The Weekend Sun - 22 September 2023

Propogating a fundraiser!

Meet Nina Henderson – you’ll usually find her among the greenery of a school garden somewhere, nurturing a sense of community and environmental consciousness among youngsters, just like in this shot.

She is the garden facilitator for PIPS – short for ‘– short for ‘People Plants in Schools’ – where she works with seven local schools to teach children about growing and maintaining gardens, their food system, how to grow their own food, and

the local environment throughout their school journey.

But this photo is actually a prompt to get Sun readers along to a unique fundraiser.

PIPS is hosting a movie night on Tuesday, October 10, featuring the powerful locally-

made documentary ‘Taking Back Our Beach’. The movie night will raise – or produce funds for an environmental project PIPS will be running in 2024.

Find out more on page 26.

Photo: John Borren.

Friday 22 September 2023

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Zhuzhing up all the puffery and promises

Now that’s a no-nonsense, shot-to-the-heart political rallying cry. Okay, it’s American, but it’s a Huntley & Palmers, it’s a cracker. And it’s eminently transferrable, eminently suited to the NZ campaignscape.

Cos it’s got colour, got an edge, it’s memorable, quotable and it’s funny.

Certainly got a chuckle when I tested it on my broad spectrum of friends and connections. Both of them.

While on political edible kernels try this one: ‘I’d vote for a Democrat, but I am allergic to nuts’. Swap out ‘Democrat’ for any party.

Or: ‘You can’t fix stupid. But you can vote it out’. Our political parties have had three years to dream up some razzamatazz to excite the electorate, to swing and sway a few votes. But no, just another blancmange of bland, forgettable and ordinary. Where’s the fun and fearlessness?

Such as: ‘Voting’s like driving. Choose (N) to go backward. Choose (L) to go forward’.

Think about it. Put yourself in gear and drive that slogan right to the door of the polling booth and tick it! Okay, you might, at a pinch, want to transpose the (N) and the (L). But this is about the message, not the messenger. And the message is simple, clear, defined, nifty. Remember ‘Pick Rick’ – even if you don’t remember the man? A great slogan until they “flicked Rick”…

What about: ‘A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage’.

Stick that on a billboard. Catchy. You know exactly what you are being promised – what you might not have, what you would like to have and what you might get. It doesn’t dwell on the past, but points to a positive future.

A lot of families struggling to put a chicken in the pot right now – so it could have been a timely pitch to a demographic that’s hurting. And with the price of Unleaded 91 expected to hit $3.50 per litre by Christmas, even some MPs would think twice before ‘Uff’ing’ off to Pak’nSave to give the wife a break.

This all came about from a random chat about NZ party slogans. We were remembering past slogans.

Here’s some Labour Party inspiration from yesteryear. ‘Bringing NZ together’, ‘Trust Labour. It’s working’ and ‘Make things happen’. A nation yawns in unison.

And from National: ‘The go ahead Government’, ‘Get the future you deserve’, and ‘Vote National again’. A nation nods off…

Now, each election, one of our contributors sets about rating party slogans. I don’t think they get out much.

They rate slogans on a variety of criteria –is it short, simple and easy to remember, does it have vision, rhythm? Our analyst gave ‘Get our country back on track’ 8/10 – claiming “National finally had a halfdecent catchcry”. But this where political persuasion messes with objectivity. This person always has their blue singlet hanging down. Not surprisingly they gave Labour’s ‘In it for you’ just 1/8.

And it seems nothing’s new – it just gets recycled. One of our little team had read somewhere recently that National’s ‘back

chanting political allegiances. In fact, everyone in our chat group was scratching around trying to remember the slogans. And then they decided they were slogans designed by committee, everyone having a say and not saying very much.

Try these for size.

‘Democrats: Cleaning up Republican messes since 1933’. ‘Nixon’s the one’. As it turned out, he was a right one. ‘Richard Nixon for the Future’ – but he didn’t have one.

During the 1960s presidential campaign, Barry ‘bash the commies’ Goldwater, had campaign buttons that read ‘Au H20’ – Au for gold and H20 for water.

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

hosting the festival-type atmosphere that Beach 5s Rugby brings.

Held during the weekend of Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, the focus is on fun, health, and participation, ensuring the whole whānau can come to the beach and enjoy the event, not just those participating.

on track’ has been used by pro-railway lobby groups around the world. And the question was asked – why would a party promising more roads, including a fanciful four lane highway from Tauranga to eternity, want to get things ‘back on track’?

‘In it for you’ says Chris Hipkins. Is that slogan telling us you have our backs Chris? Because that’s not a promise, that’s our expectation. And wasn’t ‘In it for you’ an energy company slogan from 10 years ago?

Hardly toe-tapping stuff, nothing to break out the tambourine and start

between Bay of Plenty Regional, Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District councils, tāngata whenua and central government. It is committed to the idea that “we can’t go on as we have been, we need to do things differently so that as we continue to grow, we’re ready to manage that”.

How about ‘Are you hearing crazy voices? Turn off (whoever)’. And one with “ouch” factor: ‘My President Killed Osama Bin Laden. What’s yours done?’ Here’s a favourite: ‘Did you know one out of three Republican supporters are just as stupid as the other two?’ Or...perhaps: ‘When you are old and eating cat food, you can thank (drop in a party of choice)’. Or: ‘Work harder! Millions on welfare depend on you’.

Or: ‘Due to (drop in a party) policy, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off’.

We feel a competition coming on. Beyond October 14, we will have three years to write/compose/hash/some rollicking good political slogans. Sharpen the pencils and the minds!

He’s already noticed changes in seasonal weather summaries, even in his hometown of chilly Invercargill.

New Te Puke community board member

Neena Chauhan has been this month declared elected to the Te Puke Community Board.

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

News tips ph 0800 SUNLIVE

Rugby returns to Mount beach

Beach rugby is returning to Mount Maunganui after its 2022 debut and a successful six seasons in Australia.

New Zealand

Beach 5s Rugby is a five aside sand-based event based on modified rules of rugby. With no lineouts, no scrums, and no conversions. Come December, the sun will be shining, and Mount Maunganui Main Beach will be

SmarthGrowth strategy

People are being encouraged to have their say on the updated SmartGrowth Strategy that’s been created to address growth and guide how the western Bay of Plenty sub-region shapes up in the future.

The SmartGrowth Strategy considers how housing, land, infrastructure, transport, community development, tāngata whenua values and aspirations, and the natural environment need to be looked at together to achieve effective long-term growth.

SmartGrowth is a collaboration

Visit the SmartGrowth website to have your say.

Temperatures set to rise

Maximum heat limits are needed to protect the vulnerable in rest homes and childcare centres, a climate change researcher is urging the Government.

As temperatures and New Zealand’s elderly population rise, more people will be at risk from heat stress.

Heat already kills more than a dozen New Zealanders a year, and that is expected to get worse as temperatures increase.

NIWA climate scientist Gregor Macara says the number of days that feel uncomfortably hot will rise as global heating pushes up average temperatures and the frequency of hot extremes.

Nominations closed at midday on September 7 for the seat, which was left vacant after the resignation of Anish Paudel earlier this year.

As there was only one nominee, Neena is declared elected to the community board, avoiding the need for a by-election for residents. WBOP Mayor James Denyer welcomes Neena becoming the newest elected member representing her community.

Neena joins Kassie Ellis, Dale Snell and Karen Summerhays on the Te Puke Community Board, as well as district councillors Grant Dally and Andy Wichers.

Neena will make her declaration at the council meeting on October 3.

IMPORTANT STUFF: All material is copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Sun Media makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information and accepts no liability for errors or omissions or the subsequent use of information published. Richard Nixon was the 37th elected President of the United States (1969-1974). After successfully ending American fighting in Vietnam and improving international relations with the U.S.S.R. and China, he became the only President to ever resign the office, as a result of the Watergate scandal.

Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents

‘We aren’t perfect. But hey…they’re nuts!’

A chicken in every pot

Bay of Plenty candidates talk food costs...

Leading up to the General Election, The Sun is asking candidates from Tauranga, Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel electorates

about issues facing Kiwis across the region.

This week Bay of Plenty candidates answer how they would tackle food costs to the question: ‘How would you support healthy food affordability in NZ amid our cost of living crisis?’

Labour Party BOP candidate Pare Taikato says: “We [Labour] are committed to our nine point pledge outlining nine measures that we will implement if we are re-elected to Government in October”.

“Our pledge to NZers includes measures that continue to provide cost of living relief such as the removal of the GST component off all fruit and vegetables. Families will save around $20 a month from April 2024, making healthy eating easier and building the foundations for a healthy life.”

National Party BOP candidate Tom Rutherford says National’s proposed “meaningful tax relief” will help “hardworking NZers” with the cost of living. “In our Back Pocket Boost plan, a working couple with kids would receive up to $250 a fortnight.

“We’ll stop the wasteful spending driving up inflation and the cost of living, and we’ll stop adding unnecessary costs to our farmers, which just end up being passed on to consumers.”

Green Party BOP candidate Matthew Macmillan says with an “increasingly unstable climate”, it seems likely “we will have ongoing varied impacts” on food prices and security. “In this sense the word ‘crisis’ is inappropriate as it implies a critical but passing event rather than the long-term shift it is likely to be.”

“Green policy, centred on social responsibility, is geared precisely to the changes we face in the coming decades. In particular, a Minimum Basic Income will

ensure those most vulnerable to higher costs will always be able to afford healthy food.”

ACT Party BOP candidate Cameron Luxton points to “too much money chasing too few goods” as the root cause of high food prices. “The Government has borrowed and spent far too much money, resulting in prices soaring. The only solution for the cost of living crisis is restraining wasteful government spending and tax cuts that leave people with more of their money.”

Leighton Baker Party BOP candidate Wendy Gillespie says NZ needs to “bring back” the “NZ owned, grown, produced” primary sector. “The Government has let growers and food producers down by not supporting them to grow more food.

“Instead they have allowed overseas big conglomerate supermarkets, food processors to take over our food sector...We need to be self-sufficient food-wise; we have an amazing climate that can grow almost anything. We have to take back ownership of our primary sector. Only then can the Government control the escalating food prices.”

Animal Justice Party BOP candidate Caitlin Grattan says: “Making healthy, plant-based food affordable is vital. Removing tax on fruit and vegetables is a good start. I’m confident we can build on this to ensure access to healthy food is achievable for all NZers”.

*The Sun received no answers to this question from NZ First BOP candidate Kirsten Murfitt and independentTaupo Wahed before print.

**See what the candidates inTauranga and Coromandel electorates answered to this election question at: www.sunlive.co.nz

Taylor Rice

Have your say on managing growth in WBOP

People are encouraged to have their say on the updated SmartGrowth Strategy that’s been created to address growth and guide how the western Bay of Plenty sub-region shapes up in future.

The SmartGrowth Strategy considers how housing, land, infrastructure, transport, community development, tāngata whenua values and aspirations, and the natural environment need to be looked at together to achieve effective long-term growth.

SmartGrowth is a collaboration between Bay of Plenty Regional, Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District councils, tāngata whenua and central government. It is committed to the idea that we can’t go on as we have been, we need to do things differently so as we continue to grow, we’re ready to manage that.

Fastest-growing

SmartGrowth chair Andrew Turner says managing growth is a priority, highlighting our current challenges of congestion, roadworks and uncertainty of housing.

“From Waihī Beach to Otamarakau, and everywhere in between, we’re still one of the fastest growing areas of NZ. In fact, to accommodate the roughly 300,000 people who will call this place home by 2050, we’re

going to need up to 43,000 new homes. “We’re growing rapidly, exceeding all growth projections, which is putting incredible pressure on our roads and housing supply, and key features like new roads, pipes and parks are not in place yet. This growth will happen and it needs to be accommodated, so it’s essential we work together to develop smart ways to manage the impact this is already having – and will continue to have – on transport, housing and climate.”

The SmartGrowth Strategy considers these key challenges and where there should be a joint focus, on matters such as the following.

Ensuring existing and future residents have access to a choice of homes and a range of employment opportunities, with good connections between them.

Ensuring communities have necessary infrastructure such as good roads, water and power supply and easy access to public transport, shops, libraries, community centres, playgrounds and schools. And growth being planned in a coordinated way and future development being centred around priority development areas.

Give feedback

Consultation closes 5pm October 20. See via: www. smartgrowthbop.org.nz/smartgrowth-strategy-2023. Give feedback to a panel on December 4-6 at WBOPDC. Register: haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz

The SmartGrowth region is still one of the fastest growing areas of New Zealand. Photo: John Borren.

SmartGrowth chair Andrew Turner. Photo: Federico Corradi.

Parking charges would ‘kill’ The Mount

Locals are fired up over the possibility of paid parking in downtown Mount Maunganui, with one saying it’s a “ridiculous idea”.

Parking charges could be introduced in the retail area of Maunganui Rd and along the beachfronts of the as part of the Mount Maunganui Parking Strategy.

Tauranga City Council will consult on the plan later in the year. Council parking strategy manager Reece Wilkinson says they’d like to have it in place before the 2024 tourist season.

Charges and time limits aren’t specified. Reece says it is something they would talk to the community about as part of the engagement.

“It’s the start of the discussion with coming up for a fix for some of the issues that we face in the area.”

Reece’s report to council says a draft parking plan for Mount Maunganui was commissioned in late-2022.

“The plan seeks to provide better parking turnover to better cater for business needs, worker parking and to reduce the amount of traffic circling the area to locate a carpark in the peak times.”

Under the plan, Mount Maunganui from Sutherland Ave to Adams Ave at the base of Mauao, is split into four zones: Beachfront, Town Centre, High Density Residential and Suburban Residential.

There are 2600 parking spaces in the area with 83 per cent of these having no time limits. The main street has a 60-minute parking limit and nearby areas have two-hour limits.

One option was paid parking in the retail area year-round, with parking charges at the beachfront for summer.

If parking charges similar to Tauranga were introduced – at $2 per hour for the first two hours then $5 per hour after that – council could expect $1.8m in revenue, or $1.5m after operating costs were covered, the report says.

Local Democracy Reporting headed to the Mount’s mainstreet to ask people their thoughts on paid parking in popular seaside suburb.

Jay Thomas, Mount Maunganui

“I think it’s ridiculous. Tauranga City Council seems like all they want to do is kill the Mount. “They already have [parking] time limits, just hire somebody…to walk the streets and monitor the parking. They have the right to issue parking tickets. Do it.”

Jessica Rowe, Matua

“It’s hard enough finding a park in the Mount over summertime.” She travels to the Mount weekly and said she would come less frequently if she had to pay for parking.

“If it was in town I wouldn’t mind it as much as paid parking on the beach. I would potentially come, but I wouldn’t browse I’d clock watch while I was here.”

Vance Woodcraft, Gate Pā

“I’d probably hate it to be honest.” Vance says he comes to the Mount for work but not for recreation because it’s “too busy”. “[Paid parking] would be all the more reason to just stay at home.”

Harshmeen Kaur, Hamilton

“If they're just charging you, that’s wrong. Maybe charge some people who are from overseas. We have a lot of tourism, so why not charge them?”

Melita Batten, Bayfair

“I don’t think anyone would like that, because it’s annoying in Tauranga. “I’ve only been there a few times, but it is so frustrating.

“It’s been so good in our community that we haven’t had that.”

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.

Lions look forward to lookout repairs

News that the Minden Lookout will have thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs made is delighting members of the Bethlehem Te Puna Lions who built the structure decades ago.

Minden Lookout in Te Puna is one of three attractions Western Bay of Plenty District Council has been granted tourism funding for, thanks to a government grant and council co-funding. “The Minden Lookout was one of the first big projects the club got involved with, along with the clubrooms at Park,” says Bethlehem Te Puna Lions club member Ron Stephen. Back in the 1970s when the lookout was built, the club was known as the Omokoroa Te Puna Lions. “We changed our name in the early-1990s to Bethlehem Te Puna, as another club was formed at Ōmokoroa.”

The club built the Minden Lookout 45 years ago, from 1977-1979. “Tauranga Electric Power Board donated the hardwood poles – they were ex-power poles. The Lions constructed it, and it took about 18 months to get it completed,” says Ron. “The late Brian Wright was involved. And Robert Anderson, myself, Barry Roach, and Tim Higgerty – the rest of the club mucked in and we got the job done.”

The club is proud their structure has become what Ron says is “a distinguished landmark”, and over the years they’ve used the lookout to hold various fundraising events. “In August last year we had a Diabetes Foundation breakfast up there.”

The Minden Lookout offers a sweeping panorama of the district, but has been temporarily closed since March 2023, while the viewing platform’s condition was under investigation.

“With the health and safety measures now, the

steps don’t meet the standards and it’s taped off.”

Ron says some of the timber treatment processes in the 1970s wouldn’t meet standards now. The tourism funding will be utilised for repairs to the structure. “I’m thrilled to know that the council will bring it up to standards.”

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has been granted $255,000 across three projects: Minden Lookout repairs ($125,000); Te Tawa ki Tahataharoa access trail beside the Wairoa River ($100,000) and the Kaikōkopu Trail between Paengaroa and Okere Falls ($30,000).

Council’s general nanager infrastructure services, Cedric Crow, welcomes the funding.

“These grants, coupled with co-funding from council, will greatly improve how we all enjoy these local gems. We’re so pleased we can make these repairs to enhance what we already have to offer.”

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Bethlehem Te Puna Lions club member Ron Stephens at the Minden Lookout.

Photo: John Borren.

wouldn’t you get checked for prostate cancer?’

Within two weeks of his 64th birthday, Neil Adams suffered a heart attack and then found out his prostate cancer was back.

“I’d gone back to work too soon after my initial treatment,” says the man who runs the oven Angel business servicing the Bay of Plenty. “So when I got the news in June that I was sick again, I realised I needed to take a step back and take the time to heal.”

This month is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – and Neil is a strong advocate of men getting checked to stand a better chance of surviving prostate cancer.

“It affects the waterworks, so it does tend to be something that guys chat about amongst

themselves. That’s not the issue. But in Blue September, men actually need to follow through and get a blood test. It’s that easy and it could save your life.

“If you catch it early, you may even avoid radiation or chemo.”

Figures from the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ show one in eight New Zealand men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. More than 4000 Kiwi men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. For Neil, getting diagnosed with Grade Two cancer for the first time in March 2022 was a shock.

“You go through stages of grief, really,” says Neil. “You don’t have a broken bone or a bruise so no one can see that you’re sick, and even I kept thinking: ‘Why am I feeling so tired and so sad?’

Radiation treatment is not pleasant. It has side effects, but I kept working through it.”

Neil says battling cancer a second time round has made him realise how many men could benefit from simply getting checked.

“If one person goes out and gets a test, I’ll be happy. Just get it done! Why on earth wouldn’t you have a blood test to save your life or to improve the quality of the time you have left?”

The NZ Prostate Management and Referral Guidelines recommend men aged 50 and above discuss prostate testing with their doctor (usually GP). For men with a known family history of prostate cancer, this discussion should begin at 40 years of age as they may be at higher risk.

Neil says contact your GP today to request a prostrate test.

More information on getting tested, is at: https://prostate.org.nz/gettingtested/ Debbie Griffiths

Neil Adams, enjoying the beach at Mount Maunganui.

Photo: John Borren.

‘Why

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

‘My Little Mate

The kids should have been there for the book launch – their Dad’s biography, ‘Victory: The Vic Furlan Story’.

“They would have been so proud,” says an ever so slightly emotional Vic Furlan, probably because he’s had time to process his feelings. And some harsh life experiences have given him a bit of a steely edge. “We were so close. The family did everything together.”

The kids Mark and Vicki Furlan won’t be at the launch tomorrow evening because fate twice intervened in the cruelest of fashions. And it left the stories of son Mark and daughter Vicki to become sad and tragic threads woven through the tale of their Dad’s life.

Mark, aged 39, a Commonwealth games 10,000m runner and triathlete, was struck by a car while cycling on Tauranga’s Chapel St one chilly April eve in 2000. Ten days later they turned off his life support.

Thirteen years earlier his sister Vicki drowned in a freak accident when she was trapped in a crashed car in a swollen river. Both Vic’s kids were gone. But their memory became the catalyst for ‘Victory: The Vic Furlan Story’.

Inner strength

“It built an inner strength to survive and thrive through tragedy and heartache,” says the stoic 86-yearold from Matua, who also lost his wife Helen just six years ago. He could have been forgiven had he become a sad, bitter and cheated old man.

Yes, he did lie in bed some nights and wonder ‘why me?’ Yes, he did crawl away into the bathroom and have “a bit of a bawl”. But he knew he had to deal with it.

“You can’t let it control your life because life is for the living. You can’t let it dominate you, or define you.”

And without that message, Vic’s biography may never have been written. “I want my story to inspire others to face and overcome their own unique challenges. There’s

Still a mad keen cyclist at 86: Vic Furlan having a penny farthing’s worth of fun on a mate’s bike. Photo: Mark McKeown.

with the Big Heart’

always light at the end of the tunnel.”

The author Graeme Wilson knows his subject matter intimately; he’s known Vic for more than 40 years. He’s sitting alongside for Vic’s chat with The Weekend Sun and you sense a profound kind of blokey chemistry.

”You are making me teary,” says the author. Vic, the listener and advisor, guided Graeme through some romantic turmoil many years ago. Definitely a second father figure.

“He may have lost two children but he never sat in the corner and rocked. He has always embodied the ‘no guts, no glory’ approach to life and it’s been inspirational to witness.”

Vic’s tribulations started as a child. It was the beginning of World War II, and the then three-year-old son of Italian immigrants watched two burly cops remove his so-called “enemy alien” father Giovanni from the family home to detention on Somes Island in Wellington Harbour. The time and circumstances dictated he was some sort of national security risk.

‘Peewee’

The author affectionately and respectfully calls Furlan his “little mate with the big heart”.

“Little” because, even today, Vic Furlan is pint-sizedjust 5ft 3in and 9 ½ stone.

“‘Peewee’ was my nickname.”

His size impacted his whole life. He left school at 14 to become a jockey. He was just 30 or 40kg. “And I was bullied mercilessly. Smaller people always get picked on. So I learned to box so I could defend myself, so I could look after myself.” And he tells the clinical but colourful yarn about how he bounced a 15 stone guy who had given him niggle. “He chucked me around so I just kept hitting him. My knuckles were raw. He came back and apologised to me a couple of days later.”

Boxing could have taken this featherweight to the 1958 Commonwealth Games until he broke his thumb. But he kept winning – 44 straight – and could have turned pro.

“When I told [wife-to-be] Helen about the offer, she flew off the hook, saying there would be no wedding because she couldn’t bear the sport.” He had one last fight, got beaten in a split decision and gave it away. “It was another early reminder to take the good with the bad.”

And this was the Helen with whom he would have “58 years of perfect marriage”. Even after “a honeymoon from hell”.

“Helen had been quite firm there would be no hankypanky before marriage, and there was certainly none on our wedding night.” Consummation would have to wait because Vic had ordered chicken soup at their Wairoa honeymoon destination and was “up spewing all night”.

Not a quitter

There is a lot of light and shade in what Graeme calls this “story of ordinary man who showed extraordinary strength to meet life’s cruel twists and turns head-on with courage and dignity”.

Vic, the cyclist and runner, the man who never feels the need to taste alcohol. Not a quitter. Life had set him up to cope.

As he says in the book “…we have a responsibility to life itself, to our own lives. To live them fully whatever tragedy may befall us. Otherwise we are wasting that precious gift of life itself”.

‘Victory: The Vic Furlan Story’ will be officially launched at a function in Pāpāmoa tomorrow. It is available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book.

App-reciate Tauranga Moana...

A new app – which aims to promote a greater understanding of Tauranga Moana culture, history, and visitor activities – is ready to download on devices.

Designed in partnership by Tauranga City Council and Tourism Bay of Plenty, the Te Ara Whānui app is an educational tool designed to provide a starting point where users can discover history, language, customs, and the significant sites of Tauranga Moana all in one place. Featuring an interactive map of hapū (subtribes), areas of interest,

a customised pepeha (a way of introducing yourself) builder, waiata (a Māori song), karakia (a Māori prayer), and more, the app unlocks the rich culture and heritage of Tauranga Moana.

Te Ara Whānui also features an accessible, user-friendly design, with Swipe-to-Read for narration of te reo Māori words, the ability to double tap on emboldened words to hear them pronounced, and the ability to record your own narration. The app is available on Google Play and the App Store.

Hunter Wells

The man behind the story – the life and times of an extraordinary local identity is launched this weekend.

Photo: John Borren.

Evans Rd works won’t close the road

Work is being undertaken during the next six weeks to upgrade a culvert on Evans Rd – where it overlaps with the reserve – to be finished by December, according to Tauranga City Council.

“[The work is] part of requirements to meet the Bay of Plenty Regional Council stormwater consent regulations for the Pāpāmoa area along the Te Ara o Wairākei reserve.

“As part of the work, a raised pedestrian crossing on Evans Rd is being installed to connect both sides of the Te Ara o Wairākei trail.” To minimise disruption, council has planned the activity to ensure the road will remain open to traffic throughout. “This requires two weeks of stop/go management to allow the construction team time to widen the road.”

Dancing their way to the top!

Eleven Aquinas College students have danced where none of their fellow pupils have before – into being named national champions. The Aquinas contemporary dance troupe are Year 9-10 national division champs, winning the title at the DanceNZmade Interschool Championships in Palmerston North on September 9. Aquinas College sports director Caitlin Tarr says the talented troupe is made of Year 8s Kiana Schoeser, Georgia-Rose McFarlane, Hannah Anderson, Year 9s Willow Murie, Vivian Pham, Sophie Van den Borst, Lila Drummond, and Year 10s Krysta Stollery, Paige Eastergaard, Alana Perrett and Josie Stott.

Opportunities

Caitlin says there’s not many opportunities for dancers to represent their school in competitions – usually this is all

done through dance studios.

“And with these dancers that use studios there’s not many opportunities for them to do other activities because they literally spend all of their time dancing. Some girls train 12-15 hours per week – which is incredible.

“In fact these kids spend more time dancing than some of our premier teams practising sports.”

The idea popped to give them an avenue at school to compete in what they love most. “We put feelers out, got a good response and hosted a trial – we selected 11 girls, who all dance at various studios after-school, for the Year 9-10 troupe.

The school contracted Space Studio’s Summer Tyson to choreograph a dance for the troupe. “She taught us a routine to polish, clean and perform.”

At the July 31 regional competition, the troupe became BOP Year 9/10 division champions and Overall Regional champions. The troupe was also solely awarded Excellence in

Choreography, out of 29 troupes from 11 Tauranga schools.

Astounding

This sent them to the DanceNZmade Interschool Championships this month, where they won the Year 9-10 division – an astounding result given they only started practising in May and beat schools with longstanding dance programmes. Caitlin says appreciation goes to mum Anita Stollery who sourced costumes, mum Camella Murie (Beso NZ) for make-up and the extended mum group for fixing the girls’ hair. “For the girls it’s been an awesome opportunity to be recognised in school for something they’re so passionate about and spend so much time doing out-of-school. “Aquinas has been open 20 years and never have our dance groups achieved a national title –so this is super exciting. I think we’ll get a lot more students interested in dance next year.” Watch this space!

Merle Cave

Hospice’s new Shining Stars Appeal

Waipuna Hospice is proud to introduce a new appeal called Shining Stars where people are invited to donate and dedicate a star in memory of a loved one.

Waipuna Hospice marketing and fundraising director Sasima Pearce says this initiative is about honouring and remembering our loved ones. “We are inviting anyone who has lost someone special, whether they received our care or not, to donate a shining star, writing a special dedication to their loved one and celebrating the light they have left behind.”

This appeal not only honours the memory of

those dear to us but also ensures future Waipuna Hospice patients and their families find the support they need.

Last year Waipuna Hospice provided care for nearly 1000 patients facing terminal illnesses in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. They made more than 3300 contacts with grieving families, offering everything from simple check-in phone calls to counselling sessions for children grappling with the loss of a loved one.

To dedicate a star in memory of your loved one today, visit: shining-stars-2023.raisely.com or call: 07 282 8568.

The Aquinas contemporary dance troupe in costume. Photo: Aquinas College.

Join us for a spring high tea

Let’s welcome spring in together!

Here at Summerset by the Dunes in Papamoa we’re celebrating the start of the warmer months, so we’re hosting a month of spring high teas and you’re invited.

Just pop along anytime between 10am and 12pm, on any Thursday in September, and enjoy a range of delicious food and tea and coffee on us.

Whilst you’re here, why not also get a taste of the Summerset life that our residents love so much. We’d love to show you around our village and the brand-new homes available.

Love the life you choose

Spring high tea

Every Thursday in September, 10am - 2pm Summerset by the Dunes 35 Manawa Road, Papamoa Beach 07 542 9082 | papamoa.sales@summerset.co.nz

A limited edition gem!

You know them, you love them. The Suzuki Swift Vibe is here – and there’s only 160 of them up for grabs across the country. This limited edition set of wheels is zippy and a whole lot of fun, and has been brought into the future with all the latest smart essentials.

The wireless phone-charger, keyless entry with push button start, body mouldings, a tinted bonnet protector, daytime running lights and privacy glass all make this new spin on New Zealand’s favourite hatch worth getting your hands on.

A familiar friend

On top of that, the price is an absolute steal, as you’ll be walking away only $25,990 lighter, with a brand new, rare, set of wheels which is an absolute treat to drive.

I’ve said it before – the interior of this vehicle is like visiting a familiar friend – who’s had a visit to the beautician.

The Vibe offers a nine-inch infotainment screen, which features Apple Carplay or

Android Auto. Purchasers of this vehicle can also enjoy cruise control, climate air and the extremely comfortable seating which truly makes the car live up to its name.

Along with being comfortable, this vehicle is incredibly safe, thanks to the five-star ANCAP safety rating, a reverse camera, six SRS airbags, brake assist, hill hold control, cruise control and a speed limiter. This vehicle is the perfect place to kick back, relax and embrace the vibes. This new Swift knows what it brings to the table.

Bells and whistles

Although the Vibe has fresh bells and whistles, it also offers all of the things which have made the Suzuki Swift a household name. The Vibe has a spacious interior, an exclusive Swift Vibe decal set, and a 1.2 litre engine which pushes 66kW power @6000 RPM.

This week I took the Vibe for a spin around Tauranga, which solidified my love for the car. The sound system is stellar, and the ride this vehicle

offers is buttery smooth, quiet and gives plenty of heart when needed while out on the road.

The fuel economy seems almost too good to be true. Vibe will steadily sip about 5.3L of fuel per 100km (a 3P-WLTP conversion of L/100km), which is great given its swift nature.

Again, this vehicle will only cost you $25,990+ORC.

If you’re in the market for a brand new take on New Zealand’s favourite hatch, or a zippy little beast to get you from A to B, then I recommend giving Tauranga Motor Company a call.

Limited edition

The friendly team will take you through the Swift Vibe, and show you the brand new limited edition car in person. Stop in and see them at 100 Hewletts Rd or phone 07 578 1378 to book a test drive.

Vehicle as tested: Suzuki Swift Vibe $25,990+ORC Suzuki Swift models start from $21,490+ORC and are available from no deposit on 6.9 per cent finance.*

Taylor Rice

*Total payable $25,831.17. Finance payments are based on nil deposit, 6.9 per cent per annum fixed interest rate, five-year term, $10.35 PPSR fee, $130 UDC loan fee and $200 dealer origination fee. On-road costs are payable to the dealer. Suzuki Finance is provided by UDC Finance Limited. Lending criteria, fees and standard terms and conditions apply. Offer available September 1-30, 2023. Excludes Jimny, fleet purchases, demo vehicles and all other promotions except for the ‘Clean Car Fee’ offer.

Décor – much more than a gardenworld!

When Décor Gardenworld opened on a bare Bethlehem site in 1967, Laurie and Lois Clark offered plants for the garden. Today, the store offers so much than plants!

“Back then Bethlehem was way out in the sticks; there was nothing like it anywhere in Tauranga,” says Ginny Clark, who runs Décor with husband Dave, taking over from his parents two decades ago. Laurie, with a horticulture background, and friend Bob Banyard began with hire plants but soon grafted to a garden centre. Dave grew up among plants. Ginny, with a landscaping background, got involved after they met.

“The house used to be where our carpark is now.” In 1993 the house made way for a café. “Bar one, our purpose-built café in a garden centre was the first one in NZ,” says Ginny.

Today, Décor Gardenworld is part of The Garden Independent Network of privately-owned garden centres. “With this we’ve developed products you’ll only find in the Bay of Plenty at Décor Gardenworld. We also develop and sell new release plants – like Summer Magic magnolias, ornamental pears, Slim Jim etc...”

With Décor’s comprehensive range of products, plants and equipment, Ginny regularly sees things go in and out fashion. “House plants popular 30-40 years ago have become extremely trendy again.”

There’s always plants that sell well in BOP. “We’re known for our Japanese maples, which are coming to leaf shortly. Camellias have always been popular.

Fruit trees have been hugely popular in the last five years. We have a large range of fruit trees for the home gardener – dwarf peaches, apples, citrus trees, blueberries and more!”

Vegetables never go out of fashion – seasons dictate popularity. Nearly tomato season, Décor has grafted varieties “which are generally strongergrowing and have much better yield”.

Ginny says Décor customers now span multiple family generations. “I had a lady in yesterday, aged 90, who has come here right from the start!”

And so Décor has grown from a garden centre to a destination. It’s a nice place to wander – even if you’re not greenfingered. “We’ve got wood pigeons flying around, a kids’ play area, the café, garden centre, and the shop with an extensive gift range. Many first-time customers don’t realise how big the centre is, and what we offer until they enter!”

Dave and Ginny are onsite most

days – supported by their staff. “Our team is passionate about what they do and enjoy helping customers –especially new gardeners!”

Do Dave and Ginny still love what they do? “Yes, especially on a beautiful day!”

“I think gardening is something everyone can do – whether it be pots with annuals, lettuces in a trough, an orchard, a gorgeous park-like garden, or a veggie patch.

“You don’t even need to own land or an outdoors area these days. It’s good

for the soul, I think.”

To celebrate its 56th birthday, Décor Gardenworld is running a promotion for 56 days! Spend $56 in-store anytime from September 15-November 9 and enter a draw to win prizes including a Ziegler & Brown barbecue and mobile cart worth $1300, a one-off Morris & Jane pot, a barrow-load of garden goodies or Bloom Café vouchers. Every week there’s chances to win $56 Décor dollars, so get in-store today!

Ginny and Dave Clark, still doing what they love at Décor Gardenworld.

Photo: John Borren.

Merle Cave

Time to spring forward! How should we pay for community portion of civic precinct?

Get ready to wind those analogue clocks forward one hour this Sunday as we finally ‘spring’ into Daylight Saving.

Daylight Saving happens 2am on the last Sunday in September – this year falling on Sunday September 24.

New Zealand introduced daylight saving time in 1927. The current times have been fixed since 2007. And while Daylight Saving might be

a contentious issue around the dinner table, a survey in 2008 found 82 per cent of New Zealanders approved of the extension to the period of Daylight Saving time made in 2007. So whether you like it or not, don’t forget to put your clocks forward one hour on Sunday! And remember, some devices spring forward one hour automatically!

The new civic precinct – Te Manawataki o Te Papa – in the city centre is set to be transformed over the next five years. The development of a library and community hub, civic whare (community meeting house), museum and exhibition gallery will revitalise the area and make it the economic, cultural and heritage heart of the region.

In July the Commission gave the green light to move ahead with the development and reaffirmed its commitment to cap community rates-funded debt for the project at a maximum of $151.5 million. “Rather than paying for this through a rate-funded loan, Tauranga City Council is proposing to use the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act as an alternative way to pay for the community-funded portion of the development,” says Commission chair Anne Tolley. “Financing through IFF means the borrowing

stays off the council’s balance sheet, with repayments funded by a levy on all eligible city properties, rather than through rates. That then ensures we will have the debt headroom we need to continue investing in the other essential infrastructure our growing city needs.

“It also means council can provide certainty that Te Manawataki o Te Papa has the financial backing needed to deliver it without risking financing delays. The total cost of borrowing would be fixed for 30 years.”

Anne says the IFF levy approach also spreads the cost across current and future city ratepayers – ensuring everyone benefiting from Te Manawataki o Te Papa will contribute towards its cost. Which option do you prefer – pay through rates, or through an IFF levy? Consultation closes 5pm on Friday, October 6, 2023. For more information and to share your thoughts, go to: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/levyproposal

Biosecurity NZ ensuring cruise ship hulls are clean

Biosecurity New Zealand has been working closely with cruise lines to ensure their vessels arrive with clean hulls as the busy summer season approaches.

The summer cruise season runs October-April, and Biosecurity NZ expects to see 57 cruise vessels from 20 major lines make journeys to New Zealand – an increase of nearly 30 per cent from last season. It is preparing for 1194 port calls, compared with 988 in 2022/2023.

“There has been a lot of effort in recent months to alert cruise lines about their biosecurity requirements, including ensuring they comply with NZ’s biofouling rules,” says Biosecurity NZ environmental health manager Paul Hallett.

“Biofouling continues to be a major biosecurity threat. We know almost 90 per cent of the exotic

How should we pay?

marine species already in NZ likely arrived here as marine growth on the submerged surfaces of international vessels.”

Last season Biosecurity NZ issued notices of direction to 11 vessels for failing biofouling assessments. In some cases, affected cruise ships were unable to visit environmentally-sensitive areas like Fiordland.

Paul says there is high awareness about NZ biofouling rules among cruise lines this season and a keenness to comply. “We know some vessels have undergone dry-dock cleaning in the lead-up to the season. Others have discussed more frequent cleaning as part of their management plans. And we had discussions about new scanning technology for underwater hull inspections.”

The latest artist impression of Te Manawataki o Te Papa. Image: Courtesy of Tauranga City Council.

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Fall in love with Romeo!

Romeo is looking for a special home. He’s going to enjoy affection and attention, but he’s just not sure he’s confident enough to be accepting them just yet. He needs someone willing to take some time to win him over. He likes gentle pats and scratches under the

chin and on his cheeks. He’s a very inquisitive cat that loves to chase toys or ping pong balls. Romeo needs a quite home where everyone can be patient with him as he still gets a little startled. Come and meet Romeo today! Phone 07 5780245. Ref: 580197.

Planning for the future of Mount to Arataki

Cleaner air, safer roads, and better neighbourhoods; those are just some of improvements Tauranga City Council is asking the public for their final thoughts on before the draft Mount to Arataki Spatial Plan is taken to Commissioners for approval later this year.

Following consultation earlier in March, council has drawn up initiatives around how people move around the Mount to Arataki area, what a healthy community and neighbourhood looks like, improvements to the centres that people go to for work and play and promoting the history and culture of the region.

The purpose of the Mount to Arataki Spatial Plan is to set the direction for how the area develops

HERE’S WHAT WE HEARD...

MORE LIVEABLE MEANS MORE LOCAL

Liveable neighbourhoods allow us to live, learn, work, and play within a short walk of our homes.

This means recognising our different neighbourhoods with a greater focus on visitors in Mount North, and local community outcomes in Omanu, Arataki/Bayfair, and Whareroa areas. We’ll support the growth of neighbourhoods and commercial centres, so they are accessible and safe for locals and visitors, and we’ll offer events, amenities, and activities for people of all ages and abilities.

We want your thoughts on the proposed areas of focus and which projects are most important to you before our draft plan goes to council for approval.

DO YOU AGREE?

during the next 30 years. It will enable council to carefully plan the things that need to change now and, in the future, as well as protecting the things people love about the area.

Tauranga City Commissionchair Anne Tolley says they are grateful for the public input received already which has helped inform the draft plan. “As the area continues to grow, we need to provide and manage infrastructure, public facilities, green spaces, and new private developments in a coordinated and complementary manner.”

Anne says the plan will provide “strategic direction to help council prioritise what it does in the area to make it better for everyone”.

For more information and to place feedback on the draft Mount to Arataki Spatial Plan, go to: www.tauranga.govt.nz/mount-arataki-feedback.

The Mount to Arataki Spatial Plan will set the direction for how the area develops during the next 30 years.

Growing pains?

We’ve got a plan for that. Check it out.

Here’s what you need to know about SmartGrowth 2023

We know things are hard at the moment, and that you’re not always experiencing the best of the Bay of Plenty lifestyle. There are frustrations. Being stuck in traffic trying to get from A to B, needing to plan the time and route of a journey to avoid traffic queues, and the uncertainty of housing – whether that’s being able to find a suitable rental or affordably buy a home.

The catalyst for this current environment is that our subregion is growing rapidly, exceeding all growth projections. This is putting incredible pressure on our roads and housing supply, and key infrastructure such as new roads, pipes and parks are not yet in place.

From Waihī Beach to Otamarakau, and everywhere in between, we remain one of the fastest growing areas of the country. In fact, to accommodate the 300,000 people who will live here by 2050, we are going to need up to 43,000 additional homes.

This growth will happen and it needs to be accommodated, which means it is essential that we work together now to develop smart ways to manage the impact this is already having – and will continue to have - on our transport, housing and climate.

The SmartGrowth Strategy 2023 is our plan to help manage this growth.

SmartGrowth is a partnership between Tauranga City Council, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, tāngata whenua and central Government (in particular Waka Kotahi – the New Zealand Transport Agency). Together we’re committed to the idea that we cannot simply continue as we are, but that we need to do things differently and plan to manage growth.

The SmartGrowth Strategy considers how housing, land, infrastructure, transport, community development, tāngata whenua values and aspirations, and the natural environment must be looked at together to achieve effective and sustainable long term growth.

Being proactive now means we can reduce the impacts on how we travel, shape the options for where we live and how we connect with our community, and ensure we protect and enhance our natural and cultural environments.

300,000

Growth

We will focus on:

• ensuring existing and future residents have access to a choice of homes and a range of employment opportunities, with good connections between them.

• ensuring communities have necessary infrastructure such as good roads, water and power supply and easy access to shops, libraries, community centres, playgrounds and schools.

• growth being planned in a coordinated way and future development being centred around identified priority development areas. We aim to avoid developing ‘out’ through new greenfield land unless this is in a planned growth area, opting instead for developing ‘up’ through intensification, with townhouses or apartments.

These issues are not easy to solve, as they require big budgets and multiple partners working together to achieve a collective goal, and a commitment to supporting existing and future populations.

The SmartGrowth Strategy is our plan to manage growth, and it is now available for you to read. We would love you to provide feedback on the strategy and tell us what you think.

Share your thoughts with us before 5pm Friday 20 October via the option that suits you best:

• Online, wānanga ipurangi - head to our web page to check out the draft strategy –smartgrowthbop.org.nz/smartgrowth-strategy-2023

• Hard copy, pepa mārō – printed feedback forms are available at all council libraries and service centres There is also the opportunity to speak to your feedback with the political panel. Please indicate in your feedback if you would like to do so, or by emailing the address provided below:

• Face to face, kanohi ki te kanohi

- Date: 4-6 December

- Venue: Council Chambers, Western Bay of Plenty District Council - Email: haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz to register your interest

Ngā mihi, Andrew Turner, SmartGrowth Independent Chair

people by 2050

Ensuring communities have everything they need planned in a coordinated way

Tauranga stands at a crossroads

Reflecting on my 12 years with Priority One, including my tenure as chair, I’m proud of our city’s transformation and I’m optimistic about its future.

Our growth has been remarkable, and as we approach a pivotal change in governance, it’s vital to sustain our momentum and vision for Tauranga as New Zealand’s best and most liveable city.

Since 2021 Tauranga has thrived under governmentappointed Commissioners. Their tenure, ending next July, has been characterised by stability, evidence-based decisions, and avoidance of the petty politics that plagued the previous council. Their focus on infrastructure, positive engagement with iwi and central government, and forwardthinking issues has propelled Tauranga towards sustainable prosperity.

Transition

As we transition back to a councillor-governed model in 2024, continued support from central government and city leaders is crucial. Reversing the

progress made would be catastrophic for our communities.

Our family moved to Tauranga in 1977, when the population was 48,000. It’s now 158,000. That’s a lot of growth without the corresponding investment in infrastructure. Our beautiful environment and climate means people will keep coming. We can’t remain complacent; we must preserve and enhance our natural environment while simultaneously significantly investing in our city’s infrastructure and community amenities to redress the deficit and position us for the future.

Regress or advance?

Tauranga stands at a crossroads: either regress to mediocrity or advance with determination. We need a shift in perspective, aiming for lasting infrastructure that benefits future generations.

During my time at Priority One, I’ve seen remarkable achievements across economic development.

Priority One’s CBD Blueprint exemplifies this, highlighting more than $1.5b in strategic

investment and supporting vibrant city precincts. The team has also been instrumental in fostering opportunities for youth, collaborating with key partners to establish the CBD tertiary campus and supporting the Māori economy.

Prioritise

Envisioning the future, we must prioritise amenities, infrastructure and our natural environment. Imagine regional airport connections to Australia, modern public transport reducing car dependency, and a multi-use stadium attracting diverse crowds. These are essential for sustainable growth.

So, I believe our path forward is promising. We must uphold our recent advancements, ensuring Tauranga’s legacy of strategic planning and investment endures. Tauranga deserves nothing less. *Read this column in full at: www. sunlive.co.nz

**SimonClarkeistheoutgoing IndependentChairofPriorityOne, WesternBayofPlenty’seconomic developmentagency.Hehasserved PriorityOneandthecityformore than a decade and is a staunch advocateforitssustainablegrowth andeconomicprosperity.Simon alsochairsBayVenuesandsitson other boards in Aotearoa and Australia.

KNOW YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT

Sunflowers and successful real estate!

Borders Real Estate is a boutique, independent real estate agency based at 16 Rire Hau, The Lakes.

“We at Borders Real Estate specialise in residential, rural/lifestyle properties, business sales and property management from Katikati to Te Puke including Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa,” Border Real Estate’s Teresa Jacobs.

“We offer a fixed rate of 1.95 per cent plus GST on all residential and rural properties when listed and sold through Borders Real Estate.” For business sales the agency offer a fixed rate of four per cent plus GST. From September 24, 2023 to January 14, 2024, Borders Real Estate will run their second annual sunflower growing

competition. This is open to all ages and to anyone who lives in the region. The tallest sunflower will win a $300 Prezzy Card and random prizes will be up for grabs! To enter the competition, email your name, address and phone number to: teresa. jacobs@borders.net.nz to receive a packet of sunflower seeds and information pack.

Border Real Estate’s Teresa Jacobs.

Morries about to take over Tauranga

Tauranga man Ziggy King’s love for Morris Minors is borne out of his childhood. “Everyone’s got a story about a Morrie –whether they’ve been in one, been conceived in one, or been married in one.”

What about courting in one? “Oh well, dead right! And ya’ know, these

days they’re still being used as a daily runner.”

So how many Morries does Ziggy own? “I’ve got two – well, I’ve got three really, but one’s in bits.”

But he hasn’t called The Sun to talk about his Morries – he wants to spread the word about the mass amount of Morries from clubs all over planning to descend on Tauranga this upcoming Labour

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weekend to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Morris Minor in New Zealand.

As Tauranga Rotorua Morris Minor Club vice president, Ziggy’s club is, by luck, hosting their 29th convention to coincide the big 75th anniversary – thanks to main sponsor Gateway Finance Limited.

“We’ve got the whole long weekend planned in Tauranga for the 75th anniversary – and we’ll have Morries coming from all over the place.”

Morrie fun in town!

Food, fun, beverages, entertainment and more yip-yap about Morries than you can throw a spanner at is happening at the main convention at Tauranga Citizens Club during the three days of Labour Weekend. But there’s extra attractions for the public and car-lovers alike.

“The Morries will park up at the Mountside port for judging first thing Saturday morning, October 21. Then we’ll leave the port and we’ll do a detour around the Mount.”

So a mass Morrie takeover of the Mount? “Dead right!” What a spectacle. “Yep!”

With 73 club members as far as the Coromandel, Hamilton and Auckland, Morries will descend on Tauranga from all directions? “Yep!”

On Sunday morning, October 22, they’ll be parked up at the Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club at Cliff Rd, for the public to see up-close – and see a rocker cover race. A what? “A lot of people don’t know about rocker cover racing,” says Ziggy.

“On older engines the top of the cover is usually a steel, oblong shape – that’s called a ‘rocker cover’. What we do is take that cover off old engines and make cars out of them and race them down a ramp – it’s quite fun actually.”

In fact, Ziggy says rocker cover racing is quite big in the States. “We’ll be holding a rocker cover race on the Sunday morning, October 22, at Cliff Rd.”

Revamp ideas

Looking back 75 years, the Morris Minor made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show, London, in October 1948. The economy car produced by British marque Morris Motors between 1948 and 1971 was designed under the leadership of Alec Issigonis. More than 1.6 million were manufactured in three series: the Series MM (1948 to 1953), the Series II (1952 to 1956), and the 1000 series (1956 to 1971). And it was the first British car to sell more than one million units.

As such, Ziggy says the love for the Morrie is widespread in NZ and he’s expecting cars from

the South Island to attend this 75th celebration weekend too. So what will he like most about the convention? “It’s a great event to see what everyone has done to their vehicles. Some have been repowered by Datsuns; some have been repowered by V8s; there’s a lot with just the Morrie 1000 motor, which goes just as well at times.” Will he get some ideas on how to revamp his one in bits? “Dead right!”

Ziggy has owned Morries “on and off” for years, but has only had his beautiful trio for four years, joining the club in 2019. His 1954 Grey Convertible and 1972 1000 Green Light Van will be in action on Labour Weekend, his third ‘love’, a ute, is “still in the shed”.

“I even got my partner Maree Walker hooked on Morries – she loves the 54 convertible. I reckon she loves it more than her new MG3 Excite –mind you, what girl doesn’t like driving a topless car?”

So what sparked Ziggy’s life-long love of Morries? “I’ve been brought up in the back of a

Tauranga’s Ziggy King with his two working Morries – a 1972 1000 Green Light Van, and a 1954 Grey Convertible. Photos: John Borren.

Ziggy King with the beautiful 1972 Morris Minor 1000 Green Light Van.

Morrie really. My late Dad Dick King owned a butcher shop back in Te Kuiti and he had two of them.”

For the shop, Dick carted meat around in the back of his Morries. “Yep, he delivered the meat in the Morries, sometimes to the hospital, which was big in those days. Yep, pub crawls, everything. “Dad was the main slowgrogger in Te Kuiti back then.” Again, a what? “So Te Kuiti was a dry town; you weren’t allowed to buy beer after-hours. So dad would go to Te Awamutu and load the little Morrie van up with crates of beer and bring it back and sell it. His vans would’ve been 1968 and 1970 models.”

So what’s to like about the Morrie? “Oh, they’re

just so easy to work on. I’m a typical Kiwi bloke and love to ‘tutu’ around with things. We can build everything ourselves aye?

“They’ve got no electronics, and you can pull a motor out and put another one in and get it running ya’self, ya’ know? It’s so easy.”

I suspect Ziggy spends lot of time in his shed with his Morries? “Yep, always.”

Ziggy says so far 68 cars are registered for the Labour weekend event in Tauranga – and he reckons more will sign up at the last minute. “We’re hoping for at least 75 vehicles.”

Registration closes October 2. If you want to find out more, email: ziggyking66@gmail.com

Merle Cave

Ziggy King’s rocker cover car he’ll enter in the race on Labour weekend.

Ya’ can’t beat Christchurch!

It was supposed to be a mums’ ‘business trip’ to watch our girls dance in a competition. It morphed into an unsuspected holiday. Our group of four – two mums and two daughters – walked out of Christchurch airport on a Thursday afternoon into icy winds and grey skies ready to dominate at dance. We taxied to our pre-arranged Airbnb two-bedroom apartment on the fringe of Christchurch’s CBD. But the tummies – big and small – started gurgling. So we explored the city at night to find somewhere cosy to eat. We stopped some locals who pointed us towards the Riverside Market – a fresh farmers’ market and boutique shopping centre – and a child born out of the earthquakes. Alongside the market is Riverside Lanes, offering more dining options – the area pulls 10,000 people daily! The girls

loved skipping around the ‘lanes’, seeing shops – open late – such as the cheesery, the sushi train and the candy shoppe.

Pizza and jazz

But they hankered for pizza, so we wandered Oxford Terrace by the Avon River checking menus. We saw a menu offering pizza – and a set of stairs. Up we went into Fat Eddies. Turns out we’d stumbled into the city’s jazz bar! The manager saw us nervously approach and kindly told us it was local jazz club night but we were welcome in their dining room. The relaxed area offers tables, loungy sofas, bar stools and comfy armchairs. And it’s decorated spectacularly, with lamps hanging upside on the ceiling plus American signs and jazz memorabilia. We took over a couch with the kids and felt right at home, jazz music sweeping over their chitchat. Us ladies devoured Korean fried

chicken burgers; the girls’ pizza and wedges. Yum!

Unexpectedly, day two became free so we found the city’s 18-stop heritage tram. Adults pay $35 for a day pass – kids ride free – and you can hop on and off as you like from

Piece of paradise in Pahoia

Unwind with scenic waterfront views, interact with wildlife and get back to nature at Pahoia Beachfront Stay.

As a calm inner harbour with white sand, Pahoia Beachfront Stay offers the perfect place for a change of scene and reset. Owner-operator Tracey Lankshear describes the beach stay as a rescue farm, Air BnB and a venue site.

During your visit Tracey says guests can enjoy the company of the resident animals from horses and fallow deer, to ducks, turtles and more. “Children come here and interact with the animals and the children that stay in the cabins and can help with rescue animals too.”

If you have your own fur friends, Tracey says they are welcome to come along as well. “Bring

your four-legged family members. We have plenty of room.” Even horses can join for a holiday, where guests can go riding along the beach and wade in the harbour. Guests can also make the most of kayaks and dinghies on hand free of charge!

At Pahoia Beachfront Stay, there are a mix of “back to basics” style cabins and huts to stay in with sea views and walkways to the beach. Tracey says the retreat is also a great option for people with motorhomes. “I’ve had motorhome people coming back, and back again once they find it.”

Pahoia Beachfront Stay is available to WWOOFers also. Reserve your stay in time for some summer fun! For more information, see their advert on this page.

Georgia Minkhorst

Tom, our delightful tram driver.

10am-5pm. The tram driver – ours was Tom – points out the city’s history, post-quake work and best places to eat, see, enjoy and coffee.

Tom is a character, full of interesting facts,. One anecdote – the quakes brought down many statues of the city’s historic gentlemen – but not Queen Vic. She just stared nonchalantly – not rattled at all by the shakes!

Panoramic views

Midday we opted to pay an extra $35 – again, kids free – to ride the gondola up the Port Hills. It was so easy to get there. The tram dropped us near the city’s Bus Interchange. We paid $6 for return ticket for one adult and one child.

The girls took in sweeping panoramic views of Christchurch. Atop is a gift store and cafe – and views of Lyttelton Harbour and beyond. Think snow-capped Southern Alps, sprawling Canterbury Plains and the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean...

Back in the city we visited Regent

St. The Spanish-style street offers a range of eateries – from sweet treats, snacks through to full meals. And it’s close to the Margaret Mahy Playground. So – we let the kids play then doubled back to Rollickin Gelato. They have two CBD locations, offering gelato, sorbet and hot desserts from 11am-10pm every day of the week!

On a wet, windy winter’s day I’ve never seen so many people crammed into an ice cream shop!

A display of colourful, exciting and smartly-named flavours greet you. Plus – the best bit – is the hot dessert menu. They’re named after politicians and celebrities. I had the Ashley Apple Bloomfield Pie. The buttery pie crust was filled with the yummiest caramelised apples I’ve ever tasted! Paired with caramel sauce, sweet biscuit crumble – and a scoop of gelato chosen by you. I chose Pops Lemon Pie.

Rolling out of Rollickin Gelato, we went turned in early ready for a day of dancing. With costumes back in suitcases, next morning we enjoyed a long breakfast Joe’s Garage (the girls loved the pikelets with jam, banana, bacon and maple syrup!) then relaxingly roamed the CBD shopping.

Win!

The Sun has a $60 Rollickin Gelato to give to one lucky reader who can tell us who some of Rollickin Gelato’s hot dessert are after? Enter under the competition tab on www.sunlive.co.nz

Entries must be in by Tuesday, September 26.

The stunning view of Lyttelton Harbour from atop the Port Hills. Photos: Merle Cave.

The Ashley Apple Bloomfield Pie.

Merle Cave

Tell crime where to go! Idea will only force people away

When one listens to our country’s crime statistics, why do not more people install CCTV?

Police called on me one day because a neighbour thought that I had CCTV; well I have now. Why don’t more people protect themselves with this unit which does not cost a great deal to help

the Police?

At least one unit should be in every street; some cost no more than some mobile phones. The Police cannot sit on your doorstep but CCTV will be there seven days a week. Tell crime where to go!

Ron Chamberlain, Otūmoetai.

Churches Active In Our Community

This is an election lament…

good and equitable society.

A community where people cared for each other, where decisions were made for the long-term health of our communities – children were protected, the vulnerable supported, family life valued. We wanted to be a good country.

Now we have politicians offering carrots, creating anxiety, nurturing divisive ideologies.

Once we had a vision to be a safe place for every race and creed – free from dissension, envy, hate and corruption. Increasingly distant from those different to us we cultivate a very selective tolerance for those we agree with. We cancel/ hate those we disagree

NOTICE with St Andrews Church, Dee St, Mt Maunganui Bible Study 9:30am - Worship Service 10:45am

Also replace the words: ONLINE SERVICES ONLY MountSDA@gmail.com

With: We look forward to seeing you!

wing anger, the inability to talk peaceably.

And here’s the thing, given the fragile and fractured state of our country, we really need leaders of stature. We look for the new crop of politicians putting up their hands for influence and legislative power and feel more than a little disappointment. Given our unravelling social fabric, we need people who can navigate the increasing complexity of good governance – we sadly watch our politicians offer trinkets and beads assuming our utter naivety; some things never change.

Welcome to election time – we hoped for vision, values, humanity and hope. We got cynical (again). I think we were hoping for, needing, better than this.

Re: The proposed parking charges in downtown Mount.

(The Weekend Sun, page 4, September 15, 2023).

The traffic congestion at the Mount during the Christmas/New Year period does not justify charging for parking, considering it is only for a short time.

Other beach towns like Whitianga, Whangamatā, Waihī Beach and Ōhope have the same problem but it is something that they have to put up with during the holidays without putting in parking meters.

The Mount used to have a

downtown public carpark but the council, in their so-called wisdom, concreted over it and transformed it into what has become a skatepark despite public opposition at the time. This idea will only force people away from the beaches if they can only park for an hour or two

Re: ‘Surprise tee in the reserve’ (The Weekend Sun, page 3, September 15, 2023).

It was disappointing to read that Mount Maunganui Golf Club is trying to snafu council reserve land already promised for the Omanu Community Garden. How can a commercial identity hold sway over land for a community project that has already been approved?

Golfers are more that adequately serviced with two 18-hole golf courses in the Mount. Appropriating land from the community so they can change their tee lay out is not acceptable. They need to accommodate any changes within the 92 acres they already have.

at a time. Council parking manager Reece Wilkinson stated it will generate an estimated $1.6 million in revenue. That and the proposed congestion charges has to make people wonder if the underlying reason is to help pay for the city’s massive debt that this council has and continues to dump on its ratepayers? This whole idea is similar to the council wanting to change the traffic flow around the Mount two years ago to oneway; lack of foresight and basic common sense.

Kerry Gibson, Bayfair Estate.

Re: Congestion charges proposal (The Weekend Sun, page 5, September 15, 2023).

The major problem with traffic congestion country-wide is that fossil fuels are far too cheap. For most people it only costs around 20 cents per kilometre for fuel.

seeing

Mounties, you need to get upset and make a noise. Contact the Commissioners and have your say. Scott

Shrimpton, Mount Maunganui.

Congratulations to Te Kotāhi Research Institute for the invitation to join the US$30 million research for Indigenous Knowledge and Science based research at University of Massachusetts, to collectively connect indigenous knowledge with other cultures with science for areas like climate change and impacts on ecosystems, as reported recently on Sunlive news.

This international collaboration of indigenous leaders will use ancestral wisdom to help western science address climate change. Part of this research will be addressing areas like WAI 262 protecting water from pollution, while the New Zealand Government’s agenda is to push more toxins, like fluoride, into our water supply.

Even the US Environmental Protection Agency has called for a reduction in toxic waste, active pharmaceuticals and livestock chemical levels, including plastics in our water if our water ecology is going to survive.

Janice Priest, Tauranga City.

Hon Jan Tinetti

Labour List MP

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

Unfortunately the cost of fuel is a noncontroversial topic. People say fuel is expensive and almost all agree, much like the weather, a great day, when it is, and most concur. The alternative to motoring is to most unpalatable. For a 10km trip the fuel cost is about $2. The alternative is that most – me excluded – will not cycle, bus, walk or ride a horse for that amount. Simply look at the proliferation of 4x4s on the roads. Those owners certainly consider fuel is cheap. For as long as the country is wedded to absurdly cheap fuel not a lot will change.

Andrew Barry, Tauranga City.

on democracy...

In recent letters to The Weekend Sun various correspondents have expressed their opposition to issues in our relationship with the treaty partners.

Robin Rimmer claims accusations of racism are unfounded in their opposition to the use of te reo.

Yet, other than personal opinion, they offer no substantive reason for their opposition.

Racism will always be a possibility in such circumstances.

Dual language is common in many countries, the Maori people surely have a right to see and hear their language in common usage.

Steve Porter claims co-governance is undemocratic, not so Steve. There is no book on democracy, it is practised in many different forms worldwide. Perhaps a better term to use would be ‘joint management’. In fact the current examples of co-governance are carried out by appointed members to represent the crown and in some cases elected Maori to represent their interests.

It may well be that fear mongering on racial issues is politically expedient but those who live the daily reality know that we will never be ‘one people’ but rather a very respectful partnership. Robin

Bell, Omanawa.

Holy Trinity Tauranga vicar Nigel Dixon

Enough room already for golf at Mount Fossil fuels are far too cheap

There is no book

Indigenous wisdom research applauded

Derek Toner’s musical retrospective

I guess I should have expected that something new might cause a little consternation...

And so it’s been with the Winston Watusi Playlist on Spotify. There has been reaction, some positive, some negative, some – as expected – just rude. If I might pick a single example of each to share with you: one tasteful music lover opined “An interesting eclectic music mix”; another was less satisfied and said: “I really didn’t like very much there at all”. And on the less polite end of the spectrum came: “what do you expect but crap from Tauranga”.

Perhaps I might explain the playlist idea in a tad more detail. It’s intended as an accompaniment to the column, for while it’s all very well reading about music I figured it might be a little more informative if you can actually hear it too.

So this is not intended as a playlist of my favourite songs. If, on occasion, it is, I’ll make sure the description clearly reads ‘Winston’s Favourite Songs Right Now’.

But, this week, like last week, the playlist is bands recently mentioned in the column or those releasing music or gigging in the Bay. Some of the bands were on last week’s list; these are different songs. Do drop me a message if you like the music – or not! Or have suggestions. I even have a Facebook page now.

Celebration

Moving right along, there’s a show at the Jam Factory, a relatively rare outing for a man who has been part of the Tauranga music scene for many years, alternately being very active and disappearing from sight.

I’m talking of singer-songwriter-guitarist Derek Toner, who has decided to hold something of a career retrospective, or ‘introspective’ if such a word can be applied to a concert, since he’ll be looking back and reflecting on the songs that have influenced his journey as a songwriter.

Derek says: “The title of the show is ‘The Songs That Shaped Me’. It’s a celebration of life and music. I don’t know if anyone really thinks about how music is in one’s life, even if you don’t perform”.

Celebrating skatepark refresh in Pāpāmoa

A community-led celebration of the recently-revamped Gordon Spratt Reserve skatepark in Pāpāmoa is taking place on Saturday morning, September 23.

The refresh of the skatepark has been designed in collaboration with experienced local skaters and the Acid Skatepark crew, who also constructed the skatepark, according to Tauranga City Council.

The skatepark now includes a range of quarter pipe and street-style features such as a manual pad, a street hip, a euro gap, A-frame ramp, stairs, ledges and rails.

The skatepark’s footprint has increased by about 300m2 to an overall size of about 900m2. Lighting has also been installed to enable use of the park when night falls.

The celebration will include a skatejam featuring local skaters, a coffee cart and sausage sizzle. Keep an eye out on TCC’s Facebook page for more information.

Derek cites songs that might remind you of a loved one, songs that helped you get through a broken heart and even songs that makes you just want to dance whenever you hear them. That means he’ll be starting the night by reaching back – in some cases to his pre-teens – for songs that have an emotional connection deep within him. Who exactly? “Pink Floyd, Paul Simon, Glen Hansard, Neil Finn, Foy Vance, Peter Gabriel, Counting Crowes to name a few. And if we get the chance a nod to Sinead O’Connor. I’m still unsure if I’m brave enough to take on her voice!” This will lead into a selection of original

Derek moved to Tauranga from his native Ireland in 2006 and during the next decade formed bands the Mellow Drops and Nine Mile Stone with fellow ex-pat Cian O’Cinnseala, whom he’s played with for 34 years, ever since the pair were at school together. Both bands released albums and when everyone drifted into other projects Derek recorded his first solo album, ‘The Importance of Yar’, and pulled together the band known as Tuner. This is where he first met bass player Brian Franks and guitarist Mike Everard, who sadly passed away in 2021, with Derek and Brian going on to play in a very popular cover trio with

On Saturday, October 7 from 7pm, Brian will join Derek at the Jam Factory, as will Cian and two other bandmates from Nine Mile Stone, keyboard played Tim Julian and drummer James Bos.

They also have special guests: violin player Shelby Maples will bring a classical refinement to proceedings while Steve Macken will chip in on vocals and guitar. Making their debut will be Derek’s two boys: Finn, the oldest, is covering MC duties and youngest son Conor will join for a song or two and opening the show with some instrumental guitar music along with Steve’s son Josh.

There are still $30 tickets available via The Incubator website.

Hear Winston’s latest playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0HYkDiIPya0 GIBvD2Vsvd9?si=b358862cf0ef4497

Derek Toner.

Garden-driven movie night

PIPS, the passionate proponents of hands-on learning, are cultivating more than just greenery in their school gardens.

Nurturing a sense of community and environmental consciousness, PIPS – short for ‘People Plants in Schools’ – is inviting locals to join them for a special event that promises both entertainment and a chance to support their programme.

As part of a unique fundraiser, PIPS is hosting a movie night on Tuesday, October 10, featuring the powerful locally-made documentary ‘Taking Back Our Beach’.

It’s an evening where the magic of cinema meets the magic of gardening, all in the name of education and sustainability.

“We are holding the movie fundraiser to raise funds for the environmental project we will be running in 2024,” says PIPS manager Clare Rodgers. “And there will be a guest speaker afterwards from the movie to answer questions.”

Formed in 2017 by Pāpāmoa and Mount Maunganui school parents, PIPS is a charitable trust that works with seven schools – Tahatai Coast, Arataki, Mount Intermediate, St Thomas More, Omanu, Suzanne Aubert, and Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa; with Golden Sands starting in 2024.

Winners of a 2023 Western Bay Community Sustainable Future Award, PIPS is passionate about demonstrating the principles of kaitiakitanga, running school gardens and environmental programmes for the schools.

“The programme teaches children about growing and

maintaining gardens, their food system, how to grow their own food, and the local environment throughout their school journey.”

PIPS’ Mauao Regeneration Project moved into its second year with a seed collection day in 2022, followed by planting of about 100 trees in the Mauao whanau ngahere – family forest –that the children had grown from seed the year prior.

“This year Mount Maunganui Intermediate tamariki planted another 100 plants back onto the maunga.

“PIPS also works with Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital in maintaining sentinel gardens which provide early warning of invasive insect species and pathogens before they get into BOP orchards.

A member of Bay Conservation Alliance to help strengthen their environmental support to local schools, PIPS receives funding from TECT, Lotteries, Bay Trust and TCC, enabling them to do their work.

“PIPS employs garden facilitators who work across the member schools, assisting volunteers and staff to run their school gardens and other environmentally-based, studentfocussed projects within the school, gardening to organic principles and with respect for tikanga Māori.”

Clare says they’re looking for a major sponsor for the movie night as well as spot prizes. The PIPS movie fundraiser, screening ‘Taking Back Our Beach’ is 6.15pm on Tuesday, October 10, at United Cinemas Bayfair. To book a ticket, see: www.pipsbop.org/events

PIPS garden facilitator Nina Henderson at Omanu School. Photo: John Borren.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

More than just stitches in this handiwork!

Tauranga Embroiderers’ Guild’s 2023 Exhibition ‘Tauranga in Stitches’ is 10am-3pm daily from Thursday, September 28 to Saturday,

September 30, at Gate Pa School Hall at 900 Cameron Rd,. Gold coin entry for adults, free entry for children and students.

TAURANGA EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD EXHIBITION

Nearly 300 beautifully stitched items in all colours, shapes, sizes and items will meet visitors to Gate Pa Primary School hall this month as Tauranga

Embroiderers’ Guild host its first exhibition since 2019.

Aptly named Tauranga in Stitches, exhibition facilitator Linda Inglis says the three-day event on September 28-30 is set to be a stunner!

“We’ll have a huge variety of contemporary and traditional techniques – with many works not normally considered embroidery – on show.

“TEG has around 70 members who have put many hours into not only stitching their

creations, but designing the work from scratch – when you see a piece of work, you cannot see the amount of design-work that’s gone into it unless you have a trained eye.”

Linda says the Guild’s national president Trish Hughes will be at the show to judge and present

the awards. Categories include creative textiles, cross stitch, artistry in embroidery, most innovative, technical excellence of stitch, excellence in original embroidery and a viewers’ choice award.

“This year we have introduced The Remembrance Award, in recognition of inspirational members, for the best firsttime exhibitor. Several of our members have passed on and we wanted to recognise their contribution to our knowledge though stitch.”

The event will also have a huge sales table with very reasonably priced items, plus raffles.

Females find philately fascinating...

Results of an August 2023 Tauranga District Stamp Club members’ collecting of interests undertaken by enthusiastic club secretary/ librarian Jill Nutsford reveal a strong female swing to the hobby of kings.

More than 20 per cent of the 70-plus members are now passionately absorbed in their new-found pastime.

Appreciation of colour, attention to detail, love of history, ‘I collected stamps at school’, plus themes, postcards, ephemera and family correspondence are all mentioned as the driving forces behind this change.

Jill says increasing numbers of females are regularly buying and selling at the four Stamp Fairs held each year at the Wesley Church, 100 Thirteenth Ave, Tauranga City.

“This major turnaround is very evident at TDSC’s twicemonthly meetings [morning and evening] which, during the past 50 years, have been male-dominated.”

TAURANGA in STITCHES

Thu 28 - Sat 30 September 2023

10am to 3pm

Gate Pa Primary School Hall

900 Cameron Road, Tauranga (next to Tauranga Girls' College)

Sales Table - Raffles

Gold CoinEntry FreeEntryforChildrenandStudentswithID

September 11 meet where NZ Royal Philatelic Society president Lindsay Chitty, of Wellington, showed his superb, late-1800-1980s Maoritanga Postcard collection. “Whare walls often had postcards of chiefs and kaumatua,” says Lindsay. “Postcards were the only photographs of forebears in existence.”

Surprisingly 38 per cent of Māori in Lindsay’s collection were young to mature wahine dressed in cloaks, raupo skirts and headdress.

The next TDSC Stamp Fair is on Saturday, September 23, from 9am-3pm.

Three dealers will be present and the club has a central hall sales table where stamps albums and first day covers are on offer.

Wahine and child, one of the Chitty postcards shown at a recent Tauranga Stamp Club Meeting.

That’s changing. Extra chairs were needed for the

For those wanting to sell grandad’s album, dealers and TDSC members are on-hand to give valuations and advice. Several TDSC country female members regularly receive Circuit Books packed with used and mint stamps, minisheets and covers usually at a fraction of catalogue recommendations.

Tauranga Embroiderers’ Guild president Yvonne Horsfall, with creations for the ‘Tauranga in Stitches’ exhibition. Photo: John Borren.

Beautifully handcrafted items will be on show at ‘Tauranga in Stitches’ on September 28-30.

Merle Cave

Get your carpets spick and span!

Cleaner Carpets Carpet Cleaners is your locally-owned and operated carpet and upholstery cleaning service.

“Using one of the most effective fast-dry commercial systems available, we remove dirt, grease, biological materials, as well as the bacteria, mould and dust mites that feed on it,” says Cleaner Carpets Carpet Cleaners’ Martin Gibson.

The team use powerful non-toxic chemicals and enzymes that leave carpets and upholstery cleaner and fresher for longer.

“For heavily soiled carpets, we have a range of specialist tools including UV light to identify pet-stained areas, and also commercial dehumidifiers, blowers and ozone generators to dry carpets and eliminate strong odours if necessary.

“We specialise in removing stains and

pet urine in carpets that would otherwise require replacement.

“Because we’re owner-operators with years of experience, we offer great friendly service at a great price, with results guaranteed or your money back.” Cleaner Carpets Carpet Cleaners cover Pāpāmoa and surrounding areas of Mount

Creating spaces you love to be in!

With 20-plus years of experience and a team bursting with knowledge, skills and a love of high quality craftmanship, you can be assured your garden will be transformed into a place you won’t want to leave. That’s if you get Quattro Landscaping on the job!

Not only will the garden look amazing but they’ll take care to listen to your needs, ensuring your outdoor space functions

uniquely for you.“From a simple path or deck to a total new design and transformation, we do it all,” says Quattro Landscaping’s Shaun Britton. “We’ve been creating gardens for a long time – whatever you need in the garden, we can do it.”

Alongside designs and transformations, the team takes care of all improvements that make your garden space better; louvres, pergolas, pool coping, paving, retaining walls, raised beds, planting, utility paths, screens, gates. They do it all.

Gardens are their craft – so call Shaun today to have your own beautiful garden.

your garden space better. Photo:

deceased public notices painting & decorating public notices

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

FOR I TAKE no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!. Ezekiel 18:32

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

free rane eggs

FREE DELIVERY to Tauranga, Papamoa and Mount. $10 per dozen, min order 2 dozen. Looking for regular customers. Phone/text 022 652 1180

public notices

SmartGrowth Strategy 2023

Public Notification – public consultation period

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

gardening

HANDYMAN HOME & GARDEN

SERVICES tree pruning, weeding, hedges, water blasting, home maintenance, fence painting at affordable rates Ph Philip 027 655 4265

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, Grey & White, Female, approximately 9 months old, Fraser Street Tauranga. Ref 587138.

FOUND CAT, Tabby, Male, approximately 6 years old, Merivale. Ref 587196.

FOUND CAT, Silver Tabby, Female, approximately 12 years old, Waitaha Road Welcome Bay. Ref 587220.

sewing repairs

REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS to

adults and kids

clothing, and knitwear repairs

30+ years specialising in Knitwear

Ph 07 578 6861

trades & services

BRYCE DECORATING interior and exterior painting, wallpapering.

Have your powdercoated windows faded? Can be cleaned and restored like new! Plastic car bumpers

faded? Can be restored too! Quality work. Showroom finish. Ph Wayne 021 162 7052

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

liquor licences

SmartGrowth is a collaboration between Bay of Plenty Regional, Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District councils, tāngata whenua and central government that sets the strategic vision and direction for the growth and development of the sub-region.

We provide a framework to manage growth in an integrated and collaborative way and address complex planning issues, especially matters that cross over council boundaries.

Together we’re committed to the idea that we can’t go on as we have been, we need to do things differently so that as we continue to grow, we’re ready to manage it.

The SmartGrowth Strategy considers how housing, infrastructure, transport, community development, tāngata whenua values and aspirations, and the environment need to be looked at together to achieve effective long term growth..

The Strategy considers some of the key challenges that we face and plans for them. For example, we know that having choice when it comes to housing and transport is important for the community, so we are making plans with this in mind.

It’s about shaping what we want our city towns and rural centres, to look and feel like – connecting people with, and protecting, the places they live, work, learn, and play.

Feedback:

The Smartgrowth Strategy is available for you to read. You can provide feedback on the draft strategy, specifically any of its chapters or the strategy in its entirety, via the option that suits you. Online wānanga ipurangi - www.smartgrowthbop.org.nz/ smartgrowth-strategy-2023

Hard copy pepa mārō – printed feedback forms are available at all council library and service centres – Bay of Plenty Regional, Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District councils

Face to face kanohi ki te kanohi – you can speak to your feedback with the political panel

• Date: 4-6 December

• Email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz to register your interest

Timeframes:

Feedback closes 5pm Friday 20 October 2023. If you have any queries, please contact haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz

Andrew Turner – SmartGrowth Independent Chair

tours & travel

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