The Weekend Sun - 31 May 2024

Reverend John Hebenton, the vicar of St George’s Anglican Church at Gate Pā, Tauranga, is retiring after 12 years of dedicated service to the parish. His nearly four decades in ministry have been marked by his compassionate leadership, quiet humour and unwavering

dedication to young people, and for his legacy to this congregation and the wider Tauranga community.

John’s retirement signi es a signi cant transition for St George’s, a parish situated on the historic site of the Battle of Gate Pā /Pukehinahina.

Re ecting on his long career and his time at Gate Pā, John describes his ministry as an “outrageous 40 years” lled with growth, challenges, and profound connections.

He recounts his initial challenges and the rapid immersion into parish activities

and recalls the importance of the historic site and their purpose of reconciliation, a mission clearly stated above the church door: “All who enter here will be reconciled”.

Read more on page 4-5.

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Grief – I’m brumotactillophobic

Love satay, crave gado gado, adore salted peanuts… BUT…despise, hate, loathe peanut butter.

Figure that.

en a 500ml jars of Pic’s extra crunchy was marked down 40 per cent at the local ‘shop and bleed’. But I love a bargain, so after 70 years of hating peanut butter, I gave Pics a chance.

It was full immersion – I got a tablespoon full and gobbed it. ree days later the jar was empty. Great! Another addiction.

And one clear glass peanut butter jar amongst all the green bottles in the recycling bin.

at got us talking about weird and wonderful food combinations – the nutcase things that otherwise quite sane, rational people sneakily do with food.

Sneakily, because they’re embarrassed.

A friend – which makes it sound like I have more than one – smears peanut butter on scrambled eggs.

“Well, I love eggs and I love peanut butter. So combine the two and double the pleasure.”

Taste aside, imagine what it looks like –a ritual disembowelling?

You’d only do that at home, never while breakfasting down e Strand.

“Will Madame be having beurre d’arachide with her oeufs brouilles this morning?”

Of course she won’t.

‘Student food’

But what possessed someone in the rst place to try peanut butter on their scrambled eggs?

Why did they think that would be a good idea?

Here’s another crazy o ce combo.

Buttered toast with peanut butter.

Good so far.

en sieve out the noodles from two minute noodles and put them on top. And add chopped frankfurters.

Umm… why?

“Student food,” I am told.

“Poor man’s chicken satay. Frankfurters only when I could a ord them.”

A real explanation is a craving for weird food combinations may signal something is out of balance. But it doesn’t mean that person needs a certain type of food.

A crazy craving may point to dehydration, stress or sleep deprivation.

“Garcon, I am thirsty, uptight and tired.

“Scrambled eggs slathered with peanut butter s’il vous plait.”

What about the guy who absolutely refuses to eat a meat pie – crap food, junk, unhealthy – but two or three times a week he will snack on mince savouries.

“Smaller so they’re not as bad.”

Is that what they call deductive fallacy?

It’s kind of like saying: ‘Dogs have four legs, dogs are animals so all animals have four legs’.”

Strawberries with black pepper

Here’s a family recipe which may not catch on.

“I like toast, margarine and marmite with a chopped hard-boiled egg on top.”

She’s a uni student and with those dietary preferences will easily survive in a student at.

Strawberries with black pepper. Why?

A food snob tell us the black pepper neutralises tartness, minimises overly sweet elements and makes the strawberry avour shine through.

How about uncooked pastry? is hankering started when a mother made a pie and child would nick the o cuts.

“As a kid I played with brightly coloured dough and thought it looked good enough to eat.”

It was, she did, and still does.

Vinegar

I have my own whacko food habit. Every time I go into the pantry I will take a swig of any sort of vinegar. Just love the sour pungent aroma and acidity.

Glug, glug, glug.

I developed this weirdness nicking Dad’s pickled onions from a large crock in the cellar as a kid.

Eggs – cooked any way with tomato sauce.

Butter – rolled into a ball, coated with sugar, refrigerated and sco ed.

Toast – buttered hot and smeared with vanilla or hokey pokey icecream?

Wa e – lled with pasta sauce.

Parmesan optional.

Porridge – with a nob of butter or a st full of chilli akes.

Butter – grab a slice, au naturale, hook in. Apples – with salt and pepper.

Sugar – a spoonful with 100s & 1000s sandwiches.

Cottage cheese – with tomato sauce. Popcorn – with tomato sauce leftover from the cottage cheese.

Ice cream – with soy sauce of course. Hot cross buns with cheese and marmite. Now I have learned a couple of things about myself while cobbling this nonsense together.

One is I am mildly brumotactillophobic – I have an irrational fear of di erent food items touching each other on my plate. I am a separationist.

It’s a mild manifestation of obsessive compulsive disorder, to go with my more obvious and di cult to live with aws. And I am de nitely mortuusequusphobic – literal Latin for dead horse phobia I believe – ‘dead horse’ being Aussie slang for tomato sauce.

I don’t fear tomato sauce, I just don’t like it.

I prefer to drown my food with Sriracha, HP or L&P. Or my mum’s beetroot relish on poached eggs until it looks like a car crash.

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

SH2 residents continue to fight SH2 residents continue to fight

After yet another meeting this week to stop median barriers that will restrict access to their homes, residents of Work Rd and Lund Rd wait with bated breath for Waka Kotahi’s decision.

As part of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s safety improvement works to SH2, the entity plans to install 8km of median barriers along this highway between Wharawhara Rd and Morton Rd, starting mid this year. Waka Kotahi’s director of regional relationships for BOP and Waikato David Speirs says the project is in the construction phase and well progressed. “ e roundabouts currently being built are to enable median barrier installation, as they provide safe turnaround points. Four roundabouts have already been built and the fth (of six in total) are in construction.”

Residents of roads adjacent to SH2 are strongly opposed to the median barriers going ahead. ey will prevent right-hand turns onto residential roads including Work Rd and Lund Rd – meaning “another seven kilometres” of travel, says former WBOP District councillor Mike Williams, who lives o a side road from Work Rd.

Mike says Waka Kotahi is “oblivious” to the community’s concerns surrounding the median barriers. “One of the concerns is inability of emergency vehicles to get to people, res, the extra kilometres travelled by residents, tradies, truckies – you name it. Anyone who comes up the road is going to have to travel a lot further...”

Gino de Graaf lives on Lund Rd, which will

also be impacted by median barriers and is a rural contractor. “From a work point of view it’s quite disruptive. I’m one of many that work as a rural provider to orchards like mulchers, shelterbelt trimmers – all these people need to access these roads for their work.” Gino says the extra distance he will need to drive due to the median barriers will “certainly add cost”. “Whether I absorb it or I pass it on – it’s going to inconvenience my work.

“And it’s not just during my busy period – I do a lot of visits, not just one-o s.”

David says the improvements on SH2 are evidence-based road design. “ e original widening project (completed in 2023) would achieve a 44 per cent reduction in deaths and serious injuries [DSIs], the addition of median barrier is predicted to reduce DSIs by 75 per cent,” says David. “ is equates to around 60 deaths and serious injuries prevented over 10 years.”

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson says he’s been advocating against this plan in the format being promoted by NZTA since its inception.

“I will continue to encourage NZTA to take a more practical approach and will keep Simeon Brown’s attention on this as well.”

Transport Minister Simeon Brown says: “I have asked NZTA to look at the impact the proposed barriers have on access to residents on side streets o SH2.” Mike says the last o cial meeting to attend ahead of SH2 median barrier construction will be at a public forum at WBOP council on Tuesday, June 4.

*Read this story in full at: www.sunlive.co.nz

Georgia Minkhorst

SH2 side road residents Gino de Graaf, Mike Williams and Kirsten Warbooke at the Lund Rd/SH2 intersection.

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Mauao vandalism

A new way nding sign on Mauao at Mount Maunganui has been vandalised, drawing outrage from local leaders.

Mauao trustee Buddy Mikaere has expressed deep frustration upon learning that the sign has been defaced with stickers. Buddy says stickers are challenging to remove and laments that this form of protest has been ongoing for months, as reported by regular walkers on Mauao.

Buddy thanks the council sta for their e orts in cleaning the signs and urges witnesses to report any vandalism to the ranger station at the bottom of Mauao. Vandalism can be reported to TCC via the Antenno app.

Covid spikes to highest levels

New Zealand is experiencing its highest peak in Covid-19 cases since December 2022, says Professor Michael Baker.

Last week, the Ministry of Health reported 6146 new cases of the virus and 19 further deaths. at’s a substantial increase on the number of cases reported the previous week – which stood at 3922.

e data came from wastewater testing, says Michael, but hospitalisations are also up. “We’re up to about 35 people a day going to hospital with this infection.” Despite the recommended isolation period now only being ve days, Baker suggests people still getting a positive Covid-19 test wait to test again on day 6 or 7 before going back into society.

Te Puna Station Rd closure

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is considering closing Te Puna Station Rd to vehicles permanently. Under the proposal, which is part of council’s Long-Term Plan 2024-2034, the shared path for cyclists and pedestrians would remain open but be moved to the western side of the road. “ is is the lowest cost option and would reduce the impact of future slips on road users,” says WBOPDC director transportation Calum Mclean. In October 2022, storms caused signi cant damage to Te Puna Station Rd and in January 2023 further storms led to a closure of a 600m section of the road.

Whooping cough spike ere’s been a spike in whooping cough cases, a potentially fatal disease for babies.

Health NZ Te Whatu Ora sent a noti cation to GPs, hospitals and hauora Māori clinics on ursday warning them to lookout for the disease – also known as pertussis – and to protect the most vulnerable.

In May 58 cases were formally noti ed, the highest since the start of 2020. Immunisation Taskforce chairman and Māori paediatrician Owen Sinclair says whooping cough levels have been relatively low since Covid-19 began. May cases were in Wairarapa (12), Canterbury (10), Capital Coast and Hutt Valley (8), Counties Manukau (5), Lakes (4), Bay of Plenty (4), Tai Rāwhiti (4), Auckland (4), Waikato (3), Hawke’s Bay (3), Waitematā (1).

Reverend John Hebenton retires

Saying goodbye to nearly 40 years of Anglican ministry – including 12 years based at St George’s Anglican Church at Gate Pā – is a decision

Reverend John Hebenton and his parishioners have marked this week with a liturgical farewell.

With a service led by Bishop Andrew Hedge, the gathered congregation expressed sadness at the end of John’s tenure, with some older members lamenting that he would not be there to conduct their funerals.

As of now, there are no immediate plans to replace him, and the parish will rely on a roster of available priests and several lay leaders to maintain church activities.

“It’s an interesting time for the Anglican church in Tauranga.

“ e vicar at the Mount is retiring in a month,” says John.

“ e other full-time priest is going to run a roster of available priests who will help out in the parish on a roster system for communion services. Lay leaders will organise non-Eucharist services.”

Unexpected

John’s path to ministry was unexpected.

Growing up in Wellington, he initially pursued a career as a science teacher and was involved in the Anglican Society at Victoria University. However, a profound experience at St Paul’s Symonds St in Auckland, suggested by both his charismatic and Anglican friends, led him to realise his calling to priesthood.

“I had this overwhelming sense that I was going to be ordained, that this is what God wanted for me,” he recalls.

Despite initial reluctance, John felt an overwhelming sense of purpose, leading him to St John’s eological College in 1984.

His career began as a curate in Feilding, followed by running Wellington Diocesan adventure camps and youth ministry alongside his wife, Bonnie.

Nearly 13 years ago, he was invited by Bishop David Rice to serve as the vicar of the Anglican Parish of Gate Pā, a role that signi cantly shaped his ministry.

“I hadn’t been a vicar before, so coming to Gate Pā, I had to work out what that means,” says John.

“I started just before Lent, which for us Anglicans is a big deal. We were straight into it, and it took me a while before I worked out what I was doing.”

During his time at Gate Pā, John was appointed Minister Provincial for the Anglican Franciscans in the Paci c region, covering the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Polynesia, and New Zealand, and then Minister General for the world.

His retirement was initially planned for last year but was extended due

to the Covid-19 pandemic and his commitment to seeing through the 160th commemoration of the Battle of Gate Pā in April 2024.

Signi cant achievement

John’s collaboration with Buddy Mikaere and the iwi for the 150th commemoration of the Battle of Gate Pā stands out as a signi cant achievement. e church became a hub of activity, hosting meetings, practices, and media operations, exemplifying their commitment to the community.

“It was amazing to watch. It was such an important day to be part of.”

John’s impact extended to educational initiatives, including the annual ‘Remember the Battles’ services and a popular lecture series on the battles of Gate Pā and Te Ranga, and the Treaty of Waitangi. ese events drew large crowds and

Rev John Hebenton inside St George’s Anglican Church in Gate Pā Photos: John Borren.

“I had this overwhelming sense that I was going to be ordained, that this is what God wanted for me”

highlighted the church’s role in honouring local history and fostering understanding.

“It’s been really good, people have appreciated it, and it’s been an important part of honouring those stories.”

John and his wife Bonnie, who will continue teaching at Merivale School, plan to remain in their home near Bayfair Shopping Centre.

John intends to take time to recover from an upcoming surgery before contemplating the future. “We’ll see what next year brings,” he says.

Grateful

Looking forward, John is eager to focus on two key areas: the history of Tauranga City and the Treaty of Waitangi, and climate change. He remains grateful for the support and collaboration of the Gate Pā parish, particularly their e orts in building relationships with Ngāti Ranginui.

“I may have had all sorts of ideas, but the parish were already doing some of that work and building those

relationships particularly with Ngāti Ranginui.

“I have come and added some bits to work they were already doing.”

Among the many aspects of his ministry, John will miss the annual SPCA Animal Blessing service and the All Souls’ service for those who have experienced loss. ese services were crafted to be more community-focused, re ecting the church’s broader mission. e All Souls’ service, in particular, provided solace to many hurting people and was a testament to the parish’s outreach.

“ ere’s been a lot of hurting people.

“To o er that has been important.”

After presiding over his last service, John formally concluded his ministry on May 26 with a symbolic liturgy that marked the end of his time at Gate Pā and the end of his ministry.

“It will look di erent going forward,” he acknowledges.

While his future plans remain open, his legacy of faith, service, and community engagement will continue to inspire those at St George’s.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Rev John Hebenton in front of the stained glass window at St George’s Anglican Church in Gate Pā.

Love for Mount Maunganui captured in mosaic

More than 18,000 teeny tiny tiles have come together to form a glittering ode to the place they love to call home.

Phil and Katie Maber are proud ‘Mounties’ living across from the Maunganui Rd McDonald’s, and have spent months creating a unique nine-metre mosaic driveway for local passersby to enjoy.

Inspiration to create this mosaic masterpiece came when Phil and

Katie were tripping down south and visited e Giant’s House in Akaroa – a wonderful, internationally recognised mosaic garden created by artist Josie Martin.

“We saw that she had mosaic paths, fences – everything! So we came up with the idea that it would be really cool to do something like that at home,” says Katie.

Phil says the whole mosaic artwork took three months to create.

“We started on January 22 [2024] and we nished on April 17.”

Tauranga

May only!

He has individually counted each of the tiles and says there are more than 18,000!

e project tallied up to $6000 for all of the tiles, glue and grout – not including their labour.

When the couple set to work, they put up a big tarpaulin up so people couldn’t see what they were up to.

“Even when friends and family came around [we] would keep it covered, saying: ‘It’s a surprise’,” says Katie.

She is a hobbyist painter and took the artistic lead with the driveway, sketching out the di erent images with chalk for Phil to then meticulously place each tile. A real beach baby, the driveway depicts everything from jandals, seagulls and seahorses to a sherman hauling in a big catch to Mount Maunganui overlooking Pilot Bay and more!

“It’s like a present to the Mount people really,” says Katie. “Just to represent all the fun things and how good it is to live in the Mount.

“We love the Mount.”

When the sun hits the golden pieces within the mosaic, it gives o an iridescent sparkle.

“On a dull day it’s not quite so shiny, but on a beautiful day you can just see the gold and all that coming out of the tiles,” says Phil.

Even though it might look too pretty to drive on, the driveway is fully functional.

“I drive my car on it all the time – into the garage, and out of the garage. People park on it even with bigger vehicles and it seems to be absolutely ne. Nothing’s cracked,” says Katie.

After unveiling their creative work with a special ribbon cutting and sausage sizzle, Phil and Katie shared the driveway on mosaic Facebook pages.

“We just got heaps and heaps of comments about how much people liked it,” says Katie.

“In a world where there’s a lot of doom and gloom at times – this is a happy, positive thing.”

Georgia Minkhorst

Phil and Katie Maber with their colorful mosaic driveway in Mount Maunganui.

Photo: John Borren.

Seeing beyond the normal Seeing beyond the normal

Orange orbs of light oat and radiate in the depths of darkness. Is it a trick of the light? Or could it be something more?

Esco-tera co ee club Tauranga is a social club open to anyone with an interest in the paranormal or UFO activity, or X-Files enthusiasts. is club is run by Daniel, who wishes to omit his surname and refrained from being photographed by e Weekend Sun, keeping an air of anonymity.

e 42-year-old says he has had a fascination with the extraterrestrial and paranormal world since he was a young boy. “I used to like the early X-Files and things to do with time – just di erent ways of looking at the world, like time and portals.

“Sometimes time can slow down, sometimes it can speed up.

“We’re all interfacing with the matrix, but it’s trying to understand what exactly it is at a

Co ee Club talks all things UFO and paranormal.

molecular level. And like, who knows where you go when you die?”

As you can imagine, the club delves into some pretty profound rabbit holes of conversation. “I just lose myself where I go sometimes. It gets quite deep.”

So has Daniel had his own paranormal or UFO experience? “I’ve seen a few, like orange orbs in the distance from the house.

“ ey all sort of clumped together and then they dispersed sort of slowly, but they were very large, orange, and sort of circular in nature.

“I was getting the feeling that they were paranormal. ere was something going on there.”

Daniel says the group is open to anyone and you don’t have to be an Einstein, yet “an open mind would go down a treat”.

e Te Puke community is being asked to help map out their town’s future, by ‘walking the walk’.

Consultation recently opened on the Te Puke Spatial Plan, which will form a blueprint for future growth of the town during the next 30-50 years.

A walkable giant aerial map of Te Puke, which will be on display at the Te Puke War Memorial Hall from May 28 until June 20, shows a wide range of landmarks and features, from reserves, halls and community gardens, to schools,

churches and marae. Sta and members of the Te Puke Spatial Plan sub-committee will be at the following locations to hear feedback and answer questions. Catch them on June 28 from 10am-4pm, Te Kete Matariki, Jubilee Park. Or Walk the Giant Map on Tuesdays 10am-1pm, Wednesdays 12pm-3pm and ursdays 2pm-5pm at Te Puke War Memorial Hall until June 20.

Feedback closes at June 30, 5pm. Give feedback online at: www. haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz

Days and times are negotiable for Esco-tera co ee club Tauranga. To connect with like-minded people, contact Daniel on: 022 462 3316. Georgia

Minkhorst

e Esco-tera

Photo: John Borren.

New developments at Te Puna Quarry Park

Volunteers have been busy at Te Puna Quarry Park improving facilities and adding attractions to the Western Bay of Plenty recreation grounds.

Te Puna Quarry Park president Shona Purves says volunteers have been working hard on some exciting new developments.

“Volunteers have been involved with the installation of a double electric barbecue at the amphitheatre. Some landscaping is ongoing but the barbecue is now available for public use,” says Shona.

“A large covered area over the installation plus the Green Room shelter next to the barbecue provides seating for a reasonable-sized party. [So] along with the amphitheatre we now have an amazing multiuse function centre.”

Meanwhile, Shona says another group of volunteers have been working for some time

on the extension of the sensory garden at the main gate.

“Several large raised garden beds with a cobbled pathway connecting them all has tidied up the main entrance signi cantly. ese beds will be planted shortly.”

And there’s a new sculpture.

“While at the park make sure you search out our latest sculpture installation,” says Shona. “A large skink, fashioned from reinforced steel rods, has appeared in the undergrowth. is is yet another amazing creation from our talented volunteer Mike McCarthy.

“And we thank our sponsors e Lion Foundation, Pub Charity, TECT, Grassroots Trust and WBOP District Council in this latest venture.”

Te Puna Quarry Park – located at 110 Te Puna Quarry Rd – is open all day, every day, with free admission. Ayla Yeoman on

Honouring their teammate a year later

One year on from the loss of their team mate Tere Livingstone – aka ‘Ted’ – the Pāpāmoa Bulldogs club is hosting a rugby league festival to share the game they love and raise concussion awareness.

Next Saturday, June 8, Gordon Spratt Reserve will be a hub of

sports, with the Pāpāmoa Bulldogs running three senior rugby league games. e match balls and a karakia will be presented by Ted’s whānau at 12.50pm, before kicking o at 1pm.

“We want to celebrate his [Tere’s] legacy and also sport in this community,” says Pāpāmoa Bulldogs chairman and rugby league player Anthone Sims.

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A tough year

It was June 10 last year when Tere was critically injured on the eld while playing for Pāpāmoa Bulldogs during a shield rugby league competition at Tauranga’s Mitchell Park.

e 32-year-old subsequently passed away ve days later at Waikato Hospital with scans revealing a major brain injury. “Last year was tough… we lost a couple of players because they couldn’t carry on and our season was more focused on mental health,” says Anthone.

e team is back in full force for 2024’s games however, with un nished business, says Anthone. “ is year we’re back on board and pretty much giving it our best shot on and o the eld.

“We’ve just got to keep going.”

Support and connection

Anthone says one of his main hopes for the June 10 festival is to promote rugby league as a community sport. “It’s not always a bad sport. “ ere’s always a lot of manaaki/support and whakawhānautanga/building connections included too. We’re trying to get more people down to come watch and support the game in general.”

At 1pm on June 8, the Pāpāmoa Bulldogs will verse Forestland Falcons, while the cousin-like club e Tauranga Whalers will play Tauhara te Maunga. en at 2.30pm in the premiere grade Mangakino Hawks and Forestland Falcons will battle it out. “New Zealand Rugby League will also be present to help facilitate the day, so it should be a good opportunity for all people to get involved.”

Concussion awareness

e event will also raise awareness about concussion, says Anthone. He believes the best way

to reduce concussion harm is by players having body awareness on the eld.

“ e main issue is trying to teach the right technique, but sometimes it just happens when there’s a lot of close contact or friendly re.”

After Tere’s passing, Anthone says there was “de nitely a wake-up call” in the rugby league community. “Each game is video recorded since Ted [Tere] because it gives insurance on any issues that can occur, just so there’s video proof behind everything.

“ ere’s been a shift in knowledge because you also make the players and aware, not just the managers. Clubs receive a booklet that gets handed out now so more people are aware of what the signs of concussion are and how to treat it.

“In saying that, we have more rst aid on the side-line as well.”

Fundraising

Amongst the sport on June 8 there will be food stalls, fundraising, ra es and apparel to give support to Tere’s family. “We are really fortunate that Ted’s family are supportive of us and happy to be a part of the weekend too. We have some great volunteers in the club as well helping with the day.”

Pāpāmoa Rugby Club and Pāpāmoa Football will also be playing games on the day. “Gordon Spratt Reserve as a whole is going to be really buzzing with sport… it’s going to be great to see,” says Anthone. “I keep in contact with the rugby and soccer chairmans as well to ensure we have a smooth day as a community.”

e rugby league games will be played on elds three and four – the back elds towards the college – at Gordon Spratt Reserve from 12.50pm on Saturday, June 8.

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Georgia Minkhorst

Pāpāmoa Bulldogs club captain and life member Johnny Kelly and chairman and rugby league player Anthone Sims with a photo of Tere Livingstone, who passed away last year. Photo: John Borren.

Commuter ferry could set sail in Tauranga

A ferry service between Mount Maunganui and Tauranga could be on the way in 2025.

Auckland water taxi company

Hauraki Express is prepared to build two ferries for the service if local councils will subsidise the fares.

It would begin as a two-year trial with the goal of becoming a permanent service that could expand to include new routes in time, says Hauraki Express director Peter Bourke.

e ferries would run from Salisbury Wharf in downtown Mount Maunganui to Tauranga city centre.

Tauranga City Council agreed to fund half of the costs of a ferry trial for passengers and bikes at a meeting last week. But their agreement is contingent on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council paying the other half. e maximum cost for each council would be $1.4m over the two years.

Peter says the fare would cost around $6 and the trip between Tauranga and Mount Maunganui would take around 17 minutes each way.

30 people, 15 bikes

e fully-enclosed ferries would have seating for 30 people

rather than a port city.”

and space for 15 bikes.

Peter’s daughter Amy, who lives in Tauranga, saw an opportunity for their family business after looking at previous studies, he says.

A November 2023 feasibility report by the regional council said there would be signi cant cost barriers with ferry operations.

e cost to the regional council if it were to buy and re t three vessels would have been $4.5m with an annual running cost of $700,00. is could have made the fare for a single trip $404 on one of the proposed routes if patronage was low.

Smaller vessels

Hauraki Express is willing to take on the operational costs and build the ferries if councils

are willing to subsidise the fares, says Peter.

“We’ve fully analysed the feasibility of a simple, small and economical ferry service.”

e smaller vessels would be cheaper to run but still cater for the demand, says Peter.

ey would also need the support of the community if the trial was to be a success, he says.

“We’ll take the risk, but give us your support.”

Special projects manager Amy Bourke says she and her young family faced daily challenges of congestion.

“We see this as an innovative solution. It’s looking at a problem a little bit di erently.”

e ferry would facilitate mode-shift, getting people using alternative modes of transport from cars, she says. “We want to make Tauranga a harbour city,

Peter says many people see the harbour as something they have to drive around to get to their destination. “We want to turn that into an opportunity rather than a hindrance.”

At the city council meeting, commissioner Stephen Selwood said it is a great opportunity to test the market for a ferry service through a public private partnership.

Commission chair Anne Tolley said the councils had been talking about getting ferries back into the harbour for three to four years.

e investment from both councils wasn’t huge and a two year trial was su cient to see if it would work, she said. “I think we should literally get on with it, it would be a pretty popular decision for us to make.”

e regional council will decide whether to fund their half at a meeting in early June.

If the councils agree to subsidise fares, Peter says they aim to have the service running by Easter 2025.

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

A ferry trip between Tauranga and Mount Maunganui could take 17 minutes. Photo: John Borren.

‘Piglet’

Meet Piglet, the fourmonth-old female pup, who was scooped up by a kind member of the public and taken to the SPCA to receive the love and care she needed. But don’t let Piglet’s name fool you –she’s brave and loves to lead the way! Piglet loves people and attention and will do almost anything for belly rubs.

She’ll make a loving family pup. Piglet is still a baby so needs a home where someone can be around often while she settles in. Piglet loves adventures and can’t wait for a family to take her to the park and beach! Meet Piglet today and be won over instantly by her charm! Phone the SPCA on: 07 578 0245. Ref: 606955.

Upskill on how to support children affected by suicide

WLG

577 0923 tauranga mp@parliament govt nz

Two enlightening workshops in Tauranga next month will be hosted for professionals and parents to better support children a ected by suicide.

Grief Support Services is hosting the Supporting Children A ected by Suicide: Insights from Bereaved Children for parents on ursday, June 13, from 7pm-9pm at the Western Bay of Plenty RTLB Service in Greerton.

manager Ana Toneato says both workshops will be run by renowned speaker Dr Shelley Brunskill-Matson and promise invaluable insights and practical strategies drawn from her 20-plus years’ experience in suicide postvention and support.

“Shelley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to these workshops, ensuring attendees leave equipped with actionable insights to make a positive di erence in the lives of suicidebereaved children,” says Ana.

child; identify practical ways to support children to foster feelings of care and support; and nd solace and support in the shared experiences of fellow parents and caregivers.

e following day, on Friday, June 14, from 9.30am-12.30pm, Mattering-reinforcing Care: A New Approach to Supporting Children A ected by Suicide is for professionals – including principals, teachers, counsellors, and other caring practitioners –in the WBOP.

Grief Support Services general

“Both sessions are free of charge, but space is limited – so please register in advance. It is advisable to secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.”

For the parents’ workshop, objectives include being able to comprehend the signi cance of care and support from the perspective of a suicide-bereaved

e professionals’ workshop objectives are understanding the principles of matteringreinforcing care and its signi cance to children; identifying practical applications of mattering-reinforcing care in professional environments; and to gain con dence in providing caring and supportive environments for suicidebereaved children.

Both workshops are at the WBOP RTLB Service, 238 Chadwick Rd, Greerton. Get tickets – registration is free – at: www.griefsupport.org.nz or phone Grief Support Services on: 07 578 4480.

Six candidates confirmed for two Western Bay seats

Nominations have closed for the two Western Bay of Plenty District Council byelections, with six candidates con rmed for the two vacant seats.

Standing for the Maketu-Te Puke councillor seat are Bernard Holmes, Laura Rae, and Anthony Wihapi. ose running for the Ōmokoroa Community Board seat are Chris Dever, Steven Ling and Murray Marshall.

Postal ballots will be held for the electors

of the two ward areas, with voting opening on Wednesday, June 26, and closing midday, ursday, July 18.

A byelection was called for the Maketu-Te Puke councillor seat after councillor Richard Crawford died in March. e Ōmokoroa Community Board seat became vacant following the resignation of Greig Neilson in April.

Residents of the two areas who don’t receive a postal voting ballot by July 1 should call: 0800 922 822 or email: info@electionservices.co.nz

John wins Best Photographer

For the third year in a row, e Weekend Sun photographer John Borren has been named Best Photographer at the New Zealand Community Newspaper Association Awards.

e accolade – which John also won in 2021 and 2022 – was announced at the association’s awards night on May 24. e runner-up was Troy Baker of Beacon Media Group.

Judges’ comments on John’s portfolio of six photographs say:

“Outstanding photography for a community newspaper. Stunning composition and colour. ese are images that would stop a reader in their tracks and demand they engage with the page”.

“Extremely high-quality work.”

Responding to the win, John says: “After 40 years, I still treasure that magic moment when a good picture presents itself to a photographer and I then see it on the front page. I still get the buzz.”

e Weekend Sun editor Merle Cave says John is talented, intuitive, professional, passionate and immensely skilled at photography. “He really has a unique way of capturing people that brings their stories to life on the page. As such, the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty community is so lucky to have the quality of photographer we have in John.

“A massive congratulations to John for being recognised nationally for his talents.”

Call on an experienced, honest professional

inking of selling? Diane

Hurds eld says: ‘Let’s talk!’

“Call me to speak to an experienced, honest and professional salesperson.

“I can o er you a fair rate of commission, a free marketing package, great communication, knowledge of our local market and bags of energy!”

Selling what is usually your largest asset can be overwhelming –let Diane walk with you through the process to ensure the best possible outcome, without incurring

huge fees. Not sure where to start? Call Diane for a no-obligation property appraisal, see how your property compares with others either selling or sold recently in your area.

“It is a big ask to decide when and if to sell, unfortunately there are no crystal balls in real estate.

“ e best time to sell is when you are ready to do so.”

ere are lots of options, let Diane work with you to nd the best strategy for the marketing of your property, right up to sale time.

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for third time in a row!

Achieving real estate success

Selling your home isn’t something you do every day, and can often feel daunting. With a genuine compassion for people, Rachel Cole makes sure to take the stress away from this process.

As a real estate agent with more than nine years of experience, Rachel brings a point of di erence with the service she provides.

“I o er, free no-obligation market appraisals with a view to help people see what their property is worth, no pressure and then keep them updated,” says Rachel.

She says that she keeps clients fully updated during the selling process so there’s nothing to be stressed about. “I give all the information so clients can make well informed decisions and then achieve real estate success together.

“I’m more than happy to help, so feel free to phone for a chat!”

To get in touch with Rachel, see her advert on this page.

Rachel Cole is ready to chat and help with any of your questions.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the passage of new legislation giving the New Zealand Superannuation Fund a wider range of investment opportunities.

e New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income (Controlling Interests) Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament earlier this week. “ e bill removes a section in the original act that prohibited the fund from taking a controlling interest in an entity,” says Willis.

“ e change re ects the fund’s growing maturity and will give the

Super fund investment flexibility Costly mistakes help SPCA

fund’s manager the exibility it needs to manage direct investments in line with global best practice.”

Willis says the original Act re ected the newness of the fund and the relatively small exposure to direct investments that was considered best practice in 2001, but the prohibition was no longer required.

e amendment bill does not change the fund’s mandate. It is still required to invest on a prudent commercial basis. e amendments to the Act will come into force the day after the bill receives the Royal assent.

e Tauranga SPCA is $300 richer thanks to mistakes made by Pāpāmoa bowlers.

e bowling club at Gordon Spratt Reserve nes its bowlers a gold coin whenever they bowl a ‘wrong bias’ during weekly club competitions – when they send their bowl o in the wrong direction.

is year there were plenty of wrong biases – in fact, $300 worth.

is year the club has chosen to donate their nes to the Tauranga SPCA.

Tauranga SPCA centre manager Andrea Crompton says the money will be put to good use as they care for sick, injured and vulnerable animals at the centre in Greerton.

Rely on donations

“We’re almost entirely community funded. We rely on donations to cover all round care, community education, de-sexing and microchipping of animals – getting the animals ‘snipped and chipped’ – so we’re grateful there were lots of bowlers making mistakes.”

Lorraine McDonnell from

Pāpāmoa Bowls says during the last year they’ve attracted a lot of rst-time bowlers which may well have contributed to the high error count, but she says it’s great introducing new people to the game.

Pāpāmoa club coaches also work with school children who are keen to play. “I think the days are gone where bowls is just seen as an old person’s game.

e kids enjoy it. It’s easy to learn the basics but takes a lot of practice to be consistent. We also have a lot of businesses or corporates hosting sta parties at the club, particularly around Christmas time. “ e club provides the bowls and some simple instruction, and while a lot come for a good time, some decide to join the club and carry on.”

Located in a lovely cul-de-sac this

2 bedroom home has an open plan kitchen, dining and living area that opens out onto a beautiful outdoor area where you can quietly read or listen to the birds. It has a heat pump, is double glazed and has great storage and internal access from the spacious garage.

The sunny outdoor patio area is the perfect place to relax. The master bedroom also has a ranch slider that leads you into the garden.

Tauranga SPCA centre manager Andrea Crompton receiving a $300 donation from Papamoa Bowls match convenor Lorraine McDonnell. Photo: supplied.

Perfect time for a bathroom refresh

With shorter days and colder nights, winter is when imperfections in bathrooms become most obvious.

Cold drafts, water leaks, insu cient light, lack of heat, low water pressure or simply a more modern look can all be addressed by Bathroom Envy.

Under parent company, BW Builders, its small, professional team achieves high-end nishes at competitive prices.

“We don’t have the overheads that a ect big rms so we can hold costs down and complete renovations at standards that often exceed expectations,” says

owner Tanya Nolan. “We don’t charge for site visits and provide detailed transparent quotes.”

It’s that e ciency and integrity that Tanya and husband Brian Williams are proudest of.

“ ere are no muddled messages when you’re dealing directly with the owners who are also on-site,” says Tanya.

“We are easily accessible and keep clients constantly updated.”

Brian has more than three decades’ building experience and Tanya joined the company full-time 12 years ago. Together, they specialise in everything bathroom related as well as general alterations and complete

kitchen renovations.

“ ere was a gap in the market for hassle-free a ordable kitchens, so we work with local companies on those.”

BW Builders and Bathroom Envy covers most of the Bay of Plenty and further a eld.

“Our experienced professionals ensure your project progresses smoothly,” says Tanya.

“Now is a great time to tell us about your dream bathroom to improve the practicality around daily routines and put the joy back in your overall at-home experience.”

Call Tanya today on: 027 451 6494.

Debbie Griffiths

‘Doctor Who’ nostalgia in Pāpāmoa

People travelling Gravatt Rd at night can be forgiven for thinking a timelord from a British TV series is arriving.

e sight of an iconic ‘Doctor Who’ TARDIS next to a traditional English phone box tends to raise eyebrows and sometimes brings tra c to a stop.

Retired ex-pat plumber Ian Parsons is accustomed to his creations getting plenty of attention. “I’m from the UK but I’ve been here in NZ for 43 years and the phone boxes remind me of home.

“...I had a friend of mine moving to

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Retired ex-pat plumber

Ian Parsons inside his traditional English phone box. Photo: John Borren.

Australia, so I thought I’d build him a TARDIS for the going away party. I’ve always been a fan of ‘Doctor Who’. Tom Baker was the best one, of course.”

Ian has always dabbled in creative projects. Construction of the full-sized replica took him around a month. “I have solar lights inside, so when people are passing by at night they can see the top of the TARDIS ashing as if the doctor’s arriving and the phone box lit up.” e red phone box is complete with two British ‘bobby’ helmets and Ian intends to add a mannequin inside.

“Now that might cause a bit of distraction on the road,” laughs Ian.

Debbie Griffiths

Brian Williams and wife Tanya Nolan.

Talk to a qualified roofing expert

With just above 12 years’ experience in the roo ng industry, Hayden Sweeney from HTS Roo ng is no stranger to hard work and getting results for his clients.

HTS Roo ng is a familyowned business that prides itself on genuine connections with their clients to achieve remarkable results.

Starting out as an apprentice plumber, Hayden found that although he enjoyed plumbing – it was roo ng that he was passionate about.

“For me, it’s seeing the end product for a client, the di erence a new or repaired

roof can make is huge, which is really rewarding. Also providing top quality products for any job we tackle is made possible by having built solid connections with suppliers over the years.”

If you are needing a quali ed roo ng expert, contact HTS Roo ng for a free, no-obligation quote – they are available for new roofs, re-roofs, cladding, spouting, repairs and maintenance.

Beautiful showers, made simple

Hot showers are a joy of winter, so it makes sense to consult specialists when choosing the perfect shower to t your bathroom space, design and budget.

Showerman’s showroom and factory at 79 Newton St, Mount Maunganui, manufactures, supplies and installs Showerman showers across Bay of Plenty and Waikato as well as providing helpful on-site consultations.

e experienced team works with builders, plumbers and homeowners providing products ranging from shower packs, acrylic linings, trays and accessories all the way to bespoke luxury 10mm Frameless Glass Showers.

“We measure and install showers all day, every day so we know the pitfalls as well as the latest trends and best practices,” says owner Joanne Hill.

“We o er exceptional service, quality products and our superb sta have a great reputation.

Te Puna residents will see a smaller, newly-renovated building moved to Maramatanga Park in coming months after farewelling their old community centre.

e newly-renovated building will be transported and placed on-site to temporarily accommodate community centre users, and is expected to be ready for use in July.

e old Te Puna Community Centre – which has been home to many local activities and groups –

“Check out our Google reviews; we’re proudly sitting on ve stars.”

For advice, parts and installation, call Showerman on: 07 574 0310.

Temporary community building on way forTe Puna

was demolished last month to make way for a new facility.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council operations manager Kerrie Little says parts of the old building will live a second life, with as much as possible recycled by a local company – from aluminium joinery, roo ng and concrete, to doors, benchtops, taps and copper wiring. “While the demolition of the Te Puna Community Centre marks the end of an era, it paves the way for a new future,” says

Kerrie. e decision to close and demolish the centre was made in 2022 by building owners Te Puna Community Centre Committee, with technical advice and support provided by council, which owns the land. “…Sadly, the building was no longer safe, and it would have been too costly to bring it up to standard,” say Kerrie.

e temporary building will be funded from a community centre targeted rate and will remain until a replacement decision is made.

Hayden Sweeney.

Showerman directors Dion Townsend and Joanne Hill. Photo: John Borren.

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Mount Busking Festival is back!

After a short hiatus, Mount Busking Festival is making a bold return this King’s Birthday weekend.

Taking over Maunganui Rd for the weekend, organisers say residents and visitors alike will get to see local performers put on a show.

Until 2019, it had been a long-standing event that brought a lot of vibrancy to the seaside destination.

Mount Business Association – AKA Mount Mainstreet – is proudly reviving it for all to enjoy, says Mainstreet destination manager Michael Clark.

“ e street-wide festival encourages Tauranga locals, and those further a eld, to join in across the two-day event and soak in the entertainment while roaming downtown.”

On Sunday, June 2, from 12pm-5pm and Monday, June 3, from 9am-12pm, expect musicians with killer vocals and circus performances that defy comprehension.

“We’ve got e Hittmen performing their unique

style of fuse drumming. DJ Matt Bizzle will spin tunes paired with epic solo sax performances.

“We’ll also have local favourites, including Louie Campbell, Finn Curtis, Josh Pow and Bridget Morgan belting out the hits, new and old.

“Delivering pure entertainment, we have ringmaster Rowan from Circus In A Flash doing stunts on a unicycle, Steve London putting on sensational magic tricks, and daredevil juggler Crazy Jase from Butler Circus Warehouse.”

In addition, Monday afternoon will also have something just for the kids with Circus In A Flash’s have-a-go-style workshop from 12pm-2pm. is will involve learning to juggle, spinning plates, hula hoops, poi spinning and much more.

Amateur and professional

Michael says the mix of amateur and professional entertainers will rotate between ve locations on both days, including Te Papa O Ngā Manu Porotakataka, Coronation Park, e Cruise Deck, the corner of Grove and Maunganui Roads, and the corner of Paci c Ave and Maunganui Rd. e full setlist and map will be released closer to the date.

“Members of the Mount Maunganui community have spoken fondly of the Mount Busking Festivals we’ve hosted in the past, so for this year’s revival event, coupled with the chance to support our local artists and performers, it was a no-brainer to bring it back to life,” says Michael.

“We look forward to making this an event for everyone to enjoy for years to come.”

e crowd is encouraged to support their favourite talents by making cash or coin donations on the day, or electronically use individual QR codes many of the entertainers will sport via e Buskers Project.

Frank (9)

Ski field (NI) (9)

Stylish (4)

Abrupt (5)

Drinks slowly (4)

Recluse (6)

Liqueur (6)

Tree (6)

Tough (5)

e Hittmen will perform their unique style of fuse drumming at this weekend’s Mount Busking Festival.

Photo: John Borren.

Thank you for the music, Rodger

Rodger Fox. Photo: Bob Hakins.

I was ready to review a couple of local albums today when I heard Rodger Fox had died. I write in advance, of course, so by the time you read this it will be old news. But right now it’s kind of poleaxing.

I won’t, at this short notice, try to o er any sort of comprehensive obituary. I absolutely lack the knowledge and resources to do someone like Rodger justice. Oh, the things he did... Like taking his big band to Europe’s legendary Montreux Jazz

Festival in 1980 - the rst New Zealand band invited to play an international jazz festival - and later to the Monterey and New Orleans festivals. In 2012, they ew to Los Angeles to record an album at Capital Studios, home of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole. at became the band’s 36 album.

Sheer work rate

I knew Rodger for some 30 years, and through all that time his sheer work rate never ceased to astound me: continually arranging tours, setting up festivals, looking for funding, for new projects, for new players, teaching in every setting imaginable, always on the lookout for a new collaboration, a new way to explore music in NZ - whether by bringing the best in the world here or by working with the best we have to celebrate the country’s artistic possibilities. Just in recent years, there have been settings of Hone Tuwhare poems to big band music, and his

Family sink claws into ‘Cats’ musical

It’s not often your mum is your director in a musical – but for Paige and Matt Henderson, it’s second nature.

eir mother, Toni Henderson, is the founder of the Stage Right Charitable Trust, which is bringing ‘Cats – e Musical’ to Baycourt from June 15-22.

“I’ve done so many musicals with Mum, it would actually be weird not to have her as the director,” says Paige.

“I’m in the chorus of ‘Cats’, but I’ve worked with Mum as the choreographer in the past too.”

Paige says in rehearsals they just get on with it.

“She does her thing and I do mine. We have good banter and I like to have a laugh or two. Mum gives as good as she gets, though.” Musical theatre is a family business for the Hendersons, with Matt playing the lead role of Munkustrap in ‘Cats’.

“I remember helping Mum with lighting when ‘Cats’ was last at Baycourt in 2009,” says Matt.

“I was only 11. Now, after 15 years of singing, dancing and acting, I’m ready to put my all into the character of Munkustrap.”

Toni’s husband, Dale Henderson, is also part of the ‘Cats’ family. He works at Baycourt as a technical and operations manager, so is in charge of lighting, staging and sound for the musical. Plus, he helps build sets in his spare time.

“My wife has the vision and I help bring that to life. We’re a good team and the kids have luckily all wanted to be involved over the years too.”

Dale also worked on the 2009 ‘Cats’ show with his family. “So we know the show well and enjoy bringing it into this day and age.” Toni is quick to point out the obvious. “We mainly get along well together, but we also have our ups and downs.

“Because we have a shared passion for the theatre, we tend to work things out quickly... sometimes because we have no choice!”

‘Cats – e Musical’ will be performed by a

project to arrange Dave Dobbyn’s music for big bands, resulting in musical charts which can be played by bands throughout the country in perpetuity. e last thing I saw was his genre-bending mash-up with King Kapisi, which he was looking forward to bringing to Tauranga.

en there were the overseas musicians Rodger lured to NZ. My life - and this is something many many people I know would happily attest to - was made richer by Rodger Fox, by the tremendous international players he exposed us all too. ose players, let’s not forget, came here because Rodger was held, worldwide, in huge respect, both as an absolutely international-quality trombone player, and also because his bands were just that good.

anks to Rodger, we got to see the likes of Robben Ford, Chris Cain, Dennis Chambers, Gregg Bissonette, Peter Erskine, Louie Bellson, David Clayton- omas, Randy Crawford, Charlie

Musselwhite, Ernestine Anderson, Diane Schuur, and Joe Williams. And perhaps the one Rodger was most proud of, sax legend Michael Brecker, who joined the his big band to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Concerts and shows

ere were the brilliant concerts with pianist Michael Houston, and in earlier days the shows with Midge Marsden belting out Caledonia and taking the roof o . And so many festivals. Rodger organised, from the Manawatū Jazz Festival to the recent NZ Blues, Roots & Groove Festival, dozens and dozens all up. Rodger’s passing leaves a gaping chasm in the music scene. And in many lives. Sorry if this was all a bit of a rant. ank you for the music, Rodger. RIP.

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

Hear Winston’s latest playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4 pyBH1hdhP5EQVb8xgFije?si=c7 1f0beb318146e8.

local cast of 40 and a 16-piece orchestra. “‘Cats’ is a bit special for us as a family and also for this community,” says Toni. “It captures people’s imagination and takes you into a wonderous place of entertainment. As it’s for all ages,

it’s a great show to bring the whole family, too.

“We look forward to bringing this to the stage for all generations to enjoy and be inspired by.

Buy tickets at: event nda.co.nz/ 2024/cats-the-musical/tauranga

Waihi Beach Community Centre

‘Cats – e Musical’ will be performed by a local cast of 40. Photo: Bob Tulloch.

Our city retail is strangled

e Tauranga city retail centre is decimated. It has been rejected and neglected for so long it appears to be going through its death throes. Parking is by far the worst imposition placed on our retail. First it was e Strand, then Devonport Rd, followed by other central city streets. e nal nail in the co n has to be Cameron Rd. e reduction of street parking has been the main driver of the shopkeepers’ demise. Everywhere you look shopkeepers have closed their doors. Landlords confronted with disproportionate rate increases, retailers with higher rentals and shoppers barred from the city.

Councils have been warned but the message never heeded.

Did anyone witness a survey or referendum o ered to the public on street parking? No! e powers that be need to front up!

As a child, in the 1940s, during the war and immediately afterwards, l remember the introduction of the coupon system for buying essentials.

I remember catching the school bus from e Strand to school.

I also remember Friday evenings walking down e Strand with crowds of people ve abreast. e city just ‘hummed’.

You could feel the city’s heartbeat. In those days families didn’t have a lot of money. However the city just ‘hummed’.

Oh! For the good old days. Robin Reid, Otūmoetai.

Cameron Road...again

I am writing this because of the coming Tauranga City Council elections. Remember this when it comes to voting for the people who seem to think that Cameron Rd is perfectly okay and we should continue with the rest of it. ie: 17th Ave to Cheyne Rd.

Wow, the free- owing tra c that will give us! ... Memo to new councillors: Check for any sh hooks left by outgoing Commissioners/Central Government.

Change if necessary: ie Safe roads, better tra c ows. walking/cycle path built across roads, etc ... Second Ave is an example of one of many. It is a road by law. e law states that all pedestrians and cyclists give way to all vehicles on the road. ere is no such law that says that vehicles on a road should compulsory stop for pedestrians/cyclists. Right angle turns. 14 poles for tra c lights at 15th Ave. Each pole costs tens of thousands each. ere is normally only four. ink about this: Millions of dollars have been spent on pedestrian/ cyclist paths and nothing else. Money well spent. I don’t think so.

Terry Johnson, Gate Pa.

A touch of elitism?

I nd it a touch of elitism that from July 1, 2024, a number of the boat ramps in Tauranga are going to have a $20 charge to use levied, whereas all New Zealanders can visit the Tauranga Art Gallery for free, even though the ratepayers of Tauranga contribute over $1.2 million a year towards its running costs. ere is probably more people who make use of the boat ramps than use the art gallery in 12 months.

Interesting also is that according to the art gallery’s statement of intent to Tauranga City Council 2022 to 2025, it says the following in its income and expenditure section: For 2023-2024 Income in the form of donations, fundraising and similar revenue is forecast to be $382,000. In the expenditure column expenses related to public fundraising are forecast to be $384,106! Kevin Powell, Pāpāmoa.

Churches Active In Our Community

A decade of offering curiosity

Ten years ago, Oriel Reed, a Quaker, Edward Heselden, Bai, and I, an Anglican, met to talk about the need for an Interfaith Council here in Tauranga Moana.

We’d just nished commemorating the Battle of Pukehinahina-Gate Pā – a battle between people who had vastly di erent ways of living the same faith, Christianity, as well as people of di erent faiths.

In part, this battle happened because dialogue was refused and war chosen. It is the worst example of what happens when we build walls around our world view and claim it is the only way of understanding life.

British white supremacy did not allow the New Zealand Government ministers and British commanders to even consider

entering into talks with local Māori. eir way of seeing land, of obedience to the Crown, of practising faith, and of resolving con ict, was the only valid one. And so, people died, and many from ngā iwi o Tauranga Moana were impoverished.

All avoidable if people had been willing to listen to one another.

We see that same pattern being repeatedly lived out.

Oriel, Edward, and I started our Interfaith Council to provoke people to be more curious about the many faiths that share Tauranga with us. We invited

others to collaborate with us to o er ways for people to meet people of other faiths, to discover our common humanity, to see what binds us together, so when things get tough, we can talk rather than assume or ght. So, for the past 10 years, we have o ered ways for people to be curious.

Rev John Hebenton, Vicar, Te Whare Karakia

o Hori Tapu - Anglican Parish of Gate Pa

BETH - EL la tyb

SABBATH 10AM OTUMOETAI PRIMARY

SABBATH 10AM OTUMOETAI PRIMARY

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

ALL WELCOME SHALOM info@bethel.org.nz

ALL WELCOME SHALOM info@bethel.org.nz

BETH - EL la tyb Messianic Family bethel.org.nz 021 768 043

Replace CHURCH CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE with St Andrews Church, Dee St, Mt Maunganui Bible Study 9:30am - Worship Service 10:45am

Messianic Family bethel.org.nz 021 768 043

Also replace the words: ONLINE SERVICES ONLY MountSDA@gmail.com

With: We look forward to seeing you!

It’s the sheer number of cars that’s the problem

Re: ‘State highways torture for too many too long’ ( e Weekend Sun, May 10).

Margaret Murray Benge hasn’t much hope of free tra c ows. In the beginning only one person in a hundred had a car. en there was the family car one per household, now mum and dad have a car and the children have cars. Some households have four or ve cars. It’s the sheer number that is the problem, it won’t matter how many millions the Government spend on roads it won’t make any di erence. Every country in the world has tra c congestion; it’s called progress. People are just besotted with them. Bill Burgess, Pyes Pa.

Life-enhancing influences forever

Re: ‘Recognised for ve decades of fostering children’ ( e Weekend Sun, May 10).

e love and care given by Verna and George Kite to hundreds of children over 56 years will have life enhancing in uences that will live on forever. ank you e Weekend Sun for publishing good news stories that help to balance the horrors of our world depicted daily elsewhere in the media... Patricia Brooks, Tauranga City.

You are welcome to worship with us each Sabbath (Saturday) St Andrews Church, Dee St, Mt Maunganui Bible Study 9:30am • Worship Service 10:45am Enquiries 021 277 1909

We look forward to seeing you!

mtmaunganui.adventist.org.nz

Tauranga

when

control, lifestyle blocks, garden renovations; design & plant. Ph Tita 027 654 8781 or a/h 542 0120.

livestock AC PETFOODS collect injured & unwanted cows & horses. Ph 0800 369 6269.

lost & found FOUND KITTENS & PUPPIES

various places, colours and sex. Found Cat, Tortoiseshell, Female, Approximately 1 year old, Selwyn St. Tauranga, Tauranga. Ref 611148.

Found Cat, Tabby, Female, Approximately 18 years old, Pitua Road RD6 Tauranga. Ref 611175.

Found Cat, Torbi, Female, Approximately 1 year old, Omokoroa Road, Omokoroa. Ref

610673.

Found Cat, Grey & White, Female, Approximately 9 years old, Pongakawa Road, Pongakawa. Ref 611061.

Found Cat, Grey, Approximately 4 years old, Hamilton St, Tauranga. Ref 611093.

Found Cat, Tabby, Approximately 1 year old, Taupiro Road, Katikati, Ref 611306.

Found Cockatiel, Yellow & White, Approximately 8 Months old, Chadwick Road, Greerton. Ref 611133.

Found Dog, Black and White, Female, Approximately 1 year old, Fraser Street, Tauranga. Ref 580914.

Ph SPCA 07 578 0245.

trades & services

ROOF REPAIRS Free quotes for all maintenance of leaking roofs, gutter cleaning & repairs. Chimney maintenance & repairs. Registered roofer, 30yrs exp. Ph Peter 542 4291 or 027 436 7740.

School Bus Drivers

Get on Board with Go Bus Transport and come join our great team in Te Puke! We are looking for Casual School Bus Drivers, school terms only. What you need:

•Class 2 Licence

•P endorsement (we can help you obtain this)

•A responsible and caring approach

If you want to be part of a business that is making a difference in your communitythen we want to hear from you!

Our recruitment process includes a Drug and Alcohol Test and Police Vetting check. Applicants will need current NZ work rights with no restrictions.

To apply call 027 414 7789 or email Trudy.Murray@gobus.co.nz