The Weekend Sun - 8 March 2024

Choosing to ride

It’s a favourite part of her day. Riding the boardwalk through the mangroves, bullrushes and toi toi as the sun comes up over the Waikareao Estuary. Stunning! But when she reaches the CBD on her ash recumbent

electric bike, the day used to turn a bit at for the marine scientist, Dr Sharon De Luca. Because, to keep her machine safe and secure, she would have to manoeuvre through doors and squeeze into a lift to her fth-storey o ce.

Tricky and laborious for someone living with a debilitating disorder of the central nervous system. But now Dr De Luca can park up at ground level at the Bike Stop – Tauranga City Council’s rst covered and secure bike

and scooter parking facility in Grey St in the CBD. It’s the cheapest and easiest parking in the city – just $1 a day. Another incentive to ditch the car. Dr De Luca’s story is on pages 14-15. Photo: David Hall.

A sad and bitter Kirikiriroa

Gadzooks! e audacity of the man. Listen to this.

“Come on Tauranga, don’t make me laugh,” says Jesse Mulligan. You know Jesse. e Auckland-based media celeb. He’s on more platforms than a station master – radio, TV, newspapers. Hard to dislike him – but he’s giving us good reason to try. “You’re nice enough,” he tells Tauranga. “But you come up short against New Zealand’s greatest city.”

Where did this come from? He’s comparing Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) to Tauranga. Jesse, maybe a lapsed stand-up comic but this is as funny as a train wreck. Jesse is a favourite son of Kirikiriroa.

Grew up there, loves it. But not enough to live there. What does that tell us?

Beige

Now he’s crapping on Tauranga in a national news story, when crapping on Kirikiriroa is actually the established national pastime. Everyone craps on Kirikiriroa. It’s as Kiwi as cheerios. Mention fog, a deep, fastowing creek full of car wrecks and stolen property, cow byres and cow bells, bogans and streets racers, and what do you think of?

Kirikiriroa of course.

Legend has it Kirikiriroa is the place guys try to win over a love interest with a burnout.

Here’s a ringing endorsement from a local.

“Kirikiriroa is terrible only because it’s underwhelming. If Kirikiriroa was a colour it would be beige. If it was food it would be a protein shake. Kirikiriroa is as exciting as discussing shrubbery.”

You started it Jesse. And a sales pitch in one sentence. “If you want to move somewhere lacking everything that makes New Zealand endearing and exciting, then Kirikiriroa is for you.” Locals apparently compare their city to Gore to make themselves feel better. is all came on the back of vague population

data indicating Kirikiriroa has overtaken Tauranga as the country’s fastest growing city – whoopee s#*#!

In the year to June 2023 Kirikiriroa grew 3.4 per cent, Tauranga 2.5 per cent.

In nitesimal stu – cos over the longer term, for ve years to June 2023, Tauranga grew 2.6 per cent, Kirikiriroa 1.9 per cent. So, says Statistics NZ, the notion that Tauranga is the fastest growing area is “largely correct”, and the 2023 stat an aberration. en Jesse chimes in, wanting to turn it into a competition. ey cling to the small stu over the hill.

“Cheer up Tauranga,” says Jesse.

“Go make a sandcastle.”

We will because we can – we have sand, you only have mud and gravel. Kirikiriroa means long stretch of gravel –hardly a romantic notion, but all the same melli uous, as most Maori place names are. And I just can’t bring myself to use the ‘H’ word, because it’s a nod to that city’s colonialist past. ‘H’ was named for John Fane Charles ‘H’, a British soldier killed while killing our tangata whenua at Gate Pā. Seems he never even set foot in a city that took his name. But people ‘over there’ are entrenched. A poll was held after a Mayor suggested the city revert to its Maori name – Kirikiriroa. But nuh-uh! Not! No! Never!

Whereas we in the Bay embrace Te Reo – we’re proudly the ‘resting place or safe anchorage’. In his jibe, and I trust it’s a friendly one, Jesse is elevating ‘H’ to New Zealand’s “greatest city”. Tauranga is a city Jesse, ‘H’ is a suburb, Auckland’s most southern suburb. Soon the super city will gobble it up entirely. You even have commuter trains for workers escaping to Auckland for the day. Because any time out of ‘H’ has to be good time. Of course he would talk up Kirikiriroa’s “world class garden”. Well, come on over Jesse, because the entire Bay of Plenty is a “world class garden” – not a dime-at-the-door ‘funsy’ garden but a veritable cornucopia, a vast and bountiful citrus and sub-tropical fruit bowl. ere’s a reason it’s called Bay of Plenty.

Lost at sea

You have fog – dense, wet stu . At best, delicate lungs are exposed to cold wateryair-causing chills, coughs, sni es and pockets lled with soggy tissues. At worst it undermines your emotional wellbeing – read ‘depression’. Over the hill we’re a chipper, healthy bunch because we have sun and sea breezes. Pop over if you need some therapy.

Another opinion on ‘H’: “I’d rather be lost at sea for three months than spend a weekend in Kirikiriroa”.

“Tauranga only has one coastline,” says Jesse. at’s right – 260km plus a few islands and three harbours. But then he inanely suggests ‘H’ has two coasts: “ e eastern and western banks of the mighty Waikato River.” Now that’s a stretch, because ‘H’ is unequivocally landlocked, and that “mighty” river is dead spooky! And you can’t compare wetlands and peat bog vegetation to the golden sands and surf that make up our vast and bountiful ocean playground. No contest!

steps up for new era

Fresh face steps up for new era

Despite nominations for Tauranga City Council’s 2024 Local Body Elections not opening until April 26, a 22-year-old from Welcome Bay has already put his hand up and is busy door-knocking his ward.

Cameron Templer is one of the rst people to publicly voice that he intends to run for council –he will stand for the Welcome Bay councillor seat in July’s Local Body Elections.

e city council has not had elections since 2019 due a dysfunctional council prompting the past government to appoint a Commission to run the council from December 2020 until July 2024.

For the upcoming election, the council will have a new representation arrangement. e Local Government Commission has determined Tauranga residents will elect nine councillors plus a mayor. Eight councillors will represent general wards – Mauao/Mount Maunganui, Arataki, Pāpāmoa, Welcome Bay, Matua-Otūmoetai, Bethlehem, Tauriko and Te Papa – and one councillor will represent the Māori ward, called Te Awanui, which will cover the entire city.

ere’s been calls from the community for fresh faces, and for candidates who are willing to keep a functional council intact and get things done, to run for council in the elections.

Cameron is 22, has business and entrepreneurial experience and currently owns and runs Tauranga Indoor Sports plus a software company.

So why run for council? “Politics was always

something I knew I was going to get into. With running a sports centre I found I had a lot of time on my hands, so in October I looked up the date for the next election... I’ve never let age stop me from doing things I’ve wanted to do.

“It’s an opportunity.”

He also says there are problems in Welcome Bay.

“I’ve lived here for 18-plus years and have a pretty good understanding of the problems and the best way to solve them. I’ve put my name in the hat – so here I am.”

With Welcome Bay boasting about 7500 dwellings, Cameron is already door-knocking potential voters. “Door knocking isn’t just about getting votes. It’s about connecting, really hearing what you all want and need from a councillor.

“I’m here because I want to make a change, I’m not an all-talk politician,” says Cameron, who attended Selwyn Ridge Primary School, Tauranga Intermediate and Tauranga Boys’ College before studying health sciences and medicine at Otago University. He moved back to Tauranga in May 2023 – and this year wants to be on council.

“A lot of my life I’ve been told I can’t do something, like get into med school or start a business or raise millions. I’ve believed in myself and know I can do it.” Tauranga’s Local Body Elections – to choose a new three-year council – is on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

For more information, see: www.tauranga.govt. nz/council/about-your-council/elections-2024

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Cameron Templer. Photo: supplied.

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

News tips ph 0800 SUNLIVE

Council budget constraints

Budget limitations around key investment projects is forcing Tauranga City Council commissioners to alter priorities as they deliberate the city’s 10-year Long Term Plan. Following the Government’s repeal of the Water Services Acts, council now needs to provide for planned investment in water services from year three of the LTP onwards and some projects have been pushed out.

e Ōtūmoetai and Mount multi-modal projects have been moved towards the end of the LTP period. Cameron Road Stage 2 costs have been increased and rephased to be completed by end of 2030 rather than 2028 at the time of the draft LTP.

Butler’s Olympic hopes dashed

Mount Maunganui

surfer Kehu Butler’s incredible run at the ISA World Sur ng Games has concluded after what’s been an exceptional run.

Kehu competed in Heat 3 of Men’s Repechage 8 with heavyweights of the sur ng world. Yago Dora of Brazil, Ramzi Boukhiam of Morroco and John John Florence joined Kehu in a heat where Olympic quali cation was on the line and the 10 men were ghting for ve Olympic quali cation spots. Kehu was the last Kiwi standing at the Puerto Rico Olympic quali er, nishing 37th.

New boat ramp plans

Plans for a long-awaited upgrade of Katikati’s Beach Rd boat ramp are being oated with the community. e proposed transformation, led by Western Bay of Plenty District Council, is to make improvements to the boat ramp, esplanade foreshore reserve, MacMillan Reserve, and 294 Beach Rd.

If everyone is on-board, improvements will include raising and widening the rst 30m of the boat ramp, installation of cultural and historical features, more open green space for picnic areas, upgrading the public restrooms, and adding more public carparking, including dedicated boat trailer parking.

Māori portrait auction

A portrait of a Māori man by a renowned New Zealand artist is up for auction after spending six decades tucked away in a drawer. e signed oil on canvas is by Vera Cummings, whose esteemed paintings were among the rst to focus on Māori people. e 20cm by 15cm portrait depicts a man with traditional Māori Ta Moko face tattoos wearing a hei-tiki pendant. Although undated, it was probably painted in the 1930s or 1940s and is estimated at £1500 to £2000 in Richard Winterton Auctioneers’ Antiques & Home Sale on March 11. e canvas was consigned for sale at e Lich eld Auction Centre in Sta ordshire, UK, following a valuation in person after an initial enquiry via email from its British owners.

Tauranga puts the brakes on

Plans to investigate congestion charges further in Tauranga have been dropped by council after a public outcry. Instead, issues with the road congestion charges will be investigated further at a cost of $1.5 million.

Tauranga City Council opted to investigate issues raised by the community after strong opposition to congestion charges.

e commission decided look at these issues rather than progress with a business case during long-term plan deliberations on Monday.

Investigation

ey approved $1.5m funding for the investigation, spread equally across three years.

e council consulted on whether to investigate congestion charges through a business case as part of the 2024-3034

Long Term Plan. ey received 1099 submissions about the charges with 81 per cent of these opposed to congestion charging, and just 14 per cent in support. People were also asked if they supported the council working with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on a business case, with 78 per cent opposing the move and 22 per cent in support.

Dubbed SmartTrip Variable Road Pricing, the charges would replace the current tolls on the Takitimu Northern Link and the Tauranga Eastern Link. Pricing would change based on the time of day and where people were accessing the road network from.

One concept shows the priced network would include the state Highway ring around the Te Papa Peninsula (SH2, SH29, SH29A), SH2 and TNL from Te Puna, and the TEL.

Issues raised by submitters included the cost, location and time of the charges, and the availability of alternative transport modes, like buses and cycle

routes. Equity concerns were also raised for lower income earners and the impact it would have on the wider road network if people avoided the paid roads.

Commissioner Stephen Selwood says the initial SmartTrip analysis shows congestion would double in the next 10 years if options like these weren’t looked at. “We need to use our existing network more e ciently and more e ectively and that's what congestion charging, or as we've named it SmartTrip pricing, can achieve.

“ at said, the community have raised many very valid issues that need to be resolved,” says Stephen.

“It is true that we need to invest more in public transport, so we start to provide viable alternatives for people.”

Good information

Commissioner Bill Wasley supported getting “good information” from a local perspective and says it is important to feed this into any national changes.

Tauranga City Commissioners have decided not to proceed with a business case into congestion charges because of community opposition.

Photo: John Borren/SunLive.

congestion charge study

“ ere just isn’t enough money to go around to do to the things we need to do.”

Anne says it makes sense to get involved in the discussion about congestion charges early, rather than reacting to it.

Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston says there had been tolls in Tauranga since 1988.

ere was a toll to use the Tauranga Harbour Bridge from its opening in 1988 until 2001.

Tauranga also has two of the country’s three toll roads. “ e prospect of paying for access [to roads] is not a new thing for the community.

“We need to pay for our transport in a more e cient way”.

‘Isn’t enough money’

Removing tolls and the fuel tax, while getting people to pay for what they use was a more e cient way to gather revenue and reinvest back in the transport network, says Shadrach.

Commission chair Anne Tolley says income from petrol tax is dropping dramatically and will continue to do so, while the state highways were in a “poor state”.

e commission also agreed for the council to engage with NZTA-Waka Kotahi, the Ministry of Transport, and other councils, including Auckland Council, to explore nationally consistent approaches to congestion charges.

“Given that Government policy is likely to take this matter out of our hands, the commission’s view is that we should investigate the key concerns expressed by our community,” says Anne, in a post-meeting statement.

“Tauranga is the only council in the country which has consulted on the road pricing concept.” is means the council has “rich feedback” to pass on to the Government, says Anne.

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

Tauranga City Commissioner Anne Tolley. Photo: supplied.

Poet gears up for ‘Cringe of the Fringe’

Tying words and emotions together, Anna Killick says her poetry journey has been like a “lonely love story” – until she found ‘Slam’ that is. Slam is Slam Poetry – a style of performance poetry.

The 43-year-old has been writing poetry as long as she can remember. “My first love’s always been poetry,” says Anna. “I’m just walking along and I’ll get a line in my head and I’ll be like: ‘Oh I have to write this down’ and then

usually more flows from that. I love words.

“I’ve studied five or six languages and… I just love reading and anything to do with words. I just wrote, and wrote, and wrote. And years, and years, like decades later, it’s being heard.”

Found her voice

Anna found a voice for her poetry 16 months ago through Slam Poetry. Last year she was named the Tauranga Poetry Slam Champion at the Wham Bam Tauranga Poetry Slam. “It’s been beautiful because people have come up to me you know, crying and just saying: ‘Thank you for saying what I've never been able to say’.

make gigs and comps, listens to all my poems endlessly and believes in me.”

Anna will perform her poetry this Saturday, March 9 at Tauranga Fringe Festival 2024 at The Historic Village. Yet she’ll have to do her worst as the poetry competition theme is ‘Cringe of the Fringe’ – with poets bringing their most secondrate verses. “I just can’t wait because they’re going to be so bad, that it’s going to be so good.”

the Tauranga Fringe Festival starts 2pm, where you can

For more information

“I find that really humbling… I can’t imagine that this little poem that I wrote is actually speaking to people and other people were feeling the same way. That’s the biggest thing for me and the biggest reason why I do it. People don’t go around saying the worst things about their life often and you sort of invite a conversation – and I think that’s really important.”

Conserving energy

Anna has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. “I’ve had several chronic illnesses during 26 years. It really gets me down sometimes as I sleep through the night and then after breakfast/lunch, I sleep for another three or so hours. It’s hard for me, like I save all my possible energy for gigs and competitions so that’s usually the only time I surface.”

She credits her husband Andrew for supporting her in her poetry. “I could not do this without the support of Andrew. He drives me to and from venues, encourages me, does most of the household chores as I get too tired, helps me take care of myself so I can

Write your story,

Thinking about your own funeral is not always easy. It is a reality however, that one day the time will come when we will all need funeral services. Whilst some might be comfortable leaving their funeral arrangements to loved ones, others will choose to outline their wishes beforehand.

At Legacy Funerals, we believe pre-arranging your funeral is one of the most thoughtful things you can do. Having plans in place can be very reassuring for loved ones and will often enable them to begin the all important grieving process.

To get pre-arrangements started at Legacy, one of our Funeral Directors will meet with you to determine the specifics that will form a service unique to you. Meetings can take place wherever you feel most comfortable, whether that be at one of our venues, at your home or, in a neutrally chosen space. Funeral services vary greatly, but they all fulfill the same needto acknowledge the life of someone we love. We believe that everyone should have a service fitting to them and that each service should reflect the uniqueness of the person whose life is being honoured.

To take the first step toward pre-planning your funeral, call us on (07) 543 4780 or fill in the pre-arrangement form on our website - www.legacyfunerals.co.nz.

Legacy Funerals, Tauranga

383 Pyes Pa Road, Tauranga.

Cnr Te Okuroa Drive and Ashley Place, Pāpāmoa.

before the credits roll.

The Legacy Funerals Tauranga Team

Georgia Minkhorst

Cardboard camp at Oropi School

Oropi School Year 7-8 students have strengthened their leadership skills via a novel type of camping.

‘Cardboard Camp’ – a new idea created by the teachers of Oropi School – has seen 48 students build their own individual ‘tents’ using cardboard and sleep overnight in them on the school eld on ursday, March 7. Leadership, problem-solving and team building are the key pillars of this camp, according to principal Andrew King.

“At the beginning of the year, we do a leadership camp for all of our Year 7-8s, just to have time problem solving together and on mutually bene cial experiences to gel as a group, but also to develop

their leadership capacity.

“

ey’re all been making their own cardboard tents and helping one another to do so,” says Andrew, who talked to e Sun before ursday’s camp night. e cardboard was donated from a variety of places including community members and the recycling centre.

“ e students have to look after themselves in terms of putting their own tent up.

“ ey’re learning to use their own initiative to do everything themselves. ey’ll be doing a variety of leadership and teambuilding games.”

“ ey’ll spend the whole of ursday preparing and doing activities and then putting their tents up in the afternoon. I’m here in a room full of cardboard,” says

Andrew as he visits students to see how they’re going with their tents. e idea for cardboard tents is linked to their play-based learning and project-based learning programme, says Andrew. “ e kids are learning through experience and problem-solving and creating.”

e students will test and trial models to see what works, and will be able to put their mathematics skills into practice in terms of measurement and guring our dimensions. “ ey are learning about sustainability and building structures that can then be recycled at the end of it.

“It’s a really novel idea – we’ve never done it before.

“It’s a hands-on experience for the kids, they’re very excited about it.”

Ayla Yeoman

COMING SOON!

Oropi students

Levi Dawson and Daniel Walters look out their cardboard tent windows.

Photo: David Hall.

Don’t miss our open days.

Sunny days in the mount are calling

Sunday 17 & Monday 18 March, 10am – 3pm

Arvida Ocean Shores, 80 Maranui Street, Mount Maunganui.

White sand beaches, walking tracks and waterfalls—the Mount really is a dream location for the next chapter of your life. And at Arvida Ocean Shores, you’ll enjoy relaxed retirement living unlike anywhere else, with wide-open streets, big backyards, and a lush sub-tropical landscape.

We have a small selection of homes to view right now, including an apartment priced at $585,000 (licence to occupy) with views of Papamoa Hills and the Kaimai Ranges. There is lots to see, so join us at our next open days and explore our extensive grounds and beautiful resort-style facilities.

Call Jennifer on 021 796 323 or find out more at arvida.co.nz/oceanshores

Up the wall and off to the Olympics

eir game is speed, but they’ve been practising patience for their sport to have its own event in the Olympic Games for years.

Now that time will nally come at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and they’re among the select few competing.

Tauranga speed climbers Julian David and Sarah Tetzla are ecstatic to take their athletic skills to the next level in France at the Olympics, which run from July 26August 11. e pair have recently been announced as the rst athletes selected for the NZ speed climbing team.

something so wild and special to me.”

Julian says he’ll go to the Olympics with no expectations.

“As soon as you do that there’s pressure, and then people usually fold under pressure.

“So I’ll go in with no expectations and see what happens but I’m feeling pretty con dent.”

improving and you just keep getting addicted,” says Julian.

A privilege and big win!

“It is also such a privilege to be in a position where my achievements are inspiring the next generation of climbers and providing them with the proof that something like this could be possible for them,” says Sarah.

“Being selected to the NZ Olympic team is just incomprehensible for me,” says Sarah. “Back when I started climbing 12 years ago, there was no pathway to the Olympics for the sport and it wasn’t ever something I dreamed of.”

Now it’s a dream that will soon come true. For 19-year-old Julian, he’s had his sights set on the Olympics for a while.

And the best thing about speed climbing? “ e adrenaline rush after you get a good time because you know once you get a good time, you want another time; you just keep

“ is is a big win for speed climbing and I’m so excited to see the sport explode in NZ, and for people to watch our amazing sport!”

Georgia Minkhorst

years old when

“I was seven years old when watching the 2012 London Olympics and I was like: ‘I really want to do this’ but I didn’t know what sport,” says Julian. “At the time I was doing all these di erent sports like swimming, biking, running, football, and I nally landed on climbing and did pretty well.”

As the name suggests, speed climbing is a type of sport climbing where athletes compete for the quickest time ascending to the top of the climbing wall.

is speedy pair competed last year in World Cups, pitting them against top international athletes before qualifying for their spots in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after winning their divisions at the Oceania quali cation tournament in Melbourne late last year.

Wild and special

“ e last two years on the speed programme I have fundamentally changed into a person who backs herself, has a lot of self-belief and now trusts the process,” says Sarah. “To then have this growth be rewarded with an Oceania title and an Olympic spot is really

Tauranga’s Julian David and Sarah Tetzla are the rst speed climbing athletes selected for the NZ Team heading to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Photo: Brydie ompson.

Tauranga speed climber Julian David in action.

Photo: Brydie ompson.

NZME buys The Weekend Sun and SunLive

NZME is expanding in the Bay of Plenty with the purchase of SunMedia print and digital platforms this month. Further expanding its support of local journalism across the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand Media

and Entertainment announced on Tuesday it has purchased Tauranga local news provider SunMedia’s print and digital assets.

Owned and operated by local couple, Claire Rogers and the late Brian Rogers, SunMedia has operated in Tauranga and the wider Bay of

Plenty for 23 years.

NZME will purchase SunMedia’s three print publications

The Weekend Sun, Coast & Country News and New Farm Dairies, as well as its live local news website SunLive.

NZME’s CEO Michael Boggs says NZME is delighted to be adding to its strong stable of local mastheads and digital platforms with the acquisition of Sun Media’s highly-regarded local news and sales operation.

“This purchase demonstrates NZME’s commitment to supporting local journalism, and contributes to NZME’s Publishing strategy, ensuring we operate a high quality, efficient print business that services local communities and advertisers, as well as having a high-performing digital news offering.

“SunMedia has a proud

local history, with a dedicated newsroom, sales team and local delivery network that have been ably run for two decades by Claire and her husband Brian, who sadly passed away in 2022.

“We are pleased to be able to continue to invest in its future, supporting local journalism, as well as its sales and delivery capabilities in the region.

“NZME is proud to reach around 258,000 people [according to Nielsen CMI Q4 22-Q3 23 statistics] across Bay of Plenty through our many radio, publishing and digital platforms.

“SunMedia’s platforms will further complement our extensive offering of local news content and entertainment across the region, as well as providing further opportunities

for local advertisers. With NZME’s infrastructure, support systems and processes, I believe this will ensure Sun Media’s print and digital platforms remain successful well into the future,” says Michael.

Claire Rogers says running SunMedia has not been the same without Brian by her side.

“While this decision is not an easy one, it is the right move to ensure Tauranga continues to have the best local news platforms heading into the future. I would like to thank the community, our loyal advertisers and readers, but mostly the incredible SunMedia team who have worked tirelessly to tell community stories and bring you breaking news 24/7,” says Claire.

NZME and SunMedia expect to complete the sale and purchase transaction by March 31, 2024.

Support tamariki with cancer this weekend

Today and tomorrow, March 8-9, Child Cancer Foundation’s volunteers will rally across New Zealand – and here in the Bay – in an effort to raise essential funds for tamariki with cancer and their whanau.

“Every week this year, three Kiwi families will be told the heart-breaking news that their child has cancer,” says Child Cancer Foundation’s chief executive Monica Briggs.

“Your donation will directly fund personalised support for each family, helping them overcome the immense challenges that come with having

a sick child.” The Child Cancer Foundation receives no government funding and this annual street appeal is one of Child Cancer Foundation’s biggest fundraising campaigns of the year.

Monica says it’s the generosity of everyday Kiwis that help these families get through the hardest time of their lives.

“Whether it funds a delivery of groceries, a petrol voucher or a listening ear of support, every dollar will help provide life-changing assistance.”

Keep a lookout for street appeal volunteers in the BOP this Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9 to donate or visit: childcancer.org.nz

NZME chief executive officer Michael Boggs.

Photo: supplied.

Safety upgrades near new skatepark

Progress on the new Mount Maunganui destination skatepark is rolling on – with work underway to upgrade the pedestrian level crossing at Hull Rd, providing a safer crossing point over the railway line to the new park.

According to Tauranga City Council, the first stage of safety improvements will include a wider, realigned shared path for pedestrians and cyclists between the skatepark and Newton St, and an improved crossing point over the Hull Rd railway line – including a flashing light for pedestrians, new fencing and clear signage.

Safety improvement work at the Hull Rd crossing is anticipated to be complete by mid-April. Nearby businesses and residents may experience some noise and vibration during 7am-5pm Monday-Friday while work is underway.

Temporary traffic management will be in place with a reduced speed limit. There should be minimal impact for commuters as most of the work is taking place on the berm.

Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained throughout.

The new Destination Skatepark encompassing more than 3000m3 was designed in collaboration with members from the Bay of Plenty’s skate community. The skatepark will cater to all ages and abilities – from skateboarding and inline skating to BMX and scooting.

Work starts on city centre one-way street pilot

Work is underway on a pilot project to bring wider footpaths, greener spaces and some one-way streets to Tauranga city centre.

speed, reduce difficulties at intersections, and improve visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

It will also make the city centre more attractive and accessible.

The one-way traffic system will be introduced to parts of Harington, Hamilton, Spring, Wharf and Willow streets and remain in place for at least two years during the city centre transformation. Contractors started work early this week and are looking to work mostly at night for several more weeks to finish by April.

Tauranga City Council’s team leader of transport development Tom McEntyre says doing most of the work after-hours will help minimise disruption for motorists and businesses during the day. The council is thanking people for their patience while this work is underway. The pilot project will help moderate vehicle

We’re keeping our city centre moving with a pilot one-way system

Coming to Harington, Hamilton, Spring, Wharf and Willow streets this March.

Work

The project has been carefully timed to avoid events such as Children’s Day and the Jazz Festival, while ensuring the changes are in place before nearby building projects get underway.

The new one-way streets will reduce the number of road closures needed for those building projects because it will be easier to provide space for construction activities.

Although most of the work will be completed this month, some additional work will occur later with little disruption expected.

The pilot will be monitored and reviewed to see if the changes should be retained, altered, or extended through other parts of the city centre.

Tauranga city centre is becoming an even greater place to be.

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Park up in the CBD for $1 a day

When fate cruelly conspired to close one door on Dr Sharon De Luca, a couple of security doors slid quietly open for her. And a bit of normality crept through.

“I have my independence back,” says Dr De Luca. “I have more time in the mornings, and I am not all flustered arriving at work.”

And all because she scored a fob key and a bike park in the Tauranga CBD. “It’s very exciting.”

It’s the ‘Bike Stop’ on Grey St – the first covered and secure bike and scooter parking facility in the CBD – another incentive for car-addicted Tauranga City workers to embrace alternative transport options.

And it’s changed a life. “Very cool,” says Dr De Luca. To appreciate that ‘cool’ and why the bike park is important to her, it helps to understand her past. Four years ago she was

diagnosed with a disease of the central nervous system – the name of which, is as long, menacing sounding and as complicated as the disease itself. Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy, or GFAP astrocytopathy for short.

“Very rare, very un-studied,” says Dr De Luca.

So ‘un-studied’, her neurologist has been learning alongside as she navigates the disease.

“Probably only a couple of cases in New Zealand.” Not that this outdoorsy-kind-of-woman wants, or needs, that kind of celebrity.

Reduced mobility

Initially the ‘lurgy’, as she jokingly understates it, affected the optic nerves in both eyes, then her mobility, her spatial awareness and cognitive ability.

“I am left with reduced mobility now.”

She gets about with the aid of hiking poles. The marine scientist can’t do field work anymore. “Very frustrating!” But she can still write expert

Dr De Luca can park her electric three-wheeler bike comfortably at the Bike Stop – which gives her freedom. Photo: Brydie Thompson.

marine ecology reports. She can’t play her beloved squash anymore. “I used to be pretty good.”

But she can still prepare expert evidence for the environment court.

Her ‘bio’ says the scientist enjoys a complex and challenging ecological project. But she struggled with a challenge that arose every day just before getting to her office at Boffa Miskell, the environmental consultancy in Grey St.

Where to park her flash $22,000 recumbent electric bike? A bike with a semi-reclined seat and the pedals in front rather than below. A sturdy three-wheeler, which removes some of the balance issues of a traditional upright bike.

But her condition made it impossible for Dr De Luca to manhandle and manoeuvre the bike through two doors into a bike park in her building – it was achievable but a hassle. “If I got the right angle I could squeeze it into the lift and take it to my office on the fifth floor.”

Again, a real bother to start every working day.

or fob key. Just $1 a day to assist with managing the facility. Beats the cost and bother of carparking, or a bus fare. “The city centre is transforming,” says TCC’s Gareth Wallis. “So it’s important we create a future which supports a wider range of sustainable transport choices.” What our transport planners are saying is they’re making it easier for people to bike or scooter into the city to work. And a big part of that is having end-of-trip facilities like Bike Stop.

And, it doesn’t end there though –plans are underway for some free and covered bike stands for people who want to visit the city centre to just shop, eat or take in a movie.

It’s more significant than all that for Dr De Luca. It’s a life-changer.

“Bike Stop makes it so easy to go to work on your bike, get some exercise and be in the environment.” It tells her we need to get out of our cars.

“I hardly use my car at all now.”

Bike Stop has started slowly – just 15 cyclists a day. But word is getting out, and it had its busiest day just last week. It deserves to be used by more people.

But Dr De Luca thrives on her boardwalk ride through the mangroves on the Waikareao Estuary every day – the salt marshes and the bush fringes along the Daisy Hardwick walkway. It’s probably why she’s known to some as the ‘mad mangrove woman’. “I love being out in the open. It’s my passion.” She could drive but chooses to ride. That’s what city fathers, the transport planners want to hear – the will to get out of cars.

78 bike and scooter spaces

That’s why Tauranga City Council partnered with locally-owned business, Basestation, the co-working space outfit. They leased a vacant shop at 28 Grey St and fitted it out with 78 bike and scooter spaces, powerpoints for charging e-bikes and scooters. And lockers. All safely behind double security doors and monitored by CCTV cameras.

It’s open Monday-Friday from 5am to 10pm. To gain access riders can register on the Basestation website and they’ll get an access code,

Dr De Luca enjoys her daily spin on the Daisy Hardwick on her way to work. Photo: David Hall.

Get creative for Easter and win!

Are you feeling arty? Can you paint a rock? Turn driftwood into art?

Make a birdbox?

Organisers of the Epic Te Puke Easter Egg-Stravaganza Sculpture Trail are calling on aspiring creative people to register for a unique Easter opportunity.

The call extends to those with a passion for creating, urging them to contribute their artistic flair by making small sculptures or installations to be showcased along the captivating Easter Bike or Walk Art Trail on Easter Saturday, March 30.

Creations can be anything but must include an Easter egg and an element of being sustainable.

Examples are a painted rock taniwha, a crocheted set of toad stools, a driftwood sculpture, and a painted car tyre. But they must include an Easter egg.

Registration is open for community groups, artists and schools, each also responsible for installing and removing their installations on the day.

Prizes range from $25-$400 EPIC Te Puke Dollars, including a people’s choice prize.

Artists are welcome to auction their artwork and use easels available from Epic Te Puke.

Each artist will be assigned a sponsoring business, and will receive a blog write up.

At the event, which runs from 9am-1pm at Jubilee Park, the community will follow the trail around the Te Puke Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway, find the art installations, answer questions and complete the ‘Bike Bingo’ to go in to the draw to win amazing prizes. Register before March 15 on the EPIC Te Puke website at: www.epictepuke.co.nz/ listings/1050763-register-as-anartist-for-the-epic-easter-egg

A transformational government

On Friday, March 8, it will be 100 days since the National-led government came to power. We have been working at intense pace, getting our country back on track.

Zealanders. We’ve repealed Three Waters, the Maori Health Authority, the unionised (un)Fair Pay Agreements and the Ute Tax to name a few. We’ve cancelled Auckland’s nearly $30 billion Light Rail and banned cellphones in school so our kids can concentrate.

Labour put New Zealand wrong in so many areas, and it is important people never forget how utterly unfit they were to govern. They increased spending by 80 per cent and oversaw a massive debt blowout that will take our children decades to repay, rocketing inflation that has punished Kiwi households, kids not showing up to school, spiralling hospital wait times, an explosion in rents, housing costs and homelessness, failing infrastructure, a more than 50 per cent increase in gang numbers and a big spike in crime.

That is their legacy.

In our first 100 days we are delivering for New

We’ve made sure kids are learning an hour of reading, writing and maths each day so they can reach their potential.

We’ve progressed work on a third medical school at Waikato University. We’re getting serious with gangs. We’ve made our emergency departments safer by deploying 200 additional security personnel.

We’ve delivered more than $7 billion in savings from Labour’s wasteful and reckless approach.

This is a transformational government that will ensure we’re a safe, thriving, first world country delivering for you.

I’m looking forward to the next 100 days.

An example of what you can create for the trail. Photo: supplied.

The soul of our city

It’s Parks Week 2024 - the perfect time to celebrate the vital role our parks and reserves play in making Tauranga a more livable, connected and beautiful city.

ur dedicated Spaces and Places team create and care for the city’s extensive network of walkways, picnic areas, parks, reserves, and gardens. From playgrounds and boardwalks to sports fields and reserves, we’re dedicated to providing sustainable green spaces for our community to enjoy. Read all about our recent transformational projects, what we’re working on now, and what’s on the horizon.

Recent Transformations

If you haven’t already visited these places, then go check them out.

Te Rere O Ōmanawa (Ōmanawa Falls)

In partnership with Ngāti Hangarau, Ōmanawa Falls now boasts safe access pathways, reinforced cliff faces, and newly constructed

walking tracks. Our work included constructing three lookout platforms offering panoramic views, informative panels detailing cultural significance, a carved tomokanga, and a forest walkway linking key points of interest. From reinforcing cliff faces to crafting immersive experiences, our endeavors at Te Rere o Ōmanawa blend tradition, nature, and accessibility for all to enjoy.

Marine Parade Coastal Walkway

The Marine Parade walkway curves alongside the beach and provides many opportunities for locals and visitors to embrace this stunning section of coastline.

The pathway, which is located between Hopukiore (Mount Drury Reserve) and Oceanbeach Road, is three kilometers long and made from a mix of concrete and timber surfaces. The new pathway was developed in partnership with local hapū Ngāi Tūkairangi and Ngāti Kuku, designed by Boffa Miskell, and built by Fulton Hogan. Revegetation and

dune restoration work along the pathway will continue throughout planting seasons over the next few years as more native species are reintroduced to the area.

Main picture: Ōmanawa

Above: Marine Parade Coastal Walkway

Parks in Progress

Destination Skatepark

Encompassing over 3000sqm, the skatepark is currently under construction on the corner of Maunganui Road and Hull Road. Features will include a large flow bowl, a big skate ditch going down into a mini ramp, and lots of street skate obstacles like competition stairs, ledges, and ramps. There will also be a flatter piece of concrete for learners.

Gordon Spratt Reserve Upgrades

Multiple projects are underway on this reserve including construction of a netball shelter adjacent to the public courts, and large-scale field upgrades and realignment. Work will also start shortly on expanding the main car park as well as a new shared use facility.

Mauao Placemaking

The Mauao Placemaking project (Te Mahere Whakamahinga o Mauao) saw the installation of new cultural touchpoints, including wayfinding and interpretation signage, across the maunga. This signage forms part of the overarching Mauao Placemaking project, a collaborative initiative with Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao (the Mauao Joint Administration Board), which sets out to share the rich history and stories of Mauao. The cultural compass, located at the summit of the maunga, features a pounamu touchstone at the centre, allowing people the opportunity to participate in protecting Te Manawataki o Mauao (the heartbeat and rhythm) which helps to maintain the mauri (lifeforce) of Mauao.

Set to Sprout

Links Avenue Reserve

We’re establishing artificial turf fields to address the surging demand for field space among our community football clubs. This project includes the installation of one full size artificial turf field, junior fields, and a warmup area complemented by full lighting infrastructure for extended play opportunities. Two new carparks will also be constructed.

Matua Park

The redevelopment will feature exciting new amenities including swings, slides, timber climbing

network, and a large claw basket swing supported by a smooth wet-pour rubber surface. This inclusive and accessible design will foster active play for children and offers bike and scooter racks. Families and caregivers can relax in shaded areas with new picnic tables and built-in seating throughout the park.

Alice Johnson Oval, Gordon Spratt Reserve

Plans for a new shared pavilion on the Alice Johnson Oval are underway, with construction anticipated to kick off later this year. While the pavilion will primarily serve the local cricket and football communities, it will also become a shared space for the wider reserve sporting community.

Above:

Matua Park

Right:

Alice Johnson Oval, Gordon Spratt Reserve

Reserve Refreshes

Caslani Reserve

Improvements included new BBQ facilities, tables and seating arrangements, upgraded pathways, and a covered pergola next to the existing playground.

Keam Reserve

We’ve completed a comprehensive playground upgrade, integrating mini skate features alongside connective paths and new furniture to better enhance the recreational space and functionality.

Waipuna Reserve

This transformation saw the installation of a new basketball court, upgraded paths, new furniture, a dynamic swing bay, as well as convenient BBQ and drinking fountain amenities.

Tremendous Trixie

Trixie is an approximately threemonth-old female pup. She’s been a joy to care for since she arrived in the shelter. Full of beans and zest for life, Trixie just loves to play!

Trixie is a cuddly girl and likes to snuggle up for some love. She is gentle, sweet natured and just an all-round cutie. Trixie will be a fantastic family dog! She is still small so will need

training to help her grow into her best big self. She’s a smart cookie and loves food, so training will be a lot of fun. Come and meet her today! Trixie is sure to get snapped up fast and why not? She’s adorable! Phone the SPCA on: 07 578 0245. Ref: 600102.

We are sick of the congestion!

Both State Highways are horrors for traffic congestion. People are desperate for decent roading networks on State Highway 2 and SH29. We are sick of the congestion, and times we waste sitting bumper-to-bumper in traffic.

Too often people are late for school, appointments, airports, work, sport, and family.

I am heartily sick of decisions made locally and not followed through by Central Government.

In 2017 the new Labour MP told a public meeting at Ōmokoroa that her Government was not interested in roads of significance, but were only interested in road safety. State highway building stopped, ignoring the fact that in

approximately 2008 we knew SH2 would be fourlaned to Ōmokoroa by 2015. Central Government failed us. The Government has changed. The former Transport Minister, who took the Te Puna to Ōmokoroa roading development plan off the 10-year plan has lost his parliamentary seat – and hope is here again. We now have a Transport Minister Simeon Brown, who is actually interested in decent roading networks. He knows the issues and action must get underway as SH29 and SH2 both must be Roads of National Significance. Our new MPs Sam Uffindell, Tom Rutherford, Scott Hamilton and Cameron Luxon must keep the pressure on.

Margaret Murray-Benge, Bethlehem.

Independence taken away... Keep them coming!

Re: Letters page 25, March 1, 2024, The Weekend Sun.

I endorse Helen Smith’s comment about the closure of The Warehouse on Cameron Road.

I am one of hundreds of retirees living in retirement villages/ homes in the vicinity of that store. It’s close enough we can pop up there on our walkers or scooters, or walk slowly, to purchase the items we need. Taking this store away, the nearest variety plus stores are in Fraser Cove. Obviously we can’t get there independently. Once again, Tauranga is more engrossed with sport facilities, than considering other age groups who are not into sport. Thank you.

Vallanne Onslow Bartlett, The Avenues.

Re: ‘Uneducated, gutter stuff’ (‘From the Rabbits... column, page 2, March 1, 2024, The Weekend Sun).

Oh my goodness that last column was hilarious. I’m on the “right side” of 70 and want to say it made me LOL. Jo of Katikati surely didn’t take your previous column about “rat coffins/sausage rolls” seriously? Loved it. Keep them coming.

J Doust, Welcome Bay.

Celebrate women and fight for gender equality!

This International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, join the United Nations in celebrating under the theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’.

Take a stand and join the conversation with the #InvestInWomen hashtag.

Investing in women and championing gender equality turbocharges a future where everyone in society can thrive, creating a world of boundless opportunity and empowerment for all.

UN Women Aotearoa NZ suggests five key areas that need action now to ensure women aren’t left behind

– investing in women, ending poverty, implementing gender-responsive financing, shifting to a green economy and care society, and supporting feminist change-makers.

You can find more information on International Women’s Day in New Zealand at: unwomen.org.nz/ international-womens-day

Kiwifruit industry to celebrate women

Join Women In Kiwifruit to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 at Zespri’s head office in Mount Maunganui.

Every International Women’s Day has a theme. The 2024 theme is #InspireInclusion.

With an exciting line-up of speakers, the event promises to be informative and inspiring.

Speakers include Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year 2023 and an orchard

manager at Sybton Horticulture, Sydney Hines, who will also MC the event, plus 2023 Kellogg scholar Kirsten Holmes, acting head of global integrated business planning at Zespri Linda Mills, and chief financial officer of Seeka Nicola Nielson.

The event is set to start at 4.30pm, with speakers scheduled to start from 5pm on Friday, March 8.

For more information and to register, visit: canopy.zespri.com/public/home/ news/wik-international-womensday-2024

Women & Words in the city...

While people around the world celebrate International Women’s Day, here in Tauranga a group of women are set to have a few words to mark the occasion.

Women & Words is a free event with

readings and music by published artists from our community, today, March 8, from 12 noon-2pm at Greerton Library. Marion Arts, Fiona Sullivan, Hine Cheema, Kaye Hubner, Jenny Argante and Kiri-Michelle

Mohi will be sharing some of their favourite work and invite the audience to do the same.

Bring some words to share! For more information on the event, contact Jenny Argante on: 028 406 3240.

The guide to Cameron Road shops

and nd out more information on Building our future – Cameron Road, Te Papa, visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/cameronroad Or contact council’s team on: 0800 CAMERON (226 376) or email: contact@crjv.co.nz

Cameron Road Stage 1 nearly complete!

Tauranga City residents and visitors alike can rejoice – the upgrade of Cameron Road Stage 1 is now complete between Harington Street and 17th Avenue!

According to Tauranga City Council’s website, construction teams have nished building the new peak travel-time bus lanes, a two-way cycleway, added more pedestrian crossings, and upgraded stormwater and wastewater services.

“We’ve also made improvements to make the area to make it more walkable, attractive and community friendly. is includes new plantings that re ect the history of the area, attract bird life, and create spaces for the community to spend time in.

“Businesses have the opportunity to interact with the street and create outdoor dining areas. Two tra c lanes have been retained in both directions.

“Other changes include road layout changes to some of the side-road intersections connecting with Cameron Road, and new part-time bus lanes that will come into e ect in mid-2024.”

Finishing touches

According to council, a small team is currently on-site completing some nishing touches. With recent rain hampering works involving concrete, asphalt, excavation and painting, in coming weeks the team will be completing these tasks and installing decorative pavers in the shared path areas as part of the cultural design elements on Cameron Rd.

e stormwater works on Fourth Avenue (west) are now complete and the road is open, with the exception of two carparks which will remain closed for nal concrete.

e project team have completed the loop cutting works at the 17th Ave intersection and work in this area is now complete. Upcoming night works from 6pm-6am include asphalt works at Sixth Avenue (east) and the First Avenue central median, as well as line marking.

“ ese works are expected to take one night and will be scheduled when weather allows.”

Work to install permanent fences and timber posts at some of the mid-block pedestrian crossings is continuing. “A routine inspection of the completed works is also underway to ensure everything is functioning and operating as it should be. Once this is completed, we will know if there are any sections that need further attention.”

e council thanks everyone for their patience and understanding while the essential works have been underway.

What’s next?

Now the council is working on a plan for Cameron Road Stage 2 – to make the area between 17th Avenue and Cheyne Road, Pyes Pā, safer and more attractive, while providing more ways for people to move.

e council is also going to continue to upgrade waters infrastructure along Cameron Road, such as sewers, wastewater pipes and stormwater treatments, to help prepare our city for increasing population growth on the Te Papa peninsula –which is forecasted to see 15,000 more people living on the peninsula during the next 30 years.

To nd out more about Cameron Road Stage 2, visit: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/projects/ building-our-future-cameron-road-te-papa/ building-our-future-cameron-road-stage-2

According to council, only nishing touches remain to be done on the upgrade of Cameron Road Stage 1. Photo: David Hall.

Behold, dear wanderers, a spectacle awaits!

A whimsical and wondrous celebration of the arts will descend upon e Historic Village – just o Cameron Rd – on 17th Ave, unfolding its enchantments from 10am-5pm this Saturday, March 9.

e Incubator Creative Hub’s Simone Anderson says festival-goers should prepare for a kaleidoscope of sensations from Spanish puppetry theatre to live melodies, street performances, art exhibitions featuring the ery Kiln God at the Pothouse gallery, poetic reveries, bustling markets, delectable feasts, and, of course, the esteemed presence of donkeys –a special request for this year’s revelry!

“ e Tauranga Fringe 2024 is an event that is very dear to our hearts. It’s a realm where mindbending artistic experiences are bestowed upon the community. It’s a whirlwind a air where artistic visionaries showcase their talents, captivating the audience and igniting artistic energies.

“[So] Embrace your inner performer, adorn yourself amboyantly, unleash your creativity, and join in this grand artistic carnival!”

Fresh creative wave

Following the resounding success of the 2022 Fringe, which drew more than 5000 enthusiasts, Fringe Ringmaster extraordinaire Marama Mateparae says this year’s festivity promises a fresh wave of creativity and visceral stimulation.

“Our vision for 2024? A day brimming with

the eccentric, the exquisite, and the avant-garde. For a mere tenner, immerse yourself in a day of endless merriment with performances, music, markets, and a special treat – children under 14 enter for free!”

A cornerstone of the event remains the iconic Tauranga Fringe Fashion runway.

“We have surprises in-store this year, featuring a diverse array from Haute Couture luminaries like international designer Kharl Wirepa to cultural couture and everything in between.

“All shall be revealed on the day.”

In a crescendo of artistic fervour, this year’s Fringe hosts music, poetry, and even a solitary one-man play across eight stages stretching from the Front Gate to the Chapel.

New additions

New additions to Fringe 2024 include a family disco, e ‘Cringe of the Fringe’ Bad Poetry, a stand-up comedy showcase, and musicians from across the Motu.

e collaboration with new event partners such as e Historic Village Tauranga, Beats of Plenty, Rozella Presents, Little Big Markets, Engaging Solutions, Euphoria Live Entertainment, and Creative New Zealand coming on-board as the principal sponsor, heralds a momentous expansion for this multifaceted gathering, enriching the city’s cultural tapestry, says Marama.

e Historic Village facilitator Michelle Smith

says her team is thrilled to support this vibrant and inclusive event –“witnessing its evolution towards a day of boundless joy lled with engaging experiences has been truly exhilarating and we love being part of this event team!”

Catwalk show

e buzz surrounding Fringe is palpable, with fashion coordinator Queen Ora Pihema saying: “ e day will be teeming with excitement”.

“I’m thrilled with the submissions for this year’s catwalk show.

“We are all eagerly anticipating a magni cent day for Tauranga.”

New event partner Brutus Powers, of Beats of Plenty, says he can’t wait for this biennial celebration of creatives ying their Fringe Flags high! “It is an amazing melting pot of arts, performance and culture. “Tauranga is truly in for something very special this year!”

e Tauranga Fringe Festival 2024 is at e Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga City on Saturday, March 9, from 10am-5pm. Entry is $10 per adult, and under-14s gain free entry. For more information, see: www.theincubator.co.nz/taurangafringe Or visit: www.facebook.com/ taurangafringe

e Tauranga Fringe Festival 2024 will be teeming with excitement. Photo: David Hall.

New Zealand’s most picturesque locations Global friendships flourish in the Bay

e ‘Lord of the Rings’ Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata has been ranked as the most picturesque destination in the country, according to Instagram data.

Experts at New Zealand online casino guide, NZCasinoClub, analysed Instagram hashtag data for 25 locations across New Zealand to nd those that have been tagged by users the most.

e data was gathered using Instagram hashtags, to nd which popular areas of the country had the most hashtags, making them

the most ‘Instagrammable’.

e Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata was found to be New Zealand’s most snapped location according to the social media site, with 473,000 posts containing the hashtag #hobbiton.

e second most Instagrammable location is Milford Sound, a ord in the Southwest of the country’s South Island, within Fiordland National Park. Known for the towering Mitre Peak, the area of outstanding beauty has been tagged on 445,000 Instagram posts.

Showing 10 Americans the sights, sounds, tastes and treasures the Bay of Plenty has to o er kept a group of Tauranga residents and travel enthusiasts busy for a week.

e recent hospitality, however, will be reciprocated by the American toursits when the Tauranga residents travel to their part of the world in 2026.

irty-four Tauranga residents are members of Friendship Force International, an organisation that began in 1976 in the US to foster acquaintances worldwide.

Tauranga-Western Bay Friendship Force club president Jonathan Spink says the 10 visitors were hosted in six private homes – giving them a unique experience – and were shown the region’s best spots.

e group from Tucson, Arizona, visited Te Puna Quarry Park, a local carver, historic sites and Mount Maunganui. ey tried sh and chips, the BOP’s award-winning pies and had the option of taking a coach to visit Hobbiton in the Waikato and Te Puia in Rotorua.

“We think about where the group is from and ask if there’s anything they’d like to see or do here then tailor their itinerary

accordingly,” says Jonathan.

“In the past, we’ve hosted groups from inland US and arranged for a regional council ranger to come and talk about the sand dunes at the beach.”

e hospitality will be reciprocated when Jonathan and his fellow 34 Tauranga club members travel to the US in 2026. “Many of us go on cruises or organised tours as well, but by staying with locals it o ers a di erent dimension.

“You get to know people better and see things you wouldn’t normally see.”

Jonathan says membership of

Tauranga-Western Bay Friendship Force has fallen to less than half since Covid-19 but is now seeing fresh interest.

“We’ve been to places like Taiwan, Japan and Australia. It suits retired people well, but we also get young families hosting,” says Jonathan.

“I can say I’ve made life-long friends from being involved in the club and it’s common for people to stay in touch with their hosts or visitors and travel back on their own.”

For more information, phone

Jonathan on: 07 572 2091 or visit: friendshipforce.org.nz

TaurangaWestern Bay Friendship Force club members await arrival of their American visitors in Bethlehem recently. Photo: Brydie Thompson.

Travel the world with ease

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“At Travelwise Holidays, our people are at the heart of our success,” says director Andrew Parke. With a team of seasoned and passionate tour leaders driven by a desire for exploration, they will ensure each holiday is brimming with memorable moments.

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Meet Catherine Stewart, their experienced tour leader residing in the Bay of Plenty, with a lifetime immersed in travel. From traversing the nooks of the UK and Europe to the exotic allure of Antarctica, Catherine has a passion for discovery.

“Come along as we delve into the charm of Great Britain and Ireland,” says Catherine.

Join Travelwise Holidays today and discover why they stand as the premier choice for your next unforgettable adventure.

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NZ Passport website closes for a week

For Kiwis needing to renew or get a new passport for travel should know the New Zealand Passports system is having a week-long outage while it receives a signi cant upgrade.

According to Te Tari Taiwhenua –Department of Internal A airs, the system outage began 5pm March 7 and the service will remain closed until 8am Monday, March 11.

is means customers will be unable to apply for a passport online and DIA sta will be unable to process passport applications during this time.

type, removing need for customers to answer several questions before they start their application.

ere will be the ability to update gender on a passport – applicants will be able to con rm their gender when applying online, even if it is di erent from their previous passport.

e signi cant upgrade to the New Zealand Passports system will add new online functionality and provide a better experience for passport customers, according to the DIA. is includes better experience for groups. Groups will be able to use one online portal to apply for all passport application types – renewal and rst-time passports – including for mixed groups of adults and children.

e website will be simpli ed – it will automatically identify the appropriate application

As part of the upgrade, the DIA will delete draft passport applications that were saved but not paid for and not submitted to the passport o ce before the outage. To read the terms for using the online passport service, see: www.passports.govt.nz/aboutthis-site/terms-of-use

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Home &

Sweet peas, tulip bulbs and winter veges!

Hopefully the hot, dry weather may have broken by now as a cooler, damper March is just what we need to get planting. Winter veges and annuals like pansies, violas, stock, iceland poppies can all be planted after some rain to help them along.

And March is a good month to try taking cuttings from many shrubs if you select young, strong shoots from the tips of branches. It doesn’t cost, so give anything a go and you could be pleasantly surprised come spring. It is also a good time to

dig up and divide perennials which have finished flowering – just replanting good healthy outer pieces, helping them along with compost and a few sheep pellets. Packets of bulbs will now be on sale. For a good show, choose packets of the same colour rather than mixed. Plant into a plastic pot in a good potting mix and sink the whole lot into the ground so they sit just below ground level. They

should all flower at the same time and when finished, lift the pot, foliage and all and place somewhere out of sight to allow the dying foliage to feed the bulbs for next year.

Tulip bulbs should be put into a brown paper bag in the fridge for about two months before planting as above.

March 17, St. Patricks Day, is the traditional time to plant sweet peas for winter-spring flowering. They are greedy plants so boost the soil with plenty of compost and sheep pellets and nip out the growing tip when about 20cm high to encourage branching and more flowers.

Let your gutters, windows, home and exteriors sparkle!

If your gutters need a clean, or your windows, house or exterior surfaces need a wash – call EPEC Cleaning. They are the experts, servicing Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane, Taupo, Hamilton – and everywhere in between!

EPEC’s efficient vacuum-powered gutter cleaning machine can reach up to 12m – or three stories – high, and sucks up to 8000L per minute to get gutters – interior or exterior – spick and span.

“We use a Wifi camera us to view gutters from ground level so we can see what we’re doing – and everything that comes out of gutters, we take with us so there’s no clean-up.”

The EPEC team can soft wash your entire home’s exterior – including soffits, fascia, barge boards, and any painted exterior or cladding using a chemical-free product.

And if you want sparkling windows – the EPEC

team do this too! They use a portable water filtration system to clean each window’s exterior.

“We’ve imported a machine from Germany called an Unger, which takes New Zealand water that’s full of minerals and puts it through a resin compound to purify the water – that’s what we use on your home’s exterior. Then we use the Karchar system on the interior of windows.”

Plus, the EPEC team can pressure wash stains from nearly any exterior surface – from driveways, forecourts, footpaths, to carparks and concrete. “We can tackle a wide range of tough stains – including lichen, oil, paint, mineral deposits, efflorescence and more! And with our vans fully equipped, with generators on-board, we never have to access a house for power and fuel.” So call them today!

Sparkling windows are easy with EPEC Cleaning’s portable water filtration system. Photo: supplied.

Great work Water Watchers – during the summer months you’ve been making every drop count, and it shows. Our precious water supply is in good shape as we head into autumn.

As the seasons change, your focus may turn to finishing those outside jobs before winter arrives. March signals a change in the Water Watchers plan, so it’s a great time to tackle those tasks that have been on hold during summer months.

With the change of season, the Water Watchers plan again allows water blasting, until the end of November. Make the most of the last weeks of daylight saving and get some jobs done before winter is upon us.

If you’ve been putting off sowing your lawn, now is the time to as sprinklers are allowed to be used

for one hour between 4pm and 7pm.

Tauranga City Council water services manager

Peter Bahrs has some top tips to continue to use water wisely while you get those outside jobs done.

“If you’re washing down your house with a handheld hose, make sure you use a trigger nozzle.

“This is attached to your hose and automatically turns off when you release your hand off the trigger which stops water being wasted.”

Another handy tip is if you’re sowing your lawn, consider the types of seeds you’re buying. Some are more tolerant to drought than others and will keep your lawn looking good year-round.

“It’s the little changes we make that add up to a big water-saving difference and keep our water supply in good shape,” says Peter.

“So check the Water Watchers Plan on the council website before turning the tap!”

Visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/waterwatchers

Home &

Ralph’s putting away the secateurs

“Both my parents were gardeners and some of my more distant relatives have nurseries… it’s a horticultural family.”

“Ralph has planted many of the plants that grow in the garden,” says community karitane WBOP, Raewyn Davies.

After more than 10 years of tending to the garden, creating an idyllic place for our littlest residents to explore and play, 85-yearold Ralph Vickers is nally hanging up the clippers.

Ōtūmoetai Plunket has been delighted to have their gardens tended to by Ralph for 13 years, whether it be weeding, planting or anything in between – from the goodness of Ralph’s heart.

So how did Ralph end up getting stuck in at Ōtūmoetai Plunket? It was back in 2010 when Ralph’s daughter Anna Martyn, and president of the

Ōtūmoetai Plunket committee at the time, put the call out for someone to tidy up the gardens. Ralph took up the opportunity and his trusty trowel, and became the man on the job. “[ e garden] was quite overgrown in some parts, and Anna said to me: ‘Dad you’ve got a lot of knowledge about gardens. Could you give us a hand this week to clean this up?’”

A decade of love

What started as a one-o tidy up has become more than a decade’s worth of love and labour every ursday – rain or shine!

Ralph has always loved to garden, and it seems to run in the blood.

March into the garden!

ere’s plenty to do in the garden this month – so get your garden gloves on and get dirty!

In the vege patch, it’s time to plant broccoli, beetroot, cabbage, cauli ower, carrots, lettuce, onions, radish, silverbeet and spinach. Ensure you add fresh compost to existing soil and combine thoroughly before planting new seeds or seedlings, and stagger plantings to spread out autumn/winter harvests.

For owers, start planting calendulas, corn ower, dianthus, nemesias, pansies, primulas, sweet william and violas towards the end of the month, and remove old plants .

For fruit trees, it’s time to harvest the last of your mature fruit, and apples, pears, passionfruit and edible grapes will soon be ready to mulch.

for?’ Or: ‘Is it sharp?’” He also loves to see the kids grow into themselves. “Perhaps when they rst came in [to Plunket] they can’t speak much and by the end of the year they’re quite talkative.”

Legacy remains

You may notice a lovely row of hydrangeas along the centre’s front fence. at’s thanks to Ralph. “I got one growing, then I cut it and grew another one. I think there’s about 12 plants [now].”

Giving by growing

His growing is about giving, with Ralph saying plants like the hydrangeas are for parents to take and enjoy too. “[Ralph’s] dedication is appreciated not just by the sta that work in the clinic but also by the families,” says Raewyn. His favourite part of helping has to be the kids, says Ralph. “ ey come in here running. ey are so pleased with this place… I’m only one of the people that help to make it a good place for them to come too. I’ve enjoyed the questions from the children. If I have something like a trowel, often they’ll come and say: ‘What’s that? Or: ‘What do you use that

out there who can take over from

Now 85, Ralph says it’s time to slow down but he’ll keep pottering in his own garden. And his legacy will remain at Ōtūmoetai Plunket with a tree planted in his honour. “Ralph is a humble man, and he’s con dent there is someone out there who can take over from him. I’m not so sure we’ll ever be able to replace him.”

Georgia Minkhorst

Ex-Ōtūmoetai Plunket committee president Anna Martyn and her dad Ralph Vickers with the tree planted in his honour. Photo: Georgia Minkhorst.

Marmalade Skies and more

is week let’s start on some of the new music being released.

After gaps of weeks where nothing emerges from Tauranga – much like our buses, which

apparently carry too few people – a whole lot arrives at once.

Today I’ll focus on the debut album from up-and-coming Mount Maunganui band Marmalade Skies –

but let’s recap other current o erings... e Knids’ new album ‘Monochrome’ has dropped. I like it a lot and will return with a full review. Meanwhile, Anthony Coulter has a poppy new single out, ‘Spacebound’, and Shirley Ryder, the centre of a very successful recent fundraiser, has released a song on YouTube, ‘Irish Eyes’, recorded at Whakamarama’s Soundtree, with a very touching video by Shane Davies.

ere’s also a whole bunch of new blues. e Flaming Mudcats, Auckland’s, and possibly the country’s, nest electric blues out t has released their fth album, ‘Til e Money Runs Out’, featuring and mixed by Waihī keyboard wiz Liam Ryan, the man running the youth competitions at the jazz festival. e Mudcats will be here too for the fest.

New old blues

ere’s also new old blues from Mike Garner, both solo and collaborating with three women blues singers on the EP ‘Q Blues’.

Details to follow...

And here’s one more – no connection to Tauranga but dead cool – I’m sure you’ll want to hear: Keith Richards has dropped a version of Lou Reed’s ‘Waiting For e Man’, from an upcoming tribute album to Reed, ‘ e Power of e Heart’, which will also include Joan Jett, Rufus Wainright, Ricky Lee Jones, Rosanne Cash and Lucinda Williams. It’s due in April.

On to Marmalade Skies, who recorded their debut album ‘When I Wake Up’ in their drummer, and producer Jacob Gerritsen’s garage. Just saying that blows me away. Nothing that sounds this good should have been recorded in a Mount Maunganui garage. Perhaps the mastering, by maestro Felix Davis in the UK, helped. It sounds great – open, expansive, warm, precise, a pleasure

Marmalade Skies.

to listen to.

Marmalade Skies is essentially a four-piece; the classic two guitars, bass and drums, with singer/ guitarist Ethan Perkins writing most of the songs. Calum Beatson looks after the tasteful lead guitar – no show-o nonsense here – while Ethan Robertson plays bass and contributes the very sweet ‘Rhyme Or Reason’. ere’s also Gabriel Perkins on keyboards but, no disrespect intended, this is a guitar band.

Immensely appealing

And it’s a guitar band in a shimmering summery way. You can almost hear the surf lapping against some tunes, though there is no connection to 1960s “surf rock”. e guitars are bright and jangly throughout and Ethan P’s smooth tenor soars and is both approachable and likeable, particularly since he sings in a happily local accent. He also has a charming way with witty lyrics, which rst comes through on opener ‘Nightmare’, a very cool little pop song.

All I can say is check out this immensely appealing album, lled with catchy, smart songs. It’s not complicated; this isn’t rocket surgery. It’s just really good.

Hear Winston’s latest Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7wRFmGf5236 dpYniZAiciu?si=042b730a18b04a2f

Drop-in breakfasts return!

With the school year underway Katikati’s free drop-in community breakfasts on ursday mornings are back!

Each ursday everyone is welcome to attend the drop-in breakfast held at the Baptist Church on Wedgewood St from 7.30am-8.30am.

e event is a welcoming and inclusive gathering where everyone is there to support one another. Showering facilitates are available as well as a local pick-up and drop-o service.

Phone: 07 549 0399 to book.

e breakfasts are an initiative between Katikati Community Centre, Katikati Lions and Rotary, BOPDHB, Katikati Foodbank, Chrome, Katikati Taiao with support from Bay Trust.

JACK DUSTY’S (Bureta)

Sat 9th Fiona Cosgrove 2pm5pm

Sat 9th Max Headroom 7.30pm-10.30pm

Wed 15th Open Mic 7pm-10.30pm

MOUNT SOCIAL CLUB

Thrs 14th Social Karaoke–Every Thurs 9pm

MOUNT MAUNGANUI RSA

Fri 8th Gerry Lee 7pm-10pm

Sun 10th Shy & Retiring 4.30pm-7.30pm

THE MATUA BAR

Fri 8th The Hitmen 6.30pm-9.30pm

Every Wed Night 6:30pm - 9:30pm Midweek Marmalade open mic night

THE PHOENIX TAURANGA

Sun 10th Colin Williams 3pm6pm

VOODOO LOUNGE

Fri 8th Euphoria Latina 9pm

Sat 9th Post Pride Picnic Hand (featuring Wheriko) 9pm

Sure Shot classic hip hop party with Omegaa B

Kids can have fun at Welcome Bay

Family fun is on o er this Saturday, March 9 at Tye Park, Welcome Bay with the Welcome Bay Lions Club Kids Fun Day back on for 2024!

Welcome Bay Lion Juleen Grant says everyone is welcome – as her club hosts the event annually to give back to the community.

“We host this event as something for the community – especially for families with children. And there will be so much on o er – so mark your calendar to get to Tye Park this Saturday, March 9.

Families should get ready for a wide o ering of free games, entertainment and activities from 10am-2.30pm this Saturday.

Juleen says many of the games on o er will be traditional family fun from New Zealand’s yesteryear. “A lot of games we will o er are traditional old games – like egg and spoon races, sack races, and tug-of war – which we see don’t often see these days – plus a lolly scramble, colouring competitions, a bouncy castle and badminton.”

ere will also be a sausage sizzle and food trucks, to satisfy hungry tummies.

e Welcome Bay Lions Club Kids Fun Day is on March 9, 2024, at Tye Park in Welcome Bay. Kids enter for free, and for adults it’s a gold coin donation.

For more information on this event, visit Welcome Bay Lions Club’s Facebook page.

Collectorama next weekend!

“You can have it appraised or sell it on.”

e Arms and Militaria Show is at the Greerton Hall Saturday, March 16, from 9am-4pm and Sunday, March 17, from 10am-3pm. Entry is $10. Children under 12 gain free entry.

Held at Greerton Hall on Saturday, March 16-17, the Tauranga Militaria Show is the perfect place for budding, long-standing collectors or anyone with an interest in historical military pieces.

“ ere’ll be stu for the likes of militaria collectors, those who are into sporting rearms, knives and more,” says one of the show’s organisers Dave Cross. “ ere’ll be all sorts there! Medals, swords, rearms bayonets and much more.”

“If you’re new to collecting or interested in getting started, there will be plenty of people to have a chat to – including dealers and people who have been collecting for years.”

Bring along your own items of interest too.

Welcome Bay Lions Ngaire Wilson, Juleen Grant, Sue Lowe, Anne James, Jim Gilmore and Paul Cooper are practising their egg and spoon race techniques ahead of Saturday. Photo: David Hall.

As a lifestyler, horticulturalist or farmer, you get to see rst-hand what our Bay of Plenty weather can throw at us. What you might not see so often, however, is what it is doing to your roof.

Arguably, the most important component of your valuable home is your roof. To ensure 100 per cent weathertightness, your roof should be checked every two years, cleaned, and treated for moss and lichen as required and repairs carried out. Additionally, it should be recoated when necessary to avoid costly and sometimes urgent repairs at a later point. is is where a call to Shane Green of Impact Roof Maintenance will put your mind at rest. With a focus on roof repairs and re-roofs, gutter cleans, tile repointing and re-coats and spouting repairs, they’ve been

Let an expert take care of your spring cleaning and get your windows sparkly clean again!

Chris Kale of CK’s Window Cleaning has been in the window cleaning business for 20 years and is a professional in making your windows shine like new. With a wealth of experience, Chris guarantees his work is quick and e cient.

“I do residential properties as well as commercial work, am fully insured and

follow all safety protocols,”

BAYPARK TO BAYFAIR LINK CLOSURE OF SH29A

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi wishes to advise that SH29A will be closed between the Maungatapu roundabout and SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange from Sunday 10 March to Thursday 14 March 2024 (approximately 7pm to 5am each night) to apply final surfacing around the SH29A roundabout at Baypark. Truman Lane will also be closed from Mangatawa Link Road to the SH29A roundabout, with access to Truman Lane businesses and Baypark only maintained via Sandhurst interchange and a staffed access point on Truman Lane.

During these hours, a signposted detour via SH2, Elizabeth Street, Cameron Road, Fifteenth Avenue, Turret Road/Hairini bridge and Welcome Bay Link Road will apply for light vehicles. A signposted detour via SH2, SH29 Takitimu Drive and SH29A will apply for heavy vehicles.

In the event of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, the closure may be moved to the next suitable nights.

NZTA thanks road users and local residents for their patience.

Find out more at nzta.govt.nz/SH29Aclosure

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF VARIATION 1 TO PLAN CHANGE 33

Tauranga City Council has prepared Variation 1 (Tauriko West Urban Growth Area) to proposed Plan Change 33 to the Tauranga City Plan. Plan Change 33 is an intensification planning instrument being prepared using the process in Part 6 of Schedule 1 to the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). Variation 1 proposes to alter Plan Change 33 by rezoning the Tauriko West Urban Growth Area and introducing supporting and consequential provisions to enable the delivery of urban development within the urban growth area.

Further Information

Proposed Variation 1 to Plan Change 33 may be inspected or obtained during office hours at the following locations:

• Tauranga City Council website: www.tauranga.govt.nz/plan-changes

• Greerton Library, 139 Greerton Road, Gate Pa

• Customer Service Centre, 21 Devonport Road, Tauranga

Anyone, or their organisation, may make a submission on Variation 1 but, if the submitter could gain an advantage in trade competition through the submission, they may do so only if directly affected by an effect of the proposal that: adversely affects the environment; and does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition. Submissions may be made by sending a written submission no later than 5.00pm on 9 April 2024 either via the online submission form on Council’s website, via email to variation1@tauranga.govt.nz or via post addressed to:

Manager: City Planning and Growth

Tauranga City Council

Freepost Authority Number 370

Private Bag 12022

Tauranga 3143

Submissions should be in the format of Form 5 of the Resource Management (Forms, Fees and Procedure) Regulations 2003. Submission forms are available from Customer Service Centre, libraries and the Council website.

Following the closing date for submissions, public notification will be given of the availability to view a summary of all submissions and where both the summary and full submissions can be inspected. Further submissions in support of, or in opposition to, any submission received will then be able to be made by any person representing a relevant aspect of the public interest or who has an interest in the proposal greater than the general public.

The Council will then arrange the hearing of all submissions received by an independent hearings panel and will publicly notify the dates, times and places of the hearing. The independent hearing panel will make recommendations to the Council. In accordance with sections 80L and 80M of the RMA, the Minister for the Environment has directed the Council to notify decisions on the independent hearings panel’s recommendations by 31 December 2025.

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF OPERATIVE TAURANGA CITY PLAN – PLAN CHANGE 34 AND PRIVATE PLAN CHANGE 35

Tauranga City Council is notifying proposed Plan Change 34 Belk Road Rural Residential and

Private Plan Change 35 Tauriko Business Estate Stage 4 to the Operative Tauranga City Plan to rezone land that was brought into Tauranga City Council jurisdiction in the 2021 territorial authority boundary change.

The proposed plan changes cover the following:

Plan Change 34: Belk Road Rural Residential

Plan Change 34 is a Council initiated plan change and its purpose is to replace the current zoning of Rural under the Western Bay of Plenty District Plan to Rural Residential in the Tauranga City Plan. This recognises the existing and future land uses of the Plan Change area.

Private Plan Change 35: Tauriko Business Estate Stage 4

Plan Change 35 is a private plan change proposed by Element IMF, the developers of the Tauriko Business Estate. Its purpose is to provide for development of Stage 4 of the Business Estate located on lower Belk Road. It extends the existing Tauriko Industrial Zone and creates a Greenbelt zone adjoining theOmanawa River. Provision is made for allowing higher buildings adjoining the escarpment on the western side of Belk Road.

Further Information

Proposed Plan Changes 34 and 35 to the Tauranga City Plan may be inspected or obtained during office hours at the following locations:

• Tauranga City Council website: www.tauranga.govt.nz/plan-changes

• Customer Service Centre, 21 Devonport Road, Tauranga

• Tauranga libraries (Central, Greerton, Papamoa and Mount Maunganui)

Anyone, or their organisation, may make a submission on the proposed plan changes but if the submitter could gain an advantage in trade competition through the submission, they may do so only if directly affected by the effect of the proposal that: adversely affects the environment; and does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition. Submissions may be made by sending a written submission no later than 5.00pm on 9 April 2024 either via the online submission form on Council’s website, via email to PlanChange34@tauranga.govt.nz or PlanChange35@tauranga.govt.nz or via post addressed to:

Manager: City Planning and Growth

Tauranga City Council

Freepost Authority Number 370

Private Bag 12022

Tauranga 3143

Submissions should be in the format of Form 5 of the Resource Management (Forms, Fees and Procedure) Regulations 2003. Submission forms are available from the Council website, Customer Service Centre, and libraries. Separate submission forms are be used for each proposed plan change.

Following the closing date for submissions, public notification will be given of the availability to view a summary of all submissions and where both the summary and full submissions can be inspected. Further submissions in support of, or in opposition to any submission received will then be able to be made by any person representing a relevant aspect of the public interest or who has an interest in the proposal greater than the general public. The Council will then arrange the hearing of all submissions received and will publicly notify the dates, times and places of the hearing.

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Fostering understanding

Interfaith calls us, as siblings under the one divine source, to not merely resist the inner and outer temptations to have subtle reservations about our brothers and sisters due to di erences, but to completely transcend and depart from such unfortunate human misgivings. ese could be di erences of opinion, world view, race, culture, skin colour, or – most prominently – di erences in faith and the way we understand the divine and the creation. We recognise that for many it may not be easy to resist the lower human self with its eons of conditioning and moulding. Considering humanity’s past, and most pertinently its unhappy present, it is clear that human soulevolution is desperately needed. It is possible to be in love,

patience, acceptance, care, respect and welcoming of others despite diversity of being; and it is a much healthier, happier and empowered way to be.

Interfaith encourages resisting propaganda of division and disunity prominent in the world today. Interfaith fosters understanding and cooperation among faith groups. It celebrates religious diversity and makes faith a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division.

If you feel that this mood may take practice and inner work for you, come and meet Tauranga Moana Interfaith members, where unity and friendship in diversity is up-and-running and being practised right now.

Come and imbibe how it is done.

Bhadra Dasi, Gaudiya (Hare Krishna) Community. Tauranga-Moana Interfaith Council

BETH - EL la tyb

BETH - EL la tyb

SABBATH 10AM OTUMOETAI PRIMARY

021 768 043

021 768 043

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

Messianic Family bethel.org.nz

ALL WELCOME SHALOM info@bethel.org.nz

Messianic Family bethel.org.nz