405 Cameron Rd, Private
12002, Tauranga Mail Centre, Tauranga 3143
Phone 07 578 0030 www theweekendsun.co nz
ads@thesun.co.nz newsroom@thesun.co.nz
Confessions of a crap driver
Go on! Talk yourself up. Tell us you ’ re a good driver. You’re a poster child for Waka Kotahi, right?
“I like to think I am a good driver,” you will say “I like to think I am a safe, considerate and courteous driver,” you will also say Yeah, sure!
And I am not being holier-than-thou Because I have always known I am NOT a good driver, but I didn’t know I was a crap driver, in serious need of revisioning
Instead of an “L” plate, I should have a “C” for crap driver, or “M” for menace
I read 90% of people think they’re better than average drivers
Missy for example - I once told the young speeding driver if she didn’t slow down, this jittery passenger was going to disembark the train.
“I can afford to drive a bit faster cos I’m a very good driver,” she protested
Who told her that? No one had. She drove crazy because of some crazy notion she was a good driver
That was moments before she drove across a barrier in a carpark tearing a hole in the sump and causing a catastrophic and expensive loss of oil
Yeah, go you good driver!
The polls
This prompted an unscientific poll In other words, I yelled to anyone prepared to listen about what they thought of Tauranga drivers
Back came a four-letter expletive meaning excrement They y ’ re s#*t!!
“It’s a well-known and d generally accepted fact, isn’t it?” o offered one respondent
I don’t know, but it’s p probably my experience
Our poll suggested inccontrovertible evidence that Tauranga drivers are excessively fast, frustratingly slow, arrogant, ignorant and inconsiderate “Something to do with h Tauranga’s demographics perhaps – something to do with age, ” offered d up one young driver That’ll set them off More ageism, more gratuitous oldster bashing on Page 2 they will say But it’s not because I a am a certified, crap, septuageenarian driver NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi told me so o
The results
“STOP!” they said to me in capital letters “You are engaging in unsafe driving practices and might pose a hazard to yourself and others ” Damning stuff My shame comes from doing the agency ’ s online 15-point self-ratting assessment, a kind of multi-choice d driving habits quiz, which “helps us exxamine and compare our driving ability with the requirements for safe driving”
in fact And I answer ‘NEVER’ to “I try and stay informed on changes to driving rules and the Road Code” I still haven’t figured who does what on a roundabout Doesn’t make me a criminal but probably makes me irresponsible
Other drivers
For once, I found it in me to be honest when doing the assessment Honest as in “YES, I do think I am slower than I used to be in reacting to dangerous driving situations ” And I answer, ‘ALWAYS’ to the statement that “ my thoughts wander when I am driving” Not never, nor sometimes, but always And I answer, “ALMOST ALWAYS” to the statement “traffic situations make me angry ” Swearing angry, two finger angry
To the agency statement “I wear a seatbelt”, I honestly answered ‘SOMETIMES” I often forget until a sweet Japanese voice somewhere under the dash pleads “shītoberuto o chakuyō shite kudasai” – or put your seatbelt on ‘dumbass’ And ‘NEVER’ do I “ get regular eye checks to keep my vision sharp” That despite dicky eyes and glasses Hence my failed test They’re my shortcomings
Now a few of y yours.
Indicators, those blinky things, are for just that – inndicating you are about to do somethingg, not that you have already done something. Motorists are often halfw f ay thhrough a lane change manoeuvre befoore they cursorily flick on indicators E Explains why “traffic situations make me angry”.
And motorists who rewrite the Road Code on the fly - you give way, but the other motorrist, who has right of way, starts waaving you through, or around, or a any which way Annoying, frustrating and dangerous.
Shall we e all drive to just one set of rules
A “ mergging lane” is not an invite to a batttle of wills and egos. As the word suggests it’s about jooining, integrating, uniting – two lanes of traffic into one, smoothly and courteously So why do we see merging as a scary challenge involving speeding up, undercutting, flicking of birds, oaths, tooting and in one instance, , recently, descending into road rage.
I tooted an unndercutter and they responded angrily by heaving rubbish out the driver’s window, back over the roof at me – takeaway containers, empty plastic bottles, an apple. But they got to the next red lights a whole few seconds ahead of me. So, it was worth their while. As the matriarch understated –“We don’t merge well ” I am off to read, and take on board, Waka Kotahi’s self-rating assessment advice. “Please read our suggestions for your improvement, for ways to correct your problem areas. ”
Thank you I will
Road-side mental health support
With summertime bringing a range of emotions – especially for those facing mental health issues and loneliness – finding someone to speak to can be tricky
But Western Bay of Plenty man Scotty Harvey is out to change that This summer he’ll be sitting on the side of main roads across the district with his bus – ready to hear from anyone and everyone about what they might be struggling with “I’ll be out there over this time for you to talk,” said the Tauranga social worker and founder of UOKBRO NZ.
Harvey said increased stress, unrealistic expectations, comparing to others, family conflict, loss of a loved one and being alone are all aspects some people face during the summer holiday season.
“For many being alone isn’t an issue and I’ve heard many times: “I wish I could just get a tent, go to the beach or bush. For some, that is the dream,” he said.
From issues regarding mental health, loneliness, drugs and alcohol, Harvey said he is there to listen and help provide some expertise, or solely an ear Harvey said the most common difficult experiences people face during this time of year
have to do with money and family issues.
“There are just as many people with a lot of people around that are stressed, overwhelmed, and wish they were not with all the people.”
He began this service in recent years after realising that many people facing issues –particularly men – don’t get help because they don’t have time to go into an office.
So his ‘mobile’ office began and he’s since travelled around New Zealand offering his services to anyone brave enough to pull over for a chat.
For summer he’s in the Bay of Plenty
His bus can be found on the side of many main roads in the region.
If you want to find him, simply look on his Facebook page to find out where he is.
Harvey said if you have someone in your life and you ’ re concerned about their mental health, he suggests asking if they are okay
“The best tools are our ears, just listen
“Put your head over the fence if you know someone is alone and ask if they’re okay”
To those who are struggling, Harvey said: “I hope that you can get support over this time, but also, it only takes a few words: ‘I’m not okay, can I have a yarn with you?’ ”
Find Scotty Harvey on Facebook at ‘Uokbro NZ’ Ayla Yeoman
Western Bay of Plenty man Scotty Harvey will be parked on the side of main roads across the district with his bus – ready to hear from anyone about what they might be struggling with. Photo: supplied
Centenarian gardener still digging life
“Apples are much nicer when it is cold. It’s the sweetness. ”
Despite having eaten apples for more than 100 years, Guineveere Rattenbury still loves the taste of the simple fruit.
The Tauranga woman, who lives independently, will celebrate her 101st birthday on February 13
During World War II, American troops in the Pacific were stationed in New Zealand. During this time, she met her first husband.
“I was just a young lady then, and in 1944, I married him.”
But a love of adventure took the Matua woman from New Zealand to Lake Champlain, Vermont in 1945.
Vermont sits on the northeastern edge of the continental US,
straddling the border of Quebec, Canada and New York State.
Rattenbury would encounter frozen lakes solid enough to drive on
“I’d only been there about four months, and my husband’s friends came around and said, ‘We’re going frogging tonight’,” she said.
“I said, ‘Frogging? What’s frogging?’”
Summers in Canada
During the summers in Vermont, frogs would inhabit the pond around her house, and when winter hit, they would duck under the water in the lake, she recalled In spring, the frogs knew when to wake up – and Rattenbury’s husband’s friends would set traps nearby to catch them so they could sell them back a delicacy
AQUARIUS SPAS FROM$3,400
New speed sheer record
A new Te Puna Speed Shear record has been set with a sheep shorn in an impressive 15.3 seconds
The record, set by Hawke’s Bay shearer Tiare Tipu stunned the crowd, with the previous fastest time being 15.97 seconds
“He’s a young shearer in his 20s He’s never shorn at Te Puna before,” said event co-organiser Craig Morton
“He also shears in Australia ”
The event, marking the 24th year since its inception in 1999, was held at the Point Ale House in Whakamārama last Saturday Morton said around $8500 has been raised this year for local community causes
“They had to have
and they’d be in New
the morning ”
In those days, she said, the Vermont and New York State border was dotted with orchards before Plattsburgh Air Force Base overtook them
From Vermont to New Zealand
Eventually, her marriage fell apart and she left the frozen lakes and apple orchards behind, heading west to California in 1965. “I just decided to get on with life – I’ll care for myself, raise my six children, and off we go ” She returned home to briefly NZ in 1980 to see her mum and dad, and after this trip her father wrote a letter asking
“We had a packed crowd; you couldn’t swing a cat; there would have been at least 400 people. A lot of older and younger people too; a good mix ”
Desert Road closure
The Desert Road between Tūrangi and Waiouru is closed for maintenance for two months NZTA said the work involves reconstructing 16km of road, improving drainage, clearing 15km of road shoulder and replacing the deck of the Mangatoetoenui Bridge. The new bridge deck is said to add 50 years to its lifespan
care for her mother Rattenbury relocated to Tauranga in 1983 with her second husband, inspired by her life-long passion for gardening which she inherited from her father in Shannon
A love of gardening
“I love gardening so much I talk about it in my sleep,” she said Gardening also helps to keep Rattenbury moving, which is half of her secret to a long life. And the other half? “Keep smiling,” she said Rattenbury never thinks about her age or how old she is, as she is far too busy with her garden.
“I’ve always got so many things on my list to do,” she said “When I clean the list today, tomorrow, there’s another list.
“That’s the thing about gardening.” Tom Eley
Ground temperatures will need to be at a minimum of 13 degrees for the works to go ahead. A detour is in place from north to south via SH41, SH47, SH4, SH49 and then back to SH1 in Waiouru, and adds 30 to 40 minutes to the journey NZTA said the speed limit near and through Ohakune would be reduced to 50km/h while the detour was in place.
Racing series heats up
Nexen Tyre NZ Mazda Racing Series action resumes this weekend as competitors contest Round 3 of their North Island Series at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park in North Waikato The series will be part of the programme at the latest round of the Repco NextGen NZ Championship, the Alliance Services Hampton Downs International. Series leader Rex Edwards, of Tauranga faces, the first challenge of the weekend even before racing begins as he awaits clutch parts from Japan to enable him to compete.
Edwards has a 27-point lead in the series Should the 2022/2023 champion not be able to make the start line, that would allow the chasing pack a great chance to overtake him in the points
Prices at petrol pumps
The New Zealand dollar is trading at a nearly two-year low, meaning New Zealanders can expect more pain at the petrol pump Falling to around 55 5 US
cents to the NZ dollar, this rate has not been seen since October 2022
The falling rate means imported goods - including fuel - will cost more, but it’s good news for exporters, who will see higher returns
AA fuel price spokesperson
Terry Collins said if people thought prices for petrol now were bad, the prices at the pump now are from oil bought over a month ago so it will only get worse
He could see prices go up at least another cent up at the pump.
Tracking at-risk wanderers
Land Search & Rescue has established WanderSearch, to assist with finding people at risk of going missing
WanderSearch operates by a person wearing a small, robust radio-frequency signal device – in the form of a necklace, wrist device or keyring – that does not need charging
When a person using a WanderSearch device goes missing, family or caregivers can call police on 111 and a search will benefit from trying to locate for the device
Signals can be picked up from 5-8km away from the top of overlooking hills; on flat ground it can be about 1km away For more information on WanderSearch, visit: www wandersearchnz org nz
The men had to hurry because the last train would go through to the next town around 10-10.30pm.
them across the lake,
York City for the fish markets in
Rattenbury to return to help
Guineveere Rattenbury of Matua moved to Vermont in the United States in 1945 She moved back to New Zealand in 1980 and has lived in Tauranga since 1983.
Forest health kit launched
House of Science has launched an educational kit for primary school students, taking a mātauranga Māori approach to forest health and environmental issues such as myrtle rust and kauri dieback.
Activities in Te Ora o te Wao | Forest Health kit allow students to explore native forests through audio soundscapes, compare giant trees such as kauri and pōhutukawa and learn to conserve forests by dissecting seeds, studying tree growth and understanding diseases including kauri dieback. The kit also includes Scion’s interactive app E Heke e Heka! and the augmented reality tool Mātaihia Te Heka!, which help rangatahi identify other threats such as myrtle rust.
Knowlegde and understanding
House of Science CEO and founder Chris Duggan said the kits give young learners practical knowledge to understand and help protect NZ’s native ecosystems, inspiring the next generation to become stewards of our forests and environment.
“By age 10, most children have formed a strong impression of careers they can see themselves doing. If science hasn’t been part of their lives by then, the chance they’ll follow this pathway is slim.
“Empowering primary school teachers to deliver engaging science lessons will ensure a workforce with the necessary skills to embrace and support the future of work.”
Te Ora o te Wao | Forest Health kit is part of a library of hands-on, bilingual science resource kits covering a range of topics, including electricity, climate change and soil “Careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are at the heart of many future workforce requirements and underpin the transition to a climate-resilient, sustainable, low-emission economy, ” said Duggan.
App availability
Katerina Pihera-Ridge, Scion’s Portfolio Lead for Restoration, Protection & Mauri o Te Waonui a Tane, said the inclusion of E Heke e Heka! and Mātaihia Te Heka! in the kit is significant. “It will make the app directly available to all House of Science member schools and kura, presenting
myrtle rust science in Te Reo Māori and English and allowing young learners to engage with this environmental knowledge in a relevant and interactive way. ”
Recent trial
Andrea Acton, a teacher at Bethlehem School, who recently trialled Te Ora o te Wao | Forest Health kit, said it was an outstanding resource that captivated the students’ interest. “We integrated it seamlessly across the curriculum, which inspired some of the best creative writing students have done all year They also created posters full of newly learned facts and are thoroughly enjoying this hands-on, science-based approach to learning ” Te Ora o te Wao | Forest Health kit marks the second collaboration between Scion and House of Science. In 2022, they partnered to create “A Load of Rubbish”, a kit that introduced students to the six Rs of resource management
A barbecue to honour Jimmy Carter at Kulim Park
The Friendship Force of Tauranga is hosting a picnic to honour the late Jimmy Carter
On Sunday, January 19, the Friendship Force of Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty are hosting a picnic at Kulim Park to remember the late US President and co-founder of Friendship Force International
When and where
Starting at 12pm, the BYO picnic will involve sharing memories and stories about President Carter and his achievements throughout his life
Jimmy Carter was the 39th US President, from 1977 to 1981, who died aged 100 in his Georgia home on December 29, 2024 He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his commitment to peace and justice Friendship Force is an international
group that organises exchange opportunities
“Friendships are made as people stay with others in different countries, cultures and beliefs and then host them in their own homes,” said a New Zealand regional club convener and board member, John Hannah
“If you actually know the people of a different race, creed, political beliefs, you realise we ’ re all people and we all have values That’s the fundamental purpose of the Friendship Force
“If you understand people from a different country, you’ll feel differently about that country ”
There are now 10 Friendship Force clubs around New Zealand
For more inforamtion about the Friendship of Force Club, particularly here in Tauranga, visit www friendshipforce org nz
Children learn about native forests through Te Ora o te Wao (Forest Health kit).
For just $90 per month you receive your own pair of ReSound Nexia 9 hearing aids.
• No contract to sign
• No deposit to pay
• No extra fees for tuning or repairs
Resonate can help the both of you keep the conversation flowing with its hearing aid subscription service. To make an appointment contact Resonate today. 0800 737 662 resonatehealth.co.nz
• Your hearing aids will be upgraded to the latest technology every 3 years as part of your membership with Resonate
Wouldn’t it make sense for the both of you to hear all you have to say to each other?
Or pop into one of our 26 hearing health studios, from Whangārei to Invercargill.
eteran collector named top novice
In the world of philately, Jill Nutsford may be an award-winninng ‘newbie’ but she has almost seven decades of experience under her belt when it commes to collecting stamps.
The Pyes Pa residdent won the Novice Trophy for her first ever entry in an inter-club competition; the upper North Island’s Ambury Shhield in November Her Tauranga team also picked up the overall prize.
“I was so surprised to win because I tend to focus on the technical side of things,” she said.
“There was nothing pretty about my entry at all.”
The simplicity of her eight-page entry examining the evolution of the UK’s gold Royal Mail Machin stamps from 2009 to 2015 won praise from the judges. But it was long ago that the 77-year-old’s love of collecting originally began.
“When I was around 10, my father gave me an album with two stamps glued into it,” Nutsford said, before explaining that to philatelists, glue is an absolute ‘no-no’. “I still have those original stamps. As a child, it was an on-again off-again hobby and then I got back into it in my late-twenties and then joined the Tauranga and District Stamp Club in 2018.”
Nutsford actually went to a club meeting with the intention of selling her five stamp albums; “But I got hooked
Weekly dinner nights at Te Puke church
Harvest Church in Te Puke holds a community dinner every Wednesday night for anyone who would like a meal
Community dinner organiser Melissa Kameta said one night in December they fed 160 diners – including families, community individuals and kiwifruit workers
“We run it on a Wednesday evening from 3pm to about 7pm
“Helpers from Te Puke Intermediate, the church family, and community members come and help at three pm to get food ready
“We get our donated buns from McDonald’s every week, and we get donations of food from The Hub every week and also from Harvest Church and locals in our community that donate vegetables
“The local high school provides vegetables and fruits from there horticulture club ”
When diners arrive on Wednesday, they are greeted with quiz questions and a raffle ticket If they win the quiz, they get a chocolate After the meal is served, the raffle is drawn and two people win a bag of groceries
These dinners are about the community coming together to connect and make friends
These dinners are for anyone looking for a hot meal, some new friends, or both
For more information, check out their website at https://www.harvestchurch.nz/community-dinner
all over again,” she said Now, she has millions of stamps in her extensive collection, and is turning her attention to the stories behind them. A letter from 1841 purchased for the Penny Black stamp (the world’s first adhesive postage stamp) is a research project. Another album contains distinctive triangular stamps commemorating NZ’s ‘pigeon post ’ that connected Great Barrier Island with the mainland from 1897 until 1908. They were effectively the
world’s earliest airmail stamps.
“Most collectors have an interest in delving into the history behind a letter or a postcard. I found the pigeon post particularly fascinating because I have a whole collection dedicated to aviation that includes balloon flights, pilots and the planes that NZ airlines have used ” For more information on club meetings and events, visit Tauranga and District Stamp Club - NZ Philatelic Federation.
Jill Nutsford with the trophy for Best Novice in the 2024 upper North Island Ambury Shield competition. Photo: Debbie Griffiths
Some simple tips to help your furry child beat the heat include the following Provide plenty of fresh, cool water to keep pets hydrated throughout the day Exercise as early as possible in the morning, or later in the evening when things cool off a little If it’s really hot – approaching more than 30C, avoid exercise unless your pup can take a swim
Create shady spots in your yard while noting shade can move and become non-existent throughout the day – so choose somewhere shade is provided for as long as your pet needs it Treat them to pup-sicles
(diced rock melon and plain yogurt blend) or frozen dog-safe fruit or ice cubes
Avoid hot pavements Use petsafe cooling devices such as fans, cooling mats, cooling vests, wraps or bandannas or chill out chews to help them stay comfortable
Monitor your pet ’ s hydration by checking skin elasticity or dry gums to ensure they stay hydrated Most importantly, never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short time – it can quickly become dangerously hot and heat stroke is notoriously hard to reverse
Feeling the heat? So do your pets!
Have you ever tried walking outside in the blistering sun barefoot with a fur jacket on?
That’s exactly what a dog experiences when it’s taken for a walk in the heat of the day
According to PD Insurance COO Michelle Le Long – who said a surge in claims related to excessive heat as summer sets in is common –unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their bodies to cool themselves down and can ’ t regulate their temperature as easily
“Certain dog breeds are particularly susceptible to heatstroke and should be given extra care during hot weather
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers are at a higher risk due to their short snouts, which make it harder for them to pant efficiently and cool down, said Le Long.
“We find heat-related issues in pets very distressing, as they cause significant suffering for both the animals and their owners. Heatstroke in dogs can even be fatal, which makes these situations especially heartbreaking because they are often preventable.”
Le Long said being aware of potential health problems that come with heat is the first step towards avoiding unpleasant – and expensive –incidences of heatstroke, dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion in pets.
“High humidity can worsen heat stress for pets, even when the temperature doesn’t seem too high.
“Keeping pets in low-humidity environments whenever possible can make a big difference in helping them stay cool and comfortable.”
Healthy Pets NZ’s Dr Cath Watson, who
provides expert advice towards illness prevention, said being aware of how pets respond to heat is the first and most essential step
“Generally, temperatures up to around 20C are comfortable for most cats and dogs; going over that can put them at higher risk of heatstroke.”
Dogs, especially, don’t cope well with excessive heat.
Cats are physiologically similar to dogs, but since many aren ’ t often outdoors during the day, much less on a leash under the blazing sun, they are less susceptible.
“Generally, if you ’ re hot, your cats and dogs probably feel that way, too However, cats usually self-regulate their behaviour, avoiding overheating by taking it easy when it’s warm. They’ll look for shady or breezy areas, and drink water to stay hydrated ”
Dr Cath said signs of heatstroke in a pup can include purple gums or red skin, diarrhoea and or vomiting, excessive panting, dribbling or foaming from the mouth, and general laziness (lethargy).
“If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool place and calm them. Wet their coat with room temperature water and most importantly, contact your vet immediately, as heatstroke can be life-threatening.”
Cats don’t pant and if they do that’s a sign of something wrong. “Heat exhaustion often sets in before heatstroke, and cats (and dogs) may become lethargic.
“If this progresses to symptoms including glazed eyes, difficulty breathing, unsteady walking, loss of balance, vomiting, and red gums or tongue, your cat may be suffering from heatstroke. Get your cat to a cool place, and contact the vet without delay”
Summer support for little penguins
A collaboration between the Western Bay Wildlife Trust and d thhe M Mauao T Trust spellls hope for the future of one of the Mount Maunganui kororā, little penguin, colonies.
“Kororā everywhere are declining rapidly unless heavily managed and protected,” said WBWT spokesperson and trustee Julia Graham.
“Thirteen years ago, the community united to help the kororā of Mount Maunganui through the Rena oil spill –but the issues they face from rising sea levels, climate change, warmer oceans, less food, habitat destruction and threats from
pests are day-to-day problems in their lives
“ThThe sheer number of constant back-to-back threats can be devastating to seabird colonies ”
Graham said stress also plays a big factor “Stress burns calories. If a bird is already hungry and struggling to find food then comes onto land at night and has to run and hide from humans and pests or climb higher to find a suitable burrow after theirs washes away That burns calories and could mean life or death to an already struggling penguin.”
By taking the stress out of their nesting areas and providing safe environments for them on land is something Graham said
humans can do easily and it can be a huge benefit to the birds in times of hardship “They need our help more than ever, ” she said.
WBWT recently joined more than 30 organisations around the country in a pledge to ‘Turn Back the Red’ on their chosen species. This means the trust is more committed than ever to seeing the Mauao population of kororā stabilised and increasing.
“With support from the World Wild Fund for Nature NZ and the Tindall Foundation, the collaboration aims to provide alternative nesting opportunities, habitat improvement and regular monitoring by WBWT and Mauao Katikati, alongside
educating the public around kororā ” WWF Conservation Impact advisor Carolyn Aguilar said the WWF is thrilled to support the WBWT in their fantastic work for kororā “Facing so many big threats, these little penguins need our help and it is great seeing community groups and youth come together to give them new homes ” Graham said none of what they do would be possible without support of the community and the organisations involved with caring for the maunga, including iwi and TCC Mauao
ranger Josh Clarke.
WBWT is also working with Mount Maunganui College innovation and technology students to assist with designing alternative nesting options
“These kids are our next scientists and conservationists,” said Graham “Fostering a passion and commitment to protecting our environment in today’s youths is important if we are to see the sustainability and continuation of work being put in now ”
Ayla Yeoman
Rising sea levels, climate change, warmer oceans, less food, habitat destruction and threats from pests are all day-to-day challenges for the kororā, little penguin. Photo: Western Bay Wildlife Trust
Durham bus stop works
Work is about to start on a new bus stop facility in the Tauranga City centre. Six new bus stop bays on southern Durham St will j join other Tauranga City Council projects a aimed at giving people more choice w when travelling to and from the city c centre. Contractors expect to start p preparatory work next week, with the
main works to start from Monday, January 20. The aim is to finish in April. Southern Durham St will often need to reduce to one lane, with the northbound lane remaining open At times, both lanes will need to close outside peak travel periods Traffic controllers and signs will re-direct traffic when this occurs
Pecking order
When it comes to poultry, 10-year-old Josiah Poynton is quickly becoming an expert.
“I have nine chickens and my favourites are the Exchequer Leghorns. They’re white with black spots, ” said the lower Kaimai home school student. “My mum has about 100 chickens and I like to help her with them.”
Together, they run what they describe as their ‘side hustle’ Kaimai Poultry, selling heritage breeds of chickens such as Rhode Island Red, Dorking, Orpington and Barnevelder as well as fertilised eggs.
“Kids love the different varieties,” said Josiah’s mum Sharon Poynton. “They come in
all sizes and there are fluffy feet, hens with ‘hair dos’ and different colours.”
Josiah is thinking about entering one of his hens in the Tauranga A&P Lifestyle Show at Tauranga Racecourse on Saturday, February 15. The poultry section organiser, Sandi Draffin, said every entry in the “Best Rooster” or “Best Hen” competition will win a prize.
“We have some fantastic sponsors who provide quality chicken food, and there’s a $100 Farmlands voucher for the bird voted crowd favourite,” she said.
“Serious competitors even bathe their hens and polish their legs but for us, it’s about having fun and appreciating the effort of just bringing your chickens along ” Draffin has arranged for a turkey that gobbles on cue and
baby chicks that kids can holdand even buy - at the show
“They need to be kept warm for six weeks and then kept in a coop so they’re safe, but they make great pets for kids. I sell free range eggs from my laying hens but I also have Speckled Sussex, which are a rare breed here. They’re a very pretty, deep mahogany colour with speckles.”
About 3500 people are expected to attend the event, which promises music, food, carnival rides, demonstrations, and displays of vintage military vehicles and farming equipment.
The 141st Tauranga A&P Lifestyle Show kicks off at 10am on Saturday, February 15, at Tauranga Racecourse Tickets are $10 for adults, with free entry for kids under 15
Debbie Griffiths
Josiah Poynton with his chickens.
Photo: David Hall
A village voice is silenced
A retired pig farmer with a touch of the showman, a DJ aka ‘Right Racket’, radio announcer, fundraiser, general roustabout, station manager, husband, father.
The vibrant, colourful life and times of Tony ‘Gunky’ Rhind. And ‘Gunky’ – where did Tony Rhind pick up that moniker? Apparently from a young nephew couldn’t get his mouth around ‘uncle’ – hence ‘Gunky’.
“Now he’s gone, ” sighs Village Radio colleague Ken Wadsworth. And it seems it’s one of those situations where it’s not until someone is gone that it’s fully appreciated
what they contributed and what t ’ s been lost
Rhind was a ‘voice’ on Village 1XT – at 1368KHz on the AM band For r four years he’d played his brand of 1920s t through 1990s music for three hours from m 10am When the ‘ on air’ sign went off, Rhind would put on his head honcho h hat, the station manager ’ s hat.
“The toughest and most demanding job of them all here, , ” said Wadsworth.
Rhind looked after the dayto-day running of the station If something went wrong, he fixed it, if there was a complaint he would take the call, if a job needed “jobbed”, he would do it
Mike Savage
Celebrant and Funeral Care
My Privilege To Care For Y
Independent Marriage Celebra You ant Headstone and Memorial Plaque Unveilings Certified Funeral Director with 33 years experience, including 23 years as a celebrant Lived in Tauranga for 52 years
022 155 7204 mikes53@outlook.co.nz www mikesavagecelebrant com
He responded uncomplainingly to every situation, every time.
“A huge void. Every day we flounder around and find things that haven’t been done, or need doing, because Tony’s not here to do it.”
Rhind was very hands on. “Always quietly, without fuss, but enthusiastically and effectively,” Wadsworth said.
Above and beyond
One minute he’d be putting someone through an audition.
“You had to impress the station manager to make it on air Then he’d personally teach them the gear and the drills.”
Then if someone couldn’t get into the building, or a bit of the station’s historic, decrepit kit wouldn’t work, Rhind would hop in his car at home 5km up the Minden and drive half an hour into town to resolve the issue
“Nothing was too menial for this man; nothing was an inconvenience. He was always above and beyond,” said Wadsworth
“If there was a criticism of the man it was that he put too much into this place Probably did too much in hindsight ”
Beware the person who steps into those big shoes. When they gave Rhind his “sending off” they
HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
A Daikin ducted system provides discreet air conditioned comfort throughout your entire home. It can be installed in a new home or tailored to suit an existing one, and once installed, only the controller, the return air and discharge grilles are visible inside your home.
Contact us today to find out more.
Tony Rhind in the Village Radio record library – he was instinctively drawn to Rolling Stones albums.
didn’t have to dust off too many of Village Radio’s vast vinyl library of 142,000 tracks for a tribute tune. Oh no! They went straight to Rhind’s personal favourite, the track he unashamedly flogged on his radio show
“Oh, Angie, don’t you weep, Oh your kisses still taste sweet, I hate that sadness in your eyes, But Angie, Angie, Ain’t it time we said goodbye?”
But this time it wasn ’ t Mick Jagger and Rhind having a three-and-a-half minute melancholy moment on a radio show This time they were saying “goodbye” for real, for keeps. “Just so sad,” said Wadsworth.
‘Right Racket’
Rhind might have played Annunzio Paolo Mantovani and the like on his show, but he let it be known he preferred the Rolling Stones “I was on air one day playing the She Loves You,” recalled Wadsworth. “I was singing along, and in walks this tall skinny guy We introduced ourselves and he said: ‘I love the Beatles, but I tell you now,
I love the Rolling Stones more’.”
Right from the outset Rhind let Wadsworth know where he stood, and it wasn ’ t with the Beatles.
Probably stems from the days when Rhind, the pig farmer, would wash off his whiff and go out DJ-ing. By night the pig farmer was known as ‘Right Racket’ at weddings and parties.
And an incredibly good kind of man to boot.
“A wonderful warm personality,” said the ‘shorter fatter’ Tony Hunt of the ‘taller skinnier’ Tony Rhind.
That’s how the two Tonys at Village Radio jokingly set themselves apart. Now it’s not necessary As a caller to this station pointed out this week – “I have only one Tony to talk to now ”
The
hustler
Our own The Weekend Sun journalist reporter Tom Eley recently encountered the ‘taller skinnier’ Tony – and found him to be a “charming and funny character”. And self-deprecating.
“He told me about the last time he fiddled with the station’s old transmitter He broke it, and he wasn ’ t allowed to touch it again.”
So the station manager would turn to another task. Like fundraising.
“He’d go door knocking, hustling for sponsors. Honestly! The station manager!”
Irreplaceable valve
It was Rhind’s idea to set up a stall at the Historic Village to sell some records
’
“He was having a ball, had his own playlist and was singing along as we tried to sell the old records It was a long and spectacularly unsuccessful day We made about $150. But that didn’t faze Tony at all.”
The team said their goodbyes at 4.30pm. And five hours later, a crucial, irreplaceable, valve in the old steam radio on 17th Ave suddenly blew Tony ‘Gunky’ Rhind was gone.
“Very sad We have lost a very good man. A friend to us and everyone out there in radio land.”
Wemakeiteasyforyoutotransformaheadfullofmemories andaboxfullofphotosintoanenduringfamilyheirloom Preserveyourlifestoryforgenerationstocomeinanelegant legacybook
Right at home – a man amongst his music in the vintage Village studio.
Hunter Wells
Home &
WE LIFT IT & SHIFT IT
We will deliver your load to our district from anywhere in NZ.
Free estimate & site visit in Tauranga district, from Paengaroa to Kauri Point Pete: 021 848 919 E pete@skyhooks nz www skyhooks nz
Feeling the heat? You’re not alone Many parts of New Zealand have already hit 30 degrees Celsius this summer, and it has only just begun
Keeping the air conditioning on full blast might feel tempting, but your bank account won ’ t thank you for it
Luckily, ventilation experts Stephen McNeil and Dr Manfred Plagmann have a few tips on how to cool your house naturally –without the sky-high energy bill
“The fundamental issue is really solar gain, it’s the sun coming in through your windows that’s the main reason your building’s getting too hot,” said McNeil, a senior building scientist at the Building Research Association of New Zealand
“It’s really about managing or mitigating that excess heat, and the way you operate a home throughout the day is quite important ”
Opening windows
Does opening the windows help? Absolutely Opening up windows is an effective form of flush ventilation – flushing the warm air out of your house – so long as the air outside isn’t warmer than the air inside your house, said McNeil
“Opening up as many windows as you can, particularly when you get home from work, can be an effective way to get on top of the heat.”
BRANZ senior scientist Plagmann said the method is particularly effective at night.
“Most of the time, particularly in the evenings and at night, the air temperature outside is usually cooler than what’s indoors, so yes it’s an effective one, and it’s more or less free ”
Are some areas of the house harder to cool than others?
The kitchen is an obvious one, with extra heat sources in that space making it more difficult to manage But according to McNeil, the bedroom is where people will feel it the most
“Bedrooms overnight would be the thing people are most cognisant of, that’s the thing people notice is their poor sleep during the summer
That’s where leaving a window open overnight is probably quite useful for a lot of cases, but then you ’ re managing security, bugs and all of the other things that come with that time of year ”
Wet towel on fan?
Will putting a wet towel on the fan help? It can work – so long is the air in your house is dry and not humid
“You’re basically making an evaporative cooler, where the air is flowing through that and evaporating that moisture You’re actually giving up a whole lot of heat for that to occur, so that cools the air stream that’s coming out, ” said McNeil
“The challenge, of course, is you ’ re adding a whole bunch of moisture to your house, so you still need to keep on top of ventilation sometimes mould can be quite an issue and once you ’ ve saturated the air and you ’ re not able to evaporate anymore, that’s gonna be a problem
“So when it’s really, really humid, It’s not gonna do a hell of a lot ”
Plagmann said it’s a good idea to ventilate with open windows while trying this method
“That way the moist air you ’ re generating will escape and be replaced with dry air, the evaporation will come quickly and the cooling effect will be much higher”
Fan placement
Does where you place your fan make a difference? Some people like to face a fan out the window, with the idea that it’ll flush hot air out of the room and allow cold, fresh air to circulate McNeil said this can work, but the difference will be marginal
“I kes advantage of shifting the ser air or cooler air, rather than he warmer air the difference is probably not humongous but there’ll be a benefit, but how quantifiable is will vary from situation to situation it’s basically assisted window ventilation ”
Plagmann said ceiling fans can be a more effective way of cooling down, as cold ir travels down and helps porate your sweat better Ceiling fans sort of slowly move the air, and because of the sweat on your skin, it evaporates and cools you down – not necessarily the house – but it cools you down The air moves over your skin and takes the moisture layer away basically”
Shade outside
Plagmann said creating some shade outside your windows, particularly in the northern and
Home & cool during summer
western parts of the house, can help keep some of the heat out
“What you see in the Mediterranean is external shutters on your windows, so you ’ re not letting the sun get into the house We unfortunately don’t have that often here in New Zealand other means of shading like drawing the curtains, the heat is already in your house so it just heats up the curtains, and that radiates the heat inside
“Shading is the most effective when it’s outside the building, so if you have large pot plants, you can place them outside the windows shading with an awning would help a lot ”
A cold compress
A strategically placed wet towel can do wonders for cooling down your body temperature, said Plagmann
“On your neck, your wrist, the blood circulates close to the
skin there, so if you put that under cold water or put a wet towel there, you will instantly feel cooler”
It’s all about the evaporation of sweat, said McNeil That’s why sleeping with one leg out of the covers feels so good
“Your leg’s quite a big muscle group, so that’s quite a lot of mass that’s exposed to the cool air really it should be both legs out of the covers ”
Jogai Bhatt/RNZ
Premium Outdoor
An outside look of ACG Tauranga.
Schools and kura kaupapa Māori have some flexibility to decide when Term 1 starts, and when Term 4 finishes. Terms 2 and 3 are fixed.
Where possible, the end of the first term will align with the Easter holidays. This can make Term 1 shorter or longer depending on when Easter falls. There is a set amount of teaching time that schools must be open for each year Having flexible dates allows each school to meet this requirement and accommodate local events and teacher-only days.
Secondary schools need to open for slightly fewer days per year than primary and intermediate schools They may close earlier at the end of the year
A chance to look behind a Tauranga school’s walls
ACG Tauranga is preparing for its first open day of 2025, and community is being invited to join them.
On Saturday, March 1, the school on Pyes Pa Road will open its doors to the public from 10am to 1pm
“This is a unique opportunity to experience what makes ACG Tauranga an outstanding choice for your child’s education,” said a spokesperson for the school. “During the Open Day, you’ll have the chance to tour our impressive
campus, meet our passionate teachers, and learn more about the enriching academic and co-curricular programs that set our students up for global success
“Our graduates have an excellent track record, with 28% of ACG students securing places at prestigious universities across the globe. Of those, 17% attend leading institutions in the US or UK, where they pursue a wide range of degrees Whether it’s Science (21%), Law (8%), Medicine (6%), Commerce (9%), Architecture & Design (5%), English (16%), or Arts (3%) our students
continue to shine on the world stage. ” For families with younger children, ACG Tauranga offers an exclusive promotion.
“If you attend our Open Day or book a Personalised Tour of our Early Learning School, you can take advantage of an Enrolment Fee Waiver if you enrol your child on the day
“At ACG Early Learning Schools, we believe in making your child’s educational journey exceptional from the very start. ” For more information, see ACG Tauranga’s advert on this page.
From sharemilking to working in a supermarket
Cliff McKenzie used to wake up at 4am every day to milk cows on a dairy farm in Galatea
That was until just over a decade ago, when he sold his herd and went to work at a Four Square.
Since swapping sharemilking for supermarkets, 47-year-old McKenzie has worked his way up to the grocery and storeroom manager at Rotorua’s Pak’nSave and aims to own a supermarket within the next couple of years
He shared the story of his midlife career switch this week, a time when a recruitment agent says many Kiwis may be returning from holiday considering changing jobs
His advice to anyone in that position was to give it a go: “Fail forward, I say ”
McKenzie told the Rotorua Daily Post his uncles were farmers, so he grew up baling hay on holidays
“[I] just got to love it from there, really”
Originally from Whakatāne, McKenzie started working as a sharemilker on a Galatea dairy farm at age 26
He sold his cows in 2013 At the time, he was also running two online businesses which replaced his farming income
McKenzie said the Four Square in Murupara owner suggested he look into Foodstuffs, which also owns brands including New World, Pak’nSave and Gilmours
McKenzie said he started working at Four Square in Fordlands about 10 years ago, filling shelves and working at the checkouts
He started at the bottom and worked his
way up, he said
In 2018, he joined the team at Pak’nSave Rotorua where he has worked sinnce
He said his dairy farming experrience helped with the early starts, sometimes 5am
‘Just give it a go ’
McKenzie said the main challennge with his career change was working with people
“Cows don’t answer back,” he said with a laugh.
“[I] had to become a team playyer It’s been good ”
McKenzie said he most enjoyed d the “diversity” of working in the supermarket sector
“Every day seems to be different. Even though we sort of do the same stuff ”
Enjoy thefreedom ofworking from home!
The past few years have shown man people the benefits of working from home; flexible working hours, more ti with family, no public transport fares petrol costs, and no traffic queues
One career that allows you to earn a living your own time at home is the job of medic transcriptionist. This involves transcribing patient notes that doctors and medical professionals dictate.
Medical transcriptionists need an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, diseases and pharmacology as well as fast and accurate typing skills. They can also work in a hospital, specialist docto setting or for a private transcription compa Sue’s Computer Training delivers an onlin programme that will qualify people to beco medical transcriptionists
This NZQA-accredited level four program is a medical language specialty that leads to the New Zealand Certificate in Medical Transcription and Editing.
It includes both New Zealand and United States content, so that graduates will be qualified to work in many countries
“We have our own facilitators who will help students achieve the high standards required by the course material,” said owne S McDonald.
Megan Wilson
Cliff McKenzie is the grocery and storeroom manager at Rotorua’s Pak’nSave.
Impressive aircraft to be showcased this weekend ho
Classic Flyers is showcasing rare and impressive aircraft, with air and ground displays at the Classic Flyers Aero Day, this Saturday.
Gates open at 9.30am with event access on Seawind Lane between Bunnings and Classic Flyers Café
“On display we have the RNZAF Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand operating their
A Goodyear Corsair (ZK-COR) in action.
CALLYOU ANEAT BUFFET
Supermarine Spitfire and P-51 Mustang,” said a spokkesperson for Classic Fllyers “ “These aircrafft are enabled to operate with the generous support of the Biggin Hill Trust ”
Goodyear Corsair (ZK-COR will is also in attendance with an air display by Frank Parker and generously supported by owner Mike Jones
The Roaring 40s Harvard & Yak 52 teams will appear with their spectacular formation displays along with the Grumman Avenger, Vampire and Aermacchi ground engine runs “Grab a classic sausage off the barbecue, ice
cream, hot donuts, crepes or coffee from one of our popullar food d venddors Visit thhe A Avgas C Caffé offering delicious event specials too!
“Plenty of other entertainment, aircraft themed sign making, aviation books, aircraft models and classic cars are all on show
“Air Chatham’s DC-3 has great value seat prices, along with adventure flights by the Classic Flyers Boeing Stearman, Airtrainer, Harvard and the Fighter Jets L-39 Albatross ”
Beat the queue and book ahead, email enquire@classicflyersnz com
Newmap showcasescity’s accessiblelocations
A new digital map, which highlights hundreds of accessible locations across the region, is now available for summer for local disabled and older communities.
Tauranga Access Map is free to use and provides up-to-date information on the accessibility features of public spaces across the city, including playgrounds, beaches, reserves, council facilities and mobility parking
The digital map has images, descriptions and an accessibility filter for all locations, alongside details such as opening hours, upcoming events, addresses and directions
The app was created by Tauranga City Council in partnership with Access Maps, following community consultation in 2022 identifying a need for more accessibility information to be
readily available to Tauranga residents and visitors. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said it’s great to see the map launching in time for summer, as a way of highlighting the many accessible spaces available in Tauranga.
“We’re committed to creating an inclusive city, where all residents and visitors to the city feel welcome and have the opportunity to access and enjoy what’s on offer here,” said Drysdale.
“This tool will be a great help for people planning outings, so they know exactly what to expect at our public spaces before they head out the door”
About 27% of Tauranga residents identify as living with or caring for someone with a disability Tauranga Access Map can be used in a browser or downloaded as an app at: tauranga govt nz/ accessmap
Bob Dylan remains a complete unknown
I am not a fan of musical biopics; I hate them in almost every way
So as something of a Bob Dylan fan I’ve been dreading A Complete Unknown, the new film from James Mangold, director of the Johnny Cash biopic I Walk The Line, starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan.
The Cash film showed both the bad and good of the genre: the clichéd “ song creation” scene where a now famous new song miraculously comes together; Joaquin Phoenix performing Johnny’s tunes with singing that was impressively convincing
That is, until the end The real Cash sang over the closing credits and you immediately realised everything you’d been missing Truly special artists are truly special for a reason and, to quote Mark Twain, it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning Story telling
I also hate the constant inaccuracies in such films, there to “ serve the story ” The worst was that dreadful Queen movie I grew up with this sort of thing, back when it was The Glen Miller Story and every jazz musician looked like Jimmy Stewart The problem is that people, as we know, believe misinformation Perhaps the best approach is fantasy, the route of the Rocketman biopic
So how is A Complete Unknown? It opens in NZ cinemas on January 23 Well, despite four or five cringeworthy moments, I really enjoyed it What makes it work is the remove it keeps from Dylan, not trying to get inside his head but showing him in different lights, refracted through how others see him
The tone is set early on when Joan Baez – an excellent Monica Barbaro, lacking only Joanie’s extraordinary vocal strength – says “You know Bob, you ’ re kind of an ***hole” He replies “I guess ”
And that crops up repeatedly, Bob being “kind of an ***hole”, not particularly, as is traditional, because he’s suffering for his art, but just because. That’s important to what the film expresses best, which is the weird inexplicable existence of genius. Bob behaves just as Baez says but then he goes and writes Blowin’ In The Wind, and Mr Tambourine Man And so many, many more... How are you meant to react to that?
Bad movie things?
The scene where Dylan and Baez get together is truly dreadful; the idea that everyone in the cast including a rabble-
With the Katikati Twilight Concert series underway for 2025, music-lovers still have two concerts offering a fabulous line-up that you won ’ t want to miss!
So grab a friend, bring a picnic and get to Haiku Park on January 25 and February 8 – gates open 5pm Twilight Concert publicity manager Jenni Wilson said the January 25 concert is a ‘Shania Twain Tribute Show’, hot from the UK!
“The reviews in Europe for this show starring Liza Rebecca are amazing The show includes songs from the biggest selling album by a female artist of all time.”
Wilson said Rebecca brings all the sass and style of the real Shania “She is touring with her own band and promises to throw in a few surprises as well as several costume changes! We invite you to a special night and ask you to Come on Over!”
February 8’s show is a night of two halves, said Wilson. “First up is a Katikati favourite, Albi and the Wolves. The band is made up of singer and acoustic guitarist Chris Dent, singer and violinist Pascal Roggen, and singer and double bass player Michael Young.”
Albi & the Wolves formed in 2014 and play in New Zealand and overseas, said Wilson “They cover many musical genres including blues, folk, indie and jazz, always leaving the audience wanting more!”
The night’s second half will see Waihi lass Sarah Spicer and her band entertain the crowd.
“Sarah spent nine years in San Fransisco writing songs, learning her craft and playing the rock and blues circuit. She sings jazz, rock, blues and folk and will be joined by well-known Tauranga musician Liam Ryan.”
Wilson said Spicer has played at twilight concerts before, knows what the audience likes “and is very much looking forward to entertaining us again”
“So come on down to the Haiku Reserve in Katikati with your friends, family, picnic hamper
rousing Johnny Cash arrived at the climactic Newport Festival is a movie construct And the first time Bob thinks of Like A Rolling Stone – yuk
The good? Ed Norton is miraculous as Pete Seeger, embodying the folk establishment with dignity and also nailing those contradictory feelings towards a genius in your midst Cash is drunk and fun, if largely a plot device And Chalamet is fantastic Five years of work paid off But even then, when you see film of the real Dylan, you realise that Chalamet is never as sharp, never as funny, never as absolutely electric as Bob was in those days The lightning bug and the lightning
A sneak
Photo: Chris Steel
A Francophile is a person who has a strong affinity towards any or all of the French culture and/ or French people, writes Kem Ormond.
That affinity may include France itself or its history, language, cuisine or literature.
If you asked me what I love about France, I could write a book. It is
not only the food which includes all that beautiful cheese, wine and bread but the markets, the chic style of the French women, the buildings, cobbled streets... but I think it is the laid-back lifestyle that really appeals to me, the two-hour lunch breaks and the work-life ratio!
Paris
My first experience was in Paris, and I have to say, it wasn ’ t quite how
I was expected it to be I was a young traveler and no one told me you don’t sit down at a table with your coffee without paying extra! Oh la la, did I get told off!
What is a Francophile, and would you like to live like one?
an outside area to relax with friends and have a glass of local wine and enjoy good food
I never found the people very friendly, and I thought the streets were drab Years later when I visited I had a whole different view on Paris It was bustling, alive, exciting and I found a man selling crepes that I visited every day I loved the shops and the café and had my portrait painted at Montmartre
I found the dawn of each new day invigorating and the pink sky just on dusk simply breathtaking
There is something special about passing the Eiffel tower at night, all lit up, with the snow coming down
The addiction of the language
The language seems to engulf you and you find yourself going to French movies just to hear the language I have spent hours drooling over beautiful French magazines, drawn to the beautiful potager gardens and blue shutters on the stone houses, built to keep the warmth in winter and the heat out in summer
The sunflowers seem to thrive as do the rows and rows of lavender The sound of the chatter at the markets, like music to my ears
You will find potted red geraniums, herbs growing, maybe an apple tree and even in the cities there will be pots of colour adorning the footpath or balconies
Brocante
I love how the French enjoy their recycled homewares, from old linen and books to copper pots and decorative crockery
It all tells a story of another life as does some of the beautiful worn wooden furniture
Crystal vases are often found at brocante markets and brought home to be filled with gorgeous voluptuous roses and set alongside a stunning candlestick adorned with a homemade candle
Cooking
Meals are cooked with seasonal produce found at the vegetable markets and as kitchens are quite small, the markets are frequented often
The houses and homes
Yes, you will find some minimalistic homes filled with object de art in some Paris homes, but overall, homes in France are relaxed and welcoming With beautiful old leather chairs, a family kitchen that is the heart of the home and
The patisserie shops are like a painting, with colourful macarons and plump fluffy croissants
Lunch at a small café or restaurant is a glorious adventure and the coffee rich and creamy
And then there are the dogs
There are dogs of every description, poking out of handbags, smiling to you from backpacks, tucked inside a warm coat or teetering along with their studded crystal collars The French love their dogs
And then there is...
The art scene, the museums, art galleries music, the churches, cafes, the house where Van Gogh lived with his brother, the studio that Picasso frequented, statues, vineyards, the countryside, the traffic, the cars the list just goes on and on Maybe come retirement... it wuld be a great time to have a change of scenery and finally finish that book!
Kem Ormond
The Eiffel Tower, an iconic landmark in France
The Arc de Triomphe, Paris, seen from above.
trades & services
•Headboards•CustomIndoor&OutdoorSquabs •Upholstery,Restoration&Repairs 995CameronRoad,GatePa,Tauranga 075784110•info@theupholsteryshoppe.co.nz www theupholsteryshoppe co
NOTICE OF PEST PLANT CONTROL
Bay of Plenty Regional Council will be carrying out pest plant spraying using the herbicide Haloxyfop in small isolated areas within Waione AvenueAthenree, Uretara Estuary, Pahoia Estuary, Waimapu Estuary and Waikareao Estuary (Hamilton Street access Ngai Tamarawaho Cresent access and the Judea Rugby Club access)
The control will take place between 27th – 31st January, weather and tides depending Enquiries to Biosecurity Team 0800 884 880
MOUNT MAUNGANUI RETURNED AND SERVICES ASSOCIATION (INC.) NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
To be held in the Clubrooms 544 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga
Sunday, 2 February 2025 at 1 00 p m
If a Quorum is not present, the meeting will be adjourned until 1 00 p m on Sunday, 9 February 2025
BUSINESS:
To present options to the Financial Members on the future direction of the MOUNT MAUNGANUI RSA These options will be discussed and voting will be undertaken
Please present your membership card for registration
Greg Baxter, President Mount Maunganui RSA
TAURANGA RETURNED AND SERVICES ASSOCIATION (INC) NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
To be held in the Clubrooms, 1237 Cameron Road, Greerton Tauranga on Sunday 2nd February 2025 At 1 00pm
If a Quorum is not present, the meeting will be adjourned until 1 00pm On Sunday 9th February 2025
Business
To present options to the Financial Members on the future direction of the TAURANGA RSA These options will be discussed, and voting will be undertaken
Please present your membership card for registration Sue Martin, Tauranga RSA Manager
Gardening & Landscaping ABLE gardener experienced, efficient, knowledgeable, highly qualified Maintenance, pruning, hedges, shrubs, roses; disease/pest control, lifestyle blocks, garden renovations; design and plant Ph Ben 021 133 1857 bellissimolandscapes@hotmail.com
Make your property search simple.
Churches Active In Our Community
Summers in the BOP are hard to bea For generations, sunny days and coo nights, extensive beaches and beautif bush have attracted people to Tauranga Moana.
Whether residents or visitors, we gratefully store these days in our memory banks!
However, recent events, even here in Aotearoa, remind us that areas can quickly turn from drawcards to disaster regions Earthquakes and volcanoes, floods and fires can bring such devastation that people need to flee and settle elsewhere, sometimes permanently
In our Decade for Climate Justice 202332, Methodists are working at rekindling the connection between ourselves and our environment Through 2025/26 we are reflecting on the painful experiences of those displaced by climate change, climate refugees - and finding ways to respond
Our focus began with our Pacific neighbours being forced from their islands Rising sealevels threaten their homes and gardens, and
contaminate their drinking water
Over this last week we have seen how the effects of extreme weather have led to unimaginable destruction in prime real estate in Los Angeles; the climate is no respecter of persons and our hearts ache for those affected We are all vulnerable to the devastation of natural disasters
People have come to Aotearoa as voyagers, economic and social migrants, and political or climate refugees, to find a home
There is much that we cannot control, but we can care wisely and sustainably for this region and those who come
How can we ensure that Tauranga Moana continues to be an attractive and welcoming place? Viv Whimster, Lay Preacher, Wesley, Western Bay of Plenty
SPECIFICATIONS:
WeightCapacity–150kg
WeightwithBatteres–85kg MotorSize–24V/400W MaxForwardSpeed–10km/h DstanceRange–upto30km GroundClearance–9cm Batteries–12V/35Ahx2 OverallDimensions–1270x610x1080mm FullFrontandRearSuspension
OverallDimensions–1380x630x1150mm FullFrontandRearSuspension