The Weekend Sun - 5 July 2024

Mapping out a new code

Newfaces,oldplaces.Asnearly13,000 intermediate-agedathletesdescendon TaurangafortheZespriAIMSGamesthis comingSeptember,theHistoricVillageis preparingtohostoneofthenewestcodes. Orienteeringdebutsatthisyear’sgameswith

New faces, old places. As nearly 13,000 intermediate-aged athletes descend on Tauranga for the Zespri AIMS Games this coming September, the Historic Village is preparing to host one of the newest codes. Orienteering debuts at this year’s games with

Karaka Pines 8x7

nearly400entriesfromaroundAotearoa–includingTauranga’sBenRanford,pictured –signeduptocompeteinthecode. Theorienteeringwillbesplit intotwo,withtherogainedisciplineheldat McLarensFallsPark,andtheurban-based

nearly 400 entries from around Aotearoa –including Tauranga’s Ben Ranford, pictured – signed up to compete in the code. e orienteering will be split into two, with the rogaine discipline held at McLarens Falls Park, and the urban-based

sprintdisciplineattheHistoricVillage.

sprint discipline at the Historic Village.

“Having397entriesinorienteering,for instance,isphenomenalfromanewcodeand I’msoproudthatwe’llcreateaweek ofmemoriesforstudentswhowouldn’t normallygetthissortofexperience,”says

“Having 397 entries in orienteering, for instance, is phenomenal from a new code and I’m so proud that we’ll create a week of memories for students who wouldn’t normally get this sort of experience,” says

tournament director Kelly Schischka. And while course designers are sworn to secrecy, it’s expected the keen orienteering participants will add fresh zing to the surrounding scenery. Read more on page 6.

Photo: John Borren.

405CameronRd,PrivateBag12002, TaurangaMailCentre,Tauranga3143.

Phone075780030 www.theweekendsun.co.nz

ads@thesun.co.nznewsroom@thesun.co.nz

TheWeekendSunissubjecttoNZMediaCouncilprocedures.First,email yourcomplainttotheEditorat:newsroom@thesun.co.nzIfnotsatisfied orformoredetails,goto:mediacouncil.org.nz

TheWeekendSunispublishedeveryFridayanddistributedthroughouttheWesternBay ofPlentyfromWaihiBeach,throughKatikati,Tauranga,MountMaunganui,Papamoaand TePukeandavailabletocollectatmanystandlocationsthroughoutthearea.Forafull listofstandlocationsseehttps://theweekendsun.co.nz/stand-locations.html TheWeekendSunispartofNZME-NewZealandMedia&Entertainment.WekeepKiwis intheknow.Locallyproducedat405CameronRd,Tauranga

Editor: MerleCave Editorial: LetitiaAtkinson,AlishaEvans,Rosalie LiddleCrawford,HunterWells,AylaYeoman. Photography: John Borren. PublicationsManager: KathySellars. Advertising: Jo Delicata,KarleneSherris,SuzyKing,LoisNatta,SharonEyres,. DesignStudio: KymJohnson,CaitlinBurns.

‘It’swhereIlovetobe’

She’shadpeoplegapingandguessing–who’stheyoung horsewomanridingsidekicktoJohnny,thecity’sfamedhorseman? LastweekTheWeekendSunintroducedyouto15-year-oldTia Tane,anŌtūmoetaiCollegestudentwho’stakentoridinga Pintocalled‘Apache’whenJohnnyridesthecitystreets.Onehas becometwo.“It’smydifferentside,”explainsTia

“It’swhereIlovetobe,” saysJohnnywhenhe’snotbeing full-timecarertohisailingMum. Thehorsepaddockishisnirvanaas citylifeflashespastat50km/hr onNgataiRd.

It’salsoaplaceyou’dexpecttosee hordesofslaveringdevelopers.Because the‘paddock’isperhaps6000square metres,enoughfortwoorthreeflash clifftophouseswithmulti-milliondollar viewsallthewaytotheharbourentrance andbeyond.P&OandMaerskcould notslipinoroutofTaurangawithout ‘Penny’and‘Apache’noticing. It’sgilt-edgedcityspaceandit’sbeing mindedbya‘humble’man,munchedby twohorsesandenjoyedbyallthree.Tia makesitfournow.Johnnydelightfully understatestheirlot.“We’vebeenhere 11years.It’sgood.We’relucky.”

SotooareŌtūmoetai’sdahlias,roses, pumpkinsandpeaslucky.Because$5 willbuyyouabagofhorsepoopat theroad’sedge.Thebagsflyoutofthe paddock–it’sfertilisinglocalgardens beforeitstopssteaming.‘Penny’and ‘Apache’mightstruggletokeepupwith demand.Afriendchuckledwhenhesaw it.“Afertiliserfactoryinthemiddleof thecity…really?”Yes,really.

Ashrineto‘Sid’

Andifit’sapaddock,it’salsoashrine.

Ashrineto‘Sid’.There’snomarble headstonebutthereisoneof‘Sid’s horseshoeshangingfromthefencewire, alongsidesomeartificialflowers.

“Irodehimeverywhere.Buthewas verysickandIwouldn’tlethimsuffer.”

Peoplewhoknowthemanwellsaythe lossjustaboutbrokeJohnny.Hewas devastated.Andsohewasallowedto bury‘Sid’rightthereinthepaddock.

“Rightwhereyouarestanding,” Johnnysaystome.‘Sid’sgone,buthe’s

Herfun,dramaticandexpressivesidethatmostpeoplewere unawareof.

TiahasalsobecomeafixtureatthepaddockonNgataiRdwhere Johnnyrunshishorses.EveryoneknowsJohnnyDodds,everyone knowsthepaddock.It’sJohnny’sspiritualhome.Andsohereis parttwoofourstoryonJohnnyandTia

NirvanaonNgataiRd:Tiaon‘Apache’andJohnnyon‘Penny’atthepaddock.

not.Youcansenseahorse’sspiritstill lingeringaroundthepaddock,aplace whereahorsegotrespect.

The‘sidekick’hasgottentoknowand understandJohnnyverywell.“He’svery quiet,he’skindandhe’sgenuine,”says Tia.“Andveryloyaltothosewhodo goodbyhim.”Healsoknowshisstuff, shesays.“Iamthestudent.Hewantsto improvemyskillsandIwanttolearn.

“Heismymentor,alsomyfriend.”

Andacreativeinspiration.

Thefacepaint,thequills,thebeads andembroidery,thequiverandshafts, aren’tjusttheatre.It’spartofhim becauseJohnnythinks,reads,breaths NativeAmerica.“EversinceIclimbed onahorsewhenIwasabout13.”

Chatting,hereelsoffevents,datesand places.“LittleBighorn…June1876,just

aftertheendoftheAmericanCivilwar. “1865.”

Ahappyhorse

‘Apache’maybeJohnny’shorse,butTia has‘Pache’s’futuremapped.“Shewon’t beashowjumperorsomeseriously insanetrickpony.Ijustwanthertobea horse,ahappyhorse.”

Andtogethertheywillride,havefun, createfun,makepeoplehappyand makeTaurangaabrighter,more interestingplace.ItootJohnnyevery timeIseehim,onChapelSt,onThe Strand,attheMount,thetopofmy drive.AndIalwaysgettheraisedcocked arminreturn.“Hau!”hemouthsatme asIdrivepast.Ilikethat.Ienjoymy connectionwithSittingBull. “Hau!”backatyouJohnny.Ridewell.

Photo:JohnBorren.

HunterWells

NZTApushesaheadwith SH2medianbarriers

Workoninstallingmedian barrierstopreventrighthandturnsonState Highway2,betweenWaihī andŌmokoroa,isgoing aheadasplanned.

Inresponsetocommunity uneaseaboutthemedianbarrier installation,NZTransport AgencyWakaKotahisaysit pausedthework“toconsider concerns”raisedbyresidents inthearea.

Residentsofroadsadjacentto SH2arestronglyopposedtothe medianbarriersgoingahead. Thebarrierswillpreventrighthandturnsontoresidential roadsincludingWorkRdand LundRd–meaning“another sevenkilometres”oftravel, saysformerWesternBayof PlentyDistrictCouncillor andresidentofaWorkRdside road,MikeWilliams.

Vocallocals

Inrecentweeks,localshave beenvocalabouttheirthoughts ontheroadingproject.

Arollingprotestwasheldon June9,whereapeopledonned

theirvehicleswithsignsand drovedownthehighway.And somespraypaintedoverroad markingsonSH2,which promptedNZTAtoissuea safetywarning.

NZTAregionalrelationships directorDavidSpeirssaysthe decisionhasnowbeenmade toproceedasplanned,with installationofmedianbarrier onthe1.4kmsectionbetween MortonRdandAongateteRiver bridge.Workwillbeunderway forthenextfewweeks.

“Weunderstandthat convenienceandtraveltime areimportanttopeopleasthey moveaboutandappreciatethat thereareconcernsforemergency servicevehicleaccessand communityconnections.

“Thisprojecthasundergone severalstagesofpublicand stakeholderconsultation, includingopendays,meetings withlandowners,huiwith iwiandconversationswith emergencyservices.”

Davidsaysfeedbackand suggestionsfromthecommunity wereincorporatedwhere practical.Hesayssafety improvementsbetweenWaihī

andŌmokoroaare75per centcomplete,withfourof sixroundaboutsbuilt,andthe fifthinconstruction,providing safeturnaroundareasaheadof barriersbeinginstalled,with 3.8kmofmedianbarriersalready installednorthofKatikati.

“Everyday,15,000vehicles travelalongthisroad–andthat figureisgrowingbyaround2-3 percenteachyear.

Adequatespace

“Theinstallationofflexible medianbarriers,combined withtheimprovementworks alreadyundertaken,areaimedat reducingthenumberofpeople killedorseriouslyinjuredonthis sectionofSH2by75percent.”

Davidsayseverybodytravelling onSH2deservestogetwhere they’regoingsafely.“Therewill beadequatespacebetween theguardrailattheedgeof theroadandthebarrierin thecentre,allowingroomfor emergencyservicestogetpast inanemergencyandtomake u-turnswheretherearegapsin thebarrier.

*Readthisstoryinfullat: www.sunlive.co.nz

Unlockthefullpotentialofyourlandandcreatelastingvalue.

AddvaluetoyourlandwiththeAdvantageRangeofcompact,consent-ready, smallhomesthatofferexceptionalvalueformoneyandareperfectlysuited asasecondarydwellingonthebackofyourproperty

Buildfrom$154,490*

VersatileTauranga 30-32FifteenthAvenue,Tauranga Mon-Fri8.00am-4.00pm,075788898

0800VERSATILEversatile.co.nz

*Terms,conditions&exclusionsapply.Visit versatile.co.nz forfulldetails.

Tauranganetbball swaps Blake Park for Baypark

TaurangaNetballCentreisonthemove toBayparkafterresidingatMount Maunganui’sBlakeParkformore than40years.

ThemovewasgiventhegreenlightataTauranga NetballCentrespecialgeneralmeetingonJune10

–whichgavedelegatesthechancetoopt tomovetoBayparkorstayputatBlake Park.

Attendedbyabout100people,the SGMrequiredatleast51percentof memberstovoteinfavourofrelocation.

Withthedelegatespresent,this amountedto182voters.

BoardchairNickiComptonsays 85.7percentofdelegatesvoted‘Yes’to relocate,while26peoplevoted‘No’to stayputatBlakePark.

Outgrown

Nickisaysthesuccessfulvotefora relocationofTNCisagreatopportunity forthecentretogrow.CurrentlyTNC hasaround6000membersandit continuestoexpand.

“We’vebasicallyoutgrownourfacilities and19courtsatBlakePark.

“Atthemomentweoperatesixdaysa weekjusttofiteveryonein.Itwasgoing totakeahugeinvestmenttorefurbish ourbuilding,resurfacecourtsandputin newlights.We’rereallyhappythatthe councilhaveseenitasasportthatneeds

assistanceandthat’sgrowing.”

Nickisaysthedesignofthenewfacility willinitiallyhave23courtstoplayon, withprovisiontohaveanextrasixcourts builtinfuture.

“Wearereallypositiveandexcited abouthavingmorecourts,anewbuilding andbetterparking.”

Shebelievestherelocationtothe brand-newfacilitiesatBayparkislikely togoaheadinJune2026,meaning courtsshouldbereadyforactionmidseason2026.

TheprojectispartofTaurangaCity Council’sLong-TermPlan.

“Aspartofourcity-wideplanto improvesportsfacilitiesandreserves tosupportourgrowingpopulation, TaurangaNetballCentrewillbemoving fromBlakeParktoBaypark,”saysa councilspokesperson.

2026relocation

“WeareactivelyworkingwithTauranga Netballontheirrelocation.This collaborationcurrentlyincludesdetailed designworkforthecourtsandbuildings,

withtheprojectontrackfornetballtobe relocatedin2026.

“Thiswillenableustocreateamulti-use communitysportsandrecreationhubfor theTaurangacommunity.”

Accordingtocouncil,Bayparkwill featurefacilitiesfornetball,othercourt sports,athletics,speedway,gymnastics, androllersports,aswellasdedicated greenspacesandwalkwaysaspartof itskeyreservemasterplans,which aredetailedat: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/projects/ proposed-baypark-optimisation TECTchiefexecutiveWayneWerder confirmsthatTECThasapproved$2 millionoffundingtowardstherelocation ofTaurangaNetballCentre.

“Thisisaonce-in-a-lifetimeopportunity tosupportthegrowthanddevelopment ofgrassrootsnetballandtofuture-proof thesportbyprovidingmorefit-forpurposefacilities.”

Nickisays“asanorganisationweare reallyexcitedandpositiveaboutitand lookingforwardtoournewhomeat Baypark”. AylaYeoman

Doyouhave1-2hoursaweektohelpaformerrefugeeormigrantlearnEnglish?

HowdoyouwanttoberepresentedonyourRegionalCouncil?

Everysixyears,councilsaroundthecountryarerequiredtoreviewhow communitiesarerepresentedinthemake-upoftheircouncil.

ForBayofPlentyRegionalCouncil,thismeans ensuringtheconstituencies(areas)theregionis dividedintoandthenumberofelectedmembers/ councillorsreflectchanges,forexamplepopulation increases,acrosscommunitiestheyrepresent. Earlierthisyearweaskedthecommunityhowthey feltaboutthecurrentrepresentationsetup.

Welookedatdifferentoptionsandworkedthrough communityfeedbackwehadpreviouslyreceived. Retainingthe‘statusquo’wasthepreferredoption andwe’renowaskingforfurthercommunity

feedbackonretainingthecurrentapproachof having14Councillorsacrossfourgeneral constituencies(WesternBayofPlenty,Tauranga, Rotorua,andtheEasternBay)andthreeMāori constituencies(Mauao,Ōkurei,andKōhi). Ifyouhaven’ttakentheopportunitytohaveyour sayorwanttoaddtoyourearlierfeedback, now’sthetimetoletusknow.

LetusknowbyFriday,12Julybyvisiting www.boprc.govt.nz/rep-review-2024

Thisisyourchancetoshapehowyou’rerepresentedonyourcouncil

Get

Pleasecontactus Phone 075714181 Email bayofplenty@englishlanguage.org.nz 212ChadwickRd,Greerton,Tauranga Web www.englishlanguage.org.nz

TaurangaNetballCentre’sMareeBody,TaniaWalters,NickiCompton,PaulaVickersandTraceyWalters can’twaitforthemovetoBaypark. Photo:JohnBorren.

MerivaleCommunity Centrestaffandvolunteers aredeterminedtokeeptheir servicesrunningforthose whoneedthem–despite temporarilynothavinga buildingtooperatefrom.

The1940sbungalowthatit hascalledhomeforthepast31 yearshasbeenstrippedahead ofdemolition.

MerivaleCommunityCentre wasfoundedin1993asa grassroots,community-led organisationat10KestevenAve.

“Thecentrewilleffectively behomelessforsixweeks,so we’llbeworkingoutofour communityvan–butonthe samesiteasouroldbuildingat 10KestevenAve–toprovide kaiasusualonMondaysandto ferrypeopletofinancialmentors andothersupportservices,”says managerDaveMerton.

“Theoldbuildingwillbetorn downtheweekstartingJuly15.”

Hesaysstaffandvolunteers willalsomeetwithteamsfrom otheragenciesuntiltheycan shiftintoatemporarybaseon SurreyGrovefrommid-August.

TheHealthWakawillalso operateFridaynightsatthe KestevenAvesite.

Davesaysthey’vestruggledfor sometimetohostcommunity eventsintheoldbuilding. “We’veoutgrownit;infact,we outgrewityearsago.It’ssimply notfitforpurposebecauseit’s elevated.Peoplewithmobility issueshavehadtobeassisted insideandthoseonmotorised scootersneedtobehanded foodoutsideandcan’tattend functions.”

He’sthrilledthenewcentre–dueforcompletionattheendof 2025–willbesingle-leveland threetimesthesize.

Thenew630m2building willaccommodate175people andincludeareceptionarea, kitchen,multi-functional communityspace,offices,

privateconsultationrooms,a youthstudio/musicroom,toilets andstoragefacilities.

Therewillbeanoutdoorarea thatincludesanentrycourt, outdoorseating,outdoor recreationareaandlandscaped gardens.

Thenewfacilityisbeing fundedbyTaurangaCity Councilpluscommunitygrants fromTECT,BayTrustandthe LotteryGrantsBoard.

“Itwillincludeaquarter-sized basketballcourtoutside.We’re alwaysbouncingballshere, shootinghoopsisabigdeal.It’s whatdrawsrangatahitogether.

“Thenewcentrewillhave outsidetoilets,showeranda communitylaundrythatpeople inneedcanaccessanytimeof theday.”

Anyoneneedingassistance cancall:075786450or:0800 386657orsearch‘Merivale CommunityCentre’on Facebook.

Photo:JohnBorren.

DebbieGriffiths

FANTASTIC DISCOUNTED PACKAGES

NOWAVAILABLE THROUGHOUTJUNE* RELAX: AquariusSpaPools | GenesisSpaPools FITNESS: AquariusSwimSpas ElitePerformanceSwimmingPools WELLNESS: AquariusInfraredSaunas | ChillSpas ComboSpa&Chill

*Subjecttoavailability,T&C’swillapply

143TotaraStreet,MtMaunganui. www.taurangapoolandspa.nz sara@taurangapoolandspa.nzPh:075721637

SecretsquirrelasAIMSstarslineup

Taurangastudents

AidenReinhard andBenRanford arelooking forwardto orienteeringbeing anofficialsportin theZespriAIMS Gamesforthe firsttime.

Photo:JohnBorren.

MackenzieWagstaff issworntosecrecy.

TheYear13Mount MaunganuiCollege studentishelpingto prepareatopsecret orienteeringcourse forthisyear’sZespri AIMSGames.

Mackenzieisinchargeofplanningthe orienteeringsprintcourse,withoversightfrom OrienteeringBayofPlenty.Orienteering,along withsurfing,isanofficialsportintheZespri AIMSGamesforthefirsttimethisyear.

Orienteeringwillhavetwodistinctevents:the rogaine,tobeheldatMcLarenFallsPark,andthe sprint,whichwillbeheldatTheHistoricVillage.

“Sprintsareusuallydoneinurban environments,”saysMackenzie.

Tocompletethesprint,athletesmustnavigate theirwaytoaseriesofcontrolpointsinorder, racingforthefastestoveralltime.

Ideallocation

MackenziesaysTheHistoricVillageisanideal sprintlocationbecausetherearemultipleroutesto anygivenpoint.Plottingthemostefficientroute underpressureiskey.Theprecisecourseiskept secretuntilraceday.

Withmorethan270individualsenteredintothe sprint,itwillbeabusydayatthevillage.

TheHistoricVillagemanagerBlairGrahamsays thevillagecommunityis“superexcited”tobe includedasavenuefortheZespriAIMSGames, andthecaféandretailstoreswillbeopenasusual.

“It’sbeenfunseeinghowthevillagewillbe integratedintothecourse,creatingauniqueand verycoolbackdroptotheevent.

“ZespriAIMSGamesissuchasignificantevent forTaurangaandforrangatahifromallaround NewZealandandthePacific,”saysBlair.

“We’vethoughtalotovertheyearsabouthow TheHistoricVillagecouldbemoreinvolved,so whentheAIMSmanagementteamcametous withanideatoincludeorienteering,wejumpedat thechance.”

Easyfit

FortherogaineatMcLarenFallsPark,more than100teamswillnavigatetheirwaytoasmany controlpointsastheycanwithina60-minute timelimit.ParkrangerBeauBennett,ofTauranga CityCouncil,saysorienteeringisaneasyfitfor McLarenFalls.

“Wealreadyhavearelationshipwith OrienteeringBayofPlenty,soformalisinga ZespriAIMSGameseventherewasanobrainer,” saysBeau.

“Itgivesusachancetoputourbestfootforward toshowcasethepark.McLarenFallsParkisa hiddengem,beingabitoutoftown.Alotof peoplehaven’tbeenherebefore,sowewelcome andencourageeventslikethis.”

Accessible

DennisdeMonchyfromOrienteeringBayof Plentythinksmostathleteswillcoverabout6km duringthehouroftherogaine.“Wetrytoget themtovisitinterestingareasoftheparkthat theywouldn’tnormallyvisit.”

Dennisestimatesabout50percentofthe ZespriAIMSGamesorienteeringentriesarefirsttimerswho’vebeenattractedtothesportbecause itisanaccessiblewaytoparticipateinthegames. Oneofthefirst-timersisYear7student SpencerGaby,whosayshe’dnothaveentered theZespriAIMSGamesifitweren’tfor orienteeringbeingintroduced.Spencerattended arecenttrainingdayatWaipunaParkandis brimmingwithenthusiasm.

“Therunningpartishardwork,butit’sfun,” saysSpencer.“You’rerunningaround,tryingto finddifferentthings.

“Itfeelslikeyou’reIndianaJones.”

Pāpāmoa’sHeavenlyGiftsOpShopis celebratingtheirsecondbirthday,andtheir fundraisingefforts,bygenerouslydonating $100,000toPāpāmoayouth.

ShopownersLyndaBehrentandChristene McCreasaytheshopopenedinthethirdweekof Junein2022.

“Wesawaneedineventsandactivitiesforyouth inPāpāmoa,”saysLynda,sotheycameupwiththe ideatoraisefundsfromtheopshopanddotheir parttosupportyouthinthecommunity.

“WearetwoChristianladieswhohadavisionfor makingachange.

“It’stakentwoyearstoraise$100,000.Weraised moneyfromtheverygenerouspeopleinPāpāmoa whohavegivenuswonderfuldonations.

LyndaBehrentandCristene McCreainsidePāpāmoa’s HeavenlyGiftsOpShop.

“Thecommunitysupportisbrilliant.”

ThemoneywillbegoingtoGoldenSands Church,whichLyndasayshasafantastic facilityandwonderfulleaderswhoprovidea varietyofyouthprogrammesduringtheweek andcampingoccasionally.

HeavenlyGiftOpShopcelebratedwitha “lovelyhighteaputonforthevolunteers”.

Lyndasaystheyfeel“veryblessedtobeabletobe doingthisandwethoroughlyenjoyit”.

“Wehavethemostsupportivefamilieswho havehelpedputourshoptogether.Wehave37 volunteerswhoareexceptional.Theyhavefunand lovemeetingallthecustomers.”

Lyndasaystheyhaven’tyetplannedanother charity“butwhoknowsinthefuture”.

AylaYeoman

WorkunderwaytoimprovesafetyofGirvenRd

TaurangaCityCouncilis installinganewroundaboutand pedestriancrossingsonGirven Rdtomaketravellingbetween PāpāmoaandtheMountsaferand easier.Theworkswillbecompleted bySeptember.Inpreparationfora newroadlayout,theintersection isbeingreshaped.Tosupportthis, afullroadclosureisinplacein

GirvenRdbetweenOceanbeach RdandMaranuiSt. TCCsaysbyclosingtheroadit canprovideasaferenvironmentfor everyoneandhopefullycomplete theworkinlesstime.“We apologiseforanyinconviencethis maycauseyouandyourwhānau.” Meanwhile,constructionofanew signalisedsharedcrossinginGirven

RdispartoftheMoreWaysto MoveonGrenadaStreetproject. “Withtheplannedupgradeto AratakibushubonFarmSt,a safeconnectiontoAratakiParkis fundamentaltopeopletravelling betweenbothsidesofGirvenRd onfootorbybike,”sayscouncil.

Learnmoreat: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/projects

Callmeforyour free, noobligationMarketAppraisal Nopressure,andit’sgoodtoknowthe valueofyourproperty.

I’llkeepyouupdatedfromtimetotime asthemarketchanges.

MarketingConsultant AdvantageRealtyLtdMREINZ LicensedAgentREAA2008 M 0272321535 |DD 075422550 E rachel.cole@harcourts.co.nz

Photo:JohnBorren.

Akids’ filmfest forthe holidays!

Afilmfestivalaimedatprimaryschool children–anddirectedbyaTauranga 13-year-old–isoninthecityduringthe schoolholidaysatanewvenue.

Thisyear’sSunnySideUpChildren’sFilm FestivalisbeingheldonTuesday,July16,atthe GrahamYoungYouthTheatreatTaurangaBoys’ College,offeringtwosessions.

FestivaldirectorMilliBanburyisrapttosee howthefilmfestival–whichispackedwithfilms, games,funandprizes–hasgrownover thepasttwoyears,withticketstothisyear’s eventsellingfast.“I’mexcitedbecauseweare expandingtoadifferentlocation,”saysthe AquinasCollegestudent.

“Atthepreviousvenue,wehadquiteafew sessionsacrosstwodays,butthisyearwewillhave twosessions,at10amand1pm.”

Millysaysthetwo90-minutefun-filled screeningsthisyearwillbejam-packedwith excitingactivitiesandgames,allowingchildren toparticipateandhavefunwhileenjoyingthe selectionoffilmsfromSquareEyes.

“Theyareallanimatedfilms,eachoneisaround 10minuteslong,”saysMilli,whowillbriefly

introduceeachfilm.

Theideaforrunningafilmfestivalforchildren camewhenshewas11.

“MydadrunstheTaurangaMountainFilm Festival.Igottheideafromhim.”

Millysaysthefestivalwas“reallysmall”tobegin with,buthasgrown.

“It’sachildren’sfilmfestivalaimedatprimaryagekids,andwehavegamesandprizesandafun environment.”

BetterFinancesponsorsthefestival,helping covervenuecostsandfilmhire,withKiwiKids Newssponsoringprizes.

Promisingtobeamagicalandmemorable experienceforkids,thefestivalissettolive uptoitsuniquevibe,providingafunandsafe environmentwherekidscanenjoyfilms,games andprizes.

“Iloveorganisingit,”saysMilli.

“Iloveonthedayseeingeveryonecomein andwatchtheanimatedfilms.It’sareallygood environmentandlotsoffun.”

TicketstotheSunnySideUpChildren’sFilm Festivalat10amand1pmonJuly16areon Eventfinda,andcost$8aperson,withafamily passfor$28.

Paulyisahappy,socialfour-montholdpup.HeisaGermanshorthaired pointer-crosssoweanticipatehe’llgrow intoamedium-sizedog.Paulyisgreat withotherdogsandanimals.Hesleeps throughthenightinhiscrateandis masteringtoileting.Withsuchaneasygoingattitude,Paulywillfitintoany familyorsingle-personhousehold. Checkhimoutat:myhooman.com/ animals/profile/2503

MonthlyColumnAnnouncement

ThiscolumnisapartnershipbetweenYouthVoices ActionandLobbyforGoodtohelpdrive amoreengagedandinformedcommunity. Bycombiningourresourcesandexpertise,weaim tomakelobbyingmoreaccessibleandinterestingto everyone,especiallyyoungpeople.

StayInformed,GetInvolved,MakeaDifference!

www.youthvoicesaction.org.nz www.lobbyforgood.co.nz FollowUsonSocialMedia: @youthvoicesaction @lobbyforgood

TeManaakiCareCentreallowsPacificCoastVillagetoofferafullcontinuumofcare–fromindependentliving,serviced apartmentstoresidentialagedcare.TeManaakiisacontinuationofthisconsidereddesign,craftedtoprovideresidentswith luxurylivingaswellaselevatedcareandwithitanaddedsenseofsecurityintheirlateryears.TheCareCentreoffersrest home,hospitallevelanddementiacare.

RosalieLiddleCrawford

SunnySideUpChildren’s FilmFestivaldirectorMilli Banbury. Photo:JohnBorren.

VotingopenforvacantWBOPseats

Votingisnowopentodecidewhowillfill WesternBayofPlentyDistrictCouncil’s vacantMaketu-TePukecouncillorand ŌmokoroaCommunityBoardseats.

CandidatesfortheMaketu-TePukecouncillor seatareBernardHolmes,LauraRaeandAnthony Wihapi,whilethoseintherunningforthe ŌmokoroaCommunityBoardseatareChrisDever, StevenLingandMurrayMarshall.

Toviewthecandidateprofiles,visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz/council/elections VotingclosesmiddayThursday,July18,withthe successfulcandidatesselectedunderthefirst-pastthe-postelectoralsystem.Votingwillbedonevia postalballot,withvotingpaperssenttoresidentsin therespectiveareasfromJune26,2024.

Tovote,residentsintheMaketu-TePukeward andŌmokoroaCommunityBoardareaneedto completetheirpostalballotsandeithermailthem backorhanddeliverthemtoNewWorldTePuke, MaketuHauora,TePukeLibrary&ServiceCentre,

Withballotpapersdelivered, Taurangaanticipatesitsfirstelected representativesinalmostfiveyears. Politicsmightseemdull,especially toyoungervoters,butthedecisions madebyourelectedcouncilwill shapeallourlives,affectingjob opportunities,housingcosts,public spacesandsafety.

Arecurringthemeonsocial mediaandinmyinboxisthecall forgreateraccountabilityand transparencyfromTaurangaCity Council.Manyreadersofmylast columnemphasisedtheneedfor newcouncilandmayoralcandidates

WBOPDistrictCouncil’smainofficeatBarkes Corner,orŌmokoroaLibrary&ServiceCentre. Ifyouliveintheseareas,andareeligibletovote, youshouldhavereceivedpostalballotsbymail. Ifyouhaven’treceivedballots,call:0800922822.

tocommitto‘openingthebooks’.

Onereadersays:“Candidates committingtoshowuswhatthe Commissionershavedonethese pastfiveyearswouldhelpme makeamoreinformeddecision onwhichcandidatesaretruly community-focused”. Anotherhighlightedneedfor moreinclusivepolitics:“Council hearingsareduringschooland workhours,preventingmanyfrom participating.Everyoneshouldhave arealopportunitytoengage”. Theneedtorebuildtrustin ourcommunityisevidentwith

Enquiriesover$514,000^ BupaGreertonOaks RetirementVillage

communityadvocacyessentialfor ensuringallvoicesareheard. Inresponsetofeedback,Youth VoicesActionandLobbyforGood createdacheatsheetthatexplains LocalBodyElectionsat: www.YouthVoicesAction.org.nz Nextmonthwe’llknowwho’ll leadthiscity.It’sexpectedelected officialswon’talwaysseeeyetoeye, butit’scrucialtheyworktogether forthesakeofthecommunitiesthat electedthem. *Readthiscolumninfull at:www.sunlive.co.nz

Bupaticksalltheboxes 5starsoverallsatisfaction 5starsvalueformoney 5starsatmosphere 5starsaccommodation 5starslocation

Aretirementvillagethatfeelslikeavillage,notaretirementcity. GreertonOaksRetirementVillageislocatedinafriendlysuburbofsunnyTauranga,withinwalkingdistance ofsomeofthearea’sbestamenities.

With22twobedroomvillas,GreertonOaksisdesignedtogiveyoutheindependenceyouwantandthe freedomyoudesire.Ourmodernvillassitamongstattractivegardens,providingeasycarelivingwithout themaintenance.

•Fixedweeklyfees •24houremergencycallsystem •Smallandfriendly ContactDebbieon072451728orvisitbupa.co.nz/greertonoaks 108GreertonRoad,GatePa,Tauranga,3112 ^PriceisforalicencetooccupyunderanOccupationRightAgreement.

GovernanceadvisorEllaLogan. Photo:supplied.

GetgrowingamulletforIAmHope

Haveyoueverwantedagood reasontogrowamullet?

Well,here’sone–growamullet andstartconversationsaboutmental healthwhilefundraisingfortheIAm HopeFoundation.

ThisJulyIAmHope’sMikeKing isleadingthemovementandasking fellowKiwistogrowamullettoshed lightonimportantconversationsand inspirehopeforabrighterfuture. Participantsareaskedtostart

fundraisingbycreatingaGivealittle page,growyourstatementhair;and letitbetheicebreakerformeaningful conversations.“Byspeakingupabout mentalhealth,we’repavingtheway foropennessandunderstanding. “Snapapicandspreadtheword onyoursocialsusingthehashtag #MulletsforHope.”

TofindoutmoreaboutMulletsfor Hope,visit:www.iamhope.org.nz/ mulletsforhope

Early-bird tickets closing soon

Early-birdticket salesfor2024’s BayofPlenty Garden&Art FestivalendJuly 15. Photos:supplied.

With only one week left to snap up early-bird tickets for theBayofPlentyGarden& ArtFestivalon November 14-17,festival enthusiasts areactivatingtheirbucket listbeforethe pricechanges.

renzytogetiinquiick k beforeJuly15ispropelled bytherealisationthatthis year’sfestival,Bayleysbeing theprincipalpartner,willbe toppinganyother.

‘Early-birds’arealready buzzingwithexcitementon learningthatabout50percent ofthisyear’s80festivalgarden andartstopswerenotinthe 2022festival.

“We’rereallyexcited,”says

“We also have 60 per cent moreartstudiostopsthan last time.”Marcsaysthestunning Garden&ArtTrail,sponsored byPalmersBethlehem,has widened eastwardsthisyear, extendingtoPukehinaand Pongakawa.Thefestival’shub B BloomiinthheBBay,sponsored d byCraigsInvestmentPartners, ismovingtoanewlocationon Tauranga’sCBDwaterfront, withfestivalgoersexpectingto seealotofnew,freshideas.

“Wearetoldthiswillbethe firsteventonthetransformed waterfrontdevelopment.

“Therewillbealotofnew installationsandworkshopsat BloomintheBay.

“AndtheCBDwillbebuzzing

Thethingabouttakingrisks...

with people enjoying the local restaurants, bars and cafes.”

Forthosewho are dealing with‘fearofmissingout’ or FOMO,Multi-DayFestival passvouchersarejust$70until July 15,saving $10. Early-birdmulti-daypasses areavailablefromPalmers B Bethhlehhem;atEEventfifinddaor: www.gardenandartfestival.co.nz Aservicefeeappliesif purchasedonline. TheMulti-DayFestivalPack givesaccesstothefestivalforall fourdays,anda1-DayFestival Pack,whichisavailablenowfor $45,givesaccesstothefestival foranyoneday. Bothpacksincludeafestival pass,directoryandmap.

SponsoredContent

“Itisthegreatestofallmistakestodo nothingbecauseyoucanonlydoalittle. Dowhatyoucan” –SydneySmith. Whenfailureistheresultofachosencourseof action,it’susuallybecausesomeamountofriskwas undertaken.Playingitsafemaybetheeasieroption… it’shardertomakeamistakeifyou’resatisfiedwith thestatus quoandare avoidingthe thingsthatmightcausesomediscomfort. However,experiencingthediscomfortisusually whereyoustarttogrow,strengthenandlearnmore aboutyourself.Sittingonthefencemightappearto becomfortablebut,eventually,itstartstofeelpassive andlesscomfortablethanjumpingoffandlanding ononeside.

Thefallmighthurt,butultimatelythefencerail diggingintoyourthighsasyousittherehurtsmore. Whatchallengesareyoufacing?Andwhatarethe littlestepsyoucantaketohelpyoumoveforward? Ifyou’dliketoknowmoreaboutcoaching,strengthening relationships,exploringyourpotential,creatingtransformation,phone MaryParker,TheFastTrackCoach,on0212582145,orvisit:www. thefasttrackcoach.co.nz

MeetMela!

Mela has been a delight since she arrived at our

Melahasbeenadelightsinceshearrivedatour shelter.Thinandwithapatchy,dullcoat,she desperatelyneededsomeloveandcare. Melahasbounced d back–thistwo-month-oldhas s abeautifulbluecoaatandgetsexcitedforbreakfast anddinner.

She’sarelaxed, snugglysweetheart andlovestobe aroundpeople. Shelovesother dogs,soifyoualreaady haveacaninefriend d she couldbeagreataddditionto yourpack.Comeanndmeet Melatoday. Phone0757802445. Ref:609621.

festival director Marc Anderson

orvisit

Purchasevouchersfrom

It’snosecretthatmanyteenagers experiencetimmes when their skin is affected byconditioonssuchasacneand excessiveoilflow.

Thefirstrulefoorteensistocleanthe skinthoroughly.

Thatmeansbuyyingagoodquality gelcleanserfrom m areputableclinic thatwillhelplift t theoilanddirt fromtheskinprooperly.

Usedcorrectlybbothmorning andnight,witha a cleanfacecloth towipethecleannseraway,can makeasignificanntdifference.

Rememberthat t we arecleaning,soit involvesabitofwworkto bethorough–notjustaquick

Tipsforteenskin ShouldItakeCoEnzymeQ10?

Imaginetryingtodrive yourcaraftersomeonehad crimpedthefuellinefrom yourfueltankto yourengine.

Thecarwouldstillrunbut wouldquicklylosepowerona hillorunderaload.

Thisismuchlikeourbodies whentheyhaveinsufficientCo EnzymeQ10.

CoQ10actslikethefuellinein yourcarbytransportingenergy withincellenergyfactories calledmitochondriatomakethe energyweneed.

CoQ10isanessentialvitaminlikesubstancewemostlymake inourliver.Whilewenormally makealltheCoQ10weneed, somepeoplebecauseofage, healthproblemsormedications canbenefitfromtakinggood qualityCoQ10.Beawarethat themarketisnowfloodedwith low-costsemi-syntheticCoQ10 whichischemicallydifferent fromthenaturallyfermented

waveofthefingers.Yourlocaltherapistwill beabletoshowyyousoftggranularorenzyme exfoliantsthatwonn’tcutorscratch theskin.Formmanyteens,usingan |exfoliantupttothreetimesaweek willhelpremmovegrimeandexcess deadskinccells

Alwayswwearsunscreeneveryday nomatter r theweatherconditions orhowloongyouwillbeoutin thesun.

Finallyy,lookforaclinic thatcaanofferaprofessional skinannalysistoassistyouin choosiingthecorrecthome carefooryourteenageraswell asanyin-clinictreatments thaatcouldhelpcontrol thheirproblematicskin conditions.

The Dry July NZ Trust is encouraging Kiwis to sign up for a booze-free month to fundraise to help fellow New Zealanders affected by cancer Dry July is a fundraiser that challenges participants to go alcohol free for the month of July Those keen can sign up to Dry July at:

raised by Dry July participants will go to Good Feel Better NZ, Pinc & Steel NZ and Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, to improve the comfort, care and wellbeing of people affected by cancer That’s something not to drink to! Find out more at: www dryjuly co nz

CoQ10thatIrecommend. Themostcommonreasonfor CoQ10supplementationisfor thoseusingcholesterollowering (statin)medication.Theside effectsofstatinsaresocommon thattheyarediagnosablediseases calledstatinmyopathyand

neuropathy.Themostcommon sideeffectsaremusclestiffness, painandweakness.Thiscanalso causegeneralfatiguewhichoften feelslikealackofmotivation. Statinsinhibittheenzyme neededtomakecholesterol. Unfortunately,thisenzyme–calledHMG-CoAreductase–is alsoneededtomakeCoQ10. Blockingthisenzymereduces cholesterolbutalsoCoQ10by asmuchas50percent. Drugcompaniesareawareof thisproblemandhadpatentsfor combiningCoQ10withstatins. Untilsuchdrugsareavailable, Irecommendthoseonstatins supplementwith100mg-200mg ofnaturallyfermentedCoQ10. Ifpeoplehavelowenergyor otherhealthissues,Ioftenadd amitochondrialcomplexthat includesCoQ10.

JohnArts(B.Soc.Sci,DipTch,Adv. Dip.Nut.Med)isanutritionalmedicine practitionerandfounderofAbundantHealth Ltd.Forquestionsoradvice,contactJohnon 0800423559oremail:john@abundant.co.nz Joinhisnewsletterat:www.abundant.co.nz

Across 1.Famouscricketer (7,6)

8.Stringedinstrument(5)

9.Fish(7)

10.Lake(NI)(6)

11.Respect(6)

12.Decree(5)

14.Fit(5)

18.Winding(6)

20.Extinctbird(6)

23.Instalment(7)

24.Bury(5)

25.Unemotional(13) Down

1.Retrogress(6)

2.Smack(5)

3.Weak(7)

4.Trousers(inf)(4)

5.Pains(5) No.1892

6.Disorderly(7)

7.Mystery(6) 13.Flowers(7) 15.Condition(7) 16.Climb(6) 17.Vehicle(6) 19.Love(Maori)(5) 21.More(5) 22.Disorder(4)

CrookedFinger’s‘Unshackled’album

Howbandsapproach therecordingstudio haschangedalot,at leastsincethe1960s. Whythe1960s? That’swhenstudios startedusingmultitrackrecorders,first four-track,theneight, thenbiggerandbigger. Atitsmostbasicthat allowsyoutoaddextra stufftoarecording. Listentoabandfrom the1950sandyouare essentiallyhearinga liveperformancein thestudio.From the1960sonwards, everythingchanged. Recordingscreated inthestudio–rather thanbeingbasicallylive

performances–camequickly, mostobviouslyintheshapeof TheBeatles’andBeachBoys’ pinnacles,SgtPepper’s...andPet Soundsrespectively. Thereisnoconsensusasto whatwayisbest.Somebands trytocapturetheirlivesound,as pureaspossible;othersoverdub upthewazooandcreateapurely studioproduct.

Mostendupinthemiddle. Digitaltools

Thesedaysit’scomplicatedby digitaltools.Theyallowyouto ‘correct’mistakes.Anout-oftimedrumtrackcanbelocked in–‘quantised’istheterm–or asingercanbepitch-corrected. Everythingcanbefixed. Theproblemisthatwitheach ‘correction’youcanlosemore ofthatlivefeel,stripping authenticcharacterand excitementfromaperformance. Technicalaccuracycanbethe enemyofgenuineemotion. Leavingthatsortof‘fixing’to oneside,Idon’tmeantosaythat peoplecan’toverdubthingsand retainanorganicfeel.Robbie Lavendiditontherecent Whittakers’albumandguitarist

BruceRolands,featuredon GaryHarvey’snewalbum,is particularlygoodatlayering interlockingpartswithout losingfeel. Doneproperly,thiscan createarecordingthatretains liveexcitementalongsidethe refinementthatcanenhance repeatedlistening.That’sthe sweetspotoftenaimedfor,a bandsoundinglikeitselfonits verybestday. Indie-popoutfitCrooked Fingerhasachievedthatat MountMaunganui’sStudio11b withdebutalbum‘Unshackled Vol1’,outnowondigital platformsandCD.Itsounds likethefour-piece,butbetter.

Vocaldelivery

SandraMuirhasanappealingly laconicvocaldeliveryandis notafraidofwritingserious songs.Stand-outsare‘Random Sailor’,hertakeonScott Watson’sinnocence,breezily reggae-inflected‘ParadiseIs Free’,rompingopener‘Running OnEmpty’andtwinnedmale andfemalesongsoftroubled relationships. Muir’srhythmguitarworks

wellwithflashiertouches fromRawiriWhitewhilethe rhythmsectionofdrummerPhil DuncanandbassistStephen Calvertarelively.ProducerengineerEvanPopehasdone anoutstandingjob.Crooked Finger’salbumlaunchwillbeat TheJamFactorynextSaturday, July12.Openingwillbe LachlanCrane. ThatsamenightKatikatiFolk Clubhostsamouth-watering concertattheArtsJunction. WellingtontrioEvenTheLost mixelectricandacousticsounds, inspiredby1970sand1990s folk,rockandpop.

NextnightattheJamFactory it’sHamiltonpopstersBrother SisterwithsupportfromThe Darlings.Meanwhile,atthe Mount,TotaraStreetwelcomes Australianacousticguitar virtuosoDanielChampagne onJuly12;andonJuly13 high-flyingalt-rockduo MidwaveBreaks.

HearWinston’s LatestPlaylist

ScantheQRcode,orvisit:

www.tinyurl.com/5732dwna

WednesdayChallengeparticipantsare abletoparkuptheirbikesorscootersfor freeeveryWednesdaythismonth.

ThechallengehaspartneredwithBike StopandTaurangaCityCounciltobring WednesdayChallengeparticipantsfree parkingforbikes,e-bikesandscooters everyWednesdayduringJuly. Participantsneedtogoto: my.bike.stop.nzandusethecode WCJULY24whetheryou’renewor existinguser.

Fillthegridsothat everyrowandevery 3x3squarecontains thedigits1to9 Howtosolve Sudoku!

TheBikeStopisat28GreyStin TaurangaCitynexttothelibraryentrance andoffersasafeandsecureparkingoption forcitycentreworkerslookingtojumpout oftheircarandintotheirscooterorbike. Here,powerpointsforchargingdevices pluslockersareavailableonafirst-infirstservedbasis.Findoutmoreat: www.wednesdaychallenge.co.nz Parkyourscooterorbike forfreeonWednesdays

Above: The cover ofthe‘Unshackled’ album.

CrookedFinger. Photos:supplied.

THEWEEKENDSUN

Saturday6July

ArtExhibitionsOpen ForthreeweeksatTheIncubatorCreative HubatTheHistoricVillageTauranga.The OddBird,VIVIDandHeTangata.10am3pm.Closes27July.

AssociationCroquet

OnSat,Mon,&Wed9.15amfor9.30amstart;at ClubMtMaunganui,45KawakaSt.Newplayers& Visitorswelcome.PhMalcolm0276815204

BaySinglesSocialGroup

Joinabunchofover50’syoungsingles.Weekend dinners,potlucks,occasionaloutings.Haveago!Ph Delia0272848762,Andrea0211330313

Boules-Petanque

EveryTuesday,ThursdayandSaturdayatClubMt Maunganui.Boulesavailable.Newplayerswelcome. Ph.Ray0277563565fortimes,furtherdetails.

CityNightMarkets!

Eat.Play.Shop.Repeat-EverySaturday!Incredible rangeoffood,shopping,livemusic,games,freefun andmore!ElizabethStParkingBuilding5pm-9pm www.citynightmarkets.co.nz

CourseInMiracles

Joinusviazoomasweextendhealingto thoseinneed.Saturdays9-9:30am.Email miraclesnewzealand@gmail.comforthezoomaddress. Informationathttps://circleofa.org/pray

Laughteristhebestmedicine!

Enjoy45minutesoffunandlaughteryogaat AratakiCommunityCentrefrom10am.PhoneJude 02102775901.

TaurangaSocialDanceClub

SequenceDance2ndSatmonthly7pmStJohns ChurchHallBureta$7plusraffles.SupperAll welcomePhNola0273232882

TaoistTaiChiTauranga

TaoistTaiChiTaurangaBeginningsessionsOPEN. Monday9am,Tuesday10.30+1pm,Wednesday 1.30pmThursday6pmFriday9am,Saturday8.45am. Anyqueries.PhMargie021500320

TaurangaGolfCroquet

TuesdayandFriday9.30-Noonand1pm to3.30pm.Saturday9.30-NoonandSunday 1pm-3.30pm,GolfCroquetatTauranga Domain,CameronRd.Newplayerswelcome.Contact Gretchen5767169

Sunday7July

AccordionMusicGroup

WelcomeBayHall,1-4pm,every3rdSundayofthe month,$4.00pp,afternoonteasupplied,everyone welcome,comeandjoinus.PhJoy0272853093

AlreadyaQuaker?

Doyoubelieveinpeace,integrity,community, equality,simplicityandstewardship?JoinusSundays 10-12behindBrainWatkinsHistoricalHouse.

TaurangaQuakerWorship

Enjoyinternationaltravel?

Trytravelandbehome-hostedwiththeFriendship Force!WealsomeetlocallySundaysandThursdays monthly.PhoneDiane0272499859orJonathan 0211514481

GolfCroquet

Sun,Tues&ThursatClubMtMaunganui,45 KawakaSt;at8.30amfor9amstart.Newplayers& Visitorswelcome.PhGraham0272805658

Park&Bark

Playgroupforsmalldogs.Second& & fourthSundayeverymonth.1:30pm atSydenhamPark,MillersRoad Brookfield.Freeofcharge.

QuakerFellowshipTauranga

Exploreyourspiritualjourneyamongstsupportive Friendsinourmostlysilentmeeting.Weenjoya cuppa,meditate,contemplateandshare.10-12am CornerElizabethStreet/CameronRoad.

MiniaturesClubTauranga

“MakingitSmall”meetings2ndSundayeach month(Feb-Nov)10am-4pm.ArtsandCraftsCentre 177ElizabethStreetTauranga.ContactJanon 0212145192.

TaurangaOrganKeyboardSociety Meetsat1.30pmatCarmelCountryEstateSocial Centre,11HollisterLane,Ohauiti,Tauranga.Playor listentoOrgan,Clavinova,Piano.ContactMaureen 5445013.

Monday8July

500CardGroup EveryMonday(exceptpublicholidays)from9.3011.30am,heldatAgeConcern,177AFraserStreet, Tauranga,$2donation,lightrefreshmentprovided -allwelcome!

ChessinMountMaunganui

MountRSAChessClub544MaunganuiRd, Mondays(exclpublicholidays).Earlyprogram 6.15pm-7pmLateprogram7pmonwards.Casual Chessallowed.Search“WesternBoPChess”.

CreativeFibreTauranga

Knitting,crochet,spinning,weaving, felting&dyeing.Mondays9:30am,&2nd and4thThursdays6:30pm.177Elizabeth St.Enjoylearningnewcrafts.PhJoan021323325

esco-teracoffeeclubtga

Asocialclubforanyonewithaninterestin paranormal/uforelatedactivity,ormaybejustan X-Filesfan.days/timesarenegotiable.ContactDaniel on0224623316.

GreertonGardenClub

GreertonGardenClubmeets2ndMondayeach monthatStJamesChurchhall,PoolesRoad, Greerton,at1pm.VisitorsWelcome.Ph075628855

Invitationtosingingmen

Harmony-A-Plentyhasbeensingingfortwenty years.COVIDhasreducedournumbers.Wepractise Mondayevenings7-9pm.PhFrank5763037David 5760578

TaurangaCityBrass

Brass&percussionplayerswantedtojoinJunior andSeniorBand.ContactSecretaryIanatIan.murray. taurangabrass@outlook.co.nzBandroomat10Yatton StreetGreerton

YogaClassesinOhauiti

Beginnersandintermediatelevels. Stretch,strengthen,relaxandharmonise. Mondays9.30amatOhauitiSettlersHall. FormoreinfocontactAsunta021061 4394oryogaindailylife@pl.net

Tuesday9July

500CardClub

MountCommunityHall.12.15pmFunand friendlygroup.Allagesallwelcome.Afternoontea provided.Parkingavailable.Busstopnearby.Queries to0276586848

AltrusaLadiesServiceGroup

Joinagroupofwomenforcommunityprojects& socialevents.Meet2nd&4thTuesdays.Pam027253 7562orvisitwww.altrusa.org.nz

BayfairPetanqueClub.

JoinusforsomefunatBayfairReserve,RussleyDr. 12.45to2.30pm,TuesandThurs.Newplayersvery welcome.Call0211580129fordetails.

Body+Soulfor50+ FunFitnessformenandwomen.Exerciseforbetter health,strengthandbalancetogreatmusic.Tauranga SeniorCitizenshallNorrisSt.PhoneDianneon 0274314326

Boules-Petanque

EveryTuesday,ThursdayandSaturday atClubMtMaunganui.Boulesavailable. Newplayerswelcome.Ph.Ray0277563565for times,furtherdetails.

Coffee/ConversationGroupTePuke AgeConcernTaurangaholdsafriendlyCoffee andConversationGroup,TePukeCitizensRSA, 179JellicoeStreet,10am–11.30,cost$5pp. AllWelcome.

FreePublicAdvocacyService

Needhelpcompletingaform?Accompanyyouto anappointment?Talktoanagency?Comespeaktoan Advocate!EveryTuesday,GreertonLibrary,1-2:30pm. GreertonIndoorBowlingClub ClubNight,GreertonSeniorCitizensHall, MaitlandStreet.NewMemberswelcome.Coaching available.PhoneSally0211726004.

GreertonWalkingGroup

MeetoutsideGreertonLibraryat9amforagentle, localwalkwithafriendlycrowd,followedbycafe visit.Allwelcome.ContactMike02118074296

InachordSingersTauranga

ExcitedtoSing?JoinuswithourDynamicnew MusicalDirector,DanIeremia.7pmBethlehem CommunityChurch,183MoffatRd.Contact:Julie 02102526805orSabine:0211118659

OlympicStyleRifleShooting

EveryTuesdayeveningat7.00pmattheTauranga TargetRifleClub’srange,165ElizabethStreet, oppositeTyremaster.Publicwelcome.Allgearand coachingprovided.

PapamoaTableTennisClub ClubnightsTuesdays7pmto9pm PapamoaCollegeGym.Alllevelswelcome. PhJohn0210386025

RecycledTeenagersGentleExercise St.Mary’schurchCnr.Girven&Marlin. 9-10.30am.Suitableforjointreplacements,

arthritics,recoveryfromaccident&illness.Strength, coordination&balance.Jennifer0272060776.

TaoistTaiChiTauranga

TaoistTaiChiTaurangaBeginningsessionsOPEN. Monday9am,Tuesday10.30+1pm,Wednesday 1.30pmThursday6pmFriday9am,Saturday8.45am AnyqueriesPhMargie021500320

TaurangaGolfCroquet

TuesdayandFriday9.30-Noonand1pm to3.30pm.Saturday9.30-NoonandSunday 1pm-3.30pm,GolfCroquetatTaurangaDomain, CameronRd.Newplayerswelcome.Contact Gretchen5767169

TaurangaPatchwork&Quilters Every1st&3rdTuesdayat7pmand 2nd&4thFridayat10am.Tauranga Art&CraftCentre,177ElizabethSt. Contact:taurangaquilters@gmail.com

TaurangaModelRailwayClub ClubmeetsTuesday9.30am&Thursday7.30pm cornerMirrielees&Crossroads,SulphurPoint.Ph Mike021939233

TaurangaScrabbleClub TuesdayScrabble,MeetweeklyatTaurangaCitz Club9:30am-12:45.3gamesplayed.PhJoAnn021 836067

TaurangaSeniorNetClub OpenDay&RegistrationDay--9thJuly,10am to2pm,atBuildingNo70HistoricVillage.All Welcome.Visitourwebsite--taurangaseniornet.co.nz Yoga,PrivateClasses Feeluncomfortableinagroupsetting?Orhave specialneeds?Icandesignaclasstospecificallysuit yourneeds/capabilities.ContactAsunta021061 4394

Wednesday10July

10PinBowling 1pmat10PinTauranga,135ThirteenthAve. Mixedgroupplayforfunbutkeepthescore.Very occasionallycompetitive.PhGlenda0212578678

AddictiveEatersAnonymous Isfoodorweightaproblemforyou?Addictive EatersAnonymouscanhelp.Weeklyonlinesupport meetingsavailable.Wednesday7.30-8.30pm.All welcome.www.AEA.orgorcallKiley078566378 AgeConcernWalkingGroup Afriendlyweeklywalkinggroupforallagesandall fitnesslevels.10amstart,meetatMitre10,GatePa. BeginnerSocialBallroom/LatinGroup Wednesday7-8pm,WelcomeBaySchoolHall.Just comealongonthenight.Moredetailsonourwebsite: supremedancecentre.nzorphoneSonia0273221786 Body+Soul50+FunFitness Forbetterhealth,strengthandbalancetogreat music.Menandwomenwelcome,makenewfriends. 9.15amBethlehemhalloppositeWoolworths.Phone Dianne0274314326

CardsCribbage

JoinusWednesday’s12.45pmfor1pm startRSAGreerton.Friendlyclub.New membersverywelcome.PhoneJill021 1606143

FernlandSpaGentleExercise Warmmineralwater,nochlorine.Suitableforjoint replacements,arthritics&recoveryfromaccident& illness.Strength,coordination&balance.Notschool holidays.Jennifer0272060776.

HealingRoomsPrayer

ExperienceGod’shealingtouch,whetherphysical, emotional,spiritual.1-3pmEveryWednesday.All welcome.Nocharge.CentralBaptistLounge.640 CameronRd.www.healingrooms.com0276401263

MarchingForLeisure

Anon-competitiveactivityformatureladies.Fun, fitnessandfriendship.ForTaurangateam’spractices andcontactdetailspleasecallMarleneMarxon 0273420698

OmanuRebusClub

Joinourmonthlymeeting9.30amatMt MaunganuiRSA.Enjoymorningtea,guestspeaker, rafflesotheractivitiesforOlderAdults.PhMargaret 075420548

TaurangaEmbroiderersGuild MeetsEVERYWednesdayatTaurangaRowing Club,DevonportRoad10am-2.30pmand7-9pm. Beginnersverywelcome.ContactYvonneHorsfallph 075720927or0274784519

TaurangaMidweekTrampingGroup. KatikatiCoastalWalk....walkingthecoast aroundTannersPoint,TuapitaPoint,Kauri Point(somecartransportbetweenplaces). Bethlehem.Moderate.ContactTomC.on 0272708854

Thursday11July

500CardClub

MountCommunityHall.12.15pm Funandfriendlygroup.Allagesallwelcome.Afternoon teaprovided.Parkingavailable.Busstopnearby.Queries to0276586848

AlcoholicsAnonymous Allwelcometoourfriendly,openmeetingat7.30pm, LifechurchTauranga,934CameronRd,GatePa, Tauranga.Teaandcoffeeprovided.Ph08002296757 BayfairPetanqueClub.

JoinusforsomefunatBayfairReserve,RussleyDr. 12.45to2.30pm,TuesandThurs.Newplayersvery welcome.Call0211580129fordetails.

Boules-Petanque

EveryTuesday,ThursdayandSaturdayatClubMt Maunganui.Boulesavailable.Newplayerswelcome.Ph. Ray0277563565fortimes,furtherdetails.

ChinaPaintingClub

MeeteveryThursdayfrom10amonwards.Learn anewhobby.Arts&CraftsCentre,ElizabethStreet. TGA.Ph:Pam0211277277

Coffee/ConversationGroup-Greerton AgeConcernTaurangaholdsafriendly CoffeeandConversationGroup, GreertonSeniorCitizensHall,33 MaitlandStreet,10.30am-12noon, cost$3pp.Allwelcome.

CreativeFibreTauranga

Knitting,crochet,spinning,weaving,felting&dyeing. Mondays9:30am,&2nd&4thThursdays6:30pm. 177ElizabethSt.Enjoylearningnewcrafts.PhoneJoan 021323325

FlexercisewithFitnessLeague

Exercise,movement,dance,focusingonposture, balance,stretching,strengthening&flexibility,suitsall agesandabilities,10am,CentralBaptistChurch, 13thAve,TgaPam0211177170

FreePublicAdvocacyService

Needhelpcompletingaform?Accompanyyoutoan appointment?Talktoanagency?Comeseeus!Every Thursday,WelcomeBayCommunityCentre,1-2.30pm. KeynotesWomen’sBarbershopChorus Canyousingintune?Women,agenobarrier,invited tojoinus,7pmWesleyHall,10013thAvenue.Phone Bernice5764848,FacebookKeynotesInc. SerenataSingers

Joinourfriendlywelcominggroup.Thursdays1011.30,MethodistChurchHall,2OrouaStreet,TePuke. PhoneAnne0278503776

TaoistTaiChiTauranga

TaoistTaiChiTaurangaBeginning sessionsOPEN.Monday9am,Tuesday 10.30+1pm,Wednesday1.30pmThursday 6pmFriday9am,Saturday8.45am.Anyqueriesphone Margie021500320

Yoga,PrivateClasses

Feeluncomfortableinagroupsetting?Orhavespecial needs?Icandesignaclasstospecificallysuityourneeds/ capabilities.ContactAsunta0210614394

Friday12July

FreePublicAdvocacyService

Needhelpcompletingaform?Accompanyyoutoan appointment?Talktoanagency?Comeseeus!Every Friday,OtumoetaiSocialSupermarket,Claremont Terrace,10-11:30amandPāpāmoaLibrary1-2:30pm. TaoistTaiChiTauranga

TaoistTaiChiTaurangaBeginningsessionsOPEN. Monday9am,Tuesday10.30+1pm,Wednesday 1.30pmThursday6pm,Friday9am,Saturday8.45am. AnyqueriesphoneMargie021500320

TaurangaGolfCroquet

TuesdayandFriday9.30-Noonand1pmto3.30pm. Saturday9.30-NoonandSunday1pm-3.30pm,Golf CroquetatTaurangaDomain,CameronRd.New playerswelcome.ContactGretchen5767169

TaurangaPatchwork&Quilters

Every1st&3rdTuesdayat7pmand2nd&4th Fridayat10am.TaurangaArt&CraftCentre,177 ElizabethSt.Contact:taurangaquilters@gmail.com

YOURLOCALELECTIONCANDIDATES

Whowillyouhiretorunourcity?

Taurangavotesforthecity’s leadershipforthefirsttimein nearlyfiveyearsthismonth. Whowechoosetorunthiscity matters,butmostofushaven’t botheredtovotebefore.Thistime let’schangethat. Thereare75peoplevyingfor10 electedmemberroles–onemayor, eightgeneralwardcouncillors,

andacouncillortorepresentour newMāoriward,TeAwanui. Ifyou’vechosenTaurangatolive, work,playorraiseyourchildren, thenmakesurethepeoplepicked forthetopjobsarecommittedto shapingthecityyouwanttosee. Youshouldhavereceivedyour votingpackinthemail.Ifyou didn’treceiveone,don’tworry, youcanstillvote.Visitthe

TaurangaCityCouncilwebsiteto findouthow. Onyourvotingformyou’llneed torankyourcandidatechoices1,2, 3,4...Youcanrankasmanyofthe candidatesasyoulike. Ifyourfirstpickdoesn’tgetthe numbersandiseliminatedfromthe firstround,thenyourvotegoesto yoursecondpick…andsoonuntil thereisawinner.

SomeonewhoknowsTauranga!

MynameisTerryMolloy. Ihavevolunteeredforour communityformorethan30 yearsandbeenacouncillor fornineyears.

Ichairedandorganisedthe Greertonvillageredevelopment projecttoprovidethestreetscape, villagesquareandlibrary.Iinitiated/ chairedtheverysuccessfulBattleof GatePaexhibition.

Thenjustpostyourvotingpaper beforeWednesday,July17,ordrop itoffatoneof43orangevoting binsatTaurangasupermarkets, TaurangaCityCouncillibraries, andtheMountHubbeforemidday onSaturday,July20. ThisJuly,youdecide.Findout whowantstorepresentyou, andmuchmoreat: tauranga.govt.nz/elections

AsanelectedcouncillorI haveworkedonanumber ofplanchanges.Iamon anumberofcommunity trustsandhavebeenthe presidentofGreertonand TaurangaMoanaLions. Iwasbornandeducated inTauranga,ammarriedto Robynandhavetwoadult children.Mybackground isfarming,orcharding, contractingandproperty development. IknowTauranga–Iknow itshistory–Iknowthe peopleandIknowwhatwe havetodotomakesureour

grandchildrenwillenjoy ourcitylikewedo. Today’sproblemswill continuetogrowifwedon’t getourfutureplanning right.Wemustworkwith ourcitypartners,ratepayers, WesternBayofPlenty DistrictCouncil,Bayof PlentyRegionalCouncil, theiwiofTauranga,the businesscommunityand CentralGovernment. Finally,working collaborativelywithyour fellowcouncillorsisamust. Ican;andhavedoneallof theabove.

TerryMolloy

Enableeffectivedecision-making

Iwasn’tpartofthecouncil stooddownbytheLocal GovernmentMinisterbutI havepreviouslyserved asacouncillor.

I’dstrivetofostera cohesiveteam–ideallyamix offreshnewfacesand experiencedones.

Inflationandthecost-oflivingcrisismeansit’snow

criticaltodefercouncil’sdebtfuelledspendingplan. Iwasinstrumentalin implementingaratescap, whichstoodatCPIplustwo percentformanyyearsand helpedwithratesaffordability.

Thenin2019Central Governmentintroduced legislationthatforced allcouncilstointroduce ‘QuantifiedLimitsonRates Increases’initsplans,withthe

aimofcontrollingspending. ThisyeartheCommissioners setthelimitstoatleast13.5 percenttoeachandevery yearofthe10-yearplanto accommodateitsunsustainable wish-listofprojects. Itwouldendina262per centratesrevenueincrease ifbudgetsweremaxedto thoselimits. Mygoalistointroduce fiscallyprudentlimitson

ratesincreasesandrefocus expenditureforagrowingcity. Forexample,transportation andsupplyofhousingthrough effectiveplanninganddelivery ofsupportinginfrastructure andcancelordeferspending onthenice-to-haves. Letmyexperiencehelpdeliver thecityweneedthrough effectivedecision-making that’srepresentativeofthe community’swishes.PickRick.

Chooseexperience,energy,action

IlivehereinBethlehem andamfamily-focused andwanttosee Taurangaasaplacefor allagestoenjoythe beautifulbeaches,cycle ways,bushwalks andwetlands.

Ibringenergyand leadershipwith20 years’experienceinlocal governance–Papakura DistrictCouncillorfor sixyears,localboardrep forthreeterms–and businessownership. Ibelieveinlistening towhatyourconcerns andneedsare.Iwill

representTauranga’s interests,challenges,and aspirationseffectively withmyprofessionaland volunteerexperienceof communityengagement, servingonschoolBoards ofTrustees,CrimeWatch, NeighbourhoodSupport andsportsclubs.Ateacher andmusicspecialist,Ilead musicandworshipatSt Peter’sintheCity,andlast yeardirectedthe‘Carolson theWaterfront’. Ivaluediversityand socialcohesion.Forwardthinkinginfrastructure, well-designedhousing/ intensificationandessential servicesarevitalfora

thrivingTauranga. Ifelected,Iwillprioritiseinitiatives thatsupportlocalbusinessesand stimulateeconomicgrowth,suchas thecentralcityupgrade,improving entry/exitpointsforTauranga,easing trafficcongestion,andproviding

sustainableandsafefacilitiesandparks forallages. Iamateamplayer,action-oriented leader,withintegrityandbusiness acumen.

VoteFelicityAuva’a–afreshvoice oncouncil.

1/Carefullyreadcandidatestatementsandadver�singtoiden�fy thosewhoadvocateforresponsiblespending. Youwillhave2Votes–oneforMayorandoneforCouncillor. Rememberit’sSTV.Don’t�cktheboxes,butrankthem1,2,3... 2/GiveyourmostpreferredMayoralcandidateyournumber1,... 3/GiveyourmostpreferredWardcandidateyournumber1,...

RickCurach

FelicityAuva’a

Authorised by FelicityAuva a fauvaa52@gmail.com

AdriennePierce

AratakiWard

TauranganeedscohesiveandstrategicleadershipfromourMayor andninecouncillors.It’suptoYOUtochoosetherightpeopleto governthefinancialanddiversecommunityneedsofourcity. Thereare46ProjectswithintheLong-TermPlan(2024–2034) signedoffbytheCommissionersinApril,costing$4.9billion dollarsover10years.TheexistingCouncildebtis$1.2billion.This mustberevisitedasafirstorderofbusinessforthenewCouncil.

YOURLOCAL ELECTIONCANDIDATES Managedgrowth meansopportunity

Ihaveastro makingsou HastingsDi 2017.Also, years,Ikn governanc cents!Nu Ilivei Cand Ico one itis th Pl fur

ongworkethicandtrackrecord undeconomicdecisionsasa istrictCouncillorfrom2013–asabusinessownerforover25 owwhat’sneededtoensuregood e andhowtowatchthedollarsand umbersneverlie.

n theAratakiWard;several idatesdonot.

mmittoworkingfulltimefromday , notallCandidatesmaybelieve s afulltimejoborbeabletomake atcommitment.

easecontactmeifyouhaveany therquestionson 0212477919

Likesomanyothers, myhusband,Alan,and Ihavechosentolivein Arataki.Wefeelvery gratefulthatthisamazing placeishome.

Asavoter,pleasebeclear thatTaurangaCityCouncil isacomplexmulti-billiondollarentitywithanannual incomeof$538million, assetsof$7billionand$1.2 billionofdebt.

BeingaHastingsDistrict councillorfrom2013-2017 andacandidateforthe NationalPartyinPalmerston Northin2017givesmea goodunderstandingofLocal andCentralGovernment.

councillorswhocanget uptospeedquicklyand whostronglyadvocate fora‘consultandlisten’ cultureandspendingwhat ratepayerscanafford.

orisedbyAdriennePierce,21GravattRoad,Arataki,Tauranga

Aswemovefrom Commissionersrunning thecitytolocaldemocracy, Tauranganeedsexperienced

The2024-2034LongTerm Planmustberevisitedasthe firstorderofbusiness. Mybackgroundisin ‘peoplecentric’sectors includinghealth–I’m anursebytrade–early childhoodeducationand business-to-businessservices. Communitycommitment andworkingwithmany not-for-profitorganisations hasbeenabigpartofmy professionallifetoo. IliveinAratakiandIwill workfull-timeifprivileged tobeelected.Authorisedby: AdriennePierce, www.adriennepierce.nz

Let’stransformTauranga

Asaresidentof Tauranga,whereI wasbornandraised,I proudlycallthiscity myhome.

TheOwensfamilyhas beenconsistentcontributors toourcommunity’s socialdevelopmentand enhancementthroughboth businessandgovernance, andIintendtocontinue thislegacyofservice. Myexperienceinshipping, transport,logistics, informationtechnology, andbuildingsystemsand construction,coupledwith twotermsrepresenting TaurangaontheBayof PlentyRegionalCouncil haspreparedmetoleadour communityintofurther prosperity,withsound planningandoversight. Politicsisintheblood, frommygreatgrandfather inManchestertomyfather inTauranga.

Withexperienceonthe AucklandHarbourBoard (1986-1989)andtheBOP RegionalCouncil(20102016),Ibringbothbusiness acumenandpolitical expertisetoleadTauranga throughthesechallenging anduncertaintimes.

Myimmediateaimisto improveopengovernance andmanagementatall levels,toensureTauranga remainsadynamic communitywhereevery voiceisheard,valuesare shared,andchildrengrow upinasafeandhappy environment.

Myultimategoalis totransformTauranga intothemodelforLocal GovernmentinNew Zealandthroughinnovative leadership,practical experience,knowledgeof localbodygovernanceand shareknow-howtoget thingsdone.

VoteDougOwensfor yourMayor.

AdriennePierce

DougOwens

YOURLOCAL ELECTIONCANDIDATES

MakeTaurangagreatagain

Asacandidate,Ibring ano-nonsenseapproach tofixingTauranga’s issues.Toomanycareer politiciansareinthe running,andit’stime forrealchange. Here’swhyyoushould voteforme.

UrbanDevelopment: Tauranga’srapidgrowth requiressmartmanagement. Implementhigher-density housingneartransporthubs toreduceurbansprawl. Collaboratewith developerstocreate affordablehousingprojects. Enforcestrictenvironmental regulationstoprotectour greenspaces. Infrastructure:Our infrastructureisoutdatedand needsimmediateattention. Expandandimprovepublic transport,includingmore busroutesandexploringlight railoptions.

Prioritiseroadupgradesto easetrafficcongestionand improvesafety.Modernise utilitiestoensurethey supportourgrowing populationreliably.

Communityengagement: Transparencyandactive citizenparticipation arecrucial.Usedigital platformsandsocialmedia forbettercommunication withresidents.

Holdregulartownhall meetingsandcommunity forumsfordirect interaction.Implement participatorybudgeting, givingresidentsasayin howlocalfundsarespent.

Taurangadeserves leadershipthattreatsthe citylikeabusiness,with accountabilityandeffective solutions.Together,we cancreateaprosperous, sustainable,andinclusive city.Voteforrealchange. MakeTaurangagreatagain!

AdvertisementPlacedbyGlenCrowther

I’llhitthegroundrunning

Bornandraised inOtūmoetai,I’m committedtosupporting thecommunitythat shapedme. IfelectedasyourMatuaOtūmoetaicouncillor I’llvaluedifferent perspectivesandensure yourvoiceisheard. Iexcelatteamwork, analysis,andfinding practical,cost-effective solutions.Asexecutive directorofSustainable BOPTrustandaregional transportadvisor,Ihavea detailedunderstandingof council’splansandfinances. Tauranga’sbiggest challengeismanagingthe growththat’soverwhelming ourcity.Councildebthas skyrocketed,doubling to$1billionunder Commissioners. It’lltriplefromnowto 2034,to$3billion!

Undertheirplan,rates willmorethandoubleby

2034andwillincrease significantlymoreifprojects keepgoingoverbudget. Isupportchangingthe Commissioners’plan,to limitratesincreases,curb non-essentialspending, andensurelanddevelopers andgovernmentcontribute moretowardsgrowth infrastructure.

Weneedtoprioritise essentialinfrastructure, includingtop-ranked transportprojects:HewlettsTotaraupgrade,widening TurretRd-15thAve,and improvingpublictransport. Ialsosupportatransfer stationinthewestof Tauranga,bettercommunity facilities,andkeeping Otūmoetaipool. Pleasegivemeyour#1 voteforMatua-Otūmoetai andI’llbringaccountability, transparency,andagenuine communityvoicetothe table.I’llhittheground running! www.glencrowther.nz

ManyTCCelectioncandidatessaytheywantprogress-buttheir versionof‘progress’couldbreakthebacksofcurrentratepayers. ThisCityCouncilelectionisaboutwhetheryou’llvotefor peoplewhocandeliveranaffordableplanforTauranga. Thecurrentplanproposeshugeresidentialratesincreases.TCC dataprovidesaconservativeestimateofwhatitwillcostby2034.

Ifyoupaid2023-24ratesof:

$2000

$3000

$4000

$5000

$6000

Onaverage,you’llpayatleast:

AfteraddingWaterRatesandRegionalCouncilRates,average ratesbillswillbeheadingtowards$200perweek,orevenmore! Don’tgetsuckedinbydevelopersandtheircandidates talkingabout‘progress’. UrbanTaskForce/bigdevelopers don’tprioritiseaffordablerates.UTFlobbiedforCommissioners tostay,thenwrotethistomembersandshoulder-tapped candidates:

“WhyUTFneedstobestrategicallyinvolvedinour localelection2024 Thisissuesignificantlyimpacts ourinvestmentsinTauranga…[and]disruptionwill affectourexistinginvestmentsinthecity,ourtrust infuturedecision-making,andoverallqualityoflife forourfamilies...”

EnsurethatordinarypeoplecanaffordtostayinTauranga. Voteforpeoplewhocommittoafinanciallysustainableplan. Isupportavibrantcityandanaffordableplan,including: •Lowerratesincreases •Prioritisingkeytransportprojectsaheadof‘nicetohaves’ •Deliveringmoreaffordablecommunityinfrastructure •KeepingOtumoetaiPool VOTEGLENCROWTHERFORMATUA-OTŪMOETAI

AuthorisedbyGlenCrowther,info@glencrowther.nz

AnthonyGoddard

GlenCrowther

Reclaimcontrolofthecity

Itisessentialthatthe citizensofTaurangaelect peoplelikeme,whowill reclaimcontrolofthecity backfromtheUrbanTask ForceledbyScottAdams. Thisisessentialtorepealand replacetheLongTermPlan. IftheLongTermPlanisnot repealedandreplaced,then

rateswillbeincreased164 percentandthecity debtincreasedfrom$1 billionto$3billionoverthe next10years. Repealingandreplacing theLongTermPlanwillalso stopsevengeographicalwards beingdrainedofmoneyto fundthebottomlessfinancial pitthatistheTePapaWard CBDredevelopment,which

isaredundantandwasteful projectbecausethereisno demandforoneCBDnow. TaurangahasmanyCBDs. IamforliberatingLinksAve andCentralParadeShopping Centre,defundingPriority One,andfocusingonessential projectsliketheHewlettsRd/ TotaraStupgrade. Iamagainsttheincreased heightrestrictionatMount

Realisticandsustainableeconomicoutcomes

Istandforaccountability, commonsense,innovation, andrealisticandsustainable economicoutcomes.

Ihaveownedandmanagedmy ownbusinesses,built,workedfor andledsmallandlargecompanies, overseenandmanagedbudgets ofmorethan$100million,and

Maunganui,wasteful spending,thewaron communityorganisations, inequitablechargingof communityorganisations, duplicationofsporting venuesandthestadiumat theDomain. Electcommunity-minded peoplelikeme,thenwewill beabletoaddresstheissues facingthecity.

•Democracy.

Mathieson forthe MOUNT

IAMFOR:

•DevelopingTaurangaasinterconnectingvillages.

•Developmentsthatpayforthemselves.

•Supportingandfocusingonessentialprojects.

•Supportingcommunityorganisations.

•LiberatingLinksAvenue.

•CleanAir

•UsingsomeofourratesontheMountinsteadofTePapa

•RepealingandreplacingtheLTP

IAMAGAINST:

•CouncilfundingPriorityOneabout$2million dollarsayear.

•A$3billiondollardebt.

•Increasingrates164%tosubsidiseotherpeoples’ developmentsandpayfortheCivicCentre.

•Theplannedincreaseinbuildingheightsat MountMaunganui.

•Duplicatingsportingvenuesaroundthecity.

•TheStadiumattheDomain.

AuthorisedbyGarthMathieson,MountMaunganui,grmlaw@xtra.co.nz

engagedwithprivate, governmentandcouncils sectorsasacontractor, consultantandadviser. Iwillpromoteyour interestsandmake decisionsthatbenefitall ourpeopleandcity–now andforthefuture–while keepingcostsinthelimits ofreasonableexpenditure. Buildingheights, infrastructureandgreen spacesneedtobesensibly plannedandmanaged toharmoniseTauranga

growth.Ibelievein‘air, sunandamenities’. Thismeanspeople’s environmental/living spacesarenotturnedinto undesirableenvironments/ surroundings. Myhighpriorities aretrafficcongestion, infrastructure,population growthandthecontinual rejuvenationofTauranga fortheshortandlongtermbenefitofusand futuregenerationthat comeafterus.

Istandforaccountability,commonsense,innovationandrealisticand sustainableeconomicoutcomes.

Iwillpromoteyourinterestsandmakedecisionsthatbenefitallourpeople andcitynowandforthefuturewhilekeepingcostsinthe limitsofreasonableexpenditure.

MyHighpriorities:

•MitigateTaurangaTrafficCongestion

•MaintainandUpgradeTaurangaInfrastructure

•ProvisionforTaurangaPopulationGrowth

•Racecourse–multi-purposeenhancements

•MultipurposeStadium–locationandsize Ibelievein“Air,SunandAmenities”. Thismeans, weunderstandandmakeprovisionforpeople’s environmental/livingspaceandnothave largebuildingsandassociatedinfrastructure placedinsuchawayastocreate undesirableenvironments/surroundings Write‘1’nexttoAbrahamvanBerkel (Bram)whenvotingifyoushare theseopinions!

AuthorisedbybyBramvanBerkel abrahamvanberkel@gmail.com,0272818021

GarthMathieson

AbrahamvanBerkel

AdvertisementPlacedbyAbrahamVanBerkel(Bram)

YOURLOCAL ELECTIONCANDIDATES

PickagreatfutureforTauranga

Tauranganeedsamayor whocanhittheground runningandnotbe capturedbybureaucracy andlengthyinduction processes.

Asthelastmayortoserve afulltermandleadateam thatworkedtogether,I havetheknowledge,skills, businessacumenand charactertosucceed.I’ve livedhereformanyyearsand haveprovedmycommitment throughpersonalinvolvement andsupporttomany communityorganisations.

TheLongTermPlansetby theunelectedCommissioners needstobechanged immediatelytoonewhichthe newdemocraticcouncilowns andtakesaccountability. Currently,itisjustanice wish-list.

FundingtargetsfortheCBD projectshaven’tbeenmet. Othersuburbshavemissed outontheirshare.Essential infrastructurelikeroading,

transportandwatersmustbe prioritised.Watermustbekept indirectpublicownership. SincemytimeasMayor, Tauranga’sdebthasdoubled from$500millionto$1 billionandrateshaverisen 53percent.Thereislittle toseeforthisotherthana ballooningbureaucracyand questionableimprovements onCameronRd.Evenworse, theLongTermPlanhasdebt virtuallytreblingandrates risingaround120percent overthenext10years. Developers,notresidents, mustpayforgrowth.

Mycouncildidachieve progressoninfrastructure suchaswaterandwastewater, greenspace,localroadingand anewairportterminal. Wealsomanagedcouncil financesprudently. Taurangahasagreatfuture undersensibleleadership. Forresponsiblespending andcommunityfocus,choose GregBrownlessasnumber oneforMayor.

Sensibleleadership,responsible spending,communityfocus

Greg’strackrecord

Proventohavedeliveredsuccessfulroading,transport,water, wastewaterandairportprojects.

Ledanelectedteamthatworkedtogetherforthecity,despite differencesofopinion.

Campaignedtirelesslyforareturntodemocracy,toallowthe communitytodetermineitsownfuture.

Continuedtosupportcommunityandsportinggroupsand advocatedagainstCouncil’shugeuserfeeincreases.

Greg’scommitmenttoourCity

ChangetheLongTermPlantoanaffordableplanforwhich themayorandcouncillorsareaccountable.

Reprioritiseexpendituretoroading,transportandwaterinfrastructure thathelpsexistingresidentsandenablesmorehousing.

PrudentlymanageCouncilfinances-proposeddebtofthreebillion dollarsandexcessiveraterisesmustbereduced.

Putratepayersfirst.Developers,notexistingresidents,mustpaytheir sharefordevelopmentandgrowth.

GregBrownless

YOURLOCALELECTIONCANDIDATES

Commercialhead,communityheart

JenScoularisstanding forMauao/Mount Maunganuiwardon TaurangaCityCouncil. Shehasworkedacross business,bankingand diplomacy,isapatronof Mountsurfclubandischairof theHouseofScience. HeadingtheNZAvocado industryfor12years,being

treasureratZespriinMount MaunganuiandaNZdiplomat inGermany,areallonJen’sCV. Jenisachartered accountantandhasserved ingovernanceandleadership rolesfor30years.

JengrewupinTauranga;her mumanddad,DrRobinand AnneScoularwillbeknown tomany.

Jenwilladvocateforthe communityforimproved

transportoptionstodeliver solutionstothecurrent congestion.Shesupports thecommunityvoicefor furtherconsultationbefore intensificationisenactedto ensurethecharacterofthe Mountispreserved. JensupportstheLongTerm Planbutacknowledgesthenew councilwillneedtodebate anddiscusstheprojectsand budgets,toensuretheydeliver

Letthecommunitydecide

TCC’s2024-2034Long TermPlanwas,effectively, notconsultedon–andany reasonableanalysisshowsit tobeunsustainable. Thekeynumbersarethatdebt increasesbyaround200percent–from$1billionto$3billion–and

theratesrequirementincreasesby 164percentfrom$290millionto $780million.

Self-serving,ordeveloper-serving?, apologistsfortheplan arguetheseincreasesdon’tconsider populationgrowthoverthe next10years. Adjustedforpopulationgrowth,

the‘per-ratepayer’numbers seedebtincreasebyaround 155percent(sixtimes inflation),andtherates requirementincreaseby 125percent(fivetimes inflation).

Deeperanalysisshows thatforsomeoneona ‘single’NZSuperincome currentlypaying$3350in rates,theirTCCrates–not includingwatercharges,or regionalcouncilrates–will increasefrom12percent oftheirincometoatleast 22percent.Theywillbe

ratedoutoftheirhome! Thesolutionisthenew councilmustgobacktothe communityearlyin2025 withthreeLTPoptions–asAucklandCouncildid foritsLTP. Isuggestthoseoptions are:inflation;twotimes’ inflation;threetimes’ inflation.

Thencouncilproperly consults,and,inthe democraticspiritofthe LocalGovernmentAct,lets thecommunitydecide.

valuetoratepayersandimprove theliveabilityofTauranga. Jenseeksmuchgreater transparencyanddelivery ofvaluetoratepayersfrom TaurangaCityCouncil ensuringmore‘bang’forthe ratepayerbuck.

Jenlivesinandlovesthe Mountandseeksyourvote.

JenScoular:Commercial head,communityheart.

JenScoular

JohnRobson

AdvertisementplacedbyJenScoular Commercialhead, communityheart.

YOURLOCAL ELECTIONCANDIDATES

Ourvoicesshapeourfuture

Leadingacitytakesmore thanjustwinning,it requiresarobust strategicplan.

TheMayorneedstobegin workfromdayoneinoffice becauseourcommunity dependsonit.Wesimply don’thavetheluxuryofthe nine-monthlearningcurvea newMayorwillrequire. Forthecity’scomplex challenges,I’llbring inclusiveleadershipthat listens,collaborates,and deliverstangibleresultsfor ourcommunity.

Ihavea100-dayaction planthatwillbecarried outfromthemomentI takeoffice.

Togetherwithmyfour keyprioritiesofhousing, transportandinfrastructure, communityengagement, andinnovation,thisaction planwilladdressconcerns

regardingTaurangaCity Councilprocessesand engagement,theLong TermPlan,majorprojects resourcingandsupporting electedmembersadequately, andalsodeliverssomequick winsforourcommunity. It’scriticalthatmomentum andprogressismaintained butnotattheexpenseof affordability.

I’llbringinchecks, balancesandefficienciesto streamlinecosts,andbring innovativeandnewsolutions tooldproblems,becausewe simplycan’tkeepdoingthe samethings.

Together,let’sbuild anaccessible,multigenerationalcitywhere collaborationdrives progress,innovationsparks solutions,andourvoices shapeourfuture.

Formoreonmypriorities andstrategies,visit: tinasalisbury.nz

It’stimefortalentednewfaces

HarrisWilliams representsTauranga’s nextgenerationof youngadultleadersand believesit’stimefor talentednewfacestobe electedforcouncil.

Heisstandinginthe AratakiwardofTauranga CityCouncilElections. Harrisisthesuccessful ownerofamarketing agencyhefoundedat age23.Hehasextensive commercialexperiencein boththeprivateandpublic sectors,workingalongside hisclients.

Harrisrecentlymovedto Aratakiwithhispartner toawaitthearrivalof theirdaughterduelater thisyear.Hisleadership valuesrevolvearound teamwork,transparency, communication,androbust

communityengagementto achievegreatcommunity outcomesthatmove Taurangaforward.

“Ibelieveinmy community,andIbelieve inpeople.Ourvoiceneeds achampion,andIbelieve I’mthecandidateto representit.

“Ibelieveinahealthy balancebetweengrowth andfiscalresponsibility.The council’sjobistomakeour ratepayerdollarsworkhard toachievegreatoutcomes.

“Mypersonaland professionalattributesmake meaworthycouncillor torepresentyou,andI’m determinedtoearnyour voteofconfidence.

“Ihopeyouwilljoinme inmakingourcommunitya homewecanbeproudof.

“Catchyouonthe campaigntrail.” https://harris4arataki.co.nz

TinaSalisbury

HarrisWilliams

JimMcKinlayfor MatuaOtumoetai

JimMcKinlay,recentlycommercialrealestate agentwithBayleys,isproudtobestandingfor theMatuaOtumoetaiWardintheTaurangaCity CouncilElections.

Priortohis20yearsatBayleysheheldgeneral managementpositionswithAMP,andNational ProvidentFundandwasadirectorofAMP FinancialCorporation,theNewZealandFutures ExchangeandtheLoadedHogGroup;andwasthe inauguralchairoftheParkRoyalHotelWellington. HeholdsaBScandMBA.

“DuringmycampaignIhavewalkedthewhole wardandmetmanyfinepeople.Ihavelistened totheirconcernsandissueswithCounciland takenonboardtheirfrustrationwithourcommon history.IfelectedIundertaketobeaccessible,to beateamplayer,andtoalwaysactinthebest interestsofratepayers.

“Iamnotpartofanygroup,andmycampaignis completelyself-funded.

‘Keyissueswillbetogetbettercontrolonthe capitalexpenditurebudget,andthesizeandcost ofCouncil,toeasethepressureonrates.Spending mustbefocusedoncreatingamoreefficient andusablecity,aswellascompletingthecore elementsofthecitycentreproject.

‘Familyiscentraltomylife,andmywife,Sue, andIareproudofourthreechildrenandeight grandchildren.Itryhardwithmyfitnessand enjoybiking,golf,andbluewatersailing. www.mckinlayjim.com

AuthorisedbyJimMcKinlay,JimMckinlay900@gmail.com

YOURLOCAL ELECTIONCANDIDATES

Essentialinfrastructure beforecycleways

ThePre-ElectionReport indicatesTauranga’s residentialrateswill doubleinsevenyears. Tocurbthis,we musttacklecapital expenditure. Thebudget’slargestitemis the$600millionAccessible StreetsProgramme,aimed atreshapingtravelthrough cyclewaysandbuslanes. Isuggestdeferringthis costlyplanto2028,allowing forathoroughreviewduring

the2027-2037ten-yearplan consultations. Thisdeferralwouldfreeup fundstofast-trackcritical infrastructure,including wideningTotaraSttofour trafficlanes,andbuildinga secondTurretRoadbridge, whichwouldbelargely fundedbyTransit. Thisapproachbalances essentialdevelopmentwith fiscalresponsibility,while takingthepressureoffrates. JimMcKinlay–standing fortheMatua/Otumoetai ward. www.mckinlayjim.com

Politicsinherveins

Bornandraisedin Tauranga,RiaHall descendsfromallthree iwiofTaurangaMoana andwaseducatedat MaungatapuPrimary, TaurangaIntermediate andTauranga Girls’College. Asaproudmotherof three,Riahasremainedin theareatogiveherchildren theupbringingshehad. Herchildrenarethereason thatRiamoveswithdeep intentionandfocustomake Taurangathebestlittlecity inthecountryforallwho callTaurangaMoanahome. Theyoungestoffourgirls, politicshasalwaysbeen inherveins.Shestudied politicalscienceatuniversity andforgedacareertoinspire

Checkyourletterboxes,Taurangaresidents, becausevotingpacksareontheirway,andthis yearreturningyourvotehasneverbeeneasier. Votingpackswillincludeavotingpaper,return envelopeandacandidateinformationbooklet. InafirstforTauranga,residentswillbe abletodroptheircompletedvotingpaper intooneofdozensofhandyorangevoting binsacrossthecity.

Securevotingbinsareavailableatevery Taurangasupermarket,allTaurangaCity Libraries,andtheMountHub.Voterscanfind theirnearestvotingbinbyusingthehandyorange binlocatoronthecitycouncil’selectionwebpage.

andinstilhopeforchange. Forevertheoptimist, Riahasalwaysconsidered Taurangaassmallenough tobeconnectedtopeople andplaceandlargeenough todreambig. Riadreamtbigandbecame anaward-winningsinger andsongwriter,makinga nationalandinternational careerintheartsformore thantwodecades.

Shehasheldseveral nationalgovernanceroles includingasaBoard MemberoftheNewZealand MusicCommission.

Sheispartofthefirst cohortfortheMasterof RegionalDevelopment programmethroughthe UniversityofAuckland,and iscommittedtogrowingher capacityforbetterlocaland regionaloutcomes.

Thecouncilusesthesingletransferrablevote system,whichmeansvotersranktheirpreferred candidatesinsteadofputtingatick.Youcanvote forasmanyorasfewcandidatesasyouwish. Ifyourfirstpickdoesn’tgetthenumbersandis eliminatedfromthefirstround,thenyourvote goestoyoursecondpick,andsoonuntilone candidatehasamajorityofvotes. Residentscanalsodroptheirvotingpaperin thereturnenvelopeintoanymailbox. Votersmustreturntheircompletedvoting papersinthereturnenvelopeprovided – either bypostbeforeJuly17,ortoanorangevoting binbeforenoononJuly20.

JimMcKinlay

RiaHall

I’llbeyourvoicetogrowourcity

Letmeintroduce myself,mynameis MarkDecke.

IwasborninTauranga Hospitalin1968and attendedBellevuePrimary, OtumoetaiIntermediate thenontoTauranga Boys’Collegemovingto DevonportRdwhenI was12.

Icompletedan apprenticeshipinmotor trimmingandworkedin Matamataforsixyears,then workedforvariousfirms beforesettingupScrapman Recyclersin2006. Havingworkedinthe recyclingindustryfor manyyearsinacitythatI amproudtocallhome,I amreadytobeyourvoice togrowandenhanceour beautifulcityfurther.

Ihavethetimeand opportunitynowtoput myselfforwardasyour representativeintheTe PapawardforTauranga CityCouncil. Iampresidentofthe BayofPlentySpeedway Associationandhavebeen anactivememberfor35 years.Ihavefollowedin thefootstepsofmyfather, RossDecke,whowasthe promotorofspeedway inTaurangaattheold speedwaytrack. Keepingspeedwayat Bayfairhasbeenapassion ofmineformanyyears. Iampassionateabout rugbyandalifememberof theGreertonMaristrugby communitycentre. Ihavealsocoachedrep rugbyfortheWesternBay RugbyUnion.

AdvertisementPlacedbyMarkDecke

YOURVOICE OURCITY

VOTEMARKDECKE TEPAPAWARD

Whatdoyouthinkisyourmostimportantattribute youbringtocounciltablediscussions?

-Unbiasedsmartdecisionmaking,utilizingmy extensivebusinessexperience.

-Volunteeringinwithinthecommunity,hasalso givenmetheinsightandunderstandingofallour communityneedsthroughgoodpatienceand listening.

Howdoyouenvisageworkingwithothersincouncil -especiallythosewhodon’tagreewithyou? Properdemocracyshouldalwayshaveopposing viewsthatcanbedebatedinacourteousandcivil mannerwithidentifiedobjectivesandgoalsetting.I encouragefrankdebateandacceptwhenmyviews areperhapsnotwhattheothermembersagree upon.

Howdoyouplantoconnectwithallpartsoftheir communityandensuretheirvoicesareheard? Mydoorwillalwaysbeopentomycommunityand encourageeverybodytocomeforwardandexpress theirviewsandoffersuggestions.Iwillalsocontinue withmycommunityadvocacyensuringthatIama prominentfigurewithintheTePapaward.

Whatdoyouseeasthebiggestchallengesfacing yourcommunity?

•Transport

Ibelievethattheroadingissuesinandoutof Taurangaareindireneedofupgradingtoimprove theabilityofthecommunitytomovemorefreely aroundthecity.

Iwouldliketoseebetteruseofcurrentbuslanes, i.e.allowingtaxisandcourierstheuseofthese.I wouldalsolikeafullreviewofthecurrentpublic bustransportoperation,andperhapsmorefrequent rotationsusingsmallermoreefficientbuses.

•FundingforCommunityCentres Afullreviewofcurrentplans/proposalsonall communityprojects,putallproposedprojectsout forre-publicconsultation,oncetheinformationis gatheredafullcostanalysttobeconsideredand impacttotheratepayerssharedopenly. Proposethere-openingoftheMalemeStTransfer Stationintheweekendsforthegeneralpublic reducingwaittimesatthecurrentTeMungafacility.

•DoyouthinkourCBDishealthyandsuccessful? Ifnot,whatwouldyoudotochangethat? WhilstIdon’tagreewithone-waystreetsthrough ourCBD,weneedtolookatbetterwaysto encouragethecommunitybackintotheCBD,better

parkinglocationsandassociatedcosts,alongwith easeofaccessthroughouttheCBD.Althoughwe areoneofNewZealand’sfastestgrowingcities,I feelwearestillarelativelysmallcitycomparedto thelikesofAuckland,WellingtonandChristchurch. Thelocalcommunitydeservebetteraccessto shoppingandthevastrangeofbarsandrestaurants inourCBD.

TheCBDhasforyearsnowbeensubjectedtomultiple constructionsiteswhichisunpleasantanddoesnot createthelookofavibrantandfunctioningCBD. Ilookforwardtotheenhancementsbeingcreated attheStrandbeingcompletedbecausethiswill provideamuchmorefunctionalandsuitableareafor familiestocomeandrelax.Weneedtoencourage morecommunityeventssuchasmarketdays,andcar exposandmusicfestivals.

Ifelected,whatdoyouhopetoachievebytheendof theterm?

-Tighterfiscalspending–focusingontheneedsof thecurrentcommunityandinfrastructure,allwhilst workingwithinthecouncil’sbudgetconstraints. -Certaintyaroundwhatandwhereandwhento developintheCBD.

-RetainingandenhancingthecurrentBayPark facility,makingitaworldclasssportingfacility. -WorkingincollaborationwithLocalBusiness OwnersandCommunityLeaders,addressingtheir concerns.Ensuringacollaborativewayforward growingourCBDandsurroundingCommunities. Whatdoyouthinktheroleoflocalgovernmentisin shapingthefutureandsuccessofourcommunities Althoughlocalgovernmentisimportant,and requiredfortheongoingsupport,itisnowtimethat Taurangastandsonitsownagainandprovesthat withanewlyelecteddemocraticcouncil,working withlocalbusinessandcommunitieswecan becomethecityofchoiceforallNewZealanders. Whyareyourunninginthiselection?

Nowthatthecommissionersaredepartinganda newcouncilisgoingtobeelectedtotakecontrolof ourbeautifulcity,Ifeelnowisthetimeforafresh setofeyesandearstocarryTaurangaforwardonits pathtobecomingagreatcity.

BeingbornandraisedintheTePapaward,Itake immenseprideinourcityandfeelIhavethe requiredattributesthatthiscouncilislookingforto takeitintothefuture.

MarkDecke

I’ll be your voice to grow our city

Let me introduce myself, my name is Mark Decke

I was born in Tauranga Hospital in 1968 and attended Bellevue Primary, Otumoetai Intermediate then onto Tauranga Boys’ College moving to Devonport Rd when I was 12

I completed an apprenticeship in motor trimming and worked in Matamata for six years, then worked for various firms before setting up Scrapman Recyclers in 2006. Having worked in the recycling industry for many years in a city that I am proud to call home, I am ready to be your voice to grow and enhance our beautiful city further

I have the time and opportunity now to put myself forward as your representative in the Te Papa ward for Tauranga City Council

I am president of the Bay of Plenty Speedway Association and have been an active member for 35 years I have followed in the footsteps of my father, Ross Decke, who was the promotor of speedway in Tauranga at the old speedway track

Keeping speedway at Bayfair has been a passion of mine for many years I am passionate about rugby and a life member of the Greerton Marist rugby community centre I have also coached rep rugby for the Western Bay Rugby Union

YOUR VOICE

OUR CITY

VOTE MARK DECKE

TE PAPA WARD

What do you think is your most important attribute you bring to council table discussions?

- Unbiased smart decision making, utilizing my extensivebusiness experience

- Volunteering in with in the community, has also given me the insight and understanding of all our community needs through good patience and listening

How do you envisage working with others in council

- especially those who don’t agree with you?

Proper democracy should always have opposing views that can be debated in a courteous and civil manner with identified objectives and goal setting I encourage frank debate and accept when my views are perhaps not what the other members agree upon

How do you plan to connect with all parts of their community and ensure their voices are heard?

My door will always be open to my community and encourage everybody to come forward and express their views and offer suggestions I will also continue with my community advocacy ensuring that I am a prominent figure with in the Te Papa ward

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing your community?

Transport

I believe that the roading issues in and out of Tauranga are in dire need of upgrading to improve the ability of the community to move more freely around the city

I would like to see better use of current bus lanes, i e allowing taxis and couriers the use of these I would also like a full review of the current public bus transport operation, and perhaps more frequent rotations using smaller more efficient buses

• Funding for Community Centres

A full review of current plans / proposals on all community projects put all proposed projects out for re-public consultation, once the information is gathered a full cost analyst to be considered and impact to the rate payers shared openly

Propose the re-opening of the Maleme St Transfer Station in the weekends for the general public reducing wait times at the current Te Munga facility

Do you think our CBD is healthy and successful?

If not, what would you do to change that?

Whilst I don’t agree with one-way streets through our CBD, we need to look at better ways to encourage the community back into the CBD, better

parking locations and associated costs, along with ease of access throughout the CBD Although we are one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities, I feel we are still a relatively small city compared to the likes of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

The local community deserve better access to shopping and the vast range of bars and restaurants in our CBD

The CBD has for years now been subjected to multiple construction sites which is unpleasant and does not create the look of a vibrant and functioning CBD

I look forward to the enhancements being created at the Strand being completed because this will provide a much more functional and suitable area for families to come and relax We need to encourage more community events such as market days, and car expos and music festivals

If elected, what do you hope to achieve by the end of the term?

- Tighter fiscal spending – focusing on the needs of the current community and infrastructure, all whilst working within the council’s budget constraints.

- Certainty around what and where and when to develop in the CBD

- Retaining and enhancing the current Bay Park facility, making it a world class sporting facility

- Working in collaboration with Local Business Owners and Community Leaders, addressing their concerns Ensuring a collaborative way forward growing our CBD and surrounding Communities

What do you think the role of local government is in shaping the future and success of our communities

Although local government is important, and required for the ongoing support, it is now time that Tauranga stands on its own again and proves that with a newly elected democratic council working with local business and communities we can become the city of choice for all New Zealanders

Why are you running in this election?

Now that the commissioners are departing and a new council is going to be elected to take control of our beautiful city, I feel now is the time for a fresh set of eyes and ears to carry Tauranga forward on its path to becoming a great city

Being born and raised in the Te Papa ward, I take immense pride in our city and feel I have the required attributes that this council is looking for to take it into the future

Mark Decke

Advertisement Placed by Mark Decke

GarageSales

OTUMOETAI

21BGLENNTERRACE

Sundayfrom10:30am1:30pm.Doublebed,garden furniture,pants,fired freezer,glassdiningtable& 4chairs&manyotheritems.

STJAMESOPSHOP

CNRDEVONSTREET&POOLESROAD GarageSale Fri12July10am-2pm Sat13July10am-1pm

TAURANGASTH

2/80FOURTEENTHAVE

Saturday8am.Fundraiser,a largerangeforassorted items.Sausagesizzleonthe day.Naumaihaeremai.

WANTED TOBUY

Gardening& Landscaping

ABLE gardenerexperienced, efficient,knowledgeable, highlyqualified. Maintenance,pruning, hedges,shrubs,roses; disease/pestcontrol, lifestyleblocks,garden renovations;designand plant.PhoneTita 0276548781ora/h5420120

TradeServices

BRYCE Decoratinginterior andexteriorpainting, wallpapering.Haveyour powdercoatedwindows faded?Canbecleanedand restoredlikenew!Quality work.Showroomfinish. PhoneWayne0211627052

OneRoof.co.nz

Livestock&Poultry

AC Petfoodscollectinjured andunwantedcowsand horses.Phone08003696269

ROOF repairs.Freequotes forallmaintenanceof leakingroofs,gutterrepairs, chimneyrepairs.Registered roofer,30yrsexp.Phone Peter5424291or0274367740

Bepropertyprepared Buying orSelling? Search foryour dreamhomeat

OneRoof.co.nz

Colonial

Bepropertyprepared

OneRoof.co.nz

What does love require of us?

Whatdoesloverequireofus?

TherearemanynamesforGod. Oneistoequate“God”and“love”. “Belovedletuslove,fortheywho lovearechildrenofGodand knowGod”isfoundinthe ChristianBible.

Thismonthisthe400thanniversary ofthebirthofGeorgeFox,aQuaker co-founder.Georgelearnedbyhisown experienceandthatofothers,thateach personhastheLight“Love”ofGod within.

IsaacPennington,a17thCentury Quaker,wrote:“Ourlifeisloveand peaceandtendernessandbearingone withanotherandnotlayingaccusations oneagainstanotherandhelpingone anotherwithatenderhand”.

Allofwhichleadstothequestion: Whatdoesloverequireofme?

Imaginehowdifferentlifewouldbeif eachofusaskedthatquestionatthestart ofaday,thenfolloweditsguidanceat everydecision.Theattributesofthislove includepatience,kindness,compassion, selflessnessandforgiveness. Overtheyears,asQuakersattendedto thequestions:Whatdoesloverequire

ofme?;thenWhatdoesloverequireofus?, theyfoundthemselvesdrawntoworkssuchas abolishingslavery,prisonreform,supporting conscientiousobjectors,feedingwarvictims, Treatyissues,supportingclimatenegotiatorsand manyotherprojectscontributingtopeaceand justice.

Treaty issues, supporting climate negotiators and

Weareallcapableofthedirectexperienceof thisloveandtoitsleadingswhenwerequestit. Today,tryasking:Whatdoesloverequireof me?

JoyRising,SamauelHartman,MaryRose, TaurangaQuakerWorshipGroup.