Hibiscus Matters_Issue 195_1 June 2016 by Hibiscus Matters

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June 1, 2016

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Inside this issue What’s best for kauri? DOC clashes with local conservationists

page 3

Tourism promotion for Coast YouTube hitmaker makes local video Peak hour traffic clogs Whangaparaoa Rd, particularly at the Red Beach intersection. Auckland Transport is to trial a Dynamic Lane Control system, utilising LED lighting, in an attempt to release this gridlock.

‘Dynamic lanes’ latest solution for Whangaparaoa Road gridlock

A system that uses LED lights to improve the flow of traffic at peak times is to be trialled on Whangaparaoa Road. A date is not yet confirmed for the start gantries display which lanes motorists “The Dynamic Lane concept is of the trial, but Auckland Transport are to use. one such initiative that is currently (AT) says it will be in the second half A report by staff from AT’s operational being explored to use the existing of this year – possibly as early as next planning and performance travel network more efficiently for the month. demand unit says that there is a drive movement of people and goods,” the The idea is to use a lighting system and from the NZ Transport Agency and report says. There are existing similar signs to create more space, via a central AT boards to employ innovative travel arrangements currently in operation lane, for traffic heading in the direction demand solutions to make better use in Auckland including Panmure of the peak flow. LED lights show road of existing road space, accommodate Bridge and Auckland Harbour Bridge. markings that can change configuration peak period movement and reduce the The portion of Whangaparaoa quickly and safely, creating an extra lane need to widen roads and build new during peak hour traffic. Traffic control roads at significant cost. continued page 2

page 5

The young ones Focusing on the early years

pages 13 to 17

From pound to pro Silverdale rescue dog makes the bomb squad

page 24

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| Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

June 1, 2016 Issue 195

A division of Local Matters. Hibiscus Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated to more than 21,400 homes and businesses twice a month: Puhoi • Waiwera • Hatfields • Orewa • Silverdale • Millwater • Dairy Flat Red Beach • Whangaparaoa Peninsula

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Continued from p1.... Road between Red Beach Road and Hibiscus Coast Highway was chosen for the trial as it has two lanes with a wide central flush median equivalent to a third lane. In addition, it has pronounced traffic movements during weekday peak periods. Figures contained in AT’s travel demand unit’s report show that 80 percent of vehicles on this stretch of road are travelling west (off the peninsula) during the morning peak and 65 percent are travelling east in the evening peak. AT also says that the installation of dynamic lane controls on this section would require relatively low use of surrounding land, which will minimise disruption to residents. Local board chair Julia Parfitt says the board has not discussed the matter as yet, but she has some concerns about the way that the trial may affect things such as waiting bays for pedestrians and parking. She is also worried about people living on Whangaparaoa Road. “I’ve seen people almost reduced to tears when we’ve consulted on Whangaparaoa Road issues, because it’s so hard to get out of their properties at peak times,” Mrs Parfitt says. “As the reason for this trial is to speed up the traffic flow, it will surely make it worse for them.” She says the board needs more information. “I’m not personally against a trial, but we need to be more satisfied about all the likely impacts.” The issue of pedestrians crossing the road is also raised in the AT staff ’s report – other potential risks it notes are: right turns from side roads and the main road, and head-on collisions in the middle lane. It also notes potential issues at the highway intersection. “The Hibiscus Coast Highway intersection is restricted by the left-turn slip lane and other alignment issues, limiting the exit capacity in the westbound direction to one lane,” the report says. “A compromise has been allowed, for the morning peak capacity improvements

will be minimal. However the evening peak will have a significant capacity increase in the eastbound direction. If the trial is found to be successful, investment is recommended to increase the Hibiscus Coast Highway intersection capacity to accommodate the additional vehicle volume.” Dynamic lanes are described by AT as a cost effective solution compared to road widening (although as yet it has not provided indicative costs for the trial or implementation); the widening of this part of Whangaparaoa Road, estimated to cost between $20–$30 million, is not currently funded in Auckland Transport’s budget. The widening of Whangaparaoa Road from Red Beach Road to the highway was first mooted in 2011. At the time, AT said widening this section of road to four lanes was a priority because Penlink was on hold and Whangaparaoa Road was nearing capacity, particularly at peak times. Cr John Watson says if the dynamic lane trial is successful it will provide some immediate relief to this busy section of road. “It’s important to grasp whatever improvements we can for the Hibiscus Coast, including the park and ride, the ferry service and now Whangaparaoa Road,” Cr Watson says. “This is a pragmatic response while waiting for bigger projects like Penlink to materialise. Doing nothing is not an option.” AT has been investigating dynamic lanes on road corridors since 2014 and a driver behaviour study was conducted with the University of Waikato early this year. AT’s transport services general manager, Andrew Allen, says the investigation and design of an appropriate system to be tested on Whangaparaoa Road are in the final stages. “Rest assured that the safety and convenience of the local community will be a key priority for this trial and affected members of the public will be engaged with by AT prior to its commencement,” Mr Allen says.

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Conservationists clash over kauri dieback protection A stretch of track through Okura Bush, just south of Stillwater, will be one of the first in the country to have a new track system installed that aims to reduce the spread of kauri dieback, with work scheduled to begin next month. However, the system, known as problem with kauri dieback, which geoweb, has met opposition from local is why it was among the first to be environmentalists who say they want assessed by DOC. DOC’s kauri proof that it is as effective as building dieback team inspected the whole track and identified a stretch that gets boardwalks, before it is laid. Kauri dieback is caused by spores that wet and muddy and is next to kauri. Its infect kauri roots, and is killing large experts decided that a 225m portion of numbers of trees. It can be spread on this requires boardwalk, and a further the boots of people who walk through 374m should have geoweb installed. mud containing the spores, which is Friends of Okura Bush volunteers, why systems that keep walkers off the who undertake pest control and other work within the forest, say that they mud and roots are needed. Geoweb, which the Department of were not consulted. Conservation (DOC) says is cheaper Chair Lezette Reid says that although to lay than boardwalk, consists of they have been working with DOC on linked plastic honeycomb-shaped a kauri management plan for a year, cells, which are filled with bark and the first they knew “something was gravel, then covered with more gravel. up” was when they saw surveyors in DOC is rolling out the system as part the forest, early this year. of a kauri dieback protection plan “By the time we saw the plan [for the that received government funding in geoweb], it was already out for tender,” the last budget – $10.7 million was Mrs Reid says. allocated to upgrade tracks to prevent She says that boardwalk is the proven, the spread of kauri dieback and $10.9 ‘gold standard’ used in NZ forests for million to maintain the tracks and decades. increase public awareness. “We’re told that geoweb is cheaper Volunteers working in Okura Bush DOC Auckland operations manager, than boardwalks, but haven’t been able want boardwalks built over wet areas Keith Gell, says DOC trialled the to get figures on maintenance costs for near kauri trees, to protect them from geoweb system for seven years in it as yet. You need to keep topping up dieback, and say the Department of Kerikeri and it’s proven to keep tracks the gravel, which compacts over time Conservation’s need to cut costs is behind the use of plastic cells under free of mud, preventing kauri dieback and although boardwalks also require paths. spread. “The trial also proved that maintenance it surely isn’t as major as they’re precious. We should be spending undertake proper consultation with geoweb protects roots,” Mr Gell says. helicoptering in piles of gravel?” communities who care about their “The roots grow underneath, fully She says until they see evidence of money on them, not cost cutting.” protected from the impact of people geoweb’s effectiveness in protecting DOC is set to roll out the system on forests to avoid mistakes and the waste walking on the track.” trees, Friends of Okura Bush would a big scale, after surveying a total of of taxpayers’ funds,” she says. “We The 8km Okura track has become rather fundraise themselves to build 735km of track in kauri forest, and acknowledge that DOC is committed very popular – since 2011 the number boardwalks, which she admits would be Mrs Reid’s organisation is seeking that to our forests, and underfunded, but if they share their problems then much of walkers is up from 9000 to 70,000 a massive undertaking. “We only have the process be put on hold. per year – and it also has a significant remnants of native forest like this left and “We want DOC to review its plans and better solutions will emerge.” Protests by people opposed to the chemical weedkillers that are increasingly being used by Auckland Council contractors in parks and reserves shut down the Council’s May 13 meeting. The protests followed an attempt by Councillors John Watson and Wayne Walker during an Annual Plan debate to restore the cuts made to Parks budgets that resulted in the increasing use of Glyphosate/Roundup instead of non-chemical methods of weed control. The amendment that the councillors tried to put up was ruled out of order. Cr John Watson says the failure of the amendment means that the budget cuts and spraying remains and everyone opposed has had their views ignored. One of the protestors, Hana Blackmore of the Weed Management Advisory, says that the group refused to leave until the councillors had heard what they had to say. “We were finally escorted off the premises by security, but not before we obtained a promise from Mayor Len Brown that we would get “our day in court”, Mrs Blackmore says.

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off

This is so weird

It’s like I’ve been stopped by some invisible wall!!!!!!

Auckland’s Rural Urban Boundary challenged by Government

Feedback

Inspirational volunteer

Nigel, great story about you and your history (Local Folk, HM May 18). I really enjoyed reading about all your experiences helping others who were in need. You and your family are an inspiration to all that know you. I appreciated the time you gave me when I had the pleasure to visit your beautiful country. New Zealand is an amazing place with lovely people living there. Keep up the outstanding work and stay safe. Mark Nelson, Assistant Fire Chief (retired), Los Angeles County Fire Department

Super Gold costs One afternoon this week, on National Radio, a Super Gold Card holder explained to interviewer Jesse Mulligan that the Auckland Council is about to change entitlements for cardholders. The elderly will no longer have the rights to free travel which they have had since they were made part of the national Super Gold scheme in 2008. Henceforth, senior citizens must pay a total of $15 to replace the Super Gold Card with what is called a HOP smartcard. In its most recent SuperSeniors eNewsletter, the Ministry of Social Development said: “More broadly, the way the [public transport] concessions are funded through regional councils is changing, but Transport Minister Simon Bridges has guaranteed there will be no change to

What’s on your mind? Readers are welcome to air their views. We do not publish abusive or unsigned letters. Letters may be abridged and full versions are at localmatters.co.nz/opinion. Address on p2 or e:terry@localmatters.co.nz

entitlements for card holders. The card is going from strength to strength and the Government is totally committed to supporting it.” If seniors have to pay $15 for what was previously free, that is blatantly changing their entitlement, quite apart from introducing considerable difficulties (which have been reported) to retain it at a cost. It’s high time someone (Grey Power, where are you?) made it clear to Minister Bridges and his Government colleagues that his broken guarantee will be remembered by many come the next general election, unless he intends to take steps immediately to restore the status of the Super Gold Card which is in the process of being removed by the Auckland Council.What else can the elderly do? Storm buses in July and stage sit-ins? Now if it were not for the inconvenience this might create for guiltless others, there would be an idea… Keith Chapman, Stanmore Bay (abridged)

Meat pack nominees roll in

We’ve had some lovely nominations in for the Quality Meats meat pack. Quality Meats owner Jason McIntyre is giving a meat pack away every month in Hibiscus Matters, to people whose good deeds in the community often go unnoticed. Nominations for the first meat pack close June 3 and the recipient will be awarded in our next issue. Nominations should be emailed to online@localmatters.co.nz or message us on Facebook. Include details of what the nominee does and Jason will select the recipient. No correspondence will be entered into and all entrants consent to their photo being used in Hibiscus Matters.

Nature was taken to another level in Silverdale recently with these dyed flowers putting even sunflowers in the shade. They were a sell out at Pak ‘n’ Save.

Wave of anxiety

The start of the Orewa tsunami walk began with the type of confusion that makes you wonder what might happen when a natural disaster really occurs. Auckland Council and Civil Defence’s press invitation to the walk stated that the briefing would be held at Orewa College in Riverside Rd, but the day before the walk, Hibiscus Matters discovered by chance that the briefing was now at Orewa Primary, in Maire Road. Ahead of the wave? We’re not so sure.

Congratulations to Jill McEwen of Gulf Harbour, winner of a copy of To the Islands by Kerry Howe, and to Muriel Shepherd of Orewa who won two McDonalds Create Your Taste vouchers, valued at $20 each. Thanks to all who entered.

Colourful cough Great paper! Disturbed to hear about green phlegm not necessarily being a sign of infection (HM May 18). I remember as a child being told to try and cough up a sample of phlegm into a handkerchief for my mother, so we could assess the colour and decide whether a doctor’s visit was needed. Lovely! And unnecessary, as it now seems. Those were the days. Angela Wickham, Silverdale

Christine Pedersen of Stanmore Bay drove away from Whangaparaoa New World last month in a brand new car. She was the winner of a national Foodstuffs competition. New World Whangaparaoa owner Penny Ashton, second from right, with staff members and Mazda sales manager Keith Shaw, right, are pictured congratulating Christine on the win.

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Logan Dodds wants to promote the Hibiscus Coast the way he experienced it growing up – with plenty of outdoor activities, hanging out with friends and having fun.

Hibiscus Coast promoted by local YouTube talent The Hibiscus Coast is about to be showcased as never before, in a high-energy video made by YouTube sensation and Manly resident Logan Dodds. Logan, 25, is a plumber by trade, but since the YouTube video of his travels in Europe went viral in October 2015 (with more than five million views), he has moved into professional photography and video work; his credits include a music video for Six60 and a campaign with Air NZ, launched at the end of April. His latest client is the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, who will pay him $15,000 to develop a promotional video for the area. The board describes this as part of its “eco-tourism strategy”, and a way to bring together local tourism businesses and showcase attractions. Logan’s initial outline for the video covers meeting mates at a building site in Millwater, exercising on Orewa

Beach, golf at Gulf Harbour Country Club, a Gulf Harbour ferry ride and bush walk at Okura or Shakespear Regional Park. He is hoping to also include cliff jumping, stand up paddleboarding and part of Te Ara Tahuna (Orewa Estuary walk/cycleway). Logan hopes to capture a summer time feel in the video, although the filming will be done over winter. He’s excited about the project. Having lived on the Coast since the age of two, he says it’s an opportunity to “show off where I’m from” and he plans to include friends and family. The local board is also positive about the potential to promote the area; the idea for the video came about through workshops with ATEED external relations senior advisor Michael Goudie. Info: look for Logan and his work on Instagram, @logan_dodds

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Following a High Court decision in their favour, the Trust that owns Whangaparaoa Hall is moving forward with several new community initiatives.

Court settles hall ownership

The trustees of Whangaparaoa Community Trust (WCT), which includes Auckland councillors Wayne Walker and John Watson, are claiming a “total and emphatic victory” after High Court judge Justice John Fogarty handed down his decision last month. The court case, heard on April 11, the WRRA (which failed to reach a was brought by the Whangaparaoa quorum at its recent annual meeting) Community Centre Project, Des and actively getting people involved in Adams and Norma Buckland, the WCT and its projects. who sought a judicial review of The spokesperson for the Whangaparaoa the Whangaparaoa Ratepayers and Community Centre Project, Des Residents Association’s (WRRA) Adams is out of the country and could decision to transfer the hall to the not comment at this time. Trust, in 2005, and the conduct of four members of the general committee The issue of costs is still before the of the WRRA. The plaintiffs sought court. remedies that included winding up the Whangaparaoa Community Trust and New hall projects New projects starting up at transferring its assets to the WRRA. It is the second time that the ownership Whangaparaoa Hall include a of the hall has been challenged in the community garden, radio station High Court; former members of the and the Love Soup Kitchen (see story WRRA have long held that the hall p19) The garden will have plots for belongs to the WRRA and should not community groups, individuals and have been put in the hands of Trustees. the Love Soup Kitchen. The ground In his decision, delivered on May 11, is being dug over, vegetation and Justice Fogarty rejects the allegation stumps removed and raised beds built. that the Whangaparaoa community, Gardening and composting courses via the WRRA, lost ownership of are proposed. The radio station will its community hall “by stealth and broadcast on low power FM with a deliberate manoeuvring” on the part digital feed through the internet. It of the four trustees. The decision will include local news and events, and also rejects any suggestion that the slots hosted by local people and clubs. Trustees deceived WRRA members. There’ll be space for the Community “To the contrary the transfer of the Constable, Rock and Roll hosted by hall to the Trust was done in good the Hibiscus Coast Rock n Roll Club, faith for the purpose of securing the youth music and events, a seniors’ slot hall indefinitely for the community and more. Volunteers are needed to at a well-attended special general run the station, and interest in plots in the community gardens is also meeting,” the Judgment says. WCT trustee, Cr Walker says there is being sought. Info: email contact@ now a big exercise ahead in rebuilding wctrust.co.nz

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June 1, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

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Super Gold card users need a HOP card by July to receive the same service they do now on public transport and Auckland Transport (AT) is considering helping with the transition. It had ruled out offering any assistance (HM May 18), but recently Local Board member Janet Fitzgerald said AT is now planning to bring a mobile unit to the Hibiscus Coast to help seniors obtain a HOP card and load the Super Gold concession. Details of where the unit will be, and when, are not yet available. Mrs Fitzgerald also points out that whereas in other parts of NZ Super Gold card users can only use their cards between 9am and 3pm, in Auckland they can be used from 9am throughout the day. A change to the Government subsidy means that unless Council, via AT, provides a top up of around $3 million, Auckland’s Super Gold card users will also only be able to use their cards from 9am till 3pm.

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AT flip flops on HOP help

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Twelve emergency evacuation sirens originally planned for Orewa and Whangaparaoa in 2013 have never been installed with Auckland Council now preferring to rely upon radio announcements and electronic alerting systems, including SMS or texting, to warm of a civil emergency. The sirens blast out a loud and distinct warning sound, similar to the Word War II air raid sirens, to alert residents of approaching, life threatening emergencies. Without them people could well be caught off-guard with their safety seriously compromised. I would like to see these sirens installed. The electronic systems should also remain in place. Last week a tsunami drill was held involving Orewa College, Orewa Primary and Orewa North Primary schools in an attempt to increase the preparedness of these children with the hopeful knock-on affect that they will inform their parents about what to do. Despite the government spending millions a year educating the public to be prepared with household emergency plans and three-day survival kits generally New Zealanders are not well prepared. The council’s civil defence department has identified a monster storm, with its associated damage to power-lines, telephonelines, and flooding affecting roads and water supplies, as the emergency most likely to affect the Hibiscus Coast. A tsunami is less likely, but if one did occur, it would seriously affect the low-lying coastal areas of Orewa, Big Manly and Stanmore Bay. To warn Coasties of localised emergencies, I think that seven sirens should be located across Orewa, along with one in Wairewa and four along the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. Rodney already has early warning sirens at Point Wells, Whangateau, and Omaha at an average cost of $15,000 each. A tsunami generated from the Pacific can be detected by seismic detectors and deep ocean buoys which are monitored by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii. These could give between one and three hours warning for Hibiscus Coast residents. However, a tsunami generated closer to New Zealand in the Kermadec Trench, would allow only minutes for evacuation and this is when a siren warning system would be of the utmost importance. If you feel a substantial earthquake, hear a roaring from the sea, or the tide suddenly goes in or out you have less than an hour to get to high ground. Yes – less than 60 minutes! We can’t rely on the authorities having enough time to alert us via radio or texts. Get to safety. Don’t delay. I believe a locally activated siren system would help more people get out more promptly, especially if an emergency occurs in the middle of the night. Auckland Civil Defence is currently re-considering the installation of sirens.

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| Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

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Local business association, Destination Orewa, is concerned that Auckland Transport’s (AT) plan to take over control of town centre promotional banners will reduce the community focus of the banners and increase charges. The standardisation of the banner ads ownership, if at all possible,” she says. throughout Auckland potentially allows “A local company currently puts all our promotion for businesses and events flags up and down at a far, far cheaper that are not locally based to appear in rate than Network Visuals charge,” Mrs town centres and the scheme has also Wilkins says. “Both DOB and the local been labelled “revenue gathering”. community who we ‘lend’ the flag arms A report by AT business development to will incur significantly increased costs manager Ian Robertshaw into banner under this new structure and we will lose management states that under the our ‘support local’ aspect. Increased costs new regime, all AT, Auckland Council will be a disincentive for the community and approved CCO communications to use the flag arms for their events.” (including Local Board and Business She says DOB also wants to ensure Improvements Districts) and that banners are kept for the exclusive non-commercial events will take use of those who benefit, or have a precedence on banners. It states that connection to, Orewa. registered charities will have no more than 20 percent access to the banners, That loss of local control and identity while 30 percent will be allocated for in town centres is also a concern for the local board. commercial purposes. AT is partnering with Australian-based Mrs Parfitt says that the road is a company QMS Media and Network public space and although AT may Visuals for banner management. manage it, the public needs to be Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair Julia consulted about what they want there Parfitt says that AT signed that contract before any policy is changed. without consulting the local board. “Most of the banners reflect local However, she says when the local board initiatives, but AT is expecting us to be raised the issue, it was assured that its part of a wider, regional look whereas the input will be considered. Business look of Newmarket’s business district, Improvement Districts, including for example, is currently distinctly from Whangaparaoa, Destination Orewa Beach (DOB), are different Silverdale or Orewa,” she says. also being asked for feedback. DOB operations manager Hellen “Mr Robertshaw has said there is still Wilkins says her organisation is in an opportunity to change things such the unique position of owning and as the types of signs and address issues maintaining the brackets where flag such as advertising for events outside banners are attached (known as ‘flag this area and we are beginning those arms’). “It’s important that we retain this discussions now.”

LINZ figures for Hibiscus Coast

Property data released by Land Information NZ (LINZ) for the first time last month appears to confirm that the Hibiscus & Bays area has the third highest number of people purchasing property who have overseas tax residency, in Auckland. When the numbers for January to March this year are broken down by Auckland Local Board area, only the Waitemata and Howick Local Board areas have higher numbers of property purchasers with overseas tax residency. However, the number of people with overseas tax residency buying property here are still only a small proportion of total property transfers. In the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board area, 63 of a total of 2547 property buyers (2.47 percent) claimed overseas tax residency between January 1 and March 31 this year. This is close to the New Zealand-wide figure – three percent of property transfers around NZ in that three-month period involved buyers who indicated an overseas tax

residency. Of the remaining transfers (NZ-wide) over this time, 50 percent involved buyers who have only NZ tax residency and 37 percent involved buyers who did not need to provide tax information – the majority of these were NZ citizens or residents buying their main home. Ten percent involved buyers who did not need to provide information because their sale and purchase agreement was signed before the law seeking to identify someone’s tax residency came into force. LINZ Chief Executive Peter Mersi says that the data, which will be published each quarter, is not a register of foreign ownership, because tax residency is not the same as nationality. “For example, a New Zealander living and paying tax in the UK who bought a house in NZ would be included as having overseas tax residency,” he says. LINZ will release the next round of data next month. The figures are at www.linz.govt.nz

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June 1, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Digital world with Pauline Stockhausen pauline@thesocialcollective.co.nz

Finding your way Until recently I didn’t fully comprehend the power of Google maps. Google maps can really help you get around, letting you know how long it takes to get to a destination and pointing out helpful detours when traffic is heavy. Users simply put in a location and then will see a 3D photo of that place. It’s really convenient being able to check out the parking options before you get there – a real time-saver. This app became a vital tool for me while I was visiting New York. Last time I was there I remember having a huge map and let’s just say I’m not very good at directions! This time a friend showed me how to really use Google maps. By syncing your location you can find the nearest subway station, fastest route by train, bus, uber or car. It makes you feel like one of the locals, even if you’ve never been to that town or city before. Everything you need is there – even train and bus timetables (including the local ones) are displayed so no more trying to find information on websites or searching for signs. As a traveller, the only downside is that you need to make sure that you have data and a full battery. Uber is another vital app for finding your way around. While Uber is widely used overseas and in Auckland city, it doesn’t appear that we have drivers yet on the Hibiscus Coast or in Warkworth. There’s definitely an opening there! Uber allows registered drivers with their own cars to link up with customers through a smartphone app, with all fares pre-agreed. With the Uber app you can pinpoint your location and a car that is available in the region is dispatched. Uber drivers are everyday people using their private cars. They do get screened and I found them to be a lot cheaper than taxis.

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realestate

| Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

Building with Karyn Phillips and Nigel Kelly karyn@trenzhomes.co.nz

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Renovate or build? We’ve received a number of questions in the last few weeks on the topic of, “how do I decide whether to renovate a ‘do up’ or build a new home?” Of course, there is no simple answer and a lot depends on your budget, your DIY skills and enthusiasm and how much time you want to spend on a project. Imagine that you’re looking for a new house and you find some land that comes with a house that needs work already in place. It’s tempting and fun to draw up some plans, move some walls, add another room and ensuite. But before you go ahead, have your eyes wide open about the potential costs and compliance issues. Even if it’s only a quarter of the plan that you’re really changing, it can impact so much. Brace yourself. The builder will want to give you an exact quote for the changes, and if they could they would – but they just can’t. They will be thinking: ‘there’s a lot I don’t know until I’ve ripped off the wallboard, floor, roof. Where are the hidden problems such as rot, damage, unconsented work? How do I price it, win the job and not lose money?’ There’s a possibility upgrades will be needed for beams, windows, walls, roofing, wiring, plumbing – not only to provide the changes you are asking for, but also to meet the current building code. Anything touched must meet the current code. Things nearby, or problems discovered during the job need to be addressed too. Ideally the materials in the renovated area need to be sympathetic with the original house. Windows need to be matched with the existing ones, or they may all need upgrading. Weatherboards need to be found or manufactured to the same profile but thankfully they are painted over so they don’t necessarily need to be the same material. Wooden floors are beautiful but finding the right wood can be expensive, and it normally needs machining to match the width/ thickness. Getting these parts right will look spectacular so it’s worth doing it right if you’re going to do it at all. Then there is everything outside the house. That extra room and toilet/shower will add volume to the septic tank if you are rural. There’s an additional $15,000 or more right there! The other option is to sell the house and have someone take it away on a truck, which leaves you with a serviced section. One advantage of starting from scratch is that it avoids all the complications of renovations, means that you get you what you want, and at a much more accurate price. It’s harder to get a house with an “old character” if you are building from new but that too is possible. So, take a fresh look at that property you’re looking to buy. There is a lot of potential in the land but what to do with the house? The choice is yours.

Building advice on tap

Do you need to re-roof? Are you unsure about building consents? Karen and Nigel are happy to answer building questions or queries from readers. Email them (address at the top of column) and the answers will be included in upcoming columns.

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realestate

June 1, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

SOLD

Our newest reserve – this piece of land will be retained for the community after a successful campaign by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board.

Local board wins back land A piece of land alongside the Weiti River which was to be sold by Auckland Council has been secured as a public reserve. The land at 36 Hibiscus Coast the site. Actual work on the site will Highway (on the Silverdale Village require funding from Council. side) was put up for sale by the “The board hopes that when Council former Rodney District Council and reviews its Long Term Plan next year, this process was carried forward by we will be able to move projects like Auckland Council’s property CCO, this forward by attracting development Panuku Development Auckland, contributions funding,” Mrs Parfitt which earmarked it for disposal. says. “I understand the land was The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board originally purchased for a reserve, identified the 0.8506ha site as a and it’s a win for the local board to key piece of Silverdale’s open space retain it,” she says. “There are a lot of network in its Silverdale Plan, and Special Housing Areas in Silverdale asked that the land be returned to the and further growth contemplated in community. the proposed Unitary Plan, leading to Local board chair Julia Parfitt says the pressure on green spaces. This piece battle went on for a few years, and the of land lends itself to recreational local board was thrilled to hear recently activities such as picnicking or walking that the land is to be transferred back by the river.” to its Parks department. Once the land is transferred to the At its meeting last month, the local parks department, the responsibility board allocated $15,000 for the for its maintenance will fall to Council preparation of a landscape plan for contractors.

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localbusiness

| Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

CHA NG I N G PL AC E S n

E X PA N D I N G n

Clinic 38

Well-known Whangaparaoa acupuncturist Leesa Jackson has opened a ground floor clinic in Orewa. Leesa has always been interested in helping people since her own shoulder pain drove her to seek acupuncture care, on the advice of a friend. “In five sessions, all my pain went,” Leesa says. “That’s what fuelled my interest in taking it up as a career.” Leesa’s postgraduate training was mostly aligned with classical acupuncture. “This is a method that I get excellent results with,” she says. “One thing that patients like is that it requires no removal of clothing as all points are reached by lower limb areas.” She says while some people seem to focus on the needles and think that acupuncture may be painful, it is actually a very relaxing as well as therapeutic process. Leesa set-up a successful clinic in Whangaparaoa seven years ago and moved to Tamariki Plaza in Orewa last month. She says her new clinic offers a relaxing atmosphere with lots of natural light and seemed like a natural progression towards giving her clients the best experience possible. She says acupuncture isn’t just for pain. “I have customers who come in on a monthly basis as part of their health routine. It’s a lot like exercise – you need to do it regularly to get the

Sirikaya Traditional Thai Massage From left, Maew with her Orewa staff , Kat and May

Leesa Jackson

ongoing benefits.” She says she is increasingly seeing clients with lower back pain, shoulder pain, headaches and wrist issues. “I call it ‘mouse syndrome’ because a lot of this pain is caused by the length of time people are spending on computers and digital devices.” Leesa says acupuncture can also assist with fertility issues, birthing issues, morning sickness and pre-labour treatments which can help make labour less painful and its duration shorter. Acupuncture can also help with anxiety and depression, and is popular with elderly folk who are looking for relief from aches and pains.

The therapeutic benefits of massage are part of the reason why Maew Bambery believes her Thai Massage business has flourished since opening in Northcote four years ago. “It seems like a long time ago now,” she says. “When we opened we only had two customers in the first week but now I have 14 staff and we just opened our fifth Sirikaya clinic in Orewa. “Our Whangaparaoa store is regularly fully booked and a lot of our clients drive from Orewa so opening in Orewa was the next obvious move.” Maew moved to New Zealand 15 years ago and set-up her business to help support her family here and back in Thailand. She says New Zealanders are starting to think of Thai massage as a health remedy, not just a relaxing one. “We have customers coming in weekly to release pressure and stress, and treat a lot of back problems especially for people who sit in their jobs for long periods of time.”

Sirikaya offers traditional Thai massage, as well as the more relaxing therapy of Lomi-Lomi which originates from Hawaii. Although sessions normally take an hour, Maew says it’s not unusual for customers to book in for a three-hour treatment. “All our staff are trained in Thailand and then when they come to NZ, we train them in our Sirikaya techniques. “Thai massage in Thailand is very different. It is something you do to be healthy whereas in New Zealand it is a luxury, something that people do to relax. We have merged those two ideas to fit our customers’ needs and it works.” Maew says her staff love the Coast, spending time at the beaches and they also spend time together outside work. “It’s more like a family,” she says. “I’m sure our Orewa customers will love the relaxing feeling of the new shop that is designed to be an oasis from life. We also have two couples rooms so customers can book a relaxing session with their partners.”

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Babies & childcare

June 1, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Roll pressure felt by Hibiscus Coast pre-schools It’s not only schools that are feeling the pressure of the rapidly increasing population on the Hibiscus Coast – local preschools are also filling up fast and many have long waiting lists. Coast Montessori in Silverdale was set up in 2013 by Karen and Rody O’Reilly. Karen says they became aware of the need to expand when they’d only been in operation for a year but have not been able to find an affordable site. “It’s challenging. Now that people are moving into the new residential developments, the number of preschoolers is rising fast,” Karen says. “We have been trying to buy land for the last two years so that we can expand and it’s all locked up for housing. There could be six or seven houses put on the size of site that we’d need. As a local resident, you have to ask,

where’s the provision for community infrastructure? You have to provide more than a house and shops for people moving here.” There is currently a few months waiting list at Coast Montessori and many other centres are in the same situation. After offering childcare services for seven years on the Coast, Apples Childcare and Learning Centre, in Stanmore Bay, is full to bursting. Manager Kelly Warrington says that the centre reached capacity (70 children) towards the end of last year and now has a waiting list until November. She says that the centre receives three or four enquiries from parents each day. “The demand for full time childcare is rising as so many

parents who move here work in the city,” she says. Apples recently added a home based childcare business, in part to address the waiting list and give parents another option. Pukeko Early Learning Centre moved out of the Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre to a new facility on Brightside Road last month. This increased its capacity from 29 children to 45. Owner Don Needham says in just two weeks the centre found itself 80 percent full. Don says there is a shortage of preschool provision Auckland-wide as more and more housing developments are completed. Locally, he says that parents tell him they could do with more centres, particularly down the Gulf Harbour end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

Love of reading crosses generation gap The start of Term 2 saw six “granny readers” take up their role at Stanmore Bay School, sharing their love of books with five and six-year-old students. The programme, which brings older volunteers to the school twice a week to hear children read, oneon-one, began at the school more than eight years ago. Some of the readers are grandparents associated with the school, while others come from The Peninsula Club. Deputy principal Leanne Gordon says the focus has always been about reading for enjoyment. Students who would benefit most from reading more are chosen by teachers to take part in the sessions, which are run in Terms 2 and 3. There are no tablets in sight, with children selecting from boxes of books and reading to the “grans” for around 15 minutes – a process that both the children

and volunteers appear to enjoy greatly. Leanne says that some volunteers read to the children, but in general the students do the reading. Conversations sometimes arise from the active listening and input of the volunteers. One of the granny readers, Gail Filmer, had grandchildren at Stanmore Bay School at one time. She was looking for something to do when she retired and she says she got involved with the reading programme a year ago because she is passionate about education. “I didn’t have a particularly good education myself and I want kids to make the most of what they’ve got,” she says. From top, Stanmore Bay Year 1 student Indy Brown shares a book with Barbara Seagar. Year 1 student Troy Mella reads with “granny reader” Gail Filmer.

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TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT Phone: 09 424 5632 Whangaparaoa 632 Whangaparaoa Road Whan Stanmore Bay

Babies & childcare

| Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

INTRODU CI N G n

Apples at Home Childcare From left, Amy Thynne and Kelly Warrington

A new childcare service has opened on the Hibiscus Coast which will offer parents greater flexibility and an alternative to dropping their child at a centre. Apples at Home is run by the programme coordinator Amy Thynne and supported by Apples Childcare Centre manager Kelly Warrington. “Home based care can be a more flexible option” Amy says “and our new service can meet different needs for families in the community”. Kelly adds that not all children can cope with centre life so home-based care with fewer children in care, less noise and in home environment suits them better. Apples owner Steven Tan was fully supportive of the idea and the process of setting up the new service took eight months. “Some parents are adopting half centre and half home-based care,” Kelly says. “It balances out and parents find it easier to have all the service under one roof.”

Amy has 20 years childcare experience including being head teacher at Apples and in a home-based coordinator for Barnados. “I have been very passionate about home-based care for a long time so bringing home-based care into Apples has been a dream project for me. Sometimes centres don’t suit all children so to have that balance and have that provision under a strong service that can be trusted, is paramount.” Educators are supported with equipment, ongoing training and regular play groups. “I love the playgroups,” Amy says. “It’s great to see the children interacting and it is a chance for us to work with our educators.” Educators enjoy the ratio of 1:4 children. Each child in care goes through the education curriculum and educators put together portfolios of their learning journey. “The great thing about our home-based care is we can accommodate parents from further afield including Warkworth, Dairy Flat and the North Shore.”

Left to their own devices

By Local Matters online editor Cathy Aronson When it comes to babies and toddlers ‘let’s get digital’ can be harder to say than ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’. It makes me wonder how atrocious or precocious the infamous super nanny Mary Poppins would find our modern digital world. Too scared of the possible repercussions on social media to have my own opinion, I asked a family member and experienced nanny. Understandably as the rise of tablets and mobile phones continue so does the growing concerns, research and debate on how much ‘screen time’ toddlers should have. According to the Ministry of Health Maori) Peekaboo helps with ‘object review children under two should permanence’ and facial recognition. steer clear of the screen altogether, and Most importantly the nanny says babies 2–5-year-olds should have a maximum to toddlers are growing and developing of one hour a day. It was part of at a rapid rate, so if you can teach guidelines promoting physical activity them to learn, you’ve opened them up for motor skills and communication, to their future. But of course digital with evidence suggesting TV or tablets devices aren’t babysitters and children were associated with poor sleep. shouldn’t be left to their own devices, The nanny agrees, and says toddlers literally. You can find some tips to keep learn basic skills through movement your kids safe at netsafe.org.nz. and play. “Have you ever tried to get a Meanwhile, there are lots of great tools one year old to sit still? They naturally to make life easier for parents and want to pull themselves up and look at caregivers. things,” she says. A new friend who is a new mum On the other hand children shows, recommended baby-connect.com which books, puzzles and education apps tracks daily information about children can be great learning tools for from feeding to activities and can be toddlers, especially if the caregiver is shared between caregivers and parents. interacting too. Getting The Wonky Plunket it slowly digitising its recording. Donky to fart on the app is one And there are apps for everything from way to develop repetitive fine motor a Baby Shusher to soothe babies, to skills! And bilingual app (English and Meditation to soothe parents.

Apples at Home Childcare is backed by our well established Centre – Apples Childcare and Learning Centre in Stanmore Bay.

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3 Poplar Rd Stanmore Bay

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0800 apples (277537)

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info@appleshomecare.co.nz

• Language delays & disorders (late talkers) • Speech disorders (articulation, phonological & motor speech disorders including dyspraxia) • Attention and listening difficulties • Auditory processing difficulties • Developmental delay & disorders • Voice difficulties • Social communication/pragmatic difficulties

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Babies & childcare

June 1, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Average age of mother at childbirth. Figures are the year to March, from StatsNZ.

Age of mothers levels off After decades of change, it appears the average age that women have a baby has stopped increasing and has remained relatively steady at 30 years old. Figures from StatisticsNZ show that since 1981 the median age of mothers when they give birth has steadily increased, rising from 25.7 years old to 30.2 in 2003. But since then, for the first time, the average age has levelled off and remained at about 30. Professor Lesley McCowan from the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Science says there are number of factors which have contributed to the change. She says the trend was always going to stop at some point, but greater

education on the complications involved in having children at older ages may have contributed to the age stabilising at 30 years old, rather than rising even higher. “There is also a lot more awareness of the difficulties around fertility at older ages.” But, she says further research is needed to discover exactly what has been driving the change in the figures. The number of children born to married and unmarried mothers has also stabilised after decades of change. In 1952, 96 per cent of children were born to married parents, but that has declined to 53.5 per cent, with 46.5 per cent of children born to unmarried parents.

Whangaparaoa Library upgrade causes closure

Whangaparaoa Library will be closed for a large portion of this month, from June 6–20, so that a $480,000 refurbishment project can take place. The interior upgrade will include new carpet and the repositioning of the service desk to make it more visible and user friendly. Shelving will also be rearranged to improve the layout and some furniture will be replaced. The exterior is in for a makeover as well; the building and car park perimeter will have energy efficient LED lighting fitted to provide a safer environment and new outdoor furniture will be added, including shade sails. While the library is closed, customers will be able to return items but will need to go to another library to borrow books. However, the mobile library will be on site on Saturday, June 11 and Saturday, June 18 from 10am–3pm so that customers can return books and borrow new items. Requested items cannot be collected during the closure. The children’s Rhyme Time will take a break until June 23, as well as Wriggle & Rhyme until June 24, but there will still be some activities for the kids; Story Time will be held in the Food Court of Whangaparaoa Plaza on June 7 and 8, and 14 and 15 at 10.30am. The library and service centre will re-open on June 21 at 9.30am.

Hibiscus Coast Community Shop Quality donations are always welcome HELP US HELP THE COMMUNITY Mon–Fri: 9.30am–3.30pm Sat: 9am–12pm

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Babies & childcare

| Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

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Fun and games at Mainly Music

Mainly Music milestone Volunteers at St Stephen’s Church in Stanmore Bay Road have run over a thousand Mainly Music sessions for local pre-schoolers and their families in the past 15 years. To celebrate this milestone, on May 15, around 80 people gathered at a birthday party. They enjoyed music, games, pizza and an enormous birthday cake. The group was started in 2001 by Pat Jarrett and a team of enthusiastic helpers. They received grants from the church to buy basic equipment and put flyers in local shops. Fifty mums and children turned up to their first session. In the early years, equipment was limited, so the team found creative ways to make props and instruments. At a working bee, heavy duty cardboard

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tubes were sliced up, painted, decorated and covered with rubber from inner tubes. These drums have proved very durable and are still in use. Numbers grew rapidly and to cope with a long waiting list, a second session was started in 2004. Now twice a week preschoolers and their parents/caregivers gather to sing, dance, clap and laugh through a half-hour programme of songs. After morning tea, the toy boxes are opened and parents can relax with a cup of tea or coffee while the toddlers play for an hour. There are many other Mainly Music groups on the Hibiscus Coast. All are run by volunteers and attached to churches. For more information and to find a local group visit www. mainlymusic.co.nz

Babies & childcare

June 1, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Fairy Godmother educator Marnie Macdonald from Gulf Harbour reads to her charges.

Fairy Godmothers turns 10 Fairy Godmothers, a locally owned and operated home-based childcare and education service, turns 10 years old next month. From small beginnings on the Hibiscus Coast, with just 25 children, they now offer their services on the North Shore and Warkworth, caring for around 200 children in the educators’ own homes. Despite its growth, Fairy Godmothers has retained its hometown values; it operates as a co-op of women, who share their strengths and talents in support of families who need childcare services. Director Berneece Tait says it is common to all cultures that when a mother needs to be off “hunting and gathering” the other women from the family/whanau step in to care for their children. She says home-based children are able to be ‘free-range’ learners taking part in community activities such as Fairy Godmothers

playgroups, library activities, Mainly Music, excursions and play dates. One thing that Berneece has noticed is that more women are returning to work outside the home, thereby reducing the number of mums available to join their team. She says that a good career can be made from being an in-home educator. Equipment, resources, training and mentoring are all provided. She says over the past 10 years the Ministry of Education’s focus has shifted to promote the quality of educational outcomes for children as opposed to straight childcare. She says Fairy Godmothers has received positive ERO reports and was chosen to contribute to ERO’s recent review of the way they audit homebased childcare providers. “We are very proud to be leaders in this field,” Berneece says.

health&family

| Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

Health with Dr Peter Hall peter@familydoctors.net.nz

Doctors establish online links

Here for you Family Doctors Associates

We are enrolling now New patients welcome

10 Wade River Road Whangaparaoa Phone 09 424 3001 familydoctors.net.nz nurse@familydoctors.net.nz

High quality modern medicine and old fashioned care and values. Keeping families healthy is our specialty. Ask about our health WOF for both men and women Call us now! You’re part of our family, We’re part of your community HealthyAccess – the smart new way to manage your day to day healthcare

Portals – it sounds a bit sci-fi, but portals are not about beaming people up or transporting them to parallel universes. In this case, a portal is a direct email connection to your general practice medical file. There are various types and not all offer the same degree of access, but a basic system would allow you to make appointments, request repeat prescription and check your results. Portals are big news at the moment, with some new systems being rolled out and the Ministry of Health running a major promotional campaign. Patients love them. Imagine waking up at three o’clock in the morning with tonsillitis and being able to go straight online to book a GP appointment. Perhaps you are waiting on blood results but have been playing telephone tag with the practice nurse trying to contact you. With a portal you have quick access to the results and any advice associated with them. Everybody wins with this sort of immediate direct response. Repeat prescriptions can be requested at the click of a button and you have electronic confirmation that your request has been received. The only requirement is that each patient has a unique email address, which may limit family usage. Depending on the system, you may be able to check other details of your medical records, such as when you had your last tetanus shot or if you are overdue for a smear. Some portals allow access to your medical history so you fill out those travel insurance forms more easily or check details before surgery. The drive towards this technology has come from a number of factors. Firstly, tech-savvy patients of all ages are expecting GPs to keep up with the information revolution. People want large public services to keep up with new developments and it makes sense that if you can do internet banking you should have similar access to your medical records. Secondly, capitation funding means that doctors are able to look at different ways of communicating with their patients. In the ‘old days’ we got paid only for face to face consultations, but now bulk funding of your care gives GPs the flexibility to put some of that resource into remote access and telemedicine. Thirdly, the portals are getting better. As with any new programmes, they were a bit clunky to start off with but they are now becoming more user-friendly all the time. So check out www.patientportals.co.nz or ask your GP to “beam you up”! CL

IEN

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• Dr Michael Fisk • Dr Brian Sloan • Dr Jo Koppens • Dr David Squirrell • Dr Rasha Altaie • Dr Nadeem Ahmad

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June 1, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Julie King’s boot full of “rescued” fruit is the start of a valuable service for local organisations that help people in need.

Food rescue seeks support The Food Rescue service made a small but important start on the Hibiscus Coast recently, when a boot full of fruit left Whangaparaoa Community Hall, destined for local people in need; in addition, a free meal service opens its doors this month. The Food Rescue produce consists it is set up, with Julie and volunteer of produce that would normally be helpers collecting produce and thrown out by supermarkets and go to delivering it for distribution. landfill or pig farms. Julie is also starting a free meal Julie King has stepped in to “rescue” service, called Love Soup, based at the fruit, vegetables and bread and Whangaparaoa Hall with a grand distribute it to people who need it via opening on Saturday, June 18, 6pm local churches and organisations such at Whangaparaoa Hall. “Everyone as Women’s Refuge, Steps Forward, is invited, there will be food, the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre and entertainment and information about Hibiscus Coast Community House. who we are and what we do,” Julie says. Julie has obtained the support of all At the moment, Julie is covering the the local Countdown supermarkets for cost of Food Rescue, principally her the initiative, which began on May 22. petrol, herself and would welcome Dad’s Pies in Silverdale is providing support to help cover this cost. If you Food Rescue with pies, starting last can help, contact Julie by joining Love week. Soup Hibiscus Coast on Facebook, or The service will run every day once visit www.lovesoup.nz

Manly Park community planting The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, with Conservation Volunteers is restoring the stream in Manly Park by getting rid of invasive weeds and replanting the stream banks with native plants. Conservation Volunteers say the aim is to “create a natural, clean and beautiful stream environment that is good for native wildlife and a nicer space for people to enjoy”. In preparation for the work, the banks of the stream were heavily sprayed with glyphosate/Roundup to remove a large amount of Kikuyu. Auckland Council Biodiversity Advisor Chris Bindon says Kikuyu is a strong and resilient weed that can only effectively be controlled or eradicated with herbicide such as glyphosate. “Because glyphosate becomes inactivate on contact with soil, it therefore has no residual activity,” he says. “In addition, glyphosate is so strongly absorbed

by the soil that the risk of run-off or being spread by rain is low. It also degrades quickly and has a low toxicity to terrestrial animals and wildlife.” Conservation Volunteers don’t use sprays, however volunteer engagement officer Siobhan O’Grady says that if Kikuyu is not sprayed it grows back and strangles any new planting before it has a chance to grow. Everyone is invited to lend a hand with the community planting day, on Sunday, June 19, 10am–12 noon. For details, see What’s On, page 27.

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Missing teeth are one of the more common dental problems that affect people of all ages. They can have an enormous impact psychologically and can prevent you from enjoying your life to the full. One solution to replacing missing teeth is a set of dentures. Over time, this nifty little device has gained a somewhat bad reputation, due to the methods and materials used in its construction in days gone by. Who hasn't watched a movie where a running joke is an oversized denture popping out of someone's mouth at the worst possible moment? Luckily, the days of embarrassing dentures are gone and with today's advanced innovations and technology, a properly fitting and well-constructed set of dentures will improve your quality of life immeasurably. Here at The Dental Suite we are lucky to have Dr Dusan Kuzmanovic, a specialist Prosthodontist with over 20 years experience in creating life-changing smile makeovers for his patients. A former Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago's School of Dentistry, Dusan runs three busy dental practices and continues to teach general dentists and clinical dental technicians. It is with this in mind that we are looking for patients to volunteer for an upcoming one-day course in denture fabrication that Dr Kuzmanovic will provide for a group of Auckland-based general dentists. For registering your interest, you will receive a free denture consultation to determine whether you are an appropriate patient for this course. During the consultation, you will be able to discuss your needs with Dr Kuzmanovic and will receive the benefit of a specialist examination completely free of charge. If you are selected as an appropriate patient candidate for the denture course, you will receive a full set of dentures for free, as well one gratis follow up appointment in a year's time. The only condition to receiving your free dentures if you are a successful candidate, is that you attend the one-day course fully on the nominated date. Your presence would be required for the full duration of the course. While an opportunity like this may be rare, we are delighted to be able to make this offer and are confident that Dusan's advanced training and academic background in cosmetic and restorative dentistry will ensure successful long term results for your dentures, and will truly give you something to smile about.

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| Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

health&family

dy tu S in d e k in L a ti n e m e D d n a ss o Hearing L

r likelihood of developing entia by reducing the higher thei dem t ven pre or y dela are the memory-robbing disease. Seniors with hearing loss rt. effo tal men ’ ents pati elop ers took into significantly more likely to dev ple Even after the research peo 639 who on se d tho use foc than y e stud tim r new ove The are associated dementia ities account other factors that abil ns ve Joh niti by cog y and stud a , ring ring hea hea se r who entia, including retain thei 2013. with risk of dem ssure, age, sex on and 0 e itut 199 Inst een al betw ion ed Nat test e and wer pre Hopkins eers diabetes, high blood While about a quarter of the volunt loss and dementia ring Aging researchers suggests. hea , race and start of the could had some hearing loss at the were still strongly connected. The findings, the researchers say, a. enti dem had e non y, a, a stud loss lead to new ways to combat dementi “A lot of people ignore hearing ely clos ple then peo e of s us wer lion dio eers These volunt condition that affects mil because it’s such a slow and insi ns atio l min ieta exa soc er eat vy arch rep hea followed with worldwide and carries process as we age,” the rese 58 8, t 200 ges by sug and they rs rs, if yea as gato every one to two burdens. The investi lains. “Even if people feel over of them had developed dementia. The exp it that the strain of decoding sounds are not affected, we’re showing that ts pan tici of par .” y ins bra stud blem the that pro researchers found the years may overwhelm may well be a more serious them with hearing loss at the beginning of the people with hearing loss, leaving the age also study were significantly more likely to As over 50% of people over y The a. enti dem to able ner vul re mo , it is to develop dementia by the end. Compared of 60 have some loss of hearing lead ld cou loss ring hea that te cula spe hearing test more with volunteers with normal hearing, recommended to have a uals ivid ind ing mak by a enti dem lth check up. or for those with mild, moderate, and severe as part of your annual hea fact risk wn kno a , ated isol y iall soc cted, treatment rders. hearing loss had twofold, threefold, When a hearing loss is dete diso ve niti cog er oth and a enti ner rather dem risk of of this is best dealt with soo the , vely ecti resp , old vef fi and nding dition worsens The scientists report, their fi time. The than later, before the con r ove a enti dem ing elop dev ring deficiencies. suggests treating even a mild hea they had, or begins to cause other loss ring hea of ree deg ater gre could loss with the use of hearing aids

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health&family

June 1, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

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The theme for the recent club meeting was Triptychs and this one by Brian Eastwood won ‘digital image of the night’. Brian describes it as: “just having some fun with the models, playing around with full frontal lighting to see what effects I could get”. The final image is titled Painting Party.

Stanmore pool wins swim school of the year

The Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre in Brightside Road has won the national Outstanding Swim School of the Year award in the under 1000 students category. The award, announced at the NZ Swim Coaches and Teachers Association conference in Rotorua last month, recognises “outstanding achievements and contribution to achieve excellence in swim school operations”. Centre manager Matthew Burden says the award is a testament to the swim instructors and he is delighted to have had national recognition for the small, local swim school. “Our swim students love that we are community focused and family friendly,” he says. He says that winter is the perfect time to learn to swim in the facility’s heated indoor pools so that come summer, swimmers will have the confidence to make the most of the water.

Whangaparaoa young achiever

Kayla McKelvie of Whangaparaoa won the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation Young Achiever Award 2016. The 23-year-old, who works for Oceanbridge Shipping in Takapuna, wins a trip to Singapore, $1500, and a leadership management course. The former Orewa College student had to write a report on a complex import and export shipment as part of the award application.

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| Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

Rent musical rocks Centrestage Theatre

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The cost of rental accommodation remains a hot topic in Auckland along with its associated social repurcussions. It is a similar world that provides the background for Rent, Centrestage Theatre’s latest production – although it is the 1990s in New York city. Despite dealing with topics such as homeless people and AIDS and being set in a rundown part of the city, the show earned plaudits such as “making musical theatre joyously important again” after its debut on Broadway 20 years ago. It won the Pulitzer Prize for drama and a Tony Award for best musical. The cast of the rock musical Rent. With musical inspiration taken from Puccini’s La Boheme the central across Auckland. Of the cast of 17, musical performances. characters are Robert (Matt Carr) an half are from the Hibiscus Coast, He says the focus on HIV has made the HIV-infected composer struggling to including Sophia Pederson (of Peaches rehearsals an emotional roller coaster write one great song before he dies and and Pickles) and her husband Matt, for the cast, and that the audience can his roommate Mark (Sergei Victor) a who play Bohemian artists. All the also expect emotional highs and lows, filmmaker recording their lives and stage and production crew are locals. that of the motley crew around them. The show is directed by Michael as well as some beautiful music. They are squatters in a building Sanders along with musical director The show is on at Centrestage Theatre owned by Benny (Tom Grut) a former George Bonner and choreographer in Orewa from June 11–25. It is recommended for mature audiences, as classmate who has married for money Anna Mortlock. and wants to build a cyber-studio there. Michael says that the ensemble works it contains adult language and situations. To bring Rent to the stage, Centrestage at full throttle to bring the energy and Tickets: www.iticket.co.nz or phone Theatre auditioned 45 hopefuls from intensity needed for the drama and 426 7282.

Coast chosen for debut choral performance

A brand new work by Rodney composer Dr John Wells features at this month’s Hibiscus Coast Singers’ concert in Manly. The work, which was composed specifically for this community choir, is a choral version of the poem The Magpies by New Zealand author Denis Glover. The concert takes place at St Stephen’s Church in Stanmore Bay Rd on June

10 and 12 and is called Something Old, Something New. The “something old” includes Vivaldi’s Gloria, composed in the 18th Century. The programme also includes choral versions of love poems by New Zealand poets Hone Tuwhare, Bub Bridger and Peter Bland as well as Lewis Carroll’s The Jabberwocky, set to music by North Shore composer Ken

Leech and a medley of choruses from Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic operas. Norman Firth is again wielding the baton – it is his 16th year as conductor for the choir. On organ and piano is Orewa resident Janet Gibbs. Tickets, $20, from 100% Eddie Law, Orewa Menswear or choir members. More details, see What’s On, p27

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You don’t have to be a burger connoisseur to appreciate the effort and talent that goes in to creating a delicious Epic Burger. Created by burger masters all Epic Burgers are served with Epic mayo, tomato and lettuce plus you can select from a King Kong (double Epic beef & Cheese melt), an Italian Job (grilled chicken, herb aioli, ranchslaw and shaved Parmesan) or a Silence (NZ lamb, beetroot relish) and everything in between. There’s a special menu for the kids plus gluten free buns and a low carb option for those with dietary needs. The sides are delicious too with hand cut chips, beer battered onion rings washed down with a choice of a good old fashioned milkshake.

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All dietary needs are catered for – vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options are available plus there is a Kid friendly mini range to select from too. But wait, there’s more…Lift Juice also has a yummy range of New Zealand Ice-cream, perfect for a mid-afternoon ‘pick-me-up’! Eat in or takeaway, you’ll ﬁnd Lift Juice Bar on level 3 of the Plaza, next to Jay Jays and Passion Bags.

Treat yourself to a quick snack with a wrap & a mini-juice for $10.

428 5043

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

Green scene with Peter Jackson, SOSSI chair info@sossi.org.nz

Planting days ahead Last month saw the re-introduction of the first 20 North Island Robins (toutouwai) to Shakespear (HM April 20). These birds were once widespread but are now restricted on the mainland to forest areas in the centre of the island. They were released at the end of the peninsula and as far from the pest-proof fence as possible, but quickly spread to all the bush areas in the Sanctuary. We know this because a very keen volunteer goes out every day to track them down, and to date she has located all except one. By the time you read this there should be another 20 robins there, this time coming from Tiritiri Matangi. As they are quite territorial the new arrivals should soon be even more spread out, making it more likely that you’ll spot one on a bush walk. They are exceptionally friendly and will come right to your feet. The best place to see them is on the Kowhai Glen track, but there are also a few pairs on the Waterfall Gully track. If you do see one please try to note its leg band colours, reading the colours from the bird’s top left leg to bottom right, and report them with the date and location to our email address. The acronyms of the colour sequences have led to some useful nicknames for the birds, so see if you can find BOOM. The robin tracking has also revealed more about other species, so we know that the whiteheads released last year are also doing well with several new fledglings being spotted (no leg-bands). They tend to get around in small groups but you are more likely to hear these than see them – listen for a noisy, high pitched chatter. Several bellbirds have also been located which is good news because these are re-establishing themselves more slowly than expected. The distribution of geckos has also been recently surveyed again. This showed a healthy and growing population of the Pacific gecko, with a high proportion being juveniles. There is some optimism about other species too, but their low density and the hit-and-miss nature of the surveys precluded definite results. Pest management at the Sanctuary has been going really well, recently reaching an exceptional 280 days without any rat incursions. Contrary to the views of some, this means that the fence is working very well. It is obvious that pests can simply walk around the ends, and from time to time they do, so there are several hundred traps and monitors inside the fence to clean up any intruders. This means a lot of work by many volunteers, and for ever, so if you’d like to help please do let us know. The SOSSI nursery has again got thousands of seedlings ready to plant, and as usual we’d really appreciate your help in getting them planted. The planting dates this year are June 12 and 19 and July 17, with more information on our website.

June 1, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

localsport

| Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

Out with the old and in with the new at Youth Village After almost 100 years, the original sleeping cabins at Peter Snell Youth Village in Army Bay were removed last month and will be replaced with a new block. The new building will double the or to the overall cost of running and capacity of the sleeping quarters to 32 maintaining the facilities. and will include double glazing, large “Your donation will be used to give glass areas and fire insulation between young people the chance to use the rooms for safety. Village facilities. All cash surpluses are Rather than demolish the building put back into the Village operation or (HM March 16) a reader of Hibiscus development,” Ken says. Matters offered to take it away to Peter Snell Youth Village is owned and Helensville to be used. operated by the NZ Sunday School Construction of the new building has Union. begun and it will be fully operational Schools and youth groups can hire the for the next summer season. Chair Ken Stout says that the Board of premises and the Village operates kids’ the Youth Village is thankful to MMM camps every school holidays offering New Zealand who are constructing activities such as archery, climbing and a the building at no labour cost, and Burma Trail as well as spiritual guidance to Trenz Homes who are providing through speakers and Bible studies. building materials at reduced cost. Info: phone manager Gordon He says the Board welcomes any Campbell, 424 7633 or Ken Stout, donations to the cost of the project 021 543 884.

A cabin that is almost 100 years old was removed from Peter Snell Youth Village last month. A Hibiscus Matters reader stepped in to save the building after it was scheduled for demolition. Inset, John Cox used to spend family holidays on the Army Bay property where the Village is now located. He is a member and former chair of the Youth Village board. He says that the removal of the building was nostalgic, but he is looking forward to the new, larger facility that will replace it.

Bright future for Silverdale rescue dog Kane A Border Collie rescued from the Silverdale pound is now working on the frontline of New Zealand’s airport security. Kane is one of five new dogs (four from animal shelters) to have joined The Aviation Security Service’s explosive detector dog unit last month. Four of the new recruits will join the team at Auckland airport and one will be based in Christchurch. The 10-week training programme is intense and thorough and includes nine weeks focused on detecting

explosives in different environments. At the end, the teams are tested and certified by the NZ Police; a passing grade means graduates become operational. The Aviation Security Service is the branch of the Civil Aviation Authority responsible for providing security services at NZ’s five security-designated airports. Explosive Detector Dog unit national manager, Monique Masoe, says it is especially pleased to be able to provide shelter dogs with a new chance at life in service of New Zealand, with caring and capable handlers.

She says the dogs that suit the role are generally “highly active, confident and playful”. “These attributes mean that they can get into trouble in domestic settings but make them perfect working dogs,” she says. “We channel that energy and drive in a way that is productive and fulfilling for the dogs.” Monique says that her organisation has strong relationships with animal shelters because of their common interest in securing positive outcomes for both the dogs and the communities

Kane

that they live in. “As Explosive Detectors, the dogs enjoy a great life and do an important job for the travelling public and airport community,” she says.

Beat the winter blues with a Beat Beat the the winter winter blues blues with with a a

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Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA (2008) Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA (2008)

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Tide 3:40pm 3.1 4:43pm 3.2 5:44pm 3.3 6:41pm 3.5 1:06pm 0.3 1:58pm 0.2 2:49pm 0.3 3:39pm 0.3 4:28pm 0.5 5:18pm 0.6 6:08pm 0.8 1:07pm 3.0 1:59pm 2.9 2:53pm 2.8 3:48pm 2.8 4:41pm 2.8 5:31pm 2.9 7:01pm 0.9 7:56pm 1.0 8:53pm 1.0 9:47pm 1.1 10:38pm 1.0 11:25pm 1.0 7:35pm 3.6 8:27pm 3.6 9:18pm 3.6 10:09pm 3.5 10:59pm 3.4 11:49pm 3.3 Times 9:47pm 0.8 10:47pm 0.7 11:45pm 0.6 7:24am 5:13pm

Sun Fishing Guide Moon

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New First Moon Quarter Rise 2:19am Rise 3:28am Rise 4:37am Rise 5:47am Rise 6:56am Rise 8:00am Rise 9:00am Rise 9:52am Rise 10:38am Rise 11:19am Rise 11:55am Rise 12:28pm Set 12:26am Set 1:20am Set 2:14am Set 3:08am Set 4:03am Set 2:28pm Set 3:08pm Set 3:51pm Set 4:39pm Set 5:32pm Set 6:28pm Set 7:28pm Set 8:30pm Set 9:31pm Set 10:32pm Set 11:30pm Rise 1:00pm Rise 1:30pm Rise 2:01pm Rise 2:34pm Rise 3:08pm *Not for navigational purposes.

Good Fishing

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www.ofu.co.nz

Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd.

For the latest wind and swell information for the Auckland area go to: www.tidespy.com/?place=3005

Mike Pero Orewa are proud supporters of Age Concern Rodney Mike Mike Pero Pero Orewa Orewa are are proud proud supporters supporters of of Age Age Concern Concern Rodney Rodney

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June 1, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

Hockey Masters take bronze Merv Huxford of Orewa began his 60th season of hockey with a bronze medal finish for New Zealand. Merv, aged 66, co-captained Hockey Merv Huxford New Zealand’s 65s Masters team at with his medal. the Grand Masters World Cup, held in Newcastle Australia in the first half of last month. A total of 42 teams – around 800 players – took part in the Grand Masters World Cup, making it one of the largest ever held. The Women’s Masters was held in Canberra earlier in the year. Wins against the Netherlands, He says one reason is that it is played Belgium and Wales and a draw with on artificial turf, reducing the chance South Africa saw the NZ 65s team of injuries. The other is that, although advance to the semi-final. They lost it can be a physical game, it does not this game 4–2 to England. In the require full body contact. “I’ve played playoff for Bronze, Merv and his team since I was a boy and only twice required beat the Netherlands 3–1. stitches for hockey injuries,” he says. Merv says that the podium finish is Merv is also a member of the Hibiscus the best result NZ has ever achieved in Hockey Trust, which is establishing its 65s Masters, with the previous best hockey grounds at Metro Park East in being fourth place. Millwater. He says there is no doubt Merv, who reckons he covered around that a lot more people of all ages on 9.6km playing at centre mid-field in the the Hibiscus Coast want to play Bronze medal game, says hockey truly is hockey, and will be able to do so once a sport that can be played for a lifetime. Hibiscus Hockey is up and running.

Trouble sharing Te Ara Tahuna

Health and safety improvements are being considered for the popular Te Ara Tahuna (Orewa Estuary walk and cycleway). A Council report presented at last month’s Hibiscus & Bays Local Board meeting says that “a significant number of complaints” have been received related to how the path, designed for walkers, cyclists and other users to share, is used. Complaints include the speed of some cyclists and how users are interacting, especially where vision is restricted. Council’s Parks department and Auckland Transport will come up with possible solutions. Possible initiatives including line marking on the path or signs. The local board has asked for a safety audit on the pathway.

ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

THE scorEBoArD

ROUNDUP of OF spoRTs SPORTS ACTIVITIES aA Roundup acTiviTies IN in THE THe DISTRICT disTRicT

Daehan Taekwondo

This Korean Tradition Martial Art is designed to improve physical fitness, mental health and self-discipline run by highly experienced and trained instructors. For further information contact phone 09 424 1330 or email: daehansports@hotmail.com

Tennis Orewa Tennis Club located within Victor Eaves Park (enter at Florence Avenue or near end of Grand View Drive). Tennis is played here yearround by keen Junior, Senior and Veteran groups on 6 courts. Our Veterans are looking for more members, even if you haven’t played for 20 years it doesn’t take long to get back into the swing. They get together on Monday and Friday mornings. Visit our website www. orewatennis.co.nz for all contact details or phone secretary Michelle on 09 424 3652.

Running RUN Auckland Half Marathon, Metro Park East, Millwater, July 24. Marks the end of the RUN Auckland series. Info and to enter: visit http://runauckland.co.nz To list sports news for FREE email: terry@localmatters.co.nz

ToTalspan Rodney 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 waRkwoRTH pHone 09 422 3149

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| Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

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Class 5 Drivers – Bulk Tipper Fleet • Silverdale based • Permanent, full-time position We are seeking experienced Class 5 Drivers who have the ability to tip, jack-knife and have a good driving record. The work involves delivery of bulk aggregates on the day shift. It is our expectation that you will bring a full Class 5 Driver’s Licence, as well as a great work ethic and positive attitude towards health and safety standards. We provide excellent working conditions and pride ourselves on ensuring a safe and pleasant working environment. To ensure our high standards are maintained, the successful applicants must first pass a driving assessment, plus all pre-employment checks, including a medical and drug test. Please apply online at www.fbcareers.com, or for further information, phone Zoe Wheeler on (09) 525 9258. fbcareers.com

A member of the Fletcher Building Group.

Sudoku - the solution

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A range of different skills are required for this role at ASL Industries Ltd in Silverdale. You will experience a lot of job satisfaction from being able to vary your day across different tasks, and gain experience across different areas. Duties will include: Processing BOC Gas cylinder returns and deliveries for our customers, this involves moving heavy gas cylinders short distances • Inwards and outwards goods, which includes checking off orders to make sure we have received the correct product, printing price labels and putting away stock in the showroom and warehouse • Processing associated paperwork • Break down large packing cases & pallets for disposal • Maintaining tidy showroom and work area • Wrap and or palletise goods for both courier and collection • Phone customers to advise goods are ready to collect • Pick customer orders on a daily basis arrange transport and freight • Tracking purchases to make sure they will arrive on time • Decant lubricants into 207 litre drums for delivery to customers • Cardboard recycling, clear rubbish bins • Fork hoist license would be an advantage, but not essential • Data Entry of customer orders into computer system. Filing & sorting job cards • Operating printer and laminator • Assist customers on trade counter • Answer phones • Operate grinders in tool & cutter area • Operating profile knife grinder, braising & welding • Small manufacturing jobs in factory. Training will be provided if required for right applicant. Role will be 2 days factory and 3 days warehouse/ showroom/office, but may vary depending on work load. Hours Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm.

Phone 0800 42 55 74 or email CV to karen@aslindustries.co.nz PERSON REQUIRED IN THE WHANGAPARAOA PENINSULA TO DO OUR FAMILY IRONING. You will need your own transport to pick up and drop off ironing. Approximately 4- 8 hour work each week to be done in your own time at your home. Please write to: Ironing Job, PO Box 9, Orewa 9046.

CENTRE ADMINISTRATOR

Initially three days per week then five days per week from August. This position requires someone who has an excellent office background who can cope with being interrupted. No two days are the same, so you need to have your wits about you. Excellent computer, people and time management skills are essential. If you think you have what it takes to work alongside a dedicated management team, send your CV and covering letter to Manager, The Plaza, PO Box 245, Whangaparaoa or email to manager@the-plaza.co.nz

HOME & MAINTENANCE PUBLIC NOTICES

WHANGAPARAOA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY (INC) Notice of Special General Meeting To be held on June 20, 2016, Whangaparaoa Hall, 2pm for the dissolution of the Society under Section 28 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. The Society is unable to continue due to insufficient officers. Ph 428 3580

TO LET OREWA, 1 BEDROOM studio, $275pw, includes wifi, power, water. Suit prof non-smoker. Ph 021 0236 7369.

HAIRDRESSING CARING MOBILE SERVICE, I come to you. Pensioner rates. Ph Inga 426 0985. MOBILE HAIRCUTS European trained hairstylist to visit you at your time, your place. Sabine Ph 426 9652 021 149 8598

WANTED TO BUY, RECORDS/LP’S Ph 428 1587.

WORK WANTED BK BUILDERS. LBP 29 years exp. 4 man crew, reasonable rates. New builds, re clads, alterations. Ph office 021 187 5540.

TECHNICAL SERVICES AUDIOTECH – Home Technology & Electrical – TV Installs, Audio, Alarms, WiFi – 0800 178 679

TUITION 36-week local course for Professional Nanny & Childcare Careers STARTS JUNE! Free info: 021 040 9311 nannyacademy.ac.nz Stanmore Bay

SeniorNet for Seniors

Computer courses & workshops available. Phone 426 1509. Mon–Thurs 9am–3pm, Fri 9am–12pm www.seniornet-hbc.org.nz

FOR SALE DRY SPLIT FIREWOOD Pine - $150 2m3 Hot mix - $200 2m3 Delivered Wellsford to Hibiscus Coast. Ph Chris 425 8575 or 021 0256 4273

DRESSMAKING

AT YOUR REQUEST – your local cleaning team is ready to deliver our 5 star shine in your home for weekly cleaning, spring or moving cleans. For a FREE quote ph 09 415 0028 or 0800 297 253 www.atyourrequest.co.nz

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

New gardens, lawn mowing, clean ups. Specialising in maintenance & improvement. Ph Dave 021 950 154 SECURITY ALARM SERVICING $99 (+parts & GST). Local technician, 20 years experience. Ph 027 553 3032 or 09 428 5887 A PUMP DOCTOR will keep you pumping. Ph 0274 430 654. A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/Simpson dryers. Same day service 423 9660 or 021 168 7349. BAY APPLIANCE REPAIRS – All major laundry/kitchen brands, small appliances, & power tools. Work guaranteed EWRB reg. Ph 09 947 0333/ 022 600 9919. BUILDER 40 YRS+ EXP SEMI RETIRED available for property maintenance, decks, fences etc. No job too small. Good rates. Ph Rob 021 1672155 or 426 2960. COAST PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Phone Tony 021 685 125. ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE Ph 426 2320 HANDYMAN Small Jobs, carpentry, rubbish removal etc. All jobs considered. Phone or txt Dave - 022 015 4032 PAINTER, DECORATORS Renovation specialists. Phone Kevin 022 0291 056. PAINTING – INTERIOR / EXTERIOR, Free quotes. Phone Jef 021 164 9709. PLASTERING, SOLID, GIB STOPPING, Painting/repair work. Small jobs. Trade Cert. Keith 424 8841 or 022 682 4760. PLASTERING, GIB STOPPING All aspects of stopping. Skim coat specialist. 25 yrs exp. Karl 0210 42 42 96 or 428 7127. WATER FILTERS Underbench filters & whole house Ultra violet filters – Kill and remove ecoli/bacteria. FREE site visits. Ph Steve 09 945 2282, 027 478 7427, email: steve.reynolds@aquafilter.co.nz or www.aquafilter.co.nz WATER PUMPS Low water pressure? Get it sorted. Sales, service and installation. Work guaranteed. Ph Steve 09 945 2282, 027 478 7427, email: steve. reynolds@aquafilter.co.nz or www. aquafilter.co.nz WINDOW CLEANING 30 years exp, local owner operator, reasonable rates. Ph David 426 2253.

LOST

SYLWESTER’S dressmaking & alterations. Expert, fast affordable. Phone 426 7559.

HEALTH & BEAUTY PROFESSIONAL HYPNOTHERAPY

Anxiety & easy quit smoking. Ph Bill Parker NZAPH 424 7610 WINTER SPECIAL: HANDS & FEET Nails cut & filed, includes hand & foot massage. $30 each or 2 people for $50. I will come to you. Phone 424 0676. URL

Kate 11/05/16 read by:_______________________________ With: Esther _______________________________ Date:_______________________________ tested:

Closing date checked:

MUCH LOVED • SENTIMENTAL VALUE Lost on Hibiscus Coast, Silver charm bracelet. Ph Karen 428 2955.

localmatters.co.nz

June 1, 2016 | Hibiscusmatters |

More events online, list your event: www.localmatters.co.nz/whatson

June 2016

Roller Disco, Orewa Community Centre, Orewa Square, 6pm–8pm. 3 Fun night on skates for the whole family. All ages, all levels, all skate sizes. Coaching 6pm. Disco 6.30pm. Pay at the door: $10 including skates. Coaching: $5 – free for preschoolers. Info: www.skatescool.co.nz

Hibiscus Hospice 11th Annual Art Exhibition and Sale, 3–6 Queen’s Birthday Weekend, Estuary Art Centre, Western Reserve, Orewa. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9am–4pm and

Monday, 9am–2pm. Entry by gold coin donation. Over 400 works from 90 participating artists.

4–6 10 & 12

The Waiwera Fishing & Boating Club - Queen’s Birthday Weekend Fishing Competition. Cash prizes & sausage sizzle. Entry fees apply. Info: waiwera.fishing@gmail.com

Hibiscus Coast Singers present Something Old, Something New, featuring Vivaldi’s Gloria plus a world premiere and a Gilbert & Sullivan medley, at St Stephen’s Church, 3 Stanmore Bay Rd, Friday 7.30pm, Sunday, 2pm. Tickets $20 from Eddie Law Whangaparaoa, Orewa Menswear or Choir members. Info: www.hbcsingers.com (see story p22 and ad below)

Centrestage Theatre presents the 1990s rock musical 11–25 Rent. Recommended for mature audiences. Tickets from www.iticket.co.nz or phone 426 7282. (see story p22 and ad p23) Planting days at Shakespear Open Sanctuary. Everyone welcome to come and help plant. Info: 12 & 19 www.sossi.org.nz Author Dr Sung-Ok Hong of Orewa talks about his book, Four 15 National Anthems, Orewa Library, Moana Ave, Orewa, 11am. The book contains stories of his experiences during wartime, as well as Korean history and life in NZ. All welcome.

Count the Birds talk by Eric Spurr of Landcare Research, founder of the Garden Bird Survey, Estuary Arts Centre, Western 15 Reserve, Orewa, 7.30pm. Gold coin donation. Bookings: email admin@

Stanmore Bay Pharmacy

estuaryarts.org, phone: 426 5570 or visit the Arts Centre.

Animals and Zoopharmacognosy, Hibiscus Coast Community House, 214–216 Hibiscus Coast Highway (Western Reserve). 18 Orewa, 6.30pm to 8pm. Presentation by Nicola Rogers. Find out how

your animals can benefit through natural plant (medicinal) extracts. Tickets $13.50 through Eventfinda online.

Planting at Karaka Cove with Hibiscus Coast 18 & 26 Forest & Bird. Meet at top entrance to Karaka Cove Reserve, opposite Glenelg Rd, 10am. Wear sturdy boots/shoes. Bring your own gloves and a spade if you have them. All welcome. Info: email paulinesmith@xtra.co.nz

Community planting day at Manly Park, Laurence Street, Manly, 19 10am–12 noon. Volunteers needed to replant the stream banks. Bring gumboots or closed toe shoes, and a spade and gardening gloves.

Some spades provided. Children are to be accompanied by an adult. Goes ahead rain or shine. Free sausage sizzle. (see story p19)

Garden Bird Survey. Anyone can take part, 25– Jul 3 recording the presence of birds in their garden as part of this citizen science project. Info on how to take part: www. landcareresearch.co.nz (look for Garden Bird Survey).

Featuring: Vivaldi’s “Gloria” plus a world Premiere Friday, June 10: 7.30pm • Sunday, June 12: 2pm St Stephen’s Anglican Church, 3 Stanmore Bay Rd, Whangaparaoa Tickets $20 (children free), from Orewa Menswear, Eddie Law 100%, Whangaparaoa, choir members or ph 428 4452 or 424 5711. Supporting Hibiscus Coast Hospice

Medico Pak makes medication perfectly clear See-through blister paks with the right dose, for the right time of day, so you don’t forget to take your medication even if you’re away from home.

Passport photos available in-store Shop B2, 570 Whangaparaoa Rd, Stanmore Bay (the new New World shopping complex)

ph 09 424 2717 | fx 09 424 2977

localmatters.co.nz

28 | Hibiscusmatters | June 1, 2016

Community heads uphill in mass tsunami drill “Organised chaos” is what many were expecting when Auckland’s first mass tsunami evacuation drill took place in Orewa last week and already there are things that Civil Defence observed which need attention should a real tsunami hit. The practice evacuation, held on May took the fastest around 25 minutes, 25, involved a Civil Defence briefing with the tail end arriving around 20 and drills at Orewa Primary and a minutes later. mass walk from Orewa College uphill A small group of local residents also to Orewa Primary. Orewa Primary walked with the college, including school hall and courts will be one of Sharon Mitchell who lives in Hatton the sites used for displaced people. Road. She said it was useful to walk Orewa North School students and her evacuation route and hopes there staff practiced an earthquake drill and will be more regular drills. “My then headed up to the safe zone past neighbours are in their 90s and you do wonder what would happen to them Kensington Park. if there was a real tsunami,” she says. Auckland Civil Defence’s head of emergency management operations, More photos, interviews and video of the Aaron Davis, said he was very tsunami walk are at localmatters.co.nz impressed with all the schools’ level of organisation. He said the walk made it clear how long it takes to move large numbers of people, so it will be important to streamline the alerting system. He noted there were delays getting people across the intersection of Grand Drive and Maire Road, due to traffic. “In a real event, we will need to get emergency services there quickly, as there is likely to be more traffic as people evacuate in their cars,” he said. The drill will be evaluated not only by Civil Defence, but also by a team of social scientists from GNS Science, which had 12 scientists involved in the drill. The walk from Orewa College to the primary is around 1.9km, and

Caring for you

Clockwise from far left, Getting the message about disaster preparation. Orewa College students head to higher ground. Orewa College English teacher James Baker is in the territorial army, and came super prepared with a large backpack and flak jacket packed with emergency gear. This tsunami safe zone, indicated by a blue sign, is near Orewa Primary in Maire Road – the point that Civil Defence estimates the largest tsunami could reach.

See the asthma expert Come to our special asthma education day • asthma educator on site • helpful information and tips • hands on demonstrations

Tuesday 21st June Get the most out of your asthma medicines and find out how to better control your asthma Bookings essential. Phone 424 7708. Spaces are limited.

Manly Care Chemist

53B Rawhiti Road, Manly Village, Whangaparaoa Ph (09) 424 7708, Fax (09) 424 7427 Email: shop@manlycarechemist.co.nz

Manly

your health care coach

Thilina your pharmac

ist