2 February 2024, Issue 1195
Big is beautiful Meet Murphy of Pāpāmoa – a ‘Berner’ to aficionados, a Bernese Mountain Dog to the rest of us laypeople. Murphy is strikingly handsome, aloof, loveable and floppy-eared – a soft, giant-sized dog, that The Weekend Sun met and fell in love with.
He weighs about 50kg and is 70cm tall. That’s a big presence – he commands a fair space in the house. Murphy has a mind, has his likes and dislikes – and he doesn’t like his owners Caitlin and Jamie Burns playing Mario Kart – he stands right in
front of the TV and launches into his from-deep-in-the-belly bark! He sheds; sheds heaps – you don’t have to mind dog hair on your clothes and furniture or even in your foods sometimes. Murphy’s also needy; he needs love, lots of it, and he gives plenty of love in return.
And his breed doesn’t live long but the Swiss have an expression: “Three years a puppy, three years a good dog, three years an old dog. All else is a gift from God”. Today on pages 16-17, meet “a gift from God”, a special kind of dog called Murphy. Photo: John Borren.
Friday 2 February 2024 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
2 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.
Nuclear fission or just a fuss She was flustered, and flapping and breathless when she strode into the office last week. And a bit pissed, angry pissed of course.
It was the day El Nino has sucked the last skerrick of respite from the atmosphere. It was a stinker, 30 degrees Celsius. We were all in meltdown. Florid faces, soggy armpits and irritable. Our visitor was vigorously fanning herself. “The weather?” I presumed politely. “The evil El?” I asked. “No, the Post Office.” The Post Office, really? That much vaunted and loved institution. That most trusted and dependable servant of the people. That monument to the role of the state in our day-to-day lives. “Pfft” she spat. “Pfft.” What had triggered her irritation was news the Post Office is closing its central city services in the Paper Plus store at the bottom of Grey St. Tauranga doesn’t take kindly to losing services – especially postal services. Remember the right old stink over the closure of the Greerton post shop in 2018. The village seethed, was on the brink of mobility scooter insurrection. We take great comfort from having a Post Shop on the main street. And we enjoy getting in a lather over the cost of a stamp and the time it takes for letter to get from A to B. That’s the way it’s always been.
I make a discreet inquiry. Where’s the shop going? “Nowhere!” I am told. NZ Post was a little more positive. It says discreetly it’s “scoping” an alternative and suitable new CBD location. “Scoping” we take to mean assessing or investigating. Plenty of empty shops in the CBD. And while there are no guarantees, NZ Post “appreciates the importance of this location to the local community”. But I was told “this is it”… as in when this shop goes, it’s over. At very best we’ll get some much reduced services, whatever that means. Outside a disgruntled customer read the sign and offered this gem. “Stamp, lick, SUCK!” Pardon? I didn’t understand but
Critical mass
Fastest-growing
“But the Tauranga CBD is the heart of the country’s fastest growing economy,” protested our flustered visitor. “The fifth biggest city. And no central city post shop. Really? How does that happen?” I suspect the march of progress has probably made victims of us all. Jim Bunny scrambles, fearlessly seeking the truth. And finds it. The signs are all over the Post Shop, and Paper Plus windows declare darkly: “BUILDING SOLD CLOSING DOWN”. And the same solemn declaration on the door of the post box lobby next door. “BUILDING SOLD CLOSING DOWN”. Bald, bold and bare.
Our office visitor is gesticulating again. “I understand the renaissance – truly wonderful. But what about all the new people who’ll flood the CBD – office workers, apartment-dwellers. How will they get their mail, how will they buy a stamp to send a letter or a parcel? How will they pay their bills, their rates and their car registration?” Let’s be fair, there are other Post Office shops on Cameron Rd by 7th Ave, Brookfield and Cherrywood. More “pfft-ing” from the visitor. “People in the CBD don’t want to make an allday outing to find a stamp and post a letter. Who else makes two bus trips to buy a stamp?”
I got the feeling. Just round the corner in Red Square the I-Site, a flash industry name for an information centre, boldly declares in its window that “…with over $1.5 billion worth of investment over the coming years, our city centre is in the middle of an economic, cultural and social renaissance….” Stirring stuff. Does that renaissance include the new tattoo parlour on Devonport Rd? After closing day on Thursday, March 28, you won’t be able to buy a stamp but you can get another stamp like ‘Mum’, ‘Dad’ or ‘Jim Bunny’ etched permanently on your parts.
I am ‘reliably informed’ the post shop closure is about critical mass. In simplistic nuclear physics terms critical mass refers to the minimum amount of fissile material necessary to create a nuclear explosion. This is more about a fuss than nuclear fission. Because in stamp and letter terms I think critical mass means the least amount of customers and business required to sustain the venture. And that, I am told, won’t happen until 2028. All this paints an even sadder picture about the loss of the art of letter writing. Nothing charges the spirits like an unexpected hand-written envelope amongst the bills and unsolicited crap in the letterbox. A letter is a gift – someone thinks enough of you to invest their time, effort and emotion. A letter tells us we are important to that person. I am sure the romance of letter writing is not lost, it just needs to be re-ignited. If we all bought ourselves a Croxley and an HB, and wrote a few letters, we’d get and give enormous pleasure. And save another Post Shop from the creeping, nuclear-charged menace of critical mass. 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. In 1840, the first official Post Office in New Zealand was opened at Kororareka, when Captain Hobson, the newly appointed Lieutenant-Governor, arrived in the Bay of Islands. Source: www.nzpost.co.nz
The Weekend Sun
3 Friday 2 February 2024
Urgent appeal underway
Friday 2 February 2024
KidsCan’s CEO Julie Chapman says essentials for our children are now becoming luxuries. Photo: supplied.
With an increasing number of children set to return to class without the very basics, and the cost-of-living crisis deepening poverty in many communities, KidsCan has launched an urgent appeal to support vulnerable kids as they head back to school. The charity provides food, shoes, jackets and health items to tens of thousands of students in nearly 900 schools nationwide, so they can arrive ready to learn. Thousands more in 77 schools are waiting for support – KidsCan’s biggest waitlist since 2018 – but it can’t reach them without more donations. “This is always the hardest time of the year for vulnerable families as they face crippling back-toschool costs – but 2024 may be the toughest yet,” says KidsCan’s CEO Julie Chapman. “We’re facing record demand with thousands of students waiting for help. Schools aren’t just asking us for food and clothing – some need shampoo, soap and toothpaste. The essentials are becoming luxuries.”
Heartbreaking
As such Julie says the charity is under huge pressure. “Donations are dropping as people are forced to tighten their belts. It’s heartbreaking not to be able to support the schools on our waitlist. Every child deserves to be well fed and clothed so they can just focus on learning – because education is their best chance at getting out of poverty. “We urgently need donations from those who can afford to make a difference.”
KidsCan recently surveyed its partner schools, with hundreds sharing heart-wrenching stories: children surviving on instant noodles, siblings sharing uniforms and shoes, and more students missing school as they work to support families. “There are too many heartbreaking stories to tell from our kura,” one teacher wrote. “I had one child tell me that they get a one-quarter of a sandwich for tea and look forward to coming to school so they can eat. They said they hate the holidays as that means there is no food.” “[Students] will arrive without stationery, book bags, school bags, PE shorts, a sun hat, a water bottle and some won’t return until the whānau have saved up the money to buy these things. Such is their pride,” a principal reported. KidsCan asked schools if poverty was improving or worsening. Julie says 65 per cent of 347 schools that responded said it was getting worse, 15 per cent said it was static, six per cent thought it was improving.
Donate
According to KidsCan, unaffordable housing is a major factor, with schools reporting children growing up in motels, tents and overcrowded homes, including 14 people in one two-bedroom house. And with families unable to afford petrol, some schools had bought vans and were rostering their staff to pick children up. “Many mornings I run around the town like a ‘taxi’ picking up children to get them to kura,” a principal said. To learn more about KidsCan, or to donate to the appeal, visit: visit: www.kidscan.org.nz
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Friday 2 February 2024
The Weekend Sun
4
A selection of local breaking stories featured this week on...
Tauranga residents will choose a mayor and nine councillors in July.
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Calls to delay draft LTP
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has responded to calls for Tauranga’s 10-year plan to be delayed until elected officials are in office. The LTP caused division among city leaders when former mayor Greg Brownless called for it to be put on hold until the Commission term was over. Commissioners were appointed to overlook the council by the previous government in 2021. Some business leaders took jabs at Brownless and Luxton, saying further delays to address the city’s infrastructure would be “catastrophic”. Minister Brown says the commissioners are obligated to deliver the 2024-2034 plan but he does want “local democracy restored for the people of Tauranga”. The commission term ends July when Local Body Elections return for the city.
Rescues prompt warning
Surf Life Saving NZ is again highlighting the importance of understanding the conditions and your limits in the water. Strong currents and winds and surging surf on North Island’s west coast resulted in several daring rescues on Auckland Anniversary weekend for people who got caught in rip currents while swimming outside of flags. SLSNZ CEO Steve Fisher urges the public to exercise common sense, especially when conditions are challenging. “Two of our key beach safety messages this patrol season have been to find the safest place to swim, which is always between the red and yellow flags, and to stay out if in doubt.”
Give shorebirds a break
People driving vehicles through a marked and signposted breeding area of tūturiwhatu/ Northern New Zealand dotterel are damaging the species, says Department of Conservation. Supervisor Marc Camburn says tūturiwhatu nest on beaches, and historically would have a much larger safe area for breeding. “We’ve fenced off these small areas to give them a chance, away from some of the impacts of humans. To have that ignored is distressing. “With so many places available for people to access and enjoy beaches, we’re urging people to give these birds a break.” Tūturiwhatu are classified as ‘at risk - recovering’.
Property prices record slight dip
New Zealand’s property prices have recorded a dip at the end of 2023, according to TradeMe’s Property Price Index for December. The national average asking price for a property was recorded at $864,350, down 3.7 per cent compared to the same time last year. Even with a substantial decrease of more than $80,000, Auckland remains the most costly region to purchase property. The Bay of Plenty is the second most expensive region, boasting an average asking price of $901,200. This is primarily attributed to the Tauranga market, where prices are hovering close to the million-dollar threshold, despite experiencing a 4.2 per cent year-on-year decrease.
Four-year council term a first for New Zealand Tauranga’s first elected council since 2019 will have an extended term of four years, which is being heralded as “great result”for the city. An election will be held on July 20 where a mayor and nine councillors will be chosen, replacing the current commission. This council will stay in place until the 2028 Local Body Elections, giving them a four-year term. Standard electoral terms are three years and no other elected council has had an extended term. Commission chair Anne Tolley says holding an election in Tauranga in October 2025 in line with the rest of the country would have required the election of two councils in 15 months. “The commission’s view was that this was too short a timeframe for a council to make substantial progress with its work programme,” says Anne. “The short turnaround between
elections could potentially deter some candidates from seeking election this year, because they would have to go through the campaigning process, with the time commitment and costs that requires, twice in 15 months.” The commission recommended the previous Minister of Local Government, Kieran McAnulty, that the 2025 election in Tauranga be deferred until 2028, says Anne. This was adopted and the decision was gazetted last August.
Stability
Local Government New Zealand president Sam Broughton says it is a “great result for Tauranga” to have an elected council that will be there for four years. A four-year term provides stability and certainty for the delivery of projects, says Sam. “Being able to bring in the appropriate staff and to partner with other public and private sectors becomes a lot easier over four years.
“In three years, we basically have a year of settling, a year of doing some great mahi and a year of unsettling again, as you move towards an election. “A four-year term doubles the amount of productive years.” Sam wants the Government to shift all local government terms to four years ahead of the October 2025 election. The longer local government term could be a trial for the central government terms to be four years too, which would be a good move, says Sam. “Moving the local government space is easier because the threshold for change is lower.” Extending local government terms requires a law change – but central government would involve a referendum and other things, says Sam. Asked if Tauranga would be a good test case, Sam replied: “I don’t want it to be a test. I want it to be the norm for local government. It shows that the
The Weekend Sun
Friday 2 February 2024
5 Friday 2 February 2024 Tauranga election key dates Candidate information evening: Monday, February 19. Nominations open: Friday, April 26. Nominations close: Friday, May 24, at 12pm. Voting papers delivered: Saturday, June 29 – Wednesday, July 3. Special voting begins: Saturday, June 29. Last day to enrol and be able to vote: Friday, July 19. Election Day – voting closes: Saturday, July 20, at 12pm. Preliminary results announced Saturday, July 20 - afternoon. Final results out: Tuesday, July 23 – Thursday, July 25.
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Government has an appetite to have four-year terms for local government”. Anne also supports a four-year term for central and local government because it provides the time needed to “get stuff done”. This is mirrored by the Future for Local Government review that suggested four-year council terms as one of its 17 recommendations. A panel spent two years reviewing the state of local government by speaking with councils, central government, iwi leaders and the public around Aotearoa. It suggested a radical overhaul is needed to ensure local government adapted and met communities’ needs for the next 30 years. A Department of Internal Affairs spokesperson says the postponement of the 2025 election
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allows the council elected in July time to build governance stability, while also engaging meaningfully with the community and the council’s strategy and long-term planning. “Interventions in democratically elected councils are rare, and the transitions back unique. The department is not aware of another elected council that has served longer than a three-year term.” Asked his thoughts on the four-year term, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown responded: “Restoring democracy in Tauranga is a priority for me as Minister of Local Government”. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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Wagner eyes former compatriots The extraordinary cricket career of Neil Wagner could take yet another twist this weekend, when the Black Caps play their first cricket test against South Africa at Tauranga’s Bay Oval.
The picturesque ground is Wagner’s adopted home turf, with the South African-born left-arm seamer having moved just down the road to Pāpāmoa from Dunedin six years ago.
It’s been the scene of some of the biggest moments in his storied career – taking 5/44 to help beat England in the first-ever test at the ground in 2019, then helping bowl New Zealand to victory over Pakistan with two broken toes a year later. And with his 38th birthday in sight, after he and wife Lana recently welcomed their third child Joshua, the lion-hearted Wagner is looking forward to a big shift against his former compatriots. “I really love the life we’ve made in New Zealand and particularly here
Black Caps bowler Neil Wagner trains on Pāpāmoa Beach, and is looking forward to playing on his home ground Bay Oval against South Africa, starting Sunday, February 4. Photo by Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media
in the Bay and it will be another proud moment if I get to play at home, in front of a big crowd, against South Africa,” says Neil. “Tauranga does a great job of hosting international teams and showcasing what a special part of the world this is – and I know the Black Caps and our fellow internationals really enjoy playing here.” Bay Oval has also been the scene of plenty of recuperation for Wagner recently – he hasn’t played a test match in nearly a year, with the final-ball thriller against Sri Lanka his last appearance for NZ. Battling a bulging disk in his
back and a torn right hamstring, which severely limited his bowling contribution, Neil – on his 37th birthday – was there right at the end, scrambling a bye off the final ball of the match with skipper Kane Williamson to help NZ to a two-wicket win. Two weeks earlier, he took 4/62 – including the crucial last wicket of Jimmy Anderson – as the Black Caps became only the fourth team in history to win a test after following on, and the second to win by a one-run margin, at the Cello Basin Reserve. “Last season had so many highs, followed by the
longest injury stint of my career, which gave me plenty of time to spend with family and build my strength and fitness back. It’s been a long road but I’m feeling really good again and it will be good to put all that training back into play.”
Black Caps at Bay Oval
The first test begins at Bay Oval on Sunday, February 4, and runs to Thursday, February 8 – and kids can attend for free on Waitangi Day, Tuesday, February 6. More info at: www.mytauranga. co.nz/whats-on/event-details/ eid/7409/tctl/7663
Jamie Troughton
The Weekend Sun
7 Friday 2 February 2024
Friday 2 February 2024
Tauranga Moana events to mark Waitangi Day local musicians and cultural groups. Food trucks will offer delicious kai to purchase. Visitors will be able to participate in feather earring workshops and a special taonga pūoro ‘singing treasures’ or Māori musical instruments workshop by expert Jason Philips. Classic outdoor wooden games such as cornhole and Kubb will also be offer. Meanwhile, in the Western Bay of Plenty district, Te Rā o Waitangi: A Katikati Commemoration of Waitangi Day is happening on February 6, from 6.30am-2.30pm.
The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service is an annual gathering held at Hopukiore (Mount Drury Reserve) in Mount Maunganui.
As Waitangi Day dawns next Tuesday, February 6, a number of events happening in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty will offer residents and visitors alike the chance to mark Aotearoa New Zealand’s national day. The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service is an annual gathering held at Hopukiore (Mount Drury Reserve) in Mount Maunganui. The event is described as an opportunity to gather to commemorate the first signing of our country’s founding document: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi, on February 6, 1840. All are welcome to gather at Hopukiore from 6am. The service starts begin 6.30am and will include a welcome by tangata whenua, kapa haka and guest speakers. Later on in the day everyone is welcome to
People can gather for a Waitangi Day Dawn Service at 6.30am at the Western Bay Museum forecourt on Main Rd. After a flag raising ceremony and national anthem performance, the crowd will be directed to a marque for a commemorative service attended by Western BOP Mayor James Denyer and array of representatives of the diverse Katikati community. There will also be two free movies at The Arts Junction Theatre. For more details, see page 21 in this edition of The Weekend Sun.
attend the Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival at the Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga South, from 10am-3pm. “The free festival is a day to celebrate, acknowledge and pay respect to what this day means and the unity we seek moving forward,” according to organisers. “It is a day full of live music, entertainment, workshops, laughter and much aroha.” Local actress and community leader Mabel Wharekawa-Burt is MC and will welcome the crowd just before 10am. Then senior Ngai Tamarawaho kaumātua Tamati Tata will lead a karakia before the Royal New Zealand Navy raises the New Zealand flag and the national anthem is sung by Brooke McChesney. An action-packed day of activities for all to enjoy will follow! The entertainment and performance line-up are set to entertain all day long with Māori art workshops, craft stalls, and performances from
Do you have what it takes to run this city?
The Tauranga City Council election is on Saturday 20 July, and we’re looking for candidates who have the best interests of our city at heart. Come to our candidate information evening on Monday 19 February to find out more about being a mayor or councillor.
Visit tauranga.govt.nz/ elections to register for our information evening
Friday 2 February 2024
Enjoy a Waitangi history hīkoi Tauranga residents and visitors alike can now enjoy a Waitangi history hīkoi around eight locations in the city.
The Waitangi History Hīkoi runs until March 6 via a free hīkoi flyer available at all Tauranga City libraries or downloadable online. The flyer details eight locations to discover as part of the hīkoi trail. Each location has a story to tell about a significant place or past event
The Weekend Sun
8 in Tauranga Moana – and there you’ll also find a question panel. Record your answer to the question in your flyer. Answer at least three questions and you can enter a prize draw to win a fabulous, family entertainment pack! Fill in contact details inside the leaflet, drop it into an entry box at any Tauranga City Libraries locations before Wednesday, March 6, to be into win. Download the flyer at: www.mytauranga.co.nz/ Portals/7/waitangi-hikoi.pdf
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Green Turtle. Photo: Kris-Mikael Krister. Photo: CC-BY.
BOP fishers and divers asked to share sightings
With the Bay of Plenty being a boating and watersport mecca in summer months, the Department of Conservation is encouraging users to share their share sightings of protected species.
DOC marine technical advisor Clinton Duffy says recreational fishers and others out on the water can make a significant contribution to research through reporting sightings and accidental catches. “I’m very interested in what the public has seen – and usually they’re keen to identify an unusual creature too. All photos, videos and reports help build a better understanding of our rare and protected fishes, including rays, and sharks,” says Clinton. “We encourage people to take a few photos, full length
shots and also of any defining features like fins, jaws and teeth, and details of the colour pattern. The exact location the fish was spotted or caught is useful too.”
Nine species protected
There are nine fish species that are protected in New Zealand under the Wildlife Act – five sharks, two rays, and two grouper. The five protected sharks are the basking shark, great white shark, oceanic whitetip, smalltooth sandtiger (deepwater nurse shark), and whale shark. The two protected rays are the spine-tailed devil ray, and the giant manta ray. The two protected bony fishes are the giant grouper (Queensland grouper), and the spotted black grouper. Clinton says all nine protected species have been reported from the BOP – however the rarest would be
the basking shark, oceanic whitetip shark, spotted black and giant grouper. “Species such as whale shark, oceanic whitetip shark, manta ray and spinetail devil ray are generally seen in the outer parts of the Bay during summer and early-autumn. “Smalltooth sandtiger is a deep-water species, generally found below 100m depth but has occasionally been seen by divers at Whakaari/ White Island; they are known to aggregate on certain reefs, much like their shallow water relative the grey nurse shark. Te Paepae o Aotea (Volkner Rocks) is one of the few known aggregation sites for the species in NZ,” says Clinton. Great whites, predominantly juveniles, are found throughout BOP and have been frequently encountered in the harbour since about 2016, particularly around the Bowentown entrance, says Clinton. Whale Shark. Photo: Erik Schogl. CC BY-NC 4.0 DEED.
The Weekend Sun
9 Friday 2 February 2024
Free pottery for little hands
An Oceanic Whitetip Shark. Photo: Johan-Lantz-CC-BY-SA-3.0-ed.
A free, hands-on pottery session for youngsters is on offer tomorrow – Saturday, February 3 – at Red Square in the city! Brought to you by Tauranga City Council, the Pocket Sized
“Both grouper species occur in shallow reefy areas, generally less than 30m depth. Spotted black grouper encountered around mainland NZ are generally around 50cm length, at that size they are very cautious and usually avoid divers by hiding in caves – these often have multiple exits. “Giant grouper can reach 2.7m in length and 300kg in length weight; adults and the brightly coloured (yellow and black) juveniles have been recorded from NZ, and there has been at least one sighting of an adult at the Aldermen Islands. “Leatherback and green turtles are reported fairly regularly from the Bay and we would appreciate photographs and images of those too.”
Release if caught
According to DOC, certain fish species are protected because they are naturally uncommon and therefore at greater risk of extinction than other fishes. “Factors that make them naturally uncommon can include being slow to mature, which means they must survive a longer time before they can reproduce or having a slow reproduction cycle or a low number of offspring,” says Clinton. While fishers are not allowed to target these species, it’s not
Friday 2 February 2024
Play Pottery session runs from 10.30am-1.30pm for tamariki to get crafty and creative. Each Saturday the council is aiming to offer a free activity at Red Square for the city’s smallest residents to enjoy. Just show up to take part!
Mindful water use, whatever the weather. DOC marine technical advisor Clinton Duffy on a Stewart Island shark trip. Photo: M P Francis-5.
illegal to accidentally catch a protected fish. Clinton says if you do catch one, you must release it as quickly as possible and take care not to cause it further harm, and you must report the capture to DOC. If the fish dies or is found dead, DOC may request you bring it back to shore and provide it to DOC so samples can be taken to support research.
Basking shark
“Spotting an uncommonly seen species would be an amazing fishing story to tell. The basking shark, for example, has hardly been seen in our waters since the late-1990s. “I’d be thrilled to get a report of one,” says Clinton. DOC has a set of protected species identification guides on its website to help identify
Check the Water Watchers Plan for this month’s water-saving measures.
Giant Mantaray. Photo: Ken Funakoshi. CC-BY-SA-2.0.
sea life, plus a protected species handling guide to assist recreational fishers to safely release marine life back to the water. The public can report sightings, captures and strandings to DOC anonymously via the Protected Species Catch App; by emailing: sharks@doc.govt.nz Or by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
n
tauranga.govt.nz/waterwatchers
Friday 2 February 2024
The Weekend Sun
10 Last year’s superheroes who fundraised for the Waipuna Hospice. Photo: supplied.
Superheroes walk together Throw on your cape, don your mask, and join with friends and family for the Waipuna Hospice Superhero Walk this March. In its fifth year, the walk is about honouring and celebrating the heroes in our lives. “It’s about creating a space where people can remember the heroes that are with them, or that you carry in your heart,” says Waipuna Hospice fundraising executive Wayne Bloxham. “It’s more than just a walk though. It’s moving with meaning…it’s a walk with a purpose.”
It's time to honour the heroes in your life by signing up for the 2024 Superhero Walk!
Tremendous impact
Wayne says the event fundraised an amazing $22,000 for the Waipuna Hospice last year. “We’re hoping to get to that $30,000 mark this year. It has a tremendous impact on families and those that are facing
Pledge to raise money for Waipuna Hospice, then join us on the 16th of March to celebrate your heroes together! Registrations now open Fundraising period: 19th February - 15th March Celebration Walk: 16th March
the loss of a loved one. We’re investing into being able to provide the best possible care for people out in the community.” Registrations are open now, with the fundraising period running from February 19 March 15.
Mix of fundraisers
Wayne says people can fundraise in a mix of ways – whether that’s by simply appealing to their friends and family, or deciding to challenge themselves by running a marathon, hosting a bake sale, mowing lawns, pledging to give up sugar, and anything in between! “I love when someone signs up with little or no fundraising experience and you get to help and encourage them. Next minute they’ve raised way more than what they thought they could, and you can tell they are truly proud of the difference they’ve been
able to make in the lives of other people.” On Saturday, March 16, the participants that registered to fundraise during the Superhero Walk fundraising period will come together with their friends and whānau to walk together at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui. “We encourage everybody to get dressed up in superhero outfits, and come and honour the heroes in their lives. “Participants often bring their heroes along, creating lasting memories together, or they pay tribute to those who have passed by carrying a photo. Regardless of who your hero is, we extend a warm invitation to be part of this extraordinary event and to enjoy the experience along the way.” For more information and to register, visit: 2024-superhero-walk.raisely.com Or email: events@ waipunahospice.org.nz Georgia Minkhorst
Talk road safety with kids before school begins! As families prepare for back-to-school, NZ Police are offering some safety advice.
MY HERO IS:
My mum
National Road Policing Centre director Superintendent Steve Greally urges parents to take the time to discuss with their children the potential dangers of going to and from school. He reckons parents set the best example for young people on how to be safe and smart on our roads. “It can often be overlooked but reminding our kids to check for vehicles by looking left and right – and encouraging
them to use the marked school crossing – are important to keep them safe. We never want to see or hear of any unfortunate events that involve young people in and around schools, which is why it’s crucial for parents to pass on these valuable safety tips.” Police also remind parents to be attentive around schools as children can be unpredictable and appear out of nowhere. So allow plenty of time for school drop-offs. “Often drop-off zones can be crowded prior to and after school, so suggesting a meeting point further down the road can be a safer option.”
Safer Driving. For Life
• Would you like lessons to drive safely from current Driver Testing Officer ? (DTO)
• Steve is a well-known Tauranga-based DT
Scan here to sign up! Proudly sponsored by:
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Sign up today at 2024-superhero-walk.raisely.com
calm & friendly, thorough, and easily under logical manner.
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The Weekend Sun
11Friday 2 February 2024
Friday 2 February 2024
SUV RUNOUT
SAVE UP TO $11,000 +GET FREE BLACK PACK on selected Peugeot SUV models NOW FROM
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Friday 2 February 2024
The Weekend Sun
12
Get jazz tickets early! Those planning their Easter entertainment should move fast to grab early-bird tickets for the 2024 Port of Tauranga Jazz Festival before the offer closes February 9. The 61st National Port of Tauranga Jazz festival is on March 23-April 1, offering entertainment across nine days throughout Tauranga City, including a Katikati Opening Street Party on March 23. “Ticket sales have been going very well,” says organiser Marc Anderson. “So it’s a good idea to buy tickets before February 9 to save money and to secure your seats to see the great international acts at the 2024 Baycourt Concert Series.”
Baycourt Series
PRINCIPAL PARTNER
MAJOR FUNDERS
just returned from Europe, performing infectious and authentic modern soul – make sure you get to see this Kiwi star.”
Jazz Village
Also not-to-miss is the Jazz Village on Good Friday, March 29, from 11am-5pm at Historic Village. “This is an absolute crowd-pleaser, with two stages oozing true New Orleans style live music from out-of-town bands, and a few local acts.” Main stage acts include fresh, exciting fusion jazz Michal Martyniuk Quartet, funky swingin’ jazz and blues by Shaken Not Stirred, poppy groovy dancing tunes from Chill Winston, and red hot rhythm and blues courtesy of The Flaming Mudcats. “There’ll be people dancing, relaxing, meandering artisan market stalls, and enjoying a wide variety of food and refreshments amongst the music – so make a day of it!” Jazz at the Village’s entry is $23 each – but earlybirds can pay $20 before February 9. The 61st National Port of Tauranga Jazz festival is offering a huge range of events across nine days in Bay. “Jump on our website at: https://jazz.org.nz” Merle Cave
The five-act Baycourt Series includes headline performer James Morrison, who’ll play with his quartet 8pm, Friday, March 29, at Baycourt’s Addison Theatre. Marc says: “We’re really looking forward to having James back. The Australian amazed audiences at his last festival appearance here and we can’t wait to hear his voice again.” New York-based jazz guitarist and composer Russ Spiegel’s latest album has been in the USA Top 10 Jazz charts for a number of weeks, and plays at Baycourt’s X Space on Saturday, March 30. “Russ’ trio act will really inspire – they are topnotch musicians.” The ‘All Girl Big Band: Powerhouse of Sound’ plays Baycourt’s Addison Theatre 8pm Thursday, March 28; while Tauranga man Akash Dutta’s ‘The trio Sessions’ play Baycourt’s X Space 6pm Friday, March 29. “Akash is a total professional. He plays popular pop tunes – so tunes everybody will know – but he performs them in a really intriguing way. So don’t miss him!” And Aotearoa soul star Louis Baker plays Baycourt’s Addison Theatre 8pm Saturday, March 30. “Louis plays around the world, and has Enjoy Jazz at the Village on Good Friday, March 29.
Totara Street rebuilding HULL ROAD
One lane closure
UI
Totara Street
RO
northbound lane closed
AD
TOTARA STREET
AN
Visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/ totarastreet for more details.
NG
Major delays are expected, and a detour will be in place. Please allow extra travel time or work from home if possible.
AU
8pm Friday, 9 February to 6am Wednesday, 14 February.
M
The northbound section of Totara Street (heading toward Mount Maunganui) between Hewletts Road and Hull Road will be closed from:
Detour
via Hewletts Road, Maunganui Road and Hull Road
Hewletts Road
eastbound bus lane open to all traffic – please share with care
HEWLETTS ROAD
The Weekend Sun
Friday 2 February 2024
13Friday 2 February 2024
CBD rising from the ashes Garden tour volunteers needed! As 2024 starts, it’s a pleasing sight to see several large cranes in Tauranga’s CBD. While this may not be the most aesthetically pleasing thing to celebrate, it’s a great sight for those interested in the progress of our city centre.
The New Year sees a number of projects underway in the city centre, which are now more visible to the public than they have been in the past. Vacant sites and older buildings are being replaced with new developments at an increasing rate. Private sector development interest in Tauranga’s CBD has ramped up significantly in the 2020s due to growth of the city and council investment in place-making infrastructure. Priority One identified 20 key developments in the Tauranga CBD Blueprint, released in 2022, at varying stages of development. These are large-scale projects that take several years from start to finish, so construction above ground now is the product of years of previous work.
Prominent building
A prominent building under construction in Tauranga’s skyline now is Willis Bond’s development at 90 Devonport Rd; aside from its size and location it is distinctive because it will be the largest mass timber office building in New Zealand when complete. Just a few hundred metres down the road is the 2 Devonport Rd office building, the soon-to-behome of Craigs Investment Partners – a premium office space with unhindered views of Tauranga Moana.
Further north there are several large developments in close proximity: the office to house Manawa Energy and NZ Blood Service at 93 Cameron Rd; the redevelopment of the stalled carpark building on Harington St, now including office space; and an exciting development between The Strand and Willow St – the Northern Quarter office and hospitality space. These developments are complemented by council’s Te Manawataki o Te Papa civic precinct and waterfront developments.
Garden’ magazine. BCFNZ chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner says the money raised from the tours helps to fund BCNZ’s life-saving work in research, education and patient support. Volunteers are required for morning or afternoon shifts to ensure houses are looked after and tour-goers are kept safe. In return, they’ll receive a goodie bag and discounted tour ticket. See: www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz
Tauranga residents are being sought to volunteer in some of the Bay of Plentys most stunning homes, while making a difference for breast cancer. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ needs more volunteers to help at the NZ House & Garden Tours taking place in Tauranga on Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23. The annual tours hero some of the beautifully created homes and gardens people read about in ‘NZ House &
More city living
In the last week we’ve seen the launch of Elizabeth Towers for residential sales. This building, above the Farmers retail store, has recently been completed and the 96 premium apartments and 23 villas are now on the market. This building is the largest residential development in the city and follows other great developments such as Latitude, Vantage and Camden apartments. Expect to see more residential developments follow these, enabling more people to be living in the city. There is further momentum for our city centre in the form of the expanding University of Waikato campus. We expect the campus to go from strength to strength now, with student and staff numbers increasing, the impending return of international students, and increased course offerings. While broader economic conditions are expected to remain unsettled through at least the first half of 2024, we can take some heart in the progress we’ll see in city this year, as buildings continue to rise out of the ground and the city gains more people living, working and studying.
07 577 0923 Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by S Uffindell, Parliament Buildings, WLG
tauranga.mp@parliament.govt.nz
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TO DAY
Friday 2 February 2024
The Weekend Sun
14 Email: letters@thesun.co.nz (200 words maximum) supplied with full name and contact details. For more letters go to www.sunlive.co.nz
An issue that’s gone quiet....
Re: Letter titled ‘Have some humanity for our senior people!’ published in The Weekend Sun, January 26, 2024, edition. The recent letter concerning retirement homes from Ron Chamberlain. My wife and I are in our late eighties and returned to NZ in 2010 after living some years in Australia, living for some time in a retirement village in Queensland. We purchased our two-bed detached property for a fair price, paid a ground rent and when we
sold to come back to NZ we used an outside real estate agent, paid his commission and kept the profit ourselves; the owners of the village simply wanted to approve the buyer. Coming back home it was our intention to end our days in a village but soon decided to stay in our home as long as we could. There was supposed to be a commission set up to investigate complaints re retirement villages but it’s quiet!
David Lawrence, Otūmoetai.
New centre needs Olympic-sized pool if we’re spending so much money! Re: Letter titled ‘This is fiscal madness...’ published in The Weekend Sun, January 26, 2024, edition. After reading this Letter to the Editor about Memorial Park Aquatic Centre from Rob Paterson, I agree totally with his comments about the inclusion of a Olympic-sized 50m pool. Further to that I would say the Bay of Plenty has been waiting a long, long time needing for what I consider not only two full eightlane 50m pools but also the
addition of full-sized Olympic diving platforms and pool. This could have happened instead of eight 25m pools etc. There is a definite need for the future training of young Olympic hopefuls – not bombing pools and splash pads. Even Rotorua had the Blue Baths, which had diving platforms in the old days. Imagine the extra income to the Bay with people coming to train and the addition of interclub/provincial competitive swimming carnivals! If we are to spend so much ratepayers’
money let it be used wisely. There could also be provision for smaller pools for children. James Newman, Mount Maunganui.
Editor’s note: According to council press releases in December 2023, Memorial Park’s new aquatic centre will feature a toddler pool, three hydroslides, bombing pools, splash pad, and eight indoor 25m swimming lanes and two outdoor lanes – at a cost of $122.25m.
Falls walkway a wonderful development The Tauranga City Coucil, Ngāti Hangarau and Tourism Bay of Plenty are to be congratulated for the wonderful development of the Omanawa Falls Walkway. The access to the falls is enabled by the engineering feat that includes 480 rock bolts and soil nails, 750 steps and the three lookout platforms. Safety issues are attended to with the provision of wooden handrails and a defibrillator. The interpretive panels containing te kupu tuku iho (the history) of Ngāti Hangarau and that of the first underground hydro-generating power station in the Southern Hemisphere are informative. Ngā whakairo (carvings) add to the experience. The co-governance
that achieved this is to be commended. In the early 1900s there were around 40 men employed to service George Gamman’s sawmill adjacent to the falls. I understand that the village also had a general store, butcher’s shop, post office, billiard room and the upper Omanwa School, which was staffed two days a week. Maybe an additional panel at the start of the track with some details of the early settlers would be of added interest. There remains extant a few Tauranga people in their eighties who lived in the district, who have a repository of such knowledge and who could verify this and other relevant information.
Marlene Ware, Otūmoetai.
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The Weekend Sun
Friday 2 February 2024
15Friday 2 February 2024
Pre Post
Friday 2 February 2024
The Weekend Sun
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‘I can be taller than you’ – Murphy and Caitlin Burns on the Pāpāmoa flow path. Photo: John Borren.
‘Ninety-five per cent loveable... ‘Murphy’ – it’s a spud. It’s also a Gaelic name meaning ‘warrior of the sea’. And the most common family name in Ireland.
Or it could be a $4000, 50kg lump of a dog that’s grown a kind of celebrity status on the beach at Pāpāmoa. Murphy – ‘The Murph’, ‘Mighty-Murph-Man’ – the Bernese Mountain Dog of Pāpāmoa. “Do a profile on Murphy,” said the boss. Really? A profile on someone’s skanky old dog? It’s hard because dog owners are a protective, defensive lot. And I get a bit snippy when they expect you to love and understand their dogs as much as they do. But then I met Murphy. I banged into him, well he crashed into me. And now I’m a Murphophile. He wandered up to my office desk and stood there rooted, staring at me. Damn near 90cm tall – eye-balling me, staring me down with those big, dark brown, doleful, melt-your-heart eyes. It was a Stanley finding Livingstone moment. “Murphy, I presume?” “Handsome fella, eh?” says Murphy’s mum Caitlin Burns.
Majestic
He is indeed. Majestic, just about occupies the full span of your gaze, powerful, but placid – and that stunning, thick silky tri-colour coat of a black saddle, white breast plate and brown undercarriage. “Brown? It’s actually ‘rust’.” “Mighty-Murph-Man” or “My bubber” as Caitlin calls him.
This is a smart, achieving, no-nonsense career woman who lapses into pitched baby talk around Murph. ‘My bubber’ – why is that? I am told Bernese Mountain dogs, or ‘Berners’, exude intelligence – but Murphy was either off his game, a bit aloof, or he just doesn’t do media very well. Because he didn’t give me much to work with apart from that imposing presence. “A bit shy today,” was the explanation. “Normally he’s quite boisterous.” And a loveable boof-head to boot. He’s only 18 months old and doesn’t quite understand his own size – banging into things, knocking things over. Furniture, children, pot plants, little old ladies, whatever. Then on cue, Murphy decides his interview with The Weekend Sun is finished, turns and crashes into the wall. All the way out Murphy’s tail is wagging in a huge arc – whacking doors, walls, desks, people. He’s weaponised his tail.
Obsessed
Murphy is obsessed with ‘Kit’ the family cat – constantly showing the cat love. “But obviously they don’t speak the same language,” says Caitlin. Because Murphy’s 20 times bigger and heavier, and Kit construes his attention as aggression and it ends in tears. If you pop your mouth, Murphy goes nuts, barks his head off and charges around in circles, a 50kg canine wrecking ball. All fur, slobber and silliness. It’s both weird and wonderful to watch. “It’s a lot like living with an oversized, moody
The Weekend Sun
Friday 2 February 2024
17Friday 2 February 2024
By George, what a lovely boy!
A lie down after a workout with a boisterous 50kg mountain dog: ‘Murph’ and Caitlin. Photo John Borren.
George is a lovely four-year-old boy. He’s handsome, friendly and chatty. A social boy, he likes to hang out with you and be a part of the family. Even as an adult, George is playful and likes to chase around his mouse toys and play with you with a jingly fluffy wand toy. He can get a little over-stimulated, so is best suited to an adult-only home. He is an independent guy and will let you know what he wants! Do you have a home missing a distinguished gentleman? Apply to meet him today! Call Tauranga SPCA today on 07 578 0245. Ref: 595418.
Takitimu North Link
Road closure and alternative routes, January to April 2024*
Key
Road closed Light vehicles All light vehicle traffic will need to use alternative routes – the preferred route is via Cambridge Road East to Waihī Road. Bethlehem
Heavy vehicles All heavy vehicles (above 15T) will need to use SH29/ Takitimu Drive Toll Road which will be toll exempted for heavy vehicles only during this time.
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Judea
Use Elizabeth St off ramp and roundabout
Moffat
Tauranga
Road
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Light vehicle alternative route
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shiny coats – an underlay to provide insulation, toddler,” says Caitlin. “One minute he’s stuck to and guard hair as a barrier against the wet and your side with Velcro, the next sleeping for four dirt. His crowning glory costs about $120 a hours. One minute he’s demanding snuggles, groom several times a year. moments later barking at a stranger, and the next letting strange kids poke and prod him.” A good time A dog of many parts – 95 per cent And he sheds a lot. “I can’t wonderful, caring, and loving; and understand why he’s not bald,” five per cent pure goofy. says Caitlin. I just happened to mention He also has a commercial to some Katikati people that bath every two or three weeks I was on first-name terms and a good brush every day with a Bernese Mountain or two. A big dog is like a Dog. “Is it called Murphy, big car, they guzzle fuel, from Pāpāmoa?” His more than $200 a month name and reputation to feed him. And Murphy have spread all the way goes to doggy daycare at up State Highway 2. A Dog’s Day in Tauranga Murph’s origins are City a couple times a week. in a land of chocolate “His bark only has one and cheese. He’s a setting,” says Caitlin. farm and draft dog – It’s a deep, booming bark herding cattle through that has scares the bejesus out Swiss alpine meadows and The adorable Murphy of fragile passers-by, mailmen snowy mountain landscapes as a young pup. and assorted tradesmen. and pulling farm carts and Photo: supplied. It’s not a bloodlust bark, he just machinery. He’s a cold weather craves a bit of people interaction. dog so that presents issues in a The Berners are short-lived – just eight temperate climate. or nine years. “He’s here for a good time, not He gets walked early or late when it’s cooler. necessarily a long time,” says Caitlin. And if he shows signs of overheating – panting, drooling, trembling – he gets hosed down and “And I have a lot of love to fit in that time.” plonked in front of the air conditioner to cool. You have landed on your paws Murph. Murph’s hairy, very hairy, with two beautiful Hunter Wells
Ca m
...five per cent doofus’
From January until April 2024 there’ll be major roadworks between Tauriko and Bethlehem, Tauranga requiring a full road closure of a section of Moffat Road. Travel through this area will be disrupted, with light vehicles using local detours, and heavy trucks using State Highway 29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road.
Heavy vehicle alternative route
*Dates of closure may change
Before you travel, check journeys.nzta.govt.nz
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The benefits of mistakes... “Don’t carry your mistakes around with you. Instead, place them under your feet and use them as stepping stones to rise above them” – Anonymous.
When confronted with an oversight or a mistake you have made, the outcome you experience will depend on the reaction you have to it. If you see a mistake as a disaster, that’s what you will likely focus and act on. If you look at it as a learning opportunity, a stepping stone of sorts, you are more likely to see
The Weekend Sun
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what other options become available to you. Are you looking at a mistake you made where you believe you failed? What would change if you were to explore some of the benefits that may be hidden within that mistake? If you’d like to know more about coaching, strengthening relationships, exploring your potential, creating transformation, phone Mary Parker, The Fast Track Coach, on: 021 258 2145, or visit: www.thefasttrackcoach.co.nz
Do I need extra magnesium? Part 1 Magnesium is one of my most frequently prescribed supplements. This is because magnesium is used in multiple enzymes and effects most tissue types. In particular, it relaxes both nerves and blood vessels. Relaxing nerves is helpful for sleep and restless legs while relaxing blood vessels helps with lowering blood pressure and helping circulation.
Cramp
Magnesium is involved in numerous body processes and can help problems in different tissue types and body systems, especially muscles. I recommend it for cramp, restless legs, PMS, hypertension and heart rhythm problems. I usually recommend magnesium be taken 30-60 minutes before bed for maximum impact
between people with similar problems. Additionally, many supplements use cheaper lowgrade ingredients which are harsh on the digestive tract. on muscles, nerves and to help with sleep. If taken for hypertension, a daytime and evening dose is recommended. I have many clients now largely free of night cramps and restless legs. In stubborn cases I also add a multi-mineral/ antioxidant complex to help with night-time circulation and improve muscle function. It is rare that we cannot get improvements with these problems which can significantly disrupt our sleep. Unfortunately, many magnesium supplements have just one form of magnesium and are ‘one-a-day’, making dose experimentation almost impossible. In my experience the required dosage differs a lot
Three forms
I prefer to use three different forms of magnesium. While this makes manufacturing more expensive, each form of magnesium is absorbed differently. I combine bioavailable marine (seaweed) sourced magnesium with amino acid chelated magnesium di-glycinate with magnesium citrate. I deliberately formulated the capsules to have a dosage range. Normally two capsules before bed will suffice but shortterm doses of four capsules can be used.
For more information, call me on: 0800 423 559 or email: john@abundant.co.nz Read my newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health.
New CEO marks a new chapter for LBCNZ Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ has a new chief executive officer with Tim Edmonds starting in the role this week.
LBCNZ governance board’s Pene Milne is delighted Tim began as CEO on January 30. “With eight Kiwis diagnosed every day with a blood cancer in New Zealand, the need to support more people is critical. “As the national charity dedicated to supporting Kiwis and their whanau, LBCNZ knows more people out there need us.” Pene says Tim brings a range of experience to the role. “He has a proven track record within both
the health and philanthropic sector. He brings a wealth of knowledge of research, health services and partnership approaches to improve health outcomes for communities.” Tim is “honoured and excited to join LBCNZ”. “The impact of this organisation on the lives of patients and their families is inspiring, and I am eager to build upon the incredible work that Peter [Fergusson, retiring CEO] and the team at LBCNZ have already done.” Pene says with LBCNZ’s motto being ‘Vision to Cure and Mission to Care’, “Tim’s experience will extend on the strategic outcomes for the increase of services and research programmes in NZ”.
The Weekend Sun
19Friday 2 February 2024
Friday 2 February 2024
The importance of year-round sunscreen As we are into a hot summer, we get all enthused to get outside, into the garden, for a walk, or to the beach. What we also do is start applying sunscreen on hot sunny days.
A good sunscreen should include three main ingredients to give good protection and repair. It needs a broad spectrum chemical, and physical block with antioxidants for repair. We have ultraviolet rays UV A, B and C; and we want to protect from UV A and B. UV A is what we call our aging ray because it is the same wavelength summer and winter, so it penetrates our skin whether the sun is shining or not. UV B on the other hand is known as our burning ray. So when we see the sun, or feel it on our body, it triggers us to apply sunscreen. In summer UV B rays are longer so they penetrate our skin, and are
shorter in winter. We talk about applying sunblock year-round to avoid the damage caused by UV A predominantly.
Reflect and absorb
We have a chemical and physical block. This is to both reflect and absorb the UV rays
to help stop them penetrating our cells. Antioxidants in a sun protection are great to help counteract the cellular change (free radicals) caused by exposure to the sun, and cell damage. SPF the Sun Protection Factor is the time you can stay in the sun without burning. For example: if you’re wearing a SPF 15 and your skin burns in 10 minutes, your sun protection is 10 x 15 = 150 minutes before you need to reapply.
WE USE ONLY THE FINEST QUALITY SKIN PRODUCTS
PlunketLine nurses only a phone call away PlunketLine wants to remind families that day, night and in the wee hours of the morning its registered nurses with a listening ear will be on the end of the line this summer, ready to support parents and caregivers of tamariki under-five. Mother of six Makere Sargent is one of PlunketLine’s registered nurses who are only a free phone call away 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone with questions or worries about pēpi and tamariki under-five can call Whānau Āwhina Plunket’s free 24/7 helpline 0800 933 922. “We are here to listen and support whānau with any questions or concerns about pēpi or tamariki and we can advise when they should see a GP or go to hospital too.” Makere says summer is a great time to catch up with whānau and friends, and she has a few tips for travelling with tamariki. “If you’re heading away from home, make sure you have a plan for where pēpi will sleep and everything they need. Pack snacks for long trips and take regular breaks. “Your pēpi or child may struggle with the heat
so it’s important that they drink often. Stay out of the sun, find shade outside wherever possible and remember to slip, slop, slap and wrap.” Makere says wherever you go in Aotearoa, PlunketLine is there to support you. “You don’t need to be enrolled with Whānau Āwhina Plunket to call PlunketLine, just pick up the phone, calls are free even from your mobile.” Last year PlunketLine handled more than 96,000 calls, provided more than 1000 free one-on-one video calls with breastfeeding lactation specialists plus started providing free one-on-one video chat sleep support for whānau needing a little extra help settling pēpi.
Data-free website
Call PlunketLine on: 0800 933 922 for 24/7 advice and information on parenting issues, your child’s health and wellbeing or to book a one-on-one video consult for breastfeeding or sleep support. The website: plunket.org.nz is one of the country’s most widely-read digital child health resources, with 1.8 million visits each year. It is available data-free through the Zero Data portal at: zero.govt.nz, and you can choose to view it in English or te reo Māori.
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY AND BE ONE STEP CLOSER TO HEALTHIER LEGS
To book an appointment, call us on 07 578 3243 or visit our website corsondental.co.nz
CORSON DENTAL COSMETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY
Friday 2 February 2024
The Weekend Sun
20
A blossoming love flourishes The sun begins to rise, the children lay sound asleep in bed, but you won’t find her in the home. No – she’s tiptoed into the wonderful shades of colourful blooms, pouring a labour of love into the flower farm. Rebecca Thurston says she’s been a gardener for a long time but it wasn’t until spring 2020 that she started her very own flower farm on her family’s rural lifestyle block in Te Puke called ‘Wild and Green’. “I’ve always
loved flowers, always found beauty in nature, even in weeds,” says Rebecca. “I just love being outdoors, growing and trying new things. The flower patch has just gradually grown.” Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us and as a small grower, Rebecca takes on what orders she can to share her delightful blooms with others. “Flowers help to speak things that sometimes words can’t. They’re used in times of sadness and grief… and also to speak love, kindness and thankfulness.” Rebecca has thousands of
Seven-year-old River, with his mum Rebecca Thurston among the flowers. Photo: John Borren.
flowers with a mix of dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, achilleas, corn flowers and more. “Dahlias are my favourite because there’s so many varieties and so many colours. The dinner plate variety is just breathtaking. “They’re just amazing.”
Husband Brent
She doesn’t use any sprays on her delicate flowers, keeping her soil healthy with compost and worms, and by doing lots of weeding. “I’ve got four children so I tend to get
up quite early before they do, and I can fit in a few hours in the flower patch before they’re even awake.” Married to her husband Brent Thurston for nearly 20 years, Rebecca says he’s a huge help to making sure the flower patch thrives. “His support is amazing… he’ll weed eat and mow all around the area and just keep everything looking beautifully presented. I just appreciate him so much.”
“Flowers help to speak things that sometimes words can’t.”
Valentines Day every day!
Rebecca says that it should be Valentines Day every day. “I just think that everyone deserves to be celebrated for who they are
every single day, to appreciate and love people, and show kindness. “Every day’s an opportunity to share that with other people, not just one day of the year.” Wanting to share the flower patch, Rebecca has begun offering ‘Pick Your Own’ events, where people can get among the flowers and handpick blooms which take their fancy. “I wanted to do it for a long time but I’m a bit of a perfectionist and it didn’t quite feel like I was good enough or my flowers weren’t enough, but lots of people were saying encouraging things so I thought I’d just give it a try. I have more than enough flowers for myself, and to supply to florists so I thought I’d open it up to share the joy of flowers with others.” Georgia Minkhorst
Lovely Rebecca Thurston among the wonderful blooms of her flower farm. Photo: John Borren.
The gift of handmade You can buy a Valentine’s Day card from the shops or a gas station, but this year maybe try making one yourself.
There are plenty of amazing Valentine’s Day card ideas on the internet – just try Pinterest or Instagram to get your creative juices flowing! And they don’t have to be hard or complicated. Grab some coloured paper or card, a pair of scissors, some stickers and glue
and settle in for some crafty fun. There are also a few places around town that sell craft products for those wanting to venture out and get a bit more technical, and are all easy enough to find with a quick Google search. So why not show your beloved how much they mean by making them a heartfelt card this year?
F LO R I S T
Wayne Rush
Bodywork Specialists in injury and illness recovery and prevention
y a d i l Ho
The Weekend Sun
21Friday 2 February 2024
Friday 2 February 2024
Waitangi Day 6 February
Celebrate Te Tiriti at A&P show back with a bang! Western Bay Museum It’s a welcome return, this Sunday, February 4, to the highlight of Katikati’s social calendar.
Western Bay Museum is inviting the community to commemorate Waitangi Day in fine fashion this year with funding from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage.
“Our diverse community is coming together to commemorate this special ‘agreement’ between Māori and Crown,” says Pou Mātauranga Maori, Hone Winder Murray. “We will share what Te Tiriti means from an array of cultures and ages. It is a
day of togetherness, unity and commemoration.” At 6.30am on the museum forecourt for ‘the Flag Ceremony’ where the Tino Rangatiratanga National Māori flag and the flag of Aotearoa New Zealand will be raised and honoured. The National Anthem will be played by the Tongan Brass Band. Attendees will then move to the marque and seating area where a service will be held. An array of speakers have been asked to share what Te Tiriti and The Treaty mean to them today. The Tongan Band will be playing as a free barbecue
breakfast will be served. There will be two free movies showing at The Arts Junction Theatre, intended for those who are part of this festive occasion and ultimately the power of unity – a showing
of ‘Whina’ at 9am and a showing of ‘Boy’ at 12 noon. People can pick up their free movie tickets from The Arts Junction, Katikati. For more information, phone Paula Gaelic on: 027 440 1005.
Keep your appetite spare at Shakespeare Make for the Te Puna Quarry’s charming amphitheatre for a magical evening of William Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ this February.
Prospero played by Gayle Spence. Photo: supplied.
Summer Shakespeare Tauranga Trust’s cast have been rehearsing relentlessly for the past three months to bring audiences a stellar show. Set in a mysterious and deserted isle, enter a world of fantasy, comedy and chaos as a banished Prospero plots to return to former glory as their adversaries face their own set of magical torments on the island. “Shakespeare always reflects the main storyline with a comedic storyline that balances the main storyline and almost makes a mockery of it,” says director Pascal Tibbits. This version of ‘The Tempest’ comes with a unique take, with Celtic and Nordic styling, and a few of the traditional male leads being played by women. “I tend to come to a show with a fully formed 3D image of what it’s all going to look and sound like, so once I imagine that, I can’t hold it all in, and then the hard work is getting the actors to buy into your vision.” There’ll be more than just a feast of theatre on these Shakespearean nights too. Pascal and his wife producing the show, Vikki Gorton-Tibbits, are cooking connoisseurs, winning My Kitchen Rules 2023. “We are bringing a little bit of that to the quarry. We’re going to have to do something a little bit fancy, so it’s going to be quite fun!” Held at the Te Puna Quarry Park, performances will run from 7.30pm-9.40pm from February 8-17. See the advert on this page for ticket details.
Georgia Minkhorst
After a three-year hiatus, Katikati A&P Show is promising to be a day of fun for all ages! President Louellen Davies says after a tough decision to cancel last year’s show, this year organiser have pulled out all the stops. This year’s show will feature craft and food stalls, donkey rides, sheep races, a performing sheep attraction, alpacas, a rock-climbing wall, celebrity egg and spoon races, highland dancing, spinning displays,
vintage and muscle cars, equestrian events, a hat competition, a raffle and a wood chopping competition. “It’s a day for our community to shine and to bring town and country together for a great family event,” says Louellen. “We’ve even got our conservationists showing what they do. Project Parore has put up a predator fence to demonstrate their pest control work in the region.” Katikati A&P Show is on Sunday February 4 at Uretara Domain, Major St, Katikati. Gates open 9am. Adult entry $5, under-13s gain free entry.
Debbie Griffiths
Friday 2 February 2024
Saturday February 3 Art in the Park
Original art for sale. Coronation Park. Mt Maunganui. 9am - 4pm. Weather permitting. Tauranga Society of Artists Association Croquet Sat. Mon. & Wed at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 9.15am for 9.30am start. Newplayers & visitors welcome. Ph Malcolm 027 681 5204 Bay Singles Social Groups Join a bunch of over 50”s young singles. Weekend dinners, pot-lucks, occasional outings, Have a go! Ph Delia 027 284 8762, Andrea 021 133 0313.
Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd 1.45pm
Family-focused facility offering 600+ toys to loan to children zero-10. Tues 6.30-8pm Weds 2.30-4pm Sat 9am-10am. Located behind the Christian Centre, Henry Rd, Katikati
Seniors & Travel Expo
Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd March 2024 10am - 3pm FREE ENTRY Mercury Baypark Arena, 81 Truman Lane Mount Maunganui. https:// www.seniorsandtravelexpo.com/
St Stephens Jigsaw Library
Every Saturday 10am-12noon. Hire for 2 weeks a variety of 600 puzzles. Cnr of Brookfield and Highmore Terrace
Taijiquan and Qigong
Sat & Weds, 9am free Taiji / Qigong group. Kulim Park on beach by big rock. All welcome. Ph Petro 021 751 665
Tauranga Farmers Market
7.45am-12noon at Tauranga Primary School cnr Cameron Rd & 5th Avenue. Rain, hail or shine. Direct from the Producers. Support local
Tauranga Summer Art Exhibition
Tauranga Society of Artists Summer exhibition at The People’s Gallery. 20th January-10th February 2024. Open 10am -3pm Monday to Saturday. More information: https://www. facebook.com/events/1512936726131311/15129 36739464643
Village Radio Museum
nostalgic music & Community Notices seven days on 1368 KHz AM Band. Radio Museum open from 10am. Request line 571 3710
Sunday February 4
Farmers Market - Mount Mainstreet
Every Sunday 9am-1pm rain or shine! Te Papa o Nga Manu Porotakataka (Phoenix Park) www. mountmainstreet.nz
Free Public Talk
Gate Pa Anglican Church offers a free public talk on the Battle of Te Ranga with Cliff Simons. 7pm, 1 Church Street, Gate Pa. https://www. stgeorgesgatepa.com/
Community Radio broadcasting
9.30-11.30am, held at Age Concern, 177A Fraser Street, Tauranga, $2 donation, light refreshment provided - all welcome!
Association Croquet
Sat. Mon. & Wed at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 9.15am for 9.30am start. Newplayers & visitors welcome. Ph Malcolm 027 681 5204
Chess at Mount Maunganui
Mount RSA Chess Club 544 Maunganui Rd, Mondays (excl public holidays). Early program 6.15pm-7pm Late program 7pm onwards. Casual Chess allowed. Search “Western BoP Chess”
Creative Fibre Tauranga
Golf Croquet
Katikati Toy Library
Across No. 1870 6. Famous sea capt- 6. Drink of tea (inf) (5) ain (7,4) 11. Control (8) 13. Thunderstruck (6) 7. Long film (4) 8. Head first (8) 14 Agile (6) 15. Craving (6) 9. Vegetable (6) 10. Lost animals (6) 16. Looking (5) 12. Mountain (SI) (6) 18. Smell (4) 15. Hurled (6) C B N T E C T E I S A S H C O R O M A N D E L K E M 17. Maori greeting S U U N E N L G M I D L E (5,3) A N T I E C H I L D K E M 19. Shower (4) E T D G D E G N X E D G Y 20. Never-ending (11) M Y T H O L O G Y J K Y M Y E L T OW P T O U A T O Down A B C DWH O D U N N I T T O S S I U G E T U I N K 1. Range (8) A N C T U R O A I S A S H 2. Nut (6) J U D O E R I C I U O I K 3. Soldiers (6) A S C N G A I O M A R S H F E T E E Y E N O L T T R 4. Bird (4) Solution 1869 5. Thin (6)
The Weekend Sun
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Sun. Tues. & Thurs. at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 8.30am for 9am start. New players & visitors welcome. Ph. Nev 07 575 5121
Otumoetai Rotary Carboot Sale
8.00am for buyers at Otumoetai College Car Park Windsor Road for Otumoetai Rotary. Sellers $10. Details Brian 021 122 8735 Bevan 027 461 2127.
Papamoa Lions Club Market
2nd & 4th Sunday. Gordon Spratt Reserve, Parton Rd, Papamoa. Gates open 7am for stall holder entry. Wayne 027 974 5699
Quaker Meeting
Join us for a coffee followed by silent contemplation and discussion in the hall behind Brain Watkins historical house, corner Cameron/ Elizabeth Street. 10am - 12. Ph 027 387 2790
Seniors & Travel Expo
Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd March 2024 10am - 3pm FREE ENTRY Mercury Baypark Arena, 81 Truman Lane Mount Maunganui. https://www. seniorsandtravelexpo.com/
Knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting & dyeing. Mons 9:30am, & 2nd & 4th Thurs 6:30pm. 177 Elizabeth St. Enjoy learning new crafts. Ph Rosanne 027 575 2175
Escotera Coffee Club Tauranga
A social club for anyone with an interest in paranormal/ufo related activity, or maybe just an x-files fan! Days & times are negotiable. Daniel 022 462 3316
Greerton Garden Club
Greerton Garden Club meets 2nd Monday each month at St James Church hall, Pooles Road, Greerton at 1pm. Visitors Welcome. Ph 07 5628855
Katikati Bowling Club
Mixed 2 x 4 x 2. Reporting time 9.15am
Let’s Learn Something New
Classes, courses, clubs and activities of all kinds. Have fun and do something new in 2024. Check out www.letslearn.co.nz or phone 07 578 9416
Simple Hatha Yoga
Yoga For All Come and find your place in our friendly class. Mon 5.30pm Lyceum Hall, Te Puke Contact bekkimonger@gmail.com
Tauranga Stamp Club
Tauranga Organ Keyboard Society
Wesley Methodist Church, 100 Thirteenth Ave. 10am on the 2nd & 7.30pm on the 4th Monday of the month. All welcome. Ph Tony 07 549 5015 or Jill 07 578 0930
Meets at 1.30pm at Carmel Country Estate Social Centre, 11 Hollister Lane, Ohauiti, Tauranga. Play or listen to Organ, Clavinova, Piano. Contact Maureen 544 5013
Monday February 5
Tuesday February 6
Every Monday (except public holidays) from
Come and join a bunch of women for
500 Card Group
Altrusa Ladies Service Group
Win a double pass to the last twilight concert of the season!
Katikati Twilight Concerts has only one show left for the 2024 season – on Saturday, February 10, at the Haiku Reserve – and Sun readers have a chance to win a free double pass to it! The last concert is From Woodstock To The 70s, with the headline act The Backbeats – and is set to be great finale show to the season, with prizes for best dressed concert-goers too! Set in Katikati’s Haiku Reserve, the event is perfect for bringing friends, family, a picnic hamper and deck chairs for an evening’s entertainment for only $25
per person while under-15s gain free entry when accompanied by a paying adult. Purchase tickets from the Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati, email: www.katikati.org.nz or with cash at the gate. If wet, concerts take place the next day. Visit: www.katikaticoncerts.co.nz The Weekend Sun has one double pass for the February 10 concert for one lucky reader who can tell us who will be the headline act on February 10. Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the ‘competitions’ tab. Entries must be received by Tuesday, February 6.
Woodstock SATURDAY to the 70s 10 FEB ft.The Backbeats
The Weekend Sun
Friday 2 February 2024
23Friday 2 February 2024
THE WEEKEND SUN
community projects and social events. Meet 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Phone Pam 027-2537562 or visit www.altrusa. org.nz
host Arizona visitors February 2024 and be home hosted in return. Ph Diane 027 249 9859 Jonathan 572 2091
Tauranga BOP Club Tawa Street, Mt Maunganui. Social and competitive play. Boules available. New players welcome. Phone Ray 027 756 3565 for times, further details.
Take a breather from your busy work day with a yoga session on Tauranga’s beautiful waterfront. Arrive at 12pm for a 12:15 start -1pm finish
Boules - Petanque
Cards 500 Mount Maunganui
Free Waterfront Lunchtime Yoga
Golf Croquet
Tuesdays and Thursdays 12.30 to 4pm. Mount Community Hall. Fun and friendly group. Afternoon tea provided. All ages all welcome. Phone 027 658 6848 or just arrive
Sun. Tues. & Thurs. at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 8.30am for 9am start. New players & visitors welcome. Ph. Nev 07 575 5121
FUN exercise to music, strength & balance class for older adults. Papamoa Community Centre. Tues 9am & 11.15am Contact bekkimonger@gmail.com
Friendly yoga class - all welcome. Thurs 5.30-6.30pm, Te Puke Memorial Hall. Contact bekkimonger@gmail.com
Sun. Tues. & Thurs. at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 8.30am for 9am start. New players & visitors welcome. Ph. Nev 07 575 5121
8 Park Rd Rummikub 1-4pm, $3 entry
Gold Movers Fitness Class
Golf Croquet
Greerton Walking Group
Meet outside Greerton Library at 9am for a gentle, local walk with a friendly crowd, followed by a cafe visit. All welcome. Contact Mike 021 180 7429
Otumoetai Walking Group
Meet at 9am at Kulim Park. Ph Danny 576 6480
Tauranga Acoustic Music Club
Greerton RSA 7pm. Friendly get-together, all instruments, all levels of ability. Come in & enjoy some live music. Grant 578 6448
Tauranga Model Railway Club
Club meets Tuesday 9.30am & Thursday 7.30pm, corner Mirrielees & Cross Roads, Sulphur Point. Ph Mike 021 939 233
Wednesday February 7 10 Pin Bowling
1pm at 10 Pin Tauranga, 135 Thirteenth Ave. Mixed group play for fun but keep the score. Very occasionally competitive. Ph Glenda 021 257 8678
AgeConcern Monthly Meeting
All welcome! Guest Speaker Tanya Smith, Age Concern Tauranga, Papamoa Community Centre, 15 Gravatt Road, Papamoa, 10am - 11am, $4pp (tea & coffee provided)
Age Concern Walking Group
A friendly weekly walking group for ages 65+ for all fitness levels. 10am start, meet at Briscoes, Chapel Street.
Association Croquet
Sat. Mon. & Wed at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 9.15am for 9.30am start. Newplayers & visitors welcome. Ph Malcolm 027 681 5204
Beginner Social Dance Group
Commencing Wednesday, 14 Feb, 8-9pm, Welcome Bay School Hall, Welcome Bay Rd, Ballroom/Latin/Rock&Roll. Just come along on the night to enrol. Ph Sonia 0273 221 786
Cards Cribbage
Friendly group meet 12.30 for 1pm start at RSA Greerton. New members very welcome. Ph Jill 021 160 6143
Dance Classes in Katikati
Join us at the St Peter’s Church Hall 2pm for Ballet: Jazz: Character: Improvisation: etc No dance experience necessary. Contact Gaye 0272 748 753 or 07 577 1753 gayehemsley@gmail.com
Katikati Bowling Club
8 Park Rd. Mixed Roll-ups 12.45-3pm
Steady As You Go
Age Concern exercises for strength and balance, friendly group 2-3pm except first Wednesdays. $2. St John’s Bureta. Phone Angela 576 9847
Taijiquan and Qigong
Sat & Weds, 9am free Taiji / Qigong group. Kulim Park on beach by big rock. All welcome. Ph Petro 021 751 665
Tauranga Midweek Tramping Group
Tuahu to Te Rereatukahia Hut, from Hot Springs Road. Bethlehem. Moderate. Annamiek 027 650 3483
Tauranga SeniorNet
Tauranga SeniorNet - improving the computer skills for seniors and older adults, for more & to see the timetable go to taurangaseniornet.com
Thursday February 8
Adult Social Ballroom/Latin Dance
Free Beginner Dance Lesson at Club Mt. Maunganui, 7:30pm. Ph Dean 021 230 3187 or just come along. Visit our website for more information www.udance2.co.nz
Boules - Petanque
Tauranga BOP Club Tawa Street, Mt Maunganui. Social and competitive play. Boules available. New players welcome. Phone Ray 027 756 3565 for times, further details
Coffee/Conversation Group - Greerton
Age Concern Tauranga holds a friendly Coffee and Conversation Group, Greerton Senior Citizens Hall, 33 Maitland Street, 10.30am - 12noon, cost $3pp. All Welcome
Enjoy Travel?
Monthly Friendship Force travel club meeting. Home
Hatha & Vinyasa Yoga
Katikati Bowling Club
Keynotes Women’s Barbershop Chorus
Do you love to sing? Can you sing in tune? Singing lessens stress, join us 7pm, Wesley Hall 100 13th avenue. Phone Bernice 576 4848 Facebook Keynotes Inc
Let’s Learn Something New
Classes, courses, clubs and activities of all kinds. Have fun and do something new in 2024. Check out www.letslearn.co.nz or Ph 07 578 9416
Omanu Rebus Club
Join our monthly meeting 9.30am at Omanu Golf Clubrooms. Enjoy morning tea, guest speaker, raffles other activities for Older Adults. Ph Doug 021 162 0206
Play Bowls in Papamoa
Friendly bowls club in Gordon Spratt Reserve invites you to learn/improve your bowling. Free coaching Thursdays 10.00. Just turn up in flat shoes
Katikati Genealogy Group
Meets on the second Thursday of the month from Feb to Dec. At the Red Cross premises, 33 Middlebrook Drive at 1.30pm. Email June at junegrant7@xtra.co.nz
Tauranga Model Railway Club
Club meets Tuesday 9.30am & Thursday
7.30pm, corner Mirrielees & Cross Roads, Sulphur Point. Ph Mike 021 939 233
Friday February 9
Free Waterfront Lunchtime Yoga
Soak in the stunning morning light and start the day right at Tauranga’s beautiful waterfront every Friday fortnight over summer. Arrive from 7am for 7.15am start
Grey Power Papamoa meeting
1pm at Papamoa Library & Community Centre. Dr Liz Howell speaks about the Middle East. All welcome $4 and cuppa tea. Ph Jonathan 572 2091
Katikati Bowling Club
Mixed roll up. Reporting time 1.45pm. Visitors welcome. Coaching available. Social activities commence at 4pm
Omokoroa Night Market
Enjoy a range of food trucks, stalls, live music & free fun every Friday night at Omokoroa Domain. 5pm - 9pm
Learn all about bromeliads!
A formerly rare and still rather exotic plant, the humble bromeliad has exploded in popularity in the past few years. For those yet to encounter these lovely plants, the Bromeliad Club is hosting its summer open day on Saturday, February 10 from 8am-12noon at the Sulphur Point Yacht Club. The open day will see a range of bromeliads on display, plenty of plants for sale, lots of growers ready to share their knowledge, raffles, spot prizes, bromeliad growing information and many rare and unusual varieties. Bromeliad Club member Lynley Breeze says the open days have been held on a Wednesday on their normal club meeting day, but they decided to hold the event
on a Saturday so Wednesday workers could attend. “Specialist hobby growers have access to some of the more interesting and rare plants that would not be available in nurseries and can advise on the best site and care for the plants; and prices are very affordable too.” Some bromeliad plants offer spectacular, long-lasting flowers – some for up to a year – while others have highly patterned foliage, says Lynley. “They can make a dramatic statement in the garden. After flowering, the parent plant usually dies but will produce offset plants called ‘pups’ which enable the grower to establish a collection.” A cash-out facility will enable cash sales at the summer open day. For more information, phone Lynley 07 576 7711.
Danny Begley with some brilliant bromeliads. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.
Friday 2 February 2024
The Weekend Sun
24
MUSICPLUS
By Winston Watusi
Must be a sign of the times... Being something of a political sceptic, it always impresses me when MPs do something useful.
So it was a couple of weeks back, when Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford spotted a local road with two different speed signs – 70km/hr on one side and 80km/hr on the other. Well done! Excellent work! And in the spirit of his observational acumen may I remind everyone of Whakamarama’s Barrett Rd. Or should that be ‘Barretts Rd’? It’s only a small piece of interconnecting highway, a couple of hundred metres tops, but this legendary stretch of road does boast Tauranga’s oldest recording studio, The Boatshed. Turn off State Highway 2 at the fish and chip shop and the sign boldly declares ‘Barretts Rd’; stop at the other end, at the T-junction a few seconds later and it says ‘Barrett Rd’. I believe I mentioned it in this very paper some 10 years ago. Clearly no one from Waka Kotahi reads music columns... A little help perhaps, Tom?
Sophie-Maude
Moving along to actual music and a little update from last week: young electro-pop singer Sophie-Maude, whom I mentioned, has a new single out, ‘Vertigo’, which is already garnering national attention. Nice video too if you want to check YouTube. Now allow me to guide you through the veritable thicket of upcoming shows by mentioning a couple that caught my eye... There’s a hardcore gig coming up at The Jam Factory on February 10 – but, in case you get to reading this early, let me mention another hardcore outing before that, because this Sunday, February 4, there’s a bash under the harbour bridge. These have become semi-regular events for Tauranga’s indie scene, this one happening at 2pm
Signs of confusion.
and featuring established veterans of the scene Threat.Meet.Protocol, the first band to play under the harbour bridge way back in 2012. With them are Ōtūmoetai College prodigies Bloody Overalls and Skonk, who debuted at last year’s Loserpalooza Festival at Totara Street. Bring koha. Skonk are back on February 10 at the Jam Factory with three other acts, at a night called ‘Salty & Sweet’, showing that ripples from that extraordinary Loserpalooza, featuring as it did 24 bands, all from the Bay, are still being felt: these four bands met there. Along with Skonk there’re veteran punks Stunt Clown, solo punk StellaVision, and the soon-torelocate-to-Wellington Park Flyers, all interspersed with poems from Meshell Hardman. The event is also a cash koha fundraiser for services supporting survivors of relationship abuse. So $10 unwaged, $20 waged.
A couple more…
Let’s get a couple more in: the night before at the Jam Factory, highly-regarded Dunedin singersongwriter Dave Alley brings his trio to town after playing the Auckland Folk Festival. Expect what he describes as acoustic guitar-based music stemming from roots, world, blues, rock, reggae, funk, folk and south pacific styles. That same night, February 9, Wellington pop band Skram, who had an “almost hit” with their song ‘Love Don’t Keep Me Waiting’, bring their bright and breezy sounds to Totara Street. It must be summer! ***************************** Hear Winston’s latest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5YqLnJnGLBX RswUCSUZ5jG?si=3bd6d6ae441449ec
ASTROLABE MOUNT MAUNGANUI Fri 2nd Hatta / Harper 9pm RSA Fri 2nd Smooth an groove Sat 3rd BPM / Chris Silva / 7-10.30pm Groundhog 9pm THE BARREL ROOM CORNERSTONE BAR Sat 3rd The Desotos 7pm Fri 2nd DJ MYK 10pm How THE JAM FACTORY Sat 3rd 4 shades of Kiwi 10pm Fri 2nd Mark Mazengarb Su No.2222 MEDIUM & Katie Martucci 7.30pm Sun 4th Karaoke 7pm *Cover charge applies JACK DUSTY’S (Bureta) Fill the Sat 3rd Sassafras 7pm Sat 3rd Johnny Cavaick *Cover charge applies every ro 2-5pm THE PHOENIX TAURANGA 3x3 squ Sat 3rd Decibel 7.30the di Sun 4th Ian Taylor 3-6pm 10.30pm Sun 4th The Blarneys 3-6pm TOTARA ST. Fri 2nd The Grant Haua Mon 5th Jack Dusty’s Solutio How to solve Explosion 7.30 *Cover Ukulele Players 6-7.30pm 5 3 9 2 charge applies Sudoku! No.2222 MEDIUM Wed 7th Open Mic 6 1 7 9 VOODOO LOUNGE 7-10.30pm 8 2 4 3 5 1 6 8 Fri 2nd Funk drop with LATITUDE 37 Fill the grid so that 3 9 8 7 7 4 5 1 Fri 2nd Dan Sharp 8.30pm Omega b and Twenty 2 2 every row and every 5-9pm 2 6 1 5 Sat 3rd Marc 8.30pm 3x3 square contains Fri 2nd Euphoria2 Latina 4 5 3 8 5 4 Sun 4th Louie 4-7pm the digits 1 to 9 9pm 1 7 2 6 Tue 6th Damo 4-7pm 9 8 6 4 3 7 Sat 3rd Live music with MISS GEES Wildlanes 4-7pm Solution No.2221 No.2221 Solution Fri 2nd Elijah 10pm 5 8 2 7 How to solve 5 3 9 2 6 8 1 7 4 Sat 3rd Sure shot hip hop VERY Sat 3rdEASY Hooky & Daara P 6 1 7 9 5 4 8 2 3 party with Omega b and No.1622 Sudoku! 8 9 824 371 956 4pm Twenty 2 9pm 3 9 8 7 4 2 6 1 5 MOUNT HOT POOLS Sun 4th Drosan then 3 2 7 7 4 5 1 8 6 3 9 2 Fill the grid so that Sun 4th Sophie-Maude Pabtone 8pm 2 6 1 5 9 3 4 8 7 every row and every 7-8.30pm *Cover charge Wed 7th Voodoo7jam night 4 5 3 8 1 7 2 6 9 applies 3x3 square contains 9pm 1 7 2 6 3 9 5 4 8 1 4 1 to99 5 the digits 9 8 6 4 2 5 7 3 1
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The Weekend Sun
Friday 2 February 2024
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trades & services
CHEW & SMILE NATURALLY! BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
HEAT PUMPS & AIR CONDITIONING
NEED A PROPERTY MANAGER? We are a boutique company, that’s why we do a fantastic job! We take the stress out of property management. 7% + gst ONE FLAT FEE, NO HIDDEN CHARGES
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info@yellowbrick.co.nz yellowbrick.co.nz
Bring in fresh, filtered air for a healthier home a
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trades & services
computers
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Your one stop shop technology supplier
Computer Support Windows or Apple New Computers/ Laptops Repairs & Upgrades Phones & Mobile devices Wi-Fi and Printers
We come to you! 072621000 or 0222621000 info@silverservice.co.nz www.silverservice.co.nz
trades & services F O R A L L YO U R E L E C T R I C A L N E E D S CALL US ON
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EC
wanted
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admin@ecospark.co.nz
WIDE
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IN TIN
• Paving & Decking • Pool Coping • Garden Design • Louvres & Pergolas • Artificial & New Lawn • Gates, Screens, Fences • Raised Gardens & Retaining • Pool Installation
situations vacant
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bible digest
MOTOR HOME AUTO trail 2020 6mtrs, automatic 2 birth, auto, TV dish, low mileage. $145K. Ph 0272 474 745
THE LORD IS MY strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2
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
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
Friday 2 February 2024
27Friday 2 February 2024
HANDYMAN HOME & GARDEN SERVICES tree pruning, weeding, hedges, water blasting, home
recently departed
maintenance, fence painting at affordable rates Ph Philip 027 655 4265
approximately 5 years old, Pemberton Cres. Gate Pa. Ref 599021.
FOUND KITTENS & PUPPIES various places, colours and sex. Ph SPCA 07 578 0245
FOUND CAT, Black, Female, approximately 1-2 years old, Manoeka Road Te Puke. Ref 599320.
lost & found
FOUND DOG, Golden, Bearded Collie, Female, approximately 4 years old, Pyes Pa Road, Ref 599417. FOUND CAT, by, Female, approximately 1 year old, Hartford Ave, Papamoa. Ref 598971. FOUND CAT, Black, Male,
Vera 022 139 6312
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
FOUND CAT, Black and White, Male, approximately 4 years old, Edgecumbe Road Tauranga. Ref 599325.
situation wanted
RELIABLE MATURE WOMEN seek Medication Delivery Position. Strict protocol adhered to. Contact
public notices
HANDYMAN Free quotes, water blasting, painting, repairs odd jobs Phone Rossco 027 270 3313 ROOF REPAIRS Free quotes for all maintenance of leaking roofs, gutter cleaning & repairs. Chimney maintenance & repairs. Registered roofer, 30yrs exp. Ph Peter 542 4291 or 027 436 7740
Churches Active In Our Community
Simplicity, gratefulness and compassion
BAYPARK TO BAYFAIR LINK OVERNIGHT ROAD CLOSURES AT BAYFAIR ROUNDABOUT AND ON SH2 NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi wishes to advise of upcoming overnight road closures on Sunday 4 February, and from Wednesday 7 February to Friday 9 February 2024 (approximately 7pm to 6am each night) at Bayfair roundabout and on SH2 between SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange and Bayfair flyover. Closures will vary night to night, depending on site requirements and progress. For more information on detour routes, visit nzta.govt.nz/ baylink-traffic Road users are asked to allow extra time, follow signposted detours and drive with caution through the project site. In the event of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, the closures may be moved to the next suitable night/s. NZTA thanks road users and residents for their patience.
funeral services
Elliotts have served the Bay of Plenty community since 1967, with funeral facilities in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Katikati.
Visit our website elliottsfunerals.co.nz
578 3338
Tauranga, your stories are in safe hands. Da r i n F r i i s F u n e r a l D i r e c t o r
0 7 5 4 3 4 7 8 0 | l e g a c y f u n e ra l s .c o. n z @legacyfuneralsnz
Keep the story alive.
School Bus Drivers Get on Board with Go Bus Transport and come join our great team in Te Puke! We are looking for permanent Part-Time School Bus Drivers, school terms only.
What you need:
Class 2 Licence and P endorsement (we can help you obtain this) A responsible and caring approach
Why have we lost the art of just being thankful and grateful for what we have and what those before us have provided, rather than often wanting and even demanding more and more? In the Bible, 1 Timothy 6 encourages us: “godliness with contentment is great gain”. When was the last time you chatted to your neighbours or someone outside your normal friendship group? Swapped some spare produce you had? Or noticed
If they were ill gave needed a hand or simply gave an acknowledging smile and a welcoming ‘great to see you and I’m here if you need me’? Matthew 9:36 states that: “When he (Yeshua (Jesus)) saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”. Maybe this is your year to realise where you fit in YHVH Elohim’s (Lord God’s) Plan and what’s really important in your life. Shalom. Rev Joel and Sharon van Ameringen, Beth-El Messianic Family
If you want to be part of a business that is making a difference in your community then we want to hear from you! Our recruitment process includes a Drug and Alcohol Test and Police Vetting check. Applicants will need current NZ work rights la tyb laFURTHER tyb NOTICE with no restrictions. Replace CHURCH CLOSED UNTIL
BETH - EL
with Messianic Family Family St Andrews Church,Messianic Dee St, Mt Maunganui To apply please call 021 747 611 Bible Study 9:30am - Worship Service 10:45am ALL WELCOME
or email Trudy.Murray@gobus.co.nz Get on board with gobus.co.nz
ALL WELCOME SHALOM
Also replace theSHALOM words: AM ONLINE SERVICES ONLY SABBATH SABBATH 10 10AM MountSDA@gmail.com OTUMOETAI PRIMARY PRIMARY OTUMOETAI Joel & & Sharon Sharon vanyou! Ameringen With: We look forward to seeing Joel van Ameringen
0 02 2 11 7 76 68 8 0 04 43 3
info@bethel.org.nz info@bethel.org.nz bethel.org.nz bethel.org.nz
You are welcome to worship with us each Sabbath (Saturday) St Andrews Church, Dee St, Mt Maunganui Bible Study 9:30am • Worship Service 10:45am Enquiries 021 277 1909
We look forward to seeing you! mtmaunganui.adventist.org.nz
S2214cbMount
Caring for you and your family at this difficult time
When was the last time you sat quietly looking out at the harbour on a beautiful sunny day? Or drove leisurely though one of your neighbourhoods? Or walked or lay in one of our reserves just to enjoy and appreciate the beauty and simplicity of it?
The Weekend Sun
Friday 2 February 2024
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@vandyksnz
Ph 07 281 1238
www.vandyks.co.nz
(opp Animates)
Mon to Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am-5pm
@vandyksnewzealand
*Offer valid to 27.02.24 or while stocks last. Discount offers apply to selected beds and bedding only, prices as marked. Offers exclude Everyday Dream prices, run outs, clearance stock (unless otherwise stated) and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. See in- store for details. We reserve the right to correct errors and misprints and to change product specifications. All products are advertised in good faith and will be available, except in circumstances beyond our control. Product ranges vary between stores and some products are available in selected stores only.