Once he was diagnosed with ADHD, it became Tauranga man Freddie Bennett’s mission to raise awareness about the challenges families and their children with neurodiversity encounter
To do so, in 2021, the clinical director
Kia Stonic SX
of Bay Paediatrics ran 320km across the North Pole and the Sahara desert and broke a Guinness World Record as the first man to run a lockdown ultramarathon
Bennett hoped it would encourage people like himself to think about what they can
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do and look for their hidden talent, “rather than being ashamed of it or rather than trying to hide it”
Bennett will host an inspiring talk, with a range of speakers, called EPIC Families
There he’s aiming to connect whānau
with neurodiversity experts from across New Zealand, in Tauranga on March 8
“This is actually where we can prove to people what they are capable of ” Read more on page 6.
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The pull and power of the playground
It was one of those deliciously adorable moments. A wee squirt held aloft by Dad, flapping and shrieking as she eyeballed the cat atop a pole on the Tauranga Waterfront
N Not just any cat but “ t the toughest tom in town ” – a large black cat with the meanest yellow eyes and ears torn from backyard battles Scarface Claw, arch enemy of Hairy from the dairy book
fame. Flick straight through to page 14: “EEEEEOWWWFFFTZ!”
yowls Scarface Claw An n intimidating bully that’ ’ s globally loved, loathed and feared in equal quantitiies? And now, rightfully immortalised in bronze atop that pole e Along with half a dozen of his s cohorts
The squirt didn’t really y understand her encounter with the cat. Not now, but she w will. “We have all the Hairy Maclary bookss, ” said the squirt’s Dad. “And when the time is right…”
So then, for whose benefit were they making this special trip from an out-oftown camping ground to meet Hairy et al? “I suppose mine,” Dad shrugged. They’’d just spent one-hour-and-a-half climbbing, swinging, sliding, swirling, swervving, swivelling, swaying, to-ing and fro-inng at the new bespoke children’s playgground right next door All red faced, hot and sweaty and played out.
Hairy Mac and a
scone
“Jusst a great place for a family to be,” said D Dad. Little more to do now than throw your “goodbye” arms around the neck of Hercules Morse – an E Mastiff “ as big as a horse” and head across the rail tracks to on of the e eateries. “We’ll be back,” said D Dad. “Put a ring around it
And d as a visiting ex-pat Mum a one-year-old old pointed out Tauranga’s brilliant new waterf bauble is not just a time-filler, n just a playground, it’s an econo “That’s because it’s a family ou said Mum. “And outings come add-ons – like coffee, designer and brunch. No-one goes hom playground without a treat. ”
At that rate, the $800,000 co of the Hairy Maclary statues would quickly be recouped – willingly and happily pumped back through the CBD economy by fans of the dog, despite all the brouhaha and grumping about the cost. And now we are eating our way through
the $5 m million cost of the new playgrround one savoury sconne, one eggs benedict, one flat white, two pieeces of bluenose and a battered sausage, at a time.
“What are the complainers complaining about this time?” asked the ex-pat Mum. “Would they rather families just stayed at home?” She’s indignant.
“It’s families having fun, businesses doing business, a healthy city It’s so encouraging to come to Tauranga and see a city investing in families.”
The pull
The new playground and pack of bronze dogs make her dreadfully homesick.
“They’re a wonderful added reason for a family to want to come here and live. Don’t underestimate it.”
Just a few metres away a big bomber just heaved himself backwards into the tide, off the jumping platform.
“Thwomp ” It sends a waterspout metres into the air, setting off laughing, shouting and cheering What price
London the ex-pat goes to a park the size of a pocket handkerchief “There’s a queue of about 50 pushchairs Yes, a queue at a playground. Then you wait 30 minutes to get five minutes on the swing, because other Mums are watching and waiting.”
She spends a few pensive moments gazing around our gem of a playground, past that pack of mischievous dogs, frozen in time, and out onto the shimmering blue of our harbour “I want it,” she said “I’m home for a visit Now I just want to come home.”
But not all that glistens is gold –because this little outpouring of positivity is bound to set off the naysayers Why’s the comment ‘Tauranga City Council propaganda’ still echoing for me?
See, try, experience
Another punter called the playground an “eyesore…and in the wrong place.” TCC wanted to return the area to the EOPLE. Why would we want the most precious piece of CBD real estate ccupied by 147 parked cars every day?
The waterfront development has also been variously described as “extremely expensive and the most boring, mediocre public spaces ever seen ” and a yawn-fest”.
Most of the criticism can be sheeted ack to cost. But what cost do you put on child’s physical, social, emotional and ntellectual development? All the benefits f challenging and enjoying themselves or an hour or so at a playground?
Apparently, the equipment impacts a hild’s development as much as a formal lassroom setting.
I invite all the grumps and gramps to pend five minutes on the ‘ you and me wing’ – swing seats where adults and child sit opposite, facing each and mindlessly swing.
Try, see, experience. Then tell us they re a waste of time and money
Dog walker licence wanted
A Pāpāmoa dog behaviour expert is lobbying for the introduction of licences for professional dog walkers in Tauranga to weed out inexperienced operators.
Roma Dog Behaviour Academy owner Misha Gildenberger has been a dog walker for 15 years and has studied dog psychology and training.
Gildenberger said structured pack walks are an excellent way for dogs to get exercise and offer positive doses of socialisation – but inexperienced dog walkers can cause problems. “I personally [have] had a couple of bad experiences with dog walkers allowing five or seven dogs to rush up to me and my dogs many times. It’s frustrating and scary, as you don’t know how that interaction can go ”
Tauranga City Council’s Dog Management Bylaw limits the number of dogs that can be walked by any person to four, with no more than two dogs off leash at a time. “This was introduced as we
Commercial Dog Walker licence which already exists in Wellington, where applicants undergo a course and get assessed by a dog control officer “Our mission is to exercise the dogs safely, and we take it very seriously Responsible pack walkers go to secluded places that we know well and move the dogs out of the path of others, even into the dunes if we need to Dog walkers who allow their dogs to mix with others are a red flag for me There’s a lot of risk when meeting strange dogs.”
Gildenberger said local authorities need to insist pack walkers be more responsible “Because the industry isn’t regulated, anyone could be a dog walker and run 10 dogs – but it’s so dangerous if you have no idea about dog psychology and relationships. That’s what’s giving us a bad name. ”
Lincoln said the TCC bylaw has been working well, with very few complaints received. “Work is currently underway on reviewing the Dog Management Bylaw, along with the Dog Management Policy and Keeping of Animals Bylaw, tation on these said Lincoln. uncil doesn’t l Dog ications and od “We have with people o evidence to our district a problem in our approach ”
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Misha Gildenberger with the dogs she walks at Papamoa Beach
Photo: Debbie Griffiths
only local daily news source you need constantly updated seven days a week www.sunlive.co.nz News
Fire expert’s warning
While tractor fires are lessening, any is too many, says a veteran firefighter Kevin Curtis is in a unique position to offer advice on the issue as a member of the Matamata Volunteer Fire Brigade for almost 50 years and senior loss adjustor with FMG Insurance
The chief fire officer said farm callouts relating to tractors and machinery have been on the downturn in recent years due to greater awareness and specialist advice One the biggest causes of tractor fires on farms is bird’s nests, particularly relating to starlings
The best action farmers can take to prevent the problem is to leave engine hoods up when a tractor is stopped for any period of time
Salvation Army’s $35K boost
Runner rewriting history
Tauranga track star Sam Ruthe is now the holder of yet another world’s best time.
The 15-year-old runner competed in the Graham Douglas International meet in Auckland on February 9
Ruthe’s name is the on the lips of most in the athletics scene after achieving his fifth world’s best title this season, which is not over yet.
Last weekend, at the Graham Douglas International, Ruthe came second in the 1500m category with a time of 3:41 25s, which in the process saw him clinch his age-record previously held by Olympic gold medalist Jacob Britson.
This follows Ruthe setting a world’s best time at Hastings’ Potts Classic event on February 1 for the 3000m by improving his time to 7:56 18
Before this, on January 25, he set a world best time at Whanganui’s Cooks Gardens event for his age, in the mile category with a time of 4:01 72 smashing his previous world’s best by almost four seconds
Rising living costs, widespread redundancies and government cuts to social service agencies and community providers is placing huge strain on Tauranga’s Salvation Army, which said its local services are in higher demand than ever before
But some good news has come the Sallies’ way in the form of a $35,000 grant from BayTrust to help cover operational costs across the next three years
The new funding will provide much-needed security, allowing the Tauranga branch to proactively think and plan for the future Last year Tauranga’s Salvation Army helped more than 600 local households and 1200 individuals by providing essential welfare aid, comprehensive social services and life skills mentoring And demand is continuing to grow
Roadworks completed early
Work to rebuild a section of State Highway 2 near Snodgrass Rd has finished two weeks ahead of schedule, with the team wrapping things up last week
While the Snodgrass Rd work was underway, there were other maintenance activities, including several other chip sealing sites being completed at night
Due to the sensitive nature of this stretch of state highway, and increasing traffic volumes, rebuilding the road with chip seal is becoming increasingly difficult due to the length of time and temporary speed limits needed to bed in the chip once laid
Murder charge after arrest
A man has been charged with the murder of Turipapa Tukere, who died following a fight in Ngāruawāhia in December
Police received a report of a fight involving multiple people on Waipā Esplanade, near the intersection of Newton St, about 1 30pm on December 27 A critically injured woman was taken to the ambulance station on Jordan St, but died before she could be airlifted to hospital
A 34-year-old man was arrested this week following two search warrants in Hamilton carried out with help of the Armed Offenders Squad and a search warrant in Tauranga, police said He is scheduled to appear in Hamilton District Court this week
“I knew going into the race I was ranked eighth, I had the world record at the back of my mind but really I just wanted to be in the race for the win, to get second in that international men ’ s field was something I never could have dreamed of at the start of the season, ” said Ruthe of his Whanganui victory
On December 14 Ruthe claimed world best time for his age in the 3000m category with a time of 8:06 56 at Melbourne’s Zatopek International Meet, and on November 20, he set the world best time for a 15-year-old in the 3000m category with a time of 8:09 68 at the Auckland City Track Meet
In the blood
Running is in Sam Ruthe’s blood – mum
Jessica Ruthe has a multitude of national championships, dad Ben Ruthe has several national records and uncle Gareth Hyett is a three-time national champion His nan Rosemary Wright won a gold medal in the 1969 European Championships and a 1970 Commonwealth Games gold medal, plus Poppa Trevor Wright ran a world debut marathon, won European silver, reached the podium at both New York and
London, and claimed the NZ national title in 1982
Talking to The Weekend Sun, after the Whanganui’s Cooks Gardens event where h he not only broke the world mile record for a 15-year-old but did it by almost four seconds, Ruthe said: “Honestly, I can ’ t believe it” “I really felt I had a shot at under 4:05 but to be so close to 4:00 was a surpriise”
Ruthe’s training partner, Sam Tanner from Pāpāmoa, is an Olympic 1500m finalist and the only Kiwi who finished ahead Sam Ruthe in January 25’s Cooks Gardens event at Whanganui “He is really setting a path which I would love to follow if I can, ” said Sam He admires Tanner because he lives in the joy of running and life and it’s not about one race or one time but just loving the process Both athletes are coached by Craig Kirkwood, who also coaches Hayden Wilde After becoming the youngest person to win a NZ senior men ’ s title back
in January, dad Ben Ruthe couldn’t believe his son broke the record for a 15-year-old and the NZ records for under 16, 17, 18 and 19 year olds
Only two years in “He is now quicker than any US highschooler over 3000m ever and has three years left at Tauranga Boys’ [Colllege]],” saiid Ben n Rutthe, whho wiith family kept Sam away from competitive running until the age of 13 when they felt he was ready
Richard Willis – Olympic silver medalist Nick Willis’s dad – confirmed that Sam Ruthe is two years ahead of Nick at the same speed, said Ben
And the season isn’t over yet, Sam Ruthe – who turns turns 16 on April 12 – still has plenty of goals to complete
In March, he is off to Australia to compete in a four-mile race where he aims to break four minutes for the mile
Ayla Yeoman
Sam Ruthe won the men ’ s 3000m, at Potts Track and Field Classic, on February 1.
Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport5
Tonnes of yellowfin!
A record 53 yellowfin tuna have been caught by Tauranga Sport Fishing Club members this season, dwarfing 2024’s tally of seven.
“About 100 have been caught across the country this year, and w not halfway into season, ” said TSFC club captain Nick Sheehan.
The tuna explosion could be linked to Covid-19 when the Pacific Fleet stopped catching juvenile fish, Sheehan said. “And we ’ re now seeing these yellowfin tuna.
Some big tuna have landed, with the average catch at 40kg to 60kg. “The biggest one so far was 87kg,” Sheehan said. “The average is around 50kg.”
Bay of Plenty anglers have pulled in 53 yellowfin so far this season.
To catch these big fish a harness, gimble and patience is needed to land them on the boat.
“It can take an hour or more to reel them in ”
The yellowfin tuna is beating out the blue marlin, the big game fish that is more common in waters around Tauranga, said Sheehan. “We haven’t had any blue marlin caught yet. ”
The Mahi Mahi have also disappeared, said Sheehan. Last year, 103 Marlin, 14 Mahi Mahi, 18 swordfish and 99 tuna in total – including bluefin, skipjack and yellowfin – were recorded at the club Yellowfin tuna usually show up in December but are gone by January, but Sheehan said that they are even being caught off the West Coast, an area that doesn’t typically see tuna.
TSFC president Doug Stewart said the last time tuna was seen in these numbers was 30-40 years ago “It was a very common thing in Whakatāne, which used to be the tuna capital of NZ.”
Eventually, the numbers dwindled, and catching yellowfin was a rarity, Stewart said “It was a real achievement because they weren ’ t around Now it’s the opposite.”
The most success anglers have been people using casting gear and targeting schools of fish, Sheehan said. People also catch them in small boats because although yellowfin is usually seen in 400m deep water, they’re also in 50m water, Sheehan said.
“We’re getting huge work-ups with dolphins and tuna, ” he said. “People are also catching them off the rocks ” Unlike marlin, where the club encourages members to tag and release to preserve fishing stock, the yellowfin tuna are usually killed
“Out of all those 53 fish that have been pulled in, probably less than 10% ended up in freezers. Most of it would be eaten fresh.” Tom Eley
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This 87kg yellowfin tuna, a pending club ecord, was caught by Carl Williams on January 25 Photo: supplied
People passionate about the future of Tauranga and keen to be part of the city council’s governance team are encouraged to stand as candidates in the Te Awanui Māori ward by-election.
Nominations for the vacant seat are now open following the resignation of Mikaere Sydney Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the Māori ward was an important seat at the governance table, because it helps ensure there is wide community representation.
“The successful candidate will join our team as a new city leader and will be contributing to significant decisions about the city’s current and future infrastructure and community services needs
“It’s also important that people
who are eligible to vote are enrolled on the Māori electoral roll as soon as possible. Our vision is for Tauranga to be the best city in the country, but it’s going to take a collective effort from all of us to get there.”
To stand for Te Awanui, candidates are required to be a New Zealand citizen by birth or through a citizenship ceremony; enrolled to vote on the general or Māori roll; and must be nominated by two people who are enrolled to vote in Te Awanui Māori Ward.
Nominations for the by-election close midday on Monday, March 3. Nomination forms are available at: https://www.tauranga.govt. nz/council/about-your-council/ elections.
tal to empo er auranga ’ s neurodi erse families
It is time for a neurodiversity revolution in Tauranga, Bay Paediatrics clinical director Freddie Bennett said
Bennett and his wife, Dr Sarah Moll, will bring a TED Talk-styled inspirational event called EPIC Families to The Kollective in the Historic Village on March 8
we prove to them what is possible ”
Bennett himself was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and the stigma around neurodiversity had a severe impact on his life
“It had a very negative impact on my life, my career, my health and everything ”
However, his diagnosis also changed his life and motivated him to raise awareness about neurodiversity, he said “I ran across the Sahara Desert to become a Guinness World Record holder I ran to the North Pole in February”
Bennett said he planned to run the entire length of New Zealand sometime next year to continue raising awareness and money for ADHD and Autism New Zealand
“EPIC stands for: Extraordinary Parents and Incredible Children,” Bennett said EPIC Families will be open to parents and children, and nine different speakers will deliver the necessary information to help these families, he said
“We wanted to keep that standard high and bring some of New Zealand’s leading experts ” Bennett would like to have families walk away from event with what is called the three Cs
“Certainty, clarity and confidence,” he said
If Bennett and Dr Moll can give families that, it would be a win for them, he said
“There could be a fourth C, helping families to understand they are not alone ”
“They are seen, they are heard, and they are supported ”
Bennett believed that talk is cheap, and all too often, children with these needs are told unhelpful things such as “neurodiversity is a superpower ”
“Having someone say ‘neurodiversity is a superpower ’ isn’t very helpful So what we do is
Families affected by neurodiversity are often “overlooked and feel as though they don’t have a voice,” Bennett said He hoped his story can inspire and encourage others to seek out the truth about themselves and answer the question: “What is my unique talent?”
Speakers confirmed for the March 8 talk are: Bay Paediatrics co-founder and paediatric consultant Dr Sarah Moll, Guinness World Record Holder & Bay Paediatrics co-founder Freddie Bennett, Tracey Rountree of ADHD NZ, Mary-Jane du Toit of Spectrum Connections, educational psychologist Nadia du Plessis, Jane Ford from Parent 2 Parent, Allora Healthcare founder Anja Theron, dietary consultant Natarsha McKewan, occupational therapist Kelly Karlson, and Dani Archer of The Study Nook
To find more information and purchase tickets, see: https://events humanitix com/epicfamilies-live Tom Eley
Tauranga man Freddie Bennett ran across the Sahara Desert.
Photo: Marathon des Sables
Easy family dinner ideas!
After a long day of work in the middle of summer, the last thing you feel like doing is making dinner
With adults back to work and children back to school, here are a few easy, affordable and healthy ideas to help you get an evening meal on the table for the whole family to enjoy
“In terms of creating easy and affordable meals, I have a few favourites,” said Instagram foodie and recipe developer Olivia Moore.
At 22, Moore has her very own cookbook ‘That Green Olive’ loaded with easy and healthy recipes to help feed families
“Traybakes are great, ” said Moore. “They simply involve combining vegetables and protein together in a roasting tray, adding your oil, seasoning and perhaps some herbs and spices, mixing together and roasting.
“You can use a variety of vegetables for roasting, from broccoli and cauliflower in the summertime, and kumara and pumpkin in winter
“As for meat – sausages, meatballs, tofu and halloumi are great, and you can mix in your favourite sauces and seasonings such as pesto or soy sauce, depending on the fl flavours you ’ re using ”
Moore also suggests making one-pan curries and stews s because they are easy to put together, leave in the oven, and require minimal washing up afterwards
Subbstantial salads
“I’d d also recommend substantial salads – any salad that contains a good balance of vegetables with protein, carbs and healthy fats Think noodle or quinoa salads with fresh vegies and seafood in the summertime, or perhaps rice and legume salads with roast vegetables and chicken in winter”
Moore said these salads are easy to throw together, and you can use whatever you have in the fridge, “keeping in mind to include a good ratio of protein, carbs, fats and green vegetables”
For families with picky eaters, it can be tricky to entice e youngsters to eat their vegies Moore suggests disguuising them in a dish “I’m a huge fan of saag – an Indian curry whose sauce consists mainly of spinach thaat has been cooked down with spices and blended It is absolutely packed with flavour and has a beeautiful silky texture ”
More recipes and ideas from Moore can be found on her website at: www thatgreenolive com Or contact her by email: oliviamoore@ thatgreenolive com or message her on Instagram @ thatgreenolive.
Ayla Yeoman
Taupo foodie Olivia Moore released her first recipe book last September Photo: supplied
‘Singers’ last act to be in Tauranga
“A lot of singing, a lot of laughing…a lot of reminiscing,” reckons Janice Winter
That’s what the Tauriko resident expects when 26 women – one her sister and the rest like family – come to Tauranga this month for their final reunion part of a famous girls’ choir
Created in 1958 by Wellington musician, watchmaker and pioneer broadcaster Henry Rudolph, the choir became a household name in the 1960s-1970s touring Aotearoa and aboard performing an eclectic repertoire of songs.
Janice and her sister Kay, who lived in Wellington, joined in the early-1960s. “I was brought up in a very musical family – and one of my girlfriends Pam joined the group, then I decided to join too ”
The 40-member Henry Rudolph Girls’ Choir, modelled on the Luton Girls’ Choir in the UK, was the first of many to occupy Rudolph’s musical talents for the next 20 years. The choir’s first official performance was at the 1961 Festival of
Wellington – soon, membership was cut to 20 and the group renamed The Henry Rudolph Singers. Janice said Rudolph decided to modernise the choir with dancing, so hired a choreographer
“This introduced us to dancing and moving...and 40 became too many on-stage. ”
Via auditions girls were chosen based on musical talent and stage presentation.”
Janice said they sang “anything from Māori songs, to the ‘Nun’s Chorus’ to modern pop”. “We did a lot of concerts all around NZ and overseas too We also had an LP”
The singers’ final performance was in 1978 – but the ‘girls’ have remained close. “Most have moved all over NZ and the world ”
They’ve decided this is their last reunion On February 14, the group will attend a cocktail party On February 15, a mystery tour will include visiting the Historic Village for a surprise to take them back down memory lane. The reunion concludes with a barbecue on February 15.
*Read this story in full at: www.sunlive.co.nz
Tauriko resident Janice Winter with memorabilia from her days performing in The Henry Rudolph Singers choir
Photo: David Hall
Merle Cave
Donate handbags of love
When Love Grace Handbag Appeal Tauranga co-ordinator Nicole Dutton got involved with the charity a year ago, she thought she would get 50 handbags
“Last year, we donated 150 bags of love to the Tauranga Women’s Refuge,” Dutton said The Love Grace Handbag Appeal was launched following the death of Grace Millane, who was murdered in 2018 by Jesse Kempson, sending shockwaves through New Zealand society
The charity ty ’ s website said: “Our Grace loved a handbag In her name, we are collecting handbags and filling them with useful items for women in need ” Like many who heard Millane’s story, Dutton w was compelled to help: “It just resonated with me ”
Every c corner of city t
Dutton covers Tauranga with four drop-off points: Barber Spence at 10/75 Bellevue Rd, Brookfieldd; Welcome Bay Dental at Unit 4/33 Hairrini St, Hairini; L Loretta’s
Hair Spa a at 12/20 Tooorea St, Junction S Studios, Papamoa; and My Ride M Mt Maungannui at 37 Totora St
“I’ve got t one in every corner of the city”
From Feebruary 15-March 8 people can n drop off handbags at these loocations, which will be donated to Tauranga’s Women’s
Refuge People can also place new items inside the handbags – including toothpaste, toothbrushes, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant “The basics,” said Dutton “Everything else is extra love ”
Extra love
Extras may include wipes, tissues, plasters, soaps, hand gel, lip balms, cotton buds, face cloths, torches, hairbrush, and sanitary products Luxury items can include makeup, perfume, hairbands, hair clips, gloves, scarves, notebooks, pens, playing cards, purses, s sunglasses and jewellery Money and alcohol cannot be accepted, Dutton n said In 2024, the appeal’s nationwide t target of 1500 was blown out of the water by y 5269 bags distributed to Women’s Refuges across the motu
101
drop-off points
“Last year, we had 35 co-ordinators across the country This year, we have got 61 annd about 101 drop-off points So the appeal is growing ”
To help voluunteer, email: pickles nd@@gmail com
Last year Dutton was the sole campaigner around Tauranga, but this year she is joined by seasonsed antiviolence against women campaigner Robyn Kehoe She will tackle Te Puna to Katikati, with drop-off points at The O Old Ōmokoroa Library and the Challenge on State Highway 2
Find out more at: lovegracenz Tom Eley
Tauranga co-ordinator
Nicole Dutton wants people to donate handbags to the Love Grace Handbag Appeal.
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struggling to find things to do
“You try to do stuff every day or every othe day, but it’s a long time,” said Vincent’s fathe Shae Voyce, who is a tertiary student while his wife works full-time “My holidays coincided, but even my holidays are way too long I’ve got a 16-year-old, and Vinny’s 14, so we ’ ve got older kids, but if you don’t have older kids I don’t know how parents are supposed to get time off because even having her [he points to his youngest] in daycare two days a week is so expensive,” said the father-of-four
Milky by name and by milk moustache! Milky is a sweet and quiet girl looking for a relaxed orever home.
A bit more than 12 months old, Milky can be a little shy with new people and situations so will need an understanding home to help her settle in.
Once comfortable, Milky’s sweet personality begins to flourish, and he will stick her chin out to lean in o chin rubs and let out a lovely ittle purr
Milky will suit a quiet, mature home with one to two people.
“Then, as parents, your nerves get frayed being at home with all the kids People don’t like to talk about that fact It’s just a long time and if you don’t have other parents or adults to talk to, they can wear you down ”
No problem
First-time mum Amy Finlayson said even though her daughter isn’t at school yet, she thinks it’s neat kids get such a long holiday
in summer “I don’t have a problem with it I think it’s important because you ’ ve got time to do things and it’s something to look forward to at the end of the year
“They need some downtime School’s so hectic throughout the year and it’s nice to just switch off and not have any pressure to do assignments and just spend time with family”
Peter Wright said parents who are working, facing high living costs and have four weeks’ annual leave must find it very complicated
“Maybe it’s too long,” said the father-of-two under-5s
*What do you think? Email 200 words maximum plus your full name and address to: letters@thesun co nz
Amy F Finallison and d her daughhter A Ariia.
Fatther of f two P Petter W Wriighht
Ayla Yeoman
Home &
With their black eye mask, ferrets might remind you of the Hamburglar But instead of targeting hamburgers, they are adept hunters with a wide range of native birds and lizards on their menu.
How to trap pestts that destroy our willdliffe
According to Predator Free NZ, ferrets are pets gone rogue – they are not wild animals by nature but a domesticated species descended from wild European polecats that have been kept as pets for more than 2500 years
“In the 1880s New Zealand farmers unleashed ferrets to curb the rising rabbit problem That plan backfired
The ferrets had little impact on rabbit numbers, and instead, NZ now has what’s considered the largest feral ferret population on the planet ”
Ferrets can only see a few feet ahead, but what they lack in vision, they make up for in smell and hearing “This is bad news for native wildlife, many relying on camouflage or freezing in place to escape danger”
The kiwi, with its shaggy plumage blending in with forest undergrowth, is easily discovered thanks to a ferret’s
fine-tuned nose If ferrets have insatiable appetites, and are given the chance, they “surplus kill”, meaning they’ll take down more prey than they can consume at once Predator Free NZ recommend using the DoC 250 trap to trap ferrets
Rats, possums and stoats are also pests that can destroy native wildlife, starting from backyard birdlife, through to endangered species.
Three types of rat traps are recommended by Predator Free NZ for backyard and bush trapping. The Victor Professional rat trap is an affordable and
effective trap that sits in a long wooden box, so it’s safe for children and pets.
If you don’t want to handle dead rats or reset a trap too often, the Goodnature Trap is a great option. The T-Rex rat trap is also affordable and easy to use. For possums, the simple and effective Flipping Timmy or Trapinator traps are recommended with sweet flour paste used to lure them into the trap Stoats can be caught by using the DoC 150, DoC 200 or Goodnature Traps. Find out more at: predatorfreenz.org
Whether you want to better utilise the living and layout spaces in your home, optimise important storage, create additional seating area or create a beautiful haven within that reflects your personality, Guthrie Bowron Tauranga is the place to go
The store ’ s specialist wallpaper, window treatments, colour and design team can provide stunning schemat colour and design solutions for all your home rejuvenation projects.
“We are a one-stop destination stocking quality furnishing and curtaining fabrics, blinds, shutters, window treatment hardware and dedicated consultants said Guthrie Bowron Tauranga owner Margaret Gill.
“We also carry an extensive wallpaper collection, as well as colour matching and paint sampling service.
“And we offer an Interiors Consultation Service that is redeemable upon purchase and our expert advice can assist in finding your perfect style with confidence.”
So if you ’ re considering refreshing your home decor, pop in-store at Guthrie Bowron Tauranga at 325 Cameron Road to speak with their friendly knowledgeable staff today Parking is available.
Rosalie Liddle Crawford
The ILIV Orissa Collection of fabrics transforms interiors into a world of sophistication and cultural allure. This palette is Oatmeal. Photo: supplied.
Flipping Timmy.
Photo: Envirotools Ltd
Ferrets, New Zealand’s largest mustelid, are introduced predators that harm our native wildlife. Photo: Cloudtail/iNaturalist.
Many people go mad planting tomatoes when Labour weekend arrives each year But planting later is even better for growing the juicy red vegetables, according to one Pāpāmoa greenfinger, who got their patch going in December
Being a warm weather crop, there was no frosts around to harm the plants, and it means she can stretch her harvest right into May – or later if the weather plays
“You also miss that late-Januaryearly-February produce glut and extend your fresheating season into autumn. And you could freeze the next lot of tomatoes for winter recipes, such as soups, stews, lasagnes etc. ”
Home &
Her favourite varieties are:
Money Maker – they look like a store-bought tomatoes, Beefsteak – nice big fleshy tomatoes with loads of flavour, and Sweet 100s – they produce lots of little sweet and juicy tomatoes.
“Dig in sheep pellets around the plants, and plant Basil in between plants to help with pesky bugs. Basil also helps add more flavour to tomatoes and, of course, is a perfect addition for meals like pizza or omelette etc ” Water plants daily around base if it hasn’t ed, either first thing in the morning or later at night once the sun is off the leaves.
Different types
To plant tomatoes, the Pāpāmoa greenfinger said you ’ ve cleared the garden grab a couple of bags of T Mix to mix in to the soil renew the nutrients.
“I like to select a few di types of tomatoes and th stagger the timing of pla so you don’t have the ent ripening at the same tim
“Try not to water plants in
the sun, as they don’t like getting wet and more likely to get blight early if they do “I found seaweed liquid fertiliser was easy to add to a watering can – so try to remember to do this every second weekend Plus, the odd dose of Epsom Salts in water here and there can help give them some magnesium if you notice yellowing of leaves.”
Deter the birds
Remember to pinch off side-shoots/laterals that try to grow between the main stem and side leaves, because those make it hard to keep tomatoes growing straight up and staked and aerated for good results.
“To secure growing plants to the stake, always use a ball of soft elastic tie that you can cut to length and doesn’t damage the
stems. ” There’s nothing worse than your crop being sampled by the birds first, said the Pāpāmoa greenfinger.
“Use a combination of reflective tape secured to the top of stakes, but also
The wondderfful l thhing thhat t is home-ggrown tomatoes
place fruit protection bags around groups of tomatoes that are starting to ripen. “Check your crop every few days and enjoy harvesting some delicious tomatoes!”
Fruit protection bags on crops deter birds Photos: supplied
An adorable wild squirrel left such an impression on 12-year-old Sammie Clark that it was the first thing she told her friends when she returned from six months of travelling around Europe
“I held a hazelnut out and the squirrel bit my finger,” she laughed, before a physical re-enactment of how the rodent hung on as she tried to shake it off in London’s Hyde Park “I yanked my hand up and it was still attached! It let go mid-air I had a little panic attack and had to sit down ”
“I think Sammie got such a fright because she was bleeding added her dad, Leon.
Six months, 11 countries, countless memories
Snow, windsurfing, snails
The Otūmoetai Intermediate Year 7 student’s
thlehem family a ultitude of memories om that unexpectedly inful close encounter ith a cute animal, to the aris Olympics, walking in now on the French Alps earing only crocs, and indsurfing off the coast f Portugal
“I ate a snail in Portugal, oo, ” said Sammie “It was lright I wouldn’t do it gain but now I can say hat I’ve eaten a snail ”
The idea was sparked around six years ago by family friends who’d done something similar
“Five months of our trip was spent in non-English speaking countries –mostly in and out of France,” said Sammie’s mum, Miranda Clark, who’s been learning French off and on since 2006 with local teacher Shelley Dean
Europa-Park in Germany. Apart from the theft of a wallet in Rome and a daypack in London, the family returned with hundreds of photographs, souvenirs of art, a 2kg beer stein and dozens of hilarious anecdotes “What it’s done for Sammie in terms of knowledge about history and skills in communication is amazing,” said
Miranda. “The buildings there were so big and old – one was a palace in Venice that dated back to the 1800s ”
“She even had a go at asking for tube tickets Her confidence has really grown, ” agreed Leon And Sammie has caught the travel bug “I want to go back to Europe and do more!”
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Surprised
“All up, we did 11 countries, but three were during a cruise so ere in Croatia, Greece and ontenegro for a day each ”
“It was a little overwhelming at first not being able to understand anything and moving around every few days, but I got used to it,” said Sammie “I was surprised how many people there were ” “Tauranga is so quiet compared to the volume of ople in European cities,” said “There are so many people moving to trains, planes and buses so we were constantly getting out of people’s way, and we ’ re just not used to that ”
Hilarious anecdotes
Miranda kept a spreadsheet to track spending With careful research and planning, they saved money by booking their flights early, hiring a long lease car, staying with friends and family for 92 of the 182 nights they were away, and cooking their own meals as much as possible The strategy enabled the roller-coaster enthusiasts to splurge on bucket list experiences like the famous
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour Featuring GUYS & DOLLS
Debbie Griffiths
Sammie Clark on the move in Europe. Photos: supplied
The Clark family in Paris
Sammie Clark windsurfs in Portugal.
The Jazz Festival countdown is on!
Here we are in February and I haven’t mentioned this year ’ s Port of Tauranga 62nd Jazz Festival once yet. Let’s rectify that...
But first, allow me to use the column briefly as a personal greeting service, sending best wishes to a couple of Tauranga’s veteran musicians.
Bill Ward is about our oldest stillplaying rock musician. Between gigs he used to race ridiculously good-looking fast cars on the salt flats of Bonneville, where that Burt Munro guy got famous. Back in the 60s he went to the UK with Human Instinct.
Bill and Jack
Bill’s just recovering at home after a stroke but, in case you weren ’ t aware that legends walk among us, here are some bands he opened for in the UK: Spencer Davis Group, Moody Blues, 10cc, The Troggs, Jeff Beck, The Walker Brothers, Peter Frampton, Status Quo, The Nice, John Mayall, Roy Orbison, The Small Faces... actually, I’ll stop there – the list doesn’t, it goes on and on.
So my best to Bill. Hang in there.
Walks the line
Meanwhile, our oldest local jazz musician is Jack Claridge. Radio New Zealand did a story when he turned 100 last month. At 99 he played bass at last year ’ s festival. Perhaps he’ll do the same this year happy birthday Jack!
And on to the jazz festival. Tauranga is a tricky place for a national jazz festival as the organisers know well. You walk a fine line between specialist and populist jazz: programme anything too avant-garde and no one will come;
stick to the mainstream and you risk losing jazz credibility I really like the programme this year; it walks that line with style.
There’s a celebration of the late Rodger Fox, a towering jazz figure, featuring fittingly not just one but two big bands There’s a tribute to Steely Dan called Steely DNA, which I think is a brilliant idea: Steely Dan are one of the few rock bands genuinely intersecting with the complexities of jazz, meaning a specialist concert with popular appeal That’s at Baycourt where there’s also an old-style New Orleans swing concert and a journey into Bebop Something for everyone There is – no surprise – a massive amount of music: at the Village, in the downtown streets, at the Mount, plus a couple of new things including a concert series at The Jam Factory, a great intimate space for Caitriona Fallon, The Martini Fund and keyboard trio Lucky Strike.
Okay, if you can ’ t wait till then, there’s expert sax trio Hayden Chisholm and Unwind at the Jam Factory on February 21, who are about as good as they get
For more bluesy refreshment Kokomo are staging another show at the Te Puna Quarry on March 9 along with the rising stars on the New Zealand scene BB & The Bullets, a high-energy guitar trio taking on Hendrix, Stevie Ray, Albert King and more Special guests are also promised
And of course there’s the Jazz Society monthly jam at The Mount Social Club Next one is February 26.
Ticket giveaway
The Weekend Sun has two double tickets to Kokomo and BB & The Bullets at The Te Puna Quarry to give away to two lucky readers who can tell us the date of the concert?
To enter, visit: www.sunlive.co.nz and click on the ‘Competitions’ tab Entries must be in by Tuesday, February 18.
Hear Winston’s Latest Playlist
Kiwis are encouraged to gather friends and whānau this Saturday, February 15, to celebrate National Lamb Day with a barbecue feast
Those who register their barbecue at nationallambday.co.nz will go in the draw to win one of five lamb BBQ boxes, each valued at $200
Celebrated annually on February 15, National Lamb Day marks the anniversary of New Zealand’s first frozen lamb shipment in 1882
It’s a tribute to the country ’ s proud food heritage and the dedication of today’s farmers and producers who continue to deliver worldclass lamb, said National Lamb Day committee chairman Jon Pemberton
The 2025 National Lamb Day campaign aims to inspire Kiwis nationwide to raise a chop to those who help bring New Zealand’s world-class lamb to our plates Register your barbecue at: nationallambdayco nz
Steely DNA. Photo: supplied
Catriona Fallon. Photo: supplied
Unforgettable jazz experience this Easter
Tauranga is set to come alive this Easter with the Port of Tauranga 62nd National Jazz Festival, offering a sensational lineup of performances from April 7-21
Featuring an exciting array of jazz, soul, and RnB acts, the festival will bring world-class talent to the Bay of Plenty
The festival will include performances by some of the finest jazz musicians from New Zealand and around the world, with events spanning across Tauranga’s vibrant venues
The Uptown Downtown series will showcase live music at local
bars and cafes, while intimate jazz sessions will be held at the Jam Factory; and there’s Hot Pool Jazz at Mount Hot Pools
For those seeking larger-scale performances, the Baycourt Community and Arts Centre will host a variety of concerts
A highlight of the festival is the 47th National Youth Jazz Competition, taking place from April 7-9. This prestigious event will feature talented young musicians vying for coveted awards.
The enjoyment continues with the popular NZ Army Big Band, as well as a range of late-night events like the Late Late Show at the Tauranga Club Families can
head to the Jazz Village on Good Friday, while the Downtown Carnival jazz party will offer a two-day celebration of music, food, and fun
Keen to dance the night away?
The Hurricane Party will offer plenty of grooves, and guests can enjoy scenic sunset jazz cruises. The festival will also feature a glamorous cocktail swing party, plus the special ‘Jazz at the Mount’ on Easter Monday
Whether you ’ re a serious jazz head or just love great music, the Tauranga National Jazz Festival promises an unforgettable experience for everyone this Easter
Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Tee offfora cause, andhonour Norm Hewitt
The Hewitt whānau invites the public to join an extraordinary golf fundraiser in memory of beloved All Black and rugby icon Norm Hewitt, which will raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand.
The golf fundraiser is at Omanu Golf Club on Friday, February 21, and organised by Norm's brother, Rob Hewitt and Norm’s wife, Arlene, to celebrate Norm’s legacy and support vital MND research and advocacy
Hewitt captained the Hawke’s Bay, Hurricanes, Wellington Lions and NZ Māori rugby teams, and
made 23 All Black appearances His journey with motor neurone disease came to an end in 2024.
The Omanu Golf Club tournament will feature the inclusive and fun-filled Four-Man Ambrose format, perfect for golfers of all abilities to come together, and contribute to a meaningful cause. All proceeds will support the Hewitt whānau’s mission to grow support, information, and advocacy, making time count for people living with MND. To register for the February 21 tournament at Omanu Golf Club, email: manager@omanugolf.co.nz or call 07 575 5957.
If you ’ re interested in entering the world of birds, or maybe you want another feathered friend to add to your brood, then this sale is for you!
Tauranga Bird Club is hosting a s sale day this Sunday, February 16, from 9.30am-12 noon at t the Legion of Fronntiersmen Hall o on Elizabeth Streeet West in Tauranga. Club president Sheryl Baron said brainnstorming for the sales day happpened at the first c club night of thhe year on
February 10. “The thrill was real as more than 40 people joined us To welcome so many noisy, enthusiastic, happy members at our monthly club night was totally next level!”
Sheryl said those who attended “proved beyond all doubt that with good will, resolve and hard work, it is possible to rejuvenate community groups that exist to support people who breed and keep birds!”
As a result, Sunday’s Sale Day is set to be a hit. “Remember to bring cash – entry is $3, and if you buy birds make sure you bring a cage to carry your new and precious feathered friends home!”
Any queries, email: taurangabirdclub@gmail.com
Tauranga
575
The Mafia Cats will play at The Jazz Village, Downtown Carnival and the Hurricane Party.
Photo: supplied
Jess Deacon will perform at 2025’s Jazz Village, Jazz at the Mount, and the Baycourt Concert Series Photo: supplied
It’s the slow drivers too!
The anonymous driver of the car that posted the 29-second video of a truck overtaking illegally on the Kaimai Range also should be charged for dangerous driving at 44km/h on a busy main arterial route. Driving that slow is just as shocking, as it caused that truck driver’s illegal action. Really slow drivers cause many accidents. There is a need for road safety campaigns to be aimed at slow drivers.
Jim Sherlock, Parkvale
Let the people decide
A number of points are troubling me over The Treaty Principles Bill One is the National and NZ First’s comments that the bill will be voted down and will not become law
The second is the continual Māori rhetoric about the bill changing the Treaty; and finally, the obvious position of a reported number of National, Labour and Act supporters, who have been said as being in favour of having a discussion about the principles, as they are written in the Treaty and have them enshrined in the law of today
Each party running for election stated their reasons for wanting to be elected prior to election day 2023, and like it or not, the three in the coalition were selected to govern – so it is no surprise that ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill would be introduced in this term of government. So why don’t all the experts just be quiet and let the people decide? There has been so much rubbish decided by the courts, the Waitangi Tribunal, activists and professors on all sides of the debate, it is clearly time it was all sorted out for the good of all New Zealanders.
Peter Burrell, Pāpāmoa Beach
The wrong measures taken...
Re: ‘State Highway 2 speed limit debate rages on ’ , published pages 6-7 in The Weekend Sun February 7 edition
I have lived in Katikati since 1995, and have seen the SH2 ‘ management ’ deteriorating every year! Wrong measures – based upon ‘paternalising’ –are taken
It’s always about ‘safety and speed’, which should be the responsibility of the road users themselves
The real reasons are - in my opinion: The lack of proper driving training; drinking and drug abuse; the total lack
of overtaking facilities, continuously reduced since 1995; and the slow traffic making drivers ‘sleepy’ and creating variable, inconsistent speeds
The Bay of Plenty has many elderly people, careful with their lives – and rightly so – but they become slow drivers which is frustrating for other road users, who start to make risky overtake manoeuvres leading to accidents
As a holiday destination, the BOP attracts many vacationers, who tow caravans, boats, trailers, etc Slowing
Take Village Radio once a day, and all your problems will just fade away Such is the power that music can make and for all tastes because of a large selection the station plays.
I read the article in The Weekend on Village Radio – titled ‘A village voice is silenced’, published page 12-13, January 17 edition.
It was very well done, which gives credit to a large number of volunteers who d h the listeners. Th time to make th broadcasting at subtle approach Tony? When I w asking: Are you my requests Su Radio it’s gettin insult anyone –never be forgott Ron Chambe Ōtūmoet
derive much joy in entertaining
They give an amazing amount of their hat happen As we had two Tonys Village Radio – I, with my usual h, asked: Are you the tall skinny wanted a request, instead of him a Scottish refugee, he played ch is the fun at Village ng harder to Tony will ten erlain, tai.
down traffic as well; again, frustrating other road users
The solution: To the contrary of what NZTA currently is doing – ie medium barriers and wide yellow lining – is widening the roads and adding as many passing lanes as possible between Waihī and Tauranga
In that case 100km per hour is a safe speed on the second most important highway leading to the biggest port of New Zealand
Erik Becker, Tanners Point
A Village Radio gem! Billshouldbe toppriority
In 1893 every woman and every man in New Zealand had the right to vote.
Māori wars over; England taking all our meat, cheese and butter; we were developing and progressing towards nationhood.
We have fought in world wars, celebrated our diversity, become global players in sport, science and economics. We have learnt to sell to the world in order to buy what we cannot produce at home.
We were once all equal, but now some are more equal than others because of their ancestry It defies logic. We all work together, play sport together, marry together, have children together All ethnicities, all backgrounds
This Government is moving quickly, but sorting out the Treaty Principles Bill should be top priority There is too much corruption and anyone doing anything has to consult with iwi, with money required in order to get approval to do anything.
We are all one people, and we need to debate the Treaty Principles Bill for the divided path we are on serves no one well, not even the MPs who did a war dance instead of participating in debate. The hikoi is a sad indictment in 2024 as it fostered division.
Margaret Murray-Benge, Bethlehem
Right: The late Tony Rhind. Photo: file
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Our model of kotahitanga
Last week, we attended the Waitangi Day dawn service held at Hopukiore (Mount Drury Reserve)
There, we were reminded by speakers of the importance of understanding our history and growing in kotahitanga or unity Sometimes, revisiting the past can be painful, and sometimes the hardest part is communicating with those from different backgrounds However, if we want to grow in kotahitanga then being open and humble is the only way forward This is a journey that many have taken.
In the gospel, Jesus himself is our model of kotahitanga In response to the leaders challenging Jesus in John 5, he says: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does” All through the gospel we see the unity between God the Father and the Son This is a unity grounded in the love that is at the heart of God: “For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does”
Kotahitanga is a Christian virtue, and honest communication is what builds unity
One of my hopes to improve in this area is to begin learning te reo Māori With that
Rev Mike Kirkby-Sing, Bethlehem Community Church in mind here is a Māori proverb that speaks to the virtue of kotahitanga: “Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi” – in English: “With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive” May growing in kotahitanga be a part of your journey this year.
