Times - 03 May 2023

PREMS ALMOST CRACK TON

“I AM NOT AFRAID TO USE ARMED FORCE...”

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Police are making enquiries after learning of a letter which has purportedly been distributed to local homes and raises concerns about the amount of crime in the community.

The letter states its author is a “licensed firearm holder” who’s “prepared to use whatever force is necessary to protect my family at home or my business”.

Photos of the typed letter were posted on a community Facebook page. The document was said to have been found in a mailbox on April 21.

It’s addressed to residents in three streets in Botany Downs and entitled “We are tired of the crime in our community”.

It states the author was shocked to learn a friend was

robbed over the recent long weekend while they were away and goes on to talk about the Labour Government’s law and order policies.

“Our government’s response to crime, of lack thereof, is disgusting and sorrowful.

“It is not just an issue with policing policy. It is also an issue regarding how the government views economic and social policy. This government promotes the idea that no one needs to be responsible for their own actions.”

The letter states its author has seen what it’s like “when crime was rampant” and they “moved to New Zealand because it was safe and beautiful”.

They say their house in their home country was broken into and their sister had a knife held to her throat.

Pakuranga United Rugby Club’s premier team player Carter Hackett goes for broke against Waitakere at home in Bell Park at the weekend. Times photo Wayne Martin. Full story, page 19

Young singers belt out ABBA

Sancta Maria College in Flat Bush is ready to raise the curtain on its high-energy staging of the popular musical Mamma Mia!

The senior school’s production features the much-loved music of Swedish supergroup ABBA.

It’s based on the fictional film of the same name, which tells the story of a young woman looking forward to her wedding.

She and her fiancé live on a Greek island where her mother runs a hotel.

The bride-to-be is unsure who her

father is so she invites three men her mother used to know to the wedding in an effort to learn more about her life.

 Performances are at 7pm on May 9 and May 11-13 in the school’s auditorium at 319 Te Irirangi Drive.

 Doors open at 6.40pm. Purchase tickets from the school cashier during school hours and get in soon as there are limited numbers for each show. Tickets cost $16.50 for children aged under 18 years old, $23 for adults and $60 for a family of two adults and two children.

Taking action over a dispute

We receive many queries about people’s consumer rights regarding faulty goods and services and queries about disagreements between tenants and landlords. Often, the best option is to first contact the person or business with whom you have a problem, in person or in writing, to see if an agreement can be reached. In some cases, mediation may be possible, for example with a car dealer or mechanic who belongs to the Motor Trade Association, or the Tenancy Tribunal if you are a landlord or tenant.

If no agreement can be reached, you may be able to apply to the Disputes Tribunal or the Tenancy

TIMESWORD

PUZZLE NO. 8108

Tribunal for a ruling. Unfortunately, decisions made by the Disputes or Tenancy Tribunal can be challenging to enforce. If a decision has been made that work will be done for you or payment will be made, a deadline will be given by the tribunal. If that deadline has passed and the payment or work has not eventuated, you have several options. Our CAB website states you can:

 Apply to the District Court to have the Tribunal decision enforced. To do this, contact your local District Court (or the Civil Enforcement staff if it is a small District Court). For example, if the person who owes you money

CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

1. Lines with the pink, you say (4).

7. A stick of furniture? (4-5).

8. Have the attendant call for (4).

9. You will modernise it (4).

10. Returned it myself after a while (4).

11. Back last, I go in to have a meal (4).

14. Getting a false trail on the herd, scattered and straying (3,7).

16. Isn’t the first to be doing well (10).

19. Always right behind the girl (4).

22. The light is back-to-front? Nonsense! (4).

24. Examine the ring and the bar (4).

25. Brand-new? The sauce! (4).

26. A large drink for “11” (6,3).

27. Without getting on with the instruction (4).

1. A fast one day strike preceded it (5).

2. Keep waving from the cart (5).

3. Tied or got beaten (6).

4. Continue and give a brief account (6).

5. A dead slug? (4).

QUICK CLUES

6. Is the fellow arranging the game about to make a hash of it? (9).

12. Feeling at home teaching (9).

13. He brought the icebreaker right through (4).

15. Tease the English on fashion (4).

17. Having resented the success of, aim to compete with in (6).

18. Absorbed in the design (6).

20. The material is awful. There’s nothing in it (5).

21. Gives out about the scales (5).

23. Create friction with a young woman (4).

SUDOKU

is an employee or receiving a benefit, either party could apply for an attachment order (where money is deducted from weekly pay in small amounts until paid).

 If you have a possession order from the Tenancy Tribunal but the tenant refuses to leave, you can apply to the District Court for an eviction warrant, and a bailiff or the police will remove the tenant.

 If the order is to pay money, you could hire a debt collection agency to collect.

 If the order was to do some work by the deadline, you can apply to the Disputes Tribunal to order that they pay

you money instead. Get your lawyer to write a formal letter to the other person, asking them to follow the order. Further information is available on our website, www.cab.org.nz or you can call, email or visit a CAB office for free, confidential help with any part of the dispute process.

 This Solutions Column has been compiled by Mary and is a regular Times editorial from the Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga/Eastern. Email enquiries. pakuranga@cab.org.nz, phone 576 8331 or visit us at the Library Building, Pakuranga. You can also email our Botany offices botany@cab.org.nz or Phone 271 5382 or visit us as at Botany CAB, rear Food Court entrance, Botany Town Centre.

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THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE TIDES

Starring in Sancta Maria College’s production of Mamma Mia! are, from left, Odile De Jesus, Ella Dickens and Maryam Shah. Times photo Wayne Martin

National to boost nurse numbers

By CHRIS HARROWELL

People who train as nurses or midwives will have part of their student loans repaid by taxpayers if they work in the sector in New Zealand for the first five years of their career.

It’s a policy the National Party hopes will address the country’s dire shortage of such workers and will be implemented if it’s elected to Government at this year’s general election on October 14.

Party leader and Botany MP Christopher Luxon says the country’s health system is in crisis, with a “severe shortage of nurses and midwives contributing to ballooning waitlists, delays accessing treatment and dangerously overcrowded emergency departments”.

“Under National, the Government will pay nurses’ and midwives’ student loan repayments up to $4500 a year for the first five

years of their career. This means a nurse or midwife over five years would be $22,500 better off. This increases their take-home pay by $87 a week.”

Luxon says almost 19,000 nurses have left the public health sys-

tem in the past five years, but the Labour Government disputes that claim.

Health Minister Ayesha Verrall told news media that figure represented the number of nurses who had left the sector or moved into

another nursing role within New Zealand.

Luxon says nurses and midwives are “doing their best” but have been badly failed by a Labour Government that has not prioritised investing in the frontline.

To access the scheme, nurses and midwives will need to enter into a bonding agreement with the Government where they commit to working in New Zealand for at least five years after they graduate.

“This will also be open to registered nurses and midwives already in the workforce who have graduated within the last five years, on a pro-rata basis,” Luxon says. “This will support the health sector to retain these early-career nurses and midwives in New Zealand.”

Luxon promoted the policy during a visit to the East Care Accident and Medical centre in Botany on May 1. He was given a tour of the centre by staff including clinical

Trying to solve the great mussel mystery

They’re tiny – invisible to the naked eye – and they may hold the missing piece to an environmental puzzle in Auckland’s blue backyard.

Tens of thousands of spat or baby mussels have been making their way in a chilly-bin from a commercial hatchery in Nelson to Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium – for a new life in the big city. Their mission? To help restore

Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui-ā-

Toi – the Hauraki Gulf – back to its former abundance, says Katina Conomos, executive director of Revive our Gulf.

“Right now, the bottom of the gulf in large parts is a sludgy, gloopy mess of mud and sediment. Ask any diver,” says Conomos.

“It wasn’t always like that – at the turn of the 20th Century the inner Hauraki Gulf was carpeted

with over 600sq km of mussel beds – the equivalent of 80,000 rugby fields.

“Last century, the humans started dredging the beds to harvest mussels to eat. That peaked in the 50s and 60s. Amazingly, we ate the lot, without understanding the consequences.”

Conomos says mussels/kūtai are ecosystem heroes. “They clean the seawater, provide structure,

protection and accommodate baby fish, species like tāmure/snapper so sought after as kai moana,” she says.

“Without kūtai beds, and along with other pressures resulting from our burgeoning biggest metropolis, the marine ecosystem of the Hauraki Gulf took a big hit.

“So far we’ve deployed 370 tonnes of kūtai in two experimental projects around the gulf.

director Peter Woodward and operations manager Lianne Webber.

Speaking to the news media afterward, Luxon said the country’s healthcare system is in “tremendous crisis”.

“There is no greater brunt being borne by our nurses and our midwives at the moment.

“So what we’ve got is a very simple process to say ‘look, we want to be able to develop talent from within New Zealand to go into nursing and we want to incentivise and encourage those young people to do that’. At the same time we need to be able to attract great overseas nurses that are qualified here as well.”

A National Government will also establish a relocation support scheme offering up to 1000 qualified overseas nurses and midwives grants worth up to $10,000 each to support their move to New Zealand.

Researchers will try and find a particular type of seaweed that might entice the spat to start a community on the ocean floor.

National Party leader Christopher Luxon, left, spoke with East Care Accident and Medical clinical director Peter Woodward, centre, and operations manager Lianne Webber during a visit to the centre on May 1. Times photo Wayne Martin

Revive our Gulf is trying to re-mussel the Hauraki Gulf – Tīkapa Moana. Photo Shaun Lee

Howick hosts country’s only wrap school

Long-time east Auckland local Phillip Garratt, who brings decades of experience to the business, owns the NZ Wrap School in Moore Street and he’s also its main trainer.

His goal is to teach people how to apply self-adhesive vinyl to vehicles of all shapes and sizes so they can then get a foot in the door of a business requiring those skills.

“The age groups we cater for are about 16 years old up to 45 or 50,” Phillip explains. “We have people coming here from all around the country to learn.

“They get a really good understanding of the industry. It’s for people who want to either learn how to wrap their own car or are looking to get into the industry.

“A lot of people are doing it for a career change or up-skilling within the signage industry.”

The school offers a three-stage programme run over three days from Wednesday-Friday, so each stage is a single day.

It’s a practical programme for people who enjoy working with their hands rather than listening to a tutor talk for hours on end.

Each day starts with Phillip running through a short presentation

before the students get stuck in.

“We cover a lot of content,” he says.

“Generally by the end of the first day people have a good basis in vinyl application and they’re confidently wrapping components.

“We give people the basics and the fundamentals and cover everything they need to know.”

Phillip’s had a successful career in the industry since about 1996 so he knows what he’s talking about.

His first job back then was wrapping buses and doing advertising panels for the Yellow Bus Company.

He’s happy for anyone with questions about the school to give him a call or email him and says people who complete each course stage receive a certificate.

“We’re the only dedicated wrap school in New Zealand.

“I created it because it didn’t already exist and I wanted to

reduce the amount of failures in the industry.

“People were doing the wrong things or not finishing correctly, or had done the incorrect prep.

“I wanted to create an environment where people are hands-on, touching the film, learning the correct squeegee techniques, and I really wanted to get rid of bad habits before they begin.

“Even experienced people are required to do stage one of the programme to make sure they’ve got everything right and they get a lot from it.”

People who take the course will be in a good position to find employment in the signage industry or in an individual wrap shop, Phillip says.

“They’ll be able to apply potentially full wraps such as on cars or trucks with livery and other kinds of corporate signage, so the skills learned here can be transferred to the signage industry.

“There’s definitely a demand for such skills and it’s becoming more and more popular.”

The programme costs $495 per stage and each stage is a day long. Don’t hesitate – call or email Phillip today.

Phillip Garratt,Trainer.

Times photos Wayne Martin

Thousands sign petition opposing ‘speed bumps’

By CHRIS HARROWELL

More than 2400 people have signed a petition calling for a plan to install raised crossings on Ti Rakau Drive as part of the Eastern Busway project to be scrapped.

The petition was launched by Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown, who opposes the Auckland Transport (AT) proposal to build two raised safety platforms near the future Gossamer and Pakuranga Stations, while a raised pedestrian crossing would be placed at the Edgewater Station.

They’re intended to help people safely get across Ti Rakau Drive by calming the speed of traffic without causing significant delays.

Several hundred people turned out to a public meeting Brown hosted in Pakuranga last month to hear about the plan from AT and Eastern Busway Alliance officials.

The officials said the crossings would be just 75mm high and would add eight seconds to a vehicle’s travel time when traffic is flowing freely. Brown recently presented his petition with a letter on the issue to AT chief executive Dean Kimpton.

His letter describes the “speed bumps” planned for Ti Rakau Drive as “unnecessary” and states

they provide “no real benefit while having a detrimental impact on non-busway traffic”.

“It will dramatically increase congestion and cause significant traffic-flow disruption for those who choose to drive, or those who have to drive.”

The busway purports to ease congestion and improve access to the South Eastern Highway at the Ti Rakau Drive and Reeves Road intersection, “yet such improvements will be negated by these speed bumps which will slow everybody down”, Brown’s letter says.

“East Aucklanders have been patiently waiting whilst engaging in years of consultation on the design of the Eastern Busway and deserve better than having the long-awaited project undermined by these unnecessary and detrimental changes. I urge you to consider this petition indicating this strong community opposition and to stop these speed bumps from going ahead.”

Brown told the Times he’s “very grateful” to the 2408 people who signed the petition. “Ti Rakau Drive is a critically important

arterial road and should not have speed bumps installed on it. We’ve now submitted that petition to Auckland Transport’s chief executive and we’re hoping for a common sense solution and answer to this problem.”

He wants AT to consider alternative solutions that increase safety at the crossing points without making congestion on Ti Rakau Drive worse, such as better signage and lighting and other measures. “I’m hopeful but I’m not holding my breath,” he says. “

The reality is we’re seeing AT make decisions like this all over Auckland. Unless there’s public outcry and pushback, they continue with it, so it’s important everyone who signed the petition did so. We have to continue to put the pressure on them.”

Brown says he expects to get an update on the issue from AT in May. “I’ll then be encouraging them to explain that to the community. They need to be accountable and responsible to the people who pay their salaries through their rates and taxes.”

The AT officials who attended Brown’s public meeting in Pakuranga told the audience they’d take their feedback on board and come back with an update.

NATIONAL’S PLAN TO ADDRESS NURSING SHORTAGE

Our health system has been falling apart on Labour’s watch and this is no better illustrated than by the massive shortage of nurses and midwives we have seen in recent years.

It has been estimated that, across the country, we are currently short about 4000 nurses needed in order to deliver the healthcare that New Zealanders expect and deserve. This is a major factor in the longer wait times and overcrowded emergency departments we have seen and experienced too much of, and urgent action must be taken before it starts to cost lives.

A big part of this shortage is due to the aggressive recruitment

‘I’m not afraid to use armed force’

 From page 1

The letter then says the author is “not afraid to use armed force in self-defence if my business, home or my family or neighbours are assaulted”.

“I am a licensed firearm holder and I am prepared to use whatever force is necessary to protect my family at home or my business.”

The author says they’ve set up a neighbourhood watch and extended its protection to “neighbours who have consented”.

The letter ends with advice for residents to help them stay safe, such as keeping valuable items out of sight, keeping doors locked, joining a local neighbourhood support group and setting up an alarm system.

Counties Manukau East Police relieving area commander, Inspector Rakana Cook, says police have begun making enquiries to establish who circulated the letter “so we can connect with them to discuss their concerns”.

of New Zealand-trained nurses by other countries, luring them to higher-paying options overseas. This has to be addressed, and over the weekend National announced our policy to encourage nurses to stay in New Zealand and work here.

The key part of our plan is to offer to pay off a large portion of the student loan debt incurred by nurses training in New Zealand, up to $4500 a year for five years that they work here after graduating, a total of $22,500.

Many graduates don’t leave because they want to, but because they feel they need to in order to pay off their student loans. This is a common reason why recent

graduates take up offers overseas, so paying it off for them is a small thanks we can offer in return for staying and contributing their expertise here.

We will also offer a $10,000 relocation grant for nurses overseas to come to New Zealand, to better compete with other countries. This would apply to up to 1000 qualified nurses or midwives and will help fill the shortage in a small space of time.

National has costed this policy at around $60 million a year, and we will pay for it out of the $400 million of savings we have committed to by reducing Labour’s spending on consultants and contractors.

Our health system is far from one anyone should expect out of a developed nation, and it is only going to get worse if we do not immediately take steps to address the issues we face.

This policy is just the first of several we will roll out to get our healthcare back to a level that Kiwis can trust will deliver and save lives.

Simeon Brown, MP for Pakuranga

“Police are working hard every day to prevent crime and hold offenders accountable, but we acknowledge our communities’ concerns around crime. When it comes to a person’s safety, we would strongly suggest they call police or get themselves into a position where they and their family are safe.

“We would not recommend trying to use weapons or violence because you can be dealing with brazen offenders and your safety is paramount to us.”

Cook says people with concerns about crime in their neighbourhood should contact their local police station. As the Times recently reported, the number of Kiwis who have reported being the victim of crime has risen 46 per cent since 2017.

Police data shows the number of victimisations increased from 241,000 in 2017 to 350,000 last year.

The stretch of the Eastern Busway from Pakuranga to Botany includes a controversial plan to install raised crossings on Ti Rakau Dr. File image supplied



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Anzac Sound and Light Tribute

After praising the favourable weather when writing last month, sadly rain and wind conspired to delay the start of the Anzac Sound and Light Tribute. Fortunately, we were able to hold this successfully over two nights before Anzac Day and the turnout was, again, great to see.

Special Anzac banners had been purchased and were erected throughout the Village to add to the remembrance events.

Positive activity in the Village continues and we welcome:

• Inderjit and his team who have reopened Mehmaan Indian Restaurant in Uxbridge Road following renovations to the restaurant.

• Izakaya – 5 Loaves & 2 Fish Sake/Japanese Restaurant at 87D Picton Street (ex Malaysian Nyuonya Restaurant)

• Keto Gems in Rosscourt Courtyard on Cook Street

The business to occupy the premises at 87 Picton Street (ex-Vivo Hair Salon in the market square) continues to keep everyone guessing but refitting is underway so the identity of the occupant should be known soon.

The HVA was extremely pleased to be successful in obtaining funding from the Lion Foundation to assist with the cost of purchase and installation of an additional eight CCTV cameras in the village and it is hoped these will be installed soon.

The presence of the recently installed cameras have already proven their worth as video footage assisted police in identifying those involved in an act of vandalism in the market square.

Auckland Transport is inviting consultation on the future transport plan for Auckland and we encour-

age Howickians to submit feedback either online or by emailing futuretransportprojects@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz

The lucky winners of prize hampers in the recent Easter Hunt Competition were Aaron Watt, Isla McKenzie and Oliver and Jemima Briscoe.

Remember to look out for offerings of High Tea in the Village this Saturday to celebrate the coronation. –GeraldPatterson,Deputy Chair,HowickVillage Association

Big Bike Film Night winner

Congratulations to Gary Burns of Half Moon Bay. He won a double pass to The Big Bike Film Night in Howick this week.

26TH APRIL – 11TH MAY 2023

HOW TO ENTER

Drop your till receipt, with your name and phone number on the back, into one of the entry boxes when you spend $50.00 or more in Howick Village with participating retailers.

GO INTO THE DRAW TO WIN

> A robe to the value of RRP $130 from Lily Whyte

> $150 Basalt voucher

New site required for National Erebus Memorial due to safety

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has announced significant damage caused at the proposed National Erebus Memorial site by recent extreme and unprecedented weather events in Auckland means a new home for the memorial needs to be found.

Final approval for the national memorial was made in November, 2020.

Howick’s Rev Dr Richard Waugh was the initiator of the National Erebus Memorial project (from early 2016) and is an aviation chaplain and historian.

In a statement to the Times , Waugh said as the initiator of the National Erebus Memorial over seven years ago, it is a matter of real regret to him “and the Erebus families I am sure”, that the process has taken so long to establish the national memorial to the Erebus air accident of 1979, still New Zealand’s worst peacetime disaster.

“From the recent report and photographs, the recent extreme weather events have clearly rendered the Dove-Myer Robinson Park site unusable as a safe memorial site,” Waugh said.

“I commend the Government, the Ministry of Culture & Heritage, Ngati Whatua Orakei, and Auckland Council as they now consider the best new site.

“I recall the significant consultation with Erebus families about the key characteristics regarding the memorial and site; which indicated families wanted a memorial that was easily accessible, attractive and not in a cemetery nor at Auckland International Airport.

“I am confident about the new planning processes outlined by the Ministry that the families’ views will be well taken into account as a new site is decided upon. I would ask all New Zealanders to continue to be respectful to the bereaved Erebus families and for us collectively to do all we can to ensure that a suitable, welcoming National Erebus Memorial is established.

“Further, as an aviation chaplain, my plea would be for pastoral urgency, as some senior Erebus family members, particularly the many spouses and siblings of vic-

tims, are now elderly and do not want to miss the very special opening and dedication of the National Erebus Memorial.”

The memorial site faces Judges Bay and takes a small portion of grass area and step bank with the TePaerangi Ataata – Sky Song design by award-winning Studio Pacific Architecture, in collaboration with artists Jason O’Hara and Warren Maxwell.

The design incorporated a walkway with two feature walls, using materials which evoke the stark beauty of the Antarctic environment: one curved wall of mirrored stainless steel featuring 257 snowflake shapes cut out to represent each person who was lost; the other of white concrete, listing their names and an extract from Bill Manhire’s poem Erebus Voices. A glass balustrade at the apex provides expansive views.

Secretary and chief executive for Culture and Heritage, Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, said in a statement today that he met with families who lost their loved ones in the Erebus disaster, and members of the Operation Overdue recovery team, to inform them of her decision to seek a new site for the National Erebus Memorial.

“This has been a difficult decision to make because I know how upsetting it is for families. They

remain at the absolute heart of this Kaupapa,” Leauanae said.

“When Taurarua / Dove-Myer Robinson Park in Parnell was selected as the site for a dedicated National Erebus Memorial in 2018, it was a safe and fitting site to commemorate the 257 people who tragically lost their lives on the slopes of Mt Erebus, Antarctica on November 28,1979.

“Following the unprecedented and extreme weather in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland earlier this year, and the significant damage to the coastline near the site for the memorial, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage commissioned updated geotechnical engineering advice to ensure the design of the memorial is appropriate both now, and in the future.

“However, the updated geotechnical advice shows that building the memorial at the Taurarua / Dove-Myer Robinson Park is no longer suitable or safe for the long term. Based on careful consideration of the advice, and after discussions with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust, Auckland Council and our other project partners, I have decided a new, enduring site for the memorial needs to be found.

“This morning I spoke with Erebus whānau, who have been incredibly supportive and gracious

throughout this long journey. It is upsetting that we were not able to share better news with them today. I know the families have waited for years to see a National Erebus Memorial realised. While this set-

back is undoubtably difficult to hear, we remain committed to realising the memorial and will be taking time to carefully consider what the next steps will be.

“Manatū Taonga will continue to work closely with Erebus families, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust, Auckland Council and our other partners to secure a new, permanent home for the National Erebus Memorial.”

“Erebus remains the worst civil accident in our history, and the sheer scale of the loss shocked the nation. The tragedy and its aftermath have left a lasting legacy on our national identity and deserves, along with the 257 treasured people who lost their lives that day, to be appropriately commemorated.

“I am speaking directly to the Erebus families when I say that despite this setback, me and my team at Manatū Taonga are absolutely and resolutely committed to securing a home for the National Erebus Memorial that endures for present and future generations of New Zealanders.”

What’s on

HARK SWEET MUSIC

NZ Barok has three concerts in May featuring two of the most beloved musical treasures from the Baroque in all their glory on baroque instruments, Handel’s Water Music and Purcell’s Fairy Queen. The orchestra comprises leading baroque specialists performing with instruments and playing styles of the time, breathing fresh life and vitality into baroque and classical masterpieces. Friday, May 12, 7.30pm; Saturday, May 13, 2pm; Sunday, May 14, 7.30pm all at St Luke’s Church, Remuera.

LUNCHTIME CONCERTS

Wednesday, May 10, 12.30pm1.15pm, the first in our ‘Quartet of Lunchtime Concerts’ series,

The Saint Kentigern College Rockers (acoustic) will be performing at Pakuranga Library. Enjoy some live music in the middle of the day. All welcome. Phone 377 0209, Pakuranga. library@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz.

GARAGE SALE

Our next sale will be on Saturday, May 6 from 8am10.30am at the Barn, Trinity Methodist Church, 474 Pakuranga Rd. We will have a wide selection of newly available winter clothes and boots, for babies and children as well as adults. We also still have a good selection of CDs @ 20c each, and DVDs @ 50c each. Our special this month is jewellery – necklaces, earrings and bracelets, all $1 each.

National Erebus Memorial rendering.

Image Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Summerset at Heritage Park in Ellerslie is a hidden retirement oasis in the heart of Auckland, located just ten minutes from the city centre, and close to the bays and main arterial routes. With a range of fantastic indoor and outdoor facilities including a heated indoor pool spa, café and bar, bowling green, hair salon, library, and a great community of residents - there’s always something to do, no matter the weather.

We’re holding an Open Day every Thursday in May and we’d love to show you around. Take a look through our stunning show homes and facilities, plus enjoy an informal chat with our residents to find out what village life is all about.

Love the life you choose

Open Days

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CAPITAL GAINS TAX EASY TO IMPLEMENT

To say a capital gains tax would be difficult to implement is so much media codswallop.

Australia has had a successful model for decades and it would be easy to copy.

It hasn’t affected the wealthy from becoming wealthier one iota and, as a result, and directly in proportion to New Zealand not having one, there the teacher class ratio is 1/25, their health system (nurses there are some of the highest paid in all OECD countries) is that much better as is their roading, defence force and quality of life.

Weak-kneed New Zealand politicians and the media need to grow up, stop the wasteful and puerile point-scoring on the issue and tell it the way it is as in Australia.

Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay YOU’RE MISSING THE POINT

Once again Dennis Horne (Times, March 22, 29) completely misses the point, fails to answer any questions raised, engages in appeals to authority, and makes false claims about me.

I am prepared to answer the headline question: “What do I tell kids born today?”.

I tell them “Do not fear climate change”:

• Climate change has always been around and will always be.

• Humanity has adapted through many climate cycles.

Getting back to Farming

BAH HUMBUG!

“War on farmers!” [Commentary by Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon, Times , April 27]. Do slogans win elections?

Boris Johnson’s “Get Brexit Done” – with the promise of £350 million a week extra for the NHS [healthcare system in England] on leaving the EU [European Union] – won him a massive majority in the House of Commons.

Despite warnings from every economist in the country, bar a onetime advisor Patrick Minford to former Tory Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Liz Truss (remember her?), the public fell for it. The UK lost its main market and people now see it for what it was: lies.

Chief propagandist [Joseph] Goebbels first mastered “The Big Lie”. Millions died as a result. Surely

we are not going to fall for that old trick again?

It is simply not true that Labour has declared war on farmers. The number of cows doubled since 1990 – when we pledged to reduce emissions.

Intensive (industrial) farming and on land unsuitable for dairying has resulted in excessive use of fertilisers and severe pollution of waterways –and of course global warming. Farmers broke the law by not tracking their animals off farm. Result? An uncontrollable outbreak of Mycoplasma bovis. How much did the Labour Government allow for rectification? The thick end of a billion dollars.

Bah humbug, Christopher Luxon, if there is a war, it is a war on humanity by de facto climate deniers.

Dennis Horne, Howick

• Recent weather events, while infrequent, are not ‘unprecedented’.

• Death and injury from weather events have decreased dramatically over the last 150 years.

• Carbon Dioxide is not a pollutant, but a gas essential to life.

• Increased CO2 means plants grow more quickly with less water – deserts world-wide are retreating and food crops require less farmland for the same yield.

• There are proven benefits of increased CO2, and only theoretical negative outcomes.

As for the rest of his waffle, he claims: “Ryan Price cannot explain why our adding CO2 to the atmosphere does not cause warming”. Since I never said it doesn’t, my response is: “Dennis Horne cannot explain why our adding CO2 to the atmosphere does not cause warming”.

I will not dignify his ramblings any further until he can answer some of the points that I have raised instead of trying to shoot the messenger.

He can start with this one: how will making New Zealanders poor

help the global climate?

Every single proposal to reduce New Zealand’s use of oil and coal comes at significant cost to the New Zealand public and/or environment.

While New Zealand’s contribution to CO2 emissions constitutes a fraction of a percentage of the global output, between them China and India have two billion people dependent on burning coal to stay alive.

Never mind that if one factors in all vegetation in New Zealand, including farmland and the DoC

estate, the country is already a net carbon sink – i.e. plants in New Zealand soak up more carbon dioxide than our population generates.

Ryan Price, Half Moon Bay

NO MONEY FOR BUSWAY

Eastern Busway additional funding has not been approved. Here’s hoping they have seen some sense at last. A billion dollar busway for empty buses is a bad decision

Bob Wichman, Botany

Your Local Property In Your Local Paper

Ray White Eastern Group Seven Offices, One Family

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Entertainment galore

There’s a range of events coming up for people living on the Pohutukawa Coast.

The first is a Mother’s Day market and fun day at Brookby School from 9am2pm on May 14.

It will feature children’s rides, more than 60 market stalls, food trucks selling a wide range of tasty goodies

such as hot donuts, mussel fritters, bacon baps, coffee, and there will be music.

For people who are artistically inclined, a ‘Sip n Paint’ event is being held from 7pm-10pm on June 6 at Pepperjacks Restaurant, Cafe and Bar at 190 Jack Lachlan Drive, Beachlands.

Those who go along will

Book club’s dynamics exposed in stage play

have fun painting in the dark and they can go by themselves or with a group of friends.

No experience is necessary, an artist will be on hand to provide assistance, and all painting materials are provided.

For tickets go online to www.asplashofcolour.nz.

RATS RATS RATS!

Winter is coming and so are the Rats

Rodent Bait Stations

Rodent Bait Stations at a price that simply cannot be beaten.  All stations are filled with 120g of high palatability Pest-off Rodent Blocks and 20g of peanut butter prefeed that rats and mice just can’t resist. Baits are wired into tamper-proof stations that stop rodents taking them away and storing them.

We offer a 24hr response service for all nuisance pests, the solution is only ever a phone call away.

The quirky members of a humble book club react in hilarious ways when they find themselves thrust into the spotlight by starring in a documentary film.

That’s the premise of Howick Little Theatre’s next stage production for 2023, TheBookClubPlay

Written by Karen Zacarías, it’s directed by Deb Lind and runs at the east Auckland theatre from May 6-27.

The club’s long-standing dynamics take a comical turn when a “provocative” new member joins the club and unexpected reading book selections are made.

The plot reveals whether or not the members can navigate the challenges posed by the camera lens

and the surprises that come their way.

Lind says the play is a “wonderful mix of comedy with beautiful moments of humanity”.

“It’s not just about the books and the book club.

It’s more about how people change when they get in front of a camera, as the presence of the camera filming the documentary about the book club changes everyone involved.”

Lind says the play features more than 30 literary references.

It’s not just a treat for booklovers but also a “delightful experience” for anyone who loves the quirks and complexities of long-term friendships.

She’s enjoying the story’s literary aspects.

“There are so many classics talked about, but also so many I’m discovering thanks to the play, which is itself a book club.”

Local theatre lovers should not miss the chance to uncover the secrets, laughter, and surprises awaiting in The Book Club Play It’s got something for everyone whether they’re a seasoned bookworm or just after a night of lighthearted laughs.

The Book Club Play

h Directed by Deb Lind h Howick Little Theatre, 1 Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga h Season: May 6-27, with shows at 8pm and 2pm matinees on May 7 and May 14. h www.hlt.org.nz

Nats to fund community mental health NGOs

National will help deliver faster access to mental health services for vulnerable New Zealanders by boosting community providers and NGOs, National Leader Christopher Luxon says.

“As the cost-of-living crisis continues, there is growing concern among mental health professionals that things are only going to get worse as financial pressures build on Kiwi families.

“Despite announcing $1.9 billion funding in 2019, Labour has failed to deliver the improvement in mental health services and outcomes New Zealanders urgently need.

“Compared to when Labour took office five years ago, the number of people reporting they are unable to get the professional help they need has increased by 80 per cent.

“A National government will deliver more resources to the frontline by scaling up NGOs and community providers who are deliver-

ing better mental health outcomes, faster and more efficiently than under Labour.

“National will do this through the Mental Health Innovation Fund, which will initially see up to $20 million in matching funds distributed to community mental health organisations who are delivering strong results for Kiwis in need.

“The Mental Health Innovation Fund will support innovative community providers like Mike King’s Gumboot Friday to scale up their already successful operations so they can reach more vulnerable Kiwis.”

Based on the cost per session that an organisa-

tion like Gumboot Friday achieves, National’s $20m investment could deliver the equivalent of more than 130,000 additional free counselling sessions from the NGO sector over four years, the Botany MP says.

“Funding will also be available for activities beyond one-on-one counselling, such as the suicide prevention programmes run by Mates in Construction or any other mental health programme, provided they can demonstrate they are delivering outcomes,” says Luxon.

“Kiwis have made good progress breaking down the stigma around asking for help with mental health, but when people do ask for help, they often find a mental health system that is too hard to access.

“National will help change this by amplifying the impact of frontline organisations that are already delivering real change for vulnerable Kiwis.”

The cast of The Book Club Play are ready to create some laughs at Howick Little Theatre.

Photo supplied Andrew Johnson

Welcome

to our Open Day

Thursday 4 May, 10am-2pm

Dannemora

on tap, plus a vibrant city right at your doorstep, come and see independent living at its best.

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^ Price is for an Occupation Right Agreement secured by a first ranking mortgage in favour of the statutory supervisor on behalf of the residents. Price valid for 30 days from time of printing. Stock availability subject to change. Car park not included in apartment pricing. Product image is indicative only.

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OUR ANZAC DAY IN PICTURES

It was chilly on Anzac Day, said to be the coldest day of the year so far, at Stockade Hill but that didn’t dissuade the hundreds who attended the Anzac Day Howick Dawn Service and, later in the morning, the Civic Service. Times photographer Wayne Martin captured these images.

A brand new luxury apartment, or a villa?

Onc e you have made the decision that Pakuranga Park is the right retiremen t village for you, the only o ther decision is whether it w ill be one of our surprisingly aff ordable luxury apartments or a villa.

We’ve had amazing feedback about the Ruru Apartment sizes and spaciousness of the building. One of these beautiful homes could be yours, but you’ll have to be quick as we have only seven of these amazing apartments left.

Priced from $1,1 5 0,000 to $1,400,000.

Here are just a few more reasons why viewing this exciting option of a lifestyle apartment is a must.

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Fortunes Road, Pakuranga

Ruru Apartments:

•Favourable price comparison to Villas.

•Luxury finish and fittings that will impr ess you.

•Well-positioned close to our r estaurant, reception & pool.

•An atrium lounge ar ea where daily morning teas take place.

•A weekly f ee that’s excellen t value and includes power, fibre and much more.

•Large balconies.

•An extra layer o f securit y.

•An electric car av ailable for Ruru residents’ use.

“We ended up deciding on a Ruru Apartment as we loved the space, outlook and price.”

New Resident

Named after NZ’s native owl, featured on a 4 storey Flox mural in the atrium.

From Briscoes to Breakers

By BEN PLUMMER

Saint Kentigern College

old boy Alex McNaught had somewhat of a dream basketball season in 2022/23, making his debut for the New Zealand Breakers as well as the Tall Blacks.

The 20-year-old has had a dramatic rise to the top over the past 12 months and has no plans of slowing down. After finishing at Saint Kentigern College in 2019, McNaught made his way down to Nelson and became a wider squad member of the Nelson Giants NZNBL side before an injury opened up a spot for him.

“I remember being on the court for my first start in a professional game and I was just like, ‘wow, this is what it’s like to be up here’,” he says.

In 2022, McNaught played his third season for the Nelson Giants in the Sal’s NBL and was a permanent member of the starting lineup, seeing his averages increase across the board.

McNaught was working a shift at Briscoes, where he had been employed for two years, when he received a call from his agent saying he was going to be a New Zealand Breaker.

“I was a little bit in shock because, as a fan, of the Breakers for many years leading into that, it’s like wow! First of all, it’s a lot earlier than I expected to be part of this group, let alone being able to say I’m a part of the team.”

For most of New Zealand, when someone mentions the Breakers, Tom Abercrombie is the first player that comes to mind, which McNaught says is a testament to the longevity of his career.

“Tom welcomed me with both arms into the side and taught me a lot about how to treat myself as a professional athlete. It was a big step from working a 9-5 job on the side to basketball being my full-time profession,” he says.

McNaught slotted right into place, scoring his first Breakers points in his debut in a season where the Breakers fell achingly short of winning the competition.

“Life hits you pretty quickly sometimes and that whole year went through like a flash but being with the Breakers was one of the most spectacular seasons I’ve ever been a part of.”

As if his year couldn’t get any better, he was then selected for the Tall Blacks (National New Zealand Basketball team) during the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) window in November.

He got to represent New Zealand at the highest level, travelling to Jordan and Lebanon which was a dream come true.

“I’m just grateful to be able to have had that opportunity and take advantage of it. Getting to play over there and experience what it’s like to be playing at that level as well was amazing.”

During this time, McNaught played with New Zealand Basketball greats such as Jordan Ngatai and Ethan Rusbatch while being coached by Pero Cameron.

“These players have been around for a long time, and I’ve

been watching them for many years so the fact that I got to play alongside, room with and play under them is an experience I could never take for granted.”

With 12 caps now to his name in the Breakers jersey, two appearances for the Tall Blacks and becoming a constant figure in the Nelson Giants lineup, McNaught says bringing himself back to Earth after a golden season was easier said than done.

“It’s all happening really quickly but I don’t mind it being like that. I haven’t had a holiday for the last two years just because of how the seasons have stacked on each other but I’m quite enjoying how this is all unfolding.”

As he reflects on his professional basketball journey since leaving St Kents, McNaught says one of his favourite moments was performing the New Zealand haka for the Tall Blacks.

“There’s no greater feeling than doing a good haka in front of a hostile crowd in a different country to go on and then play them at an incredibly high level against an incredibly high-level team.”

Now full of confidence, McNaught has quickly switched his focus to the NZNBL season and making more of a name for himself before beginning another campaign with the Breakers.

McNaught turned heads this season and ultimately earned nominations for Youth Player of the Year and Most Improved Player in the NZNBL competition.

Get in bed with the best!

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With their improved service, New Zealand made product and quality guarantee-backed offering – you can sleep easy knowing you’re laying on the best in market.

When you shop with BedsRus, you’re supporting local communities, as each of their 49 stores nationwide are locally owned and operated by families in your neighbourhood.

Some of their bed specialists have been looking after your local community for over 30 years, so you can rest assured you’re buying from the experts.

There’s also their reputation of unbeatable support at the times you need it most. With dedicated customer service across multiple channels, talking to a sleep specialist has never been easier.

Online tools, such as their Sleep Selector, and easy to understand in store navigation simplify the bed purchasing process even further.

It’s no wonder BedsRus have won the Consumer People’s Choice award for best bedding store, multiple years running.

Obviously, exceptional service needs to be paired with a quality product offering – and BedsRus have just that.

Full field at golf croquet tourney

At the Partners-from-another-club annual golf croquet tournament at Pakuranga Croquet Club recently, there was a full field of players from many clubs around Auckland and Counties Manukau and further afield. Despite the wind which played havoc with the balls, there were some good games played.

The winners of the blue division were Trevor Stretton (Pakuranga Croquet Club) and Vanessa Baddock (Howick Croquet Club).

The winners of the red division were Lorne Dryburgh (Pakuranga Croquet Club) and Tessa Pim (Howick Croquet Club).

“Thanks to Resthaven Funeral Homes for their continued sponsorship,” a Pakuranga Croquet Club spokesperson said.

They’re the largest Sleepyhead supplier in the country; one of New Zealand’s most trusted brands, seven years running.

Buying New Zealand made is one of the safest ways to ensure a quality product with the added benefit of supporting small business, local jobs and Kiwi manufacturing.

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Majority of the BedsRus range have five or ten-year warranty options – with the benefit of localised support, should anything go wrong.

BedsRus will always be New Zealand’s premier destination for the perfect sleep and their support for Kiwis is unwavering.

From spending a third of their lives in bed, and 30 years specialising in them – trust the team that spends every waking hour, dreaming of better sleep.

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Blue division winners (top) Trevor Stretton, left, and Vanessa Baddock with Pakuranga club captain John Wood, centre; Red division Lorne Dryburgh, left, and Tessa Pim with Pakuranga club captain John Wood, centre. Photos supplied

Alex McNaught, 20, had a golden basketball season in 2022/23, making his debut for the New Zealand Breakers and Tall Blacks. Photo supplied

A1

BRADSHAW

Terry’s

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a. That the advertisement complies in all ways with the Advertising Codes of Practice issued by the Advertising Standards Authority inc (ASA) and with every other code or industry standard relating to advertising in New Zealand

b. The published advertisement will not give rise to any liability on our part or in a claim being made against us. c. That the advertisement is misleading or deceptive or likely to mislead or deceive or breaches the Fair Trading Act 1986 that is defamatory or indecent or which otherwise offends against generally accepted community standards that infringes a copyright or trademark or otherwise infringes any intellectual or industrial property rights that breaches any provision of any statute, regulation, by law or other rule or law

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3. The advertiser agrees to indemnify us against all losses or costs arising directly or indirectly from any breach of those warranties by the advertiser and from any costs incurred in our making corrections or amendments in accordance with the terms that follow.

4. We may refuse to publish, or withdraw an advertisement from publications without having to give a reason.

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9. To cancel an advertisement a cancellation number must be obtained from us. Times Newspaper Limited, 10 Central Terrace, Howick (behind Rice’s Mall) www.times.co.nz

CHURCH SERVICES

Protecting water quality and enhancing biodiversity by replacing pine forest with indigenous species in the Hunua Ranges.

South Auckland Forest & Bird DE287176

Speaker: James Talbot, Operations Manager, Environmental Assets, Watercare Venue: Monday 8 May 7:30pm, Haseler Hall, All Saints Anglican Church , Howick, cnr Cook St and Selwyn Rd. All welcome.

SOLUTIONS

11, D-I-ne (rev.). 14, Red h-erring. 16, Succeeding. 19, Eve-r. 22, Star (rev.). 24, Vet-O. 25, Mint. 26, Double one. 27, Less(on). Down - 1, Rap-I-d. 2, Wag-on. 3, Lashed. 4, Resume. 5, Shot. 6, Mis-man-age. 12, In-tuition. 13, E-r-ic. 15, Rag-E. 17, En-vie-d. 18, Intent. 20, V-O-ile. 21, Rates. 23, Rub-Y.

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Prems put on 90, PURC are taking charge

By BEN PLUMMER

The Pakuranga United Rugby Club’s (PURC) top three sides have all recorded another weekend of wins.

The premier men were never in doubt as they came up against bottom of the table Waitakere, looking to put on a big scoreline.

And that they did, running in almost 100 points in front of a home crowd at Bell Park.

Waitakere were only able to get a penalty on the score board, making the final scoreline 97-3 in an absolute obliteration.

Winger Paula Maama took out player of the day for the premier men with an impressive showing of attack and defence in the side’s domination of their west Auckland opposition.

The premier men now sit at fifth on the ladder of 14 points after their three consecutive wins and will be looking to make it four in a row against a 12th place and winless Eden side on Saturday.

The club’s premier development side put on a strong performance against Puketapapa in the curtain raiser at Bell Park, defeating them 29-22.

They have continued their unbeaten

VOLUNTEERS

BOARD MEMBER TREASURER

This is a voluntary position, there is no remuneration. The Board is seeking a person who is committed to working in a charitable trust environment.

PHBS is governed by a board of six elected members. We are looking for a replacement of our Treasurer to join the board at PHBS. The purpose of the role is to oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and to see that we comply with the appropriate legal and financial requirements in law. We employ an external accountant who attends to the monthly financial processes.

There are 9-12 meetings per year of approximately two hours duration. The Board employs a part time service manager and three financial mentors.

Our umbrella organisation is FinCap and as such we have a major role in building financial capability, budgeting skills and assisting those facing financial hardship. This is a rewarding community position for those looking to further or commence a governance position.

Enquiries for this opportunity please contact:

Megan Dangen

Email: manager@phbs.org.nz

Phone: (09) 576 5222 DE287094

run and sit at fourth place on the table, just one point behind leaders Waitemata.

The U21s had a tall task in front of them as they came up against top of the table Grammar TEC

The Pakuranga Cannons U21 side now sit clear at first place on the table after also going undefeated through the first four rounds of the season.

PAKURANGA RUGBY RESULTS

PURC Premier Men vs Waitakere Premier Men

Half Time: Pakuranga 50 – Waitakere 3

Full Time: Pakuranga 97 – Waitakere 3

PURC Premier Reserve Men vs Puketapapa Premier Reserve Men

Half Time: Pakuranga 19 – Puketapapa 10

Full Time: Pakuranga 29 – Puketapapa 22

PURC U21 Men vs Grammar TEC U21 Men

Half Time: Pakuranga 15 – Grammar TEC 5

Full Time: Pakuranga 27 – Grammar TEC 17

Other Premier Men Results:

Waitemata 27 – Suburbs 33

University 17 – Ponsonby 41

Eden 14 – Marist 28

Manukau Rovers 45 – Grammar Tec 38

Otahuhu 26 – Papatoetoe 34

Pakuranga Rugby Fixtures 06/05/23:

PURC Premier Men vs Eden Premier Men – 2:45pm (Gribblehirst Park)

PURC Premier Development Men vs Eden Premier Development Men – 1pm (Gribblehirst Park)

PURC U21 Men vs Ponsonby U21 Men – 1pm (Western Springs Stadium)

PURC Presidents vs Ponsonby Presidents – 2:45pm (Cox’s Bay Reserve)

SITUATIONS VACANT

Marine Technician

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Ovlov Marine is a marine service and sales company specialising in Volvo Penta, Yamaha and other great marine brands. We are a long established marine dealership with a fun and professional team who pride ourselves on our high level of customer service and attention to detail.

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The role involves servicing diesel engines, gensets and transmissions and other marine equipment onboard.

Relevant mechanical knowledge is a must along with computer skills and some electrical fault diagnosis would be an advantage.

We seek a customer focused individual who thrives on successful outcomes and works well with others.

A competitive remuneration package including a company vehicle and ongoing training will be on offer to the successful applicant.

Applicants for this position must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit as well as a full NZ drivers licence.

If you feel you have the skills and experience required for this role please apply with your CV and covering letter to phil@ovlov.co.nz

Leopards top Hornets

h Continued from page 20 All anybody cared about at that moment was the fact they had just witnessed a game for the ages and could not have asked for more from their lads.

In filtered the other results, out came the calculators, and thanks to the Te Atatu Roosters seemingly saving their very best till last by putting a large score on Otara, it became evident that the Hornets had made it through by a wingspan at the expense of last week’s opponents – the Scorps.

While some may call this luck, the Hornets know this was in fact fortune derived from utter bravery in battle and the learnings garnered from this experience will undoubtedly prove priceless in their hunt for premiership glory in 2023.

Congratulations to the Leopard brothers on a game very well played and thank you to all the fans.

WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP

Cornwall Park and Auckland Rugby League played host to the opening round of the Women’s Premiership on Saturday.

Here the Hornet ladies –affectionately known as The ‘Nets – opened their campaign against newly-formed

‘City’, a side made up from Ponsonby and Point Chevalier combined, the latter of which was a grand finalist in 2022.

Given this, it was never going to take much motivation from the coaching staff to get the team realising they were in for a big first-up test.

It didn’t take long at all for this belief to be solidified, as The ‘Nets found themselves behind 10-0 after only 10 minutes of play.

That was all it took though, with the side largely sticking to their structures, they began finding their rhythm, raising the tempo and, with due respect to City, the Hornets never looked back from here.

Beginning with a four pointer off some great support play from hooker Zayde Sarah-Baldwin, The ‘Nets would go on to cross for four unanswered tries, including a try, an assist, and a conversion in a dominant first half display from left centre Saphire Abraham, going to the break 18-10 ahead.

The second stanza began in a back-and-forth tussle for the initial 15 minutes until The ‘Nets made the most of a couple of penalties in a row and crossed the line again through second rower and player of the match Tafito Lafaele.

While Howick’s relentless, dynamic attack was brought

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Working with a range of ages and ethnicities, the successful applicant must have:

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– excellent communication and interpersonal skills

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Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 26 May 2023

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the points, it was their absolute desperation and pride when defending their try line that really counted for the eventual margin.

It would be another 10 minutes of stout defending for the Hornets before they would find themselves in an attacking zone, and they didn’t waste the opportunity with Lafaele crossing in awesome fashion for her second of the half, taking the score to 26-10.

Probably the most pleasing aspect of the victory for coach James Sarah would have been the way the ladies finished the game, keeping their focus until the final siren and scoring two quick-fire, very well-worked team tries in the closing four minutes taking the score to 38-10.

While it is a great start, the squad knows it is only that and will be working hard to ensure that performance is the benchmark for every game to come.

Beginning next Sunday, 1pm, at Paparoa Park against Taniwharau is a game that, over the past two seasons, has proved to always be a fantastic match up. h For the full Fox Memorial qualifier series results, go online to www.times.co.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

KITCHEN ASSISTANTS

Full time and part time roles available at our Aged Care facilities in Pakuranga.

Please email your CV to brian@ambridgerose.co.nz or call 09 576 2590

DE287134

SITUATIONS WANTED

View

DE287169

at Pine Harbour Marina, Beachlands.

The position will see you as our front of counter, first point contact, answering phones & greeting customers, data entry, receipting of suppliers invoices, invoicing repair orders, ordering parts, following up customers, supporting management, assisting with service administrative duties.

To be successful you will need:

Experience working within a busy team environment

Time management and organizational skills Computer literacy and experience with inhouse systems Good written and verbal communication skills A passion for customer service Able to work unsupervised Full drivers licence NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa

If you feel that you have the skills and experience required for this role please apply with your CV and covering letter to phil@ovlov.co.nz DE287173

Looking for reliable people wanting to earn some extra cash delivering our award-winning newspaper once a week, every Wednesday.

You must be physically capable to deliver the paper every week — rain, hail or shine.

Our papers are delivered to the Pohutakawa Coast, Botany, Ormiston, Howick, Mellons Bay, Pakuranga, Bucklands Beach, Farm Cove and surrounding areas. Walkers required in all areas but particularly Howick, Cockle Bay, Somerville, Bucklands Beach and Highland Park.

If this sounds like you get in touch with us immediately

A golden year, Page 17

Hornets men storming into Fox Memorial, women start strong

By JOSH GARRY, Howick Hornets media

he age-old saying fortune favours the brave couldn’t have been more true for Howick’s Premier men’s side on Saturday at Paparoa Park against hearty rivals, the Otahuhu Leopards.

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Excitingly for league fans following along, this scenario was no different on the other side of the pool [of 4 clubs], with Otara and Te Atatu also needing a victory to get their respective clubs into the chase for the Fox Premiership.

All four clubs knew a loss would see them relying on mathematics, and so did their nervous fans.

From start to finish, this game was one of the most exciting headto-head battles that fans of these two clubs will have witnessed and, thanks to the above narrative, it doubled as one of the most nerve-wracking since 2011’s Fox

With the Fox Memorial qualification series in its third and final round, both sides needed to win to guarantee them a spot in Auckland Rugby League’s famous first division.Hornets captain Jethro Friend played his first game of the season on Saturday due to pre-season representative commitments.

Memorial grand final.

The first half saw the local lads go up by two tries to one, although missed conversions by Howick left the margin at only two points at the break, meaning it was still most certainly anyone’s game.

The second half is where things got so good that words can’t truly describe it, (but I’ll give it a go).

Rugby league is known as a tough sport but, looking a bit closer,

you’ll realise it is also a beautiful game, one that completely encapsulates the hearts of those who buy-in – not with hard-earned money, but with passion, loyalty and the kind of spirit you can see and feel. This was the second 40 minutes in a nutshell.

No matter where you focused your attention at Paparoa, it was evident that this result mattered greatly to all in attendance.

The game itself showed every ounce of why it’s known as a tough sport, with bone rattling contact and brave individual defensive efforts shown by both sides throughout.

Otahuhu hit the ground running and crossed for a brace of converted tries, thanks to some very direct running and well-polished back-line plays, taking the score to 18-8 in the visitor’s favour with 30 minutes to play.

Nerves were turning to excitement for the Leopard contingent on the hill and their volume was rising within their passionate fan base. Luckily for the local supporters the volume was also lifting amongst their team, and belief remained strong.

Through sheer hard work, the next 20 minutes would see the Hornets fight back with two tries of their own and bring the score to a crowd-numbing 18 points apiece, with 10 to go.

This is where the beauty began to show. Normally the crowd would be full noise at this point, but given the gravity of the situation mixed with the mutual respect

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both clubs have for one another, the silence seemed louder than the cheering at times, with both sets of fans respecting that the result had the potential to be very sombre for one club or another in a few short moments.

Some opposing fans could be seen shaking hands early, as if to say congratulations on an epic first 70 minutes and best-of-luck for the final ten - simply beautiful.

To the visiting club’s delight, and relief, it would be their side that would win the ensuing arm wrestle, crossing the line out wide in the dying minutes and once again slotting their conversion kick to make it 4 from 4 on a blustery day.

This would ultimately prove the difference between the two sides at the final whistle, with Otahuhu finishing victors 24-18.

At this stage Hornet players and fans alike were of the belief that the home side would be spending the year in the second division, yet given the standing ovation the Hornet players received, this outcome seemed to matter less than everyone first thought.

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