The Weekend Sun - 1 March 2024

e primal, wailing sound of the bagpipes stirs something within us all. And today e Weekend Sun features two stories about the great highland bagpipes, the national instrument of Scotland. e rst, our cover story, previews a weekend of bagpipe music.

The call of the pipes

It’s the Central North Island Pipe Band Contest this weekend – for two days the thrum of the pipes and drums will be heard across Soper Reserve and Mount Maunganui. e contest is being hosted by the City of Tauranga Pipe Band, with members Jess

Willson, Doug Hendry, Jayne Wylie and Duncan Hendry (pictured), ready for action! e second is a rich story about a piper laid to rest, the ancestral calling of a Tauranga family and a very special set of bagpipes. e piper was the late Stu Willoughby – a

character by all accounts. An accountant, family man, sherman, raconteur, cricketer, marathoner and – of course – a bagpiper. Read about the contest on page 10. And, the story of the late Stu Willoughby is on pages 16-17. Photo: Brydie ompson.

‘Uneducated, gutter stuff’

It’s a rule of thumb that every message of criticism or dissatisfaction directed to the media equates to 200 other complaints. Simply because most people don’t go the extra step to register their concerns.

So Jo of Katikati, you’re in big company.

And because we’re not above a good spanking and a dose of humility when it might be deserved. So here’s Jo’s thoughts on our Page 2 ‘rat co ns/sausage rolls’ rave in our February 16, 2024 edition.

“Well Sun, you have done it again!” wrote Jo. “Your constant ridicule, derogative comments and putting down of Senior Citizens (sic) has just gone too far. ‘Soft as a pensioners poo…’ is just about as low as you could go.

“Uneducated, gutter stu .”

Right on one point Jo. ree subjects in school certi cate probably ranks me relatively uneducated. e “soft as…” comment was ‘rat co n’ reviewer’s colourful language – not mine – but I did get a giggle.

However, it’s Jo who is front of stage at the moment. “You could print some extremely interesting and educational articles if you took time to visit retirement villages,” writes Jo.

“You would learn about some amazing journeys and what they have contributed to society. All that history is being lost!”

I agree. Everyone has a story to tell.

Pity there isn’t the will, nor the resources, to fossick through it all. Jo signs o as “a senior citizen who expects more from those who have bene ted from the hard work and sacri ces our generation had to make!”

ank us

Taihoa Jo! – I am one of you. I am very on the wrong side of 70. And as I’m constantly reminded by some smart young things who have supposedly “bene tted”, they want to thank us for the climate crisis, thank us for ruining ‘THEIR’ planet, and thank us for destroying ‘THEIR’ housing market.

ey see things di erently. And they ask we remember it’s ‘THEY’ now paying

our NZ super. While on ‘rat co ns’ and rodents, there was the image that turned the stomachs of a nation – a mouse crawling around an open food cabinet at a Christchurch supermarket deli.

“Would you like leptospirosis or bubonic plague with your potato salad?”

And the Dunedin supermarket putting a callout to the Pied Piper after a rat infestation closed the store. Not a plague of biblical proportions but enough to titillate ‘rat-tastrophe’ theorists.

Are we on the brink of another Black Death – when rats with plague-infested eas caused 25 million deaths in the 14th Century?

It prompted an outpouring of personal rat stories, dreadful, lifechanging encounters with rodents. Seems everyone’s had one.

Like a rat scuttling over a friend’s bare foot in the bedroom of a student at in Dunedin.

“I panicked, I screamed, I threw up. I have never been the same.” But then have you ever been in a ‘scar e’ at in Dunedin? You might sympathise with the poor rat having to live in that squalor. Friend still hates rats. “I don’t care about the eco-system food chain, kill every last one.”

Rat Fact 1:

Rats are carriers of at least 60 communicable diseases. Bite people when they’re asleep. Which leads us to ‘Sugar’ – a lovely Persian cat which bought a rat into a young couple’s bedroom.

would pull back the duvet and do a full rat check before climbing in.

Rat Fact 2:

A female rat can have 500 partners during a six-hour period of ‘heat’, 15 times a year.

e upshot: 2000 o spring annually. ere’s a horrible, primal wailing as the family’s ‘Scamp’ cat arrives home with a long, skinny tail dangling from one side of his mouth and beady rat eyes and whiskers from the other. Scamp was parading his latest, not quite dead,

trophy. “Do something!” she says. Why is it always the bloke who has to “do something”? Anyhow, man steps up, grabs rat by the tail and heaves it onto the back lawn to be dispatched with a garden spade. I will spare you the gore, but the executioner ends up spattered with a cocktail of rat blood and 60 communicable rat diseases. I spend the next months watching for signs of rat pox.

Rat Fact 3:

e rat escaped beneath the bed clothes and there was pandemonium before the man hero uses a hunk of timber to beat the bejesus out of a rat-like shape scurrying beneath the duvet at the bottom of the bed. “Freaked me out,” says the crying, screaming, yelling one. “I slept tucked up in a foetal position because I worried there might be a rat at the bottom of the bed.” Every night she

A rat’s teeth grow 13cm a year. ey stop them growing through their heads by eating wood, bricks, cement and bones. ere was the family who trapped a mouse in a tube of Pringles chips. When the father arrives home he grabs the tube to snack on a few of those saddle-shaped chips. He ips the top, upends the tube, and instead of a few salty paraboloids, a rodent leaps out onto his chest. Might be a bit of pay back coming in that house.

*What’s your rat story? Email: hunter@thesun.co.nz

In the wake of his departure from Tauranga City Council, Brendan Bisley, the former director of transport for the past four years, brings a seasoned perspective to the future of the city’s road network in an exclusive opinion piece, which has been published on SunLive.

Drawing from years of experience overseeing the intricate web of urban transportation and his background in civil engineering, Brendan o ers a unique vantage point on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

As the city continues to evolve, Brendan’s insights promise a thought-provoking analysis of what the road network may resemble during the next two to three decades, shedding light on the crucial decisions that must be made to ensure a sustainable and e cient transportation infrastructure for generations to come.

“We need to be having that wider community conversation about the roading network and what it looks like over the next 20-30 years,” says Brendan. His council role was disestablished in 2023 during an internal council restructuring and he took redundancy at the end of last year, returning

Navigating the future

Former city transport head’s insightful take on the next 20-30 years

to work in the private sector. “So I have a good understanding of the issues, and now I’m not there I can put out this opinion piece as it’s my own personal viewpoint.

“We need to look at what needs to change on the transport network to improve the current situation to try and improve the understanding of why we can’t simply x the congestion.”

Brendan would like the public to be well-informed ahead of the Local Body Elections in July, and stimulate engagement and conversation around roading.

“With elections coming up, I don’t want to in uence who is coming in, but want to create better understanding for the public so they know what we need to do long-term about roading and transport – and not just build more roads.”

Brendan’s opinion piece titled ‘How do we make the road network in Tauranga work?’ on SunLive, covers what he sees as the current situation, why we have these issues and what he sees as the solution.

“It is not a council opinion piece and the views do not re ect council policy. It is intended to stimulate conversation and get the community thinking about what needs to change in the transport system for the city to continue to thrive,” says Brendan.

Read his opinion piece at: www.sunlive.co.nz

Brendan Bisley in downtown Tauranga. Photo: Brydie ompson.

News tips ph 0800 SUNLIVE

City can now host bigger indoor concerts

Tauranga’s largest indoor venue for concerts and other events has increased its venue capacity and partnered with a leading ticketing provider, opening the door to bigger and better events here.

Mercury Baypark Arena in Mount Maunganui can now host up to 6000 people inside its Lion Foundation Centre, which makes it one of the larger spaces in the country of its type. is increased venue capacity allowance was on full show on New Year’s Eve when Mercury Baypark Arena hosted the popular drum and bass event Famous Last Words.

Bay Venues – the organisation that manages Mercury Baypark Arena and 23 other community facilities on behalf of Tauranga City Council – has also signed a preferred ticketing partnership for Mercury Baypark with Ticketek.

Gang bikes turned into scrap metal

Six distinctive motorcycles that were once prized possessions of the Comanchero Motorcycle gang have been destroyed.

A recent court order gave police the green light to crush the gold-plated Harley Davidson motorcycles, along with numerous personalised plates, and sell the remains as scrap metal.

Commissioner Andrew Coster says the application by Police was under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act in early-2023 and is the rst of its kind.

Te Puke, Greerton lead cricket cup

Flying Mullet Te Puke has surged to a share of the lead in the Versatile Williams Cup after defeating Element IMF Cadets on Saturday, in an encounter that lasted just 45 overs of the regulation 50-over per side.

Eves Realty Greerton joined Te Puke at the top of the Williams Cup standings after a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Craigs Geyser City in Rotorua.

Pāpāmoa moved into third spot on the points table with their fourth victory of their Williams Cup campaign, in defeating Craigs Tauranga Boys’ College.

Points Table (Provisional) : Te Puke 31, Greerton 31, Pāpāmoa 26, Mount Maunganui 25, Lake Taupō 20, Cadets 17, Geyser City 15, Central Indians 12, Tauranga Boys’ College 5.

field wanted for sport fees

While some outdoor sports groups are up in arms about council’s proposed fee hikes for sport ground use, some indoor groups are welcoming the fees to create an even playing eld among community sports.

Last year Tauranga City Council released their Long Term Plan 20242034, which proposes sport clubs pay to use elds for trainings and games.

If the proposed fee structure goes ahead, council would charge $258 per hour, per eld/wicket, per week. is, however, would be the total fee for the season – as opposed to each week for outdoor sport groups.

e Weekend Sun recently reported how this proposal has been met with resistance by football groups and the like – however Volleyball Tauranga’s manager Jenny Kirk is ready for outdoor groups to be charged.

‘By the hour’

“We have been advocating council for years around setting some equity for outdoor and indoor sports,” says Jenny.

“While we have enjoyed a subsidised hourly rate to use the council’s indoor facilities, our hall hire is still a massive cost in our ability to host community sport. We have to pay it to use the

facility by the hour and arrange bookings well in advance.”

For context, the cost based on per court, per hour for youth/senior community regular games was $20.10 last year at the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre.

Now in 2024, the new price is $33.40 per court, per hour.

Jenny says this new regime for indoor sports fees began on January 1, 2024, with some costs being raised by 50-60 per cent. “But on the rst of January this year, the outdoor users still weren’t paying. If they were paying fee recovery, it was very nominal.”

Jenny says the massive upkeep costs of presenting elds/courts in a t state for sport are well documented.

“ is causes a huge support imbalance between outdoor and indoor sports.”

“[So] $100,000 for annual hall hire by a major sport in Tauranga is a fact, and the members keep growing.”

Finding balance

e Sun asked council whether the proposed fees are aimed at gaining equity between indoor and outdoor sport user fees. “ e proposed user fees and charges seek a more fair and equitable balance between revenue from rates and revenue from the users of council facilities,” says community service’s general manager Barbara Dempsey. “It’s important we get that balance right.”

Jenny thinks user groups should be responsible to contributing towards the use of any facility. “ ey should be able to budget and pay their fair share towards costs. I think youth sports should be subsidised di erently. Our charging regime has always allowed for community and youth to have a larger subsidy than adult sport, but I think there’s a lot of sports that need to budget and manage their a airs in such a way that they pay a fair contribution towards their facilities.”

Community meeting

Last week National MP, Sam U ndell wrote in his opinion piece: “It is with sadness and frustration that I see Tauranga City Council proposing, through their Long Term Plan, to massively increase fees to use community sports elds”.

Jenny thinks both sides of community sports need to be considered.

“As an MP, he [Sam] should be better informed,” says Jenny. “More discussion is needed to get the rates workable but community sport needs to be well managed and live within their means –whether they are indoor or outdoor.”

Sam U ndell and fellow National MP Tom Rutherford are hosting a meeting to discuss the implications of council’s proposed changes from 5.30pm-6.30pm at Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club, 90 Keith Allen Drive on Monday, March 4.

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

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

Georgia Minkhorst

Controversial road closure racks up $5m in fines

Transitional safety improvements for the street, costing $450,000, will see the cycle lane protected from tra c with plastic bollards and street markings.

Improvements will be made outside Mount Maunganui Intermediate and two bus stops will be removed from the street.

e Commission approved the changes at a council meeting on Monday.

TCC cycle plan implementation team leader Karen Hay says the next step is to re-evaluate the cul-de-sac following the opening of the SH2 Baypark to Bayfair Link.

General tra c can use the lanes at all other times. If they access it during the restricted hours they are issued a $150 ne by Tauranga City Council.

Initially a 24/7 ban, the rules were relaxed in December 2022.

e numbers

Since the cul-de-sac was installed in March 2022, a tally of 34,299 nes have been issued totalling $5.14m. Of these nes $2.55m have been paid in full and $1.28m is outstanding.

e council has waived 8779 nes, equalling $1.32m, according to data provided to Local Democracy Reporting.

e council is also looking at the possibility of resident exemptions, which will be unique for Tauranga, says Karen. “Some

e council put the cul-de-sac in place while Bay Link was under construction, saying they will assess it once t he link was complete.

People used Links Ave to avoid congestion on SH2 and before the closure there was up to 9000 vehicles a day using the street.

Karen says they needed to wait for tra c to normalise after it opened and will do tra c assessments until March.

Commission chair Anne Tolley is worried council is testing the “nomalisation” too soon because there are still tra c disruptions from Bay Link construction.

Karen responded by saying they’ll extend tra c evaluations before making a recommendation to council about reopening.

[residents] had some real challenges in accessing local amenities, going to the doctor and their friends’ visits. We hear that loud and clear so we’re looking at what options exist.”

Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston wants reassurance that once the changes are implemented the community will continue to be consulted.

Karen says part of the transitional changes is to test and get feedback from the community. e improvements will take place April 13-28 during the school holidays. In April sta will report back to council about tra c volumes and resident exemptions.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

An artist’s impression of the Links Ave safety improvements.

Photo: TCC.

Friday 1 March 2024

Book sale will support Pacific Island libraries

Hundreds of thousands of books have been shipped to Paci c Island communities thanks to the ongoing “labour of love” from former Tauranga Libraries’ manager Jill Best. is year the books will be going to Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands, with the support of the Rotary Book sale this weekend.

e Paci c Libraries Project story

started back in 1969 when two young volunteers, one from NZ and one from Britain, were sent to Fiji to help in local education projects.

Tauranga resident Jill Best helped to set up a library at the new University of the South Paci c. Philip Calvert taught in a local primary school. Both went on to careers in libraries in NZ.

In 2006, the Fiji Local Government Association asked Local Government NZ to send advisors to write a plan

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to improve their public libraries.

Jill and Philip were sent to review the ve existing libraries, talk to locals, write a plan to improve them, and open more.

Practical help

Seeing the basic, rundown state of these libraries, Jill decided to organise practical help as well. She appealed to NZ public libraries and booksellers for second-hand books to send to the islands.

Since then, more than 300,000 books and 75 computers have been sent to Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands. e books have travelled by RNZAF aircraft, truck, freight ship, cruise ship, yacht and canoe, and even packed into a container house.

Paci c Libraries Project also provides training for librarians, and writes reports for councils on improving library services with very little money.

Jill’s daughter Stella provides IT training.

e books come from NZ public libraries, school libraries, Rotary book fairs, and individuals.

Tauranga Rotary Club became involved about six years ago, and this year the Rotary Book sale is providing around 70 per cent of the shipment.

Paci c Libraries Project is part

of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum Paci c Project. In the beginning, freight of $2000-4000 per year was paid by the forum, but now they cannot extend to funding the libraries project, so it is paid by the Best family.

Donate or buy books!

Jill is asking for more books from the community to send to the Paci c. Books need to be in good condition to stand at least three years of hard use. Nonction should be recent enough to be current information, preferably not more than ve years old unless it is historical.

“Particularly there is a huge

need for children’s books, to help children learn to read, and learn English,” says Jill.

Jill says the public can make nancial donations towards freight costs – and/or donate books to Paci c island libraries – by phoning her on: 0212603743. For those who want to support the cause by purchasing books from the Tauranga Rotary Club’s Book Sale – the event is on today, March 1, from 12 noon6.30pm, and from 9am- 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3 at Seeka Coolstore, Harvard Way, opposite Classic Flyers, Mount Maunganui.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Jill Best sorting books for Tauranga Rotary Book Sale. Photo: Brydie ompson.

Friday 1 March 2024

Friday 1 March

New food hub opens

food hub opens

e opening of the new Pāpāmoa Food Hub this week in Pāpāmoa East is good news for people su ering from rising living costs and soaring mortgage rates.

“ ere is a new group of working people who are needing help,” says Pāpāmoa Food Hub founder Bruce Banks, who is also the manager of Western Bay of Plenty Neighbourhood Support.

Bruce says the impact of rising mortgage rates on people has been a real eye-opener.

“I’ve spoken with quite a few who are facing mortgage di culty and rate rises. People bought property in Pāpāmoa, and almost immediately rates started moving up.

“Some are having to nd an extra $500 a week. “It’s mortgage poverty. ey have to sell up and go rent.”

Bruce says Pāpāmoa is not the a uent place people think it is. “ ey’re going through pain, and su ering in silence.”

Really needs it

Bruce says the Pāpāmoa business community is keen to help the Pāpāmoa Food Hub initiative, o ering cash or goods and services. “It’s a superb initiative,” says Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford.

“Our Pāpāmoa community really needs it. I meet a lot of people every single day in our local BOP electorate who nd themselves in really challenging circumstances.

“Knowing we’ve got somewhere like the Pāpāmoa Food Hub available to help service those people is another avenue and agency to give them the support they really need to get through another day.”

e Pāpāmoa Food Hub was created following

the closure of Pāpāmoa Family Services.

Anyone wanting help can access the service via: www.heretohelpu.nz which connects with Pāpāmoa Food Hub, which is a delivery model.

Volunteers then arrange for a food parcel to be gathered for them and delivered to their home, following which there is further opportunity to discuss their situation and connect them with other agencies where needed.

Discretion and respect

Future plans include a website where applications from the public will go direct to Pāpāmoa Food Hub. “We’re currently only doing deliveries on ursdays as we don’t have enough helpers yet,” says Bruce.

“We are always open to donations of meat, eggs, milk, dairy,” says interim Pāpāmoa Food Hub chair Chris Bertram. “We want people receiving kai from us to have a good balanced diet and be healthy.”

Bruce says relationship breakdowns, mortgage rates, work changes and employment problems can all impact. “A $500 a week mortgage was a ordable – but at $1000 a week it’s not. We want to give people a hand up rather than a hand out,” says Bruce. “ ese are people who feel too proud to come for help. If they can drop their pride and say: ‘I need help’, they don’t need to struggle.

“We just want to better their lives,” says Chris.

“It’s not through any fault of their own that they’ve found themselves in this position. ere is no shame in coming to us,” says Chris.

“ ere will be utmost discretion, utmost respect,” says Bruce.

Several closures will take place on Mauao next week as Tauranga City Council undertakes important track renewal works. From Monday, March 4 to Friday, March 8 the Waikorire Track Closure will close while TCC upgrade the surface, widen stairs, improve drainage and add track edging. A helicopter will lift track material into place. During this time, all other tracks remain open on Mauao.

But on ursday, March 7, from 5am-5pm there is a full Mauao closure to ensure public safety while placement of stone sculptures across the maunga (mountain) – as part of the Mauao Placemaking project-Te Mahere

Whakamahinga o Mauao – takes place. e collaboration between TCC and Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao, the Mauao Joint Administration Board, aims to share the rich history and stories of Mauao. Weighing two tonne each, the sculptures will be installed via helicopter at the Karewa Hairpin, Te Toka a Tirikawa and the beach near Te Kawa. Council plan to share more details about sculptures and cultural touchpoints on Mauao with the community as the project progresses. While closures are in place, council will also undertake pest control. Sentries will be in place across Mauao to ensure public safety.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

BOP MP Tom Rutherford with interim Pāpāmoa Food Hub chair Chris Bertram. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Journey of Rubbish and Recycling, Envirohub

Toddler Time, Te Ao MāramaTauranga

Digi Kids Music, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

E-bike Skills Course, Cliff Road Car Park

Toddler Time, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Digi Kids Music, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Kawhe-whawhe, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Rainbow Reads, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Kawhe-whawhe, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Go Bike Day, Tauranga wide

Lunchtime Yoga, Tauranga Waterfront

Rainbow Photography, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Michael Jackson History Show, Baycourt Theatre

Toddler Time, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Grow Fruit Trees for Free, Envirohub

E-bike Skills Course, Cliff Road Car Park

Kawhe-whawhe, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Start a Community Garden, Envirohub

DaybreakInnovation Festival, The Cargo Shed

Rainbow Photography, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

DaybreakInnovation Festival, The Cargo Shed

Sustainable Backyards Clothes Swap, Envirohub Environmental Restoration Kōrero, Envirohub

Emma Prill workshop, TAG POP UP

The Harmonic Resonators, Baycourt Theatre

Holi Colour Splash, Memorial Park

Live Jazz on Wharf, Wharf Street

Marine Invaders, Waikato University

Daybreak - Community Day, The Cargo Shed

Sirens of the Silver Screen, X Space, Baycourt

Rainbow Photography, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Kaylee Bell, Baycourt Theatre

Rainbow Photography, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Kawhe-whawhe, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Upcycled Mushi Plushi, Envirohub

Kawhe-whawhe, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

National Youth Jazz Comp, Baycourt Theatre

Community Waste Education, Envirohub

Upcycled Toiletry Bag, Envirohub

Rainbow Photography, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

National Youth Jazz Comp, Baycourt Theatre

All Girl Big Band, Baycourt Theatre

Seed Saving Workshop, Envirohub

Live Jazz on Wharf, Wharf Street

Pest Trap Library open day, Envirohub

Upcycled Fungi Cushion, Envirohub

Live Jazz on Wharf, Wharf Street

The Elton John Experience, Baycourt

Rongoā Māori Workshop, Envirohub

All Ford Car Day, Wharepai Domain

Tutus on Tour, Baycourt Theatre

Kids Hydroponics Workshop, Envirohub

Wayne Taylor Band, Memorial Park

The Great Duck Race, Tauranga Waterfront

Jewellery Workshop, Envirohub

Speakeasy Supper, St Amand Speakeasy Supper, St Amand

Akash Dutta, Baycourt Theatre

James Morrison Quartet, Baycourt Theatre

Make a Fungarium, Envirohub Speakeasy Supper, St Amand

Russ Spiegel Trio, X Space, Baycourt Theatre

Jazz Sunset Cruise, The Strand, Tauranga

Jazz Cafe and VIP Bar, Hotel Armitage Bar

Louis Baker, Baycourt Theatre

Jazz Sunset Cruise, The Strand, Tauranga

National Youth Jazz Comp, Baycourt Theatre

Tutus on Tour, Baycourt Theatre

Library

Fiero Coding Club, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Fiero Coding Club, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Fiero Coding Club, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Fiero Coding Club, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Fiero Coding Club, Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library

Toddler Time, Te Ao MāramaTauranga

Sunkissed show for ‘Swifties’

Diehard New Zealand ‘Swifties’ made the journey across the ditch in February to see pop icon Taylor Swift play live for the Australian leg of her Era’s Tour. Yet not every adoring fan got to make it to one of these sold-out shows.

is is where Pāpāmoa College music teacher Kurt Somervell saw an opportunity– listening to his students playing a Taylor Swift cover last year, and discovering the extremes fans will go to get a ticket – he thought why not create a Taylor Swift tribute band?

“I put two and two together. e girls already knew a lot of the songs, and it was obvious

COMING SOON!

there was high demand for live music from Taylor Swift, so we o cially formed the tribute band and got practising.”

eir name is Sunkissed –made up of Cybele Chapman, Stella Riley, Videl Harrison, James Ferns, Taylah Medeiros, Tamara Dutoit and Kurt.

Tay Tay are

Kurt had been doing lighting for other tribute bands at theTotara Street music venue in Mount Maunganui and thought: ‘Yeah, this is de nitely something we would be up for’. He says forming the Taylor Swift tribute band is helping the students learn what it takes to put on a live performance, understanding the nancial side of hosting a show, developing stage presence and putting in the mahi to learn dozens of chords and song lyrics.

e band has put in hundreds hours of practice in the last nine months to give polished performances this weekend.

Tickets

Sunkissed plays at No.11

Cat show in Katikati

A cat show for ‘new kids on the block’ – fur clad or human – is on this Sunday, March 3, in Katikati. Patches & Pointed Inc is hosting the L-Plate Cat Show at Katikati Memorial Hall, from 11am-3pm on March 3 – and welcomes the public to come along and view the felines!

People can also enter their u y companions in the following sections – kittens, companion, domestics, neuter/spays, and entire cats – but entire cat entries

Totara St on Saturday, March 2, at 8pm (R18) and Sunday, March 3, at 4pm, for all ages. For tickets, visit: totarastreet. co.nz/events/2024/march/ taylor-swift-tribute-performedby-sunkissed

must be novices. is means the cat must not have been shown before.

ere will be a special prize for Best Novice in each section. e show is supporting Katikati Rescue Cats. Entry is adults $3, seniors $2, and children 50 cents. Find out more at www.patchesandpointedinc.co.nz

Cybele Chapman, James Ferns, Tamara-Lee du Toit, Videl Harrison, Taylah Medeiros, Stella Riley are ready to bring Taylor Swift to the Bay. Photo: Brydie ompson.

Roundabout traffic lights now on

Tra c lights to improve safety at the Parton Rd and Tara Rd roundabout at Pāpāmoa are now fully operational.

According to Tauranga City Council, the lights on the four new raised pedestrian crossings will only operate when activated by people wanting to cross.

Once activated tra c will be stopped for about 30 seconds at a time, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely.

e raised pedestrian crossings were installed to improve safety for people walking or cycling in the area and will help school children and a growing number of residents navigate the busy area.

“We encourage road users to take extra care while traveling through the area while everybody gets used to the changes. Give-way rules when entering the roundabout continue to apply.”

Overnight closure between Welcome Bay and Baypark

Plan ahead for overnight closures of State Highway 29A between the Maungatapu roundabout and the Baypark roundabout, from Sunday 10 to Thursday 14 March, between 7pm and 5am.

Light vehicles detour via State Highway 2, local roads and the Hairini bridge.

Heavy vehicles detour via SH29A, SH29 and SH2.

Truman Lane will be closed to through traffic. Access to Baypark and businesses will be via Sandhurst interchange.

Check journeys.nzta.govt.nz before you travel during the night works and allow extra time for your journeys. We appreciate your patience while we complete this important mahi.

nzta.govt.nz/SH29Aclosure

Mount to swirl with sound of the skirl

e skirl of bag pipes and the steady beat of drums will swirl Mount Maunganui this weekend as the City of Tauranga Pipe Band holds a prestigious contest for the rst time in a decade.

Everyone is welcome at Soper Reserve at Mount Maunganui this Saturday, March 2, as City of Tauranga Pipe Band host the Central North Island Pipe Band Contest from 10.30am-3pm. With the City of Tauranga Pipe Band now in Grade two, after winning the Grade three championship last year, musical director and pipe major Warren Aitken says his band is keen to keep up their momentum. “We’re feeling reasonably con dent,” says Warren. “It’s our rst year in Grade two – so we aim to make it into the middle of that grade at nationals [in Auckland on March 15-16].

“We’re excited to be playing at this level – it’s been a steady progression for the band over the last few years, and our performances have improved every year.”

e City of Tauranga Pipe Band has 38 members, from those in their 20s to their 60s, says secretary Angela Kell.

e band is made up of Tauranga players, however a few come from Wellington, Northland and Waikato. Angela says there are a lot of family

connections within the band. “Almost half of the band has either a parent, child, sibling or partner playing alongside them. Everyone is a good musician,” says Angela.

“ e band practises Monday nights at the Ōtūmoetai Primary School hall, and oncea-month we have a weekend practice where out-of-town players come and stay.”

is Saturday, Tauranga will face ve fellow pipe bands Central North Island contest – and Angela welcomes everyone to come along to enjoy the music at Soper Reserve.

“Bring a picnic blanket or a chair to listen.”

Street march

e contest begins with a street march at 10.30am with bands parading along Aerodrome Rd to Soper Reserve on Newton St. is is followed by a series of competitive events in a contest circle. Each band will perform a set which includes a march, strathspey and reel, and a medley which showcases the band’s musicality and air.

“ en it’s the turn of drum majors in the mace ourishing contest, where you’ll see them twirling and tossing the mace while commanding a band on the march,” says Angela.

e event will end 2.30pm-3pm, with bands performing traditional tunes en masse, and trophy presentations. Ayla Yeoman

Baypark to Bayfair Link

City of Tauranga Pipe Band members Jess Willson, Doug Hendry, Duncan Hendry and Jayne Wylie, ready for the contest. Photo: Brydie ompson.

Creative

fund applications to close

Creative types only have a few days left to apply for the latest funding round of the Creative Communities Scheme. is year, in addition to the $100,000 available through the scheme, a special, one-o festival fund is on o er.

e Festivals Fund, worth

Holi is a time to let go and have fun with colour.

$30,000, is designed to support established festivals that celebrate cultures and stories of New Zealand, which have been impacted by Covid-19.

Applications to both funds close March 4, 2024.

More information is at: www.tauranga.govt.nz/creativefund

Shine bright at Holi Colour Splash

Tauranga City, this Saturday, March 2.

Holi, renowned as the Festival of Colours, is a vibrant Hindi tradition celebrated worldwide, and nds its local embodiment in Tauranga, fostering cultural appreciation and unity in diversity.

Tauranga City Council venues and events manager Nelita Byrne says Holi Colour Splash “exempli es the rich tapestry of our community in Tauranga”.

“ e event provides an opportunity for cultural exchange, fostering understanding and joy in a festive atmosphere."

e Tauranga Western Bay Community Events Fund are proud supporters of this year’s Holi Festival once again.

e fund, established through a collaborative e ort between the Acorn Foundation, Bay Trust,

TECT, Tauranga City Council, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, champions grassroots initiatives, ensuring the broader community reaps the rewards of events such as Holi.

Nelita says Holi Colour Splash, in its eighth year in Tauranga, promises an array of activities for all ages. Eventgoers will be treated to live music, including international artists Sarasvati and Malin, traditional dance performances, cultural exhibitions, an assortment of traditional Indian cuisine and the iconic colour-throwing festivities, a hallmark of Holi celebrations.

“People can buy environmentally conscious, nontoxic, brightly-coloured powders at the event and are encouraged to wear white or light-coloured clothing so that when they join in, the colours can burst and shine at their brightest!”

e Holi Colour Splash will be held from 3pm6pm at Memorial Park on Saturday, March 2. Entry is free! For more information, see: www.mytauranga.co.nz/whats-on/event-details/ eid/7245/tctl/7663_

Photo: John Borren.

Celebrate Children’s Day in the city!

A free, fun day out for the whole family is on o er this Sunday, March 3, as Tauranga City hosts a hive of performances, face painting, arts and craft activities, superheroes and more to celebrate National Children’s Day.

Organised by Tauranga City Council, this year’s event will include six di erent activity zones spanning across the waterfront, the Cargo Shed, Willow St and He Puna Manawa-Tauranga Library. Kids will have a the chance to practise their circus tricks, sit in a police car or take a sneak

peek inside the Civic Precinct construction zone – there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

TCC city development and partnerships general manager Gareth Wallis says our children and mokopuna are our future – and Children’s Day is about bringing whānau together to celebrate and acknowledge the important contribution we all make to creating an environment where they can thrive.

“ is year there will be even more activities across the city!”

Children’s Day 2024 will include six activity zones.

e Cargo She will be an Arts and Crafts Zone. Here kids can enjoy arts and crafts activities throughout the day, have their face painted, and say ‘Cheese’

in the photobooth. e Strand will have an Event Zone. is is where youngsters can get up close to emergency service vehicles, do a history scavenger hunt, play mini golf and meet a superhero.

e Strand will also have a Performance Zone. Here, families can listen, dance and watch local groups perform. e Tauranga Waterfront green space will be an Activity Zone. Here kids can learn to juggle, test their circus skills, play a musical instrument and even perform for the crowd!

e Te Manawataki o Te Papa site o Willow St will be a Construction Zone.

Here the council is opening the Te Manawataki o Te Papa construction site to the community for the rst time.

Fill and donate a handbag for a woman in need

Bay of Plenty residents have the chance to donate to the NZ Love Grace

Appeal 2024 with many drop-o points set up around the region. e annual appeal collects thousands of bags lled with essentials to donate to women a ected by domestic abuse. is year e Love Grace Handbag appeal is being run by women across Aotearoa. Organiser KylieAnn Kearney says the appeal runs from Valentines Day to International Women’s Day

on March 8 and has 36 locations nationwide that will accept donations – this includes a raft of drop-o points in the BOP. Find them at: www.facebook.com/lovegracenz/ “Violence against women is not okay,” says Kylie-Ann. “In the memory of Grace Millane, the Love Grace charitable appeal was set up by her family to combine Grace’s love for handbags with a legacy to end violence against women. “In association with Women’s Refuges, we are collecting handbags and lling them with useful items for women in need.”

of the fun at last year’s Children’s Day celebration in Tauranga City.

e construction zone is not to be missed! Lastly, He Puna ManawaTauranga Library will be a Dinosaur Zone. Families can meet Dinosaur Darren and Rista the Raptor Handler and get their hands on some amazing

fossils – maybe even meet a baby dinosaur. All the free fun is along e Strand, Tauranga City Centre, this Sunday, March 3, from 10am-3pm. To nd out more details, see: www.mytauranga.co.nz/citycentre

Donate a new or gently used handbag lled with essential items for Kiwi women in need. Photo: supplied.

Some

Photos: Tauranga City Council.

Meet the exceptional Sparky!

Sparky is a stunning Sta y-cross-Lab breed of dog. Even though new to the Tauranga centre, he is stealing hearts amongst our volunteers and sta !

Only eight months old, he is a beautifully natured and trained boy. Already mastering basic commands, and being a smart boy, he has the potential to learn so much more.

With his gorgeous face and friendly temperament, he will be an exceptional family dog. Sparky comes into our care after his owner sadly had to surrender him to us after realising his busy lifestyle did not give Sparky the attention he needs. Please come and meet Sparky today, you won’t be disappointed! Ref: 601503. Phone the SPCA on: 07 578 0245.

Have your say in shaping the Bay’s transport future

Whichever way you use the Bay of Plenty’s land transport network – by bus, car, foot or bike – it a ects your daily life. Photo:

Whether you’re someone who drives, walks, cycles, or takes the bus – everyone is encouraged to have a say in the future of the Bay of Plenty’s land transport network in the current submission process.

e Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 20242034, Te Mahere tūnuku ā-papa ā-rohe, is now open for consultation, outlining the future direction of the BOP’s transport system.

BOP Regional Transport Committee chair Lyall urston says: “We’re at a crossroads, and the paths we choose now will de ne the landscape of our daily lives, our environment, and our future generations. “ is plan is more than a document; it’s a blueprint for a connected, resilient, and vibrant BOP. Whether it’s a smoother commute, the pride in our green initiatives, or the reassurance of safe roads for our kids – we’re crafting a legacy together.”

e draft plan has been prepared by the Bay of Plenty Regional Transport Committee and sets out the priorities and activities the region will work towards in the next decade while maintaining a long-term view on what might happen in future.

It prioritises tackling tra c congestion, supporting public transport connections to a ordable housing, addressing transport access for smaller and isolated communities, enhancing road safety and improving the resilience of the transport network against climate change.

Key proposed activities

Key proposed activities in Tauranga/Western Bay of Plenty include the following.

A State Highway 29A package of works, including Stage 3 PT corridor - $53.4 million; Stage 2 Omanawa Bridge - $66.5 million; access to Tauriko West and industrial estate - $123.2 million; and a proposed acceleration of SH29 Stage 4.

Connecting Mount Maunganui – improvements to network along Hewletts Rd and broader Mount Maunganui area, including Port of Tauranga - $55.27 million; Takitimu North Link

Region-wide

Rotorua and Eastern BOP will have their own key proposed activities – and there are some region-wide proposals too.

ese include implementation of a National Ticketing Solution to enable standardised payment for public transport – $3 million; and improvements to transition to zero-emission public transport - $53.9 million.

“ is isn’t a guaranteed programme – it is our combined ‘what we need to do’ list with the nal say on how funds are allocated determined by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi,” says Lyall. A full prioritised list of projects is available in the Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 20242034. e plan is the way the BOP region seeks central government funding for transport activities and is a requirement under the Land Transport Management Act 2003.

“Reviewing the Regional Land Transport Plan is a dynamic process that balances technical expertise with community values. We’re committed to transparency and engagement, ensuring that the voices of our residents guide the development and prioritisation of projects critical to our region's growth and sustainability,” says BOPRC transport planning manager Oliver Haycock.

Make a submission

e Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 20242034 is open for consultation until Sunday, March 24. To download a copy of the draft plan, and make a submission, visit: participate.boprc. govt.nz/rltp Funding decisions will be published by NZTA Waka Kotahi in the National Land Transport Programme in September 2024.

Teach your tamariki the importance of protecting the whenua and preparing for the impacts of climate change and natural hazards.

The School Sustainability and Resilience Fund is open and is seeking applications from education providers across our rohe.

Up to $5000 is available to help:

• Raise awareness of and understanding of natural hazards and/or climate change risks.

• Improve long-term environmental resilience and sustainability.

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Projects could include, tsunami evacuation signs, bike racks, edible gardens, composting set-up, climate change education.

Applicants can apply for $1,000 - $5,000 in funding (excl. GST).

Over the last two years we had over 80 applications and have funded $100,000 towards a range of projects across the region.

To find out more head to: participate.boprc.govt.nz/ssrf

Stage 1 (NZUP) - $695.98 million; Takitimu North Link Stage 2 (NZUP) - $ amount to be con rmed; Cameron Rd Multi-Modal Stage 2 - $120.4 million; Public Transport Services and Infrastructure Business Case - $1.1 million; and Ōmokoroa transport improvements – urbanisation of local roads to support planned land use changes - $26 million.

Brydie ompson.

When something stirs within...

If they couldn’t see him, they could hear him. Because Stu Willoughby would regularly pull his L.G.Lawrie’s from the closet and belt out ‘Amazing Grace’ or ‘Scotland the Brave’. Stirring stu .

“It was brilliant!” says Stu’s wife, Val. “He would march up and down the hallway playing his bagpipes.” And everyone on Tirinui Crest Rd, along Cherrywood Ridge, would stop and listen to the wailing, haunting, mournful sound that’s called men to battle, that’s buried men, that’s blessed marriages and is jigged to.

As Robbie Burns wrote: “Something stirs within me, when I hear the bagpipes”. “Just beautiful,” says Val.

e skirl of Stu’s pipes would ll the house and ood the neighbourhood.

Something de nitely stirred. en last November, when the piper sadly played his last tune, Stu’s bagpipes were by his casket at an Elms Chapel celebration of life. Stu was gone. But there was a requiem left in the pipes.

“I was there in my kilt, my band uniform,” says Lance Torrington.

e piper ‘Stu’ Willoughby as a younger man. Photo: supplied.

‘Stu’ Willoughby – hard case, piper, sherman, cricketer, marathoner, accountant and family man. Photo: supplied.

elephant tusks were legally harvested.

And the chanter is fringed with fussy silver engraving. “Beautiful, and precious,” says Jan. “They have historic and sentimental significance to a proud family and this city.”

The L.G.Lawrie’s have been dubbed the ‘Stewart Pipes’, for Stewart Bruce ‘Stu’ Willoughby. And the suggestion is to have

“And I picked up Stu’s pipes and played ‘My Home’. It’s a dirge, a mournful piece, and tells us that regardless of where a true Scot dies, his spirit always goes home.

Spiritual journey

So Stu Willoughby was piped on his spiritual journey with his very own bagpipes. “I could sense him lying there thinking: ‘Great!’” says Val.

“Exactly what he wanted.” Val wept.

Everyone wept. And a piper’s job was done. “It’s done when there isn’t a dry eye in the church,” says Lance.

The story could have ended there, right after the hearse did a lap of the Domain, where Stu had spent summers playing cricket, before disappearing off to ‘yon bonny’ shores.

But those bagpipes have their own story.

“They’re rare because they’re more than 100 years old and in superb condition,” says Stu’s daughter Jan Willoughby. The drones are ebony – jet black hardwood with ivory ferrules – from the days when

a token of his heritage, from Renfrew St. Favourite aunt would also give her name to Stewart Bruce Willoughby –who’d grow into a hard case raconteur and jokester, a marathoner, triathlete, fisherman, cricketer, chartered accountant and family man who loved a beer.

“You name it, he gave it a go,” says Val. Family friend Dr Alistair Reese described Stu as a “busy man” with a “beautiful mind” who never stopped being curious and learning.

Was it the curiosity or his DNA that led him to become a teenage pipe major in a college highland pipe band? Either way it was then inevitable Mick’s pipes would become Stu’s pipes.

them displayed as a living, working exhibit, maybe in the new Tauranga museum. With a Memorandum of Understanding they’d be released for playing on special occasions – like Anzac Day.

The story now goes sharply back-intime to Renfrew St in Glasgow – hub of the Scottish bagpipe industry, and Stu’s Dad – Stanley ‘Mick’ Willoughby, a 1928 All Black, a hard-nosed ‘loosie’.

The ‘Stewart Pipes’ were Mick’s doing. He couldn’t muster a note on a chanter, but he was fiercely proud of his tartan blood. So about 75 years ago, Mick called on favourite Aunt Annabella Stewart in Scotland to acquire a set of pipes,

L.G.Lawrie’s are said to have “the most brilliant sound – bold and bassy” – although it might take the sensitivities of a piper to appreciate it.

The refurbishment

The bagpipes fell silent for decades – a man simply got too busy. And it wasn’t until Jan Willoughby was touched by a lone piper called Lance Torrington playing ‘Skye Boat Song’ as the sun rose on the Pāpāmoa Anzac Day service last year that she thought to have the ‘Stewart Pipes’ resurrected.

“I refurbished them,” says Lance, a pipe major with the City of Tauranga Pipe Band. It’s specialist work because the tone and integrity of the bagpipes can be compromised, if dimensions of the drones, the diameter of the bores, are changed.

Then one special day last June, Stu got to hear the reconditioned Stewart pipes one last time.

Lance marched through Stu’s Bethlehem Views resthome playing ‘Skye Boat Song’. Something stirred that day too. “The place just stopped,” recalls Val. They

still talk about it. A few months later Stu sat in front of the TV wearing an All Black cap for what he believed would be a “bloody marvellous game”, the Rugby World Cup final. “Everyone wanted the All Blacks to win for this son of an All Black,” says Jan.But the vicissitudes of sports conspired. “Stu was massively disappointed.”

Enduring salute

It was portentous. Because a couple of weeks later the piper ‘Stu’ would pass away surrounded by family. And the L.G. Lawrie’s are back in safe keeping. For now. They’re not the Stradivarius of bagpipes, according to Lance. “They are good midrange bagpipes. And the best person to look after them is a piper. “They don’t belong to anyone. They deserve to be played.” As a haunting, wailing and enduring salute to a true Tauranga character.

Piper Lance Torrington on ‘The Stewart Pipes’ for Stu’s celebration of life. Photo: supplied.

The ‘Stewart Pipes’ lay alongside Stu’s casket. Photo: supplied.

Pre Post

From young pups, to teaching old dogs new tricks, if you want some expert advice on helping your fourlegged friend to put their best paw forward, come along to the Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Doggy Day Out.

e much-loved free event will be held at Ōmokoroa Sports Ground on Saturday, March 16, from 10am-1pm, with this year’s theme being ‘Beach Day’. For the second year in a row, world-renowned animal behaviourist and trainer Mark Vette will be sharing his knowledge at the event, together with training tips from council’s animal services o cers.

ere will also be agility demonstrations, food and doggy stalls, pony rides, face painting, a photo booth and the hotly contested ‘best dressed’ competition.

e popular canine costume party has been growing yearon-year, attracting more than 1500 people and their pooches last year. “It’s a great community event, which just keeps getting

Dogs, togs and agility jogs at popular pooch ‘party’

bigger and bigger.

“Mark Vette was a real crowdpuller last year and it’s awesome to have him join us again,” says event support coordinator Vicki Lambert.

“While the emphasis is on fun, the Doggy Day Out is also an opportunity to give back to our dog owners in the district by providing

free education, so they can understand their furry friends better and form an even stronger bond with them.

“We look forward to seeing an array of dogs — big and small — making a splash in their beachwear best!”

For all the details, visit: westernbay.govt.nz/doggydayout

Top quality care for cats inTe Puna

e premier feline retreat in Te Puna is the work of dynamic duo Serena Philpott and Shaun Ruddle.

With Serena’s passion for animal care and Shaun’s expertise in project planning, they’re thrilled to embark on this exciting journey together. Formerly known as Topkatz Cattery, Paws in Te Puna embodies a new era of excellence in pet hospitality.

“Our recent renaming in early-2024 signi es our commitment to providing unparalleled service in a tranquil countryside setting,” says Serena.

“At Paws in Te Puna, our facilities cater to every cat’s comfort,” says Shaun.

“From specialty-designed individual runs to spacious accommodations for large feline families, we ensure that each guest receives personalised care and attention.”

Whether you’re planning a vacation or simply need a reliable caregiver for your pets, Paws in Te

Puna is here to assist you. Feel free to reach out to the team via their website, phone or email to discuss your pet’s needs.

Serena Philpott with ‘Larry’ the cat at Paws in Te Puna. Photo: Brydie ompson.

Photo: Guy Rencher.

Nurturing the potential of students

ACG Tauranga is making headlines with its unprecedented success in the Cambridge Assessment International Examinations, achieving the prestigious ‘Top in World’ award.

is remarkable feat is a testament to the school’s dedication to academic excellence and its commitment to nurturing the potential of its students.

Year 12 prodigy Shefaa Swailam has set a new benchmark with her perfect score of 100 per cent in AS-Level

Mathematics, alongside achieving ve As across all her AS-Level papers. is exceptional accomplishment is complemented by the school’s impressive overall performance, with a 100 per cent A-Level pass rate and University Entrance for Year 13 students.

e spotlight also shines on Claire Ma, a Year 13 student who attained ve full A-Levels, including A+ grades in Biology and Literature. Furthermore, at the IGCSE Level, one in every eight ACG Tauranga

students achieved straight As, showcasing the school’s consistent pursuit of academic excellence.

Principal ea Kilian is proud of the school’s achievements, attributing the success to the hard work of students, the dedication of teachers, and the supportive learning environment at ACG Tauranga.

“I am immensely proud of our students and sta for their dedication and hard work re ected, not only in these outstanding results, but

in every student inspired to reach beyond their perceived capabilities,” says ea.

ACG Schools, as New Zealand’s largest independent school group, continues to set the standard for high achievement, with ACG Tauranga leading the way in the Bay of Plenty.

is landmark achievement not only celebrates individual excellence but also reinforces Tauranga’s position in the educational landscape in New Zealand.

Become part of an exciting learning community

At St. omas More Catholic School in Mount Maunganui, every child reaches their full potential.

“From day one they are nurtured and given so many opportunities to grow that by the time they leave our school, they are con dent, caring and able to stamp their mark in the world,” says principal Kath Joblin.

“Our classrooms are colourful and spacious.

“Our academic results are high.”

Kath says most St. omas More students transition to Aquinas College at the end of Year 6.

“And so there is a seamless pathway between our family-centred school community to our tuakana

tauranga.acgedu.com

school, where the same values and attitudes are replicated from Year 7-13.”

St. omas More Catholic School is located at 19 Gloucester Rd, Mount Maunganui, and is ideally situated next to St. omas More Catholic Church, Baywave aquatic centre and Arataki Park.

“We are very fortunate to be here because our students have the bene ts of practising their faith in a familiar place, they can participate in swimming lessons in our school-wide programmes, and they can take part in athletics, cross country and ball games in the wide open spaces next door,” says Kath.

“We are very keen to show you around and to introduce you to our happy, welcoming school community.

“All you need to do is to call our secretary on: 07 574 6782 and arrange a time to visit.”

ACG Tauranga is located on Keenan Rd, Pyes Pa. Photo: supplied.

St omas More students Avery Bradley, 5, Kelcey Mae Garcia, 7, Jax Malapad, 5, Erick Matos dos Santos, 10, and Serena Heijkoop, 9, at their colourful school. Photo: Brydie ompson.

Matahui School embarks on a promising new year

Matahui School is thrilled to kick o the new academic year with the highest student numbers since 2020.

sizes that fosters individual learning and focuses on building the individual talents and self-esteem of each child.

Matahui School has transitioned to a four-classroom model, thanks to the growing student role. is expansion re ects the school’s commitment to delivering a highquality education through small-class

As an independent primary school in the Western Bay of Plenty, Matahui School caters to children in Years 1-8 and o ers an education that helps children build the skills they need for life while achieving their best academically.

Principal Mary Woods says she is optimistic about the future.

year,” says Mary. “ e increased enrolment and the success of our new programmes are a testament to the spirit of Matahui School.”

Exciting additions for 2024 include the introduction of the One-Day School, which features a Guardians of the Forest Programme and a Neurodiverse Programme.

e Guardians of the Forest is a once-a-week forest school where children spend the day engaged in nature, progressing practical skills and developing environmental awareness.

e Neurodiverse Programme is specially designed for children with a learning need such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, twice-exceptional, ADHD and gifted children; and includes components of structured literacy, math, and hands-on project-inquiry.

students back for the new school

“We are delighted to welcome our students back for the new school

e One-Day Programme allows children who are not students at the school to experience the school’s unique curriculum.

Course starts April 2024

A new learning experience for students residing in

e owner of newly-opened NumberWorks’nWords Pāpāmoa, Wendy Dumee, is excited to be o ering what she promises will be a genuinely new experience to locals.

“Our after-school tuition – in both maths and English – is speci cally tailored to address each child’s individual needs and goals, and we keep parents up-to-date with their progress,” says Wendy.

“ e science of learning is now discovering what humans have always known instinctively: we learn better when it’s fun.”

NumberWorks’nWords is e ective, Wendy promises, and is tailored for those who struggle, to those racing to get ahead, and everyone in between.

“We’ll go out of our way to make sure that every student enjoys the learning process because, when that happens, educational success – and renewed con dence – follows naturally.”

To get started call Wendy on: 07 394 7777 to book a free assessment and introductory lesson.

Pāpāmoa

Matahui School is an independent primary school in the Western Bay of Plenty. Photo: supplied.

Principal Mary Woods with a Matahui School student in the school’s forest area. Photo: supplied.

NumberWorks'nWords Pāpāmoa owner and manager Wendy Dumee.

Memories and decisions... Making use of NZ plants

“Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose” –Anonymous.

I recall being faced with a di cult decision where both choices were good. Although I was being pulled in one direction towards the place I was presently in, I had the sense this wasn’t the right place for me at this time.

In re ecting on my choices, it occurred to me I could visit this place any time I wanted, in my memories. At that point the doubt disappeared and I was able to make the

decision that ultimately turned out to be the better one for me at that time. When you are facing a di cult choice about next steps would the ability to recall your memories help you make the decision more easily?

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

www.x-zone.nz

X-ZONE, a topical pain-relief and muscle performance company, uses the unique properties of New Zealand’s indigenous healing plants, rongoā rākau.

selection of 10-plus NZ native herbs to relieve muscular and joint pain.

“Our goal is to better understand the many, as yet, unexplored qualities of NZ ora, and share them both

indigenous healing plants,

What sets X-ZONE apart is its ability to harness the potent healing power of New Zealand herbals, such as harakeke, kūmarahou, pukatea, horopito and kareao, and skilfully combine them with proven antiin ammatory botanicals from around the globe.

ey can be applied either as a massage rub, spray or roll-on to suit all lifestyles and activities.

“In classic Kiwi DIYstyle, products were originally formulated for high performance horses, and over the years have evolved into human products and distributed as rubs, sprays and rollons,” say directors Jessica Martin and Daniel Holt.

locally and internationally.”

ey are currently undertaking a scienti c research project to better understand the antiin ammatory properties of

NZ herbals such as harakake, kūmarahou, pukatea, pūriri and tūpākihi.

vibrational plant energies.

All X-ZONE products are vegan, cruelty-free and infused with First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand, embodying vibrational plant energies.

“What makes us di erent is our focus on NZ native healing plants as the mainstay of our formulations.

of our formulations.

“We are the only company that uses a

We invite you all to visit us to explore the latest way of looking at skin! is piece of technology has come through the collaboration and expertise of inventor/ engineer Walter Arkesteijn from the Netherlands and our very

X-ZONE is 100 per cent New Zealand-owned, certi ed carbon to keeping New

X-ZONE is 100 per cent New positive and uses recyclable sugarcane bottles, re ecting their commitment to keeping New Zealand clean and green.

X-ZONE directors Jesssica Martin and Daniel Holt.

Do you know your skin has a story?

own Florence Barrett-Hill, a skin analysis guru from New Zealand.

What does this all mean to you? e Observ 520x is equipped with lights, lters and face positioning which are all preset, allowing a full set of 15 client images to be captured in just 15 seconds. ese images provide an analytical means to help identify your speci c skin concerns and conditions so we can plan the exact treatment programme to gift you that desired result.

Observ 520x uses di erent patented LED and multiple lter technology allowing for unparallel clarity and accuracy, and these clinical visuals of your own #journeybeneaththeskin we share with you.

ere are a myriad of treatments promising to correct the di erent signs of skin conditions and aging. But our special weapon in Observ 520x – it is the scienti c key to provide a tailored approach to your skin needs and goals.

Along with a thorough consultation and Observ 520x photos, the information gathered assists our clients with a complete result-orientated treatment plan, along with skincare arriving at the most appropriate priority; getting to the root cause of skin problems we can focus on the best solution.

We are nding clients are becoming more aware and interested in their skin, protecting and maintaining it in the best results-driven manner with unbiased images of the skin.

Magnesium and hypertension

e Women’s Health

Study is one of the most in uential medical studies. is followed nearly 30,000 female health professionals aged above 45.

It is still going now, after 30 years. One of the many observations is the relationship between magnesium and hypertension, high blood pressure. e study shows magnesium intake is inversely related to hypertension; that those with low magnesium have much higher chances of developing hypertension.

to a resting state. How does magnesium help hypertension?

Indeed, it seems as if magnesium can help many conditions including cramp, heart rhythm, mood, sleeping any many more. is should not surprise – because of the special role of magnesium in governing muscles and nerves. Calcium is the mineral that causes muscles to work and nerves to carry impulses. Magnesium helps return muscles and nerves

Our blood vessels have a special type of muscle called smooth muscle.

Just as magnesium de ciency can cause cramp or tightness in our skeletal muscles, so low magnesium causes smooth muscle to lose its natural suppleness. is can impede blood ow and force the heart to pump harder to circulate blood.

e main mechanism is magnesium is a powerful

calcium channel blocker; many hypertension medications are calcium channel blockers. is allows the smooth muscle in blood vessels to relax, thus allowing for enhanced blood ow.

e challenge is to get the right forms of magnesium in the right doses. My preference is to use three di erent forms of magnesium: natural marine magnesium from sea water, well proven magnesium citrate and probably the most e ective, magnesium glycinate. We then need to get the right doses. is is where one-a-day supplements can be di cult as you cannot modify the dose. My magnesium has a dosage range of one to four capsules so can be customised to a person’s needs. For more information, call me or email: john@abundant.co.nz You can read my newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is a quali ed nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on: 0800 423 559.

Govt will deliver on expanded breast screening

e coalition Government has made the rst steps in delivering on its promise to extend free breast screening to women aged 70-74, says Health Minister Shane Reti.

“As part of the 100-day plan, the Government has now met with o cials and discussed what is needed in order for the screening to be extended.”

Dr Reti says breast cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women.

“It’s vitally important to all a ected women and their families that we detect more breast cancer early.

“Overall, our extension means women will be eligible for an average of two to three extra mammograms once the programme is fully implemented – and means about 120,000 additional women will be eligible for screening every two years.

“Catching more cancers early means better treatment outcomes, and we anticipate an additional 22 lives could be saved every year.

“While we want to move as swiftly as possible, we need to allow the health system to prepare for the roughly 60,000 additional women eligible each year.”

Dr Reti says there’s a lot to be done in terms of preparation, both human and capital infrastructure. “As well as planning for the expansion of existing screening services, Health New Zealand will need to plan for the cancer treatment services required to support the additional women diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

“We know screening works – women who participate in the existing programme are 34 per cent less likely to die from breast cancer.

“Raising the breast cancer screening age will bene t all women, including Māori and Paci c peoples who have particularly high rates,” says Dr Reti.

World Hearing Day is held on March 3 each year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

Every year, the World Health Organisation decides the theme and develops evidence-based advocacy

materials such as brochures, yers, posters, banners, infographics and presentations, among others resources.

World Hearing Day 2024 will focus on overcoming the challenges posed by societal misperceptions and stigmatising mindsets through awareness-raising and

Hearing New Zealand has organised a march on Parliament in Wellington on March 7 from 12.30pm.

For those who can’t make it but want to make their voices heard, there’s a petition on their website calling for a new Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill.

For more information, and to access the petition, visit: www.hearing.org.nz/events

Be heard this World Hearing Day Coffee and tips for those with hearing loss

Whether you su er hearing loss yourself, or have a family member, friend or colleague who does – you’re welcome at two monthly support group co ee mornings, in Katikati and Pāpāmoa.

Hearing Support Bay of Plenty’s free support group in Pāpāmoa this year has a new venue – the Mobility Centre, 520 Gloucester Rd – on the last Wednesday of the month, from 10.30am.

e Katikati support group meets the second ursday of each month from 10.30am, at the Red Cross building on Middlebrook Drive.

Tauranga Hearing support BOP manager Helen Rodgers says the get-togethers are for anyone in the community.

“ e mornings are not just for those with hearing loss – it can be for those around them.

“ e idea is people can gain tips or strategies in managing hearing loss, or understanding hearing loss for those in their lives who su er from it.

“Topics talked about include hearing aid care, strategies for better communication, sharing

Do You Have Problems With Hearing?

stories, and information about services people can access.”

Helen says for those new to hearing loss – the support groups show there’s a community out there with the same questions, experiences and challenges as them.

“We often nd people are tted with hearing aids but feel they’re on their own after that.

“ ey discover aids aren’t always the silver bullet – so then they learn how to maximise the devices to assist their hearing in everyday life, manage the environment around them and live with hearing loss.

“So the mornings o er support for all of these situations and stages that people are going through.

“And when people get together, they feel like they’re no longer on their own in their journey.

“We’ve had people say: ‘Oh, great someone has the same story as me’ about something that happened to them when they couldn’t hear, and they feel relieved. So come join us for a cuppa and a friendly chat.”

e monthly Pāpāmoa support group in progress at its new venue. Photo: Brydie ompson.

Merle Cave

I think it is commendable that Tauranga City Council is considering charging considerably higher rents to the various charities and sports groups that use TCC facilities “to lessen the burden on ratepayers”.

Of course, it would be more acceptable if TCC applied the same logic to themselves!

eir new building on Devonport Rd is going up rapidly and no doubt the sta are busy preparing for their third move – all at ratepayer expense – in the last few years.

As the land and new building will be leased – at ratepayer expense – why don’t all the

occupants contribute to the costs “to lessen the burden on ratepayers”?

After all, they are getting a brand new building with great views and a CBD location, handy to the library and art gallery.

A ve per cent tithe on their wages would de nitely “lessen the burden on ratepayers”...

It would be interesting to see how TCC sta coped with “spending their money” as opposed to their usual practice of “spending other peoples’ money”.

Allan Gi ord, Tauranga City.

A leader of a political party who can put together a Coalition Government consisting of three parties – which has never been done before in this country – and had all three agree their main priorities for the people is to grow our economy, improve education and housing for all New Zealanders is not a weak leader.

Some reporters, journalists and an academic are trying to make us believe otherwise.

It was the Labour Government’s divisive, discriminating policies that are now causing division between Maori and non-Maori.

Another sad withdrawal from our city Not a weak leader!

Re: ‘Council purchases Cameron Rd building for new indoor courts’ page 3, e Weekend Sun, Friday, February 9 edition.

– cannot withstand the diabolical mess that is Cameron Rd thanks to Tauranga City Council and their planners’ outof-touch plans to improve this key arterial route in our city.

Will TCC apply same logic to themselves? Kudos to the kind kids of Pillans Point!

A shout out to a couple of kind and considerate kids from Pillans Point School. I think their names were ‘Elijah’ and ‘Juan’.

I was dead-heading a bank of agapanthus outside my home recently. A hideous job. And I was heaving the stems up onto the footpath for later collection.

at’s when I noticed Elijah and Juan quietly gathering up my mess and putting it aside under an adjacent road side barrier …just so the kids and parents leaving the school could pass down the footpath easily and safely.

ey demonstrated a concern and responsibility way beyond their years.

Nice job Elijah and Juan. You’re a wonderful advertisement for your school.

I think Juan said he was from Argentina. And can speak both English and Spanish.

You bought some good values with you to NZ Juan. And you chose a good friend in Elijah.

Ian Goldsmith, Otūmoetai.

An observation...

ey failed young Maori by not getting tough on truancy, ram raids, burglaries and gangs, and the crimes they commit. ese are major reasons why so many voted for ACT and NZ First.

Margaret Hills, Hairini.

I am saddened to see that e Warehouse has sold its central city location on Cameron Rd – as with this store, it didn’t matter what direction you were coming from into the city – this was an easy stop for quick supplies of a large range of items.

It seems even e Warehouse – one of New Zealand’s biggest retailers

I hope e Warehouse is planning on another central city location store – but looking at how the city is now – ie. dead – I somehow doubt it.

Helen Smith, Otūmoetai.

Isn’t it ironic? Let Downtown Tauranga breathe!

News of King Charles III’s recent cancer diagnosis rings loudly of the Alanis Morissette song ‘Ironic’.

Imagine your whole future career being preordained for you from birth, for your entire life – only for you to wait to take it on for nigh on 50 years, then to nd out your health could fail your destiny.

I hope the King receives swift treatment and enjoys a speedy recovery so he can get back to the full-time role the British throne dictates.

Susan Williams, Greerton.

Downtown Tauranga’s greatest asset is e Strand and its waterfront. Our city planners lack vision as they want to ddle with Willow St and other streets being one-way. Make e Strand from Devonport to Hamilton streets a pedestrian mall, like during the Jazz Festival.

Open Red Square to allow

motorists to ow into Spring, Willow, and Grey streets.

It’s called tra c ow which city planners don’t seem to appreciate. e Strand is our main hospitality area and terri c outdoor space that should be utilised more. Let Downtown Tauranga breathe, rather than choking it to death.

Jim

Sherlock, Parkvale.

Have you read about reading about the Tauranga City Council proposing to hike the rent for Tauranga’s Men’s Shed from $13,000 to $44,840 to stay at e Historic Village? And the shed be charged $18,400 in operating expenses by council. A spokesperson says they’ll have to give away the tools, and walk out the door if the charges goes ahead.

Yet, jump the boundary fence – and enter the Western Bay of Plenty District – and the council there has helped the Katikati Menz Shed get into a newly-built facility!

e Katikati Menz Shed responded to an expression of interest sought by Western Bay District Council for the building of a community facility on a vacant piece of council land – and was successful. en TECT granted $100,000 was granted WBOP District Council towards the new shared community facility. And whallah! A new shed was built and they’ve moved in! What a di erence a boundary fence can make to a community-enhancing non-pro t group...

Mary Donaldson, Bellevue.

By Winston Watusi

JACK DUSTY’S (Bureta)

Sometimes I don’t recognise this place any more. I know, I keep going on about this; perhaps there’s a song in it. Tauranga has changed: once it was quiet, now for the third week running I’m previewing a huge event. It’s a one-day festival on Saturday, March 9; an event of such scale that even just listing everyone performing would take more space than I have.

We’re talking the Tauranga Fringe Festival 24, happening at e Historic Village, which promises six stages as well as six galleries, with more than 60 performances across seven hours.

is is another extravaganza spearheaded by e Incubator, the arts collective which has brought new life to the village. ey promise a “one-day spectacular, full of strange creativity, alternative art practices, the bizarre, the beautiful, the risqué, the provocative, and above all stimulating sensationalism”.

Yeah, Baby!

Six stages

ere is, no surprise, a lot of everything. I’ll stick to the music but there’s a special pottery installation at e Pot House and the other galleries all feature very cool stu . ere’s also a fashion parade with WOW leanings, plus market stalls, food, steampunks, busking...

e Village Green Stage runs the musical gamut from indie bands Crooked Finger and Taupo’s False Heights to student drumming group Hittmen and early traditional blues from Mike Garner and Joanne Melbourne, who have just released an old-timey EP. And more of course.

Underwater Stage

e main street’s Underwater Stage is similarly varied. ere an improvised African session from e Afrolites, Kokomo shooting a new video, futurist disco from Hamilton’s Amun Ra, barber’s shop quartet Pitchpipe Playboys, a short David Mamet play performed by Bren Frank, dub and ska from No-Reply Band, and also Brother Sister, Captain Houndtooth, Project Eye and more...

On to e Chapel Stage (guess where?) which leans towards the punkier hardcore end of the scene with We Will Ride Fast, Stone Clones, Jim Jones and the People’s Temple, Skonk, new band e Metrognomes, and Dead Simple. ose last two are also playing a week later at the Jam Factory, on March 16.

Okay. Six stages. ey’re all a bit di erent: the Earthly Delights Stage incorporates the bar and several DJs grooving; the Amphitheatre Stage is a family disco; but the other four are where things get really fringey...

e Cinema Stage (guess where?) features poets.

Lots of them. And some comedians. e section for deliberately bad poetry is, I assume, where the two disciplines collide. ere’s also music, including the Inth’way Mangosteen Experience –“full-on trippy dynamic multimedia psychedelic electric guitar and spoken word”.

A real grab-bag

And nally, on to the Jam Factory Stage (guess where?) which is a real grabbag, including poets, an X-rated performance from wittily-named Sharkrablue, rock from e Artist Red, very impressive experimental band Club Meds, plus Deep C, Junk and more.

So... much... music... All for $10. Under-14s gain free entry. And I’ve missed a bunch. Sorry. I suggest indulging as fully as possible. Some may be great, some may be crap – it’ll all be interesting.

Hear Winston’s latest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/655yCvHzkhzl TWZq24vrQD?si=5780cc16d7d44755

Get ready to witness the sizzling and electrifying performance of Sydney Hotshots as they bring the hottest Magic Mike-style show to New Zealand.

Australia’s ultimate ladies’ night has jumped the ditch and hits Tauranga Citizens Club on March 14 – and e Sun has tickets to give away!

As the premiere Magic Mike-style show in Australia, Sydney’s Hotshots have become a nationwide sensation with their thrilling performances and irresistible charm. is talented group of dancers boasts Australia’s most in-demand performers, who will leave you spellbound with their impressive moves and sculpted bodies.

See all the action in a two-hour extravaganza, one-night only show at Tauranga Citizens Club on ursday, March 14. e event is strictly R18. e Sun has two free double VIP passes for the Sydney Hotshots’ March 14 concert for two lucky readers who can tell us where the event will be held in Tauranga?

Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the ‘competitions’ tab.

Entries must be received by Tuesday, March 5.

Bring some affordable freedom into your life!

Oakland Lodge Village is located at 125 Fourteenth Ave, Tauranga City. is is a highly sought-after Avenue in central Tauranga.

“We are a friendly, boutique retirement village o ering a ordable, modern and spacious one-bedroom apartments –which are perfect for those who are now ready to free themselves from the concerns that a larger home can bring in your later years,” says Oakland Lodge’s village coordinator Jamie-Lee Abraham. Oakland o ers a choice of one-bedroom apartments with either a balcony or garden patio.

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

“ is apartment has sold however, another apartment with a similar aspect is available and very a ordable at $385,000, with all purchases made on an Occupational Rights Agreement as laid out in the Retirement Villages Act 2003.

“Whatever your requirements are the

Oakland team can support you with a variety of services, we also have an adjoining resthome and hospital complex for added peace of mind,” says Jamie-Lee.

“Even though we are a small

community, we are a fun and happy village where you can be involved as much or as little as you wish – but don’t take our word for it, come in and check us out by calling: 027 253 2402.”

If

Photo: supplied.

Friday 1 March 2024

Saturday March 2

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

Katikati Toy Library

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

Dead Simple +The MetroGnomes

Popular locals Dead Simple with new band

The Metrognomes. Indie/Post-punk music. Tickets just $15. 7pm Sat 16th March at The Jam Factory, Tauranga Historic Village.

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

Sunday March 3

Golf Croquet

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

Otumoetai Rotary Electronic Recycling Electronic Recycling. Give your gear a new life. Fees apply. Otumoetai College Car Park Windsor Rd 8.00am. Brian 021 122 8735

Papamoa Lions Club Market

2nd & 4th Sunday. Gordon Spratt Reserve, Parton Rd, Papamoa. Gates open 7am for stall holder entry.

Wayne 027 974 5699

Sahaja Yoga (Meditation)

Sundays 5.30pm to 6.30pm Sport BOP Offices (opposite squash courts) 406

Devonport Rd, Tauranga. Classes are free. More info: 022 303 5704 / www.freemeditationnz.com

Tauranga Model Aircraft Club

Interested in flying model planes? Join us every Sunday at TECT Park weather permitting between 10-3pm. Beginners welcome. Directions and webcam on our website www.taurangamodelfly.org

Tauranga Organ Keyboard Society Meets at 1.30pm at Carmel Country Estate Social Centre, 11 Hollister Lane, Ohauiti, Tauranga. Play or listen to Organ, Clavinova or Piano. Contact Maureen 544 5013

Monday March 4

500 Card Group Every Monday (except public holidays) from 9.30-11.30am, held at Age Concern, 177A Fraser Street, Tauranga, $2 donation, light refreshment provided - all welcome!

Badminton Shuttlecocks & Hens Social Badminton at Greerton Hall. Mon & Fri 10.30am to 12.30pm all welcome. Ph Lorraine 027 408 6211 or Pam 021 048 5674

Chess at Mount Maunganui

Farmers Market - Mount Mainstreet

Every Sunday 9am-1pm rain or shine! Te Papa o Nga Manu Porotakataka (Phoenix Park) www.mountmainstreet.nz

Mount RSA Chess Club 544 Maunganui Rd, Mondays (excl public holidays). Early program 6.15pm7pm Late program 7pm onwards. Casual Chess allowed. Search “Western BoP Chess”

Creative Fibre Tauranga

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

Indoor Bowls

Matua Primary School Hall at 7.15pm. New members welcome. Come and join us for a evening of fun and bowls. Ph Karen 576 0443

Katikati Bowling Club

Mixed 2 x 4 x 2. Reporting time 9.15am

Keep On Your Feet Omokoroa, 11am-12, Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd. Strength & Balance classes for older adults, all levels of fitness welcome. Contact Sharnie 021 111 8617

Let’s Learn Something New Classes, courses, clubs and activities of all kinds, Mons & Thrs. Have fun and do something new in 2024. Check out www.letslearn.co.nz or Ph 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

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

Tuesday March 5

Altrusa Ladies Service Group

Come and join a bunch of women for community projects and social events. Meet 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Phone Pam 027 253 7562 or visit www.altrusa.org.nz

Bayfair Petanque Club

Play social petanque at Russley Reserve Bayfair. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and Thurs. New players welcome, Boules available. Call Simon 021 158 0129 for details

Boules - Petanque Tauranga BOP Club Tawa Street, Mt Maunganui. Social and competitive play. Boules available. New players welcome. Ph Ray 027 756 3565 for times, further details.

Cards 500 Mount Maunganui

Tues and Thurs 12.30 to 4pm. Mount Community Hall. Fun and friendly group. Afternoon tea provided. All ages all welcome. Ph 027 658 6848 or just arrive

Fernland Spa Gentle Exercise

In warm mineral water, no chlorine. Suitable for joint replacements, arthritics & recovery from accident or illness. Gives strength, coordination & balance. Jennifer 027 206 0776

Gold Movers Fitness Class

FUN exercise to music, strength & balance class for older adults. Papamoa Community Centre. Tues 9am & 11.15am Contact bekkimonger@gmail.com

Greerton Walking Group

Otumoetai Walking Group

Meet at 9am at Kulim Park. Ph Danny 576 6480

Overeaters Anonymous

Do you starve, binge, purge or overeat? Overeaters

Anonymous may have an answer. Meetings in Tauranga Tues evening and Fri midday.

021 0236 3236

Petanque @ Bayfair

Play social petanque at Russley Reserve Bayfair. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and Thurs. Friendly club, all welcome. Boules available. Call Simon 021 1580 129 for details.

Recycled Teenagers Gentle Exercise

St. Mary’s Church cnr Girven & Marlin. 9-10.30am. Suitable for joint replacements, arthritics, recovery from accident & illness. Strength, coordination & balance. Jennifer

5711 1411 Mob 027 206 0776

Tauranga Acoustic Music Club Greerton RSA 7pm. Friendly gettogether, 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

U3A Beachside March Meeting Meeting at Arataki Community Centre Bayfair, Tuesday 5th March 10am. Guest Speaker Gabriel Hurford, TCC on kerbside rubbish. Visitors welcome. Morning tea and entry $5 cash

Wednesday March 6

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

Age Concern Monthly Meeting All welcome! Guest Speaker NZ Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Papamoa Community Centre, 15 Gravatt Rd, 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. March 3 - meet at New World, Brookfield. March 13meet at Burger King, Fraser Cove.

Avenues Friendship Club

Meets first Wednesday of each month at 9.30am. Tauranga Citizens Club. 13th Avenue. Guest Speakers. Visitors always welcome. Phone 027 4061 846

Beginner Social Dance Group 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

Coffee/Conversation Group

- Brookfield

Age Concern Tauranga holds a friendly Coffee and Conversation Group at St Stephens Church, 9 Brookfield Terrace, 10.30am - 12noon, cost $5pp. All Welcome.

Dance Classes in Katikati

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

Keep On Your Feet

Katikati Rugby & Sports Club, Moore Park 10.30-11.30am Strength & Balance classes for older adults, all levels of fitness welcome. Contact Sharnie 021 111 8617

Steady As You Go

Age Concern exercises for strength and balance, friendly group 2-3pm except first Wednesdays. $2. St John’s Bureta. Ph Angela 576 9847

Tauranga Embroiderers Guild Meets EVERY Wednesday at Tauranga Rowing Club, Devonport Road 10am-2.30pm and 7-9pm. Beginners very welcome. Contact Yvonne Horsfall Ph 07 572 0927 / 027 478 4519

Tauranga South Garden Club Meets first Weds of the month in the Baptist church corner Cameron Rd & Thirteenth Ave. Guest speaker and monthly competitions. All welcome. Enquiries to Margaret Ph 021 0172 02184

Thursday March 7

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

Marching For Leisure A non-competitive activity for mature ladies. Fun Fitness and Friendship. For details of Tauranga team practice nights please contact Bernie Taylor 027 775 5612

Papamoa Garden Circle Meets monthly 1pm (2nd Weds of each month) at Papamoa Sports/Recreation Centre, Gordon Spratt Reserve. Competitions, sales table, prize draws. New members and visitors welcome. Contact Lee 021 110 3234

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

Bayfair Petanque Club

Play social petanque at Russley Reserve Bayfair. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and Thurs. New players welcome, Boules available. Call Simon 021 158 0129 for details

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

Flexercise With Fitness League Exercise, movement, dance, focusing on posture, balance, stretching, strengthening & flexibility, suitable all ages, 10am, Central Baptist Church Hall, 13th Ave, Tauranga. Pam 021 117 7170

Hatha & Vinyasa Yoga Friendly yoga class - all welcome. Thurs 5.306.30pm, Te Puke Memorial Hall. Contact bekkimonger@gmail. com

Katikati Bowling Club

8 Park Rd Rummikub 1-4pm, $3 entry

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

Keynotes Women’s Barbershop

Chorus

Do you love to sing? New singers welcome, age no barrier. We practice 7pm, Wesley Hall, 100, 13th Avenue. Ph Bernice 576 4848 Facebook

Keynotes Inc.

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

Friday March 8

Badminton

Shuttlecocks & Hens Social Badminton at Greerton Hall. Mon & Fri 10.30am to 12.30pm all welcome. Ph Lorraine 027 408 6211 or Pam 021 048 5674

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.

admin@ecospark.co.nz

e team at ‘ e Upholstery Shoppe’ specialise in restoring your furniture to its former glory.

Whether it be a complete restoration, xing your favourite recliner, or making your couch nice and comfortable, as it was when you rst bought it. e market is ooded with imported furniture that just doesn’t last. You could get three years out of it before you need to replace it again, says e Upholstery Shoppe’s Jason Neill.

“We’ve had customers bring their couch back to us, that we reupholstered 20 years ago. And it’s still going strong,” says Jason.

“Don’t throw away well-built furniture just because it’s a little worn. Hold on to that family heirloom.

“Free up our land ll. Get creative and come out with something special and unique, that you just won’t nd in any stores.

“We can also make you custom headboards and ottomans, indoor and outdoor squabs, as well as commercial applications like seating for restaurants and cafes.” Check out their website and social media for some of their transformations.

Shoppe’s Jason Neill at

Photo: Brydie ompson.

renovations; design & plant. Ph Tita 027 654 8781 or a/h 542 0120

e words ‘there will be wars and rumours of wars’ are found in the Bible – is that surprising? ey also come from the lips of Jesus, is that more surprising? You can read them in Matthew 24v6-14.

Perhaps you nd the current state of the world to be very dispiriting, discouraging and depressing with little to give hope, or little sense that things will get better.

In the midst of this rather bleak outlook Jesus does speak words of comfort. He encourages you not to be alarmed. How is this possible? You should not be alarmed because these things have happened, are happening, or are going to happen. ey shouldn’t take you by surprise. It’s not that they don’t matter, it’s rather that by being prepared you are able to respond. Respond how?

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e best response you can make is to take Jesus at His word and trust Him to bring you through. ere are certain promises Jesus makes that are very important to hold on to, especially in times of trouble that can enable you to persevere. I’d encourage you to take time and to meditate on some of these promises.

‘I am with you always’. ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world’. ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.’ (Matthew 28v20; John 16v33; John 14v1. NIV).

God bless you with His love and peace.

Rev Ian Pittendreigh, �mokoroa.

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JESUS REPLIED, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the g tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done”. Matthew 21:21

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