Wairarapa Midweek Wed 5th June

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Tāne find healing in te taiao

Erin Kavanagh-Hall erin.kavanagh-hall@age.co.nz

Te Kopi Lodge at Ngawi is a far-flung, near-deserted, strikingly beautiful corner of Wairarapa — and, for men holding on to years of hurt, the home of transformative change.

While immersing into the moana and awa, “planting their feet into Papatūānuku” [the earth], and traversing diverse

landscapes, tāne [men] from across Wairarapa have come together to connect with te taiao [environment], each other, and themselves. And, in the process, have begun to untangle the knots of intergenerational and direct trauma, and make the choices that positively impact their whānau, whakapapa, and communities.

The men are participants in Ngāhere-o-Tāne, a unique and immersive rehabilitation programme for men who

have experience in the justice system, or are under addictions, mental health, or other social service providers.

Ngāhere-o-Tāne, led by Wairarapa-based organisation Ahu Collective and the Nurturers of Change Charitable Trust, was launched as a six-month pilot in 2023. The pilot initiative consisted of five three-day wānanga [retreats] at Te Kopi Lodge, attended by over 90 tāne in total.

There, supported by a

team of kaiahu [nurturers], men are guided through therapeutic processes, partake in kaitiakitanga [guardianship] and environmental solutions, learn about and connect with the whakapapa of the region, and uplift one another as they confront and unpack their past trauma – all while connecting with the whenua [land] and the elements.

The programme also includes weekly engagements, where men can receive

mentorship and peer support. Ahu Collective founder Anaru Te Rangiwhakaewa said the organisation received an initial grant from the Department of Internal Affairs to fund the Ngāhereo-Tāne pilot, and also partnered with Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, the Department of Conservation, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and Greater Wellington Regional Council.

As part of the Ngāhere-o-Tāne programme, men take part in cold immersion, which can help build resilience and improve mental health. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Serving Sth Wairarapa for over 40 years

Growing beyond the gardens

midweek@age.co.nz

On a sunny Wednesday morning, GROW community garden is a hive of activity.

New patches are being created by volunteers, and in another part of the garden, others are tending their allotment beds.

Among them is Lynda Lee – smiling as she wields her pitch fork in the morning sun, lumping layers of straw onto steaming compost.

Lee looks like an old hand – in fact, she hadn’t done much gardening at all before arriving in New Zealand two years ago.

New to Masterton, and knowing no-one, Lee came to a volunteer morning at GROW [Garden for Resilience and Optimal Wellbeing], and has been coming every week since.

Lee said she had a grandfather who gardened, but hadn’t become interested in gardening until recently.

She is keen to learn the skills that were common a few generations ago: Growing food, preserving

and being self-sufficient.

“There’s much more interest in it these days. [At GROW] you meet all sorts of people, and share ideas and knowledge.”

Luckily for Lee, GROW community garden manager Bev Jack is on a mission to empower people to grow their own food, and even make their own medicines.

Jack, also manager at the Wairarapa Community Centre, founded GROW

in 2022, partnering with St Matthew’s Anglican Church on Church St –which had an existing garden that had gone into disrepair.

GROW linked up with local social services and support organisations, whose clients and staff work alongside volunteer mentors, who provide support and guidance on growing organic produce. Since then, the community garden has grown in leaps and

The ‘A-Team’ selling for charity

Julia Mahony julia.mahony@age.co.nz

A group of Masterton’s most experienced community volunteers is opening the doors of a new

alongside many of the team’s members “for years”. The former retail manager said his community volunteering increased when he retired, aged 67.

“People can’t always give money, but they can give time,” he said.

Stewart has been a stalwart of local amateur theatre, and acted in comedy roles for the

bounds – and was a finalist in the Community Garden of the Year category at the OrganicNZ awards in May. GROW came in third place, as voted by the public.

For Jack, growing your own food is the solution to many problems facing her community today –especially due to the rising cost of living and reliance on supermarkets and vulnerable food systems.

Having worked in organic gardening and

agriculture, Jack knows a lot about tending a garden – but she’s keen to dispel the myth that gardening is “hard work”.

Jack pointed out methods such as the lasagna garden ,where layers of organic materials are added one on-top of the other. GROW volunteers use this method to create new garden beds – using layers of pea straw, mulch, and horse manure, all gathered locally and donated by the community.

“There’s no digging. People think it’s heavy, hard work, but this is how simple gardening can be.”

One of the community support workers tending to an allotted bed was Jacqueline Lumsden, a health promoter for Māori health and wellbeing organisation Te Hauora Runanga o Wairarapa.

She said the gardens helped staff to “get grounded and connect”.

“The earth doesn’t care whose hands are in the soil. There’s no exclusivity. It’s a real community, with a wealth of knowledge.”

Jack said she’s already seeing the benefits of partnering with agencies and sharing gardening skills with them.

“We’re hearing stories from the agencies’ workers themselves who are growing their own food, saying their family are visiting and asking questions about gardening.”

Looking to the future for the project, Jack is enthusiastic about the plans the organisation has to grow further –including creating a medicinal garden, where herbs and flowers will be grown and harvested to make botanical remedies.

Jack is looking at other ways of creating an income for the organisation, and hopes to be able to open a shop where dry goods and preserved produce could be sold to the community.

Meanwhile, new garden beds are being planned.

• People are welcome to volunteer at GROW on Wednesday mornings from 9-11am, and to stay for a cup of tea at the end.

The charity supports about 120 clients and their whānau Wairarapa-wide, providing home visits, activity groups and advice, with no government funding, Williams said.

“The A-Team has given us a new lease on life –money from the garage sales will go towards

•Take

Madeleine Powers

Jacqueline Lumsden [left], Bev Jack, and Judith Tairoa tend to the garden beds at GROW community garden.

PHOTO/MADELEINE POWERS

Bonding with ‘powerful results’

Continued from page 1

The collective is seeking further funding to continue and extend the project – including running three-month long wānanga – and establish similar programmes for women and youth.

Te Rangiwhakaewa, who has had his own journey with generational trauma and passage through the justice system said Ngāhere-oTāne is “embedded with mātauranga Māori [Māori knowledge], ancestral intelligence and the bounty of nature” – and is also informed by his lived experience, as well as his clinical experience from past work in social services.

He said Ngāhere-oTāne has since launching the pilot, reported some “powerful results”: With participants now in recovery from addiction, actively addressing mental health challenges, and mending relationships marred by family violence.

“We’re working with tāne carrying layers of trauma, that is being expressed through things like addictions, domestic violence, and reoffending,” he said.

“Since being involved in Ngāhere-o-Tāne, they have have experienced real transformative change. I feel grateful to be holding and sharing such sacred and intimate spaces of transformation – and we hope that will have a ripple effect through the families of each man.

“We hope that transformation will be intergenerational – and will mean their children don’t have to go through what they did, I’m grateful to be a part of that –and thankful my own experience has led to this point.”

Te Rangiwhakaewa was released from prison in 2012, with a desire to contribute to those who were experiencing similar challenges. He has since worked in

ABOVE: Tāne spending time together at the moana during a wānanga at Te Kopi Lodge at Ngawi.

youth development, addictions support, and mental health on both national and international platforms.

Te Rangiwhakaewa said the idea for Ngāhere-oTāne arose out of Ahu Collective’s involvement with the Seed Idea project, also supported by GWRC, KKW, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ara Poutama - Corrections. The project supports Rimutaka Prison’s nursery, where native seedlings, nurtured by prisoners, are planted alongside the Hutt River – helping both to restore te taiao and improve prisoners’ mental health.

Hoping to create a nurturing space for tane beyond prison, Te Rangiwhakaewa and Ahu Collective began work on Ngāhere-o-Tāne, and launched its first wānanga at Te Kopi Lodge to celebrate Matariki.

Since then, over 200

tāne have engaged with the programme, either by taking part in the wānanga or attending their Tupuranga-Tāne weekly engagements.

Te Rangiwhakaewa said the location of the wānanga is a significant drawcard: Te Kopi Lodge is wild, remote, and “completely separated from normality”, allowing tāne a space of solace

“It’s a beautiful and isolated part of Wairarapa. There’s no cell reception or outside influence.

You’re surrounded by the elements – the moana is at your front doorstep, the ngāhere at the back,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity for

our tāne [men] to separate from the dysfunctions and chaos of their lives – to a space of quietude and isolation, in which they can sit as their true authentic selves.”

While at the lodge, men are guided through a series of tohi [rites] and ceremonial practices, that allow them to process their trauma – and, in the process, learn to identify their triggers and behaviours, and develop self-awareness and empowerment, so they can make better-informed decisions.

Other activities include pure [cleansing rituals], hiki-nga-mata [addressing false identities], ahi-tapu

[fire ceremonies], and cold immersion: A practice in many cultures to increase resilience and practise relaxation through exposure to external stress.

Tāne also take part in learning pūrakau Māori [Māori stories], discovering Wairarapa’s genealogy and history, visiting landmarks of cultural and spiritual significance, and forest regeneration – with over 2000 natives planted since the start of the programme].

Te Rangiwhakaewa said the majority of tāne who completed the wānanga regularly attended weekly engagements, where

they receive support to continue their cultural learnings and develop new life skills, as well as having a space to “share kai” and express vulnerability with one another.

As Te Rangiwhakaewa wrote in Ngāhere-oTāne’s 2023 programme report, over 80 per cent of participants returned as tuākana [mentors] for subsequent wānanga. Several tāne have rejoined the workforce, “a large percentage” have remained drug and alcohol free, are leading “healthier lifestyles”, and have reported improved relationships with partners and children, and many others have continued practising tikanga Māori and using te reo in their homes.

Te Rangiwhakaewa largely attributes this to the ecosystem the tāne have nurtured around one another: “They have formed powerful interconnected relationships.”

Participants’ whānau were invited to contribute to the programme report, all sharing the profound change they had witnessed in their loved ones. A whānau member, whose partner had previously battled substance abuse, wrote: “Before Ngāhereo-Tāne enriched his life, he had no vision for his future, and all he could see was empty time. Now, he is a watering can to our whānau! He comes home after wānanga thriving and ready to pour it back into us.”

To “further magnify” the success of Ngāhereo-Tāne, Ahu Collective, Nurturers of Change Charitable Trust, and their key partners are finalists in the 2024 Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards – recognising their collaborative work in bringing the kaupapa to life

• For more information, go to Ahu Collective’s Facebook page, or email Anaru@ ahucollective.com

RIGHT: Tane have formed close bonds with one another through attending the wānanga and weekly engagements. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Julia Mahony julia.mahony@age.co.nz

This winter, Wairarapa cafes and restaurants are selling an ironpacked dish that carries hints of nostalgia –offal.

Kidneys on toast can be found at Madisons Café in Masterton, while out at the Gladstone Inn, the liver and bacon dish is a firm favourite with diners.

Offal was very popular during World War II, when it was a freely available form of meat and a regular part of New Zealanders’ diets. More recently, supermarkets sold sliced tongue in their delis alongside ham and luncheon sausage, while for some rural people, a freshly killed sheep’s heart fried up in the kitchen is delicious.

Ron Williams, longtime member of the Masterton Club, recalled the club’s “Tripe Night”, held regularly during winter more than 20 years ago. His wife, Jillian Williams, would cook about 3kg of tripe at home and cart it to the club, where it was enjoyed with a parsley sauce, mashed potatoes, onions, carrots and peas.

“We had a lot of fun on Tripe Night,” Ron said. “But tripe has become expensive since then.”

plates.”

Nutritionist Chris Fink said offal can pack extra nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals into meals.

Jillian added: “It’s a nice traditional dish – my mother used to make it. For Tripe Night, I cooked it in a stock pot and changed the salted water regularly. I still cook it at home. If we go to the Gladstone Inn, I always have the liver and bacon dish.”

Fellow Masterton Club member Bill Knight said that as a pupil at Hadlow Preparatory School in the 1950s, the matron wouldn’t let children leave the table without eating their tripe. “So I’d do the others a favour by cleaning up their

“For example, beef liver is a rich source of vitamin A with just one 100-gram serving providing 10 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin A,” Fink said.

“Vitamin A is important for the immune system, skin and eyes. Just bear in mind that too much can lead to vitamin A toxicity, so best to limit liver to a couple servings a week.”

Chef Laura Greenfield cooks in collaboration with Nara restaurant in Martinborough – where she offers her signature dish of organic chicken livers sautéed in masala curry paste, served with baby spinach, on chargrilled sourdough bread from Clareville Bakery.

“The chicken livers have been a massive hit, and the owners of Nara won’t let me take them off the menu. We would sell about 20 portions a day,” Greenfield said.

She pretties up the “brown” livers with a circle of her bright curry oil.

“Of course, people need to like eating liver in the first place, but it’s also something people may not want to cook at home.

“It’s a generational thing, with older people tending to choose it, rather than younger diners.”

Peter Blackburn, owner of Solway Butchery in Masterton, said eating offal probably depended on how people were brought up.

“If you’re a hunter and camping in the bush with no refrigeration, you’ll eat the offal –liver, kidneys – from an animal first,” he said.

Blackburn sells tripe at $20.99 a kilogram, but has stopped stocking kidneys and other offal.

“Offal sales have decreased, as the next generation isn’t into it in quite the same way,” he said. “But I have had some younger customers who bought tripe recently to stir-fry.”

Masala organic chicken livers on offer at Nara in Martinborough.

Diane Wilton enjoys kidneys on toast at Madisons Cafe in Masterton. PHOTO/JULIA MAHONY

‘Gold standard’ is needed to reduce gambling harm

Caitlin Lester midweek@age.co.nz

New Zealand’s largest treatment centre for gambling harm has said Masterton District Council’s [MDC] proposed policy to tackle adverse effects of gaming machines has fallen short.

Masterton district councillors are currently in discussion about adopting the proposed Wairarapa Class 4 Gambling and Standalone TAB Venues Policy, which proposes a “sinking lid” on gaming machines in Masterton.

This prohibits the permanent relocation of gambling venues in the district – to restrict introduction of venues and gaming machines to areas of high socioeconomic deprivation.

The recently amended policy does not prevent the temporary relocation or the merging of gambling venues.

At a council meeting on May 8, councillors directed MDC staff to provide additional wording to the policy, which sets out conditions under which MDC would approve temporary relocation of a Class 4 gambling venue.

Andree Froude, advocacy and public health director of the Problem Gambling Foundation New Zealand, said MDC had “the right idea” with its sinking lid policy.

However, she believed a policy prohibiting mergers and temporary relocations of venues would be “a gold standard”.

“Because it would mean it really is a true sinking lid,” she said.

However, even this so-called gold standard “does not go far enough”.

“So many of the venues are [already] in very high deprivation areas. That’s where the machines tend to make their money, and they don’t tend to close in those areas for that very reason,” Froude said.

“We do know that banning or prohibiting anything doesn’t work. When you look at other addictive things, prohibition has long been known not to be successful, and it can drive things underground.

“In terms of lowering the number of machines, sinking lids are the best we’ve got. They’re better than nothing.”

Froude said the Problem Gambling Foundation has also advocated lessening the harm done by existing gaming machines.

She said the Australian gambling harm reduction sector has been trialling an approach in which gamblers make a “precommitment” about how much money they will spend at slot machines.

“The Problem

Gambling Foundation believes precommitment should be mandatory in New Zealand. But it would require large changes in industry regulation.”

Froude said the number of gaming machines was “slowly going down”, but the money generated by their usage was going up.

“Nationally, there’s over a billion dollars being lost on pokies. And that’s a significant amount of money that’s being sucked out of communities.”

Masterton district councillors discussed the issue of allowing temporary relocations of gambling venues at public hearings back in April – including the possibility of temporary relocations in emergency scenarios, such as fire or flooding.

Masterton has four gambling venues with 64 slot machines, or “pokies”. In 2023, $5.1 million was put into these machines.

A spokesperson for MDC said a revised policy will be considered at the council’s meeting on June 26.

• The Problem Gambling Foundation encourages anyone who feels they have a problem to reach out for help. Their services are free and confidential. Call 0800 664 262 or email help@pgf.nz

Masterton District Council proposes to bar gambling venues from relocation – but is considering how temporary relocation could be adopted.

“There

Local seniors finding friendship in flatting LETTERS

Student journalist NICOLA CORNER

meets the community at Masterton’s Abbeyfield – who are discovering that flatting is not just for the young folks.

As the time inched toward 5.30pm, a lively group of over 60s started to trickle out of their rooms and take their seats at the tables for dinner. Before long, the previously quiet dining and lounge area was full of laughter and conversation.

The residents are right at home at Abbeyfield, a shared housing complex on Masterton’s Church St. Abbeyfield New Zealand provides supported shared rental housing for older people – a model Jude Clark, Abbeyfield Masterton’s volunteer housing manager, described as “like flatting for seniors”.

There are 14 Abbeyfield houses throughout the country – Masterton’s

being the second to be established. In each house, residents rent out their rooms and use a shared living and dining area.

Meals are provided, but residents are otherwise able to live independently.

Clark said the model provided the many social benefits that “traditional flatting” provides.

“When you’re young and you’re flatting, there’s that [social interaction] in your life. You develop really deep friendships,” Clark said.

“I think the main benefit of Abbeyfield is that people have that small community. There’s friendship around them.

“It also provides another option for people who don’t feel ready to go into a retirement village.”

She said Abbeyfield also offered affordable accommodation. The housing community’s rental cost is cheaper than market rates and doesn’t use all the residents’ superannuation.

“In New Zealand, we have an ageing population. A lot of people may have never owned a home and can’t afford the market rents.”

The need for affordable housing options for seniors isn’t just being noted by people like Clark. It’s also being considered by national decision-makers.

A December 2023 report by the Office for Seniors, obtained through the Official Information Act, stated that home ownership rates among seniors have been declining, and an “increasing number of New Zealanders will enter later life renting”.

The report also stated that a “wide range of housing options will be required to cater for the needs of an older population that is both growing and becoming increasingly diverse.”

As part of the Office of Seniors’ response to older New Zealanders’ housing issues, it provides information to help seniors to understand the range of housing options.

For Clark, volunteering at Abbeyfield provided an opportunity to “give back to the older generation”, and ensure they are cared for later in life.

“I love the whole idea of looking after our older generation, because we’re all going to get there one day – and because they have supported us as we’ve grown up.

“It fills me up – it’s the joy of service.”

Appreciation for the editor

I have been consistently impressed with the consideration and nuance that Midweek editor Erin Kavanagh-Hall puts into her editorials.

On a near-weekly basis, she is able to take timely, complicated issues, and distill them in a way that encourages reflection and accountability in the reader.

New Zealand has not been immune to the worldwide upswing in reactionary rhetoric

CONTACT US

– and it is refreshing to see Erin doing something more interesting, and much more worthwhile.

As a young woman living in Carterton, I am very grateful people who share my demographic and my values are given platforms, and use them responsibly.

There’s a lot of us here, Erin, and we’re glad you are, too.

You may share your opinion in print and online. To comment online, message our Facebook page and feel free to comment on any of the stories.

Please email letters to midweek@ age.co.nz or post to Wairarapa Midweek letters, P.O. Box 445, Masterton. Include name, address, and phone number. Noms de plume are not accepted. Letter writers’ town of origin will be published with the letter. Letters should be no more than 250 words, and may be edited for space and clarity.

Community Lunch

Contact us on: 06 657 0172 email: heartlandservices@reapwairarapa.nz or call in and see us at 39 Jellicoe Street, Martinborough. You’re invited to a

Friday 14th June

12pm - 2pm Free to attend 39 Jellicoe Street, Martinborough RSVPs appreciated but not required

We invite you to come and join us for some delicious soup! After some shared kai, our local community organisations and services will be giving a speed presentation each on what they can offer to the community and how you can reach them.

-All welcome for this FREE event-

Emily Rosenthal Carterton

Abbeyfield residents Bob and Gwenda enjoy a post-dinner cup of tea. PHOTO/NICOLA CORNER

Pēpe

Kaiawhina, look forward

GardenYarn with GardenBarn

IT’S TIME TO PLANT

I doubt there are many people who don’t enjoy the taste of a strawberry, warm from the sun, picked straight from the plant and popped in the mouth. If you would love to have delicious treats growing in your home garden, then now is the time to get your rst lot planted.

Not only are these little red delights delicious, they are also very good for you. They are high in antioxidants and contain good amounts of Vitamin C, manganese, folate and potassium. They also provide some iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins B6, K and E.

 If you are growing your strawberries in the garden, choose a spot that gets lots of sun. The avour will be much better if they have received at least 8 hours of sunlight each day – a good amount of winter chill also enhances their taste. Try and avoid growing your crops in the same area that has had tomatoes, eggplants, melons or potatoes – this could encourage a disease that strawberries can be prone to called verticillium.

 Allow enough space between plants so air can move freely to prevent pests and diseases as well as giving the plant room to grow and produce large fruit. Mounding the soil up around 10cm can also help with circulation and drainage, plant approx. 15cm apart.

 Clear the planting area so it’s free of weeds and debri and dig the soil over well.

Strawberries are easy to grow and don’t need a lot of maintenance, making them a great choice of edible for kids to grow and look after. They look attractive as well, so you could have loads of them growing in the garden or ll as many pots or hanging baskets as you can t, you can never have too many strawberries!

 Boost the soil with goodness by adding in some organic matter such as compost, sheep pellets or ican Real Blood & Bone along with some Tui Strawberry Mix and some strawberry food. Adding gypsum into the planting hole will help provide calcium, improve soil structure and improve drainage without altering the pH of the soil (strawberries prefer a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5). Cover the area with weed matting.

Loads of fun ways you can grow strawberries at home

Strawberries can grow in all sorts of places– shallow containers or troughs, hanging baskets, pots, vertical grow bags, you could even plant directly into a bag of Tui Strawberry Mix and have great results! Remember to be vigilant with the watering plants grown in containers dry out much quicker than the garden.

8.30am - 5.30pm

Sumptuously Sweet Strawberries

How to plant

Before planting anything, including strawberries, it’s a great idea to soak the plants in a bucket of liquid seaweed tonic, such as Wairarapa’s own Seamite. This is bene cial in many ways, including the fact it helps prevent transplant shock. Spraying with Seamite every few weeks will also help supply trace elements as well as help prevent some fungal diseases.

Make the planting hole big enough so you can gently spread the roots out (strawberries are very shallow rooted) and take care not to plant too deep, the crown of the plant should be above the soil line.

It’s important not to plant your strawberry plants too deep.

Gently rm the soil down around the plants and water well. When watering always water from the base, not the foliage.

Add a layer of Tui Strawberry Straw around the plants (avoid touching the stems) so that the leaves and fruit have a clean, dry place to lay on rather than a dirty wet ground that could encourage fungus. Covering your plants with netting or a cloche can help prevent problems with birds and unwanted bugs.

Providing your plants with adequate food during the growing season is important they can’t provide you with goodness if they haven’t got access to it themselves. Tui Strawberry Food has everything your plants need in the garden, and Yates Thrive Liquid Plant Food is suitable for pots (always take care what you feed plants in pots with as not everything is suitable). Keep your plants well watered installing a soaker or weeper hose is a great way to water below the plant to prevent fungus.

Get your plants o to the best start with Tui Strawberry Mix

This provides your plants, in the garden or in pots, with:

 The right blend of nutrients

 6 months controlled release fertiliser

 SaturAid wetting agent

 Potassium to enhance fruit and ower development

Garden Fiesta wairarapa

Tui Strawberry Mix

Carterton

‘Joyous’ project completed

Erin Kavanagh-Hall erin.kavanagh-hall@age.co.nz

The magic of interior decorating, a generous Wairarapa business community, and “a little imagination and creativity” has again combined to make Wairarapa hospital “a more soothing and peaceful place” for patients and whānau.

Maree McManaway, Carterton-based life coach and founder of LYF4U Personal Development Coaching, began coordinating a “refurbishment project” for the hospital’s medicalsurgical ward last year –which started in July with a makeover of one of the ward’s single rooms.

As well as providing a fresh coat of paint, some comforting home décor, and a new entertainment system for Room 17, LYF4U also ran a Givealittle fundraiser for six La-Z-Boy chairs, one for each of the ward’s single rooms. LYF4U also purchased a lockable cupboard, stocked with self-care items, to remain on the ward for family to use.

The refurbishment project was brought to a close last week, with refurbishments completed in Rooms 18 and 19 on

Thursday afternoon –again, with labour and items donated by local businesses.

Thursday’s makeover included paint jobs in pale yellow and lime green, some “lovely rugs and pillows”, canvases featuring “beautiful local scenes” for the walls, air diffusers, a wall-mounted television and music player [courtesy of Newbolds Masterton], and a shelf of affirming reading materials.

All work was completed within half a day – taking into account the hospital staffers’ workload and the recent rise in covid cases –by a small crew, including McManaway, Kurt Mende of Bestblokes Decorating, and one of his staff.

New deputy for Carterton

emily.ireland@age.co.nz

As of last week, Carterton District Council has a new deputy mayor.

Councillor Steve Cretney was voted in as deputy mayor at a council meeting on May 29, following Dale Williams’ resignation from the role. Williams, who was

McManaway was inspired to kickstart the refurbishments after visiting family members on the ward, and wanted to help create a “beautiful and soothing space” for patients who are critically ill or near death. She said working on the project has been a “joyous” experience.

“The feedback we’ve received has been wonderful,” McManaway said.

“You hear a lot about people’s negative experiences of the hospital, and we all experience it from different perspectives. But there’s not one person in Wairarapa who doesn’t have a connection to the hospital and, as a community, we want it to flourish.

he was prepared to step down mid-term should I wish to appoint someone else for the second half of the triennium,” Mark said.

“We wanted to help create a positive solution so that the hospital can progress forward, and put a bit of aroha into [its rooms]. That flows on to patients, their families, and the community. It’s been joyous to be a part of that.”

McManaway said she was grateful to the Wairarapa businesses who supported the project, both for last year’s and the most recent refurbishments.

As well as Newbolds and Bestblokes, these include Resene, The Sanctuary, Take Note and Paper Plus, Pete Nikolaison, The Whole Nine Yards and Bryan’s Furniture – which provided the La-Z-Boys “at cost”.

McManaway also thanked Masterton local

appointed as deputy mayor in October 2022, stepped down at the end of May.

Mayor Ron Mark acknowledged Williams’ “dedicated service to council” in a statement issued on May 28, which was supported by Williams.

“I would like to acknowledge that Dale indicated at the outset

“Dale’s experience as a former councillor and mayor [of Otorohanga] has been invaluable, and he has laid the groundwork for me to transition another councillor into the role.

Elaine Leggott who, via her Doing A Good Deed page, raised money for a lockable cupboard – which is now filled with “everything from toiletries, to kids’ colouring books, to little nibbles”.

“We’ve also had some beautiful self-care items donated – like massage oils from Lavender Abbey and hair products from Shine in Greytown,” she said.

“When you end up in hospital with someone unexpectedly, you’re not going to have all your toiletries with you, and you might not want to leave your loved one’s side to dash home. Having the care cupboard means family have one less thing to worry about.”

McManaway said she felt humbled by the community’s response to the project.

“A lot of people say they don’t have the money to pay it forward to help someone. If money were all it took, billionaires would be doing a lot more!

“What you need is creativity and a bit of imagination. And I think we’ve shown that.” • For more information about LYF4U and its services, go to lyf4u.co.nz

“He remains a valuable and experienced member of Carterton District Council, and we will all continue to draw on his knowledge.

“I look forward to working together with

Dale and all of the team as we work together for the betterment of Carterton and Wairarapa.”

Under legislation, mayors can appoint a deputy mayor with no involvement from councillors, or the mayor can choose to run a collaborative process, seeking expressions of interest, engaging with all councillors, and providing an opportunity for all of council to vote on the appointment of a deputy mayor.

• Public Interest

Journalism funded through NZ On Air

Carterton Mayor Ron Mark and Dale Williams.

PHOTO/CARTERTON

DISTRICT COUNCIL

LYF4U founder Maree McManaway [third from right], with staff at Wairarapa Hospital’s medicalsurgical ward, after last year’s refurbishment of Room 17. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Going on holiday or needing to catch up on other life demands?

For people living with family carers, Enliven offers short-term respite programmes. For carers, this offers a chance to take a break and focus on your own wellbeing or go away on holiday.

Taking a break to look after yourself can do wonders for your mental health while having peace of mind that your loved one is well cared for.

Short-term care options available in Enliven’s Kandahar Home now.

Out & About

Hikoi gathers to ‘Toitu te Tiriti’

Hundreds of protesters gathered in the Masterton town square on Budget Day last week – as part of a nationwide rally, initiated by Te Pāti Māori, to stand against the coalition government’s proposals to review Te Tiriti o Waitangi and “antiMāori policies”. Times-Age reporter KATE JUDSON went along.

How to get planting?

You may want to consider planting more trees around your property, or join a local conservation group and go along to tree planting days.

What the science says:

Climate Change is a major contribution to habitat and biodiversity loss; with warmer temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns/ intensity, and increasingly extreme weather events signi cantly impacting ecosystems. Plants produce oxygen and store carbon in their stems, leaves, branches, and soil meaning that less is in the atmosphere. Planting more native helps to counteract habitat loss helping native fauna to thrive.

Matt Jackett, Carterton School principal

As a child, I loved to ...

Play rugby and climb trees.

My friends and loved ones always say that I am…

High energy, positive and always on the move.

The tamariki of Carterton School make me proud because… They bring their smile to school every day.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is…

A ship in the harbour is safe. But that’s not what ships were built for.

A song I know all the words to is…

Our national anthem [“God Defend New Zealand”].

CONTACT US

The place I always go when I need to chill out is… The beach or the mountains.

Teaching is an incredible career because…

You can inspire future generations to be educated and positive individuals.

I’d love more time to… Be with my family.

The person who makes me laugh the most is… [Carterton district councillor and friend] Dale Williams.

In ve years’ time, I hope Carterton School will… Continue to be the best school in town!

MIDWEEK PHOTOS

Have you got a photo you want to share with Wairarapa?

Whether it’s a reader photo, a cutie, or a snap of you with your Midweek, email it to midweek@age.co.nz with ‘Midweek Photo’ in the subject line, and it could be featured in this segment.

READER PHOTOS

You may share your opinion in print and online. To comment online, message our Facebook page and feel free to comment on any of the stories. Please email letters to midweek@age.co.nz or post to Wairarapa Midweek letters, P.O. Box 445, Masterton. Include name, address, and phone number. Noms de plume are not accepted. Letter writers’ town of origin will be published with the letter. Letters should be no more than 250 words, and may be edited for space and clarity.

Reader Jill sent in these two beautiful photos: One taken on her regular walk around Henley Lake, the other on her early morning drive into Masterton from Ngaumutawa Rd.

PHOTOS/JILL SIMPSON

Carterton School principal Matt Jackett “hanging out” with his pupils.

Matariki pops up in schools

Aratoi Education recently launched its new Offsite Education initiative, visiting Wainuioru School to begin celebrating Matariki 2024. The initiative was created in response to school feedback, highlighting high transport costs and limited support staff as major obstacles to Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC).

“Many schools rely on parents taking a day off work for EOTC opportunities to go ahead, which is asking a lot in these financially challenging times,” Aratoi educator Natasha Priddle said.

“The New Zealand curriculum recognises EOTC as a crucial component of education.

When students come into different environments, educators can stimulate a new interest in a subject.”

From a teacher’s vantage point, they see communication skills, problem-solving, individual expression and cultural connection from their sessions.

Aratoi is offering free Offsite Education sessions for two rural schools per term and eventually hopes to extend this to four per term, if additional funding can be secured.

During her visit to Wainuioru School, Priddle delivered a new Matariki Pop-Up activity to four classes of students. All nine Matariki stars are represented by a drawn figure and unique scenery, showcasing their important links to Ranginui and Papatūānuku.

Priddle mentioned that it was unusual for her to feel nervous while teaching, but testing a new resource can be nerve-wracking.

“The students at Wainuioru were so kind, encouraging and helpful, offering valuable feedback

that has enabled me to refine my delivery,” she said.

“As Aratoi has stretched its education budget to provide resources for Offsite Education, it was reassuring to see those being cared for and

enjoyed by the Wainuioru students. I am greatly looking forward to my next Offsite Education session.

Mānawatia a Matariki.”

Priddle was delighted to see that the students of Wainuioru School had their school values on full display during her visit; showcasing respect and appreciation for the new resource and the opportunity to begin preparing for Matariki together.

For onsite sessions this term, Priddle has created a comprehensive and thorough look at Aotearoa’s Matariki stories, comparing them with those from Ancient Greece [Pleiades] and the Hindu religion [Krittika], beautifully illustrated by a large pop-up display. Education sessions are free of charge to schools.

Applying old knowledge to modern life

The most influential question asked of me in recent times is, “how would the ngāhere do it?”

Or in other words, how do we observe seasonal cycles of nature to inspire the way we support social development in the ecosystems of where we live?

It may sound abstract to some, but for tangata whenua, it is as natural and refreshing as sipping a cool drink of water when you apply old knowledge to our modern lives.

As Matariki approaches, let’s take the maramataka or luna

cycle as an example. This elemental knowledge system connects us to our ancestors and every indigenous culture on earth. Informing oneself by the moon, embodies the adage ‘a right time and place for everything’. From fishing to planting, from high energy work to rest and reflection, from learning and study to implementation, is all intrinsic in the maramataka.

How would the ngāhere do it?

Ahu Collective is a courageous organisation, grown from seed here in the Wairarapa, which has responded to this fundamental question

and adopted ancient knowledge systems, with nature as the inspiration.

Ahu Collective has developed a rehabilitation program call Ngāhere ō Tane, providing support for people with a spectrum of intergenerational trauma. They have woven an ecosystem of organisations and funding streams, with shared values and social aspirations for transformational change.

Men and women who are normally included in social deficit statistics, are transformed into pillars of their community via connection to whakapapa and taiao.

I work for Kahungunu

ki Wairarapa as ‘Kaitiaki Taiao’ or environmental officer. My job is to support kaitiakitanga to grow in the Wairarapa and I feel privileged to weave into kaitiaki groups such as Ahu Collective. Indeed, working for iwi and learning from mana whenua has empowered me to challenge status quo thinking of councils, crown entities and businesses, to think outside the box and include indigenous knowledge into decision making.

What do long term planning and funding cycles look like if you keep the environment at the heart of decision making? What does business

resilience and sustainability look like if you incorporate intergenerational health and prosperity into strategies?

What does food production look like if agricultural practitioners adopt closed loop, regenerative farm practices such as ‘syntropic agriculture, food forests and permaculture design?

What would our waterways look like if kaitiaki were enabled to uphold Te Mana o te Wai principles and biodiversity within our rivers, wetlands and lakes could reach its full potential?

How would the ngāhere do it?

3775716 E: admin@changewairarapa.org.nz www.changewairarapa.org.nz

Students at Wainuioru enjoying their Aratoi Offsite Education session. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Becky Bateman

Sam Ludden Kahungunu ki Wairarapa

Nature is the inspiration. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Adjustable bed bases have become quite popular recently and although previously associated with hospitals, modern adjustable beds blend seamlessly in home decor and can be helpful for a wide range of people. Whether you’re considering an adjustable bed to assist in health care or as a lifestyle choice an adjustable sleeping position can make a positive difference to many areas of your health and comfort.

An adjustable bed can help with Circulation and Swelling, Back pain, Digestion, Arthritis, Sleep Apnoea and Snoring

Lifestyle

Treat for early commuters

Nick Sault Sky Watch

Early this month, around 8pm, you cannot miss our most amazing southern hemisphere asterisms.

High in the southern sky, our nearest star, just 25 trillion kilometres away, shines as the third brightest in the sky, in terms of visibility. This is Rigil Kentaurus, which we once always knew as Alpha Centauri.

One would think being ‘only’ 4.3 light-years away, it would appear the brightest in the sky, but it is only just a shade brighter than our sun and there are stars that are massively brighter.

The Southern Cross [Crux] is also right there, trying to hide in the Milky Way [see image], though in reality its stars are many times nearer to us than those misty stars and nebulae that map our galaxy across the heavens.

The brightest star in Crux, Acrux, at the bottom of

the cross, is actually more than 10,000 times as bright as Alpha Centauri –just much further away.

On June 10, the moon starts to make an appearance in the northwest, then grows bigger [in phase] such that on June 16 it is close to and just to the west of the first magnitude star Spica, in the constellation of Virgo. Look again next night, June 17, and abracadabra – it’s sitting the other side of Spica and looking decidedly bigger as it heads towards fullness on June 21. Looking back to June 16, the International Space Station [ISS] makes a particularly bright appearance. It should outshine everything except that pesky moon. Start looking above the ranges in the west before 6.25pm. The ISS will appear there and in three minutes, climb halfway up

the northeast sky before dropping slightly and disappearing a minute later, still in the middle of the sky. What happened? It lost the sunlight as it moved into the Earth’s shadow.

On June 20, the almost full moon ‘passes by’ the giant red star, Antares, in the scorpion’s head. Note the star doesn’t look so grand against the moon, but let’s not forget that it is about 2 billion times as far away as the moon. That’s 550 light-years, or over 5 quadrillion kilometres. I like big numbers and I think that just quoting light-years doesn’t really help getting one’s head around stellar distances.

Finally, on June 27, the moon is beginning to lose its fatness and parks itself right next to planet Saturn. But this will be a morning apparition – 6.30am will be good. Featherston people waiting for the 6.30am train can take a look. You’ll have time, as the train seems to be averaging about 10 minutes late these days. Wrap up and don’t get cold.

The general rule if you are quick to complain about something, is that you should also be just as quick to praise or compliment something, right?

I don’t believe that.

If I come into your business to spend my money, you’d better be on the ball. I shouldn’t have to go shouting out for the world to hear about your excellent service, because that is what I expect when I walk in the door.

I don’t mean gushy, over the top stuff, because that doesn’t wash with me. I mean attentive, respectful, genuine courtesy. Just like you get every time you walk into the Screening Room in Kuripuni, Seeds and Cereals on Ngaumutawa Rd and Take Note in Carterton. The service in those places is always excellent. There are some places in Masterton I simply won’t go in because of very poor service.

If not being greeted by friendly, smiling staff isn’t an issue, there is a

big yellow supermarket in town that should suit you. I only go there for certain things, not the big main grocery shop.

As I go through the self check-out, I think to myself, “I’m doing all the work here and I don’t even get invited to the staff Christmas party”.

We shouldn’t be surprised by good service. It should be a given.

I think it is a real shame that we rush off to acknowledge good service, but now I am going to contradict myself and tell you about two recent incidents where I received excellent service, both as a result from complaints I had made.

The first one was regarding two bottles of tomato sauce I had bought online.

I have discovered a brand of sauces, dressings and soup mixes that are gluten free and not always available in the supermarket. I put in an order three or four times a year for a box full of goodies, so my wife, who

has Celiac, always has a supply on hand.

In my recent delivery, amongst the 10 items in the box were two bottles of their delicious tomato sauce [the best shopbought sauce I have tasted] with a best-before date of June 15, 2024. I know ‘best-before’ is very different than ‘use-by’, but I didn’t think they should be sending me goods that were due to expire in a month’s time. Everything else in the box had a 2025 expiry date. So, I sent them an email and I got a very quick response with a big apology and explanation that any goods they send out must have at least

three months’ shelf life left on it. And they offered to replace the two items.

When the replacement box arrived, not only had they replaced the two bottles of tomato sauce, they had replaced the whole order, with a very nice letter with another apology.

That service exceeded my expectations.

The second incident was with a bag of Lotatoes I had bought locally. If you have never heard of Lotatoes, they are low carb potatoes. Good for a diabetic who can’t imagine life without a potato in it – that’s me.

When I cut these potatoes in half, they were

full of brown spots. They were probably edible but not a good look when serving them to visitors, as I was about to do. I took a photo of them and of the bag with the batch number and sent off an email to the producer.

About six days later, I got a very nice email from the general manager. Because I had provided the batch number, they were able to locate the supplier and even narrow it down to the field they grew in and they discovered there had been an issue with the fertilising in that particular field. I was told a replacement was on its way.

A large bag was delivered by courier three days later and in it were five bags of their products, which I shared with friends and neighbours. Again, my expectations were exceeded.

You may feel I am being mean spirited about my feelings on good service, but I absolutely believe in the retail industry, the service industry, the food industry, and the medical industry, mediocre and average are simply not good enough. If it’s not excellence every time, they’re not doing their job.

ELDER ABUSE HITS CLOSE TO HOME

World Elder Abuse Awareness Week 15-22 June 2024

In 2006 the United Nations General Assembly, designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to represent the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and su ering in icted to some of our older generation.

Each year World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15 June, is acknowledged in many countries through activities that bring attention to the issues of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people. These highlight how elder abuse devalues older people, and how elder abuse is underpinned by ageist views in many societies.

In New Zealand, the winter weather means that for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day activities are usually indoors. In addition to online publicity, local Age Concerns around New Zealand run events and activities in each region during the week of 15-22 June. To nd out what is happening nationally and in your own area, visit www.ageconcern.org.nz

WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT?

Elder Abuse and Neglect is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.

This internationally agreed de nition is used in New Zealand. Elder abuse usually occurs behind closed doors and is seldom noticed in public, so raising awareness in all our communities is crucial.

WHAT DOES AGE CONCERN DO TO PREVENT ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT?

Anyone can call us at Age Concern if you suspect elder abuse might be happening. If you are unsure, have a hunch or an inkling that something may be amiss with an older person, trust your gut and

phone to discuss your concern. The longer elder abuse goes on for, the more harm is caused, and the harder it becomes to untangle the negative e ects for older people.

Age Concern o ers free, con dential, specialist Elder Abuse services throughout most regions of New Zealand. We work with older people and their family / whānau to stop abuse, reduce the harm caused and increase understanding to keep all family members safe.

Age Concern works alongside health services, needs assessment services, police, banks, residential care facilities, iwi, and other community agencies, to improve outcomes for the older person/ kaumātua.

WHAT DOES ELDER ABUSE LOOK LIKE?

It is common for several types of abuse occur together. The types of abuse include: Psychological Abuse Actions and words that cause misery, anxiety, or fear. For example:

• ridicule, humiliation, threats, coercion, and bullying

• control, social isolation, and prevention of choice

Financial Abuse

Illegal or improper use of money, property, or other assets. For example:

• unauthorised taking of money or possessions, or failure to repay loans given

• misuse of power of attorney

• use of home and assets without contributing to costs.

• scams that establish relationships with the older people for exploitation e.g.

romance scams

Physical Abuse

In iction of pain, injury, or use of force. For example:

• hitting, pushing, rough handling

• over-medication or under-medication

• inappropriate use of restraints or con nement.

Neglect and self-neglect

Not providing for physical, emotional, or social needs. For example:

• inadequate food, clothing, shelter

• lack of social contact, support

• health needs not attended to.

Sexual Abuse

Non-consensual sexual acts or exploitive behaviours. For example:

• inappropriate touching

• sexual acts which are not wanted

Institutional Abuse

A policy or accepted practice within an organisation that does not respect a person’s rights or causes them harm or distress. For example:

• rigid routines that disregard a person’s culture or customs

• rationing of continence products or other personal care needs

HOW PREVALENT IS ELDER ABUSE?

Elder abuse is a Global issue. It can happen to men and women of every culture, faith, ethnicity, and socio-economic

group. 10% of the population aged over 65 years who are living in the community, may experience abuse.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF ELDER ABUSE?

Elder abuse and neglect can be a signi cant cause of injury, illness, lost productivity, isolation, and despair. Abuse can reduce a person’s independence by undermining their selfesteem and con dence. It also damages family/whānau relationships, nancial security, and mental and physical health, as well as increasing dependency on health and support agencies, which may result in the need for residential care. Elder abuse and neglect have a negative impact on the wellbeing and quality of life of older people. Age Concerns in most regions investigate instances of elder abuse and neglect that are referred to them. Statistics presented are from the combined reports from Age Concern’s Elder Abuse Response Services for the year 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

What does Age Concerns’ elder abuse response work show?

Age Concerns in most regions respond when instances of elder abuse and neglect that are referred to them. The statistics presented here are the combined gures reported from Age Concern’s Elder Abuse Response Services in the year 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

2852 cases were investigated by Age Concerns of which 76% had abuse substantiated. In these:

47% of cases the older person was under 75 years of age.

36% of cases the older person was living alone but 57% lived with partner and/ or relatives.

88% of cases include psychological abuse.

35% of cases involve nancial abuse.

25% of cases involve neglect or self-neglect.

22% of cases involve physical abuse.

86% of alleged abusers were family members of which 55% were adult children or grandchildren.

71% of the alleged abusers are aged under 60 and 49% live with the older person.

60% of cases the abuse has

continued for longer than 3 months, and 30% longer than a year.

WHY DON’T OLDER PEOPLE SEEK HELP WHEN THEY ARE ABUSED?

As an older person/kaumātua, it is not easy to tell someone about the elder abuse I may be experiencing because:

 I depend on the abuser for support.

 I don’t want to make a fuss or get my loved ones into trouble.

 I am afraid that if I complain, the abuse will get worse.

 I am ashamed that the abuser is one of my family/ whānau.

 I am isolated, so that it is di cult to nd someone to or ask for help.

 They do not know who to tell or how to get help.

 I have dementia or an illness that prevents me from telling anyone.

 I can’t fathom that someone I love and trust, would do this to me.

 I blame myself for the abuse.

 I have low self-con dence and self-esteem.

HOW CAN I TELL IF SOMEONE IS BEING ABUSED OR NEGLECTED?

The following signs MAY indicate an older person/ kaumātua is being abused:

 Unexplained behaviour, sleeping or eating habits.

 Fearfulness and edginess.

 Confusion.

 Unexplained injuries.

 Drowsiness (due to overmedication).

 Recoiling from touch with a particular person.

 Unusual withdrawals from bank accounts.

 Unpaid bills, lack of money for necessities.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE WHEN AN OLDER PERSON IS TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT?

Older people/ kaumātua…

 Are valued for who we are and treated fairly.

 Live safely, free of exploitation and abuse.

 Receive the care and support we need.

 Make our own decisions.

 Have our physical, spiritual, cultural, and emotional needs met.

 Are included in conversations.

 Are part of each community.

Contact details for Age Concerns services in each region are available at www.ageconcern.org.nz

SON’S STORY

It was harder when we moved overseas, but Mum understood I needed to go where there was work.

I rang Mum every morning and she always called me her “favourite son” – that was our joke because I was her only son! When she didn’t answer her phone and I found out that she was in hospital I arranged to y over. Mum had improved when I got there, but they had told her she would need to go to a rest home to recuperate. I went in the next day, but Mum wasn’t in the ward anymore. I asked about Mum, but I was told to get in touch with my sister as she was the ‘next of kin’. My sister was the oldest and we had never been close since we were children, she always thought I had been spoiled. My sister stopped talking to me when we moved away, and that hadn’t worried me until now. I went to her house to try to nd out where Mum was, but she

would not let me in. She shouted through the window that I had left the country, so I didn’t care about her or Mum.

It was the Age Concern worker who did talk to me! She even found out where Mum was staying, and that Mum was very keen to see me – even though my sister had told the rest home that I shouldn’t be allowed to visit! As well as nding Mum, it was the Age Concern worker who explained how ‘enduring powers of attorney’ were

set up and why they should act in Mum’s interest - not their own. If Mum had known that she could have named me as well, even though I did not live in the same townshe would have. After all, why would Mum not want to see me? Why should I be stopped from visiting her because of what my sister said, rather than Mum being asked if she wanted to see her son?

Spot the signs!

Call Age Concern with any question about elder abuse: 06 377 0066.

10 TIPS TO BE KIND AND PREVENT ABUSE

 Love and cherish your older relatives/whānau.

 Phone, zoom or facetime older people/kaumātua.

 Visit older people/kaumātua in your neighbourhood.

 Involve older people / kaumātua in your social activities.

 Encourage older people/ kaumātua to make their own decisions.

 Support older people/ kaumātua to use their money for their needs.

 Honour older people’s/ kaumātua’s wisdom.

 Enable older people/ kaumātua to set their own pace.

 Speak respectfully and listen to older people’s/kaumātua’s stories.

 Seek advice from any Elder Abuse Service or Age Concern if you think an older person/kaumātua is being abused or neglected.

SIGN UP AS AN AGE CONCERN DIGNITY CHAMPION

Age Concern strives to create a New Zealand in which everyone is valued, supported, and empowered no matter how old they are. However, this is not the society we live in – not yet. That’s where you come in. We need New Zealanders from all walks of life to join us and become Age Concern Dignity Champions. Sign up on: www.ageconcern.org.nz

Lifestyle

Keeping our families warm

Community trusts, local health boards and the New Zealand Government recognise the significant impact that adequate insulation and energyefficient heating have on creating warmer, drier and healthier home environments.

Funding is available to homeowners to help bring New Zealand’s housing up to a healthy standard for all occupants. There is no better time to improve your home insulation and to install energy efficient heating.

The Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant provides up to 90 per cent off the price of insulation, and up to 80 per cent off the price of heating for eligible homeowners.

You may qualify if:

Your home was built before 2008

You are the homeowner [owner-occupier] and have a Community Services Card or SuperGold combo card

You own and live in a home in an area identified as low-income

You are referred by the Healthy Homes initiative

What happens next?

Arrange for a service provider to visit your home, to make sure you need insulation. The service provider will measure your roof space and under the floor.

You will need to provide evidence of eligibility.

If everything is approved, sign a contract with the service provider and arrange a day and time to have the insulation installed.

Are you paying too much for your power?

It’s easy to find out how much money you might be able to save by switching power companies, by checking out whatsmynumber.org. nz/ and answering five basic questions

If you need help with this, or don’t have access to the Internet, call into our Citizen’s Advice Bureau [CAB] office, bringing a recent power bill, and we’ll help you work out the options.

It’s normally free to change companies, but make sure you check with both your existing and new company whether there are any extra costs. We had a caller recently who had ended up actually paying more when she changed her electricity company. For example, check with your existing company

whether a special meter read is required, if you are under a term contract, or if there are any disconnection fees. Ask your new company if requires a bond. Are you having problems paying your power bill?

If paying your bill is a problem, contact your power company as soon as possible. Ask about payment options and hardship programmes. Most power companies have ways to help if you are having problems paying your bill. Financial help may be available which could make it easier to afford your bills – check you are receiving all the benefits and support you are entitled to.

Worried about disconnection?

If you haven’t paid you power bill, you could be at risk of disconnection. Power companies should give at least 7-14 days’ notice before disconnection, and then contact you again at least 24 hours before the actual disconnection.

There is normally a hefty fee for being disconnected and reconnected, so it’s best to try and avoid this if possible. You may also be asked to pay a bond before you get reconnected. If there is anyone in your household who is

dependent on electricity for medical reasons, let your power company know as soon as possible, as there are special rules to prevent disconnection in these cases.

Is the cost of your power bill giving you a fright?

The power bill usually rises over the winter months, and the extra amount might be too much for you to handle. You can:

Check that you’re getting the cheapest price available to you

Check whether you can get any discounts

For example, prompt payment discounts, paying by direct debit, or managing your bill online: Talk to you power company about whether there are better ways of paying, such as regular monthly payment across the whole year – these are called “level” or “smooth” payments

Check whether you are eligible for the Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant as outlined above

Winter Energy Payment:

We have written about this payment previously but feel it fits in with the information in this article, so here it is again: You don’t need to apply. You’ll automatically get the Winter Energy Payment if you’re getting: NZ

Young Parent Payment

Youth Payment

Emergency Benefit

Emergency Maintenance Allowance

It is paid from May 1 to October 1 each year. No one needs to apply –you’ll get the extra money automatically with your other regular payments from the Government. The Winter Energy Payment can’t be paid as a lump sum.

The payment is: $20.46 a week for single people with no dependent children and $31.82 a week couples and people with dependent children.

9am-4pm wairarapa@cab.org.nz www.cab.org.nz

Cull to stop fatal TB spread

Kate Judson kate.judson@age.co.nz

An aerial operation involving 1080 toxin is scheduled within the next month – dependent on suitable weather – in the northern Remutaka Range to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis [TB].

Bovine TB, which is fatal for the possums that carry it, compromises the immune systems of cattle and deer and causes clinical disease in these animals.

However, dogs are particularly vulnerable to 1080, whether in bait or poisoned carcasses, and an extensive network of warning signs have been placed at access points to areas that will be impacted by the TB control.

According to Greater Wellington Regional Council [GWRC], dog walking and hunting will be prohibited in the Remutaka Cycle Trail area, Mt Climie, and parts of

“Do not handle any bait or allow children to wander unsupervised,” GWRC stated.

Hunters are advised not to hunt or take game from

control numbers, or manage them to protect our native species, primary production sector and social wellbeing.”

This latest predator-

pellets and overcomes bait shyness”, according to an OSPRI information sheet about the operation.

The second phase, which is weather dependent,

region since the last such operation in 2018.

“To control TB, possum numbers need to be kept extremely low, around one to two animals every 10 hectares, for at least five years in this location,” according to OSPRI.

“Advanced GPS navigational equipment will ensure the pellets are accurately kept within the boundary of the operation and exclusion zones are avoided.

“To reduce by-kill of deer populations, we intend to use a deer repellent on bait on some public land, where consultation and consent conditions allow.

“We’ll also use this repellent on private land, where requested.”

This programme is consented by GWRC, the Department of Conservation, and the Ministry of Health.

• For suspected

We are available to service all makes and models of tractors, balers, excavators etc, and supply parts for most brands. Our factory trained technicans will ensure your equipment is ready for the season ahead. So give us a call and get your winter service booked in today.

INSET: Possums are the biggest bovine TB disease carriers in New Zealand. PHOTO/CHRIS STEWART The Pākuratahi Forest is zoned within the 24,898-hectare 1080 drop, including Wainuiomata Regional Park. PHOTO/GREATER WELLINGTON REGIONAL COUNCIL

Lifestyle

Take a break sometimes

Midweek Musings

Tim Nelson

I have been pretty busy lately.

I have two roles that I love doing, one as a school principal and the other as a district councillor. Both have a lot of responsibility and come with a fair amount of pressure.

I’m not complaining, as I feel truly blessed to have both jobs. But there are many times when I’m up late, usually doing council reading, after having done a full day at school.

One night recently, I got home to find my housemate was cooking dinner, so I changed into my lounging clothes, then spent the rest of the evening watching two episodes of a show I enjoy and a movie. I didn’t do anything else but relax and eat dinner, and I absolutely loved it.

I won’t be doing this every night, but when I do, it’s something I really enjoy. Nothing comes out of it productivity-wise, but taking the time to have a break will, I believe, make me more productive the next time I sit down in the evening to read hours’

worth of submissions.

Rich people are readers I attended an event, which had a number of speakers, all about motivating students. One of the speakers refers to herself as “The Māori Millionaire”. She shared a number of ideas that were aimed at encouraging young people to learn about and make better choices around money. I loved the way in which The Māori Millionaire has established a mission around such an important area, one that is almost ignored in our education system

One idea in particular that resonated with me is that rich people are readers. This is essential because there is such great content accessible in books that, if applied, will lead to making choices around money that will have a hugely positive impact on wealth creation and economic prosperity. The information is out there and available to anyone willing to put in the effort to read it.

If I had one suggestion, I

would choose the timeless classic The Richest Man in Babylon, written almost 100 years ago.

Be pessimistic sometimes I attended a meeting in which I felt that many who shared their views on a specific issue were only doing so from the perspective of optimism and not looking at any potential downside. To me, this is a case of ignoring any risk, even though there is clearly some involved. This, by its very nature, puts the project at risk because there isn’t the necessary preparation for when things may go wrong. For me, it’s always prudent to look at potential

risks, even when you’re heavily invested in going down a particular path. Doing so will make you better prepared if you do take on the venture, or it may help you to recognise why the path should be avoided altogether.

Yes, we do need to take risks in life, but they should be calculated ones.

How to make someone you care about really happy

I was in a meeting at school. A person at my table got my attention to let me know there was someone in the adjourning room to see me. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so when I saw my daughter waiting for me with a friend it

made me so incredibly happy, as I didn’t even know she was in town.

Later on, I was at home when my other daughter called me while she was walking home from a yoga class. I wasn’t expecting this either, and it was just awesome hearing from her. This made me think that this is something we all can do: Visiting someone we love and care about, or if that’s not possible, calling them. To me there is nothing more special than catching up with my daughters, and doing so made me incredibly happy. It reminded me that there are a few people I should be visiting and contacting a lot more often.

Be Warm this Winter with a Daikin Heatpump

Jumbo crossword

ACROSS

1 Peer (5)

4 Accidentally betray one’s intentions (4,3,4,4)

14 Creamy pulp of fruit, vegetables (5)

15 Competitor (5)

16 From corner to corner (10)

17 Collector’s item (5)

19 Young goat (3)

20 Sharpened by rubbing (7)

21 Lie (9)

22 Cloak (6)

25 Enclosing boundary (9)

27 Weak (6)

28 Let out (6)

33 Leak-resistant (10)

35 Small (3)

36 South American country (6)

37 Standard (4)

39 Mongrel (3)

41 Bauble (7)

42 Board (6)

43 Vary (9)

44 S American cudchewer (5)

45 Kitchen room (8)

50 Abbreviation for Maine (2)

51 Keep in good condition (8)

55 Roman country house (5)

58 Percussion instrument (9)

59 Cleric (6)

60 Supervise (7)

61 Sphere (3)

63 Check the flow of (4)

64 Offer for acceptance (6)

65 Statute (3)

66 Thai cartel (anag)(10)

68 Securing wedge in machinery parts (6)

69 The right to enter (6)

71 Carving (9)

76 Bright flashing light (6)

77 Every three months (9)

79 Game thief (7)

81 Boat fore-end (3)

84 Blemish (5)

85 Copy out (10)

86 Spiral (5)

87 Water sprite (5)

88 Out of public view (6,3,6)

89 Split, partly divided (5)

DOWN

2 Open savoury tart (6)

3 Separated (5)

5 Flower (4)

6 Inscribe (7)

7 Law-abiding (6)

8 Ravine, in the US (5)

9 Tall post with ribbons (7)

10 Architectural curve (4)

11 Antenna (6)

12 Stopping device (5)

13 Expressionless (7)

14 Share (7)

18 Half of the terrestrial globe (10)

23 Serf (5)

24 Lucerne (7)

26 Everlasting (7)

27 Skin spot (7)

29 Dried grape (7)

30 Material (6)

31 Vow (5)

32 Leg bone (6)

34 Stardom (4)

36 Snap (5)

38 Inexperienced (5)

40 Knock semiconscious (4)

45 Genders (5)

46 Glues it (anag)(7)

47 Circuits (4)

48 Rabble-rouser (6)

49 Deck (5)

50 Glass balls (7)

52 Request to attend (10)

53 Small dog (7)

54 Polar covering (3,3)

55 Decision (7)

56 Frown (5)

57 Space inside roof (4)

62 Wobbly dessert (5)

67 Breathe new life into (7)

68 Old rifle (7)

70 Burst (7)

72 Unit of heat (7)

73 On fire (6)

74 Official count (6)

75 Conviction (6)

76 Hindu religious teacher (5)

78 Attain (5)

80 Basket for fish (5)

82 Opposed (4)

83 Competent (4)

Sudoku

Fill

ACROSS: 1 Speak, 4 In the land of Nod, 11 Inlet, 14 Unite, 15 Discouraged, 16 Black box, 19 Chuckle, 20 Block, 21 Keep going, 24 Dormitory, 26 Nitwit, 27 Virtue, 31 Suave, 32 Broccoli, 34 Skyscraper, 38 Ongoing, 39 Monaco, 40 Leeway, 41 Oven, 42 Causing, 45 Retaliates, 50 Enlarge, 54 Nibs, 55 Impure, 56 Nicety, 57 Slacken, 60 Crossroads, 61 Enduring, 62 Ready, 65 Credit, 66 Object, 67 Aggravate, 72 Unnatural, 73 Lunar, 74 Villain, 79 Clemency, 80 Firefighter, 81 Vomit, 82 Strut, 83 Slice of the cake, 84 Wedge. DOWN: 2 Poncho, 3 Attic, 5 Nail, 6 Heckler, 7 Launch, 8 Neat, 9 Omelette, 10 Dollop, 11 Incendiary, 12 Lobe, 13 Textile, 17 Plume, 18 Sprinklers, 22 Stare, 23 Stopover, 25 Obvious, 26 Nairobi, 28 Guinea, 29 Sonata, 30 Escape, 33 Clone, 35 Range, 36 Anon, 37 Slat, 42 Cynic, 43 Unbroken, 44 Gambol, 45 Roundabout, 46 Tied, 47 Longest, 48 Arcade, 49 Enter, 51 Nile, 52 Ancient, 53 Greedy, 58 Assignment, 59 Angry, 63 Negative, 64 Avoid, 65 Choices, 68 Graphic, 69 Sauces, 70 Punish, 71 Siding, 75 Loose, 76 Rear, 77 Beef, 78 Peak. 5x5

Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.

people who mean business

With the colder weather here now it might be time to get your heat pump serviced so it works at its best for winter.

The service I provide is to clean both the inside and outside units to clean the coils and ensure that there are no obstructions to the operation of the unit.

Ants and cockroaches can damage the electronics and these infestations may not be covered by your insurance.

Supporting a local business is a good way to support the local economy.

Washrite

Whether

Events

THURSDAY JUNE 6

Alcoholics Anonymous: Featherston Community Centre, 7.30-8.30pm. Call 0800 229 6757.

Belly Dance for Beginners: Kiwi Hall, Featherston, 6.30-7.30pm. Call Antonia Blincoe [021] 105-7649. Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High Street, Carterton,1pm for 1.30pm start. Call Pauline Hodgson [027] 406-672. Carterton District Historical Society: 142 High St North, Carterton, open 2-4pm or by appointment. Call Vivienne [06] 379-5564 or email carterton.hist.soc@gmail.com

Carterton Scout Group: Rangatahi Hub [behind Carterton Event Centre], Scouts [11-14 years] 6.30-8.30pm. Contact Sylvia [027] 249-3395.

Danzability Class: 11am-noon at Studio 73, Greytown. Contact physio. rachel.horwell@gmail.com or [022] 077-2654.

Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call [0800] 373-646 to book or for advice. Martinborough: 9.30-11.30am, Heartland Services, 29 Jellicoe St; Featherston: 1.30-3.30pm, Featherston Community Centre. Fareham Creative Space: Also Fri/Tues, open studio, 10am-3pm, 80 Underhill Rd, Featherston. Email: registrations@farehamcreativespace.nz Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 6.30pm. Food Market: Food trucks, 4.30-7pm outside the Masterton Town Hall, rain or shine.

GirlGuidingNZ: Carterton Pippins, 5-7 years, 4.15-5.30pm. Carterton Brownies, 7-9½ years, 6-7.30pm. Call Sharon [021] 033-0550.

Housie: Carrington Bowling & Croquet Club, Carterton, [behind clock tower]. Be there by 12.30pm. Jeanne Emery [06] 379 5444. Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB, Perry St. 9.30am-12.30pm.

KeepFit!: 10.30am, Senior Citizens Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066.

Masterton Petanque Club: Club Day 1pm, Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane [06] 377-3064 or [027] 4559 733.

Masterton Toy Library: 10am-12pm, 365 Queen St. Narcotics Anonymous: 7.30-8.30pm at St Matthew’s Church, Church St, Masterton.

Parkinson’s Exercise Class: 1.30pm at the Wairarapa Boxing Academy, Dixon St. Call Roslyn [027] 264-8623. Patient Activity Programme: Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, 10am-1pm. Call [06] 378-8888.

Pickleball: Masterton Rec Centre, 2 Dixon St, 5.30pm-7pm. All gear provided. Contact Sue [027] 449 0601.

Red Star Table Tennis Club: 5-7pm at Red Star Sports Association, 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian [06] 377-4066. Ruamahanga Club: Cards, 500, 1-4pm at Wairarapa Services Club, Essex St, Masterton. Social Learners Bridge: 1pm3.30pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Barbara [06] 304-9208. Steady As You Go: Falls Prevention and Balance Class, 9.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066. Thursday Morning Bikers: Meet at fountain, Queen Elizabeth Park entrance, 9.30am. Contact David [021] 246-0295. Wairarapa Fern and Thistle Pipe Band: Weekly practice, Masterton Brass Bandrooms, Park Ave, Masterton. Email fernandthistle21@ gmail.com

Wairarapa Model Aero Club: 9amnoon at the Masterton Aerodrome. Whakaoriori Shufflers: Line dancing, Red Star clubrooms, Herbert St, Masterton, intermediate, 1-2.30pm. Call [06] 377-5518 or [06] 377-1135.

Wairarapa Quilters: Meeting in Idea Rooms, 46 Bentley St, Masterton, 7pm. Erica [027] 343 3897.

FRIDAY JUNE 7

Spontaneous Dance: Kiwi Hall, Featherston, 6.30-8pm. Call Pavla Miller [022] 075-3867. Sunset Cinema: Carterton Events Centre, Rangatahi Hub. Doors open 7pm, movie starts 7.30pm. Info at sunsetcinemacarterton.com

Aratoi: Jane Sinclair: Quiet Observations to June 16; In Recognition to July 28. Carterton Craft Market: Mon-Sat: 9am-4pm, Sun: 10am-3pm, 25 High St North, Carterton. Call Desley [027] 787-8558. Carterton Senior Citizens: 12.303.30pm, play cards, Rummikub and Scrabble, at the old courthouse next to the library. Cloth Collective Sewing Workshop: 10am-2pm, Kiwi Hall Supper Room. Call Sara Uruski [0274] 474-959.

Dance Fit: At Carrington Park, Carterton, 6pm-7pm. Text dance groove to [022] 321-2643. Wairarapa Embroiderers Guild: Ranfurly Club Rooms, Chapel St, Masterton. Email Wairarapaembroiderers@gmail.com

French Conversation: U3A-affiliated group, Education Centre, Dixon St, Masterton, 11am-1pm. Converse in French or improve speaking in French. Brett [027] 363-4039 or Robyn [021] 169-9415. Greytown Music and Movement: For pre-schoolers, 10am, at St Luke’s Hall, Main St. Email admin@stlukesgreytown.co.nz Justice of the Peace: Carterton library noon-2pm; Masterton District Court 11am-1pm; Eketāhuna Library 1.30-4.30pm.

Masterton Bowling Club: Funzie Friday, 12pm for 12.30pm start. Call [06] 377-4664 after 4pm.

Masterton Croquet Club: Golf Croquet 9.15am behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Russell Ward 377-4401.

Masterton Masters Swimming Club: Club night 5.30-6.30pm, Trust House Recreation Centre back pool. Call Stu [027] 295-4189 or Lucy [021] 0204-4144.

Needlework & Craft Drop-in: 10am-noon, Featherston Community Centre. Call May [06] 308-6912 or Virginia [06] 308-8392.

Road Cycling Martinborough: All year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Call Steve [022] 690 8837. Wairarapa Kids Choir: For children aged seven years up, 3.50-4.50pm, during school terms, Courthouse, Holloway St, Carterton. Call Jill [027] 347-5891.

Wairarapa Stop Smoking Service: Quit Clinic at Whaiora 9am-noon. Support across Wairarapa. Call Whaiora 0800 494 246. Walk and Talk: Meet outside Dish Cafe, First St, Masterton, 9.30am.

SATURDAY

JUNE

8

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High St, Carterton, behind clock tower. Call Pauline [027] 406-6728.

Cobblestones Museum and Heritage Village: Main St, Greytown. Open 10am-4pm seven days. [06] 304 9687.

Crop Up Greytown: Fresh produce from South Wairarapa, from 9am at Truckstop Greytown, 102 Main St. Check Facebook.

Featherston Heritage Museum: Behind Featherston Library and Information Centre. Sat/Sun 10am2pm, other times by arrangement. Call Elsa [021] 263-9403. Featherston Weekly Market: 8am2pm, 33 Fitzherbert St. Greytown Menz Shed: 9am-noon. Call Paul Dodge [021] 0262-6595. Justice of the Peace: Masterton Library, 10am-noon. Lions Book Sale: 9am-1pm, under the grandstand, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton. Martinborough Men’s Shed: Old Courthouse, 20 Cork St, 9am-noon. Call John [021] 314-2485.

Martinborough Museum: Open Sat/Sun at No 7 The Square, 10.30am2.30pm. Donation/koha appreciated. Masterton Croquet Club: Association Croquet 9.15am and 12.45pm behind Hosking Garden in the park. Call Carl Redvers [06] 378-7109.

Masterton Tennis Centre: Organised doubles from 12.30 pm at 147 Dixon St, Masterton. Sue McRae [027] 449-0601.

Parkrun: Weekly 5km run/walk. 8am start, Woodside end of the Greytown rail trail. Info: parkrun.co.nz/ greytownwoodsidetrail Tinui Craft Corner and Museum: Open Sat/Sun 10am-4pm. Call Lesley Hodgins [06] 372-6433. Toy Library: Masterton: 10am-12pm, 365 Queen St. Featherston: 14 Wakefield St, 10am-noon. Wairarapa Cancer Society Supportive Care Services: Support after a cancer diagnosis. Call [06] 378-8039.

Wairarapa Farmers’ Market: 9am-1pm, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton.

Women’s Self Defence: With Dion, 9am, band rotunda, Queen Elizabeth Park. Call [020] 4124-4098.

SUNDAY JUNE 9

Carterton Farmers’ Market: High St, Carterton, 9am-12.30pm. Cobblestones Museum and Heritage Village: Main St, Greytown. Open 10am-4pm seven days. [06] 304 9687.

Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 1pm. Indoor Bowls: Club Carterton, Broadway. 2pm. Rex Kenny [06] 379 7303 or Kyra Garrity [027] 6333 569.

Masterton Park Bowling Club: Queen Elizabeth Park, roll up at 1pm, names in by 12.45pm. Call [027] 957-1012.

Masterton Petanque Club: Club Day 1pm, Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane [06] 377-3064 or [027] 4559 733.

Masterton Tennis Centre: Social doubles from 10am at 147 Dixon St, Masterton. Blackboard draw.

Narcotics Anonymous: Featherston Community Centre, 7-9pm. Call 0800 628 632. Pickleball: Makoura College Gym, Masterton 5pm-6.30pm. Gear provided. Contact Sue [027] 449 0601.

Road Cycling Martinborough: All year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Steve [022] 690 8837. Rotary Sunday Market: 7-11.30am, Essex St car park. Contact thehodsons@xtra.co.nz

South Wairarapa Pipe Band: Practice at St John’s church hall, Featherston, 4-6pm. To confirm time please call [027] 628-5889 or [027] 453-0182. Wairarapa Model Aero Club: 9amnoon at the Masterton Aerodrome. Masterton Marauders Wargaming Club: Masterton Croquet Club, 1-5pm. Call Vince Cholewa [027] 344-1073 or visit http:// mastertonmarauders.blogspot.co.nz

MONDAY JUNE 10

Art for Everyone: Featherston Community Centre, 7-9pm. Call Sandie [021] 157-4909. Carterton Alcoholics Anonymous: 8pm, Salvation Army Community Rooms, 210 High St. Call Bob [021] 042-2947 or Martin [06] 372-7764. Carterton Community Toy Library: Events Centre, Holloway St, Mon-Sat during CDC Library hours. Carterton Scottish Dance Club: 7.30pm at Carterton School Hall, Holloway St. Elaine [06] 377-0322. Carterton Food Bank: 10-11am Mon-Fri at Haumanu House. Call [06] 379-4092. Carterton Scout Group: At Rangatahi Hub [behind Carterton Event Centre], Keas [5-8 years] 4.30-5.30pm; Cubs [8-11] 6-7.30pm. Contact Sylvia [027] 249-3395. CCS Disability Action Wairarapa Office: 36 Bannister St, Masterton, 10am-1pm Mon-Fri. Call [06] 378-2426 or 0800 227-2255. Citizens Advice Bureau: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, 43 Perry St, Masterton. Call [06] 377-0078 or 0800 367-222. Creative Hands Programme: Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, 10am-noon. Call Kirsten [06] 399-1050. East Indoor Bowling Club: 7pm. Call Julie [06] 377-5497 or George [06] 378-9266. Featherston Music Club: 7-9pm. Call Shaun O’Brien [027] 672-6249. Free Community Fit Club: Mon/ Tues/Fri, 6am and 11am, Carrington Park, Carterton. Call Di [027] 498-7261. GirlGuidingNZ: Masterton Rangers, 12½-18 years, 6.30-8pm. South Wairarapa Guides [Greytown], 9-12½ years, 6-8pm. Sharon [021] 033-0550. Hospice Wairarapa Support Services: For anyone dealing with a terminal illness. Call [06] 378-8888. Housie: 7pm, Club Carterton, Broadway. Call [06] 379-8069. Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 9.30am-12.30pm. Keep Fit!: 9.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066. Line Dancing: 10.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066. Literacy Aotearoa: Free computing and digital device classes for adults. Call [06] 377-4214. Mah-jong: 1-4pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Pat Hamilton [06] 308-9729.

Masterton District Brass Band: Rehearsals at 7pm, in the Band Room, Park Ave, Masterton. Call [022] 574-0742.

Masterton Food Bank: 9 Church St, Mon-Fri 10am-12.30pm. Call [06] 370-8034.

Play Gym: St James Church Hall 116 High St, Masterton, 9.30-11am, for 0-3-year-olds.

Red Star Table Tennis Club: 6pm8pm at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian [06] 377-4066. Road Cycling Martinborough: All year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Steve [022] 690 8837. Senior Citizens Club: Cards 1-4pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Val [06] 308-9293.

Steady As You Go: Falls Prevention and Balance Class, Featherston: 9.30am, A/G Church. Masterton: 1.30pm, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066.

The Dance Shed: 450A Belvedere Rd, Carterton. Beginners Linedance Class: 6-7pm. Linedance Intermediate Class: 7.308.30pm. Call Wendy [027] 319-9814.

Troubadour Music Group: 6-8pm, Wairarapa Community Centre, 41 Perry St, Masterton. Contact Stefan [027] 226-6019.

Wairarapa Futsal: 6pm Clareville Showgrounds. Robyn [027] 235-8673.

Wairarapa Services Club: Cards, 500, 1.30pm, at the club, Essex St, Masterton.

Wairarapa Stop Smoking Service: Call a Quit Coach based at Whaiora 0800 494 246.

TUESDAY JUNE 11

Wairarapa Heart Help Group: 1.30-3pm, Wairarapa Community Centre, 41 Perry St, Masterton. Wairarapa Toastmasters: Meet fortnightly, Salvation Army Hall, 210 High St, Carterton, 7.30pm. Call Wayne [027] 335-5825.

Caregivers Programme: For those caring for unwell loved ones, Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton. Kirsten [06] 399-1050.

Clareville Badminton Club: Main Stadium at Clareville, 7.30pm-9pm. Call Steve [027] 333-3975.

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High St, Carterton, behind clock tower. Call Pauline [027] 406-6728.

Carterton District Historical Society: 142 High St North, Carterton, open 2-4pm or by appointment. Vivienne [06] 379-5564.

Central Indoor Bowls Club: 7.30pm, Hogg Crescent hall. Call Mathew or Graeme [06] 378-7554.

Chair Exercise: Gentle chair exercises, 2pm-2.45pm, at St John’s Hall, Greytown. Dance Fitness: 6.30-7.30pm at Fareham House Hall Featherston. Call Justine [0204] 105-2830.

Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call [0800] 373-646 to book or for advice. Carterton: 9.30-11.30am, Carterton Library; Greytown: 1.30-3pm, Greytown Library. Featherston Amateur Wrestling Club: During school terms. Classes are weight and skill dependent; Beginners, 5-9 years, 5.30-6.15pm; 10 years+ [including adults] 6.15-7.30pm. Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 10am. Featherston Wahine Singers: 7-8.30pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Susan [021] 246-4884. Free Literacy and Numeracy Classes: At Literacy Aotearoa, 340 Queen St, Masterton. Call Carol [022] 524-5994. GirlGuiding: Masterton Pippins [5-7 years] 3.45-5pm. Call Chrissy Warnock 372-7646. Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 11am-1pm. Knit and Natter: 3pm, Wairarapa Community Centre, Perry St; 7pm, Te Awhina Cameron Community House, 2 Stuart Cres, Masterton. Mah-jong: Carterton Memorial Club, Broadway, 1pm. Call Faye [021] 1606637.

Masterton Alcoholics Anonymous: 7.30pm, St Matthew’s Church Hall, 35 Church St. Call Anne [06] 378-2338 or David [021] 116-5505.

Masterton Croquet Club: Golf Croquet 9.15am behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Russell Ward [06] 377-4401. Masterton Judo Club: Tues/Thurs, youth class 5-6pm, adults 7-8.30pm, Nga Totara Dojo, 205 Ngaumutawa Rd, Masterton. Simon [021] 248-6111. Masterton Senior Citizens and Beneficiaries Association: Social indoor bowls, 500 cards, or a chat 1-3pm, Senior Citizens Hall, Cole St. Call Ngaire [06] 377-0342.

Masterton Toy Library: 10am12pm, 365 Queen St, Masterton [021]0716634. Red Star Table Tennis Club: 9amnoon at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian 377-4066. Scallyrag Border Morris Dancing: 7-8pm at the Auditorium, Kuranui College, Greytown. Contact Alison [021] 111-1894.

Social Bridge: At South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club, 1.30-3.30pm. Call Lesley [021] 299-6389. South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club: Games afternoon. Call Doff [06] 304-9748.

South Wairarapa Badminton Club: Featherston Sports Stadium, Underhill Rd, 7pm-9pm. Rackets available. Wairarapa Modern Jive: Car terton School hall, 7.15-7.30pm Intermediate workshop; 8-8.45pm Beginners class. Lance [021] 134-5661. Wairarapa Services Club: Cards, Euchre, 1pm, at the club, Essex St, Masterton. Woops A Daisies: Leisure Marching Team practice 4-5pm, at the Trust House Rec Centre Stadium. Call Cheryl [06] 370-1922 or [027] 697-6974.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 12

AA Meeting: At 7.30pm, Epiphany church hall, High St, Solway, Masterton. Call [027] 557-7928. Artspace: 10am-2pm. AOG Church, Birdwood St, Featherston. Call Stella [022] 014 2403. Athletics Wairarapa: Club night, 5.45-7pm, Colin Pugh Sports Bowl, Masterton. Cards: “500”, 1.15pm-4.15pm, at the Carterton Club. Call Barbara 379-6582 or Val [06] 379-8329. Carterton Cycle Group: From Belvedere Rd [weather permitting]. Call Irene [027] 634-9167 or Lesley [021] 299-6389. Dance Fitness: 9.30am-11am, preschoolers with parents or caregivers at Fareham House Hall, Featherston. Call Justine [0204] 105-2830. Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call [0800] 373-646 to book or for advice. Masterton: 10am-noon, Masterton Library. Free Classes: Literacy, language, numeracy for adult learners. Call Literacy Aotearoa [06] 377-4214. Greytown Menz Shed: 9am-noon. Call Paul Dodge [021] 0262-6595. GirlGuidingNZ: Masterton Brownies, 7-9½ years, 5.30-7pm. Call Sharon [021] 033-0550. Heart of Arts Wairarapa: A community gallery, 47 High St North, Carterton, Wed-Fri, 10am-4pm, weekends, 10am-2pm. Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB, Perry St, noon-2pm. Kiddie Gym: For under-5s, 9.3011am, at St David’s Church, corner High and Victoria Sts, Carterton. Call Judy or Joan [06] 379-8325. Masterton Art Club: 10am-2pm, also print on Fridays, at 12 Victoria St. Call Elissa [0274] 706-528. Martinborough Men’s Shed: Old Courthouse, 20 Cork St, 9am-noon. Call Doug [027] 444-7331. Masterton Park Bowling Club: Queen Elizabeth Park, 1pm, names in by 12.45pm. Call [027] 957-1012. Masterton Croquet Club: Association Croquet 9.15am and 12.45pm behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Carl Redvers [06] 378-7109.

Men’s Group: Support and friendship, Salvation Army Village, Ngaumutawa Rd, Masterton, 7-9pm. Parkinson’s Singing Group: 10am, at the South Wairarapa Workingman’s Club, Main St, Greytown. Call Marguerite Chadwick [06] 379-5376. Pickleball: Masterton Rec Centre, 2 Dixon St, 9.30am-11am. Gear provided. Sue [027] 449 0601. Rangatahi to Rangatira Youth Group: Sports, food, and leadership, Carterton Events Centre. Text “R2R” to [027] 742-2264. Recreational Walking Group: 9.30am, Essex St car park. Call Ann Jackson [06] 372-5758, or Ann Duckett [06] 378-8285. Road Cycling Martinborough: All year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Steve [022] 690 8837. Scrabble Club: 1-4pm in Masterton. For venue details, call Sue McRae [027] 449-0601. Silver Ukulele Club: 1-3pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Jan [06] 308-8556. South Wairarapa Caregivers Programme: Caring for your loved one who is unwell, at a café in South Wairarapa. Call Kirsten [06] 399-1050. Soulway Cooking and Crafts: 10am-noon, High St, Masterton. Call Nikki Smith [06] 370-1604]. Taoist Tai Chi: From 5.30pm at St Mark’s Church Hall, 185 High St, Carterton. Contact www.taoisttaichi.org Te Runga Scouts: Cubs, 6pm7.30pm, 45 Harley St, Masterton. The Dance Shed: 450a Belvedere Rd, Carterton. Line Dance Class 6-7pm; Rock N Roll Dance Class: 7.308.30pm, Beginners/Couple Coaching, Social/Competitive. Call Wendy [027] 319-9814. Wairarapa Rockers: Rock’n’roll. Couple inquiries to [027] 333-1793. Wairarapa Services Club: Rummikub, 1pm at the club, Essex St, Masterton. Wairarapa Singers: Choral singing. Call Graeme Burnard [027] 270-5666. Wairarapa Spinners & Weavers: 10am The Wool Shed, Dixon St, Masterton. Call Trish [021] 292 8010. Whakaoriori Shufflers: Line dancing, Red Star clubrooms, Herbert St, Masterton, improvers 5-6.30pm. Call 377-5518 or 377-1135. Wisdom and Well-being: Featherston Community Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm. Call Pauline [021] 102 8857. • To have an event listed please email event@age.co.nz by noon Thursday prior

Classified

sewing items, sporting items including badges, medals and programs, early crocks and bottles, postcards, early tin toys, teddy bears and dolls, all tools, shipping items and nautical items

Maori artefacts

Jewellery

Carved Ivory and Jade

Coin collections and bank notes

Early books

Tributes flow for Kiwi jazz legend

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

New Zealand Jazz legend Rodger Fox died last week at the age of 71.

It’s a loss that will be felt hard across Aotearoa and the jazz world, including here in Wairarapa, where he had close connections to jazz music, performance and education throughout the region.

Even a truncated Fox CV is impressive.

He studied classical trombone at Mana College, where his father was head of music, and by the age of 18 he was playing in a dance band in the Wellington area.

In 1973, he formed the Rodger Fox Big Band, which was internationally acclaimed and performed with some of the biggest names in jazz, blues and contemporary music.

He toured extensively in New Zealand and overseas, playing at international jazz festivals including Montreaux and Monterey, and the jazz Mecca of New Orleans, where he was in January this year.

He was no stranger to official gongs: In 2013, he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit [ONZM] for services to music and received

the higher honour of becoming a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit [CNZM] in 2022. In Wairarapa, though,

Fox will probably be most fondly remembered by young and old alike for his work as a jazz educator, mentor, and patron.

bass guitarist from Chanel College.

He was patron for Jazz in Martinborough [JIM], a community-based enterprise promoting jazz and jazz musicians in the region, and was closely connected to its College Jazz and Fresh Jam programme, delivering workshops to up-andcoming jazz musicians.

“He was a special friend as well as Patron for JIM and gave us excellent advice and guidance in our early years – as well as his superb big band music,” Ted Preston, JIM’s producer, said.

PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

“He encouraged and supported JIM’s promotion of local, especially young, musicians and gave his personal time and inspiration to our Fresh Jam collaboration with students and teachers at our Wairarapa colleges.

“We’ve lost a special musician, friend and mentor, and our thoughts are with Erna, Rodger’s family, colleagues and band mates.

“His gig is over. It’s a sad time.”

When local musician

and teacher Warren Maxwell first saw the Rodger Fox Big Band live “300 years ago” in 1981, he recalled feeling “like a little bit of Rodger’s mojo got transferred, and I got addicted to groove”.

He was spellbound by the fact “that human beings could play with such discipline and such finesse, are so connected that they create contagious magic. And to have experienced that at 11 years old – I was addicted.

“And I’ve been a recovering musician ever since.”

Fellow musician and Kuranui College teacher Saali Marks described Fox as “a force of nature”.

“He was just incredibly passionate about jazz, but also just about music and playing. He dedicated his entire life to it, as a performer and teacher and mentor.”

Marks had met Fox as a student at university – “I was slightly overawed” – and then again as a teacher through the Fresh Jam programme.

“He always had something positive to say to the students. When they saw him play, it was obvious he was enjoying himself, and he wanted others to experience that enjoyment too.”

Masterton playground ‘past its use-by date’

Emily Ireland emily.ireland@age.co.nz

planning work to the tune of about $227k.

About $100k of this has been requested for the first year of the LTP.

a reasonable proportion of the overall capital investment”.

Masterton’s Kids Own Playground is “past its use-by date” and needs replacing, according to the Rotary club that was involved in its build 25 years ago. Representatives from the Rotary Club of Masterton South have urged councillors to include a playground replacement in its Long-Term Plan [LTP], and to include funding of “initial scoping” and

The actual replacement of the playground would likely cost between $3 million and $4.5m, with a majority of this cost to be sought from community grants.

John Murray, who presented Rotary’s submission to the Masterton District Council LTP hearings, said once an affordably priced project was accepted by the council, Rotary would seek funding support from the council “for the initial capital costs and

It would also seek donations from local businesses and the public.

Murray said the existing Kids Own Playground had a designed life of 20 years.

“This year is 25 years since it was built, well past its use-by date, and it is now showing definite signs of deterioration.”

The existing playground was built and painted in just under a week in 1999 with the help of about 2300 volunteers.

Under the direction of three playground

consultants and local site captains, volunteers gave their time each day in three four-hour shifts.

The smallest shift had 120 people, while the largest had 550.

Murray said the Rotary Club of Masterton South has assisted with regular re-staining and maintenance of the wooden structures since then.

The Rotary club has approached the landscape architecture consultant who led the design of the Margaret Mahy Family Playground in Christchurch, Catherine Hamilton of WSP Consultants.

She has visited Masterton and

developed a few ideas for the replacement playground – in particular, how to engage with the community, seek their input, and formalise a process towards construction and completion.

consultant of planning, construction, and completion.”

Murray said he sees the playground project as being “communityled, but supported by Masterton District Council”.

“The Rotary Club of Masterton South will take a leading role in liaising with the community on all aspects of the project, from design ideas, feedback, council and private funding, to management with the

Regarding the sponsored fence battens and existing play equipment, Murray said the named fence battens “may be retained” in the new playground or relocated to other parks around Masterton.

Existing play equipment that meets today’s standards could also be relocated to other parks, Murray said.

Masterton District Council will deliberate on LTP submissions this month.

ABOVE: Jazz legend Rodger Fox died last week, aged 71.

LEFT: JIM patron Rodger Fox giving some advice to Nicki Thomsen-Schultz,

Bikes galore since donation

Kate Judson kate.judson@age.co.nz

A rural Wairarapa primary school has received a generous donation of bikes from an international road cycling tour operator.

Tīnui School, which has 32 students from years 1-8, received 15 mountain bikes and helmets through Ride Holiday’s school initiative and 15 bike

Wednesday.

Principal Simon Couling said the kids were in disbelief when they received the bikes and asked if they were “actually” theirs to use.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity on so many levels, and it’s a great adventure for them,” he said.

Couling noted that although most country kids have bikes, many cannot ride them

in various stages of disrepair.

He said there are a lot of things to consider, like starting a bike programme with a focus on bike safety and riding etiquette.

forestry and beach routes.

“We are almost starting straight away.”

fundraising efforts started in 2017, raising between $100K and $150K annually.

While waiting for the bikes, the school began examining opportunities to develop a bike track.

Through a step-by-step process, Couling said, the students will progress onto the track that will be

The track will have both dirt and paved stretches, along with mounds and humps, and there’ll be “a few fundraising efforts” to get it completed.

Couling said he was initially approached after Cyclone Gabrielle last year about the bike opportunity for the school and the kids.

“We said ‘yes, please!’,” Couling recalled.

Ride Holiday’s

The initiative has, on average, provided bikes for 10 schools every year, with more than 1100 bikes donated nationwide, mainly in the Wellington region.

Ride Holiday, which runs 30-day bike ride tours, also services bikes through maintenance gangs in Wellington and Auckland and has

Kiwi chick back after a narrow escape

Kate Judson kate.judson@age.co.nz

A Wairarapa wildlife breeding facility can breathe a sigh of relief as its 122nd kiwi chick returns home after a lifethreatening infection.

On April 7, the chick hatched at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre that’s been designated ‘MB122’ became ill and was taken to Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital eight days later.

Pūkaha biodiversity manager Christine Reed said the young kiwi had to fight an infection and underwent intensive treatment for 18 days, narrowly avoiding the need for surgery.

The one-month-old kiwi was then returned to its Mt Bruce home at Pūkaha on May 3 and received special care in isolation, she said.

“We are pleased to report that he/she recovered well and is back at Pūkaha eating well and putting on weight, and now transferred into our nocturnal house where visitors can see the young kiwi.”

Kiwi MB122 was born with a tuft of white feathers on its head and side, a combination of its brown kiwi mother, Manawa, and white kiwi father, Mapuna.

“It is difficult to sex kiwi

at a young age, but we will know the answer to that once we have carried out a DNA test using feathers and as the bird grows and begins calling,” Reed said.

“Males and females have different bill lengths, with females’ being longer, and different calls – females are more raspy and guttural, while males are higher pitched and shrill.”

Since October last year, Pūkaha has hatched five North Island brown kiwi [Apteryx mantelli] from one captive breeding pair. Kiwi have been released into Pūkaha’s 942ha ngahere [forest] since

the start of the new millennium.

However, the wild kiwi population had taken several “hits”, Reed said, due to ferret predations, and there are now fewer in the forest.

“Our latest estimate is around 10 wild birds,” she said.

“We have found wildbred birds in some unexpected spots out there, so we do know that there is at least one breeding pair doing well.

“Without intensive predator management, only around 5 per cent of eggs hatched in the wild

survive to adulthood.

“Kiwi have been bred at Mount Bruce since the early days of the Wildlife Service [which was part of the Department of Internal Affairs] in the 1960s, and we have held captive birds since.”

Reed said a charity called Save the Kiwi leads a national programme called Operation Nest Egg and takes eggs from the wild for artificial incubation and rearing before the birds are released back into the wild.

“At Pūkaha we have also taken eggs from our ngahere, then hatched and

reared them in captivity for release back into the forest,” she said.

“In the past, we have also hatched and reared eggs from Save the Kiwi that have then gone for release back to their source sites at Maungatautari, Kāweka Forest Park, and Remutaka Forest Park.

“The closest other populations are in the Remutukas, as part of the 2010 translocation from Hauturu, and more recently in Wellington, with the return to the West Coast of Makara as part of the “Capital Kiwi Project”.”

There are 15 captive breeding facilities across New Zealand that host kiwis, ranging from one pair to the largest population of 16 at the Otorohanga Kiwi House.

“Pūkaha has a moderatesized population compared with others,” Reed said.

There are about 70,000 kiwi nationwide – 26,000 North Island brown, 450 rowi, 30,000 tokoeka [southern brown], 1900 little spotted and 15,000 great spotted, she said.

In New Zealand, five species of kiwi have conservation statuses ranging from ‘recovering’ to ‘nationally critical’.

Department of Conservation leads the Kiwi Recovery Group in managing the genetics and transfer of kiwi nationally.

Lifestyle

The Tīnui School students enjoying their new wheels. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Kiwi MB122 who hatched on April 7 and weighs more than 450g. PHOTO/TARA SWAN