The Weekend Sun - 10 May 2024

Spice it up!

March your taste buds into the aming depths of hell this weekend and show your mates what you’re really made of! is Saturday, May 11, from 3pm, e Barrel Room will host the Tauranga heat of the NZ Chilli Eating Champs 2024, where temperatures are set to rise.

“It starts o with not as hot stu like jalapenos, cayenne peppers, scotch bonnets, and it just gets hotter and hotter up into ghost peppers, reapers, scorpions, and all that fun stu ,” says e Barrel Room manager Liam Jackson (pictured), who will give the competition a go himself.

Nearly 200 contestants have signed up already, he says – and there will be strict rules to follow at the ery challenge.

“If you drink, you’re out.

“If you throw up, you’re out.

“If you leave the table, you’re out.”

Experience all the sweat and tears, and see

if you can handle the heat.

Or watch those who try!

“It’s basically last man standing,” says Liam.

Read more about the competition and those keen to spice up their lives this weekend on page 6.

Photo: John Borren.

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What you can and can’t get away with... Bloke lessons

Listen up all you heartless, thoughtless, self-centred guys – you have about 24 hours to bring your relationship back from the brink.

You don’t really want to turn a celebration of motherhood into a decree nisi – a court order winding up a marriage, unless there’s good cause not to.

So don’t give the court good cause, don’t stu up yet another Mother’s Day.

for Mother’s Day

she gave life, nurtured, taught right from wrong and shaped those little ones into the people they are today.

And that you are grateful.

So, no late Saturday evening runs to the Ware Whare to rescue the situation?

No early Sunday morning rescue missions to the gas station for at best owers, or at worst a couple of warm pies with a side of campylobacter that will ensure Mother’s Day runs the whole day when you take her to A&E to have her stomach pumped.

Like the guy who used Mother’s Day to validate the purchase of an expensive $349.99 casting rod he’d been harping on about for months, but the Chancellor of the Exchequer had vetoed. She gured ve shing rods were enough for one man. He bought it anyway, wrapped it and presented it with tepid tea and toast in bed on Mother’s Day.

Gross behaviour. Bed’s for sleeping in and you don’t need toast crumbs to give you cause to scratch where you’ve never had an itch before.

And Vegemite smears on the pillowcase look like the aftermath of a surprise nocturnal nosebleed.

at was a bad lapse to start with. What is it about women and cards? en the ouch moment – a few days later Mother gets the bill for the owers. “Typical!” Sometimes the thought is not enough. And you can’t minimise this ga e, because 40 years later she still brings it up.

Another mother has set her husband some parameters.

“I do not want you nishing a job I asked you to do six months ago for Mother’s Day. I warn you!” I think she’s talking about some windows that remain un xed, uninstalled or un-something.

Anyhow, the Chancellor of the Exchequer was wise to the shing rod and said she hated shing, would never use it and it was basically a Mother’s Day present to himself. And they had a dingdong before she even got out of bed on the special day. Love you!

She was also determined he wouldn’t get a moments pleasure from her Mother’s Day present. It was hidden away and two years later the casting rod has never cast.

Anyway, shing seems such a pointless exercise – isn’t that why God created Bobby’s? He’s always got lots of nice fresh sh. Even at $40 a kilo, it’s cheaper than boats and bait, and casting rods and being rescued at sea, if you haven’t already been munched by a bronze whaler.

24 hours

Anyway… 24 hours guys, 24 hours to stop, ponder and come up with a deeply personal and thoughtful gift idea that will remind the mother of your children that

Market research

I did some quick market research.

“Flowers? No owers thank you,” says one mum. “ ey’re easy, they’re a copout; they’re a waste of money.” So a clue as to what NOT to buy.

Candles? “Another soft option. I do not want or need candles. No woman does.” Candles are for Civil Defence emergencies and Wee Willie Winkie.

And don’t give us the old sidestep shu e, the “I don’t believe in the commercialisation and consumerism of Mother’s Day”. is is not about you.

Go forth, spend and make someone who deserves to be happy... well, happy.

What about the doting husband who gave his wife a huge bunch of owers on Mother’s Day? ere was no note.

And no di users to subtly scent her space thank you. “Essential oils would immediately have me thinking that I must be stressed out, that I’m highmaintenance.”

All faulty

And nally a story about Mr Miserable Bastard. “Some of his benchmark Mother’s Day presents include a vacuum cleaner, an iron and three second-hand fridges – all faulty. But his shing bait fridge works perfectly.” at would make her feel better. She just rolls her eyes and calls him useless. But then I read somewhere of a mother who hates Mother’s Day because she feels under so much pressure to behave like the ideal mum – all meek and mum-like, clearly demonstrating her appreciation for having a day o housework, putting aside her favourite mum clothes and getting dolled up for a lunch at a restaurant she doesn’t like and food she won’t eat. She can’t wait for bedtime so she can revert. Seems the best bet is time and space –some “me” time, a spa, massage or facial or all of the above. Just time away from everyone and everything. at’s not hard to arrange. Huldah.

Hunter Wells, Ayla Yeoman. Photography: John Borren. Publications Manager: Kathy Sellars. Advertising: Jo Delicata, Karlene Sherris, Suzy King, Lois Natta, Sharon Eyres, Sophie Main. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, Amy Bennie, Caitlin Burns. O ce: Angela Speer, Tyler Boyle.

Standing student passengers on SH2

Students are standing up on buses for more than an hour on State Highway 2 while travelling to and from school due to overcrowding issues, according to concerned parents.

Whakamarama parent Tracy Scott says multiple teenagers are being “forced to stand” on rural school buses travelling into the city along SH2, where the journey is about 15km.

“I just nd it ironic that we require seat belts in vehicles, but we won’t even make sure that all kids on buses have a seat,” says Tracy.

“ e lack of seating only puts more cars on the road as parents drive to ensure their kids safely arrive at school.

“We need to make sure that kids are prioritised safety-wise getting to school. It just seems crazy to me that we can have kids standing up on buses possibly going 80 km/hr.”

Another parent, who wished to remain anonymous, says the only lucky thing is that the bus travels slowly in the morning due to the SH2 tra c. “But still, if something happens when they’ve got 10 to 20 kids standing in the aisle – it’s not great.

“Our kids are one of the last [lots] to get on the bus and they were struggling to even get in the door because it was so full.”

Variable numbers

Tauranga Transport Network Group manager

Greg Neilson says school buses range from 32 seats to a maximum of about 53 seats.

“I de nitely don’t have any concerns about overcrowding,” says Greg.

“ e numbers are quite variable. ere are some days when there are empty seats and some days when there are standing passengers, but the buses aren’t actually close to full, according to the data.”

e Weekend Sun asked for this passenger data, but Greg stated this information could not be released.

Tracy says communication with Tauranga Transport Network group hasn’t been easy.

“ ey’ve [TTNG] actually been hard to deal with throughout the years… that’s part of the problem –the response is very poor,” says Tracy.

“I respond to everybody that emails me with a concern or that sends me a complaint,” says Greg.

In regards to the bus routes in question – Route 17 and Route 18, Greg says: “I think I’ve heard from two parents this year with respect to R17. I haven’t heard from any parents about Route 18 at all”.

Standing passengers permitted

e Ministry of Education’s group manager for school transport James Me an says school transport services carry about 100,000 students daily and

have an excellent safety record.

“Our providers are able to carry standing passengers to allow for a necessary degree of operational exibility to manage uctuating demand and to ensure that no eligible student is left behind,” says James.

“Our transport service providers must not exceed the loading limit speci ed in a vehicle’s Certi cate of Loading. NZTA Waka Kotahi is responsible for setting loading limits, including the number of standing passengers allowed.

“We are assured that as long as the Certi cate of Loading is observed then it is safe to transport children who are standing on a school bus.”

An NZTA Waka Kotahi spokesperson says there is no standing

loading limit for 32 or 53 seater school buses.

“Individual buses have a loading limit that takes into account the number and size of seats and type (deemed mass) of passengers,” says the spokesperson.

“ e number of passengers carried depends on the type (all primary or say a mix of primary and secondary).

“ e formula also accounts for standees. Provided buses are loaded as per the certi cate of loading, they are not overloaded.

“Passenger comfort may start to become a factor if the bus is cramped but that doesn’t mean it’s overloaded in the sense of exceeding its certi cate of loading or beyond its safe structural and braking limits.”

Rural-based parents are concerned about students standing in aisles while travelling along SH2 into the city to attend school. Photo: John Borren.

Georgia Minkhorst

End of an era

Caltex Tauriko petrol station is closing after more than half a century of faithful and fuelful service to the community. Marking the end of an era, there’s been a bittersweet atmosphere as loyal patrons called in one nal time this week to express gratitude to owner Alex Lee and his sta . e station’s closure is not merely a business transition; it symbolises the inevitable march of progress, as NZTA Waka Kotahi requisitions the land to pave the way for the new access into the new Tauriko West community as part of the SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works, altering the landscape and the memories it holds.

Stabbing accused in court

A teenager accused of stabbing another girl with a knife at Mount Maunganui’s Bayfair Shopping Centre last Friday, May 3, has made her second court appearance. e alleged o ender faced a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm with a stabbing weapon when she appeared in Tauranga Youth Court on Monday, May 6, via audio-visual link. She and the complainant both have automatic name suppression. e accused’s lawyer, Rebekah Webby, told Judge Louis Bidois that she understood Police were yet to interview the complainant and several witnesses. Rebekah says until police inquiries were completed, it was appropriate to adjourn the prosecution case without entering a plea.

Recognised for five decades

Not many parents forget how many children they’ve cared for in their life, but Verna and George Kite have.

e Bethlehem couple can tell us they’ve fostered children across ve decades, but only know the number is in the triple digits.

Now the octogenarians have been recognised for their sel ess and tireless e orts by the Governor General in Wellington.

eir outstanding accomplishments and 56 years contributing to New Zealand’s foster care system saw them receive an Honouring Excellence award at 2024’s Excellence in Foster Care Awards in March.

Recalled peanuts

Anyone who has bought Value Pack Roasted Salted Peanuts since April 11 is urged to check whether their packets are part of a batch recalled on April 5. “Prolife Foods recalled speci c batches of products containing peanuts last month over concerns that they could contain levels of a atoxins above the allowable level in New Zealand,” says NZ Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

“Disappointingly, some of these recalled products have been released for sale in error by Prolife. e products a ected are: Value Pack Roasted Salted Peanuts, 400g, with best-before dates of 08 OCT 2024 and 15 OCT 2024.

Pathlab closures

Two pathology clinics in Tauranga have had temporary closures due to sta shortages.

Sick sta forced the closure of Te Puke and Ōtūmoetai Pathlab collection facilities.

e Te Puke clinic has been closed six days in the last month and Ōtūmoetai has been closed four times. Both clinics have been closed for one day this week. Pathlab chief executive Dianne McQueen says the decision to close collection facilities was di cult and not taken lightly. e decision to close a facility was made at 6.30am after sta advised they couldn’t work because of illness, she says. Closures were decided once all other options were exhausted, says Dianne.

e Weekend Sun journalist Ayla Yeoman sat down with the couple to explore their 56 years of fostering children.

e couple say the fostering began on their Waikato dairy farm in 1968. Verna remembers the opportunity came along when they adopted daughter Andrea.

“It was under Social Welfare at the time and that’s how we got into it, and it just blossomed from there… We had a big old house and plenty of rooms.

“We got short-term children from Hamilton Court whose parents were ghting for custody.

“ ey’d bring them out to us and we might have them for a week, three weeks... for three months.”

e couple had two sons of their own,

who, with older sister Andrea, grew up with foster children coming in and out of their home throughout their childhoods.

“It was great, our children have said to us it was good for them because they realised how lucky they were. We had a lot of children that didn’t even have a home and didn’t have parents and had nobody that cared about them.”

Verna admits she’s been heartbroken many times. “You sort of think: ‘I’m not gonna do this again’ but then the next one comes up, so you do it.”

It takes a special kind of person to dedicate their life to making others’ lives better – Verna and George are the epitome of this.

e Weekend Sun saw that they

George and Verna Kite.

Photos: John Borren.

of fostering children

clearly, really loved every child – and no child was more important than another.

Every story they told, they told with the same amount of enthusiasm – sharing memories of the good and the bad, the times they laughed and the times they cried.

In fact, while being humbled by the Foster Care Award, they “didn’t think it was necessary”.

So what does it take to be a fosterer?

“Patience,” says Verna. “And you need love –but you need to be able to see inside the child because every child has a problem, they come to you with problems.

“You can’t ask them. You’ll nd after they’ve been here – [it] might be two days, a week, might be three weeks – they come and talk to you. ey open up and once they open up it’s great because they get it all o their chest.”

e couple would love to continue to foster children, even at their age, but unfortunately

George’s health isn’t up to it.

“We always had foster children up till the last couple of years when George got heart problems.

“We do weekends with children or if there’s an emergency child, we’ll take emergency children but we don’t do full fostering.

“I’d love to, but George isn’t up to it any more; he’s 85 and I’m 80,” says Verna.

Next week e Weekend Sun will share the couple’s experiences with the children they have fostered over the years, while not identifying the individuals.

“You never know what the kid’s going to be like,” says Verna.

For example, they fostered a seven-year-old boy who’d been in trouble.

“He was a gorgeous little kid. He’d been in trouble so many times and this was his last chance, coming to the farm.”

Read more next week.

Ayla Yeoman

Burn baby burn!

So you think you’re hot stuff, but how well can you really handle the heat? It’s time to feel the burn baby — and, no, we’re not talking about hitting the gym for some sumo squats. We’re talking about setting your insides on fire with the spiciest chillies.

On Saturday, May 11, The Barrel Room will host the Tauranga heat of the NZ Chilli Eating Champs 2024.

Whether you’re a natural fire breather, or extremely white and

always order a mild butter chicken, this is the perfect opportunity to push the spice boat out and level up.

The Barrel Room manager Liam Jackson says nearly 200 people have signed up to the competition.

“It’s just going to be a great atmosphere for everybody to come down and watch some superhumans go red in the face,” says Liam.

Among them is Tauranga’s very own Shannon Leigh, who took out 2023’s NZ Chilli Eating Champs title as a first-timer and placed second in the 2023 League of Fire — Chilli Eating

Champions Oceania. “My hope is that it has a good turnout and if I enter, someone discovers they have what it takes to push me to my limit,” says Shannon.

Fire Dragon Chillies, based in Hokianga, are the spice dealers for the champs – and there will be enough chillies for 13 rounds, says Liam.

And as the competition builds, so does the heat.

“It starts off with not-as-hot stuff like jalapenos, cayenne peppers, scotch bonnets, and it just gets hotter and hotter up into ghost peppers, reapers, scorpions and all that fun stuff.”

Chillis must be all up in your grill as well – no swallowing whole. “Chillis have got to be chewed for half a minute to really make sure the pulp is in your mouth.”

The other rules? “You can’t have a drink. If you drink, you’re out. If you throw up, you’re out.

“If you leave the table, you’re out.”

“It’s basically last man standing, which is pretty fun.”

Liam will try his luck in the competition.

“I like to think I can handle my spice, but we’ll see on the day.” The hottest chilli he has tried is the scorpion. “That was not a pleasant experience, but I’m ready to try it all.”

All contestants will be rewarded for their heathandling efforts with a cool beer, and spot prizes will be dished out to competitors and spectators. Only one can win, and Saturday’s chilli champ will go on to nationals in Auckland this month. The Tauranga heat for the NZ Chilli Eating Champs 2024 is at The Barrel Room, Wharf St, Tauranga, from 3pm, Saturday, May 11. Entry is $10 and the winner takes all. Free to watch. Georgia Minkhorst

Write your story, before the credits roll.

Thinking about your own funeral is not always easy. However, one day the time will come when we will all need funeral services.

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.

At Legacy Funerals, one of our Funeral Directors will meet with you to determine a service unique to you. This 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 need - to acknowledge the life of someone we love. Legacy Funerals provides services that 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, visit our website; legacyfunerals.co.nz.

Legacy Funerals, Tauranga

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The Legacy Funerals Tauranga Team

Tauranga’s Shannon Leigh, who is 2023’s NZ Chilli Eating Champ, feeling the burn at the Awakeri heat.

Photo: Michael White.

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New Zealand’s esteemed ornithological society BirdsNZ is gearing up for an avian adventure like no other.

Kiwis across Aotearoa are being summoned to join the ranks of this feathered fellowship and count the elusive Kotuku ngutu papa, known to many as the Royal Spoonbill, on June 22-23. At the local helm is BirdsNZ regional representative Paul Cuming, a seasoned birdwatcher and guardian of avian knowledge.

Armed with dedication and an email address –birds.bop.volcanic@birdsnz.org.nz – Paul awaits your reports, your sightings, and your tales of the majestic spoonbill’s whereabouts in the BOP. “ ese will go into a count database and be compared with previous counts,” says Paul. He has already spotted the birds roosting at Yatton Park, and a group have been seen in Kōpurererua Valley.

Every observation becomes a vital clue, a puzzle piece in the grand mosaic of NZ’s avian landscape.

Be in for the royal count!

But why the spoonbill, you may ask? While whispers suggest their numbers are on the rise across NZ, murmurs persist that they’ve yet to establish their court in the Bay of Plenty.

“It is thought that the species is increasing, although there is scant evidence they are breeding in the BOP,” says Paul.

He is challenging the community to prove that theory wrong.

e Royal Spoonbill is one of six spoonbill species worldwide, and the only one that breeds in NZ. First recorded in New Zealand in 1861 they can live up to 36 years and in ight, hold their neck outstretched and trail legs behind, looking rather awkward, like a ‘Dr Seuss’ cartoon bird.

In 1977 the NZ population was estimated at 52 birds. e most recent estimate in 2012 was 2360.

So, grab your binoculars and join Paul and the team on this epic quest one sighting at a time by checking estuaries, marshes, trees and water areas for a ap of a white wing or glint of a Royal Spoonbill feather!

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

A Royal Spoonbill at Yatton Park.

Photo: Paul Cuming.

Lane closure for SH2 on TEL

To support construction of the new Pāpāmoa East Interchange and keep travellers and crew safe, the left eastbound lane of the Tauranga East Link Toll Rd will be closed for a period. Starting Monday, May 13, a 2km section of the left eastbound lane of the SH2 Tauranga East Link Toll Rd, just ahead of the Kaituna River bridge, will be closed. To set up

the lane closure, the TEL Toll Rd eastbound lanes will be closed over three nights. From May 13-15, between 8pm and 5am, tra c heading east to Whakatāne will be diverted via the Te Puke Highway. Once the lane closure is in place, speed will be reduced to 70km/hr through the work site. For more information, visit: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/pei

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IMAGINE ENJOYING A LUXURIOUS RIVER CRUISE

being utterly spoiled as you sail through some of Europe’s loveliest regions with Christmas lights, markets and festivities happening everywhere you stop!

Well, don’t just imagine it! JOIN US this Christmas, when towns all along the lovely Blue Danube are transformed into a magical winter wonderland!

Our first stop is Prague, gorgeous capital of the Czech Republic. Then, warmed with a cup of svařené (mulled wine), we head to Nuremberg (encircled by castle walls) romantic Regensburg (a medieval treasure) charming Passau (everybody’s darling) Salzburg: ‘The Sound of Music’ … Linz (with its tasty tarts) Melk (and its Abbey) plus musical Vienna

We depart Dec 10 for 12 dreamy days – then home for Xmas Day with our families.

Asher’s efforts take him to Europe!

A Te Puna 17-year-old is one cog closer to achieving his dream of becoming a professional mountain biker after securing a place to race in an overseas World Series.

Asher Hart started riding bikes at the age of three and graduated to “mountain biking properly” at age 12.

Fast-forward ve years and he’s in Europe this month to compete in the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Series in the Enduro discipline.

He’s gained this opportunity by placing sixth in the Men’s Elite section of the New Zealand National Championships for Enduro in Nelson on March 2-3.

He competed in the same competition last year, in 2023, in the Under 19 category and nished ninth.

“Enduro racing is normally a race over one to two days but only certain ‘stages’ are timed,” says Asher, a former Tauranga Boys’ College student who graduated last year.

“ ese stages normally consist of three-10 minutes of challenging downhill trails; we then have to ride from the bottom of one stage up to the top of the next.”

Placing sixth in the Men’s Elite Enduro race at the Under21 national championships gave him 30 of the 75 points required to race Elite Under21s in Europe at the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Series.

Italy

Asher’s in Europe for the World Series, starting at the Finale Outdoor Region in Italy from May 10-12, then BielskoBiała in Poland from May 17-19, Leogang in Austria from June 7-9, the Haute-Savoie in France from June 25-July 7, Valais in Switzerland from July 12-14, and lastly Loudenvielle in France from September 6-8.

“I will have to race the rst race in Italy in the Open category to gain the rest of the required points.

“ ere is also a chance I can obtain a wildcard entry, which would allow me to race Elite

U21 at the rst race,” says Asher, who has a weekly training regime of three 1.5 hour gym sessions and four mountain bike rides – with two being structured “interval sessions”. e best

“I enjoy pushing myself mentally and physically to the limit. I also want to be the best.

“My main goal is to become a professional mountain biker but I have many goals in place to help me stay motivated and consistent to reach this goal,” says Asher, who reckons “competing, going fast and having fun with mates” are why he fell in love with the sport. In future Asher hopes to keep gaining experience, make new connections, have fun “and better prepare myself for the following season in Europe”. Asher thanks all of his sponsors and the Tauranga Mountain Bike Club for supporting him along the way, and o ers a parting bit of encouragement to local younger riders: “Have fun and stay consistent!”

Ayla Yeoman

Tauranga Enduro mountainbiker Asher Hart in action. Photo: supplied.

Ria Hall announces city mayoralty bid

“Fearless” and award-winning Māori musician Ria Hall is running for the Tauranga mayoralty.

“I know myself enough to know that I can be that voice and be a new, fresh injection into a space that has not seen a face like mine ever before,” says Ria.

Born and raised in Tauranga, Ria would be the city’s rst Māori woman elected mayor, if successful.

She is also standing for a councillor seat for Pāpāmoa ward and has former Justice Minister and East Coast MP Kiri Allan as her campaign manager.

e 40-year-old says she was partly inspired to run by seeing other young Māori mayors elected, such as Moko Tepania in the Far North and Tania Tapsell in Rotorua – as well as by watching meetings of the last elected council before it was sacked.

Of Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Pūkenga descent, Ria says

she aspires to provide a progressive, collaborative direction to leave a better and more inclusive Tauranga for future generations.

Ria has been described as a “fearless” artist. She released her debut self-titled album in 2011 and has since won multiple awards including Waiata Māori Music Awards’ Best Māori Female Artist.

Her 2017 concept album ‘Rules of Engagement’ was heavily based on the New Zealand Wars, particularly the Battle of Gate Pā in Tauranga. e album debuted on the NZ music charts at number one.

Her television work included presenting ‘Marae DIY’ and appearing on ‘ e Masked Singer’.

Ria says it would be unfair to write her o as “only a singer”.

a producer. I also come from a communications background and strategic development thinking.

“I articulate myself well, I present well, I communicate well... So there’s all of those things to me so that I can add value to in chambers.”

Asked how she will deal with potential political vitriol, she says people would make up their own minds about “how they see me”.

“And that’s completely ne because people are people, they have their own set of values and their own systems, their own belief systems.

“However, for me, I’m really interested in feeling and hearing and seeing what else is out there in our community because I know deep within my puku [stomach] that there are so many people that want to see something di erent, something new come to the fore, a fresh way of thinking, a new way of being.”

During the past ve years, she says, she has focused on raising her three children – Te Rongotoa, 5, Hikareia, 3, Paiātehau, 2 – and studying political science.

“ ere are so many parts to a person... So, while I am a singer and an artist, a songwriter, I’m also a curator,

Her whānau knew it was a “matter of not if but when” she ran and Ria says their support will help her balance the mayoralty with motherhood. “ is is the right time to put my hand up.”

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Ria Hall, pictured in 2017, before performing a dawn waterfront chorus to celebrate the 10th Tauranga Arts Festival. Photos: supplied.

‘

ere’s a better way’

Ria says she’s “always been civically minded” and wants to serve people and communities.

She says she attended Tauranga City Council meetings before then-Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta sacked the elected members in 2020. She had not attended any during the term of the commissioners appointed to replace them.

Ria recalls watching a council meeting and forming the view that: “these people aren’t communicating in a way that’s mana-enhancing”.

“How do we keep it at a level that we can communicate e ectively with each other and respect each other at the same time? I believe there’s a better way…”

Asked whether Mahuta made the right decision, Ria says she is not keen to relitigate the past and is focused on “what we can do here and now for the future”.

Her priorities are addressing the city’s housing crisis, “smart” infrastructure and transport investment decisions, creating a more connected and inclusive community, holistic economic management, community-led decision-making and championing the arts.

“ ere is an amazing opportunity to bring life, vitality and energy back into our city [through] the arts.”

She wants to introduce citizens’ assemblies to create opportunities “for our communities to have their say”.

“We’ve got so many people that live here in Tauranga and so many speci c sets of voices and everyone deserves to be heard and everyone should be heard because we are the makeup of Tauranga now and into the future.”

All eyes on Tauranga

Tauranga’s election being held out of sync with the rest of the country meant “all eyes are on Tauranga”, which Ria says will give people “a chance to see it and engage better”.

“I’m really hoping that that’s the case here –that they will see me, hear my voice, hear what I stand for, what my values are and people that

might not normally engage, will want to engage with this process.

“If that’s the only joy that I get out of this campaign, I’ve already won…”

ose elected this year will serve for four years instead of three before Tauranga rejoins the national election cycle in 2028.

Ria says her values are “community, collaboration, and connection”. “I think those are really powerful drivers to creating, as I’ve said earlier, social cohesion, understanding, bringing people together and creating a Tauranga that we actually deserve to live in and our tamariki deserve as well.”

Ria says she wants to pay homage to other young Māori mayors such as Far North’s Moko Tepania, elected at 31, Wellington’s Tory Whanau, 41, and especially Tania Tapsell – elected in Rotorua in 2022 aged 30.

“I think it takes a lot to put your hand up. I’m not under any illusion that this is not something that’s not big, because it really, really is.”

Looking forward

Ria believes Tauranga residents have wanted change in city leadership “for a long time”.

“People have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for something to happen and now this is the opportunity.”

Asked what her biggest challenge in life has been and how that’s prepared her for running a city, Ria says: “Becoming a mother”.

“I’ve taken the peaks and troughs of motherhood in my stride and I am raising a beautiful little family that is really setting me up in my thinking process, but also in the way that I move with my heart. You know that it’s authentic if they’re putting their heart on their sleeve …

“We need authentic people at the helm.”

Ria says some may feel trepidation about standing for council because of previous incidents or perceptions but “this is going to be like a dream come true for me”.

“I’m really excited about it. It’s gonna be an awesome journey.”

Be part of the local kōrero in your community!

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is inviting people to get involved in local conversations by attending a Community Forum in their neighbourhood.

Community Forums are an opportunity for people to kōrero with council in an informal setting. Anyone with an issue or interest in what’s happening in their local area is welcome to attend. Each of the district’s three wards will host a Community Forum this month. e forums sit alongside community boards and kōrero from the meeting is fed back to WBOPDC’s

Community Committee, who can take matters further. ey di er from community boards, who can refer matters to any committee in council. If people have a particular topic they’d like to discuss, they can let council know in advance by emailing: governanceservices@ westernbay.govt.nz e Katikati - Waihī Beach Community Forum is 7pm May 15, at e Centre - Pātuki Manawa Digital Hub, 21 Main Rd. Kaimai Community Forum is 7pm on May 22, Council Main O ce, 1484 Cameron Rd. And Māketu - Te Puke Community Forum is 7pm on May 28, at Paengaroa Community Hall.

Thursday 16 May 2 - 6pm

New Zealand musician Ria Hall is running for the Tauranga mayoralty.

Kiri Gillespie/ Bay of Plenty Times

It’s an extremely small world after all!

It’s the twist in the tale – a feel-good one.

Because, all along, Western Bay Museum volunteer Pauline McCowan knew the family of the mysterious “Jessie” in the World War II battlefront diary she had been

transcribing. But she just didn’t know it at the time.

“I was overjoyed – it’s incredible, isn’t it?”

As outlined in The Weekend Sun’s recent articles, Pauline had spent months laboriously transcribing the 1940 red, leather-bound war diary

which had been bequeathed to the museum. December 16 1940 – “Blowing a hell of a dust storm… gave troops a lesson on the Vickers gun.”

The diary recorded the thoughts, feelings and moments in the life of Lieutenant Russell Freeland Walford of Katikati, killed December 1943 during the Italian campaign.

“wow” aspect of this story is that all those months Pauline was pondering about the mysterious Jessie, she already knew of Deborah – but there was no reason to connect her with Jessie. She knew Deborah but she didn’t know she was Jessie’s daughter. “Deborah and I were teachers at the same school in Auckland.”

And years later a soldier’s musings in a little red war diary would reconnect them in a special way.

But Pauline’s labours cut deep. “It was a beautiful job, but I would have to stop and take deep breaths. It reminded me so much of my father.”

When Russell Walford came home briefly in 1941 to teach troops to drive tanks, something he specialised in, Pauline’s dad’s medical unit moved into Orsogna on the Gustav line, the main German defensive line, exactly where Russell had been. Dad came home, Russell didn’t.

“It was all a bit close to the bone… but good stuff.” All the time Pauline wondered about “Jessie”who featured frequently in the soldier’s diary entries. October 23, 1940 – “Went for swim, wrote air mail to Jessie”. That was the 27th time in 10 months the soldier had written to “Jessie”.

But no one knew who Jessie was.

Jessie was just a Christian name.

Jessie’s daughter

That was until The Sun got drawn into Pauline’s red diary story and found Jessie’s daughter Deborah, or Debbie, living in Auckland. Through the diary Pauline had developed a very close connection to the memory of the dead soldier Russell Freeland Walford. And now we’ve been able to connect her with Jessie’s daughter.

They had a long telephone chat.

“A wonderful moment,” says Pauline.

“It is incredible.” Now Deborah wants to read Russell’s diary – a year in the life of a man

A challenge

Then a challenge to Katikati College head students Leilani Rooks and Hamish Tanner.

“I’d like to think that sometime in the future, perhaps when you’re doing your OE, you will visit Russell’s grave and put a poppy on his headstone.”

The Sun had earlier introduced the pair to the fallen Katikati war hero’s story in its Anzac Day coverage.

“School trip, let’s do it!” says Leilani.

One day Leilani, sometime.

They were also both surprised and delighted to learn Jessie’s back story.

“I thought she might have been a partner, a girlfriend, clearly someone he missed. But I wasn’t expecting an engagement,” says Leilani.

She thinks Russell and Jessie’s love story is the stuff of books and movies.

“He’s fighting for his country but he’s got a girlfriend back home he wants to marry.”

But it wouldn’t happen. Jessie lost one love to war but would be blessed with another.

She would marry returned soldier and Prisoner of War John Gardner, settle in Auckland and have five children, including Deborah.

Russell Walford’s diary and service medals are now in the safe keeping of the Western Bay

Western Bay Museum volunteer Pauline McCowan, centre, shares Jessie’s’identity and back story with Katikati College students Pippa Flett, Hamish Tanner, Leilani Rooks and Theo Turnwald. Photo: John Borren.

Hunter Wells

Home &

Gardening-themed treats for mum

How to spoil mum on Sunday…

With Mother’s Day upon us this Sunday, May, 12, most mums would love to be treated to co ee or lunch in a garden centre setting, surrounded by lovely plants. is is one way to solve the gift problem, with so much choice making it hard to choose!

But if you’re intent on a gift try a potted Chrysanthemum. She can plant it out in the garden after it nishes owering indoors. Or how about a lovely Sasanqua Camellia to plant in a decorative pot and enjoy year-

GARDEN FROM THE

round with its shiny green foliage?

If you have a space in your garden for a plant that thrives on neglect, try a Cotoneaster. e prostsale spreading varieties are great for covering banks and slopes and can spread from 1m-3m wide with tiny evergreen leaves. In spring the plant is covered in small white owers that form brilliant red or orange berries during autumn and winter.

is is not exactly relevant information for gardening –but if you’re thinking of selling your property, this knowledge may help to keep you on the right side of the law.

When you sell your house, the plants have to stay.

Once a tree or shrub or ower has hooked into the soil it becomes a xture and is therefore part of the property. If you do want to take plants with you, make sure your solicitor writes the fact into your agreement before it is signed.

If the potential purchaser agrees then you have the right to take speci c plants with you.

Dealing with rodents

It’s that time of year – rats and mice are around, trying to nd themselves a warm home for the cooler nights. If rats and mice are causing a problem in your home, Consumer NZ has a few tricks to keep the pests at bay. Traps are a cheap go-to to keep rodents at bay.

“Snap traps” can cost as little as $2 and can be reused. Tunnel snap traps can be used outside and protect other creatures from the traps. ese cost $39 from Predator Free NZ.

Live traps can be used if you fancy a “catch and release” method, and cost from $5. ey’ll need to be checked daily to save the animal from distress, dehydration and starvation.

Bait with baitstations is an e ective and relatively cheap way to get to rats and mice where other traps don’t work. Ensure you follow all instructions on the bait package, dispose of any dead mice or rats and watch for secondary poisoning if the dead rodent is nibbled by another critter – such as the family dog.

With Margaret Wilson from Pacifica

Home &

Tauranga resident discovers rare red kūmara flower

In the verdant gardens of Tauranga, a dedicated resident with a green thumb has unearthed an astounding botanical treasure – a rare owering of a red kūmara. For the past couple of years

Welcome Bay’s Sam Mockford has diligently tended to his garden, nurturing a variety of vegetables.

“I have around eight to 10 kūmara plants down currently,” says Sam. “Been growing my own food for a couple years now.” He had heard a couple of weeks ago that the red kūmara ower is very rare. “Never thought I’d get one though.”

Growing our own

He rst noticed the owers one weekend last month. “ ere were three owers in total but two got damaged from the recent storms. And one remains, but I only noticed it today,” Sam said on April 13.

He grew some of the kūmara plants from sprouts and the rest he got from his partner Roselle Entwistle’s mother Jenny Innes.

Above: A delighted Sam Mockford, next to his kūmara patch. Photos: Sam Mockford.

don’t ower often in New Zealand anyway, because they are a tropical vegetable. e ower doesn’t last long, but before collapsing it puts on a spectacular display amongst the garden greenery. e journey from bud to wilting is a covert operation, and would have been missed if Sam hadn’t been paying close attention.

Right: A rare red kūmara ower.

“We love growing our own food because nothing tastes better than fresh food straight out of the garden.”

It is thought that kūmara plants only ower under great stress. Stress may be related to the day length shortening at this time of year, or the state of high humidity combined with damp soil. Coupled with this is that kūmara

with no fragrance,

morning glory, and

e bud unfurls into a bloom that resembles a morning glory, and is typically purple or pink-tinged with no fragrance, just a vibrant colour and unique shape.

Likened to a cameo appearance in a blockbuster movie – short but impactful, the owering period is quickly over.

Blown away!

Sam’s keeping a close eye on the plants to see if more owers will appear, already spotting new buds popping up amongst the plants.

“I’m just blown away that I have this wonderful rare ower growing on our property.”

Shorter showers save water

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Fancy a happy biscuit maker? This

Zoe is friendly, a ectionate and has a heart of pure gold. She’s about two years old and loves to get pats and cuddles.

city:

Zoe will ‘make biscuits’ with her paws whenever she’s happy, which is often! She loves to snuggle in her hidey house for a snooze or cosy up to you for some attention. is beautiful girl is looking for a home where she can get some extra suncare to protect her white features, with pet sunscreen and preferably a mostly indoor lifestyle. Zoe is a social cat and likes to spend time with people. Could you give Zoe the loving home she truly deserves? Come and meet our snow princess today. Phone the SPCA on: 07 578 0245. Ref: 601449.

e future of our city could be in your hands. In July this year, Tauranga votes for new city leaders for the rst time in almost ve years.

We’re accepting applications for the city’s top 10 jobs – a mayor, eight general ward councillors, and a councillor to represent our new Māori ward, Te Awanui.

If you’re passionate about our city and its growth, for now and for future generations, please apply.

We live in one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and it’s no secret that our growth has brought us challenges in the past, but with the right leadership we can make sure we manage that growth and change.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need to be a

Now hiring:

tauranga.govt.nz/elections | Nominations close 24 May

strategic thinker, capable of making decisions that will help de ne Tauranga’s future and its key role in the Bay of Plenty region.

You’ll be caring and a good communicator, who brings people together and connects Tauranga’s diverse communities.

Local Government is a crucial part of our democracy, and it has a big impact on the daily lives of people and communities. And it’s so, so much more than rates and rubbish.

To be nominated, candidates must be New Zealand citizens, 18 years old, and on the New Zealand parliamentary electoral roll.

Nominations are now open and close on May 24, ahead of the election on July 20.

Visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/elections for more information.

Beatniks, turkeys and MetroGnomes

We’re about one-third of the way through New Zealand Music Month – and thank you for asking, yes, there is a plan.

It’s pretty simple: write about the many shows happening, and there are many, two weeks in advance of them, then spend two weeks looking at new local recordings including, surprisingly, a full rock opera, and my favourites of the year so far. What could possibly go wrong?

Let’s go... e weekend of May 24-25 brings three fascinating Kiwi shows at the Jam Factory at e Historic Village.

ey’re kinda “alternative” so forgive me if your tastes run more towards the mainstream. If that’s the case, can I point you towards Totara St and most excellent Kiwi comedian Ben Hurley on Saturday, May 24, with Love Shack, “the ultimate 80s party band”, the following night; or the Songs of Bob Dylan show at the Holy Trinity Church on May 24.

A shopping trolley

Of the Jam Factory shows, the one most piquing my interest is on Saturday, May 25, headlined by the somewhat legendary Zig Beatnik. He is an anarchist, artist and improviser, who creates a mix of avantgarde, post-industrial music using a loop pedal, guitars, e ect, amps and a shopping trolley. Yep, shopping trolley. Zig has been on the scene for a while. As far back as 2014 he was a largely unknown replacement for King Loser at the third Tauranga Music Sux Fest. Looking through old concert bills, he pops up every couple of years, often at the Jam Factory. Actually, to be more accurate, he pops up at e Incubator, since he is a multidisciplinary artist, with a Bachelor degree in visual art from Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology. Prior to that he graduated from the BOP Polytechnic with a Diploma of Music and Performance.

His 2018 Incubator exhibition, Art Anarchy, included artworks in various mediums and live music; and in 2020 he won the Friends of the Tauranga Art Gallery Award at e Miles Art Awards for his piece ‘Anarchist’.

In support is Club Meds, a fantastic four-or ve-piece who recently played at the Fringe and Littleweed festivals: challenging, approachable, and playful all at once with surprising singing, spiky guitar and lush keyboards. Made me think of Manchester for some reason. ird on the bill are busy wellconnected newbies e MetroGnomes.

Turkey e Bird

Collins-Smith – both from bands e Grand Bazzaar and Electric Universe – which I caught at the Fringe Festival. It consists of spoken word “her” and guitar shredding “him” to a backdrop of immersive, AI-generated psychedelia. Performance poet Captain Houndstooth opens.

Bookending that is, on Friday, May 24, e In’thway Mangosteen Experience, a new project from Baz Mantis and

en on Sunday afternoon it’s New Plymouth’s very likeable folk sensations Turkey e Bird. e trio has just released single ‘Lady Who?’ and are pressing ahead with album plans despite an unsuccessful Kickstarter campaign. Expect catchy folk songs telling uplifting stories about love and life, beautiful three part harmonies and toetapping rhythms. ey really are very good.

Marilyn

e somewhat legendary Zig Beatnik. Photo: supplied.

Fantastic four or ve-piece band Club Meds. Photo: supplied.

State highways torture for too many too long

e Government has changed. e former Transport Minister took Te Puna to Ōmokoroa roading development o the 10-year plan and has lost his parliamentary seat, and with the new Government hope is here again. We now have Transport Minister Simeon Brown who is actually interested in decent roading networks. He knows the issues and action must get underway as State Highway 29 and State Highway 2 are both now roads of national signi cance. Our MPs Sam U ndell, Tom Rutherford, Scott Simpson and Cameron Luxon must keep the pressure on their development, and we must hold

them to account. We’ve endured congestion and delays and it has been torture for too many users for too long. As well, we need houses as this sub region is far too expensive for too many to own their own home. We have an opportunity to get it right, and the time is right. Actually it has been for a long time but no one listened.

We have the best export port in the country and improved access to it is fundamental if we want to improve our exports which we must do, if we want to improve our standard of living.

Margaret Murray-Benge, WBOPD Councillor, Bethlehem.

I remember watching rugby union when it was a fast-moving game with hardly any head injuries. In those days tackles were made around the ankles by one player and the ball was quickly put back to the No 9 by the tackled player and passed out to the backs who made a run for the tryline.

Almost every tackle today is aimed at the high torso area, often resulting in shoulders or heads to heads.

If that doesn’t happen, two or three defenders get hold of the ball carrier around the torso or waist and others of the ball carrier’s team jump in and push the ball carrier down the eld a further 10-20m before

Re: Tauranga City Council rates increases. e research commissioned by e Retirement Commission titled ‘Equitable Rates Relief’ October 20, 2023 – see: assets.retirement.govt. nz/public/Uploads/Research/2023/Duyen-Tran_ TAAO_Equitable-Rates-Relief.pdf – states that the increasing rates burden for homeowners over 65 years old who are primarily dependents NZS with limited nancial reserves is creating pressure on these owners.

Rebates rebate – the maximum rebate for 2023-

What a team!

To the people of the Bay of Plenty. You are very fortunate indeed to have Tauranga Hospital’s exceptional sta . e skill of the sta and the excellent coordination between departments undoubtedly saved my life.

I am immensely grateful for the care I received.

Ongoing treatment was always explained and discussed with myself and my family.

Upon discharge my continuing issues were monitored and appropriate help given.

In particular, the following departments were involved: A&E,

St John ambulance, and shuttle service, the Orthopaedic, Cardiology, Infectious Diseases, and Assessment and Planning departments, supporting services, physiotherapy and district health nurses.

What a team! ank you all for your skill, caring, commitment and compassion. It’s been a long road and I’m not out of the woods yet, but it’s wonderful to be home again and getting on with life.

Bill Lomas, Pāpāmoa.

A much slower and far more dangerous game

they all – ve or six of them – fall in a big heap of bodies. e ref has to look for the ball to decide what to penalise some player for, which can take a considerable time and often end up in a scrum which the ref inevitably resets two or three times. Today’s rugby union is a much slower game than it ever used to be. And far more dangerous! Every game we watch defenders standing vertical, waiting for a fast-running 100kg man to run into him! No wonder heads meet! If tackles weren’t allowed above the knee, heads would be protected from most knocks today. ere’d rarely be a six-man heap for the ref.

Colin Stitt, Katikati.

The real increase in rates...

2024 is $750 – perhaps 25 per cent of most retired homeowners’ rates. Single living alone people have to pay all the rates and all other costs themselves. While the maximum rebate is adjusted by the Consumers Price Index each year it continues to fall behind the real increase in rates. Grey Power and others are advocating that the rebate be increased annually by the Local Government Cost Index as this better re ects the increased prices that local bodies face when setting rates.

Hilary R. Burrows, Pāpāmoa.

Winter is around just the corner.

Make sure you don’t get caught without a heat pump and keep cozy in your home this chilly season.

Owner operator of Tauranga Air Conditioning, Graham, says: “Our motto is ‘same day install and we come when you call’.”

In the crux of autumn, Graham says it’s time for a pre-season clean of your heat pump.

“Leave it to us to give

your heat pump the once over.

“When the lters are cleaned, it makes your heat pump run more e ciently, it lasts twice as long, and saves on electricity. Most of the cold nights are starting to hit now.”

Graham says it’s best to get in quick while his heat pumps are still in stock, and to jump the queues.

Graham o ers top-quality brands, including the Consumer recommended Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 2KW. “Put that air con on your wall!”

Phone Graham on: 027 254 7667.

Graham says his van is usually remembered by customers. Photo: Supplied.

Georgia Minkhorst

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Female, Approximately 4 years old, Pyes Pa Road, RD3 Tauranga. Ref 609461.

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Found Cat, Tabby and White, Female, Approximately 2 years old, Hot Springs Road, RD2 Tauranga. Ref 609046.

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Found Dog, Black and White, Male, Approximately 6 Months old, Cook St, Gate Pa, Tauranga. Ref 609078. Ph SPCA 07 5780245. trades & services

ROOF REPAIRS Free quotes for all maintenance of leaking roofs, gutter cleaning & repairs. Chimney

Churches Active In Our Community

A mother’s sacri ce is indeed a very special thing to be honoured.

Even before the delivery of the baby, or babies, there are many discomforts and anxieties endured for nine months. e excruciating pain of childbirth and risks of serious complications a mother voluntarily accepts require great sel essness and bravery.

I fondly remember my mother, Janet Finlay, and wish to honour her by naming her. As other loving mums do, she was wholly devoted to me and my siblings’ welfare, sacri cing her time, health, freedom and economic wellbeing for us.

Since we’re all wired to honour

sacri ces people like mums make for others – Anzac Day being another example – it’s no wonder God and Christ seek to reach our hearts through the greatest sacri ce ever made.

e Bible says: “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (NKJV)”.

Since, as the Bible explains, Christ was also our Creator –alongside His Father – He too sacri ced for His children. He too had to bear the discomforts and anxieties leading up to the time of excruciating pain at His

cruci xion. is too required great sel essness and bravery. And like mothers, He did it for our welfare – actually, our eternal welfare. My prayer is no one will dismiss this good news without giving serious consideration to it, because it’s true! David Kidd,

SABBATH

SABBATH 10AM

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

info@bethel.org.nz

Messianic Family bethel.org.nz 021 768 043

Messianic Family bethel.org.nz 021 768 043