The Weekend Sun - 7 June 2024

Knitting with meaning

Knitting needles across the Bay of Plenty are clacking furiously as the knitters of Operation Coverup get to work.

is year talented knitters and crocheters are working hard to create warm blankets and clothing that will be distributed to people

in need – with some goods going as far as Eastern Europe where temperatures bottom out at minus 25 degrees Celsius.

Area coordinator Sharman Marsh (pictured) says bundles of knitted and crocheted goodies are bundled up and sent away, with groups

from Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki sending in 15 blankets already.

“Word about the project and the good we do for people in Eastern Europe is spreading,” says Sharman. “People are spending hundreds of hours knitting for us and it’s an amazing

response that we appreciate so much.”

If you’re crafty and looking for a project with meaning, Sharman says there’s still time to get involved. People can donate up until Wednesday, July 3.

Read more on page 9.

Photo: John Borren.

1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga ads@thesun.co.nz newsroom@thesun.co.nz Phone 07 578 0030 www.theweekendsun.co.nz

The Weekend Sun is published every Friday and distributed throughout the Western Bay of Plenty from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke and available to collect at many stand locations throughout the area. For a full list of stand locations see https://theweekendsun.co.nz/ stand-locations.html The Weekend Sun is part of NZME - New Zealand Media & Entertainment. We keep Kiwis in the know. Locally produced at 1 The Strand, Tauranga.

Editor: Merle Cave Editorial: Letitia Atkinson, Alisha Evans, Rosalie Liddle Crawford, Hunter Wells, Ayla Yeoman. Photography: John Borren. Publications Manager: Kathy Sellars. Advertising: Jo Delicata, Karlene Sherris, Suzy King, Lois Natta, Sharon Eyres. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, Amy Bennie, Caitlin Burns.

3 June 2024

Mr Jim Bunny C/O e Weekend Sun Tauranga

Dear Mr Bunny, Golly gosh – the much aggrieved Mr Bunny. ank you for your latest pathetic, moaning, cringing rant. Last time I heard from you, you were complaining about not making the o cial guest list for my Coronation. You might be surprised to learn no one questioned your absence. But, thank you anyway, the show went swimmingly well. Bunny? Is that really your family name? What were they thinking? But I suppose it was us chaps who sent rabbits to the colonies, so we only have ourselves to blame. And I have to live with a name like Charles Philip Arthur George MountbattenWindsor. And that’s a gob-full.

Anyhow, your latest beef with the Monarchy landed on my Resolute Desk this week. You know, one of the twin Resolute Desks made from the oak timbers of HMS Resolute. Spi ng eh?

So your standard white XXL Jockey Y-fronts are in a knot over being left o the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours list.

Well friend, and I use the term loosely, I am now King of the UK, its Dominions, and colonies and I have more to concern myself with than your dented ego. King’s Honours are for people of distinction – achievers, contributors, people who inspire and lead. And certainly not for a malcontented, crusty old hack journo whose career can only be catalogued as ‘vanilla’ – colourless, bland, drab, unremarkable.

You claim to write a page two column. Well, humble and loyal subject, I icked through the Financial Times, e Economist and e Guardian as I ate my lightly poached plums, muesli and hard-boiled egg this morning, just before I climbed from my 800 thread Egyptian cotton sheets, and I didn’t see a ‘Jim Bunny’ byline.

I also take those horrible, scandalous, vicious tabloids, e Daily Express, e Daily Mail and e Sun into my personal rone Room –the wee boys room – away from Camilla’s gaze. I recall the “page three girls” and the story about an English woman having a Martian’s baby, but I didn’t see any columns attributed to you.

You claim to have served “the common good and common sense” with your un inchingly advocacy for Tauranga Domain to be developed into a niche stadium. “A campaign worthy of a gong,” you suggested.

What a bugger Old Bean, because if you had proposed the Domain being turned into a polo eld for a chukka or two, a sport of style and standing, there might have been an Order of Merit in it.

Imagine – the nickering and neighing of charging, sweating polo ponies, Range Rover boot parties with champagne and charcuterie, marinated vegetables and salads. Perhaps then, Mr Bunny, your campaign might have gained traction.

Anyhow, I have bigger things to worry, Mr Bunny.

I’m trying to lever my younger and disgraced brother, Andrew, and his toe-sucking ex-wife, out of my Royal Lodge – two plonkers rattling around in 30 rooms in £30 million worth of real estate, the upkeep of which is costing me £400,000 a year. I will turn o the electricity if I have to. Andrew will become cold and uncomfortable. And he will be forced to eat cake. at, Mr Bunny, is a problem of right royal proportions, and not your crusade for celebrity. We have also been doing some due diligence old chap. You claim to be an “old bosom buddy” of mine, having shaken my hand and yarned at a Royal Young People’s Luncheon in Dunedin about 50 years ago. I, funnily, I don’t recall you or the moment. e luncheon, you say, was for the young destined for greatness. Whatever happened to you Mr Bunny?

King’s Birthday Honours are for ne, upstanding, unimpeachable folk. Which raises question about some scrapes with the law. Was it you left holding the matches when a small re broke out on a dry, gorse, hillside near your childhood home in 1960, and accelerated into a con agration that threatened homes and inhabitants and required eight re trucks and dozens of remen to extinguish? Was it you who painted the family’s black and white household cat called ‘Tim’ with a nice neutral beige acrylic and hid it in the wardrobe? Was it you who literally got the ‘slap’ – a mean unexpected backhander from a no-nonsense cop after he stopped you for a driving infraction that may or may not have involved a hint of alcohol about 1969.

No Mr Bunny – you do not qualify for Honours this time. Nor next time I suspect. ank you for your letter. No further correspondence will be entered into you.

Vivat Rex - ‘Long Live the King’. Chas

His Royal Highness King Charles Buckingham Palace

‘paws’ on animal poverty

e cost-of-living crisis is hitting Bay of Plenty pet owners hard with the number of unwanted animals getting dumped or euthanised out of desperation at an alltime high, according to a Tauranga-based animal rescue operator.

“Every day, we get between ve and 10 requests for help and some people call threatening to have their animals impounded or put to sleep because they can’t a ord to care for them anymore,” says Billie Te Tau, who launched Bilbo’s Dogpaws Rescue 13 years ago. “It’s 10 times worse than when we rst started. Some families are barely able to feed themselves, so we see a lot of puppies dumped on the side of the road.

“In some recent cases, we rescued them too late and had to watch the pups die from parvovirus.

“It can be very emotional, especially when we’re limited with our resources.”

Bilbo’s Dogpaws Rescue is a not-for-pro t organisation that’s been operating out of Welcome Bay for four years, since Billie and her family shifted to the Bay from Auckland.

Late last month fellow dog rescue organisation Rescue, Revive, Rehome Bay of Plenty had to temporarily close its doors to taking new dogs from pounds due to adoptions being so slow. Meanwhile, Vada’s Angels Animal Rescue

Tauranga – which was forced to close temporarily in March due to soaring vet bills – has only reopened its doors to new dogs this week.

Billie says statistics recently reported show in the last nancial year, more than 2500 dogs were euthanised nationwide. “...150 of them simply because shelters were full,” says Billie.

By comparison, the year before no dogs were put down because of overcrowding.

Billie says it means the focus of Bilbo’s Dogpaws Rescue in Tauranga has shifted. Due to the lack of funding and facilities she can’t take in any more rescues – so instead she helps other agencies to try to stay open by fostering for them and providing supplies. “We’re now more of a pet foodbank,” says. Billie “We’ve handed out 700 food parcels this year to local residents all the way from Te Puke to Katikati. If dog owners can’t pick up, we deliver. “We’re passionate about animals and their welfare and believe pet owners need this support, so we’ll continue for as long as we can.”

Billie either buys the supplies herself or relies on donations of food, beds, blankets, collars and leads from BOP companies and generous locals.

Bilbo’s picked up two community awards last month for its contribution to pets in the community. “We can only do so much. It’s not a big facility... Any help locals can provide would be amazing.” To contact Billie, email: dogpawsbilbo@gmail.com

Debbie Griffiths

Billie Te Tau’s Bilbo’s Dogpaws Rescue has handed out 700 food parcels this year to local residents from Te Puke through to Katikati. Photo: John Borren.

For more info visit tauranga.govt.nz/elections

Operations coordinator Rose Kent wants more sleeping bags and tents to keep Under the Stars dinner guests warm this winter.

Donate essentials to those sleeping under the stars the

A community group which feeds people from all walks of life twice weekly in Tauranga is running a campaign to collect sleeping bags and tents to keep our most vulnerable residents warm this winter.

Under the Stars o ers a hot meal to all who arrive at the Cli Rd hall in the city at 12 noon ursdays and 5pm Saturdays without judgment.

“But as winter creeps in, the number of people needing a meal and life’s necessities creeps up,” says Under the Stars spokesperson Ani Stace. “I would say since Covid, the need [for our service] has increased,” says Ani. “We had a dramatic increase of need during Covid because people were isolated – but post-Covid numbers are higher...We now cater 120 to 140 meals a week.”

Ani says Under the Stars predominantly works with the homeless or people living in their cars or in transitional, emergency housing – “but our services are available to anyone with food insecurities”.

“So anyone that needs a meal is welcome to come to Cli Rd hall on ursdays or Saturdays – everything we do is without judgment of circumstances. You just turn up and you receive some food.”

Under the Stars was born in 2014 by a lady called Liz Kite. “She started o with a plastic picnic table in the middle of town, giving out food she had available. We moved to Cli Rd hall about 2016 –and we’ve been doing two meals a week ever since – so it’s our 10th anniversary this year.”

More than food

Ani says many don’t realise the service is more than just about food. “We ll people’s tummies, we give out toiletries and free hot showers at the hall but we also give people a moment of social connection. “ ey can ask us for anything they need – if we have it, we will o er it. And it is done in a nonjudgmental way,” says Ani.

“It’s often people that live in the shadows that don’t want themselves seen that are afraid to ask

Photo: John Borren.

– because people that are living on the fringes of society, they quite often want to stay that way. So when you start asking for help you’re identi ed as someone in need – you’re seen, you’re on a radar. “Whereas we deal with a lot of people who don’t want to be on anyone’s radar. So we just o er support but also we have a connection with our guests.”

Ani says Tauranga City has young people who are third-generation homeless – “they know nothing else”. “But I think they feel seen at our meals. “ ey have a name, we know them and we treat them as guests – we call them our guests. We serve their needs. We give them the opportunity to be as connected as they want.”

Often people come to Under the Stars when they are newly homeless, have not long been on the streets, and don’t have anything to keep warm.

“We quite often have young people turn up with literally the clothes on their back – so if we can give them a small tent and sleeping bag at least we know they gain some shelter for the night. So this is an annual need for our organisation.”

Elderly

Alongside their usual guests, Ani says the service is now seeing many elderly people who may own or rent their own home but “who don’t have enough food for three meals a day, seven days a week”. “We are very protein-focused. We ensure we have

meat in every main and lots of vegetables. We also o er fruit. We make sure it is a balanced meal because many people are just eating what they have – and that is not good for their constitutions as such. So people come to us just to get that balanced healthy meal, twice a week, and it gets them through the week.”

And winter heralds more people heading to Under the Stars. “Yep de nitely; we see more people, the use of our showers increases, the need for a hot meal increases, the need for shelter increases. e need for clean, dry clothing increases.

“A lot of these people can only carry what they use for a couple of days so the turnover of what they need is quite high – especially in winter when they can’t get things to dry.”

Donations

As such the winter campaign asks for donations of good-condition sleeping bags, tents, warm winter jackets, beanies, warm socks and brand-new underwear. “We go through ve to 10 sleeping bags a week if we have them on hand. Because if you’ve got a young family in a car, one sleeping bag for each child is not going to be enough.”

People who want to make donations can contact Under the Stars on their Facebook page, email: admin@underthestars.org.nz or phone: 022 379 6371. Merle Cave

Pāpāmoa to host rugby Club Day

Papamoa Rugby Club chairman Nick Jones is hoping the sidelines are stacked with people at his sports group’s Club Day this Saturday, June 8.

“We’ve had club days in the past, but not one of this signi cance for a long time,” says Nick. “It’s quite exciting to have a new team in the Baywide Colts/Under-85kg Rugby competition with teams competing from around the Bay of Plenty.

“It’s rare to have our seniors, colts, and a full schedule of juniors playing on our home ground on the same day.”

Nick says younger grades normally play at Blake Park, but some opposition teams have agreed to play at Gordon Spratt Reserve so Papamoa Rugby Club can host the special event.

family day out,” says Nick. “We’ve just created a sub-committee to start the process of building a clubroom, so if this goes well we’ll look at turning it into a future fundraising event.”

Nick says his club has one of the biggest junior leagues in the region with more than 300 kids wearing the Papamoa Rugby jersey.

e oldest players join the Papamoa Potbellez golden oldies rugby team.

“ is year we formed a new team, which is a hybrid for under-21s and under-85kg players,” says Nick.

“We did note that Papamoa College rst-XV had a few strong seasons but for some of those players coming out of school, it’s hard to transition into the seniors’ competition.

Junior teams play from 8.30am through to 1pm, when the Colts take to the eld against Kahukura followed by the Seniors at 2.45pm against Rangataua.

“We want to get as many supporters and spectators as we can. We have food vans and co ee carts coming along to make it a really fun

“ e Colts is an opportunity to keep young men in the game before they make that big jump into the seniors. e formation of the new team is a bridge to support them through to seniors’ rugby within our local club.”

e Papamoa Rugby Club Day is this Saturday, June 8, from 8.30am at Gordon Spratt Reserve, o Parton Rd, Pāpāmoa.

Debbie Griffiths

Chairman Nick Jones with players from Papamoa rugby’s Under-12s squad warming up for this Saturday’s Club Day. Photo: John Borren.

Live mural and much more for Matariki

A live art event – with one of Tauranga’s most well-known multi-disciplinary artists on duty – will launch a month of Matariki celebrations in the Bay of Plenty.

Multi-disciplinary artist, designer and Pāpāmoa resident Graham Hoete – known as Mr G – will create a mural live at Pāpāmoa Library this Saturday, June 8. Te Rina Kairau from Tauranga City Libraries, says it’s the first time they’ve staged an event of this kind. “The theme is Waitī, Waitā and Wairakei, which is the name of the awa [stream] which runs beside the library, so our artist wanted to do something special to do with all creatures that live in the ocean and fresh water,” says Te Rina.

“Mr G wants his art to represent many things so he’s not giving a name to it. He describes it as a ‘self-interpretive’ piece of art that each person can

see something different in.” Te Rina says locals are invited to watch the painting unfold. There will be a karakia at 8.30am before the library opens at 9.30am. Throughout the day, authors will read their books in both Māori and English and there’s lunchtime entertainment.

In Tauranga and across Western Bay of Plenty Te Mātahi o te Tau – the Māori New Year – is being ushered in with a star-studded, month-long event programme – called Matariki Te Tauranga o ngā Waka 2024 – which begins this Saturday, June 8. Matariki Te Tauranga o ngā Waka 2024 has a wide range of activities across the rohe (region) including workshops, exhibitions, live performances and family events. This year’s event programme embraces the themes Waitī and Waitā, two of the stars in the Matariki cluster. Waitī signifies fresh water and Waitā saltwater. Both stars represent all living creatures and food sources sustained within their waters.

Events include the annual Matariki Maumaharatanga Ceremony at the summit of Mauao, a whānau day at the Historic Village, an augmented reality sculpture trail, exhibitions, performances and more. Find the programme at: www. matarikitetaurangaongawaka.co.nz

TCC strategic Māori engagement manager Carlo Ellis says Matariki heralds a time of renewal and celebration and for communities to come together across the motu (country). “It is a time of

remembrance, gratitude and resetting our goals for the coming year.

“Matariki celebrations aim to build understanding and enlightenment of Te Ao Māori [Māori world view], mātauranga Māori [Māori knowledge] and Te Reo Māori [the Māori language]... It’s a time to spend with whānau and friends, enjoy kai [food], waiata [song], tākaro [games] and haka... It’s a time for all New Zealanders to come together.”

Find more Matariki events at: mymatariki.co.nz

A past Matariki sky over Mauao. Photo: Alan Ludlam.

Debbie Griffiths

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Community rallies to support Ukrainians through winter

Operation Cover Up once again has lofty knitting goals – and Bay of Plenty needles are clicking to the challenge.

Launching more than 20 years ago, the project unites knitters and crocheters across New Zealand in making blankets and warm clothing for children, families, and the elderly.

Today, the knitted goods go to people living in temperatures as low as minus-25 degrees Celsius in Eastern Europe.

Area coordinator Sharman Marsh says about 70 ladies in Tauranga gathered last year on the collection day to ll six bales of knitted and crocheted goods including blankets, hats, jerseys, slippers and scarves.

“ at was more than we’ve ever sent before,” says Sharman.

“We baled the woollen items using a 120-year-old manual wool press. It was a fun event and took an entire team of us.”

is year the group is once again hoping for a new record number of donations and is already being helped with the bales gifted by Farmlands Tauriko, long-haul transport provided by Mainfreight and a local farmer who has o ered to do the ‘baling’.

“We’ll be using a modern hydraulic system which isn’t as romantic,” laughs Sharman. “But it still takes us a full day to sort, fold and catalogue for customs.”

Groups from as far away as Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki have already sent 15 blankets, and local multi-craft groups are still working hard on their creations.

“Word about the project and the good we do for people in Eastern Europe is spreading,” says Sharman. “It can take a number of months for someone to knit a bed-sized blanket.

“People are spending hundreds of hours knitting for us and it’s

an amazing response that we appreciate so much.”

Sharman says there is still time to get busy and knit something to donate to Operation Cover Up this year. e annual Operation Cover Up collection is at Lifezone Church, Oak Lane, Judea, on Wednesday, July 3, from 9.30am with a display of donated items and morning tea at 10am. A gold coin donation is appreciated.

To donate knitted items, wool or shipping cost funds before July 3, call Sharman Marsh on: 027 245 4034. Debbie Griffiths

Operation Coverup is underway in the Bay of Plenty – but more knitters are welcome join the e ort to send knitted warmth to Ukraine this July. Photo: John Borren.

A better playground is on its way Kids collect stamps too!

As part of the waterfront transformation, Tauranga City Council needs to remove the current playground to make way for an improved playground.

Work to remove the current playground began on June 4, and the site is fenced o . Don’t worry – the new playground on the waterfront will be ready for our community to explore this summer, right next to the Tauranga Moana.

From early July, the new playground will start to take shape. e

community can expect to see four di erent play zones, including a central tower structure made of waka for climbing and sliding – it will be a great lookout too. ere’s also a nature play zone and an elevated pathway that follows the Milky Way and a water play zone with troughs and water pumps and more.

Hairy Maclary and friends aren’t going anywhere and there are some fun, playful surprises planned – which will be rolled out in the area during the next few months.

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If you’re a kid who lives in the Bay of Plenty and you’re interested in wild animals, countries, ags, space, birds, owers, sports, cats, dogs, horses and more, then you will love stamp club!

di erent countries. For example, if stamps are from Africa you could get zebras or lions – but if they’re from Australia you could get koalas and kangaroos.”

Jacob and Olivia collect stamps from the free kids’ booth at their club’s stamp fairs – and from their grandparents in America.

albums available to enable you to start your collection.

“You can also be creative with stamps and use them for fabulous stamp art and mosaic work. Come and have a go.

“At our fair this month we will have a competition and ‘lucky dip’ for everyone who attends.”

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e Tauranga and District Stamp Club has a junior section o ering loads of fun activities to do with stamps – so why not go along? e club’s next stamp fair in Tauranga is on Saturday, June 15, at Wesley Church Hall, 100 irteenth Ave, from 9am-3pm. Brook eld siblings Jacob, 10, and Olivia Hubbard, 12, are both members of the Tauranga and District Stamp Club. ey love the club, which o ers them regular newsletters with interesting stories, games, competitions, jokes and puzzles. ey can also attend the club’s stamp fairs. “We read about the club in the newspaper then we went ‘Hmmm’ because our mum collects lots of stamps. “She has tons. So we went along and we liked it!”

“Grandma and Pop-pop live all the way in America so they send us letters with stamps – they’ve been sending us old stamps too!” says Jacob. “And we also get to pick stamps at stamp club, then

pick stamps at stamp club, then cut them out and put them in our folders.”

Tauranga and District Stamp Club’s David Sta ord says the junior section always has lots of stamps for youngsters to choose from.

David says stamp collecting is a great holiday activity or a wet day project when you’re looking for something to keep busy.

“So please come and see if stamp collecting might interest you. Our club’s stamp fair on June 15 will have an area set up

stamp collecting might interest especially for juniors.

ey can also attend the club’s we went ‘Hmmm’ because our

“ ere are starter packs and

Jacob has been a club member

Jacob has been a club member for one year – now Olivia has joined. Jacob likes stamps that show countries.

“I just think they’re cool!”

He also loves football theme stamps, as he plays the game at weekends. “He has so many football stamps – now he’s got rugby ones too,” says mum Sarah. “And,” interjects Jacob.

Sarah. “And,” interjects Jacob.

about it is that the ink on the

likes stamps of animals. “I like

“I have one stamp of two hands shaking – what I like about it is that the ink on the stamp is shaped in Olympic rings! So you can see the ve rings.” Meanwhile, Olivia likes stamps of animals. “I like seeing di erent animals from

“Everyone is welcome. See you at the stamp fair!” See the club’s

Merle Cave

“Everyone is welcome. See you advert on page 19.

Brook eld siblings

Jacob Hubbard, 10, and Olivia Hubbard, 12, both enjoy collecting stamps.

Photo: Merle Cave.

Ensuring voices of our community are heard

On July 20, Tauranga will see the preliminary results of our newly-elected council. is is an exciting time for our city, but more importantly it’s a time to ensure that the voices of our community are heard.

tauranga.govt.nz/waterwatchers

Lobbying is a term most associate with American politics, but it’s been happening in New Zealand since the 19th Century with only those who have deep pockets often participating. is leaves an imbalance with the public often feeling underrepresented. e lack of lobbying regulations raises concerns, allowing well-funded consultants, organisations, special interest groups, and individuals to have disproportionate in uence.

In Tauranga, many have faced signi cant challenges without elected representatives, but now we have a unique opportunity to in uence those who will

shape our city’s future. Understanding how to lobby e ectively is a skill everyone should learn to be an active participant in our democratic process, ensuring your voice and community are heard.

Each month, I’ll share tips, advice, and stories on how you can get involved in lobbying.

Whether you’re a community group or charity aiming to make a di erence, a small business owner concerned about local regulations or someone who wants to see safer

streets, there’s a place for you here. Write in and let me know what you’d like me to cover. Write to me at: Erika@ ErikaHarvey.co.nz

And each month I’ll help you learn practical tips on engaging with decisionmakers and turning your problems into solutions. Your voice matters, and with the right tools and knowledge, you can help shape your future, even when it’s not an election year. Stay tuned each month for insights and strategies to empower your own advocacy e orts.

Make the most of your shower water!

As the days become cooler, it’s tempting to spend more time in the shower. Did you know that every extra minute spent in the shower uses 12 litres of water?

Tauranga City Council acting water services manager Barry Sarjeant has some top tips for reducing the time you spend in the shower so you can save on water and shower bills this winter.

“ is extra minute does soon add up when you consider the cost of power and the number of showers taken each day. Four minutes is the recommended water-wise shower time,” says Barry.

“In my home, we’ve installed a water e cient showerhead. is, along with keeping an eye on how long we spend in the shower, has not only conserved water but has cut our water and heating bills too.

“Tauranga residents can take part in our free showerhead exchange programme by swapping old ine cient showerheads for a brand-new water e cient model.”

In winter we use, on average, 180 litres of water per person per day –that’s 18 ten-litre buckets! If you really want to be waterwise, a great way to make every drop count is to put a bucket in the shower while waiting for it to heat up to use on your pot plants.

“It’s important we’re mindful of our water use, whatever the weather,” says Barry. “Check out the Water Watchers Plan on the council website before turning the tap. You’ve been making every drop count, and it shows.

“Our precious water supply is in good shape as we head into winter.”

Visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/savingwater to learn more about the showerhead exchange programme and to request a free water-saving shower kit.

Four minutes is the recommended water-wise shower time. Photo: supplied.

Partake in a parkrun

As dawn breaks this Saturday, around 100 participants will be hu ng into the early morning chill, warming up before an airhorn signals the start of Tauranga’s newest parkrun.

Among those greeting the birds and the frosted grass at Bethlehem’s Gordon Carmichael Reserve are parkrun event directors and volunteers Lesley WarnerBird and Ros Frost.

e team of volunteers have been hugely instrumental in getting this parkrun –the third location for Tauranga – o the ground at the popular stormwater reserve, with the inaugural run held April 6.

Since then 522 participants have completed 1092 Gordon Carmichael Reserve parkruns covering a total distance of 5460km, including 244 new Personal Bests. A total of 70 individuals have volunteered 123 times.

Lesley says the event promises not just a run, but an experience – a harmonious blend of exercise and camaraderie among the beauty of the great outdoors.

“It’s a beautiful park,” says Lesley.

“Our course is a letter ‘q’ shape.

“ e event is on every Saturday morning, we start at 8am.

“ at’s good for us as you can still go and enjoy your Saturday and it doesn’t eat into your weekend.”

Lesley says the philosophy of parkrun is it’s for everybody, free and volunteer-led.

“We welcome participants of all abilities from walkers, joggers, runners, to dog

walkers and buggy pushers.”

Parkrun is a worldwide phenomenon where anybody can participate in a 5km event every Saturday morning, with almost 50 weekly community events held around NZ.

“It was set up more than 20 years ago in the UK, by a guy who wanted to get out there but didn’t have the con dence,” says Lesley.

“He had the idea of making it 5km, and recording the time. He set it up at Bushy Park, Teddington, with 13 mates. ere are now more than 1600 participants at that event.”

Lesley says the Bethlehem course is accurately measured to be 5km. “And participants receive a time to the nearest millisecond.”

Lesley says each event needs around 12 volunteers to run it, from helping set up the course to scanning people’s barcodes at the nish, or ensuring everyone gets safely around the route as a marshall.

“We always welcome new volunteers and give them a full brie ng.”

Afterwards there’s an opportunity to grab a post parkrun co ee at a local cafe.

“It’s going great guns and we want to get local interest up. It’s very inclusive for the community, you can walk, stroll, run, bring your dog, or push a buggy.”

To nd out more about parkrun, visit: www.parkrun.co.nz/ gordoncarmichaelreserve

Embrace worry-free retirement at Karaka Pines Waihi Beach

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

A group of parkrun volunteers at Gordon Carmichael Reserve. Photo: supplied.

The many twists and turns to 100

“I’m a survivor. I have survived a lot,” says Tauranga resident Sylvia Nathan, who has just turned 100 years old and is sharing some of her experiences with e Weekend Sun.

Sylvia says she has learnt to survive since she was a young child – from

being put into the foster system for nearly seven years, making it o the Lyttelton-Wellington ferry the Wahine the day it sunk in 1968, through to enduring the 2010 Christchurch earthquakes.

Sylvia was born in Roxburgh, Otago, on April 25, 1924 – Anzac Day. e doctor incorrectly wrote her birthday as April 26 on her birth

certi cate, but Sylvia’s mother told her to hold onto the 25th.

“She said: ‘Anzac Day you still keep girl. I know when you were born’,” says Sylvia.

State care

When Sylvia was ve years old, her dad left his three young children and wife. “My dad walked out on the three of us and we had no home – nothing.”

from one school to another.”

Sylvia says her dad would pick them up from school sometimes and drop them o at foster homes. “He would leave us with the other people.”

Times were di erent in the 1920s and 1930s if you became a solo parent, says Sylvia. “ ere were no pensions, no unemployment bene ts or things like that in New Zealand – nothing. So mum had to work eight hours a day until she got the pension at the age of 60.

“We were put into state care for almost seven years.”

During this time Sylvia and her siblings were bounced around di erent schools and homes. “ ey were hard times because I lacked with learning.

“We had no books or anything like that. We all slept in one big hut; the boys and the girls and in between.

“We had di erent changes

Giving a glimpse at what some of those experiences were like, Sylvia says: “One time we resilient through that like, Sylvia says: “One time we were locked in the room so we didn’t get out. I’ve been very experience”.

when she left school and began working cleaning houses, before

12

Sylvia Nathan has survived a lot in her 100 years. Photo: John Borren.

working at the Kaiapoi woollen mills throughout the war. In her middle years, Sylvia was aboard the Wahine with her late husband Lawrence Nathan and a friend, travelling from Lyttelton to Wellington on April 10 in 1968.

ey knew bad weather was coming but had crossed with the ferry many times, says Sylvia. Her sister Mavis had called her too. “[Mavis] reminded me there was a terrible storm coming and I said: ‘Yes well worst things happen at sea’.” Foreshadowing events to come, the vessel struck the Barrett Reef at 6.40am.

“We got up early and dressed for breakfast but the storm was so bad and nothing would stay on the counter for breakfast… and then all of a sudden it hit the reef and I was thrown from the counter right across to the other side. I did have water on the knee for a while.”

Christchurch earthquakes

e three of them made it into one of the evacuation life rafts in the storm along with other passengers, says Sylvia.

Out in the perilous conditions, Sylvia says they’d get close to the shore but “the storm was still raging and the wind would suck us out again”.

Eventually they made it to safety. “We missed all the rocks. at was the danger that caused so many deaths... We landed on a bed of kelp.”

It wasn’t until they had been through all the emergency services, been re-clothed, fed, sheltered and put onto a plane back to Christchurch that the reality of the disaster they’d just survived hit them. “ e three of us couldn’t stop crying all the way home to Christchurch on that ight.” Today, the Wahine disaster remains New Zealand’s worst modern maritime disaster, having claimed 53 lives. Decades later, Sylvia would see herself in the midst of yet another disaster – the 2010

Christchurch earthquakes. She was in her mid-80s and living in Kate Sheppard Retirement Village when the earthquakes struck.

“ e rst one that came was four o’clock in the morning. It woke me out of dead sleep.

“My blood pressure went up.

“My knees were jelly. My reactions have always been very quick. e rst thing I thought of was an escape route.

“It was pitch black. It was like the end of the world – that eerie feeling.

“Horrible.

“I ended up being thrown against a wall. at was a big one. at was the one that some of these places were split right through the middle.”

Nonetheless, Sylvia survived once again.

e village was severely damaged by the earthquake and subsequently closed. “It was the liquefaction

that came up and it just lled the building straightaway.”

Sylvia says residents were billeted out to all di erent parts of the North Island and Oxford.

Now, at 100 years old, Sylvia lives in Bureta. She has a warm smile on her face and enjoys getting in her garden. No one would be any the wiser about the kind of life she’s lived. “I just get to move on, take a day at a time and enjoy my life.”

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Sylvia Nathan in her younger years.

Self-care and selfishness

“You are not required to set yourself on re to keep others warm” –

Penny Reid

One of the things that can make your life more enjoyable is building awareness of the needs and wellbeing of others, recognising the importance of healthy relationships and mutual support and, where necessary, putting their needs before your own.

Paradoxically, in doing this you discover you can often be a happier person.

Sel shness, on the other hand, disregards others’ boundaries, prioritises personal gain without considering the consequences to others and leads to developing unhealthy and

unattractive traits.

In saying this, self-care is very important. It involves setting boundaries, communicating openly with others and not overpromising.

In all, it’s important to keep the balance. How do you understand selfcare and when does it become sel sh?

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

A new community centre is coming to Gate Pā, and members of the community can proudly say they’ve played a part in the shaping of it.

According to Tauranga City Council, local residents, mana whenua and representatives from a number of local organisations have had direct input regarding the location and design of the facility, as well as identifying areas of needs and opportunities. e proposed location of the community centre is adjacent to Anzac Park – on land Accessible Properties is making available

Talking vitamin C in skincare Community centre on the way for Gate Pā

for the project to support the community outcomes.

e centre will be a 500m2 building with natural ow and connection out to the park.

Tania Wilson, general manager of tenancy services at Accessible Properties, says her organisation is thrilled to have collaborated with TCC to bring the Gate Pā Community Centre to life.

“ is project stemmed from the Gate Pā community’s desire for a central hub where people can gather, learn, have fun and connect.

“We eagerly anticipate seeing this vision realised,” says Tania.

TCC general manager of community services Barbara

As you may know by now I’m always looking for the best combination of ingredients rather than a particular range to improve a client’s skin condition or concerns.

Clients often presents with one or more of the following issues: uneven pigmentation often through UV damage; acne; rosacea; capillary damage; and/or lines and wrinkles due to collagen and elastin reduction.

Dempsey is looking forward to seeing the centre become a well-used hub in the close-knit community.

“Everyone will be able to use the community centre.

“It will provide a variety of professional services and advice, community programmes and events, multi-purpose rooms, a kitchen for food preparation, kaumātua services and a community noticeboard.”

Construction is planned to start late-2024, with the new centre anticipated to open by late-2025.

Find out more at: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/ gatepacentre

One of the vitamins I regularly look for to repair, protect and correct these skin conditions is vitamin C.

Vitamin C is a naturally occurring antioxidant, so for bene ts to the skin we must look at the absorption through topical sources.

An antioxidant is a substance that helps the body

against potential oxidising, or free radicals, and prevents changes associated with photo-aging. It is used for prevention and correction of hyperpigmentation as a tyrosine inhibitor – it helps to prevent over-production of the enzyme producing melanin – and is essential for collagen synthesis helping reduce lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps in promoting elasticity of capillary networks, promoting vascular function and the repair process.

One other major bene t that many people don’t realise it enhances UV sunscreen protection.

Remember not all forms of vitamin C are equal or of the same quality. A few of the forms of vitamin C are proven to be more stable and e ective for skincare products these are the ones you need to look for.

If you’d like to know more about what is best for you to have a healthy skin, please feel free to call.

Artist’s impression of a proposed concept – which is subject to change. Photo: Tauranga City Council.

Do your eyes get red, sore or blurry?

Irritable eyes are a common problem for New Zealanders. Most often this discomfort is caused by dry eye disease; when someone’s tears do not keep their eyeball wet enough.

It is important to accurately diagnose dry eye disease and its severity. e most common cause of dry eye disease is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. is condition occurs when the oilproducing glands in the eyelids stop functioning correctly. If these protective

oils in the tears are compromised, then the tears dry out faster, and your eyes become irritable.

Bay Eye Care optometrist Alex Petty has been managing dry eye in his patient for years.

“MGD is a chronic condition, which means eventually our patients’ symptoms will recur without treatment,” says Alex.

“Unfortunately, simply using watery eye drops does nothing to stop the underlying cause.”

Treatments for MGD depends on the severity of the condition and can include

Winter health carnival in Katikati

With winter ills and chills here there’s no better time to get your health in order. As such Tamawhariua Health & Social Services is hosting a Winter Wellness and Immunisations carnival in Katikati on June 23.

People can head to Katikati War Memorial Hall from 11am-3pm Sunday, June 23 to talk about everything to do with health and wellness. With free entry and plenty of

food and stalls, the carnival is covers more than just health.

ere will be facepainting, a bouncy castle and outdoor games for kids plus workshops, rongoā Māori medicinal practices, prizes, music, u immunisations and vaccination, a barbecue and whānaungatanga –kinship. Search: ‘Tamawhariua Health & Social Services’ on Facebook for more information.

a range of topical and oral options, says Alex.

However, one of the most e ective therapies to improve dry eye disease is Intense Pulsed Light. IPL is a revolutionary treatment where high energy light is applied to the skin around the eye, stimulating the oil glands in the eyelids to improve secretions, thus making people less reliant on ongoing eye-drops and other treatments.

“IPL therapy is painless and longlasting, with many people getting improvement in symptoms for years afterwards,” says Alex.

If you think you may have dry eye disease, contact the optometrists at your local dry eye specialist Bay Eye Care, to get your ocular surface back under control.

Mr Alex Petty

Mr Aidan Quinlan

Bay Eye Care optometrists Alex Petty, at front, and Aidan Quinlan, examine a patient.

Photo: John Borren.

Horsey fun day out in Katikati

e Katikati A&P Society ribbon day and show jumping event is being held at the Uretara Domain, Katikati, this Sunday, June 9, from 9.30am.

With free entry to the public and sausages, tea, co ee and baking available all day, this is a great family fun day out.

ere will also be a buy/swap/ sell table for those interested.

is year’s event is a fundraiser for the upcoming 100th Katikati A&P show next February.

e rst Katikati A&P Show was held in 1913 and the 2025 event will be the 100th show.

e show jumping starts at 12pm with seven rounds ranging from 50cm right up to 100cm. For more information, visit: facebook.com/katikatiaandpsociety

Ukes, blues, Hekapa and ‘Garage

It seems my tidy plan for New Zealand Music Month has descended into chaos.

C’est la vie.

And though it’s all over now, it seems the sudden glut of local music releases continues unabated. It’s a little unexpected for Tauranga.

Unfortunately, I had this week set aside to tell you all about a lineup of really interesting concerts coming up on the weekend of June 14. Tangentially, let me mention for lexical enthusiasts that ‘lineup’ is indeed the collective noun for concerts. Incidentally, a series of festivals is called a ‘calendar’ of festivals. What’s piling up are new albums from e Whittakers, Ben Lloyd and Janne Izett. And the rst single, ‘Luv Game’, from ex-Auckland rocker

Gary Harvey’s new album is out now.

ere’s also the release of ‘Garage Fuzz’; the rst single from ex-Tauranga Boys’ College rock band Unit 51, who took third place in the 2023 National Smokefreerockquest. e band comprises Otto Blake-Palmer on bass, Aaron McDaniel on drums and Daniel Leabourn, who also won the Musicianship Award, on vocals and guitar.

Big-ri rock

‘Garage Fuzz’ is an impressive rst outing. Mainly written by Daniel, it’s big-ri rock with an articulate lyric and groovy guitar solo. And cowbell. It really is something – another splendid production job from Evan Pope at the Mount’s Studio 11b.

Kudos to the band for continuing, not easy when Daniel and Otto are in their nal year at Tauranga Boys’ and Aaron in his rst year studying music at Victoria University. Currently they’re focusing on songwriting and planning to gig when Aaron

returns for holidays. Expect a headlining slot at e Jam Factory later this year.

On to those gigs: June 14 has a couple of killers.

e rst is at e Jam Factory and is a feast for ukulele lovers. Yes, I know. Not all are. Someone emailed me a joke that goes ‘What’s the di erence between a ukulele and a banjo?’

Auckland trio e Nukes, always entertaining and the country’s leading uke exponents, have Australian Tyrone with them. Tyrone, one half of award-winners Tyrone and Lesley, is a ukulele maestro in demand from the Sydney Opera House to worldwide festivals. is will be a fabulous show. Oh, and that joke: a ukulele burns faster.

Hekapa

e other gig? Totara Street is celebrating Matariki with sensational local band Hekapa, comprising Jason Crawford, TJ Faaoso a, Tia Drumma, Ara Adams-tamatea and Wills Lokeni, who play an impassioned high-energy blend of funk, soul, R ‘n’ B and rock. ey are joined by Matty Buxton and the Buxtones with his very appealing melodic funky soulful hip-pop, as well as a real treat for blues and guitar enthusiasts: L.A.B’s Joel Shadbolt and friends playing a bunch of electric blues under the name Shaddy Plays Blues.

en on Sunday, June 15, there’s blues from Mike Garner and Robbie Laven at e Barrel Room; most excellent looped folk music from Graeme James at e Jam Factory; and the Abbey Road Beatles tribute at Jack Dusty’s. Busy weekend.

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

Hear this week’s Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/24P4JGl7p0ztcx SZiN0AqS?si=ef78118a94714595

Help expand the city’s tree canopy coverage

Tauranga residents can pick up a free native tree this Sunday, June 9, to plant on their property and help boost the city’s canopy cover.

Tauranga currently has only 22 per cent tree canopy cover – and the council is aiming to increase this to 30 per cent or more. As a result, and to celebrate Arbor Day, Tauranga City

Council is holding its inaugural Free Tree Day at Baypark from 9am-1pm on June 9.

Council principal urban forester Mark Armistead says the initiative o ers residents a chance to receive one free native tree per household to plant on their property.

“ e aim of Free Tree Day is to enhance tree canopy coverage across Tauranga, support local biodiversity, and

provide a fun, whānau friendly outdoor activity,” says Mark.

“We’re eager to engage with our community about the many bene ts trees bring to our neighbourhoods, such as providing shade during hot summer days and shelter for native birdlife.

“We want to not only enhance our environment but also cultivate a deeper sense of responsibility towards our natural surroundings.”

Residents can choose from a variety of native tree species including pōhutukawa, tōtara and kōwhai. Trees will be distributed on a rst-come, rst-served basis, with a total of 1900 trees available.

e trees are ready to plant and can easily t in a car, so trailers won’t be needed.

Council sta from the sustainability, arborist and environment teams will be present at Baypark to provide educational materials, guidance on tree care and information on other council-led environmental initiatives. Attendees can enjoy a co ee cart and sausage sizzle on-site.

New disc golf course at TECT Park

Disc golf enthusiasts are invited to ‘putt’ their skills to the test at a new nine-hole course at TECT Park.

Disc golf, or frisbee golf, is played much like ball golf, but players throw discs instead of hitting a ball. e target is a metal basket, and the aim is to get the disc/frisbee into the basket in as few shots as possible.

e TECT Park course is free to use and can be found at the back of the freedom camping area.

Normal frisbees can be used, however proper discs are recommended and can be found at most sports stores.

“We’re excited to bring disc golf to the park, adding a new activity for people of all skill levels to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the sport, this nine-hole course is a great excuse to get outdoors in a beautiful setting and have fun with whānau and friends,” says TECT park ranger Emily Bykar. Growing in popularity, there are now more

than 70 disc golf courses in New Zealand – and the new course at TECT Park is the second for the Western Bay of Plenty. ere is also a full, 27-basket course at McLaren Falls.

Last year, Western Bay of Plenty District Council sought feedback from the community about what new activities people would like to see at the park. More than 690 people shared their ideas and the council is now in the process of nalising a plan for the park’s future.

“As we continue to develop TECT Park, sustainability, education and cultural enrichment remain at the forefront of our plans.

“Disc golf aligns well with these values, o ering a low-impact activity for people of all ages to enjoy,” says Emily.

is event is exclusively for Tauranga residents. Council sta will record the intended planting locations to ensure all suburbs

bene t from this initiative. Free Tree Day is at Baypark, 81 Truman Lane, Tauranga, from 9am1pm, Sunday, June 9.

TECT park ranger Emily Bykar ready to play disc golf at the new nine-hole course. Photo: supplied.

TCC principal urban forester Mark Armistead is ready to give away 1900 native trees. Photo: John Borren.

THE WEEKEND SUN

Friday 7 June

Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing a form? Accompany you to an appointment? Talk to an agency? Come see us! Every Friday, Otumoetai Social Supermarket, Claremont Terrace, 10-11:30am and Pāpāmoa Library 1-2:30pm.

Tauranga Golf Croquet Tuesday and Friday 9.30 - Noon and 1pm to 3.30pm. Saturday 9.30-Noon and Sunday 1pm-3.30pm, Golf Croquet at Tauranga Domain, Cameron Rd. New players welcome. Contact Gretchen 576 7169

Tauranga Patchwork & Quilters

Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 7pm and 2nd & 4th Friday at 10am. Tauranga Art & Craft Centre, 177 Elizabeth St. Contact: taurangaquilters@gmail.com

Saturday 8 June

Bay Singles Social Group Join a bunch of over 50’s young singles. Weekend dinners,pot lucks, occasional outings. Have a go! Ph Delia 027 284 8762, Andrea 021 133 0313 Boules - Petanque Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Club Mt

Maunganui. Boules available. New players welcome. Ph. Ray 027 756 3565 for times, further details.

Laughter is the best medicine! Enjoy 45 minutes of fun and laughter yoga at Arataki Community Centre from 10am. Phone Jude 021-02775901.

Tauranga Social Dance Club

Sequence Dance 2nd Sat monthly 7pm St Johns Church Hall Bureta $7 plus raffles. Supper All welcome Ph Nola 027 323 2882

Sunday 9 June

Accordion Music Group

Welcome Bay Hall, 1-4pm, every 3rd Sunday of the month, $4.00pp, afternoon tea supplied, everyone welcome, come and join us. Ph Joy 027 285 3093

Already a Quaker? Do you believe in peace, integrity, community, equality, simplicity and stewardship? Join us Sundays 10-12 behind Brain Watkins

Historical House. Tauranga Quaker Worship

Enjoy travel? Travel overseas, be home-hosted in safety. The Friendship Force Tauranga meets monthly in Omokoroa and Bethlehem. phone Dianne 027 249 9859, Jonathan 572 2091.

Free Tree Day Tauranga City Council is giving away free native trees at Baypark on Sunday, 9 June 9am – 1pm. Trees fit in a car so no trailers needed.

Park & Bark Play group for small dogs. Second & fourth Sunday every month. 1:30pm at Sydenham Park, Millers Road Brookfield. Free of charge.

Miniatures Club Tauranga “Making it Small” meetings 2nd Sunday each month (Feb-Nov)10am-4pm. Arts and Crafts Centre 177 Elizabeth Street Tauranga. Contact: Jan 021 214 5192. Wanganui Girls’ College OGA Tauranga Branch is hosting a luncheon to celebrate 65 years of friendship. For details contact Pauline 548 2110 or clansgbp@gmail.com All ex pupils welcome

Monday 10 June

Invitation to singing men HarmonyA-Plenty has been singing for twenty years. COVID has reduced our numbers. We practise Monday evenings 7-9pm. Ph Frank 576 3037 David 576 0578

Greerton Walking Group Meet outside Greerton Library at 9am for a gentle, local walk with a friendly crowd, followed by cafe visit. All welcome. Contact Mike on 021 1807 4296

Addictive Eaters Anonymous Is food or weight a problem for you? Addictive Eaters Anonymous can help. Weekly online support meetings available. Wednesday 7.308.30pm All Welcome Visit www.AEA.org or call Kiley on 07 856 6378

Tauranga City Brass Brass & percussion players wanted to join Junior and Senior Band. Contact Secretary Ian at Ian.murray.taurangabrass@outlook. co.nz Bandroom at 10 Yatton Street Greerton

Yoga Classes in Ohauiti Beginners and intermediate levels. Stretch, strengthen, relax and harmonise. Mondays 9.30am at Ohauiti Settlers Hall. For more info contact Asunta 021 061 4394 or yogaindailylife@pl.net

Tuesday 11 June

500 Card Club Mount Community Hall. 12.15 pm Fun and friendly group. All ages all welcome. Afternoon tea provided. Parking available. Bus stop nearby. Queries to 027 658 6848

Altrusa Ladies Service Group Come and join a group of women for community projects and social events. Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays. Phone Pam on 027 253 7562, or visit www.altrusa.org.nz.

Inachord Singers Tauranga Excited to Sing? Join us with our Dynamic new Musical Director, Dan Ieremia. 7pm Bethlehem Community Church, 183 Moffat Rd. Contact: Julie 021 0252 6805 or Sabine: 021 111 8659

Olympic Style Rifle Shooting Every Tuesday evening at 7.00pm at the Tauranga Target Rifle Club’s range, 165 Elizabeth Street, opposite Tyre master. Public welcome. All gear and coaching provided.

Papamoa Table Tennis Club Club nights Tuesdays 7pm to 9pm Papamoa College Gym. All levels welcome. Ph John 021 038 6025

Recycled Teenagers Gentle Exercise St. Mary’s church Cnr. Girven & Marlin. 9-10.30am. Suitable for joint replacements, arthritics, recovery from accident & illness. Strength, coordination & balance. Phone Jennifer 027 206 0776.

Tauranga Patchwork & Quilters

Age Concern Walking Group A friendly weekly walking group for all ages and all fitness levels. 10am start, meet at the end of Sterling Gate Drive, Bethlehem.

Beginner Social Ballroom/Latin Group Wednesday 7-8pm, Welcome Bay School Hall. Just come along on the night. More details on our website: supremedancecentre.nz or phone Sonia 027 322 1786

Body+Soul 50+Fun Fitness For better health, strength and balance to great music. Men and women welcome, make new friends. 9.15am Bethlehem hall opposite Woolworths. Phone Dianne 027 431 4326

Cards Cribbage Join us Wednesday’s 12.45pm for 1pm start RSA Greerton. Friendly club. New members very welcome. Phone Jill 021 1606 143

Fernland Spa Gentle Exercise Warm mineral water, no chlorine. Suitable for joint replacements, arthritics & recovery from accident & illness. Strength, coordination & balance. Not school holidays. Jennifer 027 206 0776. Healing Rooms Prayer Experience God’s healing touch, whether physical, emotional, spiritual. 1-3pm Every Wednesday. All welcome. No charge. Central Baptist Lounge. 640 Cameron Rd. www.healingrooms.com Ph 027 640 1263

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

Creative Fibre Tauranga Knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting & dyeing. Mondays 9:30am, & 2nd & 4th Thursdays 6:30pm. 177 Elizabeth St. Enjoy learning new crafts. Ph Joan 021 323 325 esco-tera coffee club tga A social club for anyone with an interest in paranormal/ufo related activity, or maybe just an x-files fan. days/times are negotiable.Daniel 022 462 3316. Greerton Garden Club Greerton Garden Club meets 2nd Monday each month at St James Church hall, Pooles Road, Greerton, at1pm. Visitors Welcome. Ph 07 562 8855

Bayfair Petanque Club. Join us for some fun at Bayfair Reserve, Russley Dr. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and Thurs. New players very welcome. Call 021 158 0129 for details.

Body+Soul for 50+ Fun Fitness for men and women. Exercise for better health, strength and balance to great music. Tauranga Senior Citizens hall Norris St. Ph Dianne 027 431 4326

Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing a form? Accompany you to an appointment? Talk to an agency? Come speak to an Advocate! Every Tuesday, Greerton Library, 1-2.30pm.

Greerton Indoor Bowling Club Club Night, Greerton Senior Citizens Hall, Maitland Street. New Members welcome. Coaching available. Phone Sally 021 172 6004.

Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 7pm and 2nd & 4th Friday at 10am. Tauranga Art & Craft Centre, 177 Elizabeth St. Contact: taurangaquilters@gmail.com

Tauranga Scrabble Club Tuesday Scrabble, Meet weekly at Tauranga Citz Club 9:30am - 12:45. 3 games played. Ph Jo Ann 021 836 067 Yoga, Private Classes Feel uncomfortable in a group setting? Or have special needs? I can design a class to specifically suit your needs/ capabilities. Contact Asunta on 021 0614 394

Wednesday 12 June

10 Pin Bowling 1pm at 10 Pin Tauranga,135 Thirteenth Ave. Mixed group play for fun but keep the score. Very occasionally competitive. Ph Glenda 021 257 8678

Marching For Leisure A non-competitive activity for mature ladies. Fun, fitness and friendship. For Tauranga team’s practices and contact details please call Marlene Marx 027 342 0698

Omanu Rebus Club Join our monthly meeting 9.30am at Mt Maunganui RSA. njoy morning tea,guest speaker,raffles other activities for Older Adults. Ph Margaret 07 542 0548

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

Tauranga Film Society Showing “Rain” (New Zealand 2001) at Luxe Tauranga at 6.45pm. 3-film sampler membership $40. Join any time. Full season membership $120. See: www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz Tauranga Film Society is a registered non-profit organisation number: CC35718

Tauranga Midweek Tramping Group Okataina from Lake Rotoiti via Bull Ring. Papamoa. Moderate. Contact Allan 027 222 3325

Thursday 13 June

500 Card Club Mount Community Hall. 12.15 pm Fun and friendly group. All ages all welcome. Afternoon tea provided. Parking available. Bus stop nearby. Queries to 027 658 6848

Alcoholics Anonymous All welcome to our friendly, open meeting at 730pm, Lifechurch Tauranga, 934 Cameron Rd, Gate Pa, Tauranga. Tea and coffee provided. Ph 0800 229 6757

Bayfair Petanque Club. Join us for some fun at Bayfair Reserve, Russley Dr. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and Thurs. New players very welcome. Call 021 158 0129 for details. China Painting Club Meet every Thursday from 10am onwards. Learn a new hobby. Arts & Crafts Centre, Elizabeth Street. TGA. Ph: Pam 021 127 7277

Creative Fibre Tauranga Knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting & dyeing. Mondays 9:30am, & 2nd & 4th Thursdays 6:30pm. 177 Elizabeth St. Enjoy learning new crafts. Ph Joan 021 323 325

Flexercise with Fitness League Exercise, movement, dance, focusing on posture, balance, stretching, strengthening & flexibility, suits all ages and abilities,10am, Central Baptist Church, 13th Ave, Tga Pam 021 117 7170 Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing a form? Accompany you to an appointment? Talk to an agency? Come see us! Every Thursday, Welcome Bay Community Centre, 1-2:30pm.

Keynotes Women’s Barbershop Chorus Can you sing in tune? Women, age no barrier, invited to join us, 7pm Wesley Hall, 100 13th Avenue. Phone Bernice 576 4848, Facebook Keynotes Inc.

Serenata Singers Join our friendly welcoming group. Thursdays 10 - 11.30, Methodist Church Hall, 2 Oroua Street, Te Puke. Phone Anne 027 850 3776

Friday 14 June

Band And Deliver (Free) Enjoy music careers starting as college-aged bands perform for free. Friday 21st June from 7.00pm at The Jam Factory. Free event. Book at www. theincubator.co.nz

Taoist Tai Chi Tauranga Taoist Tai Chi Tauranga. Beginning sessions open. Monday 9am, Tuesday 10.30 + 1pm, Wednesday 1,30pm Thursday 6pm Friday 9am, Saturday 8.45. Any queries Ph Margie 021 500 320

Casual 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

papamoa beach

8 SEABREEZE PLACE Saturday

8th June 7.30am – 11.30am. Women’s clothing, shoes, jewellery and books.

Advertise your Garage Sale! Only $27+GST for up to 20 words.

bible digest FOR OUR LIGHT and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17 gardening

ABLE GARDENER, experienced, e cient, knowledgeable, highly quali ed. Maintenance, pruning, hedges, shrubs, roses; disease/pest control, lifestyle blocks, garden renovations; design & plant. Ph Tita 027 654 8781 or a/h 542 0120. lost & found FOUND KITTENS & PUPPIES

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 5780245.

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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.

Churches Active In Our Community

I remember when I was a child, my father used to read me the story of Noah and his ark.

I used to nd it very interesting listening to how God saved a few to begin anew. roughout history, God has always been faithful to his people – never completely destroying all, saving a few to remind us he is never nished with us as his people.

When Noah saw the rain had stopped, he sent a crow out to determine if there was any land visible.

When the crow returned without having made a discovery, he did not stop believing God was not done with them yet.

Ever-hopeful, he sent one, no, two doves out, and after the second did not return, he knew his hope and perseverance had borne fruit.

In our own storms, we have to remain hopeful God in his faithfulness will save us and deliver us from our su ering; note all reminders that after we have su ered for a time, God himself will strengthen us and empower us through His grace.

I do not know your circumstances and I do not know your su ering, but I know God, and I know He is faithful and will soon deliver you from whatever challenges you may face.