The Weekend Sun

19 December 2013, Issue 680

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper.

64,580 copies to the homes of 159,700 residents throughout TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI, PAPAMOA, WAIHI BEACH, KAIMAI, KATIKATI, TE PUKE, PAENGAROA, OTAMARAKAU and all RDs

Santa’s selfie

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

In a rare sighting six sleeps out from Christmas Day, The Weekend Sun caught Santa Claus taking a quick break from the chaos at the North Pole. You can hardly blame him for visiting Tauranga Tandem Skydiving – the bird’s-eye view of a summery Mount Maunganui is a welcome change from the icy plateau he’s used to. “The Mount is my favourite place to come and recharge my batteries before the big delivery night,” he tells us.

Merry Christmas everyone – we hope you have a festive day filled with family, fun, laughter – and Christmas pud!

And be good children – Santa is watching. Photo by Paul Johnson.

Inaugural Mount Monster

Savvy summer rescues

Battle for new stadium

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The Weekend Sun is published every Friday, circulating throughout the Western Bay of Plenty, delivered free to 64,180 homes of more than 159,700 residents from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke including rural and residential mailboxes.

The Weekend Sun is produced by Sun Media Ltd, an independent and locally owned company based at 1 The Strand, Tauranga.

The Weekend Sun Sun Media Ltd Directors: Claire & Brian Rogers General Manager: Ross Brown Editorial: Andrew Campbell, Hamish Carter, Letitia Atkinson, Phillipa Yalden, Corrie Taylor, Elaine Fisher, Zoe Hunter, Luke Balvert, Merle Foster. Photography: Tracy Hardy, Bruce Barnard. Advertising: Kathy Sellars, Suzy King, Lois McKinley, Kirsty Hutcheson, Rose Hodges, Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon, Tracey Taylor, Abby Taylor.

Design Studio: Kym Johnson, James Carrigan, Sarah Adamson, Kerri Wheeler, Kyra Duffy, Amy Bennie. Digital Media: Lauren McGillivray, Jay Burston Office: Julie Commerer, Melanie Stone, Tasha Paull, Kathy Drake.

Ever wondered why reindeer have to tow Santa’s sleigh? Because it’s always breaking down and has failed its Warrant of Fitness. This classic Rogers Rabbits from 2006 explains it all, how Rudolph and the gang are making a killing as towing contractors. The original story went viral and was plagiarised all over the civilised world, as well as in Wanganui.

Santa sleigh fails the warrant Dear Mr Claus We have thoroughly examined your vehicle, which was delivered in a sorry state to our yard by Rudolph Towing & Salvage Co. and have prepared the following report on its condition and made some recommendations.

I have to say from the outset that the vehicle seems to have suffered some most unusual damage and repairs will not be easy, due to the age and the rare nature of this vehicle. This model, a Sleighland P76, is of course no longer in production.

It may require a complete repower

by John Deer.

There were considerable complications, also, due to the fact that it has undergone some major custom alterations during the course of its life, presumably to cater for your peculiar line of work.

There is considerable corrosion in the chassis and mudguards, which seems to have been exacerbated by the large amounts of bovine excrement accumulated under the vehicle. Some of these deposits have been frozen solid, due possibly to travelling in sub-arctic conditions and at high altitudes.

The vehicle at some stage must have been used for some sort of off-road herd mustering, or possibly a venison recovery operation in the Kaimais?

The suspension on this vehicle is completely knackered, worse on the driver’s side, and we suspect that it has been used for long periods by a grossly overweight individual. Has it been subjected to rigorous work over rough terrain? It looks like it has been dropped repeatedly from three storeys up!

There are roof tile fragments embedded in the shocks and what looks like the remains of a TV antenna has been removed from the leaf springs.

We recommend complete overhaul of the suspension and beefing up of

the shock absorbers. And in future, you will need to take more care when parking.

Which brings us to the handbrake. Our mechanics report that it is showing major wear and they estimate it has been left on for the last 24,900 miles, which oddly enough, is approximately the circumference of the Earth. We have taken the liberty of installing handbrake warning lights.

These are multicoloured, some lantern shapes and others in various fruit configurations, which blink and flash to remind the operator that the brake is engaged.

There has been considerable damage to the electronics, including the satellite navigation system, apparently caused by the spilling of beverages on the control console. We

have therefore installed gimballed drink holders and Tommy Tippee cups on the dashboard.

I am sorry we are not able to extend the cargo capacity any further, particularly since the boom box takes up so much space. Perhaps if you did away with the CD changer playing Jamaican rum drinking songs and Des O’Connor’s Christmas Favourite Singalong, there’d be more room.

We realise from the attached market survey report that your client base has increased since last year, but we suggest that you follow the lead of a couple of our other clients in related line of business (E. Bunny

and T. Fairy) and instead of taking on more customers this year, you adopt a ‘limited supply policy,’ and only deliver to your top performing clientele. Those with poor records or bad credit history may then take heed and improve their performance over the next 12 months, in order to regain a preferential listing.

We will attempt to repair the deerskin upholstery, and we thank you for the supply of the carcass which we have sent to the tannery to have the hide prepared.

Unfortunately there is a flawed area of the hide, which seems to have been damaged by impact with hot bricks. Also in line with your requests, we have installed the forward-facing LED flashing lights on the dashboard which can be programmed to read: “Move it, Rudolph you slackass or you’re next,” although we should point out that these do not comply with MOT regulations.

As we are only a small team, it will be necessary to have our staff working around the clock in order to have this vehicle ready for service, according to the deadline imposed by the contract. I must point out however that you’ve had nearly 12 months notice to get this right, and suggest that next year any such major repairs be started in sufficient time. We’re all busy at this time of year.

If repairs cannot be effected within these time constraints, I have secured an undertaking from Mr Rudolph of the towing company (although I hear they are quite dear) that he and his team will again be available at short notice to tow your vehicle to complete your contract deliveries, should it not be possible to operate on its own motive power.

Merry Christmas.

Elf’s Motors Specialist Transport Consultants

IMPORTANT STUFF: All material is copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Sun Media makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information and accepts no liability for errors or omissions or the subsequent use of information published.

In order to visit every good child in the world, Santa makes 822 visits per second.

Santa’s sleigh is moving at 650 miles per second, 3,000 times the speed of sound.

3

The Weekend Sun

Stadium stance

- Merry -

TO ALL TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

Rugby enthusiast Terry Leaming, outside ASB Baypark.

Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Passionate sports enthusiast Terry Leaming is urging Tauranga City Council to seriously consider his quick fix to the city’s woe of becoming a sporting destination.

Better known as Hori BOP, Terry believes the Chiefs’ decision to skip playing footy at ASB Baypark is the ideal wake up call for city officials.

“Super Rugby brings in a lot of money for this town. We’re missing out on that when we should be making hay when the sun is shining,” says Terry, who wants a purpose-built rugby stadium in town.

A newly-formed Chiefs Rugby Club Limited Partnership licence, granted by New Zealand Rugby, includes the Taranaki Rugby Football Union, which is moving from

the Hurricanes in 2014 and will host two Chiefs matches.

This sees Mount Maunganui’s ASB Baypark left out, with Rotorua’s International Stadium receiving a pre-season match against the Blues on February 14, 2014, for the Bay region.

For years Terry’s been speaking on the issue but realising a purpose-built stadium at the Tauranga Domain is unlikely, he’s revising his plans.

Terry says in his unsuccessful mayoral campaign it became obvious $50million, to build a main stand at the domain, is more doubtful due to TCC’s $450million debt.

His ‘Plan B’ is moving the speedway to TECT All Terrain Park – making Baypark a stand-alone stadium.

“It [speedway] is a vital part of our entertainment and economy during summer and I don’t in any way want to diminish that.

“But God bless Bob Clarkson, because of the way he’s built Baypark. You can undo the bolts and move the stadium around at leisure. We can move the Truman Stand in 40 metres and the sides in also.

“All we need to do is upgrade some of the facilities, then we’d have a 20,000 seat stadium that’s able to deliver Super Rugby and – heaven forbid – an All Blacks game.

Terry estimates ‘Plan B’ will cost $5-10million, “far below the costs for a newly-built stadium”.

ASB Baypark manager Ervin McSweeney says Terry’s concerns are secondary to the Chiefs franchise’s commercial purposes.

“The issue is what is relevant for this city as a rugby venue. In fact, what is the real reason for Baypark missing out, because, remember, Baypark has run a number of very successful Super Rugby matches.”

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4

The Weekend Sun

Close communication A united front from Tauranga City bar owners and authorities to stamp out alcohol-fuelled behaviour is paying dividends, with reported incidents plummeting by 3768 in the last five years.

CCTV figures released by Tauranga City Council show there were 5480 reported incidents in the Tauranga and Mount Maunganui CBDs in 2009/2010, compared with 1712 in 2012/2013.

And many officials are lauding the positive change in the two CBD environments thanks to a variety of council-funded safety accessories, including throat

Bahama Hut general manager Karl Brambley shows off the technologysavvy vests equipped with throat microphones.

microphones and radio links.

For the last 12 months, security staff at six Tauranga CBD bars have been equipped with the new technology, which link staff to each another but also to the CCTV tower overlooking the area.

The communication link also sees the police kept in the loop, with the CCTV tower letting them know if an incident warrants police attendance – saving valuable man hours on the ground.

Tauranga District Licensing Agency chairman John Payne is pleased the technology and reduced statistics are beginning to show signs of change.

“Things have really improved just drastically over the last couple of years; there’s nowhere near the

Photo by Tracy Hardy.

aggression that was there.”

Bahama Hut general manager Karl Brambley admits there has not been overwhelming feedback from the public since the technology’s inception, but believes patrons are more hesitant in stirring trouble.

The radio and throat microphones are ideal for intoxicated people deciding to throw abuse at staff and other patrons after being denied at by door staff, says Karl.

“It is appropriate for situations that may have involved a fight. But if they see we have a radio system on, they are

more hesitant to cause some trouble.

“A lot of them think police straight away.”

Western Bay of Plenty alcohol harm reduction officer Sergeant Nigel McGlone also says the equipment is invaluable – “and if we had money we would have more of them”.

“When I started this job seven years ago it was like the Wild West down there, pretty much because we didn’t have these relationships built up with council and premises. We clashed and banged heads, but now we understand

By Luke Balvert our roles.”

Narrowing the winding road Ngatai Road’s official entry into Tauranga City’s strategic cycling network is not going down too well with some locals, who think re-painting the lanes is going to make the road less safe.

The road’s traffic lanes have been narrowed to three metres, to allow more room for cyclists without removing roadside carparking.

Ngatai Rd resident Brian Pinny says it is costing $25,000 to repaint the lines along three kilometres of Ngatai Rd – a cost of $8000 per kilometre.

“The road is narrower,” says Brian. “Very few cyclists use the road; and if they do, they use the footpath anyway because it is a very busy road.

“It’s been like that for God knows how

many years and there’s been no accidents; none outside my house, and now there’s going to be accidents, particularly on the bend. If you have to leave 1.5m when passing a cyclist just inside the white line, then you are over the centre line.”

The measure has been successfully used on other roads about the city, says Tauranga City Council’s roading and transport manager Martin Parkes, who reckons it makes the roads safer for everyone to use.

“What we have also found by reducing the width of the traffic lane is that overall traffic speeds have come down, which is terms of road safety is quite significant,” says Martin.

TCC staff will be monitoring the situation, seeing how it performs.

Feedback from other roads to get the treatment has all been positive, says Martin.

“We’ve seen throughout the city an increase in the number of cyclists on our network.”

By Andrew Campbell

5

The Weekend Sun

Huge Sale

Ian Glover, competing for Omanu Surf Club in a board paddle event.

Photo by Jamie Troughton/ Dscribe Media Services.

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Modest monster Age is no barrier for Ian Glover. At 60 years old, he’s the oldest competitor tackling the inaugural Mount Monster this weekend.

Dubbed New Zealand’s newest and most exciting surfsports event, Saturday’s race will put entrants through a 5km beach run, a 1.2km swim leg, which includes a jump off Moturiki Island's blowhole, a 12km ski leg and a 6km board paddle.

But for Ian – it’s just “good training” for the 2014 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.

“I’ve just turned 60 and I’ve been talked into going to the Australian national champs, which is probably the most competitive champs event there is.

“So I thought this was a good base for training.”

Competing in the masters’ category, Ian will race against people half his age and a number of Omanu Surf Club’s older members, including clubbies Simon Oldham and head of SLSNZ eastern region Chris Emmett – both in their 40s.

“Omanu has a very strong master’s contingent,” says Ian. “It’s ridiculous a 60-year-old going up against a

30-year-old. And I know I’ll come in 10 minutes behind everyone else, but it’s not embarrassing.”

While he knows it won’t be easy, Ian has already completed the course a few times and says it “feels pretty good”. “I’d never say it’s not hard, but it all depends on how you push yourself. It’s all very picturesque.”

The event is run by the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service and presented by Steve Bird Winery and Vineyards. Organisers are thrilled with entry numbers for the event, with more than 120 athletes signed up.

The concept of the race was developed by Mount club coach John Bryant, who has used it as a training tool for years. John is excited to see it formalised into an official race, with the signature blowhole jump included.

“The blowhole jump isn’t just a test of nerves; it’s a valuable training tool for our lifeguards.

“It’s also a whole lot of fun – once you've conquered your fear – and it gives the Mount Monster race an extra special piece of local flavour.”

The Mount Monster is on Saturday, December 21.

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By Corrie Taylor

Powershop and Energy Online, a company owned by Genesis Energy, have been tempting the people of Tauranga with the promise of lower electricity charges.

But if you give in to their promises, you’ll be saying goodbye to that welcome annual windfall of a TECT cheque*, this year worth $480 on average.

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Other power companies don’t support the Tauranga community whereas your continued support of Trustpower ensures resources for local schools, the Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter and financial assistance for a diverse range of local groups and charities.

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The government is planning to sell some of its interest in Genesis Energy. If this happens, Energy Online may not be able to offer you the same prices in the face of shareholder pressure for higher profits.

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6

The Weekend Sun

7

The Weekend Sun

City’s summer faces

Summer Ambassadors David Brownless, Jessica Stuit, Matthew Kilpatrick, Hannah Hayes and Adam O’Connor (Ashleigh Cleverly absent) at Pilot Bay. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Arriving home from chilly England after a year away, Adam O’Connor forgot how beautiful the city and its beaches are – and this summer he is ready to showcase it to others.

The 19-year-old former Aquinas College student is one of six Tauranga City Council appointed Summer Ambassadors ready to work their summer break promoting the city and its events.

Based at TCC Beach Base at Mount Drury, the six ambassadors will be out and about from December 20 to January 12, handing out passports and giveaways to beachgoers and spreading the word about liquor-free zones, buses, events, New Year’s Eve information and more.

Adam, who has spent the last year as a tutor at a school in Dorset, England, heard about the ambassador position and inter-

viewed via Skype for the job. It’s a dream summer job before he heads away to Otago University next year.

“I was looking for summer jobs and saw this advertised. I wasn’t able to make the interview so I did it via Skype and luckily enough got the job.”

He touched down from a cool 8 degrees last Thursday and is intent on spending his summer at the beach.

“I did miss Tauranga and the Bay, especially the Kiwi summer – the Mount beach, walking up the Mount, going to one of the primo events on offer. I’m looking forward to getting out and about and meeting new people.”

Adam believes summer ambassadors are key to promoting the area.

“There are so many events happening and you need people to help tourists and people around to show them where they are, and what’s on offer.”

TCC runs the Summer Ambas-

Mount Mauler warning Beachgoers are being warned to stay alert for the return of an elusive summer beach bug after a number of Papamoa residents reported being bitten in the last two weeks.

Papamoa Pines Medical Centre practice manager Wendy Bibby says the centre has already received a few cases of the ‘Mount Mauler’ ahead of the busy summer period.

Between the months of November and March the larvae lives in the sandy dunes of the ocean beaches causing itchy red bites on beachgoers.

The translucent bug often covers its victims and while the bites are not painful or noticeable when they are occurring, welts can appear two or three hours later.

30493 WKS

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Conditions: Buy Resene premium paint, wallpaper or decorating accessories at Resene ColorShops or participating resellers and get the GST (15% off the full retail price) off. The GST reduction will be calculated on the normal retail price OR if you have a ColorShop Card you can get the Save the GST sale discount and then the ColorShop Card discount off the Save the GST sale price. Excludes Crown, trade and industrial products, PaintWise levy and account sales. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Offer closes 29 January 2014.

sador programme each year with employees selected from a pool based on their leadership skills, local knowledge, friendliness and interest in the job.

This year TCC has teamed up with the Classic Hits Beach Village where Will and Bridget will be presenting live daily. There will be games and giveaways and a free barbecue at midday every day at the Spruce Up company’s Nosh Pit. This year beachgoers will be able to enjoy a range of activities at the Mount oceanbeach including surf schools, henna tattoos and the bungy trampoline. At Pilot Bay beachgoers can rent a jet ski, hire paddleboards, and sailing or hire a kayak and catamaran.

Fruju, Lift Plus and Coca Cola are also running promotions from the Main Mount Beach near Mount Drury during the holiday break. The TCC Beach Base will operate from 10am to 4.30pm daily.

By Phillipa Yalden

Plea for finding dead penguins A plea is being put out to beach-goers who find dead or sick penguins on the shore to keep them, in the name of research.

Mount Penguin Monitoring co-ordinator Dave Richards is leading a study through Massey University into the survival of the penguins after the October 2011 Rena grounding. During the current breeding season, Dave says it’s common to find dead penguins on the

beach and he’s asking residents to contact the group if one is spotted. “We need to scan the birds, this is very important for the study.” If a penguin is dead, Dave advises wrapping it in a plastic bag and keeping it somewhere cool. If the bird is alive, it should be wrapped in a towel or cloth, and put it in a box to keep it warm. “Do not put the bird in water or your bath.” Phone or text Dave on 021 719 622, he will pick up the bird.

8 A lead from Mandela The festive season is upon

us and for most of us plans are well underway for Christmas Day and the holidays we will share with whanau and friends into the New Year.

This is a time for children and as the proud father of two happy and healthy children, Kiahi and Leilani, it’s wonderful to see the sheer joy on their faces as they anticipate the visit of Santa and being surrounded by the people that cherish them most on Christmas Day. But for very many New Zealand children the next few weeks will be a desperately bleak time as the swirl of gift buying and giving, of stocking up and excessive consumption, emphasises to them the deprivations they are required to put up with as a result of the poverty they are trapped in.

independent

VIEWS

You will be a beautiful person, as long as you see the beauty in others.

– MELCHOR LIM Focus on ourselves is normal – we see all things from the centre of who we are and judge from this perspective. When you step outside and look at others, with the expectation of seeing their

beauty, then you change things within yourself as well. Being aware of others’ beauty prevents you from immediately focusing on their flaws.

Seeing the beauty in others changes how you view life and in turn brings out the beauty that exists within you. What may prevent you from looking first for the beauty in another?

The Weekend Sun Priorities

Elected Tauranga City Council members have begun the annual plan process of discussing issues and options. It is important to note these decisions will go into the draft annual plan (see timetable below).

The Greerton Library redevelopment and stormwater issues recently drew a large audience in council chambers.

A background of papers will be presented to elected members at the end of January to fully inform those newly elected about the history of the Greerton library project. After further consideration, the preferred option will go into the draft annual plan for community consultation.

Goodbye to 2013

The highlight for me in this last Parliament sitting for the year is the announcement last week of 10 new permits for petroleum exploration around New Zealand.

It follows an extensive consultation process with local iwi and councils, and a rigorous financial and technical assessment of the companies which tendered for the work.

The permits represent $62 million in committed expenditure, and could lead to a further $720 million in exploratory work alone.

Drilling for oil and gas in the Taranaki basin has been happening for 50 years, and the region enjoys one of the highest rates of employment, and highest average incomes in the country.

Developing our resources in a safe and environmentally sensible way will offer us a significant opportunity for further growth in other regions around the country.

Art abounds

Thanks!

What a wonderful year, I’ve had so much to be grateful for.

Firstly, thank-you to all those wonderful supporters who took time to vote for me in our local elections. Your support of me and the principles I hold dear never ceases to amaze me.

Thanks also to the thousands of volunteers who do so much for our community, just because you care.

Have safe and happy holiday season – enjoy our beautiful place and take care of it.

Paula

JOHN KEATS

Today I visited Lightwave Gallery in Totara St. What I was expecting is vastly different from what I experienced.

Two new exhibitions have opened, one featuring the work of local professional painter Nick Eggleston, and the other a step into a 1950s set that has evolved from the previous Steampunk Show, but following the story of Nick's character RayGun Rex. Nick, who I regard as one of the Bay of Plenty’s most fascinating water colour artists, has a wonderfully quirky sense of humour which leads him to surprise us with his tattooed dogs, teddy bears with horns and a Thunderbird landing over the Mount.

Each painting, painstakingly detailed, tells a story – and it’s no surprise Nick's watercolour dogs resulted in a sellout exhibition in Dunedin’s The Artist’s Room Gallery.

Water, water

In the Bay of Plenty we are fortunate to have copious amounts of water, but increasingly the what, how, why and quality aspects of its use are being directed by central government through national policy statements (in this case on water).

These statements are effectively giving direction to engage with communities to give effect to their expectations regarding water and its quality.

They then go on to say economic growth, through use of this resource, is an expectation – and the role to administer these somewhat conflicting objectives rests with your regional council.

Good progress in 2013

The summer holidays are upon us. While some will be looking forward to a good break, I know for many Western Bay business owners and their staff, rest and relaxation won’t be on the agenda in the immediate future – as they gear up for their busiest time of the year.

The feeling is positive among our tourism business operators and the degree of optimism has certainly increased since this time last year. Seeing the Katikati town centre development get underway is a fantastic way to end the year and gives us great momentum heading into 2014 when construction will commence. A key component of the design is to encourage and promote investment by making the commercial heart of Katikati an easier place to do business. This is something we all certainly want to see. We know the most successful urban spaces are ones with good access and a variety of amenities, which attract people into the area.

Asset soup

The arguments about whether the asset sales referendum sent a clear message have already begun. The reality is about two-thirds voted ‘no’ and one-third voted ‘yes’.

How representative this vote is of the true constituency view will remain forever unknown.

What is clear is almost all of the non-voting electorate would need to have voted ‘yes’ for the vote to have sent a clear message the other way.

That is unlikely.

Many of the people who did not vote either do not have a clear opinion, or are simply disinterested.

A general election should attract almost anybody with an interest in political issues.

Voter turnout in the last general election was 74 per cent, which is therefore the likely maximum voter turnout that can be achieved in any vote.

Adult cats need homes

ARRC Wildlife Centre is “swamped” with adult cats in desperate need of homes before Christmas.

Director Liza Schneider says there are many benefits to adopting a mature adult cat, rather than a kitten.

“An adult cat will already be house trained and while many are very playful, they are not as likely to wreak havoc with curtains and lounge suites as some kittens do. “ARRC has many lovely adult cats (costing $20 to adopt) that are deserving of new homes after previous owners have neglected and deserted them.”

To give an adult cat the gift of a loving home for Christmas phone Maureen on 578 8335 or visit www.arrc.org.nz or Facebook.

9

The Weekend Sun

Safe and sensible Tauranga’s Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter sporting its new look, with pilot Liam Brettkelly.

Photos by Bruce Barnard.

GREAT DEALS ON

Call it Murphy’s Law or the summer daze, but every holiday season Tauranga’s Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter crew are kept extra busy helping rescue people who get themselves in trouble.

Pilot and base manager Liam Brettkelly is gearing up for another busy rescue season, while most are relaxing on holiday, expecting to be kept active helping people who get into difficulties during summer.

“On top of our regular medical work there are always a lot of rescues, with people doing recreational-type activities,” says Liam, who has been practising their water rescue technique to ensure crew are prepared if needed during the summer boating season.

To help keep safe during summer, he encourages everyone to think ahead and be prepared for difficulties – “it all comes back to common sense”.

The rescue helicopter now sports a fresh look, having been repainted with Trustpower’s new branding. But despite its vibrant colours and racier look, Liam says the AS350 B2 ‘Squirrel’ helicopter’s top speed remains the same, with a cruise speed of 120 knots (222 km/h) with a range of 600km.

Liam (pictured) says the service would not be possible without the support of principal sponsors Trustpower and TECT, which have backed it for more than 10 years.

“So, it’s great to see that connection with their support emphasised in the new look.”

By Hamish Carter

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PROUD TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

10 A selection of some local breaking stories featured this week on...

Papamoa’s new housing project

Twin Towers safety claims

Allegations the balcony of one of Mount Maunganui’s Oceanside Twin Towers is unsafe and needs to be inspected before the busy summer period begins, are being made in High Court.

Lawyer David O’Connor, acting for the family trust which owns the shops, is seeking a court ordered independent manager to take action.

He says the issues could affect the safety of 150-200 people during peak hours.

Engineers’ reports sent to property owners state the balcony is leaking, previous repairs are inadequate, and undertaken without required consent from the city council.

Former teacher struck off

Former Tauranga teacher Andrew Loader, who paid to watch a former pupil and his girlfriend have sex, has been struck off the Teachers Council register.

Loader, 50, was sentenced in March to 100 hours’ community work after admitting a charge under the Prostitution Reform Act 2003.

The former Otumoetai College teacher was convicted of entering into a contract for sexual services with a person aged under 18 admitting to paying $240 to twice watch a former student, 18, have sex with his 16-year-old teenage girlfriend.

Radio gives worthy family cheer

A Welcome Bay family is being served a magical dose of Christmas cheer after having their house filled with presents and furniture thanks to ZM radio station and its merry band of elves.

This week members of the ZM radio station broke into the family’s home in its annual ‘Break & Enter Christmas’ and filled it with gifts of money and food donated by people and businesses nationwide. A letter submitted to ZM by teacher Kimberley Henderson nominated the family of 10 before the father passed away from cancer last month.

Black market kingpin jailed

A Tauranga-based Korean businessman has been sentenced to two and a half years in jail for illegally selling nine tonnes of snapper on the black market. Joung-Oh Lee, 41, appeared for sentencing in Tauranga District Court this week on seven counts of contravening the Fisheries Act for benefit that netted him $52,000 in a two month period in 2011.

Lee was found guilty to all seven counts at a defended hearing in November. Each of the charges carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and/or $250,000 fine.

Clean-up stumps resident

A Matua resident is calling Tauranga City Council’s removal of a number of unsafe trees from a nearby walkway an “absolute disgrace”.

Council contracted arborists have been working their way along McArdles Bush walkway, between Goods Road and Coach Drive in Otumoetai, clearing trees and scrub in an attempt to make the walkway safer.

Matua resident Kathy Fathers says people she’s talked to “can’t believe it is being done”.

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Maru Tapsell, Colin Reeder and Whare Te Moni on the 100 acre block of land.

Photo by Bruce Barnard.

A new affordable housing project to be built in Papamoa is being accelerated with the recent signing of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement that has returned tribal land to Tauranga iwi.

Nga Potiki a Tamapahore iwi has signed a $3 million deed of settlement with the Crown, which includes half of

Potiki and Waitaha, sites of significance will be preserved or incorporated in the urban design. The block was one of the largest developable land banked blocks in the Tauranga region.

“We understand the importance of working together and we are delighted that Nga Potiki, Waitaha, local and central government and the community are excited by the idea of developing a residential community that is a 100 acre Te Houhou block it co-owns affordable diverse and with Waitaha nui a Hei iwi. inclusive.”

The two iwi are set to use the plot to Victoria says there will develop 400 houses in Papamoa East. be trade-training opporNga Potiki Trust deputy chair Victotunities for youth and ria Kingi says the group is looking to employment opportunijointly develop affordable and comties for iwi as a result of mercial housing options for both iwi relationships with Bay of and the public.

Plenty Polytechnic and “Part of the block is an ancient Pa another private training that is of importance to both Nga

provider. “But the bigger picture is that the settlement accelerated our strategic housing programme that we already had in place – we haven’t just sat around waiting for the settlement, we know we have to work hard to grow what we've received through settlement and provide real benefit to Nga Potiki and housing is just one way to do that,” says Victoria. In the last three years Nga Potiki have built 22 whanau homes in the region and in 2014 will start three new projects to build a further 26 homes for whanau in need of affordable housing. Nga Potiki’s redress is part of a $31.6 million settlement concluded last Saturday with Ngai Te Rangi iwi.

By Phillipa Yalden

City on track for change A proposal for a cycle park in Owens Park is receiving strong support after a community day brought forward a handful of ideas to turn the passive reserve into a community zone.

Welcome Bay Community Centre manager Anna Larsen says there is strong support for adding facilities to make it more appealing for families to use, but believes a lot more work needs to be done to clarify plans. She’s aiming to give the proposal to the Tauranga City Council early next year.

“The overwhelming feedback to the community day is that it is great to have these community events and we should be making the most of the park. The great thing is the public are totally behind improving the area.”

Anna says resident suggestions on ways to improve the park include installing barbecues, picnic tables, improving the playground, and establishing a skate bowl through to attracting a supermarket.

Other proposals, suggested by the centre, include establishing a community garden or orchard, which have also attracted some support.

TCC strategic planner Cheryl Steiner was still analysing the feedback when the Weekend Sun spoke to her, but says the emphasis is on family-focused activities with a BMX track the definite front-runner.

“The key thing is around creating an activity in the park to give it a central focus,” says Cheryl. The park alongside Welcome Bay Primary School has previously been used as a

sports ground, but changes to the water table means it is now too boggy for sport.

Anna say the drainage problem is only limited to some areas, leaving suitable spaces for developing a focal point.

“Once we have demonstrated the community support for the project, we should be able to convince the council to look at doing work to improve drainage,” says Anna. She says public toilets onsite in the park, a key aspect in any park development, is already in place.

By Hamish Carter

Alex Lawn, 9, Aiden Brett, 10, Flora Larsen, 11, and Welcome Bay School principal Nik House.

Photo by Tracy Hardy.

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The Weekend Sun

When good plans merge When you have a plan, it’s good to remember “everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face” - Mike Tyson. This boxing analogy is relevant to politics.

The world’s best ideas are built on top of other good ideas. That’s why elected members are finding common themes from our campaigns to deliver a sensible new direction for council. Some of my campaign initiatives can be implemented straight away; other initiatives will have to wait.

Tauranga’s soon-to-be-revealed vision will set a strong direction for the city. Last week we had our first chance to discuss what council services will be reduced/increased to achieve this vision.

We’ve made preliminary decisions on a few projects, but the bulk of our two and a half days were based on presentations from each of council’s services.

We’ll be making decisions on the draft budget for 2014/15 on January 28.

A stand on flooding We’ve listened to concerns and we’re developing a city-wide approach to flood issues. While Matua and the Mount have been the focus recently, other suburbs may face similar threats in the future. We’re modelling suburbs to find the areas of greatest need and developing tailored responses for each. Without going into detail, we’ll consider the public responsibility verses actions that landowners may need to do themselves.

We are considering to front-fund

the storm water programme through a short-term levy on rating units. This is a bold and honest initiative as the previous council used debt to fund these works. I believe debt should be used to create wealth for the city (‘good debt’). I consider storm water projects to be an example of bad debt, given the historical issues that caused the problem.

Library hokey-cokey

The Greerton Library development has been a political football for more than a decade. I want to avoid the previous cycles of it being included in the draft budget, but it is the first to be cut from the final budget. A decision on whether it’s in next year’s draft budget will be made in January. Kudos to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for supporting the 900m2 extension.

The types of questions raised by other elected members at the December meeting means we need to ensure it’s the most cost-effective outcome for an asset that has an expected life of 40 years.

Have a fun and safe festive season.

Feel free to email me your thoughts: matt.cowley@tauranga.govt.nz, call/text on 027 6989 548, or follow me on Facebook.

The hard side of Christmas Financial constraint and family dynamics are two things police see people coming under pressure with in the lead up to Christmas.

Western Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton says the number of family violence reports in the Western Bay tends to increase at this time of the year. The increase is due to financial constraints and family dynamics, coupled with the fact it’s often a time of increased socialising and more outdoor activities which often see alcohol consumed and increased alcohol consumption, says Clifford.

“The use of alcohol, coupled with the increasing pressure some families are under often sees poor outcomes for family members and our communities.

“People need to be aware that the use of alcohol or using alcohol, when people are already under significant pressure, can lead to negative family outcomes.

“We would urge moderation and for people to be aware of their own situation; and to make sure plans are put in place to keep themselves

and their families safe.”

Clifford says where domestic situations require intervention; people should not hesitate to call police at the time.

“If you see something, do something, seek assistance for those involved and ensure they get some help.

“If you’re a victim of family violence or fearful about yours or anyone else’s safety, please seek help as soon as possible.”

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Clifford says people should have plans in place to ensure their own safety as well that of their children.

“If you are a friend or acquaintance, seek out help and support.

Make sure those that are involved, including the children, are safe and get some help.”

For assistance, people can phone 111 or call their local police station.

By Letitia Atkinson

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WW1 connections are sought On August 3, 1914, Germany declared war on France and invaded Belgium. The next day, Britain declared war on Germany, launching World War 1 – one of the 20th Century’s most significant events.

New Zealand responded strongly with young men quickly signing up for Army training before heading overseas.

It is said very few families didn’t have a close relative among 58,000 New Zealanders killed or wounded in four years of terrible fighting until war ended November 11, 1918.

Tauranga’s community made a significant contribution to New Zealand’s war efforts.

But one century later, the veterans are long gone.

As great-great-grandfathers and greatgrandfathers of today’s citizens, memories of their experiences are fading.

As result, a group has been planning a series of events and projects to ensure the veterans’ efforts are not forgotten.

The Tauranga WW100 committee has representatives of local RSAs, ex-servicemen’s associations, Tauranga Historical Society, iwi, genealogy groups and the city council.

Tauranga WW100 chairman Peter Moss, Mt Maunganui RSA manager, says the committee wishes to co-ordinate a programme to highlight the war’s impact on the community.

It’s keen to receive ideas and suggestions for appropriate ceremonies, events and projects.

Peter stresses the committee is not seeking

New Zealand Battle Mount Maunganui RS of Crete Association president Deirdre Ha uschild and A general manager The Auckland Weekl Peter Moss reading and old edition of y News. Photo by Tracy Hard y.

to glorify war, but honour those involved.

Planning to spread local commemorations during the next four years to the centenary of Armistice Day, 1918, the committee is seeking community help for World War 1 information and artifacts.

Letters, diaries, photographs from soldiers; and surviving artifacts and recollections, told by veterans to younger family members, will be appreciated.

“It would be of particular interest if artifacts actually relate to local people who served in the war,” says Peter. “However, we appreciate Tauranga was a much smaller place in those days and many descendants actually live elsewhere.”

To offer material, email Fiona Kean at Tauranga City Council’s Heritage Collection via: Fiona.Kean@tauranga.govt.nz or call 07 577 7005.

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The Weekend Sun

The gift that lasts Give a gift with meaning this Christmas by taking time to get a relationship off to a great start – or to enrich an existing one.

James Muir from Tauranga Marriages says Christmas is the time of year when people tend to get engaged – and he is asking couples to stop and take a moment to talk before they tie the knot.

Tauranga Marriages’ Enrich programmes help build healthy relationships and stronger marriages for engaged, premarital and married couples, says James.

Couples first complete an online assessment which helps identify their personal strengths and growth areas. A trained facilitator then provides feedback sessions to help couples understand and discuss their results and learn new relationship skills.

James says Tauranga has a high divorce rate so he is encouraging

young couples to take time in preparing for marriage.

According to James, as many as 800 couples will marry next year – but only about 20 per cent spend time thinking about what it means to commit.

“Great marriages grow great children,” says James. “For every family that breaks up – a lot of children get hurt, so before you tie the knot – let us show you the ropes.”

With February 7-14 marking national Marriage Week, James is encouraging bride and grooms-to-be to invest in some pre-marriage preparation before they say “I do”.

To help James is offering the $300 Enrich Programme – with a minimum of three feedback sessions – to Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty couples preparing for marriage up to June 2014 for $25. For married couples, the cost is $55.

The Weekend Sun has a double pass to the Enrich programme to a lucky reader who can tell us what per cent of young couples take time for their marriage, according to James.

Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section. Entries must be received before WednesBy Zoe Hunter day, January 15.

The final Christmas countdown With just five days until Christmas – all is definitely not quiet at Palm Beach Plaza.

The plaza has been bustling since the beginning of September, making for a record-breaking month in terms of foot traffic and festivities.

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“What a fantastic lead up we’ve had to Christmas,” says centre manager David Hill. “It’s been great to see the plaza so full – and hopefully it’s a sign of things to come. Next year will be even bigger and better.”

David says while attention may be on Christmas presents, its important time not to forget about shopping and preparing for Christmas day and the holidays.

“Just like Santa we need to check our list, twice, to make sure all the Christmas holiday essentials are under control.

“Your check list could include sun screen, hats, towels, a chilly bin, a tent or shade option, a picnic set; and of course, enough food to feed the masses.”

All of this can be found at Palm Beach Plaza – open every day except Christmas day – but McDonald’s and Pizza Hut will remain open.

David says plaza staff are all excited with the changes at the plaza during 2013, and are looking forward to significant appearance and structural changes in 2014.

“To all residents and holiday makers in Papamoa this Christmas, from the team at Palm Beach Plaza, we wish you all a safe and memorable Christmas holiday time.”

The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

Come catch the cycling bug “We love cycling, we love talking about cycling, we love talking to cyclists about their riding,” say active cyclists Tanya and Dave Bamford-King.

The team enjoy watching new cyclists come in and “catch the bug” and mature cyclists who are rediscovering biking after a long break.

“They find not only an enjoyable pastime, but reap the health benefits of an active leisure activity.”

Rocket Bikes is 100 per cent family owned and operated in Tauranga. The team includes a national level BMX racer, a rider who has raced as a National Junior Road Rider and a Jack Gordon, Sebastian Skleank and downhill rider, an all mountain rider and commuter Lucas Finucane hard at work. and trail riders.

Photo by Zoe Hunter.

The team at Rocket Bikes love everything about bikes and they are encouraging others to join in on the ride this summer.

Tanya and Dave have watched their children learn to ride and develop as riders too – so someone on the team is bound to be able to answer any questions.

“We like to look after our customers,” says Tanya. “We will spend time helping customers find the bike to suit their riding style and needs and then keep supporting them with three years free ongoing servicing.”

Because they have a relationship with one of New Zealand’s biggest bike suppliers –– the team can offer bikes at franchise prices, but with “friendly, personalised local shop service and attitude”.

The team at Rocket Bikes have been helping keen bikers in Tauranga for almost a decade.

“We have generations of family customers who have returned to Rocket again and again as they grow.”

By Zoe Hunter

Digging deep Children enjoy last year’s dig.

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Forget about making sandcastles – hundreds of children are expected to ditch the buckets and spades to dig for buried treasure at Mount Maunganui’s annual beach dig.

The More FM Mount McDonald’s Beach Dig will see children digging for buried pingpong balls they can exchange for treasure on January 8 at Mount Main Beach.

More FM spokesperson Jolene James says the beach dig is an absolute fixture on the radio station’s summer calendar and looked forward to by families throughout the Bay. “Last year we had a huge turnout so we’re starting registrations earlier at 10.15am and encourage people to get there as early as possible.”

Bel and Brendon from the station’s breakfast show are hosting the event in front of Mount Lifeguard Centre. Digging starts at 11am. Entry, restricted to children aged 2-11 with a separate digging area for 2-5-year-olds, is by gold coin donation with all proceeds going to the Mount Lifeguard Centre’s Junior Surf programme.

By Zoe Hunter

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The Weekend Sun SNACKS

Simple silly season party snacks Time is running out for the countdown to Christmas – and last minute shopping with annoying extra bits of stress, like road works thrown in, can slow you down.

Asparagus and beef rolls

We often don't have time to prepare food for taking to bringyour-own style barbecues or parties.

So opting for dips and breads is an easy solution.

If you’re short of time, but want to make an impression, this week I have the dish of the summer so far.

This dish has asparagus, which

12-plus rolls

Ingredients 2 bunches asparagus (snapped where woody) 150g shaved beef 3-4 Tbsp horseradish cream 80-100g tasty cheese (cut into small sticks) Olive oil Salt and pepper Method Lay the shaved beef on a sheet of plastic wrap about A4 size. Spread a little horseradish on the beef; then lay two or three snapped asparagus and sticks of cheese and roll up.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper then splash with some olive. Roll up and squeeze as firmly as you can, using the plastic wrap to hold the roll together.

Place on a baking tray and sprinkle with some more olive oil. Bake in a hot oven 180 degrees Celsius for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving, or serve completely chilled and set.

Who stole the meat?

Christmas mince pies originally contained real minced meat - but the pies at Bakers Delight feature no such thing. “These days our Christmas Fruit Mince Tarts are a delicious mix of chopped dried fruit with our secret, sweet spices. Even the pastry is significant because it was originally designed to resemble the cradle of baby Jesus,” says Bruce Ingram from Bakers Delight in Owens Place. Try the fruity creations at any Bakers Delight store.

Market’s zero waste mission Attracting more than 4000 people isn’t the only thing organisers of Mount Maunganui’s new gourmet market can smile about – with the event making a successful stand in the environmental sector too.

The Gourmet Night Market has achieved ‘zero waste status’ after volunteers composted or recycled 89 per cent of the waste left from last Friday’s market.

After the market sold 3000 plates of food, organiser Kim Renshaw and waste specialist Sam Gray worked to sort 102.5kg of rubbish.

“We were there until about midnight,” says Kim. “But we achieved 89 per cent (of rubbish not going

into landfill) at our last market, and essentially we can call ourselves a ‘zero waste’ event.

“It’s the highest diversion in the Bay of Plenty so far.”

It was always planned for the market to be environmentally friendly, says Kim. “Extensive pre-work was undertaken by Sam involving communicating with all vendors in the weeks leading up to the first event, and sourcing compostable packaging solutions as well as planning and facilitating where the waste would go to.

“It’s something we’re super passionate about, it’s the first time the Bay has had anything like this, where we’ve pushed the vendors to go the extra mile and pay for the compostable cutlery and plates.”

Vendors are paying more than

Ph 0508 KIWIFRESH (0508 549 437)

double to use wooden cutlery as opposed to plastic, and plates are made from sugar cane, bamboo or other compostable materials.

“It ends up being maybe an extra 50 cents it costs you for your dinner, but it means were not sending anything to landfill which is super cool.”

Kim says in the last three years, other events have recorded less than 50 per cent diversion from landfill.

Tonight the third Gourmet Market runs from 5pm-9pm at Coronation Park. After attracting more than 4000 people last week, Kim is making efforts to increase the space available for people to sit down, and ensuring the market doesn’t become “too busy”.

“It’s way bigger than I ever dreamed of. It’s just so great.”

By Corrie Taylor

runs out soon after Christmas, shaved beef from the deli, horseradish cream and tasty cheese.

When devouring, the resulting crunch and flavour with bite of the

horseradish is a crowd pleaser.

The best part is you can make a whole bunch of them; eat some while warm, then save some for the next day and serve chilled and sliced.

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The Weekend Sun

Waste not want not Imagine a world where surplus food is given to the needy, rather than chucked in a landfill or fed to pigs when it reaches its sell by date.

By Hamish Carter

Three community-minded Tauranga people are spearheading a push to do just that – and only two weeks since launching a pilot, they’re delighted with the feedback from everyone involved.

Jackie and John Paine joined forces

Te Whiti Edmonds, 4, Pikihuia Robb, 3, Jade Jenkins-Ruston, 4, and Eloise Dean, 4, with centre manager Saskia Dean and Good Neighbour Food Rescue coordinator John Paine. Photo by Tracy Hardy. organisations trialling it.”

“But it’s not just about the food; with Lavina Good to set up the Merivale Whanau Aroha centre it’s about encouraging good supGood Neighbour Food Rescue manager Saskia Dean says its early port within the community in all Service when they discovered they childhood centre is thrilled with ways. That’s why we are directing shared the same vision. the food which enables staff to prothe food that is going to waste to “There are people going hungry organisations providing good social vide breakfast, helping settle and in this city and there is a huge improve children’s concentration. amount of food being wasted,” says support.”

“It’s really amazing what they are Good Neighbour Food Rescue is Lavina. “It’s a simple philosophy: doing. It’s making a big difference.” focussed on complementing other let’s not just throw it away if it’s Support is echoed by Women’s organisations by finding sources good enough to eat.”

Refuge manager Angela Warrenof food being wasted. They can John says everyone they speak Clark, who says it means they can take food at its best-before date to thinks it’s a good idea, but the give refuge families larger food and damaged items, but not food current pilot and further feasibility parcels. If you can donate food, passed its use-by date. study next year is needed to ensure or support the programme, email “We already know it’s making there are viable suppliers and John at: gnfoodrescue@gmail.com a positive impact. We’ve had a recipients to get structures in place or go to: www.goodneighbour.co.nz fantastic response from the two to run it on a bigger scale.

Christmas baking for last minute festivities If you didn’t know already, Santa comes in five days.

That’s less than a week to start baking the Christmas puddings you promised to bring this year. Don’t panic, The Weekend Sun has whipped up a delicious festive recipe that is quick and easy to make.

Quick Christmas pudding: Ingredients 2 cups mixed fruit 8-9 prunes, chopped 1/4 cup sugar 2 tsp mixed spice and 1 tsp cinnamon 1 or 2 eggs 1/2 cup brandy 1 cup plain flour

1/4 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (or 1 tsp baking powder) 1/2 cup boiling water 1 dessertspoon butter or margarine 1 tsp baking soda Method Mix the first lot of ingredients thoroughly together then sift in the flour and raising agent. Melt the butter or margarine in the boiling water, add the baking soda, pour into fruit and flour mixture and mix well. Place in greased pudding tin and steam as long as possible, five to eight hours. The longer the pudding is steamed the darker it will look and the richer it will seem.

We hope you enjoy this, Merry Christmas all!

How time has flown Wow, 2013 is nearly over and how time has flown.

Many amazing things have happened along the way that Tauranga can be proud of; and for me, the major highlight is how our people supported all of the wonderful fundraisers that continue to help those worthwhile causes – the Pink Walk, the police auction, charity runs, just to name a few.

A gigantic thank you to all of those organisers, administrators, sponsors and volunteers who donate their time and effort. But there’s an even bigger thank you to all of you, who dug deep into your pockets and hearts to attend and support your favourite event.

To celebrate The Phoenix’s first birthday, we’re introducing the fresh and flavoursome Daiquiri to tempt your taste-buds during summer, with a choice of fresh strawberry or sweet and tangy passionfruit.

Have an icy Daiquiri sitting in our courtyard or on The Strand, and watch the many changing facets of the location, highlighting a new direction towards creating a vibrant and exciting destination for Tauranga’s dining and entertainment pleasure.

The Weekend Sun

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For all your print in 2014 Telephone 07 578 7506 www.kaleprint.co.nz

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The Weekend Sun

Planning your New Year to be top of the list Another year is coming to an end, and people will be gearing up for some much needed rest while spending quality time with family and loved ones.

Christmas is also a time to reflect on the last year and look forward to the New Year. Some will start planning for their year ahead, organising a budget for household or business, or working on a business plan to ensure they’re profitable – everybody has some sort of plan.

An insurance plan is no different – making sure you have a proper

risk plan in place to protect you and your loved ones should be top of your list.

Many people insure their homes, contents, cars and so on. This is probably because the monetary costs of losing them through fire, theft or accident are obvious and replacement values are easy to quantify.

The loss to a family if a parent dies, or becomes disabled, is much greater than the loss of any house or car. Loss of income if someone is off work, because of illness or injury, can also be far greater. It makes sense to take time out to consider these risks.

New water main

A water main is to be replaced on Wilson Road North, between Maketu and Te Puke, in 2014 to satisfy fire fighting requirements. According to Maketu Community Board’s November 2103 agenda, a 600 metre long section of 50mm diameter water main is to be replaced to achieve levels of service for fire fighting

We strongly urge you to use this time to put a proper risk plan in place. If you need help with this, feel free to contact us at Planwise. We’d be more than happy to assist you. Dig out that old insurance policy and ask yourself: Is it still relevant to your current situation? Does it need upgrading? If so, contact us.

Whether you are an existing or future client, I’d like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the team at Planwise, to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

by the Environment Court will go to a hearing in the New Year.

A Notice of Appeal against the Archaeological Authority, granted by Historic Places Trust, was received and accepted by the Environment Court.

Wastewater work

requirements. A new 100mm diameter Katikati wastewater treatment plant water main is to be installed south is set to receive an upgrade in the New of Maketu School and extend to 528 Year in conjunction with work to Wilson Road North. This is planned enhance the wetland at the site. Accordfor March/April 2014. ing to Katikati Community Board’s December agenda, work on the wetland An area of Maketu will receive a new began on December 11, and the plant’s upgrade is to happen during February water pump and pipeline upgrade in and April 2014.

2014. The upgrade is for the Arawa Ave, Williams Crescent and upper Town Point Rd area, serving homes Re-sealing and re-marking of the that are at, or about the same level, as the reservoir. The work is programmed Maketu Surf Club carpark is set to begin in the New Year. The work has for April 2014. been given high priority status within the renewal programme of Western Bay The Historic Places Trust has granted of Plenty District Council’s Reserves District Wide reseal contract, which has an Archaeological Authority for the been prepared for tender. The work is to 2012 upgrade of Maketu’s be completed during summer.

Te Awhe Rd, but an appeal received

Pipeline upgrade

Surf club carpark

New Year appeal

Above is a selection of briefs related to plans for the Western Bay of Plenty in 2014.

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The Weekend Sun

Extension announced Tauranga’s Grace Hospital is set to bring signiďŹ cant changes to the face of Bay of Plenty’s private day stay surgical scene, investing $6million into a new state of the art building project.

The project, announced this week, involves constructing a ground oor wing beside the existing hospital, and another oor above, to provide an

additional 1300sqm of space. And the leading specialist surgical hospital has awarded the contract to local company Marra Construction, with work due to get underway this month with the hope it will be operational late in 2014.

Grace Hospital general manager Janet Keys says the key addition is a dedicated day stay theatre and an endoscopy procedure room, which addresses patients’ needs for privacy and comfort – and meets or exceeds the standards for such facilities. “The ďŹ rst oor will encompass consulting rooms and a larger training room for staff and consultants, and helps future-proof hospital facilities,â€? says Janet.

Grace Hospital, which opened in 2007, has six operating theatres, a separate procedure room, 48 inpatient beds and a day stay department.

The hospital made national news on opening as the ďŹ rst hospital in the country to embrace robotic surgery – and install a da Vinci surgical robot.

Finance firm opens new premises Investment Advisory ďŹ rm, Forsyth Barr, ofďŹ cially opened their new premises on the evening of Wednesday, December 11.

Whether it is sails, oars, motors, ippers or rods Waterline will be covering it at www.waterline.co.nz Weather and Tides will be updated regularly, as well as reviews of books and boats, and competitions.

The online site is designed to offer a more frequent, user friendly experience

for readers, and the chance to be interactive. Readers can network with the team asking marine questions through the new forum page.

Readers can also share stories with friends and post photos of memorable moments with Waterline’s Facebook page, where Waterline will post updates and stories frequently.

Waterline is still available in hard copy, distributed seasonally for readers.

The summer issue is available now from marine stores Bay of Plenty and Coromandel wide.

If you have a waterline news tip, email reese@thesun.co.nz or visit Waterline’s Facebook page.

By Reese Flaxman

Forsyth Barr — Advice on all your investment needs

Russell Garland Authorised Financial Adviser

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Andrew Davis Authorised Financial Adviser

Forsyth Barr has recently moved to conveniently located new SUHPLVHV DW 6HOZ\Q 6W 7KH RIĂ€FH KDV WKUHH GHGLFDWHG Authorised Financial Advisers who are available to provide SURIHVVLRQDO FRQĂ€GHQWLDO LQYHVWPHQW DGYLFH DQG D IXOO UDQJH RI LQYHVWPHQW VHUYLFHV LQFOXGLQJ 6KDUHEURNLQJ )L[HG ,QWHUHVW .LZL6DYHU ,QYHVWPHQW )XQGV DQG 3RUWIROLR 0DQDJHPHQW

Dame Susan Devoy with Sir Eion Edgar, KNZM. and options for regular saving.

The new ofďŹ ce located at 40 Selwyn St Tauranga has been speciďŹ cally designed to suit the investment ďŹ rm with two meeting rooms for clients, as well as a large boardroom opening onto a private courtyard.

The Tauranga advisory team of Russell Garland, David McConnochie and Andrew Davis is well-placed to assist with meeting clients’ long-term ďŹ nancial needs

while remaining exible to reect current market circumstances.

They’re happy to arrange a noobligation meeting with those looking to ďŹ nd out more about investing and to take the next step in planning how to achieve their investment objectives.

Russell Garland, David McConnochie and Andrew Davis are Authorised Financial Advisers with Forsyth Barr in Tauranga. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

Russell Garland, David McConnochie and Andrew Davis all have NZX accreditation and FMA authorisation.

These credentials provide our FOLHQWV ZLWK WKH FRQĂ€GHQFH WKH\ DUH dealing with an Authorised Financial Adviser who is capable, ethical and is maintaining an up-to-date set of professional standards.

Investors have put their trust in Forsyth Barr for investment advice for over 75 years. We are proud to be a New =HDODQG RZQHG ÀUP DQG D IRXQGDWLRQ 1HZ =HDODQG ([FKDQJH ÀUP 1=;

7R DUUDQJH D PHHWLQJ WR GLVFXVV \RXU LQYHVWPHQW REMHFWLYHV LQ FRQĂ€GHQFH please call (07) 578 2737 or email tauranga@forsythbarr.co.nz. :H ORRN IRUZDUG WR GLVFXVVLQJ KRZ RXU LQYHVWPHQW DGYLFH FDQ ZRUN IRU \RX

www.forsythbarr.co.nz View your account online and keep in touch with markets on the go.

'RZQORDG RXU )5(( DSS IRU L3KRQH DQG L3DG WRGD\ Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

FB7$2 - Š Forsyth Barr Limited December 2013

The drinks and canapĂŠs event, hosted by the board of Forsyth Barr and the Tauranga advisory team, attracted more than 80 invited guests including David Kirk, MBE, Sir Eion Edgar, KNZM, Dame Susan Devoy, Mayor Stuart Crosby and valued clients of the ďŹ rm.

Forsyth Barr is a New Zealandowned ďŹ rm with a history of more than 75 years. With 19 ofďŹ ces and 250 investment professionals nationwide, the ďŹ rm has a commitment to providing clients with quality research, backed investment advice in their local communities.

Forsyth Barr’s Tauranga ofďŹ ce has been in operation since 2001 providing a full range of investment services, including share broking, portfolio management, ďŹ xed interest, cash management

Waterline is now online Sun Media’s marine publication Waterline is making waves with its new online site – helping readers, wherever they are, keep up to date with what’s happening on and around the water.

22

The Weekend Sun

Persistence underwater A group of Bay of Plenty underwater hockey players are making ripples throughout the sport by giving the code’s traditional powerhouses a scare at the Regional Under 18 tournament.

The mid-Northern team, consisting of players from Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatane, claimed a credible fourth place at the event in Wellington earlier this month – falling short to Auckland A and B and Wellington B. But the side’s determination throughout the tournament, including a last gasp loss to Wellington B 4-5, is being recognised with eight of the 10-strong team selected for the New Zealand Development sides training camp in 2014.

Captain Conrad Dale, vice-captain Bayley Warena, Simon Shields, Lachlan Wood, Peter Derrick-Jehu, Keegan Thomson, Ben Richardson and Cameron Appeldorn have all made the 35-man squad. Following January’s camp, the squad is whittled to 25 for next July’s trans-Tasman tournament at the Wellington Aquatic Centre.

HRV Cup cricket Mount-bound The SkyCity Northern Knights are preparing to welcome in the New Year at Mount Maunganui with two crucial matches in their 2013/14 HRV Cup campaign.

The side, currently top of the Twenty20 standings, is set for two explosive matches in the Mount lining up against the Canterbury Wizards on

Thursday, January 2 and the Wellington Firebirds on Saturday, January 4.

After four rounds, the Knights lead the runs a plenty competition with three impressive victories ahead of the Otago Volts and Auckland Aces. The first ball will be bowled at 4pm on both days. See next week’s edition of The Weekend Sun for the full story.

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Queen of the drags

Drifting ahead

Thursday 19 December 2013

Hyundai ix35

Trading in the sleigh See page 4

Page 2

Thursday 19 December 2013

Bookings and enquiries contact Tracey Taylor on 07 578 0030 email: tracey@thesun.co.nz For editorial and news tips email: hamish@thesun.co.nz

Home of

phone 07 578 0030 fax 07 571 1116 email ads@thesun.co.nz No.1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 www.sunlive.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver

Thursday 19 December 2013

Farmer Motor Group’s VW specialists Blair Woolford and Charlie Shepard with NZ Car of the Year VW Golf.

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Weekend Wheels Bay of Plenty

Hole in one for Golf The VW Golf ’s success in being named New Zealand Car of the Year came as no surprise to Farmer Motor Group’s VW sales manager Blair Woolford.

A fan of the revamped 2013 Golf himself, Blair admits to struggling to see past it – even up against cars on his yard that are more than double its price.

Earlier this month the car won the top title at the AA-backed awards – the country’s leading independent awards that have been judged by members of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild.

“The feedback we’ve had about the vehicle has been absolutely pleasing. I’ve had so many people tell me they love it, and I’m the same – I think it’s a great car.”

Blair says Volkswagen has “worked very hard to realign the model” so it more than matched what Japanese and Korean manufacturers are offering at the same price.

“It’s everything that it’s cracked up to be,” says Blair, who reckons along with having all of the features of-

fered by its competitors, the Golf also offers superior European design, engineering and styling. “The car’s popularity has seen demand outstrip supply,” says Blair.

Guild president David Linklater says the Golf offers premium European driving experience and quality at mainstream prices.

“Volkswagen has been giving the compact car market a bit of a push with the Golf. While previous models have been popular, the new Golf is priced to compete with mainstream, non-European brands.”

The compact car beat out nine other finalists to take the crown. Judges consider styling, performance, handling, economy, comfort, interior design, build quality and finish, practicality, value for money and the important X-factor when choosing a winner.

Award winner: small car: Ford Fiesta; medium car:Mazda6; large car: Holden Commodore; sports/ performance car: Ford Fiesta ST; small/medium SUV: Mazda CX-5; utility: Ford Ranger; large SUV: Range Rover; compact car: VW Golf; luxury car: BMW 5 series and safest car: Volvo V40.

By Hamish Carter

December 27: Baypark super saloons and sprint champs The national super saloon grand prix champs will see top local drivers going up against the best 800 hp flame-belching monsters from around the country. The meeting will also host the region’s best sprint cars for the Bay champs.

December 28-29: Awakaponga Summercross action Motocross fans will converge on Matata for the annual summer marathon event with racing during two days. Details: www.bopmcc.co.nz January 11: Baypark super stocks and saloons The excitement continues with a full programme of racing from mini stocks to sprint cars.

Jan 18-19: Baypark National Drifting champs round Baypark is set to go off for what is expected to be another sell-out success with the third round of the D1NZ series held in the pits area. It will be held in conjunction with an actions sports event with top FMX, BMX, skate and scooter competitions. Details: www.d1nz.com

Beyond the Bay

December 27-29, January 1-2: Taupo drag action The NZDRA summer racing series hits Taupo with Nitro Nirvana Drag Racing on December 27-29, then a drag family fun day and summer nationals on January 1-2.

January 4-5: Taupo Independent Race Class round It’s non-stop motorsport from more than 10 different classes, with cars ranging from Minis to Porsches competing, as part of the seven-round series. Details: www.irc.org.nz January 11: Meremere’s nitro drag shoot-out Two nitro dragsters will face off to battle for a new speed record, along with the regular excitement of the season’s second competition series meeting, with racing from noon.

Details: www.framautolitedragway.co.nz January 17-19 and 24-26: Hampton Downs NZ Festival of Motor Racing Two weekends packed with motoring action on and off the track, including Formula One Ferrari demonstrations and the Historic Muscle Car annual showdown where classic Mustangs, Pontiacs, Camaros and other authentic 3000 cc-plus 1965-1974 era cars go head to head on the track. Details: www.nzfmr.co.nz

Page 4

Thursday 19 December 2013

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver

Perfect family wagon

Hyundai ix35

Rated by many as one of the better compact SUVs on the market, the updated Hyundai ix35 offers even more for the discerning driver.

The popular compact model has been ramped up with a few tweaks and a minor facelift, while the fundamental appeal of a versatile family wagon remains unchanged.

Word is already out – even before the first stock arrives at New Zealand’s Hyundai dealerships – with almost all 2014 models due to arrive at Farmer Motor Group next month already sold.

Dealership Hyundai manager Heath Kendall says the facelift upgrade includes modernisations to styling, the audio system along with the introduction of day-time LED running lights.

“It’s got the appeal of your Santa Fe looks, with a few adjustments that build on its popularity.”

Whether you like heading off-road to go bushwhacking, or are attracted by their combination of space and practicality, the SUV has become dominant category in the new car market. Generous luggage space, high ground clearance and ease of entry, along with their suitability for an outdoorsy lifestyle – there is little wonder they’ve been a hit with Kiwi drivers. But the relatively new compact variety of SUV now offers a more suitable option for the smaller household.

The Hyundai ix35 has quickly established itself as a good option in the sector in both New Zealand and Australia since its original release in 2010, and Heath is picking the adjustments will attract more supporters.

Like all the good SUVs, it combines great looks with sleek, flowing curves and metallook roof rails adding to its sporty, youthful image. The interior is just what you’d expect – with the leather seats and steering wheel in the elite, adding a sense of refinement.

Its five-seat capacity will suit the average family, while the generous boot space should be more than enough for Santa to stow all his

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The 60:40 split rear-seats give you the handy ability to accommodate those awkward loads, while the roof rails can be adjusted to accommodate roof-holders or a box for your bike, kayak, skis or other outdoor essentials.

Beyond the cosmetic, the best changes are underneath with improvements to the suspension, which had been criticised for being too stiff. Hyundai has taken the issue very seriously, playing with the set-up to ultimately test 12 different versions of the front suspension and 24 of the rear before settling on the best. The result is a smoother, more comfortable ride with happier driver and passengers.

Out on the road it packs reasonable power and avoids the heavy body roll you get with some SUVs. Driving is made easier with cruise control at your fingertips on the steering wheel, while the automatic six-speed transmission can be slipped into sequential sport-shift if you want to take more active driving control. Heading off the tarmac? The All-Wheel Drive function

improves traction and directional stability on gravel and other slippery surfaces.

Driver comfort can be easily adjusted to your exact needs with the electric slide and recline function that will help you find the perfect position. Audio controls on the steering wheel allow you to move between functions and settings, while the Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary input for your iPod gives you the chance to set your driving soundtrack.

Safety is a top priority in the ix35 which has earned ANCAP’s top five star safety rating – incorporating reverse sensors, a rear-view camera, six airbags (front, side and curtain), active head restraints (front), and enhanced brake control systems.

Efficiency improvements have cut fuel consumption, giving the compact SUV good fuel economy compared with others in the class, covering 100 km on 7.5 litres.

Whether you choose your car for rational reasons or are guided by emotions, you’ll find plenty to impress with the Hyundai ix35.

It’s a versatile and practical family car packed with features at a good price which performs well and looks sharp. It’s definitely worth a

By Hamish Carter closer look.

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver

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Tel: 07 578 6017

www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

Thursday 19 December 2013

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Thursday 19 December 2013

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver

Cole comfort on podium

Cole Armstrong (right), returned to the podium at the Whangarei drift round, behind winner ‘Mad Mike’ Whiddett, and second place getter Gary ‘Gaz’ Whiter. season.

Tauranga drifter Cole Armstrong “It’s only two rounds in [of six] – so we’ve has claimed his first podium of still got a good shot.” the national D1NZ drift series in Ideally, Cole would have liked to have debuted the new Skyline at the Baypark round Whangarei on Sunday, reviving his goal to win the series championship. on January 18, but didn’t want to compromise the car by rushing it. The GT and his RB34 Skyline will be engineered for different track “It is a great boost for the whole team,” types, to help his performance. says Cole, who after working at a mine in “We want to make sure we get everything Western Australia for the last eight months right,” says Cole, who is looking forward has returned to Tauranga where he’ll be based to competing in front of his supporters at for racing until March.

Baypark.

Cole has been working as a plumber in new “I will definitely be putting on a bit of a mining town of Roy Hill in WA to fund work show, but I don’t want to get carried away.” on his new 250 GT Skyline, which he aims Last year his over exuberance saw him crash to launch at the 2014 Rotary Nationals at at Baypark, breaking his steering rack – someMeremere on January 26. He’ll debut the car thing he’s determined not to repeat. there because the event is supported by his Cole came third in Whangarei, behind winsponsor V Energy. ner ‘Mad Mike’ Whiddett and second place “I’m keeping the details quiet, but it’s going getter Gary ‘Gaz’ Whiter. Fellow Tauranga to be a great car,” says Cole, who believes the driver Drew Donovan took sixth place at combination of a top car, his driving ability Whangarei. After two rounds, Cole is ranked and a great team of supporters, gives him a

By Hamish Carter serious chance of winning the D1NZ title this fifth overall.

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver

Thursday 19 December 2013

Community drive helps family

Ken Frew from Tauranga Rotary Club, James Fowler-Oates, Nikki Stokes and Chris Verryt from Chris Verryt Cars with the family’s new wheels.

Tauranga’s Chris Verryt Cars prides itself on being able to offer ‘peace of mind and quality’ when people buy a car.

That is exactly what Chris Verryt did this month, providing quality for community groups and businesses, which came together to fundraise and buy a 2004 Mazda MPV to gift to a deserving Tauranga family.

James Fowler-Oates and Nikki Stokes family is unique – they have four children with their youngest two being 18-month-old twins Felix and Madeline, who suffer from severe disabilities.

On December 11, the family received the vehicle, thanks to Tauranga Rotary Club and Acorn Foundation with help from Tauranga businesses and Smile Dial in Christchurch.

Chris says the seven-seater vehicle is perfect for the whole family, with its sliding doors and extra space, making life a little easier.

“They’ve got a lot on their hands, so it’s nice to be able to help,” says Chris, who supplied the vehicle with a new battery and car seat.

“It was a great chance to be able to give back and says thanks; we’re very lucky to be able to be part of it,” says Chris.

Nikki Stokes says the family is planning to put the Mazda to good use during summer by finally getting on the road all in one car.

“It means we can stick together as a family, rather than being isolated from each other,” says Nikki.

“We will be spending a lot of time at the beach as the kids like to build sandcastles; and we will go to Waihi Beach at some stage.

We will also go to Auckland and take the kids to the zoo and Kelly Tarltons. Just normal kids’ stuff; it’s really exciting.”

Nikki says having the new vehicle “all a bit overwhelming at the moment with what everyone has done”.

“It is just fantastic; it’s nice to know people are out there and caring in the community.”

Tauranga Rotary would like to take the opportunity to thank the following local businesses which supported their Christmas appeal: Shed Boss, Pak ‘n Save Tauranga, Paper Plus Tauranga, Legacy Accountants, Supermac, Chris Verryt Cars, Daniels in the Park, Acorn Trust, Z Energy, New World, Harvey Norman, Brookfield, Gull NZ Ltd, Kmart, The Warehouse Fraser Cove, Crombie Lockwood, The Baby Factory and Carrus Corporation.

By Reese Flaxman

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Thursday 19 December 2013

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver

Queen of the drags chasing crown Growing up in the Eastern Bay, the young Karen Hay developed an interest in rodding through her dad Lindsay Hay, who raced in the 1970s and early 1980s and was active in the Whakatane Rod and Custom Club.

Karen can remember going to many car shows and trips to the drags at Meremere, but it wasn’t until 12 years ago that she finally convinced her dad to let her get behind the wheel.

Rodding had taken a back seat in the family when Lindsay turned his attention to jet boat river racing and setting new speed records in the 1980s, but his passion for drag was reawakened when he came across a black 1932 Roadster in 2000, which he soon began racing.

“Over the following two years of me crewing for dad, while he drove, I nagged him enough to finally get a turn.”

So began Karen’s passion for racing, which has since seen her go on to claim a series of class records in the purpose-built 27T dragster she’s raced since 2009. Lindsay is renowned in drag circles for helping get the most out of engines; and the work on the car quickly paid off with Karen (now Raggett), breaking the 200 m/h barrier the next year (2010) and claiming the nationals in 2012.

Karen lists other highlights as records she still holds in BB/A and CC/A classes and setting a record for the country’s fastest speed for a woman across the drag finish line (MPH) – but this season she aims to take it even further.

“I am still chasing the ET (quarter mile

WITH A

3

%

FINANCE RATE 1

Karen Raggett, in her purposebuilt 27T dragster Evil 2.

racing ‘elapsed time’). Faye Grant ran 6.629 in 1990 and my quickest is 6.64 – so I won’t celebrate until I have both the MPH and ET.” It’s a target she’s had her sights on for a few years, but car problems slowed her down last year – with a loose screw blown into the supercharger, putting the car out of action for three months while it was repaired.

Instead of replacing the supercharger they upgraded to a turbo for increased speed. This season they’ve installed electric fuel injection with the twin turbos and Karen is excited about how the roadster’s 482 Chev recently performed on the dyno.

“We were over the moon with how it went.

But there can be quite a difference between how it performs on the dyno and the track.”

Karen will be racing at her first major drag meet of the season at Taupo after Christmas, where she will “just have to see how it goes”.

But she won’t be pushing the car to its limit until she gets to Meremere’s better track in January. Karen will race at the Drag Master event on January 4, but won’t “completely open it up” until January 11, when the track will be in prime condition for two nitro-powered dragsters aiming to cover the quarter mile in four seconds.

All going to plan she’ll achieve her goals of taking Faye Grant’s record for the fastest New Zealand woman’s time ever and set a record for the country’s fastest turboed car – a title she will claim if she can cover the quarter mile in under 6.9 seconds. Karen is hoping for at least a 6.5 seconds pass this

season – and once she has ticked off these records, ultimately aims to run the car in Australia.

Just as Karen is following in her dad’s tracks, her own daughter Bree, 13, has taken to racing a junior dragster and is already showing the family talent – beating both her mother and grandfather at a recent event in Tokoroa.

“She showed she’s got great reaction times,” says Karen. If she is anything like her mother she probably also loves beating the guys.

“I love the speed of drag racing and I love competing in a predominantly man’s sport.

Sex shouldn’t have anything to do with your ability as a driver, but a lot of the guys still seem to think so.”

By Hamish Carter

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui.

Tel: 07 578 6017

www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

Thursday 19 December 2013

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Thursday 19 December 2013

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver

A car lover’s dream

Barry Walker and his 2008 XF Jaguar and Mount Maunganui Rotary president Les Creswell. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Car enthusiasts are encouraged to see some of the best-loved vehicles at Mount Maunganui Rotary Club’s inaugural Show off your Wheels Auto Show.

Hundreds of vehicles are expected to park up at Mount Maunganui College grounds on February 23 – and Tauranga man Barry Walker’s 2008 XF Jaguar is one of them.

Barry’s brand new 2008 XF Jaguar arrived at his doorstep five years ago, following his life-long dream of wanting one.

“My late father had his first Jaguar in 1957, and a second in 1968. I’ve always wanted one,” says Barry.

“Sometimes, I think that maybe he’s looking over my shoulder – so I better not put a ding in it.”

Driving around the city, Barry says his car often catches the eye of passers-by, with its

metallic red-wine finish and ivory leather interior.

“It’s a fairly big car. It looks nice in that colour,” says Barry. “It’s got a true Jaguar finish.

Everything is absolutely perfectly finished. “[And] it has a nice sound – a sound of class. It just feels nice when I’m driving it.”

Show organiser Les Cresswell says the event, which raises money for a variety of Rotary charities, gives the opportunity for individuals who aren’t car club members, but have a “special and loved” car, to show it off in public. Individual car owners and car clubs are encouraged to enter vehicles before January 21, as spaces are filling up quickly.

The Show off your Wheels Auto Show is at Mount Maunganui College grounds on February 23.

Day entry is $5, with primary school aged children free when accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit the webiste: www.showoffyourwheelsautoshow.com

By Zoe Hunter

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver

116 Hewletts Road Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

Thursday 19 December 2013

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The Weekend Sun

www greatwallauto co nz

Bay Driver

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Bay Driver

Thursday 19 December 2013

Triple treat for Bay driver

Recognising success Ben Thomasen, pictured competing in his Subaru WRX, is among the top winners of the Motorsport Bay of Plenty awards.

Photo by www.alittlebitsideways.co.nz

“Dave has been an absolute stalwart. He’s always helping out, whether it’s marshalling or organising events.”

Geoff says the club would not have achieved the success it has without the on-going support of Dave and his wife, Linda Loughlin, who is club secretary during the last 20 years.

Geoff says club talent was clear in the Along with taking the club’s Hillclimb hotly-contested annual awards given Challenge Trophy, Ben – who also holds out earlier this month, with members the National Hillclimb Championship – Phil Campbell, Ben Thomasen and also claimed the gravel sprint and gravel Dave Holder competing at the top level hillclimb cups. Talented young driver of motorsport.

Mitch James claimed the club’s 2WD To build on growing interest in mohillclimb championship, while Emile torsport, the club has begun work on Thomson’s exploits in his Nissan Skyline developing a dedicated autocross track earned him two track titles. The sealed at TECT All Terrain Park in conjunc- Dave Loughlin received sprint title was taken by Phil Jones. tion with Rotorua Car Club, which the President’s Trophy. Off the track, awards went to Dee Byrne Geoff hopes will be completed by next as the most enthusiastic member, Shane Christmas. Ultimately, the club aims to build a rally Wright for outstanding marshalling, Megan Walker cross track in the park. for help timekeeping and Shane Tofts as the most Top awards at the annual awards went to the industrious member for help organising the national multi-talented Ben Thomasen for earning top clubsports championships at Baypark. John Bouzaid points at club events, while the President’s Trophy was given the hard luck award for his crash on the went to Dave Loughlin for his outstanding contriMacDougall Quarry Rd Hillclimb. bution to the club.

By Hamish Carter

The future of motorsport in the Western Bay looks strong, says Motorsport Bay of Plenty president Geoff Andrews, with many talented drivers coming through the club and near record membership.

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Bay of Plenty rally driver Michael Young has finished the year on a high note, claiming his third Asia Pacific Rally win and the season’s Asia Cup title at the recent Thailand Rally.

The 21-year-old Opotiki driver is delighted with his success in his third Asia cup season, attributing it partly to a ‘drive to survive’ strategy he’d been following, with safe driving to avoid unneeded incidents that could force him out of the race early. The same game plan paid off in the previous rounds in Malaysia and Japan, where some of his closest rivals were forced to retire from crashes or mechanical problems.

“It’s unbelievable,” says Michael. “At the start of the week I never even thought about being Asia Cup champion, but it’s been such a crazy event with lots of ups and downs – and we’ve ended up on top.”

Michael, and Hamilton based co-driver Malcolm Read, saw their chances boosted when some of the fastest drivers got into trouble and “unfortunately for them had to retire”.

“This event is so tough on the cars. It’s hot, dusty and rough – and it’s all about who makes it to the finish.”

Their main rivals included last year’s Asia Cup winner Yuya Sumiyama, who was in second-equal place ahead of the round, and rookie Shuhei Muta, who had been leading by 22 points.

Despite their success, the Thailand rally was not without its own dramas for Michael and Malcolm after a rock got wedged in a rear brake calliper on the first day, almost ending their title chances early.

“Luckily, Malcolm is a trained mechanic, so he was able to fix it on the side of the road after the end of the stage. He really saved the rally for us there, so I’m thankful he was with me again.”

Michael pays tribute to his sponsors Cusco, Toyota and Dunlop for helping him this season, and is hoping to return to compete in the next series, which starts in Whangarei in April.

“I will do everything in my power to make sure I’m back next year. I now have three titles to defend – so I’ll be trying my best to get back for next year, but obviously funding is always tricky.”

By Hamish Carter

Bay of Plenty driver Michael Young in action during the Thailand Rally.

Photo by Asia Pacific Sports Media.

Page 20

Thursday 19 December 2013

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver

The Weekend Sun

23

The right choice It’s the last column this side of Christmas.

Many of you will be looking for childcare centres for your little ones in the New Year. Having run a centre for four years now, I’d reckon the single most important factor in the development of young children is quality of teachers.

What qualities should I be looking for in teachers at my child’s prospective childcare centre?

- What are the teacher/child ratios? Many centres work on the Government-set ratios and some don’t.

A ratio of one teacher to six children in the three-five age group and one teacher to four children in the under three age group is much better than the Government allowance (of one to 10 in the three-five age group and one to six in the under threes). I can’t see how the Ministry of Education can advocate children having free play without close supervision.

Ratios the Government allows only work if children are kept inside at desks. For children to be able to learn and explore through free play, and for teachers to have time to follow children’s interests, ratios need to be lower.

- Do teachers have an early childhood degree or diploma qualification? I’ve found degree-qualified teachers produce a better standard of teacher.

- How long have teachers been at the centre? Familiar faces are important for children’s security at this age.

- Are teachers welcoming? When you walk into the centre, do you feel at home? Remember, preschoolers shouldn’t feel institutionalised at their young age – the centre should be an extension and enhancement of their home with lots of trees, grass, outdoor and indoor activity, and teachers able and willing to help.

- Do teachers interact with the children? Are teachers proactive with helping children explore, extend and think about whatever it is they’re working on, to help them take one step further?

- Is there good team spirit among staff? Do they appear to work together?

- Are teachers proactive and creative, helping children with stimulating ideas?

I hope these tips help with your decision on choosing the best centre for your child. A centre can look flash and have the best resources in the world, but without a steady, dedicated team of qualified teachers, it won’t be the best centre for your child.

Girl Guides’ giving spirit continues Arataki Girl Guides are thinking about those less fortunate than themselves this Christmas by making festive gifts to give to Tauranga charities.

The girls have made Christmas cards, baked festive goodies and collected a mountain of clothes, toys, books and food to give to Tauranga Women’s

Refuge, Tauranga Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels and Tauranga Food Bank.

This is to help “shine a little happiness” on other people's lives during the holiday season.

Arataki Girl Guides with the Christmas gifts they plan to give to Tauranga charities.

24

The Weekend Sun

Inspirational words to share

By Zoe Hunter

Tauranga child cancer survivor Tracy Pepper, with the book her story is published in.

Taylor Burley

Kleiman

Book-lovers around the globe are reading a Tauranga child cancer survivor’s tale of beating the odds, following her inspirational story being published worldwide.

Printed in Estonia, a book featuring Tracy Pepper’s story can only be purchased online – now she’s seeking a New Zealand publisher, so the book can be sold here.

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 10 years old, Tracy, now 40, became one of the first patients to trial chemotherapy. Today, she is the only child out of 20 diagnosed with the same tumour to survive.

In an effort to conquer her fears and raise money for ovarian cancer, Tracy climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in September.

After reading her story online,

publishers of a book called ‘Dreamers and Doers’ contacted Tracy before she made the climb seeking permission to publish her story.

The book tells the story of 30 women from around the world who have conquered Africa’s tallest mountain.

“I’m really proud. The stories are so inspirational. I’m honoured that they even asked me to be included in the book,” says Tracy.

The book can only be purchased for 50 euros online and Tracy wants a Kiwi publisher to make the book available for sale here in New Zealand.

Tracy says the book is special because for every one sold, Impatiens Kilimanjari Foundation donates a book to an underprivileged child in a Tanzania school.

“You’re buying inspiration and you’re giving education.”

Tracy is continuing her fundrais-

ing venture to raise money for ovarian cancer and is selling raffle tickets for two major prizes.

The first prize is a Diamond Cruise Package – worth nearly $4000 – which includes a 10 carat white gold eternity ring, a cruise for two on Doubtful Sound and a massage. Raffle tickets cost $10 each or three for $20.

The second is a Dress Me up Gorgeous package – worth nearly $3000 – which includes a girls night out for six to preview Annah Stretton’s 2014 collection, personal styling sessions, a vintage wraparound Annah Stretton gold skirt and a massage.

Raffle tickets cost $5 each or three for $10.

To purchase tickets, or to publish the book, visit: www.facebook. com/tracypepper.expeditionofhope Tracy is also writing her own book about her experience.

A holiday health check: how do you stack up?

The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on your health.

What is in Cell-X? Cell-X contains nature’s most potent antioxidants to protect from free

radical damage including OPC, Green tea, Bilberry, Goji, Hesperidin, Lutein, Lycopene, Beta carotene and vitamins C and E.

Cell-X is a full multi-vitamin including full B complex, C, D and E. Cell-X is a full multi-mineral including calcium, magnesium, potassium with trace minerals selenium, zinc, copper, boron, manganese, iron, molybdenum, chromium, silicon, iodine, vanadium and a 50+ trace mineral complex.

How can Cell-X help you?

Supports heart health and circulation ,QFOXGHV D VSHFL¿ F H\H KHDOWK IRUPXOD Protects joints against free radical damage Supports immune function and optimum energy levels.

Abundant Health

A good way to review your health is to think of your body systems and give each a grade out of 10, with a 10 being fantastic and a 0 being terrible, then a final grade out of 10.

Consider your skin, hair and nails; then your muscles and skeleton, including your joints. Next check your heart and general circulation followed by your nervous and respiratory system, including you breathing and sinuses. Think of your immunity, including how often you are sick and how well you recover.

We generally notice our digestion and elimination, but consider any problem affecting your mouth, oesophagus, stomach, intestines – including bowel habits – then review your urinary and reproductive and hormonal systems. Finally, rate your overall energy and wellbeing with a final health score out of 10.

If you score less than eight out of 10, you should take some active steps starting with a full check up with your GP. The next step is to get a full nutritional assessment that can help you set and achieve goals with a view of lifting your health score to where you would like it to be. In most cases, it is a matter of fine tuning with food choices appropriate for your health issues, targeted supplementation and lifestyle choices.

Most diseases have an inflammatory component.

Unwanted inflammation is often caused or worsened by diet. If you would like a full discussion on the subject, send me an email request for my ‘Anti-inflammatory nutrition’ guide.

A special thanks to my loyal readers for your kind words and comments.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

To join my weekly newsletter, go to: www.johnarts.co.nz and visit: www. abundant.co.nz John Arts is a qualified nutritional therapist. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more, go to: www.sunlive.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

25

Harvesting community’s bounty Community spirit is being sown in Te Puke with hopes to establish a community garden in the town soon.

Jenny Utting and Joseph Walsh want to hear from Te Puke land owners who can help them create a community garden.

Artists support dune protection Papamoa pupils will be educated on the values of the area’s dune system following an $850 donation to Te Puke Forest and Bird.

The donation came from artists involved in the recent ‘Two Years On’ exhibition at Zeus Gallery.

Te Puke Forest and Bird spokeswoman Carol Long says the donation is a great boost to get proper dune and coastal education into local schools.

“As the population grows, particularly in Papamoa, there is more pressure on natural open space; and we would like to work with local schools to raise awareness of the importance of our dunes and the special plants, birds and insects living in this unique ecosystem.

“When children learn to appreciate nature those values spread through the whole community.”

The dream began with gardening enthusiast Jenny Utting growing seasonal crops for the Te Puke Food Bank three years ago on her land at Rangiuru. She’s at the forefront of a new initiative to do something similar in town.

“It’s 6.5kms from town so it’s quite a distance for people to come,” says Jenny, who is helped by about 30 others including many from the Te Puke Baptist Church.

“A garden in town would be much easier for people to get involved in.”

Jenny is working with Joseph Walsh, who is promoting the community garden concept in Te Puke to find land to do it on and attract more people to help.

“I’m also teaching him a few things about gardening ,” says Jenny, who at 76 aims to pass the project on to someone else soon.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council does not have suitable land available so the group wants to hear from landowners who can provide space for a garden.

“There are some private landowners who have offered the use of their land so we looking at that.”

Ideally the group would like use of the land for an ongoing period.

It was envisaged the garden would provide fresh produce for the food bank and interested gardeners. Jenny says there is steady demand for the garden’s fresh produce at the food bank, which she is currently supplying with broccoli, cauliflower and courgettes.

“I’ve always been a keen gardener. It’s just the fact that you are able to supply your own vegetables and you know that they are all spray free.”

Anyone interested can contact Joseph on 573 7997 or 0273 448 637.

By Hamish Carter

26

Responsible drinking Changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act will see people instantly fined $250 if caught drinking in liquor ban areas and it has put limits on young people accessing alcohol.

The changes came into effect this month, with the aim of improving New Zealand’s drinking culture and reducing the harm caused by excessive drinking.

Alcohol harm reduction and liquor licensing coordinator Sergeant Nigel McGlone says people need to make better decisions and drink responsibly.

Police have been drumming home the changes ahead of them becoming law, says Nigel.

The SSAA Act also contains increased penalties for the supply of alcohol to minors and tighter restrictions on alcohol advertising and promotion.

“I think people need to be aware of the alcohol ban areas we have in town. People breaching the ban used to be dealt with by being arrested and appearing in court, but the new act gives us the ability to write on-the-spot fines,” says Nigel.

Other changes to the act will also mean other adults besides a minor’s parents will be able to supply them with alcohol, but only with the expressed permission of the minor’s parent.

“It used to be the only people who could supply a minor with alcohol was their parent or legal guardian. The act changes now so that someone else can now as well, if they have expressed permission of the minor’s parent.”

By Letitia Atkinson

The Weekend Sun

Entertaining on the airwaves An unlikely but entertaining duo has completed their time broadcasting on a Katikati community radio’s airwaves – but they’ll be back next year.

Auckland identical twins Christopher and Graeme Crowther, 48, don’t let disability get in the way of their on-air aspirations – and Katikati Christian Centre pastor Rob Holding has been helping the pair fulfil their radio dreams for the last three years.

Each December, the brothers venture to Katikati to help run Rob’s Christian radio station, HIS-fm.

“They love it, they’re having tonnes of fun,” says Rob. “They seem to have always been interested in radio – particularly Radio Rhema,” says Rob, a 27-year broadcasting veteran.

Christopher and Graeme have an intellectual disability due to perinatal asphyxia, a condition caused by a baby’s brain not receiving enough oxygen at birth.

They met Rob at church in Auckland in 2004. “Rob made that mistake nine years ago,” jokes Christopher. Rob was working at Radio Rhema; and every third Sunday of June promoted Disability Awareness Sunday,

started by Christian Ministries with the Disabled Trust.

“It was just natural to get Christopher and Graeme on the radio. They’d come on my live show, talk to callers, play songs and push buttons and everything,” says Rob. HIS-fm, broadcasting since 2004, moved with Rob to Katikati in 2010; and is set up in a spare office at church – Graeme and Christopher have been annual visitors ever since.

“I’m not sure if they just want to visit me, or just work on the radio,” laughs Rob. “But they’ve loved radio for years and years and years – now they get to do it themselves.”

Christopher became interested in radio in 1977. “I just wanted to know how the technical side of things worked, how they do test transmissions.”

Graeme, however, loves the thought of people, near and far, hearing him.

Rob says each visit the twins run low power 88.1 HIS-fm with plenty of character, personality and laughter in shifts during four days.

“It’s natural to throw them on the radio because they love it – they’re not professional but they’re great, they’re fun, and they know what they’re doing.”

Identical twins and Graeme and Christopher Crowther, 48, love running Katikati’s HIS-fm radio station.

By Merle Foster

Tauranga Computers Ltd

27

The Weekend Sun

Electricity’s power fading There’s been a lot of talk recently about power companies and Initial Public Offering sharemarket floats and things, so I’d thought I’d add my sixpence worth.

The New Zealand Government has recently sold half of Meridian Energy and Mighty River Power to much media rattle tattle and the like.

And because the current share prices are less than the floated price, everyone’s getting stuck into the Government.

“It was a big failure,” shouts Labour and co.

From what I can see, the Government,

on behalf of the taxpayers, has got a great price for both these companies.

The shareholders will either get over it, or get out of it or - what they all should be doing - staying in it for at least two-three years.

It is the sharemarket after all. But you know, when you stop and think about it, the future of domestic power is solar, not dams and windmills.

Within the next 12-15 years, I predict almost half of the homes in New Zealand will have access to some form of solar energy, to be used in conjunction with ‘the grid’ of course, saving the average home

$1000 a year or more on a $2000-plus per annum costing.

Already we even have one New Zealand power company offering terms to set up their own home solar power source.

Some would say solar power is still quite dear to set up with a $6000-plus investment for a decent system. But even then, a four-six year payback is possible already; and this will only reduce during the next few years, as these systems get both smarter to operate and cheaper to install.

For larger energy requirements, they’ll need to be bigger solutions obviously. But for you and me at home, the time is nigh when the big power companies and their even bigger bills will soon be a thing of the past. Won’t that be a good day? G Martin, Otumoetai.

Merry Christmas Weekend Sun letter writers The Weekend Sun thanks its letter writers for contributing lively and interesting debates for 2013 and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The newspaper is taking a break from December 27 and will return on January 10.

We will still be taking short letters (200 words), supplied with the writer’s full name and contact details.

And don’t worry, those which cannot make the December 27 edition will appear in the New Year in The Weekend Sun’s first newspaper for 2014, on January 10.

Email: letters@thesun.co.nz

Cosmet ic Medicine

Thanks for reining in escalating adventure My 85-year-old parents visited Farmers and had what my mother calls ‘an adventure’ on the escalator. Completing shopping, they took a shortcut to the carpark, on the escalator. Dad, carrying shopping bags, and mum, carrying a handbag and using her walking stick had just got on when Mum lost one shoe and bent down to pick it up.

This somehow saw her sit down, completing the journey on her backside. This naturally caused concern to staff, who rushed to her aid. Mum wasn’t hurt but couldn’t get up by herself.

Meanwhile, Dad decided to get off and assist her by leap-frogging over her. His acrobatic movement didn’t quite go to plan. He landed neatly beside mum. Staff assisted mum, whose dress was snagged in the escalator’s jaws, while others lifted dad to his feet.

All staff showed utmost concern and kindness to my parents, who were both unhurt apart from their dignity. On behalf of our family – who are still laughing – we’d like to thank Farmers’ staff for their kindness and quick thinking. I imagine any security camera footage of the ‘escalator adventure’ will see staff replaying it endlessly. I know I would be.

My parents, who naturally wish to remain anonymous, give their thanks and promise faithfully to never negotiate the escalator again.

They’re also very grateful no other customers were behind them, to get caught up in the carnage. Merry Christmas to you all.

A Murray, Gate Pa.

28

The Weekend Sun

Climate change: real threat Greenhouse gases: the effect is global On November 12, 2013, The Australian newspaper reported newly-elected Prime Minister Tony Abbott had vowed to repeal the Australian carbon tax legislation.

He’d referred to international climate negotiations taking place in Warsaw as “socialism masquerading as environmentalism”.

This is illuminating because it exposes one of the reasons, coming from a high level, for the sustained

needs to do better.

That doesn’t mean throwing out our economic or political systems, but it does mean fixing the broken of parts. Unfortunately, to people like Tony Abbott, and perhaps your letter writers last week, M Kuipers von Lande and M Houlding, any suggestion the system is less than perfect is misinterpreted as a call for communism or worse.

Their reaction is to try to discredit climate science and Green issues generally. We cannot afford to let them succeed.

A Thorpe, Welcome Bay.

attack on climate science and environmental issues: free market idealism.

Humanity is facing multiple threats. Climate change is only one of them; population growth, declining water supplies and the end of cheap oil are further good examples. These threats are real. Many people believe that “business as usual” will not deal with these threats and humanity

Re: John Mills' latest letter ‘Can You explain?’(The Weekend Sun, December 13, 2013). As far as tropical rainforests being carbon-neutral goes, it’s well known tropical rainforests have shallow topsoil. Yes, that’s right, the rain washes the topsoil away.

So all the stuff that goes into the mulch winds up in a swamp or lake or at the bottom of the sea.

I don’t know the precise percentage, but it’s not minor. John Mills confused

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two categories: greenhouse effects and the cause of deserts.

The effect of greenhouse gases is global: carbon dioxide re-radiates visible light as heat in all directions, ensuring some remains to heat the earth.

Deserts form as a result of low rainfall along certain latitudes, because of wind circulation preventing those latitudes from getting regular rain.

W Parish, Bellevue.

Essential from excess

What with all of our communication these days, we are (I believe), becoming so saturated with it that we are losing the actual ability to separate the essential from the excess.

And, just like the over-population problem, nobody has the faintest clue how to deal with either situation.

R McGuinness, Tauranga City.

Threats to civilisation

Scientists have been warning about climate change for decades - including man’s contribution to it.

Yet politicians and decision makers, although talking, are doing little to act on those warnings.

Whether one is a believer or not, is irrelevant - the changes are with us.

More violent and extremes of weather will become more frequent, with increasing damage, which may well lead to the breakdown of civilisation as we know it. And that is without the contribution of other forms of catastrophes such as earthquakes.

As we see more natural disasters, governments will step in imposing ‘emergency management’, which is generally disrespectful of, and overrides any of the democratic processes.

More money will be spent on ‘disaster management’ at the cost of other needs, such as health and education. Interestingly, 2013 is the 400th anniversary of the Bible being published.

It outlines the consequences of man’s folly in disregarding God’s laws and commandments, such as by focusing instead on their own ‘self good’. rather than the ‘common good’.

Currently, one billion people are hungry; two billion suffer from micronutrient deficiencies and only 1-1.5 billion people live up to a similar standard of living that we do.

Oh, and keep a ‘weather-eye’ out on events in the Middle East and Europe as they continue to unfold.

There are interesting times ahead, which may well be the greatest threat to civilisation, as we know it.

G Allan, Matua.

Merry Christmas Sun letter writers The Weekend Sun thanks its letter writers for contributing lively and interesting debates for 2013.

We also wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

The newspaper is taking a break from December 27 and will return on January 10.

We will still be taking short letters (200 words), supplied with the writer’s full name and contact details.

But don’t worry, those letters which don’t make the December 27 edition will appear in the New Year in The Weekend Sun’s first newspaper for 2014, on January 10.

Email: letters@thesun.co.nz

29

The Weekend Sun

Money cannot keep us alive Wealth, bogus industry, no global warming. Really Mr von Lande and Mr Mooney, your responses are rather lame. And as for M Holding, well what can I say, the use of others to defend your beliefs is sums and figures, not one of you will keep your own rubbish, human waste, oils, unwanted items on your property.

What you do not see will not bother you, yet it if you only open your eyes and ears. Notice the rubbish on the side of the roads, the drainage ditch filled with dairy farm run-off, fumes belching out all around us, noise pollution and even the ability to see a starry night due to light pollution just to name a few.

That’s fact, and even more so when you see the large changes man has made to this planet from space, all tied in to industry, greed power.

Even I’ve noticed a change to the climate from when I was a boy.

Surely you must have noticed some of these things I’ve mentioned above. If not, please start taking notice of your surroundings instead of using others

to justify your ideals and rubbishing others for trying to right the wrongs against nature.

The thing that keeps us all alive, not money. Money is a man-made idea, paper wealth, and the old guard protecting it is greed. Instead of the condemnation of others and their ideas of change, help them to figure out a new system that allows all to flourish on this very small planet The supersonic dribble by M Houlding says about the Greens misleading the world is indeed utter trash. Radiation is dangerous. That’s why they wear special suits to protect ourselves when cleaning up a leak.

The Greens are not misleading anybody, they are just telling us what we do not want to hear.

The one’s I see telling untruths are the ones that have the power and are greedy enough to deceive in order to keep hold of what they have got. The Greens have nothing to gain by changing the monetary system, but fresh air, water and harmony with nature.

R Stewart, Te Puke.

Greens’ information science-based

I would like to encourage M Houlding to volunteer in the sub-arctic Hudson Bay, with Earthwatch, a science-based not-for-profit group that has been researching climate change for more than 40 years.

If so, he would learn the following from the research: A) Permafrost is gradually melting; this releases high levels of methane into the atmosphere that is many times worse than carbon dioxide in

contributing to global warming, thus exacerbating the temperature rise.

B) The boreal tree-line is moving northwards, altering the ecology.

C) Polar bear numbers are diminishing due to: Firstly, den sites collapsing with the warmer temperatures.

If, after copulation, the female bear does not find a den, the embryo does not implant and the pregnancy is lost. Secondly, the sea is freez-

ing later in the season, meaning later access for the polar bears to their hunting grounds for their diet of seal meat.

Thirdly, the bears have to travel further to reach their quarry.

Due to their resulting poor condition, fewer bears survive the harsh environment each year, and the number of cubs per pregnancy has also declined markedly.

The Greens, including Dr McLean, base their views on the state of the planet on science-based information.

M Houlding would be sensible to do likewise.

M Ware, Otumoetai.

Politics of envy Interesting to see a number of your correspondents quoting the totally discredited book ‘The Spirit Level’. This book, which is the darling of the Left, promotes big government, less individual rights, more tax, more welfare etc.

The theory is that all of the ills in society have a common cause: inequality. Not - it must stressed poverty or deprivation, but the psychological damage of living in a country with a wide gap between rich and poor.

The claim is that when you find out how much your neighbour earns, you will go nuts or become a P addict.

The problem with this book is the author’s enthusiasm to establish their pet theory, using measures and statistics to suit their argument, leaving out those that didn’t; and even ignoring whole countries with outcomes that did not support their theory. As any statistician can tell you, if you torture data it will confess to anything.

The Left continue to cling to this book and its shonky pseudo-science because it make them feel ‘oh so righteous’ when they spray insults such as “obscene salaries”, “profits before people”, “looking after your rich mates” and “crony capitalism”. It also justifies their promotion of the politics of envy.

R Prince, Welcome Bay.

Admiration of work

Classic Flyers management team wishes to applaud work of a fellow charitable trust. The Hospice team put on a magnificent series of two concerts at the Holy Trinity Church, starring members of Sole Mio. Hospice managed to fill the auditorium to capacity both nights, a total of 1760 people.

This latest event in a series of magnificent concerts they’ve run has immensely enriched the lives of our community, bringing high quality entertainment to the Bay of Plenty. We congratulate Trish Rae, fundraising manager and principal organiser, and her staff.

Perhaps, the important point is not entertainment provided but provision of funding for Hospice work.

As fellow participants in the voluntary sector, we write to express our admiration of work to enable the concerts and work done on behalf of the community.

Andrew Gormlie (CEO), David Love, (chairman), Classic Flyers.

State highway project sites shutdown over Christmas Bay of Plenty 2013/2014 Over the Christmas period

Waihi Beach

(between 20 December 2013 and 6 January 2014) the following Bay

1

Bay of Plenty state highway project sites

50 Katikati

Omokoroa Beach Mt Maunganui

of Plenty state highway project

Tauranga

Athenree Gorge - State Highway 2

2

Tauranga Eastern Link - State Highway 2

3

Sun Valley Curves - State Highway 33

4

Ruato Bay, Lake Rotoiti - State Highway 30

80

2

sites will have traffic management

Maketu

Te Puke

and speed restrictions in place.

1

Paengaroa Otamarakau

Western Bay of Plenty

The restrictions are there to keep you safe

50

Matata

3

Edgecumbe

Whakatane

whilst no contractors are on site. Please follow

4

the signage at each location. The NZ Transport

Rotorua

Agency wishes you a safe and happy Christmas.

Te Teko

30

Kawerau

Eastern Bay of Plenty

For further information please go to www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions/highway-info/index.html

Opotiki Taneatua

30

The Weekend Sun

( 1 7 ( 5 7 $ , 1 0 ( 1 7 G U I D E MUSIC The ever popular guide to ‘What’s On’ in the Bay.

Thursday 19 December

Awesome Clothing Sale

Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga 9.30-10.30am. Good quality, all sizes & styles - men’s, women’s, children’s, shoes, sheets, duvets etc. Only $2 a bag. Rain or shine. Organised by Turning Point Trust. 578 6934

Bethlehem Pottery Club

For intermediate potters. Over summer every Thurs, 13 Bethlehem Rd 10am 2pm. Dan 570 1559

Healing Rooms

At Fashion Island, 42 Gravatt Rd, next to Esquires Coffee Shop. 1st & 3rd Thurs 10.30am - 12.30pm. 2nd & 4th Sat 1.303.30pm. No appointment necessary. No charge. 021 154 0978 or 0210 271 3254 www.healingrooms.co.nz

Morning Walking Group

Takitimu Drive Walkway. 45 min around motorway (Mon, Thurs & Fri).

People with diabetes welcome. Svetlana (I was a diabetic on insulin) 027 616 2124

Tauranga Heart Support Group

Phase 3 rehab exercise, social events & guest speakers for those with or at risk of heart disease. Every Thurs at City Church Hall, Otumoetai Rd/Sherwood St 9.3010.45am. Men & women welcome. Dianne 576 5031 QualiďŹ ed instructor/Cardiac Care leader.

Friday 20 December Alcoholics Anonymous

Open meeting every Fri at Hamner Clinic, 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton (behind Tyremaster) 7.30pm. 0800 229 6757 for more meetings or assistance.

Chess Tauranga

Every Fri at Tauranga RSA, Greerton 6pm onwards for the whole family. Noel 579 5412 http://www.westernbopchess. weebly.com/

Free Immigration Clinic

Every Fri - legal advice & information on immigration issues. For appointment, Baywide Community Law 571 6812

Gay/Bi Men’s Support Group

Do you need a trusting person to talk to? Discretion assured. For meetings & locations ph/text Alex 027 358 5934

News, reviews and opinionated raving on the music scene.

The Weekend Sun’s guide to who’s playing and where.

Mount Mainstreet Farmers Market

Freemasons

Bethlehem Pottery club

Every Sun in Phoenix car park 9am - 1pm. Fresh fruit & veges, breads, cheese, oils, plants & more. All home grown & home-made. Downtown the Mount open 7 days. 575 9911 mountmaunganui.org.nz

World’s oldest & largest male fraternity. Make new friends & go on great social adventures or maybe ďŹ nd that lost symbol! Email: terryjones@outlook.com

For intermediate potters. Over summer every Thurs, 13 Bethlehem Rd 10am 2pm. Dan 570 1559

Arts Market at Cargo Shed

Open every day except Christmas Day10am - 4pm.

Bay Association of Sea Kayakers

Ongare Point to Katikati via the Uretara River. Bevan 576 8885

Car Boot Sale

Every third Sat at Evans Rd Church. $5/car. Bargains for all.

0211 338 986

Car Boot Sale

Greerton School 7 – 11.30am. Cost $5 per single site or $10 for double site.

Weather permitting. Something for everyone. All welcome. Shirley 577 1116 or 0274 146 040

Christmas Dance

Te Puke Memorial Hall. Carols, candles, sequence dancing 7.30-11pm. Organised

by Te Puke Scottish Society. Entry $7.

Owen 574 2814

Market

Greerton Hall 8am – 12pm. Crafts, plants, produce, bric-a-brac. Merv or Nancy, Waihi 07 863 6697

Mt Maunganui College Pool

Palm Beach Plaza Lions Market

On the grass by McDonalds 7am – 12.30pm. Stalls must be set up by 7.30am. Great range of goods for sale including fruit & vege, arts & crafts.

Fundraising stalls to support needy causes. $10 per car space. 542 2559 a/hs

Petanque

Every Sun, Tues & Thurs at Cliff Rd 12.45pm. Boules available, tuition given. 1st 3 visits free. Neita 572 3768

Prestige Singles

50+ coffee afternoon at Raft Expresso Bar/Eatery, Chapel St, Tauranga 2.30pm. Mix & mingle with other like-minded individuals. Last coffee afternon for the year today with social events recommencing again in January. Email your enquiries to mixandmingle@xtra. co.nz or ph 027 439 3267

Radio Controlled Model Yachts

Open every day except Christmas Day & New Year’s Day 11am 3pm. $3 entry.

Meet Sun 1.30pm & Thurs 5.30pm at pond behind 24 Montego Drive, Papamoa to race electron & similar 3ft long yachts. Graham 572 5419

At Paengaroa Community Hall (wet or ďŹ ne) from 7.30-10.30am. Breakfast from $2 for a cuppa to $8.50 for bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, tea or coffee. Sal 533 1043

Monday 23 December

Paengaroa Community Breakfast

Tauranga Farmers Market

Tauranga Primary School cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd every Sat 7.45am - 12pm.

Fresh & artisian produced food. Trixie 552 5278 or www.taurangafarmersmarket.co.nz

Tauranga Radio Sailing Club

Remote control yacht racing every Sat 11am - 4pm & every Weds 1-4pm at Scoria Close, the Lakes. Join the fun. www.ohope.co.nz

The Little Big Markets

Saturday 21 December

Sunday 22 December

Presented by Bethlehem Baptist Church at Bethlehem Town Centre. Starts 7.30pm (if wet Dec 22). Enjoy Carols, entertainment & ďŹ reworks under the stars among family & friends. Bring a chair & candle. Free family event.

At St George’s Anglican Church, 1 Church St, Gate Pa 7-8pm. A service based on the style of worship from the Taize Community in France with a Christmas theme. All welcome.

“What’s Onâ€? is a FREE VHUYLFH IRU QRQ SURÂż W FOXEV organisations.

GUIDE Stories, snippets, strangeness, and general entertainment.

Art in the Park

Every Fri at 129 Birch Ave 5.30pm. Get ďŹ t & have fun.

Maya 021 995 065

A Night Before Christmas

Reviews of DVDs, old and new, as well as other bits and bobs.

OUT THERE

Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui 8.30am - 5pm, weather permitting.

Tauranga Society of Artists offer for sale a variety of art to suit all tastes.

And night owl cinema at Tauranga Waterfront, the Strand. Markets 5-9pm.

Cinema 9pm – late. Tonight “Home Alone� (played at The Little Big Markets Christmas Market) www.thelittlebigmarkets.co.nz/

Zumba Class

DVD MOVIES

Christmas Taize Service

(PDLO MXOLH#WKHVXQ FR Q] RU )D[ 571 1116 or post to 32 %R[ 7DXUDQJD

Body & Soul Fun Fitness

For over 50’s, social events & guest speakers. Mon & Fri Greerton Hall Cameron Rd. Tues Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave. Weds City Church cnr Otumoetai Rd/Sherwood St. All classes 9.15-10.15am. First class free. Men & women welcome. No classes now until 2014.

Have a Merry Christmas & a properous New Year. See you next year. Dianne 576 5031 QualiďŹ ed Instructor/Cardiac Care leader.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Free, conďŹ dential info & advice about anything call in Mon - Fri at 38 Hamilton St, Tauranga 9am - 5pm or freephone 0800 367 222 Christmas Eve 9am – 12pm. Christmas Day, closed.

Boxing Day closed, Dec 27 closed, Dec 30 & 31 9am – 5pm. New Year’s Day closed, Jan 2 & 3 closed. Jan 6 9am – 5pm. JP service every Weds & Thurs 9-11.30am. Weds CAB service at Welcome Bay Community Centre 9.30am - 12.30pm closed until Jan 14, Fri at Mount Library 11.30am - 1.30pm closed until Jan 9. No appointment necessary. All welcome.

'HDGOLQH SP 7XHVGD\V Contributions should be less than 20 words.

Meditation

Free classes Mon 10am & Weds 7.30pm. Find peace, spiritual awareness & the meaning of your life. David 576 9764

Own Your Own Pony

Come & learn riding & pony care during the school holidays. There will be lots of fun activities. Helmet & riding boots provided. Ages from 6 +. Price $60 per day (Oscar approved) Dates: Jan 13-17 & 20-24 9am - 3pm. For bookings & info 544 1899 or info@taurangarda. co.nz

Tauranga Farmers Market

Tauranga Primary School cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd. Twilight market 5-7pm. Fresh & artisian produced food. Trixie 552 5278 or www.taurangafarmersmarket.co.nz

Tuesday 24 December Balmorals Leisure Marching Team

Ladies welcome to join aged 30-60 for fun, friendship & travel. Training every Tues at Greerton 6-8pm. Anita 571 4096 or 021 0257 6094

Midnight Mass & Carols

At St George’s Anglican Church, 1 Church St, Gate Pa 11pm – 1am. Join us for Carols at 11pm & then a celebration of Christmas with our ‘midnight communion service’ 11.30pm. All welcome.

Tauranga Acoustic Music Club

McSwiggan’s Irish Pub, 158 Cambridge Rd 7.30pm. Friendly jam sessions. Sing, play or just listen. Paul 579 2346 or www. tamc.org.nz

Wednesday 25 December Christmas Day Family Eucharist

At St George’s Anglican Church, Gate Pa Tauranga 9-10.30am. Christmas Day family service. The service includes readings about the Christmas story, carols & activities for the children. All welcome.

Free Community Christmas Day Dinner

At St Peter’s in the City, 130 Spring St, Tauranga 5pm. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time.

Register at the ofďŹ ce or ph 578 9608

Thursday 26 December Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

Salvation Army, Eversham Rd, Bayfair 7.30-8.30pm.

Boxing Day Relaxation

Downtown the Strand, Tauranga 11am – 8pm. Let the kids play safely on the Strand with activity bins. Relax with friends at one of the restaurants, bars or cafes.

Gina Pedrotti - Live & Vocal

At Brew Craft Beer Pub, 107 The Strand, Tauranga 3-6pm. Listen to some great talent on Boxing Day. Free admission. 578 3543

King & Queen of the Mount

Mount Main Beach 2-4.30pm.

Tauranga Heart Support Group Phase 3 rehab exercise, social events & guest speakers for those with or at risk of heart disease. Every Thurs at City Church Hall, Otumoetai Rd/Sherwood St 9.3010.45am. Men & women welcome. No classes now until 2014. Have a Merry Christmas & a properous New Year. See you next year. Dianne 576 5031 QualiďŹ ed instructor/Cardiac Care leader.

Friday 27 December Alcoholics Anonymous Open meeting every Fri at Hamner Clinic, 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton (behind Tyremaster) 7.30pm. 0800 229 6757 for more meetings or assistance.

Baypark Speedway

NZ Super Saloon GP/Sprint Car Champs, ASB Stadium 6.30pm.

Chess Tauranga

Every Fri at Tauranga RSA, Greerton 6pm onwards for the whole family. Noel 579 5412 http://www.westernbopchess. weebly.com/

Book Fair Fundraiser

Proceeds to the Victims of Bullies Trust.

13 Totara St, Mount Dec 27 - Jan 4 (closed New Years Day) 9am - 3.30pm each day. Eftpos available.

Gay/Bi Men’s Support Group

Do you need a trusting person to talk to? Discretion assured. For meetings & locations ph/text Alex 027 358 5934

Katikati Art Group Summer Sale

Artists interpretation of common sayings. Dec 27 - Jan 19. Gallery open in Memorial Hall, Main Rd, Katikati 10am - 4pm

Mauao Beach Volleyball

Grand Slam at Mount Main Beach East 9am - 5pm.

DON’T MISS OUT! PLEASE NOTE: Christmas & New Year What’s On and Gig Guide deadline. Send through your items by Monday 12 noon December 16 for Friday 27 editions to‌

DV LUH \OLQGHU 6(59,&(6

31

The Weekend Sun 0 8 6 , & 3 / 8 6

By Winston Watusi

Season of great music Nearly Christmas. We're on present watch – soundscapes); and Wothell (songs that wouldn't fit on the others). Recorded at the Boatshed Studio in this week it's tickets.

Yep, tickets are cool presents and with the veritable flood of touring acts coming to New Zealand in the next few months, still I assume courtesy of the continuing high dollar, there are plenty to chose from.

First of all though, a couple of quick bits of good news.

Local radio station, and the only radio station in the Bay that's actually dedicated to playing music from the Bay, Kiss-FM, is back!

Mt Maunganui’s own is on air with a new frequency, new mobile phone apps and new programmes. Founder Max Christoffersen says: “It’s been a while between FM transmissions but Kiss remained on-line in the years between and we’ve built a solid global following through the tunein.com streaming network with listeners worldwide coming to Kiss-FM for its on-line rock music.”

Tuning in

The station is using low-power FM frequency 106.9FM which means listeners will be able to pick it up in the car everywhere around Mt Maunganui and parts of Tauranga but at home will need a dedicated aerial for their FM tuner.

Mobile apps can be downloaded at tunein.com “I decided to turn everything back on. I love sharing the music of our local musicians and recent feedback from listeners as far away as Brazil, Japan and Europe confirms that others love our bands too.

Today, I believe that broadcasting local music from Brilleaux, Swamp Thing, Enercia, Kokomo, Grant Haua, John Michaelz and Luke Thompson on LPFM is better than not to broadcast at all.”

More about Kiss-FM in the new year...

Local talent abounds

Secondly, a couple of local albums have just been finished, too late to review (again, I'll get to that in the New Year) but worthy of a mention in case anyone wants them for Christmas pressies. From Christian singer Janneke comes Perfect Day, a collection of easy-listening pop recorded at The Colourfield in Welcome Bay. Find out more at www.jannekemusic.com.

And artist/musician Dave Roy has not one but four new CDs out. Seriously. They are: Walk-a-Bout (travel songs); Vent-My-Spleen (each song featuring a different Bay guitarist); Blue Elephant (moody

Whakamarama they're available from shavida@ihug.co.nz.

So...tickets. Astonishingly enough, and not including the many summer festivals, the following lot will all be touring in the next few months: Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Arctic Monkeys, Lionel Richie and John Farnham, Kodaline, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Paco Pena, Mango Groove, Brian McKnight, Queens of the Stone Age and Nine Inch Nails, Michael Bublé, James Blunt, Ellie Goulding, Jake Bugg, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Starship and 10CC, John Butler Trio, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis...

Okay. Get on-line. The tickets are there somewhere...

Three choices

Closer to home, here are three ideas: High-energy blues trio The Hipshooters, fronted by sensational guitarist Anton Tipi Elkington, are playing at Drivers Bar on January 3. $10 tickets are available at the bar (ph: 579 0502).

Kokomo play one of their legendary summer twilight shows at Mills Reef Winery on Wednesday January 8. The band are just finishing a new album - provisionally titled Bigger Than Brando – and are about to launch the first single. This will be an ideal chance to see their first local show since the sold-out concert at Easter's Jazz Festival, and a good way to showcase some great Tauranga music in a lovely outdoor winery setting for visitors to the Bay. A special menu will be available; numbers are strictly limited.

Tickets are $25 from Mills Reef (ph: 576 8800).

And Auckland's Beyondsemble will play at the Tauranga Art Gallery on Saturday, January 18. The entire quartet are multi instrumentalists and the band eclectically mixes Celtic, Eastern European music and Gypsy jazz with Latin and tango rhythms. Tickets are $30 ($25 for Friends of the Gallery or students), available at the Gallery (ph: 578 7933).

And I leave you with this Christmas message: the best and easiest mix for a pina colada is one measure of rum, two measures of coconut cream and three measures of pineapple juice. Add a little sugar or sugar syrup to bring it alive.

Shake with ice. Strain. Serve.

Merry Christmas everyone!

32 ' 9 ' 0 2 9 , ( 6

The Weekend Sun

With Winston Watusi

IRON MAN 3 Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce Each year there are a a whole bunch of Christmas movies. Most of them, however, go unnoticed because they don’t feature Santa or dewy-eyed children who get what they always wanted for Christmas (which often involves their estranged parents reuniting), or strikes at the North Pole or cuddly animals who “save Christmas�.

Of course, the great thing about “Christmasâ€? Christmas movies is that they never go out of fashion. It’s a Wonderful Life will be wonderful every Christmas, there’s no time frame. With that in mind, should you be ďŹ zzing like a celebratory champagne bottle at the thought of watching “Christmasâ€?

Christmas movies, here’s what the big-hearted folk at BrookďŹ eld Video Ezy recommended last year.

They’ll be just as good this time: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Four Holidays, and The Santa Claus.

Meanwhile, in the spirit of Grinches everywhere, I’m going to get my kicks from slightly more “subliminally� Christmasy fare. Like Iron Man 3.

Originally slated for a Christmas release it retained its seasonal touches even after rescheduling. Laugh at Robert Downey Jr’s wisecracks! Thrill at the action! Have the cockles of your heart warmed by a plethora of Christmas trees!

Below are another half dozen “alternativeâ€? Christmas movies. Or, if you want to catch some of the Christmas icks I’ve recommended in past years, try these: Brazil, Batman Returns, American Psycho, Bad Santa, Eastern Promises, Full Metal Jacket, LA ConďŹ dential, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Eyes Wide Shut, Die Hard, Die Hard 2, Lethal Weapon, The French Connection, Gremlins, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Das Boot, Donnie Brasko, The Boat That Rocked, Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest, Prometheus and, er, Love Actually.

Everyone's become used to Tim Burton and Johnny Depp creating deeply weird characters so it's worth going back to where it all started when Depp was just another pretty face from a teen-targeted TV show. Edward Sissorhands changed all that and touched even the hardest heart. It starts and ends at Christmas and the ďŹ nest moment involves sculpting ice – what's not to love?

In the long lost days when everybody loved a wino, before they nearly ruined it all by asking Russell Brand to do a remake, there was adorable little Dudley Moore and the alcoholic frenzy that was Arthur . There's no talk of rehab here, just a merry celebration of being rich and drunk, having John Gielgud as your butler, and falling in love with Liza Minnelli. At Christmas.

Or perhaps you fancy a little action? The Long Kiss Goodnight should have been a huge hit. It has an ass-kicking Gina Davis. And Samuel L Jackson doing Samuel L Jackson. She's a highly trained amnesiac assassin, he's sort of comic relief, together they blow up everything in sight. A very cool ďŹ lm complete with banks and banks of Christmas snow.

Or perhaps something a little more intellectual?

Stun your friends and family by watching Ingmar Bergman's Fanny & Alexander . Yes, it is in Swedish. Yes, it goes on for several hours.

But this domestic epic, showing us the delights and conicts of the Ekdahl family in 1910 through the eyes of the eponymous children, is richly rewarding.

And, yes, bits of it happen at Christmas.

Fantastic Not bad at all Dreadful

Damn ďŹ ne Dubious

Thanks to Video Ezy BrookďŹ eld for the DVDs

Sunday 22 – Krissie 4.30-7.30pm.

Club Mount Maunganui Friday 20 – Blaze.

The Matua Sunday 22 – The Blarney Boys 3-6pm.

Mount RSA Friday 20 – Helen Riley.

Saturday 21 – Our Soundz.

Thu Dec 19 to Wed Dec 25 131 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke.

Capitol Cinema 4

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson.

:L_\HS 9LMLYLUJLZ +Y\N <ZL

Thu 12:30, 8:30pm. Fri 2:55. Sat 8:30pm >PSS -LYYLSS :[L]L *HYLSS

Sun 5:35pm. Mon 2:45pm. Tue 3:15pm. Thu 12:00, 6:00, 8:45.

Fri 11:30, 6:00, 8:35.

ENDERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GAME (M) Violence.

Sat 2:40, 6:00, 8:35.

(KHW[H[PVU VM [OL ILSV]LK ZJP Ă&#x201E; UV]LS Sun 2:20, 5:00, 8:30. /HYYPZVU -VYK (ZH )\[[LYĂ&#x201E;LSK )LU 2PUNZSL` Mon 12:15, 6:00, 8:35.

Thu 3:30pm. Fri 6:10pm. Sat 3:35pm.

Tue 12:55, 6:10, 8:35.

Sun 1:00. Mon 8:30pm. Tue 11:00am.

THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE

(G)

-HTPS` *OYPZ[THZ [HSL :\ZHU )V`SL

Thu 12:10, 6:00pm. Fri 2:00, 8:00pm.

Sat 12:00, 6:00. Sun 11:30, 3:30, 7:30.

Mon 12:15, 6:00. Tue 2:10, 6:10, 8:10.

FINAL DAYS

BEYOND THE EDGE

(2D)

(G) NZ FILM.

Thu 2:10, 8:00. Fri 4:00. Sat 2:00, 8:00.

Sun 1:30pm. Mon 4:10, 8:00. Tue 12:15.

GARDENING WITH SOUL (G) NZ Doco.

Thu 4:00pm. Fri 12:00, 6:00pm. Sat 4:00.

Fri 1:55. Sun 11:00. Mon 12:15. Tue 11:00 Sun 5:30pm. Mon 2:10pm. Tue 4:10pm.

DELIVERY MAN

4 6MMLUZP]L 3HUN\HNL

=PUJL =H\NOU -05(3 >,,2 Mon 5:50pm.

Closed Christmas Day Only.

Set in Santiago, Chile, this drama follows Gloria (Paulina Garcia in a Berlin Silver Bear-winning performance) - a 58 year old divorcĂŠe who has no desire to spend her days and nights alone. Determined to defy old age and loneliness, she rushes headlong into a whirl of singlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; parties on the hunt for instant gratiďŹ cation. As the hedonistic adventure leads to disappointment,

0 2 9 , ( 6

she meets Rodolfo - an ex-naval ofďŹ cer seven years her senior to whom she feels romantically inclined. Gloria is gradually forced to confront her fondness of the bottle and her own familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tense dynamic, whilst navigating the difďŹ culties of her new-found romance, amid the constraints and demands of middle-aged life.

The Weekend Sun has two double passes to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gloriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for lucky readers who can tell us how old Gloria is.

Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section.

Entries must be received before Wednesday, January 15.

With Capital Theatre

FROZEN (3D)

(G) EARLY SCREENINGS! -YVT [OL *YLH[VYZ VM ¸;HUNSLKš HUK ¸>YLJR P[ 9HSWOš

Fri 11:30am. Sat 11:00am. Sun 11:00am.

(M) Offensive Language, Sexual References & Drug Use. 130mins

Fri 3:55pm. Sat 1:10pm. Sun 3:20pm.

PLAYING THIS WEEK

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 (2D) (G)

(M) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; contains sex scenes, offensive language, drug use 1hr 50min - Chile â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Spanish with English subtitles

movies

(G) 2YPZ[LU )LSS 1VZO .HK EARLY SCREENINGS THIS WEEKEND!

Thu 2:25, 5:35pm. Fri 11:30, 8:30pm.

Sat 11:15, 5:15pm. Sun 11:00, 7:30pm.

Mon 2:15, 5:25. Tue 11:30, 3:15, 6:45.

With Rialto

PLAYING NEW THIS THIS WEEK WEEK ININ 3D3D

FROZEN (2D)

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG (2D) (M) Viol. VU 4,.(ZJYLLU

0 2 9 , ( 6

Info line 573 8055 www.tepukecinema.co.nz

PLAYING THIS WEEK NEW THIS WEEK HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE ANCHORMAN 2 4 6MMLUZP]L 3HUN\HNL (M) Viol.

Before he made Gravity, Spanish director Alfonso CuarĂłn co-wrote and directed dystopian sci-ďŹ thriller Children of Men . It opens at Christmas and some see it as a loose futuristic take on the nativity story. With Clive Owen and Michael Caine. And a lot more guns.

And back when the pairing of Eddie Murphy and Dan Ackroyd was actually considered a good thing, Trading Places story of a poor street hustler placed in the lap of luxury while an aristocratic yuppie is reduced to poverty made for comedy gold. Having Jamie Lee Curtis as a hooker with a heart of gold didn't hurt. Ackroyd dresses as Santa, eats Christmas dinner on a bus and tries to kill himself. It's funnier than it sounds.

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION

OF SMAUG

(M) Violence.

:[HYYPUN! 4HY[PU -YLLTHU 0HU 4J2LSSLU 2LU :[V[[ HIGH FRAME RATE 3D SCREENINGS:

Thu 12:00, 5:10, 8:20pm. Fri 2:00, 5:30, 8:45.

Sat 1:20, 4:40, 8:00pm. Sun 1:20, 4:40, 8:00pm Mon 12:20, 8:00pm. Tue 1:25, 4:40, 8:00pm.

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 (3D) (G) (UPTH[LK *VT

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Thu 3:10pm. Sat 11:00am. Mon 3:40pm.

Director: Adam McKay - Starring: Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate, Kristen Wiig, Tina Fey, James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Harrison Ford, Sacha Baron Cohen, Kirsten Dunst, Liam Neeson.

With the 1970s behind him, San Diegoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to

the news desk in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Anchorman 2: The Legend Continuesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Also back for more are Ronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s co-anchor and wife, Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), weatherman Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), man on the street Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and sports guy Champ Kind (David Koechner) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of whom wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it easy to stay classyâ&#x20AC;Ś while taking the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst 24-hour news channel by storm.

New this week at Capitol Cinema 4, Te Puke.

33

The Weekend Sun

Car race with a difference for annual airshow Speeding along the ground, as well as in the air, has been a feature of each of the previous Classics of the Sky - Tauranga City Airshows â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and this airshow will be no different.

Farmer Motor Group managing director Mike Farmer explains the story behind the car versus jet race. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was an idea from a discussion with the organisers many years ago, where they were looking for something really special and different that also showcased exceptional speed â&#x20AC;&#x201C;both on the land and in the air,â&#x20AC;? says Mike. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It certainly achieves; over the years it has been improved and altered, with

this year being no exception â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you can expect a race, but not as you know it.â&#x20AC;?

The car, the favourite Audi R8 V10, has a cubic capacity of 5204ccs, with 404 kilowatts/550hp at 8000rpm.

With a top speed of 317km/h, it has an acceleration of 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds.

This time the car will not be racing a jet, and it will not be a direct race â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but instead an Aerospatiale AS350BA â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Squirrelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, owned and ďŹ&#x201A;own by Glenn Olliff of Taurangaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oceania Helicopters. This helicopter is used for agricultural, ďŹ lming, lifting, and commercial and tourism work, with capability of lifting 800kg. Watch for the unexpected twist a la Richard Hammond of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Top Gearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

The Farmer Motor Group car will race against an Aerospatiale AS350BA.

Quality music in a quality setting

Kokomo play a twilight concert at Mills Reef Winery on Wednesday, January 8, a great chance to hear top quality New Zealand music in a beautiful outdoor winery setting.

This will be the band's ďŹ rst concert in Tauranga since their sold-out Downhome Blues Revue show at the 2013 National Jazz Festival.

In the meantime Kokomo has been touring the country, headlining festivals as far aďŹ eld as Wellington and the Bay of Islands. The band has also been in the recording studio preparing songs for their eleventh album, provisionally titled Bigger Than Brando. The concert will feature the band's full six-piece line-up â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and maybe a guest or two - promising songs ranging from the earthy sounds of early Mississippi blues and ragtime to band favourites and some hot-off-the-press new tunes they have recently recorded.

As a special bonus, a free mp3 download of the ďŹ rst single from Bigger Than Brando will be made available to concert-goers giving them exclusive ďŹ rst access before the song is ofďŹ cially released.

The concert at Mills Reef will begin at 6.30pm.

Doors are open from 5pm and a special concert menu will be available for those wanting to dine. Tickets are $25, available from the winery (phone 576 8800) but

($6<

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book a table soon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; numbers are strictly limited.

The Weekend Sun has two tickets to Kokomo's concert at Mills Reef on January 8 to give away to a lucky reader who can tell us the name of Kokomoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upcoming album.

Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section. Entries must be received before 5pm Tuesday, December 31.

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The Weekend Sun

School’s wishes to come true Oropi School’s Christmas wishes are coming true with plans underway for four development projects beginning in 2014.

A tree hut and a scooter and skateboard track are being built in January – along with the refurbishment of four existing classrooms. The building of two new classrooms will begin in March.

The projects are part of the school’s Five Year Property Plan for 2012-2017. Principal Andrew King says Western Bay of Plenty District Council approved $400,000 for their classroom/property development plans in

Term 4 this year.

“Now that we have everything approved we can now press ahead with our plans we have been developing since 2010.

“We didn't want to start spending money on capital projects until we knew what we would have to fund ourselves and what would be funded externally.”

Beginning in January, four of the eight existing classrooms will be refurbished. A tree hut - built with wood from the 100-year-old Norfolk pine tree which fell on school grounds during a storm in 2010 – will also be created.

Construction of a scooter and skateboard track will begin next month – something which has been on the students’ wish-list

for a long time, says Andrew.

The 70metre long and two-metre wide skateboard track – allowing two-way traffic – will run along the back of the school field.

“Allowing scootering and skateboarding is another way to keep kids active. So that is why it is a priority.”

Andrew says children will be allowed to bring their skateboards, scooters and ‘bring-yourown’ ramps they can build during summer.

“In a school our size we have freedoms that larger schools cannot necessarily have because we have a smaller number of children and a smaller population.” Construction of new classrooms will begin in March, to be completed by Term 3.

By Zoe Hunter

Winery tour to serenade

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Prepay 4G $19 plan

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including singles ‘Take It Easy’, ‘Bulletproof ’, ‘Inventing Myself ’ and the brand new ‘Like It's Over’.

Completing the three-band line up is Breaks Co-Op, returning to the stage for the first time since their hit ‘The Otherside’.

Breaks Co-Op has a new single ‘Sounds Familiar’ and will release their first new album in eight years in January 2014.

Co-promoter Campbell Smith promises concert-goers a unique and unforgettable experience.

“It’s all about feeling good with friends and family, kicking off your shoes, having a wine or two, a dance and singing along.”

Keep an eye out in The Weekend Sun for our interviews with the tour’s stars.

Tickets can be purchased from: www.winerytour.co.nz

An evening of fun in the sun, being serenaded by Kiwi music legends Stan Walker, Breaks Co-op and The Exponents – that’s what’s on offer at next year’s Classic Hits Winery Tour.

Free 4G SIM on our new

$

Principal Andrew King with students showing where the tree house will be built. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Now in its eighth year, the event presented by Civic Events is coming to Tauranga on February 14.

Since performing their first ever gig on vocalist Jordan Luck’s 20th birthday, The Exponents has earned an unparalleled reputation for iconic, smash-hit laden, sing-along live shows, performing to generations of fans up and down New Zealand.

The Exponents’ four founding members have come together and will be bringing all of their hits along with a very special stage show designed specifically for the tour.

Filling the middle slot, and fresh from a sell-out nationwide tour, is Stan Walker.

Stan will be bringing his full live stage show to the wineries and not only will he be performing all of his well-loved hits, he’ll be introducing songs from his stunning new album ‘Inventing Myself ’

The Weekend Sun has a double pass to the Tauranga tour to give away to a lucky reader who can tell us the three music acts. Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section.

Entries must be received before Wednesday, January 15.

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Help people celebrate the memory of their loved ones and let them know you are here to help.

Phone Tasha on 07 928 3042 or tasha@thesun.co.nz

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Love me tender Wellington is not only the nation’s capital – it’s also perhaps the tender capital of New Zealand. They city has embraced the tender process over the auction procedure, which is more familiar to us further north.

However, there are occasions where it may be advantageous to both parties to utilise the more private tender marketing. I have such an instance at the moment.

In today’s world where unfortunate owners of property, deemed ‘at risk’ due to construction methods and building profile, wish to sell tender states a finite time-period for the sale but still gives the buyer (and seller) options.

Buyers do not need to have completed due diligence, as they do at auction where they buy unconditionally at the fall of the hammer and can impose conditions to their offer.

In this case it may be that builders apply for ‘builder’s terms’; making progress payments during a specified period rather than full settlement, as per our standard contract, so as to allow a re-clad.

Or take the case of another property a colleague has for sale where there has been a P-lab in the house. The tender applicant may insert conditions to prove safe future habitation.

Tender is a closed, (sealed envelope), bid whereas auction is totally opposite – very public where you can see or understand where your competition

lies and at what level.

Auctions are proving very popular with both buyers and sellers for their transparency. And in Tauranga our success rate is excellent – ask us for details. Indeed, in Tauranga currently the auction is king.

By Kirsty Walker, Eves Real Estate, Bethlehem.

41

The Weekend Sun

www.sunlive.co.nz/classifieds.html art & craft

health & beauty

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MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE We will be closed on the Statutory Holidays only Dec 25-26 and Jan 1-2. Otherwise our normal hours of 10am - 4pm Tuesday - Saturday. Monday by appointment.

Clay Art Studio & Leadlight Expressions, Historic Village, 17th Ave Ph 571 3726

NATURAL NEW ZEALAND Health Products. Something for everyone. NZ Registered Natural Therapies & Natural Medicine Practitioners. Opposite BP Te Puke. Ph 573 5533 www.naturaltherapiesnz.com and www.kiwikitz.com

BUILDING / ROOFING Repairs, maintenance, spouting, cleaning, gutters, decks, fences & more! From alterations to new work. Registered Builder. Ph 022 121 3356

TILER QUALIFIED TILER references available free quotes all types of work done from kitchen splashbacks to full tiled bathrooms. Contact Nelson 021 609 289

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FEELING LOST? Want to reconnect with self. Regain purpose, clarity and joy each day. Ph Chris at Balanced Success Coaching 027 548 2548 chris@balancedsuccess.co.nz www.balancedsuccess.co.nz

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cars for sale A NO DEPOSIT DEAL from $50 S Z &DUV YDQV [ V 7R Âż QG out more txt â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;NEWCARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and your name to 9090. Learner licence welcome, some conditions apply.

CAR FAIR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; buy or sell any vehicle every Sunday at 11th Avenue Car park opposite Mad Butcher 8am-noon. Ph for more information 027 733 9686 or www.taurangacarfair.co.nz

computers COMPUTER GETTING you down? Problems, viruses, upgrades, internet, new or refurb PCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tuition, or advice.

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Pensioner discounts. Ph Kyle at Tech Solutions 027 828 7078

dancing BALLROOM DANCE PARTNERS required, aged between 10-18 years.

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for sale BOAT TRAILER galvanised, suit 4 to 5 metre boat. Excellent condition. $1500. Ph Graham 549 4006 MASSAGE TABLE, electronic chiropractic standard, excellent condition $650. Ph 022 411 9304 PAVERS factory seconds half price. 55 Hull Rd, Mt Maunganui. Ph 575 4887 SMALL CONCRETE SLEEPERS everlasting and realistic from $9.00 each. Village Stone 55 Hull Rd Mt Maunganui Ph 575 4887

gardening GARDEN MAINTENANCE tree pruning, hedge trimming, rubbish removal, section tidy ups, odd jobs, WINZ quotes, affordable prices. Ph Philip 0800 334 453 or 544 5591

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livestock 6 WHITE FACED weaned calves - $360. 6 mixed cross weaned calves - $320. Ph 543 0851 or 027 366 1251 AC PETFOODS collect injured & unwanted cows & horses.

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lost & found SPCA FOUND Kittens, various areas, various colours. Bellevue, short hair tortoiseshell female cat Ref #19325. Mt Maunganui, short haired tortoiseshell female cat Ref #19334. Matua short haired tabby & white male cat Ref #19337. Cockateil central Tauranga Ref #19341. Judea short haired tabby male cat Ref #19342. Mt Maunganui brindle male puppy Ref #19345. Judea short haired tabby/torti female cat Ref #19350.

Greerton short haired grey female cat Ref #19351. Greerton short haired tabby male cat Ref #19352.

Greerton short haired tabby male cat Ref #19353. Te Puna short haired white cat #19359. Hairini tan puppy Ref #19360. Pyes Pa short haired female tabby cat Ref #19366.

Ph 07 578 0245 for more info.

mobility MOBILITY SCOOTERS wheelchairs, walkers & more. Visit our showroom 29 Burrows St, Tauranga. Ph 578 1213 MES â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Supporting your independence

retail â&#x20AC;&#x2122;VINTAGE retro - shabbi chic collectables. 2/22 Hull Rd, Mount. facebook.com/ vintagemtmaunganui www. vintagemtmaunganui.com

trades & services BOAT BUILDING repairs and maintenance. Timber & fibreglass trade qualified, boat builder. Ph Shaun 021 992 491 or 07 552 0277

GUTTERING CLEAN and repairs moss removal. ([SHULHQFHG &HUWLÂż HG 5RRIHU Free quotes. Ph Peter now 542 4291 or 0274 367 740 HANDYMAN BUILDING and section maintenance, decks, fencing, pergolas, painting, water blasting, odd jobs.

Free quotes Ph Rossco 027 270 3313 or 544 5911 INSECT SCREENS Measure.

Make. Mend. Contact Rob at Magic Seal 543 4940 PAINTER / A1 DECORATOR available. All interior & exterior work. Prompt, reliable, excellent references. Ph Paul 576 4793 or 027 689 6252

PAINTER / DECORATOR Interior and Exterior, quality workmanship friendly services.

Over 20 years specialising in residential and more. Quality paint at trade prices. For your best advice in all areas. Ph Shane Mount/Tauranga Decorators 07 544 6495 or 021 575 307 PAINTING AND PAPERING work wanted. 40 years experience in the trade. Professional workmanship and free quotes.

Ph Alpro Painters 022 062 3590 ROOF PAINTING & maintenance. Roofs rescrewed.

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Maintenance, repairs or replacement. Free no obligation quotes. PROFIX 027 496 5375 SURÂż [OWG#[WUD FR Q] ROOFING new roofs re-roofs spouting and repairs. Free quotes. Ph Chris 027 276 6348 or 572 3237 STUMPINATOR STUMP Grinding free quotes & prompt service. Narrow machine to access rear yards. Ph 576 4245 or 022 076 4245 TAURANGA Skydiving Best the Bay, Gift Ph 576 7990

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TIMBER RETAINING WALLS decks and all types of fencing.

Excellent work at a competitive price. Ph Clive 021 048 2833 or 552 6510 TREE SHRUB and hedges trimming, topping removal, rubbish removal, satisfaction guaranteed free quote. Ph Steve Hockly 571 5958 or 027 498 1857

transport DRIVING MISS DAISY relief for busy families let us take care of the transportation of your parents to appointments or outings. Safe, friendly, reliable service. Ph Jackie from Driving Miss Daisy 552 6614 RING A DIALA DRIVER A safe and affordable way for you and your car to get home.

Ph 576 1234 or 021 924 890

Favourite walks of the Bay Hello my fabulous readers. In time for summer, and all the fun outside â&#x20AC;&#x201C; here are some interesting venues for canine outings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; try them out with your pooch!

First up is the Gordon Carmichael Reserve. This a great spot for bird lovers such as myself and Flo. The ducks in the pond are really pleased when we swim out to greet them.

The park is used by a lot of dog owners; please stay on a leash if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the excitable type. There are heaps of boardwalks and large grassy areas and room for ball throwing in places.

There are excellent walking and cycling links between Bethlehem and BrookďŹ eld through 60 hectares of storm water reserve with native plants and a wide variety of birds. An outdoor classroom

is used for things like the Learning Through Discovery programme for schools.

There is a playground, toilets and drinking fountain available in the centre of the reserve near the main car park. Thanks Gordon!

Secondly, I must give glory to the Te Puna Quarry Park.

This is a fantastic community development project on the old quarry site that has been developed as gardens, walkways, open areas and sculpture art.

Best to stay on a lead, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of exercise for dogs and people.

Some of the tracks are steep and a bit challenging in the wet, but you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to take on all the steep sections to get a good outing. Lovely views from some of the tracks.

The artwork is pretty cool too. A great outing for all the family, and the pooch.

Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your favourite walking spot?

Let us know!

Email corrie@thesun.co.nz - Ady

travel & tours A HOLIDAY or day out.

Join us for trips away. Lake Waikaremoana, Huka Falls Cruise, Whos, Day tours every week. Ph Kae or Rick, Hinterland Tours 575 8118 FEBRUARY TOURS White Island Scenic Flight, Lake Waikaremoana & Mahia, Daniel Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell Show, Auckland. Ph Kae & Rick, Hinterland Tours 575 8118 JANUARY TOURS Auckland Sky Tower Luncheon, Duck Tour in a WW2 Amphibious Vehicle on Rotorua Lakes, Coast to County Escape, Jet Boat Tour on Matahina Dam. Ph Kae & Rick, Hinterland Tours 575 8118 NO.8 TOURS receive your free Newsletter, enjoy VIP pricing for great day and overnight tours throughout NZ. Ph 579 3981 TAURANGA TASTING TOURS & CHARTERS Give a special gift! Vouchers available for: Local Tasting Tour $130.00pp.

(Transport, tastings, dessert) JAN 26: Vilagrad Winery smorgasbord & transport $74.50 www. tastingtours.co.nz Ph 07 544 1383

wanted to rent HELP I am a full time working professional in need of somewhere to live. No pets, just me. Any area considered, house, Ă&#x20AC; DW DSDUWPHQW HWF 3OHDVH Ph or txt me 027 327 7672

Gordon Carmichael Reserve.

Te Puna Quarry Park.

My name is Charlie and I am a lovely 6 year old male cat.

I came to the SPCA after I had been living under someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hedge and one day they brought me here since I had a wound on my foot. I have been

checked by the vet and had my foot all healed up so now I just want to go to a new home. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a very affectionate and cuddly cat, so come on in and give me a pat and see if you would like to take me home or phone 5780245 for more information. Ref no. 19235

42

The Weekend Sun

When Christmas comes, whose praises will you sing?

In 1739, the English hymn writer and preacher Charles Wesley (1707-1788), while meditating upon the birth of Jesus, wrote the first version of the now popular Christmas carol ‘Hark! The herald angels sing’.

Wesley’s evangelist colleague, George Whitefield, is credited for improving the original version with a more modern English phrase in the opening stanza.

This much-loved carol puts the focus clearly and squarely on Jesus as the incarnate God, who was pleased with man to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel (Immanuel means, God with us).

Sadly though, at Christmas not everyone is singing

CHRISTMAS WITH BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH Sat 21 December

“A Night Before Christmas” at Bethlehem Town Centre - 7.30pm (Sun 22nd if wet) details www.anightbeforechristmas.co.nz

Sun 22 December

“Cool Bananas Christmas Play” with community childrens choir.

9.00am & 10.45am at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 90 Bethlehem Road

Wed 25 December

“Christmas Day” at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 90 Bethlehem Road 9.00am & 10.00am

www.bethlehem.org.nz

God’s praises. For many the focus at Christmas is not on the real reason for the season. Too often, the focus on Christmas is that it is just a holiday period, a time to be with family, and perhaps an opportunity to give something back to the community.

Next time you wander through the malls and hear the beautiful carols playing across the PA system, or hear them aired on the radio or television, take a

moment to reflect on what God has done. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17.

The challenge this Christmas is to attend a local bible-teaching church and lift our hearts, minds and voices in praise to our wonderful, merciful, Saviour God.

By Richard Roodt, Bay Bible Fellowship

A summer barbecue invitation The Church is not just a building or a time to meet on Sundays. Neither is the Church meant to be a club or other social group.

The Church is God’s desire for relationship within a community that shares his heart for all humanity.

Christmas celebrates Jesus as Immanuel, God with us. God leaving heaven for Earth so we might know him. With Jesus as our model we seek to move beyond those four walls – to the beach, the people, to feed them both physically and spiritually.

In our case it’s a free barbecue on Hart Street in Mount Maunganui at 5pm during summer (from December 22 to February 16). The gathering is informal, but expect free food, good music and the best news you’ve ever heard.

God created the beach, the sun, and the surf and as we get to know him and his love for us through his only son Jesus Christ, we get to enjoy his beautiful creation all the more.

Our aim at Shoreline Church is to know and enjoy God by making him known and enjoying him with others.

So if you’re in the Mount at 5pm on Sundays this summer consider this your invitation to join us.

43

The Weekend Sun

Celebrate Christmas in song For several years, Central Baptist Church, situated at the corner of Cameron Rd and 13th Ave, has presented a cantata as part of their Christmas celebrations.

Once again, this year the choir has been practising for several weeks to present another cantata entitled ‘The King of Love’.

This presentation has been researched, taught and conducted

by Valda Benfell, a local music and singing teacher with vast experience in training and conducting choirs.

Pastor Grant Wright wants to emphasise this presentation is not just for church members and other Christians, but for all who appreciate good music and singing. He assures the public a warm welcome awaits all who wish to attend on Sunday, December 22 at 7pm. There is no charge for admittance. Early arrival is advised, as parking and seating are limited.

Would you miss the significance?

If I was an observer in Jesus’ day, I can see how easily I could have missed his significance.

He had dubious beginnings, given that his mother was pregnant before she was married (Mat1:18).

After growing up with very ordinary parents (Luke1:26-27), it was a surprise when he started speaking publicly, because everyone just knew him as a solid working class man (Mat13:54-56).

You can’t totally blame the leaders of his day for being so dismissive of him – he had no formal qualifications (John7:15).

There were questions about his character too, because how could someone spend so much time with lawbreakers without being affected by it? (Mat9:10-11).

No doubt, his being

financially supported by some women would also have raised an eyebrow (Luke8:1-3).

As he taught and healed people his popularity grew (Mark1:43-45), but the powerful people who could really have ‘opened doors’ for him were the very ones he fought with the most (Mat23:13-39). Instead, he spent his time with people that really had very little to offer him in return (Luke15:1-2). As a result, he was blacklisted by the authorities (John9:22).

As an outside observer, I can see how I could have missed his significance.

But Jesus didn’t call people to observe him.

He called them to follow him (Mat4:19). For those at a safe distance, there is no reward. But for those willing to risk relationship with Jesus up close, they will find the gift of life (John11:25-26).

Take the gamble on a fresh encounter with Jesus today. You won’t be disappointed. Merry Christmas.

LIFEZONE CHRISTMAS 2013 SUNDAY @ 10AM 7 OAK LANE JUDEA Christmas Choir Childrens’ Item Carol Singing Free Coffee and Sausage Sizzle

44

The Weekend Sun

accepted.