The Weekend Sun - 18 August 2023

Dressed as da odils – and driving their 1931 Ford Model A – Stephen and Kay Upson, pictured, are ready to roam in the Da odil Rally for Cancer this Sunday, August 20, being hosted by the Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club.

e BOP VCC encourages everyone to

rev up their engines – and their family, friends, neighbours, fellow fun-seekers –and get along to the public car show and rally that is raising funds for the Cancer Society’s Waikato/Bay of Plenty branch. e car show is 10am-1.30pm at the club’s base at 29 Cli Rd, Tauranga

City. e rally also begins there with a brie ng at 1pm – to nish at an undisclosed location on the other side of the district.

“We want the public to know is that everyone and every type of car is welcome to join the rally – no

matter what kind of vehicle you drive,” says BOP VCC vice chairman Donn White. e aim is “to collect the biggest gure we can for the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty”.

Read more on page 27.

Photo John Borren.

‘Give the wife a break mate!’

Lots of introspection, lots of self-re ection up and down the land this week.

Blokes stopping to examine division of labour in the home. What men do, what they don’t do, what they could be doing, should be doing to “give the wife a break”. Yeah, thanks Sam U ndell!

“Give the wife a break” – the new catchcry amongst HSMs – Highly Sensitive Men.

But aren’t we already contributing? It’s just not getting noticed, nor appreciated.

For example, on Saturday morning I went the extra step. e wife had come inside for a cup of tea and a break from the lawns. ere’s a lot of lawn so she can’t do it all at once.

I was busy watching Trackside and doing TAB picks –propping up the household budget – but I sneaked out and emptied the catcher for her.

I thought I would “give her a break”.

Ten minutes later I see her standing beside the ash green $1299 Masport I bought her for her birthday and she’s nodding her head, and there’s a tear. Had my thoughtfulness been misinterpreted? I wondered about it all the way to golf.

And all this because Sam U ndell announced to Parliament that he occasionally does the family supermarket shop “to give his wife a break”. Sam, you’re the man!

By his own admission, dancing down the aisles is a good way of putting himself out there, getting publicity with the party jacket on and “looking like the everyday man”.

Like us hoi polloi.

e kudos?

Well, we’ve been hearing from “everyday men” since Sam’s humble declaration of ordinariness. And they tell us they’re constantly doing the small stu to help – but they’re not getting the kudos they deserve. For example ….

•“I o ered my wife a cup of tea and didn’t audibly groan when she said ‘Yes’.” Guys understand that sometimes it’s what you don’t do that makes a di erence.

•“After my wife cleans the house, makes me cups of tea all day and then cooks dinner, I step up and wash the dishes for her. It’s the least I can do.”

•“When we go out to parties or dinner, I always drive there so my wife only has to drive one way.”

•“Every Sunday I get in takeaways so my wife doesn’t have to cook.”

Endless tales of sel essness from men –and a lot of it happening in the kitchen and laundry.

•“I called out from the couch to alert my wife the washing machine was beeping.”

•“I took a clean mug from the dishwasher rather than the cupboard.”

“I put my co ee cup in the dishwasher to help out my wife.”

Caring and contributing abounds in the bedroom and ensuite too.

•“Sometimes I straighten the bed sheets after getting up.”

•“I helped my school-age daughter put on her coat this morning.”

•“I made the kids school lunch – an apple, two slices of cheese, a Just Juice box and $5 for the school shop.”

And more from in the kitchen.

•“I am retired. And when my wife is busy and works really late, I make myself baked beans on toast for dinner.”

•“I don’t put the empty milk carton back in the fridge.”

•“I am staying single so there’s at least one woman out there who has every day o .” ese acts of self-sacri ce moved one woman to say: “ ere are obviously so many wonderful blokes out there, it almost makes me want one”.

‘U ng’

On the back of all this, a new word is born – ‘u ng’ – blokes doing the household supermarket shopping to “give the wife a break”.

A mate went ‘u ng’ this week. Straight through fruit ‘n’ veg – no point spending up there when it’s going to be 15 per cent cheaper after the election.

Some are well known names, others are not. But they all have a positive impact on our region.

We’ll help you identify charities working in areas closest to your heart or those who support locals in the greatest need.

•“I threw my dirty undies at the laundry hamper and missed. So I picked them up and put them directly into the hamper. Anything to help!”

•“I replaced the empty toilet roll.”

•“I use my well-directed urine stream to clean the toilet bowl.”

Men are also showing positive parenting skills to balance the domestic workload.

•“I play video games with the kids so the wife can cook in peace. Often without so much as a ‘thank you’.”

He dodged all the boring aisles to buy a selection of ne IPAs and Pilseners, designer sausages, packs of six frozen pies, frozen beer-battered fries, beef jerky, chorizo and pepperoni, sweet and sour gherkins, salted peanuts and chips. And more beer to ll the trolley. “Ka-ching! ank you for shopping at Countdown.” All proof of the fact men will buy stu they want, whereas women buy stu they need.

Wonder if Sam uses a shopping list?

Seventy- ve per cent of women use a shopping list, just 25 per cent of men.

Figures...

CBD reacts to extension of paid parking areas

Paid parking areas are set to expand in the city centre this November as part of Tauranga City Council’s Parking Management Plan. So what do people on the ground in the CBD think?

TCC’s Commission last week approved a staggered roll-out plan of additional changes to city centre parking. e rst phase, launched last December, saw the end of two-hour free parking and the re-introduction of paid on-street CBD parking.

e rest of the changes were set to be rolled out this November – but the Commission has now opted to stagger the rollout during a 12-month period. Starting November 1, phase two will apply paid on-street parking to ird Ave, Fourth Ave, Arundel St, Westbay Lane, McLean St, Monmouth St, Anson St and extend a section of First Ave, Second Ave and Devonport Rd.

CBD hospitality worker Ethan Watene spearheaded a petition calling for carparking support for city workers last year after December’s parking changes.

Cash grab?

He says the Parking Management Plan’s second phase is “getting a bit ridiculous”. “It almost feels as though they’re trying to outcast the city. It’s saddening because we want to see more people. We want to see more events. We want to draw people to the city rather than push them away... it almost looks more like a cash grab than anything.”

TCC general manager of infrastructure Nic Johansson says it’s important for council to continue

to assess the parking environment while the CBD undergoes a major transformation.

“During the next few years, there will inevitably be disruption. We acknowledge the need to make sure parking options are adapted accordingly, and by staggering the rollout we can be agile with the way these planned changes are implemented,” says Nic.

“ is gradual rollout will help address the pressure being put on residential streets, as the city centre fringe becomes a high-demand parking area.

“It also allows us to keep monitoring parking demand in the city centre and ensure we’re reducing disruption for residents and businesses while the city centre transformation takes shape.”

In June TCC re-introduced free weekend parking and changed paid evening parking from 6pm to 5pm.

“Obviously I’m all for that kind of thing but it just seems like one issue after the other you know,” says Ethan. “ ey [TCC] do something good but then go ahead, turn it around and make things a little bit worse than they need to be at the same time.”

Fringe streets ‘choked’

Downtown Tauranga chair Ashleigh Gee says since CBD paid parking has returned, there’s a good turnover of carparks available – but in turn: “We now see the fringe streets getting choked with all day parking”. “Some types of businesses on these streets rely on customers being able to get a park close by.

“Visitors and customers will go elsewhere if it becomes too hard to access a business.” Phase two of the paid parking rollout starts November 1. Phase three and four are proposed for April and September 2024 respectively. Georgia Minkhorst

Disowned Bears on prowl

ey’re sporting exiles, outcasts. Tauranga’s Arataki Bears Rugby League team. ey live in Tauranga, train in Tauranga, but they play everywhere except Tauranga. Because they’re not allowed to. Bears are a prohibited species here.

“Madness,” says Bear Taite Smith. “Just crazy.” So the Bears have migrated, been driven out of town they say, to be fostered by a club 200km from home. e Tūrangi Dambusters, from the foot of Lake Taupō, are the Bears’ new adoptive family, and Tūrangitukua Park is the Bears’ new home ground, the new den. “ e Dambusters are Reserve grade and are delighted to have us ‘Prems’ playing out of their club,” says Taite. And so on Saturdays the Bears, and as many as 30 hard-nosed supporters, pack into cars and travel up to two-and-a-half hours each way to play. Eighty minutes of football can suddenly become a 12-hour, 400km odyssey.

“ eir problem, not my problem” says Stan ‘Bunny’ Nicholas, chairman of Tauranga’s Coastline District Rugby League. “ ey’re just stubborn and thought they’d be smart going to Tūrangi.” He didn’t want to talk. “Don’t want anything to do with the Bears.”

How?

So a bitter stand-o . How did it come to this?

It started when a bunch of guys went to the Arataki Sports Club with a plan to set up a new elite, ‘Prem’, or Premier rugby league team to play at a “bit more of a professional level”.

“We welcome anyone,” says Arataki Sport club chairman Billy Russell. “ ey wanted an established club, like Arataki Sport, to help them get on their feet, with funding and their everyday operation.” It made sense.

“We just love the game,” says Taite. “And we want to play in the best competition and against the best players.”

Bear Taite Smith and Arataki Sports’ Billy Russell.

Photo: John Borren.

“We have boys who want to play in a team that o ers opportunity, growth and development.

“And a chance to be seen.”

And the Bears have talent and ambition beyond reserve grade. “If you’re a good league player, you want a good competition. You aren’t going to play Reserve grade where sometimes you turn up and there’s no opposition, they can’t eld a team.”

Politics

us to use our name or play out of Arataki Sport.”

e Bears became the Tūrangi Bears kitted out like Arataki Bears – the Tūrangi Bears from Tauranga. Bears can turn mean when provoked. And the Arataki Bears have been poked with a sharp stick.

“Results speak for themselves,” says Taite.

“Until last week we were third on the table in our rst year.

“What does that tell Coastline?”

But that couldn’t happen in Tauranga. e game has atrophied – not dead, but dying. ere’s no ‘Prem’ competition anymore, nor Reserve competition. So the Bears, brimming with talent and ambition, sought the blessing of the local Coastline Rugby League to play out of Arataki Sport in the respected Premier competition run by the BOP Rugby League out of Rotorua. But Coastline stiarmed them.

Said an outright ‘No’.

e problem

“Never! ey’re not part of Coastline – and never will be as long as they are based at a ground in opposition to a club already a liated to us,” says Stan. “We’re not going to s**t on the Whalers.”

And there’s the problem. e Whalers, who also play out of Arataki Park, was a club in name only when the Bears set

up. e Whalers didn’t have a team, although they now play in the BOP Reserve grade.

“

ere was some niggle between the Whalers and the Bears to start,” admits Billy.

“But we have mended relations. We both only want what’s best for each other and for rugby league. We support them, they support us.”

ere was hint of a concession from Stan. “If the Bears based themselves at another venue, if they went to Welcome Bay and called themselves the Welcome Bay Bears, that would be okay.”

But the Bears’ blood ows the black, red and white of Arataki Sport. ey wear the colours, the carry the name Arataki Bears, and there’s the logo – a big roaring grizzly with fangs bared and claws drawn.

ere’s identity and allegiance at play here.

It came to a head recently when the Bears wanted to bring one of their home games back

to their true home patch at Arataki. But the Bears claim the Coastline League “made it impossible”.

“ ey can’t play at Arataki because they’re not a Coastline team,” says Stan. “ ey’re Bay of Plenty and registered at Tūrangi so their home ground is Tūrangi.” e idea died right there.

Opportunity

“We simply provided the boys with an opportunity,” says Billy. “And they’re doing well.” e big loser, Billy suggests, is rugby league itself. “It’s a damned shame. e game’s pretty ragged in Tauranga at the moment.”

And in a town where the game “is pretty ragged”, where league struggles, the Bears are standout. ey’re a ‘Prem’ team, the only ‘Prem’ team in town. “Shouldn’t Coastline be supporting us, showcasing us?” asks Taite.

e bruins are feeling somewhat neutered. “When we joined the BOP competition, someone at Coastline decided it’s a crime for

e Tūrangi Bears just want to come home, play home games on true home turf and as proud Arataki Bears. And, command the respect they feel they’re due. “Stupid politics,” says Taite. Hunter Wells

A raging Bear: Arataki’s Ethan Stuart is taken in a Pikiao (Rotorua) tackle.

Photo: Tyson Ball, Huhu Images.

Match Fund now open for applications

If you are part of a community group or not-for-pro t looking for funding, the Tauranga City Council Community Development Match Fund is now open and ready for applicants.

e fund helps groups deliver new initiatives by contributing 50 per cent of the project costs, up to $10,000.

Council provides the Match Fund to support community projects that improve social, cultural and environmental wellbeing.

Small grant-seekers can apply

anytime – but for those requiring between $1000-$10,000, the application window opened earlier this week and closes September 11, 2023.

Successful applications will need to provide at least 50 per cent of the total value of the project, in in-kind support, volunteer time or money as their ‘match’.

For more information and to apply for the fund, visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/community/ grants-and-funding/communitydevelopment-match-fund

Fuel up from the Pātaka Kai

A new place for sharing and feeding your neighbours’ bellies stands proudly at Brook eld Terrace.

At the start of this month, the Ōtūmoetai Pātaka Kai – or sharing shed – opened up, seeing a urry of food being shared among the community.

Sparked to life by local resident Kristina Johnson, she says the Pātaka Kai has already been pumping in its rst two weeks. “It’s actually been really busy! To see the amount of things that have been dropped o and picked up has been amazing.”

After seeing a sharing shed in a nearby suburb, Kristina decided she wanted one in her community’s corner. “I was jealous of the Matua Sharing Shed and the great produce and items donated, but never made it in time to get items before they were snatched up. So I asked on Facebook if anyone was interested to have one in our area – as I always have extra from the veggie garden or fruit trees and I don’t want it to go to waste.”

Greerton Ōtūmoetai Lions Club got behind the

idea straight away, says Kristina.

“ ey got all the materials, they built it, they planned it, and they delivered it and installed it.

“It took eight months just because of Covid, so we’ve been organising it since January and it nally got installed in August.

“I was so proud of them and so proud of our community,” says Kristina. “It was lled straight away and it’s just amazing thing to see. Everyone is going through nancial toughness with the rising costs of everything, so it’s nice if you have extra produce or fruit and veges out of the garden just to put it there for someone else that may be in need.”

Kristina says there’s no cost involved with the Pātaka Kai and all are welcome.

“Pātaka Kai, which means ‘storehouse’ or ‘pantry’ in te reo Māori, is a place where people can leave food for other people to take for free It’s the community helping the community.”

Ōtūmoetai Pātaka Kai is located on Brook eld Terrace. Check out the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/groups/3145972655706891

Georgia Minkhorst

Brook eld resident Kristina Johnson, with Greerton-Ōtūmoetai Lions Barry Roberts and Norman Wilcox at the Pātaka Kai (sharing shed). Photo: John Borren.

Health via virtual world Health via virtual world Yarning up to a winner!

e winners of the annual Greerton Village Yarn Bombing has been announced this week.

People’s Choice winners, Yarny Friends Linda and Sue, won $500 each for their charities of choice –Alzheimers Tauranga and the I Am Hope Foundation.

And Tauranga Girls’ College won the school category and raised $500 four Youthline.

Donations are still being accepted at: givealittle.co.nz/event/greertonyarn-bomb-2023

Technology is being harnessed positively to encourage our ‘iPad generation’ to keep active and eat well!

On Tuesday, the Zespri Young and Healthy Virtual Adventure kicked o at Te Akau ki Papamoa Primary School.

Some 20,000 Kiwi kids – with many across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty – will join the programme this year, creating their own avatars as they go on exciting virtual adventures across continents and take part in fun activities as they learn the importance of exercise and a healthy diet.

Young and Healthy’s founder Kim Harvey has run the programme in NZ schools for six years now and is taking advantage of kid’s love of technology to promote health.

“We use a little bit of technology in a good way to engage these kids, have some fun with them and get them moving and thinking about what they’re eating and drinking and just little things that can help them every single day to help them feel the best they can,” says Kim.

“ ere’s lots of really good science supporting

that up to the age of 10, [so] it’s the time to lay down these healthy habits that you can then carry into adulthood.”

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson is getting behind the programme. “Being an Asics ambassador, it’s a nice opportunity to promote something really healthy, which is kids being active, having good overall wellbeing – whether it’s nutrition, getting outside, playing sports, getting good sleep… the virtual world connects with young people so well these days so I think it’s a great initiative and one I’m really proud to be supporting.”

Zespri’s Kiwi Brothers showed up and had plenty of vitamin C rich kiwifruit for the Te Akau ki Papamoa Primary School students.

Zespri’s Rachel Lynch says: “At Zespri we really want to see communities and the environment thrive and this programme is just that and it does it by helping tamariki make really healthy choices”. “We know kids love iPads and online games and it harnesses that love but it makes real world changes for positive, healthy living.”

For more information, visit: www.youngandhealthy.org.nz

Georgia Minkhorst

Zespri’s Kiwi Brothers, Kane Williamson and Te Akau ki Papamoa Primary School students starting o the Zespri Young and Healthy Virtual Adventure. Photo: John Borren.

WOOLWORTHS BETHLEHEM INTRODUCING

New Products

You’ll love our upgraded deli and bakery, a new-look The Cellar, a dedicated ready-to-go delicious meals and health food section, a new improved Health and Body section, lots of new products on the shelves (over 1700), electronic shelf labels, a new drive up area for Pick up orders, plus a fresh, modern feel throughout the store.

Fun Activities

Come on down this weekend and celebrate with us, with lots of fun activities planned for our local customers, such as a Spin and Win wheel with prizes, delicious sampling and also a BBQ.

The wait is over We’re thrilled to welcome you to Woolworths Bethlehem

Our Bethlehem store opened its doors nearly 20 years ago. Now, we’re excited to take you with us as we begin a new chapter as Woolworths Bethlehem, and continue to be a part of this wonderful community.

We can’t wait for you to visit the fresh, new store, where we can show you what it’s like to shop with Woolworths New Zealand.

We’ve kept everything you love, and made it even better, with more convenience, more fresh options, and more value.

We can’t wait for you to see it for yourself.

Dwaine Geddes, Woolworths Bethlehem Store Manager.

Connecting our heritage journey

e need for a comprehensive heritage strategy has emerged for Tauranga and the western Bay of Plenty – a region steeped in cultural heritage and historical signi cance for Māori and European alike.

Research by Taonga Tū Heritage Bay of Plenty, which facilitated the introduction of the ‘Historic Tauranga Footprints on Te Papa’ map and guide in 2022, has highlighted an urgent need for a workable independent community heritage strategy that connects our heritage to each other and to our communities, says trust spokesperson Bruce Farthing.

e strategy aims to action a western BOP Heritage Month in October 2024 to connect some of the thousands of heritage and archaeological sites between Waihi Beach and Otamarakau.

To launch the strategy, Taonga Tū Heritage BOP recently hosted a meeting with heritage group participants from across the region. Together, participants represent heritage organisations, trusts, archaeological sites, maraes, wildlife projects, historic places, heritage books, history education for schools, environmental heritage, maps and storytelling. e groups and individuals had been previously canvassed to get a clear idea of how the heritage sector is viewed, and how they’d like to see it unfold in future. e unanimous feedback at the launch was for a

western BOP Heritage Month and to expand the Footprints series. e historic heritage sector is a powerful stand-alone sector in its own right, says Bruce.

“However, it is often confused with, and overwhelmed by, the creative industries sector – and so [it] needs a sector in its own right with its own voice. e heritage sector has many excellent programmes, but they operate in isolation of each other, which is giving a fragmented heritage journey across the western BOP.

“ e proposed heritage month will go a long way to connecting the heritage journey for locals, our schools and our visitors.”

Heritage NZ Lower Northern area manager Ben Pick who has also been involved in developing the strategy says part of the core work of HNZ is identifying and preserving heritage.

“ ere hasn’t been a region-wide meaningful strategy that the heritage organisations have felt connected to.

“From working together, we’ve formed a good working relationship with local groups,” says Ben. Next steps in the strategy are to o er a more connected heritage, which includes actioning the inaugural biennial Heritage Month, extending the Footprints series into the western BOP, developing a biannual heritage newsletter, and developing a more robust and connected digital platform.

To learn more about the heritage strategy, go to: www.taongatauranga.net

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Athenree Homestead.

Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Otamarakau Marae.

Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

e WBOP Heritage Strategy document is available online.

Photo: supplied.

Leo – more pussy cat than lion!

Leo has come so far, he is a real gentleman that loves the attention. His meow is so so sweet, you will be greeted with it every time you come home.

Leo loves pats and chin scratches, he loves just snuggling up and having a bit of a chat.

He’s more of pussy cat than a king of the jungle. If you’re on the hunt for a smoochy kitty and a purr that will make you smile, come see Leo today!

Phone the Tauranga centre on 07 578 0245. Ref: 583989.

Practice pays off

A Papamoa 11-year-old is encouraging all kids to take up martial arts.

Andrej Ginovski recently won a bronze and a silver medal at the regional Taekwon-Do tournament in Whakatane – having trained for just two-and-a-half years with Tauranga’s Martial Arts Academy. “I wasn’t expecting to get any medals at all because it’s the rst time I’ve ever competed,” says Andrej.

He was inspired to take up the sport by a movie.

“I was in the living room watching Bruce Lee with my mum and I thought: ‘ is is insane. I want to be like that guy!’”

Andrej is now a blue belt, and his trainer couldn’t be more proud. As a multi-medallist at world championship events, 7th dan Black Belt master Christine Young knows how much work is involved both in and outside class. “Andrej’s a diligent student who practises at home, so he’s done really well. He’s great at the special techniques – like the ying kicks – and very

good at the theoretical side. In fact, for someone so young, I’m impressed with his grasp of the biomechanical side of Taekwon-Do and the need for precision in each move.”

“I like that it conditions my body,” says Andrej.

“I used to be chubby and really weak. Now I’m thinking more about what I eat and healthy veggies and when we’re cleaning up in class, I’m strong enough to pick up ve chairs at a time.”

But it’s so much more than self-defence, says Andrej. “I’ve learned about discipline and respect.

“When the master comes into the dojang [Korean for training hall], you have to bow to him or her and at the start of class. If you miss that step, it’s disrespectful.”

Christine says kids learn respect, responsibility and resilience. “ ey also get good at setting goals, then breaking tasks down and following a plan to achieve their goals. In Taekwon-Do, we’re preparing our students to be champions in life.”

For more information, see: www.tmaa.co.nz

Debbie Griffiths

Coach Christine Young puts Andrej Ginovski through his paces.

Photo: John Borren.

OPEN DAY OUR COME TO

Come along to our open day today, Friday 18th, and tomorrow, Saturday 19th August from 10am - 3pm at 80 Maranui Street, Mount Maunganui

There’s so much to do at Mount Maunganui. White sand beaches, walking tracks and waterfalls—the Mount really is a dream location for the next chapter of your life. And at Arvida Ocean Shores, you’ll enjoy resort-style living unlike anywhere else, with wide-open streets, big backyards, and a lush sub-tropical landscape.

This community has historically been hard to get into, but a rare window of opportunity means we have a limited number of independent living villas and apartments available. They won’t be around for long, so talk to us today to secure your spot.

Find out more at arvida.co.nz/oceanshores or call 0800 774 635

Maunganui Rd safety upgrade design in final stage

Tauranga City Council is entering the fourth and nal stage to make Maunganui Rd a safer place to travel with design underway for the Hull Rd to Tui St section, which will be shared with the community in the near future.

e old design of the Maunganui Rd corridor allowed for high speeds, making it unsafe for road users, and doesn’t support di erent modes of transport – which leads to people relying on their cars.

“Having already spoken with Central Parade businesses, many have informed us of the safety concerns at these intersections,” says Tauranga City Council service transformation lead James Jacobs.

e design will link up with earlier stages of Maunganui Rd upgrades, to increase road safety and provide for safe alternative ways to travel.

“To improve safety on Maunganui Rd, we are implementing physical separation of lanes and new roundabouts as well as dedicated cycleways, a shared path and various safe crossing points,” says James.

“Whether it’s walking, cycling, using public transport or driving, we want to give people reliable and viable alternative options to a car.”

James says the nal design will factor upgrading intersections, median islands, and improved cycling facilities, lighting, and safer access to the new Destination Skatepark.

“We understand that construction in a well-used and much-loved area means there will be a level of disruption to tra c and parking at times.

“Our team want to know how we can best limit any impacts and we will work with businesses to understand priorities.”

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

Spoonfuls

Pāpāmoa’s Double Teaspoons

café is doubling down on their fundraising e orts for Cancer Society’s Da odil Day again this year!

Next Friday, August, 25, the Pāpāmoa Plaza-based café will serve up delicious kai and hot co ee – all to feed into a good cause.

It’s the fourth year Double Teaspoons has rallied funds for the Cancer Society and owner-operator May Lau has a new goal. “We’re hoping to get $4000 this year.

“Whatever the takings are for the day, we’re just going to donate the whole amount to Cancer Society… last year we did $3540 on the day so

of support on Daffodil Day

hopefully we beat that!”

May supports Da odil Day because she feels everybody knows someone who has cancer or has had it. “So many people are a ected by it, whether you’ve got cancer yourself or your family or your friends. It’s quite close to the heart and it’s just a very good cause to take part in.”

Running her café in the Pāpāmoa for nearly eight years, May says: “I always feel like, even as a small business and making money, you should still give back to your community”.

Double Teaspoons will have their usual delicious and freshly crafted treats for customers to enjoy on the day. “Most of our items on the

counter are very popular – our doughnuts usually go very fast and our custard squares go very fast, so we’ll just make more of what we do best!” Get along and support the Cancer Society next Friday, August 25, at Double Teaspoons; open from 7.30am-6pm.

Hon Jan Tinetti

Wāhine art and creativity on show

Tauranga Girls College students’ creativity is now on show at e People’s Gallery - Toi ka rere in an annual art exhibition.

e Artful Wāhine Exhibition is the culmination of encouraging all TGC students to participate and show o their artwork; in the form of paintings, photography, sculpture, digital art and more.

e students enter their own original artwork and also participate in running the exhibition.

e art could be about anything, giving budding artists a chance to display their artwork in a safe and supportive environment while also giving them the opportunity to participate in organising an exhibition.

e art is on display in e People’s GalleryToi ka rere until September 9. Opening hours are 10am-3pm Monday-Saturday.

Double Teaspoons owner and operator May Lau will donate all her café’s takings on Da odil Day to the Cancer Society. Photo: John Borren.

Georgia Minkhorst

CLEAN CAR

ACROSS THE PEUGEOT RANGE

Don’t put wealth above health

Don’t sit back and wait until you’re unwell – start taking control of your health and wellbeing today!

Next week Dr Tom Mulholland will share his wisdom in Tauranga about taking a proactive approach to health at the Lifetime Seminar Series 2023 - Protect Your Health, Wealth, and Income in Retirement.

With decades of experience in the medical world, both in emergency and preventative areas, Tom says: “It doesn’t matter how well you manage your wealth if you don’t have your health”.

Matching ‘spans’

Tom will discuss how to ensure your healthspan matches your lifespan.

“Basically your lifespan is how long you’re going to live but health-span is how t and healthy you’re going to be.

“At 80, are you going to be in a resthome and have dementia – or are you’re going to be out there sur ng and climbing hills?”

Tom says a key part to having a healthy lifespan is “knowing your health numbers” such as your blood pressure. “You want to measure, monitor and manage your numbers quite tightly and then have a health advocate, because GPs are often snowed under with an illness model. You want to have people that are actively looking after your health

and doing proactive screenings and wellness screenings, rather than just only going to the doctor when you’re sick.”

Mental software

Tom says the best health advice he’s ever received is: “‘ at my thoughts control my emotions’, so if I can manage my thinking, I can manage my emotions – so that’s why I talk a lot about healthy thinking and managing my mental software.

“It’s giving people tools to manage their own emotions so they don’t get stressed and anxious, and reducing their blood pressure will improve their sleep so looking after your mental health is really important.”

A common trend of people slipping up with their health comes down to time, says Tom.

“ ey say their time poor. ‘Look I don’t have time to ll out an app. I don’t have time to go to the doctor’ – but a lot of people spend a lot of time just scrolling mindlessly through social media and they just don’t make it a priority.”

Re ecting on his time working in ED, Tom says: “I save more lives by doing these seminars and getting people to nd their risks and then asses them. Assess it and then do something about it”.

Tom will speak at the Protect Your Health, Wealth, and Income in Retirement seminar on Monday, August 21, from 2-3.30pm at

Hearing aids in the modern age

Many people with hearing loss struggle to follow conversation on the phone.

is can be a ected by accents, signal quality, how the phone is held, and the type of phone itself. But it can be signi cantly compounded by hearing loss.

Traditionally, hearing aids have contained a Telecoil or loop option, making sound clearer for the landline; this was an automatic feature or could be controlled by the hearing-aid wearer. As landlines are increasingly phased out, there has been a shift in focus to Bluetooth compatibility with mobile phones.

Most modern hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible, meaning they can be wirelessly connected to a smartphone, therefore phone calls

will stream through the hearing aids. is means a clearer sound, directly delivered to the ears, making it easy to hear the person on the other end.

Often the hearing aids can be used hands-free, meaning they will also pick up the hearing-aid wearer’s voice too.

Bluetooth is very straightforward to set up, and can be done in a few minutes by an audiologist or the hearing-aid wearer. Once set up, the phone can be used exactly as normal – the sound should just be much clearer. Any audio from the phone will be streamed too – so if the wearer listens to music, audiobooks or watches Net ix, this sound will come directly through the hearing aids.

At Resonate, we use rechargeable hearing devices, so Bluetooth usage can be enjoyed all day long.

Pop in to see us for more information.

Trinity Wharf Hotel. Admission is free. To register and reserve your spot, visit: www.lifetimeincome.co.nz/ retirement-life/lifetime-events/2023/august/taurangaseminar-2pm/ Georgia Minkhorst

Dr Tom Mulholland.

Photo: supplied.

The remarkable power of facials

Amid the chaos of modern life, self-care often takes a backseat –but it doesn’t have to.

Facials are a gateway to both skin rejuvenation and mental wellness. ey go beyond pampering and o er a holistic health advantage that

uplifts your entire being. Jamele facials deliver more than just surface-level perks. e serene ambience of our beautiful rooms and our gentle and experienced touch bring a sense of calm and relaxation to your day.

Moreover, our facials o er a world of skin bene ts.

Environmental factors and daily stressors can wreak havoc on your skin. We o er a range of facials, each suited to your

speci c skin type, concern and time constraints. Working with some of the best professional skincare brands in New Zealand, we can help you choose the right products and facial for your skin. is is where we excel at Jamele. Our team provide world-class facials in a tranquil setting, ensuring not only skin rejuvenation but also mental restoration.

Jamele is more than a beauty therapy clinic – it’s a welcoming

Better hearing in the BOP

Starting from the boot of a car in 2013, Hear Again is delighted to have opened their third clinic right here in the Bay of Plenty!

Hear Again has been bringing exceptional ear care and hearing aid services to Auckland and Christchurch for the last 10 years and is now welcoming clients to their Pāpāmoa clinic.

Kiwi owners Steve and Samantha Foster and their professional team are dedicated to enhancing your quality of life through better hearing.

“Hearing loss is very personal. It is something many people can be embarrassed about and reluctant to address,” says Samantha. “We are passionate about making your journey to improving your hearing as simple and comfortable as possible; from the removal of ear wax to the provision of the very latest hearing aids.”

As independent operators, Hear Again deals

retreat of holistic wellbeing. Our range of facials caters to your unique skin needs while fostering a peaceful escape for your mind. Embrace radiant skin and restored mental balance with a Jamele facial.

Take advantage of our current Environ facial special or talk to us about our Janesce and Dermaviduals facials.

We would love to treat you, and welcome that much needed self-care into your day.

•

Hear Again at the Professional Suites in Papamoa are the team who make delighting their clients the very top of their agenda. From a

Go on – dunk it for Plunket!

Whānau Āwhina Plunket, in partnership with Arnott’s New Zealand, is running a ‘Dunk it for Plunket’ fundraiser in August.

‘Dunk it for Plunket’ asks the community to come together with workmates, whānau and friends for a fun morning tea while raising funds for a worthy cause.

e rst 1000 hosts to register their fundraising morning tea will receive a free box of goodies from Arnott’s to kickstart their e orts.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket chief executive Fiona Kingsford says Dunk it for Plunket is way for everyone to have fun while giving back to an

with a diverse range of hearing aid manufacturers to bring you the best and personalised solution.

“Customer service is our absolute main goal.

“With us you’ll always see the same clinician and build up a rapport with them. We can tailor make something with the client and if they’re not happy, we can try something else.”

Hear Again is o ering a special deal for Weekend Sun readers. Mention you read this editorial at Hear Again’s Pāpāmoa clinic and receive a free hearing check or $10 o earwax removal.

e rst 1000 morning tea hosts to register will receive a free box of Arnott’s goodies.

organisation that’s almost de nitely touched their life in some way. “Our nurses, Community Karitāne, Kaiāwhina alongside the wider team are online, in homes and clinics in communities across Aotearoa –supporting whānau raising the next generation of New Zealanders.”

In addition to the free goodie boxes from Arnott’s, everyone who registers has the chance to win exciting rewards including entering the draw for a Creatista Plus Nespresso Machine by Breville (RRP $1149.95) for those who raise more than $100. To register, visit: www.dunkitforplunket.nz

The benefits of a little patience and kindness

“Kindness is like snow – it beauti es everything it covers” – Kahlil Gibran.

I want to share something that doesn’t re ect so well on me but reminded me, yet again, of an important life lesson. Someone was waiting in line with his friend in the next line. When my line freed up rst, he started taking things from the trolley in the other queue and I made a grumpy comment. He turned to me with a smile and said: “Of course, please go ahead” which completely disarmed me. My grumpiness immediately

disappeared and my day was no longer tainted with irritation. And he reminded me, by his kindness, it will always be more bene cial to my peace of mind to be kind and patient rather than impose a bad mood on somebody else. Is there something you did today that disrupted your peace of mind and could have been better handled with a little patience and kindness? Would you like to learn more about coaching, explore more of your potential or how to deal with stress or con ict? Phone Mary Parker, e Fast Track Coach, on 021 258 2145, or visit: www.thefasttrackcoach.co.nz

When it comes to your senses, you need to know you are in safe hands

Owners Steve and Samantha Foster.

Fortifying bread will save lives

In an important step to protect babies from serious birth defects, all non-organic wheat our for bread-making now must be forti ed with the B-vitamin folic acid. New Zealand Food Safety deputy-director general Vincent Arbuckle says folic acid forti cation will quite literally save lives in New Zealand – with the mandatory ruling for fortifying bread-making our coming into force on Monday, August 14.

“Folic acid is proven to reduce the prevalence of Neural Tube Defects, which can be life-threatening for babies, or cause life-long disabilities.

“And as Māori and Pasi ka babies have higher rates of NTDs, fortifying bread will particularly bene t these communities.”

NTDs are a group of birth defects in which the brain and spinal cord have not developed properly. NTDs

can be life-threatening for unborn babies during pregnancy, and people who live with an NTD can have severe disabilities.

Folate is an essential B-vitamin needed for healthy growth and development, particularly for healthy development of babies during early pregnancy. Folic acid is a synthetic version of folate.

“More than 80 countries, including Australia, the United States, and Canada, have safely introduced mandatory folic acid forti cation with excellent results,” says Vincent.

Manatū Hauroa/ e Ministry of Health advises folic acid tablets should be taken from four weeks prior to conception, and for 12 weeks after, to reduce the risk of NTDs. Fortifying bread with folic acid is an e ective way of reducing NTDs, and can bene t people who have an unplanned pregnancy.

For more information, email: NZFoodSafety_ media@mpi.govt.nz

Should I take Co Enzyme Q10? – Part 2

We generally make all the Co enzyme Q10 – called CoQ10 for short – that we need. Some, however should add a CoQ10 supplement.

So CoQ10 is mostly made in your liver from the same enzymes that make cholesterol. is is why drugs that reduce cholesterol can signi cantly reduce circulating CoQ10.

Recently, a client had experienced a lot of muscle pain and sti ness while on statins.

After just a month adding high grade CoQ10, the pain had completely gone and they’re now able to tolerate the medication without side e ects.

It generally takes one-two months to improve muscle function and energy.

Muscle issues from statin use is one of the most common reasons for muscle and tendon pain and weakness. It’s a shame many su er needlessly –because in most cases this is quickly resolved with a high quality CoQ10 without having to stop the medication.

What makes CoQ10 unique is its ability to

accept and donate electrons. is enables CoQ10 to move hydrogen electrons within your cell mitochondria to make the energy your body requires. Inadequate CoQ10 levels reduce cell energy, often felt as tiredness and muscle weakness.

I regularly prescribe CoQ10 for those with health issues known to reduce energy, especially those with autoimmune or neurodegenerative problems.

While CoQ10 is not a cure, it can help to lift general energy and wellbeing.

In most cases I’ll add a patented US-made naturally fermented CoQ10 such as CoQsol or a specialised Mitochondrial formula for those needing extra CoQ10 plus a lift in energy. is combines CoQ10 with a B vitamin complex plus other energy co-factors. Most people feel a real di erence within one-two months. For more information call me or email: john@abundant. co.nz Read my newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is a quali ed nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz

A

book giveaway for children!

e Sun has two kids’ books two give away. Last year Bay of Plenty’s Tommy Wilson teamed up with mental health advocate and I Am Hope founder Mike King to release a book titled ‘TR & Mack e Hopeful Black Dog (and a truckload of Aroha)’.

e book is aimed at kids aged eight-plus with the authors hoping it will “change the way the world deals with bullies”.

e Sun has two copies to give away to two lucky readers who tell us who is the I Am Hope founder? Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz Entries close Tuesday, August 22.

Friday 25 August 2023

Proudly supported by...

The month of yellow

e Cancer Society of New Zealand is in full swing gearing up for its Da odil Day street appeal next Friday, August 25, with 8000 yellow hi-vis-clad volunteers set to hit the streets for collection.

directly government-funded and relies on support from the community to ensure no one faces cancer alone.

“Please give generously when you see a street collector this Da odil Day. Or donate online by visiting: da odilday.org.nz.

“Remember, every donation counts.”

Make a di erence today

Your generous donation will help make a di erence for people with cancer.

• $45 helps fund specialist counselling for patients and their families.

• $72 helps make sure Cancer Society nurses can provide ongoing care and advice.

• $140 provides accommodationvital at the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge for cancer patients.

Now into its 33rd year, every August the community rallies together to raise funds for people with cancer across the region. Da odil Day – on next Friday, August 25, is the Cancer Society’s largest fundraising event. is year the society is calling on the public to: ‘Give today so no one faces cancer alone’.

Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty chief executive Helen Carter says every donation helps the society’s Waikato/BOP experienced nurses support people a ected by cancer in our community.

“Whether it’s advice, information, advocacy or just a listening ear, our CS nurses were there 9442 times for people with cancer and their families around the region last year. “And our Cancer Society volunteers drove 79,732km to ensure cancer patients were taken safely to treatment.”

Helen says donations from Da odil Day also fund ground-breaking cancer research and help deliver health promotion programmes in schools and the community to reduce the impact of cancer for future generations. “ e Cancer Society is not

A year of impact in the Waikato/BOP

Here are some of the ways Cancer Society Waikato/BOP has supported people with cancer in our region during the last nancial year, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the community.

• 9442 is the number of times supportive care nurses were there to provide advice, information, advocacy and support to someone with cancer or their whānau.

• 79,732km was driven by volunteers transporting people to treatment.

• 1488 people attended Cancer Society supportive care programmes.

• 1310 new referrals to the Cancer Society Waikato/BOP.

Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty chief executive Helen Carter asks the public to give generously this month.

Driving home support!

When you call Matapihi resident Linda Milne, you might not always get hold of her. And for good reason!

“Sorry, I’m driving a client – I’ll call you back in about 10 minutes once I’ve dropped them o ,” the 67-year-old tells e Sun.

Ten minutes later... “Hello, yep, I’m good now,” says Linda, parked up, post drop-o .

Linda is a Cancer Society Waikato/ Bay of Plenty volunteer who drives Tauranga cancer patients to their treatments. A CS volunteer for ve years, she also helps organise Da odil Day collections each August in the Bayfair area. “You know it [the Cancer Society] touches so many people’s hearts – and across all generations. at’s what I really like about it.”

Linda says Da odil Day volunteering is “only a few days out of the whole year” and the driving – well, she does it out of necessity.

“With the driving I do – without it some people just cannot get to their treatments,” says Linda, who uses her own car for the service. And we’re very privileged to hear all of their stories along the way – it’s very touching. You know, you’ve just got that ear – someone for them to talk to that’s not involved with them emotionally.”

What made her volunteer? “I was in early retirement and was an Altrusa member for 19 years – now that I had the time, I wanted to nd something where I could give back to the community.

“With the driving, you’re not committed on any particular day or week – you get a message at the week’s end, asking if you can drive the next week.”

Fascinating experiences

However, during Covid-19 lockdowns Linda was behind the steering wheel more often.

“I was under 70 years of age and they weren’t permitting older volunteers to do the driving due to government guidelines. It was very busy helping people to get to appointments during that time.”

Linda admits she’s had some fascinating experiences in the car with people often facing

the biggest challenge of their lives. “Totally; and I’m just in awe as to how they all cope with it and how pragmatic so many of them are. ey all sing the praises of the people where they receive radiation and chemo.

“ e medical sta treat them like family.”

Appreciate it

And with Tauranga City roads so busy these days “the people undergoing treatment – they don’t need the stress of driving themselves. So they really appreciate it”.

Is there tears or laughs in the car? “A lot of laughs. I’ve just had this delightful little English lady. She said: ‘You’ve just got to have a sense of humour’. And most do so.. .you get a few, usually younger ones, that are a bit down about their prognosis – not knowing what’s around the corner – but overall they’re surprisingly positive. It’s a rollercoaster for them – but they are very thankful for the services the Cancer Society provides.”

Linda knows money is tight these days, but says if you can spare a few coins for the Cancer Society this Da odil Day on August 25 – she can vouch it will make a di erence to those battling cancer. “ is is a fantastic organisation.” Many of Tauranga’s street collection sites will have Eftpos and all will have a QR code to scan. Donations can also be made in any ANZ branch.

Merle Cave

Cancer Society volunteer Linda Milne drives cancer patients to their treatments.

Photo: Georgia Minkhorst.

Capital gain

Fixed fee for life option

Companionship

Modern and spacious homes

Choice of home styles and floor plans

All about Althorp

Retirement is all about relaxing, taking life easier and making the most of things you were probably too busy to enjoy when you were working and raising a family. But because many of us have a home to maintain, lawns and gardens devouring our spare time, we just don’t nd the time to relax and take things easier.

But for an increasing number of retirees, the best solution is to live in a retirement village, where all these things are taken care of.

Choosing the right home to retire to can be a long and di cult process. It’s a move that can involve some di cult decisions.

If you’re thinking about a retirement village, you should take into account not only the

location of your retirement but also the amenities on o er and what continuum of care a village has to o er.

Althorp has a huge range of activities and facilities on o er. Residents enjoy a full sized bowling green, tennis court, golf croquet, pétanque, a walking group and garden club.

Indoors, there is a heated pool, aqua aerobics classes, two spa pools, gym, hairdresser, indoor bowls, table tennis, darts, line dancing, snooker and pool, a variety of card and board games, bridge, bingo, movie theatre, library, a dedicated arts and crafts room, a hobbies shed, and a lot more.

If you’re looking for a place that really does feel like home, where your independence and privacy are assured then come visit us at Althorp Lifestyle Village.

With a choice of multiple home designs and sizes plus our fixed fee for life option you really can afford to enjoy a brand new premium-quality beach home on a single or double pension income. Plus you’ll reap the benefit of capital gain.

An easy walk to Waihi Beach

DROP IN FOR COFFEE AND A CHAT

4 HOMES OPEN TO VIEW

7 DAYS A WEEK

WEEKENDS 10AM - 3PM OR MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM - 3PM

For more information call Linda on 027 223 8822.

8 BROWNS DRIVE WAIHI BEACH 0800 527 252 or visit karakapines.co.nz

For more info contact Claire Keen on 07 543 4008 or 021 061 7247.

9 Grantston Drive, Pyes Pa, Tga. www.althorpvillage.co.nz

KARAKA PINES VILLAGES IN | WAIHI BEACH | AUCKLAND | ROTOTUNA | HAMILTON | TAURANGA| ROTORUA | CHRISTCHURCH

WAIHI BEACH

Althorp Village shrouded among cherry blossoms in full bloom. Photo: supplied.

Your time to relax!

Seniors wanted to fill Santa shortage!

Kiwi seniors are encouraged to don the big red suit to help avoid a Santa shortage come December.

Talent agency Scene to Believe recently launched its annual Santa Recruitment drive early in a bid to ll hundreds of positions available across New Zealand.

Managing director Stefan Hutton says due to Covid, the last three years have seen fewer Kiwis apply for the job, leaving shopping

centre thrones empty.

“We’re particularly short in the Santa department, so we’re calling on older Kiwis to throw their Santa’s hat in the ring and apply. Becoming a Santa’s Helper is a great way for seniors to be more involved in their community, interact with young people and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.”

To nd out more, visit: scenetobelieve.co.nz

Ōmokoroa Country Estate is a village that has a natural beauty and connection to nature which really sets it apart.

Stroll through the village’s park-like grounds to the beach access and within minutes you’ll be greeted by the sparkling Tauranga Harbour. From there meandering coastal walks let you explore the peninsula on foot or by bike. And when you’ve nished why not have a swim or a soak in the natural thermal mineral pool and spa?

“While our team of gardeners

take care of all the hard work, we have a popular community vegetable patch where you’re welcome to grow fresh produce for yourself or others,” says sales manager Karen Matheson.

On-site parking is available for campervans and caravans, so you can head out on adventures whenever you choose – but if you’re not keen on driving, the village mini bus makes regular trips to Tauranga for supermarket and shopping excursions.

e bowling green, croquet lawn, art and pottery studio, along with snooker room and men’s shed are always popular

places to meet new friends; and happy hours, co ee mornings, pot luck and catered dinners are held in the Village Centre, and a great way to meet fellow residents.

“Just minutes from the gate is a thriving bowling club and an 18-hole links golf course so whether you’re in the mood to be active or relaxed, it’s not hard to understand why residents at Ōmokoroa Country Estate enjoy better health and wellbeing on a daily basis.”

Choose Ōmokoroa Country Estate for your beautiful retirement!

news and views for the over 55s

I played rugby for years – am I at risk of dementia?

As excitement starts to build for the Rugby World Cup next month, I thought it timely to discuss a particular form of dementia often seen in retired rugby players.

Known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy dementia, it is caused by an accumulation of often small, but repeated, head knocks. ese head knocks may not always cause concussion, so may go unnoticed. People that play rugby or box are at increased risk of CTE, but this does not automatically mean the person will develop CTE.

As with all dementias, there are things that increase our risks, but there are also things we can do to counter some of those risks. Although CTE cannot be diagnosed with 100 per cent certainty, the generally agreed symptoms include being confused, some personality changes, out-of-character behaviour such as aggression or being argumentative, not caring about others’ feelings, becoming withdrawn and

depressed, and problems with memory and thinking.

ese are all common symptoms of dementia, but with CTE they usually start to show themselves earlier in life, and the cause of CTE happens at a much younger age, i.e. from childhood up to midlife. Avoiding knocking your head will certainly reduce your risks of developing CTE, but living a healthy and active lifestyle can also reduce your risks.

If you’d like to learn more about reducing your risks of getting dementia, give me a call.

Ruth omas, EnlivenPlus. Phone 07 547 4349 EnlivenPlus provides specialist dementia care from $60.

Residency changes coming for NZ Super

Changes are on the horizon for the New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension. e residence criteria for both will change in July 2024, but if you’re already receiving either the NZ Super or the Veteran’s Pension, or will begin receiving it before July 1, 2024, these changes will not apply to you.

Currently, to receive the NZ Super or the Veteran’s Pension, you must have lived in NZ for at least 10 years since you turned 20 years old, with at least ve years since you turned 50.

In July 2024 this will slowly increase to 20 years –including ve years since you turned 50.

Once the changes have come into e ect, the amount of years you need to have lived in New Zealand will be based on your date of birth when you apply, and the increase will be gradual.

People who do not meet this criteria may be able to use other criteria to meet the residence criteria. ‘Living in New Zealand’ means applicants were a resident in New Zealand, or were physically present in New Zealand for the speci ed number of years. For more information, visit: www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/seniors/ nz-super-and-veterans-pension-residencychanges-2024.html

News from Bay of Plenty Regional Council August 2023

Summer Experience Programme

Not sure what you’ll be doing this summer? Looking for a chance to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve been gaining this year while studying?

Or perhaps you’re looking for an opportunity to try something different to what you know in the workplace?

Applications open early-September for Toi Moana’s Summer Experience Programme – a 12-week programme

Parts of Kaimai Mamaku Range closed after pathogen found

The pathogen responsible for kauri dieback, phytophthora agathidicida, has been found for the first time in the Kaimai Mamaku range.

It was picked up by soil sampling on a track near the Wharawhara entrance of Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park.

Some tracks and forest have been closed (until 29 September) and iwi have placed a rāhui to try to allow time for further

offering valuable work experience in a field that interests you. Keep an eye on our website boprc.govt.nz/summerexperience-programme for more information - including roles on offer.

Edgecumbe floodwall upgrade nearing completion

The final stage of the Rangitāiki Floodwalls upgrade in Edgecumbe is nearing completion.

This project was initiated after the 2017 Edgecumbe flood event and is part of our ongoing work to upgrade flood defences around the rohe. It has involved removing the existing stopbanks and floodwalls at three locations along the Rangitāiki River (Greig Road, Thornton School and College Road) and building new, upgraded flood defences in their place.

testing and to make informed decisions for what might happen next.

If you live adjacent to the Kaimais and have kauri on your property, we are keen to talk to you.

HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT COAST CARE

Coast Care works with communities to protect and enhance our coastal environment for everyone to enjoy now and into the future. For nearly 30 years, they’ve worked with locals to care for and restore these special places we all love, and they’d like to continue this mahi for many years to come. But they need your help! Tell Coast Care what matters to you when it comes to our beaches so they can keep doing what they do best.

www.participate.boprc.govt.nz/ coast-care-beach-user-survey

OPEN UNTIL 8 SEPTEMBER.

The new flood defences have been designed to control the flow of water through the stopbanks and floodwalls more effectively. While this is a natural process, if it is left uncontrolled, it could impact the integrity of the stopbank. Despite several delays due to unseasonable wet weather, the construction process for the final stage at College Road has gone smoothly and the area will be re-opened to the public once the finishing touches are done. This includes re-building the Rangitāiki River walkway to an improved condition. Thank you to the Edgecumbe community for your support throughout the consultation and construction process.

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

If you have answered YES, come to an event to discuss the changes happening for land and freshwater management in the Bay of Plenty.

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council is holding events to discuss what the freshwater management issues are for the region and your area, and the draft options we are thinking about to manage them. Get involved and have your say while the policy options are still draft.

Upcoming events:

Tauranga: Thursday 17 Sep, 2-6pm, The Historic Village, 17th Ave West, Tauranga

Whakatāne: Saturday 2 Sep, 10-11.30am, ONLINE

Ōhiwa Harbour: Thursday 7 Sep, 12-1.30pm, ONLINE

Rangitāiki: Friday 8 Sep, 2-5pm, Galatea Hall, Mangamate Road, Galatea

Register for ONLINE sessions here: boprc.govt.nz/freshwater-events

For more information and a full calendar of events go to boprc.govt.nz/freshwater

Bay of Plenty Regional Council

From boys’ college to Loserpalooza

ere’s a lot coming up in the next fortnight: we’ll start by going back to school.

Not really, since the Tauranga Boys’ College’s Big Band Fundraising Tea Dance isn’t actually at Tauranga Boys’ College. But you get the idea...

is is an event in service of a good cause. Money is being raised for the TBC Big Band to travel to Wellington in September, where they will take part in the MusicWorks Ensemble Festival

Aotearoa. en a few days later they compete in the Jazz Band-it Finals as part of the Essential NZ Jazz Band Competition.

If that sounds like a worthwhile reason to shell out $30, or if you just want to check out some jazz, head to the Tauranga Citizens’ Club by 5.30pm on Sunday, August 27, for the TBC Big Band along with smooth sounds from the newly-formed JT Jazz Orchestra, an ensemble comprising some of Tauranga’s top jazz musicians.

As a special treat, singer Tomika Whiu will also feature. e man in charge of TBC music, Joe omas, says that the Big Band need your support to make their dream of representing Tauranga in Wellington a reality. I’m happy to pass on the message. Advance tickets are available from: www.tbc.school.nz/etickets/big-band-tea-dance

e Entertainers Club

As it happens I have other news about the Citz Club, which is that after a several month hiatus e Entertainers Club is springing back into action again there from October 8, when they have one of several current Eagles tribute bands playing. is one is named Motel California, has a 10-year history and promises a three-hour show of all the hits. e Entertainers Club is a non-pro t club run by volunteers so it’s nice to have them back!

Meanwhile, next week Friday, August 25, sees Baycourt eatre welcome the rst of what I’m guessing will be a run of David Bowie tribute acts. is is Bowie, a group of highly-regarded Auckland musicians led by singer Bill Angus, who was in town not too many months back at the Jam Factory in his more regular folk guise. ey are a seven-piece band and promise an all-singing, all-dancing David Bowie experience, if not a plethora of costume changes.

“To go for the most authenticity, Bowie Bowie is a ‘soundalike’ out t,” says Bill. “Rather than a ‘men in wigs’ experience, we focus on replicating the sound of the original recordings and speci c live performances, costumed in Bowie’s later stylish gear.”

Tickets are $72 for adults with various concessions, down to $42.50 for children aged 10-14.

Loserpalooza

And on to Loserpalooza, coming up on Saturday, September 2, at Totara Street. is is Tauranga’s annual celebration of hardcore and generally extreme alternative music. is year’s event – 24 bands, two stages, 12 hours – is an all-Tauranga Loserpalooza for the rst time, which really shows that probably the most vibrant music scene in Tauranga is the alternative one.

But this is more than just a festival.

Since 2018, Loserpalooza’s musicians have worked tirelessly to help raise money for Lifeline’s e orts in developing suicide awareness and prevention through their helpline. ey have raised nearly $20,000 during the ve years.

Amongst the musical insanity, here are some potential highlights: metal masters Abysm has an international support slot under their belt (Blood Incantation), and with two members now based in Wellington, has recently released a new EP ‘Nuroses’. Also with an international support slot on their CV (Guitar Wolf) is veteran post-punk out t Stunt Clown, infamous for their AI-created music videos and featuring members of noted

Tauranga bands Brilleaux, DIC, e Southern Diplomats, Eternal Sea and more.

And I’m delighted to say that in this testosteronefuelled environment there’s an all-female band.

Tactical Chunny has broken through in emo punk territory with singer Holly Julian skating between screaming, shouting and the sweetest of melodies.

Loserpalooza runs from 12pm-1am, koha entry: give what you can with all proceeds going to Lifeline Aotearoa. Here’re the rest of the bands: Two Skinner, Park Flyers, Six Two’s, bloody overalls, Eddie and the Dreamers, Hoick, KINGFISH, Bits, Angry Papamoans, reat.Meet. Protocol, Skronk, Carrion Bride, False Waltons, Hemordroid, We Will Ride Fast, Lethargic, y End Cometh, Club Meds, is Is How We Die, YdoublerR.

Fri 18th Mass appeal with Omega B and Twenty 2 - Soul, Funk, Hip hop 9pm

Sat 19th Drosan and Moving forces of society- nu jazz 6pm Voodoo Latin night with Dj hectic 9pm

Wed 23rd Voodoo Jam night 9pm

Abysm has released a new EP ‘Nuroses’.

An anthology, coffee and a slice of life!

e cover blurb tells us it’s “a delightful collection of poems, tales and art to while away an afternoon”. Nice.

at’s USA Today bestselling author Lee Murray’s promotional pitch for ‘Beyond Co ee and Scones’

– a second anthology by the Oropi Writing Group of Marian Penman, Annie Rae Te Ake Ake, the late Gay Prasad, Moana Bianchin, Carol Garden and Lila Parry.

‘Beyond Co ee and Scones’ will be launched at 3.30pm tomorrow, Saturday, August 19, at Books A Plenty in Grey St, Tauranga City.

“Blending memoir and makebelieve,” adds Lee Murray. “Perfect for readers who enjoy their co ee with a slice of life.”

Just a taste of a neighbourhood tale from deep in Oropi itself.

ere’s also “a splash of poetry” – a sombre splash like this excerpt from the late Gay Prasad’s ‘Darkness’.

e cover of ‘Beyond Co ee and Scones’.

Anthology II is an assortment of fresh writing challenges for the Oropi group. ere’s a medley of memoirs – like Lila Parry’s ‘Jessie’s Stand’. “ ere was even talk of a mythical pig nicknamed ‘Beezlebub’. is caught Jessie’s vivid imagination. She begged her parents for so long and with such earnest intensity, that they eventually agreed to let her join the hunt.”

regrets,

“Allow the darkest secrets, the hidden shame and deepest regrets, Let them rise up in their full splendour, Look them in the eye, Let them speak their foul words of condemnation, Hear them and be not afraid.”

All from six lovers of story-telling, the rhythm of words and, by their own admission, a good morning tea.

Look them in the eye, All and ‘Darkness’

As they say, art stimulates writing and writing stimulates art. And it was Gay’s ‘Darkness’ that inspired Moana to create a series of paintings for the book, including the mildly provocative cover image called ‘Gluttony’ – a caricaturised, fuller- gured, all red nude eating grapes.

e Oropi Writing Group began in 2016 when sisters Annie and Gay responded to a newspaper advert placed by Marian looking to connect with other writers. e three women had all been teachers and shared a love of words.

ey published their rst anthology ‘Over Co ee and Scones’ three years later.

Moana, who, as a child, knew Annie and Gay, bought and loved the book and was invited to join. She was followed by two more school teachers Carol and Lila. All are accomplished writers and published authors.

e group meet regularly and write memoirs, ction and poetry. Sometimes they are inspired by a line in another person’s story. Other times they are inspired by an artwork or an artwork is inspired by a poem.

Each writer begins their collection with a poem in response to the image of a clay sculpture of a woman, made by Anneil, a cousin of Gay, Annie and Lila’s. e process came full circle when one of the writers was inspired to paint a series of canvases in response to another writer’s poem. What began as writing with co ee and scones evolved into a smorgasbord of creativity and snacks and the occasional wine.

Although the same prompt was often used by each writer, what emerged were ve pieces of writing as diverse as the authors themselves. Sadly, the Oropi Writers Group became ve last year with the passing of Gay Prasad.

She will be memorialised in the pages of ‘Beyond Co ee and Scones’ when it’s launched tomorrow at Books A Plenty.

Hunter Wells

Oropi Writing Group’s Marian Penman, Lila Parry, Moana Bianchin, Annie Rae Te Ake Ake and Carol Garden.

Round up your family, friends, neighbours, fellow fun-seekers and their vehicles – the Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club is hosting a Da odil Rally for Cancer on Sunday, August 20, at its Cli Rd clubrooms.

e rally includes a public car show from 10am-1.30pm at the club’s base at 29 Cli Rd, Tauranga. At 1.30pm all vehicles registered will participate in a rally that will nish at a historical hall on the other side of the district.

“We want the public to know is that everyone and every type of car is welcome to join the rally – no matter what kind of vehicle you drive,” says Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club vice chairman Donn White. “We’ll have a lot of vintage and classic cars in the rally – but we want as many cars as possible of any make, model or age to join us.”

With August 20 being NZ Vintage Car Club’s National Day – all VCC branches across Aotearoa will be on a fundraising drive of some sort to raise funds for their local Cancer Society branch.

“Some clubs have a car show, some have a rally –the BOP branch is doing both,” says Donn. Car show

e BOP VCC’s public car show is from 10am-1.30pm. ere will be a gold-coin entry fee to view an array of beautiful vehicles of all makes, models, sizes and ages. e gates open for display

Rally and show for Cancer Society

vehicles from 8am. “Our event organiser Raewyn Hughes has organised a fantastic range of food and refreshments to be for sale on-site at the club grounds for the day.”

A sausage sizzle will be available from early; the BOP VCC kitchen will be open for tea, co ee and morning tea to purchase. Plus food caravans and co ee carts on-site.

Rally

e rally brie ng will be given at 1pm. For those wanting to join the rally with their vehicles, the starttime is 1.30pm and costs $10 per vehicle; afternoon tea at the nal destination is $5 per person.

All proceeds will be donated to the Cancer Society.

While kept under wraps until the day, Donn hints the rally route will be “an awesome mixture of highway, byways, and country roads, which you will travel down, to the barrels of the earth, and back up along the ridges”.

Donn says: “Rally participants please note there is 1km of hard, unsealed road on the route – and the rally’s duration is about 1.5 hours”. “We’re looking forward to everyone joining us for a great afternoon of motoring around the local countryside, with likeminded people who love their vehicles, and having a chat over a cuppa at our fantastic destination.”

e goal is “to collect the biggest gure we can for Cancer Society Waikato/BOP”. “It’s going to be an awesome day – do come along and enjoy the fun!”

Merle Cave

Unite for National Poetry Day!

Get ready for a night of exhilarating performances as legends and emerging talents come together at Totara St for National Poetry Day.

Presented by the esteemed CRAFT Management Charitable Trust, the evening promises a blend of spoken word, hip hop, and R’n’B like you’ve never seen before.

Daffodil Rally for Cancer

“We intend to take you back into time. Rhymes & Lyrics is what we about.”

Featured artists include chart-topping Hamilton legends 4 Corners, spoken word maestro Captain Houndstooth, slam champion Ronna Grace, and many more – including King Cass, Jenna, and DJ Ayesha. is is a must attend!

Held at Totara Street on August 25, seats are limited. Tickets can be purchased at: totarastreet. co.nz/events/2023/august/rhymes-and-lyrics

CRAFT extends their thanks to the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.

the stage under his alias, Archaeo. “ is is your

“We’re thrilled to showcase a blend of seasoned legends and up-and-coming artists,” says event organizer Dhaivat Mehta, who will also grace the stage under his alias, Archaeo. “ is is your next opportunity to get out and support not only local hip hop but some of our Aotearoa pioneers (4Corners), national guests from outside of the rohe and on top – elevate/step out of your box by soaking up some poetry fam,” says BOP hip-hop entrepreneur and fervent supporter of Youth and Community Arts, Jay ‘Phreaze’ Chase. “It’s at Totara so you know it’s going to be good.”

“We are looking forward to re-connecting with hip hop fans in Tauranga and the Bay of reminding our people about real Aotearoa hip hop,” says Ngakoma, one of the legendary MCs of 4 Corners.

Bay of Plenty

Bay of Plenty

Phreaze will perform at National Poetry Day at Totara St.

Photo: supplied.

BOP Vintage Car Club members will host the Da odil Rally for Cancer. Photo: John Borren.

Churches Active In Our Community

True and lasting fulfilment

Ditch the List MPs by using STV

Now that we have a Parliamentary election coming, why must we have unelected List MPs running our country? Why all these List MPs? I will tell you why. Because some years ago when First Past e Post elections were deemed outdated we were given the choice of throwing it out and picking either a system of MMP or STV – short for Single Transferable Vote. ere was

to be a referendum, however the Government of the time, preferring MMP, decided that we the people would nd STV too di cult for us to understand or handle. So no referendum and the Members chose for us. In comes MMP, allowing for heaps of un-elected-by-thepeople List MPs.

Image now if in local councils we elected a Mayor; and the new Mayor would then hand-pick

his or hers un-elected council members? More or less what happens now as all our political parties do if reaching the magical ve per cent of the party votes?

If somehow we could be allowed to vote STV we would have all Members in Parliament elected by the people for the people. What a true democratic country we would have!

James Newman, Mount Maunganui.

Ful lment – I think we all know what ful lment means and we probably have an idea in our heads of what it might feel like to be ful lled. But for most of us, it is only something we can imagine – not something we have experienced in reality. Instead of being ful lled, we seem to always want more. We think, surely if we had more money, or a bigger house, or were better looking, then we would be ful lled. I do not think anyone would disagree with the statement that our world is broken. People are broken. You only have to watch the news to gure this out.

We are not ful lled, instead we are broken people living in a broken world. We look to many things and think they will ful l us, yet we seem to come up empty every time. We try money, popularity, relationships, shopping and drinking.

We think the more the better – and yet the more we get, the emptier we become. In the Bible there is a verse (Jeremiah 2:13) that talks about how people have exchanged God, the living water, for broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

What this is saying is that God is living water. He can ll our thirsty hearts, yet we ignore God and look to material things that will never

satisfy. It is like trying to ll a bucket with holes. It will never be full. Only God can ful l our hearts, because He is our Creator.

Mikayla Crawford

I recently had cause to attend Tauranga Hospital ED. ank goodness for the ‘Health NZ’ publicly-funded and operated service. e department was obviously full and yet I received timely and professional service while I sat in the waiting area. So too were a lot other people and our tamariki (children) were notably a high priority.

I was e ciently triaged, registered, seen by nursing professionals and doctors. Radiology and scan was arranged, actioned and reported on amazingly e ciently so that I was discharged after a consult with a specialist all within 3.5 hours. ank you to the public health system. Ngā mihi nui.

John Powell, Pāpāmoa.

Where

In e BOP Times, a recent Civic Precinct report states Tauranga City Council consultant Edward Guy of ‘Rationale’ claims “there would be more than 300,000 annual museum visits and more than 800,000 annual community hub visits”. It was not reported where these astonishing gures come from. Certainly, the Commissioners never questioned

Re: Capital Gains Tax. It is interesting to note that Chris Hipkins has said that Labour will not impose a Capital Gains Tax “under his watch”. Does that mean that he intends to be another short-term Prime Minister? If Labour is re-elected? I suspect a signi cant reason, apart from popularity before an election, is that no one seems to ever mention that Capital Gains Tax will a ect almost every New Zealander’s KiwiSaver. ose who are investing for what is described as ‘growth’ are simply investing for capital gain. at is very normal in any society. In many instances, capital gain is only about keeping up with in ation. So it is virtually everyone, not just the rich, which will be signi cantly harmed by a Capital Gains Tax.

Bill Capamagian, Tauranga City.

these “predictions”. Does this consultant have a crystal ball or is there a formula/process/skill/ normal people do not possess? Surely hugely speculative projects funded by ratepayers should be based on facts?

Maurice O’Reilly, Avenues.

TCC replies: Projected visitor estimates for the library/community hub and

museum are outlined in the comprehensive Te Manawataki o Te Papa Business Case, which the Commission approved on July 24. ese gures are based on demand forecasting modelling by rationale, and are formulated on the number of people who visit similar facilities in other cities and town centres, statistically adjusted to re ect Tauranga’s population.

Papamoa Library

Welcome Bay

Harties Liquor Store, 198 Maungatapu Road

Mount Beachside Holiday Park, 1 Adams Ave

Paper Plus, 130 Maunganui Rd

Park Mini Mart, 423 Maunganui Rd

New World, Cnr Maunganui Rd & Tweed St

Mount RSA, 544 Maunganui Rd

Bayfair Shopping Centre information desk

FreshChoice Papamoa, 20 Coast Boulevard, Papamoa Papamoa Plaza

Four Square Papamoa,

4 Golden Sands Dr

Countdown Bureta, Otumoetai

Four Square Cherrywood, Otumoetai

Brookfield Food Mart, 75 Bellevue Rd

Matua Dairy, 97 Levers Rd, Matua Patrick’s Pies, 19 Bethlehem Rd, Bethlehem

Four Square Bethlehem, 233A SH2, Bethlehem

Décor Gardenworld, 165 Moffat Rd, Bethlehem

FreshChoice Omokoroa, 160 Omokoroa Rd, Omokoroa

Katikati Information Centre, 36 Main Road, Katikati

Trident Equipment & Canvas are the champions of keeping their customers covered with the highest quality canvas and PVC materials.

Specialising in the fabrication of canvas and PVC products, Trident Equipment & Canvas has been operating out of Mount Maunganui for the past 30 years and prides itself on being family owned and a local manufacturer.

“We do everything from spa pool covers, boat covers, clears for boats, truck curtains and tarpaulins to the upholstery of boat and car seats,” says Trident Equipment & Canvas’ owner Paul Donaghy. “We have a new website to make it more customer friendly and tell people more about our products.” For more information, visit: www.tridentequipment.co.nz or in-store at 21 Maru St, Mount Maunganui, or call: 0800 471 000.

trades & services houses wanted

public notices

livestock

AC PETFOODS collect injured & unwanted cows & horses.

Ph 0800 369 6269

lost & found FOUND KITTENS & PUPPIES various places, colours and sex. Ph SPCA 07 578 0245

FOUND Cat, Black, Black, Male, approximately 1 year old, Turnet Rd Tauranga. Ref 585203.

sailing opportunity

SAIL ON A legendary round the world maxi yacht Steinlager 2 4 places left from Auckland to Tauranga September 20th-22nd

funeral services

Please contact Jackie on 021 188 1182 or email on jacci454@ gmail.com. No sailing experience needed. All ages and abilities welcome.

trades & services

HANDYMAN, section maintenance, lawns, decks, fencing, pergolas, painting, water blasting and odd jobs. Free quotes. Ph Rossco 027 270 3313 or 021 544 5911

ROOF REPAIRS Free quotes for all maintenance of leaking roofs, gutter cleaning & repairs.

Chimney maintenance & repairs.

Registered roofer, 30yrs exp. Ph Peter 542 4291 or 027 436 7740

TREE, SHRUB and hedges trimming, topping, rubbish, palm

pruning or removal, satisfaction guaranteed free quote. Ph Steve Hockly 027 498 1857 travel & tours NO 8 TOURS New Zealand’s Senior Travel Club- Join our Club today to receive all our VIP Members Bene ts exclusive to No 8 Tours. Our Brand-New Catalogue jam-packed ll of tours is now available, don’t miss out. These include Extended Tours, Day Trips and Shows with a FREE Door to Door Service. • Wearable Arts

Wellington & Martinborough 4th-7th Oct -4 Days Almost full. • Hawkes Bays Vineyards & Historic Homes 10th -15th Oct 2023- 6 Days.

• Taranaki Rhododendron & Garden Festival 27th -30th Oct 2023- 4 Days.

• Central North Islands Hidden Secrets 1st -6th Nov - 6 Days. BOOK NOW:Ph. No8 Tours team on 579 3981 Or Email admin@no8tours. co.nz Or visit www.no8tours.co.nz to view and book all our tours.

ZEALANDIER TOURS – Wednesday

6 September – Join us for on a trip to a local “Tru ere” where we see a tru e dog scent demonstration and taste tru es – Call us to book your seats today. Ph 572 4118. Friday 15 September – We are o to Raglan to enjoy a sh and chip lunch on board Waihinemoe as we cruise the Whangaroa Harbour –Call us to book your seats today. Ph 572 4118

situations vacant

carpet cleaning