The Weekend Sun - 13 July 2023

Carving and constellations

e porcelain dust of carved bone scatters across the workshop oor, mimicking the constellations hung in the night sky. Matariki is kicking o on Friday, July 14, and will be celebrated through music, nature, creativity, kai and more this long weekend! Bone carver

Gavin Smith has been providing workshops as part of the Incubator Creative Hub’s Matariki Calendar and is keen to share the knowledge and story found within whakairo.“

“Matariki is something I’ve celebrated for the past 20-odd years with my kids.

“It’s the bringing of new and understanding the new seasons,” says Gavin. Across Tauranga Moana, a range of activities and events will be on for our community to celebrate Māori New Year with friends and whānau. As dawn breaks on

Friday, you may be lucky enough to witness the Matariki star cluster with guidance and korero from master celestial navigator Jack atcher at Mauao’s summit.

To nd out more about how you can celebrate Matariki this year head to pages 6-7.

Pedal, pedal, kerplunk!

When’s a cycleway not a cycleway?

When it incorporates bus shelters. en the cycleway becomes just bits of a cycleway.

Cycleway, bus shelter, cycleway, bus shelter.

I always thought that cycleways, by de nition, are sacrosanct. ey are special, separated facilities exclusively for the use of cyclists, for safe and convenient passage on a bicycle. And nowhere could I nd a de nition which provides for bus shelters in the middle of a cycleway. e two are mutually exclusive, incompatible.

Nowhere that is, except down the Boulevard of Dreams, down Cameron Road.

I could be wrong – the ex often suggested I was.

Cyclists are also advised if there are people who dared walk on the cycleway, you should ring your bell to get their attention. But that, at best, could end in tears, and at worst, sticu s, because pedestrians don’t like being “rung” at by smart-alec cyclists. And there is no recommended course of action for cyclists should someone have their butt parked in a bus shelter in the middle of their cycleway.

Because that too can happen on Cameron Road.

Ok - it’s not an issue that will bring down a Government, but it certainly got right up the leg of one local bloke’s Lycra. He doesn’t want his name used.

Fair enough - a lot of people who want to have a bellyache don’t.

“I get frustrated seeing wasted rate payers’ money,” says A.Nonymous. at’s the pretext for a lot of complaints.

“I took a photo on Cameron Road opposite McDonalds and what you see is a new bus shelter bolted down in the middle of the new cycle path.”

Well, total my 10 speed! He’s dead right.

“Now,” says our guardian of the public purse, “if you zoom into the photo (through the bus stop glass), you can see

the cycle lane on the opposite side in the same line.”

Yep, there’s a bus shelter obstruction in the middle of the cycleway which raises the obvious question.

“Where do cyclists go? Behind the shelter on the footpath, in front of the bus shelter? Where?”

e answer is certainly not immediately clear to anyone doing 20-30 km/h on a bicycle. ere are no “beware of bus shelters” or “veer left into walk way” signs. If they cycle behind the shelter they’ll run into pedestrians and if they cycle in front of the shelter they run into bus passengers. Or end up in the carriage

ere are four or ve bus shelters, not to mention rubbish and recycling bins in the middle of the cycleway.

”Just plain dumb, or laughable, or both,” one cyclist told me. “One minute the tra c planners seem right on side with cyclists, then a hundred meters up the road, it’s like they don’t give a s**t. It’s just so obvious and silly.”

It could become a quirky little tourist attraction - Ohakune’s got its carrot, Kawakawa’s got its funny dunny, Cardrona has got its bra fence, and we’ve got bus shelters popping up where they shouldn’t be. Imagine the outcry if this had happened in the true cycling cities of the world – like Amsterdam.

“Niet grappig!” they would be saying. Not funny! “Verplaats ze!” Move them! Some cities take cycling seriously.

It was suggested, facetiously I suspect, that the bus shelters were placed there so the homeless who often gather in them for drinks and chats can also warm themselves in the afternoon sun as they watch the world go by.

After some industrial strength chin scratching, an old bloke wondered aloud why bus shelters were needed when there were shop verandas to shelter under.

way. No winners here.

A.Nonymous, then takes a swipe.

“ is is the total incompetence of the people running these projects. Anyone with a bit of experience should have been able to see this.”

I say let’s cut them some slack – when you are running a $97.5 million roading project, when you are organising all those orange cones and barriers, all those ‘road closed’ and ‘expect delays’ signs, there’s bound to be the odd ‘snafu.’

Even curious, seemingly obvious ones.

Cycleways often involve some physical separation from pedestrians, like the lovely timber bollards down Cameron Road with their little signs indicating cyclists here and pedestrians there.

It’s quite clear, until it isn’t.

I went to see for myself, did a recce on my bike in the rain last Sunday.

A.Nonymous only knows half of it.

“Trying to avoid the likelihood of the veranda falling on someone’s head.”

And there would be passengers playing Russian Roulette by dashing across the cycle lanes to catch their bus.

What a asco?

But not this day – plenty of buses, no passengers and empty bus shelters. Admittedly, a cold wet Sunday afternoon is probably not the ideal day for bus shelter research.

It’s also interesting that a manufacturer of bus shelters boasted how their product blended into the surrounds, and they were near indestructible. at’s comforting for cyclists, with eyes down and pedalling into a head wind down Cameron Road.

Wouldn’t you want one that implodes harmlessly on impact?

It’s a cycleway but just not as you know it.

Burns O ce: Angela Speer, Kristina Clayton

Weekend Sun is published every Friday and distributed throughout the Western Bay of Plenty from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke and available to collect at many stand locations throughout the area.

Someone’s parked a bus shelter in the middle of the ash new cycle way.

One Te Puke mum is taking matters into her own hands to improve bus safety and awareness by way of signage and stickers along the area’s school bus routes.

Rebecca Vercoe has three primary aged school children and wants them and other children to be safe when getting to and from Te Puke schools.

“My son goes on the bus now and I’ve got twin ve-year-olds who are about to start school. It takes time for children to get on/o the bus, this can result in a backup of tra c.”

She says where she lives on No. 2 Rd, Te Puke is “quite a dangerous stretch of road and there is now a lot of tra c on it”.

Blind corners and concerns

Rebecca’s solution is to place stickers and increase signage in the No.2 Rd area to enhance vehicle user’s awareness of buses.

“Speeding in general is a concern and a lot of drivers do not pay attention of it being a bus route, not only on No. 2 road, but all rural roads.”

An added risk is the seasonal workers that travel our roads in the [kiwifruit] season.

She says the sooner stickers and signage can be put in place the better.

“So often a change is made after there’s been a fatality, and it drives me bonkers when it has been

Making bus routes stick out

put forward and put forward that it’s a dangerous situation.”

Council and schools on board

Active in the school community, Rebecca has been working with Te Puke Intermediate’s principal Jill Weldon and Fairhaven School’s principal Paul Hunt to launch the initiative.

Western Bay of Plenty Council are also in support of Rebecca’s bus safety ideas and applaud her initiative.

“We’ve been speaking with Rebecca and agree that more can be done to ensure the safety of our tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau while they wait for the bus, especially on No 2 Road. We’re going to expand on Rebecca’s initial request to place stickers on letter boxes and signs on buses and will be addressing the cause of the concerns,” says WBOP roading engineer, Ashley Hall. Ashley says WBOP council are planning to meet with Rebecca and Travel Safe to pin point locations on No. 2 Road where there’s a safety risk and identify what can be done.

“We’re also planning to work with school bus operators to take their insights on board and get the best, safest solution for everyone.”

Waka Kotahi is working to protect the route for a new four-lane highway and shared path between Te Puna and Ōmokoroa.

People are invited to take the opportunity to view and contribute to the draft plans for this important project, ahead of the lodgment of designation and resource consent applications with Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council later in 2023. This process marks a significant step forward to protect the route. View

If you have similar safety concerns or ideas to keep children safe, WBOP invites people to get in touch. To support Rebecca’s initiative email: shawrj@hotmail.co.nz

Georgia Minkhorst

Takitimu North Link

Rebecca Vercoe with her children Vince, left, Summer and Willow along No. 2 Rd bus route.

Photo: John Borren.

“I simply couldn’t afford hearing aids at $8000. Signed up for the subscription at $3 per day, paid nothing up front, walked out with a high quality set of hearing aids. My life has changed after that visit.”

Bay men push back against ‘tough guy’ stereotypes

e founders of a free mental health support group for men are themselves appealing for help from the wider community.

Men Making Miles was created by Duncan Lyons and Eruera Piwari who realised a need for a more casual forum for men to open up.

“Like most Kiwi guys, I was raised as a bloke,” he says. “ e attitude was: ‘harden up, bro’ and to be honest, it did me some damage over the years.

“About ve years ago, I started tness training with Eru and realised that having someone as strong as him also needing to talk about life made it feel acceptable and healthy. He motivated me to talk about the challenges of life.”

ey opened fortnightly sessions to others, combining a group chat with free combat sports training. Men are invited to have a yarn about life challenges and then to let out some muchneeded energy with a cardio workout.

“ e outcome has been nothing short of awesome,” says Eruera. “We started out training in Duncan’s driveway and as word has spread, we’ve moved to a local park.”

“We can see that taking part in a tough sport like boxing breaks down that perception that opening up is weak,” says Duncan. “We have guys coming along from all walks of life; from men who sit behind a desk all day to labourers.”

ey’re seeing how bene cial it is.

“We love it when guys return and talk about great things happening. eir lives have ipped around and they’re zzing about it. at feeling is contagious,” says Duncan.

e number at each session varies from four or ve to up to 20.

“We don’t claim to be counsellors,” says Eruera. “We’re just giving men the opportunity to talk if they want to.”

“Some guys nd counsellors intimidating, so we’re providing a place to share their stress,” says Duncan.

“Some guys, though, are really doing it tough, so we’re now asking for nancial support so we can subsidise counselling sessions for our lads.”

To donate, visit: givealittle.co.nz/cause/men-making-miles

For more information, email: menmakingmiles@gmail.com

— Greg, Resonate Customer

Eruera Piwari, in blue, and Duncan Lyons in the red and black tracksuit.

Debbie Griffiths

Leaders welcome funding shake up

Western Bay of Plenty leaders agree that rates-based funding for councils isn’t working, with one saying the rates funding model is “broken”.

e comments come on the back of the Future for Local Government review panel releasing its nal report last month after a two-year study. It included 17 recommendations to produce better outcomes for local communities.

One of these centred on funding, and suggested the government paid rates on properties it owned, and that the portion of GST paid on annual rates be transferred back to councils.

is would equate to around $1 billion a year being returned to councils around the country.

Western Bay mayor James Denyer says the funding proposal is “one of the more exciting parts” of the review.

“We [councils’] need more funding.

“Most people agree the rates model is broken or at least is pretty well the sole funder for local government and welcome [the] potential [of central] government coming to the party on this one.”

Tauranga City Council commission chair Anne Tolley agrees and says the recommendations around GST and the government paying councils rates would be a “signi cant step in the right direction”.

“ ere’s absolutely no doubt that the largely rates-based funding model does not work in fastgrowth centres like Tauranga,” she says.

“In a wider infrastructure funding sense, we also need greater alignment between councils and government funding agencies to ensure that investment is available in the right timeframe for priority projects which will generate housing and

economic bene ts.”

Panel chair Jim Palmer says they would not comment on speci c council’s circumstances but agrees: “Additional funding alone will not address all the issues facing local government”.

“ e report identi es several opportunities to strengthen local democracy.

“Increased investment is required to support and ensure elected members have the necessary skills and abilities to lead in challenging times and bring an intergenerational focus to decision making.”

e review has been touted as the most signi cant review of local government since the 1989 reforms and the 2002 Local Government Act.

e recommendations also include a four year electoral term and lowering the voting age to 16 for local government. It also suggested central government developed an intergenerational fund for climate change. But action on the report won’t happen before this year’s general election.

Minister for Local Government

Kieran McAnulty told Local Democracy

Reporting the independent report requested by the sector was an opportunity to work with local government and consider the issues raised, after the upcoming election.

Denyer says: “A lot of it needs central government to pick it up and run with it, hopefully in consultation with local government”.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

Tauranga City Council commission chair Anne Tolley. Photo: John Borren.

Western Bay of Plenty mayor James Denyer.

Photo: Brydie ompson.

Lovely Layla

breed cross female. She got us on our knees, our Layla. She has a wonderful nature and will t in with most family environments. Layla and her sister were brought into our care after being found in a vulnerable position and have since been in an amazing home for foster. grown so big!! But this big girl has a big heart. She is so placid and cuddly. section and would love to t into an exercise and snuggles. Please apply to

and foster. Now back at the shelter, she has is lovely girl will need a secure active family lifestyle. Lots of fun, exercise and snuggles. Please apply to meet Layla today. Ref: 575970.

Story within bone

Fine white dust falls like snow as metal etches it way through bone, revealing a carved treasure.

Carving for more than 20 years, Gavin Smith is introducing those keen to wield the tools into the world of bone carving. Taught by master carver James Tapiata, Gavin says that bone carving has changed the way he sees the world.

“I believe that whakairo is about story, the role of the bone carver is to create a snapshot in time.”

His carving workshop in August is part of e Incubator Creative Hub’s Matariki Calendar which brings a diverse mix of art and events to Tauranga to celebrate the Māori New Year.

“Matariki is something I’ve celebrated for the last 20 odd years with my kids. It’s the bringing of new and understanding the new seasons. e more I learn, the more I can share with my kids and my moko. Matariki is about all those things and keeping it alive, continuing it and celebrating and

bringing our communities together.”

Teaching others to carve, Gavin says he enjoys the sharing of knowledge. “I think there’s real value in sharing and I learn too every time I teach and I get asked di erent questions. Every time I share something I get challenged by a di erent angle so I’m constantly learning through the experience as well.”

In amongst teaching people to carve sh hook designs from beef bone in the workshop, Gavin says: “We’re looking at the values of conservation and sustainable management through some of the origins of carving”.

“ is course is an interpretation of the value I place on the story within the carving of bone.”

Gavin is hosting a workshop over two sessions on August 12-13 at e Creative Community Campus, 159 17th Avenue. For more details and to book visit: www.theincubator.co.nz/eventdetails/bone-carving-workshop-2

THE BAYVIEW

Just minutes from the city, overlooking the beautiful harbour and The Mount, The Bayview is an idyllic place to call home. There’s always something to look forward to at The Bayview, whether it’s relaxing in the library with a puzzle or joining neighbours for a drink during happy hour. Our spacious

apartments will feel like a private oasis, as you entertain friends and family. Enjoy

As a rental investment, or downsize to free up cashflow.

Georgia Minkhorst

Carver Gavin Smith says he nds story within the art of whakairo.

Photo: John Borren.

Celebrating Matariki in Tauranga Moana

NZ‘s first grocery commissioner appointed

Consumer NZ welcomes the appointment of Pierre van Heerden as New Zealand’s rst grocery commissioner.

“ is is an important step in the lengthy process required to introduce fairness, improved

transparency and, ultimately, improved competition into our grocery sector,” Consumer CEO Jon Du y. e Commerce Commission previously calculated the supermarket duopoly was making $1 million in excess

pro ts a day.

Since that analysis was completed, the cost of food has continued to put pressure on New Zealand households and, according to Consumer, remains a major concern for many New Zealanders.

As day begins to dawn across Tauranga Moana tomorrow morning, master celestial navigator Jack atcher will lead hikoi to Mauao’s summit, kicking o Matariki – the Māori New Year for our region.

Friday, July 14, marks the Matariki holiday and an abundance of events and activities are being held across the Bay of Plenty to celebrate this long weekend!

At 6am, Jack atcher will share korero about the importance of Matariki as listeners hope to catch a glimpse of the Matariki star cluster. Everyone is welcome to join ceremonies of karakia and maumaharatanga, remembering loved ones who have passed.

Tourism Bay of Plenty have also released a 24-page guide, highlighting all the ways locals and visitors can celebrate this important annual occasion.

“Matariki occurs at the coldest time of the year, traditionally once the harvest has been completed, so we want to encourage people to relax and prioritise spending their time with the people who are most important to them,” says Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan.

e Experience Matariki guide deliberately highlights food producers

and local eatery dishes which have an indigenous link or focus. “We’ve engaged well-known Māori culinary experts Kasey and Kārena Bird, who explain how to forage for essential ingredients like kawakawa, pūhā, and ureure, and who also share their delectable pickled tuatua on fried bread recipe,” says foodie enthusiast Stacey Jones.”

Getting out in Papamoa’s evening air, Te Ara ō Wairākei storm water reserve will be lit up in a special trail to celebrate the stars of the Matariki constellation running on Friday, July 14, from 6pm-11pm.

Further a eld in Te Puke, Matariki festivities will be in full force for Te Kete Matariki - Te Puke 2023. Held at Jubilee Park, Te Puke – the festival event will run on Friday, July 14, from 10am-4pm boasting, kapa haka, live music, kai stalls and more.

On Saturday, July 15, the cobbled streets of the Historic Village will be lled with the sounds of Kiwi music as local band Red Street puts on a free community concert. Get amongst the feel good festivities with your friends and whānau with the concert getting into swing at 2pm.

To see other Matariki events, visit: www.mytauranga.co.nz/matariki www.bayofplentynz.com/experiencematariki www.theincubator.co.nz/ matariki-2023-1

Georgia Minkhorst

Patchworkers are back in business

It’s the rising of the star cluster Matariki on Friday – the start of the Maori New year.

e occasion also marks the re-emergence of the Tauranga Patchwork and Quilters Group ex-hibition after a four-year Covid hiatus.

e exhibition is being held on Friday, July 14, and, Saturday, July 15, at the Tauranga Yacht Club, 90 Keith Allen Drive, Sulphur Point. It runs from 9.30am to 5pm both days and features a show of locally produced quilts and merchant’s stalls.

ere are about 90 entries for the show – quilts, and novelty items like bags and wall hangings.

And they represent hundreds of hours of commitment.

“Very di cult to put a value on the quilts,” says club member Helen Manning.

“But you can spend $400 to $500 on fabric and there’s the time. So a quilt could cost a $1000 easily.”

Some of those quilts could be for sale at the exhibition.

More than 500 people are expected for the two day exhibition, many from out of town.

Students with a passion for the creative industries are being given the chance to launch their careers by entering a top competition.

e Q Awards is an annual contest for 16-to-18-year-olds in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, with categories including photography, moving image, graphic design, and architectural and product.

Now in its third year, the Q Awards provide entrants with the opportunity to have their work judged by industry leaders and

compete to win prizes that will help develop their careers.

Young Bay creatives to shine Trinity Wharf Tauranga hosts team Netherlands

“ e Q Awards are a great opportunity for young creatives to showcase their work,” says managing director of Q Awards organiser e Quentosity Group Quentin van Heerden.

e Q Awards are free to enter.

Entries close in early November ahead of a live-streamed awards event due to be held in early December.

To nd out more and to enter, head to: www.qawards.co.nz

TODD MULLER

It’s the rst time ever that the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held in New Zealand, and Trinity Wharf Tauranga has been chosen as the lucky hosts for team Netherlands. Currently ranked ninth in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, the Netherlands team are nicknamed Oranjeleeuwin (Orange Lionesses) and were nalists in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 in France. Arriving in Tauranga on July 18, the lionesses will make the waterfront hotel their den, with Tauranga being Netherland’s base camp.

Trinity Wharf Tauranga’s general manager Miriam Hauke says the hotel

team feels honoured that the Netherlands chose the hotel as their “home away from home”.

“Our entire Trinity Wharf team is extremely excited about hosting the Netherlands women's national football team during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in New Zealand,” says Miriam.

“We are very proud to be selected as a base camp hotel for the team - Bay Oval in partnership with Tauranga City Council and our hotel have impressed the Netherlands with our facilities, even though Tauranga is not a host city for any matches.”

is is not the rst time Trinity Wharf have hosted world class athletes, either.

“We have hosted several international high

pro le sports teams before and are delighted to see that our systems and hard work are paying o –we see a lot of the teams returning to the hotel. We love being involved in large scale events in the sports industry also and were the o cial accommodation sponsor for Black Clash in 2022.”

e opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 kicks o on July 20.

Oranjeleeuwin will have their rst match on July 23 against Portugal at Dunedin Stadium. “Hosting the team in the Bay of Plenty, right by the ocean and away from the host cities, o ers the players an opportunity to experience New Zealand's beautiful nature.”

Authorised by Todd Muller MP, 3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa.

ToddMullerMP

Georgia Minkhorst

Trinity Wharf Tauranga’s Junko Hanrahan, Rob Forsman, Kelly Taylor, Lizzie Seekup and Miriam Hauke will be helping make sure the Netherland’s team have an enjoyable stay in Tauranga. Photo: Taylor Rice.

Shifting into new transport modes

A new hub has opened up in Tauranga aiming to shift commuters from their car seats and into more sustainable forms of transport.

e Shift Hub is a Priority One initiative launched last week, and invites commuters to book a free one –hour session to test ride alternative transport types and rethink their commute. According to economic development organisation Priority One, 90 per cent of Tauranga work journeys are made by private motor vehicle.

“Tauranga has really bad tra c congestion,” says Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt.

“We’re really keen to build more roads and things like that because we need to with the population growth, but you also have to make the transport system more e cient. e best way of doing that is for people to get out of cars in whichever way is most convenient for them and to get into other modes. It might be biking, e-scootering or taking the bus.”

Mix of modes

Among the hub’s interactive experiences, commuters can try out and learn about a range of travel options from e-bikes, e-motorbikes, public transport, car share, e-scooters, e-mopeds, rideshare, cycling and more. “We’ve got some guides at the hub that map out everyone’s commuter journey and work with them on what modes might be best for them.” Nigel lives in Papamoa and says he uses a range of transport options for his commute to Tauranga CBD. “I mix either biking, e-scootering or taking a car depending on what type of obligations I’ve got with family.”

Encouraging change

Nigel says whatever the alternative transport mode “it’s got to be fun and it’s got to make people’s lives easier”.

“We’re just encouraging people to come have a look and hopefully they’ll nd something that suits them.”

e Shift Hub is open from Monday to Saturday until July 29, and is located at 176 Cameron Rd. Each session runs for an hour and can take groups of up to 20 people. To book, email: info@priorityone.co.nz

Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt on an UBCO electric bike. Photo: supplied.

Georgia Minkhorst

Update to clinic hours

Our last Saturday Clinic will be on 22 July 2023

New opening hours 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday (from 1 August 2023)

Current patients can book appointments on 576 2321 between the hours of 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday

Corner Otumoetai & Ngatai Roads

www.ohcdoctor.co.nz

Special gift to save little blue penguins

A special gift marking the fth anniversary of the passing of a Tauranga resident is helping a local wildlife trust rehabilitate birds found in critical condition and requiring special care.

Local wildlife experts from Western Bay Wildlife Trust, who spent their summer rehabilitating little blue penguins that su ered dog attack wounds or washed ashore weak and starving on the beaches of the Bay of Plenty, are delighted to now have a special wildlife incubator. “ e trust has started to rehabilitate little blues and have been fortunate to receive equipment donations from members of public to enable them to undertake this work,” says WBWT kororā & mortality

research project manager Melissa McLuskie. “Rehabilitation of seabirds requires lots of special care and is resource and timedemanding with multiple feeds of sh, medications and swims on a daily basis. WBWT is thankful to have collaboration and support from ARRC and has happily released seven penguins since January 2022.

“One signi cant donation was an incubator that can be used to help stabilise birds in critical condition.”

e incubator was sponsored by the ve daughters of Denise Cassin who passed away in October 2017.

Little blue penguins in the Bay of Plenty have been washing ashore weak, starving and hypothermic for the past three summers.

“If you spot a penguin on the beach during the day, please give it space and call:

Care Centre Now Open

0800 SICK PENGUIN or: 0800 DOC HOT for further advice. Do not attempt to put it back in the water or o er any food or water,” says Melissa. To help support little blue penguin rescue and conservation e orts, people are encouraged to donate at: www. westernbaywildlife.nz/donate Read this story in full at: www.sunlive.co.nz

Pacific Coast Village is known for unprecedented resort-style facilities rarely seen in New Zealand. The Pacific Coast Care Centre - Te Manaaki is a continuation of this considered design. Crafted to provide residents with a sense of luxury and security in their latter years. The Care Centre is a modern facility with 58 highly appointed care suites over two levels, offering rest home and hospital level care.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Denise Cassin. Photo: Supplied.

Little blue penguins preparing for release. Photo: Melissa McLuskie.

Reorienting the art to the community

Tauranga Art Gallery’s redevelopments are set to launch at the end of the year, creating new opportunity for art, culture and community to connect!

Wharf redevelopment underway

As part of the revitalisation plans for Tauranga’s city centre, a much-needed redevelopment of Beacon Wharf on Dive Crescent is being undertaken.

According to Tauranga City Council, the work is included in the approved 2021-2031 Long Term Plan.

“Our vision is to create lifelong relationships with art for our community, so we’re thinking about our audience from kindergarten kids, to toddler’s right through to our elderly.”

Renovations needed

e galleries lighting, air conditioning and interior will also be upgraded during the art galleries redevelopment closure. A spruce up is well needed too, says Sonya. “ e art gallery is 16-years-old and the only time we’re ever closed is Christmas day – so you imagine if you didn’t do any maintenance on your house for 16 years!”

While these transitional works are carried out, the art gallery has opened a temporary Pop-Up Gallery at 42-44 Devonport Road to allow educational programmes to go on as usual.

While the main gallery is open until October, the Pop-Up gallery is in action now.

“It will be our gallery once the main one closes for the redevelopment.”

Here the community will be able to continue enjoying artist talks, workshops and events. For more information on the redevelopments visit: www.artgallery.org.nz/Redevelopment

Hon Jan Tinetti

e redevelopments of the art gallery are part of city’s future civic precinct - Te Manawataki o Te Papa. Major changes involve the gallery being reoriented to face Masonic Park, creating an entrance from the park space and surrounding venues. “When the library, gym and other facilities are completed we’ll all be facing each other,” says Tauranga Art Gallery’s director Sonya Korohina.

“It will mean that you’ll be able to stand in one spot and go: ‘I want to go to a café over there’ or, ‘Oh yes I need to go to the library’, or, ‘I’ll take the kids to the experience room in the museum’.

“It will read more beautifully.”

Gallery of the future

Announced as Tauranga Art Gallery’s director earlier in the year, Sonya says she has been in our community for the past decade.

“During that time I have gained a strong sense of what our community needs and is looking for from a public gallery to take us into the future.

“Art galleries are so much more these days.

“ ey’re really social spaces.”

Sonya says the redevelopments to the art gallery will include a café and expanded retail space.

“I always know I can get a good co ee at a gallery and it means we’ll be able to showcase some of the art by our awesome artists in our community and sell them through the gallery and through the shopping experience.

Labour

“Following geotechnical investigations to inform initial design plans for the wharf, and feedback from people who regularly use the inner harbour, we are progressing designs for the new wharf and pontoon so people can enjoy it for years to come.

“To make way for the

redevelopment, the old wharf, which has not been used for some time due to its poor condition, is being demolished. Demolition works commenced June 12 and will run for up to eight weeks, with most of the demolition taking place from a barge on the water.”

Fencing is in place to keep the area secure, and pedestrian access in front of the site on Dive Crescent remains open. Construction of the new wharf and pontoon is expected to commence in spring, and by June 2024 the new facilities will be ready for the community to enjoy.

Tauranga Art Gallery’s director Sonya Korohina at the gallery’s current main entrance.

Photo: John Borren.

Banana boxes and books

One thousand banana boxes, 18 kilograms or 100 bananas in each – that’s a lot of bananas, a lot of daiquiris.

But this isn’t about bananas.

It’s about books.

And the 1000 sturdy banana boxes were full of the works of Lee Child, John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, Dean Koontz and Stieg Larsson and the like.

And that was just the popular ction writers. ere was also a stack of meaty, serious, non- ction and specialty books, banana boxes of

them… the genres men apparently like to bury themselves in.

Now Tauranga Harbour City Lions are gearing up for another annual book sale at Tauranga Race Course. And they need to ll those banana boxes again.

e ve-month book sale cycle starts again right now. Books and jigsaws for the sale can be dropped o at Harvey Norman in Cameron Road, BedPost in Tauriko, Wet & Forget at the Bay Central Shopping Centre in Chapel Street, Countdown at Bethlehem Town Centre, and Bunnings DIY at Jean Batten Drive in Mt Maunganui. Please no

magazines or encyclopaedias.

Enquiries to: 021 064 5360.

Lion Christine Currie says men love the non- ction. It’s just an observation. ey come to the sale one day and be back the next day. “ en they will ring a week after the fair, a week after we have cleaned up, and ask if we remember a particular book on a particular aircraft – ‘I wish I had bought it, it was only $2, do you still have it?

‘Could you get it for me?’”

Probably not! But there’s sure to be another book on another ‘particular aircraft’ on the tables at the next book sale on November 10, 11 and 12.

And that book will probably have been thumbed through by Hamish Purdon.

He’s not a Lion, more a drone, a worker bee in the hive that is the Tauranga Harbour City Lions book sale. His metaphor. He enjoys a book, a good informed read. He’s in the middle of “Sparks of Genius” at the moment – a self-help book on the thinking tools employed by history’s greatest creative minds like Einstein, Jane Goodall, Mozart and Virginian Woolf.

And twice a week, for ve months of the year, and for the past three or four years, Hamish has contributed to the Lions book sale – helping collect and

process the donated books, the ‘honey’ from the hive. at’s how the fundraiser rolls.

People pitching in.

“Tauranga is a particularly generous community, the way it donates books,” says Hamish. And it means books are going round again, not just read once and shelved.

e books keep giving and raise money for worthwhile causes on the journey.

“I have always liked a book,

checking to see if it’s worth a read,” says Hamish.

“You’re dealing with a lot of books at the sale and so if something grabs your attention while you are processing them, you are allowed to look and enjoy. “ at’s part of it I reckon.” Make Hamish’s day – clear the cellar, the attic, the garage of all those books. Put them back in circulation for the Tauranga Harbour City Lions Book Sale.

What’s better than dotting down under the clothesline?

Scoring to the cheers of the home crowd.

Should we build a community stadium at Tauranga Domain?

letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/communitystadium

After the bananas come the books . Lions volunteer Hamish Purdon with the rst o erings for the big charity book sale.

Photo: John Borren

Modelers have been derailed

e trains won’t be stopping at this station any more.

After 12 years the Tauranga Model Railway Club is having to give up its railway station, its dilapidated blue-ish headquarters, on the corner of Merrilees and Cross Roads at Sulphur Point.

“It’s a pressing problem,” says club member Wade Hunkin.

“We need a new home.”

e Tauranga Model Railway Club knew it’s arrangement with the current buildings owners, Port of Tauranga, wasn’t forever, but it hasn’t had much luck in its search for an alternative.

“We’ve been told the building will be demolished fairly soon, so our quest becomes urgent,” says Wade.

“I’m sure something in e Weekend Sun would help.”

So let’s see what can be done.

e club is very exible. But in an ideal world, the new headquarters would have about 150 square meters of oor space. Layouts tend to gobble up the room. Right now the club has got one layout which is six-and-a-half square meters, and a bunch of smaller ones – 2.4 by 1.2 square meters and multiples of that.

e building would need to be secure because some of the club’s assets, the rolling stock, the trains, carriages and wagons, are valuable. e facility would have to be available for members during the day as well as evenings.

Unlike the port facility, the new headquarters would preferably be on a ground oor with one double width door to allow layouts to be moved in and out.

It would also need washrooms and be dry and relatively dust free.

DUCTED SYSTEMS

e club would prefer to be close to Tauranga but would also consider from Omokoroa to Te Puke and south to Oropi and Omanawa.

e club would tell you model railways are where the imagination comes alive. “We may be perceived as frivolous old men with a frivolous hobby, but working on layouts is a great place, a great way to learn how to do things,” says Wade. ere’s the modelling skills and the woodworking skills.

“Skills I learned building model railways has helped renovate a few houses over the years. You also learn about electricity and electronics.”

And of course there’s the basic passion for trains and railways. Wade’s fascination is for New Zealand railways including the Raurimu spiral, an engineering masterpiece which allows the track to overlap itself to

overcome a steep descent in the central North Island. “You can guarantee when members go on holiday, they will always take in a heritage railways… and a few photos, wherever you go, England, Australia. Wherever.”

e Tauranga Model railway Club has 35 paid up members – there’s room for more.

“It’s easy for someone to get over involved in a hobby on your own. at’s why the club’s a good thing. It’s nice getting together with like-minded people to share the ideas and the skills, the technical and creative aspects of modelling.”

Have you always liked trains, are you interested in being a railway modeler, do you know of a suitable premises for the club to relocate? Contact Wade Hunkin on: 027 481 9905 or email the secretary of the Tauranga Model Railway Club Trevor at: tmrcsecretary@gmail.com

SYSTEMS

DUCTED SYSTEMS

PCDUAU0920

e last train is about to leave – Tauranga Model Railway Club enthusiast Wade Hunkin. Photo: John Borren.

Above: Deconstructing 12 years of railway modelling – enthusiast Darryl Judkins at the old club HQ. Photo: John Borren

Students lead cleanup

Armed with gloves and buckets, Lorelai Feist and Chelsea Fitt took it upon themselves recently to cleanup Fergusson Park. Despite gale force winds, the girls had a goal to collect 40 bags of rubbish in four hours.

e Ōtūmoetai College students were nominated to be Student Volunteer Army ambassadors this year. “We get to organise a volunteer event, so we thought of a rubbish cleanup then just went from there,” says Lorelai. Any and all members of the community were invited to join this cleanup. With the help of community volunteers, an incredible 23kgs of rubbish was collected during the event.

e Student Volunteer Army is a national initiative created after the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes to recognise students' community involvement. e cleanup was completed in conjunction with World Vision’s annual 40 Hour Challenge, which this year raised funds to provide clean water in Malawi.

is event is a testament to Lorelai and Chelsea's initiative, and the community which surrounds them. e girls designed and distributed posters advertising the event, and sought support from Envirohub Bay of Plenty for the ner details of the cleanup.

“We were approached by these lovely girls,” says Envirohub community organiser Cathy Donelly.

“We helped with the paperwork – you have to book a spot with

Shared pathway coming to Pāpāmoa

Construction is underway on the new three-kilometre Pāpāmoa shared pathway situated between the Parton Rd beach accessway and Pāpāmoa Domain. According to Tauranga City Council, the pathway will make walking and cycling safer for everyone along Pāpāmoa Beach Rd.

“HEB have begun construction and have a depot area set up at Alexander Place. e section from Pāpāmoa Domain to Allan Place has been excavated, with hard ll layers and box edging complete, and crews are also excavating to Douglas Place. From Alexander Place west, crews have

the Council. e City Council have very kindly provided us with some gloves and some bags, and they have allowed us to dispose of the rubbish for free.”

It was important for Lorelai and Chelsea to impact their community and provide their peers with an opportunity to help out. “We know it's hard to get started as a volunteer, so we really just want to provide an opportunity to get involved.”

e Year 11 girls want to do more clean-ups in the near future, backed by the volunteer army. “You get so much negative press about teenagers, about how they don't care,” says Cathy.

“I actually think because it's their future, they care more than most people understand.”

Lorelai and Chelsea seem to be a shining example of this; the future is bright if this generation is in it.

Young graduates celebrate success

“You learn so much about yourself and your abilities.”

at’s how Katikati College’s Echo Clifton encapsulated the experience of completing the 2023 Acorn Foundation Dale Carnegie Youth programme and receiving a graduation certi cate.

Echo was one of 22 year 13 students from ten Western bay of Plenty schools selected for the programme.

e three day course teaches the Dale Carnegie ve drivers of success – building greater self-con dence, growing people skills, developing leadership skills, and reducing stress and worry.

Since 2010, 321 local students have been provided a scholarship to attend this youth version of a course

that has taught skills for success in the professional and personal lives of millions of people around the world .

e scholarship winners are:

ACG Tauranga: Henrietta Davenport and Chase Rudkin; Aquinas College: Maia Hetutu, Jose Farrell and Daniel Coster; Katikati College: Echo Clifton and Jorja McKeown; Mt. Maunganui College: Anjali Kumar, Trang Vu and Rowan Carey Otumoetai College: Angus Scott and Mia Mackenzie; Papamoa College: Kaitlin Dunn and Willem Koning; Tauranga Boys’ College: Saad Aamir and Elliot Hayes; Tauranga Girls’ College: Lauren Wilson and Aimee Unwin; Te Puke High School: Blake Scott and Mya Clarke; Te Wharekura o Mauao: Amika Rangi-Dixon and Oceanee Tukaki-Smith.

excavated through to Grant Place.” Council is also making improvements to the reserve area opposite Parton Rd, which will see it tted with public toilets, a drinking fountain, showers and seating.

“Following feedback received during public consultation, the pathway will be made of asphalt, and pedestrian crossing points will be added on Pāpāmoa Beach Rd, near Douglas Place, Alexander Place and Grant Place to support safer walking and cycling.” Construction of the shared pathway is to be completed by September’s end, weather permitting.

To book an appointment, call us on 07 578 3243 or visit our website corsondental.co.nz

Chelsea Fitt and Lorelai Feist at Fergusson Park.

Chloe Davison

I add my comments to others regarding the Katikati to Tauranga road known as State Highway 2, which used to take half an hour to drive, now often up to two hours.

Last time I was stopped in tra c, an elderly gentleman on a pushbike passed me twice and nally disappeared in front of me!

Firstly, Tauranga, all my life, has been our city – but now with the slow roadworks, Cameron Road business places are sadly, almost impossible to access.

Waihi, Paeroa – and better still ames – are only up to three-quarters of an hour away, so are far more attractive options now!

In the mid-1920s my dad would leave Tauranga for Katikati on a walking horse, at the same time as the Ford service car. And because of the state of the road in those days, he often beat it in to Katikati! If our tra c position gets much worse, should I buy a horse? Worth considering!

Norm Mayo, Katikati.

Recently I walked along Cameron Road. What a mess... for what?

Very wide footpaths for very few pedestrians.

Should I buy a horse? What a mess.... The Cornish Pastry

Very wide cycle lanes for very few cyclists. e Commissioners and Tauranga City Council say they are ‘Building our Future Cameron Road’ for a safer environment, to get people out of cars, walking, cycling and using public transport.

Have they stood on a corner lately and watched the chaos they are causing? Evidently not!

People aren’t going to leave their cars at home to travel on public transport, ride a bike or walk to work. ey say in the future people will be able to sit and socialise along Cameron Rd.

Who wants to sit in a concrete jungle breathing in dust and tra c fumes?

We need green spaces, not a fancy road.

In the meantime the businesses along Cameron RD are struggling to survive and local residents have to put up with the mess and stress.

Today I took a bus ride along Cameron Rd into the CBD and back, what a nightmare, especially for the drivers. Why did I bother!

J Malcouronne, Tauranga CBD.

A council spokesperson responds: In 2019, communities on the Te Papa peninsula told us through the Te Papa Spatial Plan that they wanted walkable, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods that are safe, open, and clean, with places to meet.

e Building our future - Cameron Road, Te Papa project supports these community aspirations as well as giving people more options to use public transport, cycle, scooter and walk.

Our city is growing fast, and we need a transport network that supports this growth and keeps people safe when moving around. is project will help address Tauranga’s growth, revitalise a key part of our city, and provide more transport options so people don’t have to be so car dependent. Council is very aware of the impact that construction is having on the local businesses and community, and we work closely with the Cameron Road Joint Venture contractors to make sure that this impact is reduced as much as possible.

Feeling lost and confused over changing speed limits

I woke up this morning and pulled out of my driveway in rural Katikati to be greeted with three rows of cones and a speed limit of 30km/h.

Maybe 50 metres down the road, the speed limit changed to 50km/h, then another 100 metres, 80km/h.

I understand the need for slower speeds

around road works and I’m very happy to oblige, but I don’t understand this staggered approach. Why not lower the speed limit where it needs to be lowered, then allow drivers to return to the normal limit?

Not 100 metres after the 80km/h sign, there was a 100km/h sign, but the cones continued. I’m not sure any sane

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driver would drive 100km/h on a windy country road with a row of cones on either side of them narrowing the road. Funny thing was, there was nobody around, and no obvious reason for the cones or the speed limit changes. I’m not mad, just very, very confused.

Fay Sheen, Katikati.

e Cornish pastry is a somewhat of a funny-shaped pie but there are reasons behind their funny looks. e pasties were originally made by the wives of Cornish tin miners. e miners would take their pies down the mine for their meal break.

ere were no washing facilities down the mines and touching food with tin resin on their hands would make the miners very ill, so the miners’ wives invented pies with handles.

One type was formed on a thin clean stick or tough pastries handles either end. e miners would enjoy a well-earned lunch and then throw the sticks and handles down the mine for the ‘tommy knockers’ – the spirits of the mine who were common or garden rats – but the miners thought the spirits were talking to them. As my mother would say; there is a reason for everything, so the minors felt obligated to feed the spirits.

Ken Jones, Katikati.

Not pulling the wool

is Labour Government has announced that it is going to carpet 800 schools. Sounds good, eh? But it's going to use synthetic carpet. Well so much for supporting our beleaguered New Zealand wool industry, eh? e successful bidder was an American company. Well so much for supporting our struggling New Zealand manufacturing sector, eh? But wait! All synthetic materials are made from fossil fuels! Well so much for ghting climate change, eh?

Tony Wahren, Ohauiti.

population growth, the clinic (also known as Clinic 2) has outgrown its premises at the Lois Pearl Cottage on the corner of 17th Avenue and Cameron Road where it was located for 10 years.

Home values drop

Tauranga City’s average home value has reduced by 7.2 per cent throughout the rst six months of 2023, to reach $998,727.

It’s the rst time since April 2021 that Tauranga’s average home value has been less than $1 million.

e latest QV House Price Index’s quarterly rate of reduction slowed from four per cent in May to 2.9 per cent in June, which QV property consultant Derek Turnwald says is another indication that the residential market is close to its low point.

“Sales turnover is starting to increase and value declines are decreasing.

“First-home buyers are realising that the market is reaching the end of its decline and are showing stronger interest. Banks are beginning to relax a little with loan application scrutiny, and as of June 1 the Reserve Bank has relaxed its loan-to-value ratio criteria slightly.”

Sexual Health Clinic moves

With the opening of Te Pa Harakeke, a purpose-built outpatient facility, Tauranga Hospital’s Sexual Health Clinic, has moved to brand new premises at 1378 Cameron Road, Greerton.

Due to increased demand and

“ is move and our increased capacity comes at a very critical time when the numbers of sexually transmitted infections in Aotearoa, and internationally, are growing exponentially,” explains specialist sexual health physician and clinical lead of the service Massimo Giola.

e Sexual Health Service is a publicly funded service for all matters related to sexual health in the Bay of Plenty.

MSD temporary closure

e Ministry of Social Development o ce at 73 Durham Street in Tauranga will close temporarily while building improvements are underway.

e Tauranga o ce will close at 12pm on Friday, July 21, and it will take about three weeks to complete the work. Although the service centre will be temporarily closed, sta will be working from other locations and will be able to help online or by phone.

Anyone who needs help can still get in

touch with us by logging into MyMSD or calling: 0800 559 009 (general enquiries), 0800 552 002 (Senior Services) or: 0800 889 900 (StudyLink).

e o ce is scheduled to re-open on Tuesday, August 15, at 9.30am

Raw milk recalled

Raw drinking milk producer

Dreamview Creamery Real is recalling speci c batches of raw milk as the product may contain listeria.

e milk is sold via home deliveries. Please visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page here for more information about batch details.

“If you have purchased any of the a ected product listed on this notice, do not consume it,” says a NZ Food Safety spokesperson.

Customers should return the product to Dreamview Creamery Real for a full refund.

Alternatively, consume after heating to 70°C and holding at this temperature for one minute.

New Zealand Food Safety has not received any reports of associated illness.

A selection of local breaking stories featured this week on...

The only local daily news source you need, constantly updated, seven days a week

Mt Ruapehu ready

Mt Ruapehu awaits you –bringing the snow, fun and action this winter season!

Whakapapa and Tūroa ski elds readily welcomed snow sport lovers to the slopes, having opened the maunga at the start of the month. If you’re ready to send powder ying, day passes, Sky Waka Gondola sightseeing and sledding passes are still available.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts chief executive o cer Jono Dean is thrilled RAL is back and ready to host an unforgettable winter on Mt Ruapehu. “After a fast and furious start to the winter ski season, we’re really encouraged by the response and

support we have received from early snow play visitors to the maunga, as well as thousands of season pass purchasers.”

“We’re also very excited to con rm for Life Pass holders that their passes remain honoured whilst RAL is in operation on Mt Ruapehu. \

“We’re calling on Life Pass holders to bring the froth, bring their mates with them, and spend up in the cafes and retail stores to help keep the machine rolling for the season,” With season passes going on sale for a two week period from July 3, there is still time to nab yourself a pass. For more info and passes visit: www.mtruapehu.com

Hobbiton on international ‘hidden gems’ list

New Zealand’s own Hobbiton has found a place on an international ranking list again, after being ranked amongst the world’s top ‘hidden gems’.

Online car rental reservations and blog site DiscoverCars.com has put together a list ranking the world’s most unusual tourist attractions. Hobbiton found itself ranked seventh on the list, under Fingal’s Cave in Scotland, Rakontzbrucke Devil’s Bridge in Germany, Valle Dei Mulini in Italy, Sedlec Ossuary ‘Bone Church’ in the Czech Republic, Hidden Beach in Mexico, and Skellig Michael in Ireland.

“Hobbiton is the real-life set as seen in ‘ e Hobbit’ and ‘ e Lord of the Rings’ but is also

an active sheep farm. All in all, the attraction is intriguing to any fans of the popular lms,” according to the website.

It is also noted the attraction has 1972 people listed as ‘wanting to visit’ on Atlas Obscura. e website used Atlas Obscura to source attractions and analysed the number of people wanting to visit each attraction according to the website. ey excluded the popular tourist traps found outside major cities to focus in instead on those special hidden gems.

As part of their ranking system, DiscoverCars.com also notes the price of a rental car, the distance from the closest airport to each attraction and how long it would take to drive there, and the price of fuel per litre.

Mt Ruapehu welcomes snow lovers back to the slopes this winter. Photo: supplied.

Keeping your headlights clean

e headlights on your vehicle are an important safety tool – especially in winter.

Giving them a good clean every once in a while is good car maintenance and could make your travel safer and more enjoyable.

If you notice the lights aren’t as bright as they used to be, it could be time to give them a scrub.

You can often buy headlight cleaner from your local auto store, and you’ll

also need a micro bre cloth and some masking tape. Put the masking tape on the paint around the headlights to protect the trim, paint and plastic parts of the car during cleaning.

Once your headlights are polished, avoid future clouding by parking your vehicle in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight.

And when you give your car a clean, focus on your headlights and use a micro bre cloth for drying.

Staying safe on winter roads

e cold and the rain might’ve hit the Bay of Plenty lately, but there’s still a lot of winter to come.

Everybody knows driving in the winter is di erent to driving in summer – windows are usually up, heaters are usually on, windscreen sometimes gets foggy, roads are slippier and wiper blades get a workout.

It’s important to drive to the conditions on winter roads, and Waka Kotahi NZTA has some suggestions to stay safe on the roads this winter.

When it comes to day-to-day driving in bad weather, it’s a good idea to drive slower than you normally would, as it only takes a second to lose control on a wet or icy road.

Leave extra following distance –NZTA recommends doubling the two second following rule. is gives you more time to react to the car in front of you. And avoid slamming on your brakes or turning suddenly, which increase

your risk of skidding.

It’s also recommended that people drive with their fog lights dipped in fog, rain, or snow, for increased safety.

Keep an extra eye out for maintenance vehicles, xing slips and other winter hazards on the roads. Also make sure to follow speed limits and road signs around road works – especially in winter.

If you’re doing a long trip, consider taking rest stops every two hours or so to give your eyes and brain a break from concentrating. When it comes to route planning, choose the safest roads, not the fastest or the most convenient.

It’s also important to consider if you really need to travel, especially if the weather is especially poor.

If you do have to drive in bad weather, allow additional time for your trip. Drive in the middle of the day if you can, when the light is best, and avoid driving at night when hazards can multiply.

Consider keeping an

emergency kit in the back of your car, including spare warm clothes and blankets, food and water rations.

If something does go awry, it’s important to know what to do and who to call. Keeping a list in your car or your cellphone of important contacts is a good idea, such as emergency contacts, breakdown service provider and your insurance provider. In an emergency, phone: 111. For mechanical breakdowns, contact your breakdown service provider.

If you do get stuck or break down, it’s usually best to stay with the vehicle, keep everyone warm and dry, and call for help. If you’re involved in a crash, phone the police even if there are no injuries. is information can help NZTA make improvements to the road where necessary. If you want to report on or check on current conditions, call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) or visit: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz

How to avoid common vehicle troubles

Keeping your car in top nick and avoiding annoying issues like breakdowns and costly repairs is important as a vehicle owner.

e AA has put together a list of the top issues cars typically encounter, so you can keep an eye out for the troubles before they occur.

Flat or faulty batteries are the most common causes of vehicle breakdowns, especially in winter.

Make sure you turn o interior and headlights when leaving your car, and turn your car battery on every now and then if you’ll be leaving it undriven for a long period of time.

Damaged tyres and wheels are usually met with a groan. Often caused by a sharp object, damaged tyres and wheels can also occur if the tyre’s valve is failing or getting damaged, the tyre’s hit a kerb or deep pothole, and even old age.

Knowing how to check your engine oil is a quintessential skill as a vehicle owner. Regularly check your engine oil using the dipstick – the oil level should be between the two lines.

e amount of oil between the top and bottom line of the dipstick is usually one litre.

Overheating is another issue that can cause bigger troubles down the line. If your car’s temperature warning light is on, there could be a problem with the engine or the cooling system. Checking the coolant and cooling fan regularly is recommended.

www.wheelmagician.co.nz

A reliable set of wheels

Drink driving deaths double in decade

Deaths on New Zealand roads involving drunk drivers reached a 10-year peak last year, with 33 more fatalities than in 2021.

One hundred and eleven people died in 2022 in incidents where a driver was over the limit, according to Waka Kotahi gures obtained through the O cial Information Act.

Automobile Association road safety spokesperson Dylan omsen says the leap in alcohol related fatalities is hugely concerning.

Looking for a tidy used car that won't break the bank?

Look no further than Portage Cars Bay of Plenty, your go-to destination for quality vehicles at competitive prices.

“With our excellent reputation as an AA Preferred Dealer, you can trust that you'll drive away with a reliable set of wheels,” says Portage Cars Bay of Plenty’s Andrew Tagaloa.

e team know that buying a used car can be a daunting task, which is why they go the extra mile to ensure your peace of mind. Every vehicle on their

lot undergoes a rigorous inspection to meet the highest standards of quality.

“And to sweeten the deal, we o er a complimentary one-year mechanical warranty, giving you that extra layer of protection.”

Located at 51 Hewletts Road in Mt Maunganui, Portage Cars Bay of Plenty is conveniently situated for easy access.

Whether you have a speci c model in mind or need guidance to nd the perfect t for your lifestyle, Andrew and his team are there to assist you every step of the way.

“At Portage Cars Bay of Plenty,

we believe that buying a car should be a fun and exciting experience. Our attention to detail, commitment to customer satisfaction, and transparent pricing set us apart from the competition.” eir website, portagecars.co.nz provides a user-friendly platform where you can browse our extensive inventory and even apply for nancing options.

Head over to 51 Hewletts Road in Mt Maunganui, Portage Cars Bay of Plenty today! Give Andrew a call on: 022 599 5029 or email: andrew@portagecars.co.nz

Are winter tyres right for your vehicle?

Your tyres work hard for your car, and it’s important you work hard to keep your tyres in good condition, and the type tyres on your car in winter can make all the di erence.

First o , your braking distance changes based on the temperature and wetness of roads. Wet and cold roads tend to take longer to brake on, and keeping your tyres in good condition for winter is especially important for this.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of driving in wintery conditions, you could consider getting your car tted with winter tyres.

Winter tyres have a distinctive tread pattern – deep, squarepatterned tread blocks that have zig zag grooves that allow the block to

ex and maintain better grip.

If you opt for winter tyres, you must have them tted on all road wheels, and they must have a tread depth of at least 4mm.

Waka Kotahi NZTA says most Kiwis probably won’t need winter tyres on their vehicles, unless you drive a lot in wintery, alpine conditions.

If winter tyres aren’t right for you, consider all-season tyres as a suitable alternative if you occasionally drive in wintery conditions.

It’s important to note that winter tyres provide better grip in icy, cold, wet, wintery conditions, but provide less grip than summer tyres in non-wintery conditions. Your local tyre retailer should be able to help you choose the best tyres for your car.

“It’s more than double the 53 drunk driving deaths recorded in 2013. “Right now New Zealand is losing the battle on drunk driving.

“ e numbers are getting worse rather than better and we have to ip that around.”

Between 2018 and 2022 the three worst a ected regions have been Waikato (132 deaths where a person was above the limit, and where alcohol was present but below the legal limit) Auckland (89) and Northland (79).

Portage Cars BOP can be found at 51 Hewletts Road, Mt Maunganui.

Home &

Having an escape plan

ONLY ONE VILLA LEFT! Contact us today

You’re at greatest danger when you lay asleep in your bed as smoke seeps into the room and ames rage. With winter upon us, and everyone spending more time rugged up at home – it’s important to stay re safe. e Weekend Sun spoke to Fire Emergency New Zealand’s senior policy and capability specialist for Bay of Plenty Luke Burgess on reducing house re risk this winter.

Luke says the leading cause for house res is unattended cooking. “ at is the most common one and keeping an eye on your cooking – as in don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.”

Yet he says there are all sorts of appliances and things within the home that can cause res too. “ ings like heaters, things being too close to heaters,

clothes dryers can cause res, indoor res and not using them properly, hot ashes, battery chargers, multi plugs [etc].”

Luke says most families are surprised in the case of their home becoming ablaze. “Most people have thought that it wouldn’t happen to them, and the other thing that is commonly said is people are surprised at just how quickly it happens. A very small re can become a very big re, very quickly and most people just don’t realise the speed of re.

“House res can happen at any time, however, the danger is greatest when you’re asleep.”

Luke says when people sleep their sense of smell is lost. “You won’t wake up to the smell of smoke –that’s what a smoke detector is there for, to alert you to that build-up of smoke and to allow you to get out.

“When we’re waking up is when we’re going to make those

decisions that aren’t quite as sharp as they could be. at’s where the importance of that rehearsed plan comes into it.”

Luke and his family have their own escape plan in case of a re. “We all know about having two ways out of the room, and also where to meet once we get out – so we will all go to a safe meeting space that we can actually con rm that everyone is out of the house.”

Luke says you can contact your local res station for re safety advice. “ e crews can come around and have a look through your house, look for any obvious dangers and talk to you about better ways of managing those risks. ey can also advise you where smoke alarms should go to give you the best chance to escape your house.” For re safety tips this winter, visit: www. reandemergency.nz

Georgia Minkhorst

Quick guide to gardening in winter

Winter is the best time for planting your new season deciduous fruit trees. Choose the healthiest specimens from your garden centre with straight stems and always remember to stake them.

Most deciduous fruit trees can be pruned now, except for peaches, plums and nectarines. Strawberries can be planted in winter, with research showing that planting strawberries in New Zealand's winter temperatures will produce a

higher yield in summer.

e delicate owers can’t handle really frosty conditions, so in frost prone areas it is best to protect plants from the elements or wait until a little later to plant.

While adding mulch and feed around your plants, also take time to check over your tools and give them some tender loving care – sharpen, clean, oil and replace anything beyond repair.

You may like to consider adding bird feeders and seed into your garden, as natural food sources can be scarce for birds during winter. You’ll nd you’ll

be rewarded with hours of entertainment by helping them out with a regular food source. is is the time of year to plant calendula, nemesia, pansies, polyanthus, poppy, snapdragon, stock, and viola. It’s also the best time to plant new season roses, as the plants are dormant meaning that planting stress is reduced. Remember to keep on top of weeding, and apply mulch around plants to help suppress the weeds.

And don’t forget to plan for spring. ink about what crops you may want to grow, along with owers you would like to pick.

Luke Burgess says people are often surprised at the speed of re. Photo: supplied.

Home &

Helpful winter gardening tips

Right now in the depths of winter there is still plenty of colour to be seen at garden centres and in local gardens.

Camellias of all shapes and sizes are well into their owering season and one to be highly recommended is C.Quintessence, unusual in that it is a dwarf, spreading variety and thus very suited to pot and hanging basket culture.

Use a good quality potting mix and feed with a granular feed recommended for plants requiring an acid soil.

From early to late winter, a succession of single white blooms with a yellow centre and sweet musk-like fragrance will cover the plant.

Preferring a situation with morning sun or dappled shade, try hanging a basket on a branch of a deciduous tree. Make sure

all camellias receive adequate water during dry weather and those planted in the ground will appreciate a mulch of compost, but not up against the trunk where it may rot the bark. For winter and early spring colour, it's hard to beat Cinerarias. Plants are in ower in the garden centres now and come in tall or dwarf varieties. Generally speaking, once you have grown Cinerarias and let a few go to seed, you will never have to buy plants again. Even small gardens can grow a few fruit trees in pots or espaliered along fences and now is premier planting time so check out your garden centre for advice. Every garden should have a

What should I be planting in July?

July is the perfect time to start getting those winter vegetables in the ground, including your leafy greens, onions and brassicas.

When it comes to fruit, now’s the time to think of new season fruit trees and planting those scrumptious strawberries for summer.

For vegetables, now’s a good time to plant beetroot, bok choi, garlic, lettuce, mesclun, onions, parsnip, peas, radishes, silverbeet and spinach.

For fruit, start planting your apples, berries –including blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries – as well as peaches, pears and plums. To add some herbs to the mix, plant your parsley now for garnishing and adding avour to your favourite dishes.

And for a spot of colour in the garden, you can plant owers such as cyclamen, forget-me-not, lilies and roses.

Make sure you think about your future potato planting and which varieties you want to plant in the coming months, as well as harvesting from your citrus trees and starting on the pruning for the coming season.

For the owers, consider that many fragrant owers such as Daphne, viburnum, winter sweet and witch hazel are blooming and beautiful. You can plant potted colour varieties in pots, hanging baskets and containers to brighten up your space. It’s also the right time to get out there with the shears and trim back your roses.

Have a lovely July planting and pottering in the garden!

lemon - meyer would be my preference - to add extra colour and vitamins to winter.

A quote from “Anon”: ‘Look at your garden as if you were going to die tonight - and plant it as if you were going to live forever’.

A chance to catch up and look ahead

Let's start the way so many clubs start their meetings: with a little housekeeping.

Last week I bemoaned the lack of news about New Zealand shows by English folk-punk singer/songwriter Frank Turner. ey were, of course, announced the next day; tickets went on sale Monday.

Turner will be joined by Australian songwriter Emily Barker.

She's great and, as of writing this there were still tickets available via: Destroyalllines.com

OK. More housekeeping. Last Sunday I took in a most enjoyable

band at Jack Dusty's, 80s covers out t Max Headroom, a six-piece with dual male and female singers.

Although the eighties would be about my least favourite decade of music, the band sounded great as they powered through hits by Abba, Peter Gabriel and icons of the era.

Anyone needing music for an eighties-themed event, look no further!

But that wasn't the housekeeping.

I ran into an older musician by the name of Garry Mitchell and had a very entertaining conversation. He told me that, having read the fabled thousandth column a

couple of weeks back [see Blogs on SunLive], he'd found a book by Chuck Palahniuk, whom I'd recommended as someone whose writing has taught me a lot.

Minimalism

Chuck Palahniuk writes very insightful nonction; I particularly like his book about the art of writing, Consider is.

He started as a follower of the school of minimalism – whose proponents include Bret Easton Ellis and Amy Hempel - a very strictly disciplined style of writing which comes with a bunch of rules. ink I'm kidding? No abstracts, so no adverbs like ‘irritably’ or ‘sadly’; no measurements, so no feet, yards, degrees, or years old; and on and on. Oh, and in minimalism, clichés are called ‘received text’. ey're not allowed either, meaning I couldn't use the phrase ‘a little housekeeping’.

However, and this is possibly a however I should have emphasised, and why I owe Garry an apology, Palahniuk mainly writes ction, and not ction I would recommend to anyone I don't know well. His are strange and challenging and often unpleasant books.

Fame arrived when a lm was made of his novel Fight Club; that's about as straight as he gets. Moving on, as usual there are many gigs coming up; I'll just focus on next weekend.

ere are three very di erent things at e Mount's Totara Street. Friday (July 21) Wellington pop band Skram are joined by most excellent locals Marmalade Skies and also Iz Waddid Iz. It's an 8pm start, $30 tickets.

On Saturday (July 22) Shihad frontman Jon Toogood presents a solo acoustic night of songs

and stories, and word is that these shows are both hilarious and fantastic. It's 8pm and $50.

RetroGrooving

And Sunday afternoon there is a treat for lovers of undercover Kiwi legends. At 2.30pm for $20 you get RetroGroove with support from youth band Area 51. Who are RetroGroove? ey're the rare band where I would like to write a full column about each of their members given each's unique contribution to the New Zealand music scene. Problem is, there are eight of them – it's a big band.

Amongst the locals are Chris Gunn, who's played with Human Instinct, Salty Dogg, Larry Morris Band, and Ritchie Pickett; then there's the rhythm section of Wayne Melville (bass with everyone from Midge Marsden to Torch Songs) and Hamilton drummer Neal Reynolds, an absolute legend who was the founding drummer of Dragon and has since played with pretty much everyone famous in New Zealand.

ere's guitar from the amazing Gary Verberne (Shona Laing, e Cat's Away and a thousand others), Grant Mason and Bill Forest on horns, and singer Georgia Brill. Oh, and Bill Gilgen on keys, a veteran of Ardijah, e Billy T. James Band, John Rowles and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Not bad. And that leaves just enough space to mention a Jam Factory show that sounds enticing. If you like bluegrass music that is. Saturday 22 is You, Me, Everybody, a progressive bluegrass quintet that promises “the best of Americana in Aotearoa”. ey're all virtuoso players and recently found a measure of international fame when their song ‘Stranger’ was featured in Net ix's children's series Sweet Tooth. It's a 7pm show, $30.

You, Me, Everybody.

New cubs to continue community legacy

e Lion’s roar has echoed for 65 years and hopes to continue being heard in our community.

Forming in 1958, the Mount Maunganui Lions have been a strong volunteering force in the Bay of Plenty for 65 years. From Lion’s Lane auctions, book fairs, fundraising, to creating a wonderful community garden in the heart of the Mount – the Mount Maunganui Lions have never been afraid to roll up their sleeves for good causes.

Celebrating their 65th Anniversary next week, the Mount Maunganui Lions will enjoy a special 50s and 60s themed lunch. “It will be a great opportunity to meet people who were either related to the Lion’s in the past and past members. We’re looking

forward to it.”

Mount Maunganui Lions president

David Peart refers to himself as a “newbie” having joined the club in 2010.

He says his favourite memories from the club has been helping people.

“ e most recent [initiative] of course

on and then followed that with a $5000 donation.”

When the club started 65 years it had 23 members and now has 18 members.

David says the Mount Maunganui Lion’s legacy has almost become a “burden” over time.

“We’re struggling to get younger members involved and it just doesn’t seem to be quite that same community spirit that used to be out there. People don’t get involved in long term community service… it’s just the way communities have changed and our society’s changed I suspect.”

help members of our community.

“Internationally, the Lions continue to help in aiding the Ukraine. We’re involved all around the world in more than 200 hundred countries so Lions is a huge organisation nationally and internationally.”

To nd out more about Mount Maunganui Lions and how you can get involved, email: info@mountlions.co.nz

Georgia Minkhorst

was assisting with getting stu down to the ood victims in the Hawkes Bay.

“ anks to main freight we managed to send three palettes of goods down early

David encourages new members to come along so the Lion’s legacy continues.

“We do have fun.

“It’s all designed to have fun while we

Concert band of ‘Vikings’ offer musical variety

Katikati Concert Band is promising “something for everyone” at their afternoon concert on Sunday, July 16, at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church.

In fact, with band members ranging in age from teens to “not telling”, they enjoy playing a wide variety of music.

Committee member Sue Blake says genres span from the 16th Century’s Earl of Oxford’s ‘March’ through to a medley from ‘ e Lord of the Rings’.

“ e band is also excited to present music from the Dreamworks animated movie ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, which was chosen by the band's youngest member, 14-year-old Jack Smith,” says Sue. “We wear the Viking hats as a humorous nod to that music. Jack plays the French horn and is a really talented musician.” Sue says that competition piece earned the band a bronze award at the Matamata Music

festival in May.

e upcoming concert will also be a great opportunity to see the Katikati Concert Band in action under the direction of conductor Hiro Kobayashi.

“He’s an incredible musician and is well-known in the wider community. We’re very fortunate to have secured his services. He’s already lifting our music to a much higher level.”

e band includes about 30 members from Katikati, Paeroa, Ōmokoroa and Tauranga, and is always keen to welcome new woodwind and brass musicians from school age upwards.

Anyone interested in joining should contact the band secretary Damian Sutton on: 021 781 398.

e Katikati Concert Band’s afternoon concert is 3pm Sunday, July 16, at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Katikati. Tickets are $10 each, at the door.

Debbie Griffiths

Katikati Concert Band wearing their Viking hats as a humorous to music they play from Dreamworks animated movie ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Photo: Merle Cave.

Mount Maunganui Lions’ Jim Birch gets stuck in at the club’s community garden. Photo: John Borren.

Don’t put up with bad showers

If your home su ers from leaky pipes, either your bathroom is in need of repair or you need to change your shower pressure.

ankfully, Kev’s Plumbing are experts you can call on right here in the Bay.

Owner-operator Colin Fine – who is nicknamed Kev – has 35 years’ worth of experience.

Kev believes life is too short to have a bad shower, so he’s here to help renovate bathrooms and replace them.

“I do total shower replacements from start to nish, with no other trades involved. Most shower replacements only take two days.”

As well as the total replacement of leaking pipes, he also does hot water cylinder conversions, so you never have to put up with a low-pressure shower ever again.

“I specialise in re-piping houses that have leaky water pipes in walls,” says Kev, “and a lot of people like their shower pressure increased.

“ at is something I do a lot.”

When you call Kev about a job, he’s the man who shows up.

“I will travel Bay of Plenty-wide for work,” says Kev.

Colin Fine, aka Kev.

Elise Williams - Funeral Director

public

NOTIFICATION OF DRAFT BAY OF PLENTY CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GROUP PLAN 2023-2028

The draft Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Plan 2023 – 2028 is now open for public submissions. Your feedback will be used to make recommendations for the final version of the plan.

Anyone can make a submission. The closing date is 5 pm, 13th August 2023.

The draft plan and the submission form are available at https://www.participate.boprc.govt.nz/groupplan

Submission can also be made at any City or District Council service centre or library in the Bay of Plenty.

The Group Plan is a strategic document that states how Bay of Plenty CDEM Group works with the community to prepare for and respond to emergencies including earthquakes, floods, tsunami and volcanic eruptions.

It includes our vision and future direction for Civil Defence and Emergency Management across the region.

Once submissions have closed, they will be reviewed by a committee of three elected members from Bay of Plenty councils. People who would like to talk to their submissions can do so in early September.

A summary of submissions will also be made available.

Mark Crowe Acting Director, Emergency Management Bay

of Plenty

Tussling to the top!

Victims of ‘new morality’

irty- ree Mount Maunganui youngsters wrestled 37 competition medals recently, but the team is rmly concentrated on what it can achieve in their upcoming high-stakes matches.

Head coach Mark Grayling is happy to have secured 15 gold medals, 11 silver, eight bronze, two fourth place and one fth at the North Island Wrestling championships in Katikati on June 24-25. e team now has their sights are set rmly on what’s ahead.

“We’ve been building for years; last year we won the National Club Championships, which is for club points and proves who has the strongest club

bible digest

BUT LET JUSTICE roll on like a river, righteousness like a neverfailing stream! Amos 5:24

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SERVICES tree pruning, weeding, hedges, water blasting, home maintenance, fence painting at

in the country, and we won that.

“Hamilton is hosting that competition soon, and we want to take a big team over there and try and win that again.”

Mark and his team are keen to set a good tone in Hamilton on August 20 before the NZ National Championships – which MMA Wrestling is hosting at Tauranga Boys’ College on October 7-8.

Coaching athletes as young as ve years old to 49 years of age and training locally at Ōtūmoetai College, the recent result has sparked an excitement within the team of wrestlers and has only encouraged them to work harder training in preparation for the rest of the wrestling season.

Ella McConnell

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travel & tours

JOIN NO 8 TOURS New Zealand’s

Senior Travel Club and enjoy the bene ts of our VIP membership for free. As a member, you’ll receive a complimentary 55-page colour catalogue and have access to unique itineraries that take you to fabulous destinations and introduce you to interesting people. Our club o ers an opportunity to meet new friends and enjoy some lovely experiences together. We specialize in day trips, extended tours throughout New Zealand, and shows with a

free door-to-door service. Come and join the fun and have some exciting things to look forward to. Contact us by phone on 579 3981 or email admin@no8tours.co.nz to register or book a tour and receive a complimentary catalogue. Or visit our website at www.no8tours. co.nz for more information. We can’t wait to hear from you.

ZEALANDIER TOURS Wednesday

26th July – Mid-Winter Christmas

Lunch – Due to popular demand, we are running a 2nd vehicle! 3 course traditional Xmas dinner. Bring $5 gift to exchange - Call us to book your seats today. Ph 572 4118

None of us need look far to nd someone who’s a victim of the ‘new morality’ experiment. When we challenge traditional moral standards provided in holy scripture for millennia and call ‘good’ what God doesn’t, and when we promote and practice such, innumerable problems arise for society and those caught up in the ‘new morality’.

Perhaps you deeply regret going against not only the Bible’s counsel, but against your own conscience’s conviction. Perhaps you’re a victim and the world’s new way has proven burdensome, destructive and unsatisfying.

Jesus invites: “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will nd rest for your souls.”

Jesus is o ering much more than

physical rest here. He’s o ering rest for our souls. He’s o ering hope, freedom from fear and a peace that surpasses all understanding. He’s o ering contentment, meaning and understanding of life’s painful and perplexing mysteries. With both hands, He’s spreading out forgiveness and a clear conscience. Eternal joy for our souls is squarely on the table. He’s o ering rest from our restlessness. Will you trust Him as the one to bring rest to your soul? Will you learn the righteous way of the One who is gentle? Will you yoke up with He who wants to share your load and pull you through? Jesus’ simply invites, Come to Me.

David Kidd, Church of God’s Love

e team at Mount Maunganui Academy of Wrestling. Photo: supplied.

News from Bay of Plenty Regional Council July 2023

Annual Plan adopted

Our Annual Plan for 2023/24 has been approved by Councillors and sets out the work we will be doing in the upcoming financial year.

Since the Long Term Plan 2021-2031 was adopted, inflation and interest rates have been higher than predicted, leading to increases in the Annual Plan 2023/24 budget. This will have an impact on rates invoices, which will be sent out in September.

The Annual Plan sets out a general rate that will have an average increase per ratepayer per year of $39 for 2023/24. This is made up of a 5% real rates increase,

Working together for Waiōtahe

More than 6000 native trees and shrubs were planted along the old Waiōtahi Valley Back Road, as part of an ongoing community effort by the Waiōtahe Watercare Catchment Group to restore the area and improve the water quality of the Waiōtahe River.

as well as having to accommodate a 6.7% increase for inflation.

We understand this is a challenging time for local communities, so we want to help you plan ahead to pay your Regional Council rates.

We are developing a rates calculator to give you an idea of how much your invoice will be. From here, you can also set up a direct debit to help spread the cost across the whole rating year. This will be available from 20 July on our website - check it out: boprc.govt.nz/annual-rates

Communities changing our coastal landscape

Come along to any of our free community working bees: Remember to wear covered shoes, gardening clothes and look for the Coast Care flag!

Sunday 20 August, 9.30am - 11am Port Ōhope. Meet in front of 462 Harbour Road, Ōhope.

The Coast Care team has been busy hosting planting events up and down our 688km Bay of Plenty coastline. Of that, 156km is sandy coastline and this is where the mahi happens!

Highlights for June have been seeing tamariki from schools come along and learn about how important our sand dunes are before getting stuck in to plant up these areas. Rangiuru School spent the day working with Restoration Coordinator Chris Pronk and volunteers from Maketū Ōngātoro Wetland Society.

Thank you to the families that helped us plant up Maketū Spit on one of our regular weekend planting events. The long hīkoi down and back was tiring but there were no complaints from our team. Kid power all the way!

Sunday 20 August, 1pm - 2.30pm Tirohanga. Meet at Hikuwai Beach carpark, opposite Beach Road, Tirohanga.

Coast Care is a coastal restoration programme, run in close partnership with local communities, local authorities and schools that aims to restore and protect the sand dunes along the Bay of Plenty beaches.

For event updates follow facebook.com/CoastCareBayofPlenty

The Group formed seven years ago by farmers in the area, with a vision to improve water quality, address effluent issues and better understand how what they do on the land is contributing to the health of the awa.

Land Management Officer Sami Fox says catchment groups are a great way for landowners to achieve better land management practices on their land and in the local area, for the benefit of the whole community.

“There are lots of keen farmers out there who want to change behaviours or find more sustainable ways of doing things, but they just need a helping hand. Catchment groups are one of the ways they can get the advice and direction they need without adding to their already busy lives.”

Big changes may be on the horizon for farmers, orchardists, and lifestyle block owners regionally

Change is coming, as regional councils across the country work to set new objectives, policies, and rules to protect the health of our freshwater.

To improve water quality in the Bay of Plenty we are exploring new rules which will impact what you can do on the land.

This may include;

• No stock, or stocking constraints on grazing steep erosion prone land

• The requirement to keep stock away from all rivers, streams, canals, and drains

• Setting a cap on nutrient inputs

This is the time to have your say while the policy options are draft.

Upcoming events in your area:

Waioeka-Otara: 19 July, 2-6pm, Woodland Settlers Hall, Woodlands Road

East Coast: 20 July, 2-6pm, Waihau Bay Sports Game Fishing Club, 10666A State Highway 35, Waihau Bay

Rangitāiki: 23 July, 10am-2pm, Galatea Hall, Galatea

Ōhiwa: 24 July, 2-6pm, Ōhope Beach Golf Links, 541 Harbour Rd, Ohope

Access the full calendar of events at boprc.govt. nz/freshwater or you can provide feedback online: participate.boprc.govt.nz/Essential-Freshwater