The Weekend Sun - 21 March 2025

Excitement is ramping up for the 2025 National Skateboarding Championships being held in Mount Maunganui on March 28-29

More than 80 competitors will participate in park, street, and vert competitions at the Destination Skatepark and Blake Park Vert ramp Skateboarders will compete in three divisions,

including open men ’ s and women ’ s for all categories, plus an Under 13 division for park and street Prize money is on offer for the open divisions, while U13 participants will receive merchandise prizes from local sponsors

Among competitors will be Tauranga skaters George, Manville, 9, pictured in action, and

Ready to shred!

sister Emma Manville, 11, who’ve have trained at the Destination Skatepark, along with 16-yearold Bodhi Cavell – pictured above between the siblings – who first started developing his skills while attending Kaimai School “The nationals is an exciting opportunity to unite the skateboarding community, and I’m stoked that it

will be hosted locally at Mount Maunganui this year, ” Cavell said Skateboarding New Zealand chairwoman Sonia Griffin said there had been a “huge uptick” in skateboarding participation in Tauranga with the recent development of Destination Skatepark To learn about the action on March 28-29, see page 10

Photos / Brydie Thompson

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Head over heels OUT of love

Know about “icks”? We’ve all had them Bit of a giggle in hindsight, but at the time they’re gamechangers, they turn “lerv” into loathe.

“Icks” are behaviours, idiosyncrasies, and foibles that trigger an explosion of repulsion to, and rejection of, a potential love interest We’ve all been there Everything is fluffy and fairy-tale at first, the chat, the laughter, the fine food and the fuzzies. And then he does some spontaneous nasal mining; he may call you “love”, drop some veiled racism, or a fart, then take a call from “Mummy” Leaves you squirming

Suddenly it’s dead – you are outa love, outa here and outa his life Choof! As the Aussies say Off!!

Research from the Azusa Pacific University in California calls it “the rapid rejection mechanism” kicking in – nature ’ s way of culling rogue could-be partners before things get silly, before they get to the bedroom

Game over I put “icks” out th f l f days and soon th up with victim s Stories that, on the surface of it, might have mad me seem like a g catch Might hav

Like the woma who twice dated miser Scrooge B occasions he sug they “share” a co entrees as mains, then he chose which ones of course Then a dessert, just one dessert, to be shared of course Both times he wiped the plate clean with an index finger and licked it She didn’t hang around to find out whether he licked the finger clean post-bathroom The rapid rejection mechanism kicked in, kicked him into touch Game over Seems women are more attuned to critical testing for long-term compatibility and togetherness than blokes Apparently, 75% of women compared to 57% of men Seems blokes can only think about the next five minutes of their lives

or Gaza “Tiresome,” said Keith “Who cares?” Not unrequited Keith By main course he’d have gladly paid her next ticket to anywhere anywhere but here Poke, nibble, pout

The date who sulked terminally because her main course wasn ’ t what she was expecting. For an hour it was poke, nibble, pout Poke, nibble, pout There was no dessert and no second date

Th the guy who held both his ork with a n he’d stab eeth clatte chewed “

Some quick-fire “icks” In a demonstration of first date bravado, the bully kicks over a homeless person ’ s coin can scattering the contents What a guy! That relationship lingered as long as it took for the woman to stride off PDAs – Public Displays of Affection ng or a quick peck, but the vocal range of a ng cat serenading their le in public, or reciting try Ick!

e aggressive passenger who leaned over, control of the horn asted the car in front ctim rightfully flicked ird and mouthed an ity at me I was guilty by association But ride finished at her place where I dropped her off Forever Thank you, rapid rejection mechanism Liar!

Keith took what he described as a “comely maiden” out for dinner and she was immediately dropping her travel experiences into the conversation “When I was overseas when I was on the Costa Del Sol when I was in Paris, Milan or on the Riviera.” Not one mention of Ulaanbaatar, Port-au-Prince,

chink, chink ” The rapid rejection meter went off: “Pull up, pull up, pull up ” That relationship was never going to work

There are some obvious first date “iks” – the guy that patronisingly pats you, the person who constantly advises: “What you should do is ” There’s creeping soggy armpits and other hygiene issues, a bloke who wears a sweater under a suit jacket, someone who always has a story to upstage yours, or talks over you, and the chunky guy with a Grand Canyon bum crack that presents it at every opportunity and wants to talk meaningfully about his lepidoptery collection

Then an outpouring of marital “ick” from a colleague “He bursts out with uncontrolled, over-reactive laughing, so loud I just want to punch him.” Irritating but is it “ick”?

“I ask him to put something in the dishwasher and he will ask ‘the oven?’ I say: “No, the dishwasher” And he says: “The fridge? What’s that all about?” And if you ask him what “ick-ed” him about me he would say: “Nothing, I love everything about you ” Liar! That’s ick! I have to admit being an “ick-er” I thought a date had gone swimmingly well but when I called back for seconds the love meter had tumbled well below freezing

Would have got more warmth asking Putin to give back Crimea I must have accidentally turned off my charm and magnetism

Sam Ruthe

crosses the finish line next to Sam Tanner to become the youngest person ever to break the magic four-minute mile barrier.

New Zealand’s middle-distance prodigy

Sam Ruthe has become the youngest person in history to break the four-minute-mile barrier

The 15-year-old from Tauranga became the 49th New Zealander to break the milestone target, doing so at a wet Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Wednesday night, March 19.

Olympian Sam Tanner helped lead Ruthe in the second half of the race, setting the pace for the teenager towards the finish line.

Ruthe eventually finished second behind Tanner in 3m 58.35s.

Ben Wall also broke the mark for the first time in 3m 59s, as all three went under four minutes. Tanner won in a time of 3m 58.29s.

“This was probably my favourite goal I’ve reached. Definitely enjoyed this one the most with all the people here supporting me. It was absolutely magical to cross with my training partner Sam, one of the nicest feelings ever, ” Ruthe said. “About an hour before I was getting a bit scared as it was hammering down. The rain seemed to clear perfectly in time for our race, ” he added The Tauranga Boys’ College student said he would celebrate with a good meal and then go to

bed early The teen has running in his genes

Father Ben Ruthe is a former national recordholder over 800 and 1000m, while mum Jess held national cross-country titles.

Sam’s grandma Rosemary was a champion 400m relay sprinter and 800m Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

“I’m shocked, a bit relieved Stoked for him A bit lost for words,” Ben Ruthe said Wednesday night. “I’ve been around athletes for a while and that’s good as it gives me an understanding of what is possible and what people have done historically and all those measurements and yardsticks that I’ve ever thought were the limits are a bit shattered in my head. To see what he’s done time and time again. That’s his 11th and 12th New Zealand records, age group, and his sixth world best. It’s hard to get your head around that,” his father added

Ruthe has been making headlines all summer He first shattered the 15-year-old world best for 3000m in November, then lowered it twice more –most recently running 7m 56.18s in Hastings.

Ruthe will race in Melbourne next Saturday at the Maurie Plant Meet, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting. Cameron McMillan

Dulux Accredited Painter

Health

(right)

Photo / Photosport

Community boards clash with council

Four of five Western Bay of Plenty community boards have told the district council they don’t want a merger of the boards because it would diminish their local voice.

Yet the Western Bay of Plenty District Council said it would create fairer representation for everyone.

The exchange took place at a Local Government Commission appeal hearing on March 13, where one community board chair said it would be “eroding democracy”.

Western BOP has five community boards, each with four members and two councillors, representing Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke and Maketū A community board is a group of f elected d members whho represent thhe interests of their area and act as a link between the community and council

The council is proposing to scrap the five boards and have three that follow the ward boundaries of Maketū-Te Puke, Kaimai and KatikatiWaihī Beach The boards would have six elected members, and two councillors appointed from the respective wards

Everywhere covered

Under the proposal, nearly everywhere in the district would be covered by a community board

That means areas like Whakamārama, Pukehina, Pongakawa and Paengaroa – which have no board at present – would be better represented Matakana and Rangiwaea Islands would not be part of a board

The proposal is part of council’s representation review that seeks to best represent the region’s 62,000 residents. Representation reviews set the number of councillors, number of wards and their boundaries, and the make-up of community boards for an area They must be done every six years

ot represented

Denyer said the current community board arrangement did not work well and about 40% of the district was not reppresented by y a board

He said the Matakana and Rangiwaea Island communities’ desire was “direct engagement ” with council for their population of around 250 people.

“The final proposal provides an equitable outcome that improves fair and effective representation.”

Scrimgeour said having only three boards would also reduce the rates people paid to $17.25 per property in the district.

At present, properties in a community board area paid a targeted rate which varied from $23.41 to $184.64.

The pulse

Waihī Beach Community Board chair Dani Simpson said community boards were the “pulse of our place”. “We believe that when you diminish our voice, you ’ re not just redrawing boundaries on a map, that’s severing decades of trust with the council, with our identity, and the wisdom that comes from knowing a community like the back of your hand. It’s a decision that isn’t about efficiency, but it is eroding a democracy”

The proposal was adopted at a council meeting in November. People could appeal this to the Local Government Commission, which led to Thursday’s hearing

Commissioners Brendan Duffy, Bonita Bigham and Gwen Bull heard from 10 submitters about the proposal, all but one of whom opposed changing the number of community boards

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer and Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour gave reasons for the proposal and responded to issues raised by submitters during the four-hour hearing

The proposal treated Waihī Beach and Katikati as “interchangeable cells”, but the areas had different challenges and infrastructure needs “We are looking to merge a coastal haven with an inland horticulture hub ”

Several submitters said the bigger boards could mean the different communities would compete for funding.

‘Approachable and trusted’

Te Puke Community Board deputy chair Dale Snell said the board was “approachable and trusted” and the small area they covered led to its success “We are a passionate community board, and this is how we achieve the big and the small things.”

The new proposal would see them “competing for resources ” and “ water down the passion and the drive” that enabled the community and the board to thrive.

The Maketū and Katikati Community Board chairs shared similar concerns.

Former Western BOP councillor Michael Jones said small communities depended on each other and would have a larger influence if they combined “I’m personally for uniting people, bringing them together, not dividing us up into small little groups.”The proposed three boards would create an opportunity for a “ more united voice” for each area, he said

The proposal would also reduce the number of councillors at the table from 11 plus the mayor to nine plus the mayor.

It would also establish a Māori ward that covered the entire district, called Waka Kai Uru ward. Local Government Commission will release its decision by April 10.

LDR

Photo / Mead Norton

Taekwondo ‘underdogs’ take gold!

Tauranga’s Team KO Taekwondo club entered the Big Boss International for experience, not medals, but exceeded expectations with two golds and trophies for best team and coach, surprising Master Kesi O’Neill.

The tournament took place in Taiwan for the first time on March 8-9. Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and combat sport involving primarily kicking techniques and punching.

Eight taekwondo practitioners aged 15-48 attended the tournament from Tauranga to compete against more than 2500 other competitors from 12 countries. “It’s the biggest [tournament] we ’ ve ever seen, ” said Team KO Taekwondo instructor Master Kesi O’Neill

Well prepared

Despite the tough competition, O’Neill said the team – Holly Gould, Chloe Ward, Ella Wilce, Makayla Morgan, Adam Burton Brown, Danny Hammond, Gerard Jull and Kyree Edwards – was well prepared. “We trained for seven weeks [five days a week]. We had a PT that came and took them to the gym for strength and conditioning ” He said in training, they did drills “ over and over ”

“I prewarned them: ‘This is a big step, we go in there just to experience it, not to win any medals, if we win, that’s a bonus, but just go to experience’ “We were the underdogs. I rather they came out of the ring healthy and safe.”

O’Neill said the tournament allowed club members to learn more about the sport from other cultures. He said it was an eye-opener for the athletes to see how taekwondo is practised in other countries.

They saw new techniques, how others trained and presented themselves, and the attitudes of others while in the ring. O’Neill divided the athletes into

two categories, A and B, so they could spend more time on the mat, gaining more experience and exposure.

Surprised

He said he was surprised when the team won gold medals and trophies, considering they only entered for the experience. “I was proud The whole team did really well,” he said

While winning the medals and trophies was a bonus, O’Neill was most impressed with the team ’ s determination to excel and concentrate on being a team “It was good to see they took the things we trained for with them in the ring and the confidence they had ”

O’Neill said they made a mark for New Zealand and took their culture with them to the tournament, performing a haka during the opening ceremony.

“I think that’s why we won the best team award: We brought the culture, plus we were yelling at each other and supporting each other”

Now, the team will compete on home soil at the Budo South Open, a Tauranga tournament in April; then attend the national tournament in Christchurch, the Kukkiwon Cup, in June. Later this year, the team will travel to Australia to compete in the Brisbane Open Taekwondo Championships.

Team KO’s Adam Burton Brown in action in Taiwan Photo / Supplied

Ayla Yeoman

Kids – ready, steady, bake!

Expect plenty of flourcovered countertops, chocolate-covered faces, and sweet smells in kitchens a around Tauranga with the first ever Kiwi Kids BakeOff underway

“It’s a super exciting event to try to get more kids in the kitchen,” said organiser Heather Kalisch, who is running the bake off as part of 2025’s Flavours of Plenty Festival

“Some of my earliest memories of baking are spending time with my dad As a teacher, I love the educational benefits of baking like maths, reading, problemsolving and following instructions but also it’s about making childhood memories ” Kids aged between

seven and 13 are invited to submit a photo of a cake or cupcakes they have made and decorated at home to the Bake Off via: wwwbakewithme co nz/ k kiwikidsbakeoff

Friends and family can then vote on entries on Bake With Me’s Facebook page The top 10 will join the finale, where they’ll recreate their entry, baking live in the Toi Ohomai kitchen,

on April 13 during Flavours of Plenty “Even though the format of this event is a competition, the main thing is having a go in the kitchen and having fun for childdreen froom a all b backggrooundds with all skill levels,” said Kalisch

My edible story...

Not only will the finalists win membership to an online baking club, but there are also more than $500 worth of prizes up for grabs thanks to support from local businesses Entries will be judged on looks, taste and how well they meet the Flavours of Plenty theme which is “ my edible story ” . “It’s very much open to interpretation,” said Kalisch “It could be something special like their favourite toy, game or pastime or even a made-up story I want the kids to express themselves through baking ” Details at: www

bakewithme co nz/ kiwikidsbakeoff

Debbie Griffiths

Kiwi Kids Bake-

O organiser

Heather Kalisch bakes at home with her kids James Kalisch, 3, and Rebecca Kalisch, 5

Photo / Brydie Thompson

What’s Your Property Worth?

I’ll

Rachel Cole

“I was pleased to hear … it was a genuine problem, it wasn ’ t just my imagination, and it wasn ’ t just me, ” said Carol Hudson, recalling the moment she learnt her adopted son, Gary, had Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Mother talks of FASD struggles

Hudson learned of the diagnosis, she burst into tears. For her, it was confirmation his behaviour was not a result of her parenting

She had wracked her brains trying to understand what drove his behaviour

The Tauranga retiree felt an immense sense of relief when she received Gary’s FASD diagnosis. She knew immediately when she adopted the three-month-old that something was off.

He wasn ’ t like her other adopted child, who she had adopted four years earlier

Baby Gary was restless, and as he grew older, he became violent and showed “abnormal” behaviours.

Now 44, he lives on the streets of Auckland.

Hudson prays he will return home someday so she can take care of him “He’s a survivor,” she said She has shared the story of her experience raising Gary with his permission, so others can better understand FASD and its implications for the affected child and their family

Gary was diagnosed with FASD at age 16. When

The family had a chip heater, similar to a fireplace that heated water The ashes from the heater would fall into a tray “I went into the kitchen one day, and he was putting his hand underneath to catch these ashes, which were red hot ” Hudson worried about what was wrong with him and why it did not hurt him.

Bullying in school

During school, Gary was bullied constantly “They were horrible to him,” Hudson said She got Gary into a special class during intermediate, where he was with kids with intellectual and physical disabilities.

“He was doing really well, but the other kids at school were saying: ‘Why is he in a special class? There’s nothing wrong with him’.”

Hudson said Gary wasn ’ t like the “normal” kids or the kids in the special class. “He didn’t fit in either That was so hard for him.”

Run-ins with police

As Gary got older, he had several run-ins with the police between 16-17 years old

One incident landed him in youth jail for 18 months.

Hudson said Gary’s condition meant he was easily manipulated and struggled with peer pressure from his “so-called mates”. When Gary was 18, Hudson and her husband split, unable to handle the strain this challenge had put on their relationship, she said Gary found his birth mother later in life, but she did not want anything to do with him.

Push for warnings

Hudson is on a mission to try to prevent more babies from being affected by alcohol

She spoke out about her experience to support a push for FASD warnings in liquor shops.

Tauranga man Christopher Ingram started a petition calling for the stores to present a sign on their doors warning pregnant women and their families of the effects of alcohol

This petition was taken to Parliament before being read out and passed on to the petitions select committee. “I’ll be glad when I see all those signs up in all the alcohol shops,” said Hudson

“I’m going to make it my mission to make sure that if they haven’t got it up there, I’m going to tell them off ” Ayla Yeoman

Carol Hudson with photos of her son Gary Hudson. Photo / Brydie Thompson

Street art festi al brings ne energ treet festival new energy

For Mount Maunganui artist Paul Darragh, his seventh mural has a special significance.

He’s one of five artists chosen to create oversized art at this weekend’s first ever Tauranga Street Art Festival. “This mural will be a real privilege because it’s on Tauranga Art Gallery

As an artist, the gallery is an incredible hub, a real staple in the community

“I’ve been part of an exhibition and had a solo show there, so it’s a real honour to have something that will be up there for quite a few years at our gallery”

Darragh’s use of abstract, geometric shapes is a style that’s

instantly recognisable. “I want to evoke energy and joy When people look at any of my murals, I want it to feel invigorating; to have a kinetic energy to it.”

To Darragh, the shapes and colour combinations create different vibrations

“On this one, I love blue and orange together,” he said, referring to his mural outside Forty Thieves barber shop on Mount Mainstreet. It creates almost a buzzing feeling when you ’ re looking at them ”

Darragh begins work on the 13-metre high art gallery wall today, and will finish the “nocturnal feeling” design by Sunday, March 23.

“It’s wedged between the black of the art gallery and the olive

green of Sugo restaurant, so it’s a more subdued palette. I still want it to look like my work but I want it to be that bridge that connects those existing features.” From today, the public can walk the festival trail, watching the murals take shape. Tomorrow, festival-goers can enjoy interactive artist talks, roving performers, giant bubbles, live music and local 3D artist Jamie Harkins creating an epic 3D chalk masterpiece. Craig McClure, festival organiser and director of Lighthouse Creative Productions, hopes it’s the first annual event of its kind for Tauranga. Mural locations are at: www.whatsontauranga

Debbie Griffiths

Artist Paul Darragh at his mural outside Forty Thieves at the Mount. Photo / Debbie Griffiths

Ramping up for skateboarding champs

Excitement is building as the 2025 National Skateboarding Championships draw near, with top skateboarders from across New Zealand set to compete in Mount Maunganui next week.

The event, featuring Park, Street, and Vert competitions, will take place on March 28-29.

More than 80 competitors will showcase their skills in three

categories: The Cariuma Park Competition and The Good Room Street Competition at the Destination Skatepark, and the Red Bull Vert Competition at the Blake Park Vert ramp

This year ’ s event introduces three divisions: Open Women’s and Open Men’s for Park, Street, and Vert, as well as a brand-new Under 13 Boys’/ Girls’ division for Park and Street, providing a platform for talent across all ages

The open divisions have prize money for the first three placings,

Viewingbyappointment Mangawha Place,Omokoroa(ontheTaurangaHarbour)

www.lynleypark.co.nz info@lynleypark.co.nz P:027-477-1810

Manaaki

while the U13 divisions will receive merchandise prizes. Mount Maunganui siblings George, 9, and Emma,11, Manville, are excited to participate after a couple of years of skateboarding.

“They’ve improved greatly since the new Destination Skate Park opened and have been getting coaching with Shaun Boucher of Mana Skateboarding,” said their mother, Charlotte. in both Vert and Park,” said Skateboarding New Zealand chairperson Sonia Griffin. “He’s excited to compete in the Park division, having previously only competed in Vert; this is due to having a flow park in his neighbourhood.”

Cavell developed his skills at the Kaimai School skatepark during his primary school years there. “My dad, Simon Cavell, also skates and takes me

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Bodhi Cavell, 16, at Blake Park Vert ramp at Mount Maunganui.

Photo / Brydie Thompson

from Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council March 2025

Proposed changes to fees and charges

Regional Council’s Fees & Charges Policy outlines the costs associated with work we do that has a direct benefit to individual users We are proposing changes to our policy, effective from 1 July 2025

Key updates include increased resource consent deposits, cost recovery for Fast-Track Approval projects, and a general fee increase in line with inflation

We’re currently taking feedback on the proposed changes until 14 April 2025

Share your thoughts

Online: participate boprc govt nz/fees-and-charges2025

Email: feesand.charges@boprc.govt.nz

In person at our offices in Tauranga, Whakatāne or Rotorua

Get the latest Regional Council news straight to your inbox every fortnight

Our new-look e-newsletter includes updates on council work, volunteer events and helpful tips for enjoying our region

Sign up before April 30 and you’ll go in the draw to win a Bay of Plenty Regional Council prize pack

To subscribe, visit boprc govt nz/regional-council-kōrero

Meet James Dare

the scientist tasked with answering the big questions

James is an environmental scientist who specialises in water quality He’s made a career out of digging into data to understand what is impacting our water quality across the region

“Everything people do on the land affects the things people care about in the water,” he says, citing algae blooms and sediment build-up as some of the more noticeable effects of human activity

“The aim is to find the right balance that will allow us to maintain a sustainable relationship with our environment ”

James is currently working part-time on a PhD to better understand the ‘dynamics of contaminants’, which will help support community conversations around land use

Buffaloes near exxtinction in Tauranga

He looks and sounds like any other Tauranga resident going about living in the Bay of Plenty But for this Brother, his “brotherhood” is fast disappearing from the city

Peter Miller is part of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.

“We’re known as the Buffaloes,” said Miller “But we use those initials –RAOB – to identify ourselves.”

The order originated in England in 1822, according to the NZ website, and Buffs aids its members, their families, dependants of former members and charitable

organisations. Unbeknown to many city folk, until recently Buffaloes used to live, meet and discretely gift funds to a menagerie of non-profit community groups among us for many years.

“We’re a philanthropic, fraternal organisation – however, we don’t solicit funds from the general public. All our funds come from the Brothers themselves.”

Legion of Frontiersmen J Squadron leader Val Baker said the original Redoubt Lodge No 98 had been meeting at the LOF hall in Elizabeth St West since 1952.

She’d like to see more men join and revive the Buffaloes in town from the

edge of extinction “We’ve had a long association with the Buffalo Lodge and they’re a group that ive back generousl to the

g g y community”

August 1946

According to Miller, the Redoubt Lodge No 98 was the original Buffaloes Lodge for Tauranga and was founded in August 1946 after World War II “At those meetings there’d be 50-60 brothers regularly attending, but over the years that’s dropped off.”

Miller said about eight years of low numbers prompted Redoubt Lodge No 98 to amalgamate with Mount Lodge 130. “We

became known as the Mount Redoubt-Lodge and retained the No 98 ” Since then numbers have

dwindled further and MountRedoubt Lodge No 98 recently went into recess

“For months we’d been operating on a bare quorum of five Brothers. Then we lost three senior, very staunch Brothers within 12 months,” said Miller “And it became very difficult so we decided to go into recess for a year to see what happens.”

Mount-Redoubt No 98’s fate will be decided in December “We will decide to close or to carry on ” Turning the tide would mean

drawing more members in “It would be good if there were Brothers out there who stopped comin to lodge that would

g g come back. That would certainly help And younger Brothers and members of the community [joining] would be great too ”

Under the radar

But what are the Buffaloes? And has their demise been flying under the radar?

“Yeah we do [fly under the radar] because we don’t go out looking for publicity We don’t do that – and perhaps we should have 10-15 years ago so today we wouldn’t be going into recess, ” admitted Miller

Peter Miller, in his Buffaloes regalia, now belongs to the Te Puke Lodge no 122.

Photo / Bob Tulloch

He joined the RAOB in December 1970 in Kawerau because his father was a Buff “and, as a child, I’d had quite a few positive experiences with the activities the Buffaloes put on for their children”

So what does a Buff do? Miller said Brothers – or Buffs –attended a lodge meeting once a month Miller said there were three tiers of the RAOB: minor lodges such as Mount-Redoubt Lodge No 98; a Provincial Grand Lodge, which usually has about three minor lodges underneath it; and the Grand Lodge of NZ, which is the national lodge Ceremonial

“We’re very ceremonial We have a number of rituals and ceremonies, especially when a

Brother goes from one degree to the next, ” said Miller, who was the Grand Primo (chairman) of New Zealand’s conference in 2015

“My father always said to me: ‘If you ’ re able to control a room of Buffs you’ll control any meeting’ And he was dead right because we have a definite meeting procedure to go through in the Lodge; then we go into what’s called ‘harmony’ [This is where] Brothers might bring a musical instrument along or just tell a yarn. That’s one of the ways we raise funds because we put in money after each item – and that goes to the general fund

“We have a raffle, we call it a swindle each night which is part of fundraising as well.” Since 2018, the Mount-Redoubt

No 98 has donated more than $20,000 to local organisations

“We’ve strongly supported the children’s ward at Tauranga Hospital, we ’ ve also given to the Blue Light Foundation ” Other recipients include the Epilepsy Foundation, Blind Low Vision NZ, Katikati Tramping Club, and Ōmanu, Mount and Pukehina surf lifesaving clubs

All without a murmur in the local rag Miller now belongs to Te Puke Lodge No 122, which meets monthly on his property

“So, I’ve still got a Lodge to go to, thank goodness ” But he’s happy to take inquiries from those who want to breathe life back into Mount-Redoubt No 98. Email him at: millerph@ kinect.co.nz

Merle Cave

Peter Miller outside the LOF hall on Elizabeth Street West, where the original Redoubt Lodge No 98 met up since 1952 Photo / David Hall Inset: Peter Miller was the Grand Primo (chair) of New Zealand’s conference in 2015

Grass seed warning for pet owners

As autumn arrives, a Tauranga veterinarian is warning pet owners of the dangers of grass seeds, which can seriously harm animals

Grass seeds are dangerous because they get caught in a dog’s fur and burrow deep due to tiny barbs, Tauranga Vets veterinarian Max Clout said

“Like a barbed fishhook, they [grass seeds] can only go in one direction and readily penetrate through the skin.”

Clout said, in his experience, the risk period tends to be late-spring through to early-autummn.

“That corressponds with the period where grasses s mature, dry out and release their s seeds ”

“We have a pretty consistent caseload of grrass seeds between October and April

“I had one y yesterday afternoon in the face of f a dog having migrated throough his mouth.”

Consequeences

Grass seeds migrate deeper into thhe skin and most of t the time, the foreign body reaction n will present with the pet licking constaantly at the area.

“Once undeer the skin, the grasss seed creates a foreiign body reaction n which results in a siggnificant inflammatory y response

with pus and infection developing,” Clout said He said the owner may notice red swelling, typically between the toes of the pet.

“Unfortunately, all the licking and irritation doesn’t get rid of the grass seed, and they typically need to be removed surgically”

If untreated, the grass seed can migrate deeper into the foot, throat, body or eye and create a persistent draining infection, he said.

“In the last year, across our five practices [Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa, Te Puna and Katikati] we have had around 200250 cases of confirmed or suspected seeds causing problems ”

the range of $400-900+.”

Clout said occasionally, dogs need a CT scan followed by exploratory surgery under general anaesthesia. This could cost upwards of $5000$6000.

Prevention

to the irritation of the seed entering the paw, so as soon as your pet starts licking their foot, have a look to see if you can find a soft swelling or a fragment of grass seed poking into the paw

“If the seed is in the ear or eye, this is usually quickly noticed with the animal shaking their head or closing their eye and pawing at it.”

Cost

Clout said keeping at-risk breeds’ feet clipped short and regularly checking coats for seeds after they're i longer educe th isk of

Clout said some seeds are straightforward to remove and may be attempted in consultation under local aesthetic, providing the dog is quiet and calm “This may cos around $200, including the consultation “Other cases require sedation and a larger exploration, along with antibiotics and antiinflammatories This may cost in

To identify a seed early, before it bec oblematic, Cl

Tauranga V veterinarian Clout and dog ‘Piere’ Photo / S

OurMayorandCouncillors wouldlikeyourfeedback ontwoimportanttopics:

The budget for 2025/26

The future of water services delivery

Yourinputtodayonboththeseimportant topicswillhelpshapethecityoftomorrow

Come chat in-person at an event in April.

Foreventinformationandmoreonthe Annual PlanandLocal Water Done Well, headonlineto:

letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz

Tauranga, council ants to hear from ou soon

This week Tauranga City Council ceased fluoride dosing at the Waiāri Water Treatment Plant for about six weeks, due a minor leak found at the plant which needs repair

From this week, the tank will be offline to be emptied, cleaned, repaired, tested and re-certified

A council statement said during this time fluoride levels will reduce across the Pāpāmoa coastal strip and Mount Maunganui. “This will primarily affect the fluoride levels in the water supply to residents east of Golf Rd (Waiāri side). Residents can be assured that their water continues

to be safe to drink.”

The fluoride tank was installed and brought into operation last November, when council moved to comply with the Director-General of Health’s directive to fluoridate Tauranga’s water supply The tank will be repaired under warranty

“We are committed to keeping our residents informed and will advise the community when the tank is back online, and fluoride is re-introduced to the water supplied by the Waiāri Water Treatment Plant ” The Ministry of Health has been advised of the leak, and TCC’s plans to rectify the issue

Tauranga City Council wants to talk to residents about two important topics: the budget for 2025/2026; and the future of water services delivery.

Consultation on the Annual Plan and Local Water Done Well begins on March 28 and the mayor and councillors will be out and about at upcoming events in your neighbourhood to listen to your feedback

Mayor Mahé Drysdale said council’s financial situation has changed since last year “We’re focused on making sure

we get value for money for every dollar spent, and we ’ ve been working hard to draft a budget through the Annual Plan that limits average rates rises to 12%, or less

“It’s important that we find the right balance between what’s needed to deliver important projects for the city, and what we can afford.”

The mayor and councillors also want to hear what you think about their plans to deliver water services “We’re consulting on three options as part of Local Water Done Well: keeping our existing services within council, or establishing a council-controlled

organisation that solely focuses on water – either on our own or with partner councils,” said Drydale

“No matter what, you’ll keep receiving great services, but we want to hear what matters to our community before we make this decision

“Your input on both these important topics will help shape the city of tomorrow, so come and chat with us in April ”

To find out when the Mayor or councillors will be in your neighbourhood, or for more information on the draft Annual Plan and Local Water Done Well, head online to: letstalk tauranga govt nz

This two-and-a-halfyear-old female cat is named Cara – she is lovely and a character!

Cara is friendly and social, she’ll come up to g greet y you. She’s still playful and loves to have fun; sometimes you’ll catch her rolling about with a toy or rolling in front of you to catch your attention. Cara would be a great fit in most homes but would be a great choice for a family because she loves p peopple and is still a young adult cat with a gentle, sweet nature Apply to meet Cara today!

Phone Tauranga SPCA on: 07 578 0245

This sweet 12-weekold female Staffy-cross female is a cheeky, quirky and loveable pup who loves going on adventures to the beach Otter has medium energy levels and training is a breeze with the right treats. Otter is happy to hang out with

her puppy friends then find a nice sunny spot on the deck to nap The ideal home for Otter is one that is willing to provide patient training, socialisation, along with plenty of love. If she looks like your ideal buddy, apply via our website at: rrr.org.nz

Your long-term hearing health is unique to you. It is a lot more than selecting a hearing aid product.

That is why Resonate set up in 2022 as a subscription hearing service rather than just another hearing aid sales business.

Have a look at our customer happiness checklist.

If your current audiologist is not ticking all these boxes, then come and visit us and see for yourself whether we can provide you a better way to hear life.

Resonate’s Customer Happiness Checklist

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We clean repair and tune your hearing aids for as long as you are with us

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Ear cleaning and comprehensive hearing health assessment every 12 months.

Committed to New Zealand

100% NZ owned and operated network of 28 studios across the country.

Professional

All of our studios have their own dedicated audiologist

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Each team gets to know and be part of the local communities.

Affordable

You only pay $90 a month for your hearing aids and ALL these services.

Loyal

Every Resonate subscriber that passes their 2 year anniversary is guaranteed their $90 monthly fee for the rest of their life

For more than 25 years, Capes Medical has provided everyday Kiwis with access to high-quality medical supplies – without the need to purchase in bulk.

The store on Newton St, Mount Maunganui, offers an extensive range of more than 7000 products.

“We buy in bulk and break down the quantities, allowing customers to purchase smaller amounts of items such as incontinence products, wound care supplies, aged care essentials, skin creams, medical devices, surgical instruments, chairs, and more, ” said

Affordable medical supplies for all

administrator Sarah Murray

“Some wound care items can be costly, so we sell them individually, understanding that sometimes one is all that’s needed,” said general manager Ginene Scott.

Capes Medical began humbly in a family garage in 1998.

“David Capes was a procurement officer who, with his wife Wynn, wanted to make medical supplies easily accessible to everyone, ” said Scott.

“We’ve been operating from this location for nine years and also have warehouses in Auckland and Christchurch,”

Murray said. “Once David retired, his son, Peter, took over managing the company. He

Creating clarity inthe mind

“The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it is difficult to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear” – Prasad Mahes

Another way of seeing this is to reflect on “being” and “doing” If we place “doing” first we will be in the more turbulent waters However, when we first apply “being” we create more clarity in the mind and heart Patience is one way of operating in a more “being” way. It can positively affect how we respond before we apply

believes in treating everyone equally, which is a core principle of our company ”

Capes Medical staff are trained to give discreet, personalised advice to customers recovering from surgery, managing ongoing conditions, or caring for elderly family members

“Visiting a supermarket or pharmacy can sometimes feel intimidating,” said Murray “We offer relaxed consultations to help customers feel more comfortable.”

Capes Medical is open Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm at 122 Newton St, Mount Maunganui, and online at: capesmedical.co.nz with Gold Card discounts every day

We’redrivenbyoutcomes. AtCapesMedicalwehaveanunrivaledrangeofmedical suppliesfrombrandsyoucantrust.

Ourfriendlyteamwillhelpyoufindtherightsolutions attherightprice,plusweoffergreatSuperGoldcard

“doing”, by being mindful of what’s happening in the bigger picture of an event or situation and the people involved What attitude of mind will help you come first from a place of being versus a place of doing?

If you’d like to know more about strengthening relationships, exploring your potential and/or creating transformation in your life, phone Mary Parker The Fast Track Coach, on 021 258 2145, or visit: www.thefasttrackcoach.co.nz

They’ll provide tailored recommendations and use the latest, safest techniques to achieve the best results based on your

The team at Capes Medical in Mount Maunganui. Photo / Debbie Griffiths

A spotlight on oral health

With World Oral Health Day being celebrated this month, the New Zealand Dental Association is running competitions for kids and teens until April 11.

A global initiative led by the FDI World Dental Federation, World Oral Health Day was marked on March 20.

NZDA Colgate oral health promotion manager Anishma Ram said this year ’ s campaign theme was ‘A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind’, highlighting the vital connection between oral health and overall happiness and wellbeing.

“Oral health isn’t just about having a bright smile, it’s about how

you feel, your confidence and your overall health,” Ram said “Poor oral health can cause pain, stress and self-consciousness; while taking care of your teeth and gums can boost your mood and help you live a fuller, more confident and happier life.

“And it’s because of those reasons that NZDA is so keen to encourage Kiwis to prioritise oral health care and to protect their smiles ”

Ram said Kiwis can still celebrate World Oral Health Day by participating in a colouring competition, with a chance to win some exciting prizes.

This year, there are three competitions First, is a Colouring Competition for kids aged 12 and under “Let creativity flow with our special colouring challenge that celebrates the link between a happy

smile and a happy mind,” said Ram. The Creative Competition for teens aged 13-17 invites them to design a one-minute video or a poster showing how oral health supports mental wellbeing.

And a Social Media Challenge, for all ages, invites people to share your oral health tips and tricks that give you a healthy smile “Tag 2 friends and @NZDAHealthySmiles on Facebook or Instagram and use hashtags #WOHD2025 and #HappyMouth to join the conversation and enter our prize draw”

Whether it’s through colouring, creating or sharing on social media, head to NZDA’s website at: www.nzda.org.nz for full information, or email: register@nzda.org.nz

Competitions close April 11.

More benefits of curcumin

Curcumin, the principal bioactive compound found in turmeric, is renowned for its impressive health benefits.

Curcumin has gained significant attention in the health community especially for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The properties of curcumin are enhanced by adding quality OPC, a grape seed extract.

Inflammation is a root cause of many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and various degenerative conditions. Curcumin n works by inhibiting the molecules that plaay a significant role in inflammation, thereby y reducing risk of these chronic diseases.

Curcumin is a potent t antioxidant that can neutralise free e radicals due to its chemical struucture Free radicals are highly y reactive molecules with h unpaired electrons thaat can cause oxidative stress a and damage the body’s cellls By boosting the body’s owwn

antioxidant enzymes, curcumin helps to protect against this damage, contributing to overall health and longevity

Research suggests curcumin can enhance brain function

It increases the levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, a growth hormone that functions in the brain Low levels of BDNF are linked to brain disorders such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease Adding a daily dose of quality curcumin can support healthy brain function as we age

The problem with curcumin is it is not watersoluble and has poor absorption. The latest extracts combbine curcumiin with food starches producing 100% water solubility with greatly improved absorption without the need for black pepper which can irritate t the stomach This means you can get thhe benefits of curcumin, and OPC, without causing g gastric upsets John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutriitional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions, contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@aabundant.co.nz. Join his newslettter at: www.abundant.co.nz.

One clinic in Tauranga can cover all of your skin’s needs and caters to a variety of budgets, skin conditions and concerns.

“What sets Cashmore Clinic apart is the experience we have in the field

thA skin clinic that caters to all needs

of both injectables and skin therapy,” said director Leanne Cashmore.

Cashmore Clinic in Mount Maunganui has been operating seven years –however the team has a lot more experience than that under their belts.

“The team of injectors, myself and Michelle, have more than 30 years ’ experience combined, and our skin therapist, Ann, is a nurse with more than 20 years ’ experience in skin therapy,” said Cashmore

“Our mission is to make you ‘look as young as you feel’ and we do so with the utmost care

“All of our treatment plans are personalised to each individual, with consultations being required first for a full diagnostic consultation to make a treatment plan ”

Cashmore Clinic offers a wide range of injectable treatments plus a variety of other skincare services and therapies “We can take care of skin needling, injectables, Mint Mono Threads, Radio Frequency needling, Procell Microchanneling, Ultra MD Laser, Veloce Laser, hydrafacials, peels, Healite Therapy, teeth whitening, spray tans, dermaplaning, hair restoration and skin memberships

“We also offer a wide range of skincare products, including medical grade skincare, some of which can only be purchased in the clinic ”

Cashmore Clinic is open 9am-5pm Mondays to Fridays at 11A Dee St, Mount Maunganui For more information, see their advert on this page

Supportive, well-organisedsurgery tours

Are you thinking of going abroad for surgery or dental care and don’t know where to start?

Jackie Brown’s Bums, Tums & Gums Weight Loss & Cosmetic Surgery Tours provide a safe, well-organised, and supportive experience for those seeking bariatric or cosmetic procedures overseas

“With extensive experience in travel and medical tourism, I personally escort small groups of six-eight people to Mexico, Thailand, India, and the USA, ensuring access to world-class surgeons and accredited hospitals,” said Brown

“My weight loss surgery options include gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, with full guidance on pre-surgery preparation, including the Optifast diet and post-op recovery For cosmetic procedures, clients can choose from facelifts, tummy tucks, breast augmentations, dental work, and more, performed by leading specialists ”

Each trip includes flights, transfers, accommodation, hospital stays, and guided excursions, ensuring a stress-free and supported journey

Brown said she provides ongoing support before, during, and after surgery, including guidance on KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals “Affordable, highquality surgery with expert care will transform your onfidence!”

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY

With bariatric surgery comes the power to rewrite your story and redefine your limits Safe, affordable, life-changing STRUGGLING WITH WEIGHT LOSS?

Join Jackie Browns expertled bariatric surgery tours to Mexico and take control of your health

Gastric sleeve and bypass with world-class surgeons from $4499Us dollars

• Accredited hospitals and full aftercare

• Small, supportive groups (6-8 people)

Fully escorted inclusive 12 day tours which include private rooms at all hotels and at the hospital, return flights from Auckland , private transfers throughout the United States, includes all border crossings and medical passes plus entry to Disneyland, hop on hop off tours of San Diego, shopping excursions and hotels, and fully escorted by qualified medical travel tour guide.

TRIPS: 2025: 13 April 06 August 22 October

(similar dates for 2026)

Personal support before, during, and after surgery

Weekly handouts leading up to departure covering everything from what to pack to information on Kiwi saver or Visa requirements for the USA

Contact Jackie today - limited spots available as each tour Jackie only takes six surgeries per trip, support/partners welcome to join. Phone: 0275481004 10am - 7pm Email: info@jbtg co nz Website:www.surgicalweightloss.co.nz Based in Tauranga. Supporting Kiwis nationwide.

Cashmore Clinic director Leanne Cashmore. Photo / Supplied

Jacqui Brown herself before and after treatment. Photos / Supplied

Zac Green has a lot of work to do in the next two weeks to get his Nissan Stationwagon ready for an exciting event in Taranaki

After that he’s prepping for the D1NZ national drifting grand finals in the Pro-Sport Series at Mercury Baypark on Anzac Weekend “I’ve got a lot to do, but thankfully Autohouse in Te Puke is on board to help out, ”

Green gears up for D D1NZ grand final

Green said, noting that working as a panel beater at Autohouse makes things a bit easier

The D1NZ series has five rounds –and the final at Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui “I’m skipping the Manfield round in Manawatū because I’ve been invited to the Taranaki Back Beach Drift event in New Plymouth next weekend,” Green said

“It’s the first time it’s been held in six years, and it’s invitational, so I’m very

fortunate to get the invite ”

He has just two weeks to o ready his car for the March 29 Centennial Drive event “I’ll be back i in time for the grand final at Baypark on Anzac Weekend ”

Fan favourite

Currently sitting in 14th h position in the D1NZ series, Green n ’ s car had become a fan favouritte, despite being one of the less comppetitive vehicles “It’s unique becauuse it’s a station wagon It’s not a highpowered car, and it doesn’ ’ t have a fancy gearbox I’m doing i it on a budget,” Green said His car runs a 460hp stock standard RB30 engine with only a few modifications “It still has the stock gearbox, rear end, and modified standard steering It doesn’t have a lot of the fancy features other cars might have ” He bought the car 12 years ago, originally as a warranted, registered streetcar Currently it has 100,000km on the clock “Within two months of owning it, I took it to a drift day, and that was it. I started cutting it up ” With 12-13 years ’ racing experience, Green and his car have generated a lot of interest “My car ’ s got quite a bit of a following and has even been featured on websites overseas, just because it’s so unique ” He doesn’t have a

dedicated support team when he races “It’s just me, I lean on my friends, and other drivers jump in and give me a hand I can ’ t afford to pay for a full crew, so whoever’s around pitches in ” He transports his car on a tandem trailer, though financially, competing in D1NZ is a challenge The cost of a season is around $25,000, making sponsorship crucial

“P1 Brick & Block Ltd – a local bricklayer in Te Puke have helped heaps It’d be nice to get a few more sponsors, but I’ll keep doing my best and putting on a good show regardless ” The family-friendly D1NZ Championship grand final is on April 25-26 at Mercury Baypark Stadium Find out more at: www d1nz com/events/2025

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Te Puke’s Zac Green leads Rotorua driver Guy Maxwell in Round Two of D1NZ at Taupo Motorsport Park in February

Photo / Ray Clarke Photography

Zac Green with his Nissan.

Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford d

A compact SUUV wiith h big practicality

In the ever-growing SUV market, com models remain a popular choice for u drivers seeking style and practicali

The Suzuki Ignis is a standout, offering a un blend of compact dimensions, versatile featur eye-catching design

Legacy of innovation

The Ignis has been a key model in Suzuki’s l for nearly 25 years Since its debut in 2000, it evolved into a modern, city-friendly SUV tha maximises space and functionality Despite its footprint, the Ignis provides ample room insid with adjustable sliding rear seats for added ver Fold-down seats create even more space, mak excellent choice for city dwellers who need fle

Distinctive design

mpact urban ity nique res, and line-up t has at s small de, rsatility king it an exibility

The Ignis sports a bold and rugged aesthetic large headlights, chunky wheel arches, and ret C-pillars Suzuki also offers a variety of access personalise the vehicle, enhancing both its loo practicality For a limited time, the Ignis Plus available, featuring stylish upgrades such as a bonnet protector, metallic black tailgate spoile 15-inch matte black alloy wheels, and exclusiv

Easy to drive

c with tro-styled sories to ok and edition is smoked er, ve decals

One of the standout features of the Ignis is its elevated height, making it easy to get in and out of the vehicle The seating position provides excellent visibility, and the compact design allows for effortless manoeuvring in tight spaces With a turning circle of just 9 4 metres and a reversing camera as standard, navigating narrow spaces and parking in today’s tight spaces and garages are hassle-free

Efficient performance

Under the hood, the Ignis is powered by a 1 2L engine delivering 66kW of power and 120Nm of torque Weighing around 900kg, it offers a zippy and responsive drive, making city commuting and highway cruising equally enjoyable Fuel efficiency is impressive, with an economy of 5 4L/100km (3PWLTP), rivalling some hybrid models.

Modern, functional interior

Inside, the Ignis boasts a clean, minimalistic yet functional cabin A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system provides access to Apple CarPlay, Android

Auto, and navigation when connected to a smartphone The LTD model includes a stylish white dashboard accent, keyless entry, and push-button start, adding a premium touch Climate control varies by trim, with manual dials on base models and modern selectors on the LTD trim Steering wheel controls offer easy access to multimedia and cruise settings, enhancing the driving experience

Safety and warranty

The Ignis scores an impressive five-star overall safety rating per real-world crash data, according to Vehicle Safety Risk Ratings at: rightcar.govt.nz The vehicle also comes with Suzuki’s five-year extensive warranty programme and fiveyear roadside assistance for additional peace of mind. The Suzuki Ignis offers excellent value

in the compact SUV market Pricing starts at $21,890+ORC for the GLX, while the limited-time Ignis Plus edition is priced at $25,990+ORC The toptier LTD Auto model is available for $26,500+ORC To experience the Ignis first-hand, visit Tauranga Motor Company at 100 Hewletts Rd, Mount Maunganui, or call 07 578 1378 to book a test drive

news and views for the over 55s

‘BBefore Summerset, I I’d d never danced a day in my life’

If living your best retirement life means having more time to share quality moments with friends and family, being active in your community, attending exciting events and having a broad range of activities and convenient facilities to keep you entertained and on the go, Summerset by the Dunes have you covered

Enjoy the freedom of a relaxed, sunsoaked retirement, only a 15-minute stroll from the village gate to the beach Located in a peaceful setting, Summerset by the Dunes offers modern retirement living in a relaxed coastal community

Healthy homes

Having a healthy home is as important to your wellbeing as diet and exercise, so all homes come with an air conditioning unit, keeping homes warm and dry in winter, and cool in the warmer months.

The on-site property team will take care of anything needed around the house and they routinely waterblast, mow lawns, tend gardens and clean gutters to keep the homes of residents healthy

There are a range of contemporary homes to choose from with everything you could need for a relaxed retirement. From independent living with services available in villas, cottages and serviced apartments, to care and support in the care centre and memory care centre for those living with dementia

Community

The village centre is an extension of residents’ homes, offering a mix of active and relaxing spaces. Residents love inviting family and friends to use the pool and spa Chatting with neighbours in the café over a cuppa and joining new classes and activities in the communal areas.

Or enjoying restorative relaxation and pampering in the on-site hair salon and beauty clinic.

“We recently moved to Summerset by the Dunes and we ’ re really enjoying the social activities and friendship of so many wonderful residents and staff. We wish we had moved here earlier after seeing what we have been missing out on!” said Diane and John Hulbert, residents of Summerset by the Dunes.

Change can be invigorating

Summerset resident Rose Edwards, hit the reset button on her life when she moved into Summerset.

“Before Summerset, I’d never danced a day in my life. Then I met a lovely lady and mentor by the name of Joy, who showed me a few moves and shared her 4000 songs on CD, and that was that! I was hooked.

“Now I have barely time for anything else. I dance six days a week, teach four classes, and attend two classes outside the village. I’m grateful that I moved here when I did, so I could enjoy this kind of active, sociable life.”

If you are contemplating village life, pop in and spend some time in the village. You can enjoy a cuppa and treat in the café or just call in and talk with the friendly team and chat with residents who already love the Summerset life. Summerset by the Dunes, 35 Manawa Road, Papamoa.

Read more of Rose Edwards’ story at summerset

Preventing falls and protecting independence

Heather McLean has witnessed first-hand the devastating consequences of a fall.

When she was aged in her 80s, her now late mother, Alison, fell off a ladder while washing the windows of her Pāpāmoa home.

“She fell through the window and luckily her neighbour heard, but she’d sliced her entire arm from wrist to armpit and also hit her head,” said Heather “She was a force of nature but afterwards, it really did affect her quality of life. She wasn ’ t able to drive for months and the concussion made her wobbly” McLean’s mother had two

other bad falls. “One time, she didn’t have the strength to pick herself up so it took a long time to get help Exercises and identifying potential trip hazards may have helped,” she said According to statistics from Age Concern, about one in three people aged 65-plus in New Zealand will have a fall every year

Older people are more likely to fall because of weaker legs, poor balance, eyesight problems, nutritional deficiencies, hazards in the environment, or side effects from medications. Falls can cause serious injury and even death.

“During April Falls month, we ’ re bringing together experts

at three events around the region who can educate seniors on how to avoid falls and how to fall safely,” said St John Hato Hone community engagement officer Berenice Langson.

“They’ll give advice on balance, how to strengthen muscles and how to use walkers more safely.”

The three Hato Hone St John April Falls workshops each begin at 10am in Tauranga at 146 17th Avenue on April 1, at 40 No3 Rd in Te Puke on April 9, and at Katikati Memorial Hall on April 29.

If you’d like to attend, or know who would benefit from the workshops, see their advert on this page.

Reviving a welcoming tradition

When members of the Cherrywood Probus Club turned up with morning tea in hand at Ron and Dulcie Pollock’s new home last week, they were re-enacting a tradition that dates back to the 1880s

Tin canning or tin kettling was a rural New Zealand tradition that was often used to welcome newlyweds back from their honeymoon and also to welcome folk into their new home, according to Probus Cherrywood chapter president Ian Young

“Usually, a small gift would be given, something like a tin for the pantry or a cake, or perhaps a pot plant ”

The Pollocks lived in Freyberg St in Otūmoetai for 20 years before moving into Matua Village about a fortnight ago

“I was brought up in the country, so I remember when I was little, my family going off to a function for a new neighbour, banging saucepan lids so they knew we were coming,” said Dulcie, 92

“On this occasion, our friends have brought over a cake, bikkies, preserves and some tinned peaches just to say welcome to our new house, which is lovely”

“My wife, Pat, and I had it done for us in Nelson back in the 80s,” Young said “Dulcie has had it for her, but some of our Probus members had never heard of it It’s an opportunity to welcome people to their new environment When you move into a new area you may not know anyone, so this is something that breaks the ice ”

Debbie Griffiths

Falls Awareness Day

Debbie Griffiths

Ron Pollock seated with wife Dulcie standing behind him, and their friends from Cherrywood Probus Club. Photo / Debbie Griffiths

Heather McLean saw her now late mother, Alison, fall off a ladder at her Pāpāmoa home Photo / Debbie Griffiths

People wanting to know more about Macular Degeneration can do so in Mount Maunganui this weekend

Macular Degeneration NZ will host a stand at the Seniors & Travel Expo at Mercury Baypark Stadium Lounge on March 22-23 from 10am-3pm

“Please pop by and say hello, and let us know how you are doing “We will also have some resources available for you to take with you, ” said Macular Degeneration NZ general manager Sarah Berman According to the Health NZ Te Whatu Ora website, macular

Talk to Macular Degeneratiion N NZ

degeneration is a disease that affects the cells that feed the back of your eye (retina)

“Because of the disease, waste products build up and form yellow deposits (drusen) in the central part of your retina (macula)

“This causes a painless, progressive loss of central vision – what you see when you are looking straight ahead – but your peripheral or side vision – what you see around the edges – is not affected

Resources and more information can be found at: www mdnz org nz

Enjo a lu ur lifest le in Ōmokoroa

Tauranga’s most luxurious retirement village is under development, offering a rare opportunity for savvy future residents

Those who buy during construction not only take advantage of the best pricing but also get to choose finishes, fittings and decor

Ōmokoroa Country Club sprawls peacefully over a 17-hectare site. “For most people searching for their retirement home, location is their priority,” said general manager of sales Ray Webber “Ōmokoroa is a beautiful peninsula where you can grab an ice cream and sit on a beach or explore cycleways ”

The younger entry-level age of 65 also means residents are active “People choosing Ōmokoroa Country Club want a resort-style retirement village and that’s what we ’ re developing

“Upon completion, we’ll have an indoor golf driving range, treatment rooms, boutique movie theatre, games room, library, croquet, spa, sauna, dining room, café, and a stunning lake house for social events or to watch the sun set with a glass of wine ”

Residents will enjoy fruit trees and their own planter box and there will be facilities for the continuum of care

“One of the biggest hurdles for people moving nto a retirement village is downsizing Here, though, our residents consider themselves to be re-sizing’ because our smallest villa is 165m2 and the largest 300m2,” said Webber “I love our community The residents are simply friends you haven’t met yet ”

Open home viewings run from MondaySaturday with morning tea tours every Wednesday in March from 10am-2pm Check out the website: omokoroacountryclub co nz or call 0800 887 877

Debbie Griffiths

Villas range in size from

MARCH MORNING TEA TOURS

Come and visit our growing village, tour the showhome and meet some Resident Ambassadors. Morning tea will be provided and our Sales team will be here to answer any questions about retirement village living. RSVP to Ray & Barbara 0800 887 877 or email sales@omokoroacountryclub.co.nz

26 March, 10am - midday

As part of Sustainable Backyards Month, Envirohub is hosting guided walks through Ōtanewainuku Forest this Saturday, March 22.

The event from 9am-2pm, will have walks begin every hour, offering a unique opportunity to explore the forest’s biodiversity and history

Led by the Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust, each walk lasts for one hour and highlights the area ’ s

rich wildlife and towering trees

The 11am and 1pm walks will cater specifically to families with young children, guided by a school educator

The event is free, but registration is essential Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the day, with someone available at the shelter to answer questions Sunshine has been promised, and event photos may be taken; participants can opt out if preferred Ōtanewainuku Forest is 680 Mountain Rd, Ōropi

Stunning sculptures to suit all budgets and d settings

Sam Steel began importing hand-made sculptures

from South Africa in 2018 for her Pyes Pa garden, never imagining it would evolve into a business that’s changing the lives of the overseas artists

“The aim is to create charming, affordable sculptures of all sizes at affordable prices,” said Steel, of Arts of Outdoor “Every sculpture sold is helping people who live in tough circumstances ” Steel’s range includes recycled metal sculptures like birds, animals, fish, flora, insects,

wall art and Kiwiana F From small garden pieces to large breathtaking feature scculptures, the range is extensive!

Steel designs the scullptures for the New Zealand m market –“and the artists do a great job considering they’ve never seen some of the animals and birds they make!”

Art of Outdoors sells s directly to the public at wholessale prices, focusing on gennerating consistent work for the e artists, rather than making larrge profits

View the sculptures f from 10am-3pm on March 22-23. See the advert on this page

Art of Outdoors is known for its beautifully-crafted sculptures.

The youngest cast member of 16th Ave Theatre’s next production has an admission to make: “I’m not going to lie, it was pretty uncomfortable in the beginning”.

Annabelle Moffatt is referring to the gritty nature of her monologue in ‘The Vagina Monologues’

She’s one of a sevenstrong cast performing the groundbreaking play at 16th Ave Theatre from March 26-April 4. It’s based on more than 200 interviews with women about their views on sex, relationships, and violence.

Tauranga’s fearless new stage show

“I was really nervous auditioning for the role but I wanted to challenge myself because I have never done anything like this before,” said Moffatt

The 20-year-old studied drama at school and has been part of ensemble casts. She spent weeks learning the 10-minute long ‘The Little Coochie Snorcher That Could’

“I think of it like remembering the lyrics to a song, ” she said “Mine is easier because it’s split in

different memories from when my character was five years old to 13 ”

“Annabelle’s transformation since her first read-through has been nothing short of fantastic. I am beyond excited for the audience to watch her performance,” said director Ali Young.

“Each actor absorbed feedback with an open mind, contributing their own unique ideas along the way This production of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ is a celebration of growth, creativity, and the collective spirit of the entire cast. ” Thanks to 16th Ave Theatre, The Weekend Sun has five double passes to ‘The Vagina Monologues’ to give away to five lucky readers who can tell us the name of the play’s director?

To enter, visit: sunlive.co nz and click on the ‘Competitions’ tab Entries must be in by Tuesday, March 25.

Debbie Griffiths

Annabelle Moffatt. Photo / Supplied

Photo / Supplied

Dion Pride to sing father’s songs in Tauranga

be his first time visiting Tauranga and he’s looking forward to it.

Dion’s first overseas tour as lead guitarist with Charley saw him tour NZ, said the 62-year-old “That trip is still in my mind as one of my favourite tours with my father I have so many found memories of coming there ”

Charley’s huge legacy

Dion said Kiwi audiences all love his father’s songs “The crowds, they just know the music so well And they’re so enthusiastic with their participation We’re all looking forward to it ”

lyrics! So I stop the band and it’s just me and the audience – and we do our thing. I love it! That’s why I love playing in smaller venues – you can be reciprocal, you can see the audience’s faces, you can talk to people, and interact with them and it’s more intimate ”

Is Charley in spirit at Dion’s concerts? “I feel him all the time on my shoulder, he’s on-stage with me right there ”

Tauranga get ready – the son of legendary Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride is in town next month to sing his father’s unforgettable tunes

Dion Pride will sing the songs of his father at Tauranga’s Baycourt venue on Friday, April 4, from 7pm. Pride’s new world tour premieres March 28 in Christchurch – he’ll play eight shows across New Zealand next month

For Kiwi fans it’s a unique opportunity to connect with the timeless hits of a country legend, while experiencing the fresh, heartfelt energy that Dion brings to the stage Speaking to The Weekend Sun from California, US, Dion said this will

Charley Pride was one of the best-selling country artists of all time, and the first Black artist to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, with more than 70 charted singles and three Grammy Awards

Dion will perform Charley’s unforgettable songs, including ‘Kiss An Angel Good Morning’, ‘Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone’, and ‘Mountain of Love’, showcasing the legacy of one of country music’s most beloved stars, as seen through the eyes of his son

Dion said he loved playing his father’s music when he was still alive “but now that he’s passed it’s taken on a more special and sacred type of feeling”

His message to Kiwi audiences is to expect a high-energy, truly captivating show “I’m wireless so I get out into the audience I ask for crowd participation I like to test them and see who the real Charley Pride fans are by who knows the

This son ’ s tribute to his father allows fans to experience the soulful, heartfelt songs that made Pride a household name “How much better could it get than performing with someone on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, and not only that, he’s your dad,” said Dion

A beautiful thing

Performing with his father also brought them closer, said Dion “There was nothing left unsaid when he passed We had a great relationship And now it is so much more meaningful playing his music It’s a beautiful thing to be able to keep it alive”

For ticket to Dion’s NZ shows, visit: premier ticketek co nz

The Weekend Sun has five double passes to give away to five lucky readers, who can tell us where Dion Pride’s new tour will premiere? To enter, visit: sunlive co nz and click on the ‘competitions’ tab Entries must be in by Tuesday, March 25

Merle Cave

Threat.Meet.Protocol g get serious

I must confess to some reservations when writing about Tauranga’s hardcore music scene.

That’s because I suspect the vast majority of you reading this don’t listen to this music, and the vast majority of you listening to this music don’t read The Weekend Sun

But – and there’s always a but – it’s become obvious over the past couple of years that the most active, and possibly groundbreaking, scene in town is the hardcore one Blues, country, classical, jazz and folk music continue to thrive – though I don’t know what it says about the city that the most popular music nights

week after week are

Jack Dusty’s ukulele

Mondays – but it’s really the hardcore and alternative bands that are closest to whatever cutting edge exists.

And something significant has happened on that scene: the longawaited release of the new self-titled ‘Threat Meet Protocol’ album

Two major players

Threat Meet Protocol is probably the biggest beast among the alternative bands: they’ve been together for years and boast two of the scene ’ s major players, in promoter, singer and bassist Austin Cunningham and drummer

Tauranga Militaria Show

Evan Pope, who runs Studio 11b at the Mount and whose impressive production chops elevated last year ’ s Crooked Finger album and more than a few others

I don’t think it would be exaggerating to suggest Austin is in a large part singularly responsible for Tauranga’s hardcore scene being so vibrant He has been indefatigably promoting music and bands for around 15 years, from the early Woodcock festivals in Pyes Pā to more recent annual Loserpalooza events at Totara Street Last year ’ s featured 24 bands and raised more than $5000 for Lifeline Austin is also responsible for more international bands coming to Tauranga than anyone outside the jazz festival Last weekend Japan’s Guitar Wolf played under the harbour bridge In February Australia’s C O FFI N was there, while there was a double bill from Japan at Palace Tavern, King Brothers and Alkasilka; and January welcomed the brilliant Schizophonics from America

That all these gigs featured local support acts – Somacaine, Grown

aTake a trip down memory lane, or see something you ’ ve never set your eyes on before at the 2025 Tauranga Militaria Show this Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23.

, , Cindy – is also most excellent

Under the bridge

There’s another under the bridge on March 28, Czech band Onanizer with locals Carrion Bride. Which highlights another problem with me writing about this particular scene: I know quite a bit, but I’m still at an utter loss when trying to define hardcore genres. Austin writes about Onanizer: “Although the band’s name could evoke goregrind feel, they are more influenced by old school grindcore, noisy hardcore/punk, fastcore and powerviolence”

I am so far at sea I can ’ t even tell you if that’s serious or satire Threat Meet Protocol did a very

early North Island album launch tour in December, accompanying another American band, Spotlights, and have received rave reviews from Return To Rock, Thoughts Words Action, Pitch Perfect and elsewhere CDs are exclusively available now from the Tauranga Rockshop.

I’ll review the album properly next week but on cursory listening I’m knocked out Despite the band’s often selfdeprecating demeanour, this is a serious piece of work

Hear Winston’s

www tinyurl com/3jft64u8

Militaria show on in Greerton

GShow organiser Dave Cross said there will be exhibits that will excite budding or long-standing collectors alike – or anyone with an interest in historical military pieces.

“There’ll be all sorts there! There’ll be stuff for the likes of militaria collectors, those who are

into sporting firearms, knives. Then there’s medals, swords, bayonets and much more!”

If you ’ re new to collecting or interested in getting started, there will be plenty of people to have a chat o – including dealers and people who have been collecting for years, said Cross.

t

“Bring along your own items of interest too You can have it appraised or sell it on. ”

The Tauranga Militaria Show is in Greerton Hall from 9am-4pm on Saturday, March 22, and 10am3pm on Sunday, March 23. Entry is $10 each, and children under-12 can enter for free but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Downz Eddie and the Dreamers,

Explore Gordonton’s vibrant art trail

“Whether you ’ re looking for a distinctive piece of art for your home, a unique gift or simply want to discuss art processes, you’ll find something to discover on The Gordonton Art & Design Trail on April 5-6,” said one of trail’s participating artists, Gemma Reid

The vibrant event brings together Gordonton artists, showcasing their diverse talents in the scenic rural setting northeast of Hamilton in the Waikato

“Our artists will show a wide range of work including ceramics, woodturning, painting, textiles, glass work and more – the trail offers something for everyone, ” said Reid “Alongside artist studios, this year we welcome Cornerstone Alpaca

Stud, Mandarin Tree Gallery, Arkanda Antiques and Zealong Tea Estate as trail hosts too!”

The first trail was brought to life in 2021 by five Gordonton artists, who came together to showcase their artwork and studio spaces “During the past five years the trail has grown – this year 18 artists will exhibit in eight locations around the beautiful rural area of Gordonton And the artists will be available on the trail to talk about their work, including techniques and inspiration.”

Reid said exploring the trail by car with friends or family makes for a fun, memorable day “Visitors can take a break at local eateries and enjoy gardens open at a number of studio spaces ”Taste the creativity on offer and download trail maps at: gordontonarttrail co nz

Sponsored Content

The ‘Beauty For Ashes’ Christian event is coming up on Saturday, March 29, from 1pm-4pm at Ōtūmoetai Baptist chapel.

“The afternoon’s theme is ‘There is fullness of joy in His presence’,” said pastor Tonia Butler, who with husband Pastor Jim Butler founded the Beauty for Ashes Ministry in 1999.

“Beauty for Ashes Ministries is an itinerant, faithbased ministry, with a vision to bring hope, compassion, restoration and healing to people’s lives,” said Tonia.

“Praise and Worship has always been a core focus.”

At the upcoming event guest speaker, pastor Stewart Hanna, who has 50 years of ministry experience, will speak on the presence of God in the believer’s life; of the value and reality of it

The Auckland Youth Orchestra will perform in Katikati this Sunday, March 23, at 2 30pm

The orchestra of 75 outstanding young musicians, aged 14-26, conducted by Antun Poljanich, returns to the Western Bay of Plenty town with a programme of captivating music

The programme offers Sibelius’ ‘Impromptu for Stringgs ’ ; Vaugghan Williams’ ‘Oboe Concerto’ with soloist Alex Wu; and Tchaikovsky’s drama-

The Gordonton Art & Design Trail on April 5-6 will have 18 artists exhibiting works in eight locations around the beautiful rural area. Photos / Supplied

A worthwhile message for all in today’s world

making the difference from simply “believing to receiving” the spirit of God

“He will also bring an inspiring message on the Anointing of God,” said Jim Jim and Tonia have received many amazing lifechanging testimonies following taking the ministry to many different locations over the years.

They previously pastored Tairua Christian Assembly for 10 years and later Whakatāne Assemblies of God for a further three years and have been itinerant speakers in churches since. “It was a very exciting time,” said Tonia.

Their ministry is now based in Tauranga and they hire Ōtūmoetai Baptist Chapel at 241 Ōtūmoetai Rd

Beauty for Ashes is at Ōtūmoetai Baptist Chapel, Tauranga, on Saturday, March 29, from 1pm-4pm.

AucklandYouthOrchestra returns to Katikati

filled ‘6th symphony’ known as the ‘Pathétique’

AYO has been training young people in the skills of orchestral playing for more than 75 years, with many going on to become professional musicians – so don’t miss this experience!

The concert is at Katikati War Memorial Hall on Sunday, March 23, at 2 30pm

Tickets: adult $25, senior $20, student/child $10 from eventfinda co nz (plus booking fee) or at the door – eftpos available

Beauty for Ashes

Invite you to our Worship Seminar

With Pastor Tonia Butler & Guest speaker

Pastor Stewert Hanna with our worship team Theme of the day: “ Experiencing the Presence of God in our Lives”..

Date: Saturday 29th March – Time : 1pm to 4pm

Venue : Otumoetai Baptist chapel , 241 Otumoetai Rd, Tauranga Bring a friend/ $10 Door Donation/ sorry no childcare or eftpos

Entry is past the shops, with parking at the back of the building Door donation is $10 entry Sorry, no childcare or Eftpos

Pastor Stewart Hanna.

Pastors Jim and Tonia Butler

A selection of local breaking stories featured this week on

The only local daily news source you need, constantly updated seven days a week www.sunlive.co.nz

News tips ph 0800 SUNLIVE

New road off SH29

A new road is being built off State Highway 29, where a former Caltex Service Station once stood

In a post on Facebook this week, NZTA said it has made significant progress in the Tauriko Village section of the Tauriko Enabling Works in Tauranga Earthworks, pavement and utilities work continue for the new northern access road and the new Tauriko School and Playcentre car park, reads the post

“The team is currently building a new road off SH29, just south of the former service station

“This road will be the northern access road to the planned future community in Tauriko West, and it will have traffic signals and provide access to the new school carpark

“We expect this road and the car park to open in late April 2025, with a temporary intersection providing safe access from SH29 ”

Trade Me job scam

Trade Me is warning people to be wary of scam texts claiming to offer high-paying jobs via the company

A series of recruitment scam messages have been circulating, often from people claiming to represent Trade Me Jobs

They said that they are looking for part-time assistants to do online work for an hour a day, to be paid anywhere from $488 to $2378 per day Recipients are told all they need is a phone or computer for the salary-plus-commission job, and can also expect maternity leave and statutory holidays - but applicants need to be at least 25 years old

Head of Trade Me Jobs Nicole Williams said she was aware of the messages and that anyone who received the messages should report and delete them

Turtle fight

The Department of Conservation has joined an international effort to protect endangered leatherback turtles.

This week DOC researchers are in the sky over the Bay of Plenty counting the turtles, which stop for a feed during a long migration.

“The leatherbacks are really an amazing species They’re as ancient as the dinosaurs,” Department of Conservation senior science advisor Karen Middlemiss said.

“They make these really large migrations from the west coast of the states down to their breeding beaches in places like the Solomons, and on their way they’re passing through our waters here and using them as important foraging grounds ” Like its name suggested, leatherback turtles had thick skin instead of a shell.

They travelled enormous distances, which meant keeping track of their behaviour was a team effort

A variety of opinions about Tauranga’s many road cones

When it comes to road cones in Tauranga City, residents have mixed feelings. Some aren ’ t bothered about the number lined up around streetscapes, while others find what they think are surplus orange cones annoying and embarrassing.

“There’s safety and then there’s nannying. There’s a fine line and I think we ’ re going on to the nannying side of things at the moment, ” Tauranga resident David Hill said about the number of cones around the city “They’re an annoyance. It’s an obstruction, it’s a visual barrier and it doesn’t send good signals to retailers here.”

The Weekend Sun hit The Strand in Tauranga City on March 13 to get the public’s opinion on road cones, after news broke of Ashburton Mayor Neill Brown’s intention to crack down on road cones “littering” his district.

A joke

Road cones have become a joke in Tauranga’s student community, according to Hill. “There’s plenty of student places around here with road cones in their bedrooms,” he said “When I was at university, it was a badge of honour to have one in your room ”

Tauranga resident Dan Watson disagrees “The more the better,” he said “I’m not an engineer or safety professional. But it’s about safety for the road workers.”

Kellie Brown, who works on Cliff St, said parking is tricky because road cones are often placed in spots that block carparks.

“Everyone’s trying to park and there’s nowhere to park,” she said “Road cones are sitting in carparks when they’re not doing work. They seem to be there a lot just sitting in idle carparks.”

Not really bothered

Tauranga businesswoman Catherine MacLoughlin did not think about roads cones much. “I mean, sure there’s a lot around, but I’m not really bothered.”

MacLoughlin didn’t think excess was a problem and the city had other priorities to worry about.

Tauranga waitress Kate Beattie thought otherwise. “There is a lot of road cones, especially in Bethlehem,” said Beattie. She said the quantity of road cones around Tauranga is “ a waste”.

Retail worker Jason Pool said there was lots of road cones, “especially on the outskirts when you are coming into town ” “That’s all you see and nine times out of 10, they’re in an area that’s nobody’s working in and there’s no machinery or anything there.

“A lot of them aren ’ t in use, which is annoying and is a hazard if they’re not being used

“It’s embarrassing because people come in from all around the world to come to this area and they just see the cones here.”

Council comment

Tauranga City Council transport network operations manager Martin Taylor said the use of Temporary Traffic Management, including road cones, is essential to ensure that all road workers could return home safely at the end of the day, as well as protecting the public from hazards on the work site.

“It’s important to understand that the requirement for Health and Safety at work remains in place,” said Taylor “There is currently an industry transition underway from the existing Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management to a risk-based system, which requires contractors to come up with a traffic management set up which is both safe and efficient.”

He said road cones are not problematic when used appropriately to make a worksite safe for workers to operate within and to guide traffic around the worksite. “They are an essential part of enabling a contractor to meet their legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work legislation.”

Taylor said this could result in fewer cones being used, however in theory it should reduce some of the restrictions or rules in the current system. The council is encouraging contractors to use more innovative and efficient approaches to their traffic management set-ups.

“Council is also looking at a few specific areas where there are opportunities to reduce cost while maintaining a safe work environment.”

Ayla Yeoman

Kellie Brown said road cones make finding parkking around d thhe city a chhalllenge.

David Hill said the quantity of road cones is a visual l barrier and d an annoyance.

Catherine MacLoughlin believes there are bigger thhings to worry abbout in thhe city.

Kate Beattie said she sees a lot of road cones allong h her commute f from Bethhlehhem.

Jason Pool said when he sees road cones, most of f thhe time thhere are no workkers around

Churches Active In Our Community

What we can do today...

The saying ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail’ does not always ring true During the last few years I’ve noticed that little of what I plan to do comes to fruition

Whether you call it Murphy’s law or just plain irony, no matter how much planning I put into tomorrow, more often than not my day does not go as planned Especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the ongoing updates, every day it was difficult to plan ahead

As a minister I’m fortunate that I never have humdrum days Every day is unique and full of surprises I’ve learned to be open to sudden changes in my schedule

Once I made peace with this truth I started to enjoy my ministry more and more

Jesus said in Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble ”

So many of us stress about what tomorrow might hold We lose the joy of living in the moment, investing time in those you are surrounded by and doing what you can now to add value to the world today

This also means we should not put off

until tomorrow what we can do today How peaceful the thought is of starting every day brand new with new energy and renewed strength and knowing what’s done is done, fixed, and lived

Reverend Philipp Potgieter, St James Union Church