Wairarapa Midweek Wed 7th June

As Pete Anderson soared through the Masterton sky in the open cockpit of a Tiger Moth he last flew 64 years ago, he was blasted back through a flying career that twice took him to Africa.

The Tiger Moth flight from Hood Aerodrome last month was an early 82nd birthday present for Pete – after a lucky spot as he watched TV at home in Levin weeks earlier.

“We were watching a

TV show called Country Houses,” wife Valda Anderson explained. It featured a Tiger Moth vintage aircraft flying from Wellington to Wairarapa. “Suddenly, Pete got very excited and said the Tiger Moth BLK on screen was the one he trained in, in 1959 in Whanganui.”

Pete’s old flight logbook shows he flew 27 hours and 45 minutes in Tiger Moth BLK. He completed his commercial flight test prior to turning 19, received his licence on

his birthday and began work that same day with Manawatu Aerial Top Dressing Ltd, flying another Tiger Moth.

Pete’s career as a pilot took him to Africa twice – the first time in 1968, as a crop dresser, with his first wife Gladys and their two children. The second move to Africa, in 1975, saw Pete set up a float plane business on Lake Kariba, on the border between Zambia and Rhodesia [now Zimbabwe]. “We started out flying tourists along

the Zambezi Gorge,” he said.

However, when war broke out with nationalist forces, Pete began flying in the Rhodesian Air Wing Command under thenPrime Minister of Rhodesia, Ian Smith.

the Zambezi Gorge,” Pete

“I was flying 80-90 hours a month during the war,” Pete said. After the war, he and his family found life difficult

Continued on page 4

Pete about to take to the sky in Tiger Moth BLK.

PHOTO/JULIA MAHONY

Julia Mahony julia.mahony@age.co.nz

Cross-cultural

Victory in the ring: ‘I know what I have to do’

The future of women’s boxing looks bright if the recent performance of two teenage Wairarapa fighters is anything to go by.

Daisee Omundsen won gold and Brooke Miller silver at the Oceania Boxing Confederation [OCBC] Junior and Youth Boxing Championships in Samoa late last month.

Omundsen was also awarded Best Woman’s Junior Boxer, outclassing competitors from Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti and Australia.

Omundsen and Miller, who both attend Wairarapa College, were part of a team of 27 athletes representing New Zealand at the fourday tournament, which hosted nearly 100 teen amateur boxers from seven Pacific nations.

For Omundsen [16], who trains at the Wairarapa Boxing Academy, the win is a step toward fulfilling her ambition to represent her country at the elite level.

“I’m hoping it’s the window to get me into more trips to represent New Zealand. Because that’s my big goal at the end of the day: I’m gonna get to the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.”

The Masterton teen first entered the boxing ring at age 11 and initially was not taken with the sport.

“I didn’t love it. But, there was a certain point that I was sort of like, ‘okay, I think I’m starting to get kind of good at this. I’m starting to enjoy it. So I’m going keep coming’.”

Two years into her training, Wairarapa Boxing Academy founder and head

coach Laurence Titter took Omundsen to watch her first competitive women’s match.

He planned to see if it inspired her to take boxing to the next level.

“I saw something early in her. She had skill, had the technique. It was now about building her confidence, building her self-esteem, and seeing if this was something she wanted to do.”

Titter’s strategy paid off: Omundsen was smitten.

“Just watching them and seeing how powerful they must feel to be females in a male-dominated sport ... it was just like, wow, I really

want to do that’.”

Omundsen needed to draw on the tenacity she showed early in her boxing career when she lost her first four competitive fights.

“I’ve always been really hard on myself when I lose. It was hard. But, looking back at it, I think that’s what I needed.”

Now, her discipline and determination are key to her success, Titter said.

“She’s sacrificing time with friends, time with family. She can’t eat crap food. When everybody else is still in bed, she’s up and running. When everybody’s at home sitting on the couch watching TV, me and her are in the gym, going through different combinations.”

Leading up to the tournament in Samoa, Omundsen trained twice a day, seven days a week, and ran 5-6 km daily.

In the ring at the OCBC championships, she faced local favourite Lesina Salele in a straight final. While she was disappointed not to get

Firefighter eyes gold

on the green

Her initial exposure to golf was during a Year 13 PE assessment at Kuranui College.

more fights, beating Samoa’s number one young female competitor in the first round was an incredible experience, Omundsen said.

“The fight started, and this confidence went ‘whoosh’ right through me. I just went for it. I was like, ‘okay, I know what I have to do’. It’s honestly the best feeling in the world.”

It was an emphatic win for the fighter, who also holds the 2021 and 2022 New Zealand Golden Gloves and 2022 Australian Golden Gloves titles.

She also finished first in the 2021 and 2022 Wellington Open Championships in her age and weight class.

Omundsen will head to the New Zealand National Boxing Championships in Tauranga in July, and compete in the Australian Golden Gloves tournament in Brisbane later this year.

“I want to keep boxing in my life. My whole life,” Omundsen said.

“I’ve always wanted a career with boxing. Not just fighting – I want to be a boxing coach and have my own gym if I end up moving somewhere else. If not, I’m just gonna take over here!”

Lisa Marie Ireland is a qualified electrician with her own business, a volunteer Martinborough firefighter, and now a New Zealand golf representative. She is one of three New Zealanders selected for the 46th Australasian Fire Brigades Golf Championships, held in Darwin in August.

Ireland earned the spot after representing the Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade at the PBI 60th NZ Firefighters National Golf Tournament in Taupō. There are 160 to 180 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand who attend the 36-hole Australasian event, but only six players from each of the nine states [eight Australian states and Aotearoa] compete for the overall teams events – the Nett and Stableford tournaments. The last time a New Zealand team won was in Queenstown in 2019.

Ireland joined the Martinborough brigade 14 years ago and is a regular on the roster.

PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

She later entered a junior programme at Martinborough Golf Club, where club member Bill Jones provided coaching.

“[He] took on the young ones and trained us up,” Ireland said.

Now she plays casually, aiming to get to the green once a week when her busy life permits.

Her advice to young people wanting to get into the sport is to “just give it a go”.

“It can be hard to get into if no one in your family plays, so take advantage of the opportunities. You get to travel to different courses, and it’s always a different experience.”

Men still dominate golfing greens in New Zealand, but Ireland said more women are becoming involved with the sport than when she first started.

She described the Martinborough Golf Club as “a collegial environment that welcomes all people and provides opportunities to get others involved” –such as a regular women’s night.

LEFT: WaiCol student Daisee Omundsen, Best Woman’s Junior Boxer at the OCBC Junior and Youth Boxing Championships in Samoa.

PHOTO/LUCY COOPER

ABOVE: The New Zealand Junior Boxing Team at the Samoa competition.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Lucy Cooper news@age.co.nz

Isabella Mcloughlin news@age.co.nz

African sky – Masterton marvels

in the African country, and returned to New Zealand in 1983. Initially, he returned to top dressing, then flew for Turtle Airways in Fiji.

In 1986, Pete bought Float Air in Picton, where he met Valda, before semi-retiring as an orchardist in the Bay of Plenty. Pete and Valda spent seven years in Masterton from about 2006 and opened the Alcatraz Boarding Cattery in Vivian St.

Tiger Moth BLK, originally silver but now with a dark green top, was built by the de Havilland Aircraft Company Ltd in Hatfield, England. The aircraft entered Royal Air Force service in 1940 during World War II, registered as R4895. In 1955, it was sold to the Wanganui Aero Club and joined the New Zealand civil register as ZK-BLK. After a series of owners registered in Marton, Tauranga,

Whanganui, Wellington and Marlborough, it was purchased and rebuilt by the New Zealand Sport and Vintage Aviation Society in Masterton, where it took flight in 1986.

After Pete spotted the Tiger Moth on TV, Valda did some sleuthing to find where it was. She was delighted to confirm it was still at Hood

Support and events for our new settlers

Newcomers to Wairarapa are invited to share their settler experience in new surveys by Masterton District Council [MDC] and South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC].

The surveys are part of Welcoming Communities – Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori initiatives run by both councils to improve accessibility and inclusion for everyone who now calls Wairarapa home.

The surveys will help build an understanding of newcomer communities’ needs, SWDC’s welcoming communities coordinator Michaela Lloyd said.

“We need to find a way to access more voices of different ethnicities and groups in South Wairarapa,” Lloyd said.

“The census data shows people relocating here are individuals and families. They don’t have networks or support groups of people from the same culture they can access.”

All newcomers –including recent migrants, former refugees, international students, returning citizens, and people relocating from other parts of New Zealand – are invited to participate in the surveys.

SWDC and MDC each receive $50,000 a year for three years

Aerodrome carrying the code BLK and was in use by Wairarapa Flying Tigers for pleasure flights for the paying public.

“Pete was still talking about BLK after the TV show, so instead of waiting until his birthday in August, I decided to bring the surprise gift forward.”

Valda booked Pete a 30-minute flight,

from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, which funds the national Welcoming Communities programme.

Arti Kadian, Welcoming Communities advisor for MDC, understands the new settler experience, having arrived in New Zealand with her family last year.

“This role allows me to understand the settlement journey for myself and others who have moved to Masterton.”

and the couple stood by in Levin for a fine day in Masterton. That happened on May 26, when Masterton pilot Steve Davies Howard made the joyride call.

Pete was taken through the required safety procedures, then climbed into a flight suit, thick aviation jacket and a helmet with goggles and radio headset, before pulling himself into the open cockpit.

“I think the Tiger Moth’s in better condition than I am,” Pete remarked, settling into the front seat of the 80-year-old biplane.

The Tiger Moth’s propeller was handcranked to start the

engine, before Pete and Steve flew east into the sunny sky, watched by Valda, Pete’s daughter Michelle Thompson and friend Ray Piper.

Pete was treated to a bird’s eye view of Masterton’s water treatment ponds, before the Tiger Moth headed north, following State Highway 2 up to Opaki, where pilot Steve owns an olive grove. The final highlight was a swoop over filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson’s large property at Matahiwi.

“Pete wasn’t interested in doing any loops, or barrel rolls, as he is all looped out from his own years of doing things like that,” Valda said. “And

he didn’t take control of the aircraft, as sitting in the front seat limits your view.

“The flight brought tears to Pete’s eyes and his grin was so big he could hardly get out of the plane.”

Valda said pilot Steve’s respect and empathy for Pete added to the wonderful afternoon. “Pete wasn’t just another old bloke coming for a nostalgic flight. Steve showed genuine interest and care.”

Pete described the flight as “magical”.

“I was absolutely thrilled to bits. It was the best birthday present ever.”

Kadian has been supporting events including the Festival of Holi, a women-only swim project, and a water safety session for the Ahmadiyya community at Riversdale Beach.

Tooba Shahid and her family arrived in New Zealand in July as part of the refugee quota programme, having escaped persecution in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, Shahid’s

refugee status made her vulnerable to violence.

“They just took us out of our houses. And they said, ‘leave our country. We don’t want you here anymore’.”

Shahid said programmes like Welcoming Communities are “very useful”, as is a kind word or a friendly exchange with locals.

“When people from a refugee background arrive in a new country, they need

moral support rather than material support,” she said.

Lloyd and Kadian hope Welcoming Communities will also help newcomers with accommodation, employment and medical services.

• South Wairarapa’s survey is at https:// swdc.govt.nz/ community/welcomingcommunities/, and Masterton’s at https:// www.surveymonkey. com/r/FPYG7GL

Masterton District Council’s Welcoming Communities project organised an event for Wairarapa’s Indian community to celebrate the Festival of Holi.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Pete wears a big grin after his 30-minute ˜ ight over Masterton, 64 years after he last ˜ ew in Tiger Moth BLK, with pilot Steve Davies Howard at rear. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

May the ‘friend’ force be with you

Lucy Cooper news@age.co.nz

In a rural farmhouse in the heart of Wairarapa, a force gathers.

Over cups of tea and plates of slice, 20 or so members of the Wairarapa branch of Friendship Force meet to debrief their latest foreign exchange.

The feedback is unanimous – the exchange, or “journey”, of 16 visitors from the Greater Taipei branch of Friendship Force in Taiwan was a success.

“They were so enthusiastic, full of fun, helpful, genuine. There are so many words you can use to describe them. Beautiful people. So much laughter,” June Roseingrave, president of the Wairarapa branch, said of their guests. Friendship Force, a global non-profit organisation, aims to foster peace and understanding through its programme of homehosted travel experiences. The Wairarapa chapter has pursued the organisation’s mission to build international friendships and cross-cultural connections since 1984 –less than a decade after Friendship Force was first founded in the US.

Today, Friendship Force has 15,000 active members globally, hosting 300 “journeys” [international exchanges between members] across 60

countries annually.

The Wairarapa club is one of 10 in New Zealand, with a total national membership of about 380 people.

The Greater Taipei exchange was a sign Friendship Force Wairarapa is returning to “business as usual” after covid, Roseingrave said.

“It’s been three years in the making. They were coming, then it was cancelled, they were coming, then it was cancelled. So we finally got them here, and it was just brilliant.”

As the Wairarapa club approaches its 40th birthday, members are renewing their

commitment to the Friendship Force mission and are looking to grow the chapter.

“We want to get our name out there and let people know we are a wonderful group doing fabulous things,” Roseingrave said.

“We’re non-political. We’re non-religious. We’re just a group of people who like to understand and meet people from different cultures and develop friendships.”

Lynn and Ivan Pillar joined the Wairarapa club in 1984 after hearing an advert on the radio looking for hosts for international travellers.

Their first guests were a banker and his wife from Nebraska – with whom they are still friends today.

The Pillars’ commitment to Friendship Force is plain to see: Both sporting a lanyard lined with the decorative pins hosts and guests swap at the end of each journey.

Janet Campbell has been a member of Friendship Force for over 30 years. She, too, has made lifelong friends through the club, as well as visiting nearly every state in America.

Campbell said homehosted travel means you are not just visiting tourist attractions. “You see how

people live. You get back to basics.”

The journeys, which include exchanges between chapters in New Zealand, are organised by the club –with a journey director responsible for logistics and events planning.

Guests stay with local hosts for a maximum of seven nights, and a small nightly fee is paid to the host club to cover the cost of activities.

Members do not have to host but can get involved in planning, catering, and helping organise travel around the region, Roseingrave said.

“Our mission for [the most recent] journey was to find different things to do so that our local members also had a new experience. We’re finding new stuff to do in Wairarapa all the time.”

Friendship Force Wairarapa has a busy calendar over the next year, with two clubs visiting from America, and trips to Australia and the Isle of Wight in the pipeline.

• More information about Friendship Force in Wairarapa can be found online at http:// www.friendshipforce. org.nz/Wairarapa

Friendship Force members exchange decorative pins when they travel.

PHOTOS/LUCY COOPER

Wairarapa Club president, June Roseingrave [left], Ivan Pillar, Lynn Pillar and Diane Laing.

Nursing native plants from seed to heal damaged moana

Featherston’s Pae

Tū Mōkai o Tauira restoration group has become a recognised supplier of plants for Greater Wellington Regional Council’s [GWRC] biodiversity planting.

The rōpū [group] was founded in 2018 by a small team of women with a vision to make Wairarapa Moana healthy once more – after more than a century of damage and neglect.

The rōpū’s major projects have included establishing a native plant nursery to support restoration of the moana, and planting a large area with toetoe, flax and other natives on a no dig garden bed at Featherston’s Lake Domain.

Plants are grown from eco-sourced seeds –which are sourced close to where they are to be planted at the Wairarapa Moana wetlands and other areas of significance throughout

the Wellington region.

As well as focusing on local restoration, Pae Tū Mōkai o Tauira now supplies plants to GWRC’s restoration services panel –responsible for working with mana whenua and community to restore natural areas through native planting.

“All the seeds go into trays and get put on the racks, then we wait for them to germinate,” Pae Tū Mōkai o Tauira cofounder Narida Hooper said.

“We kind of nurse them along. The last stage is the outside yard.”

The rōpū leases part of the old Featherston golf course from South Wairarapa District Council. With funding, it has renovated and extended the onsite sheds to form a nursery. The nursery is irrigated and bird-proof.

The renovated sheds are home to plant types including harakeke, mānuka and kānuka.

“We grow to order. It depends on the type of project – mostly it’s for biodiversity in the Greater Wellington region,” Hooper said.

Pae Tū Mōkai o Tauira has the vision to restore

Lake Wairarapa and the surrounding wetlands. In the long term, the group members see monitoring fish life and water quality as an essential tool for this work.

Lake Wairarapa is currently in a supertrophic state [having extremely poor water quality] from excessive nitrogen.

“Our lake is our taonga, but our lake is also under stress,” Hooper said.

“The tuna [eel] out there are struggling to survive because there’s no oxygen at night. They’re gulping for air.

“We also know they are eating further down the food chain, shells and snails instead of little fish.”

She said this damages the eels’ health – so the lake’s chemistry has to change.

“Planting around the lake makes a difference, but it’s not all that needs to be done.

“Our generation are the only ones who can make change for the next generation.”

Young Wairarapa

May [left, 6] and Perry [12] raise their placards in support of climate justice at a School Strike 4 Climate NZ event in Featherston last month.

On May 26, Featherston residents organised a rally at the Town Square in solidarity with the thousands of secondary school students protesting in support of environmental and climate change reforms.

This is the second climate justice protest organised by the School Strike 4 Climate NZ, with events held in 15 centres nationwide.

May was one of the speakers at the Featherston event, alongside South Wairarapa Mayor Martin Connelly, Wairarapa Green Party candidate Celia Wade-Brown, and South Wairarapa district councillor Rebecca Gray. The students are striking to demand a 50 per cent reduction in emissions and a 100 per cent transition to regenerative agriculture by 2030, as well as Te Tiriti o Waitangi-centred climate justice.

locals

Pae T˜ M°kai o Tauira co-founder Narida Hooper with a k˛k˛beak plant outside the nursery.

PHOTO/BETHWYN LITTLER

Bethwyn Littler news@age.co.nz

Tractors to treasures

Kate Judson news@age.co.nz

Learning how to use a knife and fork and volunteering in a Masterton recycling centre are two of the experiences migrant Sowmya Mashetti has experienced in her first six months in Wairarapa.

Mashetti, originally from southern India, is one of the newest recruits at the Wairarapa Resource Centre –working behind the counter at its secondhand shop, sharpening her retail skills, and getting to know “the Kiwi culture”.

Late last year, Mashetti was reunited in Masterton with her husband, now a permanent New Zealand resident. The pair married in India and were separated for 10 months due to covid restrictions.

Knowing no-one else in her new home town, Mashetti was alone when her husband went to work and was used to being around family in her native India.

“Husband and parents, children, everyone lives in the same house,” she said.

To help make her transition into her

community easier, her husband got in touch with the Resource Centre – which, through its retail arm and various recycling programmes, provides its volunteers with the work experience and transferable skills to move into permanent employment.

As well as working with new migrants, the centre often recruits those who have spent years outside of the workforce, due to health issues, disability, or child-care arrangements.

Now on the regular volunteer roster, Mashetti has been taken under the wing of long-time centre crew member Maree Eade – who is passing on her

skills in repairing donated jewellery and setting up displays, as well as general retail capabilities.

In India, Mashetti said, a place like the Resource Centre would not exist –as re-using and recycling in Indian culture means taking discarded items straight from the trash.

“If we don’t use them, we store them.”

This isn’t the only difference Mashetti has noticed. Since living in New Zealand, she has learned to eat using silverware – less common back home, where she would typically use fried naan as a spoon for her curry.

She said the local KiwiIndian cuisine is milder

Gold awarded at Government House

than the spice level she is used to and the flavour is different.

“Kiwi culture is completely different. Mainly the roads – very clean. No dogs running around.”

Back in India, Mashetti worked as a mechanical engineer on John Deere tractors. Now in New Zealand, she hopes to eventually gain permanent residency and full-time work.

Meanwhile, she enjoys the close-knit and supportive environment at the Resource Centre: “Coming here, it feels like a family.”

Centre manager Trudie Jones said the organisation aims to create a culture of sustainability – breaking the cycle of welfare dependency and assisting those who are struggling to find work or a place in the community.

“Give a hand-up not a handout any more,” Jones said.

Employment rates for the centre’s volunteers are high – out of 70 volunteers it has worked with over the last 10 years, only two did not find work.

Claudia Hawkes [left] and Charlotte Summerfield, both old girls of St Matthew’s, joined around 80 young award recipients at a ceremony hosted by Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro on May 20.

Open to 14 to 24-year-olds worldwide, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award –comprised of Bronze, Silver and Gold levels – is designed to help young people prepare for tertiary study or the workforce by gaining skills and competencies outside the classroom. The Gold Award highlights exceptional

achievements in developing new skills, getting active, volunteering in the community, and planning, leading and experiencing an “adventurous journey” [an outdoor expedition].

Claudia and Charlotte’s achievements included coaching and umpiring for sports teams, singing in a choir, learning about viniculture [growing grapes] and participating in the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s “School to Skies” programme.

Rangatahi from St. Matthew’s Collegiate School were amongst a select group of young Kiwis to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award at Government House in Wellington. PHOTO/WOOLF PHOTOGRAPHY

Volunteers Maree Eade and Sowmya Mashetti at the front counter of the Wairarapa Resource Centre.

PHOTO/KATE JUDSON

Hellebores are a great addition to winter gardens - they put on a show when when not much else is happening in the garden with their sometimes scented blooms and interesting foliage.

They come in an amazing range of colours - from pure whites through to dark purple.

Some varieties have single ˜ owers, some are fully double, there is an exciting selection to choose from.

Many of the blooms you may see face downwards, adding to their interesting appeal, and making them good for planting on a rise where you can enjoy them from below.

However, if you would prefer to have them looking at you there are plenty of new varieties bred to face up, eg Jacob & the Ice n’ Roses series.

These shrubs are hardy and resilient, but choosing the right spot, and growing in the right soil, will encourage improved health, enhanced colour & improved ˜ owering.

Where to plant

 Partial shade is best with protection from hot sun. They can handle cold and frost but avoid exposure to drying winds

 Ideally the pH level of the soil should be around 7.0 – 8.0. If your soil is on the acidic side adding lime can sweeten it

 Soil should be loamy & well drained soil.

Adding gypsum can improve soil condition & drainage without adjusting the pH level.

Mounding the soil at planting also promotes good drainage

 Be careful not to plant your hellebores too deeply as this can hinder ˜ ower production.

Make sure the crown of the plant is just slightly buried beneath the soil.

Hurray For Hellebores

Colour your garden simply with Winter Roses

It’s easy to find a spot for these versatile evergreens. They will:

 Brighten up the back garden when planted in bulk under deciduous trees. They will add colour in the winter when the trees are bare but have protection from sun from the trees foliage during the warmer months

Some beauties to tempt you

a

The Ice N’

varieties are a cross between Snow Roses & Lenten Roses. Bred to excel in form, tolerance, disease resistance & has a longer ˜ owering time. The downward droop of some Winter Roses is thought to be so rain & snow doesn’t gather, pollen is protected and insects can shelter from the weather. Mother Nature is pretty incredible!

Portable pots are perfect for bringing displays close to the house while they are blooming

 Add colour to pots & baskets when not a lot is blooming in the colder months by placing close to the house or;

 Bring colour indoors in the winter by being added to a flower arrangement, or you could even leave the potted plant indoors for a few weeks while it’s looking blooming great.

The plant can then be planted in the garden when the best of the flowering has finished, or kept in a pot and moved outdoors

Ice Breaker ‘Pico’: Interesting blue-gray leaves with creamy-green ˜ owers

Winter Roses can cheer you up indoors with lots of potential for displays & arrangements

 Hellebores do well as companion plantings with hostas, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, and coral bells

DID YOU KNOW

Slugs & Snails ÿ nd the lush new growth of Hellebores delicious so keep an eye out for them.

If you need to lay bait, and you have animals that could eat it, then remember that most brands are potentially lethal to dogs & cats. Tui Quash is the safe option.

Something to be aware of is that all parts of the Hellebore plant are toxic when ingested, so take care if you have animals or small children who like to eat strange things.

The leaves can cause mild dermatitis in some people so make sure you wear some gloves if this could e˛ ect you.

Tutu: Bred for superior ˜ owering producing semidouble ˜ owers with a central pleat. The dusky pink ˜ owers have a slight speckle

Penny’s Pink: A lovely contrast of pink upward facing ˜ owers with yellow stamens

Isabella’s Charm: The ruby pink ˜ owers on upright stems are beautiful but the marbled foliage helps with it’s year round appeal

Camelot: When the blooms fade they turn an interesting copper shade and has strong red stems

Roses

Molly’s White: White ˜ owers with

˜ ush of lime green and dusky pink underside. Leaves are a dark marble

Jasper: Beautiful green foliage, upward facing white ˜ owers and a chirpy yellow centre

Sophies Delight: A real beauty to be enjoyed in pots with a stunning gorgeous colours

Anna’s Red: Hybrid with loads of deep magenta blooms and marbled leaves

Horace was born into the world the same as any other sparrow. But a tragedy would leave her an orphan while still young.

While Horace’s mum was looking after her daughter, she was completely unaware of the danger lurking nearby. Suddenly, and without warning, a cat attacked and killed Horace’s mother. It should have been the end for Horace, too, but her life would be spared by an unlikely saviour.

Eric Shaw, the store master of the

popular Gladstone Store, happened upon the scene of the murder and found the tiny, helpless survivor. Small and featherless, the baby bird didn’t stand a chance of survival on her own, but she was not alone.

Eric took in the young sparrow and named her Horace. In his defence, it is difficult to determine the gender of a newly-hatched bird.

Horace was so small that she had to be fed through an eyedropper by Eric and his wife Rona. Eventually, kept warm and fed, she began to grow. Her feathers came in, and she transformed into a beautiful sparrow.

A cage would be required to make sure she didn’t wander off too early – the Shaws did have a pet cat after all.

A cage was found in an old shed, tidied up and hung in the family kitchen.

Horace was

Thanks sew much for the loving stitches

A life-long crafter is hanging up her needle and thread after almost two decades of helping stitch the Carterton community together.

Jenny Leighton spent 18 years at the helm of her business,

Jenny’s Sewing Box on Pembroke St, specialising in clothing alterations and made-tomeasure items.

She closed the store late last month due to ill health and is now “enjoying full-time

incredibly happy with her home and her new life. She felt safe in the kitchen: Her cage was warm and dry, and the food was great, too. She decided that this was the life for her.

While efforts were made to take her out and have her become a regular sparrow, Horace was having none of it. Each time she was removed from the cage, she reacted with the most efficient method she knew –violence. She pecked and

scratched until she was returned to her beloved domicile.

She would even fly back to her cage when taken out, pecking at the bars until her door was opened and she could hop inside.

A life of relaxation in her little home left her a little unfit – the journey across the room left her drained, and it would take several minutes for her to regain her breath.

Eric became quite attached to Horace and

didn’t want to do anything that would cause her stress.

“A short flight across the room leaves her exhausted, and I’m scared to do it too often. So she stays in her cage.”

If any other proof was needed that she preferred this big metal nest to the real thing, it came in the form of her music, where she performed all of the leads.

“She will give the most amazing concerts. For such a tiny bird, she has a very loud voice and a wide vocal range,” Eric said of her talents.

Eric had other uniquely behaved animals on his property – including a small flock of sheep. Sheep are quite intelligent when given the chance – and after these woolly creatures had been fed bread through the living room window, they thought this was a great method of receiving dinner. Just to remind the Shaws that they were hungry, they would knock on the window, waiting for their next meal of bread.

Luxurious life in metal nest Carterton

From the outside, the Shaws appeared as any other family. But few realised that the family included a cage-loving soprano sparrow and bread-loving sheep who were polite enough to knock on the window.

the age of five, for which she cut off her own hair to use as stuffing, to very large items in her later working life.”

She said Leighton wanted to thank “her clients all over Wairarapa” for their support over the last 18 years – some of whom were the children and grandchildren of her original customers.

retirement”, daughter Megan Gray said. Gray said her mother

has been sewing since childhood: “From the smallest dolly pillow at

“Thank you for making my lifetime passion a very enjoyable job. It’s been a pleasure to help every one of my clients over the years,” Leighton added.

Some birds aren’t meant to be caged –but a select few prefer it. MARK PACEY of the Wairarapa Archive has the remarkable story of Horace, the cageloving sparrow who happily lived with a Gladstone family in the 1960s.

Gladstone Store master Eric Shaw and his friend Horace the sparrow, who much preferred life in a cage to the outside world.

Horace – a tiny bird with a huge personality. PHOTOS/WAIRARAPA ARCHIVE

Jenny Leighton has newly retired after 18 years running Jenny’s Sewing Box in Carterton. PHOTO/MEGAN GRAY

At our 20-week scan, my husband and I chose to find out the sex of our unborn baby. I’m not big on surprises – parenthood throws up enough of those. Naturally, on finding out kiddo still had a heartbeat and a strong desire to wriggle away from the ultrasound wand, I was relieved. Finding out said kiddo was a boy, I was terrified. I grew up in a family of girls. Girls were comforting and familiar. I felt woefully ill-equipped for a son.

I asked the internet: “What’s positive about raising boys?” I found ... a lot of gender stereotypes. Boys are “grounded in reality” – they play with trucks, planes and tractors,

while girls play with fairy princesses. Boys are “a whirlwind of noise, covered in dirt”. But they’re less dramatic and emotionally volatile than girls! So much more straightforward and honest! Much easier Snips and snails and puppy dogs’ tails. Being me, I was prompted to do more research. Some, including within the scientific community, argue male and female brains are indisputably different; thus, children will interact with the world along those lines. Others contend that children’s behaviour and preferences are influenced by a gendered society –from the toys we offer to the differences in our parenting. For example, boys are more likely to play with “practical” toys [blocks, construction sets,

remote-controlled cars] because that is aggressively marketed to them. Boys are the “builders”, girls are the “nurturers” – they get dolls and miniature kitchens. Toys help all children develop skills and interests – and yet, we insist the pragmatic, “real world” toys are for our sons, and anything less is “girly”. Research has found parents are more likely to encourage adventurous play and “rough-housing” in their sons, and police the same behaviour in their daughters. Conversely, mothers have been found to speak and read to baby girls more than baby boys. In other words, we unknowingly socialise girls to be talkative and relational, and boys aggressive and boisterous. Are boys more direct? Possibly ... although we know girls who are assertive and authoritative

Courage beyond pink or blue Opinion

are labelled “bossy” or “difficult”. Are boys less emotional? A recent American study found men were equally sensitive to emotional stimuli as women – but were more likely to mask their reactions. Clearly, we are still raising boys to be stoic and impassive – and “easier”.

Not all gender markers are negative. There’s nothing wrong with a boy rolling in the mud, or a girl snuggled up with a book. Impending motherhood has shown me I’ve internalised my own gender biases. Did I think a girl would be “easy”: Empathetic, self-actualised, better with language?

What is negative, however, is when young people are punished for stepping outside of the gender binary. Especially when boys display typically feminine qualities or interests. Dancer Rilee Scott, recently featured in Midweek, shared his experiences of bullying when he started ballet lessons. And yet, we’re more likely to accept girls for climbing trees,

shunning dresses, and playing rugby. Feminine –dancing, shedding a tear, or cuddling a baby doll – is synonymous with lesser. It’s not “easy” for any child to exist within those rigid, “pink vs blue” constraints. How will my son get on? Maybe he’ll take after me – i.e will have a lot of opinions and an obsessive sense of justice. Like my husband, be could be a friend to all animals and an unrepentant goofball, with an imagination worthy of Cartoon Network. Ballet or rugby? Either way, I’ll be the most enthusiastic supporter in the crowd. But he won’t be easy – he’ll be a child; it’s there in the nonexistent manual. His Dad and I will learn as we go. He’ll be ... him. And if that exists outside of the binary, I hope we can raise him with the courage to be himself.

The Wairarapa Midweek is subject to

Ballet dancer and Geraldine Inder graduate RILEE SCOTT.

As a child, I spent a lot of time…

Playing rugby with my mates and watching Michael Jackson videos.

My friends and loved ones always say I am… Very loud and energetic .

The famous New Zealander [living or dead] I’d like to have a meal with is… Steven Adams.

The most delicious ice cream ˜ avour is… Mint chocolate chip.

I would love more time to...

Come back home more often and teach some classes at my old dance studio.

My favourite local shop is…

Chan’s Restaurant in Masterton.

The family member is most admire is…

My mum for giving me everything I need.

A song I know all the words to is…

P.Y.T [Pretty Young Thing] by Michael Jackson.

Wairarapa needs…

A Kmart.

The best accompaniment for a cup of co° ee or tea is… A ginger nut.

CONTACT US

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.

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.

CUTIE OF THE WEEK

Puddles are for jumping – it’s just the rule. Reader Kay sent in this cute action shot of grandson Vinnie Mitchell [3], taken on a recent excursion around Henley Lake. Kay says, “It rained in the morning, but ended up being a beautiful, sunny afternoon. Vinnie had a lot of fun walking, running and jumping in the puddles.” Oh, to be a kid again...

PHOTO/KAY HALLIGAN

PHOTO/FILE

Winter makes presence felt

Winter solstice occurs on June 22. The sun drags itself across the sky for its lowest passage of the year. On the 23rd, the sun starts to get happier with itself, but unfortunately, winter has started to chill the ocean, the air and land, and it takes July and half of August for the burgeoning sun’s heat to overcome what’s already done.

One may call June 22 midwinter’s day, but temperature-wise it’s a misnomer. Sorry to say, but there is plenty more winter to come after that.

The good thing about June 22 this year, clear sky permitting, is that we

should see a wonderful triangle in the northwest after dark. A brilliant Venus has been lurking close to Mars and on that date they are joined by the crescent moon, to make what we learned in high school geometry to be an equilateral triangle. Watch out for July 20, as Mercury and the first magnitude star Regulus joins with Venus, Mars and the moon for a spectacular fivesome. I’ll remind again in the early issue of the July Midweek

If you are out on a clear night after 10pm, you can’t fail to see the curly-tailed Scorpion almost overhead.

Scorpius dominates the sky all night and that tail is still visible above the southwest horizon right up to dawn.

A week before the winter solstice, June 14, the moon joins Jupiter, who has been minding his own business in the early morning southeast sky. No need to get up really early to see a dark sky these days, 6.30am will show this match-up clearly. In contrast to the MarsVenus-moon matchup mentioned above, this time the crescent moon will be facing the other way; that

is, it will be a waning moon.

If you are in a dark place, keep an eye out on the northeast area of the sky and you may catch some meteors. These belong to the Arietid meteor shower – Arietid is simply the Latin telling you this shower seems to emanate from the constellation of Aries the ram. It’s worth spending 10 or 15 minutes, as these meteors tend to produce particularly long trails, covering much of the sky. Interestingly, the Arietid meteors are really high velocity, more than

130,000 kilometres per hour.

Also, at this time, catch Saturn just north of overhead in the constellation of Aquarius. Almost directly overhead is another first magnitude star, Fomalhaut in Piscis Austrinus, the southern fish. Way up north, you can’t possibly miss the great square of Pegasus, the only square-bodied horse in the universe, with Andromeda clinging on to the square horse for dear life near the northeast horizon.

Joint korero by allies to fight myrtle rust disease

Iwi and DOC are working together on a long-term response to myrtle rust in Uhi Manuka/Carter Scenic Reserve and Lowes Bush Scenic Reserve.

Hurunui-o-Rangi marae kuia, Frances Reiri-Smith [aka Nanny Frances] said Uhi Manuka [as the reserve is known by iwi] is a taonga for the marae, “so of course we are going to come together to protect it”.

“Uhi Manuka has been important to our tipuna, going generations back. I remember sitting under the trees for hours and watching my nans collecting the harakeke for weaving.”

DOC’s Plant Pathogens Team discovered a small infestation of myrtle rust in Uhi Manuka/Carter Scenic Reserve and Lowes Bush in March. The team believe the disease established at the reserves from November 2022 to

February 2023.

Myrtle rust is a windborne fungal disease so is likely to also be present on private land across Wairarapa. Species liable to be impacted by myrtle rust across the region include maire tawake [swamp maire], rōhutu, ramarama and rātā vines.

Plant Pathogen technical adviser Suliana Teasdale was disappointed to be the one to find myrtle rust on public conservation land in Wairarapa.

“I was quietly wishing it wouldn’t establish over here.”

Myrtle rust is now widespread in urban areas across all the North Island and the top of the South Island, Teasdale said.

“It can’t be eradicated from Aotearoa, but there are things that can be done to manage the impact on our myrtle species.”

Nanny Frances said she was despondent when DOC told her myrtle rust was present at Uhi Manuka.

She spearheaded a hui to discuss implications of the disease. Staff and members attended from DOC, Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae, Rangitāne o Wairarapa and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa.

“When we came together and started talking about how it could be managed it put my mind at ease. The good news is it’s controllable,” she said.

“The highlight of this mahi has been the education and strengthening of management that can come from joint korero. We can’t become selfreliant if we don’t use DOC’s knowledge. We’re in this together.”

Further hui and field trips led by iwi were held in late May with experts from DOC and OtariWilton’s Bush supporting. Participants were trained in the identification of

myrtle rust and species that may be affected, how to collect seeds, and how to propagate them.

From here DOC will work with iwi on any initiatives to seed bank or grow seedlings while continuing to survey for new outbreaks and monitor any long term impacts. Infected plants at the two reserves will be controlled or removed where appropriate.

• Myrtle rust presents as bright yellow spores and is more likely spotted from November to March. If you see myrtle rust take photos of the symptoms, branch and plant and report it online at ‘Myrtle rust reporter’ or by using the free iNaturalist phone app. If it’s on public conservation land email doc@masterton.govt.nz

Star clusters M6 and M7 in Scorpius.

PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

A hui to discuss implications of myrtle rust disease was attended by sta˜ and members from DOC, Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae, Rangit°ne o Wairarapa and Ng°ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa.

Nick • Windscreen replacement • • Chipped Windscreen repair •

Sault We service Featherston, Martinborough, Greytown, Carterton, Masterton, Pahiatua and Eketahuna.

ELDER ABUSE HITS CLOSE TO HOME

World Elder Abuse

Awareness 15-22 June 2023.

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 ÿ 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 deÿ 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, conÿ dential, specialist Elder Abuse services throughout most regions of New Zealand. We work with older people and their family / wh˝nau 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/ kaum˝tua.

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.

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?

and 30% longer than a year.

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

DAUGHTER’S STORY

• 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 conÿ 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

Elder abuse and neglect can be a signiÿ cant cause of injury, illness, lost productivity, isolation, and despair. Abuse can reduce a person’s independence by undermining their selfesteem and conÿ dence. It also damages family/wh˝nau relationships, ÿ 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 ÿ gures reported from Age Concern’s Elder Abuse Response Services in the year 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

2768 cases were seen by Age Concern of which 73% had abuse substantiated.

43% of cases the older person was under 75 years of age.

37% of cases the older person was living alone but 55% live with a partners or family.

89% of cases include psychological abuse.

37% of cases involve financial abuse.

30% of cases involve neglect or self-neglect.

18% of cases involve physical abuse.

83% of alleged abusers were relatives, 55% were adult children or grandchildren.

72% of the alleged abusers are aged under 60 and 49% live with the older person.

64% of cases the abuse lasted longer than 3 months,

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

 depend on the abuser for support.

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

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

 am ashamed that the abuser is one of my family/ wh˝nau.

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

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

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

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

 blame myself for the abuse.

 have low self-conÿ dence and self-esteem.

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

The following signs MAY indicate an older person/ kaum˝tua 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/ kaum˝tua…

 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

They tell me it will be better for me, but shouldn’t they ask me first?

I know that I put her name down to be the one to make decisions for me if I was unwell in the future. She is my only daughter after all, so I thought she would be the one who would care for me if I needed it. But now it seems like she is the one who is telling me what to do and when to do it. She o˜ ered to take me in her car to the shops, but then got so annoyed with me for being slow.

I don’t remember being impatient with her when she was a little girl, especially when I was busy with cooking, and she would come to “help” so that she could lick the spoon. Now she says it will save her time, so she orders groceries online for me – she tells me she knows what I like and will get it delivered. I tried to explain I can get a taxi to the supermarket myself, but my daughter says that’s a waste of money,

so does the online order for me anyway and has my bank card to pay for it. I wanted to learn how to pay my own bills online, but she said it would take too long to teach me - it was quicker to do it herself. I love going to the shops because I get to see folk, the shopkeepers know me, they are cheerful. Staying home is very quiet and I get lonely. Everyone in the street works, all the children are at school or day-care, so I don’t see anyone around here.

My daughter tells me I should be happy to have someone deliver the groceries and pay

10 TIPS TO BE KIND AND PREVENT ABUSE

 Love and cherish your older relatives/wh˜nau.

all the bills online, so I don’t have to worry. I am always being told what is better for me, but I am never asked what I want. I thought we all had rights, but it doesn’t feel like I am being listened to. My daughter is making all the decisions for me; whoever said I cannot make decisions for myself? What happened to: “He who pays the piper calls the tune?” I am the one who pays, but I am not getting to choose what I am paying for!

If this sounds familiar, get advice from Age Concern: 0800 65 2 105.

Break the Silence!

SIGN UP AS AN AGE CONCERN DIGNITY

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

AN AGE CONCERN DIGNITY CHAMPION PLEDGES

 Phone, zoom or facetime older people/kaum˜tua.

 Visit older people/kaum˜tua in your neighbourhood.

 Involve older people / kaum˜tua in your social activities.

 Encourage older people/ kaum˜tua to make their own decisions.

 Support older people/ kaum˜tua to use their money for their needs.

 Honour older people’s/ kaum˜tua’s wisdom.

 Enable older people/ kaum˜tua to set their own pace.

 Speak respectfully and listen to older people’s/kaum˜tua’s stories.

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

CHAMPION

6 Have zero tolerance for abuse or neglect

Braces or aligners: that is the question

Orthodontics, which is all about correcting irregularities with teeth, is one of Masterton Dental’s specialities. Principal dentists Dr Akash Kota and Dr Kenny Kim have years of advanced study of orthodontics under their belts.

“If any of these things apply to you, you may want to come and talk to us -” says Dr Akash “- crooked or crowded teeth, a sore or clicking jaw, struggling to chew food, or regularly biting the inside of your cheeks.”

“The two main options for teeth straightening are braces or aligners, also known as Invisalign,” says Dr Kenny.

The two dentists, friends since their student days, together with their great team at Masterton Dental, can answer all your questions about how best to straighten your teeth.

To start with, what is the difference between braces and Invisalign? “Well,” answers Akash, “braces are usually made of metal and attached to the outside of the teeth, although there is now a ceramic version, and another that sits behind the teeth. Metal wires and rubber bands are attached to the brackets to correct issues.”

And aligners? Kenny responds: “Invisalign treatment uses clear, plastic aligners. These are customised by making a 3D scan of your mouth. Customised aligners are then made to move the teeth in small steps until the correct

Which bird of prey?

We have in New Zealand two surviving daytime birds of prey. They are the NZ falcon/kārearea and the Australasian harrier hawk/kahu.

These two species are chalk and cheese: having different histories, habits and habitats. I have often heard people muddling and misidentifying them, so I hope after reading this article you will be able to confidently say that was a …

These two species have quite different whakapapa. Falcons are more closely related to parrots and songbirds than to hawks and eagles. It is just that both have adopted the lifestyle of killing from the air.

position is reached. Your aligners are replaced every two weeks as your teeth adjust.”

It’s evident that one of the main bene ts of aligners is their virtual invisibility. “Other advantages are that you can take the retainers out before you eat,” Dr Akash says, “and it is easier to brush and oss. There are also usually fewer mouth and gum problems compared with braces.”

“Downsides,” Dr Kenny says, “are that wearers need to be self-disciplined, to make sure the retainers are in the mouth up to 22 hours a day. And if you take them out to eat, you need to brush your teeth before you pop them back in. Every time.”

The more complex the orthodontic problem, however, the less likely it is that Invisalign will be appropriate. Braces can be used no matter the complexity, always achieve a perfect result, and can achieve it faster: they are effective.

“It’s so individual,” Kenny and Akash agree. “Come and talk to us about your options.”

Kārearea are endemic to NZ which means they are found only here, and their ancestors have been here for millions of years. Kahu, by contrast, are quite recent arrivals and have only been around for a matter of thousands of years. Before 1870 they were rarely seen in NZ.

Kahu are now one of our most common birds. They thrive in open country, farmland and wetlands. So when much of our native forest was cleared, and without any real competition, numbers exploded. On any drive in the Wairarapa countryside you are likely to see dozens. But you won’t find them in bush or mountain country.

In Australia you may see the identical bird but they are not common. Well, there are 23 other species of raptor to compete with over there.

Kārearea, on the other hand, are more rare with perhaps 5000 to 10,000 in NZ. They were aggressively hunted and shot and were one of the last endemic birds to be protected in 1970. They narrowly escaped extinction but fortunately their numbers are now recovering.

So, if you see a bird of prey, chances are high that it is a kahu. Keep watching and you will see a large and seriously fiercelooking bird. They often circle, soar and glide lazily with barely a flap. Falcons never circle lazily.

They usually fly

straight and fast and often low to the ground. They are New Zealand’s fastest bird, easily exceeding 100kmh when stooping at prey.

Also, the kārearea is a much smaller bird, about half the size of the kahu.

Seen from below the kahu has broad long wings often with splayed end-feathers. The kārearea in contrast has a much longer tail proportionally and smaller rounded wings for speed. Kahu are usually brownish but, like us, they age to greyishwhite. Kārearea, in the few seconds you are likely to see one, appear dark brown to black. To see one right now, get out your wallet and see if you have a $20 note.

The kahu is the roadkill specialist you often see cleaning up that dead possum or rabbit. They also feed on anything dead they can find and on afterbirths in the spring paddocks. But they also have a successful sideline in live kill of young rabbits and young birds from the nest. After circling above with their incredible eyesight, they will make a rapid descent to make the kill on the ground.

Falcons, as far as I know, never deign to eat anything they have not killed themselves - usually in the air. Travelling at great speed they will smash the blindsided target bird, hoping for an instant kill, and to avoid wrestling with a bird sometimes larger than itself. They love a fresh feral pigeon

busy disemboweling the unfortunate blackbird.

Another clue is the reaction of other birds. Most birds are not fazed by circling kahu unless they have young ones to hide and protect. Kahu do not take out other birds in the air. You will commonly see magpies and spur-winged plover attacking harriers in the air. These encounters seem highly ritualised, no one gets hurt, and eventually everyone goes off about their business. But you should see the birds panic if a kārearea comes by. I have seen a raucous posse of tui combining to drive off a kārearea.

The kahu is silent most of the year. In the breeding season you will hear them making a rather pathetic highpitched mewing before indulging in a sky-dance involving cartwheels and upside-down flying with interlocked talons [sounds dangerous].

The kārearea makes a distinctive rapid earpiercing kek-kek-kek. Both kahu and kārearea are important birds in Māori life and beliefs. The larger kahu, with its effortless majestic flight, embodies the characteristics of a chief, whereas the smaller aggressive kārearea represents the behaviour of an enemy.

So, next time you see a mean looking bird with a hooked beak, check through its size, flight and behaviour, and you may quickly decide yes, its the common kahu or wow,

The Feather Report is supplied by the Wairarapa group of Birds New Zealand. Our bird group is often out and about in Wairarapa seeing where birds are and what they are up to. If you would like to join us contact Oliver Druce at birds. wairarapa@birdsnz.

Kārearea and its prey. PHOTOS/TIM DAVIDSON

Kahu soaring with splayed primary feathers.

Dr Kenny Kim and Dr Akash Kota at work at Masterton Dental

What’s Up Kuranui?

DANCE STUDENT ˜ KATIE WALKER

Katie Walker is a Year 13 dance student at Kuranui College.

The dance programme piqued her interest when she was ÿrst researching colleges to attend, and she says she made the right call with Kuranui. “I love the atmosphere here and the people in my dance class, we’ve all grown really close. Dancing can be a vulnerable thing to do, when you put yourself on stage you need that supportive group around you to give you courage and conÿdence.”

Katie has an exciting year coming up. ‘Show Quest’ rehearsals are underway, and their performance piece is coming along nicely. “We are a great team, and we are enjoying the creative process as we develop our dance which is a huge learning curve for us all”. ‘Dance NZ Made’ is another competition Katie is focused on in September.

Another glittering highpoint later in the year is her audition for Te Auaha in Wellington. Katie is hoping to be accepted into the two-year tertiary education Dance and Performance programme. If accepted she will learn new techniques, learn how to build dance pieces from scratch and build her own brand as a dancer. Her Kuranui dance teacher Vynessa Smith is helping her prepare for this important milestone.

When asked what she likes about Kuranui, Katie’s response is immediate. “It’s the family atmosphere, it’s the number of doors that can open for you as you explore your interests, it’s the inclusiveness and it’s just a really nice place to be.”

TEACHER IN CHARGE OF W°NANGA FARMING CLASS ˜ ANNEMIEKE VAN VLIET

Annemieke grew up on dairy farm in Eketahuna, as a youngster she helped on the family farm with calving. On returning home to New Zealand in 2020 she started milking as well, and now helps her brother on farm during weekends.

In addition to overseeing the W˝nanga Farming Class on Wednesdays, Annemieke also teaches physical education and health, is the college’s Culture Co-ordinator and Director of Rugby.

There are 27 year 9 and 10 students involved in the W˝nanga Farming class. It has been exciting times for the class having recently obtained a leased 1-hectare parcel of land from the SWDC.

“The Wednesday class is practical, and student led. Currently students are redoing the boundary fencing and getting rid of broom which previously covered ¾ of the land in preparation for getting stock on site. Another focus is improving the soil so that next year there is better growth, and the students can experiment with di˙erent crops and grass seeds.”

“The students are exhilarated seeing the progress they are making project by project. It is also heartening to see the positive engagement from the community who are keen to o˙er advice, resources, farm visits and provide students connections with potential work opportunities in the future, if they decide this is an industry they want to pursue”.

WHATS ON AT KURANUI

DIGITAL LEARNING

Kuranui is always looking to keep one step ahead when it comes to technology. As the world becomes more technology advanced Kuranui students need to be equipped with the skills to ˆourish. To enable them to do this each year 9 and Year 10 student is provided with a free Chromebook. Students use their Chromebook at home and at school to engage with the Ignite curriculum, utilising the comprehensive technology e˙ectively in their learning.

How much should you do?

I have posted about the benefits of exercise. There are so many reasons why we should all exercise regularly; I won’t go over them again, but I will say it is definitely something that enhances my life. It really isn’t something I could imagine not doing, and I know it will be something I do for the rest of my life.

I also know exercise isn’t an easy thing to get started with if it’s not already a habit. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

When I read recommendations on how much we should do I can see how people are put off straight away.

A better approach is one I have shared many times before, which is outlined in James Clear’s fabulous

be learning alongside us.

This was certainly the case with the two lessons I have had over the past few days. I am definitely at the conscious incompetence stage, in other words, I have a very clear understanding of how far I have to go to reach a level of competence.

Doing the lessons it became very obvious to me how the process of learning is the same for anything we want to do. In the case of my lessons it went like this:

Step 1: Identify a goal. In this case it was to learn the basics of surfing, essentially being able to stand on the board

Step 2: Find an expert teacher

Step 3: Have the basics modelled to you in the

One of the first things the publication covers is the benefit of exercise. As I read the section it clarified in my own mind why exercise is such an important part of my life.

When I’m at home I try to exercise every day. Things are a little harder when travelling, but I still manage at least three to four deliberate sessions a week, which doesn’t include the large amount of walking I tend to do due to not having my usual transportation.

The benefits I read about are based on research done on millions of people by highly reputable organisations. It’s difficult to see how or why the evidence shared could be done for any other reasons other than it’s true and it shows how exercise will make our lives better.

Without going into the specific case studies, here are some of the proven benefits of exercise from

Reducing bowel cancer

Reducing breast cancer in women

Reducing obesity

Preventing type 2 diabetes

Generating the growth of new brain cells, while increasing the performance of brain cells we already have Improving balance, strength and aerobic capacity, helping us to live our lives more comfortably.

Imagine if there was a type of medication that got the same results; the drug company that created it would claim they had produced something that would change the world. However, we don’t need drugs to do this; all that’s needed is a surprisingly little amount of exercise.

Acres of diamonds

I once read a parable I think was called ‘Acres of Diamonds’. It was about a man who spent a lifetime searching for his fortune in various places around his world, only to find when he returned home many years later he found diamonds there; what he spent so much time looking for was under his nose in the place he was living before he left.

I was reminded of this parable after seeing some beautiful sunset photos posted on a friend’s Facebook page. This was done on the same day I posted sunset photos of a beach setting in the place I am staying in Bali.

The key difference from my perspective is that Ants, my friend who posted on his page, took his photos in Masterton, our home town, whereas mine were taken thousands of miles away.

My point is that so many of the things we sometimes look for can be found in the places we live our daily lives.

How time can work for you

The idea of time blocks is something that can add a

little structure to our days, and is also a way of making the most of time available to us. Additionally, time blocks can help us to have a sense of control, while also preventing us from frivolously wasting time on things we will often regret later.

I recall the idea of time blocks being shared by a person who was in prison in solitary confinement for an extended period of time. A strategy for helping him pass the time was to break his day down into blocks; he would wake at the same time, schedule exercise, reading, study, essentially sticking to a schedule of blocks of time. Rather than waiting aimlessly for time to pass, he would instead move from one activity to the next, fully utilising the long periods of time that were enforced on him.

Time blocks can be used for many different things: a day at work; a long flight; a holiday… anything at all where you might face long periods of time.

• Tim Nelson is principal of Lakeview School and author of the book Small Steps for a happy and purposeful life. He endeavours to learn something new every day by reading books, listening to podcasts, and engaging with a wide range of other content.

Tim Nelson

Benefit help A-Z Part 2

care. You may be able to get a Residential Care Loan to help pay for this.

Residential Care Subsidy

If you need long-term residential care in a hospital or rest home, you may be able to get this subsidy from the Ministry of Health.

There are lots of Work and Income benefits for people who need help in Aotearoa New Zealand, but it can be hard to know which ones you are eligible for.

BenefitMe helps you find out what you are eligible for and what happens if things in your life change.

BenefitMe is not a government website. It was created to get back to the core of social security – providing a safety net for those who need it. It is essential that everyone feels safe, empowered and supported to get help.

Governments exist for the benefit of the people and communities they serve. So how did we get to a point where it has become so difficult, traumatic and even shameful to seek help when we’re at our most vulnerable?

BenefitMe is a community effort to put some power back into the hands of the public, so anyone can find the support and services they’re legally eligible for and be more able to engage from a position of confidence with government departments.

BenefitMe is an initiative by the Digital Aotearoa Collective [DAC], a civil society group committed to addressing injustice and improving well-being in Aotearoa New Zealand.

There is a list of A-Z benefits and payments you can get from Work and Income if you are eligible. We set out the sections from A to O in last week’s Midweek and have continued the list as set out below.

NB: “We” relates to Work and Income. If you have any questions regarding BenefitMe, please telephone Citizen’s Advice Bureau on [06] 377-0078.

Re-establishment grant [Special Needs Grant]

A payment to help people in specific circumstances re-establish themselves in the community.

Recoverable Assistance Payment

A one-off payment to help you pay an essential or emergency cost if you can’t pay it another way.

Rent arrears assistance

If money is tight and you’re worried you’ll lose your housing because you owe rent, you may be able to get this assistance.

Residential Care Loan

If you’re going into residential care and want to keep your home for a while, you may not be able to pay for the cost of your

Residential Support Subsidy

A payment that helps with the cost of residential support for a person with a physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric disability [including drug and alcohol rehabilitation] or long-term chronic health condition who needs residential care as a result.

Rural Assistance Payments

Can help farmers during or after an adverse event, eg a flood or drought.

School and Year Start-up Payment

If you’re caring for someone else’s child and need help with pre-school or school-related costs at the beginning of the year, you may be able to get this payment.

Seasonal Work Assistance

For seasonal workers who are no longer getting a benefit and have lost wages because of work missed due to bad weather.

Self-employment start-up payment

If you’re starting a business and need help with essential start up costs, eg furniture or the first lot of stock, we may be able to help.

Social Rehabilitation Assistance

A payment which helps people who are in a residential social rehabilitation programme and their benefit isn’t enough to meet the fees.

Sole Parent Support

A weekly payment that helps single parents find part-time work or get ready for future work.

Special Disability Allowance

A weekly payment for people who have a spouse or partner who is in residential care, or has been in a public hospital for over 13 weeks. It’s paid to the spouse or partner who is not in care to help with the extra costs of having their spouse or partner in care.

Special Needs Grant

A one-off payment to help you pay an essential or emergency cost if you can’t pay it another way.

Steps to Freedom Grant

If you’ve been released from prison, we may be able to help you get set up in the community with this grant.

Student Allowance

A weekly payment paid by StudyLink, that can help with your living expenses while you’re studying.

Supported Living Payment

A weekly payment to help you if you have, or are caring for someone with, a significant health condition, injury or disability.

Temporary Additional Support

A weekly payment that helps you when you don’t have enough money to cover your essential living costs.

Training Incentive Allowance

If you need help with fees and other study costs for a course you’re doing, you may be able to get this allowance.

Transition to Work Grant

We may be able to pay for things you need to find or start a job, such as clothes, travel, living expenses until your first pay and other things.

Unsupported Child’s Benefit

A weekly payment which helps carers supporting a child or young person whose parents can’t care for them because of a family breakdown.

Veteran’s Pension

A fortnightly payment for veterans who have qualifying operational service in the New Zealand Armed Forces.

Work Bonus

If you’re on a benefit and choose to work even though you don’t have work obligations, you may be able to get this bonus.

Working for Families

Help from Work and Income and Inland Revenue [IR] to make it easier to work and raise a family.

Young Parent Payment

Helps young parents aged 16-19 year olds.

Youth Payment

Helps young people aged 16 or 17 who can’t live with their parents or guardian and aren’t supported by them or anyone else.

Citizens Advice Bureau are here to help you. We hope the two articles are of some help to you. Please remember our advice is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.

Discretionary benefits

Even if everything you find says you’re not eligible for anything, the Ministry of Social Development [MSD] does have discretionary powers to provide support and help.

Got a business idea?

Here’s the chance to run with it!

Do you have a business which is just ticking along, or an idea which has been burning in your brain waiting for action?

Dig out your rebellious side and join other ‘rebels’ at an innovative, free-thinking 10-day workshop aimed at helping you build your existing business or ignite your dream, turning it into a living. Rebel Business School Aotearoa is all about tearing up the business rulebook. It provides you with the conÿ dence and tools to bring your business to life or turn dreams into businesses.

AND Rebel Business School Aotearoa is coming to the Wairarapa so you can glean from this fantastic opportunity right here on your doorstep. This course is completely FREE thanks to amazing local sponsors who helped us make this opportunity possible.

Running from 9.30am – 2.30pm daily Monday 19 June – Friday 30 June 2023 at the Carterton Events Centre, it is a course NOT TO BE MISSED.

INTERESTING FACT: Wairarapa an icon for small business innovation.

Wairarapa has over 6,500 registered business units - amongst the highest regional number in New Zealand. The region is ripe for support says independent chair of the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy (WEDS), Adrienne YoungCooper. It’s for this reason WEDS was keen to support the Rebel Business School initiative.

“These courses can be life-changing once the germ of an idea is realised,” says Young-Cooper. The schools have been held in many parts of the country and are proving successful in giving people the kick-start needed to set up business. WEDS (www.thrivewairarapa. nz) is a collaborative venture between Wairarapa’s three councils and Wellington NZ (the Regional Economic Development Agency).

Wairarapa REAP and Ministry of Social Development (MSD) are also behind the funding, alongside Mayors Task force for Jobs South Wairarapa, Ka Pai Carterton, and WellingtonNZ.

Jacinda Johnston is the programme manager for WEDS. She says the course facilitators

are all small business owners and deliver with ÿ rst-hand experience, enthusiasm, and fun. Guest speakers add to the mix. Johnston says it’s important course graduates are embedded into the business community and set up for success. This could include joining the Wairarapa Chamber, Destination Wairarapa or, signing up for further business study, or accessing business development funding through WellingtonNZ or MSD. All graduates can access weekly Rebel webinars and follow-up Workshops across the Region.

The Rebel Business School was brought to Aotearoa by Tony Henderson-Newport in 2017. Wellington-born, he had spent years working in the UK and was impressed with the small business training being o° ered there.

On return to NZ he grabbed the opportunity to bring the Rebel Business School model to Porirua, where the ÿ rst course was held. There have been 45 courses since then and 1,500 graduates.

Henderson-Newport believes the programme

ÿ lls a niche in the start-up business ecosystem, supporting those with a business idea to activate and accelerate their idea for

“It takes away the barrier to access training by o° ering it for free. It really begs the question, why wouldn’t you do it?”

The hours of the course are deliberate too, to allow parents and caregivers of children to be involved.

Lee Barrott – Lee-thal Latte

Lee creates her own version of a turmeric-based latte concentrate - an increasingly popular alternative to drinking co° ee. During her Rebel course in 2018, she made 10 bottles of the mixture and SOLD OUT much to her delight. She has streamlined production and can now be found at Farmers’ Markets, lifestyle expos, and at the Martinborough Fair amongst others. She sells around 100 bottles per weekend. Now a Grandmother of two and newly resident in Carterton, Lee will feature as a guest speaker on the Wairarapa course.

Amber Bazeley – PlayStreet & Yum Scrum Diner

Masterton Mum-of-two Amber has imagination and ideas in bucketloads. A qualiÿ ed nanny and lover of the 1950s era, she envelops colour and playfulness and is in the process of creating nine child-size playhouses which will make up a ‘play street’ where kids can climb into and enjoy their own imaginative world. Allied to this to this is her 1950s caravan decked out as a co° ee cart which will compliment the playstreet, giving caregivers a chance to relax and enjoy a co° ee and baking while their children are playing. A graduate of the Rebel school in 2022, she liked the way the course adapted their training to people’s ideas and ÿ t into her ‘Mum routine’. Whilst Playstreet is still in creation, you can ÿ nd the Yum Scrum Diner at the new GoZone indoor playground upon opening.

Adrienne Young-Cooper, independent chair WEDS.

Amber Bazeley, a graduate with her co° ee cart.

Lee Barrott, a graduate selling her turmeric latte concentrate.

Tony Henderson-Newport, owner Rebel Business School Aotearoa.

Be Warm this Winter with a

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

Previous crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 Diner, 4 Dog in the manger, 11 Aired, 14 Serve, 15 Declaration, 16 Stockade, 19 Journey, 20 Again, 21 Time limit, 24

Officials, 26 Ocelot, 27 Veneer, 31 Hairy, 32 Rest home, 34 Airfreight, 38 Shouted, 39 Panama, 40 Anthem, 41 Firm, 42 Regatta, 45 Daydreamer, 50 Thought, 54 Gulf, 55 Pastel, 56 Stuffy, 57 Boycott, 60 Turbulence, 61 Eternity, 62 Meter, 65 Assign, 66 Harass, 67 Sculpture, 72 Cataclysm, 73 Board, 74 Cutlass, 79 Talisman, 80 Transcribes, 81 Scald, 82 Debts, 83 In a state of flux, 84 Clamp.

Fill

Previous solution

DOWN: 2 Icebox, 3 Elver, 5 Oven, 6 Illegal, 7 Turnip, 8 Eats, 9 Agonised, 10 Retain, 11 Archimedes, 12 Rear, 13 Dresser, 17 Sepia, 18 Negotiator, 22 Tiles, 23 Feigning, 25 Formula, 26 Operate, 28 Daphne, 29 Poland, 30 Affect, 33 Tiara, 35 Tempt, 36 Pelt, 37 Harm, 42 Right, 43 Gold rush, 44 Abated, 45 Detachable, 46 Yolk, 47 Rashers, 48 Abused, 49 Elfin, 51 Hoop, 52 Unclear, 53 Hatter, 58 Sunglasses, 59 Still, 63 Sanskrit, 64 Strut, 65 Adapted, 68 Cardiff, 69 Hawaii, 70 Poncho, 71 Asylum, 75 Local, 76 Glib, 77 Knot, 78 Menu.

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

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

At Tile Warehouse we believe it’s all about you! Our homes are our most valuable asset. Add tiles and it’s a match made in heaven. Practicality-wise, tiles are the best surface solution for all areas plus the added bonus of stunning design options.

We pride ourselves on our ability to provide products that meet our customers’ desire for quality and design, all at an affordable price. Being the only dedicated specialist tile store in the Wairarapa, with the largest tile range in the region, you are spoilt for choice.

We are a one stop shop for all your tiling needs! We can recommend local professional tilers and offer tile delivery throughout Wairarapa.

Paul August Landscape Design Landscape Consultation & Design Service 027 446 8256 august.landscape@orcon.net.nz www.augustlandscapes.co.nz Public

... at n grants available

Masterton Trust Lands Tr ust is offering grants to support education programmesthrough its argeted ducation und. pplications are invited from non-school organisations that Ā provide highly valued education programmes which benefit the Masterton community.

ll applications will be considered, however priority will be Ā given to programmes with a focus on

„ early childhood education

„ technology education

„ education for people with special learning needs

„ environmental education at ns s n

Information and application forms are available at www.mtlt.org.nz

More details and queries: Mo phone 06 370 0155 or email grants@mtlt.org.nz

Firewood

GUM 4m3 $680, 2m3 $400

DOUGLAS˜FIR 2m3 $390 MACROCARPA 4m3 $670, 2m3 $390 SPLIT PINE 4m3 $560, 2m3 $330 MANUKA 2m3 $560

BAGGED KINDLING $15each COMBO’S °2M3 X 2= 4M 3 ˛ GUM & D/FIR $700 GUM & MAC $700 GUM & S/PINE $640 D/FIR & MAC $690

Public Notices

Community grants available

Masterton Trust Lands Trust is providing grants to support local community organisations that provide services, programmes and activities that benefit the Masterton community.

Grants are available to local non-profit community groups for:

„ programme and activity costs, workshops and events

„ operating expenses, core service costs, training and development

Applications close 30 June 2023

Information and application forms are available at www.mtlt.org.nz

More details and queries: phone 06 370 0155 or email grants@mtlt.org.nz

Classified

Employment

Wellington Free Ambulance are recruiting in the Wairarapa!

We currently have roles available for volunteer event medics and patient transfer officers to join our Wairarapa based team.

As the only emergency ambulance service for oining a vital service for everyone in your community.

Event Medics (volunteer role):

Our event medical services team are at the heart of our community. Due to increased demand for this important service in our community supporting some of the largest events in the region we are looking to grow our Wairarapa based team. Full training and support is given and no clinical/medical experience is required just a love of people and a willingness to help. Next intake begins on 12 August 2023.

Patient Transfer Officers:

We have two opportunities for patient transfer officers based in the Wairarapa. The role includes providing non -emergency transport, hospital transfers, outpatient appointments and specialised transfers. Full training and support provided.

If you are interested in finding out more about these opportunities please email recruitment@wfa.org.nz

Retired? Night Owl?

Want to top up your Super?

Earn extra dollars?

Employment

DAY MATRON

school with 175 boarders, 5 minutes north of Masterton in the wonderful Wairarapa.

We are seeking to appoint a Day Matron for one of our Boarding Houses which is home to 50 boys aged from 12 to 18.

Hours of work are 8.00am 5.00pm daily during term time and duties include supporting the boarding houses daily operational activities, which includes some laundry, some cleaning, providing wellbeing assistance for the boys in your care.

The successful applicant will have a commitment to high standards and support the Special Character of our College and must be police vetted.

Please send your covering letter and CV and direct enquiries to:

Martin O'Grady

Principal principal@rathkeale.school.nz

Phone 06 377 9032

Applications close Friday 9 June 2023

Carter Court Rest Home Vacancy Permanent Part-Time Tea Cook

Carter Court is a community owned and governed facility providing rest home and hospital level care, committed to providing quality aged care services to our community.

A position has become available for a permanent part time Tea Cook to work Thursday to Sunday afternoons inclusive, 2.30pm to 6.30pm.

Experience not essential as full training will be given; however, a Food Safety Certificate would be advantageous, along with the ability to be flexible and provide extra cover as necessary. Genuine interest in the care of the older person a must.

We are seeking a self-starter, who is fit and reliable to deliver the Times-Age into the letterboxes of our loyal subscribers.

You will require a reliable vehicle and be available

Monday - Saturday, with the ability to start work late night/ early morning.

Does this sound like you?

Contact Nick today on 027 251 0616 or email nicolkelly71@gmail.com

Coastal golf clubs teed up for support

financial impact, it’s very hard for them to come back.”

The PGA tour might be flush with cash — but the picture differs drastically for clubs pulling together to battle the elements along Wairarapa’s east coast.

Riversdale Beach Golf Club members have fundraised for two clubs affected by this year’s inclement weather – despite the club suffering damage to several of its own bridges.

The club raised $2500 for Cape Turnagain Golf Club by holding a raffle and hosting a two-person Ambrose tournament. Members also raised $1000 for Castlepoint Golf Club.

For further details please contact the Nurse Manager, Karen McKay on (06) 379 8075 during usual business hours Monday Thursday.

Please email your CV and covering letter to: nursemanager@cartercourt.co.nz

Missed

Riversdale club captain Karen Barbour said members discussed donating via Golf New Zealand — which raised $125,000 through nationwide fundraising — but instead decided to help clubs directly.

“We just decided that was a nice way to do it. Helping clubs in a similar position to us that don’t have access to a vast amount of money,” Barbour said.

“With any sort of

Barbour said her 400-member club is in a good place, while clubs across the region are closed due to excess water.

“We’re probably the driest course in Wairarapa because we’re sand based and designed really well.”

Cape Turnagain Golf Club men’s club captain John Sedcole said his club hasn’t been so lucky with the rain.

The high-water table has flooded greens and fairways and stopped weekend tournaments.

“We just need it to stop raining,” said Sedcole, who noted that the incessant rainfall means the greens and fairways must be frequently mowed.

“We’re in the process of trying to finance a new mower for the golf club. Some of the money will go towards that.”

Sedcole said help from Riversdale members has ignited a new friendship, and that Cape Turnagain members are now planning a visit to Riversdale to say ‘thank you’ for their assistance.

Meanwhile, Castlepoint Golf Club joint club captain Brian Crump said its nine-hole course is back open, with players “having to take relief away from patches of silt on the fairways”.

Although the club has a modern mower, the course has not suffered damage on this scale before.

“After Cyclone Hale we had one green that had some water go over it and some of the members sprayed the silt and washed the green. But we had extensive flooding this time around,” Crump said.

The club relies on “a huge number of volunteers”, including many from the local farming community who have used the $1000 donated by Riversdale to maintain the course.

“The biggest cost we’ve got is having to get the fairways reseeded … that were covered in silt.”

Elsewhere, Carterton Golf Club has offered free play for six months to Napier, Maraenui, Castlepoint, and Waipawa club members via a letter sent by club president Mark Johnston.

Andrew Williams news@age.co.nz

Riversdale Beach Golf Club president Paul Greenlees [right] presenting Brian Crump from Castlepoint Golf Club with money for course repairs.

PHOTO/RIVERSDALE BEACH GOLF CLUB

Piles of silt and debris on the fairways at Castlepoint Golf Club. PHOTO/BRIAN CRUMP

Chapel Street upgrade South of Lincoln Road

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is about to begin major reconstruction work on State Highway 2 Chapel Street in Masterton. The next phase of work involves reconstructing sections of the road from the base upwards, starting with the area south of Lincoln Road to south of the Cole and Perry Streets intersection.

The work will see two full weekend closures – one from 9 June, and the other from 16 June. One side of the road will be done each weekend. Rain may cause a postponement, in which case we will return the next fine weekend.

Chapel Street will be closed to tra c between Lincoln Road and Jackson Street, except for access to the service station. A full road closure over the weekend allows us to get the job done more quickly, e ciently, and safely than stop/go works, particularly as the site needs to be closed both night and day.

The road reconstruction site will be excavated to a depth of 400 millimetres and a concrete foundation will be poured. After 24 hours for the concrete to cure, a thick layer of high strength asphalt will be laid over the top. Together these elements will make the road much stronger and less prone to potholes and tra c damage.

Next work on this site

A final layer of asphalt covering both sides of the road will be completed with the wider surfacing programme on Chapel Street during spring. Until then, the road may appear unfinished to the eye but will still be providing a strong surface to ride on.

Weekend works schedule

Weather permitting

• 9 June to 12 June

Friday 8pm to Monday 6am

• 16 June to 19 June

Friday 8pm to Monday 6am

Road closure details

• State Highway 2 Chapel Street from Lincoln Street to Jackson Street south of the work site will be closed to tra c throughout the weekend.

• Access will remain open for the Z service station.

• Access will not be available to the Masterton Mall parking building.

• The footpaths on both sides of the road will remain open.

Further reconstruction works

• South Chapel Street, north and south of Cornwall Street

• We will advertise dates and details shortly.

• Businesses and residents near the works will be contacted directly.

Detour routes for through tra c