your good condition items today!” For more information, see their advert on this page.

Enrol for a course in maritime. Learn to become a deckhand, watchkeeper, skipper or get set to work on cruise ships, fishing charters, oil rigs or super yachts. You’ll get ongoing support while gaining the right skills and qualifications to succeed. The time to apply is now.

Courses start soon in Tauranga.

Merle Cave

Waipuna Hospice volunteers Linda Appleby and Vicki Burns get cosy with winter warmers in the Mount charity shop. Photo: Brydie ompson.

Melodies and memories of

It had people curious, scratching heads, shrugging shoulders. “Music Man Lane?”

Who is the music man who deserved recognition on a new street sign in Katikati? Was there actually a music man or was it just imagination at play?

e Weekend Sun spoke to people in town who have their ngers on the pulse, people you think would know. Not the case though. No-one

seemed to know why Music Man Lane was called Music Man Lane.

“Ummm, don’t know!” they said at Katch Katikati. ey were stumped.

Music Man Lane is o Beach Rd, right outside Katikati College. Another blank there. “We aren’t aware of any connection between the school and the naming of the road,”

was the college response. Someone else had driven past, seen the sign and wondered why. “But can’t think why,” they said.

Over the Auckland Harbour Bridge in Albany, Sophie Gibson thought she knew.

“Peter Mitchell – the perfectionist,” says the singersongwriter and music teacher. Music Man Lane must be for him, the retired and now deceased head of music at Katikati College. “He started teaching me piano as an eightyear-old in 2008 – introduced me to the world of music, modelled my career and is responsible for who I am and what I am doing today – 100 per cent.”

What she’s doing is teaching piano herself now, also recording and doing gigs – music is her life, Peter Mitchell’s music is now her music.

en con rmation from the son of e Music Man, and according to Sophie Gibson, himself “a great musician”.

“Yes, the lane name is a tribute to my Dad,” says Anton Mitchell. “He was Katikati College head of music for more than 20 years in the 1980s, 1990s and early-2000s. He developed the music department substantially, and every year organised a music production that brought the kids and community together.”

e street sign points to a small undeveloped subdivision o Beach Rd in Katikati – locals tell

which is right next door to the college his father taught at.

us Mrs Taylor of Taylor Bros Transport lived there for many years. Anton’s company is involved with the subdivision, which is right next door to the college his father taught at. Music Man Lane appears to be the accessway to that subdivision. “ at is the origin,” says Anton. “ at’s what you can tell anyone who has inquired.”

But why Music Man Lane? Why the ba ing nod to a much-

But why Music Man Lane?

Why the ba ing nod to a muchloved and respected Katikati local? Why not Peter Mitchell Lane? Anton didn’t respond to that question.

more romantic, exotic and alternatives put to the Western Bay

But Music Man Lane is much more romantic, exotic and thought-provoking than two alternatives put to the Western Bay of Plenty District Council –Parkside Lane and Isabel Lane. ey were binned because they were either in con ict, a duplicate or sounded like other roads around town.

“I love Music Man Lane,” says the piano teacher’s protégé. “It’s cute. It’s cool.” en Sophie slips into a refrain from ABBA.

“Tonight the super trouper lights are going to nd me…

Shining like the sun, Smiling having fun.” en giggles from the songstress.

“Peter taught me accompaniment piano – he always wanted me to sing and play.”

So the jazz and blues bu taught her ABBA. ‘Super Trouper’. Perfectly.

e late Peter Mitchell at his best – behind a piano. Photo: supplied.

the Music Man

Astro and Grady want love!

e SPCA is looking for a special owner for these two darlings. Astro and Grady love to spend their days lounging about, surveying their kingdom and waiting for their humans to deliver delicious meals and carry out their every whim!

Astro and Grady are looking for a quiet home with no other pets. And because they’re entirely

glistening white, they’ll need to be indoor cats, to protect them from harsh sun and UV rays. ey are also rather large cats – shall we say big boned? – so need a family committed to helping these boys lose excess weight by getting them active. Apply today! Call the centre on: 07 5780245. Ref no: 575737.

“He was a perfectionist, he always wanted me to play perfectly and be perfect,” says Sophie. Like when he encouraged her to take an exam for piano because “it would be good for her” and he had coached her to be “absolutely ready”. She scored 96 per cent. But he sat her down, pondered and said: “Let’s talk about the four per cent you got wrong.” She could never tell if he was joking.

“He was a lovely man, really cool, and really calm. If I made a mistake he would just say ‘that’s alright, let’s go again’.”

Peter got sick from cancer and the 79-year-old died in 2013.

“It was a very sad time for me because his illness didn’t stop him. He pretty much taught me right up until the day he died,” says Sophie. en the son took over. “Anton coached me. Anton’s great, really good, plays similarly to Peter.” e Weekend Sun editor Merle Cave has a fond memory of the man.

When Peter retired from Katikati College he turned to orcharding – from piano to berries – and Merle dropped by to talk to him. “He didn’t seem to be around, but there was this beautiful piano music wafting from his house.” It was the music man doing what he loved most, what he did best. “I won’t forget it,” says Merle. “It was so beautiful.”

Anyhow, the next time you wander down Beach Rd past Music Man Lane you might just smile, remember Peter Mitchell, and surrender to stuck song syndrome and hum a few bars of ‘Super Trouper’.

Hunter Wells

Left: Singersongwriter and music teacher Sophie Gibson attributes her career to the late Peter Mitchell.

Above: e sign on beach road, with Katikati College in the background, where Peter Mitchell taught music for more than 20 years. Photo: supplied. continued...

Driver licence costs to drop

From October this year it will be cheaper for Kiwis to get their driver licence through changes to how Waka Kotahi is funded, says Transport Minister Michael Wood.

“From October 1, 2023 the average driver will save $86 when they successfully move through the

Maketu wetland working bee

graduated driver licencing system.

e average cost of a learner licence will decrease by $20, a restricted licence by $35, and a full licence by $31.

“We’re also removing resit fees for practical driver licence tests, which can be up to $87 each time, which around half of New Zealanders are having to pay when trying for their licence.”

Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society is holding a working bee this Saturday, May 12, and would love help from the Western Bay of Plenty community.

Operations manager and principal ecologist Jenn Shephard invites helpers to come along to shuck/ extract seeds from native coastal plants to provide a seed source for future plants.

“ ese seeds will be provided to nurseries to grow so that we can continue to plant kawhangatara (spinifex) in our sand dunes.”

e event at MOWS work shed, 461 Wilson Road North, Maketu, will go ahead from 9.30am-11.30am – rain or shine – and anyone can participate, no matter age are or tness level. A light morning tea will be provided. For more information, email: janie@maketuwetlands.org.nz

There’s only one way to stop this

Voters will have a very easy choice at the next election.

As we have seen during the past few years, and in particular in the past fortnight, this government and its potential future coalition partners have descended into a circus. A vote for Labour is a vote for instability, economic mismanagement, co-governance, lawlessness, and a spiral into third world public services. is is a government in disarray, its Ministers are jumping ship and

outcomes continue to fall through the oor. Your everyday New Zealander is worse o under Labour.

ere’s only one way to stop this and that is to party vote National. National will o er a clear contrast: stability, sound economic management, one rule for all, community safety, democratic

values and rst world aspirations for everyone and our future generations.

National will reduce the impact of the cost of living crisis, lift incomes for all, restore law and order, build infrastructure for our future and focus on improving health and education outcomes. National is a party for all New Zealanders. Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis are the team to take us forward and I will continue to represent you to the best of my ability in Tauranga.

Milestone for free period products in schools

Imagine not being able to go to school because you don’t have good protection when you have your period.

For many girls and young women here in Tauranga and throughout New Zealand this was a reality. ey missed days from school every month. at’s why I am so proud of the Labour Government’s free period products in schools

Hon Jan Tinetti

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

Authorised

initiative, which hit an important milestone recently with more than one million period product packs delivered to schools.

Every school day is a big day and young people should not be missing out on time learning in the classroom or other events and opportunities because they aren’t comfortable going to school.

Providing free period products is one way the Government is supporting girls and families with cost of living pressures and improving school attendance. e initiative now involves 2126 primary, intermediate, kura and secondary schools nationwide. is includes 417 schools throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. To date more than 213,000 students have had access to free period products.

e Ministry of Education is also developing a series of resources to support young people to learn about menstruation and help reduce the stigma around it. Even today, periods aren’t discussed openly, and can make young people in particular feel stressed and insecure. So, the programme has an educational element to help young people understand and embrace their bodies and feel good about themselves.

Peggy Moncur and Meretupou Skudder shucking seeds at a past working bee.

Host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast this month!

Western Bay of Plenty whanau, workmates and friends are being reminded there’s still time to get your bake on – or whip to the supermarket – and host a pink ribbon breakfast this month.

e Pink Ribbon Breakfast is the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s biggest annual fundraising campaign – and people can sign up at: www.pinkribbonbreakfast. co.nz

Last year, 67,000 Kiwis got together at events to raise vital funds for BCFNZ’s work in education, research and patient support.

Celebrity foodie Ganesh Raj is asking Western BOP residents to show their support for Kiwis a ected by breast cancer by hosting a simple Pink Ribbon Breakfast this month.

e co-host of TVNZ’s ‘Eat Well for Less’ and self-proclaimed ‘Flavour Ninja’ has created a mouthwatering new recipe for Pink Ribbon Breakfast – Raspberry Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberry Compote – to show his support for the cause and entice more hosts to sign up.

Ganesh says he’s inspired by the improving survival rates of breast cancer in New Zealand thanks to early detection and access to e ective treatment, but more still needs to be done.

“Hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast is a fantastic way to raise awareness and help fund research into this devastating disease.

“Let us come together to support the ghters, admire the survivors, and honour those we have tragically lost to breast cancer.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for Kiwi women, with around 190 diagnoses in Bay of Plenty every year. Proceeds raised from every Pink Ribbon Breakfast goes towards supporting patients, groundbreaking research, and education campaigns to promote the importance of early detection. People can register at: pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz

And why not try Ganesh’s recipe?

Ganesh’s Raspberry Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberry Compote

Serves 4

Ingredients for pancakes:

• 2 cups our

• 4 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1½ cups milk

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup fresh raspberries (rough chop) 4 eggs

Method:

Ingredients for raspberry compote:

• 2 cups frozen raspberries

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp lemon juice

• ½ cup water

• Toppings:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)

• Maple syrup

• Mascarpone (just a dollop if you want)

Mix the our, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a big bowl. e ricotta cheese, milk, eggs, and vanilla essence should all be thoroughly blended in a separate basin.

Just combine the dry components with the addition of the wet ingredients. Avoid overmixing. Add the raspberries, chopped, in a gentle fold.

A non-stick pan should be heated over a medium heat. Use cooking spray or a little butter on the pan. For each pancake, pour roughly 1/4 cup of batter into the griddle. Cook for two to three minutes, or until surface bubbles develop. When golden brown, ip the food over and cook for an additional one-two minutes. Continue until all the batter is done.

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water to make the raspberry compote. Cook for ve-seven minutes, or until the mixture has thickened, after bringing to a simmer.

Along with the compote of raspberries, serve with some thinly sliced strawberries, and maple syrup. Mascarpone it for next-level good times!

DUCTED SYSTEMS

PCDUAU0920

Ganesh Raj’s Raspberry Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberry Compote. Photo: supplied.

Recent rain a reminder to weather-proof your home

We’ve had so much adverse weather in Aotearoa already this year – yet winter is only just upon us!

So is your home and its exterior weather-proof as we head into winter? e answer to this question

came to our household as we watched our drains over ow Tuesday afternoon – unable to cope with

the sheer amount of rain falling in such a short time period. e whole backyard ooded and water nearly made it into the garage.

e drains

We’ve always knew the drain system wasn’t in the best shape and needed some work – but after two cyclones this year and Tuesday’s rain dump, we now know we have to get onto it –and soon. Because who knows what this winter will bring?

With Cyclone Hale wreaking havoc on Auckland in January, then Cyclone Gabrielle hammering the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne in February – and all this talk of how climate change could be a ecting traditional weather systems – it got me thinking about how weather-proof our home is?

e roof

I then remembered we had a roof leak when Cyclone Hale hit. So do we need to check our roof and ensure it’s in good shape? Remember your roof is exposed to the elements year-round!

If your home has any loose roof tiles, rusting iron or rotten timber – now is an ideal time to get it repaired to prevent further degradation during winter weather. By calling in a professional they

can help you assess your roof and give advice on whether a short-term x or a long-term re-roo ng solution is best.

Spouting and gutters

And what about the spouting and gutters? Spouting and guttering moves water away from your home – to prevent water damage.

Have you noticed your gutters over owing in heavy rain? Has the PVC got cracks or broken bits? Does the stainless steel gutters have rust spots or holes? Now is an ideal time to get them xed. Even just cleaning out spouting, guttering and downpipes now will help avoid hassles later on.

Filter systems

You can also get gutter ltering systems to help prevent future build-up of leaves and other garden debris. Another tip is to check brackets are rmly clipped – because they can come undone if laden with heavy debris. As for drainage, if you’ve experienced blockages or over ows in recent wet weather it might pay to call in a professional. ey have cameras and specialist equipment to clear blockages and can inspect the condition of the drain to provide advice on solutions.

For our older home I just don’t think the drainage was designed for today’s amount of wet weather in short timeframes. According to Metservice observation data, 74.7mm of rain fell in Tauranga on Tuesday, May 9. Spending some time assessing your home’s exterior – and repairing any issues – before winter really sets in may save time, headaches, heartache and hassle later on.

Merle Cave

Home &

Add colour to those drab winter days...

ere is still time to plant bulbs – especially those tulips that knowledgeable gardeners have been chilling for weeks in the refrigerator.

In our warmer climate, tulips need that pre-planting chill to ensure a good display in spring.

As I write, Mother’s Day is virtually upon us and some lucky mums may receive a potted chrysanthemum. e important thing to know about this pot plant is it prefers a cool situation with good natural light. Low light will stop the buds

GARDEN FROM THE

With Margaret Wilson from Pacifica Garden Centre

from opening and direct sunlight can reduce the plant’s owering. After it is past its best, it may be planted outside to ower again next year but, because it has been treated with a special hormone to keep the plant compact, it will grow much taller next year. With our mild climate, we’re fortunate to be able to grow winter owering shrubs to bring colour to drab days and some of the best are forms of Luculia

gratissima with fragrant pink owers or L.pinciana with larger more striking blooms but lacking a little of gratissima’s sweet perfume. Plant in full sun in free-draining, moisture retentive soil and prune fairly hard after owering to shape. For another splash of winter colour, and if you have a few spare metres of fence or trellis in full sun, plant a Pyrostegia venusta or Flame Vine. Clusters of aming orange tubular owers will lift your spirits when they cover the plant during the shortest days of the year. Prune as required to control size.

Learn how to harvest rainwater

Tauranga City Council is o ering four free workshops on the bene ts of harvesting rainwater and how to choose a suitable rainwater tank for your needs.

Two workshops will take place this month, and two next month – and are part of council’s Tauranga Water Conservation Project that aims to empower each of us to think di erently about water use and be more mindful around how we use our share of the city’s water supply.

TCC water services manager

Peter Bahrs says during the past ve years we have experienced record dry weather and more recently, unprecedented wet weather – and these changing climatic conditions can put pressure on Tauranga’s water supply.

“In Tauranga our water is drawn from three spring-fed streams. During periods of hot, dry weather the aquifers that supply our streams do not recharge at the same rate that we are taking water.“During heavy rain events demand for water eases, however it brings challenges in our ability to treat water due to the extra sediment stirred up. Whatever the weather, good water conservation practices are needed.”

Alternative source

Collecting rainwater gives people access to an alternative water source and can help reduce the demand on our drinking water supply network,

says Peter. “It can also provide a great source for outdoor water use such as gardening, irrigation or washing your car.”

Rainwater tanks also reduce the amount of stormwater runo from surfaces such as roofs, roads and carparks that drain into our urban waterways, says Peter.

“By using a rainwater tank to collect water, you can save money on your water bill, reduce demand on the city's water supply and have an alternate water supply during water shortages.

Small changes

“Small changes in water use can make a big di erence in maintaining a sustainable water supply to the city now, and into the future. We need to make every drop count.”

e free rainwater harvesting workshops will be on: ursday, May 18, from 6.30pm-8.30pm; Saturday, May 20, from 1pm-3pm; Wednesday, June 7, from 6pm-8pm; and Sunday, June 11, from 12pm-2pm.

All workshops will be held at Envirohub Bay of Plenty, 31b Glasgow St, Tauranga, with a limit of 20 people per workshop. To book, visit: www.tauranga.govt. nz/rainwatertanks.

Other initiatives under the Tauranga Water Conservation project include a free home water conservation audit and a free low- ow shower head upgrade (terms and conditions apply).

Two-and-a-half musical stories

If there are indeed eight million stories in the naked city then there are at least a few hundred in Tauranga. ese are two-and-a-half of them...

just nding its way. Craig says: “I grew up very involved in the Tauranga Operatic Society and Repertory, and gravitated towards the technical department”.

“I created the rst surround sound special e ects I know of in the Repertory theatre in about 1970. Although I was a lighting specialist, my heart was in sound as I have a great love of music.”

He then headed to Wellington’s Downstage eatre, Opera House and eventually Michael Fowler Centre, where he was head of lighting for nearly a decade. He was also a freelance theatre consultant and production manager for tours by the likes of Cleo Laine, Eartha Kitt, Shirley Bassey, and the NZSO

Many a musician will miss Craig’s unassuming and expert manner – but he says he still has a lot to do, including nishing writing a book about life in the theatre. He also plans to travel to Europe later in the year “after a wee rest”.

demanded of covers gigs was too much so he decided to return to his own music and with that end started Whiskey Soho.

Burn

Now he has a rst single, ‘Burn’, on digital platforms and has been invited to support rockers Midwave Breaks at their Totara Street show on Friday, May 19. Waylon is doing interesting things with his music. ough ‘Burn’ is largely acoustic he describes his new approach this way: “I perform all the drum parts, bass and guitar at the same time while singing. I use a lot of non-acoustic tones like synth sounds, distortion and heavy fuzz to get a very big sound, similar to an entire band. I do employ a looper, but only when I take a guitar solo occasionally, otherwise I like to keep it all in real time”.

Craig Jamieson has retired. is means a lot. Craig has, for the last ve years, been in charge of sound at the Jam Factory during which time he engineered more than 400 gigs. If you’ve been there you have no doubt seen him and listened to his work.

Four hundred is, I don’t really need to say, a helluva lot of shows – and made more impressive by the diversity of music, each style with its own demands, from classical to blues, jazz, folk, punk, reggae, the lot... In a way it was tting Craig should wind up there, a full circle back to Tauranga. He started in the mid-1980s as Baycourt’s technical director when the new complex was

Also well-known by musicians, particularly guitarists, is Waylon McPherson who runs McPherson Music Repairs in Papamoa. Waylon is also a musician. Back in 2005 he was managed by the legendary Ray Columbus and with band 4Eulogi cracked the Top 20 with a song called ‘Over You’. You can nd it on YouTube, though the band did not last.

After that Waylon played regular covers gigs but due to a vocal issue three years back had to stop singing. He told me: “I thought that was the end of singing for me but after a lot of vocal therapy, I was able to start again late last year”. However, the three or more hours

Either that will make perfect sense to you or it’ll sound like gobbledegook. You could perhaps have a look at Waylon’s new song, ‘Lucky One’, on his Facebook or Insta page and see for yourself. It’s kinda impressive.

Midwave Breaks is former Supergroove drummer Paul Russell and singersongwriter Bruce Conlon, a Tauranga alt-rock duo currently on a nine-date tour for New Zealand Music Month. ey’ve been getting attention on rock radio since their 2021 debut with a string of independent singles. Tickets $25; show 8pm.

And here’s the half-story –details to come... Local blues rockers Rehaab is also marking NZMM, in their case with ‘Fat Boy’, a new bike-centric song and video made with help of the team at East Coast Harley Davidson. Full story next week. In the meantime, check it out at: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=EptgY1BD59I

JACK DUSTY’S (Bureta)

Sat 13th Jack Dusty’s Front Bar. H2O 2-5pm

Distraction 7.3010.30pm

Sun 14th Tim Armstrong 3-6pm

Wed 17th Open Mic Night 7pm

LATITUDE 37

Fri 12th Sam Fisher 8.30pm

Sat 13th Kane & Je 8.30pm

Sun 14th Josh Pow 4-7pm

MT MAUNGANUI RSA

Fri 12th Mark Huckstep 7-10.30pm

Sat 13th Helen Riley 7-10.30pm

Sun 14th Shy & Retiring 4.30-7.30pm

THE BARREL ROOM

Sat 13th Jazz Night with the Lucky Strike Trio 7pm

VOODOO LOUNGE

Fri 12th Beats and bubbles funk drop edition with omega B 5pm also Hoppin house night with DJs Georj, Noizzy, Degen & Slaps 9pm

Sat 13th Ladies rst with DJs Ayesha, Lady Babz & Waives 9pm

Mon 15th Backpacker night with Audio Hybrid 8pm

Wed 17th Voodoo Jam Night 9pm

Craig Jamieson.

Waylon McPherson.

A hugely popular choral composition – which promotes peace – is to be performed by Tauranga Civic Choir in its rst 2023 concert, on May 19-20. e choir will perform two concerts of ‘ e Armed Man’ –or ‘L'homme armé’ in French – composed by Welshman Karl Jenkins.

“‘ e Armed Man’ is a large piece of music for choir and instrumentalists which is anti-war and pro-peace, commissioned at the end of last century,” says the choir’s musical director Nigel Williams.

“It’s an anti-war piece of music that promotes peace rather than war.”

Nigel says the lyrics are drawn from many parts of the world and from diverse religions and cultures.

“Karl Jenkins uses all sorts of texts from the Catholic mass settings through to an Islamic call to prayer; there’s all sorts

of text by English poets as well that are set to music, which depict the horrors of war, and the horrifying thing that war is –and that peace is better.

Nigel says ‘ e Armed Man’ is a popular composition Kiwis still listen to today. “Radio NZ asked listeners their most popular piece of choral music – and ‘ e Armed Man’ is right up there.”

“We’re performing with a choir of 55 voices – plus we

Youth theatre fun in Katikati

Katikati eatre is introducing a youth programme for teens aged 12-30. e month gatherings will happen the third Tuesday of every month from 7pm-9pm at the Arts Junction, Main Rd, Katikati. Entry is free. e monthly

club gatherings will have games, learning and fun plus a provided supper. For more information, email: kkyouththeatre@gmail.com or search for ‘kkyouththeatre’ on Instagram, Tiktok or Facebook.

have two trumpet players, two percussionists, a autist, a cellist, an organist and a pianist. It’s a large-scale musical event.” ey are on Friday, May 19 from 7.30pm-9pm, and Saturday, May 20 from 3pm-4.30pm – at St Peter’s in the City, 130 Spring St, Tauranga. Purchase tickets at: http://www.taurangacivicchoir. org.nz/concerts.html or see their advert on this page

Singing a song for peace A double shot of percussion

A colourful mixture of percussion instruments will swirl within the Holy Trinity Jordan Hall in Tauranga City this month as Tauranga Musica’s next 2023 concert gets underway.

Musica’s

‘Double shot’ – on Sunday, May 21, from 2pm at Holy Trinity is the duo Yoshiko Tsuruta playing marimba and percussion, and Jeremy Fitzsimons on vibraphone and percussion.

“Formed in 2015, Double Shot provides a colourful mixture of percussion instruments based around marimba and vibraphone,” says Kathy Stewart of Tauranga Musica.

“ e duo’s strength lies in the wonderfully subtle variety of their performances and the rich, mellow resonance of their instruments.”

Partnering with Chamber Music NZ to bring the concert to town, Kathy says it begins with playful, lively crowd-pleasers by contemporary composers, including Kiwis John Psathas and Briar Prastiti, whose new commission Double Shot is delighted to premiere.

“ e second half is dedicated to Debussy’s exquisite storytelling through his ballet score ‘La boîte à joujoux’ ( e Toy Box), which has been arranged for Double Shot by Yoshiko.”

for Yoshiko.”

e Weekend Sun has a double pass give away to one lucky reader who can tell us the instruments Yoshiko and Jeremy play? Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz under the competition tab. Entries must be in by Tuesday, May 16.

Yoshiko Tsuruta and Jeremy Fitzsimons are ‘Double shot’. Photo: supplied.

e Tauranga Civic Choir in action. Photo: supplied.

Actual bus travellers need to be heard

Re: ‘Bus stop gets the drop’ page 3, e Weekend Sun, May 5, 2023.

Regarding the Grace Hospital bus stop I am appalled that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council does not intend to include that stop in its proposed ‘new’ network. is shows a complete lack of understanding or empathy for bus users.

As a former user of that stop, I know exactly where Chris Jaeger is coming from. Grace is a hospital, in case BOPRC transport committee members need reminding. It is widely used and not all patients/outpatients are drivers – including the elderly. I, for example, used the stop regularly during the latter stages of hip replacement surgery. Having the stop

helped in inclement weather or when a ride was unavailable. Even friends/family with cars have lives and other commitments.

It would seem that while the push seems to be for increased public transport usage, actual traveller needs are not being fully taken into account. at bus stop at Grace is needed.

To ignore this is to once again show contempt for the travelling public and a very cavalier attitude to their needs.

I defy any of you to walk 10 minutes uphill in all weathers and that is simply while the Number 51 route exists. Once that goes where then for Grace patients? I certainly don’t see BOPRC issuing taxi vouchers.

Anna Rogers, Tauranga City.

Re: ‘Turning Paradise into a parking lot’ news article page 4, e Weekend Sun, May 5, 2023.

I was present at the Tauranga City Council meeting, chaired by Commissioner Anne Tolley, on May 1, 2023.

As reported in both the BOP Times and e Weekend Sun, this was a public forum for interested and a ected parties to speak before Priority One presented a preliminary business case for the Tauranga Community Stadium.

Unfortunately, due to technical issues the meeting commenced late. ose wishing to speak were given a very short timeframe to apply for speaking rights, time limitations of ve minutes were given and very few time slots were made available. Several people were denied the right to speak by the chair. is is not how democracy works.

In contrast, Priority One has had months to prepare the preliminary business case and was given the opportunity to fully present it to the meeting.

and greens; altering the layout of the tennis courts, not suitable to the club; and loss of access to open green space. e a ected organisations are justi ed in asking questions of the council. ey are community groups; their members are residents of Tauranga and ratepayers. ey’ve had: lack of information; lack of communication; no nancial costings to date; and no alternative locations supplied. is is not a misrepresentation of the proposal, and its e Tauranga City Council and its Commissioners appear not to be interested in supporting sporting activities that are not considered mainstream. If the stadium proceeds it will include exhibition space, a function centre, a community multiuse facility with changing rooms, lounge space and a sports science/physiotherapy space.

Re: Priority One chief executive Nige Tutt’s column ‘Substantial bene ts from a community stadium’ page 13, e Sun, May 5, 2023.

I cannot understand how Mr Tutt can expect us to believe that spending $220.2 million of ratepayers’ money on a community stadium will bring substantial bene ts to our community – when we already have one. It’s called Baypark.

Mr Bob Clarkson purposbuilt that stadium for speedway and rugby. It can seat 17,000.

at’s more than your proposal. Everything’s there, and if it needs an upgrade it won’t cost anywhere near $220.2 million.

Bob sold that stadium to Tauranga City Council for a pittance with the understanding that it would be there forever (or as near as).

e council added on to make a venue for sports, entertainment

etc. e parking area is more than enough.

Now Priority One want to move Baypark – somewhere – and build a new stadium at the domain? at beautiful green space is so precious. We cannot lose it to an unnecessary building.

Not to mention all the sports clubs which have been there for decades and are expected to nd new premises? Plus the athletics track, which took so long to be built. is is not progress for our city. It sounds more like wanting to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ when you mention Auckland. Who wants to be like Auckland? Not me, that’s for sure.

And $220.2m of ratepayers’ money? is does not make sense.

I’m sure this amount could be better spent elsewhere – if at all. anks for your time.

Diane Joblin, WBOP.

Commission chair Anne Tolley has publicly been quoted as saying she was disappointed to hear some domain users “continue to misrepresent what is being proposed”. “It’s been very clear from the start that this was to be an enhancement of the facilities that are currently there”. How can this be an enhancement? Removal of a world-class all-weather athletics track; removal of a croquet club and the destruction of four superb and long-established croquet lawns; removal of the Tauranga Bowling Club

Re: ‘Major changes to our a ordable water reforms’ Angie Warren-Clark’s column From the Beehive, e Weekend Sun, April 21.

Angie does not mention that the worst aspects of the proposed legislation remain. Each Regional Representation Group will still consist of equal numbers of elected Local Government members and people appointed by iwi.

is is a duplication of facilities available at e University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance at Mount Maunganui together with exhibition space and a civic whare (public meeting house) in the new building Te Manawataki o Te Papa to be constructed on the old council building site in Willow St.

Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt has reported the university would use the stadium as teaching space. Ratepayers should not be nancing the university –that is the domain of the Government. It’s bad enough that the university has been given permission by the Commissioners to build on green space at Sulphur Point. *Abridged - read in full on: www.sunlive.co.nz

Patricia Giles, Bethlehem.

She has also failed to mention that the entities will be required to comply with Te Mana o Te Wai statements, as prescribed in legislation at Part 4, Subpart 4 of the Water Services Entities Act (2022).

During the rst reading of the Water Services Entities Bill on June 9, 2022, the former Minister

of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta said that the statements are binding on the four Water Services Entities: “ e bill contains robust mechanisms to provide for and promote iwi Māori rights and interests. Mana whenua whose rohe or takiwā [tribal area] includes a freshwater body can make a Te Mana o te Wai statement for water services which the board must give e ect to”. See: https:// www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/ combined/HansDeb_20220609_20220609_20 ere is nothing in the legislation to restrict the scope of these statements.

Keith Hay, chairman, Katikati-Waihi Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association.

Stop those winter chills!

e team at Aluminium Repairs BOP are trained in all aspects of door and window maintenance. A common problem at this time of the year are draughty windows and doors.

If your windows are draughty they may need the stays, backing rubbers or window handles replaced. is will pull the window sash snugly into the frame and seal out the draughts. is is an often overlooked and surprisingly easy and cost-e ective way to create a warmer home.

If your sliding or hinged doors are gapping or rattling we can x this also. e team carry a range of door draught strips for hallway/ garage doors if this is a problem. Draught exclusion is also a requirement of the Healthy

Homes legislation, so landlords we can help get your rental property compliant. Ensure your home is warm and draught-free this winter by calling Vanessa at Aluminium Repairs BOP to book an appointment. e team service the greater Bay of Plenty region.