AllaboardforChristmas!
It’sallaboardforChristmasasSanta andMrsClaustaketimeoutfromabusy globaltoydeliveryscheduletoheadto MountMaunganuithisSaturdaymorning, December21,wheretheywillmeet childrenforfreeridesonthePepiToot BeachExpress.
Theiconicbeachtrainhasbeentaking cruiseshippassengers,localsandvisitors forscenictripsaroundthestreetsofthe coastaltownforthelastdecade,providing adifferentperspectiveoftheMount Mainstreet,thetwobeaches,charming bachesandseasidemansions,aswellasa
renownedhistorictreasure.
TheChristmasduowillmeetthetrain outsideSpongedropCafeinSalisbury AveonDecember21withfreeChristmas ridesforchildrenfrom10am-12pm,while parentscanenjoytherideforjust$5. Laterintheday,carolsingersfromthe
MountRSAwillbeaboardthePepiToot singingChristmascarolsfrom3pm-5pm, pausingtostopalongtheroutesopassersby canjoinin.
Allaboard!Toot!Toot!Readmoreabout PepiTootandSanta’sholidayonpage10.
Photo:DavidHall
Getreadytoenjoyyoursummerwith anairconditionerinyourbedroom!
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Editor: MerleCave Editorial: LetitiaAtkinson,AlishaEvans, RosalieLiddleCrawford,HunterWells,AylaYeomanTom Eley. PublicationsManager: KathySellars. Advertising: Jo Delicata,KarleneSherris,SuzyKing,LoisNatta,SharonEyres. DesignStudio: KymJohnson,CaitlinBurns.
Whattickledusin2024
They’renotstoriesthatwouldbring downagovernment.Norarethey lifeordeathstories.They’rejust someofthestoriesof2024that touchedus,titillatedus,madeus laugh,madeuswonder,surprised us,excitedus.Solet’scelebratea yearthat’snearlycooked.
TheSteamers
Ageothermalrugbyteamrunningat 100degreesCelsius,boilingpoint.Did wemissanopportunity–likeparading themthroughtownonanopentop double-decker,likegivingthemfreedom ofthecity?
sittheremorningandnight,bumper-tobumper,aschunksofourlivesdisappear intotheether.Andthatgotuspondering thedynamicsofatrafficjam.Ifwe squeezeintothetraffic,it’llforcepeople behindtomakeroom,addingafew secondstotheirjourney.Addupthose tinyindividualamountsacrosshundreds/ thousandsofmotoristsandthat’sthe reasonpeakhourtrafficcanreducefrom 80km/hrtoperhaps30km/h.When monetiseditcouldgiveacitysuchas Auckland$1billionayear.Nowdoyou ownmath.Addupalltheextratimeyou wasteonHewlettsRdatpeaktimeeach weekandseehowmuchofyourlifehas beenblownouttheexhaustpipe.
Eurekamoment(ofsorts)
TheWeekendSunissubjectto NZMediaCouncilprocedures. First,emailyourcomplainttothe Editorat:newsroom@thesun.co.nz Ifnotsatisfiedorformoredetails, goto:mediacouncil.org.nz
for and 238 against record. They’re just numbers I’m talking a rating By season ’ s d Steamers’ merchandise for love nor money. The union was cleaned out – nothing left, zilch in any shape or size, until April or May next year
We’vealsodiscoveredamuchbetter metrictomeasuretheSteamers’season thanthe7wins,3losses,350points forand238againstrecord.They’rejust numbers.I’mtalkingabouttheirlove rating.Byseason’sendyoucouldn’tbuy Steamers’merchandiseforlove normoney.Theunionwas cleanedout–nothing left,zilchinanyshape orsize,untilAprilor Maynextyear.Blame RichardWatt.
Bouncy Pork
BouncyPork
We venture just beyond The Weekend Sun circulation area, by about 10,000km, to welcome Moo Deng, which roughly translates to Bouncy Pork. She’s
f s assumed that Tauranga dale’s name was either n? I always delighted ding that some progressive parents had blessed this Pākehā boy with an exotic Māori name.
HowmanyofusassumedthatTauranga MayorMahéDrysdale’snamewaseither MāoriorPolynesian?Ialwaysdelighted inmymisunderstandingthatsome enlightened,sociallyprogressiveparents hadblessedthisPākehāboy withanexoticMāoriname.
WeventurejustbeyondThe WeekendSuncirculationarea, byabout10,000km,towelcome MooDeng,whichroughly translatestoBouncyPork.She’s that6kgofroly-poly,deadest ugliness,butatthesametime adorablecelebritypygmyhippo borninaThaizoo.Ofcoursewe couldhavefoundalocalrescue dog,parrotordonkeytocelebrate–but theywouldn’thavecausedthesame collective,global“ooooh”ofcutenessthat MooDenggeneratedwhenshearrived inJuly.MooDengspendsherdays splashingandeatinggrass,livingthemini hippolife,andpulling20,000visitorsa day.
Jamsandwiches
HewlettsRdtrafficjamsandwiches.We
Lovedit.Fortheunschooled,likeme, heisnamedforthelargestislandofthe Seychellesarchipelagowhichhisparents visitedbeforehewasborn.IthinkI confusedan‘accentague’,anacute,fora macron–noteasilydone.Justsomething this‘doofus’,andIexpectothers,learned in2024.
‘Whoops’oftheyear Wecanguesshowthatphonecall went.“Sorryboss,I’vejustsunkyour
$147millionnavalresearchship.Can youcomepickusup?”TheRoyalNew ZealandNavymadearightRoyalstuff up,losingHMNZSManawanuiwithout ashotbeingfired,it’sworstpeacetime accident.‘Manawanui’meanssteadfast, stout-hearted,staunchanddogged,but allthatmeantlittlethedaytheship groundedonareefoffSamoaandsank. Seemsautopilotshouldhavebeen‘off’ andautopilotwas‘on’.Thecountrywas leftred-facedasthestoryofourNavy sinkingitselfresonatedaroundtheworld. ‘Sorry,wewerewrong’ Rememberthecaterwauling,the terminalmoaning,whenitwasdecided parkedupcarswasn’tthebestuseof premiumlandonTauranga’swaterfront. Thelandwasturnedbackovertopeople again;peopleswimming,playing, enjoying.Agreatcall!Rememberthe otherwaveofpenny-pinchingangstwhen thecommissionerskick-startedtheCivic Precinct,TheheartbeatofTePapa?Today therearecranesandconcretetrucks andwall-to-wallchippies downtown.There’sagreat feel.Theheartispumping again.Goodthings happenedinthiscityin 2024.
WhattheHell?
In2003,aWellington musicproducerlosta securityswipecard.It wasfound13yearslater, notinWellingtonbutby divers,under2mofice ontheseaflooratCape Evans,about20kmnorth ofScottBaseinAntarctica. About4000kmfromwhereitwaslost.A scientistmappedoutapossibleitinerary forthecard,andtakingintoaccount wind,tides,currentsandothervariables, thejourneyshouldhavetakenabout 1000years.Thesecurityswipesatina boxinWellingtonforabouteightyears beforebeingreturnedtothemusicianjust recently.Whatthehell?
Yourfavouritestoryof2024?Anyideas? WemayrevisitintheNewYear.Email: hunter.wells@nzme.co.nz
Thedooris al
TaurangaWomen’sRefugeisconstantly busythroughouttheyear,butthefestive holidayseasonistheirbusieststretch. Withfewcommunitysupportservicesoperating duringthistime,womenandchildrenface challengesaccessinghelpwhentheyneedit,said TaurangaWomen’sRefugemanagerHazelHape.
“Forsurvivorsofdomesticviolence,theholiday seasoncanbeaparticularlyhardtimeduetothe lackofaccesstohelpingservicesasmostofthem shutdownfortheholidayseason.[But]Thisis notthecaseforTaurangaWomen’sRefuge.”
A24-hour,seven-days-a-weekdomesticviolence helplineandaccesstosafehousingforimmediate andimminentdomesticviolencesafetyconcerns areavailableduringthistime.
Hapesaidthehelplinewasapathwaytosafety duringtheholidayseason.“Attherefuge,people areprovidedwithadvice,informationand support.Thehelplineisstationedbyexperienced andskilledpractitionerswhoareoncalloverthe holidayseason.”
Hapesaiddomesticviolencewascomplexwith multiplecontributingfactors.“Domesticviolence isaresultofsomeonemakingachoicetouse violence,abuseandtraumatowardsanother person.We’vebeenoperatinga24/7domestic violencehelpline,safehousingandcommunity supportservicessince1980inTaurangaandhave
supportedthousandsofwomen,theirchildren, families,whanauandcommunities.
“Whatweknowisdomesticviolencedoesnot discriminate,itisperpetuatedacrossallfacetsof society:social,cultural,economicandreligion hereinTauranga,BayofPlenty.”
Hapesaidifyouwitnessorhearsomeone beingphysically,emotionallyorpsychologically abusedwithinyourownhome,family,whanau andcommunity–offertoprovidesupport, whetherpersonallyorbywayofcontacting supportservices.“Domesticviolencecanbe traumaticandconfrontingforfriends,familyand communitywhowanttohelpsomeone.However, ifyoususpectsomeoneisexperiencingdomestic violence,letthemknowthatyouknow,ask themhowyoucanhelpandprovidethemwith supportservices’contactdetails.Tellthemwhatis happeningforthemisnotokay.”
Peoplecanphoneemergencyservicesforadvice onsafetyandsupportplanning.
Ifyouneedtoleaveanunsafesituation:Contact the24/7domesticviolence0800867338helpline forinformationaboutyoursafetyandsupport needs.Secureyourlegaldocuments:bankaccount, driver’slicence,passport,keys.
Leavingcanbeunsafeformanyreasons;your decisionisimportant,soyoursafetyisapriority. “Therearepeopleinthecommunitywillingand readytosupportyou.”
FromChristmasDaytoFriday3January,allbinsthat areusuallycollectedona Wednesday,Thursdayor Friday willbecollected onedaylater.Thisistogive ourkerbsidecollectionsteamawell-deservedbreakon ChristmasandNewYear’sDays.MondayandTuesday collectiondayswillremainthesame.
HazelHape.
Photo:DavidHall
AylaYeoman
RememberingtheBoxingDaytsunami
ThisBoxingDaymarksthe20th anniversaryofthecatastrophicIndian Oceantsunami,oneofthedeadliest naturaldisastersinmodernhistory. OnDecember26,2004,theregionwasstruck byadevastatingearthquake,measuring9.1on
SOUTHERNCIRCLE
Aselectionoflocalbreakingstories featuredthisweekon...
the Richter scale, triggering a massive tsunami that claimed the lives of about 230,000peopleacross14countries.
The disaster left entire communities devastatedandunprepared,astherewere nowarningsystemsinplacetoalertthe publicoftheimpendingdanger.
Intheimmediateaftermathofthe disaster,someofthehardest-hitareasin ThailandwerethecoastalareasofKhao LakandPhuket,whichsawwidespread destructionandlossoflife.
AmongmanywhorespondedwasGreg Brownless,aformermayorofTauranga andafuneraldirector,whofirstly travelledtoThailandasavolunteerto assistwithrecoveryefforts.
Hadtohelp
Reflectingonhisexperiencestwo decadeslater,Brownlessrecallshowhis connectiontotheregion,havingrecently visitedtheareajustmonthsbeforethe tragedy,propelledhimtoact.
“Icouldn’tbelieveit.Ihadbeeninthat partofThailandinOctoberthatyear,”
Brownless said “I’d met people and was familiar with some of the beaches, and thought,‘IsthereanythingIcandoto help?’”
AmemberofTaurangaSunriseRotary, heimmediatelycontactedtheRotary ClubofPhuket,receivingaresponsea daylater.Initially,thedeathtollindicated afewhundredvictims.Butasthescaleof thedisasterunfolded,thenumbers rosesignificantly.Brownlessknewhehad tohelp.
Calm
Fivedaysafterthetsunamistruck, BrownlessarrivedinThailand.Hemade hiswaytoTakuaPa,atowninland fromKhaoLak,wherethebodiesofthe deceasedwerebeingcollected.There, hebeganvolunteeringaspartofthe identificationandrecoveryefforts.His funeralexperienceprovedinvaluableashe helpedtransportbodies,manyofwhich wereunrecognisableduetotheextensive traumacausedbythewavesanddebris. “Icouldn’tbelievehowcalmitwas
when I first arrived,” Brownless said, describing the scene in Khao Lak. “It wasaperfectstill,summer’sday.Butin t the built-uup areas, there was complete destruction.”
Brownlessobservedthatwhilesome largerbuildingsremainedintact,itwas thevillage-stylestructuresnearthebeach thatweredestroyed.Thewaterhad surgedupto300minlandandthearea wasfilledwithdebris,makingsurvival nearlyimpossibleforthoseclosetoshore.
‘Missing’posters
Whilehewasvolunteeringonthe frontlinefortwoweeksheobserved teamsofdentists,policeofficersandother volunteersallworkingtogether. Hesaidoneofhisbiggestmemories wasseeingthemissingpostersaroundthe towns.
“A4photocopieswithphotosofmissing persons,manyofthemchildren.” Astherecoveryprocesscontinued, BrownlesswascalledbacktoThailandby KenyonInternationalEmergencyServices
Theonlylocaldailynewssourceyouneed, constantlyupdated,sevendaysaweek www.sunlive.co.nz Newstipsph 0800SUNLIVE
CompassrepairclosesMauao Tauranga’spopularmaungaMauaowas closedonTuesdaywhilevandalismdamage totheculturalcompasswasrepaired. Thelargepounamutouchstoneontop ofthekāpehu(culturalcompass)atthe summitofMauaowasfoundvandalisedlast Friday,December13.
Therepairswouldinvolvesmoothing andpolishingthepounamusurface torestoreitascloselyaspossibleto itsoriginalcondition.Updatesonthe re-openingwillbepostedon:newsbeat. tauranga.govt.nz.
WhiteIslandcoderaised Whakaari/WhiteIslandmaybe headingintoaneweruptiveepisode, GNSSciencesaid. Itcomesafterthefifthanniversaryof
thedeadly2019Whakaari/WhiteIsland eruptionwasmarkedinWhakatāne lastweek,withrelativesofthe22 peoplekilledamongthoseattending commemorations.
GNSSciencesaidinastatement onMondaytheBayofPlentymarine volcanohadbeenobservedproducing largersteamandgasplumes,and occasional“passive”volcanicash emissions.“Thevolcanoisnotactively eruptingbutthecurrentactivitycould beleadingtoaneweruptiveepisode,” dutyvolcanologistAgnesMazotsaid. Theaviationcolourcodehasbeen raisedtoorangeandthevolcanicalert levelremainsat2.
ChristmasDayweather
Butpeopleshouldn’tbefrettingover theirbarbecueplansjustyet.
MetServiceforecasterAlwynBakker saidtheweatheroutlookwashighly uncertain,withconflictingmodel predictionsmakingitdifficultto providereliablelong-rangeforecasts.
Portberthextension approved
PortofTaurangaLimitedhasreceived asecondinterimdecisionfromthe EnvironmentCourtconfirmingthat resourceconsentwillbegrantedfor stageoneofitsplannedSulphurPoint berthextension.
Thedecisionrequiressomespecific amendmentstotheconditions proposedbyPortofTauranga.
CelestialnavigatorJackThatchersaidthe damagehadbeendonewitha sharpinstrumentanditleftdeepscarsin thestone.
Friday, December 13. Celestial navigator Jack Thatcher said the damage had been done with a sharp instrument and it left deep scars in the stone
AllofthewalkingtracksonMauaowere closedTuesdayfrom8.30amtoallowthe repairstobedonesafelyandefficiently,the TaurangaCityCouncilsaidinastatement.
All of the walking tracks on Mauao were closed Tuesday from 8.30am to allow the repairs to be done safely and efficiently, the Tauranga City Council said in a statement.
DaysbeforeChristmas,thelatest long-rangeforecastssuggestthatskies overmuchofNewZealandaregoing tobemurkycomeDecember25–but thensoisthepicturethisfarout,said meteorologists.
ANiwaforecastersaid,atthispoint therearehigheroddsofcooler,showery weatheraboutNewZealandon ChristmasEveandChristmasDay.
MetService’sextendedforecast, justupdatedtoincludeDecember 25,similarlyshowscloudy,showery weatheraroundthenorthofthe country–includingforTauranga.
A Niwa forecaster said, at this point there are higher odds of cooler, showery weather about New Zealand on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. MetService’s extended forecast, just updated to include December 25, similarly shows cloudy, showery weather around the north of the country – including for Tauranga.
released just over a year ago requiring the port company to undertake further engagement with local iwi and hapū and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Stage one involves constructing 285 metres of additional berth to the south of the port’s existing container berths, a small amount of reclamation behind the new wharf and associated dredging.
ThedecisioncomesafterathreeweekcourthearinginMarch2023, followedbyaninterimdecision releasedjustoverayearagorequiring theportcompanytoundertakefurther engagementwithlocaliwiandhapū andBayofPlentyRegionalCouncil. Stageoneinvolvesconstructing285 metresofadditionalberthtothesouth oftheport’sexistingcontainerberths, asmallamountofreclamationbehind thenewwharfandassociateddredging.
Total destruction viewed from the top floor of the Phi Phi Hotel, in Thailand Photo: Brett Phibbs
GregBrownlesswith theNewZealand
inApril2005foramonth-longassignment,this timeinamoreformalcapacity.
Heworkedwithateamof10-12peopleadjacent totheDisasterVictimIdentificationCentre, wherethebodiesofvictimshadbeenmoveduntil identitieswereconfirmed.Dentalrecords,which werecomparedtothoseavailableintheirhome countries,hadprovedthemostuseful.
Orphanage
Priortobeingrepatriatedtotheirhome countries,debrisaccompanyingeach personhadtobeexaminedthoroughlyfor personalitemswhichcouldthenbereturned withthedeceased.
“Weregardedatowelasavaluablebecauseitwas somethingafamilycouldrecognise, andthatrecognitionwasanimportantpartofthe grievingprocess.Ifounditveryheart-wrenching seeing,forexample,stuffedtoys.
“Wewereverymuchconsciousofworking withinthecustomsandpracticesofthelocal people,whilealsodealingwiththeformalitiesof internationalrepatriation,”hesaid.
Hedonatedthefeehereceivedforthistaskto somefamilieshemet,aswellastoHomeandLife, anorphanageoffPhuketIslandthatwassetupto careforchildrenwhoseparentshad diedinthetsunami.Healsohelpeddirect fundsraisedbyaTaurangaRotariantothesame orphanage.Hiseffortswererecognisedwhenhe
wasawardedtheNewZealandSpecialService Medal(AsianTsunami)forhiswork.
Treasureeachday
“OnethingI’velearnedistotreasureeachday,” hesaid.“Thatmorningonthebeach,peoplehad noideathattheirlivesweregoingtoend.
“TheotherthingI’velearnedisifyouwanttodo somethingbadlyenough,doitbecausethethings youregretarethingsyoudon'tdo,morethanthe thingsyoudo.IhaditinmindIwantedtogo, andIwent.”
OnBoxingDaythisyear,hewillrememberthe tragedyinhisownway,honouringtheliveslost andthelessonslearnedfromoneofthedeadliest naturaldisastersinhistory.
RosalieLiddleCrawford
Ifyou’refishingorplanningtodrop alineintheoceanthisfestiveseason, thebestgiftyoucangiveyourselfand othersisthefreeNZFishingRules mobileapp.ManyKiwislivenearthe coast,andthemarineenvironmentis partofournationalidentity.Infact, thousandsgofishingeveryyear–for sport,enjoyment,andtogetfoodfor theirwhānau.
“Theapphaseverythingyouneedto know–dailybaglimits,minimum legalsizes,anyclosuresorrestrictions, andevenbiotoxinalerts,”saidFisheries NZdirectoroffisheriescompliance SteveHam.
TheNZFishingRulesappcanbe downloadedfromwhereveryouget yourapps,saidHam,whowarnsthat fisheryofficersandhonoraryfishery officerswillbepatrollingthecoasts, boatrampsandseathroughoutsummer toprotectoursharedfisheriesand ensurethey’resustainableintothe
future.“Aswellascatchandsizelimits, theappdisplaysrulesforthekindof gearyou’reallowedtouse.
“Theserulesvarybyspeciesandarea anddochangefromtimetotime,soit’s importanttostayuptodate.”
Hamsaidhavingtheapponyour phonegivesyouthepeaceofmindof havingtherightinformationatyour fingertips.
“Oncedownloaded,thefishingapp willalsoworkinareaswhereyoudon’t havecellphonecoverage.
“Fisherscanalsotextfreeto9889with thenameofthefishspeciesandreceive atextbackwithsizelimitsanddaily catchlimits.”
TheMinistryforPrimaryIndustries encouragespeopletoreportsuspected illegalactivitythroughtheministry’s 08004POACHERnumber(080047 6224).Forgeneralenquiries,callMPI on0800008333oremail: info@mpi.govt.nz.
TheWallofRemembrance,forvictimsofthe BoxingDayTsunami,MaiKhao,Phuket,in southThailand. Photo:BrettPhibbs
Vetreflectson44-yearcareer
Ownerswholookliketheirpets, weightissuesthatcauseinjuries, anddogsthateattheweirdest things–DrJohnDrummondis reflectingonacolourfulcareer ofcaringforanimals. Aftermorethanfourdecades onthejob,theformerownerof WelcomeBayVetClinichascuthis hoursbacktotwodaysaweekashe handsovertonewco-owners,Dr HannahBainandvetnurseSarah
Wilson.“They’relikemywhānau,” saidthe70-year-old.“I’vealwayshad neatstaffandbecauseofthat,I’ve alsohadgreatclients.Hannahand Saraharesuchnicepeopleandwill bringtheclinicuptothenextlevel intermsoftechnology.”
Drummondlaunchedhiscareer asaruralvetinNorthlandin1980.
“WeusedRTswithhugeaerials andcrankphones,withoperators connectingthecallsandlistening in,”recalledDrummond.“Itwas soremote,andIreallyenjoyed
it.Ithinkpeoplearejustas interestingastheirpetsandthe sayingthattheylookalikeis sometimestrue.Irememberthe firstcaseIeversawasayoung vetinKaikohewasablack poodlebroughtinbyawoman withblackcurlyhairexactlylike herdog.”
Truefamilypractice
Drummondspentayear overseas,gotmarriedandthe coupleshiftedtoWelcomeBay inthemid-1980s,wherethey boughta“truefamilypractice”. He’swatchedclientsbuykittens orpuppiesfortheirchildren, thosekidsleavehometoattend universityandreturnyearslater tobegintheirownfamiliesand gettheirownfurbabies.
“Weseethemrightfrom puppiesandkittenstotheend, whichisalwayssad,butIthink it’sbettertohavelovedandlost thannevertohavelovedatall.”
Drummondsaidtimes havechanged–heusedto seemanybrokenbonesbut nowweightproblemsmake cruciateligamentdamagethe mostcommonailmentamong domesticanimals.“Iusedto seethatinjuryinfarmdogs... butwithhousepetsit’susually happenedovertimealongwith degenerativearthritis.
“Someownersthinktheyjust needtoincreaseexercisebut actuallytheyneedtogetthe
weightdownfirst.Ithinkthe mainthingownerscoulddo betteristowatchtheirpet’s nutrition.”
Drummond’sadviceisto choosefoodthat’slowerinfat, avoidfeedingpetsofftheirown plateandstopeveryonegiving themtreats.
“Arthritisislikehavingglass inthejoints,it’sreallypainful, soyouhavetotakeitseriously,” saidDrummond.“Measure outaday’sration,soanypet treatscomeoutofthedaily allowance.”Thentherearethe
dogsthateatunmentionables fromthebedroom–like underwear.Corncobsandpeach stonesarealsooftenfishedout ofstomachs.
“There’stoomuchtofitinat vetschool.It’sthekindofjob thatyou’realwayslearning,”said Drummond.“Petsaregreatat emotionalblackmail.Theywin yourheartwiththeirbigbrown eyesandtheirpersonalities.You canseewhywelovethemso much.”
DebbieGriffiths
LUXURYLAKESIDERETIREMENT
PacificLakesVillageissetamongsttranquilparklikegroundsandprivatelakes.Spaciousmodernvillasandterracehouses havebeendesignedtocreateavibrantcommunity,providinganidealsettingforyouractiveandindependentlifestyle.
Thevillage’smaincommunityfacility,ThePavilion,iscurrentlyunderconstruction.Positionedonthelakesedge,this impressivebuildingwillhouseaneatery,loungebar,library,artstudio,beautysalon,wellnesssuiteandextensiverecreational facilities.Experienceourcommunityfirst-hand-showhomeavailablebyappointment.
Retiring vet Dr John Drummond checks over his own cat, ‘Freddo’ Photo: Debbie Griffiths
Betherefor thosewho arelonely
Christmastimecanbeaparticularlydifficult forsome,especiallythosefeelingisolated.
MentalHealthFoundationchiefexecutiveShaun Robinsonsaidsomemayfeelisolatedbecausethey don’thavefamilyandfriendsaroundatthistime ofyearwhenothersarecomingtogether.
“Someparentswhoco-parentmayfeellonelyas theirchildrenspendtimewiththeotherparent,” saidRobinson.
“Wecanallcombatlonelinessbythinkingabout whoisisolatedinourwhānauandcommunity andmakinganefforttoincludethem.
“Justasmallamountofcontactorakind gesturecanmakeahugedifference.”
Robinsonsaidit’simportanttonoticeifa personisnotthemselves,notbehavingintheir usualpatternsandways.“Somepeoplearemore outgoing,somewithdraw,somesleepmore,some sleepmuchless.”
Hesaiditisusuallybesttotrustyourinstincts andsimplysay:“Youdon’tseemtobeyourself.Is everythingokay?”.“Findatimetoaskthiswhen youhavetimetolistenandthereisprivacy.”
Robinsonadvisedtobepreparedfortheperson tobrushyouoff;thenyoucansimplysay:“Wellif youdowanttotalk,I’mhere”.
“Don’ttrytofixtheperson’sproblems,listen compassionatelyandsimplyletthemknowthat youhearthatit’spainfulandhard.”
Youshouldspendsometimewiththemtouplift them,saidRobinson.Gotothebeach,playagame orsportorlistentomusic.
“Iftheyarereallystrugglingsupportthemto reachoutforprofessionalhelplike1737thefree counsellinghotlineormakinganappointment withtheirGP.”
Forthosefeelinglonelyorisolated,Robinson saidtoalwaysstayintouchwiththoseinyourlife.
“Plantobewithotherfriendswhomightnothave family.Lookforactivitiesbycommunitygroups suchaschurchesorcharities.Keepuparoutineof doingthingsthataregoodforyourmentalhealth andwellbeing.
“Stayactive,eathealthyfoods,haveregularsleep, taketimetorelaxanddoactivitiesyouenjoy.
“Keepyourmindactivebyreadingorlisteningto apodcastordoingahobby.”
AylaYeoman
Wearecommittedtoprovidingcompassionatecare toourcommunityduringlife’smostmeaningfuland challengingmoments.
As2024comestoaclose,wethankyouforyour trustandsupportoverthepastyear.Fromallofusat Legacy,wewishyouandyourlovedonesasafeand peacefulholidayseason.
PyesPā,Ōtūmoetai&Pāpāmoa. 075434780. legacyfunerals.co.nz
RonaWilcoxandVickiEavesholdChristmashampersattheneighbourhoodpre-Christmasgathering.
Photo:DebbieGriffiths
BasketsofgoodwillinBethlehem
TheChristmasspiritisstronginone particularstreetinBethlehem.
NeighboursonGlenparkCreshaveralliedto puttogetherhampersofholidaygoodiesfortheir rubbishcollectorsandmaildeliverydriversand havesomuchleftoverthatthey’llbedonating theresttoTaurangaFoodbank.
“Backintheday,Irememberweusedtoleave abottleofbeerforthemilkman,soit’sjust bringingbackthattraditionandbeingmore community-minded.Wealllovetodoit,”said organiserVickiEaves.
Thehampersarefullofscorchedalmonds, assortedchocolateboxes,potatochips,alongwith
fizzydrinks,coffee,teaandhotchocolate.
“Wediditforthefirsttimelastyear,”said residentChrisBaty.“Thecommunityspiritisa goodthingtofoster.”
“AfterImadeupthehampersforourhardworkingmaildeliverymanandrubbish collectors,westillhadatruckloadoffood,so we’reabletodonate.
“Lastyear,wegavetheexcesstowomen’s refugeandthisyearit’sfoodbank,”saidEaves. “Everyonetendstogettuckedawayintheir houses,butonourstreetweallknoweachother’s namesandcanwaveouttosay‘hi’.Everyone lovestobeconnected–especiallyatChristmas.”
DebbieGriffiths
Withalistofplaygroundupgrades duearoundthecity,Taurangaresidents arebeingaskedtohavetheirsayon whatplayequipmentthey’dloveto seeandwhatwillmaketheirnearby reservesplacestheywanttovisitagain andagain.
Accordingtocouncil,Beaumaris B Boullevard d ReserveinBBethhlehhemand d Liston Park in Gate Pā are set to be refreshed, and Kiriwehi Reserve in Pyes Pā and Emerald Shores Reserve
inPāpāmoawillsoonfeaturenew playgrounds.“Ourgoalistocreate andbuildacomprehensivenetworkof playgroundsacrossTauranga,ensuring everyneighbourhoodhasaccesstofun andengagingplayspaces.”
Consultationisnowopenat: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/projects/ tauranga-llocall-neighhbourhhooddplayground-and-reserves-upgrades Community consultation closes 5pm January 8, 2025
PresentingourFINALreleaseof premiumharbourviewsections
Viewingbyappointment MangawhaiPlace,Omokoroa(ontheTaurangaHarbour) ResidentialSubdivision
www.lynleypark.co.nz info@lynleypark.co.nzP:027-477-1810
Temporaryalcohol-free areasareinplaceover summersoeveryonecan haveasafeandenjoyable holidayseason.
SomeareasofTauranga,suchas MtMaunganuitoPāpāmoacoast, willbe alcohol-free between 26Dec2024to6Jan2025.
Toviewmapsofthealcohol-free areasvisit: tauranga.govt.nz/temp-alcohol-free orscantheQRcode.
SantaandMrsClausaretakingawellearnedbreakattheirfavouriteholiday getaway,MountMaunganui,beforeStNick embarksonhisbusyChristmasEvejourney ofdeliveringpresentsworldwide.
Withhistwinklingeyes,rosycheeksand signaturesnowywhitebeard,Santahasbeen soakinguptheholidaycheerwithMrsClausby hisside.
Thecouplehasbeenspendingqualitytime togetheraboardtheMount’sPepiToottrain,a popularlocalattraction,andTheWeekendSun caughtthembeforetheytookaride.
TraindriverLesleySmithhasgoneallout, deckingthePepiTootBeachExpresswith Christmasfestivetrimmings,andislooking forwardtocarolsingers,cruiseshippassengers, localsandvisitorsenjoyingtheseason’sChristmas spiritandholidayatmospherewhileaboardthe traintravellingaroundMountMaunganui.
“I’dliketoinvitechildrenandfamiliestojoin SantaandMrsClausforridesonPepiTootfrom 10am-12noononSaturday,December21,” Smithsaid.MeetinginSalisburyAve,thisspecial eventallowskidstoexperiencethejoyofafree ChristmastrainridewithSantaandMrsClaus,
ŌropiGrovewillbefullyclosed fromJanuary7duetoscheduled worktoharvestpinetreesinthe mountainbikepark,andthen undertaketrackrenewals.
AccordingtoTaurangaCity Council,harvestworkbeganin SeptemberanduntilJanuary6 mountainbikerswillbeableto usetracksontheeasternsideof WaiorohiStream.“Theareawillbe fencedoffatthebridgeandaccess willbethroughtheŌropiRd carparkonly.”
whileparentsenjoytherideforjust$5.It’sa perfectopportunitytogetintothefestivespirit andmakelastingmemorieswiththewholefamily.
“Andthenfrom3pm-5pmonSaturday, December21,Christmascarolsingersfrom theMountRSAwillbeonboardsingingcarols aroundtheMount.”
ThePepiToottraindepartsfromoutside SpongedropCaféonSalisburyAve,offeringa delightfulexcursionthattakespassengersona sceniclooparoundthearea.
TherouteincludesstunningviewsofPilotBay, MarineParade,andaspecialpassbyoneofNew Zealand’soldestandmosttreasuredpōhutukawa treesdatingbackmorethan450years.
Passengerscanalsoenjoyseeing–iftheycatch aglimpse–theelusiveyellowpōhutukawatrees infullbloom,andauniqueperspectiveofMount Mainstreet.Thetrainalsoprovidesafascinating viewofthewiderangeofhomesinthearea,from charming1950sbachestomodernthree-story mansions.
Formorethanadecade,PepiToothasbeen providinglocalsandvisitorswiththepopularscenic ridearoundMountMaunganui.StartinginJanuary, PepiTootwilloperatedaily.Allaboard!Toot!Toot!
ButcomeJanuary7throughto late-2025,theentireparkwillbe closedtoharvesttheŌropiRdside andreinstatethetracksthroughout thepark.
“Followingthetreeharvest, workwillbegintorenewthe existingmountainbiketracks–intermediate,advancedandexpert routes–andreplantthearea.”
Councilalsosaiditiscollaborating withMountainbikeTauranga
ontheproject,withclubhaving aspirationstobuildnewbeginner tracksinfuture.
Alternatemountainbiketracks inthedistrictareSummerhill RecreationalTrailsat319Reid Rd,PāpāmoaHills;TECTPark atStateHighway36,between TaurangaandRotorua;andat WaitekohekoheRecreationalPark, 360ThompsonsTrack,Katikati. Moreinformationisat:tauranga. govt.nz/oropi-grove.
16th-24th December
RosalieLiddleCrawford
MrsClausandSantaenjoyingarideonthePepiTootBeachExpress. Photo:RosalieLiddleCrawford
Happy Christmas New Zealand
From all of us at Resonate Health Bayfair, we wish you and your family and friends happy holidays.
This year Resonate has helped 1000s of people hear their world better, from the far north to the deep south.
And our network of 25 hearing studios will stay open over the Christmas break, so if you have any problems with your ears, or want to trial some hearing aids, we will be there to help you hear the best sounds of summer.
From all of us, safe travels and happy hearing for the year ahead.
Bayfair Shopping Centre
Mount Maunganui
0800 737 662
resonatehealth.co.nz
Philatelistsstamptheirsuccess
Thehardworkhaspaidoffforabunchof Taurangaphilatelists.
ForthethirdtimesincetheprestigiousAmbury Shieldwascreatedin1949,ateamrepresenting TaurangaDistrictStampClubhaswontheinterclubcompetition.Eightresidentsspentmonths researching,writingandpresentingtheir11entries totakethetopspot–andplacedjustthreepoints aheadoftheirnearestcompetitor,Waikato.
TheshieldwaspresentedtothenorthernNorth Islandteamatthelargeststampcompetition andexhibitionintheregiononNovember2in Hamilton.PyesParesidentJillNutsfordalsotook hometheNoviceTrophyforherfirsteverentry.
“JJudges looked at the layout of the submissions, the knowledge that you show, and the condition of the stamps, ” said Tauranga District Stamp Club president Ross Haycock
“We decided to blitz it this year We held three workshops to give our entrants feedback, to shape and
mouldtheentriesuntilwehadsomething worthwhilethere.”
Submissionswereanytopicortheme,like stampsrelatedtoRotaryCluborfeaturingJersey dairycows,forexample.OneofHaycock’s entriesfocussedonvintagepostcardsofFrench cathedralswhileanotherpresentedhisresearch ontheMachin£1stampfromGreatBritain.“It’s theattentiontodetail,thehistoryandthestories behindstampsthatinterestme.”
Theclubwantsmorekidstojointheirgroup. “Thereareabout25youngsterswhocollectstamps withthemeslikehorsesorflowers–whatever intereststhem,”saidHaycock.“Onefour-yearoldwhocollectscarstampswasgiftedatoycar as a prize atthhellastmeeting.WWe want to encourage the younger set of collectors to bridge that gap between them and current members whose average age is 65-70 ” Enquire on 07 578 0930 or email: jillnutsford@gmail com
Debbie Griffiths
TaurangaDistrictStampClubpresidentRossHaycockreadsoveroneofhisentriesthatscoredhighlyto helpwinthe75-year-oldAmburyShieldthat’sbesidehim.
Photo:DebbieGriffiths
*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.
TheVatican,thewarandthelost
TaurangawomanRobynMolloy isonaheartfeltmissiontotrace thefamilyofanEnglishwoman who,duringWorldWarII, sentalettertohermotherafter hearingamessagefromVatican Radioconfirmingthesurvivalof Robyn’sfather,JimCraig,who hadbeenmissingand presumeddead.
ThestorybeginswithCraig,aNew ZealandArmyofficersecondedto BritishMilitaryIntelligenceduring
WWII,andhisworkinGreece, whereheplayedapivotalrolein helpingescapeesfromtheGerman occupation.
Inlate-1941,Craigwasdropped offonthesmallGreekislandof AntiparosbytheBritishsubmarine HMSTriumph.Underthecommand ofLieutenantJohnS.Huddart, TriumphwaspartofOperation Isinglass,acovertmissionto evacuateBritishandCommonwealth prisonersofwarandresistance fighters.
Aftercompleting20warpatrols, HMSTriumphwassettoreturnto
Englandforarefitandsomewell-deservedrestand relaxationforitscrew,who’dalreadydonetheir ChristmasshoppinginAlexandria.However,at thelastmoment,theyweredivertedforthespecial missionbyCraigandothers.
Thesubmarine,failingtoreturnonJanuary9, 1942,wasdeclaredmissing,presumedlost.Ithad vanishedwithoutatrace,alongwithitsentirecrew of64,leavingbehindaveilofmysterythathas lasted81years.
“Myfather,whohadbeenwaitingforitsreturn, wascaptured,”Molloysaid.
Foryears,thefateofHMSTriumphremained unclear.Craig’sfamilyreceivedatelegram reportinghimmissinginaction,butthestoryof hissurvivaltookadramaticturnwhenVatican Radiobroadcastamessagethatbroughthopeto hiswife,HazelCraig.
Molloy’squesttouncoverthefullstorybegan about10yearsagowhenshewascontacted byaUniversityofEdinburghprofessorwhose unclehadbeenaboardtheTriumph.Heasked Molloyforinformationabouttheexacttimethe submarinewasduetoreturnandpickupthecrew andpassengersithaddroppedoff,includingher father.Robynprovidedthenecessarydetailsfrom amongherfather’spapers.
Eightdecades
TheTriumphlaylostforeightdecades,butthe familiesofhercrewbegantofindoneanother in2010,eventuallyconnectingmorethan200 relatives.
LastyearthewreckageoftheTriumphwas
discoveredbyveteranGreekunderwaterexplorer KostasThoctarides,lying200mbelowthesurface oftheAegeanSeaandafewmilesfromCape SounioninGreece.
ThelikelyexplanationfortheTriumph’ssinking isoneofits21-inchtorpedoesexplodedwhile stillinthetorpedostowagecompartmentin thebowofthesubmarine,causingittoplunge immediatelytotheseafloor.
“ItwasfoundinJune2023withall64 handsstillonboardatthebottomofthe Mediterranean.Ithadgonedownwiththe hatchesopenandwasflooded,”Molloysaid. “Whenitwasfound,alltheChristmaspresents werestillinthesubmarine.”
TheScottishprofessor,who’dcontactedher10 yearsago,notifiedMolloyofthediscovery. “Theyhadacommemorationcruiseandlaid wreathsoverthesubmarine,”shesaid.
Molloy’shusband,Terry,travelledtoGreeceto attendtheceremonyonherbehalfbecauseshe wasunabletoattendduetohealthreasons.While hewasaway,shewentthroughasuitcasefullof herfather’swartimepapers.
Aletter
Amongthem,sheuncoveredaletterfromMrs H.M.(May)Shorey,anEnglishwoman,revealinga remarkableconnectiontoherfather’sstory.
“Thiswoman[MayShorey]hadhearda broadcastonVaticanRadiowhichcontaineda messageforHazelCraig:‘Jimisaliveandwell, donotworry’.Mymumhadreceivedatelegram sayinghewasmissing,presumeddead,”Molloy
Robyn Molloy at home in Tauranga
Photo: David Hall
submarine...
said.“MaywrotetomymotheronJuly22,1942, sayingherhusbandandtwosonswereaway fightinginthewar,thatshewasthinkingofMum inNewZealand,andthatshe’dheardthemessage onVaticanRadio.Shesentmyfatheraparcelof chocolatesandtobacco.HewasinPadula,the sameItalianprisoner-of-warcampasoneof hersons.”
MolloyisnowtryingtofindShorey’sfamily. Despiteeffortstolocatethemusingonline resources,herformeraddressat68EllisonRd, Sidcup,Kent,inEnglandhasbeenrebuiltpostwarandfurthersearcheshaveyieldedno conclusiveleads.
Honour
Inhersearch,Molloyalsoreflectedonthelarger storyofherfather’ssurvival.“Hewasalsoworking inItalyandhewascapturedandimprisoned,but heescapedseveraltimes.Hejumpedoffatrain
Above:Wh W enitffoundered, , theHMS Triumphsubmarinewasonatop-secret missiontorecover18Britishcommandos fromaremoteGreek island.PicturedisHMS Triumph’slaunch in1939. Photoprovidedbythe RoyalNavySubmarineMuseum
twiceandhewasawardedaMilitaryCrossand bar,”shesaid.
JimCraig,whosurvivedthewar,wasdecorated twicewiththeMilitaryCrossforhiscourageous workbehindenemylinesinGreeceandItaly. Despitetheharrowingnatureofhisexperiences, Jimneverspokemuchaboutthewar,atraitRobyn attributestohisstoicScottishheritage.
AsMolloycontinueshersearchforShorey’s family,sheisinspiredbythekindnessand resilienceofthosewholivedthroughthewar.
“ForsomeonetotakethetroubleinEngland duringtheSecondWorldWartoreachoutand offersupporttomymotherinNewZealand… Iwanttofindherfamily,notjusttohonourmy father’smemory,butalsotohonourthiswoman whohelpedusinsuchameaningfulway,”Molloy said.IfyoucanhelpMolloyfindtheShorey family,email:terryandrobyn.molloy@gmail.com
RosalieLiddleCrawford
Telegramsamongst JimCraig’spapers.
The last picture of the crew of HMS Triumph in Egypt before their final mission Photo: Edward Wilkinson/BNPS
Photo:DavidHall
StudentsHydieMarshall,TheoMartinandKekoaAshmanenjoytheirnewly-upgradedpool.
Schoolpoolreceivesaface-lift
Newtechnologyequipment andtheopeningofafreshly refurbishedpoolhave broughtKaimaiSchool up-to-datejustin timeforsummer.
The15m-longpool,whichhad beenflakingpaintforyears,has receiveda$40,000upgrade–halffundedbyTECTwiththe remaindercoveredviafundraising bytheschool’sBoardofTrustees.
PrincipalKaneFrasersaid theofficialopeningwas onDecember6,withthe communityinvitedtoswimand enjoyanightmarket.
“Thepoolislookingpretty
sharp,”saidFraser.“All63of ourkidsswimeverydayand it’sopenforlunchtimeswims. Localsalsohavetheopportunity tohireakey,sotheycanswim throughthesummer.”
Fraserdescribedthepoolasa communityassetthatfamilies arewelcometouse.“Wealready haveagreatskateparkand playgroundavailable.”
Meanwhile,studentshavealso benefitedfrom30iPads,30 ChromeBooksandtwocharging baysthathavebeenintegrated intoclassroomlearning thankstoa$30,000WeCare CommunityTrustgrant.
“Wewanttomakesurethe kidsaren’tjustmindlessly
pokingaroundonthem; there’sapurposeforusingthe technology.Weareproducers, notconsumers,”saidFraser.
“Thestudentsareusingthem totakephotos,makeslidesand evendiscoveringstop-motion thattiesintothelearningthey’re doinginclass.We’regearing themupforallthejobsthat didn’tevenexistwhenwewere theirage.”
Thenextitemontheschool’s wishlist?“We’reinvestigatingan upgradeofthesurfacearound theplayground,possiblywith softturformulch,”saidFraser. “Welovethatthecommunity wantstousetheschoolmoreas asafefamilyhangout.”
ChangestokerbsidecollectionsthisChristmas
Ifyourkerbsidebinsareusuallycollected onaWednesday,ThursdayoraFriday,your collectiondaywillbeonedaylaterthan usualfortwoweeksduringtheChristmasNewYear’sholidays,accordingto TaurangaCityCouncil.
Usualscheduledkerbsidecollectionsfrom Wednesday,December25(ChristmasDay)to Friday,January3,willhappenadaylater“togive ourkerbsidecollectionsteamawell-deservedbreak onChristmasandNewYear’sDays”.
“Tothosehouseholdsimpactedbythischange, pleaseplaceallbinsatthekerbsidebefore7amthe dayfollowingyourregularcollectiondayduring thistime.Forexample,ifyourusualdayisFriday, pleaseplacebinsbefore7amSaturday.”
Forthosewithextraglass,recyclingorrubbish thatwon’tfitintobinsoncollectionday,youcan eithersaveitforfuturecollectionsortakeittoTe MaungaTransferStation–asbinswithlidsthat
won’tclose,oroverfilledglassrecyclingbins,can’t becollected.
AccordingtoTCC,extrarecyclingorglasscanbe droppedatthetransferstationfreeofcharge,and uptofour60Lbagsofrubbishfor$5.50eachbag –atamaximumweightof10kgperbag–canalso bedroppedoff.“Anythingoverthefourbagswill reverttostandardchargesbasedonweight.”
TeMaungaTransferStationwilloperateregular hoursduringsummerexceptforpublicholidays.
IntheWesternBayofPlentydistrict,thesame ruleofthumbapplies–ifyournormalcollection dayisaWednesday,ThursdayorFriday,your binswillbecollectedadaylaterthanusual. Thisincludesextracollections,accordingto WesternBayofPlentyDistrictCouncil,which said:“Pleasecontinuetoputyourbinsoutfor collectionby7am”.
ForWaihīBeach,BowentownandAthenree townships,normalcollectiondayswillstaythe same,plusthesewillgetsomeextraservices.Find outmoreat:https://www.westernbay.govt.nz.
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Meet Pene – this female dog came to RRR along with her litter of two-day-old pups. Living in the dirt and discarded,
She is a friendly, loving, Staffy-cross, medium-sized She would suit a home with people who are patient and can continue her basic training. She is good with children and male dogs If you can offer this swe new start, please get in contact through our website or see the
MeetPene–thisfemaledogcametoRRRalongwithher litteroftwo-day-oldpups.Livinginthedirtanddiscarded, theownergaveRRRonly48hourstoremove them.RRRjumpedintoactiontoprovideasafe environmentforPenetonurtureherpupsand allowherbeautifulpersonalitytoshinethrough. Sheisafriendly,loving,Staffy-cross,medium-sized girl,justoverayearold. Shewouldsuitahomewithpeoplewhoarepatient andcancontinueherbasictraining.Sheisgoodwith childrenandmaledogs.Ifyoucanofferthissweetgirla newstart,pleasegetincontactthroughourwebsiteorseethe Facebookpage‘RRR-Canine’.
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asthemarketchanges.
Photo:DavidHall
DesertRdclosingfortwomonths
Thoseplanningatriponthe DesertRdduringJanuaryshould knowtheroadissetclosefor abouttwomonthsfromJanuary 6,2025.
StateHighway1between TūrangiandWaiouru–the DesertRd–willbeshutfor repairs,accordingtoaNZ TransportAgencyWakaKotahi spokesperson. Thespokespersonsaidtheroad wasoneofthemostchallenging
sectionsofa“hugemaintenance programme”alongSH1from TīrautoWaiouru.Theroad willbeclosedfromJanuary6to February28.
TheNZTAspokespersonsaid moreinformationwouldbe availablewhendetourswere finalised.
Fromnorthtosouth,motorists wouldlikelybedetouredon SH41,SH47,SH4,SH49and backtoSH1,theysaid.
Season’s Gree ings from council
Afterawhirlwindfive monthsinoffice,it’snow myprivilegetowishall TheWeekendSun’sreaders averymerryChristmasandasafeand happyNewYear.
Thisisthetimeofyearforrelaxingandcatching upwithfamilyandfriends,andrejoicinginour wonderfulsummerweather–fingerscrossed!–and beautifulseasideenvironment,soItrustyouwill enjoythoseblessingstothefull.
Iknow2024hasbeenatoughyearformany,and ifthatappliestoyou,Ihopeyouhavebeenable toworkthroughyourchallenges.Accordingtothe experts,2025shouldbeayearofmodesteconomic recovery,andifthatisthecase,wecantakesome comfortfromhavinggotthroughtheworsteffects ofCovidandtherecessioninducedtodealwith inflationandlookforwardtobrightertimesahead.
Asalatter-daypolitician, I’moftenaskedhowI’m findingmyroleandwhatmy impressionsareofleadership inlocalgovernment.IthinkI canspeakformyelectedmembercolleagueswhenI sayourjobsareincrediblybusy,butweareworking wellasateamandenjoyingthechallenge.
SincewewereelectedinJuly,your“teamof10” hasmadesomeimportantdecisionsandsetabout ensuringthereistransparencyandaccountabilityin councilgovernance,aswellascreatingopportunities forengagingwithourcommunity.That’sawork inprogress,butwe’recommittedtomakinggood decisionsonthecommunity’sbehalf,delivering financialprudenceandvalueformoneyin everythingthecouncildoes,andmakingTauranga thebestcityinNewZealand.
Ouraimistomakesubstantialprogressin achievingthosegoalsovertheremainderofour four-yearterm.Ngamihinui.
Big,friendly,giantMurphy
MeetMurphy,agorgeousfive-month-oldmalepuplookingforhis foreverhome.
Murphyisthepuredefinitionofagentlegiant,he’salargepup withbigpawshe’llgrowinto–andhe’sgoofyandsweetand likescompany.
Heisamasterat‘Sit’andwillsitsostraightlikeasoldier whenthereisthemerepossibilityofatreat!
Superfood-driven,Murphywillthrivewithtreat-ledpuppy trainingashe’shadatoughstart,andisstillslowlylearning thattoysareaheapoffunandit’sokaytoplay!
Hisfavouritetoyisatennisball,andhelikestochaseand pounceonittocatchit.
Murphyislookingforafamilywithpreviousdogexperience tohelphimgainhisconfidenceandgrowintotheamazingdogwe knowheis.Murphylovesagoodpatandlikestoleanyouonyouget somecuddlesandlove.Murphyisalargebreedsoneedsahomewithafullyfencedgardenandacouchbigenoughforasmallponytosnuggleupwithyou!
Murphywillmakeawonderfulfamilydog.Comeandmeetthisbig,friendly, gianttoday!PhonetheSPCAon:075780245.Ref:620656.
Tauranga’s new council elected in July: Marten Rozeboom, Kevin Schuler, Glen Crowther, Steve Morris, Mahé Drysdale, Jen Scoular, Rick Curach, Hautapu Baker, Rod Taylor Absent: Mikaere Sydney Photo: David Hall
Aged d carewithhomecomfort
Therespectandcareshown tohisowngrandparents whilegrowingupinDelhi, India,inspirednurseIndeevar Duhantolaunchacompany providinghome-based healthcareinTauranga.
“Nursingandcaringforelderly comenaturallytomebecause that’swhatmyparentsdidfor theirparents,”hesaid.
DuhanmovedtoNewZealand attheageof18,andaftera decadeofnursingwhichincluded managinganagedcarefacility,he madethebolddecisiontostarthis ownservice.
“Inmyexperience,healthcare inNewZealandhasimmense potentialtoimprovetheservicesto ouragingpopulation,”saidDuhan.
“Justascaringforourolder populationisnaturaltome,passion aboutcommunitywellbeingis naturaltoKiwis.AtSignature Health,weliketofosterthat passionanddeliverequitableand compassionatecareforourclients.”
SignatureHealthprovideshome careservicesrangingfromgeneral householdcleaning,laundry, shopping,vacuuming,ironing,to personalcareandhygiene.
“Elderlydomuchbetterin
IndeevarDuhanhasstartedhisownhome-basedservice afteradecadeofnursing.
theirownspace,”saidDuhan. “We’veadoptedamodelofcare thathasfourpillarstosupport theirspiritual,mental,physical healthandwhanau.Ourteam membersarehand-picked bymefortheircompassion, experienceandreliability.”
SignatureHealthisguided bytheprinciplesofTeTiriti
(TheTreatyofWaitangi) toensureeveryindividual receivesdignified,culturally appropriatecare.Respitecare andacompanionshipservice arealsooffered.
“Ourgoalistoprovide excellenthealthcaretoour clientsinthecomfortoftheir ownhomes.”
DebbieGriffiths
Photo:DebbieGriffiths
Mysongtofarewell2024
Columnists’holidaysarehere! Thisisthelastonebefore Christmas,andindeedforthe year;I’llbebackonJanuary10. SoIrealiseattentionspansare short.I’vegotacoupleofnew releases,afewgigs,andadrink foryou:nothinghardtodigest pre-Christmas.
Firstup,andalwaysnewsto celebrate,Wellington’sPhoenix Foundationhasanewsong. Twoinfactbutwhatcaughtmy attentionis‘WhistlingInThe Darkness’,indisputablyaclassicin-the-makingtorankalongside ‘Buffalo’.
came out in November and they will be supported by Mirage. Auckland’s Park Rd and Foley are following a similar route, hitting Waihī on January 3 before arriving at Totara St in the Mount on January 5.
cancatchthemattheWaihīBeach PubonDecember28.Theyarea fantasticbandandputonagreatlive show.Newsingle‘JustDon’tKnow’ cameoutinNovemberandthey willbesupportedbyMirage. Auckland’sParkRdandFoley arefollowingasimilarroute, hittingWaihīonJanuary3 beforearrivingatTotaraStin theMountonJanuary5.
‘The Novel’
months back for the launch of their debut album ‘The Novel’, which they have since taken to Australia on tour supporting The Rions PhoenixFoundation. Photo: supplied
PhoenixFoundationimpress mebyignoringthepopulartrendforKiwi bandstoproducereggae-inflectedeasy-listening musicwithblandlyricsaboutfeelinggood.As hasbeenmentioned,thisisusually accompaniedbyavideoof someonestrumminganacoustic guitaronabeach.Bonfire optional.PhoenixFoundation’s lyricsarequirkyandtheir musicuniqueandindividual. ‘WhistlingInTheDarkness’is mysongtofarewell2024.
has been mentioned, this is usually someone strumming an acoustic
‘BigWheel’
Alsoofnote,BillyTwo,the duothatemergedfromthe recentlydisbandedTheKnids, continueapace.Theirsix-track EP,‘BigWheel’isnowon offerforthosethatliketheirChristmastreeshung withsafetypins.It’sashotof1976NewYorkclub CBGB’spunkenergy,short,sharpandsolid. Incidentally,I’mguessingthename‘BillyTwo’ comesfromtheverygroovy‘Clean’song,later covered,alsoverygroovily,byBressaCreetingCake. Andthosegigs?Thereareabunchofcoolbands comingtoTotaraStbeforeIwriteanothercolumn soletmepicksomeforyou.
Dunedin’sSummerThieveshittheMounton January2–butifyou’realittlefurthernorthyou
January 10 is young Cambridge band Pineja, who promise “facemelting skanking grooves”. They will be joined by funky Mount Maunganui indie-rock five-piece The Darlings.
idea for Christmas: take a bottle of dry Vermouth, Noilly Prat or the like, and pour it into something big enough to add six sliced cored, unpeeled, apples. I like Braeburn. After five days, strain out the apples and return the Vermouth to
‘TheNovel’ ParkRdwashereafew monthsbackforthelaunch oftheirdebutalbum‘The Novel’,whichtheyhave sincetakentoAustraliaon toursupportingTheRions. Meanwhile,Foleyreleasedadebutalbum,‘Crowd Pleaser’,in2023andastringofsinglesthisyear whichsawtheduobecomeAotearoaMusic AwardnomineesforBestPopArtist.Thenew album,‘That’sLifeBaby’isdue February.ThenatTotaraSton January10isyoungCambridge bandPineja,whopromise“facemeltingskankinggrooves”.They willbejoinedbyfunkyMount Maunganuiindie-rockfive-piece TheDarlings. Andthatdrink?Well,here’san ideaforChristmas:takeabottleof dryVermouth,NoillyPratorthe like,andpouritintosomething bigenoughtoaddsixslicedcored, unpeeled,apples.IlikeBraeburn. Afterfivedays,strainoutthe applesandreturntheVermouthto itsbottle.Serveoverice,it’scalledanEve. Okay.LetmeendbywishingaMerryChristmas toyouall–haveagoodone!
Ifyou’vegotnothingonthisSaturdaynight, December21,headtoTauranga’swaterfront forafreefestivemovie.
Thefunfestivemovienightisbeinghosted byNightOwlCinemasandTaurangaCity Council.Thenightbegins7.30pmwhere peoplecancomealong,enjoyapicnic, andwatchafestivemovie.Apollisbeing runforthecommunity tovoteonwhether theywouldliketosee‘Elf’or‘ThePolar Express’.Whateverwins,it’sanightoffree entertainment,andiswheelchairaccessible. Details:https://ww w w.whatsontauranga.co.nz Freewaterfrontfestivefilm
TaurangaCityCouncil’smainlibraryon21 DevonportRdishostingsomeChristmaschaosthis Monday,December23,andTuesday,December24, tokickofftheschoolholidays.
Thelibrary’sartscupboardwillberaided–with materialoutforallyoungsterstocreatesomefestive decorations.WillyoumakeacardforSanta,atree ortabledecoration,orperhapssomethingspecialto hangonyourdoor?
Allagesarewelcome–caregiversmustremain withtheirchildren.Thetwodrop-insessionsrun from9.30am-11.30am.
Foley Photo: supplied
EVENTSANDHOLIDAYENTERTAINMENT
Fivefreefamilyeventsto welcometheNewYear
ThisNewYear’sEve, Taurangaistheplacetobe forfunandfamily-friendly celebrations.
TaurangaCityCouncilis hostingfivevibrantcommunity events–attheTauranga Waterfront,Greerton,Pāpāmoa, MountMaunganui,andMatua towelcome2025.
Startingat6pmonTuesday, December31,eacheventpromises aneveningfilledwithlivemusic, culturalperformances,roving entertainment,foodtrucks,kids’ activities,andalocalMCtohost.
Also,aspeciallow-sensoryevent willtakeplaceatFergussonPark, Matuafrom5pm-6pm.
“Thisinclusivehourwillfeature acousticmusic,reducednoise, smallercrowds,andaccesstoa quietindoorspaceforthosewho mayneedabreak,”saidTauranga CityCouncilvenuesandevents managerNelitaByrne.
Byrnehighlightedthe importanceofcommunity connectionduringthe celebrations.“Theseeventsoffer
achanceforlocalsandvisitors tocometogether,shareasense ofbelonging,andwelcomethe NewYearsurroundedbyfriends andwhānau.
“It’stheperfectopportunity topackapicnic,enjoyour city’sstunningopenspaces,and celebrateinarelaxed,familyfriendlyatmosphere.”
Thefestivitieswillfinishwith fireworksat9.30pmandalaser lightshowinGreerton.
Byrnesaidallcommunity eventsarealcohol-freeand smoke-free,andattendeesare
encouragedtobringtheirown reusablewaterbottles,cups,and containerstohelpreducewaste andusethecouncil-provided recyclingbinson-site. Grabyourwhānau,apicnic blanket,andyourdancingshoes –let’scelebratetheNewYear together! FormoreinformationonNew Year’sEveinTaurangavisit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/nye Eventinformationforeachof thefivecommunityeventsisat: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz/ new-years-eve-events
PapamoaSurfLifesavingClub willhostthe2025BOPLocalSurf LifesavingCarnivalontheweekend ofJanuary3-6,2025. Localandvisitingsurflifeguards aged14-pluswillcompeteonFriday, January3from3.30pm-7.30pm, andonSaturday,January4,from 9am-4pm,inavarietyofbeachand ocean-basedactivities.OnSunday, January5,thejuniorsaged10-14
yearsofagewillshowcasetheirwater skillsandconfidencethroughadayof bothsandandsurf-basedevents. SLSNZcarnivalsaimtotestfitness, responseandskillsofmembers, connectcommunitiesandprovide developmentopportunitiesfor memberstogrowandbeengaged withinthesportandcommunity serviceofkeepingbeachessafe.See: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz
Tauranga Farmers
Market
ChristmasDates! Christmas‘Eve’Market 21stDecember7.45am-12noon
Shopforfreshfruitand vegetables,breads,meat,seafood andmore.Thereiseverything youneedtomakeaChristmas dayfeastsuretoimpressallof yourfriendsandfamily!
MerryChristmasfrom TaurangaFarmersMarket
Located-Cnr,CameronRoad&FifthAve www.tgafarmersmarket.org.nz @taurangafarmersmarket
Communitycelebrations
CelebratewithwhānauandfriendsatoneofTauranga CityCouncil’sfivefreecommunitycelebrations!
Thesepicnic-friendlyevents startat6pmand finishwith a9.30pmfireworksdisplay -exceptinGreertonwherea laserlightdisplaywillbeenjoyed. Matuawillhostalowsensory/accessibleeventwith limitednoiseandcrowdsfrom5pmto6pm. Welookforwardtoseeingyouthere!
A past t NewYYeaar’’sEEvecellebbraationiinTTauraangaa. P Photo:SSimonDDawsonPPhotographhy
Across
1.Previousprime minister(5,8)
8.Instruct(5)
9.Depressed(7)
10.Smalltown(NI) (6)
11.Tossed(6)
12.Speedy(5)
14.Provoke(5)
18.Shuns(6)
20.Fruit(6)
23.Mountains(SI)(7)
24.Perfect(5)
25.Fly(5,4,4) Down
1.Spider(6)
2.Angry(5)
3.Charity(7)
4.Advantage(4)
5.Adolescence(5)
No.1916
6.Writers(7) 7.Conclusion(6) 13.Clad(7) 15.Nightfall(7) 16.Frank(6) 17.Hymns(6) 19.Ballad(5) 21.Overweight(5) 22.Unfasten(4)
EVENTSAND HOLIDAYENTERTAINMENT
Food,wineand Katchafire!
OneoftheBayofPlenty’sfavouritesummerevents, theKatikatiAvocadoFood&WineFestival,returnson Saturday,January11,2025,attheUretaraDomain.
Fromnoonto6pm,festivalgoerscanexpectadayfilledwith livemusic,deliciousfood,family-friendlyactivities,andof course,anabundanceofavocados.
Celebratingthebestoftheregion’sfood,music,andlocal culture,thefestivalhasbecomeamust-visiteventsinceits launchin2004,attractingbigcrowds.
Thisyear’sfestivalwillfeatureastellarline-upoflivemusic performances,includingKatchafire,TikiTaane,WhiteChapel Jak,andKokomo.
EventmanagerKylieWatkinssaidthebandsarelegendaryfor theirliveshows“andtheavofestisauniqueopportunitytosee theminthebeautifulsettingofKatikati”.
“It’stheultimatesummerexperience–whetheryouwantto relaxandenjoythemusicorgetupanddance!”
Livemusic
ThefestivalkicksoffwithKokomo,oneofNewZealand’smost respectedbluesandrootsbands.Knownfortheirdynamiclive performancesandcleversongwriting,Kokomohasbeenastaple onthefestivalsceneforyears.
“We’rethrilledtobebackfor2025andcan’twaittoperform again,”saidleadsingerDerekJacombs.
NextupisTikiTaane,atrueiconintheKiwimusicscene,who willperformtracksfromhisdouble-platinumalbum‘PastPresent Future’,includingthefan-favourite‘AlwaysOnMyMind’.
“I’veheardamazingthingsaboutthisfestival,andI’mpumped tobringmyOne-ManBandshowtoKatikati,”saidTaane.
WhiteChapelJak,ahigh-energygrassrootsband,willbringtheir groovymixoffunk,pop,androotsmusicandgetfestival-goers dancing.“Wecan’twaittogetthecrowdgroovingwithourunique Kiwisummersound!”saidleadsingerBonnieHurunui. Thefestival’smainactisglobalreggaesensationKatchafire.The all-Māoribandwilldeliveranunforgettablereggaeshow,blending rootsreggae,R&B,funk,andpopgrooves.“Summervibesplus livemusicpluskai,lockitinonyourcalendarandbringthewhole family!”saidtheband.
Activitiesgalore
Inaddition,festivalgoerscanenjoyavarietyofactivities.Chef BradKingreturnstothefestivaltohostavocado-themedcooking demonstrationsintheSeekaKitchenTent.
FortheyoungsterstheKids’Zonewillofferfunactivities includingfacepainting,giantgamesandcircusworkshops. Andwithmorethan40foodandbeveragevendors,thefestival willserveupanimpressivearrayoftastytreats,fromavocadoinspireddishestorefreshingdrinks.
TheKatikatiAvocadoFood&WineFestivalis12noon-6pm Saturday,January11,2025,atUretaraDomain.Ticketsare availableat:www.katikatiavofest.co.nz
RosalieLiddleCrawford
White Chapel Jak, a high-energy grassroots band, will bring their
Katchafirewillplay at Katikati AvocadoFood& WineFestival
EVENTSANDHOLIDAYENTERTAINMENT
CentenaryshowforKatikati
Katikatiisinforawhopper ofacountryfaironFebruary 2whentheKatikatiA&P Societyhostsits100thshow attheUretaraDomain.
SocietypresidentLouellen Daviesandhercommitteeare organisingaplethoraofactivities foryoungandoldtobringthe much-lovedshowtolifefor 2025whilealsomarkingthe centennial.“Theshowismore than‘justanevent’.Itis,andhas alwaysbeen,acelebrationofour community,”saidDavies,who expectsalargeturnoutfortheday.
AccordingtoWesternBayof PlentyArchives,thefirstshow wasopenedbyGeorgeVesey StewartonMarch13,1913,atthe showgroundsand“wasagreatday ofrejoicingforthewholedistrict”.
Nextyear’sevent–onSunday, February2–hasbecomethe100th showafterafewno-showyears.So for2025,anumberof specialeventsareplannedtomark theanniversary.
Timewarp
DaviessaidtheEquestrian Competitionwillinclude ShowHunterJumpingwitha topprizeof$1200.Therewill beanInternationalWrestling CompetitionthankstoKatikati WrestlingClub,aWood ChoppingDisplay,Home IndustriesandPhotography Competitionswillalsonodto thecentenary–aswillaTime Warpcalled‘AMomentin Time’.“Katikati’sDonWallisis
organisingthetimewarpdisplay ofvehicles,which'travel'through previousyearsoftheshow,”said Davies.
Asectionfocusesontheshow's 1913beginningswithcars andmachineryfromthatera, whichwilltieinwithWestern BayMuseumofferingearly-day activities.
Withtheshowstoppedinthe 1940sduetoWWII,therewillbe adisplayofmilitaryvehiclesand jeepsthankstoNickFlegg.Atime warparound1964willshowhaybalingmachineryandcarsfrom thisera,andtherewillbemodern displaystoo."
Aspecialopening,presentation, andcentennialluncheonforlife andcommittemembers,isalso planned.Forthosewhowantto
enjoytheusualruralfun,Davies saidtherewillbeactivities, entertainment,stallsandfood trucksonofferfrom9am.This includesKatikatiConcertBand, WaihiGoldmineCountryMusic Club,WaihiHighlandPipeBand, theDancingDivas,aHighland DancingCompetitionanda Yesteryear-StyleFashionParade.
Scarecrowcompetition
“ReptilesfromReptileWorld, aPetSheepShow,aPuppet ShowbyKatikatiTheatreGroup, trainrides,arockclimbingwall, donkeyrides,tractorrides,a ScarecrowCompetitionandmuch morewillbeonoffertoo,”said Davies.“SocomealongtoUretara Domainfrom9amSunday,
Ifyourlifejacketsareold,wornout,ill-fittingorjustnotupto scratch,theOld4NewLifejacket UpgradeCampaignisbackand comingtothreeBayofPlenty locationsearlynextmonth. Old4Newisoneof Coastguard’sherowatersafety initiatives,allowingpeople totradeinold,damaged,or ill-fittinglifejacketsfornew, fit-for-purpose,discounted Hutchwilcolifejackets. TheOld4NewLifejacketvan willbeatBowentownBoating &FishingClub,PioRd,Waihi Beach,from9am-3pmonFriday,
January3,2025. Thenitwillbeparkedat SulphurPointBoatRampin Taurangathenextday,Saturday, January4,2025,from9am-4pm. AndonJanuary5,2025,from 9am-3pm,thevanwillbeatthe CoastguardŌpōtikibuildingat 1WharfSt. To findoutmorelocationsthe vanwillstop,visit:old4new. coastguard.nz/van-schedule Formoreinformationabout lookingafteryourlifejackets, www.coastguard.nz/boatingessentials/safety-on-the-water/ safety-articles/lifejackets
OPENINGHOURS: Statutoryholidaysclosed. 24thDecopen9amto12noon. Open27th,30th31stDecember andJanuary3rd10amto1pm
Ci zensAdviceBureau 1/367CameronRoad,Tauranga Mon-Fri9am-4pm Phone:075781592tauranga@cab.org.nz www.cab.org.nz TePouWhakawhirinakioTauranga
Russell Williams helped society committee members Kathryn Johns, Kimi Johnson, Louellen Davies, Sheryl Smith and Christine Wallis advertise the 100th Katikati A&P Show on February 2 P Photto:M
ChurchesActiveInOurCommunity
There’s a Christmas carol
I love to sing It’s by Mary Hulburt called ‘A Star Filled the Sky’
It goes: “A star filled the sky with light on the first Christmas morning It lit up the stable room,where the baby was born”
A star is my favourite symbol of all the symbols that appear at
Church
ChristmasServices
ChristmasEve
7.00pm: ChristmasCakeandCarols
8.00pm: ChristmasCarolsandEucharist
ChristmasDay
9.30am: ChristmasEucharist
Allwelcome
Vicar:Rev’dTonyKippax •www.stjohns-tga.org.nz
reminder that he star shines on
Christmas time
There are trees, lights – lots of them – reindeer, presents, stockings, Santa Claus, Nativity scenes, angels, great food and more scattered all around the world wherever Christmas is celebrated
Eachsymbol has a story; a message of significance to add to the festival
And the star – what does it
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a(feed trough) manger, because there wasno room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7 NKJV) ”
This time of year the world goesnuts; they celebrate and party, they put up and decorate trees, they sing carols, and it’s all about love and peace and goodwill
ALLWELCOME
Lifezone
7OakLane,Tauranga Shabbat(Sat)10amor Youtubelive@10am Nomeetings28thDec-11thJan Shalom Joel&SharonvanAmeringen
ChristmasatMountMaunganuiAnglicanParish
Sunday22Dec9.30am Advent4Eucharist
Sunday22Dec4.00pm
BlueChristmasService
ChristmasEve4pm AllAgeChristmasEveService
ContactParishOffice Ph:5759945
ChristmasEve9pm EucharistService
ChristmasDay9.30am EucharistService
StPeter’s,15VictoriaRd, MtMaunganui
mean? It reminds me of light; the light that is the love of God, the spirit of connection, of kindness, forgiveness and the care of our planet, of peace on Earth Oh dear me! In this world right now, I sometimes struggle to find that light among the darkness of violence, disaster, war, anger and hate Nevertheless, Christmas is a reminder that the star shines on, as does the light of love that Jesus showed And this is the light that lives in each person
The carol ends: “The starlight is in you, And shows you the way, keep it shining, brightly shining, And your hearts will be free”
May the spirit of love, light and peace be in your heart and in mine this Christmas
But those sentiments soon fade in oblivion There’s only a token of homage given for the real reason for the season, the birth of Christ, the Saviour of the world
St Francis of Assisi’s meditations on the life of Christ led him to create the first-ever nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, in 1223 It is believed Francis’ inspiration to do a live representation of the birth of Jesus came from his time in the Holy Land in the years 1219 and 1220
Amazingly, in our day, there’s pressure exerted by some to remove any display that portrays the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the animals.
Nativity scenes – you’ll see one or two before Christmas – are a message and an invitation
Churches
EVANSRDCOMMUNITYCHURCH,PAPAMOA
30EvansRoadPhone0272766868
www.evansroadchurch.org
ChristmasDayServiceon25Dec-starts9am ThroughtheSummer-FamilyService10am STANDREWS CnrMacvilleRd&DeeSt, MtMaunganui Phone5759347 www.mountchurch.org.nz RevDouglasBradley
ChristmasEveCarolService–6pm24th December ChristmasDayServiceon25Decstarts9:30am ThroughtheSummerCombinedService9:30am Family Friendly, All Welcome
CatholicChristmasMasses
AllSaintsByTheSea, PapamoaCoast
ChristmasEve
5pmVigil StPatrick’sChurch,TePuke 7pm&10pm StThomasMoreChurch, MtMaunganui
ChristmasDay
8.30am SuzanneAubertSchool,PapamoaEast 10am StThomasMoreChurch,MtMaunganui
ParishofStThomasAquinas, Tauranga
ChristmasEve
5pmVigil StMaryImmaculate,Tauranga 7pm StMaryImmaculate,Tauranga 10pm StMaryImmaculate,Tauranga 12midnight StJoseph’s,TePuna
ChristmasDay
9am StMaryImmaculate,Tauranga 9am StTherese,Bethlehem 12noon StJoseph’s,MatakanaIsland
The message is that Jesus came to earth, was born, lived, was crucified, died, but rose again; all for us! The invitation is that we can come into a relationship with the God who loves us and made all that happen, simply by accepting what he’s done for us, believing and receiving Don’t pass another nativity scene without pausing and accepting the invitation it offers Stephen Whitwell, C3 City Church, Tauranga
Service:10.30amSaturdays 70PoolesRdGreerton(StJames) Findrealhope,peace&strengthinChrist www.churchofgodslove.com
mtmaunganui.adventist.org.nz
Youarewelcometoworshipwith useachSabbath(Saturday) StAndrewsChurch,DeeSt,MtMaunganui BibleStudy9:30am•WorshipService10:45am Enquiries0212771909
Mary Rose, Tauranga Quaker Worship Group
Tauranga
CLASSIFIEDSECTION
PLANCHANGE39UPPEROHAUITILAND REZONINGTOTHEOPERATIVETAURANGA
Pursuanttoclauses10(4)(b)and11ofSchedule1totheResourceManagement Act,TaurangaCityCouncilgivesnoticethaton10December2024itadoptedthe IndependentHearingCommissioners’recommendationsonProposedPlanChange 39.
ThedecisiononsubmissionstoProposedPlanChange39isavailableat: https://letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/pc39
OrcanbeinspectedduringofficehoursatthefollowinglocationsfromMonday23 December2024.
•CustomerServiceCentre,HePunaManawa,21DevonportRoad •GreertonLibrary,139GreertonRoad,GatePa
Anypersonororganisationthatmadeasubmissionorfurthersubmissionon ProposedPlanChange39totheTaurangaCityPlanmayappealtheCouncil’s decisiontotheEnvironmentCourtonamatterorprovisionreferredtointheir submission.ThenoticeofappealshouldalignwithForm7andmustbeserved inaccordancewithregulation7oftheResourceManagement(Forms,Fees,and Procedures)Regulations2003.Appealsmustbelodgedwiththefollowingwithin 30workingdaysofserviceofCouncil’sdecision:
TheRegistrar AND GeneralManager EnvironmentCourt Strategy,Growth,& CX10086 Governance Auckland TaurangaCityCouncil PrivateBag12022 Tauranga3143
Atadifficulttime,knowthatyouwon’tpaya fortuneforyouandyourlovedonetobelooked afterwithdignityandrespect.
Qualified&ExperiencedFuneralDirectors
AffordableFarewellPlansTailoredToYourFamily’sNeeds
072827922 or 0800777433 info@baycremationcare.kiwi.nz baycremationcare.kiwi.nz
CaringforourCommunity since1909
MainOffice& HillsdeneChapel 143ThirteenthAvenue Tauranga MountHarbourChapel cnrPuriri&TawaStreets MountMaunganui TePukeFamilyLounge atMethodistChurch OrouaStreetTePuke “Support Local”
Phone075784009 enquiry@jonesandco.co.nz www.jonesandco.co.nz
Gardening& Landscaping
ABLE gardenerexperienced, efficient,knowledgeable, highlyqualified. Maintenance,pruning, hedges,shrubs,roses; disease/pestcontrol, lifestyleblocks,garden renovations;designand plant.PhBen0211331857 bellissimolandscapes@hotmail.com
TradeServices ROOF repairs.Freequotes forallmaintenanceof leakingroofs,gutterrepairs, chimneyrepairs.Registered roofer,30yrsexp.Phone Peter5424291or0274367740
Avoid firedanger thissummer
Barbecues, bonfires, caravans and daysontheboatareclassicKiwi summeractivities,sonowisthe timetorefreshonfiresafetytips toavoiddangeroussituations.
FireandEmergencyNZ’sBayofPlenty riskreductionadviserandinvestigatorJon Rewisaidgeneralcarelessnessandlackof considerationforfiresafetyisarecipefor disasterduringsummer.
Firstly,ifabarbecueorbonfiregetsout ofcontrol,Rewisaidevacuatethearea immediatelyandcall111torequestafire brigade.However,toavoidthis,heshares importantsafetymeasures.
Barbecue
Rewirecommendsusingagas-fuelled barbecueandtokeepitcleanofoilsand fatsbeforeandduringcookingtoprevent flare-upsoraccidents.
Weather directly impacts on fire spread, suchaswind,soensureconditionsare appropriateforlightingafire.
“BOPRegionalCouncilhasreleased abylawforopenairburninginits RegionalPlan.Thebylawmeansopen airfires(exceptforcookingfires)cannot belitonurbanproperties–definedas “anypropertythatislessthan2haand isconnectedtoamunicipalwastewater system”,orwithin100mofadwelling, withoutresourceconsent”.
Caravans
FireandEmergencyNZsaidtheriskof asmallfireturningintosomethingserious isfargreaterinasmallspacelikeacaravan. Toavoidthis,installaphotoelectricsmoke alarmandtestitregularly.Youcanuse Velcrotostickthealarmtotheceilingsoit canberemovedwhencooking.
in the accommodation area “Refuel ashore,neverabroad.”
Beforetakingonfuel,stoptheengine, turnoffallcooking,heatingandlighting appliances,extinguishallcigarettes,pipes andanynakedflames,closeallhatches, doorsandthelike,andmonitorfuellevel toavoidover-filling.
Ensurenofuelvapourscanaccumulate unseenwithintheboatandmopupany spillage.Ventilatetheboatbeforestarting uptheengineorusingnakedlights. Don’tcarrysparepetrolunlessessential. Ifrequired,storealimitedsupplyofspare fuelinapprovedcontainersandsecure themontheupperdeck.
Whenstoringgascylinders,either securethemondeckawayfromhatches soescapinggasdisperses,orplaceina properlydesignedandventilatedcontainer abovethewaterline.
Permits
Useaproperlightingunitortorches, neverusecandles.Andhaveaclearescape routeincasesomethinggoeswrong,plus holdafireextinguisherorfireblanket neartheexitandensureyouknowhow touseit.
Boats
Makesuretheconnectionbetweenthe gascylinderandthefuellineisn’tleaking. Tocheckthis,spraysoapywaterontothe connection.Ifitstartsfoamingitmeans youhavealeak.Getitcheckedbya professionalbeforeusing.“Beforelighting abarbecue,ensureitisinasafeplaceout ofthewayofchildrenplaying,”saidRewi. It’salsovitaltokeeplookingwhile you’recookingandstayvigilant–don’t drinkandfry.
Ifusingabarbecuethathasashes,dispose ofthemsafely.Putthemintoamental bucketwithalid,thenthoroughlydouse withwater.FireandEmergencysaidashes canstayhotenoughtostartafireforupto fivedays.
Bonfire
“Bestpracticeistodampenvegetation beforeandduringburningandalways havingagoodreliablewatersupply nearbythatisusable,”Rewisaid.“Donot useaccelerantforlightingbonfires,thisis dangerous.”
Healsowarned–donotleaveafire unattended.“Ifit’sstillburning,usedirt orsandtoextinguishthefire,withwater beingtheprimaryextinguishingagent.
Afireon-boardaboatcanhavedisastrous consequences,soit’simportanttoplanfor suchaneventtoincreaseyourchancesof survival.FireandEmergencysaidkeepall routesleadingfromtheaccommodation areaclean.Makesureyouhavefirefighting equipmentthatisappropriatetotherisks. Itshouldbemaintained,ingoodorder andeasytoaccess.
Anemergencyevacuationshouldbe practisedregularlywithconsideration thatafirecouldbeinanyon-board location.“Ensurethecorrectlifejackets areavailableforallpassengersonboard,” saidRewi.
Ensurebatteriesareproperlysecured inalocationthatdoesnotpermitthe accommodationofhydrogengas.Make sureallgasorliquid-fueledheating, refrigeration,orcookingappliancesare properlysecuredtopreventthemfrom overturninginroughseas.
Fitaworkingphotoelectricsmokealarm
Tolightafireinopenair,youfirst needtoknowthefireseasonand whetheryouneedapermit.Thereare threefireseasons:open;restricted;and prohibited.Youneedapermittolight campfires,bonfiresandvarioustypes ofagriculturalburnsduringarestricted season.However,thesearebannedduring aprohibitedseasonandfirepermitsare availableinlimitedcircumstances.Find outmoreat:www.checkitsalright.nz. Youdonotneedapermitforpizza ovens,charcoalbarbecues,chimineasand culturalfiresoflessthan2m2.Braziers, incineratorsandfirepits/bowlscanbe usedduringarestrictedfireseason,subject tostrictconditions,howeverarebanned duringaprohibitedfireseason. Thereisnochargeforafirepermit anditusuallyarrivesviaemailwithin fiveworkingdays.Lightingafirein arestrictedorprohibitedfireseason withoutapermitisanoffenceunder theFireandEmergencyNewZealand Act2017.Toapplyforapermit,visit: www.checkitsalright.nz.Ifyouhave questions,email:firepermit.enquires@ fireandemergency.nzorcall0800658628.
AylaYeoman
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