Volunteer in the valley
Kōpūrerer ua Valley Rotar y Centennial Tr ust board chairman Lyall Holmes is confident that with help from 200 volunteers, and a sausage sizzle to follow, it will take just three hours to plant 4500 plants in Tauranga’s historic 364 hectare wetland on September 29
“ With pre-dug holes, we ’ re confident that we can get
the planting event, ” says Lyall The “je wel in Tauranga’s crown ” is Kōpūrerer ua Valley Reser ve – an open green space, stretching from Judea to Tauriko and bordered by the neighbourhoods of Te Reti, Gate Pā, Greer ton, Westridge and Cambridge Heights
During the past two decades Tauranga Rotar y clubs,
Tamarāwaho, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and dedicated community members, have been transforming what is one of Australasia’s largest urban wetlands
Now they’re asking for volunteers to muck in once again on September 29, in the ongoing restoration of the valley
Find out more on page 7
prices to make you gag to make
ecause I’m spinner. od nment. yable what I want,
g plump
kalamata olives and Castello blue; I need nd eggs but buy tamarillos, tahini, pudding, $2 tomatoes, Bluff oysters cab-sav They’re my staples the bloke who drops in to the supermarket, forgets what he’s there for, ll spends $80. I can hear it a sanctimonious chorus of write a note ” but I’d forget where I put the note, or ignore it.
I’m the supermarket’s version of a casino high roller – perhaps I need to self-trespass?
I’m the guy in the supermarket who buys salmon for dinner, then opts for a sirloin, then ‘bone-in’ pork belly, gets home and feels like none of the above. Consequently, my refrigerator becomes a supermarket in itself which in time becomes an internal compost. Chilli flakes on porridge?
There is, of course, the shopper at the other extreme of the spectrum –the tragically circumspect supermar shopper, who I discovered down the dr y goods aisle. Don’t normally go down there – as the name suggests dr boring, hard to swallow
This shopper had a note, enough purchases in their trolley to launch a aid project in a third world countr y, and their mobile was overheating on the calculator function.
Next morning as I sprinkled my porridge with chilli flakes – doesn’t ever yone do that? – I reached out for something to read, something to take away from the slurr y in front of me.
It was a newspaper supermarket catalogue. Not a recent one, December 4, 1984, in fact – 40 years old How I came by it I don’t know It’s a fascinating, albeit depressing, commentar y on food prices.
Tough cheese
Talk to anyone about food prices and they’ll bark on about the cost of cheese.
Long, painfully angrily
product was on special for $4.89 in 1984. Forty years ago I could have got three chooks for the price of one!
How did an essential become a luxur y?
Some greens with that disgustingly cheap chook? The ‘84 catalogue advertises a kilo of Watties frozen green peas for $1.69, on special from $1.79. The ver y same product online today will cost $6. Somehow, in 40 years, frozen peas have gone up more than 250 per cent. puds with your chicken and peas? A eshly dug” 5kg bag of new Pukekohe potatoes cost just $1.99 in 1984. oday I could buy 1kg less, a 4kg bag white washed potatoes, for $8.99, more than four times the ‘84 price. And of them.
This shopper carefully compared all price-per-unit information, the small print after the item price. A couple of cents saved here and here. But either you need or want the product, or you don’t. Why make hard work of it? Especially after processing all the other best buy, extra low, multi-buy, limited time, never-to-be-repeated, club card price information before investing in a pot of raspberr y jam?
The 1984 supermarket catalogue reveals I could have bought two 500g blocks of Mild, Medium, Colby, Tasty or Vintage for just $3.95. That’s right – a kilo of cheese for $3.95. By comparison the supermarket is today advertising online just one 500g block of Tasty or Colby for $10. Mild, mildly cheaper at $8.90.
It puts a common, old, garden variety cheese toastie in the flash food bracket I saw a 1.3kg chook for $14.50 in the supermarket. A not totally like-for-like
ou scream, ice cream ce cream hasn’t lost any of its appeal 40 years, except for the price. In 1984, 2 litres of vanilla ice cream was on special for $2.05, down from $2.25. The small saving is immaterial, the total cost isn’t. Because the full price of that product online today is $8.30, three times the ‘84 price. Hasn’t affected consumption though. We each eat 22-23 litres a year; we ’ re the biggest ice cream eaters in the world
Tin foil – in ‘84 was 4.5 metres at 59c, now $4.19.
ne up more than per of new tatoes cost just $1.99 T day I could a f white washed potatoes, for $8.99, re than four the price And ss You Ice of its n 40 years, except for price $2 05, $2 25 isn’t Because $8.30, three price We eat litres the biggest But aren’t the picture Food prices per
Baked Beans – then two 300g cans for 99c, today one 420g can $2.80. But those comparisons aren ’ t the total picture. Food prices increased just 2.1 per cent in the 12 months to Februar y 2024, the smallest increase since May 2021. And that has to be compared with the 12 per cent increase in the 12 months to Februar y 2023.
Some other ‘84 comparisons: Tea – then 250g for 99c, now $4.99 for 250g. Porterhouse/Sirloin steak – then $6.49 a kilo, now $45. Laundr y detergent –then 1.5 litres for $3.69, now 2 litres $14. Chips – 200g for 85c, now 150g for $2.89. Things aren ’ t what they used to be.
Boat ramp parking fees scrapped
Parking charges for boat trailers in Tauranga have been canned less than two months after they were introduced.
Since July 1 it has cost $20 per day – or $200 for a residents-only annual pass – to park a boat trailer near the Pilot Bay, Sulphur Point and Whareroa Reser ve boat ramps.
The charges were put in place by the Commission that ran Tauranga City Council until July and were intended to fund boat ramp maintenance and upgrades.
The fees were not popular with many boaties, and in June Tauranga fisherman Bevan Harington presented the council with a petition against them signed by 1864 people.
The council decided to ditch the charges and agreed to refund about $109,000 from annual pass purchases at a meeting on Monday
TCC general manager community ser vices Barbara Dempsey says the aim was to find a balance between users paying and ratepayer contributions.
During consultation the split between those for and against the charges was 50/50, says Barbara. Staff recommended keeping the fees but allowing people from outside Tauranga to buy an annual pass and having an exemption for Community Ser vices cardholders.
Councillor Rick Curach says he and his three neighbours owned boats for recreation and it’s
great for their mental health There were other recreational facilities that ratepayers contributed to without the council collecting user fees, says Rick.
“ Why pick on the people that want to use water as their recreation?”
Councillor Steve Morris says: “I want the boat ramps fees chucked off the end of the wharf, dead, and sleeping with the fishes”.
Taupō’s boat ramp fee was $6 and those facilities were “superior” to many of the facilities around Tauranga, says Steve.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Dysdale says a lot of community members paid user fees, including people who used the indoor courts
The council needed to be ver y careful because if they cut boat ramp fees then why would they not cut all the fees for Bay Venues community facilities, says the Mayor
“I absolutely support user fees. I don’t support them being larger than what they’re paying for ”
The Mayor says council is doing $6 million of boat ramp renewals and the boat ramp fees are not going to cover that. There are other free boat ramps in the city people could use, says the Mayor Council had already collected $126,060 from the boat ramp parking charges – mostly from the 548 resident passes purchased – since July 1.
LDR is local
Tauranga is one of 14 councils directed to fluoridate its water supply.
Council seeks extension to fluoridation deadline
An extension is being sought to delay fluoridating Tauranga’s water supply because “people should have a choice”
The decision was made at a tense Tauranga City Council meeting on Monday that was packed with more than 100 people against water fluoridation
In July 2022, the Director-General of Health directed the council to fluoridate Tauranga’s water supply by November 30, 2024
Tauranga is one of 14 councils given the directive The city’s water has been un-fluoridated since 1992
Speaking in the public for um, Rober t Coe asked the council to “ put a stop to the madness” and not fluoridate the water
He is concerned there could be accidental overdosing of fluoride if there was an issue at the dosing plant.
Dr Alanna Ratna, from NZ Doctors Speaking Out with Science, says studies from the United Kingdom showed there was evidence that topical application of fluoride offered some protection to teeth but there was “ no evidence that fluoridating water has any beneficial effect on teeth at all” There was a safer way of getting better dental outcomes which was dental hygiene and good dietar y habits, says Alanna
Op t i o n s
TCC infrastr ucture general manager Nic Johansson says the options for the council are to continue work to fluoridate the water to meet the deadline, ask for an extension or not fluoridate but risk being fined
If council doesn’t comply with the fluoridation order it faces a potential fine of up to $200,000; and, if the non-compliance continues, it could be fined up to $10,00 0 per day
Councillor Rick Curach says his position is to follow what is recommended by the Government Curach didn’t like that the council would be acting unlawfully if it chose not to fluoridate Members of the public interjected with booing and calls of “Shame on you ” and “Just kill us all”
Mayor Mahé Dr ysdale told them their
behaviour was disr upting the meeting and asked them to listen
Councillor Hautapu Baker says choice is being taken away from the community and the council hadn’t been able to hear from them
He suppor ted applying for an extension
The extension would allow time for a judicial revie w to be completed in 2025
Ma yo r ’ s v i e w
The Mayor says he doesn’t suppor t water being fluoridated because people should have a choice
There were other options for people to use fluoride if they wanted to, says Dr ydale
He proposed applying for an extension until the judicial process was completed and getting clarification on if fines would be enforced
The council was in favour of Dr ysdale’s motion and it will apply for an extension to the deadline Staff will also continue to investigate options to provide a non-fluoridated water supply.
Fluoridation is considered safe by the Ministr y of Health and the World Health Organisation and it is seen as an effective and affordable public health measure to improve oral health
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
Alisha Evans Local Democracy Re por ter
Dogs make a huge difference in our lives, and for some an assistance dog is vital to their daily living
You can help make a difference by volunteering to collect money this September 20-22 for this year ’ s Assistance Dog Appeal.
The Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust is aiming to raise $75,000 to
continue placing Assistance Dogs with Kiwis who need them.
You can sign up online for a two-hour shift, collecting funds on the street, at: https://tinyurl.com/552avj2m
If you have any questions or ideas to help fundraise this September, email the fundraising team at: funding@assistancedogstrust.org.nz Make a
Presenting our FINAL release of premium harbour view sections
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Viewing Saturdays 10am - 2pm or by appointment Mangawhai Place, Omokoroa (on the Tauranga Harbour)
www.lynleypark.co.nz info@lynleypark.co.nz P: 027 477 1810
The ‘Auld Mug’ is in town next week
Next week, when the oldest trophy in international sport visits Tauranga for the first time it will attend an old haunt of Emirates Team NZ helmsman Peter Burling.
The America’s Cup – the ‘Auld Mug’ – will travel 4500km around Aotearoa from next week, visiting 40 locations in 20 days on the Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour – a chance for
communities to view the cup before the 37th America’s Cup gets begins in Barcelona on October 13.
Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club
Commodore Jason Marra says the public is welcome to come along to the club at Sulphur Point from 2pm4pm on Tuesday, September 3. “The America’s Cup is gorgeous, ” says Jason. “I’ve seen it at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron in Auckland and the security around it is pretty tight. “It will be roped off, but people can
Meals on Wheels
Meals are delivered fresh each day 7 days week
Meals are delivered between 11.30am – 1.00pm
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still come along and take photos with it.”
The ornate sterling silver trophy travels in a customdesigned Louis Vuitton case accompanied by two security guards and will sit inside glass. It will be on display overlooking the water where Peter Burling spent years honing his craft along with fellow local sailors Molly Meech, Sam Meech, Jason Saunders and Veerle ten Have, who are also competing at this year ’ s regatta. The America’s Cup will also spend time at Tauranga
Intermediate School.
“Peter Burling was here in 2002 and 2003 and is now on our Sporting Wall of Fame so students can be inspired by what he’s achieved as an Olympic gold medallist and the skipper of Team NZ,” says principal Cameron Mitchell.
For ever yone to see
“This [tour] is a chance for ever yone to see a piece of sporting histor y that represents the level of what Kiwis can achieve,” says RNZYS general manager Sarah Wiblin.
“ We are so proud to be able to share our passion for the America’s Cup with all of NZ and are grateful to Toyota NZ’s support to allow us to take the cup around the countr y ” Cup-viewers also get a chance to sign a sail of support being taken to Barcelona to present to Emirates Team NZ. “ We know that Emirates Team NZ thrive on encouragement and support from back home. With long days and nights ahead of them, showing your support on the sail will help them keep going come race time,” says Sarah.
Debbie Griffiths
TYPBC Commodore Jason Marra says the public is invited to view the America’s Cup at the club from 2pm-4pm on Tuesday, September 3. Photo: Debbie Griffiths
For mer Tauranga City Council staff member responsible for K Valley, Diane Patton, and Buddy Mikaere at 2023’s planting day
by the neighbourhoods of Te Reti, Gate Pā, Greerton, Westridge and Cambridge Heights
The valley holds deep historical significance for the local hapū, Ngāi Tamarāwaho, who once inhabited the area For the hapū, Waikareao Estuar y and Kōpūrererua Valley are their kete kai (food baskets).
It was also a site of significant 19th Centur y battles between Māori and British colonial forces, with remains of Puketoromiro Pā and archaeological sites still present
Climate resilience
wildlife but includes the realignment of the river channel to restore the path of the Taurikura Stream
“This will enhance water quality, assist in flood control, restore fish and bird habitats, and improve the mauri (life force) of the area, ultimately contributing to climate change resilience ”
The valley’s network of walking and cycle paths gives the public access to this open green space, its rich history, and a convenient way to bypass traffic congestion
Muck in to help plant K Valley
The Kōpūrererua Valley Rotar y Centennial Trust needs 200 volunteers to plant 4500 native trees and shrubs on September 29. This milestone event – part of a 20-year effort to restore one of Tauranga’s hidden gems – marks a significant addition to the ongoing restoration of Kōpurererua Valley Reser ve.
During the past two decades Tauranga Rotar y clubs, in partnership with Tauranga City Council, Ngāi Tamarāwaho, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and dedicated community members, have been transforming the historic 364ha wetland So far, the project has seen an investment of $2.1 million, with another $15,000 to be added with the latest planting.
Kōpūrererua Valley Rotar y Centennial Trust board chair Lyall Holmes is scouting for 200 volunteers to help on planting day. “ With pre-dug
holes, we re confident that we can get 4500 plants in the ground within just three hours. Participants will be rewarded with a sausage sizzle after wards ” Students from local secondar y schools and community members eager to contribute to the restoration of this “jewel in Tauranga’s crown ” will join in on the day
Historical significance
Lyall says the plants, sourced from Naturally Native, will include species like te kouka and kahikatea, chosen for their suitability to the valley’s wetland habitat. “Funds raised by Rotar y from BOPRC’s Environmental Enhancement fund and Powerco will pay for a mixture of plant species “Gate Pā School has also generously donated 500 plants to the cause. ” Kōpūrererua Valley Reser ve, one of Australasia’s largest urban wetlands, stretches from Judea to Tauriko and is bordered
Join us at our
L egacy Pāpāmoa Open Day.
Thursday, 12 September 2024 at 10:00am Corner of Te Okuroa Drive and Ashley Place, Pāpāmoa
This event will include a tour of Legacy Pāpāmoa, a brief talk on pre-arrangements and a Q&A session Morning tea will be provided
Spaces are limited and registration is essential RSVP: phone 07 543 4780 or email office@legacyfunerals co nz
Perfect for funerals of var y ing sizes , L egacy Pāpāmoa has a ing has a 200-seat chapel , smaller room options , a catering lounge and smaller room columbarium The native memorial garden and beautiful water native feature offers a sense of peace and tranquility, making this venue offers and making this an ideal place for reflection and remembrance reflection and
Lyall says the restoration project not only aims to revive the valley’s native
Volunteers who can help from 9 30am-12 30pm on September 29 can register at: www.eventspronto. co nz/event5622
Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Rotar
DMS is ready for the avocado season!
not fit for future purpose Derek says existing off-the-shelf options were considered but it was determined a purpose-built bin tip from MAF Roda, ex-France, was the best soft bin tipping option going forward
“A water blaster machine in the market that suited our needs was hard to find and revealed that to get what DMS needed we’d have to build our own – for it to be fit-for-purpose for future years DMS engineers were engaged with the ambitious project of ‘let’s build our own’
Well-known Bay of Plenty orchard management and post-harvest company DMS Progrowers
Limited has extensively upgraded its Te Puna packhouse’s avocado facilities – ready for 2024’s export season
DMS chief executive officer Derek Masters says the company – with kiwifruit and avocado packhouses in Te Puna and Te Puke – has invested significantly in its kiwifruit packing facilities in recent years – now it’s avocados’ turn
“We’re proud to announce our DMS Te Puna packhouse has a brand new, purpose-built avocado soft bin tipping system from MAF Roda is connected in-line to a custom-built water blaster machine feeding the large 10-lane camera grading and packing line ” says Derek
“This was recently commissioned and is ready for the 2024 avocado export season ”
DMS is one of the largest avocado packing companies in the Bay of Plenty, having more than 375 growers in its avocado portfolio supported by a dedicated client services team led by Hamish McKain
After 2023 s season it became evident the packhouse’s old avocado processing line was
Timing was also critical – as equipment needed to be ready for 2024 s export season This week we see the first of DMS 2024 export crop to be packed through the new line ”
Derek says: “I have to acknowledge the new avocado line was only achieved by the combined efforts of the DMS Engineering team led by Chase Jarrett and Mark Thomas from Kiwi Tech who have done an outstanding job collaborating, designing and building an in-house custom-built water blaster
We re very pleased with the recent commissioning results from Assure Quality These results are industry leading and exceeds export quality standards ”
DMS avocado business manager Hamish McKain says: “This dedicated infeed line increases packing capacity by 40 per cent, whilst achieving export quality standards without need for high pressure water blasting”
“Export certification by Assure Quality was achieved at a lower water pressure than industry standard, which certainly helps with reducing the lenticel skin damage often associated with high pressure water blasting We are pleased with this result
“This provides confidence to our growers that DMS is looking after their avocados through the packing process This will also provide assurance to
• Exceptional Packing Facilities
• Complete Orchard Management
• AvoGreen Ser vice
Contact:
Hamish McKain - General Manager/Avocado Grower Services
027 220 2005 • hamish mckain@dms4kiwi co nz
Willie Herder - Avocado Grower Services 027 667 3849 • willie herder@dms4kiwi co nz
our exporter AVOCO that DMS is ready to meet the everchanging export market quality standards ” With avocado growers experiencing a tough few years Derek says the new equipment is part of DMS’ contribution and commitment to a positive future
Proud to be associated with
• Har vest Flexibility
• New water blaster facility
• Technical Advice and Support
Ivona Kopecka - Avocado Grower Services 027 266 4901 • ivona kopecka@dms4kiwi co nz
Warren Sargent - AvoGreen Manager 027 900 0292 • warren sargent@dms4kiwi co nz
Together We Achieve
Matt Royackers - Avocado Grower Services
027 200 0788 • matt royackers@dms4kiwi co nz
Toni Morrison - Avocado Grower Services 027 265 4469 • toni morrison@dms4kiwi co.nz
DMS lead engineer Chase Jarrett, left, and Te Puna site manager Laurie Jarrett
DMS lead engineer Chase Jarrett
The dedicated infeed line increases packing capacity by 40 per cent whilst achieving export quality standards without need for high pressure water blasting Photos credit David Hall
Mount Maunganui
College Year 13 Carter
Hopoi is part of the NZ Under-18 Junior Tall Blacks squad competing in FIBA U18 Men’s Asia
The only Western Bay of Plenty basketballer to have made the New Zealand Under-18 Junior Tall Blacks squad may be rallying for fundraising support but that’s not top of his family’s mind.
Mount Maunganui College Year 13 student Carter Hopoi, who plays for Tauranga Whai NBL Team, flew out to the troubled Middle East on Wednesday, August 28, to compete in the FIBA U18 Men’s Asia Cup
The 18-year-old’s parents are closely monitoring tension in nearby Syria, Israel, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which have sparked protests in Jordan.
“There have been conversations among parents about where the tournament is being held – in Amman from September 2-9 – and the fact that it’s a Level 2 security risk,” says Carter’s mother Koren Hopoi.
“Along with Carter, we took our time to make the decision for him to go
“ We trust BBNZ have considered all the risks and have prioritised the team ’ s safety ”
The U18 Junior Tall Blacks secured their spot in the Asia Cup by winning silver at the Oceania Cup
Cup Photo: Debbie Griffiths
Basketballing abroad a lot more than just cour t-work
in Papua New Guinea last year – a competition also marred by civil unrest. Players were confined to their accommodation for safety
“There were power outages because of a land dispute,” recalls Carter
“But making that team was pretty special. It made me expect more from myself ”
Carter’s basketball journey began when he was 6, and he became serious about the sport around age 12 when he started playing for regional rep teams in Thames Valley
“Carter’s worked really hard,” says Koren.
Although Basketball New Zealand has subsidised part of the trip to Jordan, there’s still a $5000 shortfall per player To bridge the gap, the organisation has launched a raffle running until September 27, where donors can contribute funds to offset athletes’ travel costs and win prizes.
Donations can be directed to a specific player or the entire team.
As for the future? Expect to see Carter’s name in the Tall Blacks squad “I’d like to play in the NBL next year and then head to the US to play basketball there,” he says
Buy raffle tickets online at: nz.basketball/raffle/ Debbie Griffiths
Meet one of our handsome Top Gun litter of puppies; our chirpy happy man, Rooster! Found in a box in a park, Rooster and his siblings were lucky to be rescued. Rooster loves people and is
This
The invasive seaweed Caulerpa is causing major problems across Northland Photo: supplied.
egional pest plan
egional pe plan welcomes feedback
Bay of Plenty residents can have their say on amendments being proposed to the Regional Pest Management Plan.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council is proposing amendments to the plan to effectively manage new and emerging pest threats. Intended changes include introducing new pests to the plan, widening the scope of existing ones, and amending or introducing new rules.
Biosecurity officer Te Wakaunua Te Kurapa says having a fit-forpurpose pest management plan enables council to react quickly and appropriately when new biosecurity threats appear “Corbicula, commonly known as gold clam, was first detected in the Waikato River in May 2023,” says Te Wakaunua
“Given the proximity of Rotorua Te Arawa lakes, having the right regulations and resources in place
puts us in the best position possible to help p prevent its sppread to the region. Including Corbicula as an exclusion pest in the RPMP will help to achieve that. Similarly, in the marine environment, Exotic Caulerpa was first discovered in 2021. The highly invasive seaweed now covers more than 15,000 hectares of seabed in the upper North Island and impacts both recreational and commercial activities Including Exotic Caulerpa in the RPMP is the first step to enable council to take action and minimise risk of it entering the region.”
Also, all species of introduced turtles – including the red-eared slider turtle – are proposed to be included as Sustained Control pests.
Visit: www.participate.boprc.govt. nz/pest-plan-2024 for full details on the proposed amendments and submit feedback by September 24.
What’s Your Property Worth?
I’ll
The rock stars and the author
Some evocative Springsteen lyrics star ted it. Geordie indie rocker Sam Fender unwittingly kicked it along And between them, they fired the creativity of Tauranga wordsmith Peter White, who staged a literar y coup of sor ts
A British publisher wanted to know where White got the idea for Seventeen Going Under, White’s anthology of shor t stories on challenging and confronting social issues. “Real life stuff” is how the author catalogues it The trials of growing up, depression, youth suicide
“There’s a bit of me in there,” says White Real but positive Real but hear twarming
“The publisher said no one ’ s ever done this,” says White “It’s pretty unique ” It helps to know the backstor y to ‘Seventeen Going Under’ – it too is intriguing and adds to the magic of the book About 20 years ago White read ‘Meeting Across the River’, an eclectic mix of shor t stories examining Springsteen’s song of the same name, a classic song of hope and despair
Each of the authors brought their own imagined context to a song which is spare on lyrics They filled in the gaps for us
So a k i n g u p Fe n d e r
More recently, White, an accomplished and reputable Tauranga spor ts writer – who wrote for the Bay of Plenty Times – is between gigs
He’s sitting in his Uber cab waiting for a fare, and soaking up songs by Geordie troubadour
Sam Fender
“He’s a stor yteller too ” White’s always enjoyed songs and stories that meant something, lyrics that mattered “Like The Jam and The Clash “And while I was listening to Fender songs
over and over, these imaginar y characters kept jumping out at me
I would scribble them down ” No fares, but plenty of fodder for a book
White was fixated with a Fender song called ‘Spit of You’ – a song about the tribulations of growing up, teenage anger and regret
“All sounds just like you, smashing cups off the floor, and kicking walls through, that’s me and you ”
A song of “toxic masculinity” But also a song about a deep bond with his grandmother
Re a d a b l e a n d b e l i e va b l e
It got White thinking about his own circumstances growing up, and so he concocts his own narrative around Fender’s lyrics White, like the authors of ‘Meeting Across the River’, filled in the gaps “And 3000 words later I had a ver y readable, believable shor t stor y ”
“Nan was my private sounding board She always had time for me and listened to me if I needed to let go of whatever was bugging me ”
There was abuse and dysfunction
“I have so many memories of waking to the sound of raised voices, followed by all sor ts smashing in the kitchen It used to scare the sh** out of me but I never made a fuss ”
And there’s deathbed redemption “I gave him a look that said: ‘I’m with you Dad’ He nodded and touched my arm It was a special moment ”
Sounds bleak It’s not It’s gratifying, and it’s likely we can all see a little of ourselves in each of the eight stories – all titled after Fender songs, like the eponymous ‘Seventeen Going Under’, his biggest hit ‘ Will We Talk?’ and ‘Angel in Lothian’
“Fender songs deal with real life issues, but always with a positive message
Springsteen and Fender provided the inspiration, Peter White had the stor yline. Photo: John Borren.
Peter White at the keyboard making his own music. He’s 40,000 words into making his first fulllength novel.
“I just tapp into it,” says ne w author Authentic Raw, power f uplifting Wh brings credibi authenticity t song title, eac stor y, by setti Nor th Shields – with fish quay, ferr y term and bars – on the rougher edges of Tyn in England’s nor thea It’s Fender’s hom Bar where he worked as a barkeep, and where he banged out tunes during downtime and got
Darling Drifter
eet nine-week-old
Meet Drifter, a nine-weekk-old male Labrador-Rottweiler-cross, which RRR predicts wiill grow into a large dog
This little bundle of joy is a happy chap who loves cuddles, and playing with other pups and dogs
Drifter enjoys the chance to explore the garden and catch some sun, and lounging on the deck.
Drifter sleeps throughout the night in his crate and will run to the door when he needs to go to the toilet.
And inspired a book to be written way d off his manuscript to publishing England because that’s the setting publisher Austin Macauley printed ies and expects a re-r un “It’s quite r tant publisher,” says White So it’s a coup ‘Seventeen Going Under’ is e at: TheNile co nz while, the wordsmith with a double h and histor y degree is 40,000 into a full-length novel “It’s about haracters who meet in the First XV uranga College One becomes an ck, the other a spor ts journalist o lives entwined But not ” there’s also a couple of extra Fender songs screaming for White’s attention Hum along for the moment and watch this space
Photo: John Borren. Hunter Wells
He is a quick learner and would benefit from ongoing training to make a super family dog. Suitable homes include singles, couples or families with children aged five-plus. To find out more about Drifter, visit: rrr.org.nz
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour
GUYS & DOLLS
Pacific Lakes Village is set amongst tranquil park like grounds and private lakes. Spacious modern villas and terrace houses have been designed to create a vibrant community, providing an ideal setting for your active and independent lifestyle.
The village’s main community facility, The Pavilion, is currently under construction Positioned on the lakes edge, this impressive building will house an eater y, lounge bar, librar y, art studio, beauty salon, wellness suite and extensive recreational facilities Experience our community first-hand - show home available by appointment
Cancer can enter life when least expected... n ife
Ella Scown was preparing to move to Canada when she found a lump in her breast.
Not confident about the prices of healthcare overseas, the 29-year-old lawyer booked a quick check-up.
“My GP said don’t be worried,” says Ella. “[She told me] people your age have less than a 2 per cent chance of getting breast cancer But just to be careful, we’ll do an ultrasound.”
A few tests later, Ella and her partner Lewis were called in to see a
specialist. “ We got put into a room and were made to wait for a ver y long time, about an hour by ourselves. So, you spiral. Eventually, three people walked in with this massive folder
‘I just went into shock’
“I was like: ‘Oh no, this is not going to be good’. The first thing they said was: ‘ You have breast cancer’. After that, I don’t remember anything. I just went into shock…”
The diagnosis – triple-negative breast cancer – came two days before her flight to Vancouver
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Ella cancelled her flights and moved in with her parents
“The first step was fertility preser vation – a course of injections and a procedure to remove the eggs. ”
The first chemotherapy rounds were manageable, though Ella found losing her hair to be psychologically traumatic
The second round was brutal.
“It was so bad It was this red liquid they call the ‘red devil’ and it was pumped through a port into my chest.
“I was taking 30 tablets ever y day to stop feeling sick…That lasted about eight weeks ”
The Lion’s Lodge
After chemotherapy Ella needed surgery to remove what was left of the cancer, then radiation treatments While preparing for radiation, Ella realised the immense toll it would take travelling to Waikato Hospital each day for four weeks
Thankfully she was able to stay at the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge “Staying at the lodge changed a month of my life and made it a lot easier,” she says “I felt less stressed because I wasn ’ t having to sit in traffic for hours, and it removed the guilt associated with having a support person give up that much time Monday to Friday
for four weeks.
“I spoke to so many people in the lodge who wouldn’t have had access to their treatment if they had not had the lodge. It changes the whole experience being able to stay there ” Ella has finished treatment and is looking ahead to her future travels “The outcome of the chemotherapy and surgery is good Although my plans had to change, I’m still hoping to move overseas ”
Chance to donate
On August 30-31, some 8000 yellow high-viz-clad volunteers will be on streets across Aotearoa with daffodil pins and fresh daffodils to collect donations for Daffodil Day
Donations can also be made online at: daffodilday.org.nz at any time, or at any ANZ bank, and anywhere a daffodil day QR code is displayed.
A sudden breast cancer diagnosis forced 29-year-old Ella Scown to press pause on her OE. Photo: supplied.
Mount hosts NZ’s largest pickleball tournamment
This weekend’s Mount Maunganui Classic is set to make histor y as New Zealand’s largest pickleball tournament when it takes place at the Mercur y Baypark Arena in Tauranga
The landmark event will draw 286 players from across the countr y and internationally to play pickleball from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1
“We’ve got people coming from all over the country and even a couple from overseas – Adelaide and Santa Barbara,
California,” says Mount Pickleball Club president Bob Smith Bob says among the competitors are five players who have been selected to represent New Zealand in the Pickleball World Cup in Peru this October
Organised by the Mount Pickleball Club, which has rapidly grown to become one of NZ’s largest pickleball clubs with more than 200 members in just five years, the event promises an exciting weekend of top-level competition
The tournament, supported by the Western Bay Community Events Fund, will commence today, August 30, with
the Super – aged 60-plus – Men’s s and Women’s B Grade Doubles starting at 1pm
“The action intensifies on Saturrday, August 31, with 226 players partticipating and will conclude on Sunday, Sepptember 1, with 194 players competing in n the Mixed competitions,” says Bob
“Play on both Saturday and Sunnday will start at 8 30am and continue e until approximately 5 30pm
“Don’t miss the chance to witneess New Zealand’s biggest pickleball tournnament right in your own area ”
In a remarkable milestone, Multicultural Tauranga is celebrating its 30th jubilee this Saturday, August 31 –which coincides with Multicultural Day 2024 celebrations.
The grand occasion, which highlights three decades of fostering unity and diversity in the Bay of Plenty, will be marked by a gala dinner and concert at Classic Flyers
The event promises to be a glittering evening, with MPs Sam Uffindell, Tom Rutherford and Jenny Salesa among distinguished guests attending.
“ We will also acknowledge the contributions of the past committee members at this event, ” says Multicultural Tauranga president Premila D’Mello
“The night will be further enlivened by vibrant performances from the region’s diverse migrant communities, showcasing the rich tapestr y of cultures that call the Bay of Plenty home.”
Over the past 30 years, Multicultural Tauranga has been a pillar of support for migrants and ethnic communities guiding first tion’s
role has never been more vital “Each year, its dedicated volunteers contribute more than 10,000 hours to a variety of initiatives, ranging from newcomer network gatherings, English language classes and interpreting ser vices, to youth leadership and mental wellbeing workshops.”
Premila expresses immense pride in the organisation’s achievements. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness the empowerment and thriving of ethnic communities in the BOP” Multicultural Tauranga looks for ward to continuing its vital work “ensuring ever y migrant and ethnic community member feels at home in the Bay of Plenty for many years to come”.
Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Mount Pickleball Club member
Peter Clarke in action
Photo: John Borren
Say Goodbye to Heel Pain
You might not be able to exercise, keep up with family and friends work or even get out of bed in the morning without hobbling. You have spent hundreds of dollars on or thotics that don’t fit in all your shoes.
Nothing’s worse than feeling great mentally, but physically feeling held back from life because your feet hur t and the pain just won’t go away!
Do You Have Any of The Following Conditions?
• Heel Pain • Plantar Fasciitis • Achy feet
• Tight legs • Sore Achilles tendon
Foot Pain Is Not Just ‘old age’. No Question… if you are having foot pain than something is wrong. I t ’s not normal ageing to hur t all the time. Pain is your body ’s warning sign telling you something is wrong. Finding the problem and fixing it has to be a top priorit y!
Have the last word for your loved o ones
The death of someone close is considered the most stressful life event
Having a will can bring peace of mind for loved ones during this difficult time. You can lay to rest knowing your affairs are in order and the people and causes you care about are provided for as you intended. A will also takes the guesswork out of legal matters and avoids delays in wrapping up your estate. Legacy Funerals director Robert Barclay says
most people have no idea of the complexity of what’s involved when someone passes away
“A will, alongside a pre-arranged and even pre-paid funeral, can take a weight off the family’s shoulders and provides a clear pathway to ensure your wishes are honoured.
“There are many decisions about your farewell that can be made in advance – such as how and where you will be laid to rest, any religious or cultural beliefs to incorporate, the financial side of things, and information gathering for legal paper work.
September is Wills Month
If you ’ re considering leaving a gift in your will, September is the perfect time to update your will and add this in Leaving a donation to a community foundation or organisation is a great way to make your gift last forever A number of local organisations are offering wills packages during the month of September, in exchange for a small donation to their cause in your will
No matter how big or small your donation, it matters and it helps grow the causes that are close to your heart after you ’ re gone Wills Month is also a good reminder to check over your will and make sure it’s up-to-date, or make a will if you haven’t gotten around to it yet Check out the local organisations offering wills services this month.
“Completing this in advance gives your loved ones a ‘ map ’ to follow affter you pass, so they can focus their energy o on celebrating your life and keeping your stor r y alive ” By using Legacy’s bespoke funneral ser vices, you ’ re also supporting our locaal community Legacy is owned by a charitabble trust which gifts profits back to the commuunity and has given back more than $3.9 milllion to local charities to date.
Visit: www.legacyfunerals co nz or phone: 07 543 4780 to find out more
Leave a gift, make a positive impact
Ever y year thousands of Kiwis choose to include a perpetual charitable gift in their will, a practice known as ‘legacy giving’.
By leaving a gift to the Acorn Foundation in your will, you can join a community of supporters dedicated to making a positive impact in the Western Bay of Plenty region for generations.
Leggacy y giving g allows y you to create a lasting g effect that extends beyond your lifetime
The Acorn Foundation’s CEO Lori Luke says this type of charitable giving has become increasingly popular, with online will provider Gathered Here reporting more than $500 million pledged to causes across New Zealand and Australia since 2021
“The Acorn Foundation has partnered with Gathered Here to make the process of leaving a gift in your will as simple as possible for supporters, ” says Lori.
“For those with a more complex estate that involves business property or complicated family relationships, it is recommended that they seek advice from a professional advisor ” Acorn Foundation donor Noeline Campbell decided to set up an endowment fund with the Acorn Foundation
“You know that it will continue to have an increasing effect long after you have gone, ” says Noeline. “Isn’t that wonderful?”
She encourages those who haven’t updated their will to consider leaving gifts to support areas they care most about, which for Noeline include charities that help women and families
This Wills Month, consider leaving a gift to causes important to you via the Acorn Foundation in your will. To learn more about online wills, head to: www.acornfoundation.org.nz
“You know that your gift will continue to have an increasing effect long after you have gone. Isn’t that wonderful?”
Noeline Campbell, Acorn Foundation Donor
Wills Month - September
The Acorn Foundation team. Photo: supplied
Legacy Funerals director
Robert Barclay Photo: supplied
This September Waipuna Hospice is delighted to bring back their Free Wills campaign, offering you the oppor tunity to safeguard your loved ones ’ future, while leaving a meaning ful legacy in your community
Thanks to the generosity of par ticipating local legal firms, you can create or update a basic will at no cost In return, Waipuna Hospice humbly asks you to leave them a one per cent gift of your estate By contributing just one per cent, you ensure that 99 per cent goes to those you cherish most, while making a significant difference in the lives of those needing hospice care
Your gift will cost you nothing today, but will have a lasting impact by helping provide vital ser vices like in-home nursing suppor t, medical
loan equipment, and grief suppor t for families in our community
Gemma Kehely, a 2023 Wills Month participant, called it a “no-brainer”
“I think all of us have known someone affected by a terminal illness and I just think Waipuna Hospice provides amazing support to those in their time of need
“If my gift can help someone else’s family when they’re going through a really difficult time, then that’s really impor tant
“Plus, it’s reassuring for yourself and for your family to know that a will is in place ”
Signing up is simple Register by September 20, complete the Free Wills form, and schedule an appointment with a par ticipating legal firm
Waipuna Hospice has made it easy to protect your loved ones and suppor t hospice care for future generations Sign up today at: waipunahospice.org.nz/wills-month-2024
Waipuna Hospice is offering you the chance to create a basic Will or update an existing Will for FREE in September thanks to participating local solicitors In return, they ask for you to leave 1% of your estate to Waipuna Hospice
By leaving a 1% gift to Waipuna Hospice in your Will, you can ensure that 99% goes towards taking care of your loved ones, while also creating a lasting legacy in your community
Gemma Kehely Photo: supplied.
Gemma Kehely
Gemma Kehely
Building for those in need in Mexico
After a successful trip to Vanuatu, during which a school classroom was built in just four days, Volunteer Build is gearing up to do it again – this time, it’s a home in Mexico
Pāpāmoa woman Diana Judge, founder of Volunteer Build, says this trip of volunteers will build a house for a family in Tijuana. “This will be our 29th home built with 353 volunteers since 2008 in the southern colonias of Tijuana for families currently living in shacks made of plastic, old plywood and dirt floors,” says Diana. “As well as helping families with shelter, it’s a key aim of ours
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to assist Kiwis to understand the plight of the poor and how they can help and make a huge difference ‘hands-on’
This trip, Diana says volunteers can even take their children, aged eight-plus, with them “For families who bring their kids on a Mexico build – we often describe the trip as a ‘values realignment exercise’, and parents and volunteers still testify as to how lifechanging these trips have been for them ”
Diana says eligible Mexican families must first have legal title to the land they want to build on
For example, they must have paid a deposit and have a loan to pay off – but can ’ t afford to actually build a home “Land cost used to be US$2000 when we first started building but it’s a lot higher now It takes one day to put up the home, which is made out of ply, constructed on a pre-poured concrete slab with shingle tile roof
Materials
“Building materials cost $15,000, which is funded by a $1000 per person building donation, and the finished house includes two bedrooms plus sleeping
loft, living area and outside latrine.” The crew spend two days finishing up – gibbing, plastering, sanding, painting the interior then fitting it out with basic furniture and whatever else the family may need that fits within the $2000 budget
Accessible home
Three Mount residents are signed up for the trip. “We’re building for two 79-year-old grandparents who are looking after their two grandchildren ” Diana says their 16-year-old grandson Andrek has a disability and spends his time in a wheelchair “We’re looking forward to building a new accessible home for Andrea, Carlos, Daniela and Andrek ” Volunteers leave for Mexico September 28 and return October 9 Diana says on past builds volunteers have prepared meals for homeless people, delivered care packages to prisons, and sometimes take in R&R and other volunteering efforts nearby Volunteer Build has room for a few more volunteers on the Mexico trip See: www volunteerbuild com To donate to the project’s fit-out, visit: https://tinyurl com/2c8f438n
Ayla Yeoman
The 2019 Volunteer Build group in Tijuana, Mexico, in front of the house they built.
Photo: supplied.
Renewing the smallest but most used room in the home
Bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms are usually the smallest but most used rooms in your home.
However while small, they often require the most investment to renovate – so you want to get it right. Think ergonomics, functionality, appropriate lighting, ventilation and waterproofing. Get on top of moisture – an open window is not enough. Upgrade to LED lighting to deliver a good amount of light positioned correctly to reduce shadowing you don’t want to look older than you are!
Minimise small pockets of space as they become dust collectors and mould havens Plan the best location for your accessories, including your heated towel rail or bars Consider underfloor heating in a tiled space If your home is older, I recommend replacing your gib as this provides an opportunity to check plumbing and electricals It’s a must if tiling. Eighty per cent of older homes have moisture damage at floor level so allow for repairs.
New Te Puna Community Centre open for business
Tokoroa East Primar y School’s old librar y has turned a page and been given a second life as the new Te Puna Community Centre.
The building has been renovated and relocated to Maramatanga Park, where it will host an array of clubs and community groups.
The old Te Puna Community Centre was demolished in April, due to needing extensive and costly repairs to make it safe – with as much of the building recycled as possible.
A small opening ceremony was held recently to mark the new centre ’ s opening, with a karakia by Rawiri Kuka and welcome by Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer
The refurbished building will remain on-site until a decision is made about permanent facilities at the park.
For bookings, contact Richard Comyn, of Te Puna Community Centre Committee, on: 027 552 0917.
Fully tiled bathrooms are frequently desired, however they are more costly and it is a lengthier process through council. Shortcuts are definitely not recommended so use a reputable tiler and tiles that are fit for purpose – it is money well invested to avoid costly issues in future
Keep your bathroom light and bright unless you purposefully want moody Consider feature lighting and clever storage – hide that waste bin, cleaning materials and even the power outlets
Tip: Obtain 3D walkthroughs early on in your planning You’ll be able to visualise your space more easily and make amendments
Tokoroa East Primar y School’s old librar y is now Te Puna’s
Crafting outdoor spaces you love to be in!
With more than 20 years ’ experience and a team brimming with knowledge, skills, and a passion for highquality craftsmanship, you can be assure your garden will be transformed into a place you won ’ t want to leave.
Quattro Landscaping understands gardens are personal. By carefully listening to your needs and offering expert
advice and consultation, they will ensure your garden looks stunning while functioning uniquely for you.
Getting things just right for their clients is what they do best.
“From a simple path or deck to completely redesigning and transforming outdoor spaces, we do it all,” says Shaun Britton of Quattro Landscaping. “ With our extensive experience, we understand how to create a garden that suits your lifestyle
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says the Government is moving at pace to provide greater certainty about the seismic risk system, by progressing a bill that extends the remediation deadline for earthquake-prone buildings.
“There are more than 5000 earthquake-prone buildings up and down the countr y and in many instances these buildings are not being remediated because complying with the regulations is proving too complex and too costly ”
but also looks amazing.”
Whether you have a small inner-city area or a large rural property, Quattro Landscaping's dedicated teams handle all improvements You won ’ t have to deal with multiple tradespeople –Shaun will take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy your outdoor space Gardens are their business – contact Shaun to discover how you can have your own beautiful garden
earthquake-prone buildings
“ While this review is under way it is only fair that we extend the remediation deadlines for earthquake-prone buildings ”
The Minister says the Government is undertaking a full review of the earthquake-prone building system to investigate ways to simplify and clarify it.
“Building owners need more certainty and better incentivisation to remediate or demolish their
The Building (Earthquake-prone Building Deadlines and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, which passed its first reading on August 8, extends the remediation deadline for all non-lapsed earthquake-prone buildings, as of April 2, 2024, by four years. The extension will take effect when the bill passes into law, which is expected by the end of the year There will be an option to extend deadlines by a further two years if required.
More information is at: www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-energy
Gardens can look stunning while functioning uniquely for you. Photo: supplied
18 single-storey homes proposed for Katikati
Eighteen mixed one, two and threebedroom single-storey social housing homes are proposed for the site at 24 Middlebrook Rd, close to the spor ts fields in Katikati
Constr uction is currently under way at the site to develop an access road
The 0 72-hectare piece of land was bought by Kainga Ora from the Western Bay of Plenty
District Council in 2021 for $2,086,272 as part of five strategic land purchases in the Bay of Plenty. The site was among the plans for 230 ne w homes destined to be built for public housing in Tauranga, Rotor ua and Katikati
Me e t d e m a n d
Kāinga Ora regional director Bay of Plenty
Darren Toy says the Middlebrook Rd site is to help meet the demand for social housing in this par t of the Western Bay of Plenty
“The resource consent application for them is currently being considered by Western Bay of Plenty District Council
“Although we are continuing with the consenting process, this project is under assessment while we work through decisions about our future social housing pipeline in the Bay of Plenty and across the countr y “ We are working with the Ministr y of Housing and Urban Development to confirm locations it
would like prioritised under the Public Housing Plan and our approach to housing rene wal while looking to ensure best value for money across all our projects ’’
Darren says they will keep the stakeholders and the community up to date as decisions are made Western Bay of Plenty District Council owns and is currently carr ying out work to develop the access road
Ro a d i n g u n d e r w a y
WBOPDC director transpor tation Calum
McLean says the road carriage way constr uction is under way and is expected to be completed in early November
“The road carriage way will be 8m wide and 210m long, eventually connecting to Wills Rd when the inter vening land is developed,” says Calum J Swap is the contractor and the constr uction cost is $1 436 million
The work includes a 1 5m wide footpath on the southern side of the road, a 2 5m wide shared path on the nor thern side of the road and there will be street parking for 26 vehicles
There will be water, waste water, and stormwater infrastr ucture, streetlights and a temporar y turning head Topsoil from the works will be retained on-site and used to maintain the adjacent spor ts fields, says Calum
The Kainga Ora proposed homes are under consent and expected to be available in late2025, according to Kainga Ora’s website
The homes destined for all the land packages will be carpeted, insulated and double-glazed with thermal cur tains.
The homes will be sited on landscaped sections with private outdoor living areas, including parking
The Ministr y of Social
Development decides who qualifies for public housing based on need MSD carries out an assessment to determine applicant eligibility, then Kāinga Ora and community housing providers assess the available properties and place people based on need and eligibility
Rebecca Mauger
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The access road to the proposed social housing development on Middlebrook Rd is under construction.
Photo: Rebecca Mauger
What do you want to read abbout?
I often wonder about people reading this column That’s you, obviously Mainly I wonder what you want to read about? Today the plan is to revisit Loserpalooza, the Lifeline fundraiser and celebration of alternative music taking place with 24 local bands across 12 hours at Totara Street on September 7 But is that what you want to read about? How many of you might go? Do people into alternative music even read The Weekend Sun? Honestly, I
haven’t a clue
I note that in September ‘Les Miserables’ is being staged for 17 performances at Baycourt, which is reason to celebrate given the show’s agonising journey through Covid cancellations
That’s a potential audience of nearly 10,000 people; probably Tauranga’s most popular musical event in 2024
A different league of popularity than Loserpalooza Would you prefer to read about that?
Or compare that with, say, Kokomo, a popular local band They’re launching a new album, ‘Futura’, at the Jam Factory – not with 17 shows but two, the weekend of September 14-15 These shows promise to be a whole bunch of fun, with music, video, and all sorts of exciting staging, something to remember
You’ve got to jam!
But two nights at the Jam Factory is around 100 people A mere one per cent of Les Mis Which would you prefer to read about?
Just as an aside I keep meeting people who’ve never been to a gig at the Jam Factory, possibly because it’s a bit off the beaten track, at the Historic Village You are missing out! The Jam Factory is a warm comfortable venue with convenient parking, terrific acoustics and a great intimate vibe
There are genuinely few better places to hear music in Tauranga Okay Loserpalooza In its seventh
year, with literally hundreds of bands having played, the festival has raised more than $20,000 for Lifeline Aotearoa It is an event of wild fun and general chaos, a kaleidoscope of music and people
Young and old alike
If you think it’s solely a festival for young people, remember, like every musical genre, alternative music knows no age limit There are musicians in their 60s – the original punk bands are nearly half a century old – in their 50s, 40s, the full gamut, right down to Bloody Overalls, noisy purveyors of grunge-metal from Ōtūmoetai College, already seasoned pros after opening for bands such as Jacob and Midwave Breaks
In a different vein there’s Skonk, a trio more in the tradition of the Cure, Echo And The Bunnymen and other goth post-punk bands
Or a little skate-punk from the Mount’s Six Two’s, improvisational explorations from Club Meds, plus everything from approachable indie rock to hardcore punk Something for everyone. As a lover of band names,
here are the rest Dead Empire, We Will Ride Fast, Metrognomes, Choke Flower, Eddie and the Dreamers, Talismer, HOICK, 5g Meatsuit, Hemordroid, Carrion Bride, Stunt Clown, The Tea House, Somacaine, This Is How We Die, Two Skinner, Wince, Grown Downz, False Waltons, Dead Simple, and The Knids See you there!
Grown Downz.
Two Skinner Photos: supplied.
Stunt Clown
Bloody Overalls.
Open yourself up to orchids!
Caleb Lamond still remembers walking into his first orchid show 30 years ago, and he hopes those attending next w week’s two-day Tauranga event get that same feeling of inspiration
Tauranga Orchid Show is on September 6-7, with orchid growers displaying their flowers and offering plant sales and expert advice on how to care for the beautiful flower
native orchids and fell in love with them ” As a ‘plant nerd’ from his teens, Caleb was fascinated by the way orchids grow by naturally clinging onto trees “I distinctly recall walking into my first show and seeing the strange square bulbs and spidery, dainty, fragrant little flowers of Dendrobium tetragonum I was hooked ”
Thousands
bonsai, bromeliads, hoya, growing accessories and wooden birdhouses will be for sale too Tauranga Orchid Show is September 6-7 from 10am-4pm daily at Tauranga Racecourse Entry is $3 per adult, under-12s gain free entry Debbie Griffiths
HAND-KNITTERS NEEDED
Make some money at home while you do something you enjoy Earn $60-$200 per garment
Fascinated
Caleb, who is Tauranga Orchid Society’s new president, is excited to pass on his passion for the less exotic varieties. “I remember seeing the big, bright, blousy cultivated orchids in my grandparents’ garden and I didn’t like them at all.
“ “It was on bush walks with my dad that I discovered more delicate
When Scholars Baroque
Aotearoa performs Robert Schumann’s ‘Requiem’ on September 14, it will be just the second time it’s heard by an audience in New Zealand.
“I got my hands on the score and fell completely in love with the music,” says musical director Chalium Poppy “It’s a beautiful piece of music that deserves to be heard
“It blows me away that it’s only been performed here one time and that was in Auckland.”
He believes the 150-year-old piece is perfect for the current focus on wellbeing. “It was written by Schumann at a time when he was struggling with mental health issues.
“His wife Clara checked him into an asylum so he thought it would be the last music he wrote. It comes from a ver y difficult time in his life.
“He was writing what he believed was his own requiem
“In a modern context, the impor tance of mental health in our society is still ver y relevant ” ‘Psalm42’ by Mendelssohn will also be performed at St Peter’s Anglican Church, which has acoustics described by Chalium as ‘lively’.
“It’s a lovely historic stone building and we’ll be accompanied by the organ I designed to complement the church interior when I arrived in New Zealand 15 years ago ” Scholars Baroque Aotearoa is the only auditioned early music choral ensemble in Bay of Plenty With international accolades, it’s regarded as one of the countr y ’ s best.
Buy online tickets to ‘Requiem by R. Schumann’ on September 14 from 7.30pm at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Mount Maunganui, at: www.scholarsbaroque.com
Caleb now has thousands They’re extreme, unusual and diverse This diversity means there’s truly an orchid for almost any situation – and our climate here allows us to grow a wide variety of unfussy plants It’s the kind of interest you’ll never get to the end of and I’m excited to pass that on to others who are interested in growing orchids ” Orchid vendors from Whangarei, Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and Whakatane will be at the show; and
We pay postage each way MUST BE VERY EXPERIENCED with PICTURE KNITTING
Please send us a sample with 30 sts 20 rows with a col change patch in th middle Along with your phone numbe and email address
Please post to: BONZ Group Ltd PO Box 955, Queenstown, 9300
Tauranga Orchid Show 2024
Sept 6 & 7
10am-4pm
Tauranga R acecourse
$3 Entr y (under 12 Free)
Massed displays of flowering plants
Free growing advice
Orchids & other unusual plants for sale
Cafe, raffles, free parking , cash out available
Debbie Griffiths
Caleb Lamond and his child among his orchids Photos: supplied
Caleb Lamond has thousands of orchids.
Musical director Chalium Poppy.
Photo: supplied.
Recently a feasibility study was presented to Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to give consideration to the establishment of a ferry service from the Mount to Tauranga CBD
A third party to this proposal is the ferr y company Hauraki Express. The estimated cost over a two-year trial, which would run from late-2025, was thought to be $1.4 million, shared at $700,000 each between the two councils. Hauraki Express’ contribution if the proposal is set in motion would be to build two ferries to begin with an anticipated fleet of up to eight vessels eventually
Initial research has demonstrated a desire by some Mount and Tauranga citizens to have such a ser vice and therefore to avail themselves of the ferr y ser vice once; if the ser vice begins. One spinoff would be a reduction in vehicles on the roads, thereby reducing congestion.
Another would be the contribution of fares collected to
offset the $1.4 million costings
The service would initially cross between the Mount and Tauranga, however by extension the service would eventually also serve Ōmokoroa and Maungatapu
The proposal also gives consideration to the future, noting in the next two decades significant growth across the BOP The proposal is future thinking which is positively visionary and not something ratepayers of Tauranga and the Mount have been privileged with by previous in my view myopic councils
The ferries would bring tourists into the currently being rebuilt central city and add positive impact on the local economy
So yes, the need for this form of transportation has been researched and as a consequence, the proposal was put forward to trial such a service
The proposed service is not a random idea, rather it is a consultative forward-thinking proposal for which a need has been clearly demonstrated Wol Hansen, Avenues.
Recently on a Sunday afternoon (easier parking) I took to Tauranga Hospital knitting for the prem and baby ward When I was within 75 metres of the hospital entrance, I am asthmatic, I started wheezing and coughing, why?
Outside the entrance patients were smoking and vaping,
some hooked up to machines and hospital staff with them
This used to happen at Auckland Hospital, then they put a complete ban on smoking in the grounds of hospitals in the Auckland area including vehicles owned by the hospital
Why not in Tauranga?
Wendy Gal a loway, Ōmokoroa
Re: Jim Bunny’s Page 2 column Spankings, whuppings and back-handers on July 19, 2024
It is very rare for me to be moved to write a letter However, the column ‘Spankings, whuppings and back-handers’ is an exception If I had been there when the young child had his tantrum, I would have supported the Mum by saying I understood how embarrassing such moments are I had similar experiences many years ago while in supermarkets and other shops with my youngest son He has autism, and this was the reason for his outbursts
While the situation you referred to might have been different, my embarrassing moments and my understanding of autism and other forms of neurodiversity have at least given me extra empathy and understanding of how many situations are difficult for some Marilyn Harpur, Athenree
I recently returned home from a week in Tauranga Hospital after an accident where I fractured my hip
I was in a mixed ward of four patients and in a good position to obser ve the goings on in that department ever y day
The nursing staff work from the beginning to the end of each shift, sometimes longer, at full pelt. They were unfailingly kind, polite, calm, professional and good humoured. I saw some ver y tr ying situations faced by these people, including a number of blatant, racist slurs from one elderly person in particular
All were met by a calm reaction and a determination to get the job done, even in the face of such ignorant provocation
There were three separate incidents of loud aggression against doctors by another patient where security was called.
The staff obviously had feelings on the matter but simply got on with the job
I had care at least as good as I could have asked for and was allowed home with advice and practical help as much as I needed.
My heartfelt thanks goes to all of these people now I’ve seen at close hand what they put up with ever y day
It’s to my amazement that we keep as many of these kind, caring and dedicated professionals as we do
If you ’ re unfortunate enough to need their ser vices, rest assured you won ’ t get better treatment than the staff at Tauranga Hospital and be ver y thankful for it.
Jackie Stewart, Pāpāmoa Beach
In regards to an article in The Weekend Sun ‘Ferry service trial finds favour on the streets ’ in the July 12, 2024, edition Where are the would-be people ferr ying across to Tauranga going to find a carpark at Salisbur y Wharf?
The Tauranga City Council did a silly thing by taking away the Phoenix carpark.
I think you would be hard done by to get a park. I am. Tauranga City Council is always interfering with Mount Maunganui. It is not their place. And the question is why did the ferr y ser vice fail once before?
Smith.
The National Government is neglecting the superannuants who live on their own They were given only $2.50 per week as a tax cut I find that to be abusive.
The Prime Minister is responsible to make sure that homeowners have enough money to pay their rates.
The ver y high rates in Tauranga will cause serious problems for many people – especially low paid people and the superannuitants who have no other income.
Some of the elderly still have mortgages, some rent.
The rates rebates are not enough
The National Government has to make sure people can keep their houses - or the elderly and low paid will not be able to keep their homes.
The two Tauranga MPs need to urgently make sure people can pay their rates.
Our property prices went down, so should our rates.
Hillary R Burrows, Pāpāmoa
Now the law regarding Māori wards has changed and Kaipara District Council has made a democratic decision on the people’s behalf to discard racial appointments. The Treaty of Waitangi gave equality to all people. Perhaps is it time for ever yone to honour that premise?
The imposition of Māori wards forces all Māori on the Māori Roll to vote in a Māori ward whether they want to or not. It is undemocratic towards Māori and also towards all other citizens. It seems that frequently when a council or government make a democratic decision on behalf of all people a hikoi or demonstration takes place purporting to be from a separate group Apparently after 200-plus years government by conflict is never going away Rayna Stephens, Pāpāmoa Beach
Shona
public notices
The TECT Community Trust (TECT) is administered by six Trustees, three of whom retire by rotation this year Nominations are sought for the election of three Trustees to hold office for the next four years Retiring Trustees can stand for re-election if they choose
To stand for election a candidate must be entered on the parliamentary electoral roll with an address in the TECT District (in Tauranga City or Western Bay of Plenty District Council areas) A nomination form and candidate handbook are available by request from the election helpline on 0800 666 937 or email to iro@electionz com, by visiting the TECT office
It was resolved by special resolution of the shareholders, pursuant to section 241(2)(a) of the Companies Act 1993, that the above-named companies be liquidated and that David Thomas, LIP, be appointed liquidator for the purpose on the dates and times below: Southern
com
as the day by which the creditors of the company are to make their claims and to establish any
David Edward Thomas, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner IP112
Please Direct Enquiries to: David Thomas, Email: david@companyliquidation co nz Mobile: 021 124 6689
No reason to be bored in beautiful Tauranga Churches Active In Our Community
pool, I was eavesdropping on a conversation between a man who I assume is in his late 30s and a teen aged about 17 talking about the challenges teens are facing at the moment
They spoke about the lack of social support for teenagers battling addictions and mental health challenges
The teenager went on speaking about his own struggles and challenges and how he feels that society is failing teenagers throughout New Zealand
The man then asked the teenager what he thought is the main reason
why teenagers resort to drugs and alcohol The answer almost made me forget my place when he said he thought the reason why teenagers resort to abusing alcohol and using hard drugs is because they’re bored and there’s nothing to do in Tauranga I realise I’m far removed from the life of teenagers and the challenges they face, but what I do know is it’s difficult to be bored in Tauranga
We have open spaces, parks, the ocean, beaches, hiking trails, biking trails, safe walkways and estuaries, malls, coffee shops, gyms, rock climbing facilities –and most of these are free and safe to use and enjoy
Maybe the reason why we get so bored so easily is because we ’ ve started taking for granted the blessings we have all around us
This is not so much a Christian message but a plea from one parent to another
Help your children to see, experience and enjoy the wonderful blessings we have here on our doorsteps Ban the screens and open their eyes to the many beautiful things on offer to us here in Tauranga
They will see there is no reason for being bored There might be a million other
reasons why teenagers resort to self-destructive habits, but boredom does not need to be one of themRev Philipp Potgieter, James Union Church
