The Weekend Sun - 15 September 2023

Do it for our blokes!

As Steampunk Tauranga ladies Robyn Dixon, Lindsey Morgan and Leone Turner don their themed finery for tomorrow night’s Royal Blue Do in Tauranga, their minds will most likely be elsewhere. They’ll be thinking of the 4000 men in New Zealand that will be told they have

prostate cancer at some point during this year. The staggering figure makes prostate cancer this country’s most diagnosed cancer – and the second leading cause of cancerrelated death in men in Aotearoa.

Hence, Robyn, Lindsey and Leone, with their friends, are on a mission – to raise

money and awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ by hosting the Royal Blue Do.

With 2023 the 10th year of September being Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the foundation asks Kiwis to ‘Do Something Blue To Help A Mate Through’

this month. It’s hoped Blue Dos up and down the country will raise in excess of $1 million of much-needed funds. Every cent will go towards providing essential wraparound support services for men and their whānau living with prostate cancer. Learn more on pages 18-19. Photo: John Borren.

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

Photography: John Borren. Publications Manager: Kathy Sellars. Advertising: Jo Delicata, Karlene Sherris, Suzy King, Lois Natta, Sharon Eyres, Sophie Main.. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, Kerri Wheeler, Amy Bennie, Caitlin Burns Office: Angela Speer, Kristina Clayton

Today a tribute: It was a year ago yesterday we lost a visionary – a man who launched his own newspaper so Tauranga people could see their own special stories in print, so we could read about and see each other. Brian Rogers died September 14, 2022. But his vision lives on in The Weekend Sun and SunLive.Today we remember the man, his incisiveness, his acerbic wit, his insights and that special ability to make us laugh at others and ourselves. We celebrate Brian with an oldie but a goodie – a Rogers’ Rabbits from the archives.

How to bore NZ voters

Originally printed in The Weekend Sun’s August 22, 2014 edition...

The wrecking ball of NZ politics continues to swing, with no real effect other than turning off most Kiwis.

If ever there was a chance to convince more New Zealanders to take an interest in politics and bother to vote, it’s been completely demolished by the pointless bickering of recent weeks.

Any of the real issues facing NZ have been overshadowed by the Whale Oil/Hager escapades, which have only served to distract Kiwis from thinking and discussing matters of real importance.

There were some mildly amusing exchanges in the first day or so, and Crusher Collins remains impressively steadfast in the face of more battering. However the attention span of the average New Zealander didn’t go much beyond that. The bulk of the fuss seems to be over email exchanges the authors believed were private between themselves.

I’m sure there’s a lot worse skulduggery and name-calling that goes on in plenty of organisations throughout the country; and certainly right across the spectrum of NZ politics.

Over the saga

The saga has dominated the news for two weeks now, and I reckon most of us are over it. There’s hardly a shiver gone up the spine of the polls, and the most angsty are the left wing journalists including TV One’s Corin Dann, who every night tells us his version of “how bad” this is looking, as if it was some

kind of fact. It’s time for television reporters to clearly distinguish between factual reporting and their uninvited opinionoffering. I suggest writing a newspaper opinion column if you want to keep clarity between your own slanted viewpoint; and supposedly balanced journalism. It’s time for voters to be allowed to focus on deciding who is going to provide for the country moving forward; in health, education, growing the economy, fixing Canterbury, helping hardworking families, tackling crime, looking after the environment, resurrecting the moa; or whatever else is really important. Not ‘who said what to who’.

Googled distractions

An example of how little the average New Zealander cares about all this nonsense, is borne out in a recent Vice survey that found the most Googled subject in New Zealand was not anything to do with whale oil or politics or politicians – but Lorde. That demonstrates how little impact any of this political bickering rates in the minds

And speaking of wrecking balls, another of the most-googled subjects is Miley Cyrus, famous for riding a wrecking ball and who topped the topics in Taranaki. And most disturbing; animal sex. Not sure if there’s any correlation there, but Miley has just announced a NZ tour so hopefully that might distract the folk of Taranaki from the animal fornication subject for a while. The ‘Naki’ also delved deep into escorts, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Crowded House.

The survey by Vice magazine found the Bay of Plenty had a few bizarre internetviewing fetishes, the most searched subjects included bomb, sex, weed and pork belly. Clearly, we are having a blast here in the Bay; and as our own surveys have shown, still take a keen interest in the bedroom, kitchen, garden etc. Waikato was obsessed

with pregnancy and fraud. Well that figures, when the city slogans include ‘Where it’s happening’ and ‘More than you expect’. Northland’s most searched topics: killing and lawyer. I guess one leads to the other. Good to see Northlanders are planning ahead.

Auckland apparently continues on its confused and wayward thinking, with most searched topics including meth, cheerleaders, morning after pill, contraception, gay, lesbian, escorts, ping pong, how to make bombs, Simply Red, stolen car, how to pick a lock, how to get a girlfriend.

A few other bizarre ones also set Auckland apart: dots, Fruju, bundt cake and muscle gain. All I can recommend is; once you cross the Bombays, lock your doors.

Escorts

Interesting Auckland and Taranaki both registered high on searches for escorts. We’re not sure what sort of escorts, exactly, but it’s reassuring to learn from Vice magazine that at least Canterbury folk qualified their search, with Ford Escort rating highly. Then they went all weird on us, chasing their cousins, condoms, fracking, moa, bong, drones, pansexual* and Russell Crowe.

Wellington offers hope to the nation with civilised search subjects: Mince pie, Shortland St, Kimbra, BYO, wine, cute animals and best coffee. Southland was happy among the sheep, Katy Perry and weight loss; while Otago yearned for dolphins, John Key, Rachel Hunter, roast chicken and rain. Thanks to Vice for confirming what we’ve often suspected.

*Yes, we had to look it up. According to Urban Dictionary: A person who is sexually interested in other people regardless of gender including males, females, transexuals, transvestites, hermaphrodites, intersexuals, androgenous people, and those with sex-chromosome anomaly.

www.reeditionmagazine.com/to-the-minute/why-miley-cyrus-wrote-wrecking-ball

Surprise tee in the reserve

After more than a year of planning and rallying to put a community garden in the Golf Rd Reserve, Omanu resident Brian Dey is surprised the space may now also have to make way for a golf tee.

Golf Rd Reserve is an 8240m2 recreation reserve at 62-64 Golf Rd in Mount Maunganui. A portion of the reserve has been approved for the relocation of Mount Maunganui Playcentre and in 2021, Tauranga City Council invited the community to make submissions of how the remainder of the reserve could be used. Brian sprung to action.

“I put in [a submission] suggesting it would be a very good place for a community garden. I’ve had a lot of involvement in community gardens because I was instrumental in establishing the one at May St Reserve, [Mount Maunganui].”

Brian and his wife put out 500 flyers to the reserve’s neighbouring residences; from responses received, 99 per cent of people said the community garden was a great idea.

Brian says the application for the Omanu Community Gardens was approved by TCC in February 2022 and was endorsed June 2022.

“We thought: ‘Yeah we’ve got it’, so we called a public meeting…and we formed a committee.”

Brian says in July 2022 council called him to say they’d been approached by Mount Maunganui Golf Club to put a seventh tee in the reserve. “I said: ‘This is a great surprise. This is undermining everything we’ve been talking about’.”

TCC’s manager of strategic planning and partnerships, spaces and places, Ross Hudson says: “Mount Maunganui Golf Club approached TCC last year to explore whether there was a way the seventh tee could be relocated to the Golf Rd Reserve to enable re-orientation of the hole away from neighbouring properties.”

Ross says this was after council had agreed to progress the garden proposal. “Since then, we’ve been working with both parties to explore whether both groups can be accommodated on the site.”

Brain says: “They want us to share with golf but it’s not easy because golf want to have a driving off the tee place in the reserve...We know that it will become 50 gardens once word spreads that this place is operating, so how are we going to operate that if we’ve got a golf tee stuck in the middle of it?” Mount Maunganui Golf Club general manager Michael Williams says: “The Mount Golf Club is exploring options with TCC in regards to the Golf Rd Public Reserve and we have no further comment to make at this time”.

**Read this story in full at: www.sunlive.co.nz

Brian Dey says a golf tee will hamper the planned community gardens at Golf Rd Reserve. Photo: John Borren.

Georgia Minkhorst

The only local daily news source you need, constantly updated, seven days a week www.sunlive.co.nz

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House price increase

Tauranga has posted a modest quarterly home value gain, according to the latest QV House Price Index. The index shows the city’s average home value increased throughout the August quarter by 0.6 per cent to $1,010,049. But that figure is still 8.1 per cent less than the same time last year, including 6.2 per cent lower than at the start of 2023. “Tauranga has experienced a quarterly increase in residential values for the first time in well over a year, with the average residential value rising to above $1,000,000 again,” says QV property consultant Derek Turnwald. “First-home buyers remain the most active group in the market despite high interest rates and tight lending conditions.”

Housing plans welcome

Tauranga’s Urban Task Force supports plans for large-scale housing within the city’s Western Corridor but is urging changes be made to some of the proposal’s key features.

An estimated 43,000 additional homes are needed in Western Bay of Plenty by 2048, and the Western Corridor is earmarked as a significant location for accommodating growth. The area extends from Wairoa and Omanawa rivers, across Tauriko and Pyes Pa to the Waiorohi Stream.

To speed up delivery of the housing and urban development, Kāinga Ora is looking to establish a Specified Development Project.

Man charged over laser strike

A 49-year-old male is due to face charges this week after an “idiotic” move to use a laser in a dangerous attempt to interfere with the safe operation of the Police Eagle helicopter.

“Our on-board technology was able to clearly capture the alleged offender in the act, and instantly identified the offenders address,” says Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen.

Police ground units soon arrived and took the 49-year-old male into custody. “He’s been charged with endangering transport.

“The lasering of any aircraft in flight could cause serious harm to the crew. The Police Eagle helicopter is out there working hard for the protection and safety of all Kiwis.”

Staffing shortages force closure

Closure of Mount Maunganui Fire Station for two days last weekend is raising concern with locals living in the township. Fire and Emergency NZ district manager Jeff Maunder says that on September 8-9 staffing shortages took the two trucks at the station offline.

The Mount station is crewed with 24/7 career firefighters and volunteer firefighters. Career crews work on a shift roster, and volunteers respond when required. “Fire and Emergency is working with the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union to address staffing issues,” says Jeff.

Businesses opposed to parking charges

Paid parking in downtown Mount Maunganui would be “another nail in the coffin” for businesses who are already “doing it tough”.

Parking charges could be introduced in the retail area of Maunganui Rd and along beachfronts as part of the Mount Maunganui Parking Strategy. On Monday, Tauranga City Council’s Commission approved the next step of the plan, which is engagement with “the affected community” before it is finalised and implemented.

Council parking strategy manager Reece Wilkinson says they’d like to have the plan in place before the 2024 tourist season.

Start of discussion

Charges and time limits weren’t specified, Reece says it’s something they would talk to the community about. “It’s the start of the discussion with coming up for a fix for some of the issues that we face in the area.”

Myrrh & Co florist owner Carolyn Kane constantly hears from customers that they can’t find parks – so says the area needs more parking, not parking charges.

“Parking is such an issue. To then go and

charge for it, I think we’re going to end up with a Tauranga situation where it’s just going to kill business.

“Retailers are finding it really tough at the moment, it’s down 50 per cent nationally,” says Carolyn, who believes the Mount offers a boutique experience while already trying to compete with nearby Bayfair Shopping Centre and Tauranga Crossing that have ample free parking. “On top of a lot of these things that are against us being in this location, [paid] parking is going to add another nail in the retail coffin.”

Bill and Frances Campbell saw the direct impact paid parking in Tauranga had on their store Fancy That. They moved to Mount Maunganui “to survive”.

Bill says ongoing construction, earthquake strengthening and reintroduction of paid parking in December 2022 in the CBD meant a fall in customers and revenue. “If we were going quite nicely in town, we would’ve stayed.” Bill says turnover of parks is “really good” along Mount mainstreet, where parking limits are 60 minutes.

“There’s no issue in regards to the park’s being held up. I think if they were putting charges on it’d be revenue gathering.”

Mount Longboards owner Kate Evaroa

TRADE IN YOUR OLD HEAT PUMP!

says the timing is wrong for parking charges.“With such a shortage of parking as it is, people just won’t be able to afford to pay. The Mount’s the golden goose and you’re just going to kill the golden goose, and people will just go out of business.”

Consultation

Mount Business Association chair Kate Barry-Piceno says consistent feedback from members is they are against any “blanket paid parking” for the retail area. The association will host a meeting with council and its members so they can voice their opinions as key stakeholders in the area.

TCC director of transport Brendan Bisley says: “This strategy will go out to the community for consultation later in the year to seek their feedback on how it could be implemented and the potential impacts”.

“We are aware of issues with parking and traffic in the area but understand those issues will be different for different parts of the community and the response will need to cater to those different parts.”

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.

Myrrh & Co florist owner Carolyn Kane is worried people will go to nearby malls if paid parking is introduced at The Mount.

Photo: John Borren.

People fuming at congestion charge idea

Not “going to go down well”, “crazy” and “fully against it” are among Tauranga residents’ responses to the potential of congestion charges for the city’s roading network.

At a Tauranga City Council meeting last week, the Commission talked about the potential of applying congestion charges –known as Variable Road Pricing – saying it had undertaken a study on the idea with Waka Kotahi. The SmartTrip Variable Road Pricing Study, which explored the viability and impacts of congestion charges in Tauranga, estimates $88 million could be produced in net revenue per year by 2035 and that would increase to $158m by 2048.

Congestion charges would differ depending on time of day and parts of the road network.

One example is a peak-hour 6km trip from Bayfair Shopping Centre to Tauranga CBD could see a motorist pay $3 for the trip.

No decision yet

No decision on implementing congestion charges has been made yet – the next step is council will consult on VRP in its 20242034 Long Term Plan later this year. So what does the community think of the idea?

Greer Thomsen is not in favour. “I don’t think [congestion charges] will change many people going on the roads. It’ll just be another cost people will have to pay…I feel like the cost of living is bad enough as it is.”

Richard Pratt describes congestion charges being implemented in Tauranga as “crazy”.

“Half of the congestion is caused by these crazy roadworks that have been dragging on for years. People are just going to have to suck it up and pay it aren’t they, so it’s just another way of gathering revenue.”

Revenue reinvested

According TCC, revenue would be reinvested in the Tauranga transport network to create a better roading network, more efficient public transport services and better cycling and walking facilities.

CBD business owner Aaron Brown says he is “fully against congestion charges”. “All that does is just anger people and make

them say: ‘You’re not on our side when you’re forcibly making us do these things’. Meanwhile [the commission is] saying: ‘Okay we want you off the roads with the congestion charges on these peak hours.’ So it forces you to get on the bus, yet they’re not fixing the bus first. They’re not making that affordable, convenient.”

MONTHS

Vicki Naylor doesn’t think congestion charges are “going to go down well in $10 Tauranga”. She says there’s a mix of wealthy and “people struggling” here.

“People that can’t afford those roads are going to have to go elsewhere and congestion will just be transferred to somewhere else.”

Alison Bradley says the charges

will punish families with little kids that need to come to town. “I think they’d be better off to finish the roadworks they’re doing and see if there’s any gain from that.

“Like Cameron Rd is shocking…if they’d just put the money into finishing all that stuff then see what works and how it looks. Georgia Minkhorst

Greer Thomsen.

Vicki Naylor.

Alison Bradley. Aaron Brown.

Richard Pratt.

Aroha on the field

One young Tauranga dancer will find herself on a different kind of dance floor as she runs onto the pitch with the world’s best rugby players in France this month.

Sibheal is one of four lucky Kiwi kids aged seven-to-13 to be selected as a Land Rover Defender of Tomorrow to represent New Zealand in France for the Rugby World Cup 2023. The four mascots symbolise one of four behaviours – bravery,

Healthy Pets NEW

Pets

innovation, positivity and aroha. Kiwi rugby legend Stephen Donald selected Sibheal as a young Kiwi showing aroha.

“We have discovered young members of our community like Sibheal who are challenging the status quo, fighting the good fight, and defending the future in their own way,” says Stephen.

“It is an honour to work alongside Land Rover Defender and hear about so many young Kiwis, their passions and unique stories.

“Sibheal radiates aroha and always shows up for those around her – making her a very deserving Defender of Tomorrow.”

Sibheal has a medical condition called achondroplasia – also known as dwarfism. While she doesn’t play rugby herself, Sibheal loves to dance and discovered she’d be going to France after the TVNZ crew turned up to her dance lesson –

Tauranga 10-year-old Sibheal Dobson will step onto the field with the world’s best rugby players in France this month.

the 10-year-old’s reaction on camera said it all. Sibheal says: “I am super excited to go to France and run out with the rugby players”.

“Winning this trip feels awesome and it’s nice to know others believe in me too.”

Her dad Guy Dobson says: “My wife Syully and I knew for about three weeks so had been planning the surprise, getting her a new passport, along with a new passport photo, whilst also trying to keep the secret”.

With flights, accommodation, tickets to the Rugby World Cup 2023 covered and the chance to walk onto the field with world class rugby players, Guy adds: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for her, as well as all the other mascots, so she is soaking it all up and making the most of the trip and also the French food and freshly baked croissants!”

Georgia Minkhorst

Photo: Wayne Tait.

Ramble in the Sisley’s

“I’m most happy when my fingers are in the dirt,” says Sue Sisley, as we wander her garden wonderland that her and husband Bill have created during more than two decades.

But we have to stop often. Sue spots the invasive Taiwan cherry weed, and rips it out immediately.

“We rip out hundreds of these every year,” says Sue, determined to keep her paradise ship-shape.

Sue and Bill purchased two hectares on Hot Springs Rd nearly 24 years ago, and never had a set plan for the garden.

However, with Sue in charge of the gardens and Bill “the heavy lifter” and maintenance man, strictly confined to grass and tree work, the property has evolved into a tranquil utopia bounded on two sides by Te Rereatukahia stream.

Bill’s first construction was a wooden archway, now covered in clematis, hibertia, sand paper vine – he’s since built many other structures. For example, there’s a full-size doorway to venture through the shelterbelt to the garden’s next section. Bill also plays a major role in cleaning up garden rubbish and manicuring lawns and garden edges. No garden rubbish is burnt; all is put through a mulcher to return to the garden.

Sue’s planting mix is varied and changes between seasons as the inveterate plant-buyer finds something she likes, then finds a space in her garden for it to feature. “What I love is no matter what time of year, there is always something flowering or coming on.”

Inherited love

Sue’s mother and aunty were both gardeners, and the love has been strongly inherited.

Bill and Sue Sisley at home in their garden.

Photo: Merle Cave.

home-grown paradise

“All people have things they like to do – I like to garden. It’s my thing,” says Sue, who’ll keep at it for as long as she’s able.

The garden starts in the driveway of their home – an attraction itself, built from Macrocarpa originally with a wooden shingle roof that made it look like a large ginger bread house. “People arrive and when they come around the side of the house, they gasp,” says Sue.

They’re met with an array gardens featuring a ‘zoo’ of varieties, sculptures dotted throughout, a large sloped lawn with an archway at the bottom surrounded by a garden, the backdrop ‘painted’ with full-grown trees.

To the left is a doorway through the shelterbelt; here a track winds down a hill where you meet their last kunekune pig which grazes on flat paddock under transformation. “[Here] We’ve planted an arboretum of mainly deciduous European trees,” says Sue. “And we’ve just added

a native fern punga glade.” All natives here have been propagated from plants on the property.

Bush and stream

Past the arboretum mature Kauri and Rewarewa trees live on the stream banks. A bush track follows the river as it bends around the Sisley property. Bill has built himself a sauna near the water and there’s a ‘rock pool’ for summer dips.

The oldest kauri on their property is estimated at 370 years old. “We hear all sorts of birds down here,” says Sue, as the stream’s water rushes into your ears and your soul. “People just love it down here – it is so tranquil.”

The track leads back to the garden, where you’re greeted with a magnificent view of the macrocapa home nestled on the hillside. “I can never find a rake where I need one,” proffers Sue, as we walk the archway and she spots a mess. How many does she have? “Oh, about six or so.”

So what is next for TECT Park?

TECT Park is now more than 10 years old and to celebrate, the team at the park looking to see what new activities and experiences could be added to the park – and they want to hear from you.

The 1650-hectare site, jointly owned by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council, is located about halfway between Tauranga and Rotorua.

It is the home of the Adrenalin Forest highwire adventure course plus many outdoor activities including tracks for walking, mountain biking, horse riding and a dog

exercise area. On-site club activities include shooting ranges, motorsport tracks and model aircraft flying fields.

Everyone who provides their ideas will go in the draw to win exciting prizes like a mountain bike voucher, Adrenalin Forest passes, and Stoney Creek vouchers – perfect to use at TECT Park.

Find out more and take the survey at: www.tectpark.co.nz or by hard copy at WBOPDC and Tauranga City Council library and service centres. Feedback closes 5pm Sunday, September 17.

Up The Garden Path

The place is a picture – with Sue’s garden artistry truly beautiful. Even the home’s deck is lined with little sculptures and ornaments. “I can’t help myself,” says Sue, who believes their garden has featured in about 11 rambles, as well as giving joy to countless garden groups.

This November 4-5 the Sisley’s garden will be among 16 to feature in the Up The Garden Path ramble fundraiser for Katikati Rotary Club. Tickets cost $30 each from The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati, or online at: www.katikati.org.nz/ katikati-garden-ramble

Merle Cave

The Sisley’s garden definitely has character.

“People just love it down here – it is so tranquil.”

Now is the time for older Kiwis to “get political” and make some noise about getting support and advocacy for seniors, according to retirement planning expert Liz Koh.

Being election year, Liz says there is no better time to raise awareness of the issues seniors face in our country.

Liz says there are a number of complex issues that the next government needs to resolve for older Kiwis. She made the call when she came to Tauranga last month for a Lifetime Seminar Series with the theme Protect Your Health, Wealth, and Income in Retirement.

One of the main problems for people entering retirement is the uncertainty around New Zealand Superannuation, says Liz, who worked as a financial advisor for 23 years.

“I think it’s time we made NZ Superannuation a non-political issue. This is something where political parties need to get together and agree what the approach is to NZ Super and provide some certainty to people.

“It shouldn’t be a political football... there are a number of people that are really worried that

by the time they retire, there’s going to be no superannuation whatsoever or it’s going to be means-tested.”

Liz says another issue is rest homes. “There’s been a reduction in the number of rest home beds available.”

She says rest homes are becoming uneconomic to operate for private providers. “They’re just not able to survive with the financial restrictions that are put on them by the revenue they get from the Government… that again is a major issue for people moving into retirement.”

Liz says it’s never too soon to start thinking and having conversations about retirement.

“Everybody’s affected by this at some point. “We will all hopefully retire one day. Even young people need to be thinking ahead… because a lot of them are saying: ‘Gosh by the time I retire in 40 years’ time – what is the situation going to be?’ And: ‘How do I plan for that when I’ve got no idea what the government of the day is going to be saying?’

“This is the year to make a big noise about it because there’s a lot happening out there for retirees and it’s under the radar. Not enough people are talking about it.”

Seniors need to ‘get political’ this election

Georgia Minkhorst

Liz Koh unpacked the issues facing seniors at a recent Lifetime Seminar Series. Photo: supplied.

There’s

OPEN DAY OUR COME TO

Come along to our open day on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 10am - 3pm at 80 Maranui Street, 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

so much to do at Mount Maunganui.

Tauranga-born designer Georgia

Chalmers-Jones will see her ‘baby’ on the world stage in Wellington with her creation chosen as a finalist for this year’s World of Wearable Art show.

The futuristic 2023 World of Wearable Art Show: Beyond, is set to be one of the brightest, biggest and boldest of WOW shows to date.

A total of 120 designers from 23 countries have been selected as finalists for the show’s 33rd iteration. Among them is Georgia, who works in the New Zealand film and TV industry, but who has never entered WOW before.

Discovering her creation had made the cut, Georgia says: “I was pretty ecstatic…there was even a tear in my eye”.

‘My everything’

Taking two months and time off work to bring her design to life, Georgia refers to her piece as her ‘baby’. “I’m just really excited to have a piece to call my own. I’ve always made pieces for a designer and for other people and their vision…this is the first time it’s my idea and my everything.”

A ‘baby’ of majesty and power

While it’s hush hush on designs until competition time, Georgia hinted at her WOW creation – her piece is inspired by a book called ‘Game of Queens’ by Sarah Gristwood.

“It’s a historical book based on women of the 16th Century and how their different reigns impacted history.” Georgia says the book also highlights how royal woman “would use clothing to make a visual impact to show their power and majesty”.

Pushing boundaries

Her piece also takes inspiration from men’s armour at the time and is made 80 per cent of crafting leather, with resin and foil gold used also.

“I’ve done leather work in the past, but with this one I am taking the rules of leather and pushing it as far as they can go.

“I’m excited to see it in the [WOW] space, lit up amongst other people’s creations.”

WOW’s winner will be announced at the 2023 WOW Show Awards Night on Friday, September 22. The WOW show season runs September 20-October 8. For tickets, visit:

www.worldofwearableart.com

Georgia Minkhorst

Tauranga WOW finalist Georgia Chalmer-Jones. Photo: supplied.

Plans to reduce congestion from Fifteenth Ave to Welcome Bay

Plans to reduce congestion and improve walking and cycling facilities between Fifteenth Avenue, Turret Rd and Welcome Bay Rd are open for community feedback.

The ‘Connecting the people. Fifteenth Avenue to Welcome Bay’ project aims to reduce single occupancy vehicle use and make it more attractive to travel by bus, walk, cycle or scooter.

Tauranga City Council director of transport Brendan Bisley says as Tauranga continues to grow, this key route will become even more important.

“We know there are challenges for

people travelling in this area. Over the years, many studies have been carried out on this route, with valuable feedback provided by the community.

“Council now has an opportunity to seek funding from government to improve transport in this area and we’re working closely with our partners, mana whenua, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to achieve that.”

Proposed options for improvements to Fifteenth Avenue, Turret Rd, Hairini Bridge and causeway and Welcome Bay Rd include the following.

High occupancy vehicle (T2 or T3)

lanes or bus priority lanes; a third lane between Burrows St and State Highway 29A interchange across the Hairini Bridge and causeway; a clip-on shared path on the Hairini Bridge for people walking, cycling, scootering or using a mobility device. Options also include new shared paths and improved on-road cycle facilities; new signalised crossings on Fifteenth Ave and Welcome Bay Rd; and safety improvements at some intersections. Community consultation is open from Wednesday, September 13, to Friday, October 6, 2023. To have your say, visit: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/welcomebay

Free motorcycle maintenance demos

Pull the motorbike out from under cover and do some maintenance before rubber hits the road!

Tauranga motorcyclists can secure a spot in free bike maintenance evenings happening soon as part of Motorcycle Awareness Month. Two events will see mechanics from Bayride give practical demonstrations and work one-on-one with attendees on their own bikes. The events are a collaboration between Bayride, Travel Safe and ACC. Reserve your spot for the September 19 and 26 evenings via Bayride.

A free slow speed skills contest is on 10am-noon this Saturday, September 16 in the Bayride parking lot too, with a free sausage sizzle and coffee.

15th Ave to Welcome Bay FasterEasier Safer

Fantastic Fleur

Fleur is such a darling; she’s a placid, snuggly girl who wants nothing more than to be by your side. She loves toys and loves to chase a ball! Fleur’s favourite thing though is spending time with her favourite people. She can take a little while to gain her confidence with new humans. Give her a snuggly bed to hunker down, plenty of gentle encouragement and Miss Fleur will become your best friend in no time!

Fleur is still young, so puppy training classes are encouraged to ensure she grows up to be a well-mannered big girl. Fleur is just a delight, and has been waiting so long for her forever home! Fleur is just a treasure, she is calm and has a heart of gold. Ask to meet Fleur today!

Phone the Tauranga centre on 07 5780245. Ref: 577437.

More than toys and cupcakes!

A kids’ market – with second-hand items to baking to arts and crafts supplied by youngsters – is on at Whakamārama this Saturday, September 16.

Organiser Debbie Allan says dedicated young entrepreneurs from the area have been busy making, curating or acquiring items to sell at the market.

“Sellers of primary, intermediate and college age will tempt visitors with everything from quality second-hand items and baking to arts and crafts and plants. Visitors will also be entertained by young buskers.”

Debbie says the response to the market has been “overwhelming” and the community is “buzzing with excitement and anticipation of what these young sellers have

on offer”. “Students from around Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty were invited to participate and quick to take the opportunity to have a space at the Kids Market, which will be more than just toys and cupcakes.”

Debbie says young sellers are taking the chance to hone their talents, making handmade gifts for the home and garden.

Whakamārama brothers Mattel and Quentin Dubois have created and illustrated a card game called the ‘Fly Funky Fly’ card game –inspired by their experience in France when overrun by flies.

Eleven-year-old David Allan has found a keen interest in wood, working through his technology classes at Whakamārama School busily crafting wooden gifts and toys.

Whakamārama School Year 6 student Ethan Klem has enjoyed his school’s Garden to Table programme so much he’s cultivated vegetable seedlings to sell to other gardeners, “so they can grow their own kai too”.

Whakamarama Kids Market is Saturday, September 16 from 3pm-5pm at Whakamārama Community Centre. Details at the Whakamarama Kids Market Facebook event page.

Authorised by Angie Warren-Clark MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

manawa Falls | Mōtītī Island | Minden | Pāpāmoa | Pāpāmoa Beach Arataki | Lower Kaimai | Mt Maunganui South | Waimapu | Kaimai Welcome Bay | Matapihi | Te Maunga | Kairua | Hairini | Te Puna Ōmanawa | Maungatapu | Poike | Oropi | Wairoa | Pyes Pa School

Left: David Allan with a toy car he’s made. Photo: supplied.

Right: Ethan Klem with his seedlings for sale. Photo: supplied.

The ‘Fly Funky Fly’ card game created by Whakamārama brothers Mattel and Quentin

Bay Skin Cancer Clinic

Skin clinic backs triathletes

Bay Skin Cancer Clinic is proudly sponsoring two remarkable female triathletes, Kirsty Wood and Cat Conlan, as they gear up to conquer the challenges of the Kona Ironman World Championships next month. This partnership showcases Bay Skin Cancer Clinic’s commitment to health, excellence, and pushing boundaries.

Kirsty and Cat embody perseverance, balancing full-time jobs while earning their qualification for this prestigious October 2023 event.

The Kona Ironman World Championships demand a 3.8km swim, 180km bike, and 42km run, a true test of endurance and determination. Bay Skin Cancer Clinic’s sponsorship not only celebrates their athletic prowess but also

promotes skin cancer awareness, aligning with the clinic’s focus on prevention, detection, and early treatment.

This collaboration epitomises the fusion of dedication and health promotion. The clinic’s support underscores the importance of holistic wellbeing, while Kirsty and Cat exemplify the qualities of strength and tenacity that Bay Skin Cancer Clinic values deeply.

As Kirsty and Cat embark on this incredible journey, Bay Skin Cancer Clinic invites you to join in supporting their indomitable spirit. “With their remarkable commitment to health and endurance, they inspire us all to reach beyond our limits,” says Bay Skin Clinic’s Dr Morne du Plessis.

“Together, let’s stand behind these extraordinary athletes as they tackle the Kona Ironman World Championships, embodying the values of courage and triumph.”

Talking Co Enzyme Q10 – Part 3

A number of readers contacted me following my recent columns on Co enzyme Q10, known in short as CoQ10. More specifically I heard from those wanting help dealing with the side effects of cholesterol-lowering medication.

Studies show statins can reduce circulating CoQ10 by as much as 50 per cent. Statin side effects are so common they are now diagnosed diseases called Statin Myopathy and Statin Neuropathy. Statin Myopathy affects muscles and tendons, which can be felt as muscle stiffness and pain. Statin Neuropathy weakens nerves and can cause symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or tingling and

numbness in extremities. The effect on nerves can impact memory and mood, and general lethargy. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about possible side effects. I mostly recommend CoQ10 for statin support but also for those fatigued without medical causes; and for those with cardiovascular, autoimmune and neurodegenerative problems. For example, I include at least 200mg for those with Polymyalgia Rheumatica. CoQ10 can also benefit otherwise healthy older people who’ve noticed a decline in energy.

It is worth noting most CoQ10 sold in NZ is low-cost semisynthetic CoQ10. There is no

such thing as low cost, high quality CoQ10. The best is naturally fermented – because this is identical with the CoQ10 we make, mostly in the liver. For statin support, I use a high-quality, patented, naturally fermented, US-made CoQ10. This combines high-grade CoQ10 with vitamin E and mixed carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. It’s interesting that the first improvement is often a lift in energy and general wellbeing. In most cases two months of a quality CoQ10 will reduce side effects and allow people to get the benefits of the medication without side effects. For more information, call me or email: john@abundant. co.nz Read previous columns at: www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. Read more at: www.sunlive.co.nz

Abundant Health

Kirsty Wood and Cat Conlan. Photo: supplied.

Seeing the goodness in others Hospital doubles dialysis chairs

More dialysis patients can receive care closer to home from the opening of the $3 million Ōhane Dialysis Unit at Tauranga Hospital.

The unit, which has doubled the dialysis chairs, opened its doors to patients this month.

“We’re doubling the number of dialysis chairs...from seven to 14.

“That means we can care for up to 56 patients a week when we’re fully operational,” says Te Whatu Ora Hauora a Toi clinical nurse manager renal Katie Johanson.

“It means we can dialyse more people closer to their home, so here’s less travelling for them.

“Our goal is to make the new unit as accessible, welcoming and patient-centred as possible.

“It’s a huge burden on a patient’s life to go on dialysis three times a week and we want to make that as positive

an experience as possible.” The hospital also has a goal with the new building to help patients become more independent.

“There’s more space, so we’ll have more time with them, and they’ll have their own

kitchenette area, so they can make it more homely and more welcoming for their whānau.

Geraldine ‘Geri’ Stantiall, who has been on haemodialysis for seven years following type 2 diabetes complications which led to kidney failure, says the unit will be good for staff as well.

“It’ll be nice for the nurses and doctors here. They are amazing, they always try to work things out for us, and we discuss our care with them. They’re very compassionate people.”

Geri has three weekly five-hour ‘shifts’. The Tauranga motherof-two says one of the hardest parts of being on dialysis is when fellow patients pass away. “You spend so long in here together that you form a bond.”

Geri says more is needed to prevent the need for dialysis units. “Educating young people in the community about their diet is where it all needs to start.”

Improve your wellbeing with hemp products

Starting in 2008, Hemp NZ began with a handful of seeds and a dream to build a vibrant hemp industry in Aotearoa.

Now the country’s largest hemp food supplier, they have helped thousands of Kiwis improve their health, lifestyle and wellbeing.

Hemp seed oil is gaining well-deserved attention for its remarkable health benefits, says Hemp NZ Customer Service team member Venita Campbell. “Derived from the seeds of the plant, and containing no THC, this oil is rich in essential nutrients and offers a wide array of advantages for both physical and mental wellbeing.”

Venita says one of the standout features of hemp seed oil is its optimal balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. “This ideal 1:3 ratio plays a pivotal role in maintaining heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and regulating blood pressure. These healthy fats are also instrumental in promoting brain function and cognitive health.”

For those seeking relief from inflammation, hemp seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA; an

anti-inflammatory compound that studies have shown to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and promote joint health. Moreover, hemp seed oil is gaining recognition for its potential in managing anxiety and stress, says Venita “The oil’s omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can help regulate mood.

“As a low-impact crop, hemp can play a significant role in the long-term security and sustainability of our food system.” Hemp New Zealand invites you to stop by and learn more about how hemp could help you, and to join their mission to ‘be the seed of change’.

“I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart” – Anne Frank.

Seeing the goodness in another is more about me than about the other.

If I’m looking for flaws in others, I’ll find them. If I look for the good and beauty that’s inherent in each person, this tends to overshadow the

limitations that exist in each of us.

So the perspective I apply amplifies the quality or flaw in my eyes and can evoke a similar response in the person.

To know more phone Mary Parker, The Fast Track Coach, on 021 258 2145, or visit: www.thefasttrackcoach.co.nz

Clinical nurse manager Katie Johanson and haemodialysis patient Geri Stantiall at Ōhane Dialysis Unit. Photo: supplied.

Hemp NZ’s Venita Campbell. Photo: John Borren.

Blue September is

This month is Blue September –it’s the month in Aotearoa that’s dedicated to raising awareness of prostate cancer among Kiwi men and raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand. Did you know prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in New Zealand?

And it’s the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in Kiwi men?

According to Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ, one in eight Kiwi men will develop prostate cancer at some stage in their lifetime. Some 4000 will be diagnosed this year, and around 42,000 are living with the disease in NZ.

Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ is the leading men’s cancer charity, which aims to significantly reduce and ultimately end

suffering and death from prostate cancer by providing support and education, funding research and advocating to reduce the impacts of the disease.

It’s hoped that fundraising events up and down the country will raise more than $1 million of much-needed funds this September, with proceeds going towards essential wrap-around support services the charity provides for men and their whānau living with prostate cancer.

Coinciding with Blue September, the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ has launched a new awareness van, starting an ambitious new programme of education and outreach for the charity, enabling them to travel across Aotearoa targeting places where men and their families gather such as health expos, fairs and workplaces. Manned by a health professional, the van will provide vital information

Cambridge Prostate Cancer Support Group’s Richard Brand, PCFNZ’s Raewyn Paviour and Mel Ion with CPCSG’s Ron Greenwood with the van at Fieldays. Photo: supplied.

here for a reason!

and education about prostate cancer to empower men and their whānau to seek early diagnosis to ensure the best outcome, which is made significantly more likely if the disease is detected before it causes symptoms.

Prostate Cancer Foundation

NZ chief executive Peter Dickens says the aim is to encourage the older generation to get their sons – particularly those aged in their 40s and 50s to talk to a health professional – especially if there is a family history of prostate cancer.

“The social impact of this disease is immeasurable and we’re in danger of losing a generation of men to prostate cancer without a coordinated national

approach. A lot of men actively avoid visiting their GP, which can be a crucial step in getting an early diagnosis of prostate cancer,” says Peter.

“So, we decided it’s time to get out to where men are and have those conversations, provide information and education with hopes of early detection to save the lives of our fathers, and mates.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Ryman Healthcare for believing in the importance of this work”

Do Something Blue this September!

So what can you do to help?

Do something blue to help a mate through this September!

Find out more, or register your own Blue Do at: www.blueseptember.org.nz

Hellers is getting behind Blue September this year by providing free sausage packs for groups and individuals that register a Blue Do BBQ, to maximise funds raised for Prostate

Cancer Foundation NZ. This is because the foundation wants Kiwi men to start talking about their health and taking positive action – because if it’s caught early, prostate cancer can be very treatable and so many more options are available if it’s detected before symptoms arise. A blue do will also raise funds for those already battling prostate cancer. So go on – visit: www.blueseptember.org.nz

Blue Dos and fundraising events are held up and down the country during September.

Photo: supplied.

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news and views for the over 55s

Affordable freedom in the city

Enjoy breath-taking views from the affordable one-bedroom apartments. Photo: supplied

Oakland Lodge Village is located in the sought-after Avenues in central Tauranga.

“We are a friendly, boutique retirement village offering affordable, modern and spacious onebedroom apartments which are perfect for those who are now ready to free themselves from the concerns that a larger home can bring in your later years,” says Oakland Lodge’s village coordinator Jamie-Lee Abraham.

Oakland offers a choice of one-bedroom apartments with either a balcony or a garden patio.

“The apartment featured in our advertisement on this page is west-facing with afternoon sun and a lovely green view over the city with even a peep of Mount Maunganui from the balcony.

“This apartment is very affordable at $350,000, with all purchases made as an Occupational Rights Agreement as laid out in the Retirement Villages Act 2003.”

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

“Finding Oakland’s spacious, light and airy well-appointed apartments suited what I was looking for and being in such a central position, so handy to many social, health and shopping areas, it gives you a feeling of still being part of the wider community.”

Jamie-Lee says whatever your requirements are the Oakland team can support you with a variety of services “plus we have an adjoining rest home and hospital complex for added peace of mind”.

“Even though we are a small community, we are a fun and happy village where you can be involved as much or as little as you wish. But don’t take our word for it, come and check us out by calling: 027 253 2402. I will be delighted to show you through our very affordable apartments.”

OAKLAND LODGE VILLAGE Open Days

and visit us at

125 Fourteenth Ave, Tauranga

At Oakland Lodge Village we offer residents affordable, independent living. Our residents enjoy the sunny, spacious one bedroom apartments that offer independence, security and companionship.

You choose from either a garden apartment with patio or apartment with balcony and lovely city views.

Start living your best life at Oakland Lodge Village. Take a tour and see for yourself.

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WAIHI BEACH

JOIN THE RETIREMENT REVOLUTION

Register for a free, friendly luncheon

Katikati Lions Club is again extending its welcoming arms to those living alone in the community to share a free luncheon and enjoy entertainment at next month’s Lone Diners event. The event is open to anyone who lives alone in the Katikati,

and who want to meet others in the community over a friendly luncheon.

Lone Diners is at Katikati War Memorial Hall on Sunday, October 15, from 11.30am. Register by calling Joanne on: 027 2911440 or email: jo66hurne@gmail.com

People-focused Pāpāmoa

Spend just five minutes with Summerset by the Dunes dynamic duo Marion Garfitt and Sharon Owen – and you’ll know why it’s the staff at this Pāpāmoa village that make it special.

Sharing 40 years of aged care experience between them, Marion – the care centre manager – and Sharon – the village manager – set their sights set on joining the Pāpāmoa village team early on.

Preparing for the village centre opening, the pair know choosing the right people to join the team is essential to the care and support provided to residents. “My philosophy is: ‘If you have amazing staff and you treat your staff well, then that filters down to the residents’,” says Sharon.

Working with aging New Zealanders takes the right kind of people, says Marion. “When I go into a care centre, I think: ‘Would I put my grandparents in here?’ ‘Would I put my mum and dad in here?’ And that was where I felt I had the same values as the company.”

The majority of Pāpāmoa’s residents are independent, but thinking about the future is never far from the mind. “There comes a time for needing care and needing those stepping stones.

“Here we’ve got the ability for people to live in their villas, or cottage, with a variety of continuum of care,” says Sharon.

Summerset by the Dunes village centre opens February 2024, offering care and fantastic facilities. To find out more, call Brenda Drew on: 07 542 9082. Or visit the village and see for yourself why residents love the Summerset life!

Summerset by the Dunes Pāpāmoa’s care centre manager Marion Garfitt and village manager Sharon Owen.

Photo: supplied.

Spring Fest offers free activities!

With spring finally here, it’s time to shake off the winter chill, get more sun on our faces, and look forward to a week full of fun, free activities with Spring Fest.

Spring Fest is a community-led week of events celebrating the International Day of Older Persons, on from October 1-7, 2023.

Whether you’d like to give it a go with a new sport, meet new people at social get-togethers, get crafty and creative, or learn a new skill, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

And it’s not just a one-off week of celebration. Spring Fest highlights all the ways community

groups across Tauranga already work to support the wellbeing of our older community, so you can try things out, find out more, and continue the fun year-round.

Kicking off the celebration will be the flagship event – Step into Spring Fest – packed with performances, guest speakers, activities, and opportunities to learn more about what’s on throughout the week. Make sure to come along on Sunday, October 1, from 11am-2pm, to the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre.

Bring your family, friends, and neighbours to Spring Fest. Check out the full programme of events at: www.springfest.co.nz

When should I place my loved one with dementia into care?

There is no right time. Everyone’s situation and circumstances are different; and only about 30 per cent of all people with dementia need to go into care.

Family or whānau carer fatigue is the most common trigger for people with dementia to go into care; and its primary cause is the inability to get any respite from the 24/7 task of caring.

Caring for someone with dementia doesn’t stop when they’ve gone to bed, or when you’ve managed to grab a 10-minute nap.

The carer is on high alert 24-hours-a-day – where has the person gone? Why haven’t they come back? Will they get lost? What are they doing? Are they safe?

Even though looking after a loved one with dementia can be rewarding, it can also be overwhelming. Regular respite, provided by people

you know and trust, is important for keeping your loved one at home for longer.

Even being able to go for a haircut or a coffee with friends while the person with dementia is at home, safe with a professional respite provider, can make all the difference, and help recharge the batteries. SupportNet provides funded respite in a care home as well as funded carer support hours, which you can use to pay towards respite in your own home.

If you want to chat about having respite care, give me a call.

Ruth Thomas, EnlivenPlus, phone: 07 547 4349.

EnlivenPlus provides specialist dementia care from $60.

Step into Spring Fest

It’s

Join Age Concern for their walking group – just one of more than 40 events on during Spring Fest from October 1-7. Photo: supplied.

The community’s feedback

Late last month and early this month, the Commissioners held a series of ‘Let’s talk’ sessions across the city, both as a chance to talk about some of the key things that are and will be happening in Tauranga, but also to provide an opportunity for people to tell us about their concerns.

It’s fair to say a broad range of subjects were raised by 350-plus people who attended the sessions and, as expected, some issues were area-specific.

Rates

A common theme across all meetings was the cost of rates – not surprising given we’re in the midst of a cost-ofliving crisis. Rates affordability is always a key consideration, which is why the Commission initiated a rating review that has shifted more of the total rates burden to the commercial sector, bringing it more into line with other major centres. That process continues, with a new industrial rate proposed in next year’s 2024-2034 draft Long Term Plan, which we’re keen to get the community’s feedback on.

Unfortunately though, rates have had to increase because successive councils have failed to adequately invest in the community facilities and infrastructure our fast-growing city needs. That means we have to ‘play catch-up’ to ensure we have a liveable city that people can be proud of; and we can address our housing shortage and unaffordable house prices.

Another subject that came up several times was how we can prevent future councils from undoing the progress we’re starting to make. In short, this responsibility lies with everyone, so when you cast your vote for your next

Mayor and councillor, make sure you’re voting for someone who understands the city’s challenges and will stick with the long-term plans the community has been consulted on and endorsed.

In the Mount, hot topics were the health impacts of air pollution and new building heights that could be allowed near the commercial centre by proposed Plan Change 33. There has been a progressive reduction in the level of emissions by industries located in the Mount and we’re working with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council – which regulates and monitors air pollution –and businesses to ensure improvement continues. Our spatial planning also recognises potential effects of future industrial development, but legally there’s nothing we can do about existing rights of businesses to operate in their consented locations, as long as they’re meeting their consent conditions.

New building heights

Building heights have to be reviewed to comply with government directions to provide for higher-density development within the city’s existing footprint. That change allows three homes to be built on a single section without need for a resource consent;it also means providing for more apartment-style developments around our commercial centres, the detail of which is being explored through proposed Plan Change 33.

**Read this column in full at: www. sunlive.co.nz

The actual problem is...

Re: Barbara Saies’ letter (The Weekend Sun, August 25) calls for such a response. It is very distasteful that she should misrepresent the views of others in order to make an accusation or insinuation of racism. If Ms Saies had read carefully the letters she criticises, she would have seen that none of them expressed any opposition

to te reo Maori, just an opposition to the insertion of Maori words into English for ideological reasons. Margaret Downie took more care in reading the correspondence and made the valid point (The Weekend Sun, August 25) that to pepper the Maori language with English words would be totally unacceptable. Perhaps

NZ needs to be united!

Recent letters seemed to have stirred up a few people. In answer to some of the points raised.

Te Reo - I have no problem with people wishing to learn Te Reo but I don’t believe the language should be mixed with English.

I also don’t believe that in receiving communication from my local council, I should have to “look words up on Google”.

Grievance about Maori land lossesthat has and is being addressed by the Treaty

if Ms Saies were to read more, then she might appreciate the English language more and not be so intolerant towards those who really do like their native English language and who believe it should be accorded the same respect as the Maori language.

Robin Rimmer, Welcome Bay.

settlements and that is what the Waitangi Treaty Tribunal was set up to address.

Co-governance - I cannot accept that co-governance is in any way democratic when power is given to unelected individuals on the basis of race. Maori already have adequate representation in Parliament. This country needs to be united as one people: There should be one person one vote. That is what past generations fought and died for. We should not throw it away.

Steve Porter, Welcome Bay.

Vote – or zip it!

To all the moaners out there – I hope you get out and vote on October 14! These letters pages are always full of gripes and groans about issues, MPs, the Government and what they should all be doing – so make your voice heard. Otherwise you’re expected to zip it from October 14 onwards for the next three years.

Kelly Fordham, Pāpāmoa.

A

result of our city’s success

Re: ‘TCC talks congestion charges’ on page 5, The Weekend Sun, September 8. Tauranga’s road congestion is a result of our city’s success. Combination of the country’s fastestgrowing city and busiest port, coupled with the Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transit Agency’s years of under-investment in our roading has found Tauranga gridlocked at peak times.

Is this really what we need spend rates money on?

I have lived in Te Puke town centre for almost eight years and with my husband I walk the streets regularly, different days and different times. I have seen around seven cyclists on the streets in all that time!

A lady in her eighties, a gentleman in his seventies and five MAMLs – Middle Aged Men in Lycra – who cycle together about once a week on a circuit.

Is this really what we need to be spending our rates money on? Sure I can put in a submission but who reads those!

Cost-effective solutions of a toll-free Takitimu Drive, tidal-flow three-laning of Hairini Bridge and on Tauriko Hill, and starting the turn-off lane for Takitimu Drive sooner – those three actions will free up much of Tauranga’s gridlock.

If NZTA refuses to agree, I suggest the city of Tauranga impose a $100/container for every landed container in the Port of Tauranga to pay for our roading improvements. That way the cost is distributed over the whole of the country, rather than just charging Tauranga motorist.

Jim Sherlock,

Parkvale.

Money well spent!

Recently, the Labour Government suggested all primary schools include a ‘financial planning’ course in the school curriculum. Well that would be a lot more productive than some of their other so-called persuasions.

I suggest the Labour Government’s Cabinet be registered for the first class followed by the Tauranga City Commissioners for the second. Now that would be money well spent.

Robin Reid, Otūmoetai.

Just wondering...

I am wondering how the ratepayers of Tauranga are going to afford the Civic Centre – some money coming from government – and the stadium, despite a number of ratepayers not wanting a new stadium. It will not hold enough spectators for major matches. All the sports at present on the Domain will have to find other venues at a cost to ratepayers.

Will the administrators leave a worse mess for any new council to sort out? They have completely stuffed up Cameron Road and the CBD.

Wendy Galloway, Ōmokoroa.

At least with the dog park, dog owners paid towards it. Obviously we need to start licensing the hordes of cycle owners in the Te Puke borough. The money would be better spent connecting Seddon St or the Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway to the Papamoa to Paengaroa at Bell Rd. Christine Clement, Te Puke.

Where does responsibility lie?

I saw an interesting item on TV recently regarding the plight of a woman who had purchased a car and found out to her horror that she would be paying almost 50 per cent more in total when her finance agreement finalised.

The programme was about how could the finance company be so irresponsible in giving this woman such a loan when she already had a bad credit rating?

My question is, if she already had a bad credit rating why did she buy a $49,000 new car in the first place? Surely the responsibility lies primarily with the woman, not the finance company?

Mike Loakman, Tauranga City.

Hon Jan Tinetti

Labour List MP

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

@jantinetti

Authorised by Hon Jan Tinetti MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

You can pick up

publications from any of these places:

SH2, Bethlehem Décor Gardenworld, 165 Moffat Rd, Bethlehem FreshChoice Omokoroa, 160 Omokoroa Rd, Omokoroa Katikati Information Centre, 36 Main Road, Katikati

Indie artists and a new playlist

columns. The first one has just been posted and includes music from the bands here plus locals Crooked Finger, John Michaelz and the Black Brothers, Grant Haua, Stunt Clown, Cybele Chapman and a bunch more. Each playlist will be around an hour long.

Which was not to avoid mentioning politics. It was that such diversions allow less space to write about music. And since The Weekend Sun is one of the few newspapers in New Zealand that on a weekly basis allocates such generous space to concentrate on primarily local music, then at least I could stick to the brief and actually do that. Fair enough. Just music this week.

And before looking into the distant future (next month), a quick plug for two hard rock shows this very weekend, in case you’re looking for instant action...

Tonight, September 15, there’s a triple-header at the Jam Factory: Bitter Defeat with The Fuzzies and Club Meds. What do I know? Bitter Defeat is from Hamilton; the Fuzzies is an Auckland trio due to release their debut album, ‘Cupid’, next week. They are, I have been reliably informed, really “quite fuzzy”. Gig starts 7pm, entry $15.

Then on Saturday, September 16, over at The Mount’s Voodoo Lounge, Auckland post-punk outfit Swallow The Rat, which has recently returned from gigs in Melbourne, is promoting their justreleased second album ‘South Locust’ and its lead single ‘Terra Nullius’ which has been topping student radio charts. They’ll be joined by locals Hemordroid and Eddie & the Dreamers. Gig starts 8pm, entry $15

Playlist

Okay. Before looking ahead to an exciting initiative for underexposed musicians, I have a new initiative of my own. Since this is a column about music it makes sense to accompany it with music.

Thus from now on I will be compiling a regular Spotify playlist to go with the column. Not every week, probably a couple a month. We’ll put the address at the end of each column and on the playlist you’ll find music from people I’ve mentioned in recent

One of the bands on the first playlist is local blues-rockers Rehaab. Rehaab has been pretty busy recently. They released a new song and video, ‘Fat Boy (State Highway Queen)’ a couple of months back and it’s been getting internet radio play on stations as far afield as the UK and obscure parts of America; they also had 81 Productions film their song ‘Devil Within’ live, as part of International Play On The Porch Day on August 26.

It looks great. Another new song, ‘Lost and Found’, was launched last week.

But this new venture sees them taking a slightly more background role, as they partner with Cleaver & Co, the gastropub at Bayfair, to present a live music platform for original talent of all genres.

Indie artists

It’s a dazzlingly simple concept: the first Thursday of every month will be dedicated to ‘Cleaver Indie Artists’, featuring a ‘warm-up’ set from Rehaab and two 40-minute sets from specially-chosen up-and-coming artists.

The first of these will be on October 5 featuring Tyran Huikakahu Curtis and acoustic Auckland duo Ravenhall. Following nights, which currently aim to go through till Christmas, will include high-flying Rotorua songstress Nikau Grace, young Taupō blues band Sonorous, Hamilton’s Darz Music and local Matty Buxton.

And talking of Matty Buxon, the first single, ‘Sober’, off his debut EP ‘Either Way’, comes out next week and he’s just announced a November tour for his band Matty & the Buxtones. He has half a dozen singles on Spotify, primarily light funky hiphop. You can find him on this week’s Winston Watusi Playlist. Back to Rehaab, they’re off after the first Cleaver Indie Artists night to Te Aroha to play at the annual Aroha Cruise In Car Show on October 7. And they have exciting plans to expand the quartet with the addition of a keyboard. Watch this space...

No politics this week I promise, just music. I know I went off on a bit of an unruly tangent last week and subsequently someone duly growled at me, via email I should say, a much gentler way to be growled at. I fully take their point.

Local blues-rockers Rehaab.

Supporting women through fashion

The Charity Pre-loved Fashion Show is from 7pm-10pm at on Thursday, October 12, at 15 Fairway Ave. Early bird tickets have been

extended until September 30. Visit: myetickets.co.nz/tickets/277/ details

Georgia Minkhorst

Copper & Cotton owner Sheryl Andersen is hosting a Pre-loved Fashion Show on October 12 to raise funds for Women’s Refuge.

Pre-loved clothing will spread the love from beyond the catwalk to women in need this October.

Next month, Copper & Cotton will host a charity preloved fashion show at the Mount Maunganui Golf Club while giving back to Women’s Refuge.

As a pre-loved designer fashion business, Copper & Cotton owner Sheryl Andersen says: “I’m here to raise awareness, and to demonstrate to our audience

that true style transcends time, and pre-loved fashion is far from being of lower value”.

Sheryl says all proceeds from the October 12fashion show will be devoted to Women’s Refuge as it is a cause close to her heart.

“Domestic violence is a real issue in our communities, and it is an honour to think that we can support women and children experiencing family violence by helping to provide access to a safe place to support, help heal, and plan for their future.”

Sheryl says there will be a mix of designer fashion showcased on the catwalk including casual wear, evening, and vintage – all available for purchase.

“Almost all of the 12 models are previous divas from a favourite local show ‘Tarnished Frocks & Divas’, so we bring plenty of experience and style.” While watching the show, fashion lovers can enjoy a glass of bubbles, delectable nibbles, live music and spot prizes as the night goes on!

Devour blues and barbecues at Rotorua!

Australian band 19-Twenty is the headline act for 2023’s New Zealand Blues & BBQ Festival after blitzing it last year.

Blues lovers and barbecue fanatics listen up! The New Zealand Blues & BBQ Festival is at Rotorua Village Green on November 24-26 – and, man, there’s some delicious music and food to devour during three days!

Festival music director Paul Hindrup says the 2023 entertainment line-up is “exceptional” featuring an impressive roster of international and homegrown artists. Be mesmerised by ‘Sir’ Midge Marsden, Bay of Plenty’s Grant Haua, plus “the absolutely brilliant” Petra Rijnbeek and The Flaming Mudcats. “Back by popular demand is Australian band 19-Twenty – they absolutely blitzed it last year with their super high energy and comedy-filled act.”

Tauranga institution Kokomo will be there, so will Rehaab, Australian Fiona Boyes and the Fortune Tellers, Jimi Kara, The Dirty Tones, Whangārei’s Legacy Band, Theory 89, Robert Locks Loaded and more!

“These phenomenal artists will bring their unique talents and electrifying performances, creating an

unforgettable experience for all.”

A festival highlight is the youth competition on Sunday, November 26, which is open to youth soloists, duos and bands. “We have a $5000 recording time prize for best youth band and plenty more prizes in-store.

“At BOP Blues Club, part of our mission is to develop and support youth in their music – so come to watch these youngsters!”

On the festival’s BBQ plate, TVNZ’s ‘Cooks On Fire’ winners Rotorua couple Shaun and Alia Branson will serve up a pitmasters competition, mouth-watering barbecue food for sale and BBQ retailers.

“Festival-goers can watch NZ’s best pitmasters compete in two internationally-sanctioned competitions, plus there will be many delicious vendors offering favourite hot ‘n’ fast and traditional low ‘n’ slow barbecued morsels,” says Alia. “Meanwhile, BBQ retailers will offer deals, demonstrations, tastings and classes.”

For tickets and more information, see: www.Bluesandbbq.co.nz

Photos: Allan Kilgour Photography.

Photo: John Borren.

Keith in town to celebrate the Seekers

A founding member of Australian folk-pop band the Seekers is hosting a concert in Tauranga in November to pay tribute to the group that he helped form back in 1962.

Keith Potger’s solo tribute

‘Celebrating’ the Seekers’ will cover the songs, the stories and the

influences that shaped The Seekers in their rise to international fame at 16th Ave Theatre on Friday, November 17.

Keith is known to countless fans, with his 12 string guitar being an integral part of the Seekers’ sound –and, being the arranger of the vocal harmonies, he had a unique place in the group.

According to Keith, his solo

concerts will offer an audio-visual treat, with rare footage and still photos of the group, covering 60 years of the band from 1963 -2022. During his

performance Keith will pay a special tribute to his colleague and dear friend of 60 years, the late and great Judith Durham.

“This special programme contains some timeless favourites from The Seekers, some beautiful original ballads from my three solo CDs and a few hits from the 1960s to the 1980s that influenced the group and appeal to the generation who grew up playing Seekers albums at home or in the car.”

Audiences can expect Keith to unfailingly deliver up-beat, heart-warming events that leave them reliving their fondest memories while sharing the joy that is a hallmark of his solo concerts.

Keith Potger’s solo tribute ‘Celebrating’ the Seekers’ is at 16th Avenue Theatre on Friday, November 17, starting 7.30pm. For tickets to the Tauranga show, see: legacytouring.com Or phone: 027 556 6113.

Blooming fun at school gala

Greerton Village School hope the blossoms will be in full bloom in time for this weekend’s Greerton Village Cherry Blossom Festival 2023.

In conjunction with Greerton Mainstreet, Greerton Village School will hold the 8th ever Cherry Blossom Festival in their neck of the community this Saturday, September 16.

Deputy principal Reuban Ginns says last year’s festival was the first one since Covid-19, and saw people attend in their thousands.

Hoping for another good flock of festival-goers – the school and Greerton Mainstreet will be pulling out all the stops. “This year we have our best turnout of outside stall-holders selling items such as street food, ponchos, splat balls, jewellery, baking, mussel fritters and fry bread.”

Reuban says the festival will also showcase many of the school’s talented musicians. “We have three school bands; GreVous who came second at

Band Quest 2023, GeForce and GKR, along with individual singers and past pupils making an appearance.”

There will be bouncy castles, amusement rides, classic cars, sausage sizzles, raffles and more.

The gala is mainly fundraising for a project at the school’s main entrance. “Our kura is situated on land that thrived as a garden feeding not only local whānau but communities from afar.

“There is no historical acknowledgement of this at our kura/school and we want to create a Waharoa/entrance with an adorning Pou/column that signifies the historical significance.”

Last week, Reuban says there were still no blossoms in sight. “There is a pink tinge to the trees however they haven’t made an appearance yet. “Fingers crossed they will bloom before the day!”

The Greerton Village Cherry Blossom Festival is 9am-2pm on Saturday, September 16. The gala is on the school grounds. Parking will be available at Tauranga Racecourse.

Georgia Minkhorst

Keith Potger, photographed with fellow Seekers band members. Photo: supplied.

Greerton Village School’s Cara Leighton, Taya Brown and Peyton Carroll dressed in pink in the lead-up to the festival. Photo: John Borren

New play guaranteed to be an absolute hoot!

A comedy play that’s guaranteed to have you in fits of laughter and teetering on the edge of your seat is on in Tauranga this month at 16th Ave Theatre until September 23.

‘They Came From Mars’, written by David Mcgillvray and Walter Zerlin Jnr, is basically a play within play – where a group of Tauranga actors play a group of townswomen trying to put on their own sci-fi play as amateur performers. And it all goes horribly wrong – making it an absolute hoot to watch!

“Our actors play a group of ladies from the Farndale Townswomen’s Guild who are performing a play about Martians coming from Mars to take over Earth,” says Dennis Fenwick, who is co-directing ‘They Came From Mars’ with Geraldine Broderick.

“The Townswomen don’t know how to act or run a play and everything goes wrong.

For example, in Act 1, the director, a Mrs Reece says: ‘Bring everything on-stage!’

“They end up with a stage crammed with props,

co.nz under the competition tab. Entries must be in by Tuesday, September 19.

theatre style the play is. Enter online at www.sunlive.

Experience New Caledonia this September

Western Bay of Plenty residents are invited to enjoy five award-winning short-films from New Caledonia being screened in New Zealand for the first time – including here in Tauranga – on September 18.

The films will be screened in French or Kanak indigenous languages with English subtitles, say festival organisers.

The films are a comedy called ‘Pierrot Lenquette’ (Detective Pierrot) by Maï Le Flochmoën, dramas called ‘Illusions’ by Manuella Ginestre, ‘La naissance d’un Guerrier’ (Birth of a Warrior Kanak) by Gino Pitarch and ‘Les Enfants Oubliés’ (Forgotten Children) by Jérôme Roumagne, plus a music video titled

‘Space Lovers’ by Xavier De Thoury.

The New Caledonia Film Festival is at Tauranga’s Rialto Cinema, 21 Devonport Rd, on Monday, September 18 from 6.15pm. To book tickets, email: french@maddixpark.co.nz or phone 578 9416. For more information and synopsis, visit: www.newcaledonia.travel/nz/film-festival-2023

And those interested in New Caledonia can also enter a draw to win a trip to New Caledonia offered by Aircalin and the Government of New Caledonia. With two return tickets from AucklandNoumea up for grabs, those interested can enter until September 30 at: www.newcaledonia.travel/nz/newcaledonia-season

Merle Cave

Actors Helen Wright and Jack Visser rehearse ‘They Came From Mars’.

Photo: Pete Luxford Photography.

Don’t miss the Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show

The NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show is back at Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton this September 22-24.

With simply more of everything you need to make your outdoor lifestyle dreams come true.

This is New Zealand’s biggest and best Motorhome and Caravan Show so don’t delay, get your tickets today; and if you still need some convincing here are 12 reasons why you cannot miss this show!

All your favourite brands of motorhome and caravans will be in one place during three days. There

will be 230-plus exhibitors, two huge indoor pavilions including the dedicated TRAILLITE GROUP Pavilion, and two accessories marquees –Pohutakawa and Kowhai. Attendees can purchase a Super Fan bag filled with more than $120 worth of goodies for only $50, and don’t forget you can stay at the biggest event park and stay in NZ for only $10 for the weekend.

Admire the beautifully refurbished vehicles in Retro Lane and the NZMCAs 1928 REO Speed Wagon, be educated in the TRAILITE GROUP Theatre with an impressive line-up of experts all weekend, and get your free health and wellbeing checks in the health check-up centre sponsored by Ryman Healthcare.

Attendees can enjoy a snack or

a meal in one of the three food zones, including the OTBT Seat & Eat and the COAST Café. If you’re lost or need advice, the ‘Ask Me’ ambassadors will help you find your way and what you are looking for. And single entry tickets are only $18; or $35 for a multiday/multiple entry pass Tickets are available now, so get yours at: www.nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz

Churches Active In Our Community

A Wellington family of four who formed a quartet during Aotearoa’s 2020 lockdown is to perform in Tauranga on September 22 as an introduction to our city’s RimuFest school holiday programme.

The Family Lockdown Quartet is made up of parents Donald Maurice – a wellknown violist – and Rupa Maitra and their children Lucy and Gemma, who started performing live Zoom concerts for audiences worldwide in the globe-stopping height of the pandemic.

“Despite the occasional fiery rehearsals, the quartet has stayed together and has since played at public venues like Te Papa in addition to having a Youtube channel,” says Donald Maurice, violist of the quartet and coach of the upcoming RimuFest holiday programme on September 26.

ethos being to support youth in their musical endeavours. This concert gives youngsters a taste

The Family Lockdown Quartet is Gemma Maurice, Donald Maurice, Rupa Maitra and Lucy Maurice.

“The Family Lockdown Quartet concert at The Jam Factory on September 22 is a lead-in to the

Amelia Taylor, violinist and co-founder of RimuFest, says the quartet will delight audiences with their diverse and captivating musical repertoire. “Their performances strike a perfect balance between elegance and contemporary encompassing alongside upbeat 90s audiences should prepare to be swept away on a “timeless and modern” musical journey.

The Family Lockdown Quartet performs at The Jam Factory, Historic Village, on Friday, September 22 from 7pm. Door sales from 6.30pm – or purchase tickets at: www.theincubator.co.nz/ event-details/lockdown-quartet

Yesterday, Facebook reminded me of a post I made a couple of years ago.

It was a quote by Reverend Eston Williams saying: “At the end of the day I’d rather be excluded for who I include than be included for who I exclude”.

Some Christians think Christianity is some sort of club for those who meet the criteria. What that criterion looks like is lost on me.

It seems some Christians think only Christians should be allowed in their houses, the church, at gatherings, etc. God forbid that they find out they ate with the same fork and knife and out of the same plate as a non-

Christian.

Some Christians and religious institutions have not only become anti non-Christian, but also anti human. See how Christians get comfortable living

BETH

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

021 768 043

in their own little world thinking they are somehow at war with the world around them?

When we start excluding people from our lives and our church-families, we become more concerned about ourselves and the church than about Christ. Remember who Christ shared His personal space with? Remember who He shared meals with?

Hebrews 4 teaches us that only Christ is without sin. So, let’s get off our high horses and start sharing our space, our food, and our lives with the same open arms that Christ died with.

Philipp Potgieter, St James Union Church

Quartet offer Rimufest taster Include rather than exclude

Photo: Christine Moriarty

The Weekend Sun Friday 15 September 2023

News from Bay of Plenty Regional Council September 2023

COME JOIN US THIS SUMMER!

If you are a community member, school leaver or university student looking for a great opportunity over the summer period, come check out our Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme!

You will be paid for this 12-week opportunity, meaning that you can contribute to our projects, gain experience in local government, and help Regional Council deliver for our community.

We have a range of full-time, fixed term opportunities starting from 13 November 2023 across our organisation. Are you interested? Applications are open now and close on 24 September.

To read more about this year’s vacancies and apply, head to boprc.govt.nz/summer-experience-programme

Look

The gateway to one of the most culturally and archeologically significant sites in the Bay of Plenty is nearly complete.

Visitors will soon get to enjoy a new carpark, walking tracks, children’s play zone and step back in time with wayfaring signs that tell the story of the area.

The carpark is structurally complete and planning for a turning bay allowing safe park access at the entrance is underway.

Over 7,000 native plants (and counting) are in the ground. The finished track upgrades, set to open later in the year, include an 80m staircase which promises magnificent views from Maraeroa Pā. With the site really starting to take shape, it won’t be long until everyone can enjoy it!

Have a community project that needs a boost?

Toi Moana has $300,000 to give to community groups, charities, non-profits, volunteers who want to do something for their environment in their community each year. That’s up to $25,000 each. For more information head to boprc.govt.nz/eef

What do YOU want Regional Council to prioritise for the next 10 years? From biosecurity to buses

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK AND WIN!

WAYS

Have your say before 30 September

Regional Council is exploring what changes need to be made to ensure the health of freshwater is protected and improved for future generations.

We’ve been asking the community for feedback on draft changes since April, but we don’t think we have heard from everyone.

There is still time to share your views. Come to an event, provide feedback online or request a booklet to complete in writing.

Feedback closes 30 September.

For more information or to provide feedback online head to boprc.govt.nz/freshwater

Get your trees done with Trees Done!

With spring here, and daylight saving just around the corner, it’s time to get your gardens into shape!

The Trees Done team offer a large range of services and can get almost any job done.

Their services include formative pruning of young trees, selective pruning of mature trees, reducing trees to improve views, thinning canopies to allow sunlight into houses or gardens, large to small dismantling of trees and shrubs, and much more!

Whether in paddocks or confined spaces, using careful lowering systems to minimise damage, the Trees Done team can line prune to encourage plant growth, do orchard work including avocado reduction, limb thinning, crown lifting, lowering limbs and chipping, stump grinding, maintain trees in rental and lifestyle properties, tree-plant, ringing trunks or branches for firewood and mulching.

Trees Done services all areas in and around the Bay. For free, friendly advice and quotations, call them!

annual book sale

TAURANGA RACECOURSE. Books and jigsaws wanted for Tauranga Harbour City Lions 10th, 11th & 12th November Book Sale. Drop off points are: Harvey Norman, Cameron Rd. BedPost, Tauriko. Wet & Forget, Chapel St Centre. Countdown Bethlehem Town Centre. Bunnings DIY Section, Jean Batten Drive, Mt Maunganui. Please no magazines or encyclopedias – Enquiries please call phone 021 064 5360

bible digest

YOU WILL EAT the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Psalms 128:2

car for sale

2011 BMW 116i for sale - new shape, 79,000 KMs. New WOF and rego. $11,000 ONO Call Sophie on 027 934 0575

curriculum vitae

CVs THAT STAND OUT. A C.V. For You can help you look great on paper. Targeted or generic cover letters also available. Samples to view on facebook www.facebook. com/acvforyou or Ph/text 021 27 27 912

curtain maker NEW & ALTERATIONS Specialist in all Curtains and Roman Blinds including homes and motorhomes. Free Quotes. Ph Liz 027 711 2217

gardening

ABLE GARDENER, experienced, efficient, knowledgeable, highly qualified. Maintenance, pruning, hedges, shrubs, roses; disease/pest control, lifestyle blocks, garden renovations; design & plant. Ph Tita 027 654 8781 or a/h 542 0120

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 & White, Female, approximately 1 year old, Matua. Ref 586809

FOUND CAT, Black & White, Female, approximately 1 year old, Matua. Ref 586810

FOUND CAT, Grey, Male, approximately 5 years old, Greerton. Ref 586867

FOUND CAT, Tabby & White, Male, approximately 4 year old, Gate Pa.

Ref 586808

FOUND RABBIT Sable & White, Male, approximately 1 year old, Otanewainku Reserve. Ref 586855

Ph SPCA 07 578 0245

sewing repairs

REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS to adults and kids clothing, and knitwear repairs, 30+ years specialising in Knitwear Ph 07 578 6861

trades & services

HANDYMAN Free quotes, water blasting, painting, repairs odd jobs

Phone Rossco 027 270 3313

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

tours & travel

NO 8 TOURS New Zealand’s Senior Travel Club- Join our Club today to receive all our VIP Members Benefits exclusive to No 8 Tours.

You’ll receive our amazing Complimentary Catalogue jampacked fill of tours. These include Extended Tours, Day Trips and Shows with a FREE Door to Door Service. • Taranaki Rhododendron & Garden Festival 27th - 30th

Oct 2023 - 4 Days - Only a Few seats left. • Central North Islands

Hidden Secrets 1st - 6th Nov - 6 Days - Filling Fast. • Christchurch, Homesteads & Gardens 18th - 24th

Jan 2024 - Filling Fast. 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.

Thriving together – mō te taiao, mō ngā tāngata. Our environment and our people go hand-in-hand.

Would you like to gain practical work experience at Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council?

He aha tā Toi Moana | What’s on offer?

•A 12-week paid summer programme with full induction and ongoing learning opportunities.

•The opportunity to gain valuable work experience, and/or apply the skills and knowledge you have developed in your studies to help our taiao (environment) and communities thrive.

•Support and mentoring on the job to help get you started.

•Diverse working environment and friendly team atmosphere.

We have paid positions available over summer (13 November 2023 to 2 February 2024) across various work areas including:

Ngā āhuatanga o te tangata e tika ana |The skills and personal attributes we are looking for are:

•Enthusiasm and self-motivation, with a passion for the environment.

•Depending on the role you may be studying, or planning to study, in a related area; or be a school leaver and have a strong interest in one of the work areas above; or just have a passion for the environment and motivation to gain experience in a new career path.

•A valid driver’s licence and eligibility to work in NZ.

Positions will be based across our regional offices of Rotorua, Whakatāne and Tauranga.

For more information please visit our website, https:// www.boprc.govt.nz/your-council/contact-us/careers-with-us/toi-moanasummer-experience-programme

Applications close 11pm, Sunday 24 September 2023 and will only be accepted online.