She can’t stop the bombs, the missiles and the tanks, but Tauranga woman Mary Tarish – armed with her knitting needles – is bringing her own brand of goodwill to the innocent people embroiled in Vladamir Putin’s war on Ukraine.
Mary is prolific – “an absolute wonder” is how they describe her – because she has personally knitted 17 blankets to ward off the cold for the needy in Ukraine and other Eastern European
countries where winter temperatures can slip to a bone-chilling minus 25 degrees Celsius.
Only once before – July 17, 1903 in Ranfurly – has the temperature dropped to that level in New Zealand.
Mary is part of Operation Cover Up – a project uniting Western Bay of Plenty crafters who stitch together comfort, warmth and love for children, families, elderly abroad who
are confronted by intense cold every winter. Their craftiness produces blankets, hats, scarves, slippers, socks, and jerseys that are baled up and shipped over to Albania, Bulgaria, BosniaHerzegovina, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine each year.
Read more about Operation Cover Up and its annual collection details on page 14.
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Well, it whipped up a minor frenzy…unintentionally, for good or bad.
I am, at worst, it seems, “bloody condescending”, and at best just plain “rude”.
I also have, I am told, an attitude which “expounds the notion we should spend everyone’s money on things I like without concern for the majority opinion”.
The coup de grace was the suggestion I “hang up my boots”.
Ouch!
All this because I dared mention the ‘S’ word – stadium – which is now a profanity in ‘No-ranga’. And I dared suggest nothing gets done in No-Ranga because of stifling nay-sayers and self-interest – ‘no’ to this and ‘no’ to that. ‘No’ to the stadium. Just ‘No!’ Last Friday’s ‘Nay-sayer Central’ was an impulsive outpouring, a discussion point, intended to underscore a malaise which many quietly feel is crippling us.
Today the cringe, the fallout from page 2.
Well, one understanding and sympathetic reader did warn me of incoming ordnance.
“You have not only lifted the lid a ‘squeak’, you have ripped it off entirely,” wrote Victoria. “The response headed your way will be swift and full of righteous anger.”
Gird thy loins. And they were right.
However, I suspect Billie, my late mother, might still love me. Perhaps. And there was understanding from other quarters.
“Just read your editorial. Brilliant bro,” said a text from Tommy Wilson – my new BF. And a ‘thumbs up’ emoji to seal it.
A couple of readers chased me down the burrow. Just two I hear you say? Well, this reporter was taught that for every reader who writes in and complains or disagrees, there’s another 500 festering at home.
So in the interests of fairness and balance we give them a voice. First from Bruce.
“Before you have an apoplectic fit....WHEN your UNELECTED commissioners have finished replacing/ repairing all our broken infrastructure, water, sewage and transport, when the buses are reliable and running to schedule,
supporting our most vulnerable families, with housing and living...THEN, AND ONLY THEN should we consider ‘the nice to haves’ like museums, stadiums.”
Apopletic? I wasn’t angry. I just poked my head over the parapet and drew fire. Museums, art galleries, theatres and stadiums and the like are not ‘nice to haves’ – they are integral to the fabric of who we are, they add meaning to our lives and community. We don’t have them instead of water, sewage and transport; we have them as well. Bruce continued.
Commissioners aren’t in the housing market. But that doesn’t take away from the issues of course.
“I wish to take you to task…..” says David.
“Just because people do not share your views – it doesn’t make them objects for your derision. The previous Rogers’ Rabbits were whimsical, funny and amusing. Why have you departed from this winning formula? Perhaps – it’s time for you to hang up your boots.”
Maurice had a suggestion for me: “….meet with some informed people who are not vested in the Commissioners’ reckless governance to discuss options for a stadium site together with the realistic likely use, realistic cost and realistic benefit to Tauranga”.
Exactly – let’s kick it dispassionately before we say ‘No’!
Then reassurance from Tommy Wilson. “Brilliant bro. Ngati whingers are given too much oxygen here in No-Wrong-Ah.”
Thank you Tommy. I have now deleted my resignation letter.
And this from Victoria, who got my drift.
“How bloody condescending can you get? Seventy-five members (of the Tauranga Croquet Club) are NOT dictating. They were expressing a point of view, as were the rest of us opposed, NOT, to change but to realigning priorities.”
Fair enough.
A couple of points though. The “UNELECTED commissioners” are there because our ELECTED council was toxic, dysfunctional and effectively fired. Aren’t the $257 million Cameron Rd roadworks an example of infrastructure being repaired or replaced. The Commissioners are on the job Bob. And they don’t run the buses or set the timetables. And I suspect the
“I congratulate you on your opinion piece….Tauranga could be so much more,” says Victoria. “….until we open minds and help people understand there is a bigger picture, and that their own small concerns and selfish agendas have to be put aside to allow grown up conversations and healthy, non-aggressive debate, we will remain in the ‘rut’.
“Your opinion will spark outrage but at least it will make people think, which is a good thing, especially for those, like me, who are in that silent majority and whose voice is often drowned out by the naysayers. Thank you and keep up the good work.”
Last word to Chris. “Great article ….right on the money! Well done.” Your thoughts? Email: hunter@thesun.co.nz
https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/about-your-council/elections
A kerbside collection started by council nearly two years ago to make the city’s waste disposal more environmentally-friendly has seen thousands of used bins from the last service still piled up at Truman lane.
A Tauranga resident who drives along Truman Lane twice-a-day, reached out to The Sun after being sick of seeing the sea of plastic bins for all this time. “I drive past them every day and it pisses me off…I could never see the need for them [council] to put so many small operators out of business and just to have all those bins sitting there year-after-year is unacceptable,” says the resident who wishes to remain anonymous.
“There’s just a whole compound of them…that’s a mountain of plastic going nowhere at the moment. The council taking over everything was to make it more environmental.”
The new Tauranga City Council-managed ratesfunded kerbside collection started July 2021. Now, nearly two years on, a hoard of used plastic bins remain piled at Te Maunga Transfer Station.
The stockpile of discarded bins are predominantly Waste Management bins that were collected and replaced with council-provided options in mid-2021.
Tauranga City Council’s sustainability and waste manager Dan Smith says the bins on Truman Lane are Waste Management bins “that weren’t in a good enough condition for other customers around New Zealand to use after council introduced the new
kerbside collections”.
He says these bins will be chipped-up at Te Maunga and recycled into new bins. While the number of bins was not made clear, Dan says: “So far, half of the original bins have been recycled, with the remaining half still to go, and they’re being processed at about 500 a week currently”. Chipping began April 2022.
Locally owned and operated collection service Kleana Bins owner John Cruickshank says some of the bins at the Te Maunga Station are Kleana Bins.
“The people that Waste Management employed to collect the bins were a bit rough and ready and they did grab a few of ours that they weren’t supposed to touch…we lost a few wheelie bins out of that.”
Dan says there may be a small amount of Kleana Bins wheelie bins that were mistakenly picked up during the return process due to human error.
“After working on recycling the bins so far, Waste Management estimates this would be no more than a handful. Waste Management would be happy to help return these bins to Kleana Bins if they’d like to have them back.”
As for the land the bins remain piled on, John says he can understand why residents would be irked.
“I don’t know who owns that bit of dirt...but I’m guessing either council are paying rent to whoever owns it, or if it’s a council piece of land, then they could be charging someone else rent for it. One way or the other, it’s a waste of ratepayers’ money.”
Dan says: “The bins are owned by Waste Management and stored on Crown land.”
Georgia Minkhorst
When 70-year-old Glenis Ashley opened her front door at 5am to put the cat out, a “strange bloblike creature” shot inside the Pāpāmoa retiree’s house, leaving a trail of sticky black footprints across her beige carpet.
Ashley was astonished to discover it was a little blue penguin, covered in tar-like oil.
The penguin was one of many marine lives affected after container ship MV Rena struck Ōtāiti, Astrolabe Reef in the
Bay of Plenty on October 5, 2011, and began spilling 1700 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and the contents of its containers.
Ashley’s penguin rescue is just one of the moving stories captured in a new documentary, ‘Taking Back Our Beach’, about the country’s largest-ever pollution disaster.
The accounts are told through the lens of the BOP community that battled to save its iconic wildlife and treasured beaches from the devastation caused by the wreck. In another scene, a local teenager who rushes to the beach to help the clean-up is turned away by
authorities, so he comes back later disguised in an army uniform, determined to get stuck in.
“The battle of the community against what they saw as floundering bureaucracy initially is a key theme,” says the documentary’s director Anton Steel. “There were so many community heroes who came together to take back their power, and their beaches.”
Steel, with producer Rosalie Liddle Crawford and executive producer Claire Rogers, crafted the 90-minute feature-length film from hours of interviews capturing memories and thoughts from some of the more than 8000 volunteers, iwi, wildlife leaders, marine experts, small business owners and community leaders.
When a former mayor breaks down in tears on camera, the film captures the shockwaves of anger and grief at the massive field of oil and debris strewn along the coast in the aftermath of the disaster.
“Floundering bureaucrats initially ignored the local advice and knowledge that could have largely avoided
the disaster, and then were painfully slow to clean up the overwhelming mess. A groundswell of volunteers just got stuck in to save wildlife and clean up the mess,” says Anton.
It was an environmental catastrophe of unprecedented scale, blackening New Zealand beaches with 350 tonnes of oil, killing thousands of marine birds, and threatening the future of kaimoana. Yet there are uplifting tales too, which convey the people’s deep connection to their land and each other.
Iwi raise community spirits at the Incident Control Centre, starting each day with a karakia and waiata. A 6m long barbecue feeds hundreds of volunteers for free. In one scene, a simple act of forgiveness is shown by local iwi to the ship’s scapegoated Filipino crew. The premiere will be an emotional experience for executive producer Claire Rogers, whose husband Brian, an avid boatie, former coastguard skipper and
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When the ship broke up, containers and their contents slid into the ocean.Photo: Ross Brown/VisionMedia.
Volunteers on the beach help clean up the oil and debris spilled from the Rena container ship.
seasoned journalist, was the first to get to the scene of the wreck. Brian died of bowel cancer last year, but was able to see the movie’s final cut.
Brian’s memories
His memories of the fateful morning are poignantly documented in his final interview, describing the moment he realised it was going to be a major environmental crisis.
“I’ll never forget driving on quad bikes across Matakana Island, it was heartbreaking to see the mess washed up on our beautiful beaches,” says Claire Rogers.
Brian’s terminal illness was a catalyst for starting the documentary, as Rosalie decided to film his reflections on the event. Via their news website SunLive, Brian and Claire backed the filmmakers, making available archived footage and thousands of photos as well as initial funding.
“Although he's not around to see the end product of the documentary, he's very much a part of it. It couldn't be without him really,” says Claire.
The stories of the clean-up couldn’t be possible either without the thousands of people from all walks of life who came together to save their beloved beaches.
It’s this positive message of the power of the community uniting in the face of disaster that viewers are left with.
The documentary is a stark reminder of the constant threat of environmental disasters.
While humans have the potential to wreak havoc on our national taonga, the film’s message is that everyone also has the power to preserve it – in whatever way they can, like the septuagenarian widow who rescued a little blue penguin who turned up on her doorstep, covered in oil, and needing a helping hand.
Film launch
‘Taking Back Our Beach’ is being shown as part of the Doc Edge Festival, with a screening in Auckland on May 28 at 2.15pm at The Capitol Cinema and in Wellington on June 11 at 2.15pm at The Roxy Cinema, and online via the Doc Edge virtual cinema from June 19-July 9.
The film will be launched in Tauranga at United Cinemas on October 5 to coincide with the 12th anniversary of the Rena’s grounding.
With crowdfunding in 2021 showing the community spirit here in the BOP and that people do want the story told. The filmmakers say the community response to the clean-up and the sense of community was the reason the documentary was produced to start with. Support is needed again to help fund the release of the film. For more on how to donate, email the filmmakers at: info@takingbackourbeach.com
He’s just four years old and has already had to take on Leukaemia.
Yet, Tate McNaught has the support of a whole tennis club behind him to raise funds for his treatments.
The pre-schooler was diagnosed with leukaemia late-February “out of the blue,” says nanna Linda McGovern. “He had ear infections quite often and he just had his routine four-year-old check.
“The nurse thought he had a hole in his eardrum so my daughter marched him to the doctor and had a blood test, and, yeah, that’s when they found out…it was a bit of a shock for us all.”
Just like nanna and poppa Linda and Mike McGovern, who have been Papamoa Tennis Club members for 10 years, Tate loves
tennis. “He loves any racquet sport...it’s in the blood I think.”
“He’s a typical four-year-old –really busy, loves to bike, love’s to be outside. But he’s coping very well because he’s not allowed to go to daycare, or see his friends…in case he gets a cold, or infection.”
Despite keeping his distance from people, the support around Tate is ever present.
This Saturday, May 27, the Papamoa Tennis Club is hosting a Shave for a Cure fundraiser in light of Tate’s diagnosis. “The tennis club is just phenomenal,” says Linda. “They just get behind people that have had problems …and I mean it’s our grandson so the club members were just so upset, so it’s quite humbling to think you’ve got friends who really care about you.”
The fundraiser will offer fun tennis games, live music and head
shaving for a good cause. Club president Gerald Greig will go under the clippers himself.
Tate is currently cancer-free but has two years of treatment ahead. “[Doctors] put them on a really long maintenance programme to make sure all the cancer’s gone, apparently it can hide in lots of different parts of your body. He’s been pretty good you know but the next few months could be different because they’re increasing the dosage, so you just take every day as it comes and hope that he’s well,” says Linda.
The club aims to raise $15,000 for the NZ Leukemia and Blood Cancer Research team. Shave for a Cure is at Papamoa Tennis Club 1pm-7pm Saturday, May 27.
If you can’t make it, donate at: https://www.shaveforacure.co.nz/t/ tate
A team of 26 gymnasts selected from across New Zealand to compete in the Singapore Open 2023 has four Bay of Plenty atheletes. Tauranga rhythmic gymnasts Bobbi-rose Holmes, Sunny Davis, Holly Van den Borst and Polina Macfarlane will compete in a whirl of ribbons and leotards in Singapore, kicking off today.
The championship, from May 26-May 31, has had these teenage gymnasts training hard at the Athlete Factory NZ at the Mount. “They train four days a week for about 15 hours,” says Future Gymnastics Tauranga head coach Nicky Pow. “[On top of this] We started doing a Pilate’s class, then brought in a ballet teacher to assist with their training so they can perform to the best of their ability.”
This is the girls’ first taste of competition against international athletes together. For 19-year-old and level 10 gymnast Bobbi-rose, this opportunity has been long-awaited after she made the NZ team to compete
in the Australian National Championships in 2019. Due to Covid-19, the competition was canned. “I’m super grateful that the opportunity has arisen again, and it’s just super exciting to be able to have that international competition experience.” Bobbi-Rose is now excited to have her friends alongside her. “We all know how many hours we’ve put into the sport, so we’re all excited for each other, and it’s so nice to be able to compete and train with each other.”
Nicky has also been selected as a NZ coach for the Singapore Open. Bobbi says the team is grateful to have Nicky train them. “It’s just amazing to have someone so dedicated, who cares for us so much, and we’re excited for her because this is her first time becoming a NZ coach.”
Nicky says if would be incredible her athletes gain medals “but right now it’s definitely an experience and the ability to step up to further competitions either this year or next year, and just really clear that pathway to podium success”.
Georgia Minkhorst
The creativity and commitment of The Weekend Sun team has been praised at the New Zealand Community Newspaper Association’s 2022 Awards. Your community newspaper has won Best Front Page category and photographer John Borren is named Best Photographer. The Sun won the Best Front Page accolade from four covers published in 2022, and was presented the award May 19 at the CNA Awards evening in Auckland. The four entries, pictured above, were all photographed by John. The judges said The Sun delivered a series of clean, bright engaging front pages. “Lovely combination of commanding imagery, clever headlines and use of colour. Impossible to pick a single favourite out of the four as they all make the reader stand up and take notice.”
The Sun editor Merle Cave is very proud of the entire Sun Media team who work on creating the front pages. “This award shows the passion, commitment and talents of the entire team, who work really hard to deliver clean, bright and engaging covers for our readers. Our team is smart, savvy and passionate about what we do – this win is a testament to their hard work and commitment to telling community news in the Western Bay of Plenty.”
Sun photographer John Borren won the Best
Photographer from a portfolio of 10 photographs published in 2022. The judges said: “As a news photographer, John has demonstrated an exceptional ability to capture moments that tell powerful stories, and his portfolio of photographs showcases his immense talent in the areas of creativity, composition, and visual impact”.
The judges also said John’s work stands out for his ability to evoke motions and convey a sense of place and time. “His use of light and colour is masterful, and his compositions are both striking and thought-provoking. He has a unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether they are people, places or events, and his photographs often transcend the moment to become works of art in their own right.” Merle is not surprised by John’s accolade. “John is talented, intuitive, professional, passionate and immensely skilful in photography – he can capture things not seen by others – every brief he’s given, he nails it.”
The Ashburton Guardian’s managing editor Daryl Holden won the inaugural Brian Rogers Memorial Award for Best Headline Writer. Sun Media director Claire Rogers ran the company with husband Brian – who was editor of The Sun – until his passing last September. Merle says Brian was widely-known for being a clever, witty headline writer “and the memorial award is very fitting”.
It’s a magical once-upona-time image, mesmerizing in its black and white, in its starkness, and taken 100 years ago. It tells a story of where we have come from, and a rebirth.
Centre stage is the diva, The Cargo Shed, the grand old lady of Dive Crescent. And alongside, a steamship, probably the Ngapuhi with its wisp of smoke, disgorging passengers from Auckland, and a cargo of necessities – rice, jam sweetcorn, soap, matches and the like – to a town, and a country, on the
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The Ngapuhi had an undignified end, laid up and scrapped in 1941. But The Cargo Shed’s story is one of optimism and hope. She lives on and has been blessed with a $1.35 million makeover, which might ensure her next 100 years. And this in a city whose recent past has been to pull things down.
A ‘story’ preserved
“The Cargo Shed is one of the stories of the city and we have preserved it, so it’s a good news story,” says the Tauranga City Council’s Gareth Willis, who’s charged with driving the restoration project. “There aren’t many historic buildings left in Tauranga other than the old Post Office, now Clarence Boutique Hotel. We have reversed a trend here.”
and now we’re doing something about it,” says Gareth.
And it’s being driven by the Commissioners. “Their arrival saw a quick and strong commitment to make things happen.” Suddenly money that wasn’t available was available.
“The Commission is definitely driving things forward,” says Gareth. Its thinking was to get The Cargo Shed open again smartly and see where it took them.
“It’s a blank canvas,” says Gareth. “We’ll try out a whole lot of uses. Commercial, community, paid, free, whatever – try them all and see what works.”
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The Cargo Shed isn’t pretty – but the Harbour Board architect probably didn’t intend her to be a monument to her time. Functionality within budget was probably front of mind. A place to store stuff and shift stuff. But she’s a tough old bird – and she has survived when most others haven’t.
There’s a reassuring honesty about this remodel... the raw industrial feel faithfully preserved. Throw back those huge barn-like doors on rollers, and a cloth-capped watersider from another time might just walk into this Heritage New Zealand ‘building of interest’. And the rough-hewn ceiling beams and trusses are from an age when there were enough old growth forests to supply timber in such size, quantity and affordability.
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Now The Cargo Shed is an event space – gone is the dust, dirt and soot from the smoke stacks on steam ships and steam trains. Gone are the longshoremen with hand trollies and dollies manhandling cargo in and out, all day, every day.
Now the events – the brides and grooms, the business people, the markets and festivals. Whatever the purpose, The Cargo Shed by name is back in business for all things. “It’s exciting because Tauranga has under-invested in community infrastructure for a significant period
There’s a nod to the needs of today – the fit-out includes a new kitchen, not a full commercial kitchen, upgraded bathrooms, improved access, ‘simple’ lighting system and spectacular picture windows that bring the harbour almost lapping inside – as close as you will get to Tauranga Harbour without leaping in.
“We could have spent a hell of a lot more money, but the Commissioners just wanted to make it available and see how the community responded.”
It’s six years since that community stepped inside The Cargo Shed. It was mothballed in 2017 after
being deemed a seismic risk. That caused a bit of a stink at the time because an arts and craft market, the almost exclusive user of The Cargo Shed, was booted and left homeless. The building was unsafe.
Not now though. The concrete floor has been polished and spliced with seismic strengthening. And it’s original – where you might step, 100 years of other people have gone before you.
What about the casual user – someone who might drop by, soak up some history, soak up some spectacular views, drink and eat? A bar and restaurant in other words. “We’ve been approached by several people with exactly that concept. But the Commissioners’ vision was see what the community wants first, and if it’s not well used, then ultimately that’s a great idea. If here’s a demand for us to do it differently then we will look at it,” says Gareth.
The job isn’t done. Also on the drawing board is a walkway along the front or seaward side of The Cargo Shed. Then those large picture windows will
be popped and become doors, and there will be a genuine connection with the water.
“Yes, it’s been pretty neat being part of conserving it,” says Gareth.
The Cargo Shed will be many things to many people. And while it might not have been his best work, a Harbour Board architect might be feeling a little smug right now.
Interested in booking The Cargo Shed? Email: cargoshed@tauranga.govt.nz or phone Baycourt (07) 577 7189.
A store in Tauranga is literally turning rags into riches, raising money for people in our community to access free counselling by selling rags. Yes, you read it right.
For the past month Kaysams Retail Surplus Store Tauranga, owned by wife-and-husband Kaysi and Sam Fredericks, has been in the process
of changing from a variety store to an opshop.
The Kaysam team has been collecting donations of sheets, t-shirts, towels – cutting and bagging them to sell to raise money for people to get free counselling.
Hot property
And it turns out rags are hot property. “We can’t keep enough on the shelves!”
“We’ve got cleaners, we’ve got plumbers, we’ve got mechanics, we’ve got all kinds of people actually, coming in [to buy them], we keep getting them in, which is brilliant, and my kids have fun cutting them all up – that might be therapy in itself.”
And so Kaysi and Sam are calling on the community to donate more old towels, shirts – or anything that can be turned into rags – to keep the fundraiser going.
“Instead of filling the landfill up with rags, we’re actually telling people: ‘Hey look if you’ve got these things that most opshops say: ‘No thanks to’ – we’ll take them, we can do it and we can half the price’.”
The store charges $6.99 per one kilogram bag and means Kaysi and Sam “can help people get into the therapy that they need”.
Kaysi says helping people get into counselling is a huge passion for her and her husband. “We’ve had a really good response from the public because there needs to be more help for people.”
Kaysi got into gear with this initiative after someone desperately needing help couldn’t afford counselling.
One day working at the store, she received a phone call from them. “I answered [the phone] and he goes: ‘I’ve got a gun to my head,’ so I
Fredericks needs more donations of old towels, shirts and sheets that she can turn into rags to sell to fund community counselling sessions for others.
wrote a note to my husband and was like ‘I’ve really got to take this call right now’ and I spent three hours on the phone with him…he’s absolutely on the right track now and we’re doing therapy and everything.”
Using the funds raised from rags and proceeds from other donations, Kaysi says: “We’ve already put six people through – so six people have already received six sessions of counselling. “We’ve got counsellors and we’ve also got psychologists and they donate their time to work with the people.”
With funds raised, Kaysams is working towards opening office
spaces for people to go for free counselling and is planning to set up a counselling hotline too. “People don’t have the community connections anymore – people don’t know how to talk to another person anymore,” says Kaysi.
“[So] If we can get all those connections together, we may actually be able to change the world.”
She asks anyone with donations to bring them in. Kaysams is open 9am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am-2pm Saturdays, and 9.30am-2pm Sundays, at 84 First Ave, Tauranga City.
Western Bay of Plenty crafters are being challenged to exceed the number of woollen blankets and clothes sent last year to Eastern Europe for Operation Cover Up.
The project was launched more than 20 years ago to unite knitters and crocheters across New Zealand in making blankets and warm clothing for children, families, and the elderly living in temperatures as low as minus-25 degrees Celsius.
Area coordinator Sharman Marsh says in 2022 the BOP contributed four pressed wool bales full of knitted items and 11 cartons of goods like stationery, backpacks, toys and games and hygiene packs.
“We sent 225 large hand-knitted blankets, 213 hats, 168 scarves, 213 slippers and socks, 91 hat, scarf and glove sets as well as 220 knitted jerseys,” says Sharman. “That represents a lot of work.”
This year knitted effort will be collected mid-July and sent to Albania, Bulgaria, BosniaHerzegovina, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine.
“One of the ladies in my craft group has already knitted 17 blankets this year. She is an absolute wonder,” says Sharman.
“The benefit of the project is actually twofold; not only are we contributing our skills to meet a need, but we also enjoy spending time together, so it
fills our social need.” Sharman encourages more knitters from the Western Bay of Plenty to get involved in Operation Cover Up. She says those who don’t knit or crochet can donate wool or money to help cover the cost of shipping.
“I have knitted since my childhood and Operation Cover Up, with its particular emphasis on the many poor children and families in the former Soviet Union countries, is a way to marry up my hobby with the need,” says Sharman.
Two companies have stepped up by donating goods and services; Farmlands Tauriko is supplying wool packs and Mainfreight is helping with transport.
WBOPD residents are invited to the collection morning to support the project and those who’ve contributed. “Shoes, toiletries, stationery, toys and non-knitted clothing are also accepted,” says Sharman. “But in terms of the knitting and crocheting, it really is amazing to see the creativity of our local craft community.”
The annual Operation Cover Up collection is at Lifezone Church, Oak Lane, Judea on Thursday July 13, from 9.30am with morning tea at 10am. There will be a display of the handiwork, a talk and video from the field. A gold coin donation is appreciated to help cover shipping costs. To donate knitted items, wool or shipping cost funds before July 13, call Sharman Marsh on 027 245 4034. Debbie Griffiths
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If you don’t associate SUVs with fun, it’s about time you did.
Opel’s new Grandland is a zippy, modern crossover SUV which is equipped with all the bells and whistles to make you feel right at home. This is the latest model from Opel and the quality German engineering is clear to see and feel from the moment you approach.
It’s got plenty of room, heated steering and seats, plus a stunning roomy interior which will make you find any excuse to jump in and hit the road.
The cabin’s dual screens can easily be configured in multiple ways to display what you feel is important – whether that’s navigation, the speed limit, a combination of everything, or even a minimalistic interface to keep things simple.
Premium comfort
On top of that, it’s also got a fantastic sound system installed straight from the factory, so there’s no need to mess with settings to get that vibrant
sound you’ve always wanted.
What’s great about Opel’s Grandland is everything you need as a driver is right at your fingertips. The steering wheel has a convenient set of buttons that allow you to make and receive phone calls, adjust the stereo and set the adaptive cruise control.
You can also find out just about anything you need to know while on the road just by looking at the infotainment screen – and, if it’s not there, a simple voice command should do the trick to bring it right up.
Smart headlights
The Grandland engine also gives you a whole lot of power and control – which is fun from the moment you get behind the wheel.
A technologically enhanced
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powertrain is available with the responsive direct injection turbo petrol mated to an eightspeed automatic transmission, producing 96kW/130hp, or 230 Nm@1750pm of torque.
Incredibly efficient
If you’re like me and are interested in getting behind one of the freshest car brands to hit Kiwi shores, I recommend giving one of the team at Tauranga Motor Company a call. They’ll help get you sorted and see the Grandland’s big personality in first-hand.
They are located at 326 Cameron Rd, and can be contacted at 07 578 9083 to book a test drive.
Opel Grandland SRi 1.2T Petrol Auto 2WD is available from $51,990+ORC. Vehicle as tested has premium paint, which is available for an additional $550. Taylor Rice
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Bird enthusiasts in the Bay of Plenty are all a flutter about this year’s milestone 60th annual show being held alongside the Budgerigar Society of New Zealand’s annual patronage show this weekend in Tauranga.
“It’s very prestigious to win the right to host the Patronage Show, so it’s a real feather in our cap,” says Tauranga Bird Club president Sheryl Baron.
“To think that in 2017, our club returned to hosting a show after a five-year hiatus, to now hosting one of the biggest along with the gathering of budgerigar breeders from around the country. It’s a real nod to our thriving community here.”
Along with its AGM, the Budgerigar Society will hold its show this Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 – with one of the 17 judges coming all the way from Scotland. There will also be an auction of budgies from the studs of a range of breeders. Sheryl says the event is a great way to begin breeding as a hobby.
“Budgies are an easy entry-level cage bird.
They’re low maintenance and just lovely birds in general and there are so many colours and varieties to choose from.
“In fact, we’re very proud to be home to one of the best budgie breeders in the country.” Around 330 budgerigars will be at the show: coming from as far away as Christchurch, as well as around the North Island including Hawke’s Bay, Whangarei and Palmerston North. The Tauranga Bird Show, itself, has already attracted around 900 entries.
“It’s already beginning to rival the shows back in the bird breeding heyday of the 1980s and 1990s,” says Sheryl. “We’re seeing a real revival in Tauranga at the moment. Locals can come along to see a range of cage birds from canaries to different types of finches, parrots and cockatiels.” There is the chance to buy birds at the auction and sales table as well as accessories and bird food. “This year is almost like a practice run for a huge event next year when we’ve been invited to host the 2024 Topflite National Bird Show here in Tauranga,” says Sheryl.
“This is big and we’re very excited. It’s important that we do well, so we’re inviting locals to come along and support the show.”
The 2023 Tauranga Bird Show is this Saturday, May 27 from 1pm-5pm and Sunday, May 28, from 8.30am-1pm (last ticket sales midday), at Tauranga Racing Club, 1383 Cameron Rd, Greerton. Entry is cash only – adults $5, kids $3, family $15.
Meet our budgie lady
Tauranga’s Robyn Grinter takes the compliment of being one of New Zealand’s top budgerigar breeders with a shrug and a smile. “When you’ve been breeding for as long as I have –almost 60 years – then you have to be doing something right. I’ve won hundreds of awards; possibly thousands.”
After getting her first budgie pair as a Christmas gift when she was nine years old, Robyn fell in love with the breed, even managing to tame the female bird despite not getting it as a young chick.
“So, there you go, you can tame older birds,” says Robyn. “I handled her a lot. In fact, one night in a storm the cage blew over. The male
flew away, but we found Penny hiding under the house. I could even walk to the shops with her sitting on my shoulder.”
With around 400 budgerigars, Robyn no longer spends time taming them but loves the chatter of noise from her backyard aviaries. She says breeding winners takes time and expertise.
“We are one of the top breeders because we’ve been at it a long time and take time to work out the pairs to enhance certain features. You have ideal standards but I’m always aiming higher to improve on that.”
Robyn has at least 35 birds entered in the Budgerigar Society of New Zealand’s annual patronage show this weekend in Tauranga – and she’s excited to have an international judge to show to.
“It’s a different opinion and a fresh perspective but I love the shows for the social aspect, too. These are friends we only see at these events.”
“I’ll be breeding budgies until I fall off my perch, so to speak,” laughs Robyn. “My husband and I are still able to do the work in our mid-60s, so we’ll keep going. It’s just a hobby and I love it.”
Nilla is about three years old – and is a gorgeous dog, inside and out! She has a very sweet and gentle nature, is a calm girl and doesn’t let life’s stresses get her down. She’s very clever and can follow basic commands like ‘sit’. She loves to please her humans so more training should be a breeze – she loves treats too! She likes going for walks and playtime – give her toys and space to play and see her inner playful puppy shine. Nilla is a sweet soul, give her a chance and see her beautiful personality flourish! Apply today! Call the Tauranga centre on: 07 5780245. Ref no: 575793.
If you’ve had a dog pass away, or dog owner pass away, contact your local council to advise them ahead of the dog registration deadline on June 30.
In the Western Bay of Plenty, all dogs must be registered before three months of age. Registration must be renewed before June 30 each year. To change details, email:
customerservice@westernbay.govt. nz; or visit a WBOPDC area office.
In Tauranga City Council’s boundary – if your dog dies, you can apply for a partial refund of the registration fee providing it was initially paid to TCC. You must apply in the year your dog died. To learn more, or to update details, see: https://www.tauranga.govt.nz
While last week’s Budget announcement was fairly underwhelming for new and interesting government policies, it was somewhat interesting on the economic front – with some relatively surprising forecasts from Treasury that will underpin the Government’s future approach.
These forecasts are more positive than what we have become accustomed to recently. Of most surprise in the Treasury forecasts is a return by the end of next year to a relatively normal inflation level of 3.3 per cent – a big step down from the 6.8 per cent we currently see.
Interest rates
The Reserve Bank has been lifting interest rates to stifle the economy to little effect, clearly Treasury expect to see this result in quite a slowdown during the next year – evidenced by unemployment being forecast to rise from 3.4 to five per cent in
a relatively short space of time. Despite this, the economy is still forecast to grow modestly, avoiding the recession so many economists take delight in forecasting. For local businesses, we’re still only seeing a few signs of distress and largely good economic data.
The changes in inflation and unemployment are connected, the Reserve Bank and government unfortunately need to create a freer employment market to stop wages rising at the same rate as inflation does.
Creating worse economic conditions and unemployment does that, but immigration also plays a role in easing a very tight labour market – and this is where we have seen a big change recently. Immigrants are back, and Aotearoa has seen an influx of more than 50,000 people crossing the border in the past year. This migration is also seen as positive for the economy and
businesses, addressing skill gaps and maintaining the working population as locals age and leave the workforce.
With a return to normal economic conditions and population growth, the infrastructure discussion becomes critical and this is an area we should be concerned about locally. Strong immigration is closely linked to Tauranga’s growth, and we can expect further strain on our already-stretched infrastructure. Population growth is inevitable, we must adequately prepare, especially in terms of transport infrastructure to support additional housing.
Locally, we are so far behind on infrastructure that our needs are many and focus must go on the Government delivering what we already have agreed. For example, Takitimu North/State Highway 2, as well as supporting new projects. The best single new project that delivers housing volume, lower congestion and access to the Port is SH29 at Tauriko – the sooner we can get on with that, the better.
A Tauranga-based seniors-focused tour company has thrown its support behind the coastal Bay of Plenty’s rescue helicopter service.
Zealandier Tours is proud to support the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter and thank the team for their continual lifesaving service, says co-founder and director Jan Davies.
“A rescue helicopter can be airborne in 10 minutes and in a life-and-death situation this speed and agility can make all the difference.”
However, the life-saving service – available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – relies heavily on donations to operate.
Tauranga’s Aerocool Rescue Helicopter will benefit from Zealandier Tours’ donation campaign.
Photo: Supplied.
“We’ve always maintained our top priority is the safety and welfare of all people in New Zealand, both visitors and residents. “Whether you’re on land or the ocean, it’s imperative that in an emergency you have medical help arrive as soon as possible.”
Jan says the sooner treatment begins, the greater chance of recovery. “‘The golden hour’ term used in dire situations refers to the 60 minutes between trauma and treatment.
Jan says when booking a tour with Zealandier Tours on their website, there is an opportunity to make a donation to ‘Aerocool Rescue Helicopter’ for as little as $2.
“And 100 per cent of all donations made through our website goes to our local Aerocool Rescue Helicopter – plus, Zealandier Tours matches every donation dollar-for-dollar.
“We’re proud to announce our cruise ship passengers from this past cruise season has supported this service exceptionally well again.” So get booking your next trip now at: https://www.zealandiertours.com/
Inflation, or ‘Robflation’ as I call it, is quietly eroding New Zealand’s wealth.
With a 32-year high inflation rate, our money’s value has shrunk by seven per cent in just one year. The 2023 ‘No Frills’ Budget, which pledged to confront the cost-of-living, will only add fuel to the inflationary fire.
Food prices have soared by 12.5 per cent, rents have escalated by 10 per cent, and mortgage interest payments haven’t finished trending upward.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson, perhaps more aptly known as the ‘Minister of Inflation’, has been unable to curb government spending.
Robertson seems to believe it’s the Reserve Bank’s job to curb this inflationary tide alone. But it isn’t.
In the words of Ruth Richardson: “Monetary policy needs mates”. Mates like good fiscal policy, or in other words, more disciplined Government spending. Unfortunately, in the current political landscape, Robertson has no mates.
Instead, he’s only got enemies, from his
colleagues, clamouring for increased spending, and potential coalition partners, such as the Greens and Te Pāti Māori, advocating for even more spending and red tape in their misguided attempt to turn New Zealand into some sort of second-rate, lentil-eating ethnostate.
The cost of Robertson’s failure to control fiscal policy is borne by everyday New Zealanders, many of whom backed Labour in 2020. Yet, rather than acknowledging their part, Robertson deflects, framing inflation as a global dilemma beyond his command.
But let’s be clear: inflation is not inevitable or uncontrollable. It is equally the outcome of flawed policies and decisions Labour’s choice to funnel billions into poorly-conceived schemes that have failed to stimulate the economy or generate jobs has been a major factor.
Kiwis are paying the price for ill-disciplined government spending and policies. We deserve mates in the Beehive that tackle inflation, a massive part of the cost-of-living crisis.
I don’t want to toot my own horn, but these two-legged creatures called humans keep commenting that I’m quite the handsome boy. My name is Buddy. I’m a three-year-old, medium-large Staffycross – and man, do I enjoy snoozing on the couch for long periods of time. Especially when left home alone. I love playing with dogs of all shapes
Information session
and sizes. I’m great on a leash but do get excited when I see other dogs. 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 attention with them. I’ll even ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come back’ and ‘lay down’!
To find out more, message the RRR Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RRRCanine/
National will get the cost of living crisis under control. Under Labour we are seeing runaway inflation, skyrocketing interest rates, and Kiwis struggling to make ends meet. Most of this is due to reckless money printing and spending and a swathe of costly regulations imposed under this government.
Bread prices are up 39 per cent, cheese is up 53 per cent and eggs have more than doubled. House prices and rental costs
have taken off under Labour. It’s getting harder and harder to realise the Kiwi dream where if you work hard, you can get ahead.
National has a plan to tackle the cost of living crisis. We will stop adding costs to businesses and farmers, which are currently being passed on to the consumer. We will make sure business have the workers they need to produce more efficiently. We will reign in wasteful government spending
that is continually stoking the inflation fire. We will focus the Reserve Bank solely on fighting inflation – it’s most important job. And finally, we will give hard-working, tax-paying Kiwis back some of their money through inflation adjustments to the tax brackets, making the average family $1700 better off per year.
We trust New Zealanders to spend their money better than the Government and we want to make it easier for you to pay the mortgage or rent, buy the groceries, pay the bills and buy the kids some new school shoes. We will work hard to make life easier for Kiwi families.
Waka Kotahi is working to protect the route for a new four-lane highway and shared path between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa. We invite people to an information session to look at the draft plans for the new road, and give feedback on these proposals.
This is a good opportunity to get a feel for how the design is progressing and ask questions about both stages of the project, while on the doorstep of Stage One (Tauranga to Te Puna), currently in construction. We look forward to seeing you there.
You can also view materials at nzta.govt.nz/takitimunorth and give your views during the consultation period 8 – 22 June 2023.
Where: Project Site Office, 635 State Highway 2, Te Puna
When: Thursday 8 June 2023, drop in anytime between midday and 4pm
The Government last week released Budget 2023, which sets out more support for today and the next steps in our plan to build for tomorrow. I wanted to make sure you’d heard about a few key initiatives, including a cost of living package to ease the pressure on people here in Tauranga. This Budget provides practical cost of living support across some of the core expenses facing New Zealanders – childcare, healthcare, transport and power bills. It will help to make things a bit easier for families, students and older New Zealanders by reducing or removing some of
For appointments and assistance please phone: 07 571 2492 jan.tinetti@parliament.govt.nz @jantinetti
the costs they currently face. Millions of Kiwis will pay a little less as a result.
We’re helping parents stretch their budgets a little further, by making childcare cheaper with 20 hours free ECE for two-year-olds. We’re helping with health costs by removing prescription charges for medicines. We’re permanently cutting the costs of public transport for young New Zealanders. We’re also reducing power bills by making Kiwi homes more energy efficient.
Budget 2023 also includes a massive boost to our country’s infrastructure, which has been tested during the recent flooding and cyclone. That’s why we’ve allocated significant funds to build back better with greater resilience, to protect communities from increasingly severe and unpredictable weather events.
It’s a practical Budget that does the basics well and makes investments where they are needed most. But we need to do more than just respond to challenges of today, we need to build for the future.
That’s why we’re continuing to make targeted investments in areas that are critical to grow the economy and lift productivity. Investing in infrastructure, skills, science and technology supports every area of the economy. It’s how we support people into work, drive higher wages for Kiwis and build a stronger economy.
Have you bought something online for winter and need it shifted and lifted into place in Tauranga?
Perhaps a fireplace or spa pool from Trademe?
If you’ve got something heavy or difficult you need brought into the Tauranga district – and lifted into place, up high or down in the ground–contact Pete Marshall from SkyHooksNZ Tauranga 4X4 Minicranes.
Pete, an owner-operator, 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 final 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 final 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.
“This makes us cost-effective 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’ skills extend to all types of places.
“Watching Pete work, I know it takes intricacy to work out load and placements of items in difficult 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.
“Fireplaces, spa pools, trusses, beams, carpet rolls, pools, garden sheds, home appliances, workshop machinery, rock and tree placement, furniture in and out of multi-storey homes and apartments – the lot!”
Pete offers a free site visit and estimate – and promptly replies to enquiries – so call him now on 021 848 919.
See the difference SUNVUE can make to your outdoor living space. Locally owned and operated, the team at SUNVUE are the experts to contact for outdoor living solutions.
SUNVUE’s range of aluminium pergolas, outdoor blinds and accessories are designed to be both durable and attractive, providing a stylish addition to any outdoor area.
“Installing a SUNVUE covered pergola is like adding a new room to your home –for a fraction of the price,” says owner Lee Weatherley.
“Optional outdoor blinds can be added at any stage after your pergola installation. These help maximise your living options by connecting indoor and outdoor environments into one harmonious room.”
The SUNVUE Galaxy and Halo pergola styles are
designed and custom-built right here in New Zealand with a focus on using quality products, including New Zealand-made aluminium.
“A SUNVUE pergola offers 99 per cent UV protection and will block out undesirable weather, while still letting lots of light into your home,” says Lee.
“This ensures you get optimal all year- round use of your outdoor living space.”
If you’d like a free, no-obligation quotation, call 0508 SUNVUE (786 883) or visit: www.sunvue.co.nz
Highmark Homes founder Bob Hunt and son Ryan Hunt are committed to building homes they are proud of.
Due to population growth, the Government recently changed the rules around building on extra space you may have on your residential property.
These changes mean there are situations where it could be possible to build a new home on your section without the need for subdividing and/or resource consent.
Highmark Homes BOP managing director Ryan Hunt says this is great news for people
looking to benefit from the extra space they have on their property, securing their future with an investment property without the large costs of subdividing.
“We’re offering to build a brand new three-bedroom, 103m2 home from only $299,000 on your backyard or on your farm – depending on the specific requirements of your site. We believe this could be a great option for people looking to build a quality new home in a cost-effective way.”
Highmark Homes was founded in 1965 by Bob Hunt and is now
run by his son Ryan, making it one of the longest-running building companies in the Bay of Plenty.
Ryan says the team at Highmark Homes is dedicated to building homes they can be proud of and offer a no-obligation, free site evaluation, “providing expert advice on the best way to maximise any property”.
For site visits and further information, call Sally on 027 536 1003 or visit: highmarkhomes.co.nz/region/ bay-of-plenty/
Signature Homes Bay of Plenty & Coromandel pride themselves on providing clients with a bespoke experience, building homes that feel uniquely theirs.
Owners Debbie and Craig Williams know a thing or two about building beautiful Kiwi homes – they’ve been doing so in the region for more than 26 years.
One of the many benefits of working with Signature Homes is that you get access to your own team of experts who will be with you every step of the way.
You’re almost guaranteed to enjoy your build experience with the Signature Homes Tauranga & Bay of Plenty team, who, since 2008, have won the National Client Survey award 13 times.
Signature Homes is proud to offer its clients Fixed Price Contracts as part of their independently-bonded Building Guarantees programme, a market-leading offering that ensures you can build your new home with confidence.
Signature Homes Bay of Plenty & Coromandel takes care of all the nuts and bolts, so, you can relax and be confident your build is in good hands from start to finish.
On-time, on budget, with no nasty surprises.
Make
Whether you have an idea of your dream home planned out or you’re just starting your building journey, Signature Homes team of experts will help you create a space that’s perfectly in tune with your lifestyle and budget.
When you choose to design and build your new home, you have full control of every stage of the process – from bedroom sizes, and extra storage spaces right through to colours, cladding, and fittings.
Whether you’re looking for a house and land package in the Bay of Plenty or you’re a landowner seeking a design and build solution, Signature Homes will take you through the new home building process step-by-step.
Contact Signature Homes Bay of Plenty & Coromandel on 0800 102 105 to start your new home journey today.
Orchid fanatic John Edwards started his collection of these stunning plants more than 25 years ago, after his wife Winsome gave him an orchid for his birthday. “I loved it so much that I
thought I better have a look on the internet and work out how to look after this plant, and I did and eventually I got some more and different kinds and it grew like that.”
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And his passion for this plants certainly has grown, having about 270 orchids to his name. “You catch this disease where you can’t resist gathering more plants, so before long you’ve got quite a big collection.”
10 degrees Celsius differential. Many of them need that drop in temperature too appreciate the flowers to come out.”
Waiting for flowers can be a game of patience and threats too, says John. For two of his orchids of the Bulbophyllum species, John says:
“It took 11 years to get a first flower and then another one in the same genre took nine years to flower – so you need a lot of patience”.
WAIHI BEACH
Moreover John’s creativity for growing orchids has certainly thrived alongside his collection. Somewhat of a handy man, John has made his own hot cabinet for his tropical orchids. “It was originally a shop display cabinet that’s got two sliding doors on it.”
John admits he was over the moon when these orchids finally bloomed.
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John says he first saw the idea for having a hot cabinet in an English book he read. “I thought ‘I’ll give it a go here’ so it’s been evolving over the years. I’ve done a lot of research on it, on the type of light that you have in there.” It’s well decked out too. “I’ve got a humidity maker and its controlled automatically…it’s got six computer fans in it that go 24/7.”
At night, John opens the cabinet doors so the plants get a bit of a chill, which he says is important. “Some orchids won’t flower unless they have quite a difference between day and night temperatures – maybe five and
“The thrill and the joy of finally getting a flower after threatening to give it away or to sell it, or get rid of it, not doing anything…make a few threats – maybe that’s what works.”
John is part of Tauranga Orchid Society and recommends getting into orchids. “They’ve got a bit of a reputation for being hard to grow…but I’m looking on Google all the time, researching them and tweaking my culture…if you do that you’re going to have good success.” For more information on Tauranga Orchid Society, visit: https:// taurangaorchids.wordpress.com/
Aluminescent lilac glow radiates upon them. Humidity clings to the air while the six fans hum in a whir. Day and night, the orchids thrive. John Edwards and Winsome Edwards with the hot cabinet and tropical orchids. Photos: Brydie Thompson. The store cabinet-made hot cabinet is definitely an eye-catcher.
New potentially gamechanging Alzheimer’s drugs have made the news, but are they cause for fresh hope?
Donanemab is the second drug being trialled this year to show a slowing in cognitive decline, the other being Lecanemab. Both medications work by reducing the amount of ‘rogue’ sticky clumps of protein that accumulate in the brain when someone has Alzheimer’s disease. Excitement about these new drugs needs to be tempered by caution, despite reports indicating they seem to slow the progression of disease. Does this give us hope that one day there will be a treatment or cure? Absolutely. Does it mean that this treatment or cure is imminent? Unfortunately not.
Director of Research at Alzheimer's Research UK, Dr Susan Kohlhaas says: “The treatment effect is modest, as is the case for many firstgeneration drugs, and there are risks of serious side-effects that need to be fully scrutinised before Donanemab can be marketed and used” but also that the results were still “incredibly encouraging” and represented “another hugely significant moment for dementia research”.
The drug is currently not available in New Zealand, but may be once it has been fully tested. We are getting closer to finding a cure, but it is still probably a long way off yet. The best thing we can do is reduce our risk of developing dementia by being physically active, eating a balanced diet, stimulating our brain by taking up new hobbies;
and, crucially, keeping socially stimulated and engaged with our friends, family, and whānau.
You can contact Ruth Thomas,
lead specialist care manager, at EnlivenPlus. Phone 07-547 4349. EnlivenPlus provides specialist dementia care from $60.
Fitness and friendship are on offer at Matua Table Tennis Club, which is down in numbers after Covid-19 and is now seeking new, experienced, members.
Club president Shane Spalding says the club is “very social”. “You get to know people outside table tennis.”
But Shane says do not be underestimated by the club’s friendly atmosphere – Matua Table Tennis has some star players. “We’ve got one chap [Brian
Wilson] who’s nearly 92 and he’s a bloody good player! He’s one of the best in NZ for his age.”
Shane himself fell in love with table tennis after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour 25 years ago.
“I was blind for a few years, and I was an A-grade tennis player. I couldn’t go back to tennis.” As fate would have it, Shane says he saw an advert saying: ‘Table Tennis, come along free’. He cites “indoors, aircon units, and awesome people to play with” as benefits of the sport.
In essence, Shane says Matua Table Tennis is “just a good club,
everyone’s so nice and friendly”. The community Matua Table Tennis offers is invaluable to its members. “A lot of the people have become really good friends over the years.” The club ventures beyond Matua, too. “We have an outing once or twice a year…we do travel to tournaments.”
Shane emphasises that experienced players are preferred. The Matua Table Tennis club meets at Matua Hall Mondays and Tuesdays from 12.30pm-3pm, and Fridays 9am-11.30am. Interested in joining? Phone Shane on 027 544 3302, or come along to a meet.
Chloe Davison
Many would be thrilled to go skydiving. But Ellyn Proffit, who will skydive in Tauranga today – if the weather plays ball – is terrified!
“I’ve jumped out of a plane once before, many years ago, and swore I’d never do it again. But here I am, giving it another go,” says Ellyn. “This time, I’m doing it for my bosses.”
‘Bosses’
‘Bosses’ is what Ellyn affectionately calls her patients. She is a clinical nurse specialist with Te Whatu Ora, looking after 12-24-year-olds in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes and Tairawhiti regions with a cancer diagnosis.
On average, each year 40 young people are diagnosed with cancer in these regions. Ellyn ensures they have support and information to
navigate their diagnosis.
Today, May 26, Ellyn and Cancer Society Waikato/BOP chief executive officer Helen Carter will skydive in Jump for Cancer, a fundraising initiative for the Waikato/BOP branch of the Cancer Society.
All money raised will help the Cancer Society provide free, practical support services to people
currently fighting cancer, including transport to and from treatment, accommodation close to hospital, community nursing, meals and more. Ellyn is frank when she talks about the necessity of the Cancer Society. “Without the awhi (care) and tautoko (support) of the Cancer Society, many of my patients, my bosses, wouldn’t be alive today,” says Ellyn.
Needs more Helen says the BOP region in particular needs more wraparound services to support cancer patients. “We’ve chosen to skydive in Tauranga to stand alongside those fighting cancer and to highlight the incredible need for more cancer support services in the region. We know cancer patients’ wellbeing drastically improves when patients feel supported, whether that’s through practical measures such as transport to and
Hair loss is a common concern among seniors or elderly individuals – in fact, two in five women and more than half of the male population will suffer from some form of hair loss by the age of 60.
As people age, their bodies undergo various changes. The hair growth cycle may shift to a shorter growth phase, and shrinking of hair follicles may result in production of thinner, shorter strands of hair.
A common cause of hair loss in seniors relates to changes in hormone levels, such as declining testosterone in men, or falling oestrogen levels after menopause in women. This may cause hair to become thinner and more brittle.
The causes of hair loss are manifold – your genetics, nutrition, stress levels, underlying medical conditions, potential overexposure to
chemicals, and lifestyle and environmental factors can all play a vital role. Often, more than one factor may be involved.
The good news is you don’t have to put up with this. With the right care and treatment, seniors can continue to have healthy, vibrant hair well into their golden years. SRS Hair Clinic has more than 30 years’ experience in providing natural hair loss solutions – and the best part is, they’re free of side effects. SRS conducts an original, one-of-a-kind microscopic hair analysis and advises you on ways to protect, nourish and grow hair using 100 per cent natural solutions. Strict safety and dermatological tests carried out in Germany found SRS hair loss products are very safe and harmless even for sensitive skin or allergies.
SRS has clinics in Tauranga at 73 Sixteenth Ave, Auckland at 15 St. Benedicts St, and Hamilton at the Anglesea Clinic.
from treatment or accommodation, or just by being able to talk to someone about what they’re going through. We have a big, lofty goal to build a lodge near Tauranga Hospital so patients across BOP can experience the warmth and support of having a home away
from home during treatment, and we need the community’s help.
“Please donate to Jump for Cancer so together we can make sure no one goes through cancer alone.”
To find out more and to donate, visit: jumpforcancer.org.nz
Re: ‘Easing SH29 traffic woes’, page 3, The Weekend Sun, April 28.
The whole expansion of the Tauriko Industrial Area has been a disaster and shows a lack of planning. As a tradesman working in the area, I see things that can be improved.
Gargan Rd should have a traffic island installed on State highway 29 and the road widened to allow traffic servicing the hill part of the area to be serviced. Belk Rd traffic island should have started construction when the development by the GIB board factory started. Belk Rd could have been easily integrated into the total design and construction phase from then. Having both these roads working will reduce the congestion at The Crossing area. At the moment, all traffic into Tauriko Industrial goes around The Crossing traffic island. Opening Gargan Rd and Belk Rd will reduce the traffic in that area as all traffic going to the Waikato will have other options to access the Kaimais road.
The idea that someone is waiting for Resource Management Act consents to build these beggars belief? Anyone with common sense would have included these in the initial plans before any of the roading was started. Tauranga City Council should get their bums kicked for
being so slow and incompetent at allowing this to drag on so long.
The idea of traffic lights at The Crossing and Cambridge Rd intersections is ridiculous. It will not reduce the number of vehicles trying to get through that area. It will instead slow down the traffic as three out of four of the lanes will have a red light.
Why are they talking about a new roundabout at SH29 and Redwood? There are not many properties fed off Redwood Lane. That seems to be a waste of money when other areas are more urgent.
Where are the planners? How far ahead do they look? What are they doing to get the traffic moving? Are their only options for traffic to reduce the speed limit and install traffic lights?
Graham Missen, Brookfield.The all-day traffic queue last May 12 on State Highway 2 from Whakamarama to Bethlehem should not pass without comment.
The cause was the speed reduction for initial works on the final link in the Ōmokoroa/Tauranga Cycleway just on the Bethlehem side of the Wairoa Bridge. In my opinion these works should only be carried out at night and maybe the weekends or should be stopped until the overdue Takitumu North Link is up and
running in about three-plus years. This part of SH2 is very close to traffic saturation and any impediments to its flow can cause 30 minutes-plus extra driving time. Also we are right in the middle of the busy kiwifruit pick and pack season.
Perhaps if we delay, the sensible approach of formalising the cycleway where it is, alongside the marae, may prevail. Thank you.
Doug Morris, Te Puna.Many will have noticed the most recent Jim Bunny column has moved from being a light-hearted piece to an attempt to influence your readers towards the writer’s personal preference for more ratepayer-funded amenities and facilities: and in particular a stadium on the Domain. The personal preference does not appear to be based on any actual research in terms of that site’s suitability or anything else. It’s also an attitude which expounds the notion ‘we should spend everyone’s money on things I like without concern for the majority opinion’.
May I suggest you meet with some informed people who are not vested in the Commissioners’ reckless governance
to discuss the various options for a stadium site together with the realistic likely use, the realistic eventual cost and realistic benefit to Tauranga based on international information.
Maurice O’Reilly, The Avenue. Editor’s note: Hello Maurice, thank you for sending in your view. Sun Media has been covering this evolving proposal for a stadium from all viewpoints since it was first put forward, by publishing many news stories on the topic.
Jim Bunny has this week replied to comments and reaction on last week’s page 2 column in this week’s instalment. See page 2 in this edition – and please keep your letters coming – as we are open to all viewpoints on this topic.
Selling your home isn’t something you do every day, and can often feel daunting. With a genuine compassion for people, Rachel Cole makes sure to take the stress away from this process.
As a real estate agent with more than seven years of experience, Rachel brings a point of difference with the service she provides. “I offer, free no-obligation market appraisals with a view to help people see
what their property is worth, no pressure and then keep them updated,” says Rachel. She says that she keeps clients fully updated during the selling process so there’s nothing to be stressed about. “I give all the information so clients can make well informed decisions and then achieve real estate success together.
“I’m more than happy to help, so feel free to phone for a chat!” To get in touch with Rachel, see her advert on this page.
Georgia Minkhorst
Nearly June already, and it starts with a public holiday: a new public holiday.
For the first time in my life we’re celebrating King’s Birthday Weekend. Hooray! All that coronation palaver was good for something after all. And it brings a deluge of musical events; let’s examine them.
On Friday, June 2, Sydney ghetto-dubsters, Bootleg Rascal, come to the Mount’s Totara St with their hip-hop-infused jams and sonic brews.
I could say that the band’s main-men are Carlos (Q-Dome) Lara and Jimmy (Vanilla Gorilla) Young, plus Jack (50 Shade) Gray, and Scottie (Sgrillex) Grills. As you can see they all have nicknames. They’ve been touring since they formed in 2013 and have been remarkably successful.
In fact I could say a whole lot about them but is it worth it? I suspect if you’re into this music then you know them already and if you’re not, you don’t care. Lemme just say that tickets are $30 or $40, depending on how soon you buy.
The following night, Saturday, June 3, Mount band Common Threat is at the Jam Factory. They’ve been busy, supporting Sidewinder, playing Lucfest 2023 and even venturing down to Gisborne’s famous Smash Palace. They are guitarists David Bower and Regan Boocock, Brent Maxton on bass and Jared Beckett on drums, most of whom seem to sing, with Cam Hardcastle on lead vocals. Their music is heavy rock but from what I’ve heard melodic not metallic. Tickets are $15 for a 7pm show.
Electronica
Sunday, June 4, is when the electronica kicks off. With gigs it’s often the old ‘waiting for a bus’ story and Sunday is a perfect example.
Totara St has a night of electronica. It features three DJs who are touring together, each reaching different areas of the bassmusic spectrum. Between them Truth, Paige Julia and Ashez range from dubstep/140, to jungle, drum ‘n’ bass, halftime and breaks. Not only that but there’s local support from BLASE and Mufasa. Tickets are either $35 or $40 for a 9pm show.
But like I said about those buses, that same day The Historic Village is hosting the Elektrophoria Festival, from midday to 10pm. There will be two stages, the Amphitheatre/Forest and one in the beautiful old chapel; and 12 DJs from New Zealand and as far afield as Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Italy.
For the record, they are: Dj Carloose, Hooky, Joaco Dibbern, DeepNotic, Nicco, Zeca, Chris Silva, Euphoria, Aromat, Vness, Mcgamma, and MarisolBang. And in case you thought the only thing on offer at such an event is music, allow me to quote the
festival’s mission statement:
Bootleg Rascal.
“Throughout the festival, you will connect with the energy of the forest and its complex roots, giving you unique and authentic ancestral knowledge. You will also connect with other dimensions, evoking the energy of your inner self and the multiverse. Our festival offers the perfect opportunity to emancipate the respect and protection of Mother Earth while feeling the vibrations of music, the heartbeat of life’s transitions, and the calm and peace that comes from the church granting us life after death.”
Gobsmacked!
Well colour me gobsmacked! There’s a whole bunch of different philosophies in that short paragraph. I guess this isn’t exactly the same church my Mum and
Perhaps more relevant, door sales are $92.40 and come with this proviso: “If there is poor weather, the event will be postponed and not cancelled. In this case, you will not have the right to a refund, but you will be entitled to resell your ticket”. Hmmm...
On to Monday – Chuck’s ‘birthday’ – and a gig named after it: the King’s Birthday Blues Revue, at Totara St on
This sees the long-awaited return of the Darcy Perry Blues Band along with singer Petra Rijnbeek. Darcy has been laying low for a while so it’ll be great to see him on stage again. They’ll be joined by Auckland’s top blues outfit the Flaming Mudcats whose last album, ‘Forever And A Day’ was one of the most impressive in NZ blues history and, from the Bay, Robert Lock’s Loaded. Things kick off 2pm, tickets are $35; and Under-16s, supervised, $20.
The famed Waihi Beach Art & Craft Fair is back for the upcoming King’s Birthday weekend, so get along on Sunday, June 4!
Organisers Colleen Low and Trish Coates are thrilled to bring the annual fair to Waihi Beach Community Centre.
“This year the fair is fully booked with exciting stallholders – with lots of new faces and the very popular ones returning,” says Colleen.
She reckons interest in the fair has grown so much that people travel from all over the North Island to visit the one-day event. “This year the variety is enormous – there really is something for everyone.”
Colleen says stallholders’ wares range from beautiful hand-sewn garments, hand-knitting for the whole family, jewellery of all kinds – think glass, wooden, leather, silver, gem stones –through to dog and animal attire, retro and vintage recycled items, candles, infusers, beeswax and much more! “Stallholders have a treasure trove of products – too many to name – but for those with a sweet tooth, lollies and licorice treats are back this year!”
A new on-site café will be available to sit and enjoy fresh hot and cold food and
barista coffee. “You may have been before but every year this fair changes, with many, many, new things. It’s a great opportunity to support local craftspeople,” says Colleen. “The talent always amazes me.”
The Waihi Beach Art & Craft Fair is Sunday, June 4, at the Waihi Beach Community Centre. Doors open 10am-3.30pm. Entry is $4 per adult and under-15s gain free entry. Stallholders will have Eftpos facilities, however bring cash as no Eftpos on the door. The fair is indoors – so not cancelled by rain.
The New Zealand premiere of ‘The Appleton Ladies Potato Race’ is set for Tauranga’s 16th Ave theatre on the night of Saturday, June 10.
Inspired by true events, Melanie Tait’s affectionate Australian play is an effervescent, amusing, and big-hearted tale about women taking action and showing the world there’s more than one way to win a race.
The play is set in Appleton, a quintessential small Australian rural town. There are those in the town who embrace change, like long-time resident Barb. And there are those, like Barb’s friend Bev, who don’t.
Penny returns to her childhood home just in time for the Appleton Show and its famous potato race, where the winning man’s prize is $1000 and the winning woman’s prize is…$200? Not if Penny
has anything to do with it. The determined doctor swings into action to right this wrong; she’s going to smash through the glass ceiling, one potato sack at a time.
The New Zealand premiere of ‘The Appleton Ladies Potato Race’ is at 16th Avenue Theatre, Tauranga, on June 10, 2023, and the play will run for 12 performances during the following two weeks. Tickets are available at: https:// www.iticket.co.nz
Thanks to 16th Ave Theatre, The Weekend Sun has five double passes to give away to five lucky readers for performances from June 11-24.
To enter, tell us where the play is set?
Enter online at: www. sunlive.co.nz under the ‘Competitions’ section. Entries must be received by Tuesday, May 30.
Tauranga streets will be thrumming with the sound of high-performance engines when Lotus Car Club members roll into town this weekend.
Around a dozen enthusiasts, mainly from the Auckland region, will convoy down on May 27-28 to park up in central Mount Maunganui around lunchtime Saturday.
“They’re known for their lightweight build, great performance and superb handling and are magnificent machines,” says Tauranga Lotus Car Club member John Mallard.
“They tend to attract a fair bit of attention, especially when you get a number of them together.”
Lotus sports cars date back to the early-1950s and have a true racing heritage.
Team Lotus won the Formula 1 world championship seven times.
Phubast Chesdmethee Poo has installed and made flowers for the royal family of Brunei and is the Thai Royal family florist.
A worldwide and distinguished florist and floral designer is coming to Tauranga next month to host a seminar and presentation for New Zealand’s floral art teachers, demonstrators and judges.
The Floral Art Society of New Zealand’s sub branch The Academy of Floral Art – which hosts an annual seminar to upskill Kiwi floral art teachers, demonstrators and judges – is delighted to have Phubast Chesdmethee Poo – known as Poo – from Thailand run a Floral Theatre Presentation on Friday, June 16, at Bethlehem College’s Performing Arts Centre.
The Academy of Floral Art chair and awardwinning Tauranga floral designer Francine Thomas says Poo began his floral journey at the age of 10 and has become a well-known international floral designer. “His list of floral achievements is impressive,” says Francine.
“He has decorated more than 300 weddings, and has demonstrated and taught in more than 30 countries including India, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Pakistan, Oman, Australia, Vietnam and China.”
Moreover, Francine says Poo has installed and made flowers for the royal family of Brunei and is the Thai Royal family florist.
“He’s vice chairman of the World Flower Council and frequently demonstrates at their meetings. Poo is the adviser for the Royal Flower Project for the villagers in Thailand, promoting dried plant materials and exporting them overseas.
“He has designed for television and many and varied festival events, for Miss Universe competitions and is a lecturer and advisor for Smithers Oasis.”
Francine says Poo’s floral theatre ‘Beyond Possibilities – the Phenomenal of Nature’ will captivate and embrace all design styles and
techniques. “Your imagination will be taken to new and exciting interpretations of designing and styles of design.
“He’ll be teaching at the seminar to FASNZ members – however his Floral Theatre demonstration is open to everyone.”
Francine says this is a unique opportunity to see the distinctive design work of a renowned floral world celebrity. “The Academy of Floral Art is privileged to have him as their guest designer and teacher at the seminar.”
Further information is available on the FASNZ Website and Facebook page. Or contact Francine Thomas by email: francines.afloralaffair@gmail. com Or phone: 02102036707.
There are only a handful of the lowslung sports cars in the Bay of Plenty, so John says it’s a unique opportunity for locals to get a close up look at the rare English cars.
“They’re handmade which keeps production low,” says John. “We don’t tend to park and leave them because they really are precious and potentially irreplaceable.
“We’re more than happy to chat about them, though, with people who are interested.”
The Lotus cars will be at Te Papa O Nga Manu Porotakataka in the Mount central business district from midday on Saturday, May 27.
Debbie Griffiths
HOPE DOES not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5
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ZEALANDIER TOURS - Lunch at Prince Albert -Thursday 22nd June - the old English Pub in Cambridge - “The Town of Trees & Champions”. Don’t need to worry about the weather as we will keep you warm and cosy all day - Call us to book your seats today. Ph 572 4118
ZEALANDIER TOURS - Op Shopping - Wednesday 5th July - A fun day out - by request of some of you – but today let’s make op.
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There is an assumption made by most people that true freedom means being able to do whatever you want when you want. We assume that no rules lead to freedom.
People think that being a Christian could never bring freedom because there are things that Christians do not do. In reality the truth is that rules and boundaries create true freedom. A train is bound to the tracks, but anywhere there is a track there is freedom. When a train detours off the tracks, freedom is not the outcome – rather the outcome is disaster and chaos. Flames are bound to a fireplace, if we let the flames throughout our house this would not cause freedom – instead it would cause destruction. So, we see from these examples that boundaries and rules actually guide and protect. They protect us from
disaster and pain. Doing whatever we want actually has massive consequences and brings more harm than good. There is true freedom in Jesus Christ. God is the one who made us as humans. He designed us. When we live within the boundaries He sets, we actually find true and lasting life and freedom. Christianity is not a list of rules. Instead it is a heart that wants to live a certain way out of a deep love and trust for the God that created it. Is the life you are living truly free? Or are you scared of death, controlled by money, image, and people’s opinions and a slave to anxiety because of the ever-changing circumstances around you? Where will you choose to look for freedom?
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