Keeping On - Autumn 2023

Keeping n THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY Vol 117: Autumn 2023

Page 19, Lunchtime concerts at The Arts Centre

Phone (03) 366-0903, Fax: (03) 365-0639, Email: team@ageconcerncan.org.nz, www.ageconcerncan.org.nz Charities Commission Number: CCC29446

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A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Welcome to the New Year. We are into February already and as time goes by so quickly it will be Christmas again before we blink.

In November we said farewell to Simon Templeton who had been our CEO for 9 years. It was sad to see him go as he had made an impact on older persons’ health in Canterbury, but it was time for him to move on. We have welcomed Greta Bond to our family at Age Concern Canterbury. Greta comes to us with vast experience and knowledge in health care for the elderly. The Board look forward to working with Greta and seeing her continue to see Age Concern Canterbury as the first point of call for all things related to our client base.

With the cost of living continuing to climb, now would be a good time to look at where all our personal income is being spent and checking to see if we are receiving all the allowances that we are entitled to. You can do this yourself by checking online or on the phone using your number which is on your gold card. However, if you need assistance one of the staff at Age Concern Canterbury will be able to help.

Some of us may soon be receiving

an excess water account from the city council. If you can’t account for your excess water use, check for dripping taps inside and outside, take note of how often you water the garden, check to see if your toilet cistern is not leaking and maybe take shorter showers and lower bath water.

Electricity is another utility where savings can be made. Turn off standby appliances, turn off lights when the room is not in use. Try to do less washing and only do a load, when necessary, and put washing on the line to dry instead of using the dryer.

Check with your electricity supplier that you are on the correct charging rate and with the best deal they have to offer.

Always take a list to the supermarket when grocery shopping, that way you are less tempted to impulse buying and spending more than you have budgeted for. Only buy what you plan to use so you reduce waste, which is costly. Shop less often if you can which also reduces impulse buying.

During this very hot weather make sure that you drink plenty of water to keep well hydrated. Do any chores that need to be done when it is cooler in the morning or later in the day and get plenty of rest. There is nothing wrong with a “Nana nap” during the afternoon.

Trish Adams President

Happy New Year!

It’s nearly the end of my second month as CEO at Age Concern C a n t e r b u r y, so I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and reflect on my experiences so far.

I was born in Christchurch and have lived here most of my life. I now live over in beautiful Charteris Bay with my husband Tony and dog Molly.

It’s just under an hour’s (very scenic) drive to the Age Concern Canterbury office in Papanui each day.

My previous role was in Planning and Funding at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha (which was the Canterbury District Health Board for most of the time I was there) where I’ve worked in the Health of Older People team for nearly seven years. Before that, I worked at the University of Canterbury in the Theatre and Film Studies Department – you would be right in thinking that there was quite a big change of direction for me seven years ago!

While I was at the CDHB, I was lucky enough to work quite closely with departing CEO of Age Concern Canterbury, Simon Templeton, as

part of various strategic planning groups for older people, so I am acutely aware of the very large shoes I am currently trying to fill. Simon has handed over an organisation in very good heart: it’s both a big responsibility and a real honour. I’ve arrived at Age Concern Canterbury to find very cheerful and committed staff and amazing volunteers. It would take more than the 400 words I have here to describe the many acts of kindness and dedication I have already seen in my very short time here.

There’s no doubt we’re facing challenging times together. The cost of living is eye-watering, particularly on a fixed income; it can be hard to get a doctor’s appointment; it’s all too easy to become socially isolated, and COVID is still knocking around.

There is a lot of work to do!

My door is always open, so if you’re visiting our offices at 24 Main North Road, please feel free to drop in and say hi. I’m still learning, and I’m very open to your suggestions and ideas about how we can continue to improve our services, or new things you’d like to see.

Thanks everyone, for the warm welcome - I’m looking forward to working together.

Greta Bond Chief Executive

Keeping

CONTENTS

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OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY (INC) Keeping On is distributed by Age Concern Canterbury to Christchurch Malls, Senior Citizen Clubs and Groups, Libraries, Medical Centres, Rest Homes, Hospitals and Institutions, Housing Complexes and Agencies working with older people and individuals. Keeping On is published quarterly in February, May, August and November each year. Written contributions for consideration can be emailed to the Editor at dmcgrath@ageconcerncan.org.nz or contact Deirdre on (03)366-0903. The Keeping On Team: Deirdre McGrath - Editor, Mike Crean Journalist, June Peka - Journalist, Anna-Marie Hunter - Advertising Representative/ Desktop Publisher. Keeping On is printed by Inkwise, Rolleston.

Page 3, On spare parts and dreamtime Page 5, Honda Fifty is nearly 50

Age Concern Canterbury is very grateful for the support we receive from our advertisers. Without advertisements this publication could not survive. Some of our advertisements are the traditional type and others include advertorial (an advertisement that’s written in the form of editorial content). To be transparent to our readers each of these advertorial pieces is labelled with the symbol A. Views and opinions expressed in Keeping On are not necessarily those of the Editor of Age Concern Canterbury. Neither does publication of an advertisement imply endorsement by Age Concern Canterbury.

Keeping n Book your advertising for THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY Vol 115: Spring 2022

Page 13, Gifts for patients on Ward 12.

Page 17, Volunteers.

Page 20, Memories: the richest bank of all.

Page 23, Understanding those Asian drivers!

Page 25, Health Promoter chit chit Page 30, Apartment living suits Wayne Mellor Page 32, My two cents by June Peka

New logo for Age Concern, Page 4

Phone (03) 366-0903, Fax: (03) 365-0639, Email: team@ageconcerncan.org.nz, www.ageconcerncan.org.nz Charities Commission Number: CCC29446

the May 2023 issue of Keeping On. The deadline for ads is Friday, 28th April 2023.

Contact Anna-Marie on 331-7804.

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On spare parts and dream-time wandering

by Colin Smith

Colin Smith

Colin Smith’s skinny carcass has ably carried him around ably for 74 years, but now, as bits of it are creaking and failing and undergoing repair, he has time to reminisce in recovery.

I never owed a modern car.

Consequently I spent a lot of time and money taking rusted old jalopies to “the man” in order to have spare bits and pieces fitted to keep me vehicularly mobile. Always a fit and active type, last year I went to a physiotherapist, complaining about a bothersome sciatic nerve. She poked and prodded (as they do) before declaring my sciatic nerve fine, but the right hip joint past it’s use-by date.

She would refer me to “the man” for a new one.

So here we are not long later, and I’m feeling incredibly grateful that I live in this country of ours where there is a good range of spare body parts and skilled people to install them. My “man” turned out to be a talented young woman with a sharp knife. And her work cost me nothing.

Recovery has been quite challenging, in how I’ve been forced to slow down. That part is difficult but the pain is manageable. Thank

Gumtree - rakau nui

Photo of painting by Albert Namatjira of scene near Alice Springs.

heavens for books! The most incredible thing to come out of this “joint venture” is how, given that I’ve been living alone for years and am used to doing for myself, there has been an out-pouring of support from everyone. I’ve been driven to appointments, inundated with food, care and love. I’m a grateful man.

My surgeon and I had lovely conversations. Not only had she a new hip joint too but she loved to surf at Maungamaunu, north of Kaikoura, where my Mum went to school and my own boys later surfed. Just around the corner from there is another break called “the meat works” but I couldn’t bring myself to tell her that, with surgery so recent.

We talked about how a hundred years ago the famous Australian poet Henry Lawson came and taught school at Maungamaunu. His wife Bertha, and mother, both members of Sydney’s Christian Temperance Union, brought Henry to our shores hoping the isolation would keep him from the demon drink. Alas, not only was he a clever poet, but he was

a cunning alcoholic. Borrowing a cockie’s horse he regularly rode into Kaikoura for supplies.

Pardon me, I have diversed, but there is a connection. Years ago I spent a long time in the Australian outback. An alcoholic myself, with Australian forebears I knew little about, I had (and still have) a romantic and curious interest in all things Australian, particularly Aboriginal and the dreamtime. You can talk to me of gum trees and billy tea and Ozzie poetry all day long.

Last year when I met my cousin June Peka for the first time we discovered much in common.

Coincidentally we met at a cafe in Hanmer, opposite the Chisholm Ward at Queen Mary Hospital where the wonderful Dr Robert Crawford and his team squeezed the last drops of booze from my scrawny frame 40 years ago. Learning our whakapapa from June has given me the pieces of a family jigsaw I’d never had access

to. (For her it’s been a simliar ride.)

We have ‘aha” moments, such as when we swoon over majestic te rakau eucalyptus. We love the art of Albert Namatjira.

So, as I continue to recover, all strength to two women who have helped to fix both my physical and cultural/familial bits. The following is a poem for June.

History lives on, in these sentinels of memory.

Nga rakau eucalyptus...

They whakapapa back to the dreamtime and more recently, they tell me of my home that was, and is no more.

I’m sad, yet glad of the memories given to me By the generosity of these ancient and proud kaitiaki.

I would dearly love Mr Namatjira to paint them, but he’s moved on.

So I roll up my swag with all the remembered taonga And I move on.

SHOPRIDER “Simply the Best” SPECIALS

Help with Technology Weekly drop-in sessions Weekly drop-in session for anyone over 65 who needs help with technology.

If you need help with your cellphone, laptop or tablet or if you want to learn how to email, video call or take photos... Whatever your need, call in and we will try and help.

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For further information please phone 366 0903.

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Variety of new and used scooters, wheelchairs and walkers Contact: Gerald & Christine 28 Years of friendly service with a guarantee

Phone 383 1364 or 021 183 1177

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10 ways to boost your daily fibre intake

by Wendy Scanlon, NZ Registered Nutritionist, Puāwai Healthy Lifestyle Service, Pegasus Health

Dietary fibre is an under-estimated nutrient!

Dietary fibre helps prevent constipation, gives you the best chance of having a regular, comfortable bowel habit and is a great "food" for the microorganisms in our gut, keeping the gut healthy. It also has a key role in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes.

Fibre is the part of plants that cannot be digested. It’s found in vegetables, fruit, grains, nuts, and seeds. It’s important to eat a range of these foods. For good health diversity is key. Cooking does not destroy fibre. High fibre foods don’t have to be raw, rough, or crunchy.

They can be soft and smooth like fine wholemeal bread, porridge and stewed or canned fruit.

Our national Food and Nutrition Guidelines recommend 25 – 30 grams of dietary fibre per day for older New Zealanders, yet our last

national nutrition survey found the average intake was just 19 grams per day. Perhaps a health goal for 2023 is to include more fibre-rich foods in your meals and snacks.

Here's 10 ways to boost your fibre to meet that goal: 1. Start your day with a high fibre breakfast cereal. Wheat biscuits and oat-based options such as porridge or overnight oats are excellent budget-friendly options.

2. Add fresh, stewed, or dried fruit to your breakfast e.g., stewed prunes or a chopped kiwifruit.

3. Choose wholemeal or wholegrain breads and crackers with at least 5g of fibre per 100g of food. Check the label on the box or packet.

4. Add extra vegetables to soups and casseroles.

5. Fill half your plate with vegetables before adding your starchy vegetables, such as potato,

Mature Moves is about helping people If you are considering moving into a smaller home, perhaps a retirement village or residential care and you feel you could use some help Mature Moves could be your answer.

It is a Christchurch based company with local people helping older people to downsize and move when the need arises.

They understand that sometimes your family are not positioned to help as they might like to or have time restraints. True to their motto ‘to treat you like they treat their own families’, the team at Mature Moves can pack up, declutter and move all of your belongings and furniture to your new home.

Then they unpack and set up your new home to the very last detail, just the way you like it.

Decluttering can be a bit overwhelming. However, it is made much easier with some understanding help. Step-by-step you can have

things sorted and organised with minimal fuss and stress.

Along with this wonderful service, they can also organise selling things you no longer require, or if you desire gifting them to family or charities.

They can also clean homes inside and out, and complete the gardening to get houses ready for sale.

Mature Moves is about helping people. You let them know what help you need and they will set about showing you just what they can do to help you.

A visit and consultation is free of charge, with no obligation to use their services. However, if you feel they may be of assistance a quotation can be provided for your consideration.

You can phone Mature Moves on 0800 777 214 to talk about your move.

We are sure Mike and the team can help you to lighten the load and make your move a smooth transition.

A

kūmara or taro, and protein.

6. Add lentils or split peas to soups and casseroles.

7. Enjoy vegetables and fruits with their skins on.

8. Choose high fibre snacks: a small handful of nuts or a peanut butter sandwich.

9. A can of beans is full of fibre: make a bean salad using 4-bean mix, add a can of chilli beans to savoury mince or cannellini (white) beans to your favourite chicken casserole.

10. Finish your dinner with a piece of fruit or try your hand at our 3-layer dessert!

Remember also to take every opportunity to move your body activity is good for your gut - and drink plenty of fluids to wash everything down.

If 2023 is the year you would like to learn more about looking after your health, why not sign up for our lifestyle and cooking programme, Puāwai – Kai (to blossom through food). Our programme aims to improve health and wellbeing across the generations. It’s a free 8-session programme (two hours each week).

The first three sessions focus on lifestyle changes. Topics include looking after your health with food; managing stress; moving more and sleeping well. This is followed by five cooking sessions – putting the ideas into action. All eight sessions end with sharing kai together.

For more information visit the Puāwai – Kai website: www.puawai. org.nz, or give us a call on 0800 333 405.

Three Layer Desserts

Make in a flash! Using this 3-step process, any number of delicious desserts can be made in minutes.

The only limit is your imagination!

Step 1: Choose your base Choose one of the following and pop in a serving dish: Half a cup of yoghurt OR custard OR rice pudding Step 2: Add fruit Add one or a mixture of the following: Half a cup of fresh/stewed/canned apricots, peaches, plums, apples, pears or Frozen berries or frozen mango or stewed prunes Step 3: Add texture Add one or a mixture of the following: 1 tablespoon of chopped nuts or toasted muesli or toasted seeds or toasted coconut thread or crumbled biscuits or meringue or dark chocolate chips.

The Purl Girls

Are you thinking of moving?

Could you use some help?

We can help you ....

Downsize Declutter Pack Up Relocate Unpack Storage

Setting up your new home Preparing your house for sale Cleaning: inside & out Rubbish removal/gardening Selling & gifting items Estate Clearance

Phone Mike on

0800 777 214 Mobile 021 0837 8251

Email: info@maturemoves.co.nz www.maturemoves.co.nz

Age Concern Canterbury was honoured last year to be the recipients of 12 blankets, made and donated by the Purl Girls. This group of friends have been meeting weekly at a local café for many years, and share their love of knitting and crochet. They also share their creations with Christchurch charities, and Age Concern Canterbury is thrilled to be able to share these creations with some of our clients.

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Honda 50 is nearly 51

by Mike Crean

How would an eminent scientist and prolific author fill his spare time?

Christchurch’s Dr Jeffrey Plowman has the answer. He is lovingly restoring a 51-year-old motor vehicle with family history. Now in semiretirement, he is working just three days a week for the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand, at Lincoln. This leaves him plenty of time to spend on his treasured machine.

No, it’s not a Rolls Royce. His baby is a red 1972 Honda 50; a “power cycle”, so the original ownership paper declares. It requires little restoration. Jeffrey can handle it and still find time, even as a military historian always working on his next book. He has had 20 books published so far, in England. As if that doesn’t take enough time, he and wife Yvonne also hike the hills and tour the world.

The Honda is a pet project. It has prompted Yvonne to comment: “It’s most unusual for a husband to have a motorbike longer than we have been married”.

Jeffrey’s father bought the Honda new in 1972 when old war wounds were making his walk to work too difficult. When Jeffrey began university at Palmerston North his father handed the Honda to him and bought another one for himself. That was 50 years ago this February and the scooter looks almost as good as new, except for two small cracks on the seat and a couple of shallow dents in the exhaust pipe.

As a student at Massey University, he rode the scooter most days, and still gained his PhD. Three times he was required to attend sessions in Wellington. He rode there and back each time. Add half-a-dozen return trips to Wanganui, and the Honda’s reliability was well tested.

Such frequent use continued when he moved to Christchurch in 1983 to work for the DSIR, then back at Palmerston North where he worked for the NZ Dairy Research Institute.

However, a big change was necessary when he returned to Christchurch in 1996. He quickly found how frightening it felt to be riding a single-cylinder, 200cc bike at top speed of 50kmh on the busy and narrow road to Lincoln with many cars exceeding 100kmh. So, he left the Honda at home and caught a bus. Since then the Honda has been only used for local errands.

Jeffrey handled minor maintenance except in the three years from 1980, when he was in the USA gaining a Post-Doctoral Fellowship. His father cared for it then.

He recalls in his early days that petrol stations would not serve less than a gallon of fuel. The Honda’s tank held only a half, so Jeffery had

Jeffrey Plowman and his Honda 50.

to buy a gallon can. On the plus side, he did not have to have the vehicle inspected for Warrants of Fitness, as vehicles of this motive power were exempt.

His biggest problems included the sprocket breaking through the chain guard – twice. After the first time, he took the scooter to a garage where an old mechanic fitted a new sprocket.

It was the wrong size, so the chain guard was shattered again. This time he went to a garage where two enthusiastic young mechanics knew what to do.

As all engines eventually do, his engine died. A full rebore was needed.

He had it done and the Honda was as good as new again. Well, nearly.

Jeffrey admits to a conundrum. Age is causing metal bits to rust and crack,

and plastic to rip and tear. Should he replace them, or should he keep the Honda as original as he can?

The Certificate of Registration for Jeffrey’s Honda 50.

AGE CONCERN SPECIAL OFFER

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Canterbury Theatre Workshop Concerts for 2023 Our 2023 concerts will be as follows: Rangiora Show Grounds, Ashley St, Rangiora

St Albans Uniting Church, 36 Nancy Ave, St Albans

Monday, 27th March Monday, 29th May Monday, 31st July Monday, 25th September Monday, 27th November

Tuesday, 28th March Turesday, 30th May Tuesday, 1st August Tuesday, 26th September Tuesday, 28th November

All concerts start at 1.45pm and finish a little after 3pm.

Long-term residential care We’ve talked previously about the difference between living in a Retirement Village and living in a Rest Home or long-term residential care. This article is about the latter.

Long-term residential care means living permanently in a residential care facility. Prior to moving to a residential care facility, you, or your loved one, will be assessed

by Needs Assessor, from your local District Health Board’s (DHB) Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) service.

The first step is to have an assessment completed. You can start this process with your family doctor or through the hospital, if you have been unwell and are in hospital, or you can contact your local DHB who can connect you with the NASC service in your community to arrange an appointment for a needs assessment. Please be aware that you may have to wait for some time before a Needs Assessor can meet with you.

The Needs Assessor will meet with you, or your loved one, in your own home or the hospital, to assess your needs. If they make the decision that you need long-term residential care, they will also assess what level of care you need. There are four levels of care. Rest Home, Long-term Care Hospital, Specialist Dementia Care or Psycho-geriatric Care.

Your Needs Assessor will also be able to provide you with information on the appropriate residential care facilities in your area. It may be possible for you to visit different residential care facilities before you decide on where you would like to live.

Please remember that your ability to enter the residential care facility of your choice will be based on whether they have a room available for you at the appropriate level.

Once you find a residential care facility that meets your needs, it's important that you, or your loved ones, understand what the costs will be. Will there be additional costs, such as a premium room rate for the room that you will be living in? If there is, what will it be and can you afford it? Will you need a Residential Care Subsidy or Loan, or will you need to fund your costs privately?

When you are taking this next step, it’s important you get good advice from a team who understand that a move into long-term residential care can be upsetting and confusing for you, or your loved one, and who can take the time to talk it through with you.

Please contact us at Fleur McDonald Legal on 03 365 1595 or office@fmlegal.co.nz. Together, we’ll support you, or your loved one, as you find the best solution to meet A your needs.

Intimations of the Interchange

by Mike Crean

1.)

“Route 8 to New Brighton, door 5.”

Teal-green coach glides to its berth, Expels a stream of shophands who ripple Across the concourse to exit and tread The hard city streets of oblivion.

“Route 1 to Belfast, door 16.”

2.)

Faces at the muffin stall smile at Unflappable young mum of patience Playing meek hide-and-seek with toddler Amidst the forest of multiple pillars.

She sings to him, he chants to her.

Bus beckons; mum and son gather and go.

3.)

Frenetic woman with tattooed ankle Glares and scowls at time and life, Recharges her worry lines, humps her pack, Plods at the pace of clinical infirmity, Clutching her finger-fudged Metro card.

She attacks the queue, budges aboard.

4.)

Rowdy bravado from ruckus of youths Draws foot-sore titan in security vest.

His pleas for peace are blithely ignored By the mulish ring of attention seekers Wagging school, slagging mates, Bagged in shambles-fashion, amok.

5.)

Over-aged juvenile whizzes and dodges, Saddled low, helmetless, on his cycle steed, Rants pronouncements that draw no heed, Sucks on the self-conscious distrust of crowds.

Big bloke on a bench watches, his visage clouds.

He mutters a mellow whakahau, knowingly.

6.)

Middle-aged couple pause in puzzlement, Keenly confer on their take-away map.

His Outback hat declares him an Ozzie, Her tone is a blend of whine and Strine, His All Blacks shirt screams souvenir shop.

“We crossed The Ditch; where to now?”

7.)

On padding feet the cleaner approaches, Trudges her trolley, tips bins down its maw, Snatches litter with long-handled claw Picks up cast-off drink cans with plastic paw, She avoids every glance, mutters no misery.

Low waged but it helps her nurture the baby.

8.)

Old mates step from their buses, check time as They look for each other. They meet, convene and Shuffle out, fending off strident pamphlet-pushers.

With tea and cake, strong statements they make (Heard often before), on crime, law and war.

Returning, they skip farewell rites, no fusses, Embark before swarming kids swamp their buses.

9) Gentleman spots sterile seat, descends with delicacy, Lets loose his woes, nods kindly at fellow travellers, Senses a woman watching and wonders: “Has she guessed drink-driving cost me my licence, Forced on me the indignity of the Interchange?”

“Route 25 to Hornby, door 14.”

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My Book Club recommends After The Tampa by Abbas Nazari Reviewed by Chch 487 (a Christchurch BDS group) “Escaping the Taliban as a young child. Adrift at sea as a refugee for weeks. And finding home in Aotearoa.”

The Tampa’s subtitle neatly summarises the three parts to this important Kiwi memoir.

In 2001, seven-year-old Abbas Nazari’s parents faced an impossible choice: allow their family to become more victims of the Taliban’s genocide on the Hazara (an ethnic minority in Afghanistan) or risk everything by stepping on to a fishing vessel of questionable seaworthiness for the chance at a better life. Leaving their life in the beautiful Afghan countryside behind them, the family makes the difficult decision to flee. Their journey stopped just short of their intended destination of Australia by engine failure and a vicious storm. Dead in the water and dangerously overloaded, Norwegian cargo ship, the Tampa, responds to their distress call. Moments after being disembarked, the flimsy fishing boat sinks.

As the Australian government defies maritime law and refuses to allow

the Tampa to enter their harbour, Nazari and his family are stranded for weeks on the ill-equipped freighter, dealing with uncomfortable and unsanitary conditions while the small, bewildered crew do their best to care for the refugees and wrangle with the Australian authorities.

Ultimately, Nazari ends up being one of the lucky ones, a select few invited to resettle in New Zealand.

You may think the story ends there, but the high-stakes time at sea is followed by captivating insights from a young child and his family finding a new home in a strange place. Our book group felt it was a compelling page-turner from start to finish.

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Abnormal heart murmurs can be a sign of heart valve disease, a potentially fatal condition that is treatable if caught quickly.

The only way to know for sure is by asking your doctor for an echocardiogram, a simple, painless heart ultrasound that could save your life.

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We highly recommend this book.

It will be of particular interest to Christchurch locals, who will recognise the neighbourhoods Nazari describes, the schools he attends and the experiences he has growing up in the city. However, with the number of refugees globally set to rise through both conflict and climate change, this is an important read.

Comments from our book club members: “I was literally shaken by the near-sinking description.

It was hard to read in places and so well written to evoke the sheer terror they must have felt. I was also really heartened to learn of the amazing refugee services available in the community in NZ to help these families. Some of the stuff we take for granted they had to learn and some of the basics good people helped to get them set up with!” (Sarah) “I liked the book. I love history and it had a good amount of that — and social commentary - in it.” (James) The behaviour of the Australian government and the politics at play at that time were shocking. While Nazari’s family were lucky enough to

be rehomed in New Zealand, it was much harder for some of the single men who spent years in detention on Nauru. Nazari and his family are a true testament to the mana of refugees and their potential to be successful, resilient, caring, involved citizens — the polar opposite to John Howard’s government’s narrative of “boat people” as security threats and economic leeches. (Renee) About our book group We are a mixed group of three men and nine women ranging in age from 29 to 40. Our group includes small business owners, professionals, healthcare workers and teachers; mothers, couples and one singleton.

We also benefit from the perspectives of different countries of origin and ethnicities (UK, USA, Kiwi/Filipino, Kiwi/Chinese). Our meetings are fairly social (but we do discuss the book) and always involve snacks and drinks. We started three years ago as a mixture of friends, friends of friends and strangers we found via the BDS website, but have formed closer friendships and now we socialise outside of book club too!

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Mental stimulation and Test your crossword skills (#230301 by RVT) building social networks

CWEA members enjoyed a visit to trip to Ferrymead Historic Park last year.

Harvard research recommends that we pursue mental stimulation and build social networks as we age.

These strategies help build resilience in our neural pathways to offset agerelated impairment like dementia and improve life expectancy.

Since 1915, CWEA has provided an affordable and comprehensive adult education programme that is enormously valued by our customers.

We also offer an e-membership for $15.00 per annum with benefits including a $2.00 discount off each course, invites to member-only events, early-bird booking, very useful for courses that book up quickly, voting rights at the AGM and access to our members-only library.

We offer a wide range of talks, lectures, courses and workshops among a friendly and supportive community. Topics cover: Arts & Crafts, Current Issues, Dance, Movement & Music, Environment

& Science, History, Language & Literature, Lifestyle and Philosophy.

Our environment, science and history courses are very worthwhile.

Join us in Term 1 for fascinating courses, films and talks.

Monday, 6th March • Seaweek: Ocean Film Series free entry, koha welcome.

Wednesday, 8th March • The History of Poland; a five-week course.

• Phytoplankton in the Sea (the “grass of the ocean”) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Friday, 17th March • James Connolly and the Dublin uprising of 1916.

Friday, 24th March • Amazing Arachnids; a 2-week lecture series.

For more details and to book for these courses phone 03 366 0285.

CWEA is at 59 Gloucester Street, A Christchurch.

CLUES: (Legend: ¶ = combo clue; * = cryptic clue; § = sounds like; ∞ = anagram) Across: ¶* 1. & 5. Start to play (7, 5), 1. Aperture (7), 5. Rows (5), 7. Declined (5), 8. Broncobuster (7), 9. Scrutinise (3), ¶* 10. Post, Empty (4, 3), 10. Emit (7), 12. Stir (5), 14. Lights (5), 17. Weapon (7), 20. Intuition (3), 21. Fabric (7), 22. Brick (5), 23. *Avoid music lines (5), 24. ∞* re-added, unwanted maybe.

Down: 2. Strut (6), 3. Teal (6), 4. Device (6), ∞ Dealer (6), 6. Decamps (6), 11. Condensation (3), 13. Over & over (3), 15. Bemoan (6), 16. Decrepit (6), 17. Expanse (6), 18. Sedative (6), * 19. We can do (2, 4), 19. Valid (6).

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 18.

Help with Technology Weekly drop-in sessions

Weekly drop-in session for anyone over 65 who needs help with technology.

If you need help with your cellphone, laptop or tablet or if you want to learn how to email, video call or take photos... Whatever your need, call in and we will try and help.

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$

$ ! $ %

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE.

For further information phone 366 0903.

FEBRUARY 2023

Keeping

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Harry Friedel - an immigrant’s story

by Mike Crean

Harry Friedel knows how it feels to be rated officially as an “alien”. He knows the hurt from being mocked in terms such as “tulip muncher” and being unable to speak a word of English. A New Zealand citizen now, he resents hearing abuse directed at any new settlers, wherever they came from.

A Dutch immigrant of the 1950s, Harry worked hard to overcome the disadvantages of “being different”. He succeeded at high school, teachers’ college, university, in his teaching career, and as a school principal.

He worked also for the University of Canterbury, advising schools on staffing and employment issues and conducting formal appraisals of teachers and principals. He serves the community as a Justice of the Peace.

As Principal of Avonhead Primary School, Harry helped new settlers by encouraging and celebrating their national cultures. He was delighted by the positive vibes that emanated from the cultural activities he initiated at the school.

A wave of Asian families swept into Avonhead in the mid-1990s. Harry saw an opportunity to boost their feelings of acceptance. The support that came from teachers, parents and pupils was fantastic, he says. It highlighted the importance of making newcomers welcome and sharing the cultures of all nationalities.

The ravages of World War II drove thousands of Dutch people to emigrate. Many came to New Zealand. Among them were Elske and Frits Friedel with their daughter Anne and son Harry, in 1958. Harry was 12-years-old.

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Harry Friedel, knows how it feels to be rated officially as an ‘alien’.

The family sailed from Rotterdam to Wellington, via the Panama Canal.

They took the overnight ferry to Lyttelton and the train to Dunedin.

None of the family spoke English.

Harry was a promising athlete at primary school. Progressing to secondary, he studied tirelessly and achieved high marks in most subjects. His English marks were low for some years but his grasp of the language improved rapidly, ensuring success at tertiary level.

He smiles to recall how Dutch friends advised his mother to take plenty of soap and laundry powder to New Zealand as she wouldn’t find any there. So, she packed boxes of soap and powder in the washing machine

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that she was taking. Arriving in New Zealand she found the brands she had known in Holland were plentiful here – and cheaper!

Frits had a job arranged in Otago.

Dutch newcomers were generally regarded as honest and hardworking. However, abusive remarks were common. Grumbles from malcontents about the Dutch working too hard were insensitive and ignorant.

The Friedels overcame this and grew to love New Zealand, while maintaining friendships with other Dutch immigrants. Harry had student holiday jobs picking fruit on Central Otago orchards owned by fellow Dutch immigrants. He still takes regular walks with a Dutch friend he befriended on the ship to New Zealand.

Homesickness struck the family in their early months here. Harry missed his friends and family in Holland. He missed competitive football (soccer).

He struggled with customs and coinage. He felt ashamed on the first day of school as he was dressed differently from the other pupils. Anne and Harry anguished as their parents considered returning to Holland. Their mother then made a stand; they had come this far – they would stay.

Harry attended King’s High School in Dunedin. He played in the First XI football team for three years and represented Otago. He found the school’s bias towards rugby irritating.

He won prizes in school-cadet rifle shooting.

While studying at Dunedin Teachers’ College he met Elizabeth. They married in 1968. They moved often as

Harry climbed the promotions ladder and they started their family. Harry taught in 10 schools: in Dunedin, Southland and Canterbury. He was principal at four of them. Raising their four sons restricted Elizabeth’s teaching to two schools in Southland and five in Canterbury.

Harry played club senior football into his 30s and developed interest in other sports, even rugby (advocating Scott Robertson for All Blacks’ coach). He learned about cricket and loved coaching school teams. He can proudly claim to have promoted young Tom Latham, now a senior Black Cap, to Avonhead’s top team.

People who know Harry describe him as a perfectionist, passionate about education, thorough, decisive, considerate. He helps Elizabeth keep a prize-winning garden. He is popular in his neighbourhood and among family and friends, not least for his practical skills and willingness to share them – a true “fix-it man”.

The move to New Zealand “shattered” his childhood bonds with family and friends, Harry says. He adds that those bonds have been replaced here “with strong and lasting friendships and our own growing family”.

Harry and Elizabeth have travelled extensively, including visits to relatives in Holland. After his mother died, Harry also took his ageing father to Holland.

“Each time I have returned to New Zealand I have felt blessed and see it more and more as the beautiful country I’m now proud to call home,” he says.

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50s up brass band provides musical outlet 50s Up Brass was founded in 1992.

Its aim is to provide a musical outlet for retired members of the brass band fraternity with the focus of providing entertainment for senior groups within the Christchurch area and for wider Canterbury communities. Over the years the 40 strong band has performed concerts in the city and such diverse locations as Ashburton, Timaru, Methven , Amberley, Waiau, Oxford, Cust, Rangiora, and Akaroa.

For several years, until the 2011 earthquake, the band performed its major annual concert, to full houses, in the Christchurch Town Hall auditorium. In August 2022 we

50s Up Brass Band members on a casual note.

staged the Into Spring Family Variety Concert at the Isaac Theatre Royal

showcasing several wonderful guest artists to a very enthusiastic audience.

From this concert we have gained two new additions to our band, vocalist Glenda Bailey and our Bagpipers Ray Harper and Claire Ross. Our Musical Director is Alex Morton, a passionate and skilled performer and educator.

Alex often plays French Horn with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

If you would like to become a friend of 50s Up Brass and receive news about upcoming concerts email your name to pencar100@gmail.com If you would like to engage the band you can make enquiries about that on 03 384 3953 and talk with Noeleen.

You can also follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/50supbrass.

Providing easier access to health and mobility products Nurse Maude’s Health & Mobility Shop’s move to Gasson Street has provided easier parking and a brighter, bigger space for customers.

The range of specialised continence and health and mobility products is backed by expert product knowledge and advice, and superb customer service.

Being able to hire and buy specialist equipment and supplies is a large part of being able to live as independently as possible, and the

Health & Mobility Shop carries a wide range of equipment and products which are regularly reviewed and new products added.

Those with permanent disability, or needing temporary supplies or equipment post-surgery, will find the Health & Mobility Shop makes it possible to minimise people’s reliance on others as they go about their day to day lives.

Open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, the Health &

Mobility Shop also has an online option, Maudes Online, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.nursemaudeshop.org.nz Those who shop regularly, or shop on behalf of their children or parents will find the online Health & Mobility Shop a quick and convenient way to access what they need without having to schedule one more trip into their already busy day.

Nurse Maude has been caring for the community for more than 125

The Nurse Maude Health & Mobility Shop is now at 8ŃA Gasson Street The Nurse Maude Health & Mobility Shop has moved from Wairakei Road to 87A Gasson Street in Sydenham.

We’ve got off-street parking, the same hours, the same friendly and experienced staff and a wide range of products and equipment for your health and mobility needs.

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Nurse Maude Health & Mobility Shop is now at 8ŃA Gasson Street. www.nursemaudeshop.org.nz

years and understands, better than most, that access to these products and this equipment goes a long way toward people maintaining their independence.

Supporting people to stay in their own homes and communities is key to the services provided by Nurse Maude, which provides a hospice, district nursing, homecare, specialist clinics, and, for those unable to stay in their own home, hospital level residential care.

A

FEBRUARY 2023

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David and Rose Morris in tune with their community

by June Peka

Fifty years ago Aranui wasn’t the suburb of choice. Although blessed like others nearby with good schools, big parks and shopping which catered for most needs, it also had an oversupply of unattractive two-storey state rental flats. Big roaming dogs frightened mums with pushchairs, in what was known as “napkin alley.” Scarier than that though, we observed the embryonic stirrings of gang activity. And many fathers were absent.

In the midst of it Rose Morris ran her own gang pad in a state house in Aldershot St. If ASB had offered it’s Good As Gold Awards at that time, she’d have won, hands down.

A middle-aged widow with two children, with no agency assistance, Mrs Morris ran an open home to keep our youngsters off the streets. At lunchtime and after school, kids from nearby Aranui High congregated in her homely kitchen to enjoy hot Milo and freshly made shortbread. Our children never addressed her by her Christian name and neither did we on the rare occasions we met. Her son David, only a slightly older teen himself, but working, kept a watchful eye over the youngsters too. If he didn’t have them jamming, they were swimming or running the beach from south to north on dark nights, gathering points for shooting stars.

Goodness knows how Mrs Morris made ends meet; shamefully we didn’t think about that.

David Morris is now 66 and recently retired. He was just two when his dad, a chef at the Silver Grill in Manchester Street, died. Rose passed on in the nineties but thanks to her groundwork, David never felt the lack of a father figure.

“Jesus was my dad, and there were some really special guys in Mum’s congregation. Pastor Davis wasn’t just a bible man, he taught me how to paint and plaster and other practical stuff. Sam Hema was a carpenter, a father of six who took me under his wing too. My role models were all

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Rose Morris

David Morris followed his big passion - music.

upright men, and they shared the fun. They encouraged me into rugby league, and through it all there was music”, which for him began at 13 with lots of practise at The Carpenters Shop coffee bar and led on to playing in the Youth For Christ band at 18.

After School Certificate David followed the practical path in which he was grounded, beginning with two years at CWF Hamilton, gas cutting with CNR equipment. That led to an adult fitter-welding apprenticeship, where he learnt about hydraulics at Steel Brothers, making side lifters for trucks. A 12 year stint as main fitter at Skope Industries followed. David met his wife Lyn about that time, and when he had a close shave in a chemical accident on the job it prompted a rethink of where he wanted his life to be heading as they raised a family.

“I’d enjoyed all of my jobs but I enrolled at Teachers College to become a metalwork teacher instead. I got the qualifications, and was sectioned to work at St Andrews

College, at Methven, and Hillmorton.

I did that long enough to see all things weren’t equal for all kids, and was a bit disappointed about that, and then I had another aha moment. I realised what I really wanted to do was follow my big passion – music, and I wasn’t getting any younger. So I took the big leap of faith, backed myself and canvassed like crazy. I knocked on school doors selling myself as a guitar teacher. I couldn’t ( still can’t ) read music but it’s like a natural thing to me, and I knew I could do it.”

The first school David door-knocked took him on. In less than a year he’d added many others to his schedule, from Hororata to Hillmorton, Papanui to Roydvale, and he was able to give up work on his previous trades for a temping agency, and go full-time with the music teaching. Over the next few years he brought many hundreds of youngsters to the joys of music, via the guitar and ukulele.

“I had 100 kids a week learning individually, plus two classes of 25

each week. After two or three years of lessons I’d put them into rock bands for competition. They did well and loved it, and so did I, but then I reached 65 and sort of lost the passion for it: not music itself, not for the kids, but teaching. I wanted more fun, and to share it around.”

Fun has come in spades since.

In a dedicated music room there’s actually the most funky bass guitar, fat spaghetti strings and all, made from a bright green spade. David makes her sing, like B B King’s Lucille. He plays the Koi Boys “It’s all about that Bass” on stereo and we sing along. All manner of instruments, equipment, posters and CDs make this old muso’s heart sing. A typical day might see him jamming at a police station, (yes, coppers do it for R and R) or at Cafe 6 in North Beach, or catching up with mates from way back. One of those guys once said he’d never make a bass player.

Haha. Best fun of the lot though is playing with the Pirates band in New Brighton.

“There can be up to fifteen or twenty of us on washboards, cardboard boxes, ukuleles, saxes, trumpets and clarinets. We’ve got some really good street gear. It’s joyful. We dress up, do jazz and blues, soul, folksy stuff, and kids love it when we do a bit of scarey stuff too. I can do this forever I reckon.”

No surprises to hear that kids benefit too - all donations going to Kidscan or refugees. Check out the Pirate band, some Saturday in New Brighton.

12 Keeping

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Free warm house checks for older people Even though it is still the middle of summer, now is the best time to prepare your house for winter. If you want to make sure your home is the best it can be warmth-wise without spending a fortune on heating, the independent energy advisors of CEA Charitable Trust can come for an in-home energy assessment.

This ‘Home Energy Check’ is a free service for all Christchurch homeowners. It is also free for all other Canterbury homeowners if they have a Community Services Card (or a Community Services Card endorsed SuperGold card). If you do not qualify, the assessors can still do a free insulation assessment and can give you a free quote.

During an in-home assessment the energy advisors will check insulation, heating, windows, curtains, lighting, hot water, and much more. The energy advisors can give you independent and easy to understand

CEA’s energy assessors have seen countless homes that have too little insulation to keep warm comfortably and affordably or they have insulation that has deteriorated over the years.

Too often they find insulation that was not done properly, or which has been disturbed by tradesmen in the ceiling space or under the floor.

“We found out that the underfloor insulation that we did eight years ago was only partly done,” another customer told us. “Now we have proper underfloor insulation, that has made a huge difference, it is much warmer in that area.”

Insulation is not just useful in winter.

It keeps the house cooler in summer as well.

For more information and to book an in-home advice session or an insulation assessment, call 0800 438 9276, email info@cea.co.nz or visit www.cea.co.nz.

CEA Energy Assessor is discussing energy use with a customer during an in-home energy assessment.

information and advice and will know what subsidy and free services you qualify for, e.g. many older people qualify for free insulation. For those who don’t qualify, CEA offers a 30% discount to SuperGold card holders.

A survey among previous customers indicates that these inhome energy checks are very useful.

Most customers find them very practical, easy to understand and say they have learned something new.

“It is interesting finding out things, you don't think about,” one customer commented.

Many homes have insulation these days and you may think your insulation is all sorted. However,

New year - new leaders for Labour Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2023 has started well for you all and you’re feeling refreshed and recharged after summer holidays with family and friends. I’ve spent plenty of time with fellow Labour MPs already this year and there is a real sense of determination and optimism for the remainder of 2023.

It’s hard to understate what Jacinda Ardern has done for New Zealand.

She led us ably through a sustained period of domestic and global upheaval, never wavering in her dedication and compassion. She has left a legacy stretching far beyond our little island nation and the years

that she led us. Thank you boss, and I’m happy you’ll be able to have time for yourself and your lovely family!

We do, however, have two new leaders of immense talent to lead us through this election year and beyond. Chris Hipkins and Carmel Sepuloni have both held important ministerial roles in recent years and they add great drive and energy and strong core values to this wealth of experience. They are fantastic allround leaders. Congrats to Chippy and Carmel - I look forward to working with you.

Prime Minister Hipkins has already signalled that the Labour

measures implemented by the Labour government in 2022 and these are set to continue following a recent announcement. The 25 cents per litre petrol excise duty cut, the Road User Charge discount and half price public transport fares have all been extended to 30 June 2023!

The New Year was a time to refocus and my colleagues and I have a clear plan for 2023. I look forward to working through the various challenges and being a part of delivering for all New Zealanders. Enjoy the rest of your summer - there are still plenty of long hot days ahead.

A

government’s focus for 2023 is on core bread and butter issues like cost of living, education, health, housing and keeping communities and businesses safe. The recently announced Cabinet reflects this renewed focus and our key priorities.

It’s a formidable Cabinet, with plenty of skill and experience, including the fantastic Ginny Andersen who is the new Minister for Seniors.

Ginny is as compassionate as she is knowledgeable and is deeply committed to this portfolio.

The overwhelming majority of New Zealanders benefited from the various cost of living support

We're here to help Please get in touch if you need any assistance.

Tracey McLellan

Duncan Webb

Megan Woods

Poto Williams

Sarah Pallett

Dan Rosewarne

MP for Banks Peninsula 03 376 4512 /TraceyMcLellanLabour

MP for Christchurch Central

MP for Wigram

MP for Christchurch East

MP for Ilam

List MP based in North Canterbury

03 366 5519 /DuncanWebbLabour

03 338 6347 /MeganWoodsWigram

03 382 0288 /PotoWilliamsMP

0800 727 244 /sarah4ilam

03 382 1199 /DanRosewarneWaimakariri

Authorised by Tracey McLellan MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

FEBRUARY 2023

Keeping

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Age Concern welcomes new Minister for Senior Citizens Age Concern New Zealand would like to extend a warm welcome to new Minister for Seniors, Ginny Andersen, who takes up the Seniors portfolio from the Hon. Dr Ayesha Verrall.

Ginny has been a Member of Parliament since 2017, first as a list MP and as the Member for Hutt South since 2020. After completing an MA in Political Science at Canterbury University, Ginny moved to Wellington and settled in the Hutt Valley with her husband Geoff and their four children.

The family love the Hutt Valley’s safe and close-knit communities, the excellent childcare and schools, and the natural surroundings of the bush, beaches and river.

Karen Billings-Jensen, Chief Executive Age Concern NZ, says

Hon. Ginny Anderson

“We are fortunate to have a growing and increasingly diverse older population in Aotearoa; within a decade there will be close to 1.2 million New Zealanders aged 65+, with the numbers of Māori, Pasifika

and Asian New Zealanders growing at particularly high rates”.

“The increasing diversity of older New Zealanders offers both significant challenges and opportunities for Age Concern NZ and Aotearoa as a whole.

“We’re very excited to have the opportunity to work alongside the Minister to meet the changing and diverse needs of our ageing population”.

“The Age Concern family would also like to thank outgoing Minister for Seniors, Hon. Dr Ayesha Verrall for her support of our work and her commitment to the well-being of older people of Aotearoa New Zealand during her time in office,” says Karen.

“We are sure her experience as Minister for Seniors will equip her

well in getting better outcomes for older people in her new role as Health Minister.”

Age Concern NZ plays an important role in delivering services and infrastructure to support older people across New Zealand.

Wayne Bradshaw, National President of Age Concern NZ, says “Challenges associated with our ageing population include rising health costs, housing needs, poorer mental and physical health, and disadvantage and isolation because they are not digitally savvy. We are eager to work together with the new Minister to progress these.”

“Being able to live longer with a high quality of life, dignity and respect is an aspiration of our times” he added.

Gifts for patients at Ward 12 CCU on Christmas Day

by Howard Jamieson, Community Connector, Age Concern Canterbury

My journey with Ward 12 and the Coronary Care Unit at Christchurch Hospital began in November 2019.

I was admitted late in the month, following tests that demonstrated a need for quadruple coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. While I was awaiting surgery in the care of Ward 12, I met other people who were admitted for stents, valve replacements or CABGs, who were without family or friends. They either came from outside of Christchurch or they did not have families of their own.

I underwent the surgery on 5th December 2019 and during my convalescence later in the month I visited Jenny Nelson, the Ward 12 Ward Clerk. I wanted to offer kindness by donating a gift for a patient who might be present on Christmas Day, without family or other

From left: Howard Jamieson, Community Connector, Age Concern Canterbury, Greta Bond. Chief Executive, Age Concern Canterbury and Margaret Cumming, Ward 12 Charge Nurse Manager (CNM).

close supports. In December 2020 I increased that to two gifts. Through these small gestures I wanted to let a couple of people know that someone

was thinking of them during their significant health journey.

I started working for Age Concern Canterbury in September 2022

Companion Walking Service Need Advice?

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Our Companon Walking Service provides oneon-one assistance for people who are finding it difficult to get out and about on their own.

Could you spare some time to be a walking companion?

Training and support are provided.

Contact Anna Tillman on 366 0903.

24 Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch.

P (03) 366-0903, Freephone 0800 80 33 44 E team@ageconcerncan.org.nz www.ageconcerncan.org.nz

* Retirement villages * Asset protection * Wills & Trusts * Enduring powers of attorney * Property sales and purchases * Relationship property issues

and in early December I asked my work colleagues if they would like to contribute to a Ward 12 gift appeal.

They have been so generous and supportive of the initiative that we collected enough gifts for patients in each of the 28 beds at full capacity, for distribution on Christmas Day. On 20th December 2022 Age Concern Canterbury Chief Executive, Greta Bond, and I presented Margaret Cumming, the Ward 12 Charge Nurse Manager (CNM), with our Yuletide offerings. They were gratefully received, and we know that on Christmas Day, all patients received a gift. Perhaps, with interest from Keeping On readers, our reach will extend to patients in other wards next year.

To my colleagues at Age Concern Canterbury, thank you for your wonderful generosity.

A grief and palliative support service for anyone whose life has been touched by a loss or death, past or present.

Ph: 366-5169 Home visits at no extra charge We are here to assist you in all legal matters

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We can talk, grieve, learn, plan and commemorate together.

Liz Adcock-White (Reg Social Worker) Mobile 0276184891 Email support@thefifthseason.co.nz Website thefifthseason.co.nz

14 Keeping

FEBRUARY 2023

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Museum to pop up in CoCA building Canterbury Museum has found an ideal central city site for its popup museum and helped secure the future of a beloved Christchurch cultural institution in the process.

The Museum will lease the CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki building at 66 Gloucester Street from early February. From mid-2023, the building will house a mini museum on the first floor of the CoCA building, giving visitors a concentrated Canterbury Museum experience while the Rolleston Avenue buildings are closed for redevelopment over the next 5 years.

Around half the pop-up Museum will be dedicated to temporary exhibitions, with the other half given over to “greatest hits highlights” from the Museum’s permanent galleries.

“At the end of last year we were encouraging people to come and

Canterbury Society of Arts Charitable Trust Chair Anna Ryan and Canterbury Museum Director Anthony Wright.

farewell their favourites but the good news is that a few of those favourites will be shifting only just down the road,” Director Anthony Wright says.

Aspire Canterbury inspiring independent living Aspire Canterbury moved to a wellness centre supporting local people to live their best life. This Centre is called the BrainTree Wellness Centre, 70 Langdons Road, Papanui, Christchurch.

Aspire supports a broad range of people with disabilities and impairments.

A charitable trust established in 1982, it assists children and adults living with neurological and/or physical disabilities and impairments. It provides the following services: • Disability Information Services: Connecting people to community services and navigation of disability and health care systems.

• Total Mobility Scheme: Discounted taxi fares for those eligible.

• Shop and hire of mobility equipment: Over 400+ mobility products to remove barriers of

everyday living.

• Mobile Service: Taking services out to you in the community.

It makes a difference to the communities it serves in living a life full of purpose and meaning. Within the BrainTree Wellness Centre, you will also find Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s Canterbury, Dementia Canterbury, Stroke Foundation, and Southern Music Therapy.

The centre has a couple of seminar rooms, a studio, and a subsidised social area/whole food café allowing individuals to have an experience while they visit the charitable trust/s.

The centre is available for use by the wider local community groups, providing a ‘place-based’ approach focussed on engagement to access services, benefiting the people it serves. Come along to BrainTree and see how we are here to help you!

inspiring independent living ASPIRE is a not-for-profit organisation, established over 40 years ago ASPIRE CANTERBURY CANTERBURY ŝƐ Ă ŶŽƚͲĨŽƌͲƉƌŽĮƚ ŽƌŐĂŶŝƐĂƟŽŶ͕ ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞĚ ŽǀĞƌ ϯϬͲLJĞĂƌƐ ĂŐŽ͘

ŝƐĂďŝůŝƚLJ /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ Ͳ ƵŶďŝĂƐĞĚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͕ QShop and hire of assistive technology. ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ŚĞƌĞ ƚŽ ůŝƐƚĞŶ ĂŶĚ ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵ͘ Total Mobility Scheme - 75% off Taxi’s up to a maximum QofDŽďŝůĞ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ Ͳ ŽŶŶĞĐƟŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͘ $70 (terms and conditions apply) dŽƚĂů DŽďŝůŝƚLJ ^ĐŚĞŵĞ Ͳ ϱϬй Žī dĂdžŝΖƐ ƵƉ ƚŽ ŵĂdžŝŵƵŵ Ψϯϱ QMobile Services - connecting with the community. ;dĞƌŵƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ĂƉƉůLJͿ͘ Information Service - unbiased ^ŚŽƉ ĂŶĚ ,ŝƌĞ ŽĨ ĂƐƐŝƐƟǀĞ ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ͘ QDisability information, we are here to listen and help you.

tĞ ŶŽǁ ƐƚŽĐŬ ĐŽŶƟŶĞŶĐĞ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ͊ Q džĐĞůůĞŶƚ ůĞĂŬĂŐĞ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƐŬŝŶ ĚƌLJŶĞƐƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƵƐĞƌ͘ Q ŝƐĐƌĞĞƚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ͘ Q &ƌĞĞ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌLJ͘

Contact us face to face or over the phone for a chat about your needs.

Ph: 03 366 6189.P FREEPHONE 347 242. Ph: (TOTAL > 03 366 6189 0800 • FREEPHONE 0800 347 242MOBILITY) 03 366 P > (TOTAL MOBILITY) 03 366 9093 • 314 Worcester St, Linwood,Christchurch.

Christchurch 9093. BrainTree Wellness Centre, 74 Langdons Road, Papanui.

E > admin@aspirecanterbury.org.nz • W > www.aspirecanterbury.org.nz www.aspirecanterbury.org.nz Email: admin@aspirecanterbury.org.nz

“The pop-up museum will keep the Museum’s flag flying in the central city alongside Quake City and Ravenscar House Museum.

“We’re conscious that our 5-year closure is particularly impactful on young families, so there will be lots for kids to learn about and do in the pop-up Museum. We’re also keen to provide visitors to Canterbury somewhere to learn about this region’s history.

“The Museum closed temporarily on 3 January to get ready for the exhibition SHIFT: Urban Art Takeover.

Once that’s up and running, the team will be focusing on the displays for the pop-up at CoCA.” Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says this is great news for the city.

Canterbury Society of Arts Charitable Trust Chair Anna Ryan and Canterbury Museum Director Anthony Wright.

“I’m really pleased that the Museum will continue to have a presence in the city for both locals and visitors. This is a win-win for both the Museum and CoCA, which will ensure that visitors can still get their cultural fix within the central city!”

In May last year, the Canterbury Society of Arts Charitable Trust, which operates CoCA, paused operations.

“After a number challenges, including Covid, we were facing significant financial difficulties and needed more than $150,000 to replace the building’s air-conditioning system. Partnering with Canterbury Museum is exceptionally positive,” says Trust Board Chair Anna Ryan.

“This marriage of art and artefacts presents many opportunities, including enabling the necessary repairs to be made. I’m excited to see us open alongside each other with compelling displays for Cantabrians

and visitors alike for the next 5 years.”

“This gives CoCA time to work towards a financially sustainable future.”

The 1968 building, one of the few remaining examples of the Christchurch modernist style the city has left, is “an integral part of Christchurch’s cultural fabric”.

The Museum’s move to CoCA would not be possible without the support of Christchurch City Council, which intends to provide a grant of $75,000 towards an upgrade of the building’s heating and ventilation system.

The Museum will contribute the remaining funds needed for this $150,000 improvement which will make the building suitable for the display of artefacts and more comfortable for visitors. This work has commenced.

“The building is perfect for our needs, and I’m extremely pleased we can help secure CoCA’s longterm sustainability by supporting the much-needed building upgrade. It’s a great result for both organisations,” says Anthony Wright.

“We’ll have a fantastic cafe for our visitors, Lux Espresso, which will remain in situ, along with current second floor tenants Johnstone Callaghan Architects. CoCA will continue to operate from the building using the Ō Papa ground floor gallery behind Lux. The Canterbury Society of Arts was founded in 1880 and was the first organisation set up to exhibit art in Christchurch. Museum Founding Director, Sir Julius von Haast, was a founding member of the Society. Ten years earlier, in 1870, Canterbury Museum opened with an art exhibition.

AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY IS LOOKING FOR

ENGERGETIC AND RELIABLE GARDENERS TO MAINTAIN GARDENS Fit, keen, energetic, reliable, own lawn mower and a current drivers licence.

Needed in all areas.

Casual work only.

Payment is on an hourly rate.

An appropriate level of fitness is required.

For more information please phone Liz /Deb on 366-0903

FEBRUARY 2023

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New outdoor sculpture train coming to Otautahi, Selwyn and Waimakariri Following the resounding success of Christchurch’s Pop Up Penguins art trail in 2020/2021 and Christchurch Stands Tall giraffes in 2014, the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust is delighted to be partnering with global public art specialists Wild in Art and leading UK-based independent children’s publisher Andersen Press to bring a new sculpture trail to Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri in the summer of 2023/2024.

“Elmer’s Ōtautahi Elephant Trail” features Elmer, a multi-coloured patchwork elephant who lives happily among a grey herd, and after he tries and fails to hide his true self, he learns that his friends love him for his uniqueness. Written and illustrated by celebrated children’s author and artist David McKee, Elmer remains one of the most widely read children’s book series of all time, selling over 10 million copies worldwide since it was first published in 1989. The Elmer series promotes positive messages about inclusivity, kindness, compassion and friendship.

“We are incredibly excited to bring David McKee’s much-loved elephant

Kahtag Bista with small Elmer

character, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant to life in what will be the city’s most colourful art trail yet. Over 30 large elephants, individually designed by professional and emerging artists, will be displayed through the streets, parks and public spaces of Christchurch and the surrounding towns from November 2023 to March 2024,” explains Kathryn Jones, CEO

of Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust.

The 30th Elmer storybook, ‘Elmer and the Gift’ deals with the theme of memory loss with love and respect and celebrates diversity, being different and being tolerant to yourself and to others. “These values are a perfect match for the values we at the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust hold dear,” adds Kathryn.

“For many, a brain injury can be likened to an elephant in the room – invisible to others, when in fact, it's a serious life altering event for the person and their whānau – another reason why Elmer is such a good fit for us.”

The trail will be supported by a learning programme enabling thousands of children and young people to participate in this highly visible, family-friendly trail. Calls for sponsors, artists and schools will be made in the coming months.

“We are excited to be returning to Christchurch and surrounding areas, and teaming up with the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust and publisher Andersen Press to create Elmer’s Ōtautahi Elephant Trail – our

third event in the city. It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses, the creative sector and communities to come together to create something very special,” explains Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director, Wild in Art. An auction of the sculptures following the trail will ultimately help raise funds for the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust. At any one time, the Trust is assessing, supporting and rehabilitating over 1000 Cantabrians with brain, spinal or other complex injuries.

Paul Black, PR and Brand Director, Andersen Press, publisher of the Elmer book series adds, "Everyone at Andersen Press is thrilled to be bringing Elmer to the streets of Christchurch in Elmer's Ōtautahi Elephant Trail. We hope that we can spread Elmer’s messages of acceptance, inclusivity and friendship and raise lots of money for the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust.”

For enquiries, contact: Jasmine Harris, Marketing & Communications Manager, Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust. 021 782 363 jasmine. harris@lfbit.co.nz www.lfbit.co.nz

Increasing demand on the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ With the prospect of owning a home becoming more distant for our children and grandchildren there is increasing demand for the “bank of mum and dad” to assist. There are various ways that assistance may be provided, including ownership or coownership of the property with your child through to providing a guarantee or contribution to the deposit.

If you are looking at buying the property outright and then gifting or selling it on to your child later, you need to carefully consider all the potential issues before committing. A significant issue currently is the risk of triggering an income tax liability as a result of the bright-line test rules.

Specialist advice is essential before entering into this type of arrangement.

Contributing a portion of the purchase price and co-owning the property with your child also requires careful thought. It is advisable to enter into a property sharing agreement to set out the arrangements in advance for such things as how outgoings and repair/maintenance costs are shared and what happens if one party wishes to sell. The co-ownership arrangement will usually mean that you are also a party to the mortgage or providing a guarantee over your child’s obligations to the bank, and therefore liable for the lending if your child is unable to meet their mortgage repayments. Co-owning the property can also have bright-line test implications too.

A common option is to provide funds towards the deposit your child

requires to meet the bank’s lending rules. While this eliminates the liability of being a party to your child’s mortgage or guaranteeing their lending, there are implications to consider for this option also. You may wish to gift the funds to your child, but you will need to consider the possible treatment of this gift if you later need to apply for a residential care subsidy.

Also, if you have other children that you may wish to assist, will you be able to provide a similar level of gift?

While the banks prefer that your contribution to the deposit is a gift, and may require a declaration to confirm this, some banks do allow for a documented loan arrangement.

A loan, even if this is documented as interest free, provides protection for your asset in the situation where you are providing funds to your child and their partner. If your child’s relationship ends, you can request that the loan is repaid, whereas a gift would be likely to be treated as relationship property (if your child has not entered into a Contracting Out Agreement),and may then be divided equally with the ex-partner.

It is important to take professional advice as early as possible if you are thinking of assisting your child or grandchild to get onto the property ladder in order to understand your options and their implications. At Harmans we have a team which understands how this area of law may impact on you. Call Phillipa Shaw on 379 7835 to arrange an appointment A to discuss your situation.

Protecting you through all stages of life Our friendly and experienced Seniors Law team offers specialised legal advice so you have peace of mind and feel confident when it comes to making decisions that are right for you and your family.

Our Seniors Law team can help with: Wills Trusts Funeral Trusts Occupation Right Agreements Enduring Powers of Attorney

Rest Home Subsidies Estate Planning Asset Protection Sale and Purchase of Property

Visit us in our new offices within the Central City, or we can come to you with our home visit service and other alternative locations.

Contact Phillipa Shaw P (03) 379 7835 E phillipa.shaw@harmans.co.nz A 79-81 Cashel Street, Central City, Christchurch 8011 www.harmans.co.nz

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Steady As You Go (SAYGo) Falls Prevention – Exercise Classes in Canterbury (February 2023) For more information about groups please phone Age Concern Canterbury 366 0903.

A koha of $2.00 is appreciated. Each class is a one - hour session.

CHRISTCHURCH CITY AND SOUTH Day /Time

AREA

Location of class

Mon 10.00am Mon 10.00am Mon 10.30am Mon 10.30am Mon.11.00am

St Albans (Waitlist) Redcliffs Wainoni Hei Hei Parklands

St Albans Community Centre, 1049 Colombo Street Port Hills Uniting Church, Augusta St Celebration Centre, 81 Bickerton St Wycola Ave Community Centre Hei Hei Gym, Parklands Community Centre, 77 Queens Park Drive, Parklands.

St James Church Hall, Harewood Road, airport end Te Hapua, Halswell Service Centre and Library, 341 Halswell Rd St James Church Hall, Harewood Rd, airport end Papanui Village Presbyterian Church, Frank Street Age Concern Canterbury, 24 Main North Road Papanui South Brighton Community Centre, Beattie Street.

Lamb of God Community Centre, 21 Thames Street, St Albans Streamside Court Community Centre, 27 Streamside Court.

Bryndwr Chapel, 179 Idris Road Community Care Centre, Goulding Avenue Waltham Community Cottage, 201 Hastings St East Te Hapua, Halswell Service Centre and Library, 341 Halswell Rd Lincoln Community Care, Lyttelton St, Age Concern Canterbury, 24 Main North Road, Papanui.

Kauri Lodge, 148 Riccarton Road Malt Works Villa Hall, Port Hills Rd St Albans Community Centre, 1049 Colombo Street Holy Trinity Church, 168 Stanmore Road Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church Lounge, 5 Downing St New Brighton Library – in the Pay and Display Room Opawa Community Church, cnr Opawa Rd and Aynsley Tce

Mon 1.00pm Harewood (Waitlist) Mon 1.00pm Halswell (Waitlist) Mon 2.00pm Harewood Mon 2.00pm Papanui (On Hold) Tues 9.30am Papanui Tues. 10.00am South Brighton Tues. 10.00am St Albans Tues. 10.00am Waltham (Waitlist) Tues 10.30am Bryndwr (Waitlist) Tues 1.30pm Hornby (Waitlist) Tues 2.00pm Waltham Wed 11.00am Halswell Wed 1.30pm Lincoln Wed. 2.00pm Papanui Thurs 9.30am Riccarton (On Hold) Thurs 10.00am Heathcote Thurs 9.30am St Albans Thurs 10.30am Avonside/Linwood Fri 9.30am Hoon Hay (Waitlist) Fri 10.00am New Brighton (Waitlist) Fri 10.30am Opawa NORTH CANTERBURY Day time

AREA

Location of class

Tues 10.00am Rangiora (Waitlist) Wed 10.00am Rangiora Wed 11.00am Amberley Thurs 10.30am Rotherham Thurs 10.00am Oxford Thurs 11.00am Amberley Beach (in recess) Thurs 1.30pm Rangiora Thurs 1.30pm Pegasus (Waitlist) Thurs 2.00pm Kaiapoi ($3.00) New Classes are highlighted

RSA Hall, Victoria Street, Rangiora Ballarat Retirement Village, 21 Ballarat Rd Amberley Library, RSA Room Rotherham Hotel, 42 George St Jaycee Hall, 56 Main Street. Oxford.

Amberley Beach Hall RSA Hall, Victoria Street, Rangiora Pegasus Community Centre, Cnr Pegasus Main and Tahuna St Anglican Church, 23 Cass Street, Kaiapoi

Better Banking Workshop Tuesday, 18th April at 2.00pm Age Concern Canterbury, 24 Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch.

Phone 03 366 0903.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR SOCIAL OUTINGS Hosts, drivers and drivers’ assistants needed for our well-loved Social Outings Service.

Drivers transport clients in our minivans to a morning or afternoon tea in and around Christchurch, supporting them to make new friends.

No special licence required. Casual basis.

Hosts provide a morning or afternoon tea on a monthly or casual basis to a group of 5-9 clients.

Drivers’ assistants support the drivers and help clients.

Please contact Katie Faithful on 331 7801 or Debbie on 331 7814 for more information.

Email k.faithful@ageconcerncan.org.nz or dgarraway@ageconcerncan.org.nz

VOLUNTEER VISITORS NEEDED Could you spare a little time to become a volunteer visitor?

Many older people in your community are lonely and isolated as they receive few or no regular visitors. Age Concern Canterbury’s Visiting Service helps reduce the loneliness by providing friendship and companionship through a volunteer visitor.

We provide full training and support and ask that you commit for at least 12 months, one hour per week.

If you’d like to make a real difference to an older person’s life please contact Rebecca, Emma or Peter at Age Concern Canterbury on 366 0903.

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WATERBLASTING??

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CANTERBURY WATERBLAST LTD ANYTIME - (03) 365-7960 Est.

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You are invited to our Better Banking Workshop

PH 347-2635 or 0274-847-980

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Age Concern Canterbury Tuesday 18th April at 2pm Please register your interest with Age Concern 56380 26022 0123

Senior Citizen Discount.

Need help with anything else? Call us to enquire.

Arthur’s Roof & Property Services Ltd. Email: APISL2008@slingshot.co.nz POSTAL ADDRESS: PO BOX 16-463, Hornby, Christchurch.

Ph: (03) 347-2635, Arthur 0274847980, Anneke 0273494014 www.arthursroofandproperty.co.nz

FEBRUARY 2023

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Stories behind our volunteers

by Deirdre McGrath

Age Concern Canterbury is very lucky to have about 300 volunteers who enable us to carry out our many activities and support older people in our community. Our volunteers come from many different walks of life and their reasons for volunteering are also many and varied. I recently chatted with two of our volunteers to talk about their volunteering experience with Age Concern Canterbury.

Melissa Vandeyar was watching a programme on Netflix called “Old Peoples Home for Four Year Olds” when she first thought about volunteering.

The programme follows a unique social experiment that brings together elderly people in a retirement community with a group of 4-year-olds. It highlighted to Melissa that some older people in any community can be isolated and lonely, and she thought she would like to help do something about this.

At first Melissa could not find anywhere she could volunteer – and that is a great lesson for us here at Age Concern.

Eventually she learned of the Age Concern Visiting Service and approached us to offer her services.

All Age Concern visiting volunteers undergo a rigorous vetting process, with a Police check, verbal referee reports and an interview with one of the Visiting Service coordinators.

They then undertake an orientation and are finally matched with an older person who is seeking some company.

Melissa was matched with a lovely lady called Rena. Due to Covid

The North Men’s Group on an outing late last year with former CEO Simon Templeton (centre). Volunteer driver Paul Jamieson is on the far right.

Melissa wanted to help older people who were isolated and lonely.

restrictions, the first six months of their contact was by telephone only, but they both enjoyed the twice weekly calls that enabled Melissa and Rena to get to know each other.

Sadly they only got to meet in person once, as Rena became ill and passed away shortly after.

Although working full time as a Safety Advisor, Melissa has been happy to give up a small part of her week to make a difference in the life of an older person. “It is a really great thing to do.”

Melissa has recently been matched again and will begin visiting a new client soon.

Paul Jamieson is a classic example of the old saying “If you want something done ask a busy person”. Paul is a volunteer driver

for Age Concern Canterbury. Paul was originally assigned to driving the social outing groups to city cafes. For the past two years, however, he has concentrated on helping establish a regular Men’s Group that visits a local Club for a beer (or soft drink) and a chat. It’s fair to say that Paul (and driver’s assistant Ian) have been key to the success of this initiative.

Paul recognizes that in general men do not develop the social networks that women do, and often become lonely and socially isolated. Even among a group of their peers, some men take a while to open up to the group, but Paul encourages them to talk about their lives. “Everyone has a story”.

Paul began volunteering for Age Concern Canterbury about eight years ago when he was “heading towards retirement”. He wasn’t new to volunteering as he had helped out the Fire Service and had coached sports teams etc. but he was looking

for something different to do that would also support the community.

Age Concern Canterbury has provided him with that opportunity, and Paul says he gets great personal satisfaction from seeing the enjoyment clients get from their outings. “Sometimes we might be the only person the client has seen for a week or more” says Paul, “It’s possibly the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life.”

Paul admits that volunteering benefits him as well. “It is good for my mental health, and encourages me to get out on my bike and check out what is happening in the city.

Then I can drive the men around and show them where new developments are underway like the new stadium and sports centre” As for that busy person reference...

Paul still volunteers for other organizations when he sees a need and works part time (for the companionship!)

State of volunteering in Aotearoa 2022: healthy but room to improve Volunteering New Zealand has recently released its flagship biannual State of Volunteering in Aotearoa New Zealand 2022 report.

It shows that despite the challenges to community organisations and volunteers from the Covid-19 pandemic, the state of volunteering in Aotearoa is generally healthy.

However, organisations and decision-makers can do more to

remove unreasonable barriers to make volunteering more accessible and inclusive.

“Many volunteers told us they only wished to volunteer for organisations that matched their values, where their skills were valued and they were treated with dignity. A welcoming, inclusive and accessible volunteering environment will be conducive to attracting and retaining a diversity

AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY’S VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH

of volunteers,” says Michelle Kitney, Chief Executive of Volunteering NZ. Government and other funders are also encouraged to invest in volunteering infrastructure and technology. The State of Volunteering report found that organisations with electronic volunteer management systems were less likely to have experienced severe disruption from the Covid pandemic.

“Strategic investment in infrastructure, capacity and capability will pay huge dividends in the ability of the sector to overcome challenges, such as Covid, and contribute to wellbeing and strong communities,” Michelle Kitney says.

Organisations are urged to create welcoming spaces for volunteers where everyone who wants to can volunteer on their own terms.

December 2022: Cath Smith, Volunteer Visitor for 7 years.

January 2023: Robyn Murray, Companions on Paws Visitor with her dog Zac. February 2023: Bill and Robyn Gibling. Bill is a Driver and Robyn is a Host for the Social Connection Service.

Social Connection Team – Age Concern Canterbury

Proof Read

Phone 366 0903 or www.ageconcerncan.org.nz For the Visiting Service ask for Rebecca Hopgood, Peter McGrath or Emma Parker. For Social Outings ask for Katie Faithful orAnna-Marie Debbie Garraway.

Deirdre Hazel

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Don’t give trainers the boot, they are popular The shoes are popular with oldies, from princesses to fashionistas. And Elinor Goodman loves her leopardskin pair When she was my age, in her seventies, my maternal grandmother had two pairs of shoes and a pair of slippers.

Both shoes were lace-ups on sturdy, two-inch heels, of the kind nannies or schoolmistresses wore.

My paternal grandmother had two similar pairs and a pair of wellington boots because she lived on a farm.

Both had roughly the same uniform: tweed, pleated skirts, cream blouses and a long cardigan with a pocket for a handkerchief.

My mother was much more fashionconscious well into her nineties. Her favourite magazine was Vogue. She was aware of trends – big bows at the neck and padded shoulders when Mrs Thatcher was power dressing.

She would take the hems up and down – just the right amount above or below the knee to conform with the direction of travel laid down by fashion editors.

And she always looked good.

Her biggest regret was her feet – which I have inherited. A doctor stupidly told her when she was 12 that she wouldn’t be able to walk as an adult because they were so weak.

In fact, she could walk almost up to the time she died, but only if she wore shoes made for her by the NHS, stuffed with arch supports. They were

flat leather lace-ups – one grey pair and one navy. She despaired of ever looking really glamorous in them.

How much easier it would be for her today. Now everybody wears trainers.

They evolved many years ago out of shoes worn for exercise. When I was a child, my mother would never have let me swap my Start-Rite sandals for them: ‘only village children’ wore plimsolls, as they were called then.

Now they cross all class divides.

When ITV’s Robert Peston interviewed former prime minister Liz Truss at the Tory Party conference, both of them were wearing trainers.

Peston recently complained that he was forced to remove his trainers at a London gentlemen’s club and borrow some of their smart shoes.

Princess Alexandra is said to wear trainers at formal functions. The former MP Nicholas Soames, now a peer, wears trainers with Savile Row suits. Other MPs wear trainers to speed between the Millbank TV studios and the Commons.

The trend accelerated in lockdown.

When I crept back to London after almost two years in the country, everyone of all ages seemed to be wearing trainers.

Some carried bags with high heels in them for meetings with clients or to pop into the Ritz, which bans trainers (the nightclub Annabel’s will let you in, provided they are ‘fashion’ trainers).

When the late Peter Cook was asked to remove his before gambling at the Ritz Casino, he said, ‘What? My lucky trainers?’

Alongside everyday trainers, I have a leopard-skin pair, expressing my inner Theresa May, and another pair with sparkly stars. I wore these recently at a funeral.

Fashion magazines show young models wearing floral dresses with ‘elevated trainers’. One magazine assured an anxious reader that flowery trainers are fine for weddings.

And according to the Guardian, ‘trainers with a trouser suit became the go-to look for CEOs doing Ted Talks’. Influencers offer advice on what colour trainers to wear: white last year.

The problem is once your feet have got used to comfort, they rebel angrily when press-ganged into high heels.

And there are certain things you can’t do in trainers – such as dance the tango, or dine at certain men’s clubs.

One woman is currently involved in a legal suit with a staid City club, the rules of which insisted on a trainers ban.

On a recent trip to that emporium of middle-class respectability, Peter Jones, 80 per cent of the women were wearing trainers or rubber-soled jodhpur boots. The only stilettos were on mannequins in the windows.

It won’t last. When the older generation starts wearing the uniform of the young, the younger generation moves on.

My generation likes to think of itself as not bound by the rules that meant most grandmothers dressed alike 60 years ago.

We wear jeans, almost regardless of the shape of our backsides. We like to think we are expressing our individuality by wearing whatever skirt length we like, bright colours and voluminous knitwear to cover the bulges.

I have a vision of the time when I have to go into a home. All the residents will be wearing trainers.

Some well-meaning, irritating entertainer will urge us to get up and dance in them. They will be as much a uniform for us as those little, heeled lace-ups were for my grandmothers.

Grandchildren, meanwhile, will have their feet in plaster after operations for bunions from wearing stilettos after trainers went out of fashion.

Elinor Goodman was political editor of Channel 4 News, 1988-2005.

(Source: theoldie.co.uk)

Jayne works to the benefit of her clients Jayne Martin is a Licensed Sales Consultant with Harcourts, Kaiapoi.

Jayne brings the discipline and organisational skills of a dedicated Police Officer in the London Metropolitan Police and a Probation Officer here in New Zealand.

The wealth of knowledge and interpersonal skills she acquired in

these diverse positions works to the benefit of her real estate clients.

She has travelled and worked extensively and understands the diverse needs that reflect a multicultural market.

Being passionate about property Jayne has bought, renovated and sold many times in New Zealand.

ARE YOU thinking OF DOWNSIZING, RELOCATING TO A RETIREMENT HOME OR SIMPLY WISH TO KNOW THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME? Jayne can help you with all three, she has helped many of her clients with an easy stress free transition, covering Christchurch and North Canterbury, Jayne prides herself on going the extra mile for her clients.

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Jayne

Working with her own properties was so gratifying, she knew she had found her lifetime career.

Her career move into the Real Estate arena was fuelled by her passion for engaging with and helping the public.

You will find that her work ethics are second to none; an admirable quality that makes Jayne stand out from the crowd. Her work is meticulous and detailed, not only because it’s good business, but because she prides herself in her work.

Residing in North Canterbury with her partner, Jayne is down to earth

and has a warm personality to match.

Of more importance is her work ethic, commitment towards the job, and knowing that her clients can both trust and rely on her - whether it be a sale or purchase. Doing what is right for her clients is first on her list.

Awarded the Top Sales Consultant at Harcourts Kaiapoi from 2015 to 2022 you will see that customer satisfaction still exists when you use Jayne to market your property!

Mobile: 027 517 7937 Office: (03) 327 5379 Email: jayne.martin@harcourts. co.nz A

Crossword Answers (#230301) CLUES: (Legend: ¶ = combo clue; * = cryptic clue; § = sounds like; ∞ = anagram) ACROSS ¶*1. & 5. Opening Lines, 1. Opening, 5. Lines, 7. Waned, 8. Dragoon, 9. Eye, ¶•10. Send, Out, 10 Sendout, 12. Rouse, 14. Glows, 17. Shotgun, 20. ESP, 21. Textile, 22. Adobe, *23. Stave, 24. ∞•Dreaded.

DOWN 2. Prance, 3. Indigo, 4. Gadget, ∞5. leader, 6. Elopes, 11. Dew, 13. Oft, 15. Lament, 16. Senile, 17, Spread, 18. Opiate, *19. Usable.

FEBRUARY 2023

Keeping

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Make sure you don’t have to eat your words

by Liz Sugrue

So generally speaking, it would be easy to say that a man who is worth his salt would also be considered to be bringing home the bacon. Now I don’t want to teach your grandmother how to suck eggs, but I’d like to curry favour and explain the origin of these sayings. Hopefully without getting any of it wrong and getting egg on my face and having to eat humble pie.

In Roman times soldiers were paid in part with salt as it was such a crucial part of survival. In some instances a man’s payment of salt would be relevant to his value or worth to his centurion. Sal is the Latin word for salt hence salarium and then salary. Keep in mind that it was then up to the women to use that salt wisely to run the home. Possibly to make bacon?

To bring home the bacon originates from around the 12th century in Dunmow, England where couples who were judged to have lived in marital harmony for the last year were awarded a flitch (a whole side of bacon) by the local priest or vicar. I love the idea. Imagine the commercial add-ons now days.

Cookbooks and TV shows. “A million ways with bacon.” “Make a pig of yourself every day.” This obscure but charming tradition continues today in Dunmow but only every 4 years. No vegan options or LGBQTI entries yet.

Shoot forward a couple of centuries and a magnificent young boxer in America called Joe Gans endured what is still recognised as the longest boxing match in history, an exhausting 42 rounds. After winning the $30,000 purse he received a message of congratulations from his mother telling him to bring home the bacon and now it has come to mean to bring back some winnings.

Luckily these days no one is

sucking eggs. First of all yuck! and if you can find eggs (and afford them) you would want to do something delicious with them. I can see why this saying is seldom used these days, but here’s a relevant equivalent - “Don’t teach your grandmother to make a Pavlova?”

Ending up with egg on your face means you messed up and are now embarrassed after boasting about something. Possibly saying you can make a better Pav than your Nan then botching it and ruining very hard to find eggs?

At this point you may need to eat humble pie. If you have bragged about something and it turns out, you couldn’t do it and you really don’t know what you are talking about you will have to eat humble pie. Thank goodness this is only in the metaphoric sense as the origins of this phrase take us back to the Middle Ages in France where humble pies were pastries holding a lovely selection of minced deer innards mainly consumed by the poorer members of society.

To curry favour on the other hand has very little to do with food. It has a convoluted pathway to its current use. One literal translation from the French Middle Ages is “to curry the fallow-coloured horse”. Originally from a French poem Roman de Fauvel, written in the early 1300s; Fauvel was a conniving stallion, and the poem was a satire on the corruption of social life.

The name Fauvel points to the French word fauve ('chestnut, reddish-yellow, or fawn'), another sense of fauve meaning the class of wild animals whose coats are at least partly brown, and the medieval belief that a fallow horse was a symbol of deceit and dishonesty. The

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phrase curry Fauvel, then, referred to currying (or combing) the horse, and was altered by later speakers to curry favour. Phew! But now you know.

So should all this end with a letter to the editor about my shoddy research and not allowing the truth to get in the way of a good story I will have

egg on my face. In Shakespearian times when actors put on a poor performance the audience who were often armed with rotten vegetables and eggs would pelt the poorly prepared or underperforming actors.

Thank goodness those days are over and we are all composting our rotten vegies and treasuring our eggs!

Off centre at the Arts Centre The massive restoration project at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is coming to an end. It’s now possible to walk east-west across the entire site.

Now we’re all invited to enjoy a one-off festival called “Off Centre” to celebrate. It’s on for one weekend only, 3rd to 5th March.

The creative team have really captured the spirit of The Arts Centre of old with this programme. It’s got market stalls, buskers, live music, a riotous mix of artforms and styles. It’s hard to pick out highlights.

For those with grandchildren, Off Centre offers plenty of family-friendly fun. How about Dinosaur Bingo, or a Messy Magic Adventure?

The Woolston Brass Band is playing, and UC Music has free classical concerts. There’s outdoor Shakespeare, workshops on sketching, and even site-specific opera scenes. Browse the full list at www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/ off-centre Booking is required for many events, even free ones, due to limited space.

Lunchtime concerts The ever-popular lunchtime concerts resume on selected Mondays in the Great Hall. There are 26 this year by local, national, and international musicians which kicked off with Tom Rainey and friends on 13th February.

The picturesque Great Hall is an incredible venue, but if you’re

One off festival called “Off Centre” at The Arts Centre.

stuck at home by circumstance or doctor’s orders, The Arts Centre is livestreaming four concerts. These are: * Francesca Khalifa (sensational classical pianist from New York) on 27th February; * the Sacha Vee Jazz Trio on 22nd May; * Ali Harper (vocals) and Tom Rainey (piano) on 7th August; * Kate Taylor sings Adele with Tom Rainey on 6th November.

You can find full details at www. artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/ great-hall-lunchtime-concertseries-2023 Rauora Revival This delightful free exhibition about The Arts Centre’s restoration is upstairs in the Boy’s High building.

Well worth a look.

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Memories “The richest bank of all is our memory bank. For years we deposited experiences there. Now we can withdraw them. The interest accruing is our enjoyment.”

by Mike Crean

The historic struggle to encourage people onto buses Efforts to get people into metro buses remind me of the struggle to get people onto NZ Railways Road Services buses 60 years ago.

Up to the 1980s, Road Services provided buses in rural areas where train services were not available.

Hundreds of Bedford buses ran to and from dozens of depots around New Zealand.

I was brought up in Hawarden, a township of some 370 residents in the 1950s, about 80km from

Christchurch. Road Services had a bus shed and a house for the driver and family in Hawarden. Every weekday at 7.45am the driver parked outside the Post Office for passengers to board. Seldom did more than four or five people climb on. Then the bus started its two-hour trip to the city.

At 5pm the bus left Christchurch’s graceful art-deco depot (where the casino now stands) and returned to Hawarden. I made the journey many times. Frequent stops were

made, mostly to unload freight items.

Copies of the Christchurch Star evening newspaper were tossed out at appropriate points. With underpowered engines, overpowered Nor’westers and an uphill gradient, this trip took two hours also.

On Wednesdays a detour via Pyramid Valley, Masons Flat and Horsley Down was added in the vain attempt to attract more passengers.

Road Services ran a second daily service through Hawarden. A bus with

more freight space left Christchurch at 8am, reaching Hawarden at 10am and Hanmer at lunchtime. It carried mailbags for the many Post Offices and other items, as required. It left Hanmer at 1pm and returned, via Hawarden, to the city.

Many rural places enjoyed such transport options, until increasing car ownership made it uneconomic, hopefully not a portent for our metro bus services.

Can ageing be defined? Arthritis aid and circulation booster According to Yvonne Wagorn, Sonia Théberge, and William A. R. Orban, ‘Ageing is a process of accumulating experiences, enriching our lives through knowledge and physical skills’. On the other hand ageing causes decline in our whole body’s functions - our heart, vascular system, joints, bones, muscles, digestive system, bladder, urinary tract, memory, thinking, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, weight and sexuality.

Despite this general decrease in capacity, a relatively high level of physical and mental function can be maintained for years. The degree of independence we have in our lives is directly related to how active we are in body, mind and spirit.

Barring accidents and disease the quality of our twilight years is primarily in our own hands, if we use the wisdom we’ve gained throughout life. The more we take control of our lives the more enjoyable these years can be. We have a choice: to give up our independence and fade away

or to control and maintain vigorous active lives.

Since we gradually lose intellectual and physical capacity with increasing years, ‘Use it or lose it’ applies to our bodies and minds. Keeping mentally, physically and socially active reduces the rate at which we lose these functions and enables us to more fully enjoy and increase the quality of our twilight years.

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Exercise while sitting watching TV or reading. Affordable, effective and so easy.

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The inflatable cushion, shaped like a pair of feet, allowed her husband to exercise his ankle, knee and hip joints, lower back, wrists, fingers, arms and shoulders while sitting.

It was so effective an arthritis educator requested more be made for other sufferers. Word spread and now it’s used by thousands of people here and overseas.

The gentle exercises not only help aching joints but hugely improve circulation in legs, feet and hands.

Users report swollen ankles, night cramps and restless legs greatly improved. Diabetes related problems are eased. Leg muscles are strengthened and balance improved helping users to walk further with

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Those who derive the greatest benefit from the Aircycle use it several times a day.

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“After using for only four days my Uncle’s swollen ankles disappeared before his eyes,” Susan, Cambridge.

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FEBRUARY 2023

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“Prop boxes”, propagation at home

by June Peka

There wasn’t one propagation box listed amongst the unwanted gifts on Trademe the day after Christmas. In fact I read many delighted comments from the lucky recipients of these modern day wonders – current ‘must-haves’ for the growing throng of trendy young planty people who have christened them “prop boxes”.

All power to them I say; gardening of any type is a serene and healthy hobby with no down sides I’ve ever come across.

Kits of entrancing jiggery-pokery, alchemy and magic have to rate up there within William Morris’s exhortation to “ have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”.

In their various forms, prop boxes can set you back somewhere between $20 and $250, from basic to whizz-bang, dehumidified and electrified. The great news is they can be had a lot cheaper. Clever folk have jumped on the DIY online bandwagon, demonstrating how you can make one with a lidded plastic crate from The Warehouse, a bag of sphagnum moss, a few tools and a pottle of rooting hormone. Within weeks you can multiply your exotic plant collection – by cuttings, rooted pieces or seed. With nursery and online prices as they are, it can be

so simple to create your own quite special gifts.

My news is better still. Canny people our age have been doing this for FREE our whole lives, thanks to thrifty parents and grandparents.

I can’t recall there ever being a time when this wasn’t happening in my life. Childhood visits to friends and family always garnered wet newspaper parcels of cuttings, roots and seedheads, of fruit trees, vegies and flowers for the home journey.

The boot and back seat would be overflowing. Before anything else, these would be taken care of popped into a bucket or pot as soon as we got home.

Plants were a great deal cheaper then – maybe costing only a few pence, but it was in our bones in those war and post-war times to save money wherever possible. Now, with the teeniest houseplants selling for not much under $10, and super specimens up in the hundreds, even thousands, it’s time to relearn and share these simple skills.

My most trusted method of multiplying a plant, is to root cuttings in plain tap water. Jam jars and sauce bottles are ideal. With a change of water occasionally, pieces will take root within days or weeks.

The roots in clear water make an attractive display as they are, but

planting into small pots requires only some ordinary garden soil perhaps pushed through an old sieve, mixed with a handful of sand or fine gravel if you have it. You’ll find free plastic pots at Rangiora’s dump shop on Flaxmere Rd, or posher ones for next to nothing at most op-shops. Rather than rooting hormone, my parents used a few drops of honey in the tap water. Find the ideal space for your plant and it will thrive.

The leaves of many plants lend themselves to a little surgery in order to multiply. With a sharp blade I slice a few cuts into the undersides of a thick-ish juicy leaf, placing that side down on a shallow layer of soil mix (as above) in an old saucer or paua shell. I then sprinkle more soil and water on top of the leaf, and cover all with a plastic bag held up by chopsticks from the mall. The lid from a Couplands slice, or even a strawberry punnet, will do the same job. Once again within weeks you’ll have babies. I currently have peperomias, ficus ( fig ), aloe vera and coleus in saucers, with spider plant, Vick’s plant, fuchsias, dracaenas, baby tears and dozens of succulents rooting in water. Free propagating is an easy-peasy hobby, and so darned addictive; and it’s good for the planet!

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The Eldernet Group’s ‘older person’s bible’ keeps older kiwis in the driver’s seat With the release of the latest Where from Here He Ara whakamua handbook – which covers the South Island – The Eldernet Group marks more than 30 years of what is commonly referred to as the ‘older person’s bible’.

The latest edition provides essential information for older people living in the South Island, including Nelson Marlborough, Canterbury, West Coast, South Canterbury, Central Otago/Queenstown Lakes, Southland, Waitaki, and Dunedin. The Eldernet Group previously produced two South Island handbooks but merged them in 2022 to align with the four regions set out under New Zealand’s new health system.

The Eldernet Group director, Eleanor Bodger, says the past two years have highlighted the importance for older kiwis to have strong support networks.

“While COVID-19 has been hard for everyone, it has been particularly tough for older people – especially those who are isolated from friends and whānau. Where from Here He Ara whakamua helps older people find and access support services that suit their needs – whether it’s a hot meal, assistance around the home or simply a friendly voice on the end of a phone.”

“The cost of living is making life

tougher for many older people too, and issues such as access to affordable housing, loneliness and social isolation continue to impact people in a multitude of ways. And as New Zealand’s population continues to age, these issues are going to affect more and more of us.”

“Where from Here He Ara whakamua is all about empowering people to journey through this stage of life by giving them the tools needed to make decisions that are right for them.”

While the Where from Here He Ara whakamua handbook has gone through several name changes since its creation by a team of social workers way back in 1989, its focus on providing older people and their support networks with the information needed to make informed decisions about their future has never wavered. Its pages are

full of essential information including looking after your mental and physical wellbeing, getting help at home and how to care for carers, setting up enduring powers of attorney, accessing financial assistance and staying safe from scams, and details about retirement facilities. It lists all residential homes in the region and specifies the level of care each one provides, and also highlights home help providers, kaumātua services and day programmes throughout the region.

Specific editions of Where from Here He Ara whakamua have been created to cover every area in New Zealand and editions are updated every 12 months to ensure all information remains relevant. The book is free of charge and can be picked up from the Age Concern Canterbury office or by phoning The Eldernet Group on 0800 162 706.

What are our moral duties to our children?

As Kiwis, most of us understand we have a responsibility as parents to provide for our children. But what if our children are adults and financially independent?

As more parents take on the role of the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to help their children buy their first home or set up their own business, the question becomes even more relevant.

A child has a right to claim under a deceased parent estate and may apply to the court for additional support if they think they have not been adequately provided for.

In New Zealand, parents are not only ‘financially’ accountable, but they also have a duty to recognise the child as part of the wider family.

To completely disinherit a child is frowned upon by the court unless there are special circumstances; for example, your child has distanced themself from the family.

A court will look at factors before deciding whether to award an

Steph Gifford

amount to a child, or sometimes a larger amount if it is not happy with what your will provides. It will look at the size of the deceased’s estate; the age of the child and whether they are financially independent; as well as any other dependant beneficiaries like stepchildren.

The nature and extent of financial assistance given to the child during the parent’s lifetime will have weighting. As in the situation of the ‘bank of mum and dad’.

The relationship between the parent and the child is important too. If they were abused or not recognised by the parent and if the child was impacted by this in later life and it affected their ability to earn a living, the court may adjust the amount the parent left for that child or award them an amount if they were left nothing.

On the other side of the coin, the court would consider if the adult child neglected the parent. Did they leave home and have no contact with the parent or abuse them?

The court’s role is not to rewrite the will of the parent, but it must look at all circumstances in each case and then decide what is fair according to those circumstances, while also having regard to the law.

If your children are not treated equally in your will, make sure there’s an explanation or paper trail.

And what about grandchildren?

Depending on the situation, it can be a good idea to provide for

your grandchildren directly if you want them to receive an amount, particularly if you’re estranged from the child’s parent.

Grandchildren can also claim from their grandparents’ deceased estate for maintenance and support.

In a recent Court of Appeal decision, a granddaughter was unsuccessful in claiming against her grandfather’s $7.4 million estate. Why? The important factors were this. The granddaughter was estranged from her grandfather and the grandfather had left money to his daughter (the granddaughter’s mother) and the mother in turn could provide for her own daughter.

Regularly review your will to make sure it still reflects your circumstances.

Give Steph Gifford a ring on 0800 277 529 or email steph.gifford@ A aspiringlaw.co.nz

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FEBRUARY 2023

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Understanding those Asian women drivers!

A few years back, my son had a school camping trip to Kaikoura with his classmates for five days. Several activities needed parents’ help for transport. I was one of the parent volunteers helping with cooking and transport. After several rounds of travelling, I found out that no young student wanted to be the passenger in my car so the teacher had to insist some students travel with me!

It was then I realized that even Kiwi children thought Asian drivers were “terrible drivers”. The youngsters were just being cautious and keeping themselves alive by being away from an Asian woman’s car! Those that travelled with me, however, found the trip just as safe as with the rest of the drivers.

One day, in an English class we discussed stereotypes. The teacher asked us to share the stereotypes which we have experienced in New Zealand. Some classmates shared things such as “the hard-working Asian”, “the good cook Asian”, “the bad gardener Asian”, “the good marks Asian”. When I shared “the terrible Asian driver”, the teacher turned up his speaking volume saying “you mean - the terrible Asian woman driver”.

Yes, I must admit in all honesty that some Asian women can’t be classified as good and reliable drivers. We sometimes change direction while driving or even have been known

by Harmony drivers quite a lot. If you look on the internet, there are many memes and jokes about Asian drivers.

People joke that Asians ace every test - except their driving test! There are some standup comedy videos on YouTube that joke about Asian women’s funny driving skills. On the Quora app, among the reasons why Asian women’s driving skills are so bad, one of the silly answers is “because Asians have small eyes, so they cannot find the road signs!”

Even though most Kiwis can share some stories about Asian women’s unbelievable driving events, in the past 20 years, I haven’t experienced Taipei traffic where Harmony learnt any impolite complaints in front of to drive. to stop unexpectedly on the road me. I suppose they worry it would without indicating beforehand. We seem like a racist comment. But, sometimes occupy two parking spots I’ll tell you a secret, we (new to New in a car park without any awareness. Zealand) Asians know this fact: our You may wonder whether Asian driving skills are not good at all. women are truly safety conscious Moreover, our driving habits are not acceptable. when they drive on the road.

I say it is more about habits Several times since, when I was because, the same as every Kiwi scared by examples of unreasonable driving behaviours on the road, I driver, we Asians got our driving always checked the appearances of licenses through theory and practical the drivers. Are they Asian drivers? tests in our home countries. We are Unfortunately, there has been a high ratio of Asian faces on the terrible driver's seats after my several years’ investigation… so my son’s classmates fear was not groundless at all.

I gradually realized that western people complain about Asian women

supposed to follow those regulations and codes when we drive.

But in my home country, soon after getting a driving licence, we learn other “practical and real life” skills, otherwise, we cannot survive on the roads where, motorcycles for example, weave in and out of traffic.

Gradually we build up our new version of driving skills that are different from the driving school’s teaching and we bring them with us to New Zealand.

Even though we know that we must follow Roman rule when we are in Rome, our old habits cannot be forgotten and adjusted in a short time. In addition, Kiwis drive on the left side of the road, but we drive on the right side in my home country.

That makes some people confused with the turning regulations on the roads.

The stereotypes are not always true, though they reflect the accumulated experiences people have come across for years. But the happy news is that I am pretty sure most Asian women drivers are trying their best to improve their driving skills in New Zealand.

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24 Keeping

FEBRUARY 2023

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Through scenic splendour to the Waipori Dam

by Mike Crean

Never mind the dust on your car.

Part of the road to Lake Mahinerangi is unsealed but the terrain makes it worthwhile. The driving is not difficult.

The lake was originally a stream in the headwaters of the Waipori River, on a high plateau west of Dunedin.

The river tumbles down to wetlands north of Waihola, then joins the Taieri River.

Dunedin needed to boost its electricity supply in the early 1900s, so a dam was built on the stream.

This created a 12km-long reservoir for a hydro station. The dam was first sought by gold mining companies to power their dredges. Instead, the council took over and built it.

The resulting lake inundated gold mining claims and drowned the town of Waipori. A few small dams and reservoirs, some on tributaries, were added over the years.

The lake was named Mahinerangi after the Dunedin Mayor’s daughter.

You can approach it from several points. I favour the drive south from Dunedin on Highway 1, turning inland to Berwick shortly before Waihola.

From Berwick the road climbs and winds through scenic splendour beside the Waipori River. You will

Dunedin needed to boost its electricity supply in the early 1900s so the Waipori Dam was built creating a 12km-long reservoir for a hydro station.

note houses that once were homes of workers on the power station. You may see kayakers weaving their magical way between boulders and rollicking down rapids in the river.

A glimpse of the power station is possible, though you may be eyeing

the road ahead too intensely to notice.

At the top of the climb, the road runs through flattish ground to the lake. Continue beside the lake until you reach the bridge that crosses a narrow neck. You will spot a few

houses, mostly holiday homes for trout and perch anglers.

If you do not cross the bridge, you will face the long but easy road to Lawrence. If you cross the bridge, then turn left and you will find the site of the underwater town of Waipori.

During dry spells you can see indications of the lost town: a tree, a pole, concrete foundations, bits of pavement. The story goes that a couple of gold seekers trekking to the Tuapeka diggings (at Lawrence) in the 1860s stopped at the stream for a break. After resting they scraped some dirt and found gold. More diggers arrived and Waipori town grew up.

From this (north) side of the lake, follow the road signs. You will find two roads leading to Highway 87, between Clarks Junction and Lee Stream. To the left is Middlemarch and either Ranfurly or Palmerston.

To the right are the Taieri Plain and Dunedin.

PS: From Middlemarch, try the Moonlight Road to Macraes Flat (site of an opencast goldmine), then descend to Dunback, near Palmerston.

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FEBRUARY 2023

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Health promoter chit chat

by Anna Tillman, Health Promoter, Age Concern Canterbury.

I hope that everyone has had a fabulous summer and that the autumn days ahead of us remain sunny and warm.

The importance of remaining as fit and healthy as possible doesn’t rely on good weather but it sure does help!

In my last chit chat I talked about the importance and ease of getting out for a walk, so I hope that at least some of you have embraced more regular walking and are now beginning to reap the benefits. The referrals I am now getting to our Companion Walking Service, from either Health Professionals, family members or self-referrals are steadily increasing, and with the help of some wonderful Companion Walker Volunteers, an increasing number of clients that were unable to walk in their community are now able to. If you feel that this service is something that you might like to know more about, either in the role of a volunteer

or a client, please feel free to contact me. My contact details are at the end of this article.

If you are reading this article and are thinking about starting an exercise routine, then well done! Now you just need to take the next step and get moving, but gradually. Here are some pointers to remember as you start your new routine.

Start slowly and gradually increase your activity level. Go at your own pace, setting small achievable goals that will help to keep you motivated.

Also, be aware of how your body feels as you exercise and also be aware of your body’s positioning and movement. This could make the difference between you staying on your feet or not if your environment around you changed suddenly.

Make exercise part of your weekly routine, and if necessary, add variety to keep it fun.

Stick with it! Research shows that it takes about a month for a new activity to become a habit. Use whatever it

What’s the hold up? Just pay me my inheritance!

Why can it take such a long time between when someone passes away and their estate gets paid to the beneficiaries? Whilst every estate is different, even seemingly straightforward estates with easily realisable assets can take many months before they are paid out.

There are two main causes for this delay.

In most cases, it is necessary to obtain a grant of administration from the court. The exception to this is when all assets are jointly owned and they pass to the survivor by survivorship. Where there is a Will the type of grant is generally a grant of Probate, if there is no Will, then a grant of Letters of Administration is required.

Currently the High Court is taking about three months to process applications for a grant rather than the 4 – 6 weeks it was taking historically. If there is no Will, you can add about a month for preapplication steps.

Three or four months after the application, the grant will likely be received. Only then can funds be accessed, debts paid, investments and property sold. Dealing with the estate assets will most likely take at least a few weeks.

But the next long delay comes from legislation. Under various statutes there is an opportunity for certain parties to contest how the estate is to be distributed. Generally, any claimant must take certain actions within six months or a year from the date of the grant depending on the grounds for the claim. Fortunately, in most cases it is not necessary to wait a full year since the Administration Act 1969 allows executors to distribute six months after the grant unless a notice of claim has been received. In some cases, some executors may decide to distribute early, but this does place some risk on the executor.

So, three or four months to get a grant, wait another six months for claims and before you know it 10 months have passed. Throw in a few complications and it might well take a year or longer from the date of death before an estate is distributed to beneficiaries.

At Pier Law we have a highly experienced estates team who are used to administering estates in an efficient and timely manner. Please do not hesitate to give us a call if you would like to discuss your estate administration needs.

A

takes to keep you interested and motivated...music, friends, goal setting all help. Don’t worry too much if you have to skip a couple of sessions. Sometimes life can just get in the way. It’s what we choose to do afterwards that matters. Remember though to start back up again slowly if you have missed a few weeks.

Stay safe and pain free when you are exercising. Listen to your body and adjust your routine if necessary, stopping if you experience acute pain, dizziness or an irregular heartbeat.

Warm up and cool down. Aim to do a few minutes of light activity (arm swings, shoulder rolls, marching on the spot, light stretching) before and after exercise Drink water to remain hydrated and wear sensible clothing. Have fun!

Some exercises for your middle, the important part that our arms and legs attach to!

In sitting. Practice good sitting posture. Sit with your back off the back rest, sitting tall,feet flat on the

floor, hips and knees at 90 deg. Try and keep your knees apart a little.

Slouch down slowly, then sit up again slowly, regaining your good sitting posture. Repeat slowly 5-10 times.

In sitting or standing. Fold your arms across your chest or hold them comfortably out in front of you. Slowly rotate your shoulders/arms and upper body around to one side, come back to the middle, then rotate slowly around to the other side, come back to the middle. Repeat slowly 5-10 times.

In sitting or standing. Hold one arm straight up above your head.

Keeping your arm as straight as possible slowly lower your arm across your body to touch your opposite knee or ankle, then slowly move back to the start position again. Repeat 5 times then change arms.

Happy exercising and I look forward to hearing from you with any questions, queries or suggestions.

Email anna.tillman@ageconcerncan. org.nz or call me on 03 3317811.

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Take time to look after your bones Osteoporosis literally means ‘porous bone’. It is a condition that causes bones to become thin and fragile, decreasing bone strength and making them more prone to fractures. It is often called the ‘silent disease’ as bone loss occurs without any external symptoms.

The result is that bones break easily, even following a minor bump or fall. Healthcare professionals may refer to these broken bones as fragility fractures or osteoporotic fractures. These terms all mean the same thing. Fractures (bone breaks) can occur in any part of the body, the most common sites of a fragility fracture are the wrist, spine, shoulder and hip.Osteoporosis is sometimes confused with osteoarthritis.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease; osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints and surrounding tissue.

Fractures due to osteoporosis are a major cause of pain and often means that there is long-term disability and loss of independence among older adults. Osteoporosis can even result in premature death.

The good news is that there are many ways to prevent and manage osteoporosis at every stage of life.

Take charge of your bone health today!

Children and adolescents need to BUILD maximum peak bone mass.

Adults need to MAINTAIN healthy bones and avoid premature bone loss.

Older people need to SUSTAIN mobility and independence.

Building strong bones throughout your lifetime means you can continue to do the things you enjoy for longer.

To reach optimal peak bone mass and continue building and maintaining bone tissue as you get older: • Exercise regularly • Eat well

Exercise and Vitamin D through sunlight are great ways to help prevent osteoporosis.

• Create healthy lifestyle habits • Talk to your doctor about the risk factors you might have Exercise regularly Ideally you should aim to do at least 30 minutes of weight-bearing physical activity every day. The best exercises for bones are ones that work your muscles against gravity.

Some examples are walking briskly, jogging, tennis, dancing, low-impact aerobics, or golf. Resistance training or muscle strengthening exercises that suit your needs and abilities will help improve coordination and balance. This helps to maintain mobility and reduce the risk of falls and fractures.

Vitamin D Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium from the diet, bone development, control of cell growth and immune functioning, and has also been linked with the prevention of muscle weakness, which is important for preventing falls.

When vitamin D levels are very low your bones suffer. The best source of Vitamin D is sunlight. Vitamin D is naturally created in the skin from exposure to sunlight. For Vitamin D synthesis, exposure must be to

direct sunlight as UVB does not pass-through glass. In New Zealand exposure should be restricted at high UV times. For most people, vitamin D deficiency can be prevented by 5 – 15 minutes’ exposure of face, arms, and hands to sunlight 4 – 6 times per week. In winter (May to August) a brisk walk or other form of outdoor physical activity around the middle of the day is a good way to increase your vitamin D. In Summer (September to April) it is important to understand that any sun exposure between the hours of 10am to 4pm can increase the risk of skin cancer. Remember it is essential to slip, slop, slap and wrap during these hours. It is best to schedule outdoor activity to early morning or late afternoon.

Individuals who never go outside (if they are frail or unwell), those who are veiled, and those who have dark skin, are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, so might benefit from a vitamin D supplement. The use of supplements by those who are not deficient does not improve bone health. Most healthy European New Zealand adults living independently do not require vitamin D supplements.

The cost of not having enduring powers of attorney “It took months, cost me $4,000 and it only lasts for three years!”

This is what we heard recently from a new client, who had to get special orders from Family Court because their father had no enduring powers of attorney (EPAS).

If you do not have EPAs in place when you lose capacity your family members must apply to the Family Court for orders appointing a Welfare Guardian and/or a Property Manager to act on your behalf.

It is a long process which includes a significant amount of paperwork to get this application through the Court. Like all court applications there are several documents needed, including a detailed affidavit and a medical report. Once the paperwork gets filed an independent lawyer is appointed to represent the person who has lost capacity. This lawyer will then complete several enquiries before they report to the Court. The Court then has to process all this information. Finally, at the end of the process a court order appointing a property manager or welfare guardian is obtained.

If you think that finishes the process you have another hurdle to face in three years! The court order only lasts for three years, and if they are still needed, you must go through the whole process again.

So, what is the alternative to this drawn out and expensive court process?

It is much easier to get EPAs in place while the person can still do so!

Although there is a cost in getting the EPAs done, it is a lot less than the alternative! Also, unless there is a problem later, the EPAs can stay in place for the long term.

Please contact the life law team at Godfreys law to assist with your A EPAs.

Osteoporosis New Zealand Our vision is better bones and fewer fractures for New Zealanders.

Our mission is to make this happen by engagement with the public, health professionals, policymakers and the private sector, through programmes of awareness, advocacy and education, to prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis.

Phone 04 499 4862 or Email info@osteoporosis.org.nz Osteoporosis New Zealand, PO Box 688, Wellington 6140

REAL PEOPLE. REAL SOLUTIONS.

For expert planning and advice in your twilight years

Gina Dobson Solicitor (03) 366 7469

FEBRUARY 2023

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Come and sing Christchurch City Choir began in 1991 with the amalgamation of two long-standing choirs with 125 years of history behind them. The choir draws on the rich musical traditions of the city which have been fostered by a diversity of instrumental and choral groups. The Choir is well-known for its annual Handel’s Messiah concert and for bringing international and local soloists to the city for superb world class performances.

This year the choir will start with a ‘come and sing’ event on Saturday 18 March where we invite singers from other choirs and people who would like to see how it works to come and join for a day culminating in a public performance. The choir is dedicated to the highest quality of choral performance. It’s now your turn to be part of that, join the choir and Music Director John Linker for a day of singing.

The Crucifixion is an oratorio

composed by John Stainer with the text written by W J Sparrow Simpson.

It premiered in February 1887. Stainer was one of the most distinguished musicians of his generation. He was renowned for his considerable scholarship as a researcher into and editor of early music. He was an Oxford Professor, an organist, conductor, composer, teacher and author. Today Stainer is remembered for the enduring popularity of The Crucifixion.

Be a part of something great and create friendships along the way. In a busy life song is so often forgotten.

Here’s to reaching out to a past love of music and to being a part of something bigger than yourself. Being a part of the Christchurch City Choir an opportunity to sing wonderful music in a friendly professional environment with musical camaraderie. Please visit the website to register your A interest www.citychoir.co.nz

AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY IS LOOKING FOR

ENGERGETIC AND RELIABLE CLEANERS

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Heathcote Valley Community Voluntary Library No charge for membership. New book rental is $1.00 for 3 weeks and older adult books .50 cents for 3 weeks.

Childrens book rental is free.

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 2.00 to 4.00pm, Wednesday 11.00am to 12.00 noon, Saturday 10.30am to 12.00 noon.

Heathcote Valley Community Centre, 45 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley

Over 40 years in the antique business Steve Purcell is a licensed antiques dealer trading as Antiques International Limited, with over 40 years experience in the business.

Steve started frequenting antique shops and restoring antique furniture when he was 15 and developed a passion for Kauri furniture in particular. After “doing up” a number of pieces it soon became apparent that some would have to be sold to make room for more projects.

Developing associations with a number of dealers, it was a natural progression into general antiques, art and jewellery. In the ‘80s the hobby became a business selling items at antique-fairs, on behalf in established shops and converting an old Bedford bus into a mobile antiques shop.

In the ‘90s the first official shop “Circa 1900” was formed with a partner in Merivale and a second shop in Riccarton called “Finders”.

With the dawn of the new millenium internet communication was now a well established medium for selling,

Steve Purcell, licensed antique dealer

opening the door to a world-wide customer base. “Circa 1900” was closed and the company Antiques A International was formed.

STEVE PURCELL ANTIQUES BUYING - SELLING - VALUATIONS - APPRAISALS - ESTATE ADVICE

BUYING NOW

Energetic and reliable cleaners are required to clean houses for older adults living in the community.

Needed in all areas Casual work only.

Payment is on an hourly rate.

Drivers licence and an appropriate level of fitness is required.

For more information please phone Liz /Deb on 366-0903

Old jewellery and scrap gold * Old coins & banknotes * Old New Zealand items * Paintings and old prints * Old silver and pewter * Medals & badges * Collectables * Old China porcelain & pottery * Old watches & clocks

If you have any of the above items you wish to sell please contact today for a consultation or to arrange an appointment.

0800 4 BUYER - 0274 327 514 - 03 351 9139 stevepurcellantiques@gmail.com WWW.STEVEPURCELLANTIQUES.COM

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The bank of Mum and Dad Hear Harmans’ Lawyers discuss the issue here at Age Concern Canterbury, 24 Main North Road, Papanui on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023 at 2.00pm.

Rainbow Family News Welcome to the regular column for the LGBTQI group we have initiated at Age Concern Canterbury.

We report back on our monthly gettogethers/meetings etc and welcome contributions from all members of the group. In February the group enjoyed a van trip to Sumner for an airing and an ice cream.

ALL are welcome and meetings are held on a Monday and for this quarter are as follows: 20th March: Coffee morning. Meet at Age Concern Canterbury’s office at 10:15am.

24th April: Games morning at Age Concern Canterbury’s office.

Any other suggestions and ideas for our group such as speakers you would like to hear are gratefully received. Please let any over 65 year old friend/family/supporter know about us.

“I walk around like everything’s fine, but deep down, inside my shoe, my sock is sliding off.” – Unknown

To book your place or for further information please phone Age Concern Canterbury on 366 0903.

Tokona te Kaika - Home Link Tokona te Kaika is a library service for people: * who are housebound, either temporarily or permanently through a major illness, disability, accident or advancement of years; and * who have no ready access to transport or a person to collect their books from a library.

A librarian will choose up to ten titles every four weeks and deliver them to your home. You can also have a Book a Librarian session in your home to help you connect to our vast array of eResources and navigate our website.

Please contact Christchurch City Library on 03 941-7923 to find out more.

Opawa Public Library Corner of Richardson Tce and Opawa Rd Check out our: * Adult books * Children’s books * DVDs * Quiet Reading Areas * Kid’s activities * Community room for hire

For open hours and more information visit: www.opawapubliclibrary.co.nz facebook.com/opawapubliclibrary

Classes that suit active seniors Down at Concrete Health and Fitness we offer classes that suit active seniors. Monday morning classes are low impact and run from 10.00-11.00am. This class is suitable for people who can freely get up and down off the floor and has a strong focus on the core, pelvic floor and form.

The Tuesday class is a midmorning session from 10:3011:30am and includes a full body strength programme that changes monthly. We start with a group warmup followed by weighted standing movements and have the option for groundwork for those who have the ability to get down comfortably.

Seated options are always available to those who are unable to complete the floor work.

This class covers functional movements, building strength to prevent falls and trip as well as balance and form.

Our Thursday class is again mid-morning running from 10:3011:30am this is cardio based and is suitable for all fitness levels. We start with a warm-up followed by 15 minutes on stationary bikes. This is completed at a speed comfortable to your own abilities. Following the bike ride we have a break to lower the heart rate and breathing. For

the remainder of this session we aim to raise and drop the heart rate for the next 15-20 minutes, thus improving cardiovascular health and again working on balance and daily movements.

These classes are located upstairs in our group fitness studio, so if you can climb a flight of stairs you are more than able to attend any of them.

Our classes are capped at 10 to ensure you are safe and able to be attended to if you need help with any movements. All of these classes are run by Hannah Barnes who works with a range of older adults in and out of the gym. She is a level 5 Qualified personal trainer and group fitness coach, so you are always in safe hands.

Concrete Health and Fitness is at 325 Brougham Street, Christchurch.

Email concretehf@gmail.com.

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Classes that suit active seniors

Donate Your Sewing Machine Flexibility and freedom for families to customise a service their own way

2,200 incl. GST $1800

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0800 27 28 29 www.mainlandcrematorium.co.nz

No longer using your sewing machine? Is it in working order?

Want to help a learner?

The Moana Vā sewing tutor is calling on donations.

Your donation could make a big difference to a learner Phone Howard on 331 7806 / 027 558 5555 to arrange pick-up

Concrete Health and Fitness is a Christchurch owned operated 24/7 gym facility whose aim is to provide health and wellbeing options to everyday New Zealanders.

We offer a range of Senior Group classes designed to improve general health and co-ordination.

Concrete Health and Fitness, 325 Brougham St., Christchurch. www.gymchristchurch.co.nz. Email concretehf@gmail.com.

FEBRUARY 2023

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Something good is coming ... New receptionist at Age Concern Canterbury

Work has started on an extensive upgrade to Good Street Laneway Rangiora that will see the area between High Street and New World service lane become more attractive, inviting, and vibrant. The design, which is widely supported by the laneway’s businesses and tenants, includes new paving, street furniture and lighting, as well as vital upgrades to water infrastructure.

A new stage area and adjacent seating will take pride of place as the laneway widens, creating a performance space for busking or events.

Mayor Dan Gordan says the design incorporates all the community feedback and will form a key part of the wider Rangiora Town Centre Strategy.

“Since the earthquakes we’ve seen what well planned investment can do for revitalising and reinvigorating our town centres.

“The upgrade of Good Street Laneway is the next step in our vision for Rangiora’s town centre, building on the goal of being pedestrian focused, with a variety of spaces to sit, meet and play, and giving our visitors a boutique shopping experience that’s unique across Canterbury.”

Council originally consulted with the community back in 2020 about

changing the Street’s legal road status to a laneway to allow for the upgrade, before then seeking feedback on plans for the beautification in 2021.

“The community, and particularly our businesses along the laneway, have given us really clear feedback about their desires for the space and I think we’ve managed to encapsulate all of that in this design,” says Mayor Gordon.

Access from High Street, and to all businesses along the laneway, will be maintained throughout construction, however pedestrian routes may change from time to time. Signage will be in place to guide pedestrians.

With an expected construction time of three months, the upgrade is due to be completed in April 2023.

“We look forward to opening the new Good Street Laneway in just a few months’ time and watching the space become a hive of activity.

“In the meantime, I’d like to thank our business owners and tenants for their patience, and the wider community for continuing to support them throughout this construction period.”

The Good Street Laneway upgrade is being jointly funded through the Good Street Development and Rangiora Town Centre Revitalisation budgets.

UPDATE FROM THE CLUBS Amberley Welcome Club members started their get together for the year with a shared lunch in January. Meet: Wednesdays at 12.00 midday at Church Hall, Church Street, Amberley. Contact: Ann McKenzie on 021 101 2086.

Christchurch Senior Citizens Club holds cards on Mondays from 12.30pm to 3.00pm and runs indoor bowls on Tuesdays from 12.45pm to 3.00pm. In addition the Activities Group has outings for meals, social days, visiting places of interest and bus trips throughout the year. Contact: Veronica on 383 4682/021 1187360 or Beth on 388 2610/027 2610493.

Lincoln Area Senior Citizens Club members’ Christmas Lunch was held at the Lincoln Event Centre with Selwyn Lions catering and organizing a charity raffle with many prizes; the profit helps needy people. Alans Men provided musical entertainment. In February the drug sniffer dog visited and her handler gave a talk and demonstration. In March the Club held its AGM followed by afternoon tea. In April an outing to The Plains Vintage Railway and Historical Museums Ashburton was enjoyed by members. Meet: 1st Tuesday of the month at the Lincoln Event Centre. Contact: Gloria on 027 434 6554 or email Claire on nzelford@gmail.com.

Sumner Senior Citizens Club members opened the year on 28th January with a speaker from Camp Quality. On 8th February members visited Broadoak near Ohoka - an interesting garden and weddining venue. Meet: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 1.30pm, Star of the Sea Church at 42 Dryden Street, Sumner. Contact: Lola Bouckoms on 384 9889.

If you have noticed a new face at reception or a new voice on the phone, then you have probably met our new receptionist Jemma Panasiuk.

Jemma joined us in November in a temporary role while we were having a reorganization of staff. She was offered a permanent position when this staff reshuffle was completed, and the receptionist position became vacant.

Jemma left Rangiora High School in 2021 and has worked in several part-time and short-term jobs since then, as she determined what her future career path Jemma Panasiuk would be. Jemma is enjoying her role as the first point of call at Age Concern Canterbury and is learning a great deal about the services and activities for older people in our community.

Outside of work Jemma enjoys netball, wakeboarding and socializing with friends and family.

With Jemma joining the staff, we now have at least one representative in every age decade from the teens right through to the seventies! I don’t think that many organizations could say that.

Personal driving service for Christchurch Getting out and about and doing the things you have always done are important parts of keeping independent. Freedom Companion Driving offers a safe, trustworthy and caring service that is about much more than just transport.

Freedom Companion Driving in Christchurch is able to provide a friendly, reliable service offering standard transport as well as a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle capable of transporting both manual and larger power wheelchairs.

“We love to support the local community and our service is designed to provide personalised transport and assistance to anyone needing a bit of extra help getting from A to B. We specialise in driving seniors and trips cover a wide range of outings including the usual medical and business appointments as well as shopping or just a nice afternoon out with a friend or two.

Our wheelchair accessible vehicle is a larger hoist model with plenty of

headroom for taller passengers to travel in comfort,” says local owner Dean.

“Travelling with Freedom is like riding with trusted friends or family.

You can enjoy building a relationship with a very small team of drivers who you will get to know and trust,” adds Dean.

Freedom prices are competitive and comparable to, and often less than, other options or standard taxi services. Our service is highly personalised to your needs with a convenient pick-up and drop-off at your front door. We always escort you to the car and to your destination and we always go ‘the extra mile’.

We take Total Mobility cards (TM) and we are ACC Registered Vendors. All our drivers are fully licensed and NZ Police checked for your protection.

Our service is pre-booked and prequoted. To find out more please give Dean a call on (03) 352-1599 or 027 A 364 6877.

Transport you can trust - Christchurch

Do you need a reliable, friendly driver you can get to know? * Extra care for seniors * Medical appointments * Social and sightseeing * Shopping trips * Airport transfers * Business appointments * * Pets to the vet * School pick up and drop offs *

Call Dean Stewart on 03 352-1599 or 027 364 6877

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Apartment living suits Wayne Mellor

Retired cook Wayne Mellor moved into his one bedroom apartment in Arvida’s Village at the Park retirement village in Berhampore, Wellington, in November last year - and says it has made a big difference to his life.

“What I like about living here is the sun on my apartment, the very good bus routes, all the opportunities to meet people and the activities and facilities - which helps you to meet people you have things in common with.

Before I moved here, I was in an apartment in Wellington but I was lonely and didn’t know anyone. I would go home, lock the door and be alone.

Mr brother suggested I move into a retirement village. I looked at one other village but this is the one I really liked. I haven’t owned a car since 1990 and I used to pass this place on the Island Bay bus and realised what fantastic bus route connections there are from here. I can get anywhere I want to around Wellington pretty easily by bus and, with my Gold Card, it’s usually free.

I signed up to the waiting list for this village on my 70th birthday in 2020. The sales manager said it would probably be 18 months before anything was available for me but

Wayne Mellor

it only took 11 months for my one bedroom apartment to come up.

It’s north facing so I could see how good the sun would be. Also, there’s a huge wardrobe. I don’t drink or smoke but I do love clothes, so that was a big attraction.

By the time I moved in and it was all refurbished, it looked brand new. My brother helped me work through the legal requirements around signing the Occupation Rights Agreement (ORA) I’m not worried about the percentage that will eventually get taken off what

I paid for that because Arvida has to pay for all those refurbishments and there are all the other benefits of being in a retirement village.

My village has already adopted the recent reforms announced by the retirement villages sector, but I can see how these changes would benefit residents in other villages.

My apartment is very well designed and light and bright. I have a dishwasher, microwave, oven and fridge and they are all stainless steel, and a white washing machine and dryer. They are all very good quality - Fisher and Paykel. I saw the same models in Harvey Norman and they are expensive ones.

If something goes wrong with any of the appliances, then Arvida gets it fixed and I don’t pay for that. If I want to change my carpet, I pay for that, which I think is fair enough. I pay a weekly service fee of $199 and it covers all my rates, insurance, power and maintenance. I think that’s very reasonable and I don’t have anything to worry about. I’d be paying at least $300 in rent, plus bills, for a private apartment.

There’s a lot to do here. I’m in a different place socially - I don’t have to hide out in my apartment. I like the swimming pool - there’s a lot of good

conversations around the spa pool.

A lot of the ladies here are very well organised and they do aqua jogging in the pool and chat away while they are doing it. So that gave me the idea of aqua jogging for fitness too.

I noticed how fit people are - chaps with muscles on their arms, so now I use weights and do 20 repetitions three times a day.

There are morning teas at weekends and that’s how I have got to meet quite a few people. There’s a village newsletter to let us know what’s happening. We have village meetings and Arvida provides sandwiches and sausage rolls and hot drinks and fruit juice - that’s all free. We are starting to have pot luck suppers again too. I like to cook and make up recipes, I’ve got an induction stovetop - I do a lot of stir fries.

Before I came here, I’d never see the sun indoors but it just streams into my apartment. I was so happy last summer. I got myself a wooden table and some plastic chairs from Bunnings for my patio too so I can sit out there with a drink or a meal. I’m really happy here. I’m so glad I made the move.”

(Contributed by the Retirement Village Association).

Join one of the Shirley Recreation Walkers excursions Meet at 9:30am, Mondays and Thursdays by the Shirley Community Centre Site for car pool to start of walk. Park on Chancellor Street (entrance off Shirley Road). If you want to go straight to the start of walk, you must let Sue know on the day. For further details on the walks phone Sue on 981 7071. $4.00 petrol contribution to driver (unless otherwise stated).

Please note that some walks could be subject to change due to road, footpath, walkway and track conditions, also due to availability of cars on the day.

Mondays Thursdays 20th February, PINES BEACH-KAIRAKI 23rd February, DIAMOND HARBOUR-CHURCH BAY (Day Walk) (1½ hours approx.)

Meet at Chancellor Street at 9am. Please note: You can go straight to Enjoy time out in these two beachside Lyttelton, but please let Sue know on the day that you are coming. Park settlements. This walk features the on Dublin Street or Norwich Quay and walk over the bridge to catch the Waimakariri River Mouth and a walk along ferry. Ferry departs B Jetty at 9.50am. Take lunch, drinks, warm/waterproof the beach. Take lunch to enjoy at the domain clothing, good shoes/boots and spending money. There is a café near the following this walk. Start from Dunns Road lunch stop for coffees etc. Note: We will catch either the 2.02pm or 3.02pm (just past Winchester Street) beside The ferry back (as time permits).

Pines Oval. $5.00 to driver.

2nd March, CLIFTON HILL-RICHMOND HILL (2 hours approx.)

27th February. REDCLIFFS-McCORMACKS BAY (1½ hours approx.)

This walk features Brownlee Reserve and the growing area of Richmond This walk, courtesy of Ruth, features The Coastal Pathway, McCormacks Hill with great views along the way. Start from the car park near the Surf Club Bay and Reserve. It will be followed by a later morning tea stop at Ruth’s. on Main Road.

Start from Augusta Street near Taupata Street.

9th March, SCARBOROUGH-TAYLORS MISTAKE (Day Walk) 6th March, KAIAPOI WALK (2 hours approx.)

Take lunch, drinks, warm/waterproof clothing, good shoes/boots. This This walk features Raven Quay, Kaiapoi River, NCF Park, Courtenay Lake walk features The Flowers Track, Nicholson Park and the track down into and Stream. Start from Charles Street just past the New World near the Taylors Mistake with great views from the top. Start from the Scarborough Coastguard Building. Take lunch to enjoy following this walk. $5.00 to driver. Clocktower.

13th March, BISHOPDALE-HAREWOOD (2 hours approx.)

16th March, STAN HELMS-BRIDLE PATH (Lyttelton side) (2 hours This walk features Tulett Park, Nunweek Park along with many lanes and approx.) reserves. Park on Glasnevin Drive, (off Sawyers Arms Road), by Tulett Park.

Take the realigned track up to the Pioneer Womens Shelter then walk down (angle parking near toilets). the Bridle Path back into Lyttelton. Walk back along Harmans Road to reach 20th March, DALLINGTON LOOP-WOODHAM PARK WALK (2 hours the reserve and cars. Start from Voleas Road near the reserve. approx.)

23rd March, CAPTAIN THOMAS-SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS (2 hours approx.)

This walk features Avebury Park, Richmond Community Gardens, the This walk has great views out over Sumner and Lyttelton Harbour from Avon River, Woodham Park and Fungi Farm. Start from Chrystal Street near the top. Start from Lower Sumnervale Road near Sumnervale Reserve in North Avon Road end (new starting place). $1.00 to driver.

Sumner.

27th March, PRESTONS WALK (1½ hours approx.)

30th March, WESTMORELAND HEIGHTS (2 hours approx.)

This is a new walk and features the growing suburb of Prestons This walk features some amazing views along with the adjacent Park along with walkways and lakes. We will have a later morning stop at Westmoreland East Valley Reserve. Start from the beginning of Penruddock Black and White Coffee Cartel . Start from Ti Rito Street (off Prestons Road) Rise by Francis Park. This walk will be followed by coffee at Urban Eatery at parking just past the preschool.

Oderings Cashmere on Cashmere Road.

FEBRUARY 2023

Keeping

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Looking back in candour

by Frances Wilson

Lockdown led to a boom in autobiography.

Frances Wilson gives you her tips on how to tell the story of your life.

If everyone has a book inside them, in most cases it’s a memoir.

Time was when only the gilded and the good – celebrities, politicians, aristocrats and entrepreneurs – were considered entitled to share their memories, but the genre has now opened its doors to the general public.

I am less interested in what St Augustine or Elton John have to reveal than I am in the confessions of the crazy cat lady over the road, who rummages around in the neighbours’ dustbins and delivers bottles of wine to our doorsteps. Now that’s a memoir I would buy in hardback.

Last April, as lockdown was kicking in, I ran a course called How to Write a Life Story. Nothing unusual here; I’ve been running memoir, familyhistory and biography courses for over a decade.

Except that, instead of sitting with ten people around a table, I ran this one via Zoom with 150 people lying on the sofa at home. Two were celebrities, one a politician, and there was a smattering of aristos and entrepreneurs.

Everyone’s story was extraordinary because there is, I have learned, no such thing as an ordinary life.

Coronavirus has released a nation of writers.

There are obvious reasons for this: writing takes time – oceans of it – and an ocean of time has suddenly been made available. Plus, when the present is put on hold we are forced to reflect on the past.

Some of the participants were tracing their heritage through ancestry.com, and finding a host of previously-unknown relatives around the world; others were recording their experiences of cancer, or motherhood, or marriage. Plenty had been up in the attic, unearthing the letters of parents and grandparents.

Figures who had been as drearily familiar as faded wallpaper emerged from these pages as glamorous strangers who fell in love and danced the foxtrot. Families all had their secrets.

One woman learned that her grandfather was a

Rembrandt 1648

bigamist; another that an uncle was a murderer; a son discovered that his mother, who had spent her life happily – so he thought – washing the dishes, had longed to be prime minister.

The most closely guarded silences were faced by the children of Holocaust survivors. Was it possible to uncover the tales your parents were determined to forget? This kind of detective work can become so absorbing that it forms part of the narrative.

The best family histories, like Ariana Neumann’s When Time Stopped: A Memoir of My Father’s War and What Remains, are also quests in which the writer describes how they learned who they were, only when they learned where they came from.

One man, a retired headmaster, had decided to write the eulogy to be read at his funeral. There was no one else who could do it because he had outlived his wife and closest friends; neither his

children nor his grandchildren had the faintest idea what he was really like.

The problem, he realised, was that he too had no idea what he was really like. So I helped him select the anecdotes that would paint the best picture.

Memoirs, like eulogies, are effective only if we are on intimate terms with our subject matter. Lots of people write about themselves without having a shred of self-knowledge. A famous termagant might see herself as a timid woodland creature, while a penny-pinching miser might present himself as an open-handed saint. These are what I call Botox memoirs, and they are of little longterm value.

A good memoir is like a Rembrandt self-portrait: you must look dispassionately into the glass and record every line and shadow. The prize for the most self-critical memoir of the 21st century goes to Max Hastings, who describes his younger self as ‘charmlessly assertive’ and apologises to anyone who ever had to sleep with him.

Some participants were producing a record of their lives for their grandchildren; others had an eye on publication. Some were born writers; others had to find their feet. Lots couldn’t begin because they were concerned about ruffling the feathers of friends and family.

Would they be sent to social Siberia if they did a Sasha Swire? Was it possible, for example, to tell the world your mother (now in a nursing home) was a terminal bore and your father a repressed homosexual?

One man on the course was determined to write about the brothers who had made his life a misery, while knowing this would create mayhem.

How could he limit the damage? A woman came up with a solution: he should ask his brothers to read his manuscript and, at the points where they disagreed, give their own versions of events as footnotes.

Another way around the issue was to change the names and alter appearances in a fictionalised memoir – also known as a novel.

(Source: www.theolide.co.uk)

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32 Keeping

FEBRUARY 2023

n

My two cents

by June Peka

Downs and Ups of dining out A few weeks ago we two met four old friends for our quarterly catch-up at an Ashburton restaurant/bar. Five of the meals were as good as usual but mine looked and tasted like a plateful of scraps, heading towards the compost heap. For $29 I got seven slivers of lamb in a large pile of bitter greens, with a bitter sauce and crumbles of a sharp cheese. Our overall cost, with drinks and coffees came to about $300. I emailed as soon as I got home. The manager apologised, wishing I’d pointed out the problem at the time, and hoping I’d find things more to my liking next time.

And then a few days later, bang in the midst of school holiday chaos at Northlands Mall, I recognised from television and Facebook the young couple from popular fish and chip shop FUSH at Wigram. Anton and Jess Matthews were having a break

from their own mahi, with whanau and friends. It was music to my ears to hear them speaking te reo Maori and enjoying themselves. Of course, I poked my nose in to say as much to Jess, as they got up to leave. Five minutes later Anton back-tracked to find me, asking for our email address and next day we received a $50 voucher to spend at FUSH, because “ they love to hear feedback about their business and their efforts with te

reo Maori.”

Guess where the oldies will be meeting in March?

We’re OK for coffee too, thanks to another businessman who knows how to look after his customers. I’d had to face the fact that one of my plant babies ( at 2.5 metres tall ) had outgrown our house. With Martin Meehan’s help I esconced it into his glasshouse garden with the high ceiling at Kidd’s Cakes on Cranford Street, in exchange for a few clicks on our coffee card. Super trading!

Death of the bogey man, aka Lex Terry As I write this in late January, I’ve just been notified about the death in custody, of Lawrence Te Iwi Toa (aka Lex Terry) Kanohi. I’m sure many victims of his crimes will feel relief. I do. Thirty years ago Kanohi twice broke into our home. Although we never came face to face, his actions have defined the way I live.

In our home we were never slack about security, but neither were we particularly rigid. So when we were burgled the first time it was quite a shock and we upped security with window stays. When it happened again about a year later and the same things were stolen again we knew we had a repeat offender. We deadlocked every door and window.

And to this day I lock everything when I’m home alone. I still have nightmares about open windows.

In the same period of those two burglaries there were two further attempts on our security, both while I was home alone in the early hours of the morning. My partner left for work and I could still hear his vehicle “If you're reading this...

Congratulations, you're alive.

If that's not something to smile about, then I don't know what is.”

Chad Sugg, Monsters Under Your Head

Lawrence Kanohi

in our street when the window latch in the lounge was flipped inwards.

There was no phone in our bedroom and using the one wired into the hall to dial 111 would’ve made me vulnerable to attack if someone did manage to get in, so I barricaded furniture against the bedroom door and waited till daylight. Only weeks later I woke to hear another bedroom window being prised, and took the same form of defence. In daylight police found a clothes prop used as a walk-up ladder, against the sill.

Still time to plant and pot

A long time later Kanohi was finally apprehended after twice raping a young mother nearby. A large room at Papanui Police Station was filled with the spoils of his dozens of burglaries, much of it personal to women, including my daughter and me. Our photographs, racks of underwear (obviously fouled), outerwear, perfume, toiletries and jewellery outnumbered shelves of microwaves, televisions, tools, electrical goods and general housewares.

When Star editor Barry Clarke asked me today if I agreed with others who wished Kanohi had never been born I had to say yes. That’s exactly how I feel. I notice my partner didn’t have the same sense of relief on hearing the news, but then, Kanohi’s crimes were almost 100% against women.

It feels weird now, that a small man who was too fat to fit through the top window, whose arms weren’t long enough to reach the bottom latch, has been the bogey man monster in so many lives.

“I think I've discovered the secret of life -- you just hang around until you get used to it.” Charles Shultz “Never tease an old dog; he might have one bite left.”

Robert A. Heinlein, Time Enough for Love “I'm pretty sure that eating chocolate keeps wrinkles away because I have never seen a 10 year old with a Hershey bar and crows feet.”

Amy Neftzger

There’s still time to plant more greens, lettuce included. At this time of the year I like the mixed 6-packs, frilly, hearted and coloured, to go with our mulithued tomatoes and the purple onions we all knew (yeah right) would be reaching $20 a kilo about now.

You should pop broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage in any gaps, as well as silverbeet if you can find it. It’s better to fill the gaps than leave them prone to winter weeds, especially as prices continue to rocket. In fact, bring out your buckets, boxes and old baby baths.

You might even have time to try my new favourite – Malabar spinach. I got my seeds online from a chap in Foxton, but King Seeds have them. ( Once you’ve got them, you can propagate yourself, by root, leaf-cutting and seed – see my propagation story nearby.) This is a unique plant in that it’s a climber (on a red stem/ vine) so it doesn’t take up so much ground room, and because it’s just as tasty raw and crunchy, as cooked.

It’s a tropical leafy green named after a coastal region in South West India. Succulent, dark green, oval or heart-shaped, the taste is mild with both light peppery hints and a touch of lemon too. It’s a vigorous grower but easily kept in check.