Creativecomeback
TaurangaveterancostumierAlfWestonis backonthejob–returningfromretirement togobehindthescenestodressactors inTaurangaRepertorySociety’snewest production‘NellGwynn’.
“Atleastfouroftheactorshavebeen
swanningabouton-stagewearingold curtains,”said75-year-oldWeston,whois picturedherewithleadactressZoeCruse.
“ThebigproblemIhadwhenIwent shoppingforfabricsisthatfurnitureshops hadnoneofthebrocadesandcolour
combinationsIneeded.EverywhereIlooked wasaplagueofgreysandbeige;Icallit grey-ge.”
Itwasbrightcoloursheneededforthe “rowdycomedy”setin16thCentury London,whichisbasedonthetruestory
ofKingCharlesII’sfavouritemistress,Nell Gwynn.TheproductionbeganNovember 22andthefinalshowisthisSaturday, December7,at16thAveTheatre.Read moreaboutAlfandhisreturntoback-stage onpage7. Photo:PeteLuxfordPhotography
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It’sinyourface,beckoning,tugging atyourwallet.
‘It’isChristmas.Anditseemstocome callingearlierandearlier.
Thisyearitwasaboutsevenweeksout fromChristmas,earlyNovember,when retailstarteddeckingtheshopsandstores andsupermarketswith“boughsofholly” andwewerebeinglulledintogetting joyous,gettinginthespirit,andtostart spending.
Peoplenoticed,peopletalked.Putthe love,hopeandjoyaside–forgetthetrue message,justgetspending.
Itwassuggestedtomethosedecorations couldbeahangoverfromlastyear,they hadn’tgotaroundtotakingthemdown.
OrperhapstheChristmasseasonsnow overlap.There’snodowntime.Therehas tobepeaceandgoodwill365days ayear.Thatwouldbeastretch.
Anyhowabannerdeclaring ‘JoytotheWorld’ blaredoutatmeonthe Christmassyarchway intothesupermarket. Ofcourse,bannersdon’t blare,butitfeltlikeit wasblaring.Itjustfelt loudandintrusivebecause itwasunseasonablyand unreasonablyearly.Wehadn’t evenhadGuyFawkes.Itwasbarely November.I’ddroppedinforsomebloke essentials–chorizoandasixpack–and suddenlyIamengulfedbyatsunamiof Christmasspirit.
Bythecarrots
ChristmasDay. Butaloftysentiment nonetheless.‘JoytotheWorld.’Especially inthesegrim,soullesstimes. Sowhynotembraceit?Wemighteven gettolikeit.
AndbythetimeI’dwanderedbythe broccoliandcarrotstowardsthefresh mesclunsaladgreens,adjacenttotheavos andacrossthewayfromthetrusscocktail tomatoesandbeansprouts,Ihadbecome aself-anointed,proselytising,apostleof IsaacWatts.Whatabloke.
Awinner
IsaacWatts,Izzytomeandhismates, wasthe17thCenturyhymnist,whowrote ‘JoytotheWorld’. Itwasawinner.Shouldhavemadeitto theBillboardHot100.
Andtocelebratethemanandhis work,Igavefruitandvegeafull blastofclassicalIzzy.“Joy totheworld,theLordis Come,”Ideclared.“Let EarthreceiveherKing.”
Itdidn’tgowell.
naturesing.”It’sa‘goto’atChristmas,and sohasbecomeacarolratherthanahymn. OristheresuchathingasaChristmas hymn?
Antsy
Izzygotantsyoverwhatthemarketdid tohis‘hymn’,hegothisruffleinatwist andcrawledoffintoadustyrectoryto writeyetanotherpoem.
Therearenonesozealousasthenewlyconverted,soIgavefruitandveganother burstofIzzy’sbestwork.“Joytotheworld. Wewillsing,sing,sing.”
Amaturewomanwithanarmfullof bowel-friendlybroccoli,beetrootand Brusselssproutsstoppedandstaredatme. “Shush!”shesaid.“Youneedtherapy. Youneedahobby.”
“Wewillsing,sing,sing.Joytothe World.”Well,noIwouldn’tsing.People aren’tblessedwithinexhaustiblereserves of‘joy’tosharewiththeworld.Andwhat joyIdo possesswouldrequirespreading verythinlytomakeitcheerfully,letalone joyfully,throughthesevenweeksuntil
“Weirdo,”muttereda youngchapinaSanta hatstackingcarrotsand caulis.“Freak,”saidteen #1.“Yeah,whacko!”said teen#2.No-onewasgetting the‘joy’. Theywereprobablyunaware that‘JoytotheWorld’wasnevermeantto bethisway,wasnevertobeaChristmas carol,hadnolinktoChristmas.Izzy,a congregationalminister,intendedhis poemtobeabout‘thereturn’ratherthan ‘thebirth’–notasongofincarnation butChrist’sreturn.SonotaChristmas carolbutahymn.Ididsayitmightbe interesting.
ButIzzyhadnocontroloverthedestiny ofhiswork,and200yearslateritremains oneofthemostpublishedhymns.“Let everyheartprepareHimroom,andheav’n
ThenIgetaccostedbytwobig,burly blokes,whosemotherhaddressedthem identicallyinblack.“ExcusemeSir. Youcan’tjustwilly-nillystartspreading spuriousmessagesofjoyandgoodwillto allmen.Itdetractsfromtheshopping experience,”saidbigburlybloke#1. “Joyful,joyful,weadorethee,”Ireplied. “SorrySir.GushingChristmascheer,and loveandselflessnessamongsttheantibacterialtoiletbrushes,multi-purposespray wipesanddunnyrollsisinappropriateand won’tbetolerated.”
Butit’sokaytofoistMariahCareyonus –threemonthsof‘AllIWantforChristmas isYou’onloopinthesupermarket,orany shop,isanassaultonthesenses.
Iwonderifretailstaffhavea‘Mariah Carey’clauseenshrinedintheiremployment contracts?
Everytime‘AIWFCIY’playsin-store,the meterclicksover,they’recompensatedfor havingtheirmusicalsensitivitiesviolated, andforcarolfatigueandtorture.
Afterall,itturnsaboutNZ$5millionin royaltieseveryChristmasforCarey,soshe couldaffordtoshareherjoywith theworld.
IsaacWatts
Cit t ma
lose e free parrenting classses
AlocalexpertfearsthatTauranga’smost at-riskfamilieswillsufferfromtheclosure ofParentsCentreAotearoaTrustcreating uncertaintyaroundthefutureoffreeante andpostnatalclasses.
ParentsCentreTaurangaispartoftheParentsCentre AotearoaTrustcharitythat’soperatedformorethan sevendecadesprovidingfreeearlyparentingclassesto morethan10,000familiesannuallyinmorethan60 locations.
PCATchiefexecutiveFleurHowardsaidareduction innationalfundingalongwithrisingservicedelivery costshaveledtothedecisiontowinddownthetrust withtheintentiontoceaseoperationsbyDecember 31,2024.“Whilefinancialsustainabilityand resourcingarealwayschallengesforthenon-profit sector,thecurrentclimateofrisingservicedelivery costsandreducednationalfundingavailability,during atimewhenthewidercharitablesectorisexperiencing themostchallengingoperatingenvironmentinmany years,hasintensifiedthesechallenges.
“We’recurrentlycontactingparentswhohaveclasses bookedwiththePCATin2025toproviderefunds, andareactivelycommunicatingandworkingto supportourpeopleduringthischallengingtime.”
AccordingtothePCATinanemail,itsantenatal classesinTaurangawerefreethankstoaTeWhatuOra contracttodeliverclassesintheregion.
ButTaurangafacilitatorMandyHewsonisunsure whetherotheragencieswillapplyforfundingto continuetheworkinTauranga.TheWeekendSunhas approachedTeWhatuOraforcomment.“Itbreaksmy heartthatallthesepeoplehaveformedtheseincredible connectionsthroughourclassesatsuchafragiletime intheirlives.Therearesomanypeoplewhostillneed us,”saidHewson,intearstellingTheWeekendSun.
Hewsonisaqualifiedchildbirtheducatorwho hasbeenacontractorwiththePCATfor21years–servingTaurangafamiliesforthelasttwoyears,and ChristchurchandHawke’sBaypriortothat.
Sheisconcernedlocalwhānaumaybeleftwithfewer affordableoptionsforvaluableadviceandeducation. “Theclassescreateacommunitythathelpsparents feellessaloneandthereforehelpreducetheratesof postpartumdepression.I’msoworriedforpeople whoarejusttryingtosurvivebypayingrentandfood anddon’thaveanythinglefttopayforself-funded antenatalclasses.They’retheoneswhoneedthe educationthemost.”
ParentsCentreTauranga’sfreeantenatalorpostnatal BabyandYouclasseshavebeenfacilitatedforat leastthelasttwodecades.Hewsonisinvitingthe communitytoaTeddyBearspicnicatTePunaQuarry ParkonWednesday,December10,from10amasa farewelltoParentsCentreTauranga.Moreinformation isatParentsCentreTaurangaTeddy’sbearspicnicpage onFacebook.
*Readthefullstoryat:www.sunlive.co.nz
DebbieGriffiths
operates from Photo: Ayla Yeoman
Aselectionoflocalbreakingstories featuredthisweekon...
Theonlylocaldailynewssourceyouneed, constantlyupdated,sevendaysaweek www.sunlive.co.nz
Newstipsph 0800SUNLIVE
Restrictedfireseasonbegins
Outdoorfiresarenow restrictedintheBayof Plenty,afteranincrease inthenumberoffastmovingvegetationfires inthedistrict.
FireandEmergency
NewZealandBayofPlentydistrictmanager JeffMaundersaidtherehavebeen69 vegetationfiresinthelastmonth,andthree oftheseweresignificant.“Thethreebiggest firesinthelastmonthcausedaconsiderable amountofdamagetothecommunityand theenvironment.Thesewereascrubfire atTeKahaonNovember13,avegetation firewhichgotintoorchardsinTePunaon November21,andafast-movingslashfirein Purataru-RapukeForestonNovember27.”
Arestrictedfireseasonmeansanyonewho wantstolightanopen-airfirewillneedto obtainapermitfirst,whichyoucanapplyfor at:checkitsalright.nz
Rotorualosesflights
AirNewZealandhasannouncedtherewill befewerdailydirect flightsbetweenRotorua andWellingtonfora short-termperiod. Thenationalcarrier saidithadmadesome minorchangestoits domesticandregionalscheduleaspartofits regularnetworkreviewprocess.
Thechangeswillbeappliedbetween FebruaryandJune2025andwillresultin2% fewerseatsonthedomesticnetworkduring thefour-monthperiod.
Fataldrowningsat61sofar Deathsbydrowningareontracktobethe lowestsince2018,butadvocatesarestill urgingpeopletostayvigilantaroundthe waterthissummer.
WaterSafetyNewZealandnumbersshow therehavebeen61drowningssofarin2024. Thatis17fewerthanlastyear,and22fewer thanthe10-yearaverage.
ChiefexecutiveDanielGerrardsaidthe reductionwassomethingtocelebrate,butthe numberswereexpectedtoincreasebeforethe yearisover.
“Itisdown26%yeartodate,basedonthe 10-yearaverage,butthepredictivemodelling isstillsayingthere'slikelytobe70fatalitiesin totalfortheyear.”
Temulaunchesinvestigation
DiscountonlineretailerTemuhaslaunched aninternalinvestigationafteracheapphone chargersparkedahousefirethatsignificantly damagedafamilyhomeinNZ.
AFireandEmergencyNewZealand spokespersonsaidthecablebeingusedto rechargeaphonehadbeenplacedonsoft materialinthehousewhenitoverheated andcaughtfireonNovember23.
AFireandEmergencyspokespersonsaid theyrecommenddevicechargers onlybeoperatedonhardsurfacestoreduce firerisk.
Mauaoathonfundraiser
FamilyandfriendsofTauranga’s firstMāoriwardcouncillorwill behittingthesummitoficonic landmarkMauaotofundraisefor himasherecoversfromarare formofencephalitis.
MikaereSydneywaselectedto Tauranga’snewTeAwanuiMāoriward intheJulyelection.
Hewasunabletotakeuphisposition andhasbeeninWaikatoHospitalsince July.Encephalitisisinflammationofthe brainandinSydney’scasewascausedby avirus.
Hisuncle,HemiRolleston,has organiseda‘Mauaoathon’onDecember 14tosupportSydneyandhisfamily. ParticipantswillclimbMauaoasmany timesastheywantbetween5.30am and5.30pm,andraisemoneythrough sponsorshipfortheirclimbs.
Waka
Rollestonandhiscrewwillsetupcamp atthebaseofthemaungawithfoodand drinkstosupporttheclimbers.“It’sto findawaka[vehicle]toshowouraroha tohimandhiswhānau.
“Mikaere’samokopunaofthemoana andthemaunga.Hebelongstothis place.”
SydneygrewuponRangiwaeaIsland, anislandattheeasternendofMatakana IslandinTaurangaHarbour.Hesaid inhiselectionprofilehewasanactive memberofthecommunity,including asanetballcoach,TaurangaNetball director,kapahakajudgeand“young leaderinourmoana”.
Rollestonsaidthegoalistoraise $20,000tosupportSydneyandhis whānau,especiallyhismum,whohas beenathisbedsidethroughouthis illness.They’dhadtoendurenotearning anincomeforclosetosixmonths,he said.
Medicalleave
InSeptemberthecouncilvotednot topaySydneyhis$135,900-a-year councillorsalarywhileheisonmedical leaveuntilDecember31.IfSydney isunabletostarthisroleafterthat,he
mustapplyforfurtherleaveorresign. MayorMahéDrysdalesaidifleave wasappliedfor,thecouncilwouldneed toconsidergrantingafurtherleaveof absenceordecidewhethertoaccept Sydney’sapologiesformeetingsona case-by-casebasis.RollestonsaidSydney wasstillinhospitalbutonthepathto recovery.
AGivealittlepagehasbeensetupfor theMauaoathonandmorethan$6800 hadalreadybeenraisedasofDecember 2.“Thisisreallyliftinghisspirits.He’s watchingthepagewithinterest,humbly butexcited.”
HesaidinitiallySydney,whohasnot commentedpubliclyabouthisillness, didnotwantthefussorfundraiserbut goton-boardonceherealiseditwasto supporthisfamilyaswell.
Rollestonplannedtodo10climbs ontheday,atotalof30km.Thereturn triptothe232-metresummitis3km. “Forsome,oneclimbisanachievement. Butforothers,they’regoingtopush themselves.”
Anyonecanjointhecauseandhit thesummit,donateorvolunteeras
supportcrewontheday. Rollestonsaid organiserswerelookingforsupport crewvolunteersthroughtheFacebook groupMauaoathon2.0forMikaere.
Kotahitanga
Hesaidthedaywasalsoabout kotahitanga–bringingpeopletogether –andhauora–wellbeing.“Ifwe exercise,wewillprobablylivelonger sothat’sanotherbenefit.It’salsoabout connectingtothespecialmountain. Prettymuchallofthepeoplethatwill bedoingithaveaspecialconnectionto Mauao.So,[we’re]bringingpeopleto Mauao,connectingpeopletogetherand lookingaftereachother.
“Themainthingistoshowouraroha toMikaereandhiswhānau.” Mauaoathon2.0forMikaereison December14,from5.30amto5.30pm atMauao,MountMaunganui.Findout moreat‘Mauaoathon2.0forMikaere’ onFacebook.
LDRislocalbody journalismco-fundedby RNZandNZOnAir.
Hemi Rolleston and some of the Tama Tu wellnessggroup that will be climbing Mauao
Photo:DavidHall
TaurangaandWesternBayofPlenty willbejam-packedwithChristmasspirit thisweekendasaheapoffestive activitiesunfold.
Tauranga’sChristmasintheParkwillbringadayof fun,foodandfestivespirittoSoperReserveatMount MaunganuionSaturday,December7,from10am4pm.Buttheeventisn’tjustaboutcelebratingthe season–itsupportsthoseinneedduringtheholidays.
OrganisedbytheCommunityProjectsCharitable TrustinpartnershipwithTheBreezeTauranga’sStuff theBuscampaign,theeventisfreebutattendeesare encouragedtobringagoldcoindonation,nonperishablefood,orawrappedgift.Alldonations collectedwillbedistributedtolocalcharitiesacrossthe regionintimeforChristmas.
CPCTrepresentativeChrisDuffysaidtheimpact oftherisingcostoflivingonmanyfamiliesmeantfor somethatChristmascanbeadifficulttime.
Realstruggle
“Wegetnumerousemailsfrompeoplelivingonthe breadlinewhoaretooproudordon’tfeeltheycanask forhelp.It’sarealstruggleformany...Alotofpeople havesaidtheyjustcan’taffordChristmasthisyear.”
Duffyencouragedbusinessesandindividualswhocan donatetogetinvolved.“Ifyouareinapositiontohelp andwanttobepartofthiskaupapa,thisisyourwayof givingback.”
RewindtoFridaynight,December6,andTePuke
festi e eekend a aits!
ishavingitsEpicChristmasMarketatTePukeWar MemorialHall,130JellicoeSt,from5.30pm-7.30pm.
TheKatikatiSantaParadebegins3pmSaturday, December7.TheparadestartsatKatikatiCollege onBeachRdandheadsdownCarisbrookeSt,with floatsparkingupatMoorePark.Thepubliccan followthefloatstoKatikati’sChristmasinthePark from3.30pm-5.30pmofferinglivemusic,kids entertainment,foodandmarketstalls.
Reindeertrail
Ifyou’reinTaurangaCBDthere’safreeRazzle DazzleReindeerTrailintheCityCentreonofferuntil Sunday,December22.Peoplecanprancetheirway aroundthetrailbyscanningaQRcodetofollowit. See:www.whatsontauranga.co.nz.
TheŌmokoroaChristmasCarolsintheParkis Saturday,December7,from5pm-8pmatWesternAve sportsground,offeringliveperformances,foodtrucks, facepainting,inflatables,photoboothandlotsmore.
Pāpāmoa’sSuperheroSantaParadeisSunday, December8,from10.30am.Thestartlocationis DicksonRd,beginningatAlexanderPlace;thenthe paradewillheaddownDomainRdtoPāpāmoaPlaza, whereSantawillarrive12.30pmforfestivefunand photosinthegrotto.
AndCarolsatAthenreeHomesteadisalsoon Sunday,December8,from3pm-5pm.Thecommunity carolsingingeventisafuntimeforpeopleofallages. MusicwillbeledbyKatikatiConcertBandandWaihi BeachSingers.
Departs9Feb2025.$5199perpersonsharetwin
CoromandelMagic Departs26February2025, $2999ppsharetwinfromTauranga
ThreeTaurangaauthorshavescoredahat-trick, withallthreewinningNotableBookAwards. RachelWeston,SusanBrockerandAngieBelcher arewinnersinthe2024StorylinesLiteratureTrust TeWhareWaituhiTamarikioAotearoaNotable BookAwards.“Thisisamassivedeal,”said Weston,whowonhernon-fictionawardwithher book‘KiwiBeeshaveTinyKnees:NativeBeesof AotearoaNewZealand’.
“I’mabsolutelyoverthemoontohave‘Kiwi BeesHaveTinyKnees’selectedasaNewZealand NotableBook.I’mextremelygratefultothe passionatepeoplewhohavecontributedtheirskills andknowledgetothisbook.
“AndtothelittleKiwibees,ngarohuruhuru, whostolemyheart,I’msogladchildrenand adultsarelearningaboutyou!”
Thrilled
Brockerwonherawardinthepicturebook sectionwith‘WatsontheDetectiveDog’, illustratedbyJennyCooper;whileBelcherwonan awardintheTeReoMāoricategorywithherbook ‘PipiDance/TePikariPipi’,illustratedbyLily UivelandtranslatedbyPāniaPapa.
“IwasabsolutelythrilledwiththeseNotable storyawardsasusuallyIwritejuniornovelsfor children,sothesearethefirstawardsforpicture books,andIhadsomuchfunwritingthemand
hree authors in a ards
seeing them come alive with
seeingthemcomealivewithRaymondMcGrath’s amazingillustrations,”saysBrocker.
illustrations,” says Brocker. “I am thrilled to have ‘Te Pikari
“Iamthrilledtohave‘TePikariPipi’ acknowledgedasa2024StorylinesTrustTeWhare WaituhiTamarikioAotearoaNotableBook,” Belchersaid.“Hugethankyoutotheteamat Scholastic,LilyUivelandPaniaPapaforallthe worktheydidtomake‘TePikariPipi’and‘Pipi Dance’suchfunbooks.It’sevenmorespecial tohavetwoofmyfriendsmakethelist,Susan BrockerandRachelWeston.”
Access
TheStorylinesNotableBookAward2024 winnerswereannouncedonNovember14.
“Theseareimpressivelistsofexcellentbooks inallcategories,testamenttothestrengthof localchildren’sandyoungadultpublishing,”said StorylinesTrustchairChristineYoung.
“Itissoimportantthatourtamarikiand rangatahienjoyreading–andequallyimportant thattheyhaveaccesstohighqualitybooksthat reflectandbroadentheirexperienceofgrowingup inNewZealand.Allthebookslistedthisyearwill dothat.”
Brocker,WestonandBelcherareallBookrapt, Est.1983andTaurangaWriters,Est.1967authors andtheirbooksareavailableatlocalbookstores.
RosalieLiddleCrawford
Three Tauranga authors have scored a hat-trick, with all three winning Notable Book Awards. Rachel Weston, Susan Brocker and Angie Belcher
Raymond McGrath’s amazing
Pipi’
Susan Brocker, Rachel Weston and Angie Belcher.
Photo: Supplied
VeteranTaurangacostumierreturns
AlfWeston,75,hardatworkbehindthe scenesofTaurangaRepertorySociety’s ‘NellGwynn’production.
Aftermorethan50yearsdressing performersonstageandscreen,Tauranga’s AlfWestonhascomeoutofretirementto designthecostumesinTaurangaRepertory Society’snewestproduction‘NellGwynn’.
“It’salotoffun.Iquiteenjoycommunity theatre,”saidthe75-year-old.
“Inalargeprofessionalproduction,Iwouldbe givenabigbudgettosendpeopleofftotailorsand importfabric.Onasmallerscale,youhavetobeso muchmoreinventiveandsavvy.”
Infact,Westonlaughinglyadmittedtoscouring localopsshopsfortherightfabrics.
“Atleastfouroftheactorshavebeenswanning abouton-stagewearingoldcurtains,”hesaid.“The bigproblemIhadwhenIwentshoppingforfabrics isthatfurnitureshopshadnoneofthebrocades andcolourcombinationsIneeded.Everywhere Ilookedwasaplagueofgreysandbeige;Icallit grey-ge.”
Itwascoloursheneededforthe‘rowdycomedy’ setin16thCenturyLondon,that’sbasedonthe truestoryofKingCharlesII’sfavouritemistress, NellGwynn.TheproductionbeganNovember22 andthefinalshowisthisSaturday,December7,at 16thAveTheatre.
Oldtool
“Coloursareanoldtoolusedtosubtly manipulatetheaudiencereactiontocertain characters,”Westonsaid.“Ayounginnocent wouldbedressedinwhitewithpaleblue.Inthis production,IusedgreenforoneoftheKing’s
loverstosymbolisejealousyandenvy.”
Westonbegansewingasaschoolboyinrural Waikato,makingclothesforhismotherbefore joiningtheHamiltonOperaticSocietyin1967.In 1974,hegotajobaswardrobemasteratTVNZ andgottoflexhiscreativityonahistoricalseries setduringtheOtagogoldrush.Laterheworked forfashiondesignersLizMitchellinAucklandand ColletteDinniganinSydney.Amonghiscareer highlightsisworkingonatelevisionseriesinthe 1980swithlegendarycomedian,thelateBillyT James.
“Itwasavarietyshowcalled‘RadioTimes’setin a1930srecordingstudiowhereeveryone,eventhe audience,wasdresseduptothenines.Everytime hecamein,Billywouldhaveajokeandhealways deliveredthepunchlinestoperfection.”
Educatingthecast
AfewyearsinSydneysawhimworkingfor OperaAustraliaonproductionslikeLaBoheme andCavalleriaRusticanaandhefondlyremembers histimewiththeRoyalNewZealandBalletwhen heneededtodressonedancerasabear.“Then,of course,ballerinasneedtospinononefootandturn
upsidedown,whichisachallengefor usinthecostumedepartment.” Westonsaidtherearen’tmany on-stagewardrobemalfunctions as“theytendtobeironedoutin rehearsals”buttherewassome educatingthathadtohappenfor themalecastmembersof‘Nell Gwynn’whowerewearing flamboyantcostumesofEngland’s
Restorationera.
“Alotoftheguysaresoyoungthat they’veprobablyneverevenseena womanputtingonstockings,soour leadactorBrendanlinedthemupand gavethematutorialonhowtoput ontightsunderneaththeirbreeches sotheydidn’twrinklearoundtheir anklesorgetripped.Itwaspretty funny.”
Viewingbyappointment MangawhaiPlace,Omokoroa(ontheTaurangaHarbour)
www.lynleypark.co.nz info@lynleypark.co.nzP:027-477-1810
ServicingRotoruaand Taurangaregions 34yearsintheindustry
MelissaRuebe 0274782569 melissa@ruebepropertymanagement.co.nz Ruebepropertymanagementruebepropertymanagement2024
AngeliqueRuebe 0212405273 angelique@ruebepropertymanagement.co.nz
Photos:PeteLuxfordPhotography.
AlfWestonbegansewingasaschoolboyin ruralWaikato.
SpeedlimitsfortwoBOPrivers
SectionsoftwoBayofPlentyrivers nowhaveanew5-knotspeedlimit, saidBayofPlentyHarbourmasterJon JonPeters.
FromDecember1,sectionsofthe KaitunaandTarawerarivershave a5-knotspeedlimitrestriction, introducedforalimitedperiod throughaHarbourmasterDirection.
Themovefollowsconcernsaround thepotentialsafetyofswimmers duringsummer,saidPeters.
“Whilethespeedlimitsforthese rivershavealreadybeenapproved bytheregionalcouncilaspartofthe recentNavigationalSafetyBylaw
review,wearecurrentlyawaiting infringementfeeapprovalfromthe MinistryofTransport,whichislikely tocomethroughmid-nextyear.
“Intheinterim,giventhepopularity oftheseriversbyswimmers,I haveusedwhatisknownasa HarbourmasterDirection,to introducethe5-knotspeedlimits untilthebylawsarefullyoperative.
“Thenew5-knotzoneswillbe clearlysignposted,andanyonecaught breakingtheruleswillbefined.”
Formoredetailandmapsshowing thenew5-knotzones,visit:boprc. govt.nz/harbourmaster-direction
TOTALLYSORTED
TOFINISH
Heart transplantrecipient
Twoyearsago,FranciskoDuPlessiswas toldhehadonlyafewweekslefttolive. Today,theSouthAfricanex-patisliving happilywithhisfamilyinTaurangaandis competinginsportingeventsthanks toadonorheart.
DuPlessiswasdiagnosedwithheartfailurein 2016whilelivinginSouthAfricaandhespent ayearinandoutofhospitaluntilhegothis symptomsundercontrolandcouldreturntohis jobofinstallingheatpumpsandairconditioners. In2019,hemovedhisfamilytoNewZealandto givehisthreechildrenabetterfuture.Hewasstill onchronicmedications,buthewasdoingwell–heevenpickedupmountainbiking.“Iwasdoing regular20-50kmbikerideswithmyfriends,”he said.
June2022
Suddenly,inJune2022,withinaweek everythingstartedcrashing.“Myheartfunction wentdownandthatstartedaffectingalltheother organsaswell,everythingstartedtoshutdown.”
DuPlessiscouldstillwalk,butaweeklaterhe couldbarelygethimselfupwhileinTauranga Hospital.
“Thecardiologistcamein,satatthecornerofthe room,andrubbedhisheadinhishandsandsaid tome:‘Wedon’tknowwhattodoanymore,we can’ttreatyouhereanymore’.”
HewasflowntoAucklandCityHospital’s cardiologyunitwheredoctorsbrokethenewsto DuPlessisandhiswifeAdellethathehadlessthan sixmonthstolive.Theysaidhisheartfunction wasdowntounder10%andhisbloodpressure wasat86/54;itwassupposedtobeat120/80. Afewhourspassed,andthedoctorsreturnedto saytheywerewrong–hehadafewweekstolive. “Butwe’vegotaplan,”theysaid.
Twodayslater,onJuly8,2022,DuPlessis wentinforhisfirstoperationwherehereceiveda VentricleAssistanceDevice,knownasaVAD,on theleftsideofhisheart.
Fourthperson
Therightsideofhisheartwashelpedbyan externalECMO,orExtracorporealMembrane OxygenationMachine,thatpumpsblood.Buthe soonneededaVADfortherightsideofhisheart aswell.HewasthefourthpersoninNewZealand receiveaBiVAD–abiventricularassistdevicethat helpsaheartfunctionbetterwhenbothrightand leftpumpingchambersarefailing.
Thefollowingdayhereturnedtothetheatre againduetointernalbleeding.Inlessthantwo weeks,hehadthreeopen-heartsurgeries.Heslept inamedically-inducedcomaforthree-and-a-half weeksinthecardioICU.
“WhenIwokeup,Ihadgonedownfromalmost 100kginweightto63kg.”
DuPlessisspenttwo-and-a-halfmonthsinICU inAucklandHospital,receivingphysiotolearnto
Francisko Du Plessis with his left and right VADs
Photo: Bob Tulloch
shareslife-changingjourney
FranciskoDuPlessiswithhiskids Mckayla,littleFrancisko,Mckenzie andwifeAdelle. Photo:supplied
walkandtalkagain.Duringhistimeinandoutof hospital,hiswifeAdellekepthisspiritsup.
“Shewastherethewholetime;evenwhileIwas asleepshewouldbesittingtherenexttomybed.”
Hespentthenextfewweeksinarehabfacility beforehegottogohomeattheendofOctober 2022.
Newheartbeat
Finally,inJanuary2023,hewasputonthe transplantactivewaitinglist.Hehadonlywaited for19daysbeforehegotthecall.“Itwasa14.5houroperation,normalhearttransplantstakesix tosevenhours.
“Theystruggledtogetthenewheartgoingand
Ibled-outonthetable.Theyhadtoreplaceabout 80%ofmyblood.Afterthesurgery,Iwasplaced inamedically-inducedcomaforsixdays.”
OndaysevenofhisrecoveryDuPlessiswent intorehabandwhenhewokeuphecould“feelthe energy”.Atnighthewouldlistentothesoundof hisnewheartbeat.
Ontheseconddayafterwakingup,medical professionalswantedhimtostartwalking.Aftera fewsteps,DuPlessisrealisedthingsfeltdifferent. Theoxygenandenergywerethere.“Ilookedatthe physioandthenursepushingthedripsandsaidto them:‘Okay,keepup’.Istartedgoingfaster,and theyjusthadtorunbehind.
Thegreatestgift
“WhenIgottorehab,thetransplant co-ordinatorsaidtome:‘You’regoingtobehere foraboutamonth-and-a-half’,Iwashomein three-and-a-halfweeks.
“AfterthetransplantIwentbacktowork,andI foundmyselfanewaim.”
HewantedtocompeteintheWhaka100 mountainbikerace,thelargestmountainbike eventintheSouthernHemisphere.
DuPlessiscompletedthe25kmraceandcame 360thplaceoutofaround600riders.
Hisadvicetopeopleneedinganorganis:“Keep onfighting.Don’tlosehope”.“Justhavingthat timebackwithmykids,it’sthegreatestgiftever.” Findoutmoreaboutorgandonationat: www.donor.co.nz
ThethirdannualBeach5srugby competitioniscomingtoMount MainBeachfromtoday,Friday, December6,toSunday,December 8,with50teamsandmorethan 500playersinvolved.
Beach5sRugbyisafive-a-side sand-basedcompetition,using modifiedrulesofrugby.Thereare nolineouts,scrumsorconversions andnolimitonthenumberof substitutesused.
OnDecember6from3pmto earlyevening,seniormenand womenwillbattleitoutonthe sand.OnDecember7from9am3pmolderyouth–bothboysand girlsfromYears9-12–hitthe sand.AndonDecember8from 8.30am-3pm,youngeryouth–both boysandgirlsfromYears5-8–take theirplaceonthesandysurface. Thejam-packedweekend offunforplayers,supporters andspectatorswithafestival atmosphereisfreetoenter. Moreinformationisat:www. whatsontauranga.co.nz
FromDecember1stto17th,celebratetheseason andseestunninglightdisplaysthatshineeverynight from8:00pmto11:00pm,spreadingfestivecheer acrosstheBayofPlenty!
ScantheQRCodetoseetheaddresslistandplan yourtour,orvisit: bit.ly/tremainschristmaslights
Proudlybroughttoyouby
AylaYeoman
FranciskoDuPlessisinAucklandCityHospital inJune2022. Photo:supplied
One of thepillarsofTePuke’s social servicesisonthebrink ofclosure.
The HubTePukeisalifelinefor many, runningTePuke’sfoodbank and facilitatingcounselling, financial mentoring,socialwork support andhousingassistance,as well as servicesforthehomeless.
Economicchallengestogether with unprecedenteddemand mean thatwithoutcommunity support, TheHubfacesthe possibilityofclosureon December20.
However,thereisbeliefthat the powerofthecommunitywill prevent theclosure.
“We’re in araceagainsttime, but we refusetogiveupwithout giving our community the chance to help save these essential services,” said Lee Harrison,
Sa e The Hub Te Puke
chairmanofEmpowermentNZ, thetrustbehindTheHub Anemergencycampaign had beenlaunchedtoseekfinancial donations,businesspartnership opportunitiesandtospread the message.Christmasservices will continueasplanned.
TheHubTePukechief executive ScottNicholsonremains optimisticbutsaysthesituation isurgent.
“We’renotannouncing a closure–we’reannouncing an opportunityforourcommunity torallytogetherandshow what TePukeismadeof.
“Everyhourweremain open is anotherfamilysupported, another lifetouched,anotherstep toward buildingastrongercommunity”
To support the campaign, visit The Hub Te Puke’s website or Facebook page
Tradition continues at Welcome Bay vets
AnofficialhandoverofaChristmas traditionstretchingbacktwodecadeshas happenedinWelcomeBay.
followingthecity’slighttrail.
“Hewoulddisappearintotheminibusesfrom retirementvillagesanddishoutthechewytoffees andwerealisedheneededabagfullofsoftlollies too,”saidDrummond.
“Asateam,welovetheChristmaslightsand puttingupdecorations,”saidBain.“Johnhasbeen amazingbecausemostofthelightsareanimals, likeSantaCat,andhe’sdesignedthemhimself. He’saverycleverman.”
NewownersofWelcomeBayVetClinic,Dr HannahBainandvetnurseSarahWilson,are determinedtomaintaintheanimal-centric lightdecorationsthathavebeeniconicinthe communityforthelasttwodecades.Thevetclinic isaparticipantinthe2024TremainsChristmas LightsTrail,whichisonuntilDecember1-17.
“That’sthemainthingpeopleaskaboutwhen theyfindoutthebusinessischanginghands,”said Bain.“Everysinglefriend,familyandclienthas immediatelycheckedthatwe’llstillbedoingthe annual[Christmaslight]display.”
Firstattempt
FormerownerDrJohnDrummondsaidhisfirst attemptatconstructingadogpullingacatona sleighoutofaluminiumrodsandfairylightsabout 20yearsagofailedhorribly.
“Itwasamess,”saidDrummond,whobeganthe vetcliniclightdisplayforhiscommunity.
Special
Theboxesofdecorationstakeupmostofthe atticspaceoftheclinic,soresidentswillhave noticedagrowingdisplayaseachdecorationis switchedonasit’sputinplace.Baindescribesitas a“projectofstages”.
ThisyearisspecialbecauseDrummondispassing onthelegacyhecreatedbeforeheretires.
“We’relearningtheropesofhowit’sall unravelled,placedandpluggedinandthenhowto packitalldownagain,”saidBain.
*Purchaseby4:59pmNZDT13/12/24.Installby4:59pmNZDT31/01/25.Domes candresiden alpurchasesonly.Exclusionsapply,seefull termsandcondi ons.CoolFinanceOfferavailablefromselectedfinance-accreditedFujitsuInstallersonly.Approvedapplicantsonly.Lending criteria,$50annualAccountFee,fees,termsandcondi onsapply.Minimumspendapplies.StandardInterestRateof28.95%p.a.appliesto outstandingbalanceattheendofLTFInterestFreePeriod.CreditbyQCard.Fulltermsandcondi onsavailableatwww.fujitsugeneral.co.nz/ promo ons.ThePromoterisFujitsuGeneralNewZealandLimited,109PortRoad,Seaview,Wellington5010.
“Therewastoomuchdetailinthedesignand thelightswereallovertheplace,butthefollowing yearropelightscameoutandwesimplifiedthe design.Itwasreallygood,”saidDrummond. “Thenwelearnedhowtodotimeswitchesto createmotionandwewereaway.”
Drummondhasfondmemoriesofhisnow-adult sonasayoungfelladressingasSantaandstanding outoutsidetheclinictohandoutlolliestopeople
TheWelcomeBayVetClinicispartofthe2024 TremainsChristmasLightsTrail,whichruns fromDecember1-17.Thetrailwinnerwillbe announcedonDecember18.
Meanwhile,asistradition,anaddresslistofall houseparticipantsispublishedinthiseditionof TheWeekendSunonpages16-17sothepublic canviewthetrail.Orfindtheaddresslistat: https://thehits.iheart.com/win/bay-of-plenty/ tremains-christmas-lights-trail/
DebbieGriffiths
DrJohnDrummond,DrHannahBainandvetnurseSarahWilsonatthevetclinic.
Photo:DavidHall
Resonate is Guaranteeing the price of hearing subscriptions for life
To honour the loyalty and support of our customers Resonate is guaranteeing the price of our hearing subscription service to all those who pass the two-year subscriber milestone.
This means you will never to have to worry about paying more than $90 per month for top quality ReSound hearing aids for the rest of your life.
Our Unlimited hearing subscription service also guarantees:
• no deposit or contract to worry about
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• complimentary ear cleaning and hearing assessment every 12 months.
To find out how you can join the Resonate Lifetime Customer Club please contact us via our website, call one of our hearing health professionals or drop into one of Resonate’s 25 hearing health studios.
Our heart felt thanks to the 1,000s of New Zealanders who have joined Resonate over the first 2 years of us starting up. We want to reward your loyalty and those who follow you with something tangible, the Resonate Lifetime Customer Club.
James Whittaker Founder of Resonate
Bikeshoprevsupforgrandre-opening! Bike shop revs up for grand re-opening!
Tauranga’sKTMandKawasaki dealershipiscelebratingnew management.
IainPembertonandDonnaNolan spentsomuchtimeatMAKZ
GEARinTauranga’sSecondAvethat whentheyfoundoutitwasshutting down,theyweredeterminedtokeep itopen.
“Iainhasbeenactiveinmotocross hiswholelifeandourkidsarekeen
Backandbetterthanever!
Joinusforthe GRANDREOPENING ofyourfavouritelocalKTM&Kawasaki dealershipnowundernewmanagement.
Saturday7thDecember,9am-12pm
Let your mates know and spread the word!
Can’twaitto seeyouthere
WHAT’SON: Prizestobewon Asizzlingsausagesizzle Meetthenewteam andseewhat’sinstore!
IainPembertonandDonnaNolanarere-openingMakzGearonSaturday,December7from9am-12pm at52SecondAve,Tauranga. Photo:supplied
trailriders,”saidNolan. “Iainspentmorethan12 yearsworkingintheindustry,withsalesbeinghis strength;hereallyknowshisstuff andhisloveofKTMbikeshasturnedhisdream intoareality:owningandrunningourveryown store,”saidNolan.
“Iknowwhatit’sliketobeontheothersideof thecounterandhavesomeonetryingtosellyou somethingyoudon’tneed,”saidPemberton.“We’re heretofocusonservicefirst,andsaleswillfollow.”
Backedbyalmostacenturyofcombined experienceintheworkshopoutbackwith Colin,GaryandRobbieonmechanicalrepairs
ThisyearCitizensAdviceBureauTauranga receivedagrantof$25,000fromthe LotteryGrantsBoard.
andSheltonrunningthepartsdepartment,the showroomhasagreatrangeofmotorbikesfrom entrylevelroadandoff-roadallthewaytoseasoned motocrossandenduranceaswellasracinggear, partsandjetskis.
“We’rehavingagreattimegettingtoknowall ourcustomersandtheirindividualneeds,and wanttoinviteeveryonetocomemeetourteamon Saturday,”saidPemberton.
TheKTMandKawasakidealershipgrand re-openingwithprizesandasausagesizzleison Saturday,December7,from9am-12pmat52 SecondAve,Tauranga.
OPENINGHOURS: Statutoryholidaysclosed. 24thDecopen9amto12noon. Open27th,30th31stDecember andJanuary3rd10amto1pm
ThisfundingfromtheLotteryGrantsBoard isgreatlyappreciatedandwillhelpuscontinue deliveringahigh-quality servicetothepeopleof TaurangaCity.
Thegranthelpssupport theCAB’songoing operationalcosts.
Ci zensAdviceBureau 1/367CameronRoad,Tauranga Mon-Fri9am-4pm Phone:075781592tauranga@cab.org.nz www.cab.org.nz TePouWhakawhirinakioTauranga
Ourtrainedvolunteer interviewerscanhelp peoplewithinformationonalmostanyissue includingconsumerrights,employmentissues, financeandtax,benefitentitlements,housingand tenancy,legalrightsandmuchmore.Noproblem istoobigortoosmall.
TheLotteryGrantsBoardbenefitsthe communitybydistributingtheprofitsfromstate lotteriessuchasLotto,InstantKiwi,andDaily Keno.Theyareamajorongoingsupporterof CABsnationwide.
CitizensAdviceBureauTaurangaislocatedat 1/367CameronRd.Youcanalsophoneuson07 5781592ortollfreeon0800367222. Oryoucanemailusattauranga@cab.org.nz.We’re normallyopen9am-4pmMondaytoFridaybut willhaverestrictedhoursduringtheChristmas/ NewYearperiod. Youcanalsofindinformationonarangeof issuesonourwebsiteat:www.cab.org.nz.
Turningknowledgeintoaction
Realchangedoesn’tjustcomefrom passion,itcomesfromturningthatpassion intoinformedaction.Themosteffective advocatesaren’talwaystheloudest;they’re theoneswhobuildtheircase,structuretheir argument,andrallyotherstotheircause.
AtYouthVoicesActionandLobbyforGood, weunderstandhowoverwhelmingitcanfeelto takeastand,especiallywhentheissueyoucare aboutiscomplexorunfamiliar.Howdoyou breakitdown?Howdoyoumakepeoplecare? Thismonth,we’refocusing oneducationinadvocacy, helpingyoungpeopleand communitiesdevelopthe toolstocreaterealimpact. Herearefivestepstoget started:Knowyour‘Why’: Whydoesthisissuemattertoyou?Shareyour personalconnectiontoinspireothers. Doyourresearch:Learnthefacts,policies,and historytospeakwithconfidenceandcredibility. Simplifythemessage:Breakcomplextopicsinto relatableterms.Focusonwhatmattersmost.
Meet Sulphur,anine-week-oldpupthatwasbeing givenaway at a parkwiththe e restofher litter.RRR believesheisaStaffy-Labrador Retriever.Thissupersweetgirlisthriving in herRRRfosterhome e andenjoys playingandcuddlingwwiththeothercat anddoginthehome.SShewillmakea greatadditionto anyfaamilyandisat an agewhereshe is very y responsiveto training,ensuring a welll-balancedand lovingdog.Findout morreatthe‘RRRcanine’Facebookpage
Buildacoalition:You’restrongertogether. Connectwithotherswhocareaboutthesame issue.
Takeitstep-by-step:Small actions,writingaletter, startingapetition,attending meetingscanleadtomakinga difference.
Advocacyisn’tabouthavingalltheanswers; it’saboutstartingtheconversationanddriving progress.Tosupportusinourwork,ortolearn more,visit:www.YouthVoicesAction.org.nzand/ orwww.LobbyforGood.co.nz.Stayinformed,get involved,andmakeadifference.
MeetmarvellousMilllie!
Millieisafive-month-oldsweet, clever,cuddly,femalepuplooking foranewhome!Sinceherarrival intheSPCAsheltershehas transformedfromterrifiedand scaredofeverythingtothebeingfirst toexploreandjumpinforcuddles! She’sverysmart–she’snailing the‘Sit’commandandlearning hername.Milliecanstillbeshyin newsituationsbutoncesettled,her goofy,lovingpersonalityflourishes.
Shewillbe a greatfamilydogand enjoystheccompanyofotherdogs socouldbeagreatbestfriendtoan existingcannineinthefamily. Millieisis s alargebreed so will needasuitaably-sized and fullyfencedgarden. Applytomeeet Millietodayy! Phone:07 7 5780245. Ref:620657 7
LUXURYLAKESIDERETIREMENT
PacificLakesVillageissetamongsttranquilparklikegroundsandprivatelakes.Spaciousmodernvillasandterracehouses havebeendesignedtocreateavibrantcommunity,providinganidealsettingforyouractiveandindependentlifestyle.
Thevillage’smaincommunityfacility,ThePavilion,iscurrentlyunderconstruction.Positionedonthelakesedge,this impressivebuildingwillhouseaneatery,loungebar,library,artstudio,beautysalon,wellnesssuiteandextensiverecreational facilities.Experienceourcommunityfirst-hand-showhomeavailablebyappointment.
Photo:DavidHall
howlongtheycanlast.
RockysBackyardUltrawillinvolverunninga 6.71kmloopeveryhour,onthehour,untilonly onerunnerremainsatMcLarenFallsParkon December14.
ThisisthefirsttimeaBackyardUltraeventis beingheldinTaurangaandeventdirectorSean GaldemanisNewZealand’syoungestorganiserat age21.
Galdemanisexcitedtoseehowlongitwilltake untilthereisonlyonerunnerstandingandsaidat theworldchampionshipsrunnerskeptgoingfor anincredible110hours,whichaddeduptomore than700km.
“WhileRockysBackyardUltraisn’texpectedto gothatlong,weareexcitedtowelcomestrong competitors,includingJaneMcAlpinefrom CambridgewhorepresentedtheNZteaminthe WorldSatelliteChampsin2024.”
even glowworms for those running into the night
“With an elevation gain of under 100m per loop,tthe event offers a challenging yet accessible experiencethatcaterstoeveryone–fromthose aimingtocompletejustafewlapstoseasoned ultra-runnerslookingtorunwellintothenight.”
Galdemansaidthisinauguraleventismore thanjustarace;it’sanopportunitytoshowcase Tauranga’svibrantcommunityspiritandshowcase theincrediblenaturalbeautyoftheBayofPlenty.
“BackyardUltrasareafreshconceptinNZ,and withthisbeingthefirstofitskindintheregion, RockysBackyardUltraissettodrawnotonly runnersbutalsospectatorsandsupportersfrom thelocalandwidercommunity.
“Itisaticketedevent,buteveryefforthasbeen madetokeepentryfeesasaffordableaspossible whilecoveringtheessentialcostsneededtorun theevent.”
However,itiscompletelyfreetocomealongto watch,cheerontherunners,orsimplyenjoya greatdayout,Galdemansaid.
GaldemansaidtheMcLarenFallscourseoffersa stunningbackdrop,withtrailswindingalongside LakeMcLaren,passingwaterfalls,nativebush,and
Registrationsclosesoon,andfurtherdetailsare availableon‘RockysBackyardUltra’Facebook page.Toregister,visit:eventplus.net/RBA24
A thrilling new race format has come to Tauranga for residents to try out and see
Japaneseshrimpsightingswanted
BayofPlentyRegional Councilisaskingtheregion’s sea-loverstogetintouchif they’verecentlysightedany Japanesemantisshrimpsin BayofPlentywaters.
TheJapanesemantisshrimp (Oratosquillaoratoria)waslast monthdetectedforthefirst timeintheBayofPlentyregion, promptingcouncilstaffto investigateandassessnextstepsfor aresponseplan.
BayofPlentyRegionalCouncil biosecurityteamleadermarineand freshwater,HamishLass,saidthe shrimpwascapturedinatrapnear Ōmokoroaaspartofthecouncil’s Asianpaddlecrabtrapping programmeinTaurangaHarbour byManaakiTeAwanui.
Thespecieswasfirstreportedin NewZealandinKaiparaHarbour, Northland,in2010.
AccordingtoNorthlandRegional Council, theJapanese mantis shrimpis nativetothe north-western Pacific,is colouredlight greyandcan growupto 18.5cmlong, andhastwo spinyclawstocapturefood.
shrimphavethinred-maroonlines runningdownthelengthofits bodyandtheoutersurfaceofthe tailfanisblueandyellow.”
“Japanesemantisshrimpcan easilybeconfusedwithanative speciesthatisofsimilarsizeand colour.However,Japanesemantis
NRCsaidtheJapaneseshrimp preysonothershrimps,crabsand thin-shelledmolluscs,andcanalter habitatsthroughitsburrowing activities. When abundant,it canplayarole instructuring benthic communities andmay competefor foodandspace withother crustaceans. Lasssaidupuntilnowtheclosest knownlocationtotheBayof Plentywheretheshrimphadbeen identifiedisThamesHarbour. “Itisnotknownhowtheshrimp
cametobeintheTauranga Harbourbutitispossiblethat itmayhavemigratedbynatural spread.”
Council’smarinebiosecurity staffformallyidentifiedthespecies andhavebeguninvestigating.If youthinkyouhaveseenthispest, contactBOPRCbyemailing: marine.pests@boprc.govt.nz
Preventpestspread
BOPresidentscanhelpprevent thespreadofmarinepestsby cleaninganddryingmarine equipmentbeforeusingitems inanewarea;inspectareason boatsthatretainwaterforsignsof marinelife;checkforaquaticweeds aroundanchors,trailersandother equipment;keepboatbottoms andnicheareasclean;andcheck thehullbeforetravelingtoanew area,everytime.Andifyourboatis heavilyfouled,haulitout.
summer Series Sets & erves Sun
A photograph showing the relative scale of the shrimp.
TheJapanesemantisshrimpfoundbyManaakiTeAwanui nearŌmokoroarecently. Photos:ManaakiTeAwanui
Theperfectgift forhorse-lovers
Isyourchildaskingforaponyfor Christmas?MyHorsemanshipAdventure inPyesPahasthesolution!
MyHorsemanshipAdventureismorethanjust aridingschool,saidownerMayaLyon,whoruns thebusinessonher25acreproperty.“It’saplace whereourstudentscanexperiencethejoyof ridingandcaringforahorses,evenifowningone isn’tonthecards.”
Foundedin2020,theschoolprioritiseshorse welfareandisredefiningridingschoollessonsfor futureequestrians.
“MyHorsemanshipAdventureteachesstudents notonlyhowtorideahorsebutalsoabouthorse care,safety,andhowtocommunicateeffectively andrespectfullywithhorses,”saidLyon,whoruns thebusinesswithsupportfromherfamilyand closefriends–even‘Pippa’thefamilydoggreets herstudentswithawaggingtail!
“Wewanteverychildwhocomesheretohave theexperiencethey’dgetiftheyownedtheirown pony,”saidLyon.“Weprovidethekidsthatcome herewithachancetobondwithahorseinaway thatfosterslearningandfun,aswellasgiving themasenseofachievementandownership.”
L Lyon’s s herd of seven horses live together in a natural herd environment “Their quality of life is
mypriority,andsoiscreatingasenseadventure foreverystudentwhocomeshere.Soyoucould callusthefree-rangeridingschool!”
AsChristmasdrawsnear,manychildrendream offindingaponyunderthetree.“Ifyourchildhas aponyontheirwish-listthisChristmaswemight haveamoreaffordablesolution,”saidLyon.
“Ourprogrammesofferallthefunaspects ofhorseownershipwithoutthelong-term commitmentandcost.”
Fromtermlessonsandholidayprogrammesto thepopular‘OwnYourOwnPony’experience, there’ssomethingforeverychild–whetherthey’re juststartingout,oramoreexperiencedrider.
“Anddon’tleaveallthefuntothekids.Ifyou dreamofconnectingwithhorses,it’snevertoolate tostartyourhorsemanshipadventure–nomatter yourage.Ourprogrammesareagreatwayto makelastingholidaymemories,”saidLyon. Formoreinformationseetheiradverton thispage.
Even drizzle can’t dampen the spirit of horse ‘Kaimani’ and his student Nina Douglas, age 8, at My Horsemanship Adventure. Photos: supplied
There’salsofreedomforthemoreexperienced rideronMayaLyon’s25acreproperty.
FreedomfromArchPain
You might not be able to exercise, keep up with family and friends workorevenget out of bed inthe morning without hobbling.Youhave spenthundreds of dollars on orthotics that don’t fit in allyourshoes. Nothing’sworsethanfeelinggreatmentally,butphysicallyfeelingheld backfromlifebecauseyourfeethurtandthepainjustwon’tgoaway!
DoYouHaveAnyofTheFollowingConditions?
FootPainIsNotJust‘oldage’
• HeelPain • PlantarFasciitis • Achyfeet • Tightlegs • SoreAchillestendon
NoQuestion…ifyouarehavingfootpainthansomethingiswrong.It’snotnormal ageingtohurtallthetime.Painisyourbody’swarningsigntellingyousomethingis wrong.Findingtheproblemandfixingithastobeatoppriority!
HaveanExpertPodiatristEvaluateYourFootforOnly$35 (Usually$105)
Offervalidbetween 6th-20thDecember2025
Here’swhatyou’llget…
•Anin-depthconsultationaboutyour footpain.
•Acompletejointhands-onassessmentto findthe“cause”ofyourproblemand gaitanalysis.
Givethhegifftof f Scandinaviandesign!
DanishFurnitureisextending itsBlackFridaysale–giving youthechancetosnapup highendDanishfurnitureat lowerpricesfromtheirflagship showroominTauriko.
“I’mpassionateaboutgreatdesign,” saysownerDrewCopestake.“It’snot enoughtolookthepart,ithastobe functionaltoo.That’sthebeautyof Scandinaviancraftsmanship;simple, butcleverfunctionalfurniture,with cleanlines.”
FromstunningSkovbyfurniture fromDenmarktotheiconic
Swedish String Shelving, every piece offers classic looks and functionality.Foroutdoor spaces,award-winning, sustainableHOUEoutdoor furnitureandpremium NZ-madeShadowspec umbrellas,NZ-madeand Europeaninfraredheatersare must-haves,designedtocreate stylishandcomfortableal-fresco entertainingspaces.
“OurLEAFoutdoortableand CLICKchairs,inparticular, arebestsellers,”saidCopestake.
“Crafted with contemporary elegance and sustainable materials,theyelevateoutdoor areas.”
Theshowroomalsohasdining tablesthatcanextendfrom seatingsixto12guestsforeasy holidayhosting.TheHOUE philosophyof‘affordableluxury’ withinnovativeandeco-friendly designisseeninthesustainably sourcedbambooandtheclever useofrecycledplastic.
OwnerDrew Copestakeinsidehis DanishFurniture showroomat Tauriko. Photo:supplied.
“Wehavea109-year-oldvilla inBrookfieldthat’snowfilled
“We have a 109-year-old villa in Brookfield that’s now filled
with contemporary Danish pieces It’s a clash of heritage, mid-centuryandmodernthat somehowworksbeautifully,” saidCopestake.“Thesimplicity ofcleanlinesfitanystyle.” Withthefestiveseasonhere, DanishFurnitureisextending itsBlackFridaysalethrough Decemberwithupto30% offRRPonlineandin-store. Visitthemat53Unutoto Place,Tauriko,oronlineat: danishfurniture.nz
DebbieGriffiths
Sculptures-theperfect Christmasgifts
ArtofOutdoorsstartedbyaccidentinlate2019whenTaurangawomanSamSteeldecided toim-portsculpturesfromSouthAfricaforher garden.Thesculptures–allmadefromrecycled scrapmetal–werecreatedbyveryclever, self-taughtartists.Samcommissionedmore sculpturesthanneededtofillthecontainerand soldtheexcesstocovershippingcosts.Unintentionally, fromthere,thebusinesswasborn.
Accidentalbenefit
Theaccidentalbenefitwastheartistsearnedanincome, whichenabledthemtosupporttheirfamilies.Samfeltgreat abouthelpingdisadvantagedbutcleverpeople–soshe orderedanothercontainer…
Fiveyears–andmanycontainers–later,theartistsare thriving,andsoisArtofOutdoorswhichisbasedinPyes Pa.Samnowdesignsmanysculptures–whichcomeinall sizes,forallbudgets,fromsmallbirdstolife-sizedstagsand horses.ViewandpurchasesculpturesonDecember7-8 at208JoyceRd,PyesPafrom10am-3pm.Can’tmakeit? Checkout:www.artofoutdoors.co.nz
Thisstagisoneofmanysculptures whichcomeintypesofalldesigns andsizes,forallbudgets,atArtof OutdoorsinPyesPa. Photo:supplied.
FighterJetNZoffers arareandthrilling experience–aflightina militaryjet.
WanttobeaTopGun?
NoteveryonecanbeTom Cruise,butFighterJetNZ CEOCraigMossmancan givepeopleatasteofthe realthing.
HehasthreeAeroL-39 AlbatrosJetFightertrainersin hishangaratTaurangaAirport justwaitingtotakepassengers totheskies.“Thesmell,the sensation,sittingunderabubble [cockpit],isverydifferent,” Mossmansaid.
Mossmanpurchasedthefirst jet13yearsago;hisbusiness FighterJetNZhasbeen takingpeopleonridesforsix years.“Theyweremadein Czechoslovakia,”saidMossman. “Two[are]ex-UkraineAir Forceandthethirdoneis ex-RussianAirForce.They’reall identicalL-39Jets,justdifferent colourschemes.”
Threepackages
Mossmansaidthejetswere formerlyusedasadvanced trainerswherefrontlinefighter
The ultimate adrenalin-filledgiftidea!
levelflying.Pricesrangefrom$3888 to$4299.Everypassengeristaken throughaPowerPointpresentation andsafetybriefing,sotheyknow whattodoincaseofemergency, Mossmansaid. Passengerswillwitnessatop cruisespeedof500km/hrandcan accelerateto700km/hrwhenpulling
manoeuvres.“Thisexperienceis notavailableanywhereelseinNew Zealandandtherearenotthatmany placesintheworldwheremembers ofthepubliccanbuyaflightina militaryjetlikethis,”Mossmansaid. FighterJetNZ’spackagesmake greatChristmasgifts–ordertodayat: https://fighterjets.nz TomEley
pilotsweretrainedbefore movingintotheMiG29.“These won’tgosupersonic,butfor whatwedoitdoesn’tmatter.”
Thegroupoffersthreedifferent packages:TopGun,a30-minute thrillrideputtingpassengers throughaerobatictwistsand turns;ThermalRecon,a 30-minuteflighttoRotorua andaroundthelakes,flying aroundtheregion’svolcanic activity,beforereturningto Tauranga;theBuzzandBreak isa20-minutetasterthatwill dropdownanddosomelow-
MadewithloveforChristmas
It’sbeenatreasuretroveofhandcrafted homewaresformorethan40years–and PurplePatchinTaurangaCBDisdecked outforChristmasshoppers!
It’smorethanjustaniconicstore;Purple Patchisaplatformfortalentedlocalcrafters toshowcasetheircreativity.Everyitem,from woodentoystoknittedwearanddollsclothes, heatpackstobabyitemsanddresses,isnewand lovinglyhandmade.
Withsomanyuniquepieces,it’sagreatplaceto findsomethingspecialforeveryoneonyourgift list.
Thisyear,PurplePatchhastheChristmas Cornerthat’spackedwithseasonalideasfortoys, decorationsandornaments.
ByshoppingatPurplePatch,you’renotjust purchasingagift;you’resupportinglocalcrafters, andacommunitydedicatedtocreativity.
Makethisfestiveseasonmemorablewithavisit toPurplePatchat55GreyStinTaurangaCBD.
Photo:supplied.
lovingly handmade.
Nationalwhoopingcoughcasenumberssurpass1000
Pregnantmothersarebeingurged togetimmunised,andparentsand caregiversareencouragedtoget theirbabiesvaccinatedontime, aswhoopingcoughcasenumbers continuetoclimbacross NewZealand.
Healthagenciesdeclaredanational whoopingcoughepidemicon November22aftermonitoringa fewweeksofconsistentlyhighcase numbers,hospitalisationsandunlinked outbreaksoccurring.
NationalPublicHealthServicepublic healthmedicinespecialistDrMatt
Reidsaidthelatestfiguresputthetotal numberofwhoopingcoughcasesfor 2024at1009.
“Ofthose1009casesthisyear,63 wereunder12monthsold.Given almostthree-quartersofthose63were hospitalised,it’sincrediblyimportant thatwedoallwecantogetourhapū māmā[pregnantmothers]immunised.
“Newbornbabiesagedundersix weeksareparticularlyvulnerable,with MāoriandPacificbabiesathighrisk fromwhoopingcough,”Reidsaid.
“Bygettingimmunisedwhenyou’re pregnant,youwillprotectyour pēpiuntiltheycanhavetheirfirst immunisationswhentheyaresix
weeksold.Thisisbecause your immunitywillpass to your baby throughtheplacentta ”
Freewhoopingcouugh vaccines are availabletoeveryonne aged 18 and under,tosomeadullts, who are eligible forthecombinedpeertussis and tetanus vaccinefromage45 5 (ifthey have not hadfourpreviousteetanus doses), and thoseaged65-plus.
Freevaccinescanbbegivenat your GP, hauoraMāoriorPaacifichealth service, oratsomepharmaccies.
Tobook,orformoreinformation, call theVaccinationHeaalthlineon0800 28 2926MondaytoFFriday,8.30am-5pm, orvisit:info.health.nz/bookavaccine.
Curcuminfromturmeric-Part1 Curcumin from turmeric - Part 1
Therearemorethan 2000publishedstudies oncurcumin,theactive nutraceuticalingredientin turmeric.
Moststudiesconfirmitsantioxidantand anti-inflammatorypropertieswhileotherslook specificallytheroleofcurcuminindisease defences.Ifoundmorethan700studiesthatjust lookattheroleofcurcuminincancerdefences alone.Ialsofound40studiesofcurcuminand arthritis,morethan60ondementia,40on respiratoryproblemsandmorethan100in cardiovascularhealth.
Inflammationishowourbodystartstoheal andrepairdamage.However,manydisease processes–suchasautoimmunearthritis–are d drivenby y unwantedinflammation.Thismeans inflammationthatpreventshealingandcan causedisease.
Theresearchintothe benefitsofcurcuminin cancerdefencesfocuses ontheelevatedtissue inflammationand freeradicaldamagethatdrivesthedisease. Researchershavefoundcurcumincanbalance immunesystem-generatedinflammatory cytokinesandcyclooxygenaseproduction.An over-productionofinflammatoryimmune messengersisacentralcomponentofmost inflammatorydisorders. Thereisamajorproblemwithcurcumin.Itis insolubleinwaterandhasverypoorabsorption. Addingblackpepper–orpiperine–significantly improvesabsorption.However,piperinecan irritatetheoesophagus,stomachandsmall intestineandcausesymptomsofrefluxand g generaltummyissues.Thereisanemerging concernaaboutlong-termuseofpiperine especially y itseffectonthestomach.
Givethegift ofhealththis Christmas. Giftvouchers available.
Thelatestgenerationofcurcuminextracts suchasBioSolveare100percentwater s solublewithexcellentabsorptionanddo n notrequirepiperinetobeeffective.We a arestartingtoseethesebecomeavailable, w withexcellenttolerability a andeffectiveness.
JohnArts(Adv.Dip.Nut.Med)isanutritional m medicinepractitionerandfounderofAbundantHealth L Ltd.ForquestionsoradvicecontactJohnon 0 0800423559oremailjohn@abundant.co.nz. J Joinhisnewsletteratwww.abundant.co.nz
It’stimetoprioritiseyourskinhealth
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Stepintosummerwithconfidence! Step into summer with confidence!
Summerisnowhere,and it’stimetorefreshand rejuvenatefortheseasonof sunshine,beachdays,and outdoorfun!
Whetheryou’relookingto glowfromheadtotoe,stay smoothandhair-free,orgive yourskinsomemuch-needed TLC,now’stheperfectmoment tobookyourbeautytherapy treatments.
Stepintosummerwith confidencebyindulgingin servicesthathelpyoulook andfeelyourbest.Startwith ahydratingfacialtorestore radianceandprotectyourskin fromthesummerheat.
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beautytherapyisyoursecret weapontostayingradiantand relaxed.
Appointmentsfillupvery quicklyastheseasonapproaches, sodon’twait!
Booknowtosecureyourspot andstepintosummerfeeling refreshed,pampered,andtotally readytoshine.Summerawaits –letushelpyoumakeityour mostbeautifuloneyet!
Unwind,recharge,anddiscover truerelaxationthissummer!
There’ssomethingmagicalaboutstepping intoaspacethatimmediatelyputs youatease.
“AtThaiTouch,we’vededicatedourselvesto creatingthatfeelingforeveryclient,”saidowner OrasaBanks.
“Fromthemomentyouarrive,thestressofdaily lifebeginstofade,replacedbyasenseofcalmand tranquility.”
BankssaidThaiTouchtreatmentsareinspiredby centuries-oldThaitraditions,whicharedesigned toprovidemorethanjustrelaxation-theyoffer restorationandrenewal.
“Whetherit’sthegentlewarmthofhotstones, therejuvenatingtouchofadeeptissuemassage,or asoothingaromatherapyexperience,everyvisitis tailoredtohelpyoufeelyourbest.
“Thissummer,findyourultimateescapeatThai Touch.Withthreeserenelocations,it’sneverbeen easiertotakeawell-deservedbreakandletuscare foryou!”
ThaiTouchwasrecentlybestowedtheMost TrustedMassageTherapyinTaurangaawardin 2024’sMostTrustedBusinessAwards.
“AsatrustedpartoftheBayofPlentycommunity, we’redeeplygratefulfortherecognitionofaMost Trustedbusinessaward,”saidBanks.
ThaiTouchrecentlywontheMostTrustedMassage TherapyinTaurangaawardin2024’sMost TrustedBusinessAwards. Photo:supplied.
“It’sareflectionofthededicationandcareof ourentireteam,andwecan’twaittosharethat withyou.Letushelpyouunwind,recharge,and discovertruerelaxationthissummer.”
Whenfacedwithlife’schallenges...
“Onesmallcrackdoesnot meanthatyouarebroken. Itmeansthatyouwereput tothetestandyoudidn’t fallapart”-LindaPoindexter Whenfacedwithchallenges,youcanlet themtrampleyouoryoucanusethemasan opportunitytostrengthenyourself.When experiencinggoodandprosperoustimesyou areinyourcomfortzone;howeverthiszone doesn’tstimulategrowthorself-development. Thechallengesinyourlifedothis–ifyou
Bookin forthelatest inSkin Analysis
choosetheycanbeusedto honeyourstrength,helpyou tobecomemoreresilientand enableyoutogrowmore confident.Andchallengescan alsohelpyoutobegratefulforthebetterdays. Arethechallengesinyourlifeoverwhelming? Howcanyouusethemtogrowinconfidence, strengthandresilience?
Ifyou’dliketolearnmoreaboutcoaching,recognisingmore ofyourpotential,dealingwithstressorconflict,creating transformationinyourrelationshipsandyourself,phoneMary Parker,TheFastTrackCoach,on0212582145,orvisit: www.thefasttrackcoach.co.nz
WEUSEONLYTHEFINEST QUALITYSKINPRODUCTS
Across
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8.Hand-me-down(4)
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11.Glance(4)
14.Previousprime minister(6,4)
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26.Racecourse(SI) (5,4)
27.Desire(4) Down
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5.Animal(4) 6.Self-government(9) 12.Adorn(9) 13.Nodule(4) 15.Edging(4) 17.Formula(6) 18.Coerce(6) 20.Musicalinstrument (5)
21.Cheeky(5) 23Trick(4)
Afarewelll toChrisThomppson
AsIbelievehasbeenoccasionally noted,NewZealandisnota largecountry.
Soitseemsallthemoreunlikelywe shouldproducetwointernationallyregardedmusicians,bothfromHamilton, bothnamedChrisThompson.Oneof whomdiedlastweek.
ThatwasfolktroubadourChris Thompson,intermittentvisitorto Tauranga,whosepostersproudlyhang onTheJamFactorywalls.Itwasnot ChrisThompsonwhoformedMandrake herebeforehiscareertookoffintheUK, includingwithManfredMann’sEarth Band;healsoco-wroteJohnFarnham’s ‘You’reTheVoice’.
ThefolkyChrisThompson’slifewas changedbyplayingsupportinNelson fortheUK-basedfolklegendJulieFelix. (Legend?ShehungoutwithLeonard CohenonHydrainthe1960s...)
ThatledtohimtravellingtoEngland, wherehespent18monthstouringthe BritishIslesasguitaristforFelix’sthreepiecebackingband.Thatinturnledto recordingatAbbeyRoadwithproducer JohnPaulJones;andplayingwith PentanglebassplayerDannyThompson (unrelated)andfolkpioneerDavy Graham.
Masterpiece
Intheearly-1970sChrisrecordeda self-titleddebutalbum,initiallylostand ignoredbutreissuedbyanAmericanlabel in2001andnowregardedassomething ofamasterpiece.
I’llleaveitthere.ChrisThompson continuedtodofascinatingmusical things.HetouredwithbothSonnyTerry &BrownieMcGheeandStevieRay Vaughan;hemademanymorealbums,
Thelategreat ChrisThompson. Photos:supplied
includingwithhisflute-playingwife LynneThompson;hewrotethesong ‘Hamilton’;hetouredtheUSand Europe.Chriswasoneofthefinest acousticguitar-pickersNewZealandhas produced.Letmefinishwithasnippet fromtheAllmusic.comreviewofhis reissuedfirstalbum:“Early-70sLondon wasnotexactlylackingforphenomenal folkguitarists,butevenamidthelikesof BertJansch,NickDrake,etal,Thompson musthavestoodout…hisfingerpicking techniquerivalsthatofanyoneonthe sceneatthetime...theNewZealander achievesanintensityoftonethatonlyan artistlikeJanschcouldmatch”.Thanks forthemusicChris.
Newreleases Toclosethingsoff,acoupleofnew releasesfromTauranga.Firstly,rising phoenix-likefromtheashesofultragroovypunk-popstersTheKnidsisnewly formedduoBillyTwo,comprisingKnids MichaelBaxterandCorrineRutherford. Theyhavealreadyreleasedtwosongs, ‘TrimTheFat’andanodetoCoz’scat,
‘Ronnie’,ditchingtheirpoppiersidefora stripped-backpunkaesthetic. Alsooutis‘OdeToTheWest’by AudioStorm,15tracksfromKingsley Smith,ex-Knightshade,Tryptofunk andmore,co-creatorofrockmusical ‘Shadow&Light’.Itisbiganddramatic. Itisextravagantandgrandiose,with massedguitars,thunderousdrums, keyboards,choirs,portentoussinging, thewholeshebang.Itisveryskilfuland accomplished,despitesimplisticparanoid lyricswithdubiouspoliticalviews. However,reallyworthseeingarethe accompanyingvideos.Oddly,they’re notonYouTube,justtheAudioStorm Facebookpage.MadewithAI,theyare theusualmorphingflythroughsbut considerablymoresophisticated,striking andvaried.Surprisinglycool.
HearWinston’s LatestPlaylist
ScantheQRcode,orvisit:
www.tinyurl.com/2s35m5tw
Putyourselftoavirtualemergencytest
Beachgoersareinvitedtotesttheir knowledgethissummeronwhattodoin anemergencywhentheyheadtocoastal hotspotsfromthismonththrough toFebruary.
TaurangaEmergency Managementstaffwill bevisitingsummer hotspotstogivethe communityachance toputtheirdecision makingtothetest. Throughaheadset, userswillexperience thepredictedimpacts ofanearthquakeand tsunamiontheMount Maunganuicoastline.
TCCcommunity resilienceadvisorIsaac Orchard. Photo:supplied
The10-minutescenarioasksyoutomakedecisions inresponsetowhathappensaroundyou.
TaurangaCityCouncilcommunityresilience adviserIsaacOrchardsaidemergenciescanhappen anytime,anywhere–andthebestthingyoucando ismakesureyouareprepared.“TheVRexperience willpromptyoutokeepyouandyourfamilysafe, usinglocalevacuationmaps,andguideyouto practiceevacuationwalks.You’llbelookingfora virtualescaperoute,fordangers,allthingswe’d encourageyoutobethinkingaboutifyouwere facedwiththisscenariointherealworld.”
Thesimulationdoesn’trequirestanding,jumping orwalking,makingitaccessibletoanyone aged12-plus.However,somescenesthrough theheadsetmightbedistressing,soit’snot recommendedforchildrenundertheageof12.
Beachgoerscantryit10am-3pmatan EmergencyManagementgazeboatPilotBayon December9and19;MountMaunganuimain beachonDecember13and20.Furtherdatesfor 2025areat:www.tauranga.govt.nz/VR
including with his flute-playing wife
‘Ronnie’, ditching their poppier side for a
Youngbrasstalenttakestothestage
It’swherethefuture generationofbrass instrumentperformers gotolearn.
Andthemoreexperienced membersofTaurangaCityBrass AuxiliaryBandarehelping calmthenervesoftheyoungest beforetheirSummerConcert onSunday,December8.
CalebBotha,aYear6ACG Taurangastudent,hasbeen learningtrumpetforaboutsix months.Hebelievesplaying withthebandhashelped himprogressfasterthan hewouldhaveifhe’dbeen practisingalone.
“I’mabitnervousaboutthe concert,”saidthe11-year-old. “I’veneverplayedinfrontof
thatmanypeoplebefore,butI listentoadvicefromAnnabelle.”
Moreaccessible
MusicaldirectorAnnabelle Stewartstartedtheauxiliary bandabout12monthsagoafter findingtheolderaverageageof bandmembersmadeithardto attractnewmusicians.
“WhenIfirstjoinedTauranga CityBrassaroundeightyears ago,Iwasusuallytheonlygirl andtheyoungestbyagood10 years,”saidStewart.“Iteach plentyofyoungstudents,so thisisanopportunitytoget themintoabrassbandthat’s moreaccessible.Also,withtheir youngerage,wecanhaveabit morefunwiththemusic.”
CruzEstall,aYear7Tauranga Intermediatestudent,started
NowsummerhasarrivedTaurangaFarmers Marketisinfullswing,bringingavibrant selectionofseasonalproducestraight fromthegrowers.
“Fresh,juicyberries,sweetwatermelon,crisp corn,andvibrantcapsicumsarejustafewofthe deliciousoptionsavailable,”saidmarketmanager MeganMcVeigh.
Asyoustrollthroughthemarket–onSaturdays from7.45am-12noonatTaurangaPrimarySchool –you’llalsofindyourweeklyessentials.
“Wehavestallssellingbread,dairyproducts, flowers,kombucha,pickles,juiceandmuchmore –allsourcedfromthebestlocalsuppliers.”
McVeighsaidthemarketistheperfectplaceto enjoythemorningsunshinewhilesupportingthe communitydirectly.
brunch, and listen to the live music
“Siponahotcoffee,treatyourselftoatasty brunch,andlistentothelivemusic thatfillstheair,welcoming atmosphere.
“Thekidswilllovethe openspacetoplaywith thegamesoronthe playgroundwhileyoutake inthemarketandcatchup withfriends.
“Whetheryou’restocking uponfreshproduceor
playingtrumpetatthestartof theyear.“Bothmydadandmy poppaplayedbrassinstruments. Ilikethattheymakecool sounds,”saidthe12-year-old.
Havefun!
HarperShallard,aYear9 MountMaunganuiCollege student,hasplayedthecornetfor aboutthreeyearsandencourages otherkidstogetinvolved.“It’s reallyfunbeingpartoftheband,” the13-year-oldsaid.
“Ihavesomeseniormembers oftheCityBrassBandwhojust sitandhelpus,”saidStewart. “Fortheconcert,wehavemore oldermusicians,sothekidsdon’t havetoworryaboutplayingthe rightnote.Theycangoalong andhavefun.”
TheTaurangaCityBrass
AuxiliaryBandSummerConcert featuresChristmascarols,music fromthebigscreenandtraditional marchesandhymns,from3pmon December8atWesleyMethodist
ChurchHall,10013thAve, Tauranga.Entryis$5astudentand $10anadult.Formoreinformation gotowww.taurangacitybrass.com.
Avibrantselectionofseasonalproducestraight fromthegrowersisonofferatTaurangaFarmers MarketonSaturdaymornings. Photos:supplied
simplyenjoyingthelivelysurroundings,there’s somethingforeveryoneatTauranga FarmersMarket.Makeityourgo-to spotthissummerforafunand flavourfulstarttoyourweekend.”
something for everyone at Tauranga Farmers Market. Make it your go-to spot this summer for a fun and flavourful start to your weekend.”
Ave, Tauranga.
ThemarketrunseverySaturday from7.45am-12noonyear-round –rainorshine!–atTauranga PrimarySchoolgroundsatthe cornerofCameronRdandFifth Ave,Tauranga.
Joinusforlotsoffunandfestive activitiessuchascolouring,games anddancing!Popbytheinformation forasmallkidsgiftfromtheMarket. At9am wewillhave aspecialvisit from Santa himself!
Thanksfor supportingus:
MUSICFOR THISWEEK: FRIDAY: DOLLYAND KENNY TRIBUTESHOW $25COVER
SATURDAY: BLAME THECATS
OPENTOTHEPUBLIC JointheTauranga CitizensClubfor only$35plusaone offfeeof$10for administrationfees.
onSaturday15th
•TrainingSession-Competiton •PMcompetition•Equestrian6RingsNonHorseofYear •NewZealandThoroughbredRacing A&PShowSeries2025-H.O.Y.Qualifier
WehaveTradeExhibitionsitesavailableinsitesizes •3mX3m•3mX6m•>3mX6mandanythinglargerbyrequest. OurCompetitionCataloguesareavailablenowfromEventManager atapshowtauranga@gmail.com,andincludetheseSections. HomeIndustryCompetitionsarebroken into3Categoriessuchas:Children’s, Adults&Seniorswhichinclude 12SectionsofCraftTypesplusone SectionofFruit&vegetables-Preserves
DebbieGriffiths
Auxiliary Band Summer Concert Church Hall, 100 13th Ave,
In front, Cruz Estall, Caleb Botha, Harper Shallard and Annabelle Stewart with members of the Tauranga City Brass Auxiliary Band Photo: Debbie Griffiths
corner of Cameron Rd and Fifth
THEWEEKENDSUN
Saturday7December
ArtinthePark
Originalartforsale.CoronationPark,Mt Maunganui.Weatherpermitting.9am-5pm. TaurangaSocietyofArtists
AssociationCroquet
OnSat,Mon,&Wed9.15amfor9.30amstart;atClub MtMaunganui,45KawakaSt.Newplayers&Visitors welcome.PhMalcolm0276815204
BaySinglesSocialGroup
Joinabunchofover50’syoungsingles.Weekenddinners, potlucks,occasionaloutings.Haveago!PhDelia027284 8762,Andrea0211330313
Beginnerspétanque
SaturdayafternoonsenfamillePétanqueisfunforallages/ abilitiesBoules(ofsteel)andassistanceprovided.PhRayon 0277563565formoreinfo
Beth-ElMessianicFamily
Beth-ElMessianicFamilyCelebrateShabbat(Sabbath)as didMessiahYeshua(Jesus),hisdisciplesandearlybelievers. Allwelcome.OtumoetaiPrimary10amorYoutubeLive @10amorFaceBookLive11am.Joel021768043info@ bethel.org.nz
Boules-Petanque
EveryTuesday,ThursdayandSaturdayatClubMt Maunganui.Boulesavailable.Newplayerswelcome.PhRay 0277563565fortimes,furtherdetails.
ChristmasSocialDance
HeldonSaturday,7December,Bethlehem Hall,7.30pmtillate.BYOdrink&ownnibbles. Ballroom,LatinandRock&Roll.Everyone welcome.Phone5442337or0273221786
CityNightMarkets!
Eat.Play.Shop.Repeat-EverySaturday!Incredible rangeoffood,shopping,livemusic,games,freefun& more!ElizabethStParkingBuilding5pm-9pmwww. citynightmarkets.co.nz
CourseInMiracles
Joinusviazoomasweextendhealingtothoseinneed. Saturdays9-9:30am.Emailmiraclesnewzealand@gmail. comforthezoomaddress.Infoathttps://circleofa.org/pray IndoorBowls
Saturday,TuesdayandWednesday.12.45amstart.50+ andover.Afternoonteaisprovided.14NorrisStreet (behindPaknSave)Phonecarol0226392411
KidsChristmasMarket
CnrCameronRoad+fifthAve.7:45am–12noonwww. tgafarmersmarket.org.nz@taurangafarmersmarket Laughteristhebestmedicine!
Enjoy45minutesoffunandlaughteryogaatArataki CommunityCentrefrom10am.PhoneJude0210277 5901.
TaurangaCivicChoirConcert
WearesingingbeautifulChristmasMusic onSaturday7thDecat4pminSt.Peter’sChurch,SpringSt, Tauranga,$25cashatdoor.
TaurangaSocialDanceClub
SequenceDance2ndSatmonthly7pmStJohnsChurch HallBureta$7plusraffles.SupperAllwelcomePhNola 0273232882
TaoistTaiChiTauranga
TaoistTaiChiTaurangaBeginningsessionsOPEN. Monday9am,Tuesday10.30+1pm,Wednesday1,30pm Thursday6pmFriday9am,Saturday8.45.Anyqueries.Ph Margie021500320
TaurangaGolfCroquet
TuesdayandFriday9.30-Noonand1pmto3.30pm. Saturday9.30-NoonandSunday1pm-3.30pm,Golf CroquetatTaurangaDomain,CameronRd.Newplayers welcome.PhGretchen5767169
Toyfair
TePuketoyandcollectiblesfair7thofDecemberattheTe PukeBaptistChurch.Doorsopenat10amuntil4pm.
Sunday8December
AccordionMusicGroup
EverythirdSundayofthemonth,Welcome BayHall,1-4pm,$4.00pp,afternoontea supplied,everyonewelcometoanafternoonofevergreen music.PhJoy0272853093
AllSoulsRemberenceService
St.George’sAnglicanChurch,10am.Rememberthosewe lovewhohavedied,givethanksforalltheymeanttous. AlreadyaQuaker?
Doyoubelieveinpeace,integrity,community,equality, simplicityandstewardship?JoinusSundays10-12behind BrainWatkinsHistoricalHouse.TaurangaQuakerWorship Enjoytravel?
FriendshipForcecouldbeforyou!Behome-hosted overseas,&hostinternationaltravellers.Meetings Bethlehem,Omokoroa.PhDiane0272499859,Jonathan 5722091
GolfCroquet Sun,Tues&ThursatC.ubMtMaunganui,45Kawaka St;at8.30amfor9amstart.Newplayers&Visitors welcome.PhGraham0272805658
ParkandBark
Playgroupforsmalldogstosocialiseandbuildconfidence. EverySundayfrom1.30pm-2.30pmatSydenhamPark, Brookfield.Freeofcharge.
QuakerFellowshipTauranga
ExploreyourspiritualjourneyamongstsupportiveFriends inourmostlysilentmeeting.Weenjoyacuppa,meditate,
contemplateandshare.10-12amCornerElizabethStreet/ CameronRoad.
OtumoetaiRotaryCarbootSale
8.00amforbuyersatOtumoetaiCollegeCarPark WindsorRoadforOtumoetaiRotary.Sellers$10.Details Brian0211228735Bevan0274612127
RadioControlledModelYachts
Sundays1:00-3:30pm,atPondbehind22MontegoDrive Papamoa,sailingElectronRadioControlledYachtsforfun andcompetition.Adultbeginnerswelcome.Graham572 5419
SoundsNaturalSoundBath
Healingtonesthatdeeplyrelaxandrefresh.Every secondSundayofthemonth,2-4pm,MountMaunganui CommunityHall.ContactAnne0274713122fordetails.
TaurangaModelAircraftClub
Interestedinflyingmodelplanes?Join useverySundayatTECTParkweather permittingbetween10-3pm.Beginners welcome.Directions&webcamonour websitewww.taurangamodelfly.org
TaurangaOrganKeyboardSociety Meetsat1.30pmCarmelCountryEstateSocialCentre, 11HollisterLane,Ohauiti,Tauranga.Playorlistento Organ,Clavinova,Piano.Maureen5445013.
Monday9December
500CardGroup
EveryMonday(exceptpublicholidays)from9.3011.30am,heldatAgeConcern,177AFraserStreet, Tauranga,$2donation,lightrefreshmentprovided-all welcome!
Cards(500)
MondayandThursday.12.45pmstart.50+andover. 14NorrisStreet(behindPaknSave)Phonecarol022639 2411
ChessinMountMaunganui
544MaunganuiRd,MountRSA,Mondays(exclpublic holidays).Earlyprogram6.15pm-7pm.Lateprogram 7pmonwards.Casualchessallowed.Search“WesternBoP Chess”.
CreativeFibreTauranga Knitting,crochet,spinning,weaving,felting &dyeing.Mondays9:30am,&2ndand4th Thursdays6:30pm.177ElizabethSt.Enjoy learningnewcrafts.PhJoan021323325
Euchre
TaurangaEuchreclub.Mondays7pm-9pm.Inquiries plseTXT0275430872
esco-teracoffeeclubtga
Asocialclubforanyonewithaninterestinparanormal/ uforelatedactivity,ormaybejustanX-Filesfan.days/times arenegotiable.Daniel0224623316.
GreertonGardenClub
GreertonGardenClubmeetsat1pm2ndMondayofthe month-StJamesChurchHall,PoolesRd,Greerton.All welcome.Ph:075796003
Invitationtosingingmen
Harmony-A-Plentyhasbeensingingfortwentyyears. WepractiseMondayevenings7-9pm.PhFrank5763037 David5760578
KeepOnYourFeet Omokoroa,11am-12,SettlersHall,334 OmokoroaRd.Strength&Balanceclassesfor olderadults,alllevelsoffitnesswelcome.Contact Sharnieon0211118617
TaiChiPracticeGroup
JoinourfriendlygroupMondays11.30amMount CommunityHall,345MaunganuiRoad.Allagesand abilitieswelcome.Parkingavailable.Busstopnearby. EnquiresJay0224675687
TaurangaCityBrass
Brass&percussionplayerswantedtojoinJunior andSeniorBand.ContactSecretaryIanatIan.murray. taurangabrass@outlook.co.nzBandroomat10YattonStreet Greerton
TaurangaandDistrictStampClub
EverysecondMonday(10am)andfourthMonday (7.30pm)ofeachmonth.WesleyHall,100Thirteenth Avenue.Newmemberswelcome.Ross5788215.Jill578 0930.
TaurangaVisionClub
TaurangaVisionClub(affiliatedtoFriendshipNZ)meets 4thMondayeachmonthatTaurangaCitzClub10amnoon.Newmemberswelcome.PhoneJim0220887760
YogaClassesinOhauiti
Beginnersandintermediatelevels.Stretch, strengthen,relaxandharmonise.Mondays 9.30amatOhauitiSettlersHall.Formoreinfo contactAsunta0210614394oryogaindailylife@pl.net
U3ATaurangaSeniorsGroup
WehaveinterestgroupsrunningMon-Fri.Computing, card&boardgames,dining,films,history,music, photography,exercise,sciences.Seeourwebsitewww. u3atauranga.kiwi.nz
Tuesday10December
500CardClub
MountCommunityHall.12.15pmFunandfriendly group.Allagesallwelcome.Afternoonteaprovided. Parkingavailable.Busstopnearby.Queriesto0276586848 AltrusaLadiesServiceGroup
Joinagroupofwomenforcommunityprojects&social events.Meet2nd&4thTuesdays.Pam0272537562or visitwww.altrusa.org.nz
BayfairPetanqueClub. JoinusforsomefunatBayfairReserve,Russley Dr.12.45to2.30pm,TuesandThurs.New playersverywelcome.Call0211580129for details.
FernlandSpaGentleExercise
Warmmineralwater,nochlorine.Suitableforjoint replacements,arthritics&recoveryfromaccident&illness. Strength,coordination&balance.Notschoolholidays. Jennifer0272060776.
Body+Soulfor50+ FunFitnessformenandwomen.Exerciseforbetter health,strengthandbalancetogreatmusic.TaurangaSenior CitizenshallNorrisSt.PhDianne0274314326 CherrywoodProbus Meetevery2ndTuesdayofMonth@CitizensClub 13thAve10.00am.ComealongforFunFellowshipAnd Friendship.Visitorsverywelcome.Pam5783757 Coffee/ConversationGroupTePuke AgeConcernTaurangaholdsafriendlyCoffeeand ConversationGroup,TePukeCitizensRSA,179Jellicoe Street,10am–11.30,cost$5pp.AllWelcome. CommunityConnectMorningTea St.George’sAnglicanChurch2ndand4thTuesdaysat 10am.Enjoycoffee,yummytreatsandchat. FreePublicAdvocacyService Needhelpcompletingaform?Accompanyyouto anappointment?Talktoanagency?Comespeaktoan Advocate!EveryTuesday,GreertonLibrary,1-2:30pm. GreertonIndoorBowlingClub ClubNight,GreertonSeniorCitizensHall, MaitlandStreet.NewMemberswelcome.Coaching available.PhoneSally0211726004.
GreertonWalkingGroup MeetoutsideGreertonLibraryat9amforagentle,local walkwithafriendlycrowd,followedbyacafevisit.All welcome.ContactMike0211807429.
InachordSingersTauranga Women’sChorus.JoinuswithournewMusicalDirector DanIreremia.7pmBethlehemCommunityChurch,183 MoffatRoad.Contact:Julie02102526805orSabine021 1118659
KeepOnYourFeet KatikatiRugby&SportsClub,MoorePark10.3011.30am.Strength&Balanceclassesforolderadults,all levelsoffitnesswelcome.ContactSharnie0211118617
Let’sLearnSomethingNew AnA-ZofClubs,Courses&Classeshappeningnow.Find anactivity,join,&doit!Allages.www.letslearn.co.nzorph 075789416
HealingRoomsPrayer
ExperienceGod’shealingtouch.1-3pmEveryWednesday. Lastsessionthisyear18thDec.Allwelcome.Central BaptistLounge.640CameronRd.www.healingrooms. co.nz/tauranga0276401263
MarchingForLeisure
Anon-competitiveactivityformatureladies.Fun,fitness andfriendship.FordetailsandcontactsforTaurangateams pleasecallDianeYorke0211824629
NewcomersCoffeeMeetupGroup
AreyounewtoTauranga?meetat MulticulturalTauranga,complex1,Historic Villagefrom10amtill12pm.Formore informationemailenquiries@trmc.co.nzor phone075716419
OmanuRebusClub
Joinourmonthlymeeting9.30amatMtMaunganui RSA.Enjoymorningtea,guestspeaker,rafflesother activitiesforOlderAdults.PhMargaret075420548
TaurangaEmbroiderersGuild
MeetseveryWednesdayatTaurangaRowingClub, DevonportRoad10am-2.30pmand7-9pm.Beginners welcome.ContactLindaInglis0273690984
TaurangaMidweekTrampingClub. Homunga...TraditionalXmasTramp.NorthendWaihi Beach,followingcoasttoHomingandreturn.Bethlehem. Moderate.Carolyn0212535175.
TaurangaSouthgardenclub
Meets1stWednesdayofthemonthat1o’clock atBaptistchurchcornerCameronRdand13th Ave.allwelcome.EnquiriesMargaret0210172 02184
Thursday12December
500CardClub
MountCommunityHall.12.15pmFunandfriendly group.Allagesallwelcome.Afternoonteaprovided. Parkingavailable.Busstopnearby.Queriesto0276586848
AlcoholicsAnonymous Allwelcometoourfriendly,openmeetingat730pm, LifechurchTauranga,934CameronRd,GatePa,Tauranga. Teaandcoffeeprovided.Ph08002296757 BayfairPetanqueClub.
JoinusforsomefunatBayfairReserve,RussleyDr.12.45 to2.30pm,TuesandThurs.Newplayerswelcome.Call021 1580129fordetails.
OlympicStyleRifleShooting EveryTuesdayeveningat7.00pmattheTaurangaTarget RifleClub’srange,165ElizabethStreet,oppositeTyre master.Publicwelcome.Allgearandcoachingprovided. PapamoaTableTennisClub ClubnightsTuesdays7pmto9pm PapamoaCollegeGym.Alllevelswelcome. PhJohn0210386025
RecycledTeenagersGentleExercise St.Mary’schurchCnr.Girven&Marlin.9-10.30am. Suitableforjointreplacements,arthritics,recoveryfrom accident&illness.Strength,coordination&balance. Jennifer0272060776.
TaurangaEmbroderersGuild MeetseveryTuesday@BowlsTaurangaSouth,15Tutchen St(off11thAve)10am-2.30pmand7-9pm.Beginnersvery welcome.ContactLindaInglisph0273690984
TaurangaPatchwork&Quilters Every1st&3rdTuesdayat7pmand2nd&4thFriday at10am.TaurangaArt&CraftCentre,177ElizabethSt. Contact:taurangaquilters@gmail.com TaurangaModelRailwayClub ClubmeetsTuesday9.30am&Thursday7.30pmcorner Mirrielees&Crossroads,SulphurPoint.PhMike021939 233
TaurangaScrabbleClub TuesdayScrabble,MeetweeklyatTaurangaCitzClub 9:30am-12:45.3gamesplayed.PhJoAnn021836067
Wednesday11December
10PinBowling 1pmat10PinTauranga,135ThirteenthAve.Mixed groupplayforfunbutkeepthescore.Veryoccasionally competitive.PhGlenda0212578678
AgeConcernWalkingGroup Afriendlyweeklywalkinggroupforallagesandallfitness levels.10amstart,meetatKulimPark,Bureta. BeginnerSocialBallroom/LatinGroup StartsWed,16Oct,6.30pm-7.30pm,WelcomeBay SchoolHall.Justcomealongonthenighttoenrol.More detailspleaseringSonia0273221786
Body+Soul50+FunFitness
Forbetterhealth,strengthandbalancetogreatmusic. Menandwomenwelcome,makenewfriends.9.15am BethlehemhalloppositeWoolworths.PhoneDianneon 0274314326
BoliviaTePuke
EveryWednesdayLyceumClub8PalmerPlace1pm-4pm beginnerswelcome.ComeandjoinourfriendlygroupPh Brenda0272296992
CardsCribbage JoinusWednesday’s12.45pmfor1pmstart RSAGreerton.Friendlyclub.Newmembersvery welcome.PhoneJill0211606143
Coffee/ConversationGroup-Brookfield AgeConcernTaurangaholdsafriendlyCoffeeand ConversationGroupatStStephensChurch,9Brookfield Terrace,10.30am-12noon,cost$5pp.AllWelcome.
ChinaPaintingClub
MeeteveryThursdayfrom10amonwards.Learnanew hobby.Arts&CraftsCentre,ElizabethStreet.TGA.Ph: Pam0211277277
Coffee/ConversationGroup-Greerton
AgeConcernTaurangaholdsafriendlyCoffeeand ConversationGroup,GreertonSeniorCitizensHall,33 MaitlandStreet,10.30am-12noon,cost$3pp.AllWelcome. CreativeFibreTauranga
Knitting,crochet,spinning,weaving,felting&dyeing. Mondays9:30am,&2nd&4thThursdays6:30pm.177 ElizabethSt.Enjoylearningnewcrafts.PhJoan021323325 FlexercisewithFitnessLeague
Exercise,movement,dance,focusingonposture,balance, stretching,strengthening&flexibility,suitsallagesand abilities,10am,CentralBaptistChurch,13thAve,TgaPam021 1177170
FreePublicAdvocacyService
Needhelpcompletingaform?Accompany youtoanappointment?Talktoanagency? Comeseeus!EveryThursday,WelcomeBayCommunity Centre,1-2.30pm.
KeynotesWomen’sBarbershopChorus Canyousingintune?Women,agenobarrier,invitedtojoin us,7pmWesleyHall,10013thAvenue.PhoneBernice576 4848,FacebookKeynotesInc.
SerenataSingers Joinourfriendlywelcominggroup.Thursdays10-11.30, MethodistChurchHall,2OrouaStreet,TePuke. PhoneAnne 0278503776
Friday13December
FreePublicAdvocacyService
Needhelpcompletingaform?Accompanyyoutoan appointment?Talktoanagency?Comeseeus!EveryFridayat PāpāmoaLibrary1-2:30pm.
Cards500&Rummikub SeniorCitizensClubTePuke8PalmerPlaceLyceumClub 12.45-3pm.ComeandhavesomefunAfternoonteaprovided. Allwelcome.ContactBrenda0272296992
ConnectinginTePuna SocialclubmeetseverysecondFridayofmonthinTe PunaMemorialHall1-3pmusuallyaguestspeakeralways afternoontea.Everyonewelcome.ContactJudithCallow 075526755
TaurangaSeniornetClub TaurangaSeniorNet--Coachingtoimprove thecomputerskillsofage40+adults,formore information&classtimetable--visitourwebsite:tauranga@ seniornet.nz
ChristmasEveMarket
21DecemberCnrCameronRoad+fifthAve. 7:45am–12noonwww.tgafarmersmarket.org.nz@ taurangafarmersmarket
CLASSIFIEDSECTION
BOPGARAGEDOORS
Unit12,56NewtonStreet MountMaunganui P:075750139 E:christine@bopgaragedoors.co.nz Web:www.garador.co.nz
E Weusethebestcomponents toensurecontinuedsafety andeaseofoperation
E Alldoorsmadetoorderto customfityourhome
GarageSales PAPAMOABEACH
112PALMSPRINGSBLVD
Saturday8am-12pm. Clothes,CampingGear, Householditems.Rainor Shine.
Livestock&Poultry
AC Petfoodscollectinjured andunwantedcowsand horses.Phone08003696269
bayofplentytimes.co.nz thecountry.co.nz
Gardening& Landscaping ABLE gardenerexperienced, efficient,knowledgeable, highlyqualified. Maintenance,pruning, hedges,shrubs,roses; disease/pestcontrol, lifestyleblocks,garden renovations;designand plant.PhBen0211331857
ROOF repairs.Freequotes forallmaintenanceof leakingroofs,gutterrepairs, chimneyrepairs.Registered roofer,30yrsexp.Phone Peter5424291or0274367740
Antique Furniture,
ThreeofthefourTaurangaRangers:IsabelleStockdale,AvaMcCarthyand EmmaHunt.AbsentisNaomiDihm.
AgroupofeightGirlGuiding rangersfromaroundtheBayof Plentyarepreparingtoheadto Japannextyear.
In2021,duetointernational borderclosures,theyadaptedby hostingavirtualexchange,said Davis.
Todate,about95members haveparticipatedinthiscultural exchange–49fromNZand46 fromJapan.“Theprimarygoalof thisprogrammeistofostercultural understandingandmeaningful friendshipsbetweenNZGirlGuides andJapaneseGirlScouts.
Colonial Antiques
129 Willow Street, Tauranga wwwcolonialantiques co nz
www.coastandcountryn news.co.nz
Therangersarefromthreeunits –fourfromTauranga,threefrom Katikati,andonefromWhakatāne, alongwithtwoleaders–andwill participateinasistercityexchangeto HitachiCityinApril. GirlGuidingBOPhasalongstandingexchangeprogramme withtheGirlScoutsofHitachi CityinJapan,saidTeamBOP co-localcoordindatorandPapamoa BrowniesleaderLaurenDavis.“This initiativebeganin2001followingan invitationfromMayorKashimura ofHitachiCityaspartofthesister cityrelationshipbetweenTauranga andHitachi.Theexchangeoccurs biennially,witheitherHitachiGirl ScoutsvisitingNewZealandorBOP RangerGuidestravelingtoJapan.”
BOPgirlsandleadershavevisited Hitachifivetimes,withthelast in-persongroupsentin2017.
ChurchesActiveInOurCommunity
Focussing on the unseen…
I like to think that is permanence to impermanence in everything. is news ensures this. The bruises
everything is meaningful Out of step with the cynical world I know, which tends to believe, very strongly, that everythingis essentially meaningless; that meaning, hope and identity are things we construct with our best and, sometimes,fragile efforts
Sociologist Zygmunt Baumann, in his brilliant writings, suggests we have moved from a solid world to a liquid world, from hardware to software,
i in everything E Everything is passe, everything is merely anepisode – nothing is lasting I think this kind of world is anxietycreating and, ultimately toxic and very sad
The Bible says a very interesting thing: “We set our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” I like this a lot It is very easyto be cynical and despairing about the seen world, the media obsession with the worst of
and brokenness we get from life enables this
But when, with our hearts,we focus onthe unseen,we havea basis for hope and meaning.Love is invisible, hope is invisible, God is invisible, grace and forgivenessisinvisible Everything that reallymatters cannot be held or analysed – but our hearts get oxygen from the eternal, invisible things.
Meaning and hopecannot be created through possessions
and careers, it all will pass away, but the unseen is eternal Set your heart on those things
Nigel Dixon – Vicar, Holy Trinity Tauranga
“Participantslivewithguidinghost families,engageinguiding,cultural, andschoolactivities,andlearnto appreciateboththedifferencesand similaritiesbetweentheircultures.”
UniquetoBOPGirlGuiding,the exchangeisself-funded,saidDavis. “Ourrangersandtheirfamiliesare fundraisingforthistrip.Wewould alsowelcomeanysupportfromthe localcommunity.”
Todonate,visit:https://givealittle. co.nz/cause/bay-of-plenty-rangershitachi-exchange-journey Formoreinformation,visit www.girlguidingnz.org.nz
Churches Tauranga STANDREWS CnrMacvilleRd&DeeSt MtMaunganui Phone5759347 www.mountchurch.org.nz Rev.DouglasBradley 9.00am TraditionalService 10.30am ContemporaryService
AMIND-BLOWINGGOD
SeriesbyEvang.A.TaittofTRINIDAD&TOBAGO onThestaggeringnatureofGod!Whydoes Godlovemeso!&Apeoplewithamazingpurpose! When: SatNov23&30&Dec7,10.30-12pm Where: 70PoolesRd,Greerton www.churchofgodslove.com
ALLWELCOME Lifezone 7OakLane,Tauranga Shabbat(Sat)10amor Youtubelive@10am Shalom Joel&SharonvanAmeringen
Photo:supplied
