The Weekend Sun - 24 January 2025 by Sun Media

f r s il s Surfing for smiles

Surfers Healing, a free surf camp on February 1 at Mount Main Beach, has a simple goal: to empower the lives of children living with autism, according to Tom Mason, pictured surfing with

youngster Dom Maxwell Tom, along with fellow experienced Kiwi and American surfers will ride in tandem with the children at the Tauranga event, said the change in a child can be instant

“Children, especially [those] with autism, all their senses are very in height, and so a lot is going on Then, at the end of the surfing, they don’t want to get out of the water ” Surfers Healing has been

Read more about this empowering and transformational movement on

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The undoing of a Smart Aleck

“Good morning, you ’ re talking with Noah. How’s your day?”

How’s my day? HOW’S MY DAY?

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The fact that I am talking to a claims officer at an insurance company this minute might suggest to you what sort of day I am having Sorry to disappoint but I am not ringing because you are on my list of auto-dial faves. My list of two This all happened the day after I was hoist by own petard – blown up by my own bomb. If hubris is, in part, dangerous overconfidence and complacency, then I had it. And it undid me. With a crunch.

Last week I’d been banging on about my driving ability, or lack thereof, in

The Weekend Sun page 2 column titled: ‘Confessions of a crap driver’. I did the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi online 15-point self-rating assessment quiz for drivers

Red lights started flashing, up went the alarm bells. “STOP,” the agency said. “You are engaging in unsafe driving practices and might pose a hazard to yourself and others.”

The crunch

Suddenly a bit of fun demanded crisis management. And an insurance claim. I was all a bit smug because a lovely couple I know remarked on the yarn, said it was raised over dinner with other friends; and they’d all had a chuckle about it. Clever old me.

It reminded me of a delightful Christian I knew who’d dealt with the worst life could throw at him by using “blinkin’ heck!” That wouldn’t cut it for me. You’ve got a terminal disease “Blinkin’ heck!” Your wife’s run off with the milkman. “Blinkin’ heck!”

Bitter and out of pocket

Anyhow, last week’s page 2 column had backfired on me. And backfiring comes at a cost – like a $400 insurance excess, and a reassessment of my annual premium. They’ll claw it back somehow The lease on Auckland CBD office space with Waitematā sea views doesn’t come cheap Grumpy, crap, septuagenarian Tauranga drivers who ding their cars can pay for it. Now I am getting bitter

But literally minutes later I was backing my car out of the garage into a shared driveway, a manoeuvre I’d done safely a thousand times But this time, I inadvertently swept a bit wider And CRUNCH! That horrible, expensive, graunching sound of car body parts shredding. I’d backed straight into a sturdy garden fencepost set in concrete.

Not so clever

“STOP! You are engaging in unsafe driving practices.” Ain’t that the truth – I just didn’t look. What started out as a bit of whimsy on page 2 became real-world in my driveway Someone was teaching me for being a smart aleck.

The air was blue with profanities I didn’t know I had in my vocabulary

But I feel for insurance claims officers – ICOs. All day, every day is a litany of lives disintegrating, like the panels of the cars we drive badly, and want compensated for All day, every day is someone else’s personal crisis It would take someone special to have ears for all that.

I finally get through to my new best friend, ICO Noah – but not before three different calls totalling 25 minutes and an irritating voice advising me: “All our claim officers are beezy right now, we’ll be weeth you soon”.

Beezy listening to other people’s miseries.

Being interrogated

When I get through to Noah, he plays me a recording – not Winehouse

or Shapplin or BB King, none of my favourites – but an ominous voice warning that my information, my truths, half-truths and outright lies relating to my driveway mishap will be shared with the world, with every other insurance company in Wellington. They’re on to me.

Then Noah asks me some very interesting questions – has anyone approved to drive your car been in prison recently? Or fired an intercontinental ballistic missile at anyone with intent? Or maliciously spread bubonic plague? I concocted the last two But I was comfortable answering with an emphatic “No”.

Drastically modified

Then he asked if my car had been modified in any way Why would a 70-plus year-old add fat feet, spoilers, side skirts, cold air intakes and a performance exhaust system to a Honda CRV? It’s like the driver – tragically ordinary and old Besides, I can ’ t drive it safely as it is But I was able to answer: “Yes, it was drastically modified yesterday when I backed into a solid fencepost set in concrete, tearing off my rear bumper and splintering other bits and pieces. Which was the reason I was calling in the first place.”

And I hadn’t even got to the end of the driveway Noah had a sense of humour. He laughed at my misfortune. Then approved my claim. Bless him. But I’ve learned another lesson. Don’t tempt fate, and when NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advised that I should read their suggestions for improving my driving, I should have listened

Noah thanked me for my call and offered me the stock: “Call back if there is anything further I can help you with ” To tell the truth Noah, I hope like hell I never have to engage with you again. But with the state of my driving

Council boss resigns

Western Bay of Plenty

District Council’s chief executive John Holyoake has opened up about his decision to resign.

Holyoake resigned on Monday and will finish at the council on April 20.

Holyoake joined the council in July 2021, replacing Miriam Taris, who had held the chief executive role from 2014.

He took on the council’s top job after six years as chief executive at Tamaki Regeneration Company – the largest urban regeneration project in New Zealand.

Sitting at his local café in Ōmokoroa on Thursday, Holyoake was relaxed wearing jeans, sneakers and a council branded polo He told Local Democracy Reporting leaving the council was something he had been thinking about for a while.

In December, he spoke to Mayor James Denyer about his plans and was initially going to leave mid-year but reevaluated things during the Christmas break.

“There’s never a right time to do it so in the end I decided to do it for me. ”

Being a chief executive for 10 years “takes its toll”, he said.

Holyoake said he doesn’t have another job lined up which was “ scary ” but he’s on a number of boards so will continue that work.

The chief executive said he has valued the culture and energy of the council and the passion they have for people.

He said he was proud of the relationships the council had built with mana whenua during his tenure.

Denyer said in a statement he had valued Holyoake’s insight and advice over the past four years and wished him well in his “future

endeavours”. “He has guided our council during a time of significant change, and I thank him for what he has achieved ”

An interim chief executive will be appointed while the council works to fill Holyoake’s position

The chief executive sub-committee met on Wednesday to discuss the interim appointment

The process to select a new chief executive would come as the council prepared for the local government elections in October

Marty Grenfell, of neighbouring Tauranga City Council, said he had enjoyed working with Holyoake as a fellow chief executive in the Bay of Plenty

“John brought a lot of energy and new thinking to the sector and challenged the status quo with a view to achieving better outcomes for the community”

Holyoake plans to spend time on the golf course and make the most of Ōmokoroa and the wider region with his wife Sara before deciding what to do next.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council chief executive John Holyoake will finish in the role on April 20. Photo: NZME

Taxi driver’s Lotto calls

A taxi driver has been receiving unusual Lotto inquiries to his 0800 number Thomas Morgan owns a ‘double hundred’ phone number that also happened to be an 0800 number Lotto New Zealand had listed on its website. “I can get two or three phone calls a week. Callers think I am the Nelson Building Society, the Southern Cross health people, or another bank. And now it seems I can be Lotto ” Morgan said he’d owned the number for 25 years. Lotto NZ said it has now corrected the number on its website.

Meet the people behind auranga ’ s $128m museum

Tauranga’s first museum will open in 2028, but work on it has already begun Local Democracy Reporting toured the city’s heritage collection and met the people who will bring the museum to life.

Biker killed in crash named Police have named the man who died in a two-vehicle crash in Tauranga on Christmas Eve. He was Christopher Bernard Halligan Lee, 36, of Ohauiti.

“Police extend our sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time,” a spokesperson said. Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing. Emergency services were called to Fraser St, at its intersection with Lloyd St in Parkvale, at 8.20pm on Christmas Eve. In a statement on December 25, a police spokesperson said the crash involved two-vehicles – a car and a motorbike. “The motorbike rider sadly died at the scene. ”

Lifejacket recall

New Zealand lifejacket manufacturer Hutchwilco is proactively recalling a specific model of their popular Inflatable Lifejacket.

Customers with manual 170N lifejackets manufactured from June 2021 to May 2022 are potentially affected. The recall comes following an advisory from Hutchwilco’s American supplier, Halkey Roberts, of a potential failure during testing of the green/ red indicator This is reported as an occasional issue only affecting some units, general manager Tim Ritchie said.

Recalled inflators can be found on the Hutchwilco 170N manual lifejacket that’s fitted with a V96000 Halkey Roberts mechanism with a manufacture date of June 2021 through to May 2022. Ritchie said this will be laser printed on the mechanism in the format MM/DD/YY

SH29 closures

Maintenance works on State Highway 29 Kaimai Range will see night closures over two weeks next month. SH29 will be closed 8pm to 4.30am on February 9 through to February 14 and again from February 16-21.

The closures are needed to undertake asphalt renewals and routine maintenance.

The previously advised SH29 closure was for one week, an extra week has been added to complete additional maintenance while the road is closed, while also allowing for the possibility of bad weather

Talks about a museum in Tauranga have been happening for 25 years, but the $128.4m civic whare, museum and exhibition centre wasn ’ t a reality until 2022.

The museum will be the crowning achievement of the $306 million Te Manawataki o Te Papa civic precinct nestled between Willow St and Durham St in Tauranga’s city centre.

The precinct, which includes a library and community hub – due for completion next year – was approved by the Government-appointed commission in 2022.

The museum build was reconfirmed by the newly elected council in December

The piling works for the structure were

finished in December, main construction will start in May and it is expected to be open for business in 2028.

‘Museum guy ’

Tauranga museum director Greg McManus’ reason for taking the job was a “selfish motivation”.

He has been in the role for almost two years and oversees everything from air conditions within the museum to securing its first big exhibit.

“I want to be part of building something completely new for a city that’s never had one [a museum].”

Before taking the role in Tauranga, McManus spent 10 years as the chief executive of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where he built two museums. He was also director of the Rotorua Museum for 15 years.

Being a self-confessed “ museum guy”, McManus said a city having one was vital.

It was “really important” people could go to their local museum and see

themselves and learn about how they got to where they are, he said

“Most New Zealanders know very little about what happened in New Zealand in the 19th Century

“We have a really important role to play in that, promoting the ideas of diversity and tolerance. Not being afraid to tell the difficult stories ”

Museums were also a tourism drawcard and one goal of Te Manawataki o Te Papa was to be an attraction that kept people in the city, he said

“I’m a museum person first and foremost, but I’m also a tourism person and museums play a really important role in tourism in New Zealand ” 35,000 pieces

The city’s heritage collection would also get a chance to see the light of day More than 35,000 pieces of history are housed in two warehouses in Mount Maunganui.

The collection was started by the Tauranga Historical Society in 1969, with

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Tauranga museum director

Greg McManus in the Tauranga Heritage Collection taonga store. Photo: John Borren

the support of Tauranga City Council

It includes everything from postage stamps to local icon Dusty Waddell’s collection of 130 Kiwi surfboards and surfing memorabilia.

McManus said about 10% of the museum ’ s collection would be on display at any time, but the displays would change to tell new stories.

Overseas exhibitions

The two large, temporary galleries would enable the museum to host overseas exhibitions like a Lego or Formula One racing cars exhibition

Museum curator Fiona Kean said the collection had everything you would expect from a museum. They have about 5000 textile items, from curtains once belonging to Napoleon to a line of locally made Expozay swimwear

There are photos, WWI and WWII memorabilia, a native animal taxidermy y diorama used in schools and game fishing marlin casts that once hung in the iconic Oceanside Hotel The popular watering hole was demolished in 1995 to make way for high-rise apartments

“It’s quite varied and when we get the museum it will really help to give some depth to the objects as well,” said Kean

The taonga store has 12,000 mainly Māori and

1980s and restored over six years.

Te Pou Arahi cultural heritage manager Dean Flavell said it showed the early Polynesian arrival to Aotearoa “It’s exploring that whole idea of when people come to a new place, they explore and they utilise some of the material that they find.”

Feels different

He has worked at the council for 25 years and said he had seen every rendition of a museum, but this one feels different.

“The timing is right, as a city we ’ re ready to explore our history”

While Tauranga waits for its museum, people can view the collection by becoming a Friend of Tauranga Museum The free membership gives people access to collection tours, talks and historic wallks M More than 1 18,0000 piieces of f thhe h heriitage collection are also available to view online

One-day bus stop relocation and one-way lane closure

A one-way lane closure is scheduled to take place on Farm St next Wednesday, January 29, from 9am-7pm to undertake road remediation work near the Arataki bus hub, according to Tauranga City Council

“Vehicle access through Farm St will be one-way only with entry from Taupo Ave Traffic coming from Concord Ave will

be detoured via Leander St Access to Bayfair Shopping Centre will be maintained at all times ”

The Farm St bus stops will be temporarily relocated to Taupo Ave during the works

Signage will be in place to direct passengers to the temporary bus stops, said council

For information about the membership or online collection, visit: www tauranga govt nz

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Polynesian artefacts The rarest is a 14th Century wooden canoe bailer that was found in Tauriko in the

An artist’s impression of the $128.4m civic whare, museum and exhibition centre. Image: Tauranga City Council

Museum curator Fiona Kean with Dusty Waddell’s collection of 130 Kiwi surfboards. Photo: John Borren

Children with autism spectrum disorder and their families in Tauranga can join Surfers Healing for a “powerful experience” on February 1.

“You’re getting these amazing specialised surfers, these water champs, these famous surfers coming to our little end of the world,” Spectrum Connections founder Mary-Jane du Toit said Children on the autism spectrum fear everything and get overwhelmed very quickly, du Toit said “We’ve been to the last three years. This will be our fourth year going to Surfers Healing, and it’s an amazing opportunity,” she said.

Three free surf sessions will be in the morning, sorting participants into groups and providing lifejackets and wet suits.

Hidden disability

Spectrum Connections is a charitable trust set up by du Toit to help support families and their children who often battle social isolation

Making a es of happiness at the Mount

“What we find with our families is that, you know, it’s so hard when you have kids with a hidden disability because they look like everyone else,” she said “But don’t act like everyone else ”

At Surfers Healing, Du Toit said there will be a gazebo set up on the beach, allowing families who often “ stay at home” a chance to socialise with like-minded people.

Ten professional surfers – passionate about getting kids out onto the waves of Mount Maunganui – will teach about 90 kids on February 1, Surfers Healing organiser Tom Mason said “The most special thing is that we pretty much get an hour with each kid ”

Transformational

Surfers Healing can be transformational for kids, adults and the surfer, Mason said “Quite often, the kid will come in, and the family’s crying on the beach, and you ’ re more often than not you end up in tears on a day,” he said All of the surfing is done in tandem, so that the

kids will be on the boards with the professionals, with lifejackets and limited wet suits provided, Mason said.

Professional surfer Israel and his wife Danielle Paskowitzf founded Surfers Healing in 1996 because of their son, Isaiah, who has autism. Since then, it has grown, and in one event in New York they can attract 400 kids a day and participants are in the water every hour, Mason said Mellow, perfect

Mason joined Surf Healing at 17,

introduced by Ian Reeder, who helped establish the charity in Raglan before it moved to Mount Maunganui “It was pretty, pretty wild over there ”

“We bought it to the Mount because we could get to so many more families, and the conditions were more mellow, perfect for what we do ”

To find out more or register for Surfers Healing at Mount Maunganui, email: surfershealingnz@gmail com

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Tom

Kids with autism spectrum disorder will get to ride the waves of Mount Maunganui with Surfers Healing, on February 1. Photo: supplied

Spencer, the explorer!

New celebration of Lunar New Year

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celebrates the Lunar New Year for the first time together. “We just have fun,” organiser Landi Morrison said.

t will be a night of reunions as the Vietnamese community in Tauranga said beans and pork, is essential to the celebration and is formed into different shapes. In the north, it is Bánh [square], and in the south, it is Bánh [cylindrical]. Quite often, the whole family stay cook it together on a big fire overnight ”

The party will be held at Waters Edge at Tauranga Memorial Park this Sunday, January 26, from 6pm to midnight. So far, 100 out of 120 tickets available have been sold, Morrison said There had been an attempt to host a similar event in 2022, but Covid spoiled the party and cancelled the event, she said “This time, we put everything together Hopefully, we will meet each other, see what we do here, how we live here, and see if we need anything or if we can support each other” Lunar New Year is the Vietnamese community’s biggest celebration, and family would travel home for the holiday in the Southeast Asian country “We work all year We save all the money but spend a lot on food, clothes, decorations, and flowers during the Lunar New Year,” said Morrison.

“Food, particularly sticky rice, mixed with mung

di Bánh chung [squ tét [cylindrical]. will stay up and overnight.”

In Vietnam the community would also spend a lot of money on particular flowers that only blossom during the Lunar New Year; the first of which is the yellow, hoa mai, and pink hoa dao, Morrison said “There’s quite a lot of effort put into it to ensure that the flower does not open before the New Year for luck.”

Morrison said children attending Tauranga’s celebration will wear new clothes and greet elders with the customary Chúc Mung Năm Moi ‘Happy New Year!’, and then they will receive “Li Xi, lucky money”.

Tauranga’s Vietnamese Lunar New Year party is January 26, from 6pm to midnight at Waters Edge, Tauranga Memorial Park Tickets are $30 per adult and Under-10s gain free entry For tickets, email: landimorrison@yahoo.co.nz

Those enjoying Bay of Plenty beaches this summer are being reminded to watch out for dotterel nesting sites.

The New Zealand dotterel (Anarhynchus obscurus) is a threatened shorebird, with two distinct subspecies.

The Northern New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu (Anarhynchus obscurus aquilonius) is a characteristic bird of sandy beaches in the northern part of the North Island.

With a recovering conservation status, and population of more than 2500, the bird breeds on beaches along the North Island coastline, according to the Department of Conservation “New Zealand dotterels are now one of our rarest birds due to their love of coastal habitat which in summer happens to be the favourite playground of many people, not to mention introduced predators.”

According to Western Bay of

Plenty District Council, often beach-goers will find nesting sites already cordoned off by the amazing wildlife protection groups in the rohe (district).

DOC advises when visiting dotterel areas to stay out of ropedoff areas and follow the signs; keep dogs and vehicles off beaches and sandspits; and if you see a NZ dotterel feigning injury, it may ‘drag’ a wing as if it is broken, it has a nest or chicks nearby So move away slowly and carefully

Tom Eley

Organisers, of the first Vietnamese Lunar New Year event in Tauranga, Tra Trang, Landi Morrison and Thao Bui, can’t wait for January 26 Photo: Tom Eley

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A mystical star! E traordinar auranga fisherman fare elled

Tributes are flowing from around the world for a Tauranga fly fisherman who died after a day spent in his favourite place.

Richard George Marquand, better known as ‘Dick’, died from a heart attack on January 2. The 76-year-old was “ part of the landscape”, seen most days fishing the inner Tauranga Harbour off Matua and had just returned from a day wading along the flats when he collapsed at his Otūmoetai home.

“He would often walk 10km to 15km each day stalking Kingfish,” recalled Dave Miller, who was taught fly fishing by Dick and saw him most days “Kingfish ride on the back of stingrays, so he would watch for the subtle ripples and the dark

disk shapes gliding in the water ”

Ambassador, pioneer

Miller said the retired wildlife officer loved to pass on his knowledge, and would get messages from as far away as the UK asking for advice or for him to be a fishing guide in the Bay of Plenty

“Dick was a great ambassador for Tauranga and pioneered flyfishing in salt water He taught multitudes of fishermen how to catch a Kingfish on a fly, which is extremely difficult to do,” said Miller

“His largest Kingfish was 22kg, and he released every Kingfish he caught. He was very concerned about the decreasing numbers in the harbour”

The late Dick Marquand holding a Kingfish before releasing it back into Tauranga Harbour. Photos: supplied

“Dickwas consideredflyfishing ‘royalty’andIwas soprivilegedto call himmy friend.Rest inpeace Dick. You were extraordinary”

Conservation passion

Dick Marquand is survived by his five children

On Facebook, his son Shane Marquand described his father as a man “seldom without a smile”

“I grew up idolising this man and stuck to him as if I was his shadow,” he wrote. “He was very passionate regarding the conservation of New Zealand nature; from the mountains down the streams to the seas. ”

Marquand had been diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2020. More recently, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer but it’s a comfort to Miller that he spent the day fishing before passing so suddenly

The drug

“One of his sayings was: ‘The tug is the drug’. When I was with him, I felt like I was with David Attenborough. His knowledge and love of nature was incredible,” Miller said.

“Dick was also very social He had almost 5000 Facebook friends and would talk to everyone he met at the waterfront and delighted in patting their dogs. He always carried dog treats. My dog still waits for him.”

Miller described Marquand as the kindest person he knew, recalling the time that an eight-foot bronze whaler swam by, dragging a line in its mouth.

“He grabbed the shark by the tail and flipped it upside down, which puts the shark in a ‘quiet’ state. He was able to remove the hooks, line and seaweed and the shark swam away

“Another day, when I was fishing with him, a pod of orcas swam within 30 metres of us and started flipping eagle rays into the air and catching them in their mouths It was a sight to behold ” Miller is planning a memorial seat on the Matua waterfront with a plaque dedicated to Marquand “Dick was considered fly fishing ‘royalty’ and I was so privileged to call him my friend. Rest in peace Dick. You were extraordinary”

With the One Love Festival taking place at Tauranga Domain this Auckland Anniversary weekend on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26, motorists are being advised of road closures.

According to Tauranga City Council, road closures in Tauranga’s city centre from 9.30am January 25 to 6am on Monday, January 27 are to support event operations and ensure safe pedestrian access to and from the event. “If you are heading into the city centre, please plan ahead and allow extra travel time.” To find a map of the road closures, see: newsbeat. tauranga.govt.nz.

No pressure, and it’s good to know the value of your property

I’ll keep you updated from time to time as the market changes

The late Dick Marquand in his happy place

The late Dick Marquand untangles a fishing line from a bronze whaler shark in Tauranga Harbour Debbie Griffiths

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Thursday30&Friday31January,10am–2pm. ArvidaOceanShores,80MaranuiStreet,MountMaunganui. Imagineenjoyingbreakfastinthesunonyourprivatedeck, headingoutforamid-morningstrollalongthebeach,thenback foranafternoonoffunwithfriendsattheCommunityCentre NowstopimaginingandcomealongtoourOpenDaysatArvida OceanShores Maintenance-free,spaciousvillasandapartments areavailablenow,waitingforyoutomakethemyourown OurOpenDayswillgiveyouaflavourofwhatlifecouldbelike livingatArvidaOceanShores Speakingofflavours enjoyan icecream,onus,whileyouwander CallJenniferon021796323orvisitarvida.co.nz

With the Katikati Twilight Concert series underway y 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 Izzy Thomson 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 ”

Sass and style

Thomson 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 Thomson “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 Thomson “They cover many musical genres including blues, folk, i inddie and d jazz, allways l leaviing thhe auddience wantiing 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 also sings jazz and folk ”

Thomson 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 and beach chairs to be entertained with live music for only $25 per person Under-15s gain free entry when accompanied by a paying adult ”

Get

tickets!

Tickets are available for purchase from the Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd; email: www katikati org nz; or pay cash at the gate If wet, the concert will take place the following day

For more information, visit: www katikaticoncerts

co nz

*Last week, The Weekend Sun published an incorrect version of this article, and apologises for any inconvenience caused

Katikati Twilight concerts are known to get people up and dancing. Photo: Chris Steel

An event for fashion-lovers

Katikati’s Abbeyfield House project has a fundraiser to tickle the taste buds of fashion-lovers in March An afternoon tea with renowned Kiwi fashion designer Annah Streeton as guest speaker is being served up at Katikati Bowling Club on March 16

The event will showcase Annah’s

fashions, with a live auction on the day, and a sales table of Annah Stretton homewares and accessories Tickets to the event – on March 16, from 1 30pm4pm – cost $40 per person from the Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati or online at: www theartsjunction org nz

Check water quality before swimming

With school holidays in full swing, water quality scientists are advising parents, grandparents, holiday programme staff and caregivers to check the latest information on the ‘Can I swim here?’ online guide before deciding where to take children for a swim.

Land Air Water Aotearoa has the guide on its website – at: www.lawa.org.nz – so people can be aware of water quality and keep tamariki safe from bugs and infections that can sometimes come from swimming in polluted water “Checking online before you go means kids can

splash, swim, and explore with a lower risk of tummy upsets or other waterborne illnesses,” said Lawa recreational water quality science lead Dr Elaine Moriarty

The ‘Can I swim here?’ guide provides up-to-date water quality results for about 900 popular swim spots across New Zealand “River, beach, and lake spots are regularly monitored by regional and unitary council science teams over the summer months. Results are shared on the Lawa website to help inform communities about where is and is not suitable for swimming,” said Dr Moriarty

Find the ‘Can I swim here?’ online guide at: www.lawa.org g n nz

A new year is here, and with it comes the chance to make 2025 a year of action and teamwork

Tauranga has been through big changes lately, from welcoming newly-elected council members to new efforts giving everyday people a stronger voice These changes bring challenges too, and it’s up to all of us – residents, leaders, advocates, and young people – to step up and work together

At Youth Voices Action, we ’ ve seen how ready young people are

Helpingpeople takeaction elpingpeople take action

to tackle issues that matter to them At Lobby for Good, we ’ ve seen how communities can speak up and shape decisions when they come together

This year, let’s ask ourselves: How can we keep this going?

How do we make sure the things we care about turn into real action?

Every voice counts, and change starts when people speak up and feel safe to share Whether it’s a teenager standing up for the

environment or a parent pushing for better services, we all have the power to make a difference

In 2025, Youth Voices Action and Lobby for Good will keep helping people take action This year is a fresh start Let’s work together to make Tauranga a place where everyone feels included, valued, and hopeful about the future The future is ours to build, let’s get started!

Paciﬁc Lakes Village is set amongst tranquil park like grounds and private lakes Spacious modern villas and terrace houses have been designed to create a vibrant community, providing an ideal setting for your active and independent lifestyle

The village’s main community facility, The Pavilion, is currently under construction. Positioned on the lakes edge, this impressive building will house an eatery, lounge bar, library, art studio, beauty salon, wellness suite and extensive recreational facilities. Experience our community ﬁrst-hand - show home available by appointment.

Whether it’s relaxing at one of our beaches, reaching the summit or ﬁshing at one of our lakes, the Bay of Plenty is spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do this summer.

Look before you leap

Before jumping in at your favourite swimming spot, make sure you know if it’s ‘safe to swim ’ – that is, that the water is good quality and not a risk to your health Our bathing technicians are out weekly testing nearly 100 popular lake, river and beach spots across our rohe

This data is shared with LAWA and Toi Te Ora, who determine the ‘swim-ability’ of your favourite swimming spot.

Don’t be slack –stay on the tracks

Whether you prefer Pāpāmoa Hills or Onekawa Te Mawhai, make sure you remember to stay on the tracks when visiting our regional parks.

While it might not seem like a big deal, straying from the tracks could cause damage to these unique and historical landscapes that we work hard to protect So, if you are running or walking up, keep to the tracks – there’s plenty to choose from!

To make sure you and your whānau get the most out of the Bay, here’s a reminder of a few dos and don’ts so we can all enjoy our beautiful Bay:

The 5 knot rule

Before heading out on the water, make sure you know the rules Your boat must not exceed 5 knots within 200m of the shore or any other structure, or within 50m of another vessel or person in the water

No hoons on the dunes

Our dunes are fragile ecosystems and home to many native shorebirds, lizards and other species Vehicles can cause damage, making the dunes ineffective at protecting homes and property vulnerable to storm surges and tsunamis

If you are using your vehicles on the beach (in a place you’re allowed too!) make sure you use official vehicle accessways and stay out of the dunes.

Disability travel concession available in BOP

A free travel concession for passengers with permanent impairments and a companion travel programme are features that make public transport a lifeline for Bay of Plenty people with disabilities

Bay of Plenty Regional Council wants people to know it is committed to removing barriers and building an inclusive public transport network.

Baybus offers a range of features designed to make public transport easier to access and more welcoming for passengers with disabilities.

One popular option is the

accessibility concession, which enables free travel for passengers with permanent impairments that prevent them from driving.

In the first quarter of 2024/2025, 36,233 trips were taken using the accessibility concession – a 22.3% increase compared with the same quarter last year – demonstrating the growing importance of accessible

travel in BOP Council transport director Oliver Haycock said the service was focused on inclusion and accessibility “Public transport should be for everyone and we ’ re committed to removing barriers so all passengers feel welcome.”

Features to support passengers with disabilities include: The Accessibility +1 programme

Brown takes on Health portfolio

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced Simeon Brown is the Government’s new Minister of Health, taking the post from fellow National MP Dr Shane Reti.

The Prime Minister said last year Reti worked hard to reset the culture and performance of Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora. “It was critical to establish targets and refresh their leadership – and I am confident the organisation is heading in a much better direction that it was when we entered office.

“But I have also heard Kiwis’

concerns that they expect to see even more progress, ensuring they can access the care they need, when they need it. To deliver on that expectation, I have decided Simeon Brown will become Minister of Health.”

Putting ourselves first...

Luxon said this week Brown is an outstanding and diligent minister who has done an excellent job delivering on the Government’s priorities. “Off the back of that performance, I have decided his skills are best placed to take leadership of our health system going forward.”

Meanwhile, Reti will assume responsibility for New Zealand’s universities and science sector

allows free travel for a companion, offering passengers reassurance and support.

Driver training delivered in partnership with accessibility organisations, which helps drivers assist passengers with mobility, sensory and other needs

Improved accessibility with low-floor buses with wheelchair ramps, priority seating and some audio e-signage

at select locations in Tauranga for visually impaired passengers

Customer support via a dedicated helpline that provides personalised trip planning and support, 0800 4 BAYBUS (0800 4 229 287)

Also, large print timetables with easy-to-read formats for visionimpaired passengers, are on the way

More information is at: boprc govt nz/accessible-transport

“Be there for others, but never leave yourself behind.” – Dodinsky If we are not caring for ourselves some of the skills necessary to care for others will not be developed. The way you treat yourself is the blueprint you set for others to follow, and how you want them to see you, treat you and support you. We may str with the idea of putting ourselves first, that it’s arrogant or self-centred. It’s not true Self-c essential for our wellbeing because it t t energises us. It’s an important antidote it builds resilience within. Applying self-care allows us to better cope with the challenges and obstacles we face and we are then able to better support those around us. What would you like to address within yourself that ld h d assurance and gnise more of your rmation in yourself

Simeon Brown is the new Health Minister. Photo: NZME

Photo: Alex Cairns

40 years of hot meals and warm smiles

Not many people can claim they’ve continuously volunteered during 40 years of their life – let alone to the same organisation

But Maungatapu’s

Pam Smith can.

The 86-year-old recently retired after four decades as a Meals on Wheels delivery driver in Tauranga.

Now she wants anyone considering volunteering for Meals on Wheels to: “Go do it! It’s really fulfilling and is a good way to help the community.”

After moving to Tauranga from Auckland in 1984, Pam was looking for a way to help the community Volunteering with Meals on Wheels was the perfect opportunity, she said.

“For 40 years, she selflessly delivered hot meals and warm smiles to those in need, embodying the true spirit of community service.

“Her unwavering commitment and compassion have made a significant impact on the lives of those she has served We deeply admire Pam and thank her for her remarkable service and the positive difference she has made in our community,” said Wright

“Her legacy of kindness and

dedication will continue to inspire us all.”

Nationally, the NZ Red Cross co-ordinates more than 3000 Meals on Wheels volunteers who deliver about 710,000 meals and compassion across 33 locations in Aotearoa –offering a lifeline to those in need. June 2021 marked 70 years of the New Zealand Red Cross Meals on Wheels service. Read more at: www.redcross.org.nz/about-us

Her weekly run covered the Avenues and over the years she got to know the people she was delivering to “Sometimes you ’ re the only person they see each day”

As a result, she enjoyed and grew fond of many meal recipients and having a quick chat when bringing their dinner

“You couldn’t chat long as there

were more meals to deliver” Red Cross Midland area adviser support Cameron Wright said Pam’s dedication as a Meals on Wheels volunteer with the New Zealand Red Cross’ Tauranga branch was nothing short of extraordinary

Reachingout to more BOPveterans

Veterans’ Affairs and a pan-iwi charitable trust have teamed up to extend the reach and range of support available to veterans in the Bay of Plenty, said Veterans Minister Chris Penk.

“A major issue we face is identifying veterans who are eligible for support. Incredibly, we do not yet have centralised data for all our veterans and must rely on them registering with Veterans’ Affairs to receive their entitlements.

“This means many veterans have fallen through the cracks,” Penk said.

“That’s why Veterans’ Affairs is partnering with Te Puna Ora o Mataatua, to identify veterans in Bay of Plenty to ensure they know what support is available to them.

“The trust is the third largest hauora provider in New Zealand, has extensive service networks and well-established relationships with the Mataatua Veterans

Collective, RSAs, hapū and community groups ” Veterans’ Affairs currently has about 550 clients in the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne districts but estimates that number is a significant underrepresentation.

The memorandum of understanding will bolster data collaboration between the organisations to improve referrals and promotion of services, and to increase understanding of the health conditions veterans may have.

Veterans’ Affairs and Te Puna Ora o Mataatua will also jointly run health and support clinics, including social and employment support

“The success of this agreement could provide a blueprint for how Veterans’ Affairs can work with iwi across the country, ” Penk said

“The initiative is an example of this Government’s commitment to working with iwi and communities, to deliver public services that improve New Zealanders’ lives.”

Pam Smith volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 40 years.

Photo: AngelaWallace

The Anzac Day dawn service at Mt Maunganui. Photo: Alex Cairns

Classy and capable!

Increasingly common on

New Zealand roads, the Jaecoo J7 is the newest model in the line-up of Omoda Jaecoo, a new SUV brand launched in Aotearoa last year.

It shares many similarities with its sibling – the Omoda C5 – which we reviewed last year and highly impressed us with the package it offers

Although the Jaecoo J7 uses some of the same technology, it looks very different and provides more off-road capabilities.

Classy

If we had to describe the head-turning looks of the J7 in one word, it would be:

‘Classy’

The clean lined, sleek silhouette is Range Roverlike and combines with a bold large front grille, checkered-pattern LED headlights and rear lights, stylish piano black elements, retractable door handles, and beautiful 19-inch alloy wheels to create a look that is both refined and imposing Rugged black plastic along the wheel arches and sides of the car hints this is in fact an off-road capable vehicle

With a starting price of $37,990+ORC this SUV looks and feels a lot more expensive than it is.

Two models

There are two J7 models to choose from: the EX, a well-equipped front-wheeldrive SUV; and the EX Plus, the top-spec all-wheel-drive version

The only visual differences between the exterior of both models are the front fog lights and wheels; the EX Plus comes with slightly bigger alloys and red brake calipers, while the EX doesn’t have fog lamps

When you step inside, you start noticing some differences. The top-spec model features a larger touchscreen, a heads-up display, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, electric lumbar support for the driver, ventilated front seats, and more driving modes –including snow, mud, sand and off-road. At the back is an electric tailgate and a fullsize spare for the all-wheel drive model.

Tech, safety, comfort

Both models are packed with technology, safety and comfort features. You get a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keeping Assistance, parking sensors and a surround-view reversing camera.

The interior is modern and airy with ample space.

The build quality and the choice of materials are outstanding with a high-quality and highly tactile finish around the cabin. Synthetic leather seats offer plenty of adjustment and very good support, which is great for longer commutes.

The front row is electrically adjustable – including an additional set of controls easily accessible from the rear seats for extra convenience –and heated. It’s also ventilated in the EX Plus

Almost everything can be controlled via the big touchscreen; the menus

are easy to navigate through, and there’s an intelligent voice assistant to help with tasks like changing the climate settings or making a phone call should you wish.

Phone connectivity

The J7 comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Bluetooth and a 50W charging pad for smartphones, allowing for fast charging. Both models have an eightspeaker Sony sound system, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control and keyless start.

The Jaecoo J7 is a complete package – it not only looks the part

but drives well and offers cuttingedge technology All Omoda Jaecoo vehicles are backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance programme.

The J7 EX is priced at $37,990+ORC, and the J7 EX Plus is $43,990+ORC, with an extra $500 for two-tone paint.

For a limited time, the Jaecoo J7 and the Omoda C5 are available with 3 9% p a finance over three years; terms and conditions apply Talk to the Omoda Jaecoo Tauranga team for more information You’ll find them at 326 Cameron Rd or phone 07 578 9083 Axel Smith

A real winner – insiide and d out!

It has finally arrived at Shorland Peugeot – the all new Peugeot 3008 Hybrid, the third generation of the 3008 and I am certainly impressed

From top to bottom, inside and out the new 3008 SUV is hands down a winner

Let’s start with its appearance In a word, sexy! The new look fast-back styling really makes the 3008 standout from previous 3008 models (and they

were pretty impressive). The front grill features the new Peugeot Lion badge and the three lion’s claw day-time running lights For appearance the new 3008 Peugeot is hard to fault, but its inside that is the real winner

Technology galore

Inside, there’s a 21inch sweeping, almost floating, all digital screen that dominates the cabin. It’s very impressive. It’s set up away from the driver, almost against the windscreen and contains every bit of information the driver needs;

from speed, to energy usage (remembering that this is also a hybrid as well as petrol driven model) The screen is split into two with the remainder of the functions such as air, media, and navigation on the second part of the screen. Peugeot has added a slim touchpad screen which has shortcut buttons for the big 21inch screen so you can access the menus more easily It’s very impressive but does take a bit of time to get used to

The on-board technology doesn’t stop there. The gear selector is a simple-tooperate toggle switch behind the steering wheel on the dash, so that leaves the centre dividing console free for cup holders and several large storage spaces.

Comfortable

One aspect of the Peugeot 3008 range that has always impressed me is the compact-style steering wheel and this is such a natural fit with the new look sweeping screen It’s a real winner So too is the materials used for the interior with a lot of effort by Peugeot going into the fit-out The cabin is inviting, beautifully finished using state-of-the-art materials and technology

Another winner

From a driver’s aspect, the seating is incredibly comfortable The seats are firm but very supportive and having driven the 3008 on a windy back road it was almost like sitting in your favourite arm chair For me the ride both around town and out on the open highway was a winner

Very economic

The new Peugeot range is now all Hybrids in New Zealand and the system proves very economic, particularly for around-town driving. The All New 3008 comes with a 1.2-litre threecylinder turbo petrol engine as well as Hybrid battery power, so it can drive itself on electric power alone, but only for short bursts at low speed. Consumption figures are around 5.4 litres per 100km, which again is very impressive. The 3008 has three driving modes to select from. Eco, Normal and Sport.

The 3008’s blend of design, tech and comfort makes this a real winner

Brian Kelly

When it comes to fully immersing yourself in an occasion, nothing beats dressing the part

If you ’ re heading to the Katikati A&P Show at Uretara Domain on Sunday, February 2, that’s made easy by heritage enthusiast Tee Carroll

Part of it all

“When you put on an outfit from older times, you really do feel as though you ’ re a settler arriving here in a strange land It makes you part of it all,” she said With a background in teaching, her passion for creating clothing from bygone eras began as what she describes as a ‘bit of a mistake’

“In 2007, [I] became a volunteer at Athenree Homestead; a restored heritage home from the 1880s I’m a tour guide and I thought it would be fun to dress the part ”

Carroll was soon also dressing visitors up for photographs and now, along with friend Tiri Sosich who assists, she designs and creates outfits for community events and parties

“I love to repurpose op-shop clothes,” she said “I realised that I could take a velvet jacket and make it look Victorian, Edwardian or even steampunk and then whip up a hat to go with it.

We’ve even made Gatsby-style outfits for people going to Napier’s Art Deco Festival ”

“Tee’s outfits are amazing,” said Katikati A&P Show committee member Sheryl Smith “Whenever we need costumes, she loans them to us and only asks for a donation for charity She’s that kind of person; she’s very supportive of the community”

Get dressed up!

For the 100th Katikati A&P Show on February 2, attendees are encouraged to get dressed in outfits representing the 1913-1925 era and take part in a fashion parade, complete with prizes up for grabs This week, Carroll has clothes on display at The Arts Junction with some people can borrow

“It’s just a fun event, not a competition We have something for everyone to wear, ” said Carroll “Any age group, any body shape Once they put on a hat and some jewellery and look in the mirror, they go away with a smile on their face I just love it ”

For more information on costumes, email: thecarrollz@xtra co nz

The Katikati A&P Society’s 100th show is on Sunday, February 2, at the Uretara Domain Gates open 9am Debbie Griffiths

Christine Wallis, Don Wallis, Louellen Davies and Sheryl Smith model vintage clothing at Katikati’s Uretara Domain ahead of the 100th Katikati A&P Show Photo: David Hall

Surf lifesaving comp at Mount and Pāpāmoa

One of New Zealand’s biggest surf lifesaving events returns to Mount Maunganui this weekend.

The 2025 Eastern Regional Championships runs today, January 24 from 10am-7.30pm; and 8am5pm on Saturday and Sunday, January 25-26, at Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service.

Despite the Eastern Region spanning the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, the event attracts competitors from throughout the country – drawing upon the best of the best to determine the Eastern Regional Champions and Overall Top Club Spectators are welcome to watch – all the action is free!

The competition includes a wide variety of e events, requiring varying levels of technical skill and physical fitness “With surf and weather conditions constantly changing, the competition has proved to be one of the most exciting competitions of the surf lifesaving calendar”

Today, January 24, at 10am is the Masters competition; at 2pm seniors double ski, 2km beach run, beach sprints and relays. Both events are at Mount Main Beach. On Saturday and Sunday, January 25-26, seniors will compete from 8am at Mount Main Beach, while surf boats and canoes are at Pāpāmoa Beach from 8am Eastern Region sport manager Sonia Keepa said thanks to support from Tauranga City Council and TECT, Surf Life Saving New Zealand is excited to bring together athletes, families, and supporters to celebrate their lifesaving culture.

“We invite anyone at, or near, the Mount this weekend to join us in celebrating the talents of our lifeguards as they navigate challenges posed by the ocean, while fostering a sense of community and safety”

“This is not just a competition; it’s a testament to the dedication of lifesavers who work and train tirelessly to make our beaches safer” Find out more at: wwwsurflifesaving org nz/calendar

The 2025 Eastern Regional Championships, on from January 24-26, will have surf boats and canoes competing o Pāpāmoa Beach on the weekend. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Ltd

Farewelling

Dave Roy y

Dave was not a trained artist or musician. Yet he recorded 15 albums and produced a huge number of artworks

A lot of it started as therapy

Occasionally throughout his life, Dave battled mental health issues; music and art helped I’m sure he wouldn’t mind me mentioning this, as he certainly did

his ‘Still Seeking Sanity’ exhibition centred bravely around those struggles

Oscar Laven, Trevor Braunias, Mike Kirk, Derrin Richards, Grant Bullot, John Michaelz, Robbie Laven, Beano Gilpin, Marion Arts, Harry Prastiti, Dave Porter, Sonia Bullot, and many more

That’s why he started with music: at first just Tuesday sessions at The Boatshed with Nigel Masters, but after his debut album Consistently Erratic, he never stopped, once producing three full albums in a year I wanted to write about Dave while he could read it I’d been talking to him about getting his music on Spotify and was holding off ‘til then Too late now Since he played rudimentary guitar and only sang a little, Dave’s music existed through the boundless expanse of his creativity Some albums were just his songs, others were “ concepts ” Every song had a different country and different drink; one was covers all sung to the tunes of different songs; one featured a different guitarist on each song Dave knew everyone, and everyone came in to play on his albums Of course you

Folk art

I call it “folk art ” His music and art succeeded because of their ideas and their emotion, not through technical accomplishment Dave wasn ’ t trained as a painter either but his sculptures – bronze and stainless steel – assembled stuff in unexpected ways, and later he did paint, again led by his creativity. There was the mental health exhibition and a striking collection commemorating World War I I wish I had one of his early “crucified barbies”

Now Dave’s gone In all honesty, I feel nothing but depressed and sad. But another David, the great film director David Lynch – who coincidentally died on the same day – used to say: “Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole ”

Funny, unique and clever

Losing Dave has left a huge hole, not just for his family and friends but also Tauranga’s creative community I’ve got three of his paintings One is Dr Who’s Tardis; one is a plaintive view of a Leunig-like figure The other is bloody huge It takes an entire wall in the bedroom and is pure Dave through and through: Pablo Picasso and Tony Lane Do a Spot of Fishing While Enjoying a Nice Pinot Noir

I keep my eye on it It’s funny, unique and clever all at once, firing your imagination, making you both laugh and think Just like my friend Dave *There is no playlist this week

you ’ re keen for a free mini golf battle with ends, family or even strangers – get along to uranga Waterfront from today, January 24 ough to January 27

rom 10am-5pm daily at the southern terfront of The Strand a mini golf course will set up for all to play for free

The course has 12 fun and challenging holes for all ages

Last check-in is 30 minutes before the daily 5pm closing Groups can be six people maximum; and kids under-16 have to be supervised by an adult No food or drink is permitted on the course

Find out more at: www whatsontauranga co nz

Tauranga City Council is hosting a free waterfront movie this weekend, on Saturday, January 25, from 7.30pm.

Gather the whānau, bring a blanket, an extra clothing layer, BYO picnic, buy a coffee and popcorn which will be available to purchase via cash, and enjoy Tauranga’s waterfront with Night Owl Cinemas’ screening of ‘Luca’ All parking in Tauranga city centre is free after 5pm and all weekend Check out parking options near Tauranga waterfront at: www.tauranga.govt.nz/parking

did

The late Dave Roy’s painting

Picasso and Tony Lane

a Spot of Fishing While

a Nice Pinot Noir’.

The late Dave Roy. Photo: File

995CameronRoad,GatePa,Tauranga 075784110•info@theupholsteryshoppe.co.nz

8 HAWK PLACE

Saturday 25th, 7am-3pm Lots of

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

Trade Services

ROOF

Why is the Treaty Principles Bill of concern to all New Zealanders?

Before 1840 Maori appealed to King William (the Crown) for protection from ‘troublesome and vicious’ Europeans living in their midst The resultant Treaty of Waitangi promised protection of Tino Rangatiratanga (self-governance) and taonga treasured by Maori as essential for their wellbeing, particularly, their whenua/land Sadly, the Crown/Government soon ignored that legal agreement for Pakeha’s gain Wholesale suffering and harm to both Maori and the environment ensued. The current Treaty Principles Bill threatens to permit ongoing degradation of our peoples and environment. The Maori call for valuing manaakitanga/care, kaitiakitanga/protection, whanaungatanga/ relationship-building and kotahitanga/unity based on just principles need to be heard and supported urgently at the government level All New Zealanders are being called to visibly stand against the resource-grabbing and ongoing environmental degradation that could result from the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill Avril Manley, Greerton

Earlier this month on a sunny Saturday, I decided to walk along the waterfront at The Strand to check things out

As I approached the new children’s play area, the sounds of laughter, enjoyment and happiness grew louder and louder I stopped and looked in awe at what seemed like several hundred children, parents, grandparents, relatives and carers, all thoroughly enjoying themselves with the new facilities It was quite a spectacle, as others watched with me Wow! Compare this with the doom and gloom in the world

I then moved on, past Hairy Maclary and his mates, to view the new

magnificent tidal steps access to our r beautiful harbour What a great ideea Better than Auckland Mayor Waynne Brown’s plastic pool beside Auckland’s Harbour, and we can swim in ours! !

The commissioners deserve our absolute congratulations for the leggacy they have left for present and future children, parents and citizens of our lovely city

When the current projects throughout the inner city are complete, Tauranga “Will Be Great t Again”

Graham Needham, Pyes s Pā

Editor’s note:Tauranga City Counccil returned to an elected-member model l in July 2024

Some people are not happy with ACT leader David Seymour’s proposal.

Some people are seeking autonomy

Some people do not believe we should all be treated equally under one law for everyone.

Some people appear in various statistics more than others. Could this be due to genetics, culture and diet?

Some people claim the education system is letting them down. But other people seeking refuge from overseas arrive here with nothing, and unable to speak English, yet go on to excel in our society I wonder how?

Some people blame their crime rate on social poverty Yet in overseas countries with nationwide poverty, the crime rate is often quite low

Some people believe colonisation has had a huge detrimental effect on them. Yet, some other peoples have been colonised several times. The Romans invaded first (no treaty), then the Vikings invaded (no treaty), Then the Normans invaded and built all their castles in the land (no treaty) Yet the people of this land came to create the most powerful empire in the world

Food for thought...

Mike Loakman, Ohauiti

Why would an allegedly intelligent group of new city councillors throw democracy out the window at last month’s council meeting by agreeing to appoint unelected Māori to three council committees?

Most people had high hopes for this new council, but few would have expected them to trash democracy as they did last month

Only three councillors – Steve Morris, Glen Crowther and Marten Rozeboom – were brave enough to ignore the aggressive taunts coming from the many

Churches Active In Our Community

Hi friend, do you like your name? Yes, the one registered on your birth certificate?

Some will have change theirs because they want to be or reflect being someone else, or want a fresh start.

Others just want a simpler new name Names are given

many different reasons; and in the past they often reflected a situation that affected the parents ’ life, a memory of someone or even continuation of a favoured family name

Most names have a a base or root meaning and most are pleasant, while others are less so Have you ever checked out the meaning your name nd associated haracter types nd traits?

You will be surprised when looking back on your life how often your name truly reflects who you are or

who you ’ ve become Some would argue that names are randomly chosen – but are they? Throughout the Bible, God gives significance to people’s names – and some He specifically changed to reflect their designed change in direction

No one is accidentally on Earth Prophet Jeremiah stated what YHVH Elohim (Lord God) declared: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you and before you were born I set you apart ” That wasn ’ t just him, that’s how God sees us all – as part of His designed plan Even God spelt out His own name YAHVEH and His attributes so that Israel and the world would know the one true living God who was looking after them He

Maori who packed the public gallery, and vote ‘No’ Only one brave European woman was present, and she reported she was ashamed of the spectators ’ behaviour

In my opinion, we need reform of Local Government in this sub region but who would want to merge with that lot given their lack of respect for democracy?

One member even blamed the way he voted on what he called our dreadful colonial past, as if trashing democracy could make amends for that

Margaret Murray-Benge, Bethlehem