The Weekend Sun - 22 December 2023 by Sun Media

22 December 2023, Issue 1191

Striking a chord! For a decade, the enchanting melodies of an iron-frame painted piano have graced Pilot Bay’s boardwalk at Mount Maunganui, weaving a musical tapestry for locals and tourists. The keys, weathered by the sea breeze and the passage of time, carry

the stories of countless listeners drawn to the waterfront’s symphonic embrace and the dazzling sunsets. As the sun sets on another year, may you take time to rest, relax and enjoy our beautiful city, beaches and parks. Here at

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The Weekend Sun, we wish you a melodyrich Christmas, as you gather with friends and family. And may the harmonies of this cherished instrument fill your heart with warmth and joy too. Take an evening stroll on the

Photo John Borren.

Scan or visit mercurybaypark.co.nz for more info events@bayvenues.co.nz

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boardwalk, and let your Christmas resonate with the spirit of the sea and the timeless notes that dance along our shore. Read more about the piano’s decade-long routine at Pilot Bay on page 10.

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Friday 22 December 2023

The Weekend Sun

1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga Phone 07 578 0030 www.theweekendsun.co.nz ads@thesun.co.nz newsroom@thesun.co.nz

The Weekend Sun is published every Friday and distributed throughout the Western Bay of Plenty from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke and available to collect at many stand locations throughout the area. For a full list of stand locations see https://theweekendsun.co.nz/stand-locations.html Produced by Sun Media Ltd, an independent and locally owned company based at 1 The Strand, Tauranga.

Sun Media Ltd Director: Claire Rogers Editor: Merle Cave Editorial: Letitia Atkinson, Alisha Evans, Rosalie Liddle Crawford, Georgia Minkhorst, Hunter Wells, Ayla Yeoman. Photography: John Borren. Publications Manager: Kathy Sellars. Advertising: Jo Delicata, Karlene Sherris, Suzy King, Lois Natta, Sharon Eyres, Sophie Main. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, Kerri Wheeler, Amy Bennie, Caitlin Burns. Office: Angela Speer, Kristina Clayton.

A ‘finishing school’ for the gangs...

Today we enter the wonderful world of make believe – we step cheekily outside the bounds of truth, accuracy, balance and fairness and make merry with the facts. The Government’s going to play hardball with the gangs – banning gang patches and gang insignia in public. So who will be the first brave person to do the Government’s bidding and demand a hulking gang member remove his patch and cover his gang affiliation facial tattoo. This is our take. National MP: “You know a man discovers himself when he measures himself against the obstacle. I have identified the obstacle and I am about to discover.” Mrs MP: “What the hell? That’s all a bit esoteric dear.” National MP: “Well, tonight I am going out to strong arm the gangs. I am going where no MP has gone before. Simon Bridges talked tough about gangs but then grew his hair long and followed his dreams to Auckland. Now he’s just another Jafa.” Mrs MP: “Language dear!” National MP: “The opposition wants to give the gangs food parcels and love and understanding for Christmas. So tonight I am going to bang heads. It’s the Government’s no-nonsense gang policy, so we, well me, must be seen to be leading the charge.” Mrs MP: “How noble, how cavalier, how brave. But be careful dear. History hasn’t been kind to brave men of principle leading the charge.” National MP: “Like who?” Mrs MP: “Lord Cardigan in the Battle of Balaclava. Remember ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’? ‘Stormed at with shot and

shell, Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of death, Into the mouth of hell’ – etc, etc. Two hundred-plus dead. That charge didn’t end well.” MP: “Oh dear!” Mrs MP: “And the Battle of Big Horn when Custer charged the Sioux, the Cheyenne and the Arapoho. 268 dead, including Custer. It turned to custard for Custer. No point being a dead no-nonsense MP. No point martyring yourself for that cause. National MP: “Because I am a chestbeating, no-nonsense National MP. We were born to rule, born to lead. And it’s going to take a man of position and power to neuter the gangs. So I am going to form a political vanguard of one, and storm a gang fortification. They will be sweating and shaking under their patches.” Mrs MP: “What a horrible thought. Instead of a wading in with a super-charged ego why don’t you just wave a white flag and offer them a platter of club sandwiches, savouries and tiny cakes, a pot of Earl Grey and a nice chat?”

Tats and hanging baskets

National MP: “No time to be nambypamby dear. I am about to make a statement on behalf of all God-faring New Zealanders. I will knock on the fortress gate and demand they surrender their patches in exchange for hi-vis vests with a colour choice of two. They’ll be easier seen on their new Honda ‘step-thrus’ after I invite them to trade down

their Hogs. Of course I will carry a blow torch to surgically remove gang affiliation facial tattoos, should they choose. Or they can opt for a selection of leading brand matte, full coverage foundation makeups to conceal the ‘F.O.’ tattoos so they don’t intimidate little old ladies at the mall, or Rotary, or church.” Mrs MP: “Why not just send the gangs a letter of expectation – like the Minister of Police sent to the Police Commissioner? A letter setting out policy and priorities?” National MP: “Because gangs don’t or can’t read. And they don’t have letterboxes.”

Mrs MP: “While you are at it, you could also ask the gangs to soften the appearance of their gang pads. Swap out the dark colours and the connotations of evil, death, pain, bleakness, and depression. Suggest lavender or sky blue and the associated feelings of tranquillity, calmness and relaxation. Some hanging baskets along the front of the pad would be nice. And coloured lights. “The local gang pads could then feature in the Tauranga Christmas Lights Trail. Inclusivity and all that. And the gangsters

who aren’t in jail could hand out Christmas mince pies and sing some carols like ‘“Away in a Gang Pad, no crib for a bed….” Or ‘O Come All Ye patched up’.” No-nonsense MP: “Sometimes I suspect you don’t take me seriously.”

How to tame a gangster

Mrs MP: “And this is important Dear, when a menacing 2m tall, 120kg gangster with ‘F.O.’ tattooed on his forehead and a nickname like Sludge, Muck or Grime confronts you, remember your non-verbal communication cues.” National MP: “My what?” Mrs MP: “Your NVCCs Dear – because the way you listen, look, move and react will tell Sludge, Muck or Grime whether or not you care, if you are being truthful and how well you are listening. When your NVCCs match up with your words, they increase trust, clarity, and rapport. In time Dear, you too might end up fully patched with a clenched fist tattooed on your face and a long unenviable rap sheet. Be self-aware – avoid any physical contact unless absolutely necessary as it may cause provocation. Remain objective, listen and provide solutions, and if all fails …then skedaddle. ” No-nonsense MP: “Mmm – on second thoughts perhaps I don’t want to compromise my $163,961 paycheck. I might leave getting tough to the tough.” Email: hunter@thesun.co.nz

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. The Battle of Balaclava in 1854 was an indecisive military engagement of the Crimean War, best known as the inspiration of the English poet Alfred Lord Tennyson’s ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’. Source: https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Balaklava

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2023

3 Friday 22 December 2023

Mount veteran lifeguard Kent Jarman in action.

If you’re in doubt – stay out! A veteran of Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service is reminding beach-goers to stay safe in the surf this summer after he pulled two people from the water at Mount Main Beach last weekend.

Kent Jarman, who has been a lifeguard for 56 years, plucked two youngsters from the water on December 16-17. On Saturday, a young girl, aged 13-14, on a boogie board, drifted about 400m off the beach. “I think the rip started it and then the wind. We picked her up with a jet ski. She was pretty pleased to see me,” says Kent. Then around 5pm on Sunday, as voluntary patrols were just about to end for the day, the 73-year-old helped a young Korean boy on a hire surfboard back to the beach. “He kept thanking me all the way and I had to help him paddle his surfboard back in because he wasn’t very competent.” With summer starting Kent says it’s time for people to ensure they navigate the water safely. “My advice is if you’re going the beach, look to see where the surf is rolling in. Look for places where it’s breaking evenly. That means that the water’s shallow and it’s generally a lot safer. It’s a matter of reading the conditions on the day and adapting. Nothing’s fixed. The beach is dynamic. It’s always changing.” Kent says lifeguards try to place red and yellow

flags – to swim between – in an area they deem to be safe. “Mount Main Beach is quite a difficult beach on a high tide because it’s got quite a bank. So you get a bit of shorebreak, which is not ideal. On some occasions, particularly when the surf is bigger, we might move the flagged area to Shark Alley, on the other side of Moturiki Island, because it’s a nice flat area, and it’s a lot safer. “If you’re a person that’s not confident in the water, swim in the flagged area where we are able to keep an eye on you in that spot. Obviously not everyone’s going to be able to do that. Parking issues at the beach can be quite horrendous at times, and this is why a lot of people gravitate to the coastal area that we have here because it’s easier to get access to the beach. This is why we’ve always operated roving patrols with the ATVs. We try and keep those regularly working on busy days along with the jet ski roaming as well.” Overall, Kent recommends the following tips to stay safe. First, if you are in doubt – stay out! And if you’re unsure about conditions, tap a lifeguard on the shoulder for advice. They’ll be out all over the beaches this summer. If you get caught in a rip – stay calm. “Let it take you out and put your hand up to signal for help.” If there is a swell, look for the places where the surf is breaking evenly because that indicates there is likely no rip there. “The calmest spot is not always the best place to swim.” Ayla Yeoman

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Friday 22 December 2023 A selection of local breaking stories featured this week on...

The Weekend Sun

Pool decommission:

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Three waters repeal

The Government’s move to repeal the controversial Three Water legislation is seen as a positive step by Tauranga’s leader. Commission chair Anne Tolley says Tauranga City Council is looking forward to a “reset” so it can refocus on getting the best waters service outcomes for Tauranga residents. “We see this announcement as a positive step towards providing long-term affordability for the city.” Local Government Minister Simeon Brown last week announced the Government would pass legislation early-2024 to repeal the Three Waters legislation. Three Waters would have seen drinking, waste and storm water management handled by 10 regional entities instead of local councils.

New CCTV cameras

Four Western Bay of Plenty locations are to have CCTV cameras installed from being selected as most in need of extra surveillance. The four locations selected for the 2023 $50,000 CCTV fund are Omanawa Rd-State Highway 29 intersection, Sharp Rd-SH2 intersection, Warner Rd-Oropi Road intersection, and Te Matai Rd-SH36 (Pyes Pa Rd) intersection. The fund is designed to prevent crime and deter anti-social behaviour by adding to the growing network of 84 CCTV cameras around WBOP. This is the fund’s final year with its continuation to be reviewed as part of the Long Term Plan 20242034.

Talk boating rules

People are urged to have their say on the Draft Regional Navigation Safety Bylaws 2024 adopted by Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council on December 14. The Navigation Safety Bylaws are reviewed every five years by regional council to ensure they are fit for purpose and working for the community. The top five proposed changes to the bylaws are: changes to Hunters Creek/ Otapu waterski lane near Matakana Island, changes to the speed uplifting on the Kaituna River, changes to the speed uplifting on the Tarawera River, changes to the Jetski ban on Ōhiwa Harbour and a proposed dedicated swim lane at Pilot Bay. Submissions are open until 5pm Thursday, February 29.

SunLive – The Bay’s News First

With this being the last paper of the year, the Sun Media team would like to thank all of our readers and supporters. We are grateful to have such an amazing community behind us! While there won’t be another newspaper published until January 12, our online news website – SunLive – will continue to provide daily news throughout the Christmas/New Year holidays. Keep up-to-date by visiting: www.sunlive.co.nz You can also download our SunLive app via Google Play for android phones or the App store for iPhones.

Ōtūmoetai College’s Health and Physical Education assistant HOD Kat Brewer with student swimmers Devlin and Delamare Langton at Ōtūmoetai Pool, which will be decommissioned in future. Photo: John Borren.

A pool facility that’s served a Tauranga community for more than 50 years is to be replaced by a new aquatic centre over the other side of town. The move by council has Otūmoetai College worried it will restrict access to swimming education for its students and wider community. Commissioners approved $122.25m of funding to develop a new Memorial Park aquatic facility at Tauranga City Council’s December 11 meeting. The investment comes as a result of Memorial Park’s current pool and Otūmoetai Pool needing to be decommissioned in future. Bay Venues chief executive Chad

Hooker says: “The Commissioners were clear in their decision that one of the reasons for going with this particular concept design option and making the $122.25m investment was that this brand new aquatic facility at Memorial Park would also eventually be replacing our two ageing facilities, Memorial Pool and Otūmoetai Pool”. Memorial Park’s new aquatic facility is to open by the end of 2027, says Chad. “We will do our best to maintain both of these facilities [Memorial Pool and Otūmoetai Pool] and keep them operating until the new aquatic centre at Memorial Park opens, at which point Memorial Pool and Otūmoetai Pool will likely be decommissioned.”

Not supported

However, the decision to decommission Otūmoetai Pool is not supported by Otūmoetai College, which neighbours the pool. “Decommissioning a pool is not good for the community,” says Otūmoetai College head of physical education Jamie Davis. He says Otūmoetai Pool is used to deliver water safety programmes to the community’s student population – of Otūmoetai College, Bellevue Primary and Otūmoetai Intermediate – which collectively totals 3500 students. “Hundreds, if not thousands, of kids over the years have walked from the primary schools, the intermediate and the college to Learn To Swim programmes and things like that, at that pool.” And with New Zealand’s highest rate of drowning occurring in the 15-24 age bracket, Jamie says the move to remove Otūmoetai’s community pool is deeply concerning – especially for local students. “Now those kids aren’t going to get that education…they need to experience what it’s like when they’re tired in water before they can actually realise how to keep themselves safe.”

Community asset

Built in 1968, Jamie says Otūmoetai Pool was developed as a community asset between Otūmoetai College trustees and TCC. Today the pool is run by Council-Controlled Organisation Bay Venues. As such, Jamie says Otūmoetai College has been in talks with council for more than a decade to save Otūmoetai pool from closing. “I’ve opposed the closing of this pool since about 2012… there’s been never really any alternative view from council over that period of time, rather than to see it slowly closed.”

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2023

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Otūmoetai swim lessons will go down the drain

An architect’s render of the upgrade to Memorial Park, with the completed new aquatic facility here to eventually lead to decommissioning of the Otūmoetai Pool. Photo: Tauranga City Council.

His school’s latest formal submission to council emphasises Otūmoetai pool is an essential community resource that’s consistently used by both young and old. Moreover, the school’s submission highlights that most regular users will be challenged to travel to aquatic facilities on the other side of the city at Memorial Park – especially at peak traffic hours. “The pool is well located and we can take a class in and get a class out in time for its next lesson. If we travelled 10-15 minutes across town to a pool and 10-15 minutes back, we wouldn’t be able to offer that [water safety programmes] to our students at all,” says Jamie. “I just don’t see mums and dads getting in the car at 3.30 in the afternoon and trying to get across town.” Jamie says council’s charter requires providing “quality of life” for the community – and their corner of the community needs facilities that are localised.

Increasing costs

However, Chad says the ongoing and increasing cost to keep both Memorial Pool and Otūmoetai

Pool open and operating is unsustainable. “Both pools have significant infrastructural and agerelated issues that regularly result in expensive remedial and maintenance measures.” The school accepts the pool is old and may need investment, yet believes with strategic funding and improvements council could increase aquatic plans of increased lane availability across the city. “[There’s] millions and millions of dollars for another pool, but we don’t have a couple of hundred thousand to maintain this one?” asks Jamie. Chad says Memorial Park’s new aquatic facility will have a deep-water eight-lane 25m indoor swimming pool, a hydrotherapy pool and spa, Learn To Swim pool and a leisure pool with a toddler pool. Outside will be a four-lane 25m lido pool, splash pad and a bombing pool. “There will also be three hydroslides, a fitness centre, and a café that services the facility and the park.” Jamie agrees the development at Memorial Park is a win for the city – but he doesn’t believe in closing one community’s pool to get another one elsewhere. “That’s not fair to this community.” Georgia Minkhorst

Don’t leave kids and pets in cars With El Niño bringing a hotter and drier summer to New Zealand, the AA is reminding Kiwis to never leave pets or children in a parked car. The AA Roadservice responded to 800 emergency callouts for children or pets locked in vehicles from January to October 2023. In previous years, callouts have peaked at 40-50-plus a month in hot summers. AA chief mobility officer Jonathan Sergel says the AA is no stranger to these types of callouts. “People underestimate how deadly the sun can be, even in summers without El Niño. People may try to mitigate the effects of the heat by cracking open windows, parking cars in the shade, or think

if their car isn’t black then it won’t get as hot. On a summer’s day, none of these techniques are going to make your car any safer. “Temperatures in cars can double that of outside and heat stroke will set in very quickly for any passengers.” Jonathan says people need to realise heat generated inside a car can be life-threatening and it doesn’t take long for tragedy to strike. “The message is simple really: don’t leave your kids or pets in your vehicle, even if you’re just nipping into the supermarket.” If you see a child or pet suffering in a hot car, call the AA, Police or SPCA immediately. Someone must be on-site to take responsibility for the vehicle/child/pet.

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Friday 22 December 2023

The Weekend Sun

New Coastguard boat arrives

The new TECT Rescue Coastguard vessel arriving in Tauranga. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

In a maritime milestone, the new Coastguard boat for Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard has made its grand arrival into Tauranga harbour.

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The new TECT Rescue vessel, met by a flotilla outside the Tauranga harbour entrance, was welcomed with a water salute from the tug Tai Pari on Monday, December 18, after a three-day passage from Whanganui. Skippered by Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard volunteers Scott Lee, Todd Wakerley and John Cox, the boat left Q-West Boat Builders on Saturday, stopping overnight in Wellington and Napier. Coastguard Waihi Beach’s boat Gallagher Rescue, the current TECT Rescue boat, Sealegs, Tirikawa, and Port of Tauranga’s pilot vessel Arataki all lined up

outside the Tauranga entrance, to make a spectacular display alongside the new vessel as it came into the harbour.

State-of-the-art

Once inside the entrance the three skippers aboard put the new vessel through its paces, demonstrating its high speed capability, fast braking and manoeuvring action before cruising on to its new berth at Sulphur Point. The state-of-the-art craft is equipped with enhanced capabilities for sea rescues, and is larger and swifter than the current vessel, which will have its name ‘TECT Rescue’ transferred to the new boat, reflecting the much appreciated sponsorship and support of TECT. The old boat will be sold in early-2024. This nautical advancement marks a significant upgrade, with cruising 28 to 30 nautical miles

per hour exceeding the maximum speed of the current vessel. This increase in speed allows the new vessel to potentially attend to a vessel in distress at Major Island at least 40 minutes faster.

Less diesel

Even though there’s a 350hp increase in engine power in the new vessel, it will consume at least 60 litres of diesel per hour less at top speed than the current boat. The vessel, designed by Teknicraft, is powered by twin Scania DI 13, which are 600hp diesel injection commercial engines. The boat will use 140 litres an hour travelling at its operating speed. Coastguard volunteer Simon Barker says the project, which has been four-and-a-half years from concept to design and build, has cost around $2.8million overall, with TECT being the largest funder. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Temporary alcohol-free areas are in place over summer so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Some areas of Tauranga, such as Mt Maunganui to Pāpāmoa coast, will be alcohol-free between 26 Dec 2023 to 6 Jan 2024.

To view maps of the alcohol-free areas visit: tauranga.govt.nz/temp-alcohol-free or scan the QR code.

The Weekend Sun

7 Friday 22 December 2023

Friday 22 December 2023

Serving up food, celebrating the birth of Jesus... Spring St, Tauranga, on Monday, December 25, from 5pm-7pm. For enquiries, call the church office on 07 578 9608, or register your attendance at: www.stpeters.org.nz

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event for more than 30 years and it’s “a real celebration for this community”. “It’s not confined to Church people. The event is open to the community here in Tauranga. “It’s an opportunity for us to meet together...so if you’re feeling that maybe you’re on your own for Christmas, here’s an opportunity to come in and enjoy the time.” Enosa says Christmas can be a very stressful time for a lot of people. “This is a dinner for those who may not necessarily have a place to go to, those who are homeless, and those who do not have a home to go to.” “We’re here, we’re waiting for you to come, we want you to come – and we want to share this time of celebration with each other,” says Enosa.

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Yes, that’s right – close to 280 people will come through the Church doors on December 25 to enjoy a free dinner from 5pm-7pm. But the event is not just about the food, or the volunteers behind it. “What’s most important about the Christmas dinner is actually the fellowship and the socialisation of people that come together with the aim of celebrating the birth of Jesus,” says Reverend Enosa Auva’a. The church will serve up a sit-down dinner to guests in the church auditorium from 5pm-7pm on Monday, December 25, followed by singing, music and entertainment, dessert, and a present for each child which have been donated by the Lions of Tauranga. Enosa says this is his second Christmas dinner here as a new Minister. “I think one of the lovely things for me is, there is a whole group of people that don’t often meet. And that to me, I think, says something about the diversity of our community.” Enosa says the Church has been running the

Enosa Auva’a is about to host his second free annual Christmas dinner for the community as Reverend of St Peters in the City. Photo: John Borren.

“And we’ll celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus.” Registration is preferred for the dinner. St Peter’s in the City’s free annual Christmas dinner is at 130

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As The Sun hits the letterbox today, a swathe of volunteers will be rolling up their sleeves to help host St Peter’s in the City’s free annual Christmas dinner for the community.

Friday 22 December 2023

The Weekend Sun

9 Friday 22 December 2023

Friday 22 December 2023

Police will be out in force for Christmas Police want Bay of Plenty people to be planning their Christmas festivities and holidays, not organising tangi and funerals for loved ones who have died in car crashes. As sobering as that thought is, it’s still not often enough to encourage sober driving. Alcohol and/or drugs are a factor in about one-third of all fatal crashes, according to Police. “If you are going to be enjoying a few drinks, make sure you have a plan to get home or find a sober driver,” says Senior Sergeant in charge of Western Bay of Plenty road policing, Wayne Hunter. Distraction, speed, alcohol and unrestrained drivers and passengers are still the main causes of death and serious

injury, says Wayne. As such, he has plans in place to deal with drinking drivers. “We’re going to have a lot of checkpoints out over the Christmas period. As a community, we have a responsibility to ensure we drive safely at all times and do not take any unnecessary risks – getting behind the wheel after drinking, they’re risks not worth taking.” Wayne has access to the more than 900 CCTV cameras monitored by Tauranga Transport Operations Centre. “We have footage of people driving along, turning around to deal with children, on their phone, putting on makeup, eating breakfast – the bowl in their hand while steering with their knees – it’s all on camera.” Drivers can expect to see more checkpoints around Tauranga all

summer – so if you’re stopped by Police, no matter what time of day or the reason, you can expect to be breath-tested. “Our officers will be out in force anytime, anywhere, to deter unsafe driving behaviour and to prevent road deaths. But we need everybody’s help. Road safety is everybody’s responsibility. “We are committed to ensuring every road user arrives alive at their journey’s end and those who put others at risk will be found, prosecuted and held accountable.” The most important message Police want to convey is really simple: don’t risk your life and that of others by driving while impaired in any way. Report unsafe driving behaviour immediately by calling 111. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Hitting the road this summer? It’s been a big year and we all want to get home safely. So, if you’re heading home for Christmas, or bouncing between beaches, baches, and festivals, take extra care behind the wheel. Feeling tired or partied out? Delay driving, or stay an extra night, and remember always drive sober and wear your seatbelt. Stay patient and drive to the conditions, whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the extra traffic. facebook.com/travelsafebop

Friday 22 December 2023

A payment holiday may not be wise

As we head into Christmas, people may be tempted to take a ‘payment holiday’ on loans to help ease financial pressure. But Financial Ombudsman Susan Taylor reminds consumers they may end up paying more in the long run. “While payment holidays may offer shortterm relief, interest added to the loan during the holiday period – and the longer time it’ll take to pay

The Weekend Sun

Rosalie Liddle Crawford in her happy place – playing piano on the boardwalk at Pilot Bay.

it off – might mean it’s not worth reducing or deferring payments, in the longer term,” says Susan. “It is also important for consumers to speak to their lender early if they are experiencing hardship.” If something has gone wrong with a financial service provider, people can make a complaint to FSCL at: www.fscl.org.nz, call 0800 347 257, or email: complaints@fscl.org.nz

Photo: John Borren.

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A decade of piano on Pilot Bay’s boardwalk Ten years on from when my painted piano first made its appearance in Pilot Bay over summer, it’s still proving to be a focal point for people to connect, have picnics, and sing to the cruise ships as they leave port. After finding the piano, now 129 years old, on TradeMe for $30 in November 2013, I then took a bunch of photos of sunsets, surf, pohutukawa, paddle boarders and surfers along with the piano to The Incubator Creative Hub. There it was wonderfully transformed by The Incubator artists Simone Anderson, Wendy Pedersen, Constanza Tagini Nightingale, Rosey Armstrong, Katherine Steeds, Lisa Meehan, and Jannine Bishop.

Opening night

Herb’s Autos attached the wheels, which cost $450, funded by Stewart Fleming who owned Mount Backpackers. On opening night a group of family and enthusiastic supporters turned up, including

my mum Pat Liddle and my jazz pianist sister Andrea Pooley. Of course, Andrea and I played ‘Jaws’ when another sister Carole Meredith went for a dip. Since then hundreds of people have been by, smiled, stopped to chat, met others there, had picnics, sung, brought along musical instruments. Once Australians even turned up with a table, tablecloths and napkins. The following night, a group of Kiwis, after seeing the posh photos on Facebook, decided they couldn’t allow Australians imply that we Kiwis don’t know how to do it fancy and came down with not only tablecloths and napkins but platters of fine food. In the first week of the Mount Maunganui Beach Piano arriving in Pilot Bay on the new boardwalk, the ‘Pilot Bay Piano Appreciation Society’ formed among neighbours along The Mall, passing my top hat between houses to collect up enough to pay for a council busking licence to help keep things legal. One time a millionaire and a homeless guy sat on the bench-

seat next to the piano, chatting away about life, each unaware of the other person’s lifestyle.

Shirley

Another time Shirley Lee came to sit on the seat carrying a plaque with her late husband’s name ‘Ron’. She lived nearby and had been feeling lonely. A young mother passed her newborn baby to her to hold, and they sat together on the seat while Shirley found herself surrounded by a warm friendly family who spent the evening with her chatting and laughing and enjoying the music. Shirley sadly passed away but her seat remains. There’s been heartfelt tears and passionate singing from those who have stood around the piano singing a rousing version of ‘Now is the Hour’ as cruise ships sailed out of Tauranga harbour, and also many ‘Happy birthday’ songs sung. Some excellent singers and musicians have turned up and enjoyed singing and playing. A wedding party once came along to take photos – there’s even been a marriage proposal at the piano! *Read this story in full at:

www.sunlive.co.nz

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The Weekend Sun

11Friday 22 December 2023

FAMOUS

LAST

WORDS FEATURING A-Z

DELTA HE AV Y METRIK MOLLIE COLLINS POL A & BRYSON SIGMA 33 BELOW (DJ SET)

Friday 22 December 2023

NEW YEARS EVE MT. MAUNGANUI

Featuring an ALL-STAR international DNB line up plus loads of local artists, carnival rides, wild production, indoor and outdoor zones, silent disco plus loads more surprises. Celebrate New Year’s Eve properly and don’t be left out on the street. Capacity is super limited again this year so be quick!

MORE INFO!

For tickets and info on the above shows please visit our webpage below!

WWW.TRADEMARKLIVE.CO.NZ

Friday 22 December 2023

The Weekend Sun

You just can’t go past a Jazz! Pohutukawa are in full bloom, which means the countdown to Christmas is on! And we can’t imagine a better time to test drive the Honda’s best-selling car of 2023 – the Jazz.

Kia Seltos LX 2.0L Petrol

Kia Seltos 2.0L Petrol

Kia Seltos Kia Seltos

Racing DNA

So 2023 has been a big year for the Jazz with the new facelift model going on sale in New Zealand. The line-up now consists of Jazz RS, which we had for a test drive; Jazz Luxe Sport; and top-ofthe-range Jazz RS Mugen, which is a performance version. All these models are now available with a hybrid engine and have a more sporty look thanks to the redesigned bumpers. Racing is a huge part of Honda’s DNA, so no surprise Jazz RS features elements inspired by the brand’s sports cars of the past. To be honest, this updated Jazz looks way more interesting than the previous model, and it drives better as well. Honda’s impressive e:Hev technology, which was first introduced for the Jazz, is now the staple across the whole model range including the all-new CR-V – we tested it a couple of months ago – and the ZR-V. The point is this technology has proven itself to be efficient and to provide astonishing fuel economy and low emissions. The Jazz RS is fun to drive! Thanks to the hybrid powertrain, it accelerates quickly for highway overtaking but offers a smooth and relaxing experience in town. There is also reduced engine noise

Features 2.0L Petrol •LX2.0L DOHC MPI D-CVVT Petrol Engine LX 2.0L Petrol • Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) • Front Wheel Drive • 16” Alloys • 5 Star ANCAP Rating (2019 Standard) • Autonomous Emergency Braking with Car & Pedestrian Detection • Lane Keep Assist & Lane Follow Assist atures • Driver Attention Alert • Rear Seat Occupant 2.0L DOHC MPI D-CVVT PetrolAlert Engine • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) • Front & Rear Parking Sensors

• • • • • •

because the car runs from the battery a lot of the time. The Jazz comes equipped with the full Honda Sensing Suite, offering some of the most advanced safety technologies available today, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System and much more, to make your trips easier and safer. This ensures the Jazz gets a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Technology

Inside, the new Jazz looks very modern and well-built. You’re welcomed by a nine-inch touch screen and seven-inch digital driver display with high-resolution graphics. The infotainment system now offers wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, providing deeper integration of the favourite apps on your phone into the car’s system. We like that despite the global trend to replace physical buttons with touch or haptic panels, Honda decided to stay conservative on this front. Climate control knobs make a nice clicking sound, all buttons are easy to reach and press without taking your eyes off the road. The visibility is exceptional! The panoramic widescreen provides a great field of view and lets more light in, so the interior looks more airy and spacious. The seats have been updated to offer improved comfort for longer trips. Honda’s signature Magic Seats come

Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines Halogen Projection Front Headlights 8” Colour LCD Touchscreen Supervision Basic Digital Cluster Wireless Apple CarPlayTM & Android AutoTM Privacy Glass

standard across the Jazz Range and allow you to fold the rear seats as well as to flip them up. This is one of the best solutions on the market and allows you to easily pack bulky items. Being a compact car, the Jazz is impressively practical with a lot of storage areas around the vehicle, including some hidden under the boot floor.

The time is now!

We see why it’s Honda’s best-selling vehicle in New Zealand. It’s modern, high quality, efficient and packed with technology and innovation. The price as tested is $36,700+ORC, and you can still get a $2242 Clean Car Rebate until December 31, 2023. If you’re looking for a compact car, this is the time to get one! Visit the Honda Store Tauranga, 326 Cameron Rd. Or give them a call at 07 578 9083 to learn Sample more or to arrange a image only. Axle Smith test drive.

SRRP

29,990

+ORC*

MRP $ 32,990

PROMOTION ENDS 31ST AUGUST, 2023 Sample image only.

3 YEAR Scheduled Servicing (OR UP TO 45,000 KMS)

SRRP5 YEAR Roadside Assist

29,990

• Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines +ORC* • Halogen Projection Front Headlights $ Factory Warranty Front Wheel Drive • 8” Colour LCD Touchscreen MRP $ 32,990 16” Alloys • Supervision Basic Digital Cluster PROMOTION ENDS 31ST AUGUST, 2023 Sample image only. *MRP is the Maximum Retail Price. The Kia 5 Year Warranty Programme runs for 5 years or up to 150,000 kms (whichever occurs first). All road costs (ORC) are additional. & onAndroid AutoTM Terms and conditions apply, see kia.co.nz for full details. 5 Star ANCAP Rating (2019 Standard) • Wireless Apple CarPlayTMother Sample image only. • Privacy Glass Autonomous Emergency Braking with 3 YEAR Scheduled Servicing Car & Pedestrian Detection SRRP Lane KeepFeatures Assist & Lane Follow Assist • 2.0L Alert DOHC MPI D-CVVT Petrol Engine • Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines Roadside +ORC* Driver Attention Features SRRP5 YEAR Assist • Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) • Halogen Projection Front Headlights $ Rear Seat Occupant Alert • 2.0L DOHC MPI D-CVVT Petrol Engine • Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines +ORC* • Front Wheel Drive • 8” Colour LCD Touchscreen MRP 32,990 • Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) • Halogen Projection Front Headlights Tyre Pressure Monitoring System $ Factory • 16” Alloys • Supervision Basic Digital Cluster PROMOTION ENDS 31ST AUGUST, 2023 • Front Wheel Drive • 8” Colour LCD Touchscreen Warranty MRP 32,990 Front & Rear Sensors • 5Parking Star ANCAP Rating (2019 Standard) • Wireless Apple CarPlayTM & Android AutoTM QUALIT Y REDEFINED

(OR UP TO 45,000 KMS)

29,990 29,990 $

QUALIT Y REDEFINED

• 16” Alloys • Supervision Basic Digital Cluster PROMOTION ENDS 31ST AUGUST, 2023 • Privacy Glass • Autonomous Emergency Braking with TM TM 3 YEAR Scheduled & Android Auto • Car 5 Star ANCAP Rating (2019 Standard) • Wireless Apple CarPlay Servicing & Pedestrian Detection is the Maximum Retail Price. The Kia 5 Year Warranty Programme runs for 5 years or up to 150,000 kms (whichever occurs first). All other on road costs (ORC) are additional. Terms and conditions apply, see kia.co.nz for full details. • Privacy Glass • Autonomous Emergency Braking with • Lane Keep Assist & Lane Follow Assist 3 YEAR Scheduled Servicing Car & Pedestrian Detection • Driver Attention Alert 5 YEAR Roadside Assist LaneSeat Keep Assist & Alert Lane Follow Assist •• Rear Occupant Tauranga Kia Roadside • Driver Attention Alert YEAR 100 Hewletts 5 Road, Mount Maunganui Assist • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Factory • Rear Seat Occupant Alert P: 07 578Warranty 1378 | www.tmccars.co.nz • Front & Rear Parking Sensors • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Factory Warranty • Front & Rear Parking Sensors (OR UP TO 45,000 KMS)

(OR UP TO 45,000 KMS)

QUALIT Y REDEFINED

*MRP is the Maximum Retail Price. The Kia 5 Year Warranty Programme runs for 5 years or up to 150,000 kms (whichever occurs first). All other on road costs (ORC) are additional. Terms and conditions apply, see kia.co.nz for full details.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2023

13Friday 22 December 2023

Lions Lodge doesn’t stop Meet sweetie Sky! for Christmas

“I wouldn’t be in a proper mental state if the lodge didn’t exist,” says Bay of Plenty resident Gareth Gillies.

And Gareth, who stays at the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge in Hamilton while being treated for head and neck cancer, is not the only one. He’s one of many BOP residents who’ll fight a cancer diagnosis this Christmas – meaning there’s no stopping for festivities or lazy summer days at the Lions Lodge as guests arrive for life-saving treatment.

Support network

Gareth says staying at the lodge has helped him to cope with a shock diagnosis. “I can concentrate on healing, being positive and resting as well. “One thing that’s unique about this place is the support network you have with the other cancer patients. We’re quite tight. “There are no barriers here because you know they’re in the same boat as you. “You’ll always find someone going through the same treatment or someone worse off than you and that gives

you inspiration.” If not for the lodge, Gareth would have had to travel from the BOP to Hamilton daily for treatment. But the effects of chemotherapy would have meant he wouldn’t have been able to drive. “The fatigue from the chemotherapy builds up. At the moment I don’t drive because I just get tired and I sleep a lot. “So having the lodge, it’s amazing. I didn’t even know it existed! Gareth Gillies at the Cancer Society’s “And we all talk about it Lions Lodge. Photo: supplied. here. Every single cancer patient here is amazed than 40 volunteers who give up it exists and we have this for their time to help staff make free. This is the only Lodge the Lodge a ‘home away from that provides all the meals and home’.” it’s thanks to donations and Earlier this year increasing volunteers!” demand saw the lodge open seven days weekly. Numbers Demand doubles have since reached an Cancer treatment at Waikato unprecedented high, with more Hospital continues throughout than double the occupancy rate summer – and the lodge stays of five years ago. open too. Lodge manager The Cancer Society is not Henny Swinkels says the festive directly government-funded and season can be especially difficult relies on donations to keep its for guests going through a doors open year-round. gruelling treatment programme Make a donation at: while far from their loved ones. www.cancer.org.nz/donate-here “Thankfully, we have more

Sky is a threemonth-old male pup, who is a real cuddle bug! This dude loves to play and his favourite game is tug of war with his rope toy.

Sky would much rather be by your side than hanging out on his own – and he’s a cruisy boy who’ll

make a great best friend. Sky would be a great fit for most households – he’s friendly, snuggly and playful – but is still a young pup, so we recommend puppy classes for socialising and basic manners. Sky deserves a family to love him and show him how awesome

he is. Apply to meet him today! Call the tauranga SPCA today on 07 5780245. Ref no: 588169.

Elevated Care in Your Later Years. Te Manaaki Care Centre allows Pacific Coast Village to offer a full continuum of care – from independent living, serviced apartments to residential aged care. Te Manaaki is a continuation of this considered design, crafted to provide residents with luxury living as well as elevated care and with it an added sense of security in their later years. The Care Centre offers rest home, hospital level and dementia care.

BO O K

A N

A P P O I N T M E N T

Telephone 07 572 3029 | pacificcoastvillage.co.nz

TO DAY

Friday 22 December 2023

The Weekend Sun

GO WELL - PREPARING FOR SUMMER Here are some tips on how you can stay healthy and Go Well this summer.

BEFORE CHRISTMAS

HEALTHCARE SUPPORT

Opening hours of doctors, hauora providers and community pharmacies may change over the summer period. Be sure to get in touch early if there is anything you need over the holidays, including: • Regular prescription medicines • RATs and masks • Covid booster, if you are eligible, and/or measles (MMR) vaccine • Basics you may need over the break, like paracetamol and first aid supplies

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free medical advice 24/7, 365 days a year. Interpreter support and Māori clinicians are available. Healthline is important if you don’t have access to your regular doctor, or if you are unsure if you should go to hospital or not. Save the Healthline number to your phone so it is handy if you need it. In an emergency call 111 or go directly to your closest Hospital Emergency Department.

MANAGING THE HEAT AND SUN Some summer days will be very hot, so be prepared and look out for those who are more likely to be affected by the heat, including older whānau. • Plan ahead - check the forecast daily • Drink plenty of water and have water available throughout the day • Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, find shade outside wherever possible • When outside, wear high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and loose clothing that covers your skin • Cars can get very hot in the sun so please don’t leave children or pets in them unattended • Exercise or do outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening

TRAVELLING OR LIVING RURALLY Health services and pharmacies may be limited, particularly in remote areas. Have on hand: • Regular medication/prescriptions • Plenty of sunblock • A first aid kit • Thermometer • Pain relief • RATs • Masks • Hand sanitiser • Insect repellent

Find out more

info.health.nz/go-well

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2023

The Weekend Sun

Don’t think there’s nowhere to go!

A range of organisations in Tauranga will be available if you need help during the Christmas- New Year break. Photo: John Borren.

Christmas can be a really hard time of year. There can be a lot of pressure that can build up and it can be hard to cope. But don’t think that there’s nowhere to go – Tauranga and New Zealand hotlines and helplines are there for you whenever you need for any issue you may be facing. “Every year Christmas can be stressful financially,” says Shaun Robinson from the Mental Health Foundation. “Given that we’re in a recession and there’s very high inflation, that’s going to be even more so [this year]. I really encourage people to pull back and think what actually the best thing about Christmas is,” says Shaun. “The best things don’t necessarily cost you money. It’s about the times you spend with people, with your family, your children, your friends,” says Shaun. “There are lots of low-cost things that people can do. Just getting people together and having a simple meal or going to

the park or the beach. Spend time together rather than having to go out and buy lots of presents and putting yourself in debt. What we do [at the Mental Health Foundation] is teach and encourage and support people to look after their own mental health and to have the knowledge and habits and skills to boost the mental wellbeing and their mental health and to support other people,” says Shaun. “Often Christmas and the summer are one of those really challenging times. For me what I do, is I really double down on the five ways to wellbeing,” says Shaun. “It works for people like me with clinical depression and it works for people who already feel good.”

Connect

Number one “is connecting, connecting with people,” says Shaun. “Even if I’m feeling really depressed and I don’t want to go out and connect with people, I try to make sure I have some human contact every day. It might be just having a chat to my neighbour while I get my post out of the letterbox, it might be texting a friend,

The Weekend Sun it might be spending some time with family members,” says Shaun. “We are social animals and we are designed to have contact with other human beings.”

Move

Friday 22 December 2023

17Friday 22 December 2023 it over to my neighbour. It might be helping my kids with something,” says Shaun.

BRAND NEW HOME IN PAPAMOA

Keep learning

“Keep learning” is fourth way to wellbeing. “Keep your mind active and open. It might be learning something more on the guitar. Listening to a podcast, reading a book, observing nature and the seasons. Our brains are designed to be open and learning and inquisitive.”

The second is “move”. “Actually doing some form of physical exercise. For me that could be a half-an-hour walk around the neighbourhood,” says Shaun. “There is an absolute correlation Take notice between our bodies and our Lastly is “Take notice”. Shaun minds. Even just a couple of says this means try to live in the hours of mild exercise across moment. “Don’t live in your a week has a huge impact head, ruminating about the past. on depression and anxiety Do something that keeps you and other mental health right in the moment. Gardening challenges. We need to move or listening to music, or colouring our bodies to move our moods in. “Connecting with nature is and our minds.” Mental Health Foundation a very, very positive thing,” says chief executive Shaun Shaun. “Spend some time out in the Give Robinson. Photo: supplied. garden or at a park or the beach or The third is “give”. “Look for the bush.” ways to be kind to other people, NZ’s Mental Health Crisis team operates 24/7 give time and attention to other people,” says on 0800 800 508. Call when you need help. Shaun. “Trying to look for opportunities to For a full list of helplines on offer during the show kindness to others. It’s a great way to help Christmas-New Year break, click on this story at: connect us with other people. It might be taking Ayla Yeoman a couple of pieces of fruit off my tree and giving www.sunlive.co.nz

ASKING PRICE $1,179,000

SUMMER LIVING AT ITS FINEST READY FOR YOU TO MOVE IN BEAUTIFUL HIGH SPEC HOME 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, DOUBLE GARAGE GOLDEN SANDS, PAPAMOA WALKING DISTANCE TO NEW TOWN CENTRE

ALAN - 027 536 1003

Safely prepare barbecue morsels this summer! We all love a good barbecue – especially in summer. But no-one wants a belly-ful of food-borne illness thanks to food not being cooked properly.

As such, here’s some tips on how to barbecue food properly, from the Ministry of Primary Industries that works with Food Safety NZ on educating Kiwis on how to safely prepare food. Keep food covered and chilled until you cook it – and cover and chill any leftovers as soon as possible. Make sure

the barbecue and cooking tools have been cleaned with soap and water before using. Have separate utensils, plates, and other equipment for raw and cooked foods. If you only use one set, germs can spread from raw meats to cooked foods. Ensure raw meat doesn’t touch cooked food or ready-to-eat foods like salads. Barbecue meat until it is steaming hot – it needs to be at a temperature of more than 75 degrees Celsius all the way through. Turn food often on the barbecue so it cooks evenly. And marinate meat in a covered container in the fridge. And cook marinade before pouring it on cooked foods.

What is this special time really all about...? “A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; it makes no noise at all, but softly gives itself away” – Eva Logue.

Christmas can be a time when we’re caught up in the busyness of things – shopping, wrapping presents, cooking etc – that goes with preparing for December 25. In the busyness we may overlook what this special time is all about. It’s more about the little acts of kindness that warm another’s heart, of giving without an expectation of return, and of ‘being there’ for another in a special moment, rather than worrying about what

Phone: 06 357 3619 Mob: 027 269 4277 Email: margaretjjones13@yahoo.com

Last tour!!!

you think you should be doing. Kindness is the bridge between each of us and can warm many a discouraged heart. What can you do this Christmas to kindly give yourself away to others?

If you’d like to know more about coaching, strengthening relationships, exploring your potential, creating transformation, phone Mary Parker on 021 258 2145, or visit: www.thefasttrackcoach.co.nz

SCAN FOR DETAILS

OR EMAIL ALAN@HIGHMARKHOMES.CO.NZ HIGHMARKHOMES.CO.NZ @HIGHMARKHOMESNZ

We’ll collect your bins one day later for two weeks over Christmas and New Year’s. DECEMBER 2023

JANUARY 2024

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

From Monday 25 December to Friday 5 January, we’ll ally Bins usu nday be collecting your kerbside n o Mo collected esday, bins one day later than will be Tu l be usual. This is to give our wil Tuesday kerbside collections team y etc.... ednesda ill be W a well-deserved break on ay w and Frid . Christmas and New Saturday Year’s Days.

2024 SOUTH ISLAND TOUR 20 DAYS – 9 March 2024

COST $4,950

Please join me on my LAST TOUR of the South Island. After 35 years on the road it’s time for me to hang up the keys and enjoy retirement but I would love you to be onboard for the very last tour.

Worried about COVID? Insurance cover is available at an additional cost while on tour should you need to isolate/quarantine. ALL TOURS INCLUDE BREAKFASTS & DINNERS

Check us out Cost of tour based on twin share. on Facebook! For an itinerary please ring MARGARET

www.margaretsgoldentours.com Enquiries any time:

TOLL FREE 0800 77 00 70

www.tauranga.govt.nz/kerbsidecollections

Friday 22 December 2023

The Weekend Sun

Veg up your Christmas feast! Are you working out your Christmas feast menu? If so, the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust encourages Kiwis to keep their Christmas dishes simple by using fresh, in-season produce to help you feel good heading into the New Year.

5+ A Day trustee and Plant & Food Research principal scientist and team leader Dr Carolyn Lister says the festive season can lead to eating too much of the wrong types of foods. “We often have the tendency to eat lots of energy-dense foods that are lacking in nutrients,” says Carolyn.

Find an equilibrium

“[But] Seasonal fruit and vegetables like blueberries, strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, avocados and asparagus contain a whole range of vitamins and minerals to help your body use that energy more effectively and keep

you going in the end-of-year rush.” Carolyn says the trick is to find an equilibrium. “Don’t deny yourself some treats over the festive season but just make sure to balance them with plenty of colourful fruit and vegetables.” Snacking on strawberries, blueberries and cherries is a good pick-me-up – pile them on platters or whip up a fresh fruit salad to have with that slice of pavlova. Despite their small size, blueberries pack a big nutritional punch and clinical studies show they may help to slow down the brain’s ageing process and improve your gut and heart health. Both blueberries and strawberries are a source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin C, says Carolyn. “The last thing you want to do is be sick during the holidays so make sure you are eating lots of foods high in vitamin C and folate to keep your immune system healthy.” It’s also easy to add ingredients like asparagus and avocado to your salads alongside traditional staples such as

tomatoes and lettuce. A Caprese salad looks especially festive, with layers of tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella cheese, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil or a balsamic glaze. Avocado is a good source of healthy fats and helps you absorb the fat-soluble vitamins from the other salad ingredients. While asparagus is a source of dietary fibre, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin K, and wcontains a dietary significant amount of potassium that helps nerves and muscles to function correctly.

Get inventive!

Greens like lettuce, avocado and asparagus are also sources of folate, which is critical for healthy cell growth and function, says Carolyn. “Get inventive with your salad combinations – colourful fresh produce on a plate looks incredibly festive and will leave you feeling energised and upbeat so you’re ready to welcome 2024 with a healthy body and healthy mind.”

How about putting a Tomato Caprese Salad on the Christmas table this year? Photo: supplied.

Churches Active In Our Community

Christmas is about Jesus As we approach Christmas Day, we are reminded that Christmas is not only a time for family and friends, presents and food – but it is also the time when we celebrate Jesus’ birth all those years ago.

Tauranga Churches

BETH -- EL BETH EL la tyb la tyb

Messianic Family Messianic Family

ALL WELCOME ALL WELCOME SHALOM SHALOM

SABBATH 10AM SABBATH 10AM OTUMOETAI PRIMARY OTUMOETAI PRIMARY Joel & Sharon van Ameringen Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

021 768 043 021 768 043

info@bethel.org.nz info@bethel.org.nz bethel.org.nz bethel.org.nz

We hear the angels say to the shepherds: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger (Luke 2:10-12)”. This little baby’s birth changed

the world, because Jesus grew up to be the Saviour of the World. At Easter we remember this. In amongst the challenges we all face, Christmas gives us hope, that in Jesus, God came to us and loves us. He knows us and is patiently waiting for us to respond to Him. If you would like to pay your respects to Jesus, you are most welcome to attend any of the churches. As the Christmas carol reminds us: “Joy to the world, the Lord has come, let earth receive her King”. May you all have a blessed Christmas. Sandra Warner, St. Columba Presbyterian Church.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2023

19Friday 22 December 2023

R&B and hip-hop chart topping hits live! When Juicy Fest 2024 comes to Tauranga this summer, it will bring more than a sense of nostalgia through iconic R&B and hip-hop artists of the 1990s and 2000s. It also provides hundreds of jobs for members of the Tauranga community and beyond. Juicy Fest hits Tauranga on Sunday, January 7, 2024, when R&B and hiphop superstars Keri Hilson, Mario, Fabolous, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ma$e, Trey Songz, Ashanti, The Game, T.I. and T-Pain take festivalgoers on a journey through their chart-topping hits. All artists are excited to be coming to Tauranga, many for the first time. Juicy Fest promoter Glenn Meikle says as thousands of people attend the event

Juicy Fest will hit Tauranga on Sunday, January 7, 2024.

to watch their favourite artists live, a lot of work is put in behind-the-scenes to make it happen. “Hundreds of people will be working on the day to ensure the safe and successful running of the event,” says Glenn. “From security, bar staff, backof-house staff, venue management, health and safety workers, production, door staff and food vendors, more than 250 people are involved.” Two-time Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson can’t wait to perform for New Zealand fans again. “I expect the same crazy party energy I’ve always shared there with my fans,” says Keri. Juicy Fest 2024 takes place at Mercury Baypark. Tickets are selling fast – so get in quick to make sure you’re at summer’s ultimate R&B and hip-hop celebration. Tickets are available at: juicyfest.co

Photo: supplied.

Churches Active In Our Community

Christmas and the Bread of Life The Old Testament prophet Micah prophesied, more than 700 years Before Christ, that God’s Messiah would come from a small town called Bethlehem, in modern day Israel.

S2214cbMount

night. An angel of God appeared the invitation is there. “Oh, come let us adore and said to them: “Fear not, for Him, Christ the Lord!” Richard Roodt, Redeemer Church behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” Then a whole host of angels from heaven appeared, singing: “Glory to God in the highest (Luke 2:9-14)”. Micah 5:2 says: “But you, O During His ministry Jesus taught: Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are “I am the bread of life; whoever too little to be among the clans of comes to me shallUNTIL not hunger, Judah, from you shall come forth for Replace CHURCH CLOSED FURTHERand NOTICE whoever believeswith in me shall never me one who is to be ruler in Israel, St Andrews Dee St, Mt Maunganui thirst (JohnChurch, 6:35)”. whose coming forth is from of old, Bible Study 9:30am - Worship Service 10:45am Christmastime is a reminder of You are welcome to worship with from ancient days”. Also replaceoftheGod words:providing the clear picture Bethlehem means ‘house of us each Sabbath (Saturday) ONLINE SERVICES ONLY the answer to our deepest yearnings bread’, a fitting name because there St Andrews Church, Dee St, Mt Maunganui MountSDA@gmail.com and hunger of our souls for rest, were many barley and wheat fields Bible Study 9:30am • Worship Service 10:45am With: Weand look forward to seeing you! joy, satisfaction in God. around Bethlehem. This area was the peace, Enquiries 021 277 1909 Were it not for God sending Jesus breadbasket in their economy. We look forward to seeing you! Christ as the bread of life, we’d still Luke’s gospel tells us there were be hungering and thirsting after shepherds nearby Bethlehem, mtmaunganui.adventist.org.nz keeping watch over their flocks by God. Dear reader – this Christmas,

Christmas Eve Service | 24 December 6:00 pm

LET US ADORE HIM

St George's Church St George'sAnglican Anglican Church

all the PRAISE

CHRISTMAS SERVICES CHRISTMAS SERVICES

17TH DECEMBER

17TH ON DECEMBER CAROLS THE LAWN 4PM CAROLS ON THE LAWN 4PM CHRISTMAS EVE - 24TH DECEMBER CHILDREN'S SERVICE 7PM

NYE

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The Weekend Sun

y a d i l o H Shapes of Summer to light up Tauranga waterfront Friday 22 December 2023

After taking the limelight last year, the ‘Shapes of Summer’ exhibition is once again set to light up Tauranga waterfront as the city centre switches on for summer.

This year renowned light artist Angus Muir has curated a fresh collection of light sculptures and installations, while drawing inspiration from the unique colours, shapes and sounds of Tauranga Moana.

The series of installations run the length of The Strand Reserve, from Wharf St to Dive Crescent, encouraging locals and visitors to explore the area. This year’s works include Tree Neons, a stunning new decorative element in eight different colours that can go into trees and other structures; ARC, a captivating installation that invites guests to journey through an entrancing tunnel of light; and Deep Thought HYBY COZO, a series of large-scale installations and artworks that investigate geometry through light, shadow and perception. The exhibition is part of Tauranga City Council’s ‘Summer in our city centre’ initiative, which brings a range of fun and exciting free activities for everyone to enjoy. Shapes of Summer is free and open to everyone, from dusk until late, every night from December 20, 2023, until January 29, 2024. For the latest information on what’s happening in the city, head to: www.mytauranga.co.nz/citycentre

The Shapes of Summer light installation in 2022. Photo: supplied.

Pepi Toot is back! All aboard! A familiar whistle has been echoing through the air at Mount Maunganui as the popular Pepi Toot train once again takes to the streets of the town, much to the delight of cruise ship passengers, visitors and locals.

The summer attraction has been eagerly anticipated by those keen to enjoy the nostalgic journey on the beloved train. “I’m just thrilled to be back, with the locals and the visitors,” says train driver Lesley Smith. “I’ve had repeat people from the ships. An Australian lady came back for the third time the other day and brought her father.” During winter a new gearbox has been installed in the train, switching it from manual to automatic, enabling a smoother ride for all. The train usually operates from October through to Easter. Following the Covid lockdown, three years passed before cruise ship passengers were able to return to NZ ports when the borders opened in 2022. The train is named ‘Pepi’ which is Maori for ‘baby’ and has a carriage that can take up to 15 adults. The train ride takes passengers along Pilot Bay around

Summer in our city centre Events / Live Music / Movies / Art and loads more mytauranga.co.nz/citycentre

VINNIES The Society of St Vincent de Paul WBOP

The Pepi Toot Beach Express with passengers from a cruise ship.

Marine Parade to Grove Ave, and through the middle of the Mount Maunganui downtown shops. Along the way all aboard get to see one of the oldest pohutukawa trees in NZ, and enjoy views they often can miss in their cars. Cruise ship passengers also enjoy an informative talk from Lesley about the history of Mount Maunganui. It’s a fun ride on a summer’s day, leaving from outside the Spongedrop Café in Salisbury Ave. On cruise ship days, one-hour tours are offered to cruise ship passengers, and on non-cruise ship days there are half-hour rides available from 10am. The Pepi Toot Beach express is also available for children’s parties, weddings and group bookings. Any enquiries can be made to Lesley via the Facebook page ‘Pepi Toot Beach Express’. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The Weekend Sun

21Friday 22 December 2023

Friday 22 December 2023

A quick musical ‘best of ’... So we come to Christmas. Nearly there.

In case you didn’t know, this is also the last column of the year since The Weekend Sun team is taking a well-earned break – thus, no paper next week. Or the week after. However – the Bay’s best news website SunLive is still running 24/7 throughout the holiday period. For all of your summer news, check it out at: www.sunlive.co.nz With this in mind a little ‘best of ’ is in order. I’ve enjoyed many many albums this year, as I do every year. I really like the new album, ‘Hackney Diamonds’ from The Rolling Stones. Seriously cool stuff. Call me ageist but I’m blown away that something so engaged and aggressive should come from octogenarians. It’s unselfconsciously old-school while finding exactly the right sound and production to make the same old tricks sound new again. Similarly, I loved Paul Simon’s latest, and presumably final, album given his hearing difficulties, ‘Seven Psalms’. It’s really a single piece in various connected movements on the subject of life and the close of it. And if that sounds too heavy, Paul Simon’s wit and wisdom and graceful way with words makes it anything but. Just beautiful.

Enigmatic

guitars and ‘80s synth grooves that seems to have gone out of fashion. Proclaiming themselves proudly ‘Lo-fi’ there are three singers and it’s all slightly silly but strangely wonderful. Then there was the album I wrote about a couple of weeks back, Grant Haua’s ‘Mana Blues’. This is Grant’s fourth album since signing with French blues label Dixie Frog two years ago. He rivals Alien Weaponry with a Maori war song, proves his guitar hero chops, does a killer Led-Zepstyle take on ‘Time Of Dying’ and strays cooly into Robert Cray soul territory. Grant is the full package. ‘Aches’ and ‘Bad Mofo’ are my two favourite rip-it-up tunes of the year.

And one final album: Lloyd Cole’s ‘On Pain’. It took a while to adapt to Lloyd Cole’s now-electronica backing. But, wow! Every beautiful threedimensional keyboard note in its right place, with overarching intelligent lyrics and a deadpan sense of humour. Song Of The Year – ‘The Idiot’, a brilliant ode to David and Iggy. The chorus of “let’s move to Berlin” with sweet backing vocals chanting “stop being drug addicts” gets me every time. ********************************** Hear Winston’s latest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlis t/2570VUqooo1OSpP56sBJ1p?si =0b3643a23da54e08

Enigmatic ex-Velvet Welshman John Cale was also in fine form with his soul-searching album ‘Mercy’ and Brit-pop heroes Blur made it sound easy with ‘The Ballad Of Darren’. Bugger. Perhaps I’m showing my age. But in a year when the Beatles released a ‘new’ song there was a case to be made that old folks were really doing the bizzo. On the younger local front I really liked Tom Lark’s dreamy indiepop on ‘Brave Star’ and Tiny Ruins’ ‘Ceremony’, as well as Finn Andrews’ band The Veils’ album ‘And Out Of The Void Came Love’. But I’m happy to say that two of my absolute JACK DUSTY’S (Bureta) favourites for the year were from Tauranga. Sat 23rd Novac N Goode 2-5pm The Knids released their third album, ‘With A Sat 23rd Kiwi Bandits 7.30Hard “K”’, the sort of garage band mash up of big 10.30pm HARD

SUDOKU

8 6

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Sat 30thto Plansolve B 2-5pm How Sat 30th Red Zone 7.30-10.30pm Sudoku! Sun 31st Sound Cartel

8pm-Midnight 9 Sat 6th H2O 2-5pm Fill the grid so that Sat 6th Gunshy 7.30-10.30pm 1 every rowTim and every Sun 7th Armstrong 3-6pm

3x3LATITUDE square contains 37 the digits 1 to8.30pm 9 Fri 22nd St Marcus

Sat 23rd Damo 8.30pm 6 4 Sun 24th Jason 4-7pm No.2217 Tue 26th Mirage 4-7pm 8How to solve6 2 9Solution 2 5 1 8 4 7 3 6 Tue 26th Midnight Fizzzz 8.30Sudoku! No.2218 1 4 8 6 311.30pm 7 2 5 9 3 5 7 2 5 2 9 4 8 1 6 3 7 2 9 Wed 27th Jason 8.30-11.30pm

Sun 24th Tim Armstrong 3-6pm

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7 5 4 3 6 1 8 9 2 Thu 28th Louie Campbell 8.30-

2 5 1 3 1 every row and every 9 8 6 4 711.30pm

3 312 89 5647

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2 How8to solve 6 2 9 5 1 8 4 7 3 6 3 5Sudoku! 7 2 61 34 78 65 32 97 42 58 91 Solution No.2217 Solution No.2217

7 5 4 3 6 8 9 2 2 5 8 Fill the grid so that 9 8 6 4 7 21 5 1 3 3 1 2 8 9 5 5 8every row 1 and every3 5 7 9 2 1 8 63 64 74 3x3 square contains 4 2 3 9 5 6 1 7 8 31 the digits 11 to99 8 6 1 7 4 3 9 2 5 7 Solution No.1621 3 3 2 8 6 1 4 7 9 5

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1 7 8 3 31st 9 5Jode66.30pm 4 2 Sun 8 6 1 7 4 3 9 2 5

Mon 1st Mirage 4-7pm Fri 5th Damo 8.30pm Sat 6th Jode8.30pm Sun 7th Dan Sharp4-7pm MT MAUNGANUI RSA Fri 22nd Gerry Lee7-10.30pm Sat 23rd Cooper's run 7-10.30pm Fri 29th Doubtful Soundz 7-10.30pm Sat 30th Tim Armstrong

7-10.30pm Sun 31st Toybox 5-8pm Sun 31st Abyys 8-12.30pm THE BARREL ROOM Sat 23rd Conor Cartwright 7pm Sun 31st New Year’s Party 9.30pm THE FREEPORT WITH CLEAVER & CO Fri 22th Sean Oholligan 5-8pm Fri 29th Finn Curtis 5-8pm THE PHOENIX Sun 24th Ian of the Anzacs 3-6pm Sun 31st ToyBox 9pm-1am Sun 7th Colin of the Anzacs 3-6pm VOODOO LOUNGE Fri 22nd Frances Ellen single release- a golden time 7pm Fri 22nd Dj hectic Latin party 9pm Sat 23rd Dj hectic Christmas party 9pm Wed 27th Mirage 9pm Fri 29th Dj hectic 9pm Sat 30th The Jump Off with omega B and twenty2 9pm Sun 31st Asher McMahon 4pm Sun 31st Cheeky cat and Carloose NYE party 8pm Wed 3rd Voodoo jam night 9pm Fri 5th Latin party with euphoria 9pm Sat 6th Sure shot hip hop party with omega b and twenty2 9pm

Across No. 1866 1. Money (4) 5. Peel (4) 7. Founder of Plunket6. Unpleasant (9) (5,4)12. Unaware (9) 8. High (4) 13. Leave out (4) 9. Footwear (4) 15. Playthings (4) 10. Close by (4) 17. Clothes (6) 11. Toy (2,2) 18. Novelist (6) 14. Contemplation (10)20. Rhythm (5) 16. Wordbook (10) 21. Number (5) 19. Eye complaint (4) 23 Diplomacy (4) 22. Grime (4) C F N R E I T S I C A K H C O L I N M C C A H O N M 24. Children (4) U M E P L O M A T I S 25. Self-satisfied (4) SS RE Q U E L G R A R I T Y 26. Settlement (SI (9) E W D E D O G N X C M P T M O R I O R I T H O I H O 27. Bird (4) Down 1. Spiteful (5) 2. Foolish (5) 3. Flower (6) 4. Wretched (6)

Y R L M O E G P O A A A O A D M I T I D I P L O M A A T T T I L G C T R I M K W A N A K A G C A N C E R Z V P T E M I O I I O R K A O V E R B A L A N C E D F N T D E S E O O E T D R

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Friday 22 December 2023

The Weekend Sun

Twilight concerts return to Katikati!

The well-known Katikati Twilight Concerts always draw big crowds. Photo: supplied.

The Katikati Twilight Concerts are back for the 2024 summer season with a fabulous line-up that you won’t want to miss! Grab a friend and a ticket and we will see you there! January 6 will see the Eagles Tribute show ‘Take it to the Limit’ on-stage for the opening concert in the three-show series. They will begin with local act Katikatz Jazz Band, who will put you in the mood for a great night with their Dixielandstyle Jazz. On January 27, Brendon Ham and his band, along with Marian Burns, will put on a rockin’ good country show that will have your toes tapping. The opening act is the lovely Sophie Gibson, who is sure to wow with her beautiful voice and stage presence. And February 10 show is the one for you if

you’re into some really cool ‘Woodstock to the 70s’ music. All the favourites from the era will have you on your feet. It’s a showstopper to be sure. The support act for this concert is a group of Katikati College students, offering raw local talent. You are sure to be impressed. So come on down to the Haiku Reserve in Katikati with your friends, family, picnic hamper and deck chairs to be thoroughly well entertained for only $25 per person while under-15s gain free entry when accompanied by a paying adult. This is great family entertainment for the whole community. You can purchase tickets from the Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati, by emailing: www.katikati.org.nz or with cash at the gate. If wet, the concerts will take place the following day. For more information, visit: www. katikaticoncerts.co.nz

SATURDAY

10 FEB

SATURDAY

10 FEB

SATURDAY

10 FEB

The Weekend Sun

23Friday 22 December 2023

Five community events to farewell 2023!

Friday 22 December 2023

New Year’s Eve has five events across the city this year. Photo: James Hunter Photography.

Get ready for an epic New Year’s Eve in Tauranga! Tauranga City Council is hosting five free family-friendly community celebrations in the CBD, Greerton, Pāpāmoa, Mount Maunganui and Matua on December 31. TCC venues and events manager Nelita Byrne promises a night of fun, featuring local music, entertainment, food trucks, incredible fireworks displays and more! The events will take place at Tauranga Waterfront, Tauranga Racecourse at Greerton, Gordon Spratt Reserve at Pāpāmoa, Fergusson Park at Matua, and Blake Park at Mount Maunganui from 6pm. “Celebrations will close with a fireworks display at 9.30pm at each event, apart from Greerton where a laser light show will take place due to horses that live at Tauranga Racecourse. All community events are alcohol and smoke-free.” Nelita says the events offer a great opportunity to get the family together, pack a picnic and enjoy an evening in the city’s beautiful open spaces. “But it’s not just about the party – it’s about fostering a

sense of belonging within our community.” Council invites everyone to the celebrations, with Nelita saying a dedicated accessible and low sensory event will be on 5.30pm-6pm at Fergusson Park before the main event. “This ensures everyone, regardless of their preferences or sensitivities, can fully enjoy the celebrations.” With parking limited at the sites, event-goers are asked to think about carpooling, cycling or walking to their closest celebration! This year people are urged to think sustainably and minimise their waste too. “We’re encouraging people to bring their own cups and water bottles and use council-provided recycling bins on-site,” says Nelita. Free water bottle refilling stations will be available at all sites too. “And please remember – dogs are not permitted at these events due to large crowds and scheduled fireworks.” Head to the My Tauranga Facebook page for information on individual celebrations and to see who is performing at each event. “New Year’s Eve isn’t just a goodbye to the old – it’s a roaring welcome to the new with your favourite people and the entire community. Don’t miss out on the excitement!”

New YEAr'S EvE

Community celebrations Welcome in 2024 this New Year’s Eve at free community celebrations held across Tauranga. These picnic-friendly events start at 6pm and finish with a 9.30pm fireworks display – except in Greerton where a laser light display will be enjoyed. We look forward to seeing you there!

City Centre

Greerton

Matua

Tauranga Waterfront

Tauranga Racecourse

Fergusson Park

Mount Maunganui

Pāpāmoa

All events are alcohol and smoke-free.

Blake Park

Gordon Spratt Reserve

Fireworks can be scary for animals, please keep your pets inside.

For more information visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/nye

Friday 22 December 2023

The Weekend Sun

Tauranga Women’s Refuge is always there for you As most families celebrate the festive season, for some it can be a crisis point. A time when things boil over, unexpectedly go awry, go very wrong, get worse, or reach the point of unbearable.

fleeing from immediate and imminent danger. They come into a safe place where they’ve got a safe place to plan, to heal and to grieve, what was, what is, what potentially will now or could not be.” Tauranga Women’s Refuge runs a 24/7 domestic violence helpline to receive and respond to calls from the public around domestic violence and family violence in Tauranga. The helpline is designed to be a bridge to support, says Hazel.

“It’s the New Year’s period when things start to really kick off,” says Hazel Hape, who has worked at Tauranga Women’s Refuge for more than 18 years. The refuge is accessible all-day every-day primarily to women and children who need a safe place due to domestic violence and family violence. “Every Christmas is different,” says the refuge manager. “But there’s a period where – based on what I’ve seen – families tend to come together more during the Christmas period, and it’s the New Year where things start to get stressful and challenging with family around domestic violence.” Tauranga Women’s Refuge wants the community to know they are always available to provide support. “Our doors are literally always open,” says Hazel. “We are accessible 24 hours a week, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year. We don’t shut down when it comes to domestic violence.” Women turn up any time of the day, says Hazel. “Often women will come to the refuge in the middle of the night. They don’t have spare clothing, toiletries, food, PJs, and the children don’t have their toys. They’re in a strange place – particularly the children – they don’t know what’s going on. Women have been physically beaten and brutalised, emotionally, psychologically. It’s quite complex and scary for her and the children,” says Hazel.

Traumatised

Tauranga Women’s Refuge is accessible all-day every-day primarily to women and children who need a safe place.

“The children turn up traumatised because someone has been violent or abusive or someone has not been held to account for their violence or abuse. Their conditions can be that they’ve been physically brutalised, emotionally brutalised, spiritually violated, socially dehumanised,” says Hazel. “We see a lot... There’s never a positive when they arrive – but it’s always a positive that they have arrived from

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“As a result of a call, a couple of things will happen. They [women and children] will either go into temporary safe housing, or we’ll look to assist them with communitybased advocacy, advice and support like parenting orders, protection orders, safety orders, and helping out with things like food.” Hazel says if staff get a call at 3am, and there’s a decision to bring a women and children to the safe house, “then we have to get out of bed and go and coordinate a meeting with her and the children safely – usually with support of friends or family or a member of the public, or police or the hospital to make a safe passage into the houses”. Usually

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the woman’s home is not safe. “Their environment is not safe, they’ve been beaten, they’ve been brutalised...” A range of factors could have contributed to the domestic violence, says Hazel, “...like income, unemployment, inflation, homelessness issues, housing issues, alcohol issues, drug issues, addiction issues and relationships”. “They’re not the reason why though. They are drivers that contribute towards domestic violence. At the end of the day, someone chooses to cause harm to another person.” The loss of women and children “who I’ve seen whose lives have been taken as a result of domestic violence” is something Hazel never forgets. She says Tauranga has a roll call of women who’ve been murdered as a result of domestic or family violence, and children who’ve been murdered in this city as a result of child abuse. “To me that’s connected to my ‘why’, until women and children stop being murdered, brutalised, beaten, violated, that communities have an obligation to have a safe place or to be a part of a range of safe places to provide comfort, shelter, compassion, love and most importantly refuge,” says Hazel.

24/7 crisis line

“[That’s why] during Christmas and New Year’s we continue to run our 24/7 crisis line and ensure our community knows it doesn’t matter whether it’s Christmas Day or Boxing Day or New Year’s – if you are in immediate need of safety or support as a result of domesticMviolence, A R call the police, give us a call and we’ll pick up the phone. Hazel says a TWR is one of a range of support options available; and the refuge is dedicated to protection of whakapapa and genealogy. “It doesn’t matter what your race, what your ethnicity, what your sexual preferences are, what your politics are, what your religion is, we’re here – if you need support from us at any time, then reach out! “If you’re experiencing domestic violence or you know anyone who needs safety and support, phone police on 111 Ayla Yeoman or Tauranga refuge on 0800 867 338.”

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The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

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Barbecues bonfires and fireworks, plus caravans, Christmas trees and boats – many of us consider these items as essentials for a classic Kiwi summer! But with this summer predicted to be a long, hot one – due to the El Nino weather pattern – how we use our ‘summer essentials’ is crucial to avoiding a fire emergency, according to Robert Pinkerton, a Fire and Emergency volunteer support officer in Bay of Plenty. As such, Robert has some tips for Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty residents and visitors alike – to keep fire-safe this summer.

Barbecues

public notices

Christmas day feasts are nearly always centred round the barbecue, says Robert. “Before you start, make sure everything is working and the gas isn’t leaking and the barbecue spill tray underneath is not full of oil from last year. “Also be aware the rubber line, which runs gas to the barbecue, can perish and should be checked before use.” And – keep looking when you’re cooking! “Don’t drink and fry. Don’t add flammable fluids to an already-lit fire. Never barbecue indoors. And dispose of ashes safely,” says Robert. “By following these measures you can have a fun and safe barbecue – and firefighters can enjoy their summer too!”

Caravans

We Kiwis just love towing caravans on the open road and parking up to stay at beaches, baches and camping grounds in summer months. Robert warns we need to be aware that: “A small fire can turn into something serious very quickly in a small space like a caravan”. He says install a smoke alarm, like you would in your home. “And use proper lights instead of candles. Make sure you have an escape route. “Plus, have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket on hand and near the exit.” The same goes for the old bach too!

Christmas trees

“Take care of your real Christmas trees,” says Robert. “Make sure you water them regularly to prevent it from drying out and becoming unsafe for tree lights and electrical tree decorations.”

Plus, securely position the tree in a cool place away from busy areas and exits – and “turn the tree lights off before you go to sleep or when you go out”. “Don’t take the risk!” stresses Robert. “If your tree becomes dry and starts shedding needles, remove it from the house. Dispose of it appropriately. Don’t leave it beside the house or the garage.”

Boats

And while summer is a great time to get out on the boat, Robert says make sure the vessel is fire-ready. “It’s essential to follow safety measures as on-board fires on a boat can have disastrous consequences. Have a smoke alarm fitted in the accommodation area. Ensure no fuel accumulates unseen within the boat, and mop up any spillages,” says Robert. “Refuel ashore, never aboard!” says Robert. “Before taking on fuel: stop the engine, turn off all cooking, heating and lighting appliances, extinguish all cigarettes, pipes and naked flames, close all hatches, doors and the like, and monitor fuel levels to avoid over-filling. Don’t carry spare fuel unless essential.”

General fire safety

FENZ suggests having a hose handy to put out outdoor fires on barbecues and chiminea. Liquid fuels and gas should be handled safely. All things flammable should be kept at least three metres away from the fire. Keep dry powder fire extinguishers nearby and consider setting up sprinkler systems in your backyard around the barbecue or chiminea. If you’re planning to let firewood dry in warmer seasons, Robert says store it away from the house. And ensure the area around your house is maintained – grass lawns should be mown, trees branches hanging close to houses should be trimmed. Ensure your driveway and a source of water is accessible to fire engines in case of an emergency. Plus, there are extra rules for outdoor fires – so check first to see if you need a Fire Permit to light an outdoor fire at: checkitsalright.nz. This will depend on what fire season is announced in Ayla Yeoman your location.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 22 December 2023

PRESENTS

2 DAYS - 2 STAGES 27 - 28 JAN 2024 . TAURANGA DOMAIN NZ

SEAN PAUL - UB40 - SHAGGY STEFFLON DON - OXLADE - FIJI J BOOG - MAOLI - JOSH TATOFI FT. ALI CAMPBELL

JULIAN MARLEY - COMMON KINGS SPAWNBREEZIE - PIA MIA - THE GREEN SONS OF ZION - JKING - CORRELLA SAMMY JOHNSON - NESIAN MYSTIK

HOUSE OF SHEM - 1814 - THIRD WORLD LATASHA LEE - JOSH WAWA - ELI-MAC THREE HOUSES DOWN + GENERAL FIYAH STNDRD - FEJOINT - SWISS - TREE - TAWAZ

JACKSON OWENS - MIKEY DAM - CHASE WOODS

WAYNO - PIETER T - DEACH - BRADAMON SON & WATER - MIKEY MAYZ & KRISY ERIN ORIGIN ROOTS AOTEAROA - MEZMURE

SIONE TOKI - ISRAEL STARR - SAM V - TJ & HURI BRUTHA RODZ - NLC - PAPAS PACK - MIRAGE HONE - HOSTED BY ATHENA - REGAN - NEPS - MONTEL TIVOLI DJS KG & QUEST