The Weekend Sun - 17 May 2024

At just 12 years old, Tauranga’s own Harry Strang (pictured) is embarking on an international sailing journey. He recently secured a spot on New Zealand’s team for the Optimist sailing regatta in India this November – despite only having two years’ experience in the sport. Harry’s rapid ascent led him to excel at the national competition in Picton at Easter, earning him a place in the 2024 Optimist Asian & Oceanian Championship in Mumbai. Hailing from the same renowned Tauranga

Yacht & Power Boat Club as Peter Burling, Harry now regularly sails the double America’s Cup champion’s old P-Class yacht after Harry’s family purchased it for him.

“Harry is on the water two to three times a week after school, and sometimes on

Saturdays and Sundays,” says his father Glen Strang. e ACG Tauranga student will travel with his father to Mumbai in late October to practise ahead of the November regatta. Read more about Harry’s remarkable journey in sailing on page 6.

Photo: John Borren.

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What whales are gossiping about…

Grunts, groans, snorts, barks, clicks, whistles and thwaps.

Onomatopoeia – words that phonetically represent the sound they describe – oink, meow, roar. I love the word ‘thwap’ – the sound of striking or slapping something with a loud, heavy impact. wap! at’s what ram raiders need – a good thwapping.

Whales thwap too, along with that chorus of other sounds mentioned… groan, snort, whistles, clicks etc.

You see today we are all about whales and whale speak.

I’ve just watched Pommy comedian Josh Widdicombe’s wee vid on how to whale speak. Listen carefully and I will turn you into 40 metric tons of ‘thwapping’ sperm whale.

Josh says you make whale talk by “moving air between your mouth and lungs without letting any escape”. “Hold your nose, close your mouth and say ‘Oh’ three times.” ere! Bet you are trying it. Sitting in the privacy of your own home, curtains drawn and mimicking 15 metres of blubber. Weirdos!

Eavesdropping bo ns

We’re talking whale because some nosey scientists have been eavesdropping on 60 sperm whales around the Eastern Caribbean, listening into their most personal and private communications.

some Kentucky Fried Krill.”

Little Moby: “I ate four tonnes of tiny shrimp-like crustaceans yesterday. “Krill overkrill.” Mum Whale: “Don’t you mean overkill?” Little Moby: “Let’s not quibble over sperm-antics Mum.”

Apparently di erent species of whale speak di erent languages.

Doesn’t surprise me because I don’t speak Swahili or Cantonese.

Mum Whale: “We might even do some free diving.” Little Moby: “What’s that?”

Mum Whale: “You take a deep breath, put a nger over your blowhole and dive 3000 metres straight down, for an hour.

“And if you see a submarine on the way

doesn’t need to know – like scienti c research and being simmered, grilled, deep-fried or served raw in a downtown Tokyo restaurant being the same thing.

Whale meat

Because whale meat has emerged from the culinary shadows and is socially acceptable again. Japan even has whale meat vending machines. Whale meat is lower in calories, and higher in protein, than chicken. Anyone for crispy buttermilk fried whale tonight? Apparently whale meat is dark and tastes gamey, like beef, but richer and not at all shy. And every bit of the whale goes on the plate – jaw, stomach, tail, cheek and back… and the pièce de résistance, the penis. Which raises questions about preparation and presentation.

Okay – so what are the whales talking about...

down, ick them a bird, or a uke, cos they can only do 1000 metres. Losers!”

How rude! Now, analysis of those recordings by e Dominica Sperm Whale Project has concluded whale speak is much more complex than previously thought. e sperm whale can combine and modulate di erent clicks and rhythms to create an information-carrying ability similar to human language. And so the bo ns have developed a whale phonetic alphabet, a separate symbol for every distinguishable sound they make.

Little Moby: “What are we doing today Mum? Mum Whale: “(Yawn) e same as we’ve done every day for 20 million years – wallow around in the ocean, dodge some container ships, might even treat you to

Little Moby: “I don’t think I am a sperm whale because that scares the w-hell out of me.”

Mum Whale: “Or we could drop into Kaikoura, do a few breaches, moon the whale watchers. I laugh so much my blubber jiggles.”

en the whale speak gets serious... Little Moby: “Mum, I think I must be a Minke, not a Sperm? Mum Whale: “How?” Little Moby: “Because there’s a bloke on a Japanese factory ship over there pointing a harpoon at me.”

Mum Whale: “You’re not a target species.

“But if you do get shot it’s over quick. “ e grenade-tipped harpoon explodes on impact, expanding barbs and killing you instantly. All in the name of scienti c research.”

ere are some things a little whale

Mum Whale: “In everyone’s best interests dear we eat four per cent of our body weight every day so the Japanese are protecting the marine food chain by controlling the whale population.”

Little Moby: “Why do you have barnacles all over your face Mum?”

Mum Whale: “Doesn’t matter dear. Men aren’t interested in that end.”

Little Moby: “You probably need ambergris.”

Mum Whale: “Did you say ham-burgers?” Little Moby: “No! Ambergris, am-berg-ris. Whenever food or bacteria gets lodged in my gullet or digestive system I barf up a big dollop of solid, waxy whale vomit. Humans love it – use it in the manufacture of perfumes and aphrodisiacs.”

is stu costs $40K a kilo – it’s the most valuable animal goop in the world.

Mum Whale: “Now, can we talk birds and bees. You have got 20 years to reach sexual maturity, then I’m o with the girls. I’m matrilineal. And you do what a boy whale’s gotta do.”

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

Council nominations off to a slow start

Only seven people have put their nominations in so far to stand in the Tauranga City Council elections.

With a week to go until nominations close for the July 20 Election Day, there are two candidates who have nominations in for mayor and ve as councillors as of May 15.

Seven other candidates have announced they will be running but are yet to put in their nominations.

ose with nominations for mayor are singer Ria Hall and former deputy mayor Tina Salisbury.

Businessman and former Bay of Plenty Regional councillor Doug Owens announced his candidacy for mayor this week.

Former councillor John Robson told the Bay of Plenty Times he planned to run for mayor and in the Bethlehem ward.

Ward councillors with nominations in are Gerry Hodgson in the Bethlehem Ward, Jim McKinlay in the Matua-Otūmoetai ward, Rod Taylor in the Te Papa ward, Marten Rozeboom in the Tauriko ward and Ethan Brinkman is standing in the Welcome Bay ward.

ere are not yet any candidate nominations for the Arataki, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa wards or the Te Awanui Māori ward.

Former councillor Larry Baldock announced his intention to stand in the Pyes Pa ward in March. Entrepreneur Cameron Templer told e Weekend Sun in March that he planned to run in the Welcome Bay ward.

Tauranga barrister and Solicitor Jim Smith told

Local Democracy Reporting on Monday that he planned to run as a councillor.

Former councillors Heidi Hughes and Steve Morris also told the Bay of Plenty Times they planned to run in the election. Hughes will stand in the Mount Maunganui Ward. is year’s election will be under a new governance model with a mayor and nine councillors to be elected. It will also be the rst time the city has had a Māori ward. ose elected will replace the four-person Commission led by Anne Tolley that’s been in place since February 2021. e previous council was sacked by former Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta because of in ghting and signi cant governance issues.

Salisbury, Baldock, Hughes, Morris and Robson were part of the council elected in 2019 that was deposed by Mahuta.

TCC strategy, growth and governance general manager Christine Jones says council encourages anyone who would like to stand to allow enough time to complete and send in their nomination form and get it checked to ensure it’s valid. Asked if the council was concerned about the number of nominations so far, Jones replied: “We anticipate a number of nominations will come in just before the closing date.”

Nominations close at midday on Friday, May 24.

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

Nominations for the Tauranga City Council elections close on May 24. Photo: John Borren.

Stories from 56 years of fostering

“The hardest part is when you see them return to the parent or move somewhere else because you become attached to them like your own children,” says Verna and George Kite as they sit in their Bethlehem home.

George smiles while Verna reminisces.

The couple – recently recognised by the Governor-General for their five decades of fostering children – are

talking to The Weekend Sun reporter Ayla Yeoman.

This week – part two of their story – they share their experiences while not identifying individuals.

“I’ve been heartbroken so many times over children and you sort of think: ‘I’m not gonna do this again’, but then the next one comes up so you do it,” says Verna.

The couple would love to continue fostering children but cannot due to George’s health. Here are some of their memories – good and bad.

The ‘professional thief’

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

The couple fostered first at their Waikato farm in 1968 – for weeks or months.

“Those children were quite hard because they’d been torn away from their parents and that was really hard, you really felt for them.”

One boy, aged 15, was six foot and a “professional thief”. “You could put your purse down and he’d take the money and you wouldn’t see it. He was so good at it,” says Verna.

He told the Kites: “The day I started school my older brother and I broke into a house on our way home and we stole jewellery.”

“He was 5!” says Verna.

Verna replied: “‘What did your mother do?’ He said: ‘Oh, she kept the watch’. I said: ‘Well, do you know what I would’ve done? You would’ve gone straight back to that house and told the people you what you’d done and taken the consequences’.”

Verna says the boy stole something from his college. “George took him back.

“The boy said it was the hardest thing he’s ever

George and Verna Kite. Photo: John Borren.

done and no one had ever taken the time to show him that attention, and to show him what was right or wrong.”

through to him.” e boy was still in a nappy so the couple went to buy him underwear.

It was at that moment Verna and George decided to continue fostering. e couple say: “You never know what the kid’s going to be like.”

One boy, aged seven, had been in trouble before he got to them. “He was a gorgeous little kid... this was his last chance, coming to the farm.” e boy had to go to court. “He walks into the courtroom and says: ‘Hi George, how are you?’ at was the magistrate,” says Verna. “ e magistrate said: “What did I say if you came back again?” e boy replied: “You don’t have to worry. “I’m with good people. I’m on a farm and I love it.” Verna reckons 99 per cent of children came to them with problems.

“When they rst arrive we’d let them get a feel of the place and we’d sit down and tell them our expectations then we’d just work from there.”

Angry

Verna says many children were very angry, verbal, would swear a lot and throw things.

“One three-year-old boy – every word that came out of his mouth was a swear word. He was quite a violent little boy.

“After about three days we said: ‘Enough’. He replied: ‘You can’t tell me what to do’. I said: ‘If you want to stay here, you don’t swear, you don’t throw things, you don’t hit people. You remember you are in a home and we want to love you, but we can’t love you when you do this’.

“‘Nobody loves me,’ said the boy. “He was a real hard little one, then one day George was outside and the boy asked: ‘Can I help you?’ George gave him a broom and he helped, he just wanted to help... at was the way we got

“He said: ‘I don’t want to wear them because I’m only going to wee them and poo them’.”

Verna potty trained the boy in three days. “ en when he went back to his parents he went to school in pull-ups. How demoralising is that for a ve-year-old? ey just couldn’t be bothered. It’s the little things that you can do to help them.”

Five at once

e boy had come to the Kites as one of ve siblings, aged 11 months to nine years old. “ ey came to us absolutely lthy, the two little ones stank to be honest; it was terrible. It took four lots of bathwater to get them clean.

“ ey all had nits. ey arrived with what they were standing in, not even a nappy for the baby.

“ ey were so badly neglected. We just fell so in love with those children.”

e three older kids went to a local primary school but were way behind in their schooling because they’d missed so many days.

“ e older boy missed 109 days of school in a year. We went to school and asked: ‘How can we help these children?’ ey told us what we could do. e older boy was illiterate and was two years behind his age group. In six months we had him up to his age group. It gave him all the con dence in the world to know that he could go to school and do the work.”

Be there

Verna and George had these ve children for seven months. “I think the biggest challenge for us was just letting them tell you what had happened. “You just want to x it, but you couldn’t. You just had to be there for them and love them.”

Ayla Yeoman

THERMACELL BLINDS

Tauranga youngster sets course for India

Tauranga 12-year-old Harry Strang is setting sail for international waters, having earned a coveted spot on the NZ sailing team destined for the 2024 Optimist Asian & Oceanian Championship in India this November.

Despite his relatively brief two-year stint in the sport, Harry’s meteoric rise to the national stage culminated in an impressive showing at the NZ national

competition in Picton at Easter.

Harry hails from the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club, renowned for its illustrious sailing legacy and boasting such names as Peter Burling and numerous Olympic medallists.

His father Glen Strang, who has a rugby background, says Harry doesn’t come from a sailing family, and was completely new to the watersport.

“Sailing is a new environment for us,” says Glen. “But in a couple of years, Harry has developed into a

good Optimist sailor.” As a result of competing at this year’s NZ International Optimist Dinghy Association nationals in Picton at Easter, Harry quali ed as one of three Kiwi sailors for the NZ team.

“ e other two are from Napier and Auckland, also aged 12,” Glen says. “I was pretty proud because these young kids are racing against sailors up to 15 years old and Harry was 11 at the time.”

e national event has only been held in Picton twice before; the rst time in 2003 when it was won by a young Peter Burling, now a double America’s Cup champion, Olympic medallist and skipper of Team New Zealand’s 2021 America’s Cup-winning crew.

e Peter Burling connection has become a

strong link for the Strang family, with Glen having purchased the world champion’s former P class yacht, 942 X-Rated for Harry to sail.

Peter and Harry hung out together at the 100th anniversary of the P Class yacht, celebrated in Tauranga in January, with Peter enjoying a sail in his old P942 Ben Bax-built rocket.

“Harry is on the water two to three times a week after school and sometimes on Saturdays and Sundays,” says Glen.

Harry, an ACG Tauranga student, will travel with his father to Mumbai in late October to practise ahead of the November regatta.

“ ey will race individually and as a team,” says Glen. “ ere is a team component that takes the individual scores.”

Bupa Open Day

Saturday 18 May 10am — 2pm

We're opening our doors at selected retirement villages this Saturday. Come on over, have a stickybeak at Bupa's apartments or villas and chat to our friendly team. If one on one is more your cup of tea, why not book a personal visit.

Cedar Manor 30 Sixth Avenue, Tauranga

To find out more, visit bupa.co.nz/opendays

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Harry Strang sailing at the New Zealand International Optimist Dinghy Association Optimist Nationals regatta in Picton at Easter, 2024. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die.

Re-telling history in our schools

“We need to know the truth about New Zealand history.” ese are the words of Tauranga Girls’ College Year 10 student Aaria Tuhakaraina after she and fellow students welcomed and listened to three original Polynesian Panthers talk to their school on Wednesday, May 15.

More than 50 years on the Polynesian Panthers forming in 1971 as teenagers, Tigilau Ness, Rev Alexander Toleafoa, Dr Melani Anae are now seeing what they stood for being realised in Aotearoa schools.

New curriculum

In 2023 Tauranga Girls’ College Social Science Department introduced and began teaching their students the new Aotearoa New Histories Curriculum.

TGC curriculum leader for social science and history teacher Emma Talbot says this curriculum is a signi cant shift for many kura/schools.

“We support and honour the teachings of Aotearoa histories and see them as an integral part of the learning for our students,” says Emma. “We teach these from a historical and geographical perspective.”

e Polynesian Panthers emerged in the 1970s as a response to racism towards Paci c peoples. As social activists, the Polynesian Panthers were particularly notable in their response to the ‘Dawn Raids’ – government-initiated crackdowns in Auckland against alleged overstayers from the Paci c Islands.

‘Part of it’

In Term 1 this year, TGC introduced a new unit for Year 10s – ‘ e Dawn Raids’ – after students developed interest when former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s publicly apologised to Paci c communities in 2021. Seeing the Aotearoa New

Histories Curriculum being taught in schools is “absolutely amazing,” says Polynesian Panther Tigilau Ness. “In our time there was nothing like this. It was all monocultural English… very happy to be alive and be part of it.”

Polynesian Panther Dr Melani Anae says: “It’s taken us 50 years to see the fruits of what we stood for. What we fought for many years ago”.

“We’re a very young population still and our generations behind us are picking up the stories,” says Polynesian Panther, Rev Alexander Toleafoa. e trio were aged 15-16 when they led social activism against the Dawn Raids. “I was surprised they were so young, it encourages me to stand up for our rights,” says Year 10 student Luisana Afungia. “We need to learn about what we can do if this happens again,” says Aaria.

“It’s important to know this stu .

“We live here. It’s our history,” says Year 10 student Jayda Nicholls.

Identity and empathy

“[ e curriculum] will give them a strong sense of identity and a relationship to our own stories that have been subsumed by the bigger narratives of the dominant group,” says Melani. “ ey’ll just relate to it so much and hopefully it’ll teach them the importance of education, the importance of history, and the importance of having a Kiwi New Zealand identity that is diverse and covers all the ethnicities that make it up.”

Emma felt “quite emotional” to have three Polynesian Panthers speak to the college’s students. “We’re seeing the shift that we are making as a new generation who actually want to know this [history].

“ ey want to be informed. ey want to learn empathy. I think that’s the biggest thing for us. Get the story told and do it well, and as authentically as we can. We don’t all come from Pasi ka backgrounds, but we share these stories.”

Gorgeous golden girl Nelly

Georgia Minkhorst

Nelly is a 10-month-old female pup looking for the love of a new family! Since she arrived at the SPCA she’s always been happy to see people and loves a good snuggle. Very food-driven, Nelly will do almost anything for a treat. She’s already got the ‘sit’ command sorted and is working on ‘down’. Nelly loves to please people and

loves a good snuggle. Very the re to snuggle up next

likes to work; she is still a baby and will thrive with further training. Nelly is looking for a family with a goodsized garden for her to play in, a cosy spot by the re to snuggle up next to on a cold winter night and a family to spoil her! Apply to meet this gorgeous girl today! Phone the SPCA on: 07 5780245. Ref: 604442.

ree original Polynesian Panthers Rev Alexander Toleafoa, Dr Melani Anae and Tigilau Ness at TGC. Photo: John Borren.

Villas and Apartments available now

Sunny days in the mount are calling

Come visit us every Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm. 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 come and join us for a tour 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

Band and Deliver returns

A hugely successful series of gigs promoting free youth live music gigs last year is returning this month to open the door for more young musicians to pursue their musical future.

For 2024, Band And Deliver is delivering three gigs, in May, June and August, at e Jam Factory in the Historic Village in Tauranga City

“Band And Deliver is an exciting project that enables young musos and their peers to gain live music performance, production experience and con dence in a chilled and nurturing environment that is steeped in creative camaraderie,” says one of the project’s musical champions, Marc Anderson.

Now in its second year, Band And Deliver is the brainchild collaboration of Marc, Aaron Wright and the music team at e Jam Factory — Nigel Gregory and Bret Williams.

Marc, known for his event and festival work in the city, is also a seasoned musician with an incredible career working with an impressive song sheet of international acts such as Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Jimmy Barnes, Mary J Blige, Prince

and even Michael Jackson the man himself.

Musician Aaron Wright is a music educator who is now working as Tauranga Boys’ College’s arts faculty head of department.

Nigel Gregory and Bret Williams both have a hardwired commitment to create accessible and supported opportunities to see young musicians ourish and to help develop their own audience and following.

Marc says Band And Deliver is not only for aspiring performers, but those interested in learning musicians’ stagecraft.

Aspiring music technicians are invited to have a go mixing and recording live sound, being introduced to a taste of what goes into live music production.

“Who wouldn’t want to play with all those buttons, lights and knobs and make live music sound even better? If you are a school-age performer, solo, duo or band, who wants to take part, or a sponsor looking to support this ongoing initiative please sing out,” says Marc. Band And Deliver is on tonight, May 17, then June 21, and August 9, at e Jam Factory, 17th Ave, Tauranga. To nd out more, email: marc@macapromotions.com

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Youth performing at 2023’s Band And Deliver. Photo: supplied.

Troy – strong and beautiful!

Troy, a Labrador Retriever-cross-Sta y is a little more than 12 months old and one of our beautiful larger dogs.

He is a loving boy who likes to please; he can ‘sit’ and ‘stay’, walk on a lead and socialise with other dogs.

Troy is a strong dog and would bene t from ongoing training so he is not distracted on his walks.

He enjoys being with his foster throughout the day, going on road trips and boat rides.

Troy would be perfect for a single person – or a family with older kids –who can o er love, training and adventures.

To nd out more, message the RRR Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/RRRCanine/

Residents in nearly 100 Bay of Plenty homes were kept toasty and warm last year thanks to Sustainability Options, which provides free sustainable living advice in the region.

And with temperatures starting to drop as winter inches closer, the altruistic business is calling out to the community again to donate unwanted heaters to families in need. “ e bulk of our heaters do go to young and vulnerable families who need heating. We see a lot of houses that don’t have a good form of heating,” says Lee Siegle from Sustainability Options.

“We’re all about environmental and social sustainability,” says Lee, who adds that the business has been working in the BOP for more than 10 years.

“One part of our mahi [work] –

Donate and turn up the warmth

and a big bulk of it – is working with the Healthy Homes initiative, which helps vulnerable and sick children. Last year we were able to provide heaters for 91 houses.”

1000 homes

Lee says Sustainability Options has an open goal of how many heaters they hope to collect this year – albeit, the more the better.

“We visit 1000 homes per year. If we are able to collect more than we need this winter, there will be more for whānau next year. We see more need than there is resource for.”

It’s important that children, elderly and people at risk of illness have a warm bedroom at night, says Lee.

“If it’s really cold, people all share a bed to stay warm which also contributes to more disease spreading… so there are multiple reasons why heating your room is important.”

Lee encourages families to heat their rooms to 20 degrees Celsius.

“ e World Health Organisation says 18 is the bare minimum.

“Anything lower than 16 starts a ecting your lungs, and anything lower than 12 starts a ecting your heart because your blood thickens.

“So while you’re sleeping, if your blood thickens it puts extra strain on your heart.”

How to donate

Sustainability Options takes each home case-by-case to show families how to most e ciently heat their rooms. “ at way they’re not just chomping through the power bills, which makes them not want to ever turn a heater on again.”

Heaters can be donated at 59 Seventh Ave, Tauranga City, or Sustainability Options can collect if necessary. For more information, visit: www.sustainabilityoptions. org.nz

Georgia Minkhorst

Sustainability Options repairs/maintenance man Teagan Gregg needs more heaters donated.

Photo: John Borren.

Many dying people missing out on essential care

This Hospice Awareness Week, Waipuna Hospice, in alignment with Hospice NZ, is highlighting the critical need for increased awareness of hospice care.

Despite its invaluable benefits, a significant portion of New Zealanders are not accessing hospice services due to fear, misconceptions, locality and limited understanding.

Hospice NZ chief executive Wayne Naylor highlights the urgency of the situation: “A third of the people who die

in New Zealand receive hospice care, but many miss out.

“Last year around 90 per cent of people with a foreseeable death – about 34,000 – could have benefitted from palliative care, but only 10,800 of them took advantage of the services and support that hospice provides.”

Wayne believes fear and a misunderstanding of what hospice care is are stopping people from accessing hospice care when they need it. To showcase the transformative impact of hospice care, Hospice NZ, supported by Waipuna Hospice, is launching a

campaign featuring real-life stories of patients and their families.

Waipuna Hospice CEO Richard Thurlow says: “We are actually about life, not just death”.

“People often think we are only there for those final moments, but the earlier people access hospice, the better. Whether that’s months or even years, getting the benefits of the wrap-around physical, social, spiritual, and emotional support means patients get to live fully until they die.”

Waipuna Hospice patient Baden Jury is one of four people sharing their experiences with hospice during Hospice Awareness Week. Their stories reflect on how hospice provides not just medical support but emotional comfort and invaluable guidance during one of life’s most challenging phases.

All types of support

Waipuna Hospice delivers vital palliative support services, information and advocacy.

They provide care and support for patients’ physical needs and emotional, spiritual and social needs. This includes providing respite care, practical support such as meal preparation, loan equipment, chaplaincy service and spiritual support, counselling, child and adolescent support, social work, biography services, caregiver support, occupational therapy, education, books and resources, and therapeutic massage.

Waipuna Hospice also supports family and friends both before

and after a loved one dies. Baden says: “Everybody here [at Waipuna Hospice] is just so amazing. From my point of view, when you come to Waipuna Hospice, you know you’re going to get treated well because their care is just incredible – I couldn’t fault it. Given it’s a charity, the quality of everything, even the people, is amazing.”

Rely on fundraising

Richard says his hospice’s mission is “to provide compassionate care and support to individuals, families and whānau facing death and dying”. “For us, it’s a privilege to be able to walk alongside families and help them navigate what is often an extremely difficult journey. But we can’t do it alone. While our service is provided at no cost for those

costs a lot to deliver,” says Richard.

“We must rely on fundraising, and the generosity of our community to ensure we can continue delivering our vital care.

“It’s that generosity that keeps us going, making sure everyone gets the care and respect they deserve.

“We know times are tough for a lot of people, but any support you can give us, whether that’s financial or comes in the form of a donation to our charity shops or through volunteering your time to help, we thank you,” says Richard.

Waipuna Hospice volunteers will be out collecting donations at supermarkets and shopping centres across Tauranga and Western BOP from May 13-19. Visit: www.waipunahospice.org.nz

Elevated Care in Your Later Years.

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

Waipuna Hospice patient Baden Jury encourages those who can to support them wherever possible. Photo: supplied.

“It hasn’tbeenone-size-fits-all.”

Earlier this year, the Benvie family received devastating news. Grahame, devoted husband, beloved father, and cherished Poppa had been diagnosed with terminal skin cancer. The news hit them hard, leaving them feeling lost and unsure where to turn for help.

“We came out of the hospital feeling very lost and were scrambling around trying to find information,” reflects Grahame’s daughter Erin “Then, Mum and I had a lightbulb moment – we would go to Dad’s GP for advice. It was then that it was suggested that we get in touch with Waipuna Hospice.”

Their perception of hospice changed rapidly. No longer just a place for someone’s final days, hospice became a source of practical assistance and genuine care, offering support at every step.

“Initially I thought hospice was where you went to die, and I was adamant we weren’t at that point,” admits Erin. “I soon realised that wasn’t the case.”

For Gretchen, Grahame’s wife of 52 years, the moment hospice stepped in to ease their struggles was unforgettable. “Grahame was having trouble sleeping in the bed, so we were going out to buy a lazy boy chair," she shared.

“But then someone from Waipuna Hospice explained that they could help. Just like that, a chair was delivered, and it was such a relief.”

As their journey unfolded, Waipuna Hospice sprang into action, offering care that extended beyond the physical. Through weekly visits, hospice became a constant presence.

“It was great to have somebody come to our home and check in,” recalls Erin. “It was care in our own home, rather than a clinical environment, which was huge. What surprised me during that time was that hospice wasn’t just coming to care for Dad, they were coming to care for all of us.”

“It’s so encompassing,” emphasised Gretchen, “and it hasn’t been one-size-fits-all. They didn’t just come in and say, “This is what is going to work for you, this is all we can do.” They tailored it to our needs – to the person, not the disease.”

For the Benvies, hospice care became about more than just medical assistance in the face of death. It was about feeling seen and understood as individuals, and in Erin’s words, “It was about life, not just death.”

“Even when they are caring for the patient directly, Waipuna Hospice has a really holistic approach,” Erin continued. “They see beyond Dad’s illness to the person who has lived a very full life and still has life left to live.”

“Hospice isn't just for the end,” Gretchen shared, her voice filled with conviction. “It's about supporting you to live.”

Grahame's reflections echo this sentiment of resilience and hope. “Every day that you're standing upright is another day on the earth,” he affirms, urging others to seek support and hold onto positivity. “Waipuna Hospice is a great place. I initially thought it was just for the end, but the more we had contact with them, the more I realised it was so much more than that.”

Please donate generously this Hospice Awareness Week. Together, we can be there for other families who are adrift with a terminal diagnosis.

We can’t do it alone.

A DONATION IS EASY: 1. Donate online at www.waipunahospice.org.nz/hawk24ws 2. Via online banking -

Waipuna Hospice Inc | Account Number: 03 0435 0469107 02 | Ref: HAWKWS | Particulars: phone number. 3. Phone us on 07 552 4380 ext. 211 4. Or mail this coupon to Waipuna Hospice, PO Box 16299, Bethlehem, Tauranga 3147 At Waipuna Hospice we know that dying looks different for everyone, and we believe in providing people-centred care tailored to the individual, rather than simply treating the disease. As we observe Hospice Awareness Week this week, we ask you to please support Waipuna Hospice by donating. Your generosity will allow us to continue providing wrap-around care to families like the Benvies.

Waipuna Hospice patient Grahame Benvie (right) and daughter Erin Goodhue (left).

Grahame and his wife Gretchen (middle) surrounded by their family at their 50th wedding anniversary.

Patience and gentleness...

“Patience and gentleness is power” – Leigh Hunt.

Patience and gentleness tend to go together. When we are impatient, abrasive or irritable with others, we are the opposite of gentle. And this can lead to misunderstandings and dissension. e temptation to respond to a scathing comment with one equally so is tempting…

However, the ability to answer in a gentle and patient manner without condescension can often disarm the frustration in another.

And gentleness is not weakness –rather it is strength under control.

Imagine a wild and a tame horse.

Both have the same strength, however the wild one has no

New Mako robot for Grace Hospital

control while the tame, gentle horse keeps control – and in doing so is e ective. In reality, gentleness and patience are much more persuasive and convincing in a situation than forcefulness will ever be.

What areas in your life would become more attractive if more patience and gentleness were applied?

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

It’s celebration time at Grace Hospital as its newest member of “sta ” settles in and gets ready to go to work.

e new, multimilliondollar Mako Robot by Stryker will be used by the hospital’s orthopaedic team, initially for knee replacement surgery and extending to hip-joint replacements in future.

Grace Hospital general manager Janet Keys says the team are excited about the bene ts the Mako presents for patients. “ e Mako technology has been shown to support the preservation of soft tissue and healthy bone, which supports a fast recovery and positive outcome for the patient,”

says Janet. Grace was the rst hospital in New Zealand to perform robotic surgery when it invested in the Da Vinci Robot in 2007, and a team have been performing surgery with robotic assistance since then.

e investment in the Mako robot reinforces Grace’s commitment to remaining at

the forefront of technological and surgical advancements, says Janet.

Because ‘mako’ is a Māori word for shark, the Grace team have named their robot Te Ururoa — the Great White Shark — inspired by the Bay of Plenty’s resident population of the species. With more than 500 knee replacements performed at Grace Hospital at Pyes Pa every year, it’s expected Te Ururoa will be kept busy.

Te Ururoa — the Great White of Plenty’s resident population

Grace has ve surgeons quali ed and ready to perform surgery using the Mako, and it’s expected more of the hospital’s surgeons will undertake the training in the coming months.

More than one million procedures have been undertaken using the Mako technology worldwide.

Foundation wants tougher stance on salt

is Salt Awareness Week – from May 13-19 – the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand is calling for mandatory standards for the food industry to reduce salt content in processed food, to help save thousands of New Zealand lives lost or impacted by strokes each year.

Stroke Foundation NZ chief executive Jo Lambert says many Kiwis are consuming 70 per cent more than the recommended ve gram daily intake of salt every day – often unwittingly – because most of the salt we eat is hidden in the everyday packaged foods we buy.

“ e coalition Government needs to step up,

for the health of New Zealanders across the motu, and introduce mandatory standards for industry to make it easier for people to eat less salt,” says Jo. In 2021, the World Health Organisation established global sodium benchmarks, establishing safe levels of sodium, salt, in 18 food categories, using data from 41 countries.

It provided countries with the targets to help reduce national salt intake and improve population health.

“In the absence of WHO sodium benchmarks in NZ, we are left with voluntary initiatives including the Health Star Rating on food packaging and the Heart Foundation food industry programme,” says Jo.

“It’s clear these voluntary industry measures aren’t working – they are too weak and the uptake of standards by manufacturers is too slow.”

According to the foundation, only 30 per cent of intended products carried the Health Star rating in 2023 – well below the target of 50 per cent.

Jo says in this World Salt Awareness Week, the foundation is calling for the introduction of the mandatory WHO sodium benchmarks to NZ, as well as mandatory Health Star Rating on food packaging.

“With around one- fth of our population living with high blood pressure, which is the major cause of stroke, reducing our salt intake is an absolute health priority, says Jo.

“We need to be empowering people to make more informed and healthy food choices.”

Grace’s robotic theatre team prepares to put the Mako to work. Photo: supplied.

News from Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council May 2024

Te Mahere Tūroa Long Term Plan 2024-2034 Consultation

A total of 391 LTP submissions were received from individuals and groups, a record number for Toi Moana!

We would like to acknowledge everyone in the community who participated in the consultation for Te Mahere Tūroa, our draft Long Term Plan (LTP).

Regional Council will consider the information shared and gained at the LTP hearings prior to adopting the final LTP in June 2024.

The adopted LTP will cover the period 2024 – 2034 and officially starts on 1 July this year. Tā

Funding for Environmental Enhancement projects

Do you have a forward-thinking project to help improve your local community?

Apply now for up to $25,000 from the Environmental Enhancement Fund!

The EEF supports grass-roots projects that aim to improve or enhance local environments, preserve or protect the region’s natural or historic character, and use the enthusiasm and skills of the community.

Are you ready to make your environmental dreams a reality?

Apply today: boprc.govt.nz/eef

Do your bit to protect the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes

There’s a buzz of activity around the Whakatāne waterfront as construction on Stage One of Project Future Proof continues to make good progress.

Our team have answered a few FAQs about the project: What’s happened so far?

We’ve completed the sheetpile installation and are now doing earthworks to raise a section of stopbank.

Why are the sheetpiles still exposed?

The next step is to cover them in concrete. This is due to happen in June 2024.

Project Future Proof - your questions answered

Is there any risk of leaving the sheetpiles exposed?

There is no risk. The sheet piles are hard wearing and designed to be exposed to the elements.

Will the exposed sheet piles prove ineffective in a flood event?

No. The concrete cover is for looks and does not impact the overall effectiveness of the sheet piles.

Find out more, including more FAQs: boprc.govt.nz/future-proof

Boaties, jetskiers, kayakers, SUP’rs, waka ama athletes and anyone else coming to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes this winter are asked to be extra vigilant in doing all the necessary Check-Clean-Dry procedures relevant for their sport.

By following the steps you will help stop the spread of aquatic pests like gold clam.

If you’re using a Rotorua public boat ramp to launch your craft - regardless of where you have come from or how long ago you were last out - you need to self-certify that your boat and trailer are free of pest weeds and fish. If the boat is travelling from the Waikato or heading to Lake Ōkataina there are additional rules in place.

More info. on self-certifying at boprc.govt.nz/check-clean-dry

In their Sunday best for men’s health

ey’ll be polishing their pointed shoes, suiting up in their most dapper attire and riding their classic and vintage motorbikes around town in “distinguished” droves this weekend. Why? To raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men’s mental health.

e annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is the largest motorcycle charity event in the world, with more than 100 countries taking part on the same day to support the important cause.

day to support the important cause.

Damian Fleming, of Bayride Motorcycles, and Darren Leggatt are co-organisers for Tauranga’s ride, which is happening on Sunday, May 19.

‘Makes sense’

is will be Damian’s ninth year of partaking in the event. is year his personal fundraising goal is $1000.

“As men, we need to spend time looking after each other,” says Damian, who says bringing motorcycles and men’s health issues together “makes sense”.

“Men aren’t that great about talking and it’s just a good way to bring [health issues] out in the open in a more relaxed kind of way.”

More than 10 million men worldwide are living with or beyond a prostate cancer diagnosis, making it the second most common cancer found in men globally.

“ ere’s blokes I’ve talked to now that openly come into the shop and we chat about it [prostate cancer].

“ ey’re more willing to talk to guys like myself and Darren who are

Darren Leggatt and Damian Fleming will be opening conversations around men’s health as they take part in e Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride next Sunday.

Photos: John Borren.

the organisers because they know that we care and we’re here to talk.

“Encouraging men to go to the doctors every now and then and get the checks can ultimately probably save a life or two.”

Every minute, every day e other side of the coin for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is about men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

On average across the world, we lose one man to suicide every minute, every day. “Male suicide in New Zealand is pretty bad and it’s just because blokes are terrible about talking about stu ,” says Damian.

“ ey’re too blokey and men are embarrassed about talking about that sort of thing.”

Damian says DGR steers away from this, and opens conversation.

Darren Leggatt and Damian Fleming are co-organisers for Tauranga’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

“ e way we’re dressed is really disarming because we’re not in black leathers — we’re in dapper suits or chequered shirt and tie, and when we visit the locations around town we get to chat to all sorts of people and it’s really good.”

Tauranga’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is on Sunday, May 19. Funds raised will go to the Movember Foundation New Zealand. To register and take part in the ride, go to: www.gentlemansride.com

Georgia Minkhorst

Truck show to fuel gynaecological cancer

Stellar trucks, cars and bikes in all shapes and sizes will be on show this June in an e ort to raise funds for a cancer that isn’t often in the spotlight.

Josh Verity from Truck Works Mechanical in Mount Maunganui is hosting his very own truck, car and bike show on Saturday, June 29 with the support from Bryce Dinneen from C4 Events & Fundraising.

While this show will boast a range of vehicles for motorheads to check out, it will also rally funds for a good cause.

Josh has chosen to donate the event’s fundraising to Talk Peach –Gynaecological Cancer Foundation New Zealand. “My sister has Stage 2B/3A serious ovarian cancer so I thought I would raise some money for the charity that is helping her,” says Josh. “She’s been battling it for

a long time.”

Tash Crosby founded Talk Peach after she too was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016.

“We are super grateful to Josh and this incredible fundraiser.

“ ese events open up conversation and raise muchneeded funds to educate the public and support those diagnosed New Zealand-wide,” says Tash.

“It’s incredible because it’s usually women running fundraisers for it, so it was actually really nice to hear from some guys and also [fundraising with] trucks!”

ere are ve types of gynaecological cancer including ovarian, cervical, vulval, vaginal and uterine. “One New Zealander dies every day from a gynaecological cancer,” says Tash.

She believes breast cancer awareness is a great example of how talking about previously unmentioned body parts can have lifesaving e ects.

“Talking about your mammogram or your breasts is now socially okay. e goal is for chats around gynaecological cancers to be talked about too.

“[Gynae cancer] de nitely doesn’t get as much air time as some of the other cancers. Anything that helps shine a light on it de nitely makes a

di erence for us.” Truck Works Mechanical’s event will be open to everyone and there will be a mix of eateries, co ee, live entertainment and more to enjoy.

“We will also be running auctions and ra es throughout the day,” says Josh. ere will also be a range of awards for vehicles on display.

Get along to Truck Work Mechanical at 28/32 MacDonald St on Saturday, June 29, join the fun and support the cause.

Donation entry. See more information at: www.facebook. com/TruckWorksMechanical

Georgia Minkhorst

Truck Works Mechanical’s June 29 event will showcase a mix of trucks, cars and bikes. Photos: supplied.

Truck Works Mechanical’s Josh Verity is ready to rev up the truck, bike and car show at his Mount business on June 29. Photo: John Borren.

A Kenworth truck.

Practicality and efficiency at a new level

Kia Stonic is well-known and trusted among Kiwi drivers. Praised for its practicality and fuel e ciency, there is no surprise that the Stonic is one of Kia’s best-selling models in New Zealand. e LX-T trim is now on special at $29,990+ORC, so we decided to have a closer look at this compact SUV.

e look

e Kia Stonic LX-T is a great-looking car with its sports GT-Line front bumper, glossy black and dark chrome radiator grille, chrome beltline, 17-inch alloy wheels, big headlights and roof rails. is compact SUV has a sporty appearance but is high enough to provide ease of access, great visibility and to avoid scraping bumpers on steep drives. e Stonic is called an SUV for a reason, its 183mm ground clearance gives you con dence to negotiate the loose metal and roadworks so

prevalent on NZ roads at the moment.

Incredible e ciency

We mentioned earlier that the Stonic is loved by Kiwis for its low running costs and great fuel e ciency. Equipped with the 1 litre turbo engine, the Stonic LX-T o ers an impressive 6L/100km fuel consumption combined WLTP. is is on par with some hybrid models! e Idle Stop and Go system turns the engine o when the vehicle is stopped – for example, when in tra c or at the lights – to help save fuel and reduce emissions.

e Stonic also features three drive modes: normal, sport and eco, with the latter helping to achieve those frugal fuel e ciency gures.

Comfort and entertainment

We spoke to a couple of Stonic owners, and they told us one of their favourite things about this car is how easy it is to get in and out of the vehicle. ere is plenty of adjustment in both driver and passenger seats to nd a comfortable position.

When you get inside you’re greeted by an eight-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as providing smartphone connectivity, vehicle information and much more. Stonic LX-T is equipped with a reverse camera, which is easy to view thanks to the same big screen.

e instrument cluster is big and clear to read with a combination of analogue and digital elements that can be customised to your liking.

As part of the LX-T trim, you also get a GT-Line steering wheel, carbon-like dash and aluminium sports pedals which provide a modern, uncluttered sporty-looking interior. Cloth and composite leather seats are comfortable even for longer trips o ering good back and side support.

Practicality and safety

Stonic is easy to manoeuvre even in the tightest of spaces thanks to great visibility, parking sensors and a reverse camera. anks to its compact size, Stonic can be

parked in smaller garages. is car is very practical with a 332L luggage capacity that can be increased up to 1135L with the rear seats folded down.

With a ve-star ANCAP safety rating, two ISOFIX and three top tether child seat anchor points, Stonic is a great family SUV for parents to keep the family safe.

e Kia Stonic LX-T features the latest advanced safety technology, including Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Follow Assist and more.

e Kia Stonic comes with a veyear/150,000km warranty programme and ve-year roadside assist.

Kia Stonic pricing starts at $26,990+ORC for the SX model but the sweetheart in the range is the Stonic LX-T at its promotional price of $29,990+ORC given the signi cant amount of extra speci cation it comes with. Talk to the team at Tauranga Kia, 100 Hewletts Rd, Mount Maunganui, or call: 07 578 1378 to learn more and book a test drive.

Axel Smith

One very smart car

We’ve all heard the saying: “Big things come in small packages”. is most de nitely applies to the new 308 Peugeot PHEV that I had the pleasure of test driving recently.

I have driven a lot of di erent vehicles over a number of years but this is my rst experience driving a PHEV – which stands for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle – and I have to say it blew me away for several reasons.

is GT hatch is a real performer, boasting 165Kw/360Nm of combined ICE/Electric output. All that means is in either electric or hybrid setting, the powerful little hatch gives you all the get up and go you will ever need and the way it sits on the road – whether around town or out on the highway – is really impressive.

Best of both worlds

e 308 PHEV pairs a 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine to a battery electric motor combo, which gives you the best of both worlds at the ick of a button. In electric mode you get instant power with the ability to go 0-100km/hr in 7.5 seconds. Driving solely in electric mode the 308 gives you a range between 40km and 60km, which is ne for around-town runs and that makes it very economical to run; and when running in petrol mode it is still incredibly economical.

As you’d expect, when in electric mode it’s quiet – but what surprised me was when you switch to hybrid the quietness continued and that really impressed me. And if you feel like living dangerously you can ick the vehicle setting to

hybrid/sport mode and the little GT becomes a pocket rocket. I love it. Charging the 12.4kWh battery takes about seven hours overnight on a standard home power supply or around three-anda-half hours on a quick charge system.

To alleviate the fear of running out of electric charge the 308 prioritises EV driving and simply switches to petrol-electric mode.

Comfortable

Peugeot has always impressed me with its cabin layout and the 308 is up there with the best. I nd the steering wheel in Peugeot to be one of the best out there. Small and very comfortable. e busy but informative dash has every bit of information a driver needs with a clear running total of the range and charge left. e 25cm infotainment touchscreen is easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Another added feature of the 308 is the wireless phone charging.

e seats on my test drive 308 were suede and leather and were incredibly comfortable.

I felt very comfortable behind the wheel and loved how the car handled.

All up, the 308 impressed me. From the exterior design features, and there are plenty of those, to the interior quality nish and layout.

e Peugeot 308 GT Plug-In Hybrid is one very smart car. For more information about this Peugeot 308 GT Plug-In Hybrid and other models, contact Shorland Peugeot and Citroen, on: 07 579 5080 or at 619-627 Cameron Rd, Tauranga.

Brian Kelly, broadcaster and motorsport correspondent

Continuing to celebrate New Zealand Music Month, it’s time to ll what has become a gaping hole in the column’s recent content – no ‘Shadow & Light’.

Which means I’ll wait until next week to detail the end of NZMM: it’s going out with something of a hardcore bang at the Mount.

Right now let me correct an omission from back in February when I became rather focused on the

Jazz Festival and neglected to write about ‘Shadow & Light’ – a rock opera created in Tauranga by musician/ composer Kingsley Smith and lyricist Dhaivat Mehta. ey launched on digital platforms February 16. e rst ‘teaser’ track was February 6 and a couple more followed, all accompanied by simple but impressivelysophisticated AI-generated animated videos. Currently there are no fewer than 11 videos for various songs; they can be found on the ‘Shadow & Light’ Facebook page.

More mainstream

I must say, this at rst seemed to be emerging from an unlikely source.

Exploring Shadow & Light...

having composed soundtracks for various short lms; Dhaivat is known as a poet, wordsmith and storyteller.

‘Shadow & Light’ comprises 27 songs, including some shorter joining pieces. It comes in two acts and is an ambitious concept, following Agent Marcus as he discovers corruption in his agency involving human tra cking, guns and drug dealing.

ings rapidly expand to encompass an age-old conspiracy involving a secret Baal-worshipping cult, a lost key and... there’s more! Musically it leans towards epic and Gothic, although many musical genres peek in.

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I’ve written about Dhaivat and Kingsley several times; between 2018 and 2022 they performed live and released six albums and three EPs under the moniker Tryptofunk; a heavy, often explicit, bass ‘n’ words duo. If that was aimed at a niche alternative audience then ‘Shadow & Light’ is considerably more mainstream. Kingsley has experience in this world,

To realise their vision Kingsley and Dhaivat have recruited a number of singers, principal being Marilyn Collins-Smith, Brendon Maher and Brendon Nicholas. I actually mentioned Marilyn last week since her new psychedelic duo with Baz Mantis – both from e Grand Bazaar – e In’theway Mangosteen Experience plays e Jam Factory on May 24. Brendon Maher connects to this too: he sang on Baz’s gothic-metal project, D-Day Saints, though some might remember him more as the title character in Baycourt’s version of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. Brendon

Nicholas has been in many bands, currently Righteous Villains with a couple of ex-Knightshade lads.

Another rock opera

Now it’s all out there. You can read the story synopsis on Facebook and hear the whole thing on Spotify. Talk has started about plans for a future stage production; I’m sure this isn’t the last time I’ll be writing about it. Interestingly, this isn’t the only recent “rock opera”

from Tauranga. Early-2022 Michael Baxter of band e Knids, under the name One Dead Man, released ‘ e Deal’, also on Spotify, an enjoyably Steinman-esque romp featuring the vocal talents of Lara Wilson from Dead Simple, two other Knids, and... Kingsley Smith.

******************

Hear Winston’s latest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/pla ylist/5RzSYEbIyogvHD8HO 3fvtb?si=9462aeeac7854aef

Dog adoption day at Te Puna!

Animal rescue organisation Rescue, Revive, Rehome Bay of Plenty is hosting a dog adoption day this Sunday, May 19, from 11am to 2pm at Grower Direct plant nursery at Te Puna. Spokesperson Ronnie McAllum says the organisation’s fosterers will bring along a number of dogs which need homes. Everyone is invited to come and see if they can nd a new dog that ts their family and home life to adopt. More information at: www.facebook.com/RRRCanine

Kingsley Smith and Dhaivat Mehta.

Group helps migrants get settled

Finding your way around a new city or town can be tough, especially as a migrant. ankfully in Tauranga, Multicultural Tauranga is here to help. ey o er settlement services such as English conversation classes, networking opportunities, information evenings, workshops and so much more to new migrants looking to settle and migrants who are already established here in Tauranga.

e group runs a variety of educational and fun events throughout the year for migrants to socialise, learn and enjoy what Tauranga has to o er.

For those interested, they are hosting a newcomers’ evening on May 18 from 6pm at the Wesley Methodist Church hall. is will be a great opportunity to create new friendships and learn more about Multicultural Tauranga.

“ ere will be fun games

and entertainment, a delicious ai meal and a welcoming atmosphere to meet and mingle with fellow migrants settling in the Bay of Plenty,” says Multicultural Tauranga’s regional manager Premila D’Mello.

ey’re also running a Pink Ribbon High Tea on Tuesday, June 4, from 4pm to raise funds for cancer support services. Multicultural Tauranga also runs free conversation English classes, driving assistance

programmes and free women’sonly swimming sessions at Greerton pools on Wednesdays from 7pm-8pm in collaboration with Bay Venues.

“We are currently running a 10-week welcoming programme for women to help migrant women to become familiar and con dent about living in this the BOP area.”

You can nd out all about their services at: www.trmc.co.nz and on Facebook.

A showcase of classical masterpieces

Opus Orchestra is thrilled to announce its upcoming concert series, ‘Matthias Balzat: Joie de Vivre’, featuring a vibrant showcase of classical masterpieces. is exceptional programme highlights the extraordinary talents of cellist Matthias Balzat, a prodigious talent who cut his teeth in the cello section of Opus Orchestra. e concert programme includes the Egmont Overture by Ludwig van Beethoven, Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 46 by Henri Vieuxtemps, Music for Jonny by Ross Harris and Symphony No. 1 in C major by Georges Bizet.

Matthias Balzat, celebrated for his role as both an accomplished alumnus of Opus Orchestra and a winner of prestigious competitions including the

National Concerto Competition, is returning from Europe to dazzle New Zealand audiences once again.

“ e music was in his body, his ngers and his brain as if it could be no other way,” says Tony Ryan from Radio NZ.

“ e cello seemed like an extension of his body and, for the rst time any cares I had about the acoustic, the instrument, the work, the age of the player, or anything else, totally disappeared.”

Matthias will perform in Hamilton on May 24 from 7.30pm at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, and in Rotorua on May 25 from 3pm and May 26 from 2pm at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre.

Join Opus Orchestra for a series of unforgettable concerts lled with Matthias Balzat’s musical mastery. For tickets and more information, visit: www.opusorchestra.co.nz

ANDREW

Showcasing music for cello and piano, Andrew Joyce and Jian Liu bring together a colourful assortment of soundbites from around the globe.

Matthias Balzat is celebrated for his virtuosity and passion, with the cello like an extension of his body.

Three incredible classical music concerts that highlights our local, youth and international talent!

Multicultural Day, celebrated on the last Friday of August by Multicultural Tauranga. Photo: supplied.

Acclaimed cellist Matthias Balzat. Photo: supplied.

Whether it be winter, spring, autumn or summer, the quality and care Mike Savage brings during the celebration of your loved one’s life remains unchanged. A funeral celebrant’s role combines three qualities: being a good listener, a good writer and a good performer. Mike Savage provides these qualities

with compassion, empathy and professional skill, bolstered by his 33 years of experience as a funeral director and celebrant. He says it’s a privilege to minister to families and friends, and honour those who have passed on. “Being there in their time of need and being able to help them to celebrate their loved one’s life – that’s what I enjoy and what I was created to do,” says Mike. He is also a fully licensed marriage celebrant. If you’d like to chat with Mike, give him a call on: 022 155 7204, email: mikes53@outlook.co.nz or visit: www.mikesavagecelebrant.com

public notices

OPERATIVE TAURANGA CITY PLAN

-PLAN CHANGE 34 BELK ROAD RURAL RESIDENTIAL

-PLAN CHANGE 35 TAURIKO BUSINESS ESTATE STAGE 4 SUMMARY OF SUBMISSIONS AND CALL FOR FURTHER SUBMISSIONS

Submissions have now closed for Proposed Plan Changes 34 and 35 to the Operative Tauranga City Plan. Submission summaries have been prepared and the period for further submissions is open from Monday 20 May 2024.

The further submission period will close at 5:00pm Friday 31 May 2024.

The submission summaries and copies of the full submissions may be inspected on the Tauranga City Council website: www.tauranga.govt.nz/planchanges or during office hours at the following locations:

•Customer Service Centre, He Puna Manawa, 21 Devonport Road, Tauranga •Tauranga libraries (Greerton, Papamoa and Mount Maunganui)

Further submissions can be made either via the online submission form on Council’s website (open from Monday 20 May 2024), 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

Further Submissions should be in the format of Form 6 of the Resource Management (Forms, Fees and Procedure) Regulations 2003. Further Submission forms are available from the Customer Service Centre or those other centres listed above and the Council’s website.

Further Submissions – Statutory Limitations and Requirements:

a. A further submission must be limited to a matter in support of or in opposition to the original submission.

b. Further submissions may only be made by the following persons:

•any person representing a relevant aspect of the public interest; and/or

•any person who has an interest in the proposed Plan Change that is greater than the interest of the general public;

Your submission should identify which of these categories you consider you fall within and the reasons why.

c. If you make a further submission you must send a copy of it to the person who made the original submission not later than 5 working days after the day you have sent your further submission to the Council.

At the close of further submissions, the Council will then arrange the hearing of all submissions and further submissions received and will publicly notify the dates, times and places of the hearing.

Tauranga City Council, 21 Devonport Road

Private Bag 12022, Tauranga, Telephone 07 577 7000 www.tauranga.govt.nz

gardening recently departed

Plan Change 92 – Ōmokoroa and Te Puke Enabling Housing Supply and Other Supporting Matters

Plan Change 92 to the Western Bay of Plenty District Plan First Review is an Intensification Planning Instrument under section 80E of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

On 2 May 2024, the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform decided on the four recommendations of the Independent Hearing Panel that were rejected by Council at its meeting on 6 March 2024.

Under clause 105 of Schedule 1 of the RMA the Minister has decided to:

• Accept IHP recommendations B and C to retain Future Urban zoning in two areas, thereby rejecting the Council’s corresponding alternative recommendations

• Reject IHP recommendations A and D regarding new rules relating to railway noise and vibration and accept the Council’s alternative recommendations to not introduce a new rule on vibration (recommendation A) and introduce an amended version of the rule on noise (recommendation D) with reduced spatial applications.

Those parts of the Plan Change 92 decided on by the Minister will become operative in accordance with Clauses 20 and 105 of Schedule 1 of the RMA on Monday 27 May 2024. Where to View Decisions

The District Plan First Review as revised to incorporate the operative provisions of the Plan Change, and the associated Panel recommendations and Council and Minister decisions including reasons and alternative recommendations, can be viewed at:

• Western Bay of Plenty District Council offices at Barkes Corner, Tauranga;

• Katikati, Te Puke, Ōmokoroa and Waihī Beach Library and Service Centres;

• Council’s website www.westernbay.govt.nz/districtplanchanges

John Holyoake Chief Exective Officer

Remember the Battle of Crete

e New Zealand Battle of Crete Association will host their annual commemorative service here in Tauranga to honour the 83rd anniversary of the May 1941 battle.

NZBCA invites all Cretan, Greek, veterans, family members and the public to gather to

remember those who fought in the battle and who were held prisoner, at Mount Maunganui RSA this Sunday, May 19 at 10.30am.

Stewart Gradon, whose dad Driver JR Gradon was one of the 2080 NZ soldiers captured and taken prisoner in Crete, will attend. “He ended up surviving the rest of the war as a prisoner,” says Stewart. “It took

its toll because he was sick most of his life until he died [age 54], as a result of starvation, malnutrition etc.”

Stewart says like many returned soldiers, his dad never spoke about his involvement in the war. But Stewart is looking forward to Sunday’s gathering. “I always will learn something new every time we have a meeting.”

Local roads of national significance

is week Transport Minister

Simeon Brown announced the launch of the coalition Government’s Roads of Regional Signi cance programme.

Building world-class infrastructure is part of our plan to rebuild the economy, which is why we’re launching our Roads of Regional Signi cance programme to sit alongside Roads of National Signi cance.

e RoNS built by the previous National Government are some of the best in the country, reducing congestion and improving safety.

e National-led Government recognises the importance of Tauranga and we are committed to progressing a number of projects. is includes building a fourlane highway from Tauranga to Ōmokoroa, the Takitimu Northern Link Stages 1 and 2. It also includes Tauriko West Enabling Works, which will allow for 2400 new homes to be built in

Tauriko and set the foundations for a four-lane highway over State Highway 29. We are also progressing a key RoRS by dramatically upgrading the intersection of SH1 and SH29 and proceeding with four lanes from Cambridge to Pairere. is is all part of our big-picture goal to have a four-lane highway from Whangārei to Tauranga. We recognise infrastructure is crucial to growing our economy, ensuring that our cities and regions are well-connected and thriving. We are providing much-needed certainty of delivery to communities across the country that will bene t from these roading investments. We are focused on growing our economy so we can reduce the cost of living crisis and fund the schools and hospitals that our community need.

Churches Active In Our Community

A young man, the youngest of 12 sons and the favourite son of his father, was sold into slavery.

He became a servant in the house of one of the most prominent men in the country. He served well and was soon in charge of all the household a airs. But he was thrown in prison, the result of a false accusation. However, through an amazing turn of events, the most powerful man in the land called for him because he wanted to see him. It happened quickly and without warning. But the young man wisely shaved, cleaned himself up, changed out of his prison clothes and put on clothing suitable to gain access and be presented to the King of the nation. is young man, whose name is Joseph, was prepared. He couldn’t just turn up in his prison garb, all dirty and smelly, and unshaven. at would not be acceptable. Joseph had what was necessary to be granted access to the King’s palace, and for a presentation to the King.

Most people want to have access to the King’s palace – heaven – and they would want to be presented to the King – God. But without the proper clothing, we’ll never get in.

ankfully, Christ has already provided us with the just the right out t to give us access to the palace, heaven, and to grant us a presentation before the King –God the Father. It’s the clothing of forgiveness and acceptance Jesus gives to us, when we simply ask.

Suda Bay War Cemetery in Crete, a resting place to NZ, Australian and British soldiers of WWII.